JP7788658B2 - Clothes treatment equipment - Google Patents

Description

This disclosure relates to a clothing treatment device equipped with a heating means for heating air.

For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a clothing treatment device that has a heating means for heating air.

The clothing processing device described in Patent Document 1 has a washing tub that holds laundry, a heating means for heating air, an air blowing means for circulating the heated air within the washing tub, a temperature detection means for detecting the temperature of the heated air, and a control means for controlling the heating means. The control means turns the heating means on or off depending on the temperature detected by the temperature detection means.

Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2002-159778

On the other hand, there is a general demand for clothing treatment devices that have a stable drying function and can control the heating means with an inexpensive configuration.

Therefore, the purpose of this disclosure is to solve the above problems and provide a clothing processing device that has an inexpensive configuration and provides stable drying functionality.

A clothing processing device according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes a housing, a storage tub provided within the housing for storing laundry, a path through which air flows into the storage tub, a heating means provided in the path for generating heat when current is applied, and a control means for controlling a drying process in which current can be applied to the heating means. The control means detects an input voltage value during the drying process, and, in at least one drying cycle performed during the drying process, determines the ON time for applying current to the heating means to be a first ON time when the input voltage value is a first voltage value, and determines the ON time for applying current to the heating means to be a second ON time that is shorter than the first ON time when the input voltage value is a second voltage value that is higher than the first voltage value.

The present disclosure aims to provide a clothing processing device that has an inexpensive configuration and provides stable drying functionality.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a washing machine according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure; FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a washing machine according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure; Washing machine top view Cross section of a washing machine Partial perspective view of a washing machine Block diagram of the control means and related components Cross-sectional view of part of a washing machine viewed from the width direction Front view of a section of a washing machine Sequence diagram of the washing machine drying process Sequence diagram of the washing machine drying process Sequence diagram of the washing machine drying process

(Findings that formed the basis of this disclosure)
At the time the inventors conceived the present disclosure, clothing treatment devices included a heating means for heating air, a temperature detection means for detecting the air temperature, and a control means. The control means controlled the heating means based on the air temperature detected by the temperature detection means. However, incorporating a temperature detection means into a clothing treatment device increased the cost of the clothing treatment device. Therefore, the inventors developed a clothing treatment device that controlled the heating means without incorporating a temperature detection means.

Furthermore, in areas where the external voltage supplied to homes, etc. is unstable, the voltage value supplied to the heating means may fluctuate greatly. In this case, it becomes difficult for the clothing treatment device to provide a stable drying function. Furthermore, if the voltage value is high, a safety device provided in the heating means will be activated. If the safety device is activated repeatedly, there is a risk that the heating means will break down. On the other hand, omitting the safety device makes it difficult to ensure the safety of the clothing treatment device. The inventors discovered the above problems and have come up with the subject matter of the present disclosure in order to solve these problems.

This disclosure provides a clothing processing device that controls the heating means based on the input voltage value instead of the air temperature, thereby suppressing increases in costs while improving the stability and safety of the drying function.

Embodiments will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings. However, more detailed explanations than necessary may be omitted. For example, detailed explanations of matters that are already well known or duplicate explanations of substantially identical configurations may be omitted. This is to avoid making the following explanation unnecessarily redundant and to make it easier for those skilled in the art to understand.

The accompanying drawings and the following description are provided to enable those skilled in the art to fully understand the present disclosure, and are not intended to limit the subject matter described in the claims.

(Embodiment)
A laundry processing device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described. In the embodiment, a washing machine 1 having a washing function and a drying function will be described as an example of the laundry processing device.

[Overall configuration]
Figures 1A and 1B are perspective views of a washing machine 1 according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 1A is a perspective view of the washing machine 1 in a closed state, and Figure 1B is a perspective view of the washing machine 1 in an open state. Figure 1C is a top view of the washing machine 1. Figure 1D is a cross-sectional view of the washing machine 1. Figure 2 is a perspective view of a portion of the washing machine 1.

As shown in Figures 1A to 1D, the washing machine 1 includes a housing 2, a water tub 3 (Figure 1D), a washing tub 4 (Figure 1D), a detergent supply unit 5, a drying air duct 6, a heater 11 (Figure 1C), and a control means C.

<Case>
1A and 1B, the housing 2 is a component that forms the exterior of the washing machine 1. As shown in Fig. 1C and 1D, the housing 2 defines an internal space 26. The internal space 26 accommodates the water tub 3, the washing tub 4, the detergent supply unit 5, and the drying air duct 6.

As shown in FIG. 1B, the front surface 2A of the housing 2 is provided with an opening 20 that communicates with the water tub 3, a door 21 that can be opened and closed to cover the opening 20, and an operation display unit 29. The operation display unit 29 is a mechanism that allows the user to operate the washing machine 1, and is, for example, an operation button or slide bar. The operation display unit 29 may also be a touch panel. The user can select a washing course, drying time, etc. via the operation display unit 29.

