JP6594262B2 - Clothes dryer - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a clothes dryer.

  In Patent Document 1, a drum that houses clothing, a fan that sends air into the drum from the outside, a burner that heats air sent into the drum, and after being heated by the burner, are sent into the drum A clothes dryer is disclosed that includes a blowout temperature sensor that detects a blowout temperature that is the temperature of the previous air, and a control device. In this clothes dryer, the control device starts the drying operation by operating the burner and the fan, and then stops the burner when the blowing temperature detected by the blowing temperature sensor exceeds a predetermined off threshold. After stopping the operation, the burner is actuated again when the blow-out temperature falls below a predetermined on-threshold value lower than the off-threshold value. As a result, the temperature inside the drum is prevented from being maintained at an excessively high temperature.

JP-A-7-8893

  According to the clothes dryer of Patent Document 1, the number of times the burner is repeatedly activated and stopped is increased particularly at the end of the drying operation, and accordingly, the temperature of the air supplied to the drum is maintained higher than the temperature suitable for drying. It becomes easy to be done. As a result, the clothes in the drum are exposed to excessively high temperatures and may be damaged.

  In this specification, the clothes dryer which can suppress that the frequency | count of repetition of the action | operation and stop of a burner increases, and can suppress the clothing in a drum being damaged is disclosed.

  The clothes dryer disclosed in this specification includes a drum that houses clothes, a fan that sends air into the drum from the outside, a burner that heats the air before it is sent into the drum, and a clothes dryer in the drum. Related temperature detection means for detecting the related temperature concerned and a control device are provided. The control device (a) starts the drying operation by operating the burner and the fan, and then stops the burner when the related temperature detected by the related temperature detection means exceeds a predetermined off threshold, and (b) After the burner is stopped, the state in which the burner is stopped is maintained for a predetermined off period. (C) The relation temperature detected by the relation temperature detecting means is lower than the off threshold after the off period has elapsed. When the burner is operated again when it falls below a predetermined ON threshold value, (d) after the burner is operated again, the burner operation is continued for a predetermined ON period, and (e) a relationship detected by the related temperature detection means When the on-period elapses without the temperature exceeding the off-threshold, the burner is stopped, the process returns to the above (b), and (f) the related temperature is detected while the burner is continued during the on-period Means detect That when relations temperatures particular more than off threshold, prior to the expiration of the on period to stop the burner, by changing the OFF period so that the off period becomes longer, the process returns to the (b).

  After the start of the drying operation, the clothes dryer stops the burner when the temperature concerned exceeds a predetermined off threshold, and after the burner is stopped, the burner is kept stopped during the off period. After that, when the related temperature falls below a predetermined ON threshold value, the burner is operated again, and the burner operation is continued during the ON period, so that the related temperature is maintained at a temperature between the ON threshold value and the OFF threshold value. Is suppressed from being maintained at an excessively high temperature. In addition, in the specific case where the relationship temperature detected by the relationship temperature detection means exceeds the OFF threshold while the burner is continuously operated during the ON period, the clothes dryer has a burner before the ON period elapses. And the off period is changed so that the off period becomes longer. As a result, the off period after the next time becomes longer, and the decrease of the related temperature during the off period is promoted. Therefore, it is possible to suppress an increase in the number of repetitions of operation and stop of the burner. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the relationship temperature from being maintained at a temperature higher than the temperature suitable for drying, and to prevent the clothing in the drum from being damaged.

The figure which shows the structure of the clothes dryer 2 typically. The flowchart which shows the main process by the control apparatus 70. The flowchart which shows the obstruction | occlusion correction process by the control apparatus. The flowchart which shows the course determination process by the control apparatus 70, and clothing temperature control processing. 7 is a flowchart showing exhaust gas temperature adjustment processing by the control device 70; The graph which shows transition of the clothing temperature in the case of performing drying operation with the clothes dryer of a comparative example, exhaust temperature, blowing temperature, and an electrode detection state. The graph which shows transition of clothing temperature in the case of performing drying operation with the clothes dryer 2 of an Example, exhaust temperature, blowing temperature, and an electrode detection state.

  The main features of the embodiments described below are listed. The technical elements described below are independent technical elements and exhibit technical usefulness alone or in various combinations, and are not limited to the combinations described in the claims at the time of filing. Absent.

(Characteristic 1) In a specific case, it is preferable that the control device further changes the ON period so that the ON period becomes shorter and returns to the process (b).

