Drying operation control method of a bathroom heater dryer

Abstract

To provide a drying operation control method for a bathroom heating drying machine, which enables transition of a drying operation to termination processing to be precisely determined.SOLUTION: During a drying operation, a control section C1 performs a main determination processing S103 for determining whether or not a main variable (Hmax-H) reached a predetermined main threshold G1 and secondary determination processing S111 to S113 for defining a sub variable (H_jdg) so that a present absolute humidity H is updated as the sub variable (H_jdg) when an absolute value of difference between the present absolute humidity H and the sub variable (H_jdg) is larger than a predetermined sub threshold G2 and determining whether or not the sub variable (H_jdg) is updated for more than a predetermined time T1, and when it was determined that the main variable (Hmax-H) reached the main threshold G1 in the main determination processing S103, or when it was determined that the sub variable (H_jdg) is not updated for more than the predetermined time T1 in the secondary determination processing S111 to S113, the control section shifts the operation to a termination processing S105 to S107.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a method for controlling the drying operation of a bathroom heating and drying machine.

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses an example of a method for controlling the drying operation of a conventional bathroom heating and drying machine. In this drying operation control method, the bathroom heating and drying machine includes a heating unit, a ventilation unit, humidity detection means, and a control unit.

[0003] The heating unit heats the air in the bathroom while circulating it to heat the bathroom. The ventilation unit discharges the air in the bathroom to the outside to ventilate the bathroom. The humidity detection means detects the absolute humidity in the bathroom. The control unit constantly acquires the current absolute humidity, which is the current absolute humidity detected by the humidity detection means, and controls the heating from the heating unit and the ventilation from the ventilation unit to perform a drying operation to dry clothes in the bathroom.

[0004] The ventilation unit is provided as part of the bathroom heating and drying machine. The ventilation unit may be provided outside the bathroom heating and drying machine. Specific examples of the ventilation unit in this case include a configuration in which ventilation equipment provided in a house also ventilates the bathroom, and a configuration such as an intermediate duct fan in which a ventilation unit is provided in a duct connected to the bathroom heating and drying machine.

[0005] During the execution of the drying operation, the control unit determines, according to STEP18 in FIG. 3 of Patent Document 1, whether or not the current absolute humidity, which is a value reflecting the progress of drying of the clothes, has decreased to be equal to or less than a predetermined drying determination value. If it is "YES", the process proceeds to the end process of the drying operation according to STEP19 - 20 in FIG. 3.

[0006] Also, the control unit determines, according to STEP17 in FIG. 3, whether or not the time during which the maximum absolute humidity and the minimum absolute humidity are not updated has become equal to or longer than a predetermined time. If it is "YES", the process proceeds to the above-described end process, thereby suppressing a problem in which the transition to the end process is delayed, a so-called "late cut-off".

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0007]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0008] By the way, in the above conventional drying operation control method, the installation states of the ventilation units are various. During the execution of the drying operation, for example, when the ventilation unit is also ventilating a room other than the bathroom at the same time, or when the ventilation air volume of a room other than the bathroom is changed, the ventilation air volume of the bathroom may change.

[0009] And when the ventilation air volume of the bathroom changes while the drying of the clothes is in progress and the absolute humidity is currently decreasing, the decrease in the current absolute humidity may stop or the current absolute humidity may increase, and the tendency of the change in the current absolute humidity may not match the progress of the drying of the clothes.

[0010] As a result, although the actual progress of the drying of the clothes is not sufficient, in STEP17 of FIG. 3 of Patent Document 1 above, the control unit may misjudge that the progress of the drying of the clothes is sufficient because the time during which the maximum absolute humidity and the minimum absolute humidity are not updated exceeds a predetermined time, and there is a risk of shifting to the end process of the drying operation.

[0011] The present invention has been made in view of the above conventional situation, and an object to be solved is to provide a drying operation control method for a bathroom heater dryer that can accurately determine the transition to the end process of the drying operation.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0012] The present invention includes a heating unit that heats while circulating the air in the bathroom to heat the bathroom, a ventilation unit that discharges the air in the bathroom to the outside to ventilate the bathroom, Humidity detection means for detecting the absolute humidity in the bathroom; A control unit that constantly acquires the current absolute humidity, which is the current absolute humidity from the humidity detection means, and controls the heating from the heating unit and the ventilation from the ventilation unit to execute a drying operation for drying clothes in the bathroom; A drying operation control method for a bathroom heater dryer, comprising: The ventilation unit is provided as part of the bathroom heater dryer or outside the bathroom heater dryer; During the execution of the drying operation, the control unit: For the main variable, define a value that is determined based on at least the current absolute humidity and reflects the progress of drying of the clothes, and perform a main determination process for determining whether the main variable has reached a predetermined main threshold value; For the sub-variable, define that when the absolute value of the difference between the current absolute humidity and the sub-variable is greater than a predetermined sub-threshold value, the current absolute humidity is updated as the sub-variable, and perform a sub-determination process for determining whether the sub-variable has not been updated for a predetermined time or more. When it is determined in the main determination process that the main variable has reached the main threshold value, or when it is determined in the sub-determination process that the sub-variable has not been updated for the predetermined time or more, it is configured to shift to an end process for ending the drying operation. This is a characteristic.

[0013] In the drying operation control method of the present invention, in the sub-determination process, the control unit uses, for determination, a sub-variable updated based on the current absolute humidity and a predetermined sub-threshold value, and the time during which the sub-variable is not updated. Thereby, even when the ventilation volume in the bathroom changes, the control unit can surely determine with high certainty that the current absolute humidity has stabilized. This determination is made in a much narrower and finer range than the determination of "whether the time during which the maximum absolute humidity and the minimum absolute humidity are not updated has reached a predetermined time or more" in the drying operation control method of Patent Document 1 above. As a result, it is possible to suppress the control unit from erroneously determining that the progress of drying of the clothes is sufficient and shifting to the end process of the drying operation even though the actual progress of drying of the clothes is not sufficient.

[0014] Therefore, the drying operation control method of the bathroom heater dryer of the present invention can accurately determine the transition to the end process of the drying operation.

[0015] It is desirable that the control unit constantly obtains the maximum absolute humidity, which is the maximum value of the absolute humidity from the start of the drying operation. Then, in the main determination process, it is desirable that the control unit defines the main variable as the difference between the maximum absolute humidity and the current absolute humidity, and determines whether the main variable has become equal to or greater than the main threshold value.

[0016] In this case, the main variable, which is the difference between the maximum absolute humidity and the current absolute humidity, can better reflect the progress of clothing drying compared to the current absolute humidity used in the drying operation control method of Patent Document 1 above.

[0017] It is desirable that the humidity detection means detects the absolute humidity using a thermistor whose resistance value changes according to the temperature in the bathroom and a relative humidity sensor that detects the relative humidity in the bathroom. Then, it is desirable that the control unit is configured to shift to the end process when the current relative humidity detected by the relative humidity sensor becomes equal to or less than a predetermined relative humidity threshold value when it is determined in the sub-determination process that the sub-variable has not been updated for a predetermined time or more.

[0018] In this case, since the sensitivity of the thermistor to the temperature change in the bathroom and the sensitivity of the relative humidity sensor to the relative humidity change in the bathroom are different, the rate of change when the resistance value of the thermistor follows the temperature change in the bathroom and the rate of change when the detection signal of the relative humidity sensor follows the relative humidity change in the bathroom are likely to deviate. For this reason, the absolute humidity detected by the humidity detection means may follow while fluctuating with respect to the change in the actual absolute humidity in the bathroom. Such detection characteristics of the humidity detection means are likely to induce errors in the determination of "whether or not the time during which the maximum absolute humidity and the minimum absolute humidity are not updated has reached a predetermined time or more" in the drying operation control method of the above Patent Document 1. In this regard, according to the drying operation control method of the present invention, the control unit can make a fine determination within a narrow range in the sub-determination process, and can surely determine that the current absolute humidity has stabilized. And when the control unit determines that the sub-variable has not been updated for a predetermined time or more in the sub-determination process, the control unit further makes a determination using the current relative humidity detected by the relative humidity sensor, so that in actuality, even though the progress of drying of the clothes is not sufficient, it is possible to highly surely suppress the transition to the end process of the drying operation.

[0019] During the execution of the drying operation, it is desirable for the control unit to enter a high-temperature standby state in which the heating unit is stopped when the temperature in the bathroom rises to a predetermined standby start temperature, and to execute a high-temperature standby control in which the operation of the heating unit is restarted and the high-temperature standby state is exited when the temperature drops to a predetermined standby end temperature. It is desirable for the control unit to acquire the minimum absolute humidity, which is the lowest absolute humidity, during the period from exiting the high-temperature standby state to entering the high-temperature standby state again. Further, it is desirable for the control unit to define that the minimum absolute humidity is updated as the specific variable when the absolute value of the difference between the minimum absolute humidity and the specific variable for the specific variable is greater than a predetermined specific threshold value, and to execute a specific determination process for determining whether or not the specific variable is not updated continuously for a predetermined number of times. And it is desirable for the control unit to be configured to shift to the end process when it is determined in the specific determination process that the specific variable is not updated continuously for a predetermined number of times.

[0020] During the execution of the drying operation, when entering the high-temperature standby state and then repeating the process of exiting the high-temperature standby state, the current absolute humidity may fluctuate like a wave, and the sub-variable updated based on the current absolute humidity and a predetermined sub-threshold may also fluctuate. Therefore, without taking any measures, it becomes difficult for the control unit to determine in the sub-judgment process that the sub-variable has not been updated for a predetermined time or more. As a result, a problem that the transition to the end process is delayed is likely to occur. In this regard, according to the drying operation control method of the present invention, in the specific judgment process, the control unit uses, for judgment, a specific variable updated based on the minimum absolute humidity and a predetermined specific threshold, and the number of times the specific variable has not been continuously updated. Thereby, the control unit can surely judge with high certainty that the drying progress of the clothes has become sufficient without being confused by the fluctuating variation of the current absolute humidity accompanying the repetition of the high-temperature standby. As a result, the control unit can surely suppress with high certainty the problem that the transition to the end process is delayed.

[0021] It is desirable that the humidity detection means detect the absolute humidity using a thermistor whose resistance value changes according to the temperature in the bathroom and a relative humidity sensor that detects the relative humidity in the bathroom. And it is desirable that the control unit be configured to shift to the end process when the current relative humidity detected by the relative humidity sensor becomes equal to or lower than a predetermined relative humidity threshold in the case where it is determined in the specific judgment process that the specific variable has not been continuously updated a predetermined number of times.

[0022] In this case, as described above, the absolute humidity detected by the humidity detection means may follow while fluctuating with respect to the change in the actual absolute humidity in the bathroom. Such detection characteristics of the humidity detection means tend to promote fluctuations such as undulations in the current absolute humidity when entering the high-temperature standby state in the high-temperature standby control and then repeating the process of exiting the high-temperature standby state, and are likely to induce errors in the "judgment as to whether or not the time during which the maximum absolute humidity and the minimum absolute humidity are not updated has reached a predetermined time or more" in the drying operation control method of Patent Document 1. In this regard, according to the drying operation control method of the present invention, in the specific determination process, the control unit can surely determine with high certainty that the progress of drying of the clothing is sufficient without being confused by fluctuations such as undulations in the current absolute humidity accompanying the repetition of high-temperature standby. And when the control unit determines that a specific variable has not been updated continuously for a predetermined number of times in the specific determination process, the control unit further makes a determination using the current relative humidity detected by the relative humidity sensor, so that it is possible to highly surely suppress the situation of shifting to the end process of the drying operation even though the actual progress of drying of the clothing is not sufficient.

Effect of the Invention

[0023] According to the drying operation control method of the bathroom heating and drying machine of the present invention, it is possible to accurately determine the transition to the end process of the drying operation.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0024]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

Figure 8

Figure 9

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0025] Hereinafter, embodiments embodying the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0026] (Embodiment) The drying operation control method of the embodiment is applied to the bathroom heater / dryer 1 shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. The drying operation control method of the bathroom heater / dryer 1 is an example of a specific aspect of the drying operation control method of the bathroom heater / dryer of the present invention.

[0027] As shown in FIG. 1, the house in which the bathroom heater / dryer 1 is installed includes a heat source machine 9 and a plurality of rooms including a bathroom BR, a dressing room DR, and a toilet WR.

[0028] The heat source machine 9 heats the water supplied from a water supply source (not shown) to make it hot water, and supplies the hot water to the rooms in the house that require hot water, specifically, the bathroom BR, the kitchen, etc.

[0029] The bathroom heater / dryer 1 is installed on the ceiling of the bathroom BR. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the bathroom heater / dryer 1 includes a heating unit 2 for heating the bathroom BR and a ventilation unit 3 for ventilating the bathroom BR, the dressing room DR, and the toilet WR. In the present embodiment, the ventilation unit 3 is provided as a part of the bathroom heater / dryer 1.

[0030] In addition, as shown in FIG. 2, the bathroom heater dryer 1 includes a humidity detection means 5 for detecting the absolute humidity in the bathroom BR, and a control unit C1 for controlling the heating unit 2 and the ventilation unit 3.

[0031] <Heating unit> The heating unit 2 has a casing 20, a circulation fan 21, a radiator 22, a thermostatic valve 23, and a movable louver 24.

[0032] The casing 20 has a suction port and a blowout port (not shown) that communicate with the bathroom BR. The casing 20 houses the circulation fan 21, the radiator 22, the thermostatic valve 23, the movable louver 24, the humidity detection means 5, and the control unit C1.

[0033] The circulation fan 21 is driven by a motor 21M to rotate, sucks air in the bathroom BR from a suction port (not shown) of the casing 20, and blows out the air from a blowout port (not shown) of the casing 20, thereby circulating the air in the bathroom BR.

