Clothes treatment equipment

Abstract

To provide a technology capable of suppressing clothing from being attached to an inner peripheral surface of a rotary tub.SOLUTION: A clothing treatment device can execute dewatering operation for dewatering clothing in a rotary tub by the rotation of the rotary tub. In the case where weight of clothing detected by a weight detection part is determined to be equal to or greater than predetermined first reference weight, a control part executes first dewatering operation when executing the dewatering operation, and in the case where the weight of clothing detected by the weight detection part is determined to be below the predetermined first reference weight, the control part executes second dewatering operation in which a rotational frequency of the rotary tub is lower than that in the first dewatering operation and / or operation time is shorter than that of the first dewatering operation when executing the dewatering operation.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The technology disclosed in this specification relates to a clothing treatment device. [Background technology]

[0002] A clothing treatment device is disclosed in Patent Document 1. The clothing treatment device in Patent Document 1 includes a rotating tub that stores clothing, and is capable of performing a dehydration operation that dehydrates the clothing in the rotating tub by rotating the rotating tub. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2006-334261 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] The clothing treatment device of Patent Document 1 has a structure for preventing clothing from sticking to the inner circumferential surface of the rotating tub and becoming fixed thereto, but there is room for improvement. This specification provides a technology that can prevent clothing from sticking to the inner circumferential surface of the rotating tub. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] The clothing processing device disclosed in this specification includes a spin tub that stores clothing, a weight detection unit that detects the weight of the clothing in the spin tub, and a control unit. The clothing processing device is capable of performing a spin-drying operation to spin-dry the clothing in the spin tub by rotating the spin tub. If the weight of the clothing detected by the weight detection unit is determined to be equal to or greater than a predetermined first reference weight, the control unit performs a first spin-drying operation when performing the spin-drying operation. If the weight of the clothing detected by the weight detection unit is determined to be less than the first reference weight, the control unit performs a second spin-drying operation when performing the spin-drying operation, the second spin-drying operation having a lower rotation speed of the spin tub than the first spin-drying operation and / or a shorter operating time than the first spin-drying operation. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0006] [Figure 1] 1 is a diagram schematically illustrating a washing / drying machine according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a control system of the washer / dryer according to the embodiment. [Figure 3] 4 is a flowchart of a washing and drying process according to an embodiment. [Figure 4] 10 is a flowchart of a modified washing and drying process. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0007] A washer-dryer 2 (an example of a clothing processing device) of the embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. As shown in Fig. 1, the washer-dryer 2 includes a housing 10, a water tub 12 disposed within the housing 10, and a rotatable tub 13 disposed within the water tub 12. The washer-dryer 2 also includes a water supply channel 60, a drain channel 64, and a circulating air channel 30, which are connected to the water tub 12.

[0008] Washer / dryer 2 further includes pulsator 44 arranged in rotatable tub 13, drive motor 46 that drives and rotates rotatable tub 13 and / or pulsator 44, power transmission mechanism 48 that transmits the rotation of drive motor 46 to rotatable tub 13 and / or pulsator 44, and weight detection unit 50. Washer / dryer 2 also includes blower fan 40 arranged in circulating air duct 30, fan motor 42 that drives and rotates blower fan 40, and heater 52 that heats the air in circulating air duct 30.

[0009] The housing 10 of the washer-dryer 2 is, for example, box-shaped, and has an operation panel 120 provided on its top surface. The operation panel 120 is, for example, a touch panel, and displays various information related to the washer-dryer 2. The operation panel 120 also accepts various operations related to the washer-dryer 2.

[0010] Water tub 12, which is disposed within housing 10, is configured to be capable of storing water. Rotating tub 13, which is disposed within water tub 12, is configured to be capable of storing clothes. Rotating tub 13 is disposed within water tub 12 in a rotatable state. Rotating shaft 13A of rotating tub 13 extends vertically. Washer-dryer 2 of the embodiment is a vertical type washer-dryer equipped with rotating tub 13 in an upright position. During the washing operation of washer-dryer 2, clothes stored in rotating tub 13 are washed using water stored in water tub 12.

