Laundry washing device

Abstract

A laundry washing device capable of inhibiting complaints to an owner of a coin laundry about noise. For at least one of dehydration operation and drying operation, the laundry washing device (100) provided in a coin laundry (T) can carry out operation in a normal mode and operation in a silent mode, wherein the operation in the silent mode is quieter than the operation in the normal mode.

Description

Laundry facilities Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a laundry device arranged in a coin-operated laundry. Background Art

[0002] Generally speaking, coin-operated laundries are equipped with multiple laundry equipment, such as washing machines that perform washing, rinsing, and dehydration operations, washer-dryers that perform washing, rinsing, dehydration, and drying operations, and dryers that only perform drying operations (for example, refer to Patent Document 1).

[0003] Laundry machines installed in coin-operated laundries sometimes generate noise when they are operated during quiet hours at night, for example. It is known that particularly loud noise is generated when the laundry machines are performing dehydration and drying operations.

[0004] In such a case, there is a problem that residents living near the coin laundry may file a complaint against the owner of the coin laundry.

[0005] Prior art literature

[0006] Patent Literature

[0007] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2018-106633

[0008] Summary of the Invention

[0009] Problems to be solved by the invention

[0010] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a laundry machine that can suppress noise complaints from owners of coin laundry shops.

[0011] Solutions for solving problems

[0012] A laundry machine according to one aspect of the present invention is installed in a coin-operated laundry, and is characterized in that it can perform operation in a normal mode and a silent mode that is quieter than the normal mode for at least one of a dehydration operation and a drying operation.

[0013] In this case, the laundry equipment installed in the coin laundry can be operated in the silent mode which is quieter than the normal mode, thereby preventing noise complaints from being made to the owner of the coin laundry.

[0014] Preferably, the laundry machine comprises: a drum, which is driven to rotate while containing laundry, and the laundry machine can perform operation in the normal mode and operation in the silent mode for the dehydration operation, and the rotation speed of the drum in the silent mode is smaller than the rotation speed of the drum in the normal mode.

[0015] In this case, the noise generated when the dehydration operation is performed in the silent mode can be reliably lowered than the noise generated when the dehydration operation is performed in the normal mode.

[0016] Preferably, the laundry machine includes: a fan for discharging air passing through the drum containing laundry to the outside of the room, and the laundry machine can perform operation in the normal mode and operation in the silent mode for the drying operation, and the speed of the fan in the silent mode is lower than the speed of the fan in the normal mode.

[0017] In this case, the noise generated when the operation in the quiet mode is performed for the drying operation can be reliably lowered than the noise generated when the operation in the normal mode is performed for the drying operation.

[0018] Preferably, the laundry machine comprises: a gas burner for heating the air supplied to the drum during the drying operation; and a gas quantity adjustment unit for adjusting the amount of gas supplied to the gas burner, wherein the gas quantity adjustment unit is controlled so that when the operation in the silent mode is performed for the drying operation, the amount of gas supplied to the gas burner is less than when the operation in the normal mode is performed.

[0019] In this case, when the drying operation is performed in silent mode, if the fan speed is changed to a speed lower than the exhaust fan speed in normal mode, the temperature rise of the heated air supplied to the drum can be suppressed and the temperature of the heated air can be maintained at an appropriate temperature.

[0020] Preferably, at least one of the dehydration operation and the drying operation is automatically switched between the operation in the normal mode and the operation in the silent mode based on a preset time period.

[0021] In this case, by setting the time period for switching between the operation in the normal mode and the operation in the silent mode to, for example, a quiet time period at night, the operation in the silent mode can be reliably performed during the quiet time period at night.

[0022] Preferably, the laundry machine includes a mode switching unit for switching at least one of the dehydration operation and the drying operation between an operation in a normal mode and an operation in the silent mode.

[0023] In this case, the user of the laundry machine can select whether to perform the operation in the normal mode or the operation in the silent mode.

[0024] Effects of the Invention

[0025] According to the present invention, it is possible to suppress noise complaints against owners of coin laundry shops. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0026] FIG1 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of a coin laundry T equipped with a laundry machine 100 according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

[0027] FIG2 is a perspective view of the washer-dryer 101 according to the first embodiment of the present invention, as seen from the upper right side and obliquely from the front.

[0028] FIG3 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the washer-dryer 101 when cut along a vertical plane along the front-back direction and viewed from the left side.

[0029] FIG4 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the washer-dryer 101 when cut along a vertical plane along the front-back direction and viewed from the right side.

[0030] FIG. 5 is a diagram showing the structure of the gas burner 48 and its surroundings.

[0031] FIG6 is a control block diagram of the washer-dryer 101 .

[0032] FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing a control procedure when the drying operation is performed in the silent mode.

[0033] FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating a method of controlling drum 5 during a drying operation.

[0034] FIG. 9 is a diagram showing the operation of the washer-dryer 101 .

[0035] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing discount amounts of coupons issued when the washer-dryer 101 is operated in the silent mode.

[0036] FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing a control process of the washer-dryer 101 .

[0037] FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing a control process of the washer-dryer 101 .

[0038] FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing a control process of the washer-dryer 101 .

[0039] FIG14 is a control block diagram of a washer-dryer 103 according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

[0040] FIG. 15 is a diagram showing the operation of the washer-dryer 103 .

[0041] FIG. 16 is a diagram showing the discount amounts of coupons issued when the washer-dryer 103 is operated in the silent mode.

[0042] FIG. 17 is a flowchart showing a control process of the washer-dryer 101 .

[0043] FIG. 18 is a flowchart showing a control process of the washer-dryer 101 .

[0044] FIG. 19 is a flowchart showing a control process of the washer-dryer 101 .

[0045] FIG. 20 is a diagram showing the operation of laundry equipment 100 according to the first modified example of the present invention.

[0046] FIG. 21 is a diagram showing the operation of laundry equipment 100 according to a second modified example of the present invention.

[0047] Explanation of reference numerals 5: drum; 48: gas burner; 48C: proportional valve; 57: fan; 100: laundry appliance; 101: washer-dryer; 102: dryer; 103: washer-dryer; T: coin-operated laundry. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0048] (First embodiment)

[0049] FIG1 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of a coin laundry T equipped with a laundry machine 100 according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

[0050] As shown in FIG1 , a coin-operated laundry T is equipped with: laundry equipment 100 consisting of a washer-dryer 101 and a dryer 102; and a DTC 105 (store controller) connected to the washer-dryer 101 and dryer 102 via wired or wireless communication. The laundry equipment 100 includes a cost accounting machine (not shown) that enables local settlement of each laundry equipment 100. FIG1 illustrates a configuration in which six washer-dryers 101 and eight dryers 102 are installed as laundry equipment 100. It should be noted that the type and number of laundry equipment 100 installed in the coin-operated laundry T may be varied as appropriate.

[0051] Below, the structure of the washer-dryer 101 is described based on Figures 2 to 5. Figure 2 is a three-dimensional view of the washer-dryer 101 of the first embodiment of the present invention, which is a view observed from the front and upper right. In addition, in order to expose a part of the internal components, it is shown in a partially notched state. Figures 3 and 4 are schematic sectional views obtained by observing the washer-dryer 101 from the left or right side at a vertical plane along the front-to-back direction. Figure 5 is a diagram showing the structure around the gas burner 48. In this embodiment, the description of the washer-dryer 101 and its components (assemblies) is, for convenience, described with the x direction shown in Figure 2 as the front (front) side and the opposite side as the back (rear) side, the z direction as the upper surface (upper) side and the opposite side as the bottom (lower) side, and the y direction as the right side and the opposite side as the left side.

