Clothes Processing Equipment

Abstract

To achieve both efficiency of drying and suppression of dew condensation in drying operation.SOLUTION: A clothing treatment apparatus comprises: a body; an accommodation tub which has an air outlet and an air inlet, and is provided inside the body, and in which clothing is accommodated; a circulation air passage connecting the air outlet and the air inlet; a heating device for heating air flowing in the circulation air passage to generate warm air; a temperature detection section for detecting an atmospheric temperature at which the body is installed; a control device capable of executing drying operation for drying the clothing in the accommodation tub by driving the heating device and an opening / closing device; and a dehumidifying mechanism for dehumidifying the inside of the circulation air passage. When the atmospheric temperature detected by the temperature detection section before the heating device is driven is lower than a second threshold, the control device does not cause the dehumidifying mechanism to perform dehumidification. When the atmospheric temperature detected by the temperature detection section before the heating device is driven is equal to or higher than the second threshold, the control device causes the dehumidifying mechanism to perform dehumidification.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

[Technical field]

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

[0002] Conventionally, in a washer-dryer, which is an example of a clothing processing device, a technology is known in which, during the drying process, a heater and a drying fan connected to the outside of the machine are energized to warm the air taken into the machine from outside the machine and supply it to the inner tub. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2003-305293 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In the conventional configuration, by extending the period during which outside air is taken into the machine during drying operation, the temperature difference between the inside and outside of the machine can be minimized, and for example, condensation can be suppressed in the room in which the washer-dryer is installed. On the other hand, extending the period during which outside air is taken into the machine reduces the heating efficiency of the warm air, which reduces the drying efficiency of the clothes, resulting in a longer drying time.

[0005] Therefore, a clothing processing device is provided that achieves both high drying efficiency during drying operation and suppression of condensation formation. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The clothing treatment device of the embodiment includes a main body, a storage tub having an exhaust port and an air intake port and arranged inside the main body to store clothing, a circulation air duct connecting the exhaust port and the air intake port, a heating device that heats air flowing through the circulation air duct to generate warm air, a temperature detection unit that detects the ambient temperature in which the main body is installed, a control device that is capable of driving the heating device and the opening / closing device to perform a drying operation to dry the clothing in the storage tub, and a dehumidification mechanism that dehumidifies the circulation air duct, and the control device does not perform dehumidification using the dehumidification mechanism when the ambient temperature before driving the heating device detected by the temperature detection unit is less than a second threshold, and performs dehumidification using the dehumidification mechanism when the ambient temperature before driving the heating device detected by the temperature detection unit is equal to or higher than the second threshold. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0007] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of a schematic configuration of a washing / drying machine according to a first embodiment, illustrating a state in which an opening / closing device is not in operation. [Diagram 2] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of a schematic configuration of a washing / drying machine according to a first embodiment, illustrating a state in which an opening / closing device is in operation. [Diagram 3] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an example of an electrical configuration of a washing / drying machine according to a first embodiment; [Figure 4] 1 is a flowchart showing an example of control contents when the temperature detected by the room temperature sensor according to the first embodiment is equal to or higher than a first threshold value. [Diagram 5] 1 is a flowchart showing an example of control contents when the temperature detected by the room temperature sensor according to the first embodiment is less than a first threshold value. [Figure 6] 11 is a flowchart showing an example of control contents when the temperature detected by the room temperature sensor according to the second embodiment is less than the first threshold value. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0008] Hereinafter, a clothing processing device according to a number of embodiments will be described with reference to the drawings. In each embodiment, substantially identical elements are given the same reference numerals, and description thereof will be omitted. In addition, in the following embodiments, the terms "first," "second," ..., etc., attached to components, etc., are merely intended to distinguish similar components, and do not indicate superiority or inferiority between the components or time elements.

[0009] (First embodiment) First, the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. The washer-dryer 10 shown in Fig. 1 is an example of a clothing treatment device that can wash, rinse, spin-dry, dry, and perform other processes on clothing. The washer-dryer 10 is a so-called vertical axis type washer-dryer in which the central axis of rotation of the rotating tub faces vertically. Although not shown in detail, the clothing treatment device of this embodiment can also be applied to, for example, a horizontal axis or oblique axis type drum type washer-dryer. The clothing treatment device of this embodiment can also be applied to a dryer dedicated to drying that does not have a washing function.