[0011] A pulsator 44 is rotatably disposed at the bottom of the rotatable tub 13. When the pulsator 44 is rotated by the drive motor 46, the clothes and water in the rotatable tub 13 are agitated. The washer-dryer 2 can detect the weight of the clothes in the rotatable tub 13 using the weight detection unit 50. The weight detection unit 50 detects the weight of the clothes in the rotatable tub 13 based on, for example, the load acting on the drive motor 46 that drives the pulsator 44 to rotate.

[0012] The drive motor 46 is mechanically connected to the rotatable tub 13 and the pulsator 44 via a power transmission mechanism 48. Rotation of the drive motor 46 rotates the rotatable tub 13 and / or the pulsator 44. The power transmission mechanism 48 is mechanically connected to the drive motor 46, the rotatable tub 13, and the pulsator 44. The power transmission mechanism 48 includes, for example, gears, pulleys, and a clutch, and transmits the rotation of the drive motor 46 to the rotatable tub 13 and / or the pulsator 44. The power transmission mechanism 48 can switch the destination of the power transmission by switching the clutch. For example, switching the clutch of the power transmission mechanism 48 switches between a state in which the power of the drive motor 46 is transmitted to the rotatable tub 13 and a state in which the power of the drive motor 46 is transmitted to the pulsator 44. Alternatively, the power of the drive motor 46 may be transmitted to both the rotatable tub 13 and the pulsator 44.

[0013] A water supply port 26 is provided at the top of the water tank 12. A drain outlet 28 is provided at the bottom of the water tank 12. A water supply channel 60 is connected to the water supply port 26, and a drain channel 64 is connected to the drain outlet 28. The upstream end of the water supply channel 60 is connected to a water source (e.g., a water line) and supplies water from the water source into the water tank 12. A water supply valve 62 is provided in the water supply channel 60. When the water supply valve 62 is opened, water is supplied into the water tank 12. When the water supply valve 62 is closed, water is no longer supplied to the water tank 12. A drain channel 64, connected to the drain outlet 28, has its downstream end connected to a drain destination (e.g., a drain pan) and discharges water discharged from the water tank 12 to the drain destination. A drain valve 66 is provided in the drain channel 64. When the drain valve 66 is opened, water is drained from the water tank 12, and when the drain valve 66 is closed, water is no longer drained from the water tank 12.

[0014] Furthermore, an exhaust port 22 and an air inlet 24 are provided above water tub 12. An upstream end of circulating air duct 30 is connected to exhaust port 22, and a downstream end of circulating air duct 30 is connected to air inlet 24. Circulating air duct 30 is a passage for circulating air for drying the clothes in rotatable tub 13. During the drying operation of washer-dryer 2, air in water tub 12 is discharged into circulating air duct 30 via exhaust port 22, and dry air is supplied from circulating air duct 30 into water tub 12 via air inlet 24. The dry air supplied into water tub 12 dries the clothes in rotatable tub 13.

[0015] Circulation air passage 30 includes, in order from its upstream end to its downstream end, first portion 31, second portion 32, third portion 33, fourth portion 34, fifth portion 35, and sixth portion 36. First portion 31 of circulation air passage 30 is connected to exhaust port 22 of water tub 12. First portion 31 is a bellows-shaped tube made of a flexible material such as resin. First portion 31 is configured to be elastically deformable. First portion 31 absorbs vibrations generated in water tub 12 when rotatable tub 13 rotates and prevents the vibrations of water tub 12 from being transmitted to second portion 32 of circulation air passage 30 and other portions. A filter 90 that captures lint contained in the air is disposed within second portion 32.

[0016] The third portion 33 of the circulating air passage 30 meanders vertically. The air flowing through the third portion 33 first descends and then ascends. A water supply channel 92 is connected to the top of the third portion 33, and a drainage channel 94 is connected to the bottom of the third portion 33. Water for dehumidification is supplied to the third portion 33 from the water supply channel 92. The air passing through the third portion 33 is cooled and dehumidified by the water supplied from the water supply channel 92. The water supplied from the water supply channel 92 and the water condensed in the third portion 33 are discharged to the outside through the drainage channel 94.