[0052] Washer-dryer 101 is a commercial washer-dryer. Its outer shell consists of a slightly vertically elongated washing machine body 2. An outer tub 3 is located approximately in the center of washing machine body 2. Outer tub 3 stores water supplied from an external water supply, etc., and is cylindrically centered around a central axis N extending in a generally horizontal direction.

[0053] The front surface of the outer tub 3 is formed with an outer tub inlet 3a for loading and unloading laundry. A door 10 is freely attached to the outer tub inlet 3a, which the user opens when loading and unloading laundry. A circular opening 2a, slightly larger than the outer tub inlet 3a, is formed approximately in the center of the front surface of the washing machine body 2, facing the outer tub inlet 3a.

[0054] On the back of the washing machine body 2, above and behind the outer tub 3, is a water supply port 11 connected to an external water supply device. This port is connected to a water supply port 12 formed in the upper portion of the outer tub 3 via a water supply pipe 13. A water supply valve 13a is provided midway along the water supply pipe 13. By opening this valve, water supplied from the water supply port 11 via the water supply pipe 13 flows from the water supply port 12 into the outer tub 3 and is stored within the outer tub 3.

[0055] A drum 5 for accommodating laundry is disposed within the outer tub 3. The drum 5 is cylindrical and rotatably disposed. Numerous holes 5a are perforated throughout the inner circumference of the drum 5, extending substantially around the entire circumference. The interior of the drum 5 communicates with the outer tub 3 via these holes 5a. Furthermore, a plurality of lifting ribs 5b are provided on the inner circumference of the drum 5, protruding into the drum 5. In the central portion of the front surface of the drum 5, a laundry inlet and outlet 5c for loading and unloading laundry is concentric with the outer tub inlet and outlet 3a and has approximately the same diameter.

[0056] A drain port 15 is formed at the bottom of the outer tub 3. The drain port 15 is connected to the outside of the machine via a drain pipe 16. By opening a drain valve 16a inserted in the drain pipe 16, the water stored in the outer tub 3 is discharged to the outside of the machine through the drain pipe 16.

[0057] On the rear surface of the drum 5, a rotating shaft 31 protruding rearward is rotatably held by a bearing 32 provided on the rear surface of the tub 3. A motor 33 for rotating the drum 5 is located at the lower rear end of the tub 3. A transmission belt 36 is looped between a motor pulley 34 mounted on the drive shaft 31a of the motor 33 and a drum pulley 35 mounted on the rear end of the rotating shaft 31. When the motor 33 is driven, the drum 5 rotates.

[0058] As shown in FIG. 3 , an air intake duct 40 and a cold air duct 41 are integrally provided at the upper right portion of the outer tub 3 .

[0059] An inlet 42 is formed slightly forward of the center of the lower surface of the air intake duct 40. The air intake duct 40 communicates with the outer tub 3 via the inlet 42. Above the air intake duct 40, the air intake duct is connected to an air intake port 46 formed on the upper back side of the washing machine body 2 via an air intake duct connecting pipe 43 and a pipe 44. The air intake port 46 communicates with the outside of the washing machine.

[0060] A gas burner 48 is disposed within the duct 44. The gas burner 48 heats the air introduced into the duct 44 before directing the air into the drum 5. Specifically, the heated air used to dry the laundry during the drying operation is generated by the heat of the gas burner 48. As shown in FIG5 , a gas supply pipe 48a for supplying gas is connected to the gas burner 48. The gas supply pipe 48a is equipped with a gas valve 48N that switches between an open state (gas supply from the outside) and a closed state (gas not being supplied), and a proportional valve 48C that adjusts the amount of gas supplied to the gas burner 48.

[0061] On the other hand, a cool air inlet 41a serving as an air inlet is formed on the upper surface of the cool air duct 41. The cool air duct 41 is connected to the outer tub 3 via a cool air inlet 41b formed on the lower surface thereof.

[0062] As shown in Figure 4 , an exhaust duct 50 is provided at the upper left portion of the outer tub 3. An outlet 51 is formed at the rear portion of the lower surface of the exhaust duct 50, and the exhaust duct 50 communicates with the outer tub 3 via the outlet 51. Furthermore, an exhaust duct connecting pipe 52 and a duct 53 are connected above the exhaust duct 50.

[0063] A duct outlet 54 is formed at the other end of the duct 53. The duct outlet 54 is exposed from an exhaust port 55 formed on the upper surface of the washing machine body 2. The exposed portion is connected to the outside of the room via a duct (not shown) provided outside the machine.

[0064] A fan 57 is disposed within the duct 53. The fan 57 is driven, for example, during a drying operation, to discharge the air within the drum 5 and tub 3 to the outside through the duct outlet 54. A filter 58 is disposed within the duct 53 between the fan 57 and the duct inlet 53a. The filter 58 captures dust, dirt, and lint (such as lint and fluff) contained in the air passing through the duct inlet 53a.

[0065] FIG6 is a control block diagram of the washer-dryer 101. As shown in FIG6 , the control unit 60 of the washer-dryer 101 is composed of, for example, a microcomputer, and includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit), ROM (Read Only Memory), a timer, and RAM (Random Access Memory). The washing, rinsing, dehydration, and drying operations of the washer-dryer 101 are controlled by the control unit 60. The control unit 60 of the washer-dryer 101 is wirelessly or wiredly connected to the DTC 105 located in the coin-operated laundry T. Therefore, the DTC 105 can centrally control the multiple laundry machines 100 (the washer-dryer 101 and the dryer 102) located in the coin-operated laundry T.

[0066] The control unit 60 includes a normal mode setting unit 61, a silent mode setting unit 62, a silent mode switching unit 63, a gas volume adjustment unit 64, and a coupon issuing unit 65. Connected to the control unit 60 are an operation panel 66, a drum inlet temperature sensor 67 for detecting the temperature of air supplied to the drum 5, a motor 33 for rotating the drum 5, a fan 57 driven during drying operation, a gas valve 48N, a proportional valve 48C, and a coupon printing device 68 for printing coupons.

[0067] The washer-dryer 101 of this embodiment can perform both the dehydration operation and the drying operation in a normal mode and a silent mode that is quieter than the normal mode.

[0068] (Silent mode for dehydration)

[0069] When the dehydration operation is performed in silent mode, the rotation speed of the drum 5 is controlled to be lower than that in normal mode in order to reduce vibration noise (operation noise). Therefore, the dehydration capacity is reduced, and the operation time of the dehydration operation in silent mode is changed to be longer than that in normal mode.

[0070] (Silent mode for drying operation)

[0071] When the drying operation is performed in silent mode, the speed of the fan 57 is controlled to be lower than that in normal mode in order to reduce the exhaust sound (operation sound). Therefore, the drying capacity is reduced, and the operation time of the drying operation in silent mode is changed to be longer than that in normal mode.

[0072] Normal mode setting unit 61 stores a rotation speed A1 of drum 5 when a dehydration operation is performed in the normal mode and a rotation speed C1 of fan 57 when a drying operation is performed in the normal mode.

[0073] The silent mode setting unit 62 stores the rotational speed A2 of the drum 5 when the dehydration operation is performed in the silent mode, and the rotational speed C2 of the fan 57 when the drying operation is performed in the normal mode. The rotational speed A2 of the drum 5 when the dehydration operation is performed in the silent mode is lower than the rotational speed A1 of the drum 5 when the dehydration operation is performed in the normal mode. The rotational speed C2 of the fan 57 when the drying operation is performed in the normal mode is lower than the rotational speed C1 of the fan 57 when the drying operation is performed in the normal mode.

[0074] The silent mode switch 63 switches from the normal mode to the silent mode when the washer-dryer 101 performs dehydration and drying operations. The silent mode switch 63 also switches the operating time and fee system (including coupon issuance) of the washer-dryer 101.

[0075] Specifically, the owner of the DTC 105 installed in the coin laundry T sets a time period for switching from normal mode to quiet mode. In this embodiment, the nighttime time period from 10 PM to 6 PM is set for the DTC 105 as the time period for switching from normal mode to quiet mode. Therefore, when the preset nighttime time period from 10 PM to 6 PM arrives, a signal is sent from the DTC 105 to the multiple laundry machines 100 installed in the coin laundry T, causing the quiet mode switching unit 63 in each laundry machine 100 to automatically switch the dehydration and drying operations in each laundry machine 100 to quiet mode, and also switching the operating time of each laundry machine 100. It should be noted that in this embodiment, after the pre-set night time period from 22:00 to 6:00, when the operation of each operation process in the laundry machine 100 is started (when the fee is paid to start the operation of each operation process), the dehydration operation and drying operation included in each operation process are automatically switched to operation in silent mode.

[0076] The gas amount adjustment unit 64 controls the proportional valve 48C so that the inlet temperature of the air supplied into the drum 5 during the drying operation becomes, for example, 120° C. to 130° C.

[0077] Here, a flowchart showing a control procedure when the drying operation is performed in the silent mode will be described based on FIG. 7 .

[0078] <Step S1>

[0079] In step S1 , the control unit 60 starts the operation of the drum 5 and also starts the operation of the fan 57 .

[0080] <Step S2>

[0081] In step S2 , the control unit 60 opens the gas valve 48N.

[0082] <Step S3>

[0083] In step S3, the control unit 60 repeatedly determines whether the drum inlet temperature is 120°C or higher. If the control unit 60 determines that the drum inlet temperature is not 120°C or higher, the process proceeds to step S4. If the control unit 60 determines that the drum inlet temperature is 120°C or higher, the process proceeds to step S5.

[0084] <Step S4>

[0085] In step S4 , the control unit 60 increases the opening of the proportional valve 48C to increase the drum inlet temperature, and the process proceeds to step S3 .

[0086] <Step S5>

[0087] In step S5, the control unit 60 repeatedly determines whether the drum inlet temperature is 130°C or higher. If the control unit 60 determines that the drum inlet temperature is 130°C or higher, the process proceeds to step S6. If the control unit 60 determines that the drum inlet temperature is not 120°C or higher, the process proceeds to step S7.

[0088] <Step S6>

[0089] In step S6 , the control unit 60 reduces the opening of the proportional valve 48C to lower the drum inlet temperature, and the process proceeds to step S3 .

[0090] <Step S7>

[0091] In step S7, the control unit 60 determines whether the drying time has elapsed. The drying time for the drying operation is preset. In the washer-dryer 101, the drying time is set to, for example, 35 minutes in the standard and wash cycles. In the drying cycle, the drying time is set to a time corresponding to the cost. If the control unit 60 determines that the drying time has not elapsed, the process proceeds to step S3. If the control unit 60 determines that the drying time has elapsed, the process proceeds to step S8.

[0092] <Step S8>

[0093] In step S8 , the control unit 60 fully closes the gas valve 48N to terminate the drying operation.

[0094] When the washing and drying machine 101 is in a drying operation, as shown in Figure 8, hot air heated by the gas burner 48 is supplied to the drum 5. Then, the hot air dries the laundry in the drum 5 and absorbs the moisture contained in the laundry, and is discharged in a wet state. During the drying operation, the drum 5, for example, alternately rotates clockwise for 150 seconds and rotates counterclockwise for 5 seconds. In this way, when the washing machine 100 set in a coin-operated laundry is in a drying operation, a gas burner is often used, and the air in the washing machine 100 needs to be discharged to the outside. Therefore, in order to discharge the air to the outside, the fan 57 is driven to rotate, thereby generating a loud noise.

[0095] As described above, in the washer-dryer 101 of this embodiment, when the drying operation is in silent mode, the speed of the fan 57 is controlled to be lower than that in normal mode. In this case, the amount of air (air volume) supplied to the drum 5 during silent mode is reduced compared to normal mode, and the inlet temperature (hot air input temperature) increases. At this time, the gas flow regulator 64 adjusts the amount of gas supplied to the gas burner 48 via the proportional valve 48C, thereby maintaining the inlet temperature at, for example, 120°C to 130°C.

[0096] The coupon issuing unit 65 issues a coupon (discount coupon) when at least one of the dehydration and drying operations is performed in silent mode. In the washer-dryer 101, when at least one of the dehydration and drying operations is performed in silent mode, as described later, the operating time is longer than when both are performed in normal mode. Therefore, users who have performed at least one of the dehydration and drying operations in silent mode are issued a coupon that can be used at their next visit to the coin laundry T. In other words, coupons are issued to users who cooperate in reducing the noise level of the coin laundry T. The coupons are printed by the coupon printing device 68 and taken home by the user. By issuing coupons only when the washer-dryer 101 is used in silent mode, users can enjoy cheaper service despite longer operating time. Furthermore, by using the information that "coupons are issued when using silent mode" in advertising, for example, it is possible to increase the number of customers visiting the coin laundry T. In this embodiment, the fee does not change depending on whether the laundry machine 100 is operated in normal mode or in silent mode, so the sales of the coin laundry T do not change. In contrast, even if a coupon is issued when the laundry machine 100 is operated in silent mode, it can be used the next time the coin laundry machine 100 visits the coin laundry T. This increases repeat customers and benefits the owner of the coin laundry T. Therefore, providing a coupon is more beneficial to the owner as long as users return, compared to simply reducing the usage fee of the laundry machine 100.

[0097] An operation course selection button 66a for the user to select an operation course is provided on the operation panel 66. The user of the washer-dryer 101 can select any one of the standard course, the washing course, and the drying course by operating the operation course selection button 66a.

[0098] Next, the operation of the washer-dryer 101 will be described based on FIG. 9 .

[0099] (Standard Process)

[0100] The standard process is a process that performs washing, rinsing, dehydration and drying operations.

[0101] (1) As shown in FIG. 9( a ), the operation time of the standard course is, for example, 60 minutes when both the dehydration operation and the drying operation are performed in the normal mode, and the usage fee is, for example, 1,200 yen.

[0102] (2) When both the dehydration operation and the drying operation are performed in the silent mode, the operation time of the standard course is, for example, (60+α+β) minutes, and the usage fee is, for example, 1200 yen, where α and β are positive numbers.

[0103] As described above, when the pre-set night time period from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m. arrives, and then when the standard course operation in each laundry machine 100 is started, both the dehydration operation and the drying operation are automatically switched to operation in the silent mode. The aforementioned "α minutes" are the extended operation time when the dehydration operation is performed in the silent mode, compared to the operation time of the dehydration operation in the normal mode. The aforementioned "β minutes" are the extended operation time when the drying operation is performed in the silent mode, compared to the operation time of the drying operation in the normal mode. Here, when the operation time of the dehydration operation in the normal mode is compared with the operation time of the drying operation in the normal mode, the operation time of the drying operation is longer. Therefore, for the extended time "β minutes" of the drying operation, a time longer than the extended time "α minutes" of the dehydration operation is set.

[0104] Thus, in the standard process of the washer-dryer 101, when both the dehydration operation and the drying operation are performed in silent mode, the rotation speed of the drum 5 during the dehydration operation is slower than the rotation speed of the drum 4 during the normal mode, thereby reducing the dehydration capacity during the dehydration operation. Furthermore, the rotation speed of the fan 57 during the drying and dehydration operation is slower than the rotation speed of the fan 57 during the normal mode, thereby reducing the drying capacity during the drying operation. Therefore, the dehydration and drying operation times are automatically extended, and thus the standard process operation time is (α+β) minutes longer than the normal 60 minutes, becoming (60+α+β) minutes.

[0105] (Washing process)

[0106] The washing process refers to the process that only performs washing, rinsing and dehydration operations.

[0107] (1) As shown in FIG. 9( b ), the operation time of the washing course is, for example, 30 minutes when the dehydration operation is performed in the normal mode, and the usage fee is, for example, 800 yen.

[0108] (2) When the dehydration operation is performed in the silent mode, the operation time of the washing course is, for example, (30+α) minutes, and the usage fee is, for example, 800 yen, where α is a positive number.

[0109] Thus, during the wash cycle of the washer-dryer 101, when the dehydration operation is performed in silent mode, the rotation speed of the drum 5 during the dehydration operation is lower than that of the drum 5 in the normal mode, and the dehydration capacity during the dehydration operation is reduced. Therefore, the dehydration operation time is automatically extended, and the operation time of the standard cycle is longer than the normal 30 minutes by α minutes, becoming (30 + α) minutes.

[0110] (Drying process)

[0111] The drying process refers to the process of performing only drying operation.

[0112] (1) As shown in FIG. 9( c ), the operation time of the drying course is, for example, 10 minutes when the drying operation is performed in the normal mode, and the usage fee is, for example, 100 yen.

[0113] (2) When the drying operation is performed in the silent mode, the operation time of the drying course is, for example, (10+γ) minutes, and the usage fee is, for example, 100 yen, where γ is a positive number.

[0114] It should be noted that when the drying process is selected in washer-dryer 101 and the drying operation is performed in normal mode, the drying operation will continue until the operating time corresponding to the amount of money invested has elapsed, similar to dryer 102. That is, if the normal mode fee is 10 minutes / 100 yen, for example, if 200 yen is invested, the drying operation will be performed for 20 minutes, and if 300 yen is invested, the drying operation will be performed for 30 minutes. Furthermore, if the drying process is selected and the drying operation is performed in silent mode, if the normal mode fee is 10 minutes / 100 yen, for example, if 200 yen is invested, the drying operation will be performed for (20 + 2γ) minutes, and if 300 yen is invested, the drying operation will be performed for (30 + 3γ) minutes.

[0115] Thus, in the drying process of the washer-dryer 101, when the drying operation is performed in silent mode, the speed of the fan 57 during the drying operation is lower than that of the fan 57 in the normal mode, and the drying capacity during the drying operation is reduced. Therefore, the drying operation time is automatically extended. Therefore, the operation time of the standard process is longer than the normal 10 minutes by γ minutes, that is, (10 + γ) minutes.

[0116] Next, the discount amount of the coupon issued when the washer-dryer 101 is operated in the silent mode will be described based on FIG. 10 .

[0117] (Standard Process)

[0118] In the standard cycle of the washer-dryer 101, when both the dehydration and drying operations are performed in silent mode, the operation time is extended compared to the case where both the dehydration and drying operations are performed in standard mode. Therefore, as shown in FIG10(a), the washer-dryer 101 issues a coupon for a 300 yen discount (100 yen discount for the dehydration operation + 200 yen discount for the drying operation) in order to provide a discount corresponding to the length of the extended operation time.

[0119] (Washing process)

[0120] During the washing process of the washer-dryer 101, when the dehydration operation is performed in the silent mode, the operation time is extended compared to the case of the dehydration operation in the standard mode. Therefore, as shown in Figure 10 (b), the washer-dryer 1 issues a coupon for a 100 yen discount in order to provide a discount corresponding to the length of the extended time.

[0121] (Drying process)

[0122] During the drying process of the washer-dryer 101, when the drying operation is performed in silent mode, the operation time is extended compared to the case of the drying operation in standard mode. Therefore, as shown in FIG10(c), the washer-dryer 1 issues a coupon for a discount of 30 yen per 100 yen in order to provide a discount corresponding to the extended drying time.

[0123] The control process of the washer-dryer 101 will be described based on FIG. 11 to FIG. 13 .

[0124] <Step S101>

[0125] As shown in FIG11 , in step S101, the control unit 60 determines whether the standard course has been selected as the operating course and whether the fee has been paid. If the control unit 60 determines that the standard course has been selected, the process proceeds to step S102. If the control unit 60 determines that the standard course has not been selected, the process proceeds to step S106 in the flowchart of FIG12 .

[0126] <Step S102>

[0127] In step S102, the control unit 60 determines whether the standard course is operating in the night time period from 10 PM to 6 PM (whether the standard course is selected in the night time period from 10 PM to 6 PM). If the control unit 60 determines that the standard course is not operating in the night time period from 10 PM to 6 PM, the process proceeds to step S103. If the control unit 60 determines that the standard course is operating in the night time period from 10 PM to 6 PM, the process proceeds to step S104.

[0128] <Step S103>

[0129] In step S103, the control unit 60 performs a standard course operation, and executes both the dehydration operation and the drying operation included in the standard course in a normal mode. Afterwards, when the standard course operation is completed, the control unit 60 ends the operation.

[0130] <Step S104>

[0131] In step S104, the control unit 60 performs a standard course operation, executing both the dehydration operation and the drying operation included in the standard course in a silent mode. After the standard course operation is completed, the control unit 60 proceeds to step S105.

[0132] <Step S105>

[0133] In step S105 , the control unit 60 prints a coupon using the coupon printing device 66 , issues a coupon with a discount of 300 yen, and ends the operation.

[0134] <Step S106>

[0135] As shown in FIG12 , in step S106, the control unit 60 determines whether a washing course has been selected as the operation course and whether a fee has been paid. If the control unit 60 determines that a washing course has been selected, the process proceeds to step S107. If the control unit 60 determines that a washing course has not been selected, the process proceeds to step S111 of the flowchart in FIG13 .

[0136] <Step S107>

[0137] In step S107, the control unit 60 determines whether the washing course is operating during the night time period from 10 PM to 6 PM (whether the washing course is selected during the night time period from 10 PM to 6 PM). If the control unit 60 determines that the washing course is not operating during the night time period from 10 PM to 6 PM, the process proceeds to step S108. If the control unit 60 determines that the washing course is operating during the night time period from 10 PM to 6 PM, the process proceeds to step S109.

[0138] <Step S108>

[0139] In step S108, the control unit 60 performs a washing course operation and executes a dehydration operation included in the washing course in a normal mode. Afterwards, when the washing course operation is completed, the control unit 60 ends the operation.

[0140] <Step S109>

[0141] In step S109, the control unit 60 performs a washing course and executes a dehydration operation included in the washing course in a silent mode. After the washing course is completed, the control unit 60 proceeds to step S110.

[0142] <Step S110>

[0143] In step S110 , the control unit 60 prints a coupon using the coupon printing device 66 , issues a coupon with a discount of 100 yen, and ends the operation.

[0144] <Step S111>

[0145] As shown in FIG13 , in step S111, the control unit 60 determines whether a drying course has been selected as the operation course and whether a fee has been paid. If the control unit 60 determines that the drying course has been selected, the process proceeds to step S112. If the control unit 60 determines that the drying course has not been selected, the process proceeds to step S101 of the flowchart in FIG11 .

[0146] <Step S112>

[0147] In step S112, the control unit 60 determines whether the drying process is operating during the night time period from 10 PM to 6 PM (whether the drying process is selected during the night time period from 10 PM to 6 PM). If the control unit 60 determines that the drying process is not operating during the night time period from 10 PM to 6 PM, the process proceeds to step S113. If the control unit 60 determines that the drying process is operating during the night time period from 10 PM to 6 PM, the process proceeds to step S114.

[0148] <Step S113>

[0149] In step S113, the control unit 60 performs a drying operation in a normal mode for an operation time corresponding to the amount of money input. Thereafter, when the operation of the drying course is completed, the control unit 60 ends the operation.

[0150] <Step S114>

[0151] In step S114, the control unit 60 performs a drying operation in a silent mode for an operation time corresponding to the amount of money put in. After that, when the operation of the drying course is completed, the control unit 60 proceeds to step S115.

[0152] <Step S115>

[0153] In step S115 , the control unit 60 prints a coupon using the coupon printing device 66 , issues a coupon with a discount of 30 yen×the deposited amount / 100 yen, and ends the operation.

[0154] It should be noted that, as described above, the washer-dryer 101 installed in the coin laundry T can operate in a silent mode, which is quieter than the normal mode. Similarly, the dryer 102 installed in the coin laundry T can also operate in a silent mode, which is quieter than the normal mode. The drying operations of the dryer 102 in the normal and silent modes are similar to those when the drying course is selected in the washer-dryer 101, and therefore, detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0155] As described above, laundry machine 100 of this embodiment is installed in coin laundry T and can perform operation in the normal mode and the silent mode quieter than the normal mode for at least one of the dehydration operation and the drying operation.

[0156] With this configuration, the laundry machine 100 installed in the coin laundry T can operate in the silent mode, which is quieter than the normal mode, and thus can suppress noise complaints from the owner of the coin laundry T.

[0157] In the laundry machine 100 of this embodiment, there is provided a drum 5, which is driven to rotate while containing laundry. The laundry machine 100 can perform operation in normal mode and silent mode for dehydration operation. The rotation speed of the drum 5 in the silent mode is lower than the rotation speed of the drum 5 in the normal mode.

[0158] In this manner, the noise generated when the dehydration operation is performed in the silent mode can be reliably lowered than the noise generated when the dehydration operation is performed in the normal mode.

[0159] In the laundry machine 100 of this embodiment, a fan 57 is provided, which is used to discharge the air passing through the drum 5 containing laundry to the outside. The laundry machine 100 can perform operation in normal mode and silent mode for drying operation. The speed of the fan 57 in the silent mode is lower than the speed of the fan 57 in the normal mode.

[0160] With this configuration, the noise generated when the drying operation is performed in the silent mode can be reliably lowered than the noise generated when the drying operation is performed in the normal mode.

[0161] The laundry machine 100 of this embodiment is provided with: a gas burner 48 for heating the air supplied to the drum 5 during the drying operation; and a proportional valve 48C, which serves as a gas quantity adjustment unit for adjusting the quantity of gas supplied to the gas burner 48. The proportional valve 48 is controlled so that, when the drying operation is performed in the silent mode, the quantity of gas supplied to the gas burner 48 is less than that in the normal mode.

[0162] In this way, when the drying operation is performed in silent mode, when the speed of the fan 57 is changed to a speed lower than the speed of the exhaust fan 57 in the normal mode, the temperature rise of the heated air supplied to the drum 5 can be suppressed, and the temperature of the heated air can be maintained at an appropriate temperature.

[0163] In the laundry machine 100 of the present embodiment, the two operations of the dehydration operation and the drying operation are automatically switched between the operation in the normal mode and the operation in the silent mode based on a preset time period.

[0164] In this manner, by setting the time period for switching between the operation in the normal mode and the operation in the silent mode to, for example, a quiet time period at night, the operation in the silent mode can be reliably performed during the quiet time period at night.

[0165] (Second embodiment)

[0166] The main difference between the washer-dryer 103 of this embodiment and the washer-dryer 101 of the first embodiment lies in the method for switching between normal mode operation and silent mode operation. It should be noted that in the structure of the washer-dryer 103 of this embodiment, the detailed description of the parts that are the same as those of the washer-dryer 101 of the first embodiment is omitted.

[0167] In the washer-dryer 103 of this embodiment, as shown in Figure 14 , a mode switch button 66b is provided on the operation panel 66. Therefore, by operating the mode switch button 66b, the user can select whether to operate the washer-dryer 103 in normal mode or silent mode, respectively, when performing a dehydration operation or a drying operation. Therefore, a user visiting the coin laundry T, for example, can select normal mode when in a hurry and silent mode when they have more time. This improves user convenience.

[0168] That is, when the washer-dryer 103 is operating under the standard process, the user can operate the mode switching button 66b to select the silent mode for both the dehydration and drying operations, the silent mode for either operation, or the normal mode for both (not for both). Therefore, users visiting the coin laundry T can choose to use the silent mode for both the dehydration and drying operations, the silent mode for only the dehydration operation, or the silent mode for only the drying operation, depending on their level of urgency or the amount of time available.

[0169] Furthermore, when the washer-dryer 103 is operating in a washing course, the user can select whether to operate in a normal mode or a silent mode for the dehydration operation by operating the mode switching button 66b.

[0170] Furthermore, when the washer-dryer 103 is operating in a drying course, the user can select whether to operate in a normal mode or a silent mode for the drying operation by operating the mode switching button 66b.

[0171] In the washer-dryer 103 of this embodiment, when operation in silent mode is selected by operating the mode switching button 66b, the silent mode switching unit 63 switches the dehydration operation or drying operation in which silent mode is selected to operation in silent mode, and switches the fee system of the washer-dryer 101 (including the issuance of coupons).

[0172] Next, the operation of the washer-dryer 103 will be described based on FIG. 15 .

[0173] (Standard Process)

[0174] The standard process is a process that performs washing, rinsing, dehydration and drying operations.

[0175] (1) As shown in FIG. 15( a ), the operation time of the standard course is, for example, 60 minutes when both the dehydration operation and the drying operation are performed in the normal mode, and the usage fee is, for example, 1,200 yen.

[0176] (2) When the dehydration operation is performed in the silent mode and the drying operation is performed in the normal mode, the operation time of the standard course is, for example, (60+α) minutes, and the usage fee is, for example, 1200 yen, where α is a positive number.

[0177] (3) When the dehydration operation is performed in the normal mode and the drying operation is performed in the silent mode, the operation time of the standard course is, for example, (60+β) minutes, and the usage fee is, for example, 1200 yen, where β is a positive number.

[0178] (4) When both the dehydration operation and the drying operation are performed in the silent mode, the operation time of the standard course is, for example, (60+α+β) minutes, and the usage fee is, for example, 1,200 yen.

[0179] Thus, in the standard cycle of the washer-dryer 101, when the dehydration operation is performed in the silent mode and the drying operation is performed in the normal mode, the rotation speed of the drum 5 during the dehydration operation is lower than the rotation speed of the drum 5 in the normal mode, and the dehydration capacity during the dehydration operation is reduced. Therefore, the dehydration operation time is automatically extended, and the operation time of the standard cycle is longer than the normal 60 minutes by α minutes, becoming (60 + α) minutes.

[0180] Similarly, in the standard cycle of the washer-dryer 1, when the dehydration operation is in normal mode and the drying operation is in silent mode, the speed of the fan 57 during the drying and dehydration operation is lower than the speed of the fan 57 during the normal mode, and the drying capacity during the drying operation is reduced. Therefore, the drying operation time is automatically extended, and the operation time of the standard cycle is longer than the normal 60 minutes by β minutes, that is, (60 + β) minutes.

[0181] Similarly, in the standard cycle of washer-dryer 1, when both the dehydration and drying operations are performed in silent mode, the rotation speed of drum 5 during the dehydration operation is slower than that during the normal mode, reducing the dehydration capacity during the dehydration operation. Furthermore, the rotation speed of fan 57 during the drying and dehydration operation is slower than that during the normal mode, reducing the drying capacity during the drying operation. Therefore, the dehydration and drying operation times are automatically extended, and the standard cycle operation time is (α+β) minutes longer than the normal 60 minutes, becoming (60+α+β) minutes.

[0182] (Washing process) and (Drying process)

[0183] The washing course and the drying course are shown in FIG. 15( b ) and FIG. 15 ( c ). Since they are the same as those of the washer-dryer 101 of the first embodiment, their description will be omitted.

[0184] Next, the discount amount of the coupon issued when the washer-dryer 103 is operated in the silent mode will be described based on FIG. 16 .

[0185] (Standard Process)

[0186] As shown in FIG16( a ), in the standard process of the washer-dryer 103, when only the dehydration operation is performed in silent mode, the operation time is extended compared to the case of the dehydration operation in the standard mode. Therefore, the washer-dryer 103 issues a coupon for a 100 yen discount in order to provide a discount corresponding to the length of the extended time.

[0187] Furthermore, in the standard cycle of the washer-dryer 103, when only the drying operation is performed in silent mode, the operating time is extended compared to the case where the drying operation is performed in standard mode. Therefore, the washer-dryer 103 issues a coupon for a 200 yen discount to provide a discount corresponding to the length of the extended time. In the standard cycle of the washer-dryer 103 of this embodiment, the extended time of the drying operation is longer than the extended time of the spin operation. Therefore, the extended time of the drying operation (β minutes) is set to a time longer than the extended time of the spin operation (α minutes). As a result, the discounted price (200 yen) when only the drying operation is performed in silent mode is greater than the discounted price (100 yen) when only the spin operation is performed in silent mode.

[0188] In addition, in the standard process of the washer-dryer 103, when both the dehydration operation and the drying operation are performed in silent mode, a coupon for a 300 yen discount (100 yen discount for dehydration operation + 200 yen discount for drying operation) is issued during the operation time compared to the case where both the dehydration operation and the drying operation are performed in standard mode.

[0189] (Washing process) and (Drying process)

[0190] The washing course and the drying course are shown in FIG. 16( b ) and FIG. 16 ( c ). Since they are the same as those of the washer-dryer 101 of the first embodiment, their description will be omitted.

[0191] In the present embodiment, when the number of laundry equipment 100 in the coin laundry T is large, a discount amount of a coupon is added.

[0192] Specifically, as shown in FIG16(d), when starting operation in a standard course or a wash course, if the number of laundry machines 100 operating is less than four (when starting operation of a new laundry machine 100 while other laundry machines 100 are not operating or while one or two laundry machines 100 are already operating), no additional discount is applied. In contrast, if the number of laundry machines 100 operating is four or more (when starting operation of a new laundry machine 100 while three laundry machines 100 are already operating), an additional discount of 100 yen is applied.

[0193] When starting a drying course, if there are fewer than four laundry machines 100 in operation (when starting a new laundry machine 100 while other laundry machines 100 are not in operation or while one or two laundry machines 100 are already in operation), no additional discount will be applied. On the other hand, if there are four or more laundry machines 100 in operation (when starting a new laundry machine 100 while three laundry machines 100 are already in operation), a discount of 20 yen will be applied for every 100 yen spent.

[0194] It should be noted that, similar to the washer-dryer 103, the dryers 102 installed in the coin laundry T in this embodiment can also be operated in either normal mode or silent mode by operating a mode switch button. Therefore, the number of operating laundry machines 100 installed in the coin laundry T refers to the number of laundry machines 100 currently operating, namely, six washer-dryers 103 and eight dryers. In this embodiment, any laundry machine 100 operating in any particular mode (e.g., when the washer-dryer 103 is operating in a standard cycle, a washing cycle, or a drying cycle, or when the dryer 102 is operating in a drying cycle) is included in the number of operating laundry machines.

[0195] The operation of the washer-dryer 103 will be described based on FIG. 17 to FIG. 19 .

[0196] <Step S201>

[0197] As shown in FIG17 , in step S201, the control unit 60 determines whether the standard course has been selected as the operating course and whether the fee has been paid. If the control unit 60 determines that the standard course has been selected, the process proceeds to step S202. If the control unit 60 determines that the standard course has not been selected, the process proceeds to step S218 of the flowchart in FIG18 .

[0198] <Step S202>

[0199] In step S202, the control unit 60 determines whether the silent mode is selected for the spin operation. If the control unit 60 determines that the silent mode is not selected for the spin operation, the process proceeds to step S203. If the control unit 60 determines that the silent mode is selected for the spin operation, the process proceeds to step S209.

[0200] <Step S203>

[0201] In step S203, the control unit 60 determines whether the silent mode is selected for the drying operation. If the control unit 60 determines that the silent mode is not selected for the drying operation, the process proceeds to step S204. If the control unit 60 determines that the silent mode is selected for the drying operation, the process proceeds to step S205.

[0202] <Step S204>

[0203] In step S204, the control unit 60 performs a standard course operation, and executes both the dehydration operation and the drying operation included in the standard course in a normal mode. Afterwards, when the standard course operation is completed, the control unit 60 ends the operation.

[0204] <Step S205>

[0205] In step S205, the control unit 60 performs a standard course operation, and only performs the drying operation included in the standard course in a silent mode. Afterwards, when the standard course operation is completed, the control unit 60 proceeds to step S206.

[0206] <Step S206>

[0207] In step S206, the control unit 60 determines whether the number of laundry machines 100 operating in the coin laundry T is four or more. The number of laundry machines 100 operating determined in step S206 refers to the number of laundry machines 100 operating at the time the standard course was selected as the operation course and the fee was paid in step S201. If the control unit 60 determines that the number of laundry machines 100 operating is less than four, the process proceeds to step S207. If the control unit 60 determines that the number of laundry machines 100 operating is four or more, the process proceeds to step S208.

[0208] <Step S207>

[0209] In step S207 , the control unit 60 prints a coupon using the coupon printing device 66 , issues a coupon with a discount of 200 yen, and ends the operation.

[0210] <Step S208>

[0211] In step S208, since the number of operating units is four or more, the control unit 60 adds 100 yen to the discount amount, prints a coupon via the coupon printing device 66, issues a coupon with a discount of 300 yen, and ends the operation.

[0212] <Step S209>

[0213] If the control unit 60 determines in step S202 that the quiet mode is selected for the dehydration operation, the control unit 60 then determines in step S209 whether the quiet mode is selected for the drying operation. If the control unit 60 determines that the quiet mode is not selected for the drying operation, the process proceeds to step S210. If the control unit 60 determines that the quiet mode is selected for the drying operation, the process proceeds to step S214.

[0214] <Step S210>

[0215] In step S210, the control unit 60 performs a standard course operation, and executes only the dehydration operation included in the standard course in a silent mode. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S211.

[0216] <Step S211>

[0217] In step S211, the control unit 60 determines whether the number of laundry machines 100 operating in the coin laundry T is four or more. The number of laundry machines 100 operating determined in step S211 refers to the number of laundry machines 100 operating at the time the standard course was selected as the operation course and the fee was paid in step S201. If the control unit 60 determines that the number of laundry machines 100 operating is less than four, the process proceeds to step S212. If the control unit 60 determines that the number of laundry machines 100 operating is four or more, the process proceeds to step S213.

[0218] <Step S212>

[0219] In step S212 , the control unit 60 prints a coupon using the coupon printing device 66 , issues a coupon with a discount of 100 yen, and ends the operation.

[0220] <Step S213>

[0221] In step S213, since the number of operating units is four or more, the control unit 60 adds 100 yen to the discount amount, prints a coupon via the coupon printing device 66, issues a coupon with a discount of 200 yen, and ends the operation.

[0222] <Step S214>

[0223] In step S214, the control unit 60 performs the standard course operation, executing both the dehydration operation and the drying operation included in the standard course in the silent mode. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S215.

[0224] <Step S215>

[0225] In step S215, the control unit 60 determines whether the number of laundry machines 100 operating in the coin laundry T is four or more. The number of laundry machines 100 operating determined in step S215 refers to the number of laundry machines 100 operating at the time the standard course was selected as the operation course and the fee was paid in step S201. If the control unit 60 determines that the number of laundry machines 100 operating is less than four, the process proceeds to step S216. If the control unit 60 determines that the number of laundry machines 100 operating is four or more, the process proceeds to step S217.

[0226] <Step S216>

[0227] In step S216, the control unit 60 prints a coupon with the coupon printing device 66, issues a coupon for a 300 yen discount (100 yen discount for dehydration operation + 200 yen discount for drying operation), and ends the operation.

[0228] <Step S217>

[0229] In step S217, since the number of working stations is more than four, the control unit 60 adds 100 yen to the discount amount, prints a coupon through the coupon printing device 66, and issues a coupon with a discount of 400 yen (100 yen discount for dehydration operation + 200 yen discount for drying operation + additional discount of 100 yen), and ends the operation.

[0230] <Step S218>

[0231] As shown in FIG18 , in step S218, the control unit 60 determines whether a washing course has been selected as the operation course and whether a fee has been paid. If the control unit 60 determines that a washing course has been selected, the process proceeds to step S219. If the control unit 60 determines that a washing course has not been selected, the process proceeds to step S225 of the flowchart of FIG19 .

[0232] <Step S219>

[0233] In step S219, the control unit 60 determines whether the silent mode is selected for the spin operation. If the control unit 60 determines that the silent mode is not selected for the spin operation, the process proceeds to step S220. If the control unit 60 determines that the silent mode is selected for the spin operation, the process proceeds to step S221.

[0234] <Step S220>

[0235] In step S220, the control unit 60 performs a washing course operation and executes a dehydration operation included in the washing course in a normal mode. Afterwards, when the washing course operation is completed, the control unit 60 ends the operation.

[0236] <Step S221>

[0237] In step S221, the control unit 60 performs a washing course and executes a dehydration operation included in the washing course in a silent mode.

[0238] <Step S222>

[0239] In step S222, the control unit 60 determines whether the number of laundry machines 100 operating in the coin laundry T is four or more. The number of laundry machines 100 operating determined in step S222 refers to the number of laundry machines 100 operating at the time the wash course was selected as the operation course and the fee was paid in step S218. If the control unit 60 determines that the number of laundry machines 100 operating is not four or more, the process proceeds to step S223. If the control unit 60 determines that the number of laundry machines 100 operating is four or more, the process proceeds to step S224.

[0240] <Step S223>

[0241] In step S223 , the control unit 60 prints a coupon using the coupon printing device 66 , issues a coupon with a discount of 100 yen, and ends the operation.

[0242] <Step S224>

[0243] In step S224, since the number of operating units is four or more, the control unit 60 adds 100 yen to the discount amount, prints a coupon via the coupon printing device 66, issues a coupon with a discount of 200 yen, and ends the operation.

[0244] <Step S225>

[0245] As shown in FIG19 , in step S225, the control unit 60 determines whether a drying course has been selected as an operation course and whether a fee has been paid. If the control unit 60 determines that a drying course has been selected, the process proceeds to step S226. If the control unit 60 determines that a washing course has not been selected, the process proceeds to step S201 of the flowchart in FIG17 .

[0246] <Step S226>

[0247] In step S226, the control unit 60 determines whether the silent mode is selected for the drying operation. If the control unit 60 determines that the silent mode is not selected for the drying operation, the process proceeds to step S227. If the control unit 60 determines that the silent mode is selected for the drying operation, the process proceeds to step S228.

[0248] <Step S227>

[0249] In step S227, the control unit 60 performs the drying operation of the drying course in the normal mode. Thereafter, when the drying operation of the drying course is completed, the control unit 60 ends the operation.

[0250] <Step S228>

[0251] In step S228, the control unit 60 performs the drying operation of the drying course in the silent mode, and then proceeds to step S229.

[0252] <Step S229>

[0253] In step S229, the control unit 60 determines whether the number of laundry machines 100 operating in the coin laundry T is four or more. The number of laundry machines 100 operating determined in step S229 refers to the number of laundry machines 100 operating at the time the drying course was selected as the operation course and the fee was paid in step S225. If the control unit 60 determines that the number of laundry machines 100 operating is not four or more, the process proceeds to step S230. If the control unit 60 determines that the number of laundry machines 100 operating is four or more, the process proceeds to step S231.

[0254] <Step S230>

[0255] In step S230 , the control unit 60 prints a coupon using the coupon printing device 66 , issues a coupon with a discount of 30 yen×the deposited amount / 100 yen, and ends the operation.

[0256] <Step S231>

[0257] In step S231, since the number of working stations is four or more, the control unit 60 adds 20 yen to the discount amount for every 100 yen, prints a coupon through the coupon printing device 66, and issues a coupon with a discount of 50 yen × the amount of money invested / 100 yen, and ends the operation.

[0258] In the washer-dryer 103 of this embodiment, the same effects as those of the washer-dryer 101 of the first embodiment can be obtained.

[0259] In addition, the washer-dryer 103 of this embodiment is provided with a mode switching button 66b, which serves as a mode switching unit for switching operation between normal mode and silent mode for at least one of the dehydration operation and the drying operation.

[0260] With this arrangement, the user of the washer-dryer 103 can choose whether to perform the dehydration operation and the drying operation in the normal mode or in the silent mode.

[0261] As mentioned above, although embodiment of this invention was demonstrated, the specific structure of each part is not limited to the embodiment mentioned above.

[0262] For example, in the first embodiment described above, operation switches from normal mode to quiet mode during the pre-set nighttime period from 10 PM to 6 AM, but this is not limiting. The time period for switching from normal mode to quiet mode can be arbitrarily set. For example, sometimes the noise during the drying operation is low enough to be heard even from a distance, while the noise (vibration) during the dehydration operation is contained within the coin laundry T. In this case, if the coin laundry T is also located in a shop such as a cafe, the noise during the dehydration operation may become a problem during the day, not at night. In such cases, it may be considered to switch from normal mode to quiet mode during the business hours of the shop located adjacent to the coin laundry T.

[0263] It should be noted that noise may sometimes be increased due to external factors (e.g., unstable foundation) of the coin laundry T. In such cases, the noise of the coin laundry T can be more reliably suppressed by having the owner of the coin laundry T set the time period.

[0264] In the laundry machine 100 of the first embodiment, the operation panel 66 may also include a mode switching button 66b, similar to the second embodiment. In this case, even if the operation is set to switch from normal mode to quiet mode during a time period pre-set by the owner, the user can still switch to normal mode by operating the mode switching button 66b in a hurry. Alternatively, a coupon may not be issued when the user switches to normal mode.

[0265] In the first and second embodiments described above, the rotational speed A2 of the drum 5 and the rotational speed C2 of the fan 57 stored in the quiet mode setting unit 62 are pre-set by the owner of the coin laundry T, but the present invention is not limited thereto. Since noise levels vary depending on the area of ​​the coin laundry T, the owner may adjust the rotational speed, for example, by setting two or three levels.

[0266] In the first embodiment described above, the washer-dryer 101 operates in silent mode for both the dehydration and drying operations included in the standard schedule during a predetermined time period. However, silent mode may be used for only one of the dehydration and drying operations. Specifically, in the coin laundry T, if dehydration noise becomes a problem, only the dehydration operation may be operated in silent mode, whereas if drying noise becomes a problem, only the drying operation may be operated in silent mode.

[0267] In the first and second embodiments, the washing machine 100 including the washer-dryers 101 and 103 and the dryer 102 is described. However, the present invention is applicable to a washing machine capable of performing at least one of a dehydration operation and a drying operation.

[0268] In the first and second embodiments described above, the laundry machines 100 are equipped with a fee accounting machine, and local settlement is performed for each laundry machine 100. However, the present invention is not limited to this embodiment. In a coin laundry T, the laundry machines 100 may also be centrally settled using a centralized settlement terminal. Furthermore, in a coin laundry T, local settlement for each laundry machine 100 and centralized settlement using a centralized settlement terminal may be used in combination.

[0269] In the first and second embodiments described above, a coupon is issued for a predetermined discount on the fare when at least one of the dehydration and drying operations has been operated in silent mode, but the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, a coupon may not be issued when operation has been performed in silent mode. Alternatively, a coupon may be issued for a predetermined discount rate on the predetermined fare when at least one of the dehydration and drying operations has been operated in silent mode.

[0270] In the second embodiment described above, the coupon discount amount is changed based on whether the number of laundry machines 100 in operation at the coin laundry T is at least a predetermined number, but the present invention is not limited to this. The coupon discount amount may not be changed based on the number of laundry machines 100 in operation. Even when the coupon discount amount is changed based on the number of laundry machines 100 in operation, the predetermined number of laundry machines is not limited to four, and may be changed based on whether the number of laundry machines 100 in operation is at least an arbitrary predetermined number. In the first embodiment, the coupon discount amount may also be changed based on whether the number of laundry machines 100 in operation at the coin laundry T is at least a predetermined number.

[0271] In the first and second embodiments described above, coupons are issued when at least one of the dehydration operation and the drying operation has been operated in silent mode, but the present invention is not limited thereto. In the case where at least one of the dehydration operation and the drying operation has been operated in silent mode, the cost discount or the cost of the operation process may be changed to a lower amount instead of issuing coupons. In this case, the operation time per unit amount can be automatically changed (extended) by extending the operation time by the amount by which the dehydration capacity or the drying capacity is reduced in silent mode. In addition, for example, the information that "the cost will be lower if the silent mode is used" is used for promotional advertising, thereby increasing the number of visitors to the coin laundry T.

[0272] Specifically, as shown in FIG20 , in the washer-dryer 101 of the first embodiment, in the standard process, the fee may be 1,200 yen when both the dehydration operation and the drying operation are performed in the normal mode, whereas the fee may be reduced to 900 yen when both the dehydration operation and the drying operation are performed in the silent mode. Similarly, in the washing process, the fee may be 800 yen when the dehydration operation is performed in the normal mode, whereas the fee may be reduced to 700 yen when the dehydration operation is performed in the silent mode. Similarly, in the drying process, the fee may be 100 yen when the drying operation is performed in the normal mode, whereas the fee may be reduced to 70 yen when the drying operation is performed in the silent mode.

[0273] Furthermore, as shown in FIG21 , in the washer-dryer 103 of the second embodiment, in the standard process, the fee may be 1200 yen when both the dehydration and drying operations are performed in normal mode. In contrast, the fee may be reduced to 1100 yen when only the dehydration operation is performed in silent mode, 1000 yen when only the drying operation is performed in silent mode, and 900 yen when both the dehydration and drying operations are performed in silent mode. Similarly, in the washing process, the fee may be 800 yen when the dehydration operation is performed in normal mode, and 700 yen when the dehydration operation is performed in silent mode. Similarly, in the drying process, the fee may be 100 yen when the drying operation is performed in normal mode, and 70 yen when the drying operation is performed in silent mode.

[0274] It should be noted that the operating time, fees, discount amounts, etc. of each operating course described in this specification are examples and can be set arbitrarily.

Claims

1. A laundry machine, installed in a coin-operated laundry shop, characterized in that: For at least one of the dehydration operation and the drying operation, an operation in a normal mode and an operation in a silent mode quieter than the normal mode can be performed.

2. The laundry device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The drum is provided with laundry contained therein and is driven to rotate. The laundry machine can perform the operation in the normal mode and the operation in the silent mode for the dehydration operation. The rotation speed of the drum in operation in the silent mode is lower than the rotation speed of the drum in operation in the normal mode.

3. The laundry device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: It is equipped with a fan for discharging the air passing through the drum containing the laundry to the outside. The laundry machine can perform the operation in the normal mode and the operation in the silent mode for the drying operation. The rotation speed of the fan in operation in the silent mode is lower than the rotation speed of the fan in operation in the normal mode.

4. The laundry device according to claim 3, characterized in that: have: a gas burner for heating air supplied to the drum during the drying operation; and A gas quantity adjustment unit adjusts the gas quantity supplied to the gas burner, The gas amount adjustment unit is controlled so that, when the operation in the silent mode is performed for the drying operation, the amount of gas supplied to the gas burner is smaller than when the operation in the normal mode is performed.

5. The laundry device according to claim 1, characterized in that: For at least one of the dehydration operation and the drying operation, based on a preset time The operation in the normal mode and the operation in the silent mode are automatically switched during intervals.

6. The laundry device according to claim 1 or 5, characterized in that: A mode switching unit is provided for switching at least one of the dehydration operation and the drying operation between the operation in the normal mode and the operation in the silent mode.

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