  According to this configuration, in a specific case, the clothes dryer further changes the ON period so that the ON period becomes shorter. As a result, the off period after the next time becomes longer and the on period becomes shorter. This promotes a decrease in the related temperature during the off period and suppresses an increase in the related temperature during the on period. Therefore, it can suppress more appropriately that related temperature is maintained at high temperature rather than the temperature suitable for drying, and can suppress more appropriately that the clothing in a drum receives damage.

(Characteristic 2) It is preferable that the related temperature includes an exhaust temperature which is a temperature of air after passing through the drum. The related temperature detection means preferably includes an exhaust temperature sensor for detecting the exhaust temperature. The off threshold value preferably includes a predetermined off exhaust temperature threshold value that is an exhaust temperature threshold value. The on-threshold preferably includes a predetermined on-exhaust temperature threshold that is an exhaust temperature threshold lower than the off-exhaust temperature threshold.

  According to this configuration, the clothes dryer can switch the operation and stop of the burner based on the exhaust temperature. Therefore, by suppressing the exhaust temperature from rising excessively, it is possible to suppress the clothing in the drum from being exposed to an excessively high temperature and to prevent the clothing in the drum from being damaged.

(Characteristic 3) It is preferable that the temperature concerned includes the clothing temperature which is the temperature of the clothing in a drum. The related temperature detecting means preferably includes a clothing temperature sensor for detecting the clothing temperature. The off threshold value preferably includes a predetermined off clothing temperature threshold value that is a clothing temperature threshold value. The on-threshold preferably includes a predetermined on-clothes temperature threshold that is a clothing temperature threshold lower than the off-clothes temperature threshold.

  According to this structure, the clothes dryer can switch the operation | movement and a stop of a burner on the basis of clothing temperature. Therefore, by suppressing the clothing temperature from rising excessively, the clothing in the drum can be prevented from being exposed to an excessively high temperature, and the clothing in the drum can be prevented from being damaged.

(Example)
(Configuration of clothes dryer 2; Fig. 1)
As shown in FIG. 1, the clothes dryer 2 according to the present embodiment includes a housing 4, a door 6, a drum 10, a fan 14, a burner 30, and a control device 70.

  The housing 4 is a main body of the clothes dryer 2. Each element of the clothes dryer 2 is accommodated in the housing 4. A display unit and an operation unit (not shown) are provided on the front surface of the housing 4 (left side in FIG. 1). The display unit is a display on which various information is displayed. The operation unit includes a plurality of buttons. The user can input various instructions to the clothes dryer 2 via the operation unit. The door 6 is a door provided on the front surface of the housing 4.

  The drum 10 is a container for storing clothes C to be dried. The drum 10 is rotated by a motor 12. A front opening 10 a is opened on the front side of the drum 10 and is closed by the door 6. A user of the clothes dryer 2 can open the door 6 and put the clothes C into the drum 10 through the front opening 10 a and take out the clothes C from the drum 10. Further, an air outlet 36 for sending air after being heated by the burner 30 into the drum 10 is also opened on the front side of the drum 10 and on the side of the front opening 10a.

  In the drum 10, an electrode 50 and a clothing temperature thermistor 60 are provided. The electrode 50 detects moisture contained in the clothing C. The clothing temperature thermistor 60 detects the temperature of the clothing C in the drum 10 (hereinafter referred to as “clothing temperature”). As the garment C comes into contact with the electrode 50 and the clothing temperature thermistor 60 as the drum 10 rotates, the electrode 50 can detect the moisture of the clothing C, and the clothing temperature thermistor 60 can detect the clothing temperature. In the drum 10, a weight sensor (not shown) is also provided. The weight sensor detects the weight of the garment C in the drum 10.

  A rear opening 10b is opened on the rear side of the drum 10 (right side in FIG. 1). The rear opening 10 b is closed by the lint filter 16. The lint filter 16 is a filter for collecting lint (lint) generated from clothing C and the like in the drum 10. The lint filter 16 allows air to pass through, but captures lints contained in the air without passing through.

  The fan 14 is disposed on the rear side of the drum 10. By operating the fan 14, air is sent into the drum 10 from the outside of the housing 4 (see arrows W <b> 1 to W <b> 3 in FIG. 1), and the air in the drum 10 is sent to the back surface of the housing 4 (in FIG. 1). It can be sent out toward the exhaust port 20 formed on the upper surface in the vicinity of the right side (see arrows W4 to W6 in FIG. 1). The exhaust temperature thermistor 22 is provided in the vicinity of the exhaust port 20 and is a thermistor that detects the temperature of the air sent out from the drum 10 toward the exhaust port 20 (hereinafter, sometimes referred to as “exhaust temperature”). is there.