[0017] A blower fan 40 is disposed in the fourth portion 34 of the circulation air duct 30. Air is sent from the upstream side to the downstream side of the circulation air duct 30 as the blower fan 40 rotates. A heater 52 is disposed in the fifth portion 35 of the circulation air duct 30. The heater 52 is, for example, a heating element that generates heat when electricity is applied, and heats the air passing through the fifth portion 35 by generating heat. The dried air heated by the heater 52 is supplied into the water tub 12.

[0018] Sixth portion 36 of circulating air passage 30 is connected to air inlet 24 of water tub 12. Sixth portion 36 is a bellows-shaped pipe made of a flexible material such as resin. Sixth portion 36 is configured to be elastically deformable. Sixth portion 36 absorbs vibrations generated in water tub 12 when rotatable tub 13 rotates, and prevents the vibrations of water tub 12 from being transmitted to fifth portion 35 and the like.

[0019] Fig. 2 is a block diagram of the control system of the washer-dryer 2. The washer-dryer 2 is equipped with a control unit 100 that controls the operation of each of the above-mentioned components. The control unit 100 is equipped with, for example, a CPU, a ROM, a RAM, etc., and executes various controls and processes related to the washer-dryer 2 based on a predetermined program. Note that Fig. 2 shows only some of the components of the washer-dryer 2.

[0020] The washer / dryer 2 can perform a washing operation to wash the clothes in the spin tub 13 and a drying operation to dry the clothes in the spin tub 13. The washing operation includes, for example, a washing operation and a rinsing operation. The washing operation and the drying operation are well known, so a detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0021] The washer-dryer 2 is also capable of performing a spin-drying operation in which the clothes in the spin tub 13 are dehydrated by rotating the spin tub 13. The control unit 100 is capable of setting the rotation speed of the spin tub 13 during the spin-drying operation. The control unit 100 is also capable of setting the operating time of the spin-drying operation. The control unit 100 is capable of performing a first spin-drying operation, a second spin-drying operation, and a third spin-drying operation by setting the rotation speed and operating time of the spin tub 13 during the spin-drying operation. The first spin-drying operation is an operation with a relatively strong dehydrating power. The second spin-drying operation is an operation with a weaker dehydrating power than the first spin-drying operation. The rotation speed of the spin tub 13 during the second spin-drying operation is lower than the rotation speed of the spin tub 13 during the first spin-drying operation. The operating time of the second spin-drying operation is shorter than the operating time of the first spin-drying operation. The third spin-drying operation is an operation with a weaker dehydrating power than the second spin-drying operation. The rotation speed of the rotating tub 13 in the third dehydration operation is lower than the rotation speed of the rotating tub 13 in the second dehydration operation. The operation time of the third dehydration operation is shorter than the operation time of the second dehydration operation.

[0022] (Washing and drying process; Figure 3) Next, the washing and drying process will be described. The washing and drying process starts, for example, when the start button for executing the washing and drying operation is pressed while clothes are stored in the spin tub 13. As shown in FIG. 3, in S2 of the washing and drying process, the weight detection unit 50 detects the weight of the clothes in the spin tub 13. In the following S4, the control unit 100 executes the washing operation. In the washing operation, for example, an amount of water corresponding to the weight of the clothes detected in S2 is supplied to the spin tub 13. In the washing operation, for example, both the washing operation and the rinsing operation are executed. In a modified washing operation, only either the washing operation or the rinsing operation may be executed. In the washing operation, an amount of detergent corresponding to the weight of the clothes detected in S2 may be dispensed into the spin tub 13. When the washing operation in S4 is completed, the process proceeds to S6.

[0023] In S6, the control unit 100 determines whether the weight of the clothes detected in S2 (i.e., the weight of the clothes in the rotating tub 13 detected by the weight detection unit 50) is equal to or greater than a predetermined first reference weight (e.g., 5 kg). If the weight of the clothes detected by the weight detection unit 50 is equal to or greater than the first reference weight (YES in S6), the process proceeds to S8. If the weight of the clothes detected by the weight detection unit 50 is less than the first reference weight (NO in S6), the process proceeds to S10.

