Clothing processing equipment

Abstract

To provide a clothing treatment device capable of improving wrinkling of clothing while considering energy saving.SOLUTION: A clothing treatment device includes: an outer box; a clothing storage tub provided in the outer box, having an air inlet and for storing clothing inside; a duct provided in the outer box and connected to the air inlet; a humidification promotion member arranged in the duct; a blower device for blowing air into the clothing storage tub; a water supply path for supplying water from a water supply source outside the outer box to the humidification promotion member; a water supply valve for opening / closing the water supply path; and a control device for controlling the operation of the blower device and the opening / closing of the water supply valve. The control device can execute a drying operation performed by driving the blower device and a humidification step of performing the water supply operation for opening the water supply valve and drive of the blower device. The humidification promotion member dehumidifies the air passing through the duct in the drying operation, and humidifies the air passing through the duct in the humidification step.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 7

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Embodiments of the present invention relate to a clothing treatment apparatus.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, a washing and drying machine having a washing function and a drying function has been known. Also, among such washing and drying machines, a washing and drying machine having a function of stretching and removing wrinkles of clothing has been developed.

[0003] For example, in Patent Document 1, between the bottom of a drum which is an inner tub and an outer tub, a heating part which is a heater and a water receiving part for temporarily storing water around the heating part are provided. In a state where clothing is placed in the drum, steam is generated in the heating part to wet the clothing, and then air is sent into the drum by a blower fan to dry the clothing, thereby a washing and drying machine capable of removing wrinkles of clothing is disclosed.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] In order to generate a sufficient amount of steam for removing wrinkles using a heater, for example, electric power of about 1000 W may be required. Also, it is necessary to store a certain amount of water around the heating part. Therefore, there has been room for consideration from the viewpoint of energy saving for a washing and drying machine having a wrinkle removing function.

[0006] Therefore, the present embodiment of the present invention provides a clothing treatment apparatus capable of improving wrinkling of clothing while considering energy saving.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0007] The garment processing apparatus of the embodiment comprises an outer box, a garment storage tank provided inside the outer box and having an air inlet for storing garments, a duct provided inside the outer box and connected to the air inlet, a humidification promoting member disposed inside the duct, and a blower for blowing air into the garment storage tank. The humidification promoting member comprises a water supply path for supplying water from a water source outside the outer casing, a water supply valve for opening and closing the water supply path, and a control device for controlling the operation of the blower and the opening and closing of the water supply valve. The control device is capable of performing a drying operation by driving the blower, and a humidification process which involves opening the water supply valve and driving the blower. The humidification promoting member dehumidifies the air passing through the duct during the drying operation and humidifies the air passing through the duct during the humidification process. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] A longitudinal cross-sectional side view showing a schematic configuration of an example in which the garment processing apparatus according to the first embodiment is applied to a washing machine and dryer. [Figure 2] A longitudinal cross-sectional rear view showing a schematic configuration of an example in which the garment processing apparatus according to the first embodiment is applied to a washing machine and dryer. [Figure 3] This figure shows a schematic configuration of the air passage and drying unit in an example where the garment processing device according to the first embodiment is applied to a washing machine and dryer. [Figure 4] This perspective view shows the configuration around the heat exchanger, which serves as a humidification promoting member, as an example of applying the garment processing device according to the first embodiment to a washing machine and dryer. [Figure 5] A schematic diagram showing the configuration around the heat exchanger as a humidification promoting member, in an example of applying the garment processing device according to the first embodiment to a washing machine / dryer, from the direction of arrow V in Figure 4. [Figure 6] This block diagram schematically shows the electrical configuration of an example in which the garment processing apparatus according to the first embodiment is applied to a washing machine and dryer. [Figure 7] Timing chart showing the control details of the operation of each component by the control device during wrinkle removal operation in the first embodiment. [Figure 8]Figure 7 shows an enlarged view of the area within rectangle VIII. [Figure 9] Chart showing multiple examples of water supply periods and water-free periods in the humidification process using the garment processing apparatus of the first embodiment. [Figure 10] An example chart of the duration of the humidification process, which is predetermined based on the weight of the garment, using the garment processing apparatus of the first embodiment. [Figure 11] Chart showing an overview of the wrinkle improvement courses for various operations using the garment processing apparatus of the first embodiment. [Figure 12] Chart showing multiple examples of water supply periods and water-free periods in the humidification process using the garment processing apparatus of the second embodiment. [Figure 13] A flowchart showing an example of the processing content of the water supply operation in the humidification process by the control device of the third embodiment. [Figure 14] A flowchart showing an example of the processing content of the water supply operation in the humidification process by the control device of the fourth embodiment. [Figure 15] An example chart of the duration of the humidification process, which is predetermined based on the weight of the garment, using the garment processing apparatus of the fifth embodiment. [Figure 16] An example chart of the rotation speed of the blower in the humidification process, which is predetermined based on the ambient temperature, using the garment processing apparatus of the sixth embodiment. [Figure 17] Timing chart showing the control details of each component's operation by the control device during wrinkle removal operation in the seventh embodiment. [Figure 18] Timing chart showing the control details of each component's operation by the control device during wrinkle removal operation in the eighth embodiment. [Figure 19] Timing chart showing the control details of the operation of each component by the control device during wrinkle removal operation in the ninth embodiment. [Figure 20] An example chart of the duration of the first air blowing process, which is predetermined based on the ambient temperature of the garment processing apparatus of the ninth embodiment. [Figure 21] This block diagram schematically shows the electrical configuration of an example in which the garment processing apparatus according to the 10th embodiment is applied to a washing machine and dryer. [Figure 22] An example of a chart of a period of a humidifying process determined in advance based on the presence or absence of cotton thick clothes and the weight of clothes, in an example where the clothing treatment device according to the 10th embodiment is applied to a washing and drying machine [Figure 23] An example of a chart of a period of a humidifying process determined in advance based on the presence or absence of synthetic fiber thick clothes and the weight of clothes, in an example where the clothing treatment device according to the 10th embodiment is applied to a washing and drying machine [Figure 24] A timing chart showing the control content of the operations of each component by the control device in the humidifying process according to the 10th embodiment

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0009] Hereinafter, a plurality of embodiments in which the clothing treatment device is applied to a washing and drying machine will be described with reference to the drawings. In addition, substantially the same elements in the plurality of embodiments are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof will be omitted.

[0010] (First Embodiment) The first embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 11. The washing and drying machine 10 shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 is a horizontal-axis or diagonal-axis drum-type washing machine having a drying function.

[0011] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the washing and drying machine 10 includes an outer box 11, a door 12, an outer tub 13, a bellows 14, a rotary tub 15, a rotary tub motor 16, a water supply mechanism 17, and a drainage mechanism 18. In the present embodiment, the side of the door 11 with respect to the outer box 11, that is, the left side of the paper surface of FIG. 1, is defined as the front side of the washing and drying machine 10. The outer box 11 is formed in a rectangular hollow box shape by, for example, a stainless steel plate or the like, and constitutes the outer shell of the washing and drying machine 10. The outer box 11 has a clothing inlet / outlet 111 that communicates the inside and the outside of the outer box 11 in the front portion.

[0012] The door 12 is provided at the front of the outer box 11 and is configured to be able to open and close the clothing inlet / outlet 111. The user can put clothes into or take out clothes from the rotary tub 15 through the clothing inlet / outlet 111 with the door 12 open.

[0013] The outer tank 13 is formed in a bottomed cylindrical shape with an opening 131 on its front side. In this embodiment, the outer tank 13 can store water inside and functions as a water tank. The outer tank 13 has an air outlet 132 and an air inlet 133. The air outlet 132 is located, for example, in the upper front portion of the peripheral wall that constitutes the cylindrical part of the outer tank 13, and is positioned away from the left-right center of the outer tank 13, that is, the highest point of the cylindrical outer surface of the outer tank 13. The air inlet 133 is located, for example, at the bottom of the outer tank 13, slightly above the vertical center of the bottom. The air outlet 132 and the air inlet 133 communicate the inside and outside of the outer tank 13.

[0014] The bellows 14 are provided around the clothing entrance 111 of the outer box 11 and the opening 131 of the outer tank 13. The bellows 14 are formed, for example, in a cylindrical bellows shape, and elastically connect the outer box 11 and the outer tank 13 while maintaining communication between the clothing entrance 111 and the opening 131.

[0015] The rotating tub 15 is formed in a bottomed cylindrical shape capable of accommodating clothes and is rotatably housed inside the outer tub 13. The axis of rotation of the rotating tub 15 is aligned with the central axis of the outer tub 13. The rotating tub 15 has a plurality of communication openings 151. The communication openings 151 connect the inside and outside of the rotating tub 15. The communication openings 151 are formed throughout the peripheral wall that constitutes the cylindrical portion of the rotating tub 15 and the entire bottom of the rotating tub 15. During washing and spinning cycles, the communication openings 151 mainly function as water passages through which water enters and exits, and during drying cycles, they function as ventilation openings through which air enters and exits. The outer tub 13 and the rotating tub 15 function as a clothes storage tank that holds clothes inside when the washer-dryer is in operation.

[0016] As shown in Figures 1 and 3, the rotating tank 15 is provided with multiple baffles 152 inside the cylindrical portion. When the rotating tank 15 rotates, the baffles 152 agitate the clothes contained inside the rotating tank 15.

[0017] The rotary drum motor 16 is, for example, located on the outside of the bottom of the outer drum 13. The tip of the shaft portion 161 of the rotary drum motor 16 protrudes into the interior of the outer drum 13 and is connected to the rotary drum 15. The rotary drum motor 16 can be, for example, an outer rotor type direct drive motor. The shaft portion 161 of the rotary drum motor 16 penetrates the bottom of the outer drum 13 and protrudes into the interior of the outer drum 13, and is fixed to the bottom of the rotary drum 15. The rotary drum motor 16 rotates the rotary drum 15 relative to the outer drum 13. In this case, the shaft portion 161 of the rotary drum motor 16, the central axis of the outer drum 13, and the rotation axis of the rotary drum 15 all coincide.

[0018] The water supply mechanism 17 is a device for supplying water from an external water source, such as a water supply system, into the outer tank 13. The water supply mechanism 17 is installed, for example, inside the outer casing 11, above the outer tank 13, on one side to the left or right. The water supply mechanism 17 includes a water supply valve 171, a water supply path 172 for the outer tank, and a water filling case 173.