[0010] The washer-dryer 10 shown in Fig. 1 includes a main body 11, an outer tub 12, a rotating tub 13, a motor 14, a drainage mechanism 15, and a circulation air duct 20. In Fig. 1, the side of the installation surface of the washer-dryer 10, i.e., the vertically lower side, is the lower side of the washer-dryer 10, and the opposite side to the installation surface, i.e., the vertically upper side, is the upper side of the washer-dryer 10. The main body 11 is formed into a hollow box shape by combining metals such as stainless steel plates and resin materials, and constitutes the outer shell of the washer-dryer 10. The main body 11 accommodates the outer tub 12, the rotating tub 13, the motor 14, the drainage mechanism 15, a room temperature sensor 61, an outer tub temperature sensor 62, and the circulation air duct 20 therein.

[0011] The outer tub 12 and the rotating tub 13 are formed in a cylindrical shape with a bottom and an open top. The outer tub 12 can store water inside. In this case, the outer tub 12 functions as a water tank. As shown in FIG. 1, the outer tub 12 has an exhaust port 121 and an air supply port 122. The exhaust port 121 and the air supply port 122 communicate the inside and outside of the outer tub 12. The exhaust port 121 is provided, for example, near the bottom of the peripheral wall constituting the cylindrical portion of the outer tub 12. The air supply port 122 is provided, for example, in the upper part of the outer tub 12.

[0012] The rotating tub 13 is rotatably disposed inside the outer tub 12 and is driven to rotate by the motor 14. The rotating tub 13 is capable of storing clothes therein. The outer tub 12 and the rotating tub 13 function as a storage tub capable of storing clothes. In this case, the outer tub 12 and the rotating tub 13 constituting the storage tub function as a washing tub during a washing operation in which clothes are washed, and function as a drying chamber during a drying operation in which clothes are dried. The motor 14 is provided, for example, on the outside of the bottom of the outer tub 12. The motor 14 is, for example, an outer rotor type DC brushless motor. The motor 14 is connected to the rotating tub 13 and has a function of driving the rotating tub 13 to rotate relative to the outer tub 12.

[0013] As shown in FIG. 1, the rotating tub 13 has a plurality of holes 131 and an agitating blade 132. The holes 131 communicate with the inside and outside of the rotating tub 13. The holes function as water holes through which water mainly flows in and out during a washing operation, and as ventilation holes through which air mainly flows in and out during a drying operation. The agitating blade 132 is provided on the inner bottom of the rotating tub 13 so as to be rotatable around a vertical axis. The agitating blade 132 is connected to the motor 14 and is driven to rotate by the motor 14. The agitating blade 132 has a blade member on the back side that stirs up water, and has the function of circulating the water in the outer tub 12 through a circulation water passage (not shown) provided between the rotating tub 13 and the outer tub 12.

[0014] The drain mechanism 15 has a function of discharging water stored in the outer tub 12 to the outside of the washer-dryer 10. As shown in FIG. 1, the drain mechanism 15 has a drain valve 151 and a drain pipe 152. The drain valve 151 is an on-off valve for liquid that can be electromagnetically opened and closed. The drain pipe 152 is, for example, a flexible hose, one end of which is connected to the drain valve 151 and the other end of which is drawn out to the outside of the washer-dryer 10. When the drain valve 151 is opened, the water stored in the outer tub 12 is discharged to the outside of the washer-dryer 10 through the drain pipe 152. The washer-dryer 10 also has a water supply mechanism, the details of which are not shown. The water supply mechanism is connected to an external water source such as a water supply and has a function of supplying water supplied from the external water source to the outer tub 12. As shown in FIG. 3, the water supply mechanism is configured to include, for example, a water supply valve 16 and a water supply case (not shown).

[0015] The circulation air duct 20 is provided outside the outer tub 12 and the rotating tub 13, which are storage tubs, and is configured to be able to circulate at least a part of the air flowing out from the outer tub 12 and the rotating tub 13. As shown in FIG. 1 and other figures, the circulation air duct 20 connects an exhaust port 121 and an air intake port 122. In the following description, the exhaust port 121 of the circulation air duct 20 is described as the most upstream part of the circulation air duct 20, and the air intake port 122 of the circulation air duct 20 is described as the most downstream part of the circulation air duct 20. In this case, the exhaust port 121 means an inlet of the circulation air duct 20, and the air intake port 122 means an outlet of the circulation air duct 20.

[0016] 1 and other figures, in this embodiment, the circulating air duct 20 is opened midway into the main body 11. In this case, the circulating air duct 20 is configured to include an exhaust duct 21, a storage chamber 22, and an air supply duct 23. The exhaust duct 21 is provided, for example, on the outer peripheral surface of the outer tub 12 and extends in the vertical direction. One end of the exhaust duct 21, i.e., the upstream side, is connected to the exhaust port 121 of the outer tub 12, and the other end, i.e., the downstream side, is opened into the main body 11.