[0024] In S8 after YES in S6, the control unit 100 executes the first spin-drying operation. On the other hand, in S10 after NO in S6, the control unit 100 executes the second spin-drying operation. The second spin-drying operation is an operation with a weaker dehydrating power than the first spin-drying operation. The second spin-drying operation is a spin-drying operation with a lower rotation speed of the rotating tub 13 than the first spin-drying operation and a shorter operating time than the first spin-drying operation. When the first spin-drying operation or the second spin-drying operation is completed, the process proceeds to S12.

[0025] In S12, the weight of the clothes in the spin tub 13 is again detected by the weight detection unit 50. In the following S14, the control unit 100 determines whether the weight of the clothes detected in S12 (i.e., the weight of the clothes in the spin tub 13 detected by the weight detection unit 50 after the first spin-drying operation or the second spin-drying operation) is equal to or greater than a predetermined second reference weight (e.g., 5 kg). The second reference weight in S14 may be different from or the same as the first reference weight in S6. The second reference weight in S14 may also be set based on the weight of the clothes detected in S2 (i.e., the weight of the clothes in the spin tub 13 detected by the weight detection unit 50 before the first spin-drying operation or the second spin-drying operation). If the weight of the clothes detected by the weight detection unit 50 in S12 is equal to or greater than the second reference weight (YES in S14), the process proceeds to S16. If the weight of the clothing detected by the weight detection unit 50 in S12 is less than the second reference weight (NO in S14), the process proceeds to S18.

[0026] When a spin-drying operation (first spin-drying operation or second spin-drying operation) is performed, the centrifugal force of the rotation may cause the clothes in the spin tub 13 to stick to the inner circumferential surface of the spin tub 13. If the clothes stick to the inner circumferential surface of the spin tub 13, the load acting on the pulsator 44 may decrease, and the weight detected by the weight detection unit 50 may become lighter. Alternatively, the clothes in the spin tub 13 may not be detected by the weight detection unit 50. When the weight of the clothes detected by the weight detection unit 50 is less than the second reference weight, it is considered that the clothes in the spin tub 13 have stuck to the inner circumferential surface of the spin tub 13 due to the spin-drying operation.

[0027] In S16 after YES in S14, the control unit 100 executes a drying operation. When the drying operation ends, the washing and drying process ends. On the other hand, in S18 after NO in S14, the control unit 100 executes a water supply operation to supply water into the spin tub 13. The control unit 100 supplies water into the spin tub 13 by opening the water supply valve 62. In the water supply operation of S18, the control unit 100 may supply water into the spin tub 13 while rotating the spin tub 13.

[0028] In the next S20, the control unit 100 executes a third spin-drying operation. The third spin-drying operation is a spin-drying operation in which the rotation speed of the spin tub 13 is lower than that of the second spin-drying operation and the operation time is shorter than that of the second spin-drying operation. When the third spin-drying operation is completed, the process returns to S12.

[0029] In S12 after S20, the weight detection unit 50 again detects the weight of the clothes in the spin tub 13. In S14, the control unit 100 determines whether the weight of the clothes detected in S12 after S20 (i.e., the weight of the clothes in the spin tub 13 detected by the weight detection unit 50 after the third spin operation) is equal to or greater than the second reference weight. If the answer is YES in S14, the process proceeds to S16. If the answer is NO in S14, the process proceeds to S18.

[0030] In S18 after NO in S14, the control unit 100 again executes a water supply operation to supply water into the rotating tub 13. In the following S20, the control unit 100 again executes the third spin operation. When executing the third spin operation again, the control unit 100 reduces the rotation speed of the rotating tub 13 compared to the previously executed third spin operation and shortens the operation time compared to the previously executed third spin operation. The rotation speed of the rotating tub 13 in the third spin operation that is executed again is lower than the rotation speed of the rotating tub 13 in the previously executed third spin operation. Furthermore, the operation time of the third spin operation that is executed again is shorter than the operation time of the previously executed third spin operation.

