Clothing processing equipment

Abstract

To provide a clothing treatment device capable of attaching mist to an object efficiently.SOLUTION: A clothing treatment device includes: a storage tub for storing an object to be treated; an air blowing path where the air flowing in the storage tub passes; blower means provided in the air blowing path, and for blowing the air to the storage tub; mist supply means provided outside the air blowing path, and for supplying mist to the storage tub; and a control part capable of executing a first course to operate the mist supply means. The control part sets the rotational frequency of the blower means to be equal to or less than predetermined rotational frequency, while operating the mist supply means in the first course.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 11

Description

Technical Field

[0006] ,

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a clothing treatment apparatus for treating an object to be treated.

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a drum-type washing and drying machine that supplies mist to laundry. This drum-type washing and drying machine includes a water tank, a rotating drum provided in the water tank, a circulation air path provided with dehumidifying means and heating means, a water reservoir container in the circulation air path, and a mist generator that generates mist by applying ultrasonic vibration to the water stored in the water reservoir container.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] The present disclosure Items to be processed provides a clothing treatment apparatus capable of efficiently attaching mist thereto.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] Book In the disclosure ru ki the clothing treatment apparatus includes a storage tank for storing an object to be treated, an air path through which air flowing into the storage tank passes, a blowing means provided in the air path for blowing air into the storage tank, a mist supply means provided outside the air path for supplying mist into the storage tank, and a control unit capable of executing a first course for operating the mist supply means. The control unit stops the blowing means while operating the mist supply means in the first course.

Effects of the Invention

[0006] The garment processing apparatus in this disclosure is Items to be processed It allows the mist to adhere efficiently. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0007] [Figure 1] Front view of the dryer in Embodiment 1 [Figure 2] Longitudinal cross-sectional view of the dryer in Embodiment 1 [Figure 3] Schematic diagram of the liquid spray device of the dryer in Embodiment 1 [Figure 4] Layout diagram of the liquid spray device of the dryer in Embodiment 1 [Figure 5] Exploded perspective view of the nozzle unit of the dryer in Embodiment 1 [Figure 6] Cross-sectional view of the dryer in Embodiment 1, looking from inside the product towards the front. [Figure 7] Partial enlarged view of Figure 6 [Figure 8] Block diagram of the dryer control device in Embodiment 1 [Figure 9] Flowchart of the mist supply course of the dryer in Embodiment 1 [Figure 10] Flowchart of the spraying process of the dryer in Embodiment 1 [Figure 11] Diagram illustrating the first example of the operation of the spraying process of the dryer in Embodiment 1. [Figure 12] Diagram illustrating a second example of the operation of the spraying process of the dryer in Embodiment 1. [Figure 13] Diagram illustrating a third example of the operation of the spraying process of the dryer in Embodiment 1. [Figure 14] Diagram illustrating the fourth example of the operation of the spraying process of the dryer in Embodiment 1. [Figure 15] Longitudinal cross-sectional view of the dryer in Embodiment 2 [Figure 16] Vertical cross-sectional view of a drum-type washing machine and dryer in Embodiment 3 [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0008] (Findings underlying the present disclosure, etc.) When the inventors arrived at the present disclosure, there was a technology that included a mist generation device that generated mist by applying ultrasonic vibration to the water stored in a water storage container and supplied the mist to dried laundry. From such a situation, the inventors obtained the idea of effectively treating an object to be treated such as clothing or a tank by spraying a liquid agent onto the object to be treated or the tank using a mist supply means that sprays the liquid agent as mist. However, the inventors discovered that there are a plurality of problems when spraying the liquid agent by the mist supply means.

[0009] First, there is a problem that it is necessary to reduce the risk of a user inhaling the mist when spraying the liquid agent by the mist supply means. In particular, when a two-fluid nozzle is used as the spray nozzle of the mist supply means, mist with a small particle size is sprayed. When spraying mist with a large particle size as mist, since the weight of the mist is heavy, it immediately falls and is difficult to uniformly adhere to the spraying target. When spraying mist with a small particle size as mist, the floating time is long and it can be uniformly adhered to the spraying target. However, if the user opens the lid while the mist of the liquid agent with a small particle size sprayed by the mist supply means remains in the storage tank, there is a risk that the user will inhale the mist. Different from the case of spraying water in the mist generation device in the prior art, when spraying the liquid agent, it is necessary to suppress the user from inhaling the mist.

[0010] Second, there is a problem that it is necessary to suppress clogging of the liquid agent in the mist supply means. For example, when the liquid agent stored in the liquid tank can be changed by the user and the mist supply means sprays the liquid agent stored in the liquid tank, after changing the liquid agent, the agent may mix in the mist supply means and deposits may be generated, resulting in clogging of the liquid agent. Further, when clogging of the liquid agent occurs in the mist supply means, it is necessary to replace or maintain a part of the mist supply means.

[0011] The inventors have discovered the above problems and have arrived at the subject matter of the present disclosure in order to solve those problems.

[0012] Hereinafter, embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. However, detailed descriptions that are more than necessary may be omitted. For example, detailed descriptions of well-known matters or detailed descriptions of substantially the same configurations may be omitted. This is to avoid making the following description overly redundant and to facilitate understanding by those skilled in the art.

[0013] Note that the accompanying drawings and the following description are provided for those skilled in the art to fully understand the present disclosure, and are not intended to limit the subject matter described in the claims.

[0014] (Embodiment 1) Hereinafter, Embodiment 1 will be described using FIGS. 1 to 14. In Embodiment 1, as an example of a clothing treatment apparatus, a dryer 100 will be described.

[0015] [1-1. Configuration] [1-1-1. Configuration of the dryer] The configuration of the dryer 10 will be described using FIGS. 1 and 2. FIG. 1 is a front view of the dryer 100. FIG. 2 is a longitudinal sectional view of the main part of the dryer 100.

[0016] The dryer 100 includes a housing 101, a drum 102, a lid 120, and an operation display unit 125. The housing 101 includes a front plate 101a that constitutes the front side of the dryer 100 and a tank cover 101b provided at the lower front of the housing 101.

[0017] The drum 102 is located inside the housing 101. The drum 102 is rotatably mounted inside the housing 101 with a rotation axis X extending substantially horizontally as its central axis. The drum 102 is formed in a bottomed cylindrical shape with a drum opening 102a on the front side, and contains the object to be processed inside. Examples of objects to be processed that can be contained inside the drum 102 include clothing, shoes, bags, and hats. In this embodiment, an example in which clothing is contained inside the drum 102 will be described below.

[0018] A motor 105 is located on the lower rear side inside the housing 101. The motor 105 rotates the drum 102.

[0019] The lid 120 is attached to the front plate 101a and covers the drum opening 102a in a way that allows it to be opened and closed. The user opens the lid 120 and puts the material to be processed into the drum 102 through the drum opening 102a. The dryer 100 also has a lid locking mechanism. The lid locking mechanism can hold the lid 120 in the closed position.