<Aquarium>
As shown in Figure 1D, water tub 3 is provided inside housing 2 and is a generally cylindrical member with one end closed to store wash water. Water tub 3 has a tubular portion 34 and a bottom portion 36 that closes one end of tubular portion 34. Water tub 3 has an opening 31 facing bottom portion 36 at a position facing opening 20. Water tub 3 may also be referred to as an outer tub.

<Washing tub>
Washing tub 4 is a generally cylindrical member that is rotatable around rotation axis R0 inside water tub 3 and that accommodates laundry such as clothes. Washing tub 4 is driven to rotate by, for example, motor 42 (FIG. 1D). Washing tub 4 has opening 41, facing opening 20, for inserting laundry. Washing tub 4 may also be referred to as a storage tub, a rotary drum, or an inner tub.

The washing tub 4 also has a number of through-holes (not shown) that connect to the water tub 3. The through-holes allow air, water, and detergent to move between the water tub 3 and the washing tub 4.

The rotation axis R0 extends substantially horizontally. In this specification, "extending substantially horizontally" means extending in a direction inclined at an angle of 5° or less from the horizontal. The horizontal direction along the rotation axis R0 is defined as the front-to-rear direction M, and the horizontal direction perpendicular to the rotation axis R0 is defined as the width direction K. The front-to-rear direction M has a front side M1 facing the opening 41 and a rear side M2 facing away from the opening 41.

<Laundry agent supply unit>
1C and 1D, the laundry agent supply unit 5 is a unit that supplies laundry treatment agents such as liquid agents, powder detergents, and solid agents to the washing tub 4. The liquid agents are liquid agents used to wash laundry such as clothes. The liquid agents may include detergent, fabric softener, and neutral detergent.

<Drying air path>
1C and 2, dry air duct 6 is provided in internal space 26 of housing 2 and is a duct for flowing dry air into water tub 3 and washing tub 4. Dry air duct 6 forms a flow path through which dry air passes. Through dry air duct 6, dry air is introduced from internal space 26 of housing 2 into water tub 3 and washing tub 4 and is discharged from water tub 3 and washing tub 4 to the outside of housing 2 (arrow A in FIG. 2).

Drying air duct 6 is divided into intake air duct 7 and exhaust air duct 8. Intake air duct 7 and exhaust air duct 8 are connected to each other via the water tub 3 and washing tub 4, and drying air passes through intake air duct 7, water tub 3, washing tub 4, and exhaust air duct 8, in that order. Intake air duct 7 connects the internal space 26 of the housing 2 with the water tub 3, supplying drying air to the water tub 3. Exhaust air duct 8 connects the water tub 3 with the outside of the housing 2, and exhausts drying air from the water tub 3.

<Heater>
The heater 11 (FIG. 1C) is provided inside the intake air duct 7 and is a heating means for heating the drying air flowing into the intake air duct 7. The heater 11 includes a heating wire provided as a fixed resistor. When a voltage is applied to the heating wire, the heater 11 generates heat and heats the air. Because the heating wire is a fixed resistor, the output power of the heater 11 changes depending on the input voltage value. The power consumption and heating amount of the heater 11 can be adjusted by controlling the ON/OFF of the output to the heater 11 using a control means C (described later) and controlling the time that electricity is applied to the heater 11. The heater 11 is, for example, a nichrome wire heater.

Furthermore, heater 11 is a non-insulated type heater. That is, heater 11 has a simple structure and does not have an insulating cover that covers the heating wire or the connector that connects to the power source.

<Control means>
As shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B, the control means C is a member that controls the operation of the washing machine 1.

Figure 3 is a block diagram of the control means C and related components. As shown in Figure 3, the control means C has a control unit 10 and a voltage detection unit 12.

The control unit 10 may include, for example, a memory (not shown) that stores a program and a processing circuit (not shown) corresponding to a processor such as a CPU, and function as these elements by the processor executing the program. The voltage detection unit 12 is a circuit that detects the input voltage value applied to the washing machine 1. Specifically, the voltage detection unit 12 includes a microcontroller that has the function of detecting the input voltage value. Microcontrollers have existed for some time. The voltage detection unit 12 transmits the detected input voltage value to the control unit 10.

The control means C is electrically connected to the operation and display unit 29, the motor 42 that drives the washing tub 4, and the heater 11. The control means C controls the motor 42 and heater 11 in accordance with information input to the operation and display unit 29 and the input voltage value acquired by the voltage detection unit 12.

In the following, the heater 11 being ON refers to a state in which the control means C is energizing the heater 11 (the output of the control means C is ON). The heater 11 being OFF, and the heater 11 being stopped refers to a state in which the control means C has stopped energizing the heater 11 (the output of the control means C is OFF). The control means C has a relay, which is a circuit configuration that switches the output ON/OFF. The operation of the relay will be described as the operation of the control means C (switching the output ON/OFF).

The structure of the housing 2 will now be described in more detail. As shown in Figure 1B, a housing opening 23 is formed on the front surface 2A of the housing 2 above the opening 20. As shown in Figure 1D, the housing opening 23 connects the external space 25 and the internal space 26 of the housing 2. The housing opening 23 opens toward the front side M1.

As shown in Figures 1A, 1B, and 1D, the door 21 forms an air passage 24 at a position facing the housing opening 23. The air passage 24 penetrates the door 21, allowing air to pass through the door 21. When the door 21 is closed, the air passage 24 communicates with the housing opening 23, and air from the external space 25 flows into the housing 2 by passing through the air passage 24 and the housing opening 23 in that order.

On the other hand, when the door 21 is open, the ventilation passage 24 and the housing opening 23 are separated.

The flow of air that has flowed into the housing 2 will be explained with reference to Figures 2 and 4. Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of the washing machine 1 as viewed from the width direction K.

As shown in Figure 2, the drying air that flows into the housing 2 passes through the internal space 26, the intake air duct 7, the water tub 3, the washing tub 4, and the exhaust air duct 8, in that order, before being exhausted to the external space 25 of the housing 2. The drying air passes through the housing 2 in a single pass, which is different from when air circulates through the housing 2.

More specifically, drying air flows from the external space 25 of the housing 2 through the housing opening 23 into the internal space 26 above the water tub 3. The air that flows into the internal space 26 flows to the rear side M2, then turns back and flows into the intake air duct 7. In this specification, "bent" means that the direction of travel before the turn and the direction of travel after the turn intersect at an angle of at least 45°. In this embodiment, the air that flows into the internal space 26 turns 180° before flowing into the intake air duct 7.

As shown in Figure 4, the drying air in the intake air duct 7 is heated by the heater 11, and the heated drying air flows from the intake air duct 7 into the water tub 3 and the washing tub 4. In the washing tub 4, the drying air comes into contact with the wet laundry to dry it.

After removing moisture from the laundry, the drying air in the washing tub 4 is discharged into the external space 25 of the housing 2 via the exhaust air duct 8.

Here, we will explain in more detail the structure of the water tank 3 through which the drying air passes.

As shown in FIG. 4, the tubular portion 34 of the water tub 3 has a storage section 32 that stores the washing tub 4 and a narrowed portion 33 located on the front side M1 of the storage section 32. The narrowed portion 33 forms the opening 31 and has a shape that tapers toward the opening 31. Therefore, the narrowed portion 33 has a smaller radius than the storage section 32.

The housing section 32 has an exhaust connection port 38 formed along its outer periphery. The exhaust connection port 38 is an opening that connects the water tank 3 to the exhaust air duct 8. Drying air flows from the water tank 3 into the exhaust air duct 8 via the exhaust connection port 38.

An intake connection port 37 is formed along the outer periphery of the narrowed portion 33. The intake connection port 37 is an opening that connects the intake air duct 7 to the water tank 3. Drying air flows from the intake air duct 7 into the water tank 3 through the intake connection port 37. The intake connection port 37 is formed on the forward side M1 of the exhaust connection port 38.

This structure places the intake connection port 37 and the exhaust connection port 38 at a distance from each other in the front-to-rear direction M. This allows for a longer path for the drying air passing through the water tub 3 (i.e., the washing tub 4), making it easier for the drying air to hit more laundry.

In addition, the intake connection port 37 is formed closer to the rotation axis R0 than the exhaust connection port 38.

Here, the principle behind the generation of air flow during the drying process will be explained with reference to Figure 5. Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of the washing machine 1 as seen from the front side M1.

As shown in Figure 5, the washing tub 4 rotates around the rotation axis R0 in a first rotation direction R1 during the drying process.

When the rotation speed of the washing tub 4 is equal to or greater than a predetermined value, for example, 550 rpm or greater, a swirling flow along the first rotation direction R1 is generated within the washing tub 4. The swirling flow may be a forced vortex. The forced vortex creates an air velocity distribution within the washing tub 4. Specifically, the air velocity increases the further away from the rotation axis R0.

In the washing machine 1, the exhaust connection port 38 is located farther from the rotation axis R0 than the intake connection port 37, so the air near the exhaust connection port 38 has a higher velocity than the air near the intake connection port 37. As a result, air is more likely to flow out through the exhaust connection port 38.

When air flows out through the exhaust connection port 38, negative pressure is created inside the washing tub 4. This negative pressure draws air into the washing tub 4 through the intake connection port 37.

Using this principle, even in a washing machine 1 that does not have a fan, a forced vortex is generated by the rotation of the washing tub 4, creating a pressure difference in the drying air duct 6 and generating air flow.

(operation)
In the above-described configuration, an example of the operation of the washing machine 1 will be described. As an example of the operation of the washing machine 1, the operation when the drying process is selected by the user of the washing machine 1 will be described.