[0017] The storage chamber 22 is formed in a shape having a space inside. As shown in Fig. 1 and Fig. 2, the storage chamber 22 has a plurality (three in this case) of inlet portions 221, 222, 223 and an outlet portion 224. The inlet portions 221, 222, 223 and the outlet portion 224 are formed, for example, penetrating the storage chamber 22 in the thickness direction, and communicate the inside and outside of the storage chamber 22. The inlet portions 221, 222, 223 serve as inlets for air entering the storage chamber 22 from the outside, while the outlet portion 224 serves as an outlet for air entering the storage chamber 22 from the inside to the outside.

[0018] In this case, at least a part of the inlet portions 221 among the multiple inlet portions 221, 222, and 223 located on the upstream side of the storage chamber 22 is located near the other end of the exhaust duct 21. That is, the exhaust duct 21 and the storage chamber 22 are not physically connected and are separated from each other. Also, the outlet portion 224 located on the downstream side of the storage chamber 22 is connected to the supply air duct 23. And, one end of the supply air duct 23, i.e., the upstream side, is connected to the outlet portion 224 of the storage chamber 22, and the other end, i.e., the downstream side, is connected to the outer tank 12. That is, the supply air duct 23 connects the storage chamber 22 and the outer tank 12. In the following description, the inlet portion 221 may be referred to as the first inlet portion 221, the inlet portion 222 may be referred to as the second inlet portion 222, and the inlet portion 223 may be referred to as the third inlet portion 223.

[0019] The washer / dryer 10 includes a filter device 31, a blower device 32, a heater device 33, an outside air introduction passage 40, and an opening / closing device 41. The filter device 31, the blower device 32, and the heater device 33 are provided in the air circulation passage 20. The filter device 31 captures foreign matter such as dust and dirt contained in the air flowing through the air circulation passage 20. The filter device 31 includes, for example, a first filter member 311 and a second filter member 312. As shown in FIG. 1 and other figures, the first filter member 311 is provided, for example, inside the exhaust duct 21 and near the downstream end of the exhaust duct 21. The second filter member 312 is provided, for example, inside the storage chamber 22 and downstream of each of the inlets 221, 222, and 223. The first filter member 311 captures foreign matter contained in the air discharged from the outer tub 12. The second filter member 312 captures foreign matter contained in the air that has entered the storage chamber 22.

[0020] The blower 32 and the heater 33 are provided inside the accommodation chamber 22. The blower 32 is constituted by, for example, a sirocco fan or a turbo fan. The blower 32 draws air into the accommodation chamber 22 through the inlets 221, 222, and 223, and sends the drawn air to the air supply duct 23. The heater 33 is located downstream of the blower 32, and has a function of heating the air flowing through the circulating air passage 20 to turn it into warm air. The heater 33 is constituted by, for example, a PTC heater, which is an example of an electric heater.

[0021] The outside air introduction path 40 is provided midway through the circulation air path 20, and connects the circulation air path 20 with the outside of the main body 11. The outside air introduction path 40 is connected to the third inlet portion 223 of the accommodation chamber 22. The outside air introduction path 40 is for guiding air outside the main body 11, i.e., outside air, into the circulation air path 20. In other words, the outside air is supplied from the outside air introduction path 40 into the circulation air path 20.

[0022] The opening and closing device 41 is configured to be able to open and close the outside air introduction path 40. The opening and closing device 41 has, for example, an opening and closing member 411 and a drive unit 412. The opening and closing member 411 is configured, for example, by a damper. The opening and closing member 411 is rotated by the drive unit 412. The drive unit 412 is configured, for example, by a motor or a solenoid, which is an example of an electric actuator. As shown in FIG. 1, when the opening and closing member 411 is closed, the outside air introduction path 40 is closed. On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 2, when the opening and closing member 411 is open, the outside air introduction path 40 is opened. That is, when the opening and closing member 411 is open, outside air is introduced into the circulation air path 20.

[0023] In this embodiment, the opening / closing member 411 is provided between the second inlet portion 222 and the third inlet portion 223. As shown in FIG. 1, when the opening / closing member 411 is closed, that is, when the rotation angle is about 0°, the second inlet portion 222 is opened and the third inlet portion 223 is closed. On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 2, when the opening / closing member 411 is open, that is, when the rotation angle is about 90°, the second inlet portion 222 is closed and the third inlet portion 223 is opened. The amount of air introduced from the second inlet portion 222 and the third inlet portion 223 can be set arbitrarily by adjusting the rotation angle of the opening / closing member 411. In this way, the amount of air introduced from the second inlet portion 222 and the third inlet portion 223 changes depending on whether the opening / closing member 411 is open or closed, but the first inlet portion 221 is always open and air can always be introduced from the first inlet portion 221.

[0024] In this configuration, the washer / dryer 10 can perform a drying operation by driving the blower 32 and the heater 33. When the blower 32 and the heater 33 are driven, air supplied from the blower 32 to the heater 33 is heated as it passes through the heater 33, and becomes hot air, which is supplied to the outer tub 12 and the rotating tub 13 through the air supply duct 23. When the pressure inside the outer tub 12 increases due to the supply of hot air, part of the air inside the outer tub 12 flows out from the exhaust port 121 into the exhaust duct 21. Then, the air flowing through the exhaust duct 21 is discharged into the main body 11 from the downstream end of the exhaust duct 21.

[0025] A part of the air discharged from the exhaust duct 21 is drawn into the storage chamber 22 from the first inlet 221 of the storage chamber 22 by the blower 32. Therefore, the air drawn in from the first inlet 221 is mainly air discharged from the outer tub 12. Since the first inlet 221 is always open as described above, a part of the air discharged from the exhaust duct 21 is always drawn into the storage chamber 22 from the first inlet 221. In addition, when the second inlet 222 is open, air is also drawn into the storage chamber 22 from the second inlet 222 of the storage chamber 22 by the blowing action of the blower 32. The air drawn in from the second inlet 222 is mainly outside the outer tub 12 and inside the main body 11, that is, inside the machine. The air drawn into the storage chamber 22 from the first inlet 221 and the second inlet 222 passes through the heater 33 again to become hot air, which is supplied to the outer tub 12 and the rotating tub 13.

[0026] When the opening / closing device 41 is driven to open the outside air introduction passage 40, air outside the main body 11 is sucked into the storage chamber 22 through the third inlet portion 223 of the storage chamber 22. In this manner, the drying operation is performed using the air flowing out from the outer tub 12, the air outside the outer tub 12 and within the main body 11, and the air outside the main body 11. Also, by taking in outside air through the third inlet portion 223 during the drying operation, the temperature difference between the inside and outside of the washer / dryer 10 can be suppressed.

[0027] The washer / dryer 10 includes a dehumidifying mechanism 50. The dehumidifying mechanism 50 has a function of cooling and dehumidifying the air in the circulation air duct 20 by supplying water into the circulation air duct 20. In this case, the dehumidifying mechanism 50 causes water to flow into the exhaust duct 21, thereby cooling and dehumidifying the air in the exhaust duct 21 that comes into contact with the water.

[0028] The dehumidifying mechanism 50 can be configured to have, for example, a water supply unit 51 and an on-off valve 52. The water supply unit 51 is provided, for example, at a position closer to the downstream side of the exhaust duct 21. The on-off valve 52 is an on-off valve for liquid that can be electromagnetically opened and closed. The inlet side of the on-off valve 52 is connected to an external water source via a water supply hose or the like (not shown), and the outlet side is connected to the water supply unit 51. When the on-off valve 52 is opened, water from the external water source is supplied from the water supply unit 51 to the exhaust duct 21. In the drying operation, the warm air containing water vapor from the clothes in the rotating tub 13 comes into contact with the water supplied from the water supply unit 51 in the exhaust duct 21, and is cooled and dehumidified. Then, the water that flows through the exhaust duct 21 is discharged outside the machine via the drainage mechanism 15.

[0029] 1 and 3, the washer / dryer 10 is equipped with a room temperature sensor 61 as a temperature detection unit, an outer tub temperature sensor 62, and a control device 70. The room temperature sensor 61 is provided in the space inside the main body 11. The room temperature sensor 61 is capable of detecting the room temperature, which is the atmospheric temperature inside the main body 11. The outer tub temperature sensor 62 is provided, for example, on the outer surface of the outer tub 12. The outer tub temperature sensor 62 detects the temperature of the outer surface of the outer tub 12. In this case, the temperature of the outer surface of the outer tub 12 detected by the outer tub temperature sensor 62 correlates with the temperature inside the outer tub 12.

[0030] The control device 70 is mainly composed of a microcomputer having, for example, a CPU 701, a storage area 702 such as a ROM, a RAM, and a rewritable flash memory, and a timer 703 capable of measuring time. The control device 70 controls the operation of the washer / dryer 10 and executes various processes. The motor 14, the drain valve 151, the water supply valve 16, the blower 32, the heater 33, the drive unit 412, the on-off valve 52, the room temperature sensor 61, and the outer tub temperature sensor 62 are electrically connected to the control device 70, and operate based on the control from the control device 70.

[0031] The control device 70 can execute a drying operation. The drying operation is an operation in which the air blower 32 and the heater 33 are driven to dry the clothes in the outer tub 12 and the rotating tub 13. The control device 70 can also control the operation of the opening and closing device 41 during the drying operation based on the detection result of the room temperature sensor 61. In this case, the control device 70 can selectively take in outside air into the circulation air duct 20 based on the measurement value of the room temperature sensor 61 during the drying operation. When taking in outside air into the circulation air duct 20, the control device 70 operates the opening and closing device 41 to open the outside air introduction path.

[0032] Here, by extending the period during the drying operation during which outside air is taken into the machine, it is possible to minimize the temperature difference between the inside and outside of the machine and suppress the occurrence of condensation in the room in which the washer-dryer 10 is installed. On the other hand, extending the period during which outside air is taken into the machine reduces the heating efficiency of the warm air, which reduces the drying efficiency of the clothes, resulting in a longer drying time.

[0033] Therefore, in the case of this embodiment, the control device 70 can make the period during which the opening and closing device 41 is opened when the temperature t detected by the room temperature sensor 61 is less than the first threshold value T1 longer than the period during which the opening and closing device 41 is opened when the temperature t is equal to or greater than the first threshold value T1. The first threshold value T1 can be set to, for example, 17°C. As a result, in a low-temperature environment, for example, below 17°C, where condensation is likely to occur, the temperature difference between the inside and outside of the machine can be minimized by actively taking in outside air into the machine. On the other hand, in a normal temperature or high-temperature environment, for example, where the room temperature is 17°C or higher, for example, by not taking in outside air into the machine and improving the heating efficiency of the warm air, it is possible to achieve both suppression of condensation and drying efficiency.

[0034] Furthermore, the control device 70 can prevent the dehumidification mechanism 50 from performing dehumidification when the temperature t detected by the room temperature sensor 61 is less than a second threshold T2 that is lower than the first threshold T1. That is, the control device 70 can control the operation of the dehumidification mechanism 50 based on the detection result of the room temperature sensor 61 during the drying operation. The second threshold T2 can be set to, for example, 12°C. Furthermore, when the temperature t detected by the room temperature sensor 61 is less than the first threshold T1, the control device 70 can reduce the input of the blower 32 compared to when the temperature t is equal to or higher than the first threshold T1.

[0035] Next, an example of the control contents executed by the control device 70 when the drying operation is performed will be described with reference to Figs. 4 and 5. When the drying operation is started (Start in Fig. 4), the control device 70 acquires the temperature t detected by the room temperature sensor 61 in step S11. Next, the control device 70 determines whether the temperature t detected by the room temperature sensor 61 is equal to or higher than a first threshold value T1, for example, 17°C, in step S12. If the temperature t detected by the room temperature sensor 61 is equal to or higher than the first threshold value T1 (YES in step S12), the control device 70 shifts the process to step S13. Then, the control device 70 drives the blower device 32 and the heater device 33 in step S13.

[0036] Next, in step S14, the control device 70 rotates the blower 32 at a rotation speed S1, for example, 4300 rpm. Then, in step S15, the control device 70 judges whether or not the first period P1 has elapsed based on, for example, the result detected by the outer tub temperature sensor 62. The first period P1 is a so-called heating period, and is a period during which the temperature of the outer tub 12 tends to increase after the drying operation is started and the blower 32 and the heating device 33 are driven.

[0037] When the first period P1 has elapsed (YES in step S15), the control device 70 shifts the process to step S16 and opens the on-off valve 52 to supply water from the water supply unit 51 into the exhaust duct 21. In this way, by supplying water into the exhaust duct 21 in the middle stage of the drying process, that is, the stage when the outer tub 12 and the rotating tub 13 have warmed up, the air containing a large amount of moisture removed from the clothes can be efficiently cooled and dehumidified.

[0038] Next, in step S17, the control device 70 determines whether the second period P2 has elapsed based on, for example, the result detected by the outer tub temperature sensor 62. The second period P2 is a so-called constant rate period during which the temperature of the outer tub 12 remains constant and the moisture content of the clothes decreases linearly over time. If the second period P2 has elapsed (YES in step S17), the control device 70 shifts the process to step S18 and closes the on-off valve 52 to stop the supply of water from the water supply unit 51 to the exhaust duct 21.

[0039] Thereafter, in step S19, the control device 70 operates the opening / closing device 41 to open the outside air introduction passage 40 and introduce outside air into the circulation air passage 20. In this way, by introducing outside air into the circulation air passage 20 in the middle or final stage of the drying operation, it is possible to prevent the temperature of the outer tub 12 and the rotating tub 13 from rising too much, thereby preventing damage to the clothes. Then, in step S20, the control device 70 judges whether or not a predetermined period has elapsed. The predetermined period includes, for example, a so-called decreasing rate period or a cooling period, and includes a period during which the temperature of the outer tub 12 tends to decrease. If the predetermined period has elapsed (YES in step S20), the control device 70 stops the air blower 32 and the heater 33 and ends the series of controls (END).

[0040] On the other hand, if the temperature t detected by the room temperature sensor 61 is less than the first threshold value T1 (NO in step S12), the control device 70 shifts the process to step A11 shown in Fig. 5. In step A11, the control device 70 determines whether the temperature t detected by the room temperature sensor 61 is equal to or greater than a second threshold value T2, for example, 12°C. If the temperature t detected by the room temperature sensor 61 is equal to or greater than the second threshold value T2 (YES in step A11), the control device 70 shifts the process to step A12. Then, in step A12, the control device 70 drives the blower device 32 and the heater device 33.

[0041] In step A13, the control device 70 rotates the blower 32 at a rotation speed S2, for example, 4000 rpm. The rotation speed S2 of the blower 32 is set to a rotation speed smaller than the rotation speed S1. That is, when the temperature t detected by the room temperature sensor 61 is less than the first threshold value T1, the control device 70 reduces the input of the blower 32 more than when the temperature t is equal to or greater than the first threshold value T1.

[0042] Next, in step A14, the control device 70 operates the opening / closing device 41 to open the outside air introduction passage 40, and introduces outside air into the circulation air passage 20. In step A15, the control device 70 determines whether the first period P1 has elapsed. If the first period P1 has elapsed (YES in step A15), the control device 70 shifts the process to step A16. That is, when the temperature t detected by the room temperature sensor 61 is less than the first threshold value T1, the control device 70 introduces outside air into the circulation air passage 20 before the first period P1, which is the initial stage of the drying operation, has elapsed. In this case, the control device 70 can always operate the opening / closing device 41 to keep the outside air introduction passage 40 open during the period from before the first period P1 has elapsed since the start of the drying operation until the end of the drying operation.

[0043] In step A16, the control device 70 opens the on-off valve 52 to supply water from the water supply unit 51 into the exhaust duct 21. That is, when the temperature t detected by the room temperature sensor 61 is less than the first threshold value T1 and is equal to or greater than the second threshold value, the control device 70 cools and dehumidifies the air in the exhaust duct 21 after the first period P1 has elapsed. Next, in step A17, the control device 70 determines whether the second period P2 has elapsed. If the second period P2 has elapsed (YES in step A17), the control device 70 shifts the process to step A18 and closes the on-off valve 52 to stop the supply of water from the water supply unit 51 into the exhaust duct 21. Thereafter, the control device 70 shifts the process to step S20.

[0044] On the other hand, if the temperature t is less than the second threshold value T2 (NO in step A11), the control device 70 drives the blower 32 and the heating device 33 in step A19. Next, the control device 70 rotates the blower 32 at the rotation speed S2 in step A20. Next, the control device 70 operates the opening / closing device 41 to open the outside air introduction path 40 and introduce outside air into the circulation air path 20 in step A21. The control device 70 determines whether the first period P1 has elapsed in step A22. If the first period P1 has elapsed (YES in step A22), the control device 70 shifts the process to step A23.

[0045] In step A23, the control device 70 determines whether the second period P2 has elapsed. When the control device 70 determines that the second period P2 has elapsed (YES in step A23), the control device 70 shifts the process to step S20. Therefore, when the temperature t detected by the room temperature sensor 61 is less than the second threshold value T2, water is not supplied into the exhaust duct 21 during the drying operation.

[0046] According to the embodiment described above, the washer / dryer 10, which is an example of a clothing processing device, includes the main body 11, the outer tub 12 and the rotatable tub 13, the circulation air passage 20, the heating device 33, the outside air introduction passage 40, the opening / closing device 41, the room temperature sensor 61, and the control device 70. The outer tub 12 and the rotatable tub 13 are provided inside the main body 11 and accommodate clothes. The circulation air passage 20 returns at least a part of the air flowing out from the outer tub 12 and the rotatable tub 13 to the outer tub 12 and the rotatable tub. The heating device 33 heats the air flowing through the circulation air passage 20 to generate hot air. The outside air introduction passage 40 connects the circulation air passage 20 to the outside of the main body 11 and introduces air outside the main body 11 into the circulation air passage 20. The opening / closing device 41 opens and closes the outside air introduction passage 40. The room temperature sensor 61 detects the temperature inside the main body 11. The control device 70 can drive the heating device 33 to execute a drying operation for drying the clothes in the outer tub 12 and the rotating tub 13. The control device 70 controls the operation of the opening / closing device 41 during the drying operation based on the detection result of the room temperature sensor 61.

[0047] According to this, by controlling the operation of the opening / closing device 41 based on the detection result of the room temperature sensor 61 during the drying operation, it is possible to selectively take in outside air, which is the air outside the main body 11, into the circulation air duct 20 according to the temperature environment. As a result, for example, in a normal temperature environment or a high temperature environment in which condensation is unlikely to occur, the opening / closing device 41 is closed to prevent outside air from being taken into the circulation air duct 20 from the outside air introduction path 40, thereby improving the drying efficiency. On the other hand, for example, in a low temperature environment in which condensation is likely to occur, the opening / closing device 41 is operated to take in outside air from the outside air introduction path 40 into the circulation air duct 20, thereby minimizing the temperature difference between the inside and outside of the washer / dryer 10, and the occurrence of indoor condensation and condensation inside the washer / dryer 10, that is, surface condensation on the inner wall of the main body 11 and the ducts 21, 23, etc. can be suppressed. In this way, it is possible to achieve both drying efficiency and suppression of condensation during the drying operation.

[0048] Furthermore, the control device 70 can make the period during which the opening and closing device 41 is open when the temperature t detected by the room temperature sensor 61 is less than the first threshold value T1 longer than the period during which the opening and closing device 41 is open when the temperature t is equal to or greater than the first threshold value T1. This makes it possible to lengthen the period during which the opening and closing device 41 is open in a low-temperature environment, for example, thereby lengthening the period during which outside air is taken into the circulating air duct 20. This makes it possible to efficiently suppress the occurrence of condensation in a low-temperature environment.

[0049] The washer / dryer 10 further includes a dehumidification mechanism 50. The dehumidification mechanism 50 cools and dehumidifies the air in the circulation air duct 20 by supplying water into the circulation air duct 20. The control device 70 does not perform dehumidification by the dehumidification mechanism 50 when the temperature t detected by the room temperature sensor 61 is less than a second threshold value T2 that is lower than the first threshold value T1.

[0050] According to this, in a temperature environment where the temperature t is less than the second threshold T2 that is lower than the first threshold T1, that is, where condensation is more likely to occur, water is not supplied into the circulation air duct 20, and it is possible to suppress the occurrence of surface condensation on, for example, the outer surfaces of the members that configure the circulation air duct 20. This makes it possible to suppress problems such as the condensed water generated by the surface condensation coming into contact with the installation surface of the washer-dryer 10.

[0051] The washer / dryer 10 further includes a blower 32. The blower 32 blows hot air generated by the heater 33 to the outer tub 12 and the rotatable tub 13. When the temperature t detected by the room temperature sensor 61 is less than the first threshold T1, the control device 70 reduces the input of the blower 32 compared to when the temperature t is equal to or greater than the first threshold T1. In this way, for example, in a low-temperature environment, the output of the blower 32 is reduced to reduce the amount of air sent from the blower 32, thereby suppressing the amount of evaporation of moisture from the clothes. This reduces the amount of water vapor contained in the air flowing out of the outer tub 12 and the rotatable tub 13, thereby suppressing the occurrence of condensation.

[0052] Second embodiment Next, a second embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 6. In this second embodiment, the control device 70 executes the control contents shown in FIG. 6 in place of the control contents shown in FIG. 5 in the drying operation. Specifically, in this embodiment, the control contents executed by the control device 70 when the temperature t detected by the room temperature sensor 61 is less than the first threshold value T1 are different from those in the first embodiment. The control contents shown in FIG. 6 are obtained by adding the processes of steps B11 and B12, respectively, instead of steps A13 and A20 shown in FIG. 5. In this case, when the temperature t detected by the room temperature sensor 61 is less than the first threshold value T1, the control device 70 reduces the input of the heating device 33 compared to when the temperature t is equal to or greater than the first threshold value T1. The input value of the heating device 33 is not particularly limited, but can be set to a low value, for example, about half of 1000W, for example, 500W.

[0053] According to the second embodiment, for example, in a low-temperature environment, the amount of evaporation of moisture from the clothes can be suppressed by reducing the input of the heating device 33 and lowering the temperature of the hot air generated by the heating device 33. This reduces the amount of water vapor contained in the air flowing out from the outer tub 12 and the rotating tub 13, and suppresses the occurrence of condensation.

[0054] In the above-mentioned embodiments, the temperature detected by the room temperature sensor, the number of revolutions of the air blower, the input value of the heating device, etc. are described with specific values, but these specific values ​​are merely examples and can be changed as appropriate. Also, the above-mentioned embodiments can be combined with each other. 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. This novel embodiment can be implemented in various other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, and modifications can be made without departing from the gist of the invention. This embodiment and its modifications are included in the scope and gist of the invention, and are included in the scope of the invention and its equivalents described in the claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0055] 10... washer / dryer (clothing treatment device), 12... outer tub (storage tub), 13... rotating tub (storage tub), 20... circulating air duct, 33... heating device, 40... outside air introduction path, 41... opening / closing device, 61... room temperature sensor (temperature detection unit), 70... control device

Claims

1. The main body, a storage tub provided inside the main body and configured to store clothing, the storage tub having an exhaust port and an air intake port; A circulation air passage connecting the exhaust port and the intake port; A heating device that heats the air flowing through the circulating air passage to generate hot air; an outside air introduction passage that communicates the circulation air passage with the outside of the circulation air passage; A temperature detection unit that detects an ambient temperature in which the main body is installed; a control device capable of driving the heating device to perform a drying operation for drying the clothes in the storage tub; A dehumidification mechanism for dehumidifying the inside of the circulating air duct, At least a part of the air flowing through the circulating air passage is discharged into the main body, The control device does not perform dehumidification using the dehumidification mechanism when the ambient temperature before driving the heating device detected by the temperature detection unit is less than a second threshold, and performs dehumidification using the dehumidification mechanism when the ambient temperature before driving the heating device detected by the temperature detection unit is equal to or greater than the second threshold. Clothes treatment device.

2. The main body, a storage tub provided inside the main body and configured to store clothing, the storage tub having an exhaust port and an air intake port; A circulation air passage connecting the exhaust port and the intake port; A heating device that heats the air flowing through the circulating air passage to generate hot air; an outside air introduction passage that communicates the circulation air passage with the outside of the circulation air passage; A temperature detection unit that detects an atmospheric temperature in which the main body is installed; a control device capable of driving the heating device to perform a drying operation for drying the clothes in the storage tub; A blower that blows the hot air generated by the heating device into the storage tank, At least a part of the air flowing through the circulating air passage is discharged into the main body, When the ambient temperature before driving the heating device detected by the temperature detection unit is less than a first threshold, the control device reduces the input of the air blower to reduce the amount of air blown from the air blower compared to when the ambient temperature before driving the heating device detected by the temperature detection unit is equal to or higher than the first threshold. Clothes treatment device.

3. The main body, a storage tub provided inside the main body and configured to store clothing, the storage tub having an exhaust port and an air intake port; A circulation air passage connecting the exhaust port and the intake port; A heating device that heats the air flowing through the circulating air passage to generate hot air; an outside air introduction passage that communicates the circulation air passage with the outside of the circulation air passage; A temperature detection unit that detects an ambient temperature in which the main body is installed; A control device capable of driving the heating device to perform a drying operation for drying the clothes in the storage tub, At least a part of the air flowing through the circulating air passage is discharged into the main body, When the ambient temperature before driving the heating device detected by the temperature detection unit is less than a first threshold, the control device reduces the input of the heating device to lower the temperature of the hot air generated by the heating device compared to when the ambient temperature before driving the heating device detected by the temperature detection unit is equal to or higher than the first threshold. Clothes treatment device.

4. An opening / closing device that opens and closes the outside air introduction path, the control device sets a period during which the outside air introduction path is opened when the ambient temperature before the heating device is driven detected by the temperature detection unit is less than a first threshold value that is higher than the second threshold value, longer than a period during which the outside air introduction path is opened when the ambient temperature before the heating device is driven detected by the temperature detection unit is equal to or higher than the first threshold value. The clothing treatment device according to claim 1.

5. An opening / closing device that opens and closes the outside air introduction path, the control device sets a period during which the outside air introduction path is opened when the ambient temperature before the heating device is driven, detected by the temperature detection unit, is less than the first threshold value, longer than a period during which the outside air introduction path is opened when the ambient temperature before the heating device is driven, detected by the temperature detection unit, is equal to or greater than the first threshold value. The clothing treatment device according to claim 2 or 3.

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