[0019] The water supply valve 171 is an electromagnetically driven on / off valve for liquids and is connected to an external water source, such as a water supply system (not shown). The water supply valve 171 opens and closes the water supply path 172. The water supply path 172 connects the water filling case 173 to the inside of the outer tub 13. The water supply path 172 is the path from the external water source to the inside of the outer tub 13. The water filling case 173 is located downstream of the water supply valve 171 in the water supply path 172. The water filling case 173 is configured to accommodate laundry treatment agents such as detergent and finishing agents inside.

[0020] When the water supply valve 171 is opened, water from an external water source is poured into the outer tub 13 via the water filling case 173. If laundry detergent is stored in the water filling case 173, when the water is poured in, the laundry detergent in the water filling case 173 is carried into the outer tub 13 by the water flowing through the water supply path 172. Note that the washer-dryer 10 does not necessarily have to be equipped with a water filling case 173. In other words, the washer-dryer 10 may be configured so that the user directly puts the laundry detergent into the outer tub 13.

[0021] The drainage mechanism 18 has the function of discharging water stored inside the outer tub 13 to the outside of the washing and drying machine 10. The drainage mechanism 18 consists of a drain valve 181 and a drainage path 182. The drain valve 181 is an electromagnetically driven on / off valve for liquids. The drain valve 181 opens and closes the drainage path 182. The drainage path 182 is a path from inside the outer tub 13 to outside the machine.

[0022] Furthermore, the washer-dryer 10 is equipped with a drying function. The washer-dryer 10 includes an air passage 20 and a drying unit 30. The air passage 20 is composed of a duct connected to an air outlet 132 and / or an air inlet 133. In this embodiment, the air passage 20 connects the air outlet 132 and the air inlet 133 outside the outer tub 13. That is, the air passage 20, the outer tub 13 and the rotating tub 15 form a circulating air passage. The drying unit 30 has the function of taking in air from the outer tub 13 through the air outlet 132 into the air passage 20, warming it, and then supplying the generated warm air from the air inlet 133 into the outer tub 13 and the rotating tub 15.

[0023] The air passage 20 can be configured, for example, with an exhaust duct 21, a filter device 22, a connecting duct 23, a heat exchange unit 24, and a supply air duct 25. The exhaust duct 21, the filter device 22, the connecting duct 23, the heat exchange unit 24, and the supply air duct 25 are arranged in order along the airflow through the air passage 20. The exhaust duct 21, the connecting duct 23, the heat exchange unit 24, and the supply air duct 25 function as ducts that pass air through them to form the air passage. The air flows through the air passage 20 in the direction of arrow A in Figure 3.

[0024] The exhaust duct 21 is a duct that connects the air outlet 132 of the outer tank 13 to the filter device 22. The filter device 22 has a filter (not shown) inside that collects lint and foreign matter contained in the air flowing through the air passage 20. The connecting duct 23 is a duct that connects the filter device 22 to the heat exchange unit 24. The heat exchange unit 24 is located in the lower inside of the outer box 11 and below the outer tank 13 and the rotating tank 15. The air taken in from the outer tank 13 to the air passage 20 is dehumidified and heated as it passes through the heat exchange unit 24, becoming dry warm air. The supply air duct 25 is a duct that connects the heat exchange unit 24 to the air inlet 133 of the outer tank 13.

[0025] The air passage 20 is equipped with an exhaust port 26 and an opening / closing device 27. The exhaust port 26 connects the inside of the air passage 20 to the outside of the machine and discharges exhaust gas from the outer tank 13 to the outside of the machine. The opening / closing device 27 opens or closes the exhaust port 26.

[0026] The drying unit 30 functions as a hot air supply device that generates hot air for drying clothes in the rotating tank 15 and supplies that hot air into the outer tank 13 from the air inlet 133. The drying unit 30 can be configured to include, for example, a heat pump type or a heater type heating device. In this embodiment, the drying unit 30 is configured to include a heat pump type heating device and, as shown in Figure 3, has an evaporator 31, a condenser 32, a compressor 33, a throttling device 34, a refrigerant flow path 35, and a blower 36.

[0027] The evaporator 31 and condenser 32 are located within the heat exchange section 24. The evaporator 31 is positioned upstream of the condenser 32 in relation to the airflow within the heat exchange section 24 during drying operation. The evaporator 31 and condenser 32, together with the compressor 33, throttling device 34, and refrigerant flow path 35 connecting each component in sequence, which are located outside the heat exchange section 24, constitute a heat pump mechanism, or refrigeration cycle. The refrigerant flows in the direction indicated by arrow B in Figure 3. The air passing through the heat exchange section 24 is cooled by the evaporator 31, thereby dehumidifying it. The air dehumidified by the evaporator 31 is then heated by the condenser 32 to become warm air.

[0028] The downstream side of the heat exchange unit 24 is connected to the air inlet 133 of the outer tank 13 by an air supply duct 25. The drying unit 30 also includes a blower 36. The blower 36 is provided, for example, at the connection point between the heat exchange unit 24 and the air supply duct 25, and can be composed of, for example, a sirocco fan or a propeller fan. The blower 36 draws in air from inside the heat exchange unit 24 and discharges it towards the air supply duct 25. As a result, the hot air dehumidified and heated in the heat exchange unit 24 is supplied from the air inlet 133 to the outer tank 13 and further into the rotating tank 15 by the blowing action of the blower 36.

[0029] The washing and drying machine 10 is equipped with a humidifying mechanism 40. The humidifying mechanism 40 generates air containing moisture that is supplied to the inside of the clothing storage tub, i.e., the outer tub 13 and the rotating tub 15, and consequently to the clothes stored in the clothing storage tub. The humidifying mechanism 40 is composed of a humidification promoting member 400, a humidifying water supply valve 41, a humidifying water supply path 42, and a water supply section 43.

[0030] The humidification promoting member 400 has the function of adding humidity to the air by wetting its surface and evaporating moisture from that surface. The humidification promoting member 400 is arranged in the air passage 20. It is preferable that the humidification promoting member 400 has a structure or shape such that its surface area is larger than that of an object having the same volume as the humidification promoting member 400. For example, the humidification promoting member 400 may be made of a porous material or a structure having many fins or pins. In this embodiment, a heat exchanger including an evaporator 31 and a condenser 32 is used as the humidification promoting member 400. The evaporator 31 and condenser 32 have many fins to improve heat exchange efficiency, and are therefore designed to have a larger surface area than an object of the same volume.

[0031] The humidifying water supply valve 41 is, for example, an electromagnetically driven on / off valve for liquids and is connected to an external water source such as a water tap (not shown). The humidifying water supply valve 41 opens and closes the humidifying water supply path 42. The humidifying water supply path 42 is a path connecting the external water source and the water supply unit 43. The water supply unit 43 has the function of supplying water to the humidification promoting member 400. The water supply unit 43 has one or more water inlets 431 on the surface facing the humidification promoting member 400. In this embodiment, as shown in Figures 4 and 5, the water supply unit 43 is provided above the evaporator 31. The multiple water inlets 431 are formed on the lower surface of the water supply unit 43, that is, on the surface facing the upper surface of the evaporator 31.

[0032] When the water supply valve 41 is opened, water from an external water source is supplied to the water supply section 43 via the water supply path 42. The water that reaches the water supply section 43 is supplied from the water inlet 431 to the evaporator 31, which acts as a humidification promoting member 400.

[0033] When the water supply valve 41 is opened and the surface of the humidification promoting member 400 is wet, the blower 36 is activated, causing moisture to vaporize from the surface of the humidification promoting member 400, generating steam and increasing the humidity inside the air passage 20. The generated steam is then carried to the clothing storage tank by the action of the blower 36.

[0034] Furthermore, multiple humidification-promoting members 400 can be arranged in a row along the direction of airflow within the air passage 20. In this case, some of the water supplied to the humidification-promoting member 400 on the upwind side is blown downwind by the wind without vaporizing, wetting the surface of the humidification-promoting member 400 on the downwind side. The water adhering to the surface of the downwind humidification-promoting member 400 vaporizes due to the action of the blower 36 and is also transported to the clothing storage tank.

[0035] In this embodiment, the evaporator 31 and condenser 32, which serve as the humidification promoting member 400, are arranged side by side along the direction of airflow within the heat exchange section 24. Therefore, some of the water supplied to the evaporator 31 is blown downwind by the airflow without vaporizing, wetting the surface of the condenser 32. The water adhering to the surface of the condenser 32 is vaporized by the action of the blower 36 and transported to the clothing storage tank.

[0036] In this embodiment, the water supply unit 43 is located above the evaporator 31, but the water supply unit 43 may also be located above the condenser 32 in addition to the evaporator 31, or the water supply unit 43 may be located above the condenser 32 instead of the evaporator 31. The condenser 32 may be heated by the high-temperature refrigerant pressurized and compressed by the compressor 33, so when the humidification mechanism 40 operates after the compressor 33 has operated, vaporization may be promoted by the high-temperature condenser 32.

[0037] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the water inlet 531 is provided in a position facing the upper surface of the humidification promoting member 400. However, the water inlet 531 does not necessarily have to be provided in a position facing the upper surface of the humidification promoting member 400, and may be provided in a position opposite to the upwind region of the humidification promoting member. In this case, if the blower 36 is driven when water is supplied from the water inlet, the water can be carried to the humidification promoting member 400 by the airflow and wet the humidification promoting member 400.

[0038] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 6, the washing machine 10 is equipped with a control device 50. The control device 50 is mainly composed of a microcomputer having a CPU 501 and memory areas 502 such as ROM, RAM, and non-volatile memory. The control device 50 has the function of managing the operation of the entire washing machine 10. The rotary drum motor 16, water supply valve 171, drain valve 181, opening / closing device 27, compressor 33, blower 36, and water supply valve 41 are electrically connected to the control device 50 and operate under the control of the control device 50.

[0039] The control device 50 can selectively perform washing, drying, washing and drying, and wrinkle removal by operating the rotary drum motor 16, water supply valve 171, drain valve 181, switching device 27, compressor 33, blower 36, and water supply valve 41 as needed. In this embodiment, "operation" in washing, drying, washing and drying, or wrinkle removal is a concept that includes one or more processes and is a unit that can be selected by the user.

[0040] The washing machine 10 includes a temperature detection unit 51, a humidity detection unit 52, a weight detection unit 53, a fabric type detection unit 54, and a condenser temperature detection unit 55. The temperature detection unit 51 detects the ambient temperature in which the washing machine 10 is installed. The humidity detection unit 52 detects the humidity of the exhaust gas discharged from the air outlet 132. In this embodiment, the temperature detection unit 51 and the humidity detection unit 52 are located downstream of the exhaust duct 21 and the filter device 22 in the air passage 20.

[0041] The weight detection unit 53 detects the weight of the clothes stored in the rotating tub 15. The fabric type detection unit 54 detects the fabric type of the clothes stored in the rotating tub 15. The fabric type detection unit 54 can classify the fabric type of the clothes into multiple stages. In this embodiment, for example, the fabric type detection unit 54 classifies and determines the clothes into two stages: "cotton type," which mainly consists of cotton-based clothing that easily absorbs moisture, and "synthetic fiber type," which mainly consists of synthetic fiber clothing that absorbs less moisture than cotton-based clothing.

[0042] The condenser temperature detection unit 55 has the function of detecting the temperature of the condenser 32.

[0043] The wrinkle removal cycle includes a humidification process. The humidification process involves supplying moisture-containing, or humid, air to the garment processing tank, thereby providing the garments with appropriate moisture, stretching the fibers, and removing wrinkles.

[0044] As shown in Figure 7, the control device 50 operates the water supply valve 41, the blower 36, and the rotary tank motor 16 to perform the humidification process. During the humidification process, the control device 50 opens the water supply valve 41 and performs a water supply operation to supply water to the humidification promoting member 400 from the water inlet 431.

[0045] The control device 50 performs the water supply operation multiple times intermittently, or discontinuously. That is, once the surface of the humidification promoting member 400 is wet, there is no need to supply additional water while the moisture is evaporating from the humidification promoting member 400, thus saving water resources. For example, as shown in Figure 8, the control device 50 can repeat a cycle in which it opens the water supply valve 41 for a predetermined water supply period T1 and closes the water supply valve 41 for a no-water supply period T2. If it is desired to increase the amount of humidification for clothing, the total amount of water supplied by the water supply operation can be increased. The total amount of water supplied by the water supply operation can be increased by increasing the amount of water supplied per water supply operation, increasing the frequency of water supply operations, or doing both. Furthermore, the amount of water supplied per water supply operation can be increased or decreased by adjusting the flow rate, the water supply period, or both. In this embodiment, the amount of water supplied per water supply operation can be increased or decreased by adjusting the water supply period T1.

[0046] A predetermined water supply period T1 can be set, for example, within a range of 0.5 seconds to 3 seconds. A predetermined no-water supply period T2 can be set, for example, within a range of 30 seconds. In this embodiment, the water supply period T1 is set to 2 seconds. In other embodiments, the water supply period T1 may be set to 0.5 seconds or 1 second. The no-water supply period T2 may be set to 60 seconds or 120 seconds. Figure 9 shows several examples of the water supply period T1 and no-water supply period T2 in one cycle. The memory area 502 stores information regarding the water supply period and no-water supply period as shown in Figure 9, and the control device 50 retrieves this information when executing the humidification process and performs the water supply operation based on it.

[0047] The total water supply period T1 in the humidification process is set to be shorter than the total water-free period T2. Therefore, clothes can be efficiently dampened with a small amount of water, and the amount of water used in the humidification process can be reduced.

[0048] As shown in Figure 7, in the humidification process, the control device 50 drives the blower 36 at least after the water supply operation. Due to the blowing function of the blower 36, air blows onto the humidification promoting member 400 whose surface has been wet by the water supply operation, causing moisture to evaporate from the surface. The vaporized moisture is then transported into the outer tank 13 and the rotating tank 15 through the heat exchange unit 24 and the air supply duct 25. The control device 50 may also drive the blower 36 before and during the water supply operation.

[0049] As shown in Figure 7, during the humidification process, the control device 50 drives the rotary drum motor 16. As the rotary drum 15 rotates, the clothes contained within it also rotate. The rotation speed of the rotary drum motor 16 during the humidification process is set to a predetermined speed such that the clothes rise to the top of the rotary drum 15 along with it before falling off. Because relative movement occurs between the clothes, the entire garment is agitated, making it easier for moisture-containing air to come into contact with the entire garment. As a result, wrinkles in the garment become easier to remove. For example, the rotation speed of the rotary drum motor 16 can be set within the range of approximately 40 rpm to approximately 50 rpm. The control device 50 may also rotate the rotary drum motor 16 in forward and reverse directions.

[0050] As shown in Figure 7, the control device 50 does not drive the compressor 33 during the humidification process. In other words, the water supply operation is performed without driving the compressor 33. This prevents the air humidified by the evaporator 31, which has become cold, from being instantly dehumidified.

[0051] The control device 50 can set the duration Tm of the humidification process based on the weight of the clothing detected by the weight detection unit 53 and / or the fabric type of the clothing detected by the fabric type detection unit 54. When the weight detected by the weight detection unit 53 is small, the duration of the humidification process is set to be shorter than when the detected weight is large. Also, for the same weight, when the fabric type detection unit 54 determines that the clothing is made of synthetic fibers, the duration of the humidification process is set to be shorter than when it determines that the clothing is made of cotton. Therefore, when the amount of clothing is small and the clothing is made of synthetic fibers that do not easily absorb water and do not wrinkle easily, the operating time of the wrinkle removal operation can be shortened, and unnecessary power consumption can be reduced.

[0052] In this case, the memory area 502 stores, for example, a chart of the humidification process duration shown in Figure 10. The control device 50 retrieves the chart of the humidification process duration and sets the duration of the humidification process based on the detection results of the weight detection unit 53 and / or the fabric type detection unit 54.

[0053] As shown in Figure 7, the control device 50 may perform a drying process following the humidification process during the wrinkle removal operation. This is to dry the clothes that have become damp due to the humidification process. In the drying process, the control device 50 drives the compressor 33, the blower 36, and the rotary tank motor 16.

[0054] The drying process period Td following the humidification process is set to be shorter than the humidification process period Tm. For example, the period Td can be set within a range of 1 / 3 to 2 / 3 times the period Tm.

[0055] The airflow rate of the blower 36 in the humidification process is set to be lower than that of the blower 36 in the drying process. This suppresses the promotion of evaporation from clothing rather than penetration of moisture into clothing during the humidification process. In addition, it allows for rapid drying of clothing during the drying process. For example, the control device 50 sets the rotation speed of the blower 36 in the humidification process to be lower than that of the blower 36 in the humidification process. The lower limit of the rotation speed of the blower 36 in the humidification process is set considering, for example, the amount of airflow necessary to vaporize the water on the surface of the humidification promoting member 400 and the amount of airflow necessary to supply humidified air to the rotating tank 15. The upper limit of the rotation speed of the blower 36 in the humidification process is set to avoid, for example, blowing away the water on the surface of the humidification promoting member 400 and carrying it away as water droplets without vaporization, or preventing water droplets from circulating in the air passage 20 and wetting the filter part of the filter device 22.

[0056] The rotational speed of the blower 36 in the humidification process varies depending on factors such as the cross-sectional area of ​​the air passage and the shape of the fan of the blower 36, but can be set to a range of, for example, 2000 to 4500 rpm. The rotational speed of the blower 36 in the drying process can be set to a range of, for example, 3500 to 5000 rpm. In this embodiment, the rotational speed of the blower 36 in the humidification process is set to 2000 rpm. The rotational speed of the blower 36 in the drying process is set to 3500 rpm.

[0057] Furthermore, in the drying process following the humidification process, the control device 50 does not need to drive the compressor 33. That is, in the drying process, the control device 50 may dry the clothes by supplying unheated air from the drying unit 30 to the rotating tank 15 via the blower 36.

[0058] When a drying process is performed after a humidification process, the control device 50 controls the switching device 27 to open the exhaust port 26 after the humidification process is completed. In this embodiment, the control device 50 controls the switching device 27 to open the exhaust port 26 at least at the beginning of the drying process after the humidification process. This discharges the highly humid air in the air passage 20 and the garment processing tank to the outside of the machine, promoting the drying of the clothes.

[0059] When a drying process is performed after a humidification process, the control device 50 does not drive the compressor 33 from the time the last water supply operation stops until a predetermined period of time required for the condenser 32 to dry has elapsed, if the temperature detected by the temperature detection unit 51 during the humidification process is below a predetermined temperature t1. This prevents the heat exchangers 31 and 32 from freezing due to the compressor 33 being operated while they are still wet, and ensures a smooth transition from the humidification process to the drying process. In this case, the predetermined temperature t1 can be set to, for example, within a range of 5°C. The predetermined period can also be set to a range of 1 to 5 minutes.

[0060] The control device 50 stops the water supply operation if the temperature detected by the condenser temperature detection unit 55 is below a predetermined temperature t2. This is to prevent malfunctions in the heat pump that would occur if the condenser 32 temperature is too low and the compressor 33 is operated while the condenser 32 is wet. The predetermined temperature t2 can be set to, for example, 3°C. The control device 50 may also be configured not to perform the humidification process if the temperature detected by the condenser temperature detection unit 55 is below a predetermined temperature.

[0061] The control device 50 can selectively execute operations other than wrinkle removal, such as washing, drying, or washing and drying, from a normal course that does not include a humidification step and a wrinkle-improving course that includes a humidification step. When executing the wrinkle removal course, as shown in Figure 11, the control device 50 can execute a humidification step, for example, after the preheating and dewatering step of a washing and drying operation (Figure 11(a)), after the drying step of a drying operation or washing and drying operation (Figure 11(b)), after the final dewatering step of a washing operation or washing and drying operation (Figure 11(c), (e)), or after the drying step of a drying operation (Figure 11(d)). If a humidification step is executed after a drying step, the control device 50 may further execute a drying step or a blowing step that drives the blower 36 without driving the compressor 33 after the humidification step.

[0062] In the preheat dewatering process, the rotary drum motor 16 rotates at high speed to remove water from the clothes by centrifugal force, while simultaneously driving the drying unit 30, which consists of the compressor 33 and the blower 36. As a result, dewatering and heating proceed while maintaining a state where there is no relative movement between the clothes. Therefore, uneven drying of the clothes may occur during the preheat dewatering process. By performing a humidification process after the preheat dewatering process, appropriate moisture can be added to clothes that have become partially over-dried, thereby equalizing the drying progress of the entire garment. At the same time, by blowing moisture-containing air onto the clothes while agitating them during the humidification process, the fibers can be stretched, and wrinkles that occurred during the preheat dewatering process can be improved. At this time, supplying water to the condenser 32, which was heated during the preheat dewatering process, further promotes vaporization.

[0063] According to the embodiment described above, the washing and drying machine 10 as a clothing processing device comprises an outer casing 11, an outer tub 13 and a rotating tub 15 as clothing storage tubs, an exhaust duct 21, a connecting duct 23, a heat exchange section 24, and an air supply duct 25 as ducts, humidification promoting members 400, 31, and 32, a blower 36, a water supply path 42, a water supply valve 41, and a control device 50. The outer tub 13 and the rotating tub 15 are located inside the outer casing 11. The outer tub 13 has an air inlet 133. The rotating tub 15 stores clothing inside. The exhaust duct 21, connecting duct 23, heat exchange section 24, and air supply duct 25 are located inside the outer casing 11 and connected to the air inlet 133. The humidification promoting members 400, 31, and 32 are located inside the ducts, in this case inside the heat exchange section 24. The blower 36 blows air into the clothing storage tubs. The water supply path 42 supplies water from a water source outside the outer casing 11 to the humidification promoting members 400, 31, and 32. The water supply valve 41 opens and closes the water supply path 42. The control device 50 controls the operation of the blower 36 and the opening and closing of the water supply valve 41. In the humidification process to provide moisture to the clothing storage tank, the control device 50 operates the blower 36 and performs a water supply operation by opening the water supply valve 41 while the blower 36 is operating or before the blower 36 is operated.

[0064] According to this, the water supplied to the humidification promoting members 400, 31, and 32 is vaporized by the function of the blower 36 and then carried into the garment processing tank as water vapor, thereby increasing the humidity inside the garment processing tank. As a result, by adding moisture to the clothes and stretching the fibers, the wrinkle condition of the clothes can be improved. In this case, since air containing water vapor is generated without using a heater, the wrinkle removal operation can be performed with about 1 / 3 the power consumption of a heater-type system, resulting in energy savings. Therefore, a garment processing device is provided that can improve wrinkles in clothes while considering energy saving.

[0065] In the development process of the washing and drying machine 10 of this embodiment, the inventors confirmed that even if water is supplied continuously, that is, if the water supply valve is left open for a long time, the humidification effect does not improve. In other words, when the water supply valve is left open for a long time, the amount of water used to improve wrinkles in clothes does not increase, but the amount of water drained increases.

[0066] The control device 50 performs the water supply operation multiple times intermittently.

[0067] This reduces excessive water consumption. Therefore, a garment processing device is provided that can improve wrinkle reduction in clothing while also being more energy-efficient.

[0068] In the humidification process, the total duration of the water supply operation is set to be shorter than the total duration of the water supply operation when it is not performed.

[0069] This further reduces water consumption. Therefore, a garment processing device is provided that can improve wrinkle reduction in clothing while also considering resource conservation.

[0070] The humidification promoting member 400 is the heat exchangers 31 and 32.

[0071] The heat exchangers 31 and 32 used for the drying function are equipped with numerous fins and designed to have a large surface area, making them desirable as humidification promoting members for vaporization from the surface. Furthermore, since no new configuration is required, it is possible to suppress the overall enlargement of the garment processing device and the increase in manufacturing costs.

[0072] Here, even if water is supplied while the compressor 33 is operating, the humidity will temporarily rise due to evaporation caused by the heat generated in the condenser 32, but it will quickly drop again as the cooled evaporator 31 removes the moisture.

[0073] The washer-dryer 10 is equipped with a compressor 33 that supplies refrigerant to the heat exchangers 31 and 32. The control device 50 performs a water supply operation during the period when the compressor 33 is stopped.

[0074] As a result, the water applied to the heat exchangers 31 and 32, which act as humidification promoting members 400, does not evaporate rapidly, nor is it dehumidified rapidly, thus allowing for a long-lasting, gentle humidifying effect on clothing.

[0075] The washing and drying machine 10 is equipped with a temperature detection unit 51 that detects the ambient temperature. The control device 50, when the temperature detected by the temperature detection unit 51 is below a predetermined temperature, will not operate the compressor 33 for a predetermined period of time from the time the water supply operation stops until a predetermined period of time has elapsed.

[0076] This prevents the heat exchangers 31 and 32 from freezing when the compressor 33 is operated while they are still wet, thus enabling a smooth transition from the humidification process to the drying process.

[0077] The humidification promoting members 400, 31, and 32 are arranged in a row along the airflow within the ducts 21, 23, 24, and 25.

[0078] According to this configuration, by supplying water to the upstream humidification promoting members 400 and 31, the blower 36 causes some of the supplied water to be blown away from the upstream humidification promoting members 400 and 31 and adhere to the downstream humidification promoting members 400 and 32. In this way, the blower 36 also promotes the vaporization of moisture from the wet surface of the downstream humidification promoting members 400 and 32, allowing for vaporization using a larger surface area. Furthermore, as in this embodiment, if the humidification promoting members 400 are heat exchangers 31 and 32, the downstream condenser 32 can be heated by the compressor 33, and vaporization can be promoted by supplying water to the preheated condenser 32. In this case, the water may be selectively supplied to the condenser 32 instead of the upstream evaporator 31.

[0079] The washing and drying machine 10, as a garment processing device, can perform a wrinkle-reducing course for clothes that includes a humidification process.

[0080] In other words, by applying a humidification process to stretch the fibers of the clothing and eliminate wrinkles that may occur during the washing, drying, and wash-drying cycles, the finished result of the clothing can be improved.

[0081] In the wrinkle-improving course, the humidification process is performed either before or after the drying process.

[0082] This makes it possible to improve wrinkles that occur during the drying process, both before and after the drying process.

[0083] The washing and drying machine 10 as a garment processing device in this embodiment comprises an outer casing 11, an outer tub 13, a rotating tub 15, a rotating tub motor 16, an exhaust duct 21, a connecting duct 23, a heat exchange unit 24, and an air supply duct 25, humidification promoting members 400, 31, and 32, a blower 36, a water supply path 42, a water supply valve 41, and a control device 50. The outer tub 13 is provided inside the outer casing 11 and has an air inlet 133. The rotating tub 15 is rotatably provided inside the outer tub 13 and holds clothes inside. The rotating tub motor 16 rotates the rotating tub 15. The exhaust duct 21, connecting duct 23, heat exchange unit 24, and air supply duct 25 are provided inside the outer casing 11 and connected to the air inlet 133. The humidification promoting members 400, 31, and 32 are arranged inside the duct, in this case inside the heat exchange unit 24. The blower 36 blows air into the rotating tank 15 through the air supply duct 25. The water supply path 42 supplies water from a water source outside the outer casing 11 to the humidification promoting members 400, 31, and 32. The water supply valve 41 opens and closes the water supply path 42. The control device 50 performs a drying process in which the rotating tank motor 16 and the blower 36 are controlled to dry the clothes, and a humidification process in which the operation of the blower 36 and the opening and closing of the water supply valve 41 are controlled to provide moisture into the rotating tank 15. In the humidification process, the control device 50 performs a water supply operation by opening the water supply valve 41, setting the amount of air blown by the blower 36 in the humidification process lower than the amount of air blown by the blower 36 in the drying process, or setting the rotation speed of the blower 36 in the humidification process lower than the rotation speed of the blower 36 in the drying process.

[0084] This allows the humidification process to suppress evaporation from the clothing while promoting moisture penetration by applying moisture-laden air to the clothing at a relatively gentle airflow. Therefore, a garment processing device is provided that can improve wrinkle reduction in clothing while being energy-efficient by generating moisture-laden air without using a heater and allowing it to penetrate the clothing.

[0085] The control device 50 sets the airflow rate of the blower to be lower than that of the blower in the drying process during the humidification process, or sets the rotational speed of the blower in the humidification process to be lower than that of the blower in the drying process.

[0086] This suppresses the tendency for evaporation from clothing to outweigh the penetration of moisture into clothing during the humidification process. Furthermore, it allows for rapid drying of clothing during the drying process.

[0087] In the humidification process, the control device 50 sets the rotation speed of the rotary drum motor 16 to a speed at which the clothes rise to the top of the rotary drum along with the drum before falling off.

[0088] This process causes relative movement between garments during the humidification process, agitating the entire garment and allowing moisture-laden air to reach all parts of the garment more easily. As a result, wrinkles in the garment become easier to smooth out.

[0089] The outer tank 13 has an air outlet 132. Ducts 21, 23, 24, and 25 form an air passage 20 connecting the air outlet 132 and the air inlet 133. Ducts 21, 23, 24, and 25 have an exhaust port 26 that communicates with the outside of the machine and an opening / closing device 27 that opens and closes the exhaust port 26. The control device 50 executes a drying process after the humidification process, and in the initial part of the drying process, controls the opening / closing device 27 to open the exhaust port 26.

[0090] This allows the highly humid air generated in the air passage 20 and the garment processing tank during the humidification process to be discharged outside the machine, thereby promoting the drying of clothes during the drying process.

[0091] The humidification promoting member 400 is a heat exchanger including an evaporator 31 and a condenser 32. The clothing processing device includes a condenser temperature detection unit 55 that detects the temperature of the condenser 32. The control device 50 stops the water supply operation if the temperature detected by the condenser temperature detection unit 55 is below a predetermined temperature during the humidification process.

[0092] This prevents the compressor 33 from operating while the condenser 32 is wet, thus avoiding malfunctions in the heat pump.

[0093] (Second Embodiment) A second embodiment will be described with reference to Figure 12. In this embodiment, the amount of water supplied in each water supply operation is not constant throughout the entire humidification process.

[0094] The control device 50 can increase the water supply period T1 when the humidification promoting members 400, 31, and 32 are dry compared to when they are at least partially wet. For example, it is assumed that the humidification promoting members 400, 31, and 32 are dry before the first water supply operation. On the other hand, it is assumed that the humidification promoting members 400, 31, and 32 are not completely dry even due to the action of the blower 36, and are at least partially wet before the second and subsequent water supply operations. Therefore, the amount of water supplied in the first water supply operation is set to be greater than the amount of water supplied in the second and subsequent water supply operations. For example, if the amount of water supplied is controlled by time, the control device 50 can set the water supply period T1 in the first water supply operation to be longer than the water supply period T1 in the second and subsequent water supply operations. Also, the control device 50 can set the no-water supply period T2 in the first water supply operation to be shorter than the water supply period T1 in the second and subsequent water supply operations. Furthermore, if the water supply is controlled by flow rate, the control device 50 can set the flow rate for the first water supply operation to be higher than the flow rate for subsequent water supply operations.

[0095] In this embodiment, the amount of water supplied is controlled by time. Figure 12 shows several examples of the water supply period T1 and the no-water supply period T2 for the first and subsequent water supply operations. The memory area 502 stores information regarding the water supply period and the no-water supply period as shown in Figure 12, and the control device 50 retrieves this information when executing the humidification process and performs the water supply operation based on it.

[0096] The maximum amount of water supplied in a single water supply operation can be set based on the amount of water that can be stored in a drain tank (not shown) located downstream of the humidification promoting member 400 (in this case, the heat exchangers 31 and 32), or the amount of wastewater that triggers the operation of a drain pump (not shown) that draws wastewater from the drain tank. For example, if the amount of wastewater that triggers the operation of the drain pump is 400 ml, the maximum amount of water supplied in a single water supply operation can be set to 400 ml.

[0097] The embodiment described above also achieves the same effects as the embodiments described above.

[0098] The control device 50 sets the amount of water supplied in the first water supply operation to be greater than the amount of water supplied in subsequent water supply operations.

[0099] This ensures that the initial water supply operation provides enough water to thoroughly wet the dry humidification promoting members 400, 31, and 32, while subsequent water supply operations provide a sufficient amount of water, thereby suppressing excessive consumption of water resources.

[0100] (Third embodiment) A third embodiment will be described with reference to Figure 13. In this embodiment, the control device 50 controls the water supply operation based on the humidity detected by the humidity detection unit 52. In this case, the control device 50 does not perform the water supply operation at regular time intervals, but rather determines whether or not to perform the water supply operation based on the humidity detected by the humidity detection unit 52 after a predetermined period T3 has elapsed since the water supply operation.

[0101] If, after a predetermined period T3 has elapsed, the control device 50 determines, based on the humidity detected by the humidity detection unit 52, that the air in the rotating tank 15 contains sufficient moisture, the control device 50 does not perform the water supply operation. If, after a predetermined period T3 has elapsed, the control device 50 determines, based on the humidity detected by the humidity detection unit 52, that the air in the rotating tank 15 does not contain sufficient moisture, the control device 50 performs the water supply operation again.

[0102] The period T3 can be set to a range of, for example, 30 seconds to 120 seconds. In this embodiment, the predetermined period T3 is set to 30 seconds.

[0103] For example, the control device 50 does not perform the water supply operation if the humidity X detected by the humidity detection unit 52 after a period T3 has elapsed since the water supply operation is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold X0, and performs the water supply operation if the humidity X detected by the humidity detection unit 52 after a period T3 has elapsed since the water supply operation is less than the predetermined threshold X0. The predetermined threshold can be set, for example, within the range of 85 to 95% RT (relative humidity). In this embodiment, the threshold X0 is set to 90% RT.

[0104] If the humidity detection unit 52 detects a threshold X0 once during the humidification process, the control device 50 does not need to perform the water supply operation again until the humidification process period Tm has elapsed. Alternatively, the control device 50 may detect the humidity using the humidity detection unit 52 at intervals T3 and determine whether or not to perform the water supply operation again. In this embodiment, the control device 50 detects the humidity using the humidity detection unit 52 at intervals T3, determines whether or not to perform the water supply operation again, and repeats the process of performing or not performing the water supply operation depending on the determination result.

[0105] The process performed by the control device 50 in the humidification process will be explained with reference to the flowchart shown in Figure 13. This flowchart describes only the processes related to the control of the water supply valve 41, and omits the control of the rotary tank motor 16 and the blower 36.

[0106] When the humidification process is executed (start in Figure 13), the control device 50 opens the water supply valve 41 in step S11. This initiates the water supply operation. In step S12, the control device 50 determines whether the water supply period T1 has elapsed. If the water supply period T1 has not elapsed (No in step S12), the control device 50 repeats the process in step S12. If the water supply period T1 has elapsed (Yes in step S12), the control device 50 proceeds to step S13.

[0107] In step S13, the control device 50 closes the water supply valve 41. This stops the water supply operation. In step S14, the control device 50 determines whether the humidification process period Tm has elapsed since the start of the humidification process. If the humidification process period Tm has not elapsed since the start of the humidification process (No in step S14), the control device 50 proceeds to step S15.

[0108] In step S15, the control device 50 determines whether a predetermined period T3 has elapsed since the water supply valve 41 was closed or since the last humidity detection. If the predetermined period T3 has not elapsed (No in step S15), the control device 50 returns to step S14. If the predetermined period T3 has elapsed (Yes in step S15), the control device 50 proceeds to step S16.

[0109] In step S16, the control device 50 detects the humidity using the humidity detection unit 52. In step S17, the control device 50 determines whether the humidity detected by the humidity detection unit 52 is greater than or equal to the threshold X0. If the humidity detected by the humidity detection unit 52 is less than the threshold X0 (No in step S17), the control device 50 returns to step S11. If the humidity detected by the humidity detection unit 52 is greater than or equal to the threshold X0 (Yes in step S17), the control device 50 returns to step S14.

[0110] Returning to step S14, if the humidification process period Tm has elapsed since the start of the humidification process (Yes in step S14), the control device 50 terminates the humidification process (end). In this way, the control device 50 controls the water supply valve 41 during the humidification process.

[0111] The embodiment described above also achieves the same effects as the embodiments described above.

[0112] The washing and drying machine 10, which serves as a garment processing device in this embodiment, is equipped with a humidity detection unit 52 that detects the humidity inside the ducts 21, 23, 24, and 25. The control device 50 controls the water supply operation based on the humidity detected by the humidity detection unit 52.

[0113] According to this, appropriate humidification control can be performed by reflecting the humidity of the air supplied to the clothing based on the detected humidity.

[0114] If the humidity detected by the humidity detection unit 52 after a predetermined period T3 has elapsed since the water supply operation is less than or equal to a predetermined value X0, the control device 50 will perform the water supply operation again.

[0115] According to this, it is possible to prevent situations where water is consumed unnecessarily by performing a water supply operation even though the air supplied to the clothing storage tank already contains sufficient moisture, or conversely, where the wrinkle-removing effect is not achieved because there is insufficient moisture in the air to stretch the fibers of the clothing.

[0116] (Fourth Embodiment) A fourth embodiment will be described with reference to Figure 14. In this embodiment, similar to the third embodiment, the control device 50 controls the water supply operation based on the humidity detected by the humidity detection unit 52. However, unlike the third embodiment, the control device 50 controls the water supply operation based on the change in the humidity detected by the humidity detection unit 52. In this case, the control device 50 can control the water supply operation based, for example, the amount or rate of decrease in the humidity detected by the humidity detection unit over a predetermined period after the water supply operation.

[0117] When the clothes are dry, the water supply operation and the blower 36 supply water containing moisture to the clothing processing tank, and the clothes absorb the moisture relatively quickly. Therefore, it is thought that the humidity, which had risen once after the water supply operation, will decrease again. On the other hand, when the clothes gradually become damp, the clothes will not absorb moisture immediately after the water supply operation, so it is thought that the change in humidity will be more gradual.

[0118] For example, the control device 50 may perform the water supply operation again if the amount of decrease ΔX in humidity from the humidity detected by the humidity detection unit 52 after the water supply operation to the humidity detected by the humidity detection unit 52 after a predetermined period T3 has elapsed is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold ΔX1, and stop the water supply operation if the amount of decrease ΔX in humidity to the humidity detected by the humidity detection unit 52 after a predetermined period T3 has elapsed is less than the predetermined threshold ΔX1. Alternatively, the control device 50 may perform a steam determination based on the rate of change per unit time of the humidity detected by the humidity detection unit 52.

[0119] If the amount of decrease in detected humidity falls below the threshold ΔX1 during the humidification process, the control device 50 may terminate the humidification process, or it may operate the blower 36 and the rotary tank motor 16 until the predetermined humidification process period Tm has elapsed. In this embodiment, the control device 50 terminates the humidification process when the amount of decrease in detected humidity falls below the threshold ΔX1.

[0120] The process performed by the control device 50 in the humidification process will be explained with reference to the flowchart shown in Figure 14. Points similar to those in the flowchart shown in Figure 13 will be omitted from the explanation.

[0121] In step S21, the control device 50 detects the humidity immediately after the water supply operation using the humidity detection unit 52. In step S22, the control device 50 determines whether the decrease in humidity ΔX from the detected humidity immediately after the water supply operation to the detected humidity after a predetermined period T3 has elapsed since the water supply operation is greater than or equal to a predetermined threshold ΔX1. If the decrease in humidity ΔX is greater than or equal to the predetermined threshold ΔX1 (Yes in step S22), the control device 50 returns to step S11. If the decrease in humidity ΔX is less than the predetermined threshold ΔX1 (No in step S22), the control device 50 terminates the humidification process (end). In this way, the control device 50 controls the water supply operation in the humidification process.

[0122] The embodiment described above also achieves the same effects as the embodiments described above.

[0123] According to this embodiment, the control device 50 performs the water supply operation again if the amount or rate of decrease in humidity detected by the humidity detection unit 52 during a predetermined period T3 after the water supply operation is greater than or equal to a predetermined value ΔX1.

[0124] According to this, appropriate water supply operations are controlled to reflect the water absorption status of the clothing, enabling further resource conservation and more effective wrinkle removal.

[0125] (Fifth embodiment) A fifth embodiment will be described with reference to Figure 15. In this embodiment, the control device 50 controls the humidification process based on the ambient temperature of the washing machine 10. Even at the same relative humidity, the amount of moisture contained in the air decreases when the temperature is low compared to when the temperature is high. Therefore, when the temperature is low, it is necessary to increase the amount of water supplied compared to when the temperature is high.

[0126] In this case, the control device 50 changes the water supply amount based on the temperature detected by the temperature detection unit 51. The control device 50 may adjust the water supply amount by changing the duration Tm of the humidification process, by changing the water supply period T1 per water supply operation, or by changing the no-water supply period T2. In this embodiment, the control device 50 adjusts the water supply amount by changing the duration Tm of the humidification process.

[0127] For example, the memory area 502 stores a chart of predetermined humidification process duration Tm based on the temperature detected by the temperature detection unit 51, as shown in Figure 15. In the example shown in Figure 15, the humidification process duration Tm is determined according to the fabric type determined by the fabric type detection unit 54, along with the temperature detected by the temperature detection unit 51. In this case, regardless of whether the fabric is synthetic or cotton, the humidification process duration Tm is set longer when the temperature detected by the temperature detection unit 51 is low than when the temperature is high. For example, when the detected temperature is 10°C or lower, the humidification process duration Tm is set longer than when the detected temperature is above 10°C. Also, when the detected temperature is 25°C or lower, the humidification process duration Tm is set longer than when the detected temperature is above 25°C. Furthermore, when the detected temperature is 40°C or lower, the humidification process duration Tm is set longer than when the detected temperature is above 40°C. This allows for extending the humidification process when the ambient temperature is low and the fibers are less likely to stretch, thereby improving wrinkle reduction in clothing by making it easier for moisture to penetrate the garment.

[0128] The embodiment described above also achieves the same effects as the embodiments described above.

[0129] The washing and drying machine 10 as a garment processing device according to this embodiment is equipped with a temperature detection unit 51 that detects the ambient temperature of the washing and drying machine 10. When the temperature detected by the temperature detection unit 51 is a first temperature, the control device 50 sets a larger amount of water to be supplied during the humidification process than when the temperature detected by the temperature detection unit 51 is higher than the first temperature.

[0130] According to this method, an appropriate humidification process is performed that takes into account the ambient temperature in which the garment processing equipment is placed, thereby contributing to further energy conservation and effectively removing wrinkles.

[0131] Furthermore, the control device 50 can also set a larger water supply amount in the humidification process when the temperature detected by the temperature detection unit 51 is below a predetermined temperature, compared to when the temperature detected by the temperature detection unit 51 is above a predetermined temperature.

[0132] (Sixth Embodiment) A sixth embodiment will be described with reference to Figure 16. In this embodiment, the control device 50 controls the humidification process based on the ambient temperature of the washing machine 10, similar to the fifth embodiment, but unlike the fifth embodiment, it changes the amount of air blown based on the ambient temperature of the washing machine 10.

[0133] In this case, the control device 50 changes the airflow rate of the blower 36 based on the temperature detected by the temperature sensing unit 51. The control device 50 can adjust the airflow rate, for example, by changing the rotation speed of the blower 36.

[0134] For example, the memory area 502 stores a chart of predetermined rotation speeds of the blower 36 based on the temperature detected by the temperature detection unit 51, as shown in Figure 16. In the example shown in Figure 16, the rotation speed of the blower 36 is determined according to the fabric type determined by the fabric type detection unit 54, along with the temperature detected by the temperature detection unit 51. In this case, whether the fabric is synthetic or cotton, the rotation speed of the blower 36 is set higher when the temperature detected by the temperature detection unit 51 is low than when the temperature is high. For example, when the detected temperature is 10°C or lower, the rotation speed of the blower 36 is set higher than when the detected temperature is above 10°C. Also, when the detected temperature is 25°C or lower, the rotation speed of the blower 36 is set higher than when the detected temperature is above 25°C. Furthermore, when the detected temperature is 40°C or lower, the rotation speed of the blower 36 is set higher than when the detected temperature is above 40°C. This allows for increased airflow when the ambient temperature is low and the fibers are less likely to stretch, making it easier for moisture to penetrate the clothing and thus improving wrinkle reduction.

[0135] The embodiment described above also achieves the same effects as the embodiments described above.

[0136] The washing and drying machine 10 as a garment processing device according to this embodiment is equipped with a temperature detection unit 51 that detects the ambient temperature of the washing and drying machine 10. When the temperature detected by the temperature detection unit 51 is a first temperature, the control device 50 sets the amount of air blown by the air blower 36 in the humidification process to be greater or the rotation speed to be greater than when the temperature detected by the temperature detection unit 51 is a second temperature higher than the first temperature.

[0137] According to this method, an appropriate humidification process is performed that takes into account the ambient temperature in which the garment processing equipment is placed, thereby contributing to further energy conservation and effectively removing wrinkles.

[0138] Furthermore, if the temperature detected by the temperature detection unit 51 is below a predetermined temperature, the control device 50 can set a larger airflow rate or a larger rotation speed for the blower 36 during the humidification process compared to when the temperature detected by the temperature detection unit 51 is above a predetermined temperature.

[0139] In this embodiment, the rotational speed of the blower 36 was increased to increase the amount of air blown by the blower 36, but this is not the only method. For example, the washing machine 10 may be equipped with multiple blowers 36, and the amount of air blown may be increased or decreased by increasing or decreasing the number of blowers 36 that are operating. Furthermore, for example, if the detected temperature is high, the blower 36 may be operated intermittently, and if the detected temperature is low, the operating time per unit time of the blower 36 may be increased, or even continuously, to increase the amount of air blown by the blower 36.

[0140] (Seventh Embodiment) A seventh embodiment will be described with reference to Figure 17. In this embodiment, the control device 50 promotes humidification of clothing by performing a second water supply operation in the humidification process, which involves supplying water not only to the humidification promoting members 400, 31, and 32, but also to the air passage 20 or the outer tank 13.

[0141] As shown in Figure 17, the control device 50 may, for example, open the outer tank water supply valve 171 as a second water supply operation to supply water to the outer tank 13. The water supply period of the second water supply operation is set to be short enough that the water does not reach the inner bottom surface of the rotating tub 15 and that the clothes do not come into direct contact with unvaporized water. The second water supply period, which is the execution period of the second water supply operation, may be set together with the water supply period T1 by the water supply valve 41, or it may be set separately. In this embodiment, it is set to be the same as the water supply period T1 by the water supply valve 41.

[0142] The surface of the outer tank 13 becomes wet when water is supplied to it. When the blower 36 operates and air is blown onto the wet surface of the outer tank 13, moisture evaporates from the surface of the outer tank 13. Furthermore, when the rotary tank motor 16 operates and the rotary tank 15 rotates, the evaporation of water from the surface of the outer tank 13 can be accelerated.

[0143] The embodiment described above also achieves the same effects as the embodiments described above.

[0144] The washing and drying machine 10 as a garment processing device according to this embodiment includes an outer tank water supply route 172 as a second water supply route that directly supplies water from an external water source to the outer tank 13 as a garment storage tank or to ducts 21, 23, 24, and 25, and an outer tank water supply valve 171 as a second water supply valve that opens and closes the outer tank water supply route 172.

[0145] According to this, by using multiple water supply paths 42 and 172, humidification of clothing can be performed more efficiently, and the operating time of the humidification process can be shortened.

[0146] In this embodiment, the second water supply operation is performed by opening the water supply valve 171 for the outer tank, but it is not limited to this. In other embodiments, for example, a water supply route to the door 12 and a water supply valve for opening and closing the water supply route may be provided, and the second water supply operation may be performed by opening this water supply valve for the door. In yet another embodiment, for example, a water supply route to the exhaust duct 21 and a water supply valve for opening and closing the water supply route may be provided, and the second water supply operation may be performed by opening this water supply valve for the duct.

[0147] (Eighth embodiment) The eighth embodiment will be described with reference to Figure 18. In this embodiment, the control device 50 performs a heating step before the humidification step. The heating step is a step in which the inside of the air passage 20 and / or the humidification promoting members 400, 31, 32 are heated to create an environment in which moisture can easily evaporate.

[0148] The control device 50 operates the compressor 33 during the heating process to generate high-temperature air. Furthermore, the control device 50 operates the blower 36 to supply the hot air to the outer tank 13 and the rotating tank 15. The control device 50 then terminates the heating process when the temperature detected by the temperature detection unit 51 reaches a predetermined temperature t3 at which the fibers of the clothing are easily stretched. The predetermined temperature t3 can be set, for example, within the range of 40°C to 60°C. In this embodiment, the predetermined temperature t3 is set to 50°C.

[0149] The control device 50 sets the airflow rate of the blower 36 to be less than the airflow rate of the blower 36 in the humidification process, or sets the rotational speed of the blower 36 in the heating process to be lower than the rotational speed of the blower 36 in the humidification process.

[0150] For example, the rotational speed of the blower 36 in the heating process can be set within the range of 1000 rpm to 1500 rpm. In this embodiment, the rotational speed of the blower 36 is set to 1000 rpm.

[0151] The embodiment described above also achieves the same effects as the embodiments described above.

[0152] In the washing and drying machine 10 as a garment processing device of this embodiment, the humidification promoting member 400 is a heat exchanger 31, 32. The washing and drying machine 10 includes a compressor 33 that supplies a refrigerant to the heat exchangers 31, 32. The control device 50 performs a heating process in the period before the humidification process, which involves driving the compressor 33 and driving the blower 36 at a volume of air less than the volume of air blown in the humidification process or at a rotational speed lower than the rotational speed in the humidification process.

[0153] The heating process promotes evaporation during the humidification process and warms the clothes to a temperature where wrinkles are easily smoothed out. Furthermore, by limiting the airflow from the blower 36, it is possible to prevent the clothes from drying out further due to evaporation of moisture before the water supply operation.

[0154] Furthermore, if a heating process is performed, the control device 50 may supply water to the condenser 32, which has been heated by the heating process, to promote the evaporation of moisture in the humidification process, thereby promoting the improvement of wrinkles in the clothing.

[0155] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the control device 50 operates the compressor 33 as the heating process, but this is not limited to this. For example, in other embodiments, a defrosting heater may be provided in the evaporator 31, and this may be used to heat the evaporator 31, i.e., the humidification promoting member 400.

[0156] (Ninth Embodiment) A ninth embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 19 and 20. In this embodiment, the humidification process includes a water supply process, a first air blowing process, and a second air blowing process. The first air blowing process is a process to promote the vaporization of moisture from the surface of the humidification promoting member 400. The second air blowing process is a process to promote the penetration of the vaporized moisture into the clothing. The first air blowing process is performed at least immediately after the water supply operation. The second air blowing process is performed after the first air blowing process. In this embodiment, in the first air blowing process, the control device 50 performs the water supply operation intermittently and periodically.

[0157] As shown in Figure 19, the control device 50 operates the blower 36 at a first rotational speed R1 in the first blowing process, and operates the blower 36 at a second rotational speed R2, which is lower than the first rotational speed R1, in the second blowing process. This increases the airflow to promote evaporation when the surfaces of the humidification promoting members 400, 31, and 32 are well wet immediately after the water supply operation. On the other hand, after a certain amount of moisture has evaporated, the airflow is reduced to prevent further evaporation from the clothing, and the gentle application of humidified air to the clothing promotes the penetration of moisture into the clothing.

[0158] The first rotational speed R1 can be set, for example, within the range of 2500 to 3500 rpm. The second rotational speed R2 can be set, for example, within the range of 2000 to 2500 rpm. In this embodiment, the first rotational speed R1 is set to 3000 rpm, and the second rotational speed R2 is set to 2000 rpm.

[0159] The control device 50 performs a first air blowing process after the first water supply operation has been performed, until a predetermined period T4 has elapsed. The predetermined period T4 can be set based on the temperature detected by the temperature detection unit 51, the temperature detected by the humidity detection unit 52, the weight detected by the weight detection unit 53, and / or the determination result of the fabric type detection unit 54. For example, the control device 50 may vary the predetermined period T4 according to changes in ambient temperature and humidity after the water supply operation has been performed. After the period T4 has elapsed, the control device 50 performs a second air blowing process.

[0160] For example, the memory area 502 may store a chart of predetermined periods T4 based on the temperature detected by the temperature detection unit 51 and the determination result of the fabric type detection unit 54, as shown in Figure 20. When the control device 50 executes the humidification process, it retrieves the chart and sets a predetermined period T4. In the example shown in Figure 19, regardless of the fabric type, when the temperature detected by the temperature detection unit 51 is low, the period T4 is set to be longer than when the detected temperature is high. Also, for the same detected temperature, when the fabric type detection unit 54 determines that the fabric is cotton, the period T4 is set to be longer than when the determination is synthetic fiber.

[0161] In this case, if the predetermined period T4 is extended, the amount of water supplied by the water supply operation may also be increased.

[0162] In this embodiment, the control device 50 detects humidity using the humidity detection unit 52 after a predetermined period T4 has elapsed since the water supply operation. If the humidity detected by the humidity detection unit 52 is less than a predetermined threshold X0, the control device 50 does not proceed to the second air blowing process, but instead executes the water supply operation and the first air blowing process again. If the humidity detected by the humidity detection unit 52 is equal to or greater than the predetermined threshold X0, the control device 50 terminates the first air blowing process and executes the second air blowing process. In the example shown in Figure 19, after the period T4 has elapsed since the first to fifth water supply operations, the humidity detected by the humidity detection unit 52 was less than the predetermined threshold X0, so the control device 50 executes the water supply operation and the first air blowing process again. After the sixth water supply operation, after the period T4 has elapsed, the humidity detected by the humidity detection unit 52 was equal to or greater than the predetermined threshold X0, so the control device 50 terminates the first air blowing process and then executes the second air blowing process.

[0163] In other words, after a predetermined period T4 has elapsed since the water supply operation, the control device 50 determines whether or not to perform another water supply operation based on the humidity detected by the humidity detection unit 52. In this embodiment, the control device 50 performs the first air blowing process until a predetermined period T4 has elapsed since the water supply operation, and if it determines that another water supply operation is required, it performs another water supply operation and the first air blowing process, but is not limited to this. In other embodiments, for example, the control device 50 may perform the first air blowing process for a period T5 shorter than the period T4 after the water supply operation, and then perform the second air blowing process for the remainder of the period T4. In other words, within the cycle of the predetermined period T4 until it is determined whether or not to perform another water supply operation after the water supply operation, the first air blowing process and the second air blowing process with a reduced airflow rate than the first air blowing process may be performed.

[0164] The embodiment described above also achieves the same effects as the embodiments described above.

[0165] According to the washing and drying machine 10 as a garment processing device of this embodiment, the humidification process comprises a first air blowing process and a second air blowing process performed after the first air blowing process. The control device 50 operates the air blower 36 at a first rotational speed R1 in the first air blowing process and operates the air blower 36 at a second rotational speed R2 which is lower than the first rotational speed R1 in the second air blowing process.

[0166] According to this, by changing the rotation speed and consequently the amount of air blown by the blower 36, it becomes possible to promote appropriate vaporization and the penetration of moisture into clothing.

[0167] The control device 50 performs a first air blowing process until a predetermined period T4 has elapsed after the water supply operation, and then performs a second air blowing process after the predetermined period T4 has elapsed.

[0168] According to this, immediately after the water supply operation, the evaporation of moisture from the humidification promoting members 400, 31, and 32 is promoted, and once a certain amount of moisture has evaporated, moisture can be efficiently supplied to the clothing.

[0169] The washing and drying machine 10, as a garment processing device, is equipped with a humidity detection unit 52 that detects the humidity inside the ducts 21, 23, 24, and 25. The control device 50 performs the water supply operation again if the humidity detected by the humidity detection unit 52 after a predetermined period T4 has elapsed since the water supply operation is less than a predetermined threshold X0.

[0170] According to this method, it is possible to ensure that a sufficient amount of moisture evaporates to smooth out wrinkles in clothing.

[0171] (Tenth embodiment) A tenth embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 21 to 23. In this embodiment, as shown in Figure 21, the washing and drying machine 10 is equipped with a thick garment detection unit 56. The thick garment detection unit 56 detects that the clothes contained in the rotating tub 15 include thick garments that are thicker and heavier than standard garments. Thick garments take longer to absorb moisture than standard garments because they are bulkier relative to their surface area and have a higher fiber density. They also require more moisture to stretch the fibers than standard garments. Examples of thick garments include judo uniforms, denim clothing such as jeans, towels, blankets, etc.

[0172] The thick material detection unit 56 can detect the presence of a thick material, for example, by detecting the magnitude of the imbalance in the rotating tank 15 and the location where it occurs.

[0173] The control device 50 sets the duration Tm of the humidification process to be longer than when the thick object detection unit 56 determines that a thick object is present, compared to when it determines that there is no thick object. The memory area 502 stores a chart of predetermined durations Tm of the humidification process based on the presence or absence of a thick object, as shown in Figures 22 and 23. When executing the humidification process, the control device 50 retrieves this chart and sets the duration Tm of the humidification process based on the detection result of the thick object detection unit 56.

[0174] The example shown in Figure 22 is a chart of the duration Tm of the humidification process determined according to the presence or absence of thick material when the fabric type detection unit 54 determines that the fabric is cotton. The example shown in Figure 23 is a chart of the duration Tm of the humidification process determined according to the presence or absence of thick material when the fabric type detection unit 54 determines that the fabric is synthetic fiber. Whether the fabric is cotton or synthetic fiber, the duration Tm of the humidification process when thick material is present is set to be longer than the duration Tm of the humidification process when thick material is absent. Furthermore, even when comparing with the same weight, the duration Tm of the humidification process when thick material is present is set to be longer than the duration Tm of the humidification process when thick material is absent.

[0175] The embodiment described above also achieves the same effects as the embodiments described above.

[0176] The washing and drying machine 10, as a garment processing device in this embodiment, is equipped with a thick garment detection unit 56 that detects when thick garments are placed in the rotating tub 15. When the thick garment detection unit 56 detects thick garments, the control device 50 sets the duration Tm of the humidification process to be longer than when thick garments are not detected.

[0177] This allows even bulky, thick clothing that takes a long time to absorb moisture to effectively smooth out wrinkles by allowing sufficient time for moisture to be absorbed.

[0178] (11th embodiment) The eleventh embodiment will be described with reference to Figure 23. In this embodiment, the control device 50 performs a humidification process after the drying process. That is, when the drying operation or the wash-and-dry operation is performed in the wrinkle-reducing course, the control device 50 performs a humidification process after the drying process. During the drying process, static electricity may be generated when dry clothes rub against each other. Therefore, the generation of static electricity is suppressed by supplying moisture to the rotating tub 15.

[0179] As shown in Figure 23, the humidification process consists of a third air blowing process and a fourth air blowing process performed after the third air blowing process. The third air blowing process is a process that penetrates moisture into the clothing to stretch the fibers and suppress the generation of static electricity. The fourth air blowing process is a process that evaporates excess moisture from the static clothing and finishes the clothing. In the fourth air blowing process, the rotation speed and / or number of rotations of the rotating drum 15 are kept low to suppress the generation of static electricity again.

[0180] In the third air supply process, the control device 50 performs water supply operations intermittently and periodically. In this embodiment, the water supply time per water supply operation is set to 1 second. The period without water supply per cycle is set to 59 seconds. In other words, the control device 50 performs water supply operations for 1 second within a 60-second cycle.

[0181] In both the third and fourth air-blowing processes included in the humidification process, the control device 50 does not drive the compressor 33. However, the compressor 33 is driven in the drying process which is performed before the humidification process, and the condenser 32 is warmer than room temperature at least in the third air-blowing process. Therefore, by supplying water to the evaporator 31 and / or condenser 32 as a humidification promoting member 400, the vaporization of moisture from the surface of the condenser 32 is easily promoted.

[0182] The control device 50 operates the blower 36 in the third and fourth blowing processes. In the third blowing process, the blower 36 causes the moisture supplied to the humidification promoting member 400 to vaporize, and the moisture-containing air is supplied to the rotating tank 15, allowing the moisture to penetrate the clothes. In the fourth blowing process, the blower 36 causes excess moisture to evaporate from the clothes. Furthermore, by performing the third and fourth blowing processes without operating the compressor 33 after the drying process in which the clothes are heated, there is also the effect of lowering the temperature of the clothes.

[0183] The control device 50 controls the blower 36 so that the amount of air blown in the fourth blowing process is greater than the amount of air blown in the third blowing process. In this embodiment, the control device 50 drives the blower 36 at a third rotational speed in the third blowing process and drives the blower 36 at a fourth rotational speed that is faster than the third rotational speed in the fourth blowing process. For example, the third rotational speed can be set within the range of 3000 to 4000 rpm. The fourth rotational speed can be set within the range of 4000 to 5000 rpm. In this embodiment, the third rotational speed is set to 4000 rpm and the fourth rotational speed is set to 5000 rpm.

[0184] The control device 50 reduces the operating frequency or rotational speed of the rotary drum motor 16 in the fourth blowing process to a lower frequency or rotational speed than that in the drying process. In other words, in the fourth blowing process, which is the final stage of operation, the clothes in the rotary drum 15 are not vigorously agitated, but rather agitated relatively gently to promote the evaporation of moisture from the entire garment, while also suppressing the re-generation of static electricity on the garment.

[0185] In the drying process, the control device 50 agitates the clothes by, for example, continuously and periodically rotating the rotary drum motor 16 in forward and reverse directions. The rotation speed of the rotary drum motor 16 in the drying process can be set to, for example, within the range of 45 to 65 rpm.

[0186] In the third blowing process, the control device 50 intermittently drives the rotary drum motor 16 at a predetermined rotational speed such that the clothes in the rotary drum 15 oscillate horizontally in small increments, a so-called tumbling operation. Due to the tumbling operation, the clothes in the rotary drum 15 momentarily rise up to the side of the rotary drum 15 along with the rotary drum 15 and then fall, so that the relative positions of adjacent clothes change. As shown in Figure 24, the control device 50 rapidly increases the rotational speed of the rotary drum motor 16 from 0 rpm or substantially 0 rpm to a predetermined top rotational speed, and once the rotational speed of the rotary drum motor 16 reaches the predetermined top rotational speed, it reduces the rotational speed to 0 rpm or substantially 0 rpm, that is, it momentarily stops the rotation, and repeats this process. The predetermined top rotational speed is a rotational speed at which the clothes rise up to the top of the rotary drum 15 along with the rotary drum 15 and then fall. In this embodiment, the predetermined top rotational speed can be set, for example, within the range of approximately 75 rpm to approximately 120 rpm. In this embodiment, the predetermined top rotational speed is set to 75 rpm.

[0187] The control device 50 raises the rotational speed from 0 rpm or substantially 0 rpm to the top rotational speed over a predetermined period, and then reduces the rotational speed from the top rotational speed to 0 rpm or substantially 0 rpm over a predetermined period. The predetermined period can be set, for example, within the range of approximately 0.5 to approximately 3 seconds. In this embodiment, the predetermined period is set to 1 second. The control device 50 may perform the tumbling operation by rotating the rotary tank motor 16 in forward and reverse directions, or by rotating the rotary tank motor 16 in a constant direction.

[0188] Furthermore, the control device 50 may intermittently and periodically perform a combination of tumbling and overall agitation in the third air blowing process, which involves moving the entire garment significantly in the vertical direction. The overall agitation, which involves moving the entire garment significantly in the vertical direction, is an operation in which the rotary drum motor 16 is intermittently driven at a predetermined rotational speed such that the garment in the rotary drum 15 moves significantly in the vertical direction. Due to this overall agitation, the garment in the rotary drum 15 is lifted up to the top of the rotary drum 15 along with the rotary drum 15 and falls to the bottom, thus changing the relative position of the entire garment. The control device 50 gradually increases the rotational speed of the rotary drum motor 16 to a predetermined rotational speed, and once the rotational speed of the rotary drum motor 16 reaches the predetermined rotational speed, maintains that rotational speed for a predetermined period, and then stops the rotation, repeating this process. The predetermined rotational speed is a rotational speed smaller than the rotational speed in the tumbling operation, and is such that the garment does not rise up to the top of the rotary drum 15 along with the rotary drum 15, but reaches the side of the rotary drum 15 and falls. Furthermore, the overall agitation may be repeated alternately in forward and reverse rotation. The rotational speed of the rotary tank motor 16 during the overall stirring operation can be set to, for example, within a range of approximately 40 rpm to approximately 50 rpm.

[0189] The control device 50 sets the operating frequency or rotational speed of the rotary drum motor 16 in the fourth air blowing process to be lower than that in the third process. In other words, in the fourth air blowing process, the amount of movement of the clothes in the rotary drum 15 is less than in the third air blowing process. This minimizes the static electricity generated when the clothes, which have been dried again by blowing air after humidification, rub against each other.

[0190] The control device 50 operates the opening / closing device 27 to open the exhaust port 26 for at least a portion of the fourth air blowing process. This makes it easier for excess moisture contained in the air that is not absorbed by the clothes to be discharged outside the machine. In this embodiment, the control device 50 keeps the opening / closing device 27 open for the entire duration of the fourth air blowing process, but the control device 50 may operate the opening / closing device 27 to open the exhaust port 26 for a portion of the latter half of the fourth air blowing process, rather than for the entire duration.

[0191] The embodiment described above also achieves the same effects as the embodiments described above.

[0192] The control device 50 executes a humidification process after the drying process. The humidification process includes a third blowing process, which includes the operation of the blower 36 and the water supply process, and a fourth blowing process, which is executed after the third blowing process and also includes the operation of the blower 36. The control device 50 increases the amount of air blown by the blower 36 in the fourth blowing process compared to the amount of air blown by the blower 36 in the third blowing process, and decreases the operating frequency or rotational speed of the rotary tank motor 16 in the fourth blowing process compared to the operating frequency or rotational speed of the rotary tank motor 16 in the third process.

[0193] This allows the clothes to be dried and finished by stretching the fibers of the garments in the third air-blowing step to suppress the generation of static electricity, and then by relatively increasing the amount of air blown in the fourth air-blowing step. Furthermore, in the fourth air-blowing step, which is the finishing stage, the movement of the rotary drum motor 16 and thus the rotary drum 15 is made gentler to suppress the amount of movement of the garments, thereby reducing the impact on the garments and suppressing the generation of further wrinkles, as well as suppressing the generation of static electricity again in the dried garments.

[0194] While several embodiments of the present invention have been described, these embodiments are presented as examples only and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These novel embodiments can be carried out in various other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. These embodiments and their variations are included in the scope and spirit of the invention, as well as in the claims and their equivalents. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0195] 10...Washing machine, 13...Outer tub, 133...Air inlet, 15...Rotating tub, 16...Rotating tub motor, 171...Water supply valve for outer tub (second water supply valve), 172...Water supply path for outer tub (second water supply path), 20...Air passage, 21...Exhaust duct (duct), 23...Connecting duct (duct), 24...Heat exchange section (duct), 25...Air supply duct (duct), 26...Exhaust port, 27...Opening / closing device 31...Evaporator (heat exchanger, humidification promoting member), 32...Condenser (heat exchanger, humidification promoting member), 33...Compressor, 36...Blower, 41...Water supply valve for humidification (water supply valve), 42...Water supply path for humidification (water supply path), 50...Control device, 51...Temperature detection unit, 52...Humidity detection unit, 53...Weight detection unit, 54...Fabric type detection unit, 55...Condenser temperature detection unit, 56...Thickness detection unit

Claims

1. The outer box and A clothing storage tank is provided inside the outer box, has an air inlet, and stores clothing inside, A duct provided inside the outer box and connected to the air inlet, A heating device arranged inside the duct to generate hot air, A humidification promoting member is placed inside the duct, A blower that blows air into the clothing storage tank, A water supply path for supplying water from a water source outside the outer box to the humidification promoting member, A water supply valve that opens and closes the aforementioned water supply path, The system includes a control device that controls the operation of the blower, the opening and closing of the water supply valve, and the driving of the heating device. The control device is capable of performing a drying operation by driving the blower and the heating device, and a humidification process that involves opening the water supply valve and driving the blower. The humidification promoting member dehumidifies the air passing through the duct during the drying operation and humidifies the air passing through the duct by vaporizing the supplied water while the heating device is not driven during the humidification process. Garment processing device.

2. The outer box and A clothing storage tank is provided inside the outer box, has an air inlet, and stores clothing inside, A duct provided inside the outer box and connected to the air inlet, A humidification promoting member is placed inside the duct, A blower that blows air into the clothing storage tank, A water supply path for supplying water from a water source outside the outer box to the humidification promoting member, A water supply valve that opens and closes the aforementioned water supply path, A heat pump unit having a compressor, a condenser, and an evaporator, The system includes a control device that controls the operation of the blower, the opening and closing of the water supply valve, and the driving of the compressor. The control device is capable of performing a drying operation by driving the blower and the compressor, and a humidification process by opening the water supply valve without driving the compressor and driving the blower. The humidification promoting member is either the condenser or the evaporator, or both. Garment processing device.

3. The humidification promoting member has an uneven surface that allows for a larger surface area than that of an object of the same volume. The garment processing apparatus according to claim 1 or 2.

4. In the humidification process, the control device does not perform any control to heat the clothing storage tank and the inside of the duct. The garment processing apparatus according to claim 1 or 2.

5. A filter device is provided inside the duct, The humidification promoting member is located downstream of the filter device with respect to the airflow through the duct. The garment processing apparatus according to claim 1 or 2.

6. The water supply path is connected to a water supply unit that sprays water onto the humidification promoting member. The garment processing apparatus according to claim 1 or 2.

7. The control device performs the water supply operation multiple times intermittently during the humidification process, and performs at least one of the water supply operations while the blower is operating. The garment processing apparatus according to claim 1 or 2.

8. The control device sets the amount of water supplied in the first of the multiple water supply operations to be greater than the amount of water supplied in the second and subsequent water supply operations. The garment processing apparatus according to claim 1 or 2.

9. In the humidification process, the total water supply period, which is the period during which the water supply operation is performed, is set to be shorter than the total no-water supply period, which is the period during which the water supply operation is not performed. The garment processing apparatus according to claim 1 or 2.

Images