  The burner 30 is disposed below the drum 10. The burner 30 heats the air sent into the drum 10 from the outside through the outlet 36 using the combustion heat obtained by burning the gas (see arrow W3). Gas that is fuel is supplied to the burner 30 through a gas supply pipe 32. The gas supply pipe 32 is provided with an electromagnetic valve 34 for opening and closing the gas supply pipe 32. A blowout temperature thermistor 40 is provided between the burner 30 and the blowout port 36. The blowing temperature thermistor 40 detects the temperature (hereinafter referred to as “blowing temperature”) of the air heated by the burner 30 (that is, the air fed into the drum 10 from the blowing port 36 (see arrow W3)). It is a thermistor.

  The control device 70 is electrically connected to each component in the casing 4 of the clothes dryer 2 described above, and controls the operation of each component.

(Operation of clothes dryer 2)
Next, the operation of the clothes dryer 2 of this embodiment will be described. When the user puts clothes C into the drum 10 and inputs a predetermined drying start operation via an operation unit (not shown) of the clothes dryer 2, the clothes dryer 2 executes a drying operation. While the drying operation is executed, the control device 70 executes each process shown in FIGS.

(Main processing; Fig. 2)
FIG. 2 shows a flowchart of main processing executed by the control device 70 during the drying operation of the clothes dryer 2. When a drying start operation is input from the operation unit to the control device 70, the control device 70 starts the main process in FIG. In S <b> 10, the control device 70 rotates the motor 12 and the fan 14 and operates the burner 30. Thus, the drying operation is started. Hereinafter, operating the burner 30 (i.e., bringing the burner 30 into the combustion state) is referred to as "turning on the burner 30", and stopping the burner 30 (i.e., bringing the fire extinguishing state into effect) is referred to as "turning the burner 30 off" There is a case.

  Next, the control device 70 sets the on / off duty at this time to pattern 1. Here, the “on / off duty” refers to a period during which the burner 30 is turned on (hereinafter referred to as “on period”) and a period during which the burner 30 is turned off (60 seconds in the present embodiment). Hereinafter, it is called “off period”). As will be described later in detail, after the drying operation is started in S10, after the exhaust temperature exceeds a predetermined exhaust temperature off set value, the control device 70 switches the on / off of the burner 30 according to the on / off duty. Adjustment control (see FIG. 5) is performed. The on / off duty has a plurality of predetermined patterns (see FIG. 5). For example, the pattern 1 has an on period of 50 seconds and an off period of 10 seconds among 60 seconds as a unit period. Pattern 2 has an on period of 45 seconds and an off period of 15 seconds. Pattern 3 has an on period of 40 seconds and an off period of 20 seconds. In this way, each pattern is set so that the on-period is shortened and the off-period is lengthened each time the numerical value of the pattern advances by one step. In S12, the control device 70 sets the on / off duty to pattern 1.

  In subsequent S14, the control device 70 temporarily determines the operation course of the drying operation based on the weight of the clothing C in the drum 10 and the degree of dehydration of the clothing C, and determines whether or not the result is rated. To do. The weight of the clothing C is detected by a weight sensor (not shown) in the drum 10. The degree of dehydration of clothing C is calculated based on the frequency with which electrode 50 detects moisture in clothing C. When the weight and the degree of dehydration of the clothing C are within the predetermined rated range, the control device 70 determines that the provisional determination result of the driving course is rated. In this case, the control device 70 determines YES in S14, and proceeds to S16. On the other hand, when the weight and the degree of dehydration of the clothing C are out of the predetermined rated range (for example, when the clothing C is too much or too little (excessive or small amount), when the clothing C has already been considerably dried) The control device 70 determines that the provisional determination result of the operation course is not rated. In this case, the control device 70 determines NO in S14 and proceeds to S18.

  In S16 and S18, the control device 70 sets initial values of the clothing temperature off initial value, the clothing temperature on initial value, the exhaust temperature off initial value, and the exhaust temperature on initial value. Here, the “clothing temperature off initial value” is an initial setting value of the clothing temperature that serves as a reference for turning off the burner 30 after the start of the drying operation. The “clothing temperature on initial value” is an initial setting value of the clothing temperature that serves as a reference for turning on the burner 30 again after the burner 30 is turned off. The “exhaust temperature off initial value” is an initial set value of the exhaust temperature that serves as a reference for turning off the burner 30 after the start of the drying operation. The “exhaust temperature on initial value” is an initial set value of the exhaust temperature that serves as a reference for turning on the burner 30 again after the burner 30 is once turned off. The value of each initial value that is set differs between S16 and S18.