In the drying process, the washing tub 4 is rotated while drying air is applied to the spun laundry to dry it. An example of the drying process will be described in more detail with reference to Figures 6A to 6C. Figures 6A to 6C are each a sequence diagram of the drying process of the washing machine 1.

As shown in FIG. 6A, first, the control means C acquires the drying time T1 corresponding to the course selected by the user (S11). The drying time T1 is 2 hours. Furthermore, the drying time T1 may be different depending on the type of course, such as 30 minutes or 1 hour.

The control unit 10 then executes a drying cycle (S12 to S23). If the drying time T1 is two hours, the control unit 10 executes six drying cycles. The control unit 10 may execute one or more drying cycles depending on the drying time T1.

One drying cycle includes steps 12 to 23, and includes one voltage detection (S12) and multiple heating sub-cycles (S18-S20) in which the heater 11 is repeatedly turned on and off while drying air is flowing.

In the drying cycle, the voltage detection unit 12 first detects voltage and obtains the input voltage value V0 (S11).

Specifically, the voltage detection unit 12 takes the average of two voltage values acquired at each scan timing (e.g., 100 ms) as the confirmed voltage value and acquires the detected voltage value Vd, which is the average of the confirmed voltage values over a 3-second period. The voltage detection unit 12 may use the detected voltage value Vd as the input voltage value V0. Alternatively, the voltage detection unit 12 may correct the detected voltage value Vd using a default correction value Vc established when the washing machine 1 was shipped, and use the corrected value as the input voltage value V0.

Voltage detection is performed when the heater 11 and motor 42 are OFF, i.e., when the heater 11 and motor 42 are stopped. When the heater 11 and motor 42 are operating, the input voltage value V0 fluctuates within a range of several tens of volts. By performing voltage detection when the heater 11 and motor 42 are stopped, voltage fluctuations caused by the heater 11 and motor 42 are suppressed, allowing the voltage detection unit 12 to accurately detect the input voltage value V0.

During the first drying cycle, after obtaining the input voltage value V0, a relay check of the control means C can be performed. This allows you to confirm that the relay is operating normally before heating begins.

Next, the control unit 10 turns on the motor 42 to start rotating the washing tub 4 (S13). The rotation direction is the first rotation direction R1.

Next, the control unit 10 acquires the rotation speed of the washing tub 4 (S14).

Next, the control unit 10 determines whether the rotation speed of the washing tub 4 is equal to or greater than a predetermined value (S15). The predetermined value may be equal to or greater than 400 rpm and equal to or less than 1400 rpm, and is preferably 550 rpm. When the rotation speed exceeds the predetermined value, a flow of drying air is generated in the washing tub 4, making it possible to dry the laundry.

If the rotation speed is less than 550 rpm (No in S15), the control unit 10 returns to step 14.

If the rotation speed is 550 rpm or higher (Yes in S15), the control unit 10 executes step 16.

As shown in FIG. 6B, the control unit 10 then determines the voltage range VR1 to VR5 to which the input voltage value V0 belongs (S16).

Next, the control unit 10 determines the ON and OFF times of the heater 11 in the heating sub-cycle based on the voltage range VR1 to VR5 to which the input voltage value V0 belongs (S171 to S175).

Here, the ON time refers to the time during which the heater 11 is energized and turned ON, causing the heater 11 to generate heat. The heat generated by the heater 11 heats the drying air flowing through the drying air duct 6 due to the rotation of the washing tub 4. The OFF time refers to the time during which the heater 11 is cooled down after the power supply to the heater 11 is stopped and the heater 11 is turned OFF. In the heating sub-cycle (S18-S20), ON time and OFF time are alternately repeated until a predetermined time (the subsequent heating time Th) is reached.

Specifically, if the input voltage value V0 is equal to or less than the first threshold value V1 (belonging to the voltage range VR1), the control unit 10 determines the ON time of the heater 11 to be 102 seconds and the OFF time to be 0 seconds (S171). If the input voltage value V0 is greater than the first threshold value V1 and equal to or less than the second threshold value V2 (belonging to the voltage range VR2), the control unit 10 determines the ON time of the heater 11 to be 93 seconds and the OFF time to be 9 seconds (S172). If the input voltage value V0 is greater than the second threshold value V2 and equal to or less than the third threshold value V3 (belonging to the voltage range VR3), the control unit 10 determines the ON time of the heater 11 to be 85 seconds and the OFF time to be 17 seconds (S173). If the input voltage value V0 is greater than the third threshold V3 and less than or equal to the fourth threshold V4 (if it belongs to the voltage range VR4), the control unit 10 determines the ON time of the heater 11 to be 70 seconds and the OFF time to be 32 seconds (S174). If the input voltage value V0 is greater than the fourth threshold V4 (if it belongs to the voltage range VR5), the control unit 10 determines the ON time of the heater 11 to be 0 seconds and the OFF time to be 102 seconds (S175).

In this embodiment, the first threshold V1 is 225 V, the second threshold V2 is 235 V, the third threshold V3 is 245 V, and the fourth threshold V4 is 265 V. Each of the thresholds V1 to V4 may be changed depending on the area where the washing machine 1 is installed.

Here, if the sum of the ON time and OFF time is the subcycle time Tc, the subcycle time Tc is constant for each voltage range VR1 to VR5. In this embodiment, the subcycle time Tc is 102 seconds. The control unit 10 may determine the ON time based on the input voltage value V0, and then determine the OFF time as the time obtained by subtracting the ON time from the subcycle time Tc.

The control unit 10 then energizes the heater 11 during the ON time, turning the heater 11 ON and operating it (S18). By determining the ON time according to the input voltage value V0, the amount of power consumed per cycle can be maintained at a substantially constant level. For example, during one ON time, the amount of power consumed is 30 kW±5 kW, regardless of the input voltage value V0. This operation allows the washing machine 1 to achieve stable drying functionality even in an environment where the input voltage value V0 fluctuates. Furthermore, even when the input voltage value V0 is abnormally high, the safety of the washing machine 1 can be improved by setting the ON time to zero.

Next, the control unit 10 stops powering the heater 11 during the OFF time, turning the heater 11 OFF and stopping its operation (S19).

Next, the control unit 10 determines whether the time elapsed since the start of step 16 is longer than the heating time Th (S20). The heating time Th is, for example, 20 minutes.

As shown in Figure 6C, if the time is longer than the heating time Th (Yes in S20), the control unit 10 turns off the heater 11 (S21).

If the time is shorter than the heating time Th (No in S20), the control unit 10 returns to step 18. That is, the control unit 10 executes a heating sub-cycle by alternating between turning the heater 11 ON and OFF within one drying cycle until the heating time Th is reached. By repeatedly turning the heater 11 ON and OFF, it is possible to prevent the temperature of the heater 11 from rising excessively.

Next, the control unit 10 continues rotation for 30 seconds with the heater 11 turned off, and then turns off the motor 42 to stop the rotation of the washing tub 4 (S22). This operation ensures time for the heater 11 to cool down. Furthermore, by turning off the motor 42 after the heater 11, a sudden increase in the voltage supplied to the heater 11 is prevented, and the temperature of the heater 11 is prevented from rising, compared to when the order is reversed.

Also, between steps 21 and 22, power to the heater 11 is stopped, but unlike the OFF time, the stop time between steps 21 and 22 is constant regardless of the input voltage value V0.

Next, the control unit 10 determines whether the time elapsed since the start of step 10 is longer than the drying time T1 (S23).

If the time is longer than the drying time T1 (Yes in S23), the control unit 10 ends the drying process.

If the time T is shorter than the drying time T1 (No in S23), the control unit 10 returns to step 11 and executes the second drying cycle. If the supply voltage fluctuates between the first drying cycle and the second drying cycle, the input voltage value V0 in the first drying cycle will be different from the input voltage value V20 in the second drying cycle. The ON time of the first drying cycle will be different from the ON time of the second drying cycle, and the OFF time of the first drying cycle will be different from the OFF time of the second drying cycle.

The control unit 10 will terminate operation after performing the drying cycle six times.

(summary)
The above explanations are summarized to describe the features of the present disclosure.

Instead of a temperature detection means, the washing machine 1 has a voltage detection unit 12 that detects the input voltage value V0 applied to the heater 11. The control unit 10 determines the ON time for turning the heater 11 ON and the OFF time for turning it OFF according to the input voltage value V0 to the heater 11. When the input voltage value V0 is low, the ON time is lengthened and the OFF time is shortened to ensure sufficient heating by the heater 11. On the other hand, when the input voltage value V0 is high, the ON time is shortened and the OFF time is lengthened to prevent the heater 11 from rising excessively in temperature and to ensure that the heater 11 has time to cool down during the OFF time.

By employing the voltage detection unit 12 instead of a temperature detection means, the cost of the washing machine 1 can be reduced. Furthermore, with this configuration, even when the supply voltage fluctuates, the ON/OFF of the heater 11 can be controlled according to the input voltage value V0, stabilizing the drying function of the washing machine 1. More specifically, by detecting the input voltage value V0 at the start of each drying cycle, the drying function of the washing machine 1 can be stabilized even in areas where the supply voltage fluctuates by ±10 V over the course of a day. Furthermore, even in an abnormal state where the supply voltage is abnormally high, the temperature of the heater 11 can be prevented from rising excessively, improving the safety of the washing machine 1.

(effect)
The washing machine 1 according to the first embodiment can achieve the following effects.

As described above, the washing machine 1 of this embodiment includes a housing 2, a washing tub 4 (storage tub) provided within the housing 2 for storing laundry, a drying air duct 6 (path) through which air flowing into the washing tub 4 passes, a heater 11 (heating means) provided in the drying air duct 6, and a control unit C. The heater 11 generates heat when energized. The control unit C controls the drying process in which the heater 11 can be energized and detects the input voltage value V0 during the drying process. At least one drying cycle is performed during the drying process. When the input voltage value V0 is equal to the first threshold value V1 (first voltage value) during one drying cycle, the control unit C determines the ON time for energizing the heater 11 to be the first ON time. When the input voltage value V0 is equal to the second threshold value V2 (second voltage value) that is higher than the first threshold value V1, the control unit C determines the ON time for energizing the heater 11 to be the second ON time, which is shorter than the first ON time.

With this configuration, the cost of the washing machine 1 can be reduced by providing a voltage detection unit 12 instead of a temperature detection unit as the control means. Furthermore, by adjusting the ON time according to the input voltage value V0, the heating function of the heater 11 can be controlled even when the input voltage value V0 fluctuates. This allows for stable drying performance. Furthermore, by shortening the ON time when the input voltage value V0 is high, the temperature of the heater 11 can be prevented from rising excessively, improving the safety of the heater 11.

Furthermore, in the washing machine 1 of this embodiment, the control means C executes the drying cycle multiple times during the drying process. The control means C determines the ON time of the first drying cycle in accordance with the input voltage value V0 (first input voltage value) corresponding to the first threshold value V1 or the second threshold value V2. The control means C determines the ON time of the second drying cycle in accordance with the input voltage value V20 (second input voltage value) corresponding to the first threshold value V1 or the second threshold value V2 and detected at a timing different from the first input voltage value.

This configuration allows the ON time of the heater 11 to be adjusted according to the input voltage value V0 for each drying cycle. This allows the heating function of the heater 11 to be maintained even in areas where voltage fluctuates.

Furthermore, in the washing machine 1 of this embodiment, the control means C detects the input voltage value V0 at the start of the first drying cycle, and detects the input voltage value V20 at the start of the second drying cycle.

This configuration allows the ON time of the heater 11 to be adjusted according to the input voltage value V0 at the start of the drying cycle.

Furthermore, in the washing machine 1 of this embodiment, the minimum ON time is zero.

With this configuration, further heating of the heater 11 can be suppressed by setting the ON time to zero. This prevents the thermostat and thermal fuse from operating at high temperatures.

Furthermore, in the washing machine 1 of this embodiment, the control means C further stops the supply of electricity to the heater 11 after the ON time during one drying cycle.

With this configuration, steps (S19, S21) are provided to stop heating the heater 11, ensuring time for the heater 11 to cool down.

Furthermore, in the washing machine 1 of this embodiment, when the input voltage value V0 is equal to the first threshold value V1 during one drying cycle, the control means C determines the OFF time for stopping power supply to the heating means to be the first OFF time. When the input voltage value V0 is equal to the second threshold value V2, the control means C determines the OFF time for stopping power supply to the heating means to be the second OFF time, which is longer than the first OFF time.

With this configuration, the OFF time can be adjusted according to the input voltage value V0, allowing the heating function of the heater 11 to be controlled even when the input voltage value V0 fluctuates. This allows for even more stable drying performance.

Furthermore, in the washing machine 1 of this embodiment, once the control means C determines the ON time and OFF time for one drying cycle, it repeats a sub-cycle in which the ON time and OFF time are executed in sequence at least twice.

This configuration prevents the temperature of the heater 11 from rising excessively when the heater 11 is repeatedly turned on and off.

Furthermore, in the washing machine 1 of this embodiment, the minimum OFF time is zero.

With this configuration, the OFF time is set to zero, ensuring sufficient heating by the heater 11 even when the input voltage value V0 is low.

Furthermore, in the washing machine 1 of this embodiment, the sum of the first ON time and the first OFF time is equal to the sum of the second ON time and the second OFF time.

With this configuration, the sum of the ON time and OFF time (sub-cycle time Tc) is constant, so the time required for the drying cycle can be maintained constant even when the ON time varies. Furthermore, even when the input voltage value V0 varies, the power consumption (electrical energy) of the washing machine 1 can be made uniform, maintaining equivalent drying performance. Furthermore, when the input voltage value V0 is high, the ON time can be shortened and the OFF time lengthened, ensuring sufficient cooling time for the heater 11. Cooling prevents the temperature of the heater 11 from rising excessively during the next ON time.

The washing machine 1 of this embodiment also includes a motor 42 that rotates the washing tub 4. The control means C detects the input voltage value V0 while the heater 11 is energized and the motor 42 is stopped.

This configuration prevents the input voltage value V0 from fluctuating within a range of ±several tens of volts due to the operation of the heater 11 and motor 42. This allows the input voltage value V0 to be detected more accurately.

Furthermore, the washing machine 1 of this embodiment does not have a temperature detection means for detecting the temperature of the drying air passing through the drying air duct 6.

This configuration allows for the provision of a more affordable washing machine 1 compared to washing machines with temperature detection means. Furthermore, because the voltage applied to the heater 11 can be measured directly, the occurrence of detection lag can be reduced.

In addition, in the washing machine 1 of this embodiment, the heater 11 is an electric heating wire provided as a fixed resistor.

With this configuration, the output of the heater 11 can be controlled by the input voltage value V0. Specifically, by adjusting the ON time of the heater 11 according to the input voltage value V0, the amount of power consumed (electrical energy) by the heater 11 can be maintained constant.

Note that this disclosure is not limited to the above-described embodiments and can be implemented in various other forms.

In the embodiment, the washing machine 1 has been described as a clothing treatment device, but this is not limited to this. Any clothing treatment device that has a heating means for heating air, such as a simple clothes dryer without a washing function, may be used.

In the embodiment, an example has been described in which the washing machine 1 generates an air flow by rotating the washing tub 4, but this is not limiting. For example, the washing machine 1 may be provided with a drying fan. Furthermore, the washing machine 1 may employ a circulation drying method in which drying air is circulated between the washing tub 4 and the heater 11.

In the embodiment, the heater 11 has been described as a means for heating the air, but this is not limited to this. Instead of the heater 11, the washing machine 1 may use another heating device whose output can be controlled by the input voltage value V0. For example, the heater 11 may be a sheathed heater.

In the embodiment, an example has been described in which the control unit 10 and voltage detection unit 12 are provided in the control means C, but this is not limiting. For example, the control unit 10 and voltage detection unit 12 may be mounted on different boards or microcontrollers.

In the embodiment, an example has been described in which the voltage detection unit 12 detects the input voltage value V0 applied to the washing machine 1, but this is not limiting. For example, the voltage detection unit 12 may detect the output voltage value from the microcontroller in the voltage detection unit 12 to the heater 11 as the input voltage value V0.

In the embodiment, an example in which the washing machine 1 performs only the drying process has been described, but this is not limiting. For example, the washing machine 1 may perform the drying process as one of the processes in the washing and drying operation. More specifically, the operation of the washing machine 1 in the washing and drying operation may include a washing process, a rinsing process, a spin-drying process, and a drying process. The control means C sequentially controls each process. In the washing process, laundry is placed in the washing tub 4, and water and detergent are supplied to the washing tub 4 to wash the laundry. In the rinsing process, water is supplied to the washing tub 4 to rinse the laundry. In the spin-drying process, water is discharged from the water tub 3, and the washing tub 4 is rotated at high speed to spin-dry the laundry.

In the embodiment, an example has been described in which the control unit 10 determines the ON time and OFF time (S171 to S175) in accordance with the voltage range VR1 to VR5 to which the input voltage value V0 belongs. However, this is not limiting. For example, the control unit 10 may determine the ON time and OFF time in accordance with the value of the input voltage value V0 itself.

In the embodiment, an example in which the sub-cycle time Tc is 102 seconds has been described, but this is not limited to this. The sub-cycle time Tc may be changed depending on the performance of the circuit of the control means C. For example, by making the sub-cycle time Tc sufficiently long, the number of times the relay in the circuit of the control means C operates will be reduced, and the life of the washing machine 1 will be extended. Furthermore, the sub-cycle time Tc is not limited to being constant, and may be changed between different drying cycles or sub-cycles.

Note that, although specific values for the ON time and OFF time have been described in the embodiment, the present invention is not limited to these. The ON time and OFF time values may be changed depending on the flow rate of air passing through the heater 11 or the output of the heater 11.

The control unit 10 may also execute a laundry loosening step between each drying step. The rotation during the drying step causes the laundry to stick to the inner wall of the washing tub 4. Therefore, by rotating the washing tub 4 in the opposite direction, the laundry can be peeled off from the inner wall and loosened. The rotation speed during the loosening step is lower than the rotation speed during the drying step, for example, 50 rpm.

Furthermore, after step 19, the control unit 10 may turn on the motor 42 to rotate the washing tub 4 while the heater 11 is stopped. This operation allows air to be blown onto the heater 11 through the dry air duct 6, thereby cooling the heater 11.

In a first aspect, the clothing processing device comprises a housing, a storage tub located within the housing for storing laundry, a path through which air flowing into the storage tub passes, a heating means located in the path and generating heat when current is applied, and a control means for controlling a drying process in which current can be applied to the heating means. The control means detects an input voltage value during the drying process, and, in at least one drying cycle performed during the drying process, determines the ON time for applying current to the heating means to be a first ON time when the input voltage value is a first voltage value, and determines the ON time for applying current to the heating means to be a second ON time shorter than the first ON time when the input voltage value is a second voltage value higher than the first voltage value.

In the second aspect of the clothing processing device, the control means of the clothing processing device of the first aspect executes a drying cycle multiple times during the drying process, determines the ON time of the first drying cycle according to a first input voltage value corresponding to the first voltage value or the second voltage value, and determines the ON time of the second drying cycle according to a second input voltage value corresponding to the first voltage value or the second voltage value and detected at a timing different from the first input voltage value.

In the third aspect of the clothing treatment device, in the second aspect of the clothing treatment device, the control means detects the first input voltage value at the start of the first drying cycle and the second input voltage value at the start of the second drying cycle.

In the fourth aspect of the clothing treatment device, the minimum ON time is zero in any of the first to third aspects.

In a fifth aspect of the clothing treatment device, in any of the first to fourth aspects, the control means further stops the supply of electricity to the heating means after the ON time during one drying cycle.

In a sixth aspect of the clothing treatment device, in any of the first to fifth aspects, the control means determines the OFF time for stopping power supply to the heating means to be a first OFF time when the input voltage value is a first voltage value during one drying cycle, and determines the OFF time for stopping power supply to the heating means to be a second OFF time longer than the first OFF time when the input voltage value is a second voltage value.

In the seventh aspect of the clothing treatment device, the control means determines the ON time and OFF time in one drying cycle, and then repeats a sub-cycle in which the ON time and OFF time are executed in sequence at least twice.

In the eighth aspect of the clothing treatment device, the minimum OFF time is zero in the clothing treatment device of the sixth or seventh aspect.

In the ninth aspect of the clothing treatment device, in any of the sixth to eighth aspects, the sum of the first ON time and the first OFF time is equal to the sum of the second ON time and the second OFF time.

In a tenth aspect, the clothing treatment device is a clothing treatment device according to any one of the first to ninth aspects, further comprising a motor for rotating the storage tub, and the control means detects the input voltage value while the heating means is energized and the motor is stopped.

In the eleventh aspect, the clothing treatment device is a clothing treatment device in any of the first to tenth aspects, but does not include a temperature detection means for detecting the temperature of the drying air passing through the path.

In the twelfth aspect, the clothing treatment device is a clothing treatment device according to any one of the first to eleventh aspects, in which the heating means is an electric heating wire provided as a fixed resistor.

While the present disclosure has been fully described in connection with the preferred embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings, various variations and modifications will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Such variations and modifications are to be understood as included within the scope of the present invention as defined by the appended claims, unless they depart therefrom.

This disclosure is applicable to clothing treatment devices. Specifically, this disclosure is applicable to top-loading washing machines, top-loading washer-dryers, drum-type washing machines, drum-type washer-dryers, etc.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Washing machine 2 Housing 3 Water tub 4 Washing tub 5 Detergent supply unit 6 Drying air duct 7 Intake air duct 8 Exhaust air duct 10 Control unit 11 Heater 12 Voltage detection unit 20 Opening 21 Door 23 Housing opening 24 Ventilation duct 26 Internal space 34 Cylinder 36 Bottom 37 Intake connection port 38 Exhaust connection port C Control means

Claims (12)

The housing and
a storage tub provided in the housing for storing laundry;
a path through which air flows into the storage tank;
a heating means provided in the path and generating heat when energized;
a control means for controlling a drying process in which current can be applied to the heating means;
Equipped with
The control means detects an input voltage value during the drying process,
The control means, in at least one drying cycle performed in the drying process, determines the ON time for supplying power to the heating means to a first ON time when the input voltage value is a first voltage value, and determines the ON time for supplying power to the heating means to a second ON time shorter than the first ON time when the input voltage value is a second voltage value higher than the first voltage value. The control means
In the drying step, the drying cycle is performed multiple times,
determining an ON time of a first drying cycle in response to a first input voltage value corresponding to the first voltage value or the second voltage value;
The clothing processing device according to claim 1, wherein the ON time of the second drying cycle is determined according to a second input voltage value corresponding to the first voltage value or the second voltage value and detected at a timing different from that of the first input voltage value. The clothing treatment device of claim 2, wherein the control means detects the first input voltage value at the start of the first drying cycle and detects the second input voltage value at the start of the second drying cycle. The clothing treatment device of claim 1, wherein the minimum ON time is zero. The clothing processing device of claim 1, wherein the control means further stops power supply to the heating means after the ON time during one drying cycle. The clothing processing device according to claim 1, wherein the control means, during one drying cycle, determines the OFF time for stopping power supply to the heating means to be a first OFF time when the input voltage value is the first voltage value, and determines the OFF time for stopping power supply to the heating means to be a second OFF time longer than the first OFF time when the input voltage value is the second voltage value. The clothing processing device of claim 6, wherein the control means, once determining the ON time and the OFF time in one drying cycle, repeats a sub-cycle in which the ON time and the OFF time are executed in sequence at least twice. A clothing treatment device as described in claim 6, wherein the minimum OFF time is zero. The clothing treatment device of claim 6, wherein the sum of the first ON time and the first OFF time is equal to the sum of the second ON time and the second OFF time. Further provided is a motor for rotating the storage tank,
The clothing processing device according to claim 1 , wherein the control means detects the input voltage value while the power supply to the heating means and the motor are stopped. The clothing treatment device of claim 1 does not include a temperature detection means for detecting the temperature of the drying air passing through the path. A clothing processing device according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the heating means is an electric heating wire provided as a fixed resistor.