Clothes dryer

Abstract

To provide a clothing dryer capable of suppressing performance deterioration of a functional component, while achieving shortened operation time from drying to sterilization / deodorization.SOLUTION: A drying chamber 22 for storing clothing 19 is formed in a housing 3. The housing 3 includes: blower means 30 for supplying the air to the drying chamber 22, and for discharging the air from the drying chamber 22; heating means 63 for heating the air supplied to the drying chamber 22; a functional component blowout mechanism 81 provided adjacent to the drying chamber 22, and for blowing out a functional component for sterilizing and / or deodorizing the clothing 19 in the drying chamber 22 to the drying chamber 22; and control means 10 for controlling the heating means 63, the blower means 30 and the functional component blowout mechanism 81. The control means 10 allows the actuation of the functional component blowout mechanism 81 in the case where a heating amount of the heating means 63 becomes equal to or less than a first heating amount which is a constant equal to or greater than zero, during the execution of a drying operation for actuating the heating means 63 and the blower means 30 and drying the clothing 19 in the drying chamber 22.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a clothes dryer.

Background Art

[0002] A conventional clothes dryer is disclosed in Patent Document 1. This clothes dryer includes a drum, a heating means, an air blowing means, a functional component blowing mechanism, and a control means.

[0003] A drying chamber for accommodating clothes is formed inside the drum. The air blowing means supplies air to the drying chamber and discharges air from the drying chamber. The heating means heats the air supplied to the drying chamber. The functional component blowing mechanism is provided adjacent to the drying chamber, and blows functional components for sterilizing and / or deodorizing clothes in the drying chamber into the drying chamber. The control means controls the heating means, the air blowing means, and the functional component blowing mechanism.

[0004] In this clothes dryer, a drying operation, a cooling operation, and a sterilization and deodorization operation are sequentially performed under the control of the control means. In the drying operation, the heating means and the air blowing means operate, and clothes are dried by hot air in the drying chamber of the rotating drum. In the cooling operation, the heating means stops and the air blowing means operates, and clothes are cooled by cool air in the drying chamber of the rotating drum. In the sterilization and deodorization operation, the heating means and the air blowing means stop and the functional component blowing mechanism operates, and the clothes are sterilized and / or deodorized by the functional components in the drying chamber of the rotating drum.

Prior Art Literature

Patent Literature

[0005]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problem to be Solved by the Invention

[0006] However, with the conventional clothes dryers described above, the sterilization and deodorization operation is performed after the drying and cooling operation, resulting in a long operating time from drying to sterilization and deodorization.

[0007] For example, running a sterilization and deodorization cycle while a drying cycle is in progress can shorten the operating time, but in this case, the functional components may be excessively heated, potentially degrading their performance.

[0008] This invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned conventional circumstances, and aims to solve the problem of providing a clothes dryer that can shorten the operating time from drying to sterilization and deodorization while suppressing the deterioration of the performance of functional components. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] The first clothes dryer of the present invention comprises a housing in which a drying chamber for storing clothes is formed, A blowing means provided within the housing for supplying air to the drying chamber and for discharging air from the drying chamber, A heating means provided within the housing for heating the air supplied to the drying chamber, A functional component blowing mechanism is provided within the housing adjacent to the drying chamber, which blows functional components that disinfect and / or deodorize the clothes inside the drying chamber into the drying chamber. The enclosure comprises a control means for controlling the heating means, the blowing means, and the functional component blowing mechanism, The control means is characterized in that, during the execution of a drying operation in which the heating means and the blowing means are operated to dry the clothes in the drying chamber, the heating amount of the heating means falls below a first heating amount which is a constant of zero or more.

[0010] Hereinafter, in this specification, "drying operation" means an operation in which a heating means is operated continuously or intermittently, and a blowing means is operated continuously, thereby continuously supplying air to the drying chamber to dry the clothes inside the drying chamber.

[0011] In the first clothes dryer of the present invention, when the amount of heating by the heating means falls below a first heating amount, which is a constant of zero or more, during the drying operation, the operation of the functional component blowing mechanism is permitted, and a functional component that disinfects and / or deodorizes is blown into the drying chamber.

[0012] In this case, by appropriately setting the value of the first heating amount in the control means, it is possible to suppress the air in the drying chamber from becoming excessively hot. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the excessive heating of the functional components blown into the drying chamber. As a result, the deterioration of the performance of the functional components can be suppressed.

[0013] Furthermore, during the drying cycle, the functional component blowing mechanism blows functional components into the drying chamber, allowing the clothes inside to be dried while simultaneously being disinfected and / or deodorized. Therefore, compared to cases where the disinfection and deodorization cycle is performed after the drying cycle, the operating time from drying to disinfection and deodorization can be shortened.

[0014] Therefore, according to the first clothes dryer of the present invention, it is possible to shorten the operating time from drying to sterilization and deodorization while suppressing the deterioration of the performance of functional components.

[0015] The second clothes dryer of the present invention comprises a housing in which a drying chamber for storing clothes is formed, A blowing means provided within the housing for supplying air to the drying chamber and for discharging air from the drying chamber, A heating means provided within the housing for heating the air supplied to the drying chamber, A functional component blowing mechanism is provided within the housing adjacent to the drying chamber, which blows functional components that disinfect and / or deodorize the clothes inside the drying chamber into the drying chamber. A temperature measuring unit provided inside the aforementioned housing, The enclosure comprises a control means for controlling the heating means, the blowing means, and the functional component blowing mechanism, Said control means permits activation of said functional component blowing mechanism when the temperature measured by said temperature measuring unit is equal to or lower than a set temperature during execution of a drying operation in which said heating means and said air blowing means are activated to dry said clothes in said drying chamber.

[0016] In the second clothes dryer of the present invention, under the control of the control means, when the temperature measured by the temperature measuring unit is equal to or lower than the set temperature during execution of the drying operation, activation of the functional component blowing mechanism is permitted, and functional components for sterilization and / or deodorization are blown into the drying chamber.

[0017] At this time, by appropriately setting the value of the set temperature in the control means, it is possible to suppress the air in the drying chamber from becoming excessively high in temperature. Therefore, the functional components blown into the drying chamber can be suppressed from being excessively heated. As a result, performance degradation of the functional components can be suppressed.

[0018] In addition, during execution of the drying operation, the functional component blowing mechanism blows functional components into the drying chamber, so that while drying the clothes in the drying chamber, the clothes can be sterilized and / or deodorized. Therefore, compared with a case where a sterilization and deodorization operation is performed after the drying operation, the operation time from drying to sterilization and deodorization can be shortened.

[0019] Therefore, according to the second clothes dryer of the present invention, performance degradation of the functional components can be suppressed while shortening the operation time from drying to sterilization and deodorization.

[0020] It is preferable that the first clothes dryer and the second clothes dryer further comprise a circulation section provided adjacent to the drying chamber in the housing, through which air circulates between the circulation section and the drying chamber when the functional component blowing mechanism is activated. And it is preferable that the functional component blowing mechanism is disposed in the circulation section.

[0021] In this case, the functional component blowing mechanism contacts the air circulating between the drying chamber and the circulation section when activated. Therefore, there is a risk that the functional component blowing mechanism is exposed to high-temperature air from the drying chamber.

[0022] In this regard, in the first clothes dryer and the second clothes dryer, it is possible to suppress the air in the drying chamber from becoming excessively high temperature when the functional component blowing mechanism is operated. Therefore, even if the functional component blowing mechanism is exposed to high-temperature air from the drying chamber, the air is not excessively high-temperature, so deterioration or functional degradation of the functional component blowing mechanism caused by heat can be suppressed.

[0023] Furthermore, since the functional component blowing mechanism is arranged in the circulation part through which the air in the drying chamber circulates, low-temperature air outside the drying chamber does not flow into the drying chamber via the functional component blowing mechanism when the functional component blowing mechanism is operated, so that a reduction in drying efficiency can be suppressed.

[0024] In the first clothes dryer and the second clothes dryer, it is preferable that the control means controls the heating means such that a non-operation period in which the functional component blowing mechanism does not continuously operate does not exceed a first set period during execution of a drying operation.

[0025] In this case, the functional component blowing mechanism operates every time the first set period elapses. As a result, the concentration of the functional component in the drying chamber increases, and the sterilization and / or deodorization effect can be obtained more reliably.

[0026] In the first clothes dryer and the second clothes dryer, it is preferable that the control means controls the heating means such that an operation period in which the functional component blowing mechanism continuously operates becomes a second set period during execution of a drying operation.

[0027] In this case, the concentration of the functional component in the drying chamber increases, and the sterilization and / or deodorization effect can be obtained more reliably.

[0028] In the first clothes dryer and the second clothes dryer, it is preferable that the functional component blowing mechanism is an ion generator.

[0029] In this case, the ions generated by the ion generator, which have sterilizing and / or deodorizing functions, can sterilize and / or deodorize the clothes in the drying room, and can also remove static electricity accumulated on the clothes in the drying room and on the person taking out the clothes. [Effects of the Invention]

[0030] The first clothes dryer and the second clothes dryer of the present invention make it possible to shorten the operating time from drying to sterilization and deodorization while suppressing the deterioration of the performance of functional components. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0031] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a perspective view of the clothes dryer of Example 1. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the clothes dryer according to Example 1. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is an example of a flowchart for executing the sterilization and deodorization course operation for the clothes dryer of Example 1. [Figure 4] Figure 4 shows an example of a time chart for the clothes dryer of Example 1 during the operation of the sterilization and deodorization course. [Figure 5] Figure 5 shows an example of a flowchart for the clothes dryer of Example 2, which is used to perform the sterilization and deodorization course. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0032] Examples 1 and 2, which embody the present invention, will be described below with reference to the drawings.

[0033] (Example 1) The clothes dryer in Example 1 is an example of a specific embodiment of the clothes dryer of the present invention. This clothes dryer is a gas clothes dryer that dries items to be dried using air heated by the combustion of gas. The items to be dried include not only clothing, but also towels, bedding, footwear, etc.

[0034] In Figure 1, the clothes dryer is set up for use as the baseline. The side with door 9 is defined as the front of the clothes dryer, and the left and right directions are defined when viewing the clothes dryer from the front. The directions shown are front, back, left, right, and up and down. The directions shown in Figure 2 correspond to the directions shown in Figure 1.

[0035] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, this clothes dryer comprises a housing 3 which is roughly box-shaped, and a drum 17 housed within the housing 3.

[0036] A circular front opening 3b is provided through the front plate 3a that constitutes the front of the housing 3. An inlet forming member 7 is also provided at the front of the housing 3. The inlet forming member 7 demarcates a short cylindrical input port 5 with its own inner circumferential surface 7a. The input port 5 communicates with the front opening 3b.

[0037] The front panel 3a of the housing 3 is provided with a single-leaf door 9 that opens and closes the front opening 3b and the input port 5. The door 9 is supported by the front panel 3a so as to be displaceable between an open position that opens the front opening 3b and the input port 5 and a closed position that closes the front opening 3b and the input port 5. When the door 9 is displaced to the open position, the material to be dried can be put into the housing 3 and, consequently, into the drying chamber 22, which will be described later, through the front opening 3b and the input port 5.

[0038] A substantially annular ring plate 11 is joined to the rear end surface of the inlet forming member 7. An annular rubber packing 13 is attached to the front end surface of the inlet forming member 7. The rubber packing 13 is interposed between the door 9 in the closed position and the inlet forming member 7 to seal the input opening 5.

[0039] A drum support shaft 15 is fixed to the rear plate 3c of the housing 3, with the rotation axis X17 as its center. The rotation axis X17 extends horizontally in the front-rear direction of the housing 3. The drum support shaft 15 protrudes forward from the rear plate 3c.

[0040] The drum 17 has a circumferential wall 17a and a rear wall 17b. The circumferential wall 17a has a cylindrical shape centered on the rotation axis X17. The rear wall 17b has a roughly disc shape and is joined to the rear end edge of the circumferential wall 17a.

[0041] The drum 17 has a front-opening storage chamber 21 for storing clothes 19 and the like, which are to be dried, formed by its peripheral wall 17a and back wall 17b. In this clothes dryer, the drying chamber 22 is formed by the space behind the door 9, which is sealed by the door 9 in the closed position. That is, the drying chamber 22 is formed by the space of the input opening 5 on the inner circumference side of the inlet forming member 7 and the storage chamber 21 inside the drum 17. The back wall 17b is provided with a first ventilation section 25. The first ventilation section 25 is composed of a plurality of holes and a filter that covers each hole.

[0042] The drum 17 is equipped with one front agitator 65 and one rear agitator 67. The front agitator 65 and the rear agitator 67 are provided separately on the inner circumferential surface 17c of the circumferential wall 17a. The front agitator 65 and the rear agitator 67 each extend in a ridge in the front-rear direction. The ridge 65a of the front agitator 65 is located in the area of ​​the circumferential wall 17a that is in front of the center position C in the front-rear direction. The rear agitator 67 is located in the area of ​​the circumferential wall 17a that is in the area of ​​the circumferential wall 17a that is in the direction of the rotation axis X17. The front agitator 65 and the rear agitator 67 are located at different positions in the circumferential direction of the circumferential wall 17a, specifically at positions 180 degrees apart. As the drum 17 rotates, the clothes 19 in the storage chamber 21 are agitated by the front agitator 65 and the rear agitator 67.

[0043] The drum 17 is rotatable around the rotation axis X17 because its back wall 17b is rotatably supported by the drum support shaft 15, and its front end edge of the peripheral wall 17a is rotatably supported by the outer edge of the ring plate 11.

[0044] This clothes dryer is equipped with a blower 30 located inside the housing 3. The blower 30 includes a motor 27, an exhaust fan 55, an air intake path 23, and an exhaust path 24.

[0045] The motor 27 is located below the drum 17 within the housing 3. The motor 27 has a first drive shaft 29 and a second drive shaft 31 centered on a drive axis X27 parallel to the rotation axis X17. The first drive shaft 29 protrudes forward from the motor 27. The second drive shaft 31 protrudes rearward from the motor 27.

[0046] A first pulley 33 is fixed to the first drive shaft 29 so as to be rotatable as an integral part of it. The first transmission belt 35 is wrapped around the first pulley 33 and the peripheral wall 17a of the drum 17.

[0047] When the motor 27 is activated and generates driving force, the driving force is transmitted to the peripheral wall 17a via the first drive shaft 29, the first pulley 33, and the first transmission belt 35, causing the drum 17 to rotate around the rotation axis X17. The rotation of the drum 17 is performed to keep the clothing 19 stored in the storage compartment 21 constantly moving without being fixed in place.

[0048] The air supply path 23 includes an air inlet 37 and an air supply duct 39. The air supply path 23 supplies air to the drying chamber 22.

[0049] The air intake port 37 is a series of holes drilled through the left side panel of the housing 3. The air intake duct 39 is located behind the back wall 17b of the drum 17. The air intake duct 39 communicates with the air intake port 37 via the inside of the housing 3. The air intake port 37, the inside of the housing 3, the air intake duct 39, and the first ventilation section 25 constitute the air intake path 23.

[0050] The exhaust path 24 includes an exhaust port 41, a first exhaust duct 43, a second exhaust duct 45, a third exhaust duct 47, and a fourth exhaust duct 49. The exhaust path 24 discharges air from the drying chamber 22.

[0051] The exhaust port 41 is a hole that penetrates the top plate 3d of the housing 3, located behind the intake duct 39.

[0052] The first exhaust duct 43 is located at the lower part of the inlet forming member 7. The first exhaust duct 43 extends generally vertically within the housing 3. A second ventilation section 51 is provided on the inner circumferential surface 7a at the lower part of the lower half of the inlet forming member 7. The second ventilation section 51 consists of a plurality of holes and a filter covering each hole. The second ventilation section 51 is connected to the first exhaust duct 43.

[0053] The second exhaust duct 45 is located below the drum 17 and is installed on the bottom plate 3e of the housing 3. The second exhaust duct 45 extends in the front-to-back direction within the housing 3.

[0054] The third exhaust duct 47 is located behind the supply air duct 39. The lower end of the first exhaust duct 43 and the lower end of the third exhaust duct 47 are connected by the second exhaust duct 45. The third exhaust duct 47 extends generally in the vertical direction within the housing 3. An outlet 53 is provided through the rear wall 47a that partitions the third exhaust duct 47.

[0055] The fourth exhaust duct 49 is located behind the third exhaust duct 47. The fourth exhaust duct 49 communicates with the third exhaust duct via an outlet 53. The fourth exhaust duct 49 extends generally vertically within the housing 3. The upper end of the fourth exhaust duct 49 is connected to the exhaust port 41.

[0056] The exhaust path 24 is formed by the second ventilation section 51, the first exhaust duct 43, the second exhaust duct 45, the third exhaust duct 47, the fourth exhaust duct 49, and the exhaust port 41.

[0057] The exhaust fan 55 is located inside the fourth exhaust duct 49. The exhaust fan 55 is fixed to a cylindrical fan support 57, which is externally fitted to the drum support shaft 15, so as to be rotatable together, with the exhaust fan 55 facing the outlet 53 on the rear wall 47a. This allows the exhaust fan 55 to rotate around the rotation axis X17.

[0058] A second pulley 59 is fixed to the second drive shaft 31 of the motor 27 so as to be able to rotate integrally with it. A second transmission belt 61 is wrapped around the second pulley 59 and the fan support 57.

[0059] When the motor 27 operates and generates driving force, the driving force is transmitted to the fan support 57 via the second drive shaft 31, the second pulley 59, and the second transmission belt 61, causing the exhaust fan 55 to rotate around the rotation axis X17. The rotation of the exhaust fan 55 supplies air from outside the housing 3 into the drying chamber 22 via the air intake port 37, inside the housing 3, the air intake duct 39, and the first ventilation section 25. After circulating within the drying chamber 22, the air is discharged to the outside of the housing 3 via the second ventilation section 51, the first exhaust duct 43, the second exhaust duct 45, the third exhaust duct 47, the fourth exhaust duct 49, and the exhaust port 41.

[0060] This clothes dryer has a combustion device 63 located inside the housing 3. The combustion device 63 is an example of a "heating means" in the present invention. The combustion device 63 is positioned above the air supply duct 39. Air taken into the housing 3 from the air supply port 37 passes through the combustion device 63 and is then sent to the air supply duct 39.

[0061] The combustion device 63 includes a gas burner, a gas supply valve device, and a gas injection nozzle (not shown). The gas supply valve device supplies fuel gas to the gas injection nozzle from a gas supply source (not shown). The heating amount of the combustion device 63 can be set in multiple stages by adjusting the amount of fuel gas supplied by the gas supply valve device. In this embodiment, the heating amount of the combustion device 63 can be set from 0 to 8, with 8 being the maximum heating amount.

[0062] The gas injection nozzle injects fuel gas towards the gas burner. This guides the fuel gas, along with the air, to the gas burner for combustion. As a result, the air drawn into the housing 3 from the air intake 37 by the rotation of the exhaust fan 55 is heated by the fuel exhaust gas generated by the gas burner in the combustion device 63 and supplied as warm air into the drying chamber 22 via the air intake duct 39 and the first ventilation section 25. This warm air then circulates within the drying chamber 22, absorbing moisture from the clothing 19, and is then discharged to the outside of the housing 3 from the exhaust port 41 via the second ventilation section 51, the first exhaust duct 43, the second exhaust duct 45, the third exhaust duct 47, and the fourth exhaust duct 49.

[0063] This clothes dryer is equipped with a circulation unit 80 located within the housing 3 adjacent to the drying chamber 22. The circulation unit 80 is positioned on the outer periphery of the outer edge of the input port 5. Specifically, the circulation unit 80 is located on the upper surface of the inlet forming member 7. The circulation unit 80 consists of a case body with an inlet that communicates with the intake port 11a (described later) and an outlet that communicates with the outlet port 7b (described later). An ion generator 81 is located inside the circulation unit 80. The ion generator 81 is an example of a "functional component blowing mechanism" in this invention.

[0064] An outlet 7b that opens to the drying chamber 22 is provided at the upper part of the inner circumferential surface 7a of the inlet forming member 7, below the ion generator 81. In this embodiment, the outlet 7b is composed of three rectangular holes arranged in the front-to-back direction. Each rectangular hole constituting the outlet 7b extends long in the circumferential direction of the input port 5. That is, the circumferential length of each rectangular hole is greater than the width in the front-to-back direction of the input port 5. The outlet 7b is positioned so that the antibacterial and deodorizing ions blown out from the outlet 7b, as described later, are directed from the outer edge of the input port 5 toward the center of the input port 5. Specifically, the outlet 7b opens downward at the upper end of the inner circumferential surface 7a of the inlet forming member 7, that is, slightly below the upper end of the input port 5.

[0065] An intake port 11a is provided at the upper part of the ring plate 11, at a position behind the ion generator 81, which penetrates the ring plate 11 in the front-to-back direction and opens into the drying chamber 22. In this embodiment, the intake port 11a is composed of a plurality of small holes arranged in a substantially rectangular shape in the vertical and horizontal directions. The intake port 11a opens at the upper part of the outer circumference of the front end within the containment chamber 21.

[0066] The ion generator 81 includes a circulation fan 82 and an ion generating element 83. When the ion generator 81 is turned on, the circulation fan 82 and the ion generating element 83 operate.

[0067] The circulation fan 82 takes in air from the drying chamber 22 through the intake port 11a and blows that air back into the drying chamber 22 through the outlet port 7b. In other words, the circulation fan 82 circulates the air from the drying chamber 22 between the drying chamber 22 and the circulation unit 80 via the intake port 11a and the outlet port 7b.

[0068] The ion generating element 83 generates positive and negative antibacterial and deodorizing ions by discharge. More specifically, the ion generating element 83 generates Plasma Cluster ions (registered trademark) as antibacterial and deodorizing ions by applying a predetermined voltage. Antibacterial and deodorizing ions are an example of a "functional component" in this invention. The antibacterial and deodorizing ions generated by the ion generating element 83 are blown out from the outlet 7b into the drying chamber 22 along with the air taken in from the intake port 11a by the operation of the circulation fan 82. As a result, the ion generator 81 can perform functions such as antibacterial and deodorizing the clothes 19 in the drying chamber 22, as well as removing static electricity charged on the clothes 19, etc.

[0069] The door 9 has a frame 90 with a circular opening 90a, a glass body 91 placed in the circular opening 90a, and a resin disc portion 92 that forms the rear surface of the door 9. The disc portion 92 has an annular portion 93 and a protrusion 94 integrally formed on the inner periphery of the annular portion 93. The protrusion 94 protrudes rearward from the rear surface of the door 9. The protrusion 94 has a circular outer shape when viewed from the rear in plan view.

[0070] The protrusion 94 has an inclined surface 94a that guides the antibacterial and deodorizing ions blown out from the outlet 7b toward the rear. The inclined surface 94a is provided on the upper part of the rear surface of the protrusion 94. A vertical surface 94b extending in the vertical direction is formed on the lower part of the rear surface of the protrusion 94. The lower end of the inclined surface 94a and the upper end of the vertical surface 94b are continuous in the vertical direction. The inclined surface 94a occupies about 3 / 4 of the vertical area of ​​the rear surface of the protrusion 94. That is, the inclined surface 94a has a partial circular shape of about 3 / 4 in a plan view from the rear. The protruding tip of the protrusion 94, i.e., the lower end of the inclined surface 94a and the vertical surface 94b, are located in the front-rear direction at approximately the same position as the rear end of the inlet forming member 7 or the front end of the drum 17.

[0071] The outlet 7b formed in the inlet forming member 7 is positioned above the protrusion 94. The width of the outlet 7b in the front-rear direction (indicated by the arrow P in Figure 2) is smaller than the width of the inclined surface 94a in the front-rear direction. That is, when the outlet 7b and the inclined surface 94a are projected in the vertical direction, the projected range of the outlet 7b (indicated by the arrow P in Figure 2) is contained within the projected range of the inclined surface 94a. The antibacterial and deodorizing ions blown out from the outlet 7b travel downwards, as shown by the dashed arrow in Figure 2, and reach the inclined surface 94a of the protrusion 94. The inclined surface 94a is inclined to move backwards as it moves toward the direction of travel from the outlet 7b toward the inclined surface 94a, i.e., downwards. In this way, the antibacterial and deodorizing ions blown out from the outlet 7b are guided toward the inclined surface 94a of the protrusion 94 and move backwards.

[0072] This clothes dryer is equipped with a clothes temperature thermistor 71, a supply air temperature thermistor 72, an exhaust air temperature thermistor 73, and an electrode sensor 74. The clothes temperature thermistor 71, supply air temperature thermistor 72, exhaust air temperature thermistor 73, and electrode sensor 74 are located inside the housing 3.

[0073] The clothing temperature thermistor 71 is located inside the drying chamber 22, near the center of the back wall 17b of the drum 17. The clothing temperature thermistor 71 measures the temperature of the clothing 19 by contact with it inside the drying chamber 22.

[0074] The supply air temperature thermistor 72 is located inside the supply air duct 39, near the first ventilation section 25 on the back wall 17b of the drum 17. The supply air temperature thermistor 72 measures the supply air temperature, which is the temperature of the air after it has been heated by the combustion device 63 and immediately before it is supplied to the drying chamber 22.

[0075] The exhaust temperature thermistor 73 is located inside the fourth exhaust duct 49, near the exhaust port 41. The exhaust temperature thermistor 73 measures the exhaust temperature, which is the temperature of the air discharged from the drying chamber 22 toward the exhaust port 41.

[0076] The electrode sensor 74 is located inside the drying chamber 22, below the ring plate 11. The electrode sensor 74 measures the degree of dryness of the clothing 19 from the change in resistance between a pair of electrodes (not shown) that are in contact with the clothing 19 inside the drying chamber 22.

[0077] This clothes dryer is equipped with a controller 10 located inside the housing 3. The controller 10 is an example of a "control means" in the present invention. The controller 10 is located at the lower front of the housing 3. The controller 10 is an electronic circuit unit composed of a CPU, memory, interface circuit, etc. (not shown). The memory of the controller 10 is composed of memory elements such as ROM and RAM.

[0078] The memory of the controller 10 stores various programs that the controller 10 executes to operate the clothes dryer, such as the drying course execution program and the sterilization and deodorization course execution program. The controller 10 receives detection signals from the clothes temperature thermistor 71, the supply air temperature thermistor 72, the exhaust air temperature thermistor 73, and the electrode sensor 74.

[0079] Based on detection signals from the clothing temperature thermistor 71, the supply air temperature thermistor 72, the exhaust air temperature thermistor 73, and the electrode sensor 74, the controller 10 controls the drive of the motor 27, the amount of heat generated by the combustion device 63, and the operation of the ion generator 81 to perform a drying course operation to dry the clothes 19 in the drying chamber 22, or to perform a sterilization and deodorization course operation to sterilize and deodorize the clothes 19 in the drying chamber 22 while drying them.

[0080] The drying cycle operation starts when the drying cycle switch (not shown) is turned ON, and ends, for example, when the dryness of the clothes 19 in the drying chamber 22 reaches a predetermined value or higher. The drying cycle operation may also be terminated by setting a timer. This drying cycle operation is usually performed solely for the purpose of quickly drying the clothes 19 in the drying chamber 22 without disinfecting or deodorizing them.

[0081] During the drying cycle, the drum 17 and exhaust fan 55 are constantly driven by the motor 27. Furthermore, during the drying cycle, the controller 10 controls the drying operation in temperature-controlled mode. During the temperature-controlled drying operation, the controller 10 adjusts the amount of fuel gas supplied to the combustion device 63 via the gas supply valve device, based on the detected temperatures of the clothing temperature thermistor 71, the supply air temperature thermistor 72, and the exhaust temperature thermistor 73, thereby controlling the heating level of the combustion device 63 between, for example, 0 and 8 speeds. The heating level becomes 0 speed when the fuel gas supply is stopped. This allows the clothes 19 to be rapidly dried by the air supplied to the drying chamber 22 by the exhaust fan 55 while the clothes 19 are agitated in the storage chamber 21 of the rotating drum 17. During the temperature-controlled drying operation, the air supplied to the drying chamber 22 is temperature-controlled to effectively dry the clothes 19 while preventing them from overheating.

[0082] The sterilization and deodorization course operation starts when the sterilization and deodorization course switch (not shown) is turned ON. Alternatively, the sterilization and deodorization course operation may be started during the drying course operation by setting a timer, or the controller 10 may be controlled during the drying course operation to automatically start the sterilization and deodorization course operation when predetermined conditions are met.

[0083] During the sterilization and deodorization course operation, the drum 17 and exhaust fan 55 are constantly driven by the motor 27. Immediately after starting the sterilization and deodorization course operation, the controller 10 operates in initial temperature rise mode. In initial temperature rise mode, the controller 10 controls the heating amount of the combustion device 63 to 3rd or 4th speed. This causes the inside of the drying chamber 22 to heat up quickly.

[0084] After the initial heating mode operation is completed, the controller 10 performs a drying operation in temperature control mode. In temperature control mode, the controller 10 controls the heating amount of the combustion device 63 between 0 and 4 speeds by adjusting the amount of fuel gas supplied by the gas supply valve device of the combustion device 63 based on the detected temperatures of the clothing temperature thermistor 71, the supply air temperature thermistor 72, and the exhaust air temperature thermistor 73. As a result, the air supplied into the drying chamber 22 is temperature-controlled so that the clothing 19 can be effectively dried while suppressing excessive heating of the clothing 19.

[0085] Thus, in the temperature-controlled drying mode during the sterilization and deodorization course, the clothes 19 can be effectively dried by the air supplied to the drying chamber 22 by the exhaust fan 55 while the clothes 19 are agitated in the storage chamber 21 of the rotating drum 17.

[0086] During drying in this temperature control mode, if the heating amount of the combustion device 63 falls below 1st speed, the controller 10 turns on the ion generator 81 to activate the circulation fan 82 and ion generating element 83, and switches to drying in forced temperature control mode. Here, 1st speed is an example of the "first heating amount" in the present invention. Even in forced temperature control mode, the amount of fuel gas supplied is adjusted by the gas supply valve device of the combustion device 63 based on the detected temperatures of the clothing temperature thermistor 71, the supply air temperature thermistor 72, and the exhaust temperature thermistor 73, but the heating amount of the combustion device 63 is forcibly controlled to be 0th speed or 1st speed.

[0087] Thus, while the clothes 19 are being agitated in the storage chamber 21 of the rotating drum 17 and dried by air supplied to the drying chamber 22 by the exhaust fan 55, the operation of the ion generator 81 is permitted. This allows the sterilizing and deodorizing ions generated from the ion generating element 83 to be blown into the drying chamber 22 from the outlet 7b along with the air circulating between the drying chamber 22 and the circulation unit 80 by the circulation fan 82, thereby sterilizing and deodorizing the clothes 19 in the drying chamber 22. While the ion generator 81 is operating, the air circulating between the drying chamber 22 and the circulation unit 80 is temperature-controlled to effectively dry the clothes 19 while suppressing excessive heating of the clothes 19, and to suppress a decrease in the function of the ion generating element 83 and the performance of the sterilizing and deodorizing ions.

[0088] Below, an example of how the sterilization and deodorization course is performed in this clothes dryer by the control of the controller 10 will be explained based on the flowchart in Figure 3.

[0089] In this clothes dryer, for example, when the sterilization and deodorization course switch is turned on and the sterilization and deodorization course operation starts, the machine first operates in the initial temperature rise mode (step S1). Note that even when the sterilization and deodorization course switch is turned on, the ion generator 81 does not start operating immediately.

[0090] In the initial heating mode, in order to quickly raise the temperature inside the drying chamber 22, the controller 10 controls the heating amount of the combustion device 63 to 3rd or 4th speed, for example, according to the amount of clothing 19 in the storage chamber 21. The amount of clothing 19 in the storage chamber 21 can be determined, for example, based on the peak current value when the motor 27 is started.

[0091] During operation in the initial heating mode, when the exhaust temperature measured by the exhaust temperature thermistor 73 reaches A°C or higher (step S2), the controller 10 determines that the temperature inside the drying chamber 22 is suitable for drying the clothes 19 and switches to drying operation in the first temperature control mode (step S3). A°C can be set to, for example, 55 to 65°C, and in this embodiment it was set to 57°C. Alternatively, instead of exhaust temperature, the controller 10 may determine that the temperature inside the drying chamber 22 is suitable for drying the clothes 19 based on the supply air temperature measured by the supply air temperature thermistor 72 or the clothes temperature measured by the clothes temperature thermistor 71.

[0092] In the first temperature control mode, the controller 10 controls the heating amount of the combustion device 63 between speed 0 and speed 4 based on the temperatures detected by the clothing temperature thermistor 71, the supply air temperature thermistor 72, and the exhaust air temperature thermistor 73.

[0093] During drying operation in the first temperature control mode, if the heating amount of the combustion device 63 becomes 1st speed or less, i.e., 0th speed or 1st speed (step S4), the controller 10 turns on the ion generator 81 and switches to drying operation in forced temperature control mode (step S5).

[0094] In forced temperature control mode, the controller 10 forcibly controls the heating amount of the combustion device 63 to speed 0 or speed 1. When the ion generator 81 is turned on, the circulation fan 82 is activated and the ion generating element 83 generates antibacterial and deodorizing ions. As a result, the circulation fan 82 circulates the air in the drying chamber 22 between the drying chamber 22 and the circulation unit 80. That is, the circulation fan 82 takes in the air from the drying chamber 22 through the intake port 11a, passes it through the circulation unit 80, and then blows it out from the outlet port 7b. The antibacterial and deodorizing ions generated from the ion generating element 83 are blown out from the outlet port 7b towards the drying chamber 22 along with the air taken in from the drying chamber 22. The antibacterial and deodorizing ions blown out from the outlet port 7b travel downwards as shown by the dashed arrow in Figure 2, reach the inclined surface 94a of the convex portion 94, and are guided backward by the inclined surface 94a. Therefore, the antibacterial and deodorizing ions flow backwards within the drying chamber 22. As a result, the antibacterial and deodorizing ions can more easily reach the clothes 19 located at the back of the drying chamber 22. Therefore, the antibacterial and deodorizing ions blown from the outlet 7b into the drying chamber 22 can be efficiently directed onto the clothes 19 inside the drying chamber 22.

[0095] Furthermore, while the ion generator 81 is operating, the controller 10 forcibly controls the heating rate of the combustion device 63 to speed 0 or 1, thereby preventing the air in the drying chamber 22 from being excessively heated. As a result, the function of the ion generating element 83 located in the circulation unit 80 is prevented from deteriorating or decreasing due to heat, and the performance of the antibacterial and deodorizing ions in the drying chamber 22 is prevented from decreasing due to heat.

[0096] In this way, the clothes 19 in the drying chamber 22 can be dried with air at the appropriate temperature, while the clothes 19 in the drying chamber 22 can be effectively disinfected and deodorized by the antibacterial and deodorizing ions that spread throughout the drying chamber 22.

[0097] On the other hand, during drying operation in the first temperature control mode, if the heating amount of the combustion device 63 does not fall below speed 1, that is, if the heating amount remains at speed 2 or higher for a continuous period of 5 minutes during which the ion generator 81 does not operate (step S6), the system is forcibly switched to step S5. As a result, during drying operation in the first temperature control mode, the ion generator 81 is forcibly activated every time the heating amount of the combustion device 63 is at speed 2 or higher and the ion generator 81 does not operate for a continuous period of 5 minutes. Therefore, the concentration of antibacterial and deodorizing ions in the drying chamber 22 increases, and the antibacterial and deodorizing effects can be obtained more reliably. The 5-minute period referred to here is an example of the "first setting period" in the present invention.

[0098] In step S6, if the heating level of the combustion device 63 drops to 1st gear or lower before 5 minutes have elapsed since the heating level was at 2nd gear or higher, the process returns to step S3. In this case, since the heating level of the combustion device 63 is 1st gear or lower (step S4), the process proceeds to step S5.

[0099] In step S5, when the forced temperature control mode is activated and the ion generator 81 is turned on, the controller 10 determines whether 2 minutes have elapsed in that state (step S7). If 2 minutes have not elapsed in that state, the controller returns to step S5. This ensures that the ion generator 81 operates continuously for 2 minutes during the drying operation in forced temperature control mode. As a result, the concentration of antibacterial and deodorizing ions in the drying chamber 22 increases, and the antibacterial and deodorizing effects can be obtained more reliably. The 2 minutes referred to here is an example of the "second setting period" in this invention.

[0100] In step S5, when the forced temperature control mode is activated and the ion generator 81 has been operating for 2 minutes (step S7), the controller 10 switches to drying operation in the second temperature control mode (step S8).

[0101] During drying in this second temperature control mode, the controller 10 controls the heating amount of the combustion device 63 between speed 0 and speed 4 based on the temperatures detected by the clothing temperature thermistor 71, the supply air temperature thermistor 72, and the exhaust air temperature thermistor 73, thereby adjusting the temperature of the air in the drying chamber 22 to be suitable for drying the clothes 19.

[0102] If, after transitioning to the drying operation in the second temperature control mode, the heating amount of the combustion device 63 is 1st speed or less, i.e., 0th speed or 1st speed (step S9), the system returns to step S8. Therefore, after transitioning to the drying operation in the second temperature control mode, the ion generator 81 remains ON unless the heating amount of the combustion device 63 reaches 2nd speed or higher. For this reason, the ion generator 81 may remain operational for more than 2 minutes.

[0103] On the other hand, after switching to drying operation in the second temperature control mode, when the heating amount of the combustion device 63 becomes 2nd speed or higher (step S9), the controller 10 stops the ion generator 81 (step S10).

[0104] After the ion generator 81 stops, return to step S3.

[0105] Next, an example of a time chart for the sterilization and deodorization course operation performed by the controller 10 in this clothes dryer will be explained based on Figure 4.

[0106] In the example time chart shown in Figure 4, the heating rate of the combustion device 63 is controlled to 4th speed, and operation in the initial temperature rise mode is started. Alternatively, operation in the initial temperature rise mode may be started with a heating rate of 3rd speed, or the heating rate may be changed to 3rd or 4th speed during the initial temperature rise mode. Furthermore, the duration of the initial temperature rise mode can be changed according to the temperature rise in the drying chamber 22.

[0107] Two minutes after starting operation in the initial heating mode, the system switched to drying operation in the first temperature control mode. For the first two minutes after starting drying operation in the first temperature control mode, the heating rate of the combustion device 63 was set to speed 3, after which the heating rate was changed to speed 2.

[0108] Three minutes after starting the drying operation in the first temperature control mode, the heating level of the combustion device 63 reached speed 1. At that point, the ion generator 81 was turned on, and the system switched to the forced temperature control mode for drying. In this forced temperature control mode, the heating level of the combustion device 63 was maintained at speed 1. In addition, the heating level of the combustion device 63 in the forced temperature control mode may be changed between speed 0 and speed 1 to prevent the clothes 19 in the drying chamber 22 from being overheated.

[0109] Two minutes had elapsed since the start of the drying operation in forced temperature control mode, so the system switched to the drying operation in second temperature control mode. For 30 seconds after the start of the drying operation in second temperature control mode, the heating level of the combustion device 63 was maintained at speed 1, but thereafter it was changed to speed 0.

[0110] Two minutes after starting the drying operation in the second temperature control mode, the heating rate of the combustion device 63 reached speed 3. At that point, the ion generator 81 was turned off, and the system switched to the drying operation in the first temperature control mode. In this first temperature control mode, the heating rate of the combustion device 63 was maintained at speed 3. In addition, the heating rate of the combustion device 63 in the first temperature control mode may be controlled between speed 0 and speed 4 to prevent the clothes 19 in the drying chamber 22 from being overheated.

[0111] For the first five minutes after starting the drying operation in the first temperature control mode, the heating level of the combustion device 63 was maintained at speed 3. Therefore, after five minutes had elapsed since starting the drying operation in the first temperature control mode, the ion generator 81 was turned on and the drying operation was switched to the forced temperature control mode. In this forced temperature control mode, the heating level of the combustion device 63 was maintained at speed 1. In addition, the heating level of the combustion device 63 in the forced temperature control mode may be changed between speed 0 and speed 1 to prevent the clothes 19 in the drying chamber 22 from being overheated.

[0112] Two minutes had passed since the start of the second drying operation in forced temperature control mode, so the system switched to drying operation in second temperature control mode. Immediately after the start of the second drying operation in second temperature control mode, the heating rate of the combustion device 63 increased to speed 3, at which point the ion generator 81 was turned off.

[0113] As shown in the example time chart in Figure 4, the heating level of the combustion device 63 was maintained at speed 1 or lower from immediately after the start of the first drying operation in the second temperature control mode. Therefore, even after switching from the first drying operation in the forced temperature control mode to the drying operation in the second temperature control mode, the ion generator 81 remained in the ON state. Furthermore, the heating level of the combustion device 63 was maintained at speed 1 or lower for 2 minutes from the start of the drying operation in the second temperature control mode. Thus, the ion generator 81 remained in the ON state for a total of 4 minutes, consisting of 2 minutes in the forced temperature control mode and 2 minutes in the second temperature control mode.

[0114] On the other hand, immediately after the start of the second drying operation in the second temperature control mode, the heating amount of the combustion device 63 was changed to speed 3, so when the drying operation switched to the second temperature control mode, the ion generator 81 was turned off.

[0115] As detailed above, this clothes dryer can disinfect and deodorize the clothes 19 in the drying chamber 22 while drying them. Furthermore, while the ion generator 81 is operating, the heating amount of the combustion device 63 is controlled to speed 1 or lower, so that the performance of the disinfecting and deodorizing ions does not deteriorate due to heat.

[0116] Therefore, this clothes dryer can shorten the operating time from drying to sterilization and deodorization while suppressing the deterioration of the performance of functional components.

[0117] In particular, in this clothes dryer, the ion generator 81 is located in the circulation unit 80 through which the air in the drying chamber 22 circulates. Therefore, when the ion generator 81 is operating, it is exposed to the high-temperature air from the drying chamber 22. In this respect, in this clothes dryer, while the ion generator 81 is operating, the heating amount of the combustion device 63 is controlled to speed 1 or lower, so that the function of the ion generating element 83 does not deteriorate or decrease due to heat.

[0118] Furthermore, since the ion generator 81 is located within the circulation unit 80, low-temperature air from outside the drying chamber 22 does not enter the drying chamber 22 via the ion generator 81. Therefore, the ion generator 81 can be installed while suppressing a decrease in drying efficiency.

[0119] Furthermore, the ion generator 81 is positioned on the upper outer edge of the outer periphery of the input port 5, and antibacterial and deodorizing ions are blown out from the outlet 7b so as to be directed from the outer periphery of the input port 5 toward the center, i.e., downwards. As a result, static electricity accumulated on the clothes 19 in the drying chamber 22 can be removed by the antibacterial and deodorizing ions during the drying operation. In addition, when the door 9 is opened and the dried clothes 19 are removed from the drying chamber 22, antibacterial and deodorizing ions are blown out from the outlet 7b, and by applying the antibacterial and deodorizing ions to the hands that have entered the drying chamber 22 to remove the clothes 19, static electricity accumulated on the human body can be removed more reliably.

[0120] (Example 2) The basic configuration of the clothes dryer in Example 2 is the same as that of the clothes dryer in Example 1.

[0121] In the clothes dryer of Example 2, the controller 10 determines whether or not to activate the ion generator 81 based on the exhaust temperature measured by the exhaust temperature thermistor 73 while the sterilization and deodorization course is running. The exhaust temperature thermistor 73 is an example of a "temperature measuring unit" in the present invention.

[0122] Below, an example of how the sterilization and deodorization course is performed in this clothes dryer by the control of the controller 10 will be explained based on the flowchart in Figure 5.

[0123] In this clothes dryer, for example, when the sterilization and deodorization course switch is turned on and the sterilization and deodorization course operation starts, the machine first operates in the initial temperature rise mode (step S11). Note that even when the sterilization and deodorization course switch is turned on, the ion generator 81 does not start operating immediately.

[0124] In the initial heating mode, in order to quickly raise the temperature inside the drying chamber 22, the controller 10 controls the heating rate of the combustion device 63 to 3rd or 4th speed, for example, according to the amount of clothing 19 in the storage chamber 21.

[0125] During operation in the initial heating mode, if the exhaust temperature measured by the exhaust temperature thermistor 73 reaches A°C or higher (step S12), the controller 10 switches to drying operation in the first temperature control mode (step S13). A°C can be set to, for example, 55 to 65°C, and in this embodiment, it was set to 57°C. Alternatively, instead of exhaust temperature, the temperature inside the drying chamber 22 may be determined to be suitable for drying the clothes 19 based on the supply air temperature measured by the supply air temperature thermistor 72 or the clothes temperature measured by the clothes temperature thermistor 71.

[0126] In the first temperature control mode, the controller 10 controls the heating amount of the combustion device 63 between speed 0 and speed 4 based on the temperatures detected by the clothing temperature thermistor 71, the supply air temperature thermistor 72, and the exhaust air temperature thermistor 73.

[0127] During drying operation in the first temperature control mode, if the exhaust temperature measured by the exhaust temperature thermistor 73 falls below B°C (step S14), the controller 10 turns on the ion generator 81 and switches to drying operation in forced temperature control mode (step S15). B°C can be set to, for example, about 55 to 65°C, and in this embodiment it was set to 62°C. B°C is an example of a "set temperature" in the present invention.

[0128] In forced temperature control mode, the controller 10 forcibly controls the heating amount of the combustion device 63 to speed 0 or speed 1. Also, when the ion generator 81 is turned on, the circulation fan 82 is activated and the ion generating element 83 generates antibacterial and deodorizing ions.

[0129] On the other hand, if the exhaust temperature measured by the exhaust temperature thermistor 73 does not fall below B°C for 5 minutes during the drying operation in the first temperature control mode (step S16), the system is forcibly switched to step S15. As a result, during the drying operation in the first temperature control mode, the ion generator 81 is forcibly activated every 5-minute period during which the ion generator 81 is not operating. The 5-minute period referred to here is an example of the "first setting period" in this invention.

[0130] In step S16, if the exhaust temperature falls below B°C before 5 minutes have elapsed since the exhaust temperature remained above B°C, the process returns to step S13. In this case, since the exhaust temperature is below B°C (step S14), the process proceeds to step S15.

[0131] In step S15, when the forced temperature control mode is activated and the ion generator 81 is turned on, the controller 10 determines whether 2 minutes have elapsed in that state (step S17). If 2 minutes have not elapsed in that state, the controller returns to step S15. This ensures that the ion generator 81 operates continuously for 2 minutes during the drying operation in forced temperature control mode. The 2 minutes referred to here is an example of the "second setting period" in this invention.

[0132] In step S15, when the forced temperature control mode is activated and the ion generator 81 has been operating for 2 minutes (step S17), the controller 10 switches to drying operation in the second temperature control mode (step S18).

[0133] During drying in this second temperature control mode, the controller 10 controls the heating amount of the combustion device 63 between speed 0 and speed 4 based on the temperatures detected by the clothing temperature thermistor 71, the supply air temperature thermistor 72, and the exhaust air temperature thermistor 73, thereby adjusting the temperature of the air in the drying chamber 22 to be suitable for drying the clothes 19.

[0134] After transitioning to drying operation in the second temperature control mode, if the exhaust temperature measured by the exhaust temperature thermistor 73 is B°C or lower (step S19), the process returns to step S18. Therefore, after transitioning to drying operation in the second temperature control mode, the ion generator 81 remains ON as long as the exhaust temperature does not exceed B°C. For this reason, the ion generator 81 may remain operational for more than 2 minutes.

[0135] On the other hand, after switching to drying operation in the second temperature control mode, if the exhaust temperature measured by the exhaust temperature thermistor 73 exceeds B°C (step S19), the controller 10 stops the ion generator 81 (step S20).

[0136] After the ion generator 81 stops, return to step S13.

[0137] Thus, in the clothes dryer of Example 2, the ion generator 81 operates when the exhaust temperature is below B°C, which suppresses the deterioration or reduction of the function of the ion generating element 83 due to heat, and also suppresses the reduction of the performance of the antibacterial and deodorizing ions due to heat.

[0138] Other effects and benefits are the same as those of the clothes dryer in Example 1.

[0139] Although the present invention has been described above in reference to Examples 1 and 2, it goes without saying that the present invention is not limited to Examples 1 and 2, and can be applied with appropriate modifications without departing from its spirit.

[0140] In Examples 1 and 2, an ion generator 81 is used as the functional component blowing mechanism, but the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, an ozone generator that generates ozone, a charged particulate liquid generator that generates charged particulate liquid in which ions or radicals are bonded to water molecules, etc., or a functional mist generator that produces mist by atomizing a functional liquid having antibacterial and / or deodorizing effects may be used as the functional component blowing mechanism. Furthermore, the functional component may have only one of either an antibacterial effect or a deodorizing effect.

[0141] In Examples 1 and 2, the ion generator 81, which serves as a functional component blowing mechanism, is located in the circulation section 80 through which the air in the drying chamber 22 circulates. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the functional component blowing mechanism may be located within the housing 3 in a place where the air in the drying chamber 22 does not reach.

[0142] In Examples 1 and 2, the air in the drying chamber 22 is circulated between the drying chamber 22 and the circulation unit 80 by the circulation fan 82, but the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, instead of a circulation fan, a shutter may be provided to connect or block the circulation unit 80 and the drying chamber 22, and by opening the shutter when the ion generator 81 is operating, the air in the drying chamber 22 may be circulated to the circulation unit 80 by the airflow of the exhaust fan 55.

[0143] In Example 2, the decision to operate the ion generator 81 is made based on the exhaust temperature measured by the exhaust temperature thermistor 73. However, instead of the exhaust temperature, the decision to operate the ion generator 81 may be made based on the supply air temperature measured by the supply air temperature thermistor 72 or the clothing temperature measured by the clothing temperature thermistor 71. Alternatively, a circulating air temperature thermistor may be placed in the circulation unit 80, and the decision to operate the ion generator 81 may be made based on the circulating air temperature measured by the circulating air temperature thermistor.

[0144] In Example 2, the heating amount of the combustion device 63 is forcibly controlled from speed 0 to speed 1 in the forced temperature control mode, but the present invention is not limited thereto. As long as the exhaust temperature is controlled within a range that does not exceed a predetermined temperature, the heating amount of the combustion device 63 may be changed as appropriate. [Industrial applicability]

[0145] This invention can be used in homes, laundry facilities, and other places where clothes dryers are installed. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0146] 3…Cabinet 10…Controller (control means) 19…Clothing 22…Drying room 30... means of ventilation 63…Combustion device (heating means) 73…Exhaust temperature thermistor (temperature measurement unit) 80...Circulation section 81…Ion generator (functional component blowing mechanism)

Claims

1. A housing with a drying chamber for storing clothes, A blowing means provided within the housing for supplying air to the drying chamber and for discharging air from the drying chamber, A heating means provided within the housing for heating the air supplied to the drying chamber, A functional component blowing mechanism is provided within the housing adjacent to the drying chamber, which blows functional components that disinfect and / or deodorize the clothes inside the drying chamber into the drying chamber. The enclosure comprises a control means for controlling the heating means, the blowing means, and the functional component blowing mechanism, The clothes dryer is characterized in that the control means allows the operation of the functional component blowing mechanism when the heating amount of the heating means falls below a first heating amount, which is a constant of zero or more, during the execution of a drying operation in which the heating means and the blowing means are operated to dry the clothes in the drying chamber.

2. The housing further comprises a circulation unit provided adjacent to the drying chamber, which circulates air between the drying chamber and the functional component blowing mechanism when the functional component blowing mechanism is in operation. The clothes dryer according to claim 1, wherein the functional component blowing mechanism is arranged in the circulation section.

3. The clothes dryer according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the control means controls the heating means so that the non-operating period during which the functional component blowing mechanism does not operate continuously does not exceed a first set period.

4. The clothes dryer according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the control means controls the heating means such that the operating period during which the functional component blowing mechanism operates continuously is a second set period.

5. The clothes dryer according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the functional component blowing mechanism is an ion generator.

6. A housing with a drying chamber for storing clothes, A blowing means provided within the housing for supplying air to the drying chamber and for discharging air from the drying chamber, A heating means provided within the housing for heating the air supplied to the drying chamber, A functional component blowing mechanism is provided within the housing adjacent to the drying chamber, which blows functional components that disinfect and / or deodorize the clothes inside the drying chamber into the drying chamber. A temperature measuring unit provided inside the aforementioned housing, The enclosure comprises a control means for controlling the heating means, the blowing means, and the functional component blowing mechanism, The clothes dryer is characterized in that the control means allows the operation of the functional component blowing mechanism when the temperature measured by the temperature measuring unit falls below a set temperature during a drying operation in which the heating means and the blowing means are operated to dry the clothes in the drying chamber.

7. The housing further comprises a circulation unit provided adjacent to the drying chamber, which circulates air between the drying chamber and the functional component blowing mechanism when the functional component blowing mechanism is in operation. The clothes dryer according to claim 6, wherein the functional component blowing mechanism is arranged in the circulation section.

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