  In S16, the clothing temperature off initial value and the clothing temperature on initial value are set to 90 ° C. and 80 ° C., respectively. The exhaust temperature off initial value and the exhaust temperature on initial value are set to 72 ° C. and 71 ° C., respectively.

  On the other hand, in S18, the clothing temperature off initial value and the clothing temperature on initial value are set to 85 ° C. and 75 ° C., respectively. The exhaust temperature off initial value and the exhaust temperature on initial value are set to 70 ° C. and 68 ° C., respectively.

  In subsequent S20, the control device 70 initializes correction values of the clothing temperature off correction value, the clothing temperature on correction value, the exhaust temperature off correction value, and the exhaust temperature on correction value. At the time of S20, all correction values are set to zero. Here, the “clothing temperature off correction value” is a clothing temperature off setting that is a reference value for the clothing temperature that is used as a reference for turning off the burner 30 after starting the drying operation by correcting the clothing temperature off initial value. This is a value for calculating the value. The “clothing temperature ON correction value” is a setting value of the clothing temperature that serves as a reference for turning on the burner 30 again after the clothing temperature ON initial value is corrected and the burner 30 is once turned off. This is a value for calculating the clothing temperature ON set value. The “exhaust temperature off correction value” is an exhaust temperature off set value that is a set value of the exhaust temperature that is used as a reference for turning off the burner 30 after the start of the drying operation by correcting the above exhaust temperature off initial value. Is a value for calculating. Further, the “exhaust temperature ON correction value” is a set value of the exhaust temperature that serves as a reference for turning on the burner 30 again after correcting the exhaust temperature ON initial value and turning the burner 30 off once. This is a value for calculating the exhaust temperature ON set value.

  Next, in S22, the control device 70 calculates each set value of the clothing temperature off set value, the clothing temperature on set value, the exhaust temperature off set value, and the exhaust temperature on set value. The clothing temperature OFF set value is a value obtained by subtracting the clothing temperature OFF correction value from the clothing temperature OFF initial value. The clothing temperature ON set value is a value obtained by subtracting the clothing temperature ON correction value from the clothing temperature ON initial value. The exhaust gas temperature OFF set value is a value obtained by subtracting the exhaust gas temperature OFF correction value from the initial exhaust gas temperature OFF value. The exhaust gas temperature ON set value is a value obtained by subtracting the exhaust gas temperature ON correction value from the exhaust gas temperature ON initial value. In S22 immediately after the drying operation is started in S10, each correction value is set to 0 (S20). Therefore, each set value becomes the same value as each initial value set in S16 or S18.

  Next, the control device 70 executes each monitoring of S24, S26, and S28. In S24, the control device 70 sets the exhaust gas temperature detected by the exhaust gas temperature thermistor 22 to the exhaust gas temperature OFF setting before a predetermined period (2 minutes 30 seconds in this embodiment) has elapsed since the start of the drying operation in S10. It is monitored that the value (S22) is exceeded. When the exhaust gas temperature becomes equal to or higher than the exhaust gas temperature OFF set value before the predetermined period has elapsed, the control device 70 determines YES in S24, and performs each processing after S110 in FIG. Process). For example, if the air in the drum 10 is already at a sufficiently high temperature immediately after the start of the drying operation, such as when the drying operation is re-executed immediately after the previous drying operation is completed, YES is determined in S24. It can be judged.

  In S26, the control device 70 monitors whether the clothing temperature detected by the clothing temperature thermistor 60 is equal to or higher than the clothing temperature off set value (S22) before the predetermined period has elapsed since the start of the drying operation in S10. To do. When the clothing temperature becomes equal to or higher than the clothing temperature off set value before the predetermined period elapses, the control device 70 determines YES in S26, and performs each process of S94 to S98, S88, and S90 in FIG. (Referred to as “clothing temperature control processing”). For example, when clothing C is already sufficiently hot at the time immediately after the start of the drying operation, such as when the drying operation is re-executed without taking out the clothing immediately after the previous drying operation is completed, S26 It can be judged as YES.

  In S28, the control device 70 monitors whether a predetermined period has elapsed after starting the drying operation in S10. When the drying operation is started in S10, it is not determined as YES in S24 and S26, and when the predetermined period has not elapsed, the control device 70 determines NