Clothes treatment equipment

Abstract

To provide a clothing treatment device which exhibits a stable drying function with an inexpensive structure.SOLUTION: A clothing treatment device includes: a housing; a storage tub provided in the housing, and for storing laundry; a path where air flowing into the storage tub passes; heating means provided in the path, and for generating heat by electricity conduction; and control means for controlling a drying step capable of conducting electricity to the heating means. In the heating step, the control means detects an input voltage value, and, at least in one drying cycle executed in the drying step, the control means determines ON time for conducting electricity to the heating means as first ON time, in the case where the input voltage value is a first voltage value, and determines ON time for conducting electricity to the heating means as second ON time which is shorter than the first ON time, in the case where the input voltage value is a second voltage value which is higher than the first voltage value.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 6B

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a clothing treatment device having a heating means for heating air. [Background technology]

[0002] For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a clothing treatment device having a heating means for heating air.

[0003] The clothing processing device described in Patent Document 1 has a washing tub that holds laundry, a heating means for heating air, a blowing means for circulating the heated air inside the washing tub, a temperature detecting means for detecting the temperature of the heated air, and a control means for controlling the heating means. The control means turns the heating means on or off depending on the temperature detected by the temperature detecting means. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2002-159778 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] On the other hand, there is a general demand for a clothing treatment device that has a stable drying function by controlling the heating means with an inexpensive configuration.

[0006] Therefore, an object of the present disclosure is to solve the above-mentioned problems and to provide a clothing processing device that has an inexpensive configuration and provides stable drying function. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] A clothing processing device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure comprises a housing, a storage tub arranged within the housing for storing laundry, a path through which air flowing into the storage tub passes, a heating means arranged in the path for generating heat when electricity is applied, and a control means for controlling a drying process in which electricity can be applied to the heating means, wherein the control means detects an input voltage value during the drying process, and, in at least one drying cycle performed during the drying process, when the input voltage value is a first voltage value, the control means determines the ON time for applying electricity to the heating means to be a first ON time, and when the input voltage value is a second voltage value higher than the first voltage value, the control means determines the ON time for applying electricity to the heating means to be a second ON time shorter than the first ON time. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to the present disclosure, an object of the present invention is to provide a clothing processing device that has an inexpensive configuration and exhibits stable drying function. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1A] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a washing machine according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure; [Figure 1B] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a washing machine according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure; [Figure 1C] Washing machine top view [Figure 1D] Cross section of a washing machine [Figure 2] Partial perspective view of a washing machine [Figure 3] Block diagram of the control means and related components [Figure 4] Cross-sectional view of part of a washing machine viewed from the width direction [Figure 5] Front view of a section of a washing machine [Figure 6A] Sequence diagram of the washing machine drying process [Figure 6B] Sequence diagram of the washing machine drying process [Figure 6C] Sequence diagram of the washing machine drying process DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] (Findings that formed the basis of this disclosure) At the time the inventors conceived the present disclosure, clothing treatment devices included a heating means for heating air, a temperature detection means for detecting the air temperature, and a control means. The control means controlled the heating means based on the air temperature detected by the temperature detection means. However, incorporating a temperature detection means into a clothing treatment device increased the cost of the clothing treatment device. Therefore, the inventors developed a clothing treatment device that controlled the heating means without incorporating a temperature detection means.

[0011] Furthermore, in areas where the external voltage supplied to homes, etc. is unstable, the voltage value supplied to the heating means may fluctuate significantly. In this case, it becomes difficult for the clothing treatment device to provide a stable drying function. Furthermore, if the voltage value is high, a safety device provided in the heating means will be activated. If the safety device is activated repeatedly, there is a risk of the heating means breaking down. On the other hand, if the safety device is omitted, it becomes difficult to ensure the safety of the clothing treatment device. The inventors discovered the above problems and have come to constitute the subject matter of the present disclosure in order to solve these problems.

[0012] Therefore, the present disclosure provides a clothing processing device that controls the heating means based on the input voltage value instead of the air temperature, thereby suppressing cost increases while improving the stability and safety of the drying function.

[0013] Hereinafter, embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. However, unnecessary detailed description may be omitted. For example, detailed description of well-known matters or redundant description of substantially the same configuration may be omitted. This is to avoid unnecessary redundancy in the following description and to facilitate understanding by those skilled in the art.

[0014] The accompanying drawings and the following description are provided to enable those skilled in the art to fully understand the present disclosure, and are not intended to limit the subject matter described in the claims.

[0015] (Embodiment) A laundry processing device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described. In the embodiment, a washing machine 1 having a washing function and a drying function will be described as an example of the laundry processing device.

[0016] [Overall configuration] 1A and 1B are perspective views of a washing machine 1 according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 1A is a perspective view of the washing machine 1 in a closed state, and FIG. 1B is a perspective view of the washing machine 1 in an open state. FIG. 1C is a top view of the washing machine 1. FIG. 1D is a cross-sectional view of the washing machine 1. FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a portion of the washing machine 1.

[0017] As shown in FIGS. 1A to 1D, the washing machine 1 includes a housing 2, a water tub 3 (FIG. 1D), a washing tub 4 (FIG. 1D), a detergent supply unit 5, a drying air duct 6, a heater 11 (FIG. 1C), and a control means C.

[0018] <Case> As shown in Figures 1A and 1B, the housing 2 is a member that forms the exterior of the washing machine 1. As shown in Figures 1C and 1D, the housing 2 defines an internal space 26. The internal space 26 accommodates a water tub 3, a washing tub 4, a detergent supply unit 5, and a drying air duct 6.

[0019] As shown in FIG. 1B, front surface 2A of housing 2 is provided with opening 20 communicating with water tub 3, door 21 that can be opened and closed to cover opening 20, and operation display unit 29. Operation display unit 29 is a mechanism that allows the user to operate washing machine 1, and is, for example, an operation button or a slide bar. Operation display unit 29 may also be a touch panel. The user can select a washing course, drying time, etc. through operation display unit 29.

[0020] <Aquarium> As shown in FIG. 1D, water tub 3 is provided inside housing 2 and is a generally cylindrical member with one end closed to store wash water. Water tub 3 has a tubular portion 34 and a bottom portion 36 that closes one end of tubular portion 34. Water tub 3 has an opening 31 facing bottom portion 36 at a position facing opening 20. Water tub 3 may also be referred to as an outer tub.

[0021] <Washing tub> Washing tub 4 is a generally cylindrical member that is rotatable around rotation axis R0 inside water tub 3 and that contains laundry such as clothes. Washing tub 4 is driven to rotate by, for example, motor 42 (FIG. 1D). Washing tub 4 has opening 41, facing opening 20, for inserting laundry. Washing tub 4 may also be called a storage tub, a rotary drum, or an inner tub.

[0022] Furthermore, the washing tub 4 is formed with a large number of through-holes (not shown) that communicate with the water tub 3. The through-holes allow the movement of air, water, and detergent between the water tub 3 and the washing tub 4.

[0023] The rotation axis R0 extends substantially horizontally. In this specification, "extending substantially horizontally" means extending in a direction inclined at an angle of 5° or less from the horizontal. The horizontal direction along the rotation axis R0 is defined as the front-rear direction M, and the horizontal direction perpendicular to the rotation axis R0 is defined as the width direction K. The front-rear direction M has a front side M1 facing the opening 41 and a rear side M2 ​​away from the opening 41.

[0024] <Laundry agent supply unit> 1C and 1D, the laundry agent supply unit 5 is a unit that supplies laundry treatment agents such as liquid agents, powder detergents, and solid agents to the washing tub 4. The liquid agents are liquid agents used to wash laundry such as clothes. The liquid agents may include detergent, fabric softener, and neutral detergent.

[0025] <Drying air path> As shown in Figures 1C and 2, dry air duct 6 is provided in internal space 26 of housing 2 and is a duct for flowing dry air into water tub 3 and washing tub 4. Dry air duct 6 forms a flow path therein through which dry air passes. Through dry air duct 6, dry air is introduced from internal space 26 of housing 2 into water tub 3 and washing tub 4, and is discharged from water tub 3 and washing tub 4 to the outside of housing 2 (arrow A in Figure 2).

[0026] Drying air duct 6 is divided into intake air duct 7 and exhaust air duct 8. Intake air duct 7 and exhaust air duct 8 are connected to each other via water tub 3 and washing tub 4, and drying air passes through intake air duct 7, water tub 3, washing tub 4, and exhaust air duct 8, in that order. Intake air duct 7 connects internal space 26 of housing 2 with water tub 3, and supplies drying air to water tub 3. Exhaust air duct 8 connects water tub 3 with the outside of housing 2, and exhausts drying air from water tub 3.

[0027] <Heater> The heater 11 (FIG. 1C) is provided inside the intake air duct 7 and is a heating means for heating the drying air flowing into the intake air duct 7. The heater 11 has a heating wire provided as a fixed resistor. When a voltage is applied to the heating wire, the heater 11 generates heat and heats the air. Because the heating wire is a fixed resistor, the output power of the heater 11 changes depending on the input voltage value. The power consumption and heating amount of the heater 11 can be adjusted by controlling the ON / OFF of the output to the heater 11 using a control means C described later and controlling the power supply time to the heater 11. The heater 11 is, for example, a nichrome wire heater.

[0028] Furthermore, the heater 11 is a non-insulated type heater, i.e., the heater 11 does not have an insulating cover that covers the heating wire or the connector that connects to the power source, and has a simple structure.

[0029] <Control means> As shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B, the control means C is a member that controls the operation of the washing machine 1.

[0030] 3 is a block diagram of the control means C and related components. As shown in FIG. 3, the control means C has a control unit 10 and a voltage detection unit 12.

[0031] The control unit 10 may include, for example, a memory (not shown) that stores a program and a processing circuit (not shown) corresponding to a processor such as a CPU, and function as these elements by the processor executing the program. The voltage detection unit 12 is a circuit that detects the input voltage value applied to the washing machine 1. Specifically, the voltage detection unit 12 includes a microcontroller that has the function of detecting the input voltage value. Microcontrollers have been around for a long time. The voltage detection unit 12 transmits the detected input voltage value to the control unit 10.

[0032] Control means C is electrically connected to operation and display unit 29, motor 42 that drives washing tub 4, and heater 11. Control means C controls motor 42 and heater 11 according to information input to operation and display unit 29 and an input voltage value acquired by voltage detection unit 12.

[0033] In the following, the state in which the heater 11 is ON refers to a state in which the control means C is energizing the heater 11 (the output of the control means C is ON). The state in which the heater 11 is OFF and a state in which the heater 11 is stopped refers to a state in which the control means C has stopped energizing the heater 11 (the output of the control means C is OFF). The control means C has a relay, which is a circuit configuration that switches the output ON / OFF. The operation of the relay will be described as the operation of the control means C (switching the output ON / OFF).

[0034] Here, the structure of the housing 2 will be described in more detail. As shown in Fig. 1B, a housing opening 23 is formed in the front surface 2A of the housing 2 above the opening 20. As shown in Fig. 1D, the housing opening 23 connects an external space 25 and an internal space 26 of the housing 2. The housing opening 23 opens toward the front side M1.

[0035] 1A, 1B, and 1D, door 21 forms ventilation passage 24 at a position facing housing opening 23. Ventilation passage 24 penetrates door 21 and allows air to pass through door 21. When door 21 is closed, ventilation passage 24 communicates with housing opening 23, and air from external space 25 flows into housing 2 after passing through ventilation passage 24 and housing opening 23 in that order.

[0036] On the other hand, when the door 21 is open, the ventilation passage 24 and the housing opening 23 are separated from each other.

[0037] The flow of air that has flowed into the housing 2 will be described with reference to Figures 2 and 4. Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view of a part of the washing machine 1 as seen from the width direction K.

[0038] 2, the drying air that flows into the housing 2 passes through the internal space 26, the intake air duct 7, the water tub 3, the washing tub 4, and the exhaust air duct 8, in that order, before being exhausted to the external space 25 of the housing 2. The drying air passes through the housing 2 in a single pass, which is different from the case where the air circulates through the housing 2.

[0039] More specifically, drying air flows from external space 25 of housing 2 through housing opening 23 into internal space 26 above water tub 3. The air that flows into internal space 26 flows toward rear side M2, then turns around and flows into intake air duct 7. In this specification, "bent" means that the direction of travel before the turn and the direction of travel after the turn intersect at an angle of at least 45°. In this embodiment, the air that flows into internal space 26 turns 180° before flowing into intake air duct 7.

[0040] As shown in Fig. 4, the drying air in intake air duct 7 is heated by heater 11, and the heated drying air flows from intake air duct 7 into water tub 3 and washing tub 4. In washing tub 4, the drying air comes into contact with wet laundry to dry the laundry.

[0041] The drying air in washing tub 4 removes moisture from the laundry, and then is discharged to external space 25 of housing 2 through exhaust air duct 8.

[0042] Here, the structure of the water tank 3 through which the drying air passes will be described in more detail.

[0043] As shown in Figure 4, tubular portion 34 of water tub 3 has accommodation portion 32 that accommodates washing tub 4, and narrowed portion 33 located on front side M1 of accommodation portion 32. Narrowed portion 33 forms opening 31 and has a shape that tapers toward opening 31. Therefore, narrowed portion 33 has a smaller radius than accommodation portion 32.

[0044] An exhaust connection port 38 is formed along the outer periphery of the housing section 32. The exhaust connection port 38 is an opening for connecting the exhaust air duct 8 to the water tub 3. Drying air flows from the water tub 3 into the exhaust air duct 8 through the exhaust connection port 38.

[0045] An intake connection port 37 is formed along the outer periphery of narrowed portion 33. Intake connection port 37 is an opening that connects intake airflow duct 7 to water tub 3. Drying air flows from intake airflow duct 7 into water tub 3 through intake connection port 37. Intake connection port 37 is formed on the front side M1 of exhaust connection port 38.

[0046] With this structure, the intake connection port 37 and the exhaust connection port 38 are spaced apart in the front-to-rear direction M. This allows the path of the drying air passing through the water tub 3 (i.e., the washing tub 4) to be longer, making it easier for the drying air to hit more laundry.

[0047] In addition, the intake connection port 37 is formed closer to the rotation axis R0 than the exhaust connection port 38.

[0048] Here, the principle of how air flows in the drying process will be described with reference to Fig. 5. Fig. 5 is a cross-sectional view of a part of washing machine 1 as seen from the front side M1.

[0049] As shown in FIG. 5, the washing tub 4 rotates around a rotation axis R0 in a first rotation direction R1 during the drying process.

[0050] When the rotation speed of washing tub 4 is equal to or higher than a predetermined value, for example, 550 rpm or higher, a swirling flow along the first rotation direction R1 is generated inside washing tub 4. The swirling flow may be a forced vortex. The forced vortex forms an air velocity distribution inside washing tub 4. Specifically, the air velocity increases as the distance from rotation axis R0 increases.

[0051] In washing machine 1, exhaust connection port 38 is formed at a position farther from rotation axis R0 than intake connection port 37, so the air near exhaust connection port 38 has a higher velocity than the air near intake connection port 37. Therefore, air is more likely to flow out through exhaust connection port 38.

[0052] When the air flows out through the exhaust connection port 38, a negative pressure is created inside the washing tub 4. The negative pressure causes air to be sucked into the washing tub 4 through the intake connection port 37.

[0053] According to this principle, even in washing machine 1 that does not have a fan, a forced vortex is generated by the rotation of washing tub 4, which creates a pressure difference in drying air duct 6 and generates an air flow.

[0054] (operation) In the above-described configuration, a description will be given of an example of the operation of the washing machine 1. As an example of the operation of the washing machine 1, the operation when the drying process is selected by the user of the washing machine 1 will be described.

[0055] In the drying process, the washing tub 4 is rotated and drying air is applied to the spun laundry to dry it. An example of the drying process will be described in more detail with reference to Fig. 6A to Fig. 6C. Fig. 6A to Fig. 6C are sequence diagrams of the drying process of the washing machine 1.

[0056] As shown in Fig. 6A, first, the control means C acquires the drying time T1 according to the course selected by the user (S11). The drying time T1 is 2 hours. The drying time T1 may also be different depending on the type of course, such as 30 minutes or 1 hour.

[0057] Next, the control unit 10 executes a drying cycle (S12 to S23). If the drying time T1 is two hours, the control unit 10 executes six drying cycles. The control unit 10 may execute one or more drying cycles depending on the drying time T1.

[0058] One drying cycle includes steps 12 to 23, and includes one voltage detection (S12) and multiple heating sub-cycles (S18 to S20) in which the heater 11 is repeatedly turned on and off while drying air is flowing.

[0059] In the drying cycle, first, the voltage detection unit 12 detects the voltage and obtains the input voltage value V0 (S11).

[0060] Specifically, the voltage detection unit 12 obtains a detected voltage value Vd, which is the average of two voltage values ​​obtained at each scan timing (e.g., 100 ms), as a final voltage value. The voltage detection unit 12 may use the detected voltage value Vd as the input voltage value V0. Alternatively, the voltage detection unit 12 may correct the detected voltage value Vd using a predetermined correction value Vc determined at the time of shipping the washing machine 1, and use the corrected value as the input voltage value V0.

[0061] Voltage detection is performed when the heater 11 and the motor 42 are OFF, i.e., when the heater 11 and the motor 42 are stopped. When the heater 11 and the motor 42 are operating, the input voltage value V0 fluctuates within a range of several tens of volts. By performing voltage detection when the heater 11 and the motor 42 are stopped, voltage fluctuations caused by the heater 11 and the motor 42 are suppressed, allowing the voltage detection unit 12 to accurately detect the input voltage value V0.

[0062] In the first drying cycle, after the input voltage value V0 is acquired, a relay check of the control means C may be performed. This makes it possible to check whether the relay operates normally before heating starts.

[0063] Next, the control unit 10 turns on the motor 42 to start rotating the washing tub 4 (S13). The rotation direction is the first rotation direction R1.

[0064] Next, the control unit 10 acquires the rotation speed of the washing tub 4 (S14).

[0065] Next, the control unit 10 determines whether the rotation speed of the washing tub 4 is equal to or greater than a predetermined value (S15). The predetermined value may be equal to or greater than 400 rpm and equal to or less than 1400 rpm, and is preferably 550 rpm. When the rotation speed exceeds the predetermined value, a flow of drying air is generated in the washing tub 4, making it possible to dry the laundry.

[0066] If the rotation speed is less than 550 rpm (No in S15), the control unit 10 returns to step S14.

[0067] If the rotation speed is 550 rpm or more (Yes in S15), the control unit 10 executes step S16.

[0068] As shown in FIG. 6B, the control unit 10 then determines the voltage range VR1 to VR5 to which the input voltage value V0 belongs (S16).

[0069] Next, the control unit 10 determines the ON time and OFF time of the heater 11 in the heating sub-cycle according to the voltage range VR1 to VR5 to which the input voltage value V0 belongs (S171 to S175).

[0070] Here, the ON time is the time during which the heater 11 is energized and turned ON, causing the heater 11 to generate heat. The heat generated by the heater 11 heats up the drying air flowing through the drying air duct 6 due to the rotation of the washing tub 4. The OFF time is the time during which the heater 11 is cooled down, causing the heater 11 to be turned OFF by stopping the energization of the heater 11. In the heating sub-cycle (S18 to S20), the ON time and the OFF time are alternately repeated until a predetermined time (the subsequent heating time Th) is reached.

[0071] Specifically, when the input voltage value V0 is equal to or less than the first threshold value V1 (when the input voltage value V0 belongs to the voltage range VR1), the control unit 10 determines the ON time of the heater 11 to be 102 seconds and the OFF time to be 0 seconds (S171). When the input voltage value V0 is greater than the first threshold value V1 and equal to or less than the second threshold value V2 (when the input voltage value V0 belongs to the voltage range VR2), the control unit 10 determines the ON time of the heater 11 to be 93 seconds and the OFF time to be 9 seconds (S172). When the input voltage value V0 is greater than the second threshold value V2 and equal to or less than the third threshold value V3 (when the input voltage value V0 belongs to the voltage range VR3), the control unit 10 determines the ON time of the heater 11 to be 85 seconds and the OFF time to be 17 seconds (S173). When the input voltage value V0 is greater than the third threshold value V3 and equal to or less than the fourth threshold value V4 (when the input voltage value V0 belongs to the voltage range VR4), the control unit 10 determines the ON time of the heater 11 to be 70 seconds and the OFF time to be 32 seconds (S174). When the input voltage value V0 is greater than the fourth threshold value V4 (when it belongs to the voltage range VR5), the control unit 10 determines the ON time of the heater 11 to be 0 seconds and the OFF time to be 102 seconds (S175).

[0072] In this embodiment, the first threshold V1 is 225 V, the second threshold V2 is 235 V, the third threshold V3 is 245 V, and the fourth threshold V4 is 265 V. Each of the thresholds V1 to V4 may be changed depending on the area where the washing machine 1 is installed.

[0073] Here, if the sum of the ON time and the OFF time is defined as the sub-cycle time Tc, the sub-cycle time Tc is constant in each of the voltage ranges VR1 to VR5. In this embodiment, the sub-cycle time Tc is 102 seconds. The control unit 10 may determine the ON time according to the input voltage value V0, and then determine the OFF time as the time obtained by subtracting the ON time from the sub-cycle time Tc.

[0074] Next, the control unit 10 energizes the heater 11 during the ON time, turning the heater 11 ON and operating it (S18). By determining the ON time according to the input voltage value V0, the amount of power consumed per cycle can be maintained approximately constant. For example, during one ON time, the amount of power consumed is 30 kW±5 kW, regardless of the input voltage value V0. This operation allows the washing machine 1 to achieve a stable drying function even in an environment where the input voltage value V0 fluctuates. Furthermore, even when the input voltage value V0 is abnormally high, the safety of the washing machine 1 can be improved by setting the ON time to zero.

[0075] Subsequently, the control unit 10 stops the supply of electricity to the heater 11 during the OFF time, turns off the heater 11, and stops the operation (S19).

[0076] Next, the control unit 10 determines whether the time that has elapsed since the start of step 16 is longer than the heating time Th (S20). The heating time Th is, for example, 20 minutes.

[0077] As shown in FIG. 6C, if the time is longer than the heating time Th (Yes in S20), the control unit 10 turns off the heater 11 (S21).

[0078] If the time is shorter than the heating time Th (No in S20), the control unit 10 returns to step 18. That is, the control unit 10 executes a heating sub-cycle by alternately turning the heater 11 on and off until the heating time Th is reached within one drying cycle. By repeatedly turning the heater 11 on and off, it is possible to prevent the temperature of the heater 11 from rising excessively.

[0079] Next, after continuing rotation for 30 seconds with heater 11 turned off, control unit 10 turns off motor 42 and stops the rotation of washing tub 4 (S22). This operation ensures time for heater 11 to cool down. Furthermore, by turning off motor 42 after heater 11, it is possible to prevent the voltage supplied to heater 11 from suddenly increasing, and to prevent the temperature of heater 11 from rising, compared to when the order is reversed.

[0080] Furthermore, between steps 21 and 22, the power supply to the heater 11 is stopped, but the stop time between steps 21 and 22 is different from the OFF time and is constant regardless of the input voltage value V0.

[0081] Next, the control unit 10 determines whether the time that has elapsed since the start of step 10 is longer than the drying time T1 (S23).

[0082] If the time is longer than the drying time T1 (Yes in S23), the control unit 10 ends the drying process.

[0083] If the time T is shorter than the drying time T1 (No in S23), the control unit 10 returns to step 11 and executes the second drying cycle. If the supply voltage fluctuates between the first drying cycle and the second drying cycle, the input voltage value V0 in the first drying cycle and the input voltage value V20 in the second drying cycle will be different. The ON time of the first drying cycle is different from the ON time of the second drying cycle, and the OFF time of the first drying cycle is different from the OFF time of the second drying cycle.

[0084] After executing the drying cycle six times, the control unit 10 ends the operation.

[0085] (summary) The above explanations are summarized to describe the features of the present disclosure.

[0086] Instead of a temperature detection means, the washing machine 1 has a voltage detection unit 12 that detects the input voltage value V0 applied to the heater 11. The control unit 10 determines the ON time for turning the heater 11 ON and the OFF time for turning it OFF according to the input voltage value V0 to the heater 11. When the input voltage value V0 is low, the ON time is lengthened and the OFF time is shortened to ensure sufficient heating by the heater 11. On the other hand, when the input voltage value V0 is high, the ON time is shortened and the OFF time is lengthened to prevent the temperature of the heater 11 from rising excessively and to ensure time for the heater 11 to cool down during the OFF time.

[0087] By employing voltage detection unit 12 instead of a temperature detection means, the cost of washing machine 1 can be reduced. Furthermore, with this configuration, even when the supply voltage fluctuates, the ON / OFF of heater 11 can be controlled according to input voltage value V0, stabilizing the drying function of washing machine 1. More specifically, by detecting input voltage value V0 at the start of each drying cycle, the drying function of washing machine 1 can be stabilized even in areas where the supply voltage fluctuates by ±10 V over the course of a day. Furthermore, even in an abnormal state where the supply voltage is abnormally high, the temperature of heater 11 can be prevented from rising excessively, improving the safety of washing machine 1.

[0088] (effect) The washing machine 1 according to the first embodiment can achieve the following effects.

[0089] As described above, the washing machine 1 of this embodiment includes a housing 2, a washing tub 4 (storage tub) provided in the housing 2 and configured to accommodate laundry, a drying air duct 6 (path) through which air flowing into the washing tub 4 passes, a heater 11 (heating means) provided in the drying air duct 6, and a control unit C. The heater 11 generates heat when energized. The control unit C controls a drying process in which the heater 11 can be energized, and detects an input voltage value V0 during the drying process. At least one drying cycle is executed during the drying process. When the input voltage value V0 is equal to a first threshold value V1 (first voltage value) during one drying cycle, the control unit C determines the ON time for energizing the heater 11 to be a first ON time. When the input voltage value V0 is equal to a second threshold value V2 (second voltage value) higher than the first threshold value V1, the control unit C determines the ON time for energizing the heater 11 to be a second ON time that is shorter than the first ON time.

[0090] With this configuration, the cost of the washing machine 1 can be reduced by providing the voltage detection unit 12 instead of the temperature detection unit as the control means. Also, by adjusting the ON time according to the input voltage value V0, the heating function of the heater 11 can be controlled even when the input voltage value V0 fluctuates. This makes it possible to provide stable drying performance. Furthermore, when the input voltage value V0 is high, shortening the ON time prevents the temperature of the heater 11 from becoming excessively high, thereby improving the safety of the heater 11.

[0091] Furthermore, in the washing machine 1 of this embodiment, the control means C executes the drying cycle multiple times in the drying process. The control means C determines the ON time of the first drying cycle in accordance with the input voltage value V0 (first input voltage value) corresponding to the first threshold value V1 or the second threshold value V2. The control means C determines the ON time of the second drying cycle in accordance with the input voltage value V20 (second input voltage value) corresponding to the first threshold value V1 or the second threshold value V2 and detected at a timing different from the first input voltage value.

[0092] With this configuration, the ON time of the heater 11 can be adjusted according to the input voltage value V0 for each drying cycle, so that the heating function of the heater 11 can be maintained even in areas where voltage fluctuates.

[0093] Furthermore, in the washing machine 1 of this embodiment, the control means C detects the input voltage value V0 at the start of the first drying cycle, and detects the input voltage value V20 at the start of the second drying cycle.

[0094] With this configuration, the ON time of the heater 11 can be adjusted according to the input voltage value V0 at the start of the drying cycle.

[0095] In addition, in the washing machine 1 of this embodiment, the minimum value of the ON time is zero.

[0096] With this configuration, the ON time is set to zero, thereby suppressing further heating of the heater 11. Therefore, the operation of a thermostat or thermal fuse that operates at high temperatures can be suppressed.

[0097] Moreover, in the washing machine 1 of this embodiment, the control means C further stops the supply of electricity to the heater 11 after the ON time in one drying cycle.

[0098] With this configuration, by providing steps (S19, S21) of stopping heating of the heater 11, it is possible to ensure time for the heater 11 to cool down.

[0099] In addition, in the washing machine 1 of this embodiment, the control means C determines the OFF time for stopping the supply of electricity to the heating means to be a first OFF time when the input voltage value V0 is equal to the first threshold value V1 during one drying cycle. When the input voltage value V0 is equal to the second threshold value V2, the control means C determines the OFF time for stopping the supply of electricity to the heating means to be a second OFF time longer than the first OFF time.

[0100] With this configuration, by adjusting the OFF time according to the input voltage value V0, it is possible to control the heating function of the heater 11 even when the input voltage value V0 fluctuates, thereby providing more stable drying performance.

[0101] Furthermore, in the washing machine 1 of this embodiment, the control means C determines the ON time and the OFF time in one drying cycle, and then repeats a sub-cycle in which the ON time and the OFF time are executed in sequence at least twice.

[0102] With this configuration, the temperature of the heater 11 can be prevented from rising excessively by repeatedly turning the heater 11 on and off.

[0103] In addition, in the washing machine 1 of this embodiment, the minimum value of the OFF time is zero.

[0104] With this configuration, by setting the OFF time to zero, sufficient heating by the heater 11 can be ensured even when the input voltage value V0 is low.

[0105] In addition, in the washing machine 1 of this embodiment, the sum of the first ON time and the first OFF time is equal to the sum of the second ON time and the second OFF time.

[0106] With this configuration, the sum of the ON time and OFF time (sub-cycle time Tc) is constant, so even if the ON time varies, the time required for the drying cycle can be maintained constant. Furthermore, even if the input voltage V0 varies, the power consumption (electrical energy) of the washing machine 1 can be made uniform, maintaining equivalent drying performance. Furthermore, when the input voltage V0 is high, the ON time is shortened and the OFF time is lengthened, ensuring sufficient cooling time for the heater 11. Cooling down the heater 11 prevents the temperature from rising excessively during the next ON time.

[0107] Moreover, the washing machine 1 of this embodiment further includes a motor 42 that rotates the washing tub 4. The control means C detects the input voltage value V0 while the heater 11 is energized and the motor 42 is stopped.

[0108] This configuration can prevent the input voltage value V0 from fluctuating within a range of ±several tens of volts due to the operation of the heater 11 and the motor 42. This allows the input voltage value V0 to be detected more accurately.

[0109] Furthermore, the washing machine 1 of this embodiment does not include a temperature detection means for detecting the temperature of the drying air passing through the drying air duct 6.

[0110] This configuration makes it possible to provide a cheaper washing machine 1 compared to washing machines that have a temperature detection means. Also, since the voltage applied to the heater 11 can be measured directly, the occurrence of detection lag can be suppressed.

[0111] In addition, in the washing machine 1 of this embodiment, the heater 11 is an electric heating wire provided as a fixed resistor.

[0112] With this configuration, the output of the heater 11 can be controlled by the input voltage value V0. Specifically, by adjusting the ON time of the heater 11 according to the input voltage value V0, the amount of power consumption (electrical energy) of the heater 11 can be kept constant.

[0113] The present disclosure is not limited to the above-described embodiment, but can be embodied in various other forms.

[0114] In the embodiment, the washing machine 1 has been described as a clothing treatment device, but the present invention is not limited to this. Any clothing treatment device having a heating means for heating air, such as a simple clothes dryer without a washing function, may be used.

[0115] In the embodiment, an example has been described in which washing machine 1 generates an air flow by rotating washing tub 4, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, washing machine 1 may be provided with a drying fan. Furthermore, washing machine 1 may employ a circulation drying method in which drying air is circulated between washing tub 4 and heater 11.

[0116] In the embodiment, heater 11 has been described as a means for heating air, but this is not limiting. Washing machine 1 may use another heating device whose output can be controlled by input voltage value V0 instead of heater 11. For example, heater 11 may be a sheathed heater.

[0117] In the embodiment, an example has been described in which the control unit 10 and the voltage detection unit 12 are provided in the control means C, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the control unit 10 and the voltage detection unit 12 may be mounted on different boards or microcontrollers.

[0118] In the embodiment, an example has been described in which voltage detection unit 12 detects input voltage value V0 applied to washing machine 1, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, voltage detection unit 12 may detect an output voltage value from the microcontroller in voltage detection unit 12 to heater 11 as input voltage value V0.

[0119] In the embodiment, an example in which washing machine 1 executes only the drying process has been described, but this is not limiting. For example, washing machine 1 may execute the drying process as one of the processes in the washing and drying operation. More specifically, the operation of washing machine 1 in the washing and drying operation may include a washing process, a rinsing process, a spin-drying process, and a drying process. Control means C sequentially controls each process. In the washing process, laundry is placed in washing tub 4, and water and detergent are supplied to washing tub 4 to wash the laundry. In the rinsing process, water is supplied to washing tub 4 to rinse the laundry. In the spin-drying process, water is discharged from water tub 3, and washing tub 4 is rotated at high speed to spin-dry the laundry.

[0120] In the embodiment, the control unit 10 determines the ON time and the OFF time (S171 to S175) in accordance with the voltage range VR1 to VR5 to which the input voltage value V0 belongs, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the control unit 10 may determine the ON time and the OFF time in accordance with the value of the input voltage value V0 itself.

[0121] In the embodiment, an example in which the sub-cycle time Tc is 102 seconds has been described, but this is not limiting. The sub-cycle time Tc may be changed depending on the performance of the circuit of the control means C. For example, by making the sub-cycle time Tc sufficiently long, the number of times the relay in the circuit of the control means C operates is reduced, thereby extending the life of the washing machine 1. Furthermore, the sub-cycle time Tc is not limited to being constant, and may be changed between different drying cycles or sub-cycles.

[0122] Although the embodiment has been described with specific values ​​for the ON time and OFF time, the values ​​are not limited to these. The ON time and OFF time values ​​may be changed depending on the flow rate of air passing through the heater 11 or the output of the heater 11.

[0123] The control unit 10 may execute a laundry loosening step between each drying step. The laundry adheres to the inner wall of the washing tub 4 due to the rotation in the drying step. Therefore, by rotating the washing tub 4 in the reverse direction, the laundry can be peeled off from the inner wall and loosened. The rotation speed in the loosening step is lower than the rotation speed in the drying step, for example, 50 rpm.

[0124] After step 19, control unit 10 may turn on motor 42 to rotate washing tub 4 while heater 11 is stopped. By this operation, air is blown onto heater 11 through dry air duct 6, thereby cooling heater 11.

[0125] The clothing processing device in a first aspect comprises a housing, a storage tub arranged within the housing for storing laundry, a path through which air flowing into the storage tub passes, a heating means arranged in the path and generating heat when electricity is applied, and a control means for controlling a drying process in which electricity can be applied to the heating means, wherein the control means detects an input voltage value during the drying process, and, in at least one drying cycle performed in the drying process, when the input voltage value is a first voltage value, the control means determines the ON time for applying electricity to the heating means to be a first ON time, and when the input voltage value is a second voltage value higher than the first voltage value, the control means determines the ON time for applying electricity to the heating means to be a second ON time shorter than the first ON time.

[0126] As a clothing processing device in the second aspect, in the clothing processing device in the first aspect, the control means executes a drying cycle multiple times in the drying process, determines the ON time of the first drying cycle according to a first input voltage value corresponding to the first voltage value or the second voltage value, and determines the ON time of the second drying cycle according to a second input voltage value corresponding to the first voltage value or the second voltage value and detected at a timing different from the first input voltage value.

[0127] As a clothing processing device in a third aspect, in the clothing processing device in the second aspect, the control means detects a first input voltage value at the start of the first drying cycle and detects a second input voltage value at the start of the second drying cycle.

[0128] In the fourth aspect of the clothing processing device, in any one of the first to third aspects, the minimum value of the ON time is zero.

[0129] As a clothing processing device in a fifth aspect, in the clothing processing device in any of the first to fourth aspects, the control means further executes stopping the supply of electricity to the heating means after the ON time in one drying cycle.

[0130] As a clothing processing device in the sixth aspect, in the clothing processing device in any of the first to fifth aspects, the control means determines the OFF time for stopping the supply of electricity to the heating means to be a first OFF time when the input voltage value is a first voltage value in one drying cycle, and determines the OFF time for stopping the supply of electricity to the heating means to be a second OFF time longer than the first OFF time when the input voltage value is a second voltage value.

[0131] As a clothing processing device in the seventh aspect, in the clothing processing device in the sixth aspect, the control means determines the ON time and OFF time in one drying cycle and repeats a sub-cycle in which the ON time and OFF time are executed sequentially at least twice.

[0132] In the eighth aspect, the clothing treatment device is the clothing treatment device of the sixth or seventh aspect, wherein the minimum value of the OFF time is zero.

[0133] As a clothing processing device according to a ninth aspect, in the clothing processing device according to any one of the sixth to eighth aspects, the sum of the first ON time and the first OFF time is equal to the sum of the second ON time and the second OFF time.

[0134] In a tenth aspect, the clothing treatment device is a clothing treatment device in any of the first to ninth aspects, further comprising a motor for rotating the storage tub, and the control means detects the input voltage value while current is applied to the heating means and the motor is stopped.

[0135] In an eleventh aspect, the clothing treating device is the clothing treating device of any one of the first to tenth aspects, but does not include a temperature detection means for detecting the temperature of the drying air passing through the path.

[0136] As a clothing treating device according to a twelfth aspect, in the clothing treating device according to any one of the first to eleventh aspects, the heating means is an electric heating wire provided as a fixed resistor.

[0137] Although the present disclosure has been fully described in connection with the preferred embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings, various changes and modifications will be apparent to those skilled in the art, and such changes and modifications are to be understood as included within the scope of the present invention as defined by the appended claims unless they depart therefrom. [Industrial Applicability]

[0138] The present disclosure is applicable to a clothing processing device, specifically, a top-loading washing machine, a top-loading washer-dryer, a drum-type washing machine, a drum-type washer-dryer, and the like. [Explanation of symbols]

[0139] 1 washing machine 2. Case 3. Aquarium 4 Washing machine 5 Detergent supply unit 6 Drying air path 7 Intake air duct 8 Exhaust air duct 10 Control Unit 11 Heater 12 Voltage detection section 20 aperture 21 Door 23 Housing opening 24 Ventilation duct 26 Interior Space 34 Cylinder part 36 Bottom 37 Intake connection port 38 Exhaust connection port C. Control measures

Claims

1. The housing and a storage tub provided in the housing for storing laundry; a path through which air flows into the storage tank; a heating means provided in the path and generating heat when energized; a control means for controlling a drying process in which current can be applied to the heating means; Equipped with The control means detects an input voltage value during the drying process, The control means, in at least one drying cycle performed in the drying process, determines the ON time for supplying power to the heating means to a first ON time when the input voltage value is a first voltage value, and determines the ON time for supplying power to the heating means to a second ON time shorter than the first ON time when the input voltage value is a second voltage value higher than the first voltage value.

2. The control means In the drying step, the drying cycle is performed multiple times, determining an ON time of a first drying cycle in response to a first input voltage value corresponding to the first voltage value or the second voltage value; The clothing processing device according to claim 1, wherein the ON time of the second drying cycle is determined according to a second input voltage value corresponding to the first voltage value or the second voltage value and detected at a timing different from that of the first input voltage value.

3. The clothing processing device of claim 2 , wherein the control means detects the first input voltage value at the start of the first drying cycle and detects the second input voltage value at the start of the second drying cycle.

4. The clothing treatment device of claim 1 , wherein the minimum ON time is zero.

5. The laundry treating device according to claim 1 , wherein the control means further stops the supply of electricity to the heating means after the ON time in one drying cycle.

6. 2. The clothing processing device according to claim 1, wherein the control means determines the OFF time for stopping power supply to the heating means to a first OFF time when the input voltage value is the first voltage value during one drying cycle, and determines the OFF time for stopping power supply to the heating means to a second OFF time longer than the first OFF time when the input voltage value is the second voltage value.

7. The clothing processing device according to claim 6, wherein the control means, when determining the ON time and the OFF time in one drying cycle, repeats a sub-cycle in which the ON time and the OFF time are executed in sequence at least twice.

8. The clothing treatment device of claim 6 , wherein the minimum value of the OFF time is zero.

9. The clothing treatment device of claim 6 , wherein the sum of the first ON time and the first OFF time is equal to the sum of the second ON time and the second OFF time.

10. Further provided is a motor for rotating the storage tank, The clothing processing device according to claim 1 , wherein the control means detects the input voltage value while the power supply to the heating means and the motor are stopped.

11. The laundry treating device according to claim 1, wherein the laundry treating device does not include a temperature detecting means for detecting the temperature of the drying air passing through the path.

12. The clothing processing device according to claim 1 , wherein the heating means is an electric heating wire provided as a fixed resistor.

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