[0034] The radiator 22 has an internal flow path, and a plurality of heat radiation fins are arranged side by side on its outer surface. The internal flow path of the radiator 22 is connected to the heat source machine 9 via a hot water circulation path 9P having a forward pipe and a return pipe.

[0035] The thermostatic valve 23 is arranged in the vicinity of the radiator 22 in the forward pipe of the hot water circulation path 9P. The thermostatic valve 23 opens against the return spring by energizing and heating a heating element to expand the thermo element. On the other hand, the thermostatic valve 23 closes by stopping the energization of the heating element and allowing the thermo element to naturally dissipate heat, thereby being biased by the urging force of the return spring. Thereby, the thermostatic valve 23 switches the supply and stop of hot water from the heat source machine 9 to the radiator 22.

[0036] With the thermostatic valve 23 open, the radiator 22 circulates the hot water supplied from the heat source unit 9 via the forward pipe of the hot water circulation path 9P through its internal flow path. The air circulating in the bathroom BR due to the operation of the circulation fan 21 is heated by touching the heat dissipation fins of the radiator 22. The water that has passed through the internal flow path of the radiator 22 is returned to the heat source unit 9 via the return pipe of the hot water circulation path 9P.

[0037] The movable louver 24 is arranged near the air outlet (not shown) of the casing 20. The movable louver 24 is driven by a stepping motor 24M to swing, thereby changing the air blowing direction from the heating unit 2.

[0038] In this way, the heating unit 2 circulates the air in the bathroom BR by the rotation of the circulation fan 21 and heats it by the radiator 22 to heat the bathroom BR.

[0039] <Ventilation unit> The ventilation unit 3 includes a casing 30, a ventilation fan 31, and a movable damper 32.

[0040] The casing 30 is adjacent to the casing 20 of the heating unit 2. The casing 30 has a bathroom air intake 30B, a dressing room air intake 30D, a toilet air intake 30W, and an exhaust port 30E.

[0041] The bathroom air intake 30B communicates with the bathroom BR via the casing 20 of the heating unit 2. The dressing room air intake 30D communicates with the dressing room DR via the duct 39D shown in FIG. 1. The toilet air intake 30W communicates with the toilet WR via the duct 39W shown in FIG. 1. The exhaust port 30E communicates with the outside via the exhaust duct 39E shown in FIG. 1.

[0042] As shown in FIG. 2, the ventilation fan 31 is housed in the casing 30 and is driven by a motor 31M to rotate.

[0043] The movable damper 32 is disposed near the bathroom air intake 30B. The movable damper 32 is driven by a stepping motor 32M to swing, thereby adjusting the opening and closing and the opening degree of the bathroom air intake 30B.

[0044] When the movable damper 32 opens the bathroom air intake 30B, the ventilation unit 3 discharges the air in the bathroom BR to the outside through the bathroom air intake 30B, the exhaust port 30E, and the exhaust duct 39E by the rotation of the ventilation fan 31, thereby ventilating the bathroom BR.

[0045] Also, when the ventilation fan 31 rotates, the ventilation unit 3 discharges the air in the dressing room DR to the outside through the duct 39D, the dressing room air intake 30D, the exhaust port 30E, and the exhaust duct 39E, thereby ventilating the dressing room DR.

[0046] Furthermore, when the ventilation fan 31 rotates, the ventilation unit 3 discharges the air in the toilet WR to the outside through the duct 39W, the toilet air intake 30W, the exhaust port 30E, and the exhaust duct 39E, thereby ventilating the toilet WR.

[0047] Such a ventilation unit 3 may change the ventilation air volume when ventilating the bathroom BR by simultaneously ventilating rooms other than the bathroom BR, specifically, the dressing room DR and the toilet WR.

[0048] <Humidity detection means> The humidity detection means 5 is disposed near a suction port (not shown) of the casing 20. The humidity detection means 5 has a thermistor 5A and a relative humidity sensor 5B.

[0049] The thermistor 5A detects the temperature Tbr in the bathroom BR by changing its resistance value according to the temperature Tbr in the bathroom BR.

[0050] The relative humidity sensor 5B detects the relative humidity in the bathroom BR. In this embodiment, the relative humidity sensor 5B is a well-known sensor that uses lithium chloride, ceramics, polymers, etc. as a humidity-sensitive element that absorbs and desorbs moisture, and measures the change in the amount of water vapor as a change in electrical resistance or capacitance.

[0051] The humidity detection means 5 calculates the absolute humidity in the bathroom BR by using a conversion formula that uses the temperature Tbr in the bathroom BR detected by the thermistor 5A and the relative humidity in the bathroom BR detected by the relative humidity sensor 5B.

[0052] Note that the humidity detection means 5 has the detection characteristics described below. That is, in the humidity detection means 5, since the sensitivity of the thermistor 5A to the change in the temperature Tbr in the bathroom BR is different from the sensitivity of the relative humidity sensor 5B to the change in the relative humidity in the bathroom BR, the change rate when the resistance value of the thermistor 5A follows the change in the temperature Tbr in the bathroom BR and the change rate when the detection signal of the relative humidity sensor 5B follows the change in the relative humidity in the bathroom BR are likely to deviate. For this reason, the absolute humidity detected by the humidity detection means 5 may follow with variations with respect to the change in the actual absolute humidity in the bathroom BR.

[0053] <Control unit> The control unit C1 is an electronic circuit unit including a CPU (not shown), a storage unit C1M constituted by storage elements such as a ROM and a RAM, an interface circuit that transmits and receives signals to and from a control target, and a power supply circuit that controls power supply to the control target.

[0054] The storage unit C1M stores various programs and setting information for operating the bathroom heater dryer 1. Further, the storage unit C1M appropriately stores various information acquired by the control unit C1 during the operation of the bathroom heater dryer 1. The programs stored in the storage unit C1M include the "drying operation program" shown in FIGS. 3 to 5.

[0055] The control unit C1 acquires the detection results of the humidity detection means 5, specifically, the temperature Tbr in the bathroom BR, the relative humidity in the bathroom BR, and the absolute humidity in the bathroom BR.

[0056] Also, the control unit C1 controls, for the heating unit 2, the opening and closing of the thermostatic valve 23 and the operation and stop of the motor 21M and the stepping motor 24M.

[0057] Furthermore, the control unit C1 controls, for the ventilation unit 3, the operation and stop of the motor 31M and the stepping motor 32M.

[0058] As shown in FIG. 1, in the dressing room DR and the like, a remote control 7 for the user to perform an operation input on the bathroom heating and drying machine 1 is installed. The remote control 7 has various switches such as a constant ventilation switch, a heating switch, a bathroom ventilation switch, and a drying operation switch. In the toilet WR, a toilet switch 8 for switching the lighting on and off is installed.

[0059] The control unit C1 acquires the information of the operation input received by the remote control 7 and the ON / OFF signal of the toilet switch 8, and controls the respective operations of the heating unit 2 and the ventilation unit 3.

[0060] For example, when the constant ventilation switch is turned on, the control unit C1 opens the movable damper 32 to a predetermined mid-opening degree for the ventilation unit 3, continuously operates the ventilation fan 31 at a predetermined rotational speed, and ventilates the bathroom BR, the dressing room DR, and the toilet WR. At this time, when the toilet switch 8 is turned on, the control unit C1 decreases the opening degree of the movable damper 32 and increases the rotational speed of the ventilation fan 31 to increase the ventilation air volume of the toilet WR.

[0061] When the heating switch is turned on, the control unit C1 causes the thermostatic valve 23 of the heating unit 2 to open, supplies warm water to the radiator 22, operates the circulation fan 21, and heats the bathroom BR. At this time, the control unit C1 adjusts the opening and closing and the opening degree of the movable damper 32 according to the situation in order to prevent the warm air in the bathroom BR from being discharged outdoors.

[0062] When the bathroom ventilation switch is turned on, the control unit C1 operates the ventilation fan 31 with the movable damper 32 fully opened to ventilate the bathroom BR for the ventilation unit 3.

[0063] <Drying operation> When the drying operation switch is turned on, the control unit C1 starts the drying operation program shown in FIGS. 3 to 5, and controls the heating from the heating unit 2 and the ventilation from the ventilation unit 3 to perform a drying operation for drying clothes in the bathroom BR.

[0064] During the execution of the drying operation, the control unit C1 performs high-temperature standby control by steps S117 shown in FIG. 4 and steps S118, S131 to S133 shown in FIG. 5 in order to prevent the temperature Tbr in the bathroom BR from becoming too high.

[0065] The high-temperature standby control is a control in which when the temperature Tbr in the bathroom BR rises to a predetermined standby start temperature Tw1, the heating unit 2 is stopped and enters high-temperature standby, and when the temperature Tbr in the bathroom BR drops to a predetermined standby end temperature Tw2, the operation of the heating unit 2 is restarted and the high-temperature standby is exited. In this embodiment, as an example, the standby start temperature Tw1 = 50.0 ° C and the standby end temperature Tw2 = 49.0 ° C are set.

[0066] When the control unit C1 starts the drying operation, in step S101 shown in FIG. 3, the circulation fan 21 is operated, the ventilation fan 31 is operated with the movable damper 32 opened to a mid-opening degree, the thermostatic valve 23 is opened, and the heat source machine 9 is instructed to operate. As a result, the heating unit 2 starts heating the bathroom BR, and the ventilation unit 3 starts ventilating the bathroom BR.

[0067] Next, the control unit C1 proceeds to step S102 and starts acquiring the temperature Tbr in the bathroom BR, the current relative humidity Hr, the current absolute humidity H, the maximum absolute humidity Hmax, and the absolute humidity determination value H_jdg.

[0068] The control unit C1 constantly acquires the temperature Tbr in the bathroom BR, the current relative humidity Hr, and the current absolute humidity H. The current relative humidity Hr is the current relative humidity detected by the relative humidity sensor 5B. The current absolute humidity H is the current absolute humidity detected by the humidity detection means 5.

[0069] The control unit C1 constantly monitors the change in the current absolute humidity H and updates the maximum absolute humidity Hmax every time the current absolute humidity H becomes the largest.

[0070] The absolute humidity determination value H_jdg is a sub-variable. When the control unit C1 satisfies a predetermined condition in the sub-judgment process (steps S111 to S113) described later, it updates the current absolute humidity H as the sub-variable (absolute humidity determination value H_jdg).

[0071] Next, the control unit C1 proceeds to step S103. Step S103 is the main judgment process. In step S103, the control unit C1 defines, for the main variable, a value determined based on at least the current absolute humidity H and reflecting the progress of drying of the clothing, that is, the difference between the maximum absolute humidity Hmax and the current absolute humidity H. Then, the control unit C1 determines whether the main variable (maximum absolute humidity Hmax - current absolute humidity H) has reached a predetermined main threshold value G1, more specifically, whether it has become equal to or greater than the main threshold value G1.

[0072] The main threshold value G1 is a so-called drying determination value and is preset to be a value that suppresses misjudgment of the progress of drying based on the test results of the drying state evaluation test performed in the development stage, etc.

[0073] If the result in step S103 is "Yes", the control unit C1 determines that the drying progress of the clothes is sufficient and proceeds to step S105. On the other hand, if the result in step S103 is "No", the control unit C1 determines that the drying progress of the clothes is not sufficient and proceeds to step S111 shown in FIG. 4.

[0074] Steps S105 to S107 shown in FIG. 3 are end processes. That is, when the main determination process (step S103) results in "Yes", the control unit C1 proceeds to the end process (steps S105 to S107).

[0075] When shifting from step S103 to step S105, the control unit C1 determines the remaining time. The remaining time is, for example, about 10 to 30 minutes.

[0076] Next, the control unit C1 proceeds to step S106 and repeats step S106 until the remaining time ends, and proceeds to step S107 when the remaining time ends.

[0077] When the control unit C1 proceeds to step S107, it stops the circulation fan 21 and the ventilation fan 31, closes the thermostatic valve 23, and instructs the heat source machine 9 to stop. As a result, the heating unit 2 ends the heating of the bathroom BR, and the ventilation unit 3 ends the ventilation of the bathroom BR. Then, the control unit C1 ends the drying operation program shown in FIGS. 3 to 5.

[0078] Steps S111 to S113 shown in FIG. 4 are sub-determination processes. When shifting from step S103 shown in FIG. 3 to step S111 shown in FIG. 4, the control unit C1 determines whether the absolute value of the difference between the current absolute humidity H and the sub-variable (absolute humidity determination value H_jdg) is greater than a predetermined sub-threshold value G2.

[0079] The sub-threshold value G2 is preset based on the test results of the drying state evaluation test implemented in the development stage and the like so as to be a value that suppresses misjudgment of the drying progress. In this embodiment, as an example, the sub-threshold value G2 is set to 0.25.

[0080] If "Yes" in step S111, the control unit C1 proceeds to step S112, updates the current absolute humidity H as a sub-variable (absolute humidity determination value H_jdg), and then proceeds to step S113.

[0081] On the other hand, if "No" in step S111, the control unit C1 proceeds to step S113.

[0082] When transitioning from step S111 or step S112 to step S113, the control unit C1 determines whether the sub-variable (absolute humidity determination value H_jdg) has not been updated for a predetermined time T1 or more.

[0083] The predetermined time T1 is preset to be a value that suppresses misjudgment of the drying progress based on the test results of the drying state evaluation test conducted in the development stage. In this embodiment, as an example, the predetermined time T1 is set to 10 minutes.

[0084] If "Yes" in step S113, the control unit C1 determines that the drying progress of the clothing is sufficient and proceeds to step S114. On the other hand, if "No" in step S113, the control unit C1 determines that the drying progress of the clothing is not sufficient and proceeds to step S117.

[0085] That is, in the sub-judgment process (steps S111 to S113), the control unit C1 defines that when the absolute value of the difference between the current absolute humidity H and the sub-variable (absolute humidity determination value H_jdg) for the sub-variable is greater than a predetermined sub-threshold value G2, the current absolute humidity H is updated as the sub-variable (absolute humidity determination value H_jdg). Then, the control unit C1 determines whether the sub-variable (absolute humidity determination value H_jdg) has not been updated for a predetermined time T1 or more.

[0086] When transitioning from step S113 to step S114, the control unit C1 determines whether the current relative humidity Hr has become equal to or less than a predetermined relative humidity threshold value G4. The relative humidity threshold value G4 is a drying determination value for evaluating the drying progress from a different perspective than the main threshold value G1.

[0087] The relative humidity threshold G4 is preset to be a value that suppresses misjudgment of the drying progress based on test results of the drying state evaluation test conducted during the development stage and the like.

[0088] If "Yes" in step S114, the control unit C1 determines that it is correct that the drying progress of the clothing was determined to be sufficient in step S113, and proceeds to the end process (steps S105 to S107) shown in FIG. 3.

[0089] That is, when the control unit C1 determines in the sub-judgment process (steps S111 to S113) that the sub-variable (absolute humidity determination value H_jdg) has not been updated for a predetermined time T1 or more, it proceeds to the end process (steps S105 to S107) via step S114.

[0090] On the other hand, if "No" in step S114 shown in FIG. 4, the control unit C1 determines that it was incorrect to determine that the drying progress of the clothing was sufficient in step S113, and proceeds to step S117.

[0091] When shifting from step S113 or step S114 to step S117, the control unit C1 determines whether the temperature Tbr in the bathroom BR is greater than a predetermined standby start temperature Tw1. At this time, in order to suppress misjudgment, the control unit C1 determines whether one minute has passed since the temperature Tbr in the bathroom BR became greater than the predetermined standby start temperature Tw1.

[0092] If "Yes" in step S117, the control unit C1 determines that it is necessary to start high-temperature standby, and proceeds to step S118 shown in FIG. 5.

[0093] On the other hand, if "No" in step S117 shown in FIG. 4, the control unit C1 determines that it is not necessary to start high-temperature standby, and returns to step S103 shown in FIG. 3.

[0094] When shifting from step S117 shown in FIG. 4 to step S118 shown in FIG. 5, the control unit C1 enters the high-temperature standby state by closing the thermostatic valve 23 to stop the heating unit 2. Then, the control unit C1 proceeds to step S121.

[0095] Steps S121 to S126 are specific determination processes. When the control unit C1 proceeds to step S121, it determines whether it has entered the high-temperature standby state two or more times.

[0096] If it enters the high-temperature standby state for the first time, at step S121, it becomes "No" and proceeds to step S131. On the other hand, if it has entered the high-temperature standby state two or more times, at step S121, it becomes "Yes" and proceeds to step S122. The processing details of steps S122 to S127 will be described later.

[0097] When proceeding from step S121 to step S131, the control unit C1 makes the same determination as the main determination process (step S103).

[0098] If it is "Yes" at step S131, the control unit C1 determines that the drying progress of the clothes is sufficient and proceeds to the end process (steps S105 to S107) shown in FIG. 3. On the other hand, if it is "No" at step S131 shown in FIG. 5, the control unit C1 determines that the drying progress of the clothes is not sufficient and proceeds to step S132.

[0099] When the control unit C1 proceeds to step S132, it determines whether the temperature Tbr in the bathroom BR is lower than a predetermined standby end temperature Tw2.

[0100] If it is "Yes" at step S132, the control unit C1 determines that it is necessary to end the high-temperature standby state and proceeds to step S133 shown in FIG. 5.

[0101] On the other hand, if it is "No" at step S132, the control unit C1 determines that it is not necessary to end the high-temperature standby state and repeats steps S131 and S132.

[0102] When shifting from step S132 to step S133, the control unit C1 terminates the high-temperature standby by opening the thermostatic valve 23 to operate the heating unit 2.

[0103] Next, the control unit C1 shifts to step S134, starts acquiring the minimum absolute humidity Hmin, and then returns to step S103 shown in FIG. 3. The minimum absolute humidity Hmin is the minimum absolute humidity during the period from exiting the high-temperature standby to entering the high-temperature standby again. The control unit C1 updates the minimum absolute humidity Hmin every time the current absolute humidity H becomes the lowest. The minimum absolute humidity Hmin is not determined until shifting to step S122 shown in FIG. 5.

[0104] When shifting from step S121 to step S122, the control unit C1 determines that it has exited the high-temperature standby and entered the high-temperature standby again, and determines the minimum absolute humidity Hmin.

[0105] Next, the control unit C1 shifts to step S123 and determines whether the absolute value of the difference between the minimum absolute humidity Hmin and the minimum absolute humidity determination value Hmin_jdg is greater than a predetermined specific threshold value G3.

[0106] The minimum absolute humidity determination value Hmin_jdg is a specific variable. The specific threshold value G3 is preset based on the test results of the drying state evaluation test implemented in the development stage and the like so as to be a value that suppresses misjudgment of the drying progress. In this embodiment, as an example, the specific threshold value G3 is set to 0.25.

[0107] In the case of "Yes" in step S123, the control unit C1 shifts to step S124, updates the minimum absolute humidity Hmin as a specific variable (minimum absolute humidity determination value Hmin_jdg), sets the counter variable N1 = 0, and then shifts to step S131. The counter variable N1 is the number of times the specific variable (minimum absolute humidity determination value Hmin_jdg) is not continuously updated.

[0108] On the other hand, if the answer in step S123 is "No", the control unit C1 proceeds to step S125 and increments the counter variable N1 by 1.

[0109] Next, the control unit C1 proceeds to step S126 and determines whether the number of times (counter variable N1) that the specific variable (minimum absolute humidity determination value Hmin_jdg) has not been continuously updated is equal to or greater than a predetermined number of times M1.

[0110] The predetermined number of times M1 is preset to be a value that suppresses misjudgment of the drying progress based on the test results of the drying state evaluation test performed during the development stage. In this embodiment, as an example, the predetermined number of times M1 is set to 3 times.

[0111] If the answer in step S126 is "Yes", the control unit C1 determines that the drying progress of the clothing is sufficient and proceeds to step S127. On the other hand, if the answer in step S126 is "No", the control unit C1 determines that the drying progress of the clothing is not sufficient and proceeds to step S131.

[0112] That is, in the specific determination process (steps S121 to S126), the control unit C1 defines that when the absolute value of the difference between the minimum absolute humidity Hmin and the specific variable (minimum absolute humidity determination value Hmin_jdg) for the specific variable is greater than a predetermined specific threshold value G3, the minimum absolute humidity Hmin is updated as the specific variable (minimum absolute humidity determination value Hmin_jdg). Then, the control unit C1 determines whether the specific variable (minimum absolute humidity determination value Hmin_jdg) has not been continuously updated for a predetermined number of times M1.

[0113] When proceeding from step S126 to step S127, the control unit C1 determines whether the current relative humidity Hr has become equal to or less than a predetermined relative humidity threshold value G4. The relative humidity threshold value G4 is the same as that in step S114 shown in FIG. 4.

[0114] In the case of "Yes" in step S127 shown in FIG. 5, the control unit C1 determines that it is correct that it has been determined in step S126 that the drying progress of the clothing has become sufficient, and shifts to the end process (steps S105 to S107) shown in FIG. 3.

[0115] That is, when the control unit C1 determines in the specific determination process (steps S121 to S126) that the specific variable (minimum absolute humidity determination value Hmin_jdg) has not been updated continuously for a predetermined number of times M1, it shifts to the end process (steps S105 to S107) via step S127.

[0116] On the other hand, in the case of "No" in step S127 shown in FIG. 5, the control unit C1 determines that it is incorrect that it has been determined in step S126 that the drying progress of the clothing has become sufficient, and shifts to step S131.

[0117] <First Example of Change in Current Absolute Humidity from Start to End of Drying Operation> As shown in FIG. 6, the first example of the change in the current absolute humidity H from the start to the end of the drying operation is an example in the case where the ventilation air volume of the bathroom BR hardly changes from the start to the end of the drying operation.

[0118] In the first example, in the first stage A1, since a large amount of moisture is released from the clothing, the current absolute humidity H increases. In the second stage A2, the balance between the release of moisture from the clothing and the discharge of moisture from the bathroom BR becomes almost the same, and it becomes difficult for the current absolute humidity H to change.

[0119] In the third stage A3, the release of moisture from the clothing gradually decreases, and the current absolute humidity H decreases. Then, in the fourth stage A4, the main variable (maximum absolute humidity Hmax - current absolute humidity H) reaches a predetermined main threshold value G1. As a result, the control unit C1 can determine that the drying progress of the clothing has become sufficient.

[0120] <Second Example of Change in Current Absolute Humidity from Start to End of Drying Operation> As shown in FIG. 7, the second example of the change in the current absolute humidity H from the start to the end of the drying operation is an example where the ventilation volume of the bathroom BR is large due to the influence of the type and quantity of clothing, the temperature and humidity of the outside air, etc.

[0121] In the second example, the first stage B1 and the second stage B2 are the same as the first stage A1 and the second stage A2 in the first example. In the third stage B3, the release of moisture from the clothing gradually decreases, and the current absolute humidity H decreases. However, due to the large ventilation volume of the bathroom BR influenced by factors such as the type and quantity of clothing, the temperature and humidity of the outside air, etc., the main variable (maximum absolute humidity Hmax - current absolute humidity H) does not reach the predetermined main threshold value G1.

[0122] In the fourth stage B4, the change in the current absolute humidity H almost disappears, and the sub-variable (absolute humidity determination value H_jdg) is no longer updated. Then, in the fifth stage B5, the sub-variable (absolute humidity determination value H_jdg) is in a state where it is not updated for a predetermined time T1 or more. As a result, the control unit C1 can determine that the drying progress of the clothing is sufficient. Also, the control unit C1 can suppress the situation where it erroneously determines that the drying progress of the clothing is sufficient and proceeds to the end process (steps S105 to S107) even though the actual drying progress of the clothing is not sufficient.

[0123] <The Third Example of the Change in the Current Absolute Humidity from the Start to the End of the Drying Operation> As shown in FIG. 8, the third example of the change in the current absolute humidity H from the start to the end of the drying operation is an example where it enters the high-temperature standby state and then repeatedly exits the high-temperature standby state.

[0124] In the third example, the first stage C1 and the second stage C2 are the same as the first stage A1 and the second stage A2 in the first example. In the third stage C3, the release of moisture from the clothing gradually decreases, and the current absolute humidity H decreases.

[0125] In the fourth stage C4, there is a risk that the current absolute humidity H may fluctuate as it enters and then exits the high-temperature standby state repeatedly. In particular, the detection characteristics of the humidity detection means 5 having the thermistor 5A and the relative humidity sensor 5B tend to encourage fluctuations in the current absolute humidity H when entering and then exiting the high-temperature standby state repeatedly. The main variable (maximum absolute humidity Hmax - current absolute humidity H) does not reach the predetermined main threshold value G1. Also, the sub-variable (absolute humidity determination value H_jdg) continues to be updated.

[0126] In the fifth stage C5, the fluctuating variation of the current absolute humidity H continues, but the specific variable (minimum absolute humidity determination value Hmin_jdg) stops being updated. And in the sixth stage C6, the specific variable (minimum absolute humidity determination value Hmin_jdg) is in a state where it is not updated continuously for a predetermined number of times M1. As a result, the control unit C1 can determine that the drying progress of the clothing is sufficient. Also, the control unit C1 can highly reliably suppress the problem of being misled by the fluctuating variation of the current absolute humidity H and delaying the transition to the end process (steps S105 to S107).

[0127] <Comparative example of the change in the current absolute humidity from the start to the end of the drying operation> As shown in FIG. 9, a comparative example of the change in the current absolute humidity H from the start to the end of the drying operation is an example in which, when the ventilation air volume of the bathroom BR decreases during the drying operation, a judgment similar to "judgment as to whether or not the time during which the maximum absolute humidity and the minimum absolute humidity are not updated has reached a predetermined time or more (STEP17)" in the drying operation control method of Patent Document 1 above is made.

[0128] In the comparative example, the first stage D1 and the second stage D2 are the same as the first stage A1 and the second stage A2 in the first example. In the third stage D3, the release of moisture from the clothing gradually decreases, and the current absolute humidity H decreases. The minimum absolute humidity Hmin is updated within less than a predetermined time.

[0129] However, at the end of the third stage D3, the ventilation air volume in the bathroom BR decreases. As a result, in the fourth stage D4, the release of moisture from the clothing becomes more dominant than the discharge of moisture from the bathroom BR, and the current absolute humidity H increases. Therefore, the main variable (maximum absolute humidity Hmax - current absolute humidity H) does not reach the predetermined main threshold value G1.

[0130] Then, in the fifth stage D5, the maximum absolute humidity Hmax and the minimum absolute humidity Hmin are not updated for a predetermined time or more. As a result, in a comparative example that makes the same determination as the drying operation control method of Patent Document 1, the control unit C1 erroneously determines that the drying progress of the clothing is sufficient, even though the actual drying progress of the clothing is not sufficient, and there is a problem of shifting to the end process (steps S105 to S107).

[0131] <Operational Effect> In the drying operation control method of the bathroom heating and drying machine 1 according to the embodiment, as shown in FIG. 4, in the sub-determination process (steps S111 to S113), the control unit C1 uses, for determination, a sub-variable (absolute humidity determination value H_jdg) updated based on the current absolute humidity H and a predetermined sub-threshold value G2, and the time during which the sub-variable (absolute humidity determination value H_jdg) is not updated. Thereby, even when the ventilation air volume in the bathroom BR changes, the control unit C1 can highly reliably determine that the current absolute humidity H has stabilized.

[0132] This determination is made in a much narrower and more detailed range than the determination in the drying operation control method of Patent Document 1, "whether or not the time during which the maximum absolute humidity and the minimum absolute humidity are not updated has reached a predetermined time or more (STEP17)".

[0133] As a result, it is possible to suppress the control unit C1 from erroneously determining that the drying progress of the clothing is sufficient and shifting to the end process (steps S105 to S107), even though the actual drying progress of the clothing is not sufficient.

[0134] Therefore, the drying operation control method of the bathroom heating and drying machine 1 according to the embodiment can accurately determine the shift to the end process (steps S105 to S107) of the drying operation.

[0135] Also, in this drying operation control method, as shown in FIG. 3, in the main determination process (step S103), the control unit C1 determines whether or not the main variable (maximum absolute humidity Hmax - current absolute humidity H) is equal to or greater than the main threshold value G1. Such a main variable (maximum absolute humidity Hmax - current absolute humidity H) can more accurately reflect the progress of drying of the clothing as compared with the current absolute humidity H used in the drying operation control method of the above Patent Document 1.

[0136] Furthermore, in this drying operation control method, as shown in FIG. 2, the humidity detection means 5 uses the thermistor 5A and the relative humidity sensor 5B to detect the absolute humidity in the bathroom BR. With this configuration, as described above, the absolute humidity detected by the humidity detection means 5 may follow while varying with respect to the change in the actual absolute humidity in the bathroom BR. Such detection characteristics of the humidity detection means 5 are likely to induce an error in the determination of "whether or not the time during which the maximum absolute humidity and the minimum absolute humidity are not updated has reached a predetermined time or more (STEP17)" in the drying operation control method of the above Patent Document 1. In this regard, according to the drying operation control method of the embodiment, the control unit C1 can make a detailed determination within a narrow range in the sub-determination process (steps S111 to S113), and can reliably determine that the current absolute humidity H has stabilized. Then, when "Yes" is obtained in step S113, the control unit C1 further makes a determination using the current relative humidity Hr in step S114, so that it is possible to highly reliably suppress the transition to the end process (steps S105 to S107) even though the progress of drying of the clothing is actually not sufficient.

[0137] Also, in this drying operation control method, when entering high-temperature standby and then repeating the process of exiting high-temperature standby during the execution of the drying operation, the current absolute humidity H may fluctuate in a wavy manner, and the sub-variable updated based on the current absolute humidity H and the predetermined sub-threshold value G2 may also fluctuate. Therefore, without taking any countermeasures, it becomes difficult for the control unit C1 to determine in the sub-judgment process that the sub-variable (absolute humidity determination value H_jdg) has not been updated for a predetermined time T1 or more. As a result, a problem is likely to occur in that the transition to the end process (steps S105 to S107) is delayed. In this regard, according to the drying operation control method of the embodiment, as shown in FIG. 5, in the specific determination process (steps S121 to S126), the control unit C1 uses a specific variable (minimum absolute humidity determination value Hmin_jdg) updated based on the minimum absolute humidity Hmin and the predetermined specific threshold value G3, and the number of times (counter variable N1) that the specific variable (minimum absolute humidity determination value Hmin_jdg) has not been continuously updated, for the determination. Thereby, the control unit C1 can surely determine with high certainty that the drying progress of the clothing has become sufficient without being misled by the wavy fluctuations of the current absolute humidity H accompanying the repetition of high-temperature standby. As a result, the control unit C1 can surely suppress with high certainty the problem of the delay in the transition to the end process (steps S105 to S107).

[0138] Furthermore, in this drying operation control method, as described above, the absolute humidity detected by the humidity detection means 5 may follow while fluctuating with respect to the change in the actual absolute humidity in the bathroom BR. Such detection characteristics of the humidity detection means 5 tend to exacerbate the wavy fluctuations of the current absolute humidity H when entering the high-temperature standby state and then repeatedly exiting the high-temperature standby state, and are likely to induce errors in the "judgment as to whether or not the time during which the maximum absolute humidity and the minimum absolute humidity are not updated has reached a predetermined time or more (STEP17)" in the drying operation control method of Patent Document 1. In this regard, according to the drying operation control method of the embodiment, as shown in FIG. 5, the control unit C1 can surely determine with high certainty that the drying progress of the clothing has become sufficient without being misled by the wavy fluctuations of the current absolute humidity H accompanying the repetition of the high-temperature standby in the specific determination process (steps S121 to S126). Then, when the control unit C1 becomes "Yes" in step S126, it further makes a determination using the current relative humidity Hr in step S127, so it is possible to highly surely suppress the situation of shifting to the end process (steps S105 to S107) even though the drying progress of the clothing is actually not sufficient.

[0139] As described above, the present invention has been described with reference to the embodiments. However, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments, and it goes without saying that the present invention can be appropriately modified and applied without departing from the gist thereof.

[0140] In the embodiment, the ventilation unit 3 is provided as a part of the bathroom heater / dryer 1, but the present invention is not limited to this configuration. For example, the ventilation unit according to the present invention may be provided outside the bathroom heater / dryer, communicate with the bathroom via a movable damper, and constitute a part of a path for discharging the air in the bathroom to the outside. Specific examples of the ventilation unit in this case include a configuration in which ventilation equipment provided in a house also performs ventilation of the bathroom, and an intermediate duct fan in which a ventilation unit is provided in a duct connected to the bathroom heater / dryer. Further, in these configurations, ventilation may be constantly performed, and the execution and stop of the ventilation of the bathroom and the change of the ventilation air volume of the bathroom may be performed by adjusting the opening and closing and the opening degree of the movable damper.

[0141] In the embodiment, the control unit C1 determines in the main determination process (step S103) whether or not the main variable (maximum absolute humidity Hmax - current absolute humidity H) is equal to or greater than a predetermined main threshold value G1. However, the present invention is not limited to this configuration. For example, the control unit C1 may define the main variable as the current absolute humidity H and determine whether or not the main variable (current absolute humidity H) is equal to or less than the drying determination value, which is the main threshold value.

[0142] In the embodiment, a configuration in which step S114 is eliminated and, when "Yes" is determined in step S113, the process immediately proceeds to the end process (steps S105 to S107) is also included in the present invention.

[0143] In the embodiment, a configuration in which step S127 is eliminated and, when "Yes" is determined in step S126, the process immediately proceeds to the end process (steps S105 to S107) is also included in the present invention.

Industrial Applicability

[0144] The present invention can be used, for example, in bathrooms installed in houses, facilities, and the like.

Explanation of Signs

[0145] 1... Bathroom heater dryer BR... Bathroom 2... Heating unit 5... Humidity detection means H... Current absolute humidity C1... Control unit 3... Ventilation unit G1... Predetermined main threshold value S103... Main determination process G2... Predetermined sub-threshold value T1... Predetermined time S111 to S113... Sub-determination process S105 to S107... End process Hmax... Maximum absolute humidity Tbr... Temperature in the bathroom 5A... Thermistor 5B... Relative humidity sensor Hr... Current relative humidity detected by the relative humidity sensor (current relative humidity) G4... Predetermined relative humidity threshold value Tw1... Predetermined standby start temperature Tw2... Predetermined standby end temperature S117, S118, S131~S133... High-temperature standby control Hmin... Minimum absolute humidity G3... Predetermined specific threshold value M1... Predetermined number of times S121~S126... Specific judgment process

Claims

1. A heating unit that heats while circulating the air in the bathroom to heat the bathroom; A ventilation unit that discharges the air in the bathroom to the outside to ventilate the bathroom; Humidity detection means for detecting the absolute humidity in the bathroom; A control unit that constantly acquires the current absolute humidity which is the current absolute humidity from the humidity detection means, and executes a drying operation for drying clothes in the bathroom by controlling the heating from the heating unit and the ventilation from the ventilation unit; A method for controlling the drying operation of a bathroom heater dryer, comprising: The ventilation unit is provided as part of the bathroom heater dryer or outside the bathroom heater dryer; During the execution of the drying operation, the control unit For the main variable, it is defined as a value that is determined based on at least the current absolute humidity and reflects the progress of drying of the clothes, and a main determination process for determining whether the main variable has reached a predetermined main threshold value; For the sub-variable, it is defined that when the absolute value of the difference between the current absolute humidity and the sub-variable is greater than a predetermined sub-threshold value, the current absolute humidity is updated as the sub-variable, and a sub-determination process for determining whether the sub-variable has not been updated for a predetermined time or more is executed; When it is determined in the main determination process that the main variable has reached the main threshold value, or when it is determined in the sub-determination process that the sub-variable has not been updated for the predetermined time or more, the process proceeds to an end process for ending the drying operation; The control unit Constantly acquires the maximum absolute humidity which is the maximum value of the absolute humidity from the start of the drying operation; In the main determination process, for the main variable, it is defined as the difference between the maximum absolute humidity and the current absolute humidity, and it is determined whether the main variable has become equal to or greater than the main threshold value; The humidity detection means detects the absolute humidity using a thermistor whose resistance value changes according to the temperature in the bathroom and a relative humidity sensor that detects the relative humidity in the bathroom; When it is determined in the sub-determination process that the sub-variable has not been updated for the predetermined time or more, the control unit is configured to proceed to the end process when the current relative humidity detected by the relative humidity sensor becomes equal to or less than a predetermined relative humidity threshold value; A method for controlling the drying operation of a bathroom heater dryer, characterized in that the first sub-variable is the current absolute humidity first acquired.

2. The control unit During the execution of the drying operation, if the temperature in the bathroom rises to a predetermined standby start temperature, it enters a high-temperature standby state where the heating unit is stopped. If the temperature drops to a predetermined standby end temperature, it executes a high-temperature standby control to restart the operation of the heating unit and exit the high-temperature standby state. Obtain the minimum absolute humidity, which is the lowest absolute humidity during the period from exiting the high-temperature standby state to entering the high-temperature standby state again. Furthermore, the control unit defines that for a specific variable, when the absolute value of the difference between the minimum absolute humidity and the specific variable is greater than a predetermined specific threshold value, the minimum absolute humidity is updated as the specific variable, and executes a specific determination process to determine whether the specific variable is not updated continuously for a predetermined number of times. When it is determined in the specific determination process that the specific variable is not updated continuously for the predetermined number of times, it is configured to shift to the end process. The first specific variable is the minimum absolute humidity obtained first. The drying operation control method of the bathroom heating and drying machine according to claim 1.

3. A heating unit that heats while circulating the air in the bathroom to heat the bathroom, A ventilation unit that discharges the air in the bathroom to the outside to ventilate the bathroom, Humidity detection means for detecting the absolute humidity in the bathroom, A control unit that constantly obtains the current absolute humidity, which is the current absolute humidity from the humidity detection means, and controls the heating from the heating unit and the ventilation from the ventilation unit to execute a drying operation for drying clothes in the bathroom. A drying operation control method of a bathroom heating and drying machine comprising: The ventilation unit is provided as a part of the bathroom heating and drying machine or outside the bathroom heating and drying machine. During the execution of the drying operation, the control unit defines, for the main variable, a value that is determined based on at least the current absolute humidity and reflects the progress of drying of the clothes, and executes a main determination process to determine whether the main variable has reached a predetermined main threshold value. For the sub-variable, it is defined that when the absolute value of the difference between the current absolute humidity and the sub-variable is greater than a predetermined sub-threshold value, the current absolute humidity is updated as the sub-variable, and executes a sub-determination process to determine whether the sub-variable is not updated for a predetermined time or more. When it is determined in the main determination process that the main variable has reached the main threshold value, or when it is determined in the sub-determination process that the sub-variable is not updated for the predetermined time or more, it is configured to shift to an end process for ending the drying operation. The control unit Continuously obtain the maximum absolute humidity, which is the maximum value of the absolute humidity from the start of the drying operation. In the main determination process, define the main variable as the difference between the maximum absolute humidity and the current absolute humidity, and determine whether the main variable is equal to or greater than the main threshold value. The control unit is configured to: During the execution of the drying operation, if the temperature in the bathroom rises to a predetermined standby start temperature, enter a high-temperature standby state where the heating unit is stopped. If the temperature drops to a predetermined standby end temperature, resume the operation of the heating unit and execute a high-temperature standby control to exit the high-temperature standby state. Obtain the minimum absolute humidity, which is the lowest absolute humidity during the period from exiting the high-temperature standby state to entering the high-temperature standby state again. Furthermore, the control unit is configured to: For a specific variable, define that when the absolute value of the difference between the minimum absolute humidity and the specific variable is greater than a predetermined specific threshold value, update the minimum absolute humidity as the specific variable, and execute a specific determination process to determine whether the specific variable is not updated continuously for a predetermined number of times. If it is determined in the specific determination process that the specific variable is not updated continuously for the predetermined number of times, the process proceeds to the end process. The first sub-variable is the currently obtained absolute humidity obtained first. A drying operation control method for a bathroom heating and drying machine, characterized in that the first specific variable is the minimum absolute humidity obtained first.

4. The humidity detection means detects the absolute humidity using a thermistor whose resistance value changes according to the temperature in the bathroom and a relative humidity sensor that detects the relative humidity in the bathroom. When it is determined in the specific determination process that the specific variable is not updated continuously for the predetermined number of times, the control unit is configured to proceed to the end process when the current relative humidity detected by the relative humidity sensor is equal to or lower than a predetermined relative humidity threshold value. The drying operation control method for a bathroom heating and drying machine according to claim 2 or 3.

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