[0020] A tank cover 101c is provided inside the housing 101, covering a portion of the drum opening 102a (as shown in Figures 2, 6, and 7). In a front view of the dryer 100, the tank cover 101c covers the outer circumference of the drum opening 102a beyond the lid 120. The tank cover 101c may be provided continuously with the front plate 101a, or it may be provided as a separate component.

[0021] A baffle 103 is provided on the inner wall of the drum 102. The baffle 103 lifts the contents inside the drum 102 when the drum 102 rotates.

[0022] An air intake port 106 for drawing air from inside the drum 102 is provided at the inner front of the housing 101. A fan 104, which serves as a means of blowing air into the drum 102, is provided at the inner rear of the housing 101. The fan 104 is located outside the drum 102. When the fan 104 rotates, air is drawn in from the air intake port 106 and blown into the drum 102 from the air outlet 107 located at the rear of the drum 102. In this embodiment, the air passage from the air intake port 106 to the air outlet 107 into the drum 102 is defined as the airflow path 110. The fan 104 is located in the airflow path 110. A heater 111 is provided in the airflow path 110 to heat the air passing through it.

[0023] An operation display unit 125 is provided on the upper front of the housing 101. The operation display unit 125 is configured to receive operating instructions from the user and to display the operating status of the dryer 100, etc.

[0024] A control device 130 is provided in the lower part of the housing 101. The control device 130 controls the operation of the fan 104, motor 105, heater 111, and other components. The configuration of the control device 130 will be described later.

[0025] [1-1-2. Configuration of the liquid spraying device] A liquid spraying device 140 for supplying mist into the drum 102 is provided inside the housing 101. The liquid spraying device 140 will be described below with reference to Figures 3 and 4. Figure 3 is a schematic diagram showing the main components of the liquid spraying device 140. Figure 4 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the dryer 100 including the liquid spraying device 140.

[0026] The liquid spray device 140 is located outside the air supply path 110. The liquid spray device 140 includes a liquid tank 141, a liquid supply path 142, an air pump 143, an air supply path 144, and a nozzle unit 150 including a spray nozzle 154 (described later).

[0027] The liquid tank 141 is provided to store liquid. Examples of liquids that can be stored in the liquid tank 141 include wrinkle removers, disinfectants, deodorizers, fragrances, insect repellents, pre-cleaning agents, water repellents, and stain repellents. Water may also be stored in the liquid tank 141. The liquid tank 141 is located in the lower interior part of the housing 101. The user can change, refill, and replenish the liquid stored in the liquid tank 141 by opening the tank cover 101b and removing the liquid tank 141 from inside the housing 101. The location where the tank cover 101b is provided is not limited to the lower front of the housing 101, but can be determined according to the location of the liquid tank 141, as long as the user can remove the liquid tank 141.

[0028] The liquid supply path 142 is the path through which the liquid contained in the liquid tank 141 is supplied to the spray nozzle 154. In other words, the liquid supply path 142 is the path through which the liquid flowing into the spray nozzle 154 passes.

[0029] The air pump 143 is a device that supplies compressed air to the spray nozzle 154.

[0030] The air supply path 144 is connected to the air pump 143. The air supply path 144 is the path through which the air flowing into the spray nozzle 154 passes.

[0031] As shown in Figure 4, the nozzle unit 150 is positioned above the liquid tank 141. This allows the liquid in the liquid supply path 142 to return towards the liquid tank 141 when the liquid spraying device 140 is stopped, thus preventing any liquid from remaining in the liquid supply path 142. Preferably, to prevent liquid from remaining in the liquid supply path 142, the liquid supply path 142 should be positioned so that it gradually rises from the liquid tank 141 towards the nozzle unit 150.

[0032] In this embodiment, the liquid supply path 142 and the air supply path 144 are formed from rubber tubes, but the material and form of the liquid supply path 142 and the air supply path 144 are not limited.

[0033] [1-1-3. Nozzle Unit Configuration] The configuration of the nozzle unit 150 will be explained using Figures 5 to 7. Figure 5 is an exploded perspective view of the nozzle unit 150. Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view of the dryer 100, looking from the middle to the front in the front-to-back direction. Figure 7 is a partially enlarged view of Figure 6.

[0034] The nozzle unit 150 includes a base portion 151, a nozzle portion 152, and a nozzle cover 155.

[0035] The base portion 151 is a component for attaching the nozzle unit 150 to the tank cover 101c, and is detachably provided on the tank cover 101c. The base portion 151 is fixed to the tank cover 101c by being fastened with screws. In this embodiment, the base portion 151 is fastened with screws from the inside of the tank cover 101c to the inner back surface of the tank cover 101c.

[0036] The nozzle section 152 includes a nozzle mounting section 153 and a spray nozzle 154. The nozzle section 152 is fixed to the mounting surface 151a of the base section 151 by screw fastening, with the spray nozzle 154 attached to the nozzle mounting section 153. The nozzle mounting section 153 is detachably mounted to the mounting surface 151a of the base section 151. In other words, the nozzle section 152 is detachably mounted to the base section 151.

[0037] The nozzle mounting section 153 connects the air supply path 144 to the air-side connection section 154a (described later) of the spray nozzle 154. An O-ring may be provided at the connection point between the air supply path 144 and the nozzle mounting section 153 to prevent air leakage.

[0038] The spray nozzle 154 is a two-fluid nozzle that sprays liquid using compressed air. The spray nozzle 154 includes an air-side connection part 154a, a liquid-side connection part 154b, and a spray port 154c. The air-side connection part 154a is connected to the nozzle mounting part 153 and allows air that has passed through the air supply path 144 to flow into the spray nozzle 154. The liquid-side connection part 154b is connected to the liquid supply path 142 and allows liquid that has passed through the liquid supply path 142 to flow into the spray nozzle 154. The spray port 154c uses the compressed air that has flowed in from the air-side connection part 154a to spray the liquid contained in the liquid tank 141 that has flowed in from the liquid-side connection part 154b.

[0039] The air-side connection part 154a and the spray nozzle 154c are arranged in a nearly straight line, and the air-side connection part 154a and the liquid-side connection part 154b are arranged at a nearly perpendicular angle. An O-ring may be provided at the connection point between the air-side connection part 154a and the nozzle mounting part 153 to prevent air leakage. An O-ring may also be provided at the connection point between the liquid-side connection part 154b and the liquid supply path 142 to prevent liquid leakage.

[0040] The nozzle section 152 is sandwiched between the base section 151 and the nozzle cover 155 with the spray nozzle 154 attached to the nozzle mounting section 153, and is fixed to the base section 151 by screws fastened to the nozzle cover 155 through screw holes provided in the nozzle mounting section 153 from screw holes provided in the mounting surface 151a. In other words, the nozzle cover 155 fixes the nozzle section 152 to the base section 151. The nozzle mounting section 153 and the nozzle cover 155 are sealed in the radial direction. Since radial sealing has a large tolerance for assembly variations, the sealing performance can be stably ensured when the nozzle unit 150 is disassembled for replacement and then reassembled.

[0041] The base portion 151, which has an installation surface 151a, is detachably attached to the tank cover 101c. This allows the installation angle of the nozzle portion 152 to be changed by replacing the base portion 151 with a base portion 151 having a different angle of installation surface 151a attached to the tank cover 101c. As a result, the angle of the spray nozzle 154c can be changed, and the angle of the mist sprayed from the spray nozzle 154 can be changed depending on the type of liquid contained in the liquid tank 141 and the intended use of the liquid spraying device 140.

[0042] The nozzle mounting section 153 has an air supply path 144 connected to it in a substantially vertical direction and is connected to the air-side connection section 154a of the spray nozzle 154 in a substantially horizontal direction. In other words, the nozzle mounting section 153 has a bending structure 153a that bends the path within the nozzle mounting section 153 at a substantially right angle. To put it another way, the bending structure 153a bends the path through which the air flowing into the spray nozzle 154 passes. This reduces the space required by the nozzle section 152, in this embodiment, the space in the front-to-back direction. Furthermore, due to the bending structure 153a, the liquid supply path 142 and the air supply path 144 are provided extending in substantially the same direction, in this embodiment, substantially vertically downward from the nozzle section 152. This reduces the space required by the nozzle section 152, in this embodiment, the space in the front-to-back direction, thus enabling space saving when installing the nozzle section 152. Furthermore, since the liquid supply path 142 and the air supply path 144 can be connected to the liquid-side connection part 153b and the nozzle mounting part 153 of the spray nozzle 154 from the same direction, the nozzle part 152, the liquid supply path 142, and the air supply path 144 can be easily replaced.

[0043] As shown in Figures 6 and 7, the spray nozzle 154 is located on the upper left (front view) of the drum cover 101c. In other words, the spray nozzle 154 is located on the upper front side of the drum 102. The spray nozzle 154 sprays mist diagonally across the drum 102, that is, towards the lower right (front view) of the rear inside of the drum 102. Since the mist sprayed from the spray nozzle 154 falls downward due to gravity, its location on the upper front of the drum 102 prevents localized adhesion of the mist to the clothes stored inside the drum 102, allowing the mist to adhere over a wide area.

[0044] [1-1-4. Control device configuration] The configuration of the control device 130 will be explained using Figure 8. Figure 8 is a block diagram of the control device 130.

[0045] The control device 130 includes a control unit 131, a reception unit 132, and a notification unit 133.

[0046] The control unit 131 controls the operation of the fan 104, motor 105, heater 111, air pump 143, and lid locking mechanism.

[0047] The reception unit 132 receives instructions from the user through the operation display unit 125. In response to the instructions such as the driving course received by the reception unit 132, the control unit 131 controls the operation of each of the aforementioned devices.

[0048] The notification unit 133 informs the user of the operating status of the dryer 100, etc., through the operation display unit 125 and a buzzer.

[0049] Furthermore, if the dryer 100 is equipped with a communication unit capable of communicating with an external terminal, the reception unit 132 may be configured to receive instructions input from the user via the external terminal from the communication unit. In addition, the notification unit 133 may be configured to notify the user of the operating status of the dryer 100, etc., via the communication unit to the external terminal.

[0050] [1-2. Operation, etc.] The operation and function of the dryer 100, configured as described above, will now be explained.

[0051] [1-2-1. Operation in the mist supply course] The control unit 131 can execute a mist supply course that controls the air pump 143 to operate the liquid spray device 140. The mist supply course is a course that operates the liquid spray device 140 with clothes contained in the drum 102. The control and operation in the mist supply course will be explained below with reference to the figures. Figure 9 is a flowchart of the mist supply course.

[0052] The mist supply course includes a spraying step that operates the liquid spraying device 140 and a blowing step that operates the fan 104.

[0053] When the reception unit 132 receives an instruction to start the mist supply course while the clothes are placed inside the drum, the mist supply course starts (S101). Once the mist supply course starts, the control unit 131 operates the lid locking unit to hold the lid 120 in the closed position (S102) and starts the spraying process (S104). The spraying process in S104 will be described later.

[0054] Once the spraying process in S104 is completed, the blowing process is executed (S105). In the blowing process in S105, the control unit 131 controls the motor 105 to rotate the drum 102 and operates the fan 104 to blow air towards the clothes inside the drum 102. In the blowing process, the control unit 131 drives the fan 104 at a first rotational speed N1.

[0055] When the control unit 131 has performed the blowing process for a predetermined time, it stops the operation of the fan 104 and motor 105 to end the blowing process, releases the lock on the lid 120 by the lid locking part (S106), and the mist supply course ends (S107).

[0056] [1-2-2. Operation in the spraying process] The operation of the mist supply course during the spraying process will be explained below using Figures 10 to 14. Figure 10 is a flowchart of the spraying process in the mist supply course. Figures 11 to 14 are explanatory diagrams of the first to fourth examples of the operation of the liquid spraying device 140 (air pump 143), drum 102 (motor 105), and fan 104 in the mist supply course, respectively. In the following explanation, ON and OFF of the liquid spraying device 140 are synonymous with ON and OFF of the air pump 143, respectively. Also, ON and OFF of the drum 102 are synonymous with ON and OFF of the motor 105, respectively.

[0057] When the spraying process begins (S111), the control unit 131 executes the spraying process (S112).

[0058] A first example of the operation in the spraying process shown in Figure 11 will be described. In the spraying process of S112, the control unit 131 turns on the liquid spraying device 140 and sprays the liquid in the liquid tank 141 toward the clothes in the drum 102. At this time, the control unit 131 performs a tumble operation, rotating the drum 102 in both forward and reverse directions. This makes it easier for the mist sprayed by the liquid spraying device 140 to adhere uniformly to the clothes in the drum 102. The control unit 131 may stop the operation of the liquid spraying device 140 during the time when the rotation speed of the drum 102 is approximately zero while the drum 102 is being switched between forward and reverse rotation. The control unit 131 may rotate the drum 102 only in forward direction or only in reverse direction while the liquid spraying device 140 is turned on and in operation, but from the viewpoint of adhering the mist to the clothes in the drum 102, it is preferable to perform a tumble operation that rotates both forward and reverse directions. Furthermore, in the spraying process of S112, the control unit 131 may intermittently drive the liquid spraying device 140.

[0059] Furthermore, during the spraying process in S112, the control unit 131 stops the fan 104 while the liquid spraying device 140 is turned ON and in operation. This prevents the mist supplied into the drum 102 by the liquid spraying device 140 from being disturbed by the wind generated by the fan 104, from adhering to the inner wall of the drum 102, and from evaporating inside the drum 102. It also prevents the mist from entering the airflow path 110 on the wind generated by the fan 104 and adhering to the heater 111, etc.

[0060] Furthermore, during the spraying process in S112, the control unit 131 turns off the heater 111. This prevents the mist supplied into the drum 102 from evaporating before it adheres to the clothing.

[0061] During the spraying process, the control unit 131 determines whether the reception unit 132 has received an instruction to stop operation (S113). The instruction to stop operation may be an instruction to temporarily stop operation or an instruction to terminate operation.

[0062] In S113, if the control unit 131 determines that the reception unit 132 has not received an instruction to stop operation, that is, if the liquid spray device 140 has not received an instruction to stop operation from the user during the spraying process in which it is operating (NO in S113), the control unit 131 determines whether a predetermined time has elapsed since the start of the spraying process (S114). If the predetermined time has not elapsed since the start of the spraying process (NO in S114), the process returns to S113.

[0063] In S114, if a predetermined time has elapsed since the start of the spraying process, the control unit 131 stops the driving of the liquid spraying device 140 and the drum 102, terminates the spraying process (S115), and performs the standby process (S116).

[0064] Furthermore, the control unit 131 may terminate the spraying process and switch to standby mode when there is no more liquid remaining in the liquid tank 141, that is, when the liquid tank 141 is empty. This allows the spraying process to be terminated quickly when the liquid tank 141 is empty.

[0065] In the standby process of S116, the control unit 131 turns OFF the liquid spray device 140, the drum 102, and the fan 104 and waits for a predetermined time (for example, 2 minutes). This allows the liquid spray device 140 to spray during the spraying process, causing any remaining mist in the drum 102 to fall over time and adhere to the clothes inside the drum 102. Furthermore, even during the standby process, the lid 120 is kept closed by the lid lock, so the user cannot open the lid 120. This prevents the user from opening the lid 120 while mist remains inside the drum 102 and inhaling the mist.

[0066] In addition, during the standby process in S116, the reception unit 132 is configured not to accept instructions from the user to stop operation. This prevents the user from opening the lid 120 while mist remains in the drum 102. In addition, during the standby process in S116, the notification unit 133 may notify the user via the operation display unit 125 or a buzzer that instructions to stop operation cannot be accepted.

[0067] When the control unit 131 has executed the standby process in S116 for a predetermined time, it terminates the standby process and the spraying process ends (S118). After that, the control unit 131 executes the blowing process (S105 in Figure 9).

[0068] In S113, if the control unit 131 determines that the reception unit 132 has received an instruction to stop operation, that is, if the liquid spray device 140 has received an instruction from the user to stop operation during a spraying process in which it is operating (YES in S113), the spraying process is interrupted and a standby process is executed (S120). Note that the operation in the standby process in S120 is the same as the operation in the standby process in S116, so the explanation is omitted.

[0069] When the standby process in S120 is completed, the control unit 131 releases the lock by the lid lock (S121), and the lid 120 becomes ready to be opened. Then, the control unit 131 stops operation (S122).

[0070] Furthermore, if the dryer 100 is equipped with a humidity detection means for detecting the humidity of the air inside the housing 101, the control unit 131 may terminate the standby process when the humidity detected by the humidity detection means becomes below or above a predetermined humidity.

[0071] Furthermore, if the user instructs the dryer 100 to turn off the power via the operation display unit 125 during the spraying process, the control unit 131 may be configured to turn off the power while keeping the lid lock unit in operation. In this case, after the user turns the power back on, the control unit 131 may perform the spraying process, then perform a standby process before releasing the lock on the lid 120 by the lid lock unit, or the control unit 131 may not perform the spraying process, perform a standby process before releasing the lock on the lid 120 by the lid lock unit.

[0072] Next, a second example of the operation in the spraying process shown in Figure 12 will be described. As shown in Figure 12, in the second example of the operation in the spraying process, the control unit 131 turns on the fan 104 during the spraying process. At this time, the second rotational speed N2, which is the rotational speed of the fan 104, is set to a smaller rotational speed than the first rotational speed N1, which is the rotational speed of the fan 104 in the blowing process (S105). This prevents the mist supplied by the liquid spraying device 140 from adhering to the inner wall of the drum 102 due to the wind generated by the blowing means. Also, as the fan 104 rotates, an airflow is formed inside the drum 102 from rear to front. In contrast, the mist sprayed from the spray nozzle 154 is sprayed towards the lower rear inside the drum 102, so it collides with the airflow inside the drum 102 and the mist falls downwards. This allows the mist to adhere to the clothing efficiently.

[0073] Next, a third example of the operation in the spraying process shown in Figure 13 will be explained. As shown in Figure 13, in the third example of the operation in the spraying process, the control unit 131 turns on the fan 104 during the standby process. At this time, the second rotational speed N2, which is the rotational speed of the fan 104, is set to a lower rotational speed than the first rotational speed N1, which is the rotational speed of the fan 104 during the blowing process (S105). This prevents the mist remaining in the drum 102 during the standby process from adhering to the inner wall of the drum 102 due to the wind generated by the blowing means.

[0074] Next, a fourth example of the operation in the spraying process shown in Figure 14 will be described. As shown in Figure 13, in the fourth example of the operation in the spraying process, during the standby process, the control unit 131 may be configured to turn off the liquid spraying device 140 and the fan 104 for a predetermined time (for example, 30 seconds) and rotate the drum 102. This allows the mist remaining in the drum 102 to adhere to the clothes in the drum 102 more quickly by tumbling the clothes during the standby process. Therefore, if the drum 102 is rotated during the standby process, the time required for the standby process can be shortened. In this case, the control unit 131 may rotate the drum 102 only in the forward direction or only in the reverse direction, but from the viewpoint of adhering the mist to the clothes in the drum 102, it is preferable to perform a tumbling operation that rotates both forward and in the reverse direction.

[0075] Furthermore, in the fourth example, as shown in S120 in Figure 10, during the standby process executed when the user gives an instruction to stop operation, the notification unit 133 notifies the user that operation is continuing via the operation display unit 125 and a buzzer. This allows the user to recognize that the rotation of the drum 102 after receiving the instruction to stop operation is not a malfunction.

[0076] In the third and fourth examples shown in Figures 13 and 14, the rotational speed of the fan 104 during the spraying or standby process may be the same as the first rotational speed N1, or it may be a rotational speed greater than the first rotational speed N1.

[0077] The first to fourth examples of operation in the mist supply course shown in Figures 11 to 14 may be rearranged or combined. In addition, the operating period (the period set to ON) of the liquid spray device 140, drum 102, and fan 104 in the first to fourth examples does not have to be for the entire duration of the spraying and standby processes. They may be operated only for a portion of the spraying and standby processes, or they may be operated intermittently.

[0078] [1-3. Effects, etc.] [1-3-1. Effect 1] As described above, in this embodiment, the dryer 100 comprises a housing 101, a drum 102 provided inside the housing 101 for containing the material to be processed, and a liquid spraying device 140 for supplying mist into the drum 102. The liquid spraying device 140 has a nozzle section 152 for spraying liquid and a base section 151 fixed to a tank cover 101c provided inside the housing 101, to which the nozzle section 152 is fixed, and the nozzle section 152 is detachably fixed to the base section 151.

[0079] This allows the user to remove the nozzle part 152 from the base part 151.

[0080] Therefore, the user can maintain and replace the nozzle part 152.

[0081] As in this embodiment, the base portion 151 has an installation surface 151a on which the nozzle portion 152 is installed, and the base portion 151 may be detachably attached to the tank cover 101c.

[0082] This allows the user to remove and replace the base portion 151 from the tank cover 101c.

[0083] Therefore, by replacing the base portion 151 with a base portion that has a different angle on which the mounting surface 151a is provided, the spray angle of the liquid by the nozzle portion 152 can be changed.

[0084] As in this embodiment, the nozzle section 152 includes a spray nozzle 154 which is a two-fluid nozzle that sprays liquid using compressed air, and the liquid spraying device 140 is connected to an air pump 143 and includes an air supply path 144 through which air flowing into the spray nozzle 154 passes, a liquid supply path 142 through which liquid flowing into the spray nozzle 154 passes, and a nozzle mounting section 153 that connects the air supply path 144 and the spray nozzle 154, and the nozzle mounting section 153 may have a bending structure 153a that bends the path within the nozzle mounting section 153.

[0085] This reduces the space required by the nozzle section 152, the liquid supply path 142, and the air supply path 144.

[0086] As in this embodiment, the bent structure 153a may be bent at approximately a right angle along the path within the nozzle mounting portion 153, and the liquid supply path 142 and the air supply path 144 may extend from the nozzle portion 152 in approximately the same direction.

[0087] This reduces the space required by the nozzle section 152, the liquid supply path 142, and the air supply path 144.

[0088] As in this embodiment, the dryer 100 may further include a nozzle cover 155 that sandwiches the nozzle portion 152 between itself and the base portion 151. The nozzle mounting portion 153 and the nozzle cover 155 may be sealed in the radial direction.

[0089] This results in a seal structure with a high tolerance for assembly variations, ensuring stable sealing performance when the nozzle unit 150 is disassembled for replacement and then reassembled.

[0090] [1-3-2. Effect 2] As described above, in this embodiment, the dryer 100 includes a drum 102 for containing the material to be processed, and a liquid spraying device 140 for supplying mist into the drum 102. The liquid spraying device 140 is a two-fluid nozzle and includes a spray nozzle 154 that sprays liquid using compressed air, an air pump 143 that supplies compressed air to the spray nozzle 154, an air supply path 144 connected to the air pump 143 through which the air flowing into the spray nozzle 154 passes, and a liquid supply path 142 through which the liquid flowing into the spray nozzle 154 passes.

[0091] As a result, less liquid remains inside the spray nozzle 154 after spraying by the spray nozzle 154 has finished.

[0092] Therefore, the liquid is mixed in the spray nozzle 154, and clogging in the spray nozzle 154 can be suppressed.

[0093] As in this embodiment, the liquid spraying device 140 may further include a liquid tank 141 for storing liquid, and the spray nozzle 154 may spray the liquid contained in the liquid tank 141.

[0094] This allows the user to change the liquid contained in the liquid tank 141.

[0095] Therefore, the liquid sprayed by the spray nozzle 154 can be changed.

[0096] As in this embodiment, the spray nozzle 154 may be positioned above the liquid tank 141.

[0097] As a result, after spraying by the spray nozzle 154 is finished, the liquid returns to the liquid tank 141 by gravity through the spray nozzle 154 and the liquid supply path 142.

[0098] Therefore, since residual liquid in the spray nozzle 154 and the liquid supply path 142 can be suppressed, mixing of liquids in the spray nozzle 154 and the liquid supply path 142 can be suppressed.

[0099] As in this embodiment, the spray nozzle 154 may be positioned above the rotation axis X of the drum 102.

[0100] This allows the liquid to be sprayed over a wide area of ​​the drum 102.

[0101] Therefore, localized spraying of the mist onto the workpiece contained in the drum 102 can be suppressed, and the mist can be efficiently attached to the workpiece.

[0102] As in this embodiment, the drum 102 is open to the front, the spray nozzle 154 is located in front of the drum 102, and the spray nozzle 154 may spray mist toward the lower inward side of the drum 102.

[0103] This allows the liquid to be sprayed over a wide area of ​​the drum 102.

[0104] Therefore, localized spraying of the mist onto the workpiece contained in the drum 102 can be suppressed, and the mist can be efficiently attached to the workpiece.

[0105] As in this embodiment, the spray nozzle 154 may be provided on the front side of the drum 102, and the spray nozzle 154 may spray mist diagonally inward from the drum 102.

[0106] This allows the liquid to be sprayed over a wide area of ​​the drum 102.

[0107] Therefore, localized spraying of the mist onto the workpiece contained in the drum 102 can be suppressed, and the mist can be efficiently attached to the workpiece.

[0108] [1-3-3. Effect 3] As described above, in this embodiment, the dryer 100 includes a drum 102 for containing the material to be processed, an air passage 110 through which air flowing into the drum 102 passes, a fan 104 provided in the air passage 110 for blowing air into the drum 102, a liquid spray device 140 provided outside the air passage 110 for supplying mist into the drum 102, and a control unit 131 that enables the execution of a mist supply course for operating the liquid spray device 140. In the mist supply course, the control unit 131 drives the fan 104 to a second rotational speed N2, which is lower than the first rotational speed N1, or stops the fan 104 while the liquid spray device 140 is operating.

[0109] As a result, the airflow generated by the fan 104 prevents the mist supplied by the liquid spraying device 140 from flowing out of the drum 102, while efficiently adhering to the object to which the mist is sprayed. Furthermore, if the drum 102 contains contents, the airflow generated by the fan 104 prevents the mist supplied by the liquid spraying device 140 from adhering to the inner wall of the drum 102 before it adheres to the contents to be processed.

[0110] Therefore, the mist can be efficiently applied to the object being treated, improving the finish.

[0111] As in this embodiment, the control unit 131 may stop the fan 104 while the liquid spray device 140 is operating in the mist supply course.

[0112] This prevents the mist inside the drum 102 from being disturbed by the airflow from the fan 104, and prevents the mist from evaporating before it can adhere to the workpiece.

[0113] Therefore, a larger amount of mist can be applied more uniformly to the object being treated, improving the finish.

[0114] As in this embodiment, the control unit 131 may operate the fan 104 after stopping the operation of the liquid spray device 140.

[0115] This allows the object to be dried by blowing air onto it after the mist has been applied.

[0116] Therefore, the final result can be improved.

[0117] As in this embodiment, the control unit 131 may set the second rotational speed N2, which is the rotational speed of the fan 104 while the liquid spray device 140 is operating, to be lower than the first rotational speed N1, which is the rotational speed of the fan 104 after the operation of the liquid spray device 140 has been stopped.

[0118] This allows the fan 104 to rotate less while the liquid spray device 140 is operating (second rotation speed N2), thereby suppressing the mist from adhering to the inner wall of the drum 102 before it adheres to the workpiece due to the airflow. At the same time, by increasing the fan 104's rotation speed (first rotation speed N1) after the liquid spray device 140 is stopped, the workpiece to which the mist has adhered can be dried efficiently.

[0119] Therefore, the mist can be efficiently applied to the object being treated, and the object to which the mist has been applied can be dried, thus improving the finish.

[0120] [1-3-4. Effect 4] As described above, in this embodiment, the dryer 100 includes a drum 102 for containing the material to be processed, a lid 120 that can be opened and closed to cover the drum 102, a motor 105 for rotating the drum 102, a liquid spray device 140 for supplying mist into the drum 102, and a control unit 131 that enables the execution of a mist supply course that operates the liquid spray device 140. In the mist supply course, the control unit 131 stops the liquid spray device 140 and then operates the motor 105 to rotate the drum 102 for a predetermined time.

[0121] This allows the mist to adhere to the inner wall of the drum 102 due to the centrifugal force generated by the rotation of the drum 102. Furthermore, if there is an object to be processed inside the drum 102, the liquid spraying device 140 is operated to supply mist, and then the drum 102 is rotated to tumble the object to be processed, thereby allowing any remaining mist inside the drum 102 to adhere to the object.

[0122] Therefore, it is possible to suppress the mist from adhering to and remaining on objects such as the workpiece or the drum 102 inside the drum 102, thus preventing the user from inhaling the mist when opening the lid 120.

[0123] As in this embodiment, the dryer 100 is equipped with a lid locking mechanism that holds the lid 120 in a closed position, and the control unit 131 may lock the lid 120 in a closed position using the lid locking mechanism during the mist supply course, and then release the lock using the lid locking mechanism after a predetermined time has elapsed since stopping the liquid spraying device 140.

[0124] This prevents the lid 120 from being opened while mist remains inside the drum 102 after the liquid spraying device 140 has been operated and mist has been supplied.

[0125] Therefore, it is possible to prevent the user from opening the lid 120 and inhaling the mist remaining inside the drum 102.

[0126] As in this embodiment, the dryer 100 is equipped with a reception unit 132 that receives instructions from the user, and the control unit 131 may, when it receives an instruction from the reception unit 132 to stop operation during the operation of the mist supply course, stop the liquid spray device 140, operate the motor 105 to rotate the drum 102 for a predetermined time, and then stop the operation of the mist supply course.

[0127] This allows the mist supplied to the drum 102 to adhere to the workpiece by rotating the drum 102 and tumbling the workpiece when a stop command is received during operation of the mist supply course.

[0128] Therefore, when the mist supply course is stopped and the lid 120 may be opened by the user, the amount of mist remaining in the drum 102 can be reduced, thus preventing the user from inhaling mist when they open the lid 120.

[0129] As in this embodiment, the dryer 100 is equipped with a notification unit 133. When the reception unit 132 receives an instruction to stop operation while the mist supply course is running, the notification unit 133 stops the liquid spray device 140 and operates the motor 105 to rotate the drum 102 for a predetermined time, while simultaneously notifying the first piece of information (that operation is continuing).

[0130] This allows the user to be aware that the vehicle is still running even after receiving an instruction to stop operation.

[0131] Therefore, after the user instructs the system to stop, the fact that the drum 102 is still rotating can be made to the user to understand that this is not a malfunction.

[0132] As in this embodiment, the liquid atomizing device 140 may be provided outside the airflow path 110, which is located outside the drum 102 and through which air flowing into the drum 102 passes, and a fan 104 provided in the airflow path 110 for blowing air into the drum 102.

[0133] This prevents the mist supplied by the liquid spraying device 140 from flowing out of the drum 102.

[0134] As in this embodiment, the control unit 131 may stop the liquid spray device 140 in the mist supply course, operate the motor 105 to rotate the drum 102, and then operate the fan 104.

[0135] This allows the drum 102 to rotate and tumble the workpiece before the fan 104 is activated, causing any mist remaining on the drum 102 to adhere to the workpiece, thereby preventing the mist from flowing out of the drum 102.

[0136] Therefore, it is possible to suppress the adhesion and deterioration of equipment outside the drum 102, such as the heater 111, due to mist.

[0137] As in this embodiment, the control unit 131 may set the rotation speed of the fan 104 to a second rotation speed N2, which is less than or equal to the first rotation speed N1, or it may stop the fan 104 while the liquid spray device 140 is in operation.

[0138] This prevents the mist supplied by the liquid spraying device 140 from flowing out of the drum 102 due to the wind generated by the fan 104.

[0139] Therefore, it is possible to suppress the adhesion and deterioration of equipment outside the drum 102, such as the heater 111, due to mist.

[0140] As in this embodiment, the control unit 131 does not need to operate the fan 104 while the liquid spray device 140 is operating.

[0141] This prevents the mist supplied by the liquid spraying device 140 from flowing out of the drum 102 due to the wind generated by the fan 104.

[0142] Therefore, it is possible to suppress the adhesion of mist to equipment outside the drum 102 and its subsequent deterioration.

[0143] As in this embodiment, the dryer 100 may be equipped with a liquid tank 141 for containing liquid. The liquid spraying device 140 may spray the liquid contained in the liquid tank 141.

[0144] This makes it possible to store the liquid sprayed by the liquid spraying device 140 in the liquid tank 141.

[0145] [1-3-5. Effect 5] As described above, in this embodiment, the dryer 100 includes a drum 102 for containing the material to be processed, a lid 120 that covers the drum 102 in an openable and closable manner, a liquid spray device 140 for supplying mist into the drum 102, a control unit 131 that enables the execution of a mist supply course for operating the liquid spray device 140, and a lid locking unit that holds the lid 120 in a closed state. In the mist supply course, the control unit 131 locks the lid 120 in a closed state using the lid locking unit while the liquid spray device 140 is in operation.

[0146] As a result, while the liquid spraying device 140 is in operation, mist is present in the drum 102, and by locking the lid 120 in the closed position, it is possible to prevent the user from opening the lid 120.

[0147] Therefore, it is possible to prevent the user from opening the lid 120 and inhaling the mist inside the drum 102.

[0148] As in this embodiment, the control unit 131 may, in the mist supply course, stop the liquid spray device 140 and then release the lock using the lid lock after a predetermined time has elapsed.

[0149] This prevents the user from opening the lid 120 after operating the liquid spraying device 140 to supply mist, until the mist floating inside the drum 102 has fallen to the bottom of the drum 102 or onto the object being processed.

[0150] Therefore, it is possible to prevent the user from opening the lid 120 and inhaling the mist remaining inside the drum 102.

[0151] As in this embodiment, the control unit 131 may include a reception unit 132 that receives instructions from the user, and if the reception unit 132 receives an instruction to stop operation while the mist supply course is running, the control unit 131 may stop the liquid spray device 140, and after a predetermined time has elapsed since the liquid spray device 140 was stopped, the lock may be released by the lid lock unit.

[0152] This prevents the lid 120 from being opened while mist remains inside the drum 102, even when the user gives an instruction to stop operation.

[0153] Therefore, it is possible to prevent the user from opening the lid 120 and inhaling the mist remaining inside the drum 102.

[0154] As in this embodiment, the system may be equipped with a notification unit 133. When the reception unit 132 receives an instruction to stop operation while the mist supply course is running, the notification unit 133 may provide first information regarding the lid 120 (that the lid 120 cannot be opened) while the lid 120 is locked by the lid lock unit.

[0155] This allows the user to be aware that the cover 120 cannot be opened after receiving an instruction to stop operation.

[0156] Therefore, the user can be made aware that the inability to open the cover 120 after instructing the user to stop operation is not a malfunction.

[0157] (Embodiment 2) Embodiment 2 will be described below with reference to Figure 15. In Embodiment 2, a dryer 200 will be described as the clothing processing device. Dryer 200 differs from dryer 100 in that the airflow is different. Therefore, the same aspects as in Embodiment 1, such as the configuration of the control device 130 and the liquid spray device 140, will be omitted from the explanation.

[0158] [2-1. Structure] The dryer 200 has a drum 202 located inside the housing 101. The drum 202 is rotatably mounted inside the housing 101 with a rotation axis X extending substantially horizontally as its central axis.

[0159] A baffle 203 is provided on the inner wall of the drum 202. The baffle 203 has numerous ventilation holes 207 that connect the inside and outside of the baffle 203.

[0160] A fan 204 is provided at the rear of the housing 101 as an intake means for drawing air from inside the drum 202. When the fan 204 rotates, air from inside the drum 202 is drawn towards the fan 204 from an intake port 206 located at the rear of the drum 202. The air drawn in by the fan 204 passes through the baffle 203 and flows into the drum 202 from the air outlet 207 of the baffle 203. In this embodiment, the air passage from the intake port 206 to the air outlet 207, through which the air is drawn in by the fan 204 and flows into the drum 202, is defined as the airflow path 210. The fan 204 can also be defined as an air blowing means, as it blows air drawn in from inside the drum 202 and into the drum 202 via the baffle 203.

[0161] (Embodiment 3) Embodiment 3 will be described below with reference to Figure 16. In Embodiment 3, a drum-type washer-dryer 300 will be described as the clothing processing device. The drum-type washer-dryer 300 differs in the internal configuration of the dryer 100 and the dryer 200. Therefore, the same points as in Embodiments 1 and 2, such as the configuration of the liquid spray device 140, will be omitted from the explanation.

[0162] The drum-type washer-dryer 300 includes a water-retaining tank 301 provided within the housing 101 and a drum 302 rotatably mounted within the tank 301. The peripheral wall of the drum 302 is provided with numerous water passage holes 302a that allow water to pass through to the tank 301. The rotation axis Y of the tank 301 and the drum 302 may be set to be inclined forward and upward from the horizontal, or it may be set to extend horizontally.

[0163] The casing 101 is equipped with a water supply valve 361 for taking in water from the outside, a water supply path 362 for flowing the water taken in from the water supply valve 361 into the water tank 301, a drain valve 363 for draining the water from the water tank 301, and a drain path 364 for discharging water to the outside when the drain valve 363 is opened. As a result, the drum-type washing and drying machine 300 can perform a washing operation including a washing process, a rinsing process, and a spin-drying process.

[0164] A tank cover 301c is provided on the front side of the water tank 301 to cover a portion of the opening of the drum 302. The tank cover 301c may be provided on the water tank 301 or on the housing 101. In this embodiment, the nozzle unit 150 is provided on the tank cover 301c.

[0165] The drum-type washer-dryer 300 has a fan 304 that pressurizes and pumps air, an air intake 306 located at the top of the water tank 301, and an air outlet 307 located at the back of the water tank 301. When the fan 304 rotates, air from inside the water tank 301 is drawn in through the air intake 306, and the air drawn in by the fan 304 flows into the water tank 301 through the air outlet 307. In this embodiment, the air passage from the air intake 306 drawn in by the fan 304 to the air outlet 307 flowing into the water tank 301 is defined as the air supply path 310. The fan 304 can also be defined as an air supply means, as it blows air drawn in from inside the water tank 301 into the water tank 301 via the air supply path 310. The fan 304 is located within the air supply path 310. Air that flows into the water tank 301 from the air outlet 307 flows into the drum 302 through the ventilation holes provided on the back of the drum 302 and flows out towards the water tank 301 through the water passage holes 302a provided on the peripheral wall of the drum 302.

[0166] The drum-type washer-dryer 300 is equipped with a heat pump unit 311 as a heating means within the airflow path 310. The heat pump unit 311 is a device for dehumidifying and heating the air within the airflow path 310.

[0167] The drum-type washer-dryer 300 is equipped with a control device 330. The control device 330 rotates the drum 302 via the motor 105 and also controls the operation of the fan 304, heat pump unit 311, water supply valve 361, drain valve 363, and other components.

[0168] (Other embodiments) As described above, Embodiments 1 to 3 have been explained as examples of the technology disclosed in this application. However, the technology in this disclosure is not limited thereto and can be applied to embodiments that have been modified, replaced, added, or omitted. Furthermore, it is possible to create new embodiments by combining the components described in Embodiments 1 to 3 above.

[0169] Therefore, other embodiments are illustrated below.

[0170] In the above embodiment, a motor 105 that rotates drums 102, 202, and 302 was described as an example of a motor. The motor is not limited to a motor 105 that rotates drums 102, 202, and 302, and may be configured to rotate both the storage tanks (drums 102, 202, and 302) and the fans (104, 204, and 304).

[0171] In the above embodiment, a liquid spraying device 140 having an air pump 143 and a spray nozzle 154 which is a two-fluid nozzle was described as an example of a mist supply means. The mist supply means is not limited to the liquid spraying device 140, as it only needs to spray mist. The mist supply means may be a liquid transfer pump or an ultrasonic oscillator.

[0172] In the above embodiment, a nozzle mounting section 153 connecting the air supply path 144 and the spray nozzle 154 was described as an example of a nozzle mounting section. Since the nozzle mounting section only needs to connect the path through which the fluid passes and the spray nozzle (spray nozzle 154), it may also be provided to connect the liquid supply path (liquid supply path 142) and the spray nozzle (spray nozzle 154).

[0173] In the above embodiment, as an example of a bending structure for bending the path of the nozzle mounting portion 153, a bending structure 153a was described in which the path within the nozzle mounting portion 153 is bent at a right angle. The bending structure is not limited to the bending structure 153a provided in the nozzle mounting portion 153, as it only needs to bend the path through which the fluid flowing into the spray nozzle passes. If the liquid supply path or air supply path is directly attached to the spray nozzle, the bending structure may directly bend the liquid supply path or air supply path. Furthermore, the bending structure only needs to bend the path within the nozzle mounting portion by 1 to 90 degrees. When using a two-fluid nozzle as the spray nozzle, in which an air-side connection portion connected to the air supply path and a liquid-side connection portion connected to the liquid supply path are provided vertically, if the bending structure bends the path through which the fluid flowing into the spray nozzle passes by 90 degrees, space saving in the space where the nozzle portion, air supply path, and liquid supply path are provided can be achieved.

[0174] In the above embodiment, as an example of a first course for operating the mist supply device, a mist supply course was described in which the liquid spray device 140 is operated with the contents to be contained. The first course is not limited to a mist supply course, as it can be any course in which the mist supply device is operated. The first course may consist only of a spraying process. In this case as well, the rotation speed of the fan in the spraying process may be lower than the rotation speed of the fan in the blowing process, or lower than the rotation speed of the fan in other courses that dry the contents to be processed. The first course may also be a tub care course in which the mist supply device is operated with no clothes contained in the storage tubs (drums 102, 202, 302) to adhere mist to the tubs (drums 102, 202, 302, water tub 301). Furthermore, if the clothing processing device is capable of washing the contents to be contained, the first course may perform the spraying process after performing at least one of the washing, rinsing, and dewatering processes. Furthermore, the first course may also be configured to perform a blowing process that drives a blowing means before and / or after the spraying process, and may also be configured to operate a heating means while the blowing process is being performed.

[0175] In the above embodiment, a liquid tank 141 that can be removed from the housing 101 and refilled was described as an example of a liquid tank for containing liquid. The liquid tank is not limited to the liquid tank 141, as it only needs to contain the liquid that is sprayed by the mist supply means. The liquid tank may also be a cartridge in which the liquid contained inside cannot be refilled.

[0176] In the above embodiment, as an example of a spray nozzle, a spray nozzle 154 provided above the rotation axis X of the liquid tank 141 and drum 102 was described. The spray nozzle only needs to spray the liquid contained in the liquid tank, so the position in which the spray nozzle is installed is not limited. If the spray nozzle is provided below the liquid tank, the liquid supplied from the liquid tank to the spray nozzle is less affected by the head, so it is possible to lower the output of the air pump or liquid transfer pump. Similarly, if the spray nozzle is located below the center of the storage tank, the liquid supplied from the liquid tank to the spray nozzle is less affected by the head, so it is possible to lower the output of the air pump or liquid transfer pump.

[0177] In the above embodiment, a liquid spray device 140 provided outside the airflow path 110 (airflow path 210, airflow path 310) was described as an example of a mist supply means. The mist supply means is not limited to the liquid spray device 140, as it only needs to supply mist into the containment tank. The mist supply means may be provided within the airflow path, or an airflow means may be provided near the spray nozzle of the liquid spray device in order to deliver mist into the containment tank.

[0178] In the above embodiments, tank cover 101c (Embodiment 1) and tank cover 301c (Embodiment 3) were described as examples of first members to which the nozzle unit is fixed. The nozzle unit is not limited to tank cover 101c and tank cover 301c, as it only needs to be mounted in a way that it can supply mist into the storage tank (drum 102, 202, 302). The first member may be a lid (lid 120), a part of a housing (housing 101), or a part of a water tank (water tank 301) or storage tank (drum 102, 202, 302).

[0179] In Embodiment 1, a heater 111 that heats the air in the airflow path 110 was described as an example of a heating means. The heating means is not limited to the heater 111, as it only needs to heat the air in the airflow path. The heating means may also be a heat pump unit that dehumidifies and heats the air in the airflow path, as described in Embodiment 3. [Industrial applicability]

[0180] This disclosure is applicable to garment processing equipment that includes a mist supply device for spraying mist and processes items to be processed. Specifically, it is applicable to garment processing equipment including drum-type washing machines, top-loading washing machines, drum-type washer-dryers, top-loading washer-dryers, clothes dryers, and closet-type garment care machines in which the storage tub does not rotate. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0181] 100 Dryer (clothing processing device) 101 cabinets 101a Front panel 101b Tank Cover 101c Tank cover (first component) 102 Drum (Storage Tank) 103 Baffle 104 Fan (Air blowing means) 105 Motor 106 Air intake 107 Air outlet 110 Airflow path 111 Heater (heating means) 120 Lid 125 Operation display section 130 Control device 131 Control Unit 132 Reception Department 133 Hochi Department 140 Liquid spraying device (mist supply means) 141 Liquid Tanks 142 Liquid supply routes 143 Air pump (means of supplying air) 144 Air supply path 150 Nozzle Unit 151 Base 151a Installation surface 152 Nozzle section 153 Nozzle mounting section 153a Folding structure 154 Spray nozzle 154a Air-side connection 154b Liquid side connection 154c spray nozzle 155 Nozzle Cover 200 Dryer (clothing processing device) 202 Drum (Storage Tank) 203 Baffle 204 Fan (Air blowing method) 206 Air intake 207 Air vent 210 Airflow path 300 Drum-type washing machine and dryer 301 Aquarium 301c Tank cover (first component) 302 Drum (Storage Tank) 302a Water hole 304 Fan (Air blowing method) 306 Air intake 307 Air vent 310 Airflow path 311 Heat pump unit (heating means) 330 Control device 361 Water supply valve 362 Water supply routes 363 Drain valve 364 Drainage Routes

Claims

1. A storage tank for containing the material to be processed, A ventilation path through which air flows into the aforementioned containment tank, A blowing means provided in the aforementioned air supply path for blowing air into the containment tank, A mist supply means provided outside the aforementioned airflow path for supplying mist into the aforementioned containment tank, The system includes a control unit that enables the execution of a first course for operating the mist supply means, The garment processing apparatus wherein the control unit stops the air blower while the mist supply means is operating in the first course.

2. The garment processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the control unit operates the blower after stopping the operation of the mist supply means.

3. The aforementioned air supply path is extended so that the air that flows out of the containment tank returns to the containment tank. The garment processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the blowing means is configured to blow air into the storage tank while simultaneously drawing air out of the storage tank.

4. The garment processing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a heating means for heating air within the aforementioned airflow path.

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