[0031] The washer-dryer 2 of the embodiment has been described above. As is clear from the above description, the washer-dryer 2 is capable of performing a spin-drying operation to spin-dry the clothes in the spin tub 13 by rotating the spin tub 13. If the weight of the clothes detected by the weight detection unit 50 is determined to be equal to or greater than the first reference weight, the control unit 100 performs a first spin-drying operation when performing the spin-drying operation (YES in S6, S8). If the weight of the clothes detected by the weight detection unit 50 is determined to be less than the first reference weight, the control unit 100 performs a second spin-drying operation when performing the spin-drying operation (NO in S6, S10). The second spin-drying operation has a lower rotation speed of the spin tub 13 than the first spin-drying operation and a shorter operating time than the first spin-drying operation.

[0032] In the washer-dryer 2, when the weight of the clothes in the spin tub 13 is light (the amount of clothes is small), the clothes tend to stick to the inner circumferential surface of the spin tub 13 more easily during the spin-drying operation than when the weight of the clothes in the spin tub 13 is heavy (the amount of clothes is large). However, with the above configuration, when the weight of the clothes in the spin tub 13 is light (the amount of clothes is small), the second spin-drying operation is performed, thereby reducing the rotation speed of the spin tub 13 during the spin-drying operation and shortening the operating time of the spin-drying operation. This makes it possible to prevent the clothes from sticking to the inner circumferential surface of the spin tub 13.

[0033] The washer-dryer 2 is capable of performing a drying operation in which dry air is supplied into the rotatable tub 13 to dry the clothes in the rotatable tub 13. If the weight of the clothes detected by the weight detection unit 50 is determined to be equal to or greater than the second reference weight after the first or second spin-drying operation is performed, the control unit 100 performs the drying operation (YES in S14, S16). If the weight of the clothes detected by the weight detection unit 50 is determined to be less than the second reference weight after the first or second spin-drying operation is performed, the control unit 100 supplies water into the rotatable tub 13 and then performs a third spin-drying operation (NO in S14, S18, S20). The third spin-drying operation is performed at a lower rotation speed of the rotatable tub 13 than the second spin-drying operation and for a shorter operating time than the second spin-drying operation.

[0034] If the weight of the clothes detected by the weight detection unit 50 is determined to be less than the second reference weight after the first or second spin drying operation, it is considered that the clothes in the spin tub 13 have stuck to the inner circumferential surface of the spin tub 13 due to the first or second spin drying operation, resulting in the weight detected by the weight detection unit 50 being lighter. In this case, by supplying water into the spin tub 13 and performing the third spin drying operation, the clothes stuck to the inner circumferential surface of the spin tub 13 can be removed from the inner circumferential surface of the spin tub 13. Furthermore, since the third spin drying operation has a lower rotation speed and a shorter operating time than the second spin drying operation, even when the third spin drying operation is performed, it is possible to prevent clothes from sticking to the inner circumferential surface of the spin tub 13. Furthermore, water may be supplied to the spin tub 13 while the spin tub 13 is rotating so that the water hits the clothes stuck to the inner circumferential surface of the spin tub 13. This may facilitate the removal of the garment.

[0035] On the other hand, if the weight of the clothes detected by weight detection unit 50 is determined to be equal to or greater than the second reference weight after the first or second spin cycle, it is considered that the clothes in spin tub 13 are not adhering to the inner circumferential surface of spin tub 13, and as a result, the weight detected by weight detection unit 50 is heavy. In this case, a drying cycle is performed. Since the drying cycle is performed with the clothes not adhering to the inner circumferential surface of spin tub 13, the clothes can be dried well.

[0036] The second reference weight in S14 may be set based on the weight of the clothes detected by the weight detection unit 50 before the first spin-drying operation or the second spin-drying operation is performed. This configuration allows the second reference weight to be set to an appropriate weight.

[0037] Furthermore, if the weight of the clothes detected by weight detection unit 50 is determined to be less than the second reference weight after the third spin drying operation, control unit 100 supplies water to spin tub 13 and then performs the third spin drying operation again (S12-S20). If the weight of the clothes detected by weight detection unit 50 is determined to be less than the second reference weight after the third spin drying operation, it is considered that the clothes in spin tub 13 are still stuck to the inner circumferential surface of spin tub 13 even after the third spin drying operation has been performed, and as a result, the weight detected by weight detection unit 50 is lighter. In this case, water is supplied to spin tub 13 and the third spin drying operation is performed again, so that the clothes stuck to the inner circumferential surface of spin tub 13 can be removed from the inner circumferential surface of spin tub 13.

[0038] On the other hand, if the weight of the clothes detected by weight detection unit 50 is determined to be equal to or greater than the second reference weight after the third spin-drying operation is performed, it is considered that the clothes that were stuck to the inner circumferential surface of spin tub 13 have been torn off from the inner circumferential surface of spin tub 13 by the third spin-drying operation, resulting in a heavy weight being detected by weight detection unit 50. In this case, the drying operation is performed. Since the clothes in spin tub 13 are no longer stuck to the inner circumferential surface of spin tub 13, the clothes can be dried well.

[0039] The third spin-drying operation that is executed again has a lower rotation speed of spin tub 13 and a shorter operating time than the previously executed third spin-drying operation. With this configuration, even if the third spin-drying operation is executed again, it is possible to prevent clothes from sticking to the inner circumferential surface of spin tub 13.

[0040] The above-described washer-dryer 2 is a vertical type washer-dryer in which the rotation shaft 13A of the rotation tub 13 extends vertically. In the vertical type washer-dryer 2, when the spin-drying operation is performed, clothes tend to stick to the inner peripheral surface of the rotation tub 13 more easily than in the case of an oblique type or horizontal type washer-dryer. Therefore, the above-described configuration is particularly effective.

[0041] (Variation) (1) In the above embodiment, the rotation speed of the rotating tub 13 during the second dehydration operation is lower than the rotation speed of the rotating tub 13 during the first dehydration operation, and the operating time of the second dehydration operation is shorter than the operating time of the first dehydration operation. However, this configuration is not limiting. In a modified example, a configuration in which either one of the conditions is satisfied may be used. For example, if the rotation speed of the rotating tub 13 during the second dehydration operation is lower than the rotation speed of the rotating tub 13 during the first dehydration operation, the operating time of the second dehydration operation does not have to be shorter than the operating time of the first dehydration operation. Furthermore, if the operating time of the second dehydration operation is shorter than the operating time of the first dehydration operation, the rotation speed of the rotating tub 13 during the second dehydration operation does not have to be lower than the rotation speed of the rotating tub 13 during the first dehydration operation.

[0042] (2) In the above embodiment, the rotation speed of the rotating tub 13 during the third dehydration operation is lower than the rotation speed of the rotating tub 13 during the second dehydration operation, and the operating time of the third dehydration operation is shorter than the operating time of the second dehydration operation. However, this configuration is not limiting. In a modified example, a configuration in which either one of the conditions is satisfied may be used. For example, as long as the rotation speed of the rotating tub 13 during the third dehydration operation is lower than the rotation speed of the rotating tub 13 during the second dehydration operation, the operating time of the third dehydration operation does not have to be shorter than the operating time of the second dehydration operation. Furthermore, as long as the operating time of the third dehydration operation is shorter than the operating time of the second dehydration operation, the rotation speed of the rotating tub 13 during the third dehydration operation does not have to be lower than the rotation speed of the rotating tub 13 during the second dehydration operation.

[0043] (3) In a modified example, as shown in FIG. 4, the second spin operation executed after NO in S6 of the washing and drying process may include a first-type second spin operation and a second-type second spin operation. The first-type second spin operation is an operation with a relatively strong spinning power. The second-type second spin operation is an operation with a weaker spinning power than the first-type second spin operation. The rotation speed of spin tub 13 in the second-type second spin operation is lower than the rotation speed of spin tub 13 in the first-type second spin operation. Furthermore, the operating time of the second-type second spin operation is shorter than the operating time of the first-type second spin operation.

[0044] As shown in FIG. 4, in S30 after NO in S6, the control unit 100 determines whether the weight of the clothes detected in S2 (i.e., the weight of the clothes in the rotating tub 13 detected by the weight detection unit 50) is equal to or greater than a predetermined third reference weight (e.g., 2.5 kg). The third reference weight in S30 is smaller than the first reference weight in S6. If the weight of the clothes detected by the weight detection unit 50 is equal to or greater than the third reference weight (YES in S30), the process proceeds to S32. If the weight of the clothes detected by the weight detection unit 50 is less than the third reference weight (NO in S30), the process proceeds to S34.

[0045] In S32 after YES in S30, the control unit 100 executes a first-type second spin operation. On the other hand, in S34 after NO in S30, the control unit 100 executes a second-type second spin operation. The second-type second spin operation is a spin operation in which the rotation speed of the rotating tub 13 is lower than that of the first-type second spin operation and the operating time is shorter than that of the first-type second spin operation. When the first-type second spin operation or the second-type second spin operation is completed, the process proceeds to S12.

[0046] In a modified example, the third spin operation executed after NO in S14 of the washing and drying process may include a first-type third spin operation and a second-type third spin operation. The first-type third spin operation is an operation with a relatively strong spinning power. The second-type third spin operation is an operation with a weaker spinning power than the first-type third spin operation. The rotation speed of spin tub 13 in the second-type third spin operation is lower than the rotation speed of spin tub 13 in the first-type third spin operation. The operating time of the second-type third spin operation is shorter than the operating time of the first-type third spin operation.

[0047] As shown in FIG. 4, in S40, which follows S18 after NO in S14, the control unit 100 determines whether the weight of the clothes detected in S12 (i.e., the weight of the clothes in the spin tub 13 detected by the weight detection unit 50 after the first spin-drying operation or the second spin-drying operation) is equal to or greater than a predetermined fourth reference weight (e.g., 2.5 kg). The fourth reference weight in S40 is smaller than the second reference weight in S14. If the weight of the clothes detected by the weight detection unit 50 is equal to or greater than the fourth reference weight (YES in S40), the process proceeds to S42. If the weight of the clothes detected by the weight detection unit 50 is less than the fourth reference weight (NO in S40), the process proceeds to S44.

[0048] In S42 after YES in S40, the control unit 100 executes the second type third spin operation. On the other hand, in S44 after NO in S40, the control unit 100 executes the first type third spin operation. The second type third spin operation is a spin operation in which the rotation speed of the rotating tub 13 is lower than that of the first type third spin operation and the operating time is shorter than that of the first type third spin operation. When the first type third spin operation or the second type third spin operation is completed, the process returns to S12.

[0049] (4) In the above embodiment, the air in the circulation air duct 30 is heated by the heater 52 during the drying operation, but this is not limiting. In a modified example, the air in the circulation air duct 30 may be heated by a heat pump. The principles of heat pumps are well known, so a detailed description will be omitted.

[0050] (5) In the above embodiment, the washer-dryer 2 is described as a vertical type having the spin tub 13 in an upright position, but is not limited to this configuration. In a modified example, the washer-dryer 2 may be a tilted drum type having the spin tub 13 tilted relative to the horizontal.

[0051] (6) In the above embodiment, the washer / dryer 2 has been described. However, in a modified example, the washer / dryer may not have a drying function.

[0052] (7) The washer-dryer 2 of the modified example may include a fabric quality detection unit (not shown) that detects the fabric quality of the clothes in the spin tub 13. The fabric quality detection unit is configured to detect the fabric quality of the clothes by, for example, supplying water to the water tub 12 up to the fabric quality detection water level, driving the drive motor 46 to rotate the pulsator 44 for a short period of time, detecting the rotation speed of the drive motor 46, and comparing it with a predetermined comparison table.

[0053] The rotation speed of the spin tub 13 during the spin-drying operations (first spin-drying operation, second spin-drying operation, and third spin-drying operation) of the washer-dryer 2 may be set based on the fabric quality of the clothes detected by the fabric quality detection unit. Furthermore, the operation times of the spin-drying operations (first spin-drying operation, second spin-drying operation, and third spin-drying operation) of the washer-dryer 2 may be set based on the fabric quality of the clothes detected by the fabric quality detection unit. For example, if the fabric quality of the clothes in the spin tub 13 detected by the fabric quality detection unit is a specific fabric quality (e.g., cotton), the control unit 100 may reduce the rotation speed of the spin tub 13 during the second spin-drying operation. Furthermore, the control unit 100 may shorten the operation time of the second spin-drying operation. Furthermore, if the fabric quality of the clothes detected by the fabric quality detection unit is another specific fabric quality (e.g., silk), the control unit 100 may further reduce the rotation speed of the spin tub 13 during the second spin-drying operation. Furthermore, the control unit 100 may further shorten the operation time of the second spin-drying operation. According to this configuration, the dewatering operation can be performed at an appropriate rotation speed and / or operation time depending on the type of fabric.

[0054] Although specific examples of the present invention have been described in detail above, these are merely examples and do not limit the scope of the claims. The technology described in the claims includes various modifications and variations of the specific examples exemplified above. The technical elements described in this specification or drawings exhibit technical utility alone or in various combinations, and are not limited to the combinations described in the claims at the time of filing. Furthermore, the technology exemplified in this specification or drawings can achieve multiple objectives simultaneously, and achieving one of these objectives alone is technically useful. [Explanation of symbols]

[0055] 2: washer-dryer, 10: housing, 12: water tub, 13: rotating tub, 13A: rotating shaft, 22: exhaust port, 24: air inlet, 26: water inlet, 28: drain outlet, 30: circulation air duct, 40: blower fan, 42: fan motor, 44: pulsator, 46: drive motor, 48: power transmission mechanism, 50: weight detection unit, 52: heater, 60: water supply channel, 62: water supply valve, 64: drain channel, 66: drain valve, 90: filter, 100: control unit, 120: operation panel

Claims

1. a rotating tub for storing clothes; a weight detection unit that detects the weight of the clothes in the rotating tub; a control unit, a dehydration operation in which the clothes in the rotating tub are dehydrated by rotating the rotating tub; A clothing processing device capable of performing a drying operation in which dry air is supplied into the rotating tub to dry the clothing in the rotating tub, The control unit When it is determined that the weight of the clothes detected by the weight detection unit is equal to or greater than a predetermined first reference weight, a first spin-drying operation is performed when the spin-drying operation is executed; when it is determined that the weight of the clothes detected by the weight detection unit is less than the first reference weight, a second spin-drying operation is performed when the spin-drying operation is executed, the second spin-drying operation having a lower rotation speed of the spin tub than that of the first spin-drying operation and / or a shorter operation time than that of the first spin-drying operation; A clothing processing device that, after performing the first spin-drying operation or the second spin-drying operation, if it is determined that the weight of the clothes detected by the weight detection unit is equal to or greater than a predetermined second reference weight, performs the drying operation, and if it is determined that the weight of the clothes detected by the weight detection unit is less than the second reference weight, performs a third spin-drying operation after supplying water into the rotating tub, in which the rotation speed of the rotating tub is lower than that of the second spin-drying operation and / or the operating time is shorter than that of the second spin-drying operation.

2. The clothing processing device according to claim 1 , wherein the second reference weight is set based on the weight of the clothing detected by the weight detection unit before the first spin-drying operation or the second spin-drying operation is performed.

3. The clothing processing device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the control unit executes the drying operation if it determines that the weight of the clothing detected by the weight detection unit is equal to or greater than the second reference weight after the third spin-drying operation is performed, and executes the third spin-drying operation again after supplying water into the rotating tub if it determines that the weight of the clothing detected by the weight detection unit is less than the second reference weight.

4. The clothing processing device according to claim 3, wherein the third spin-drying operation that is executed again has a lower rotation speed of the rotating tub than the previously executed third spin-drying operation and / or has a shorter operating time than the previously executed third spin-drying operation.

5. The clothing treatment device according to claim 1, wherein the clothing treatment device is a vertical type clothing treatment device in which the rotation axis of the rotating tub extends vertically.

6. The washing machine further includes a fabric quality detection unit that detects the fabric quality of the clothes in the rotating tub. The clothing processing apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the rotation speed and / or operation time of the spin tub during the dehydration operation are set based on the fabric quality of the clothing detected by the fabric quality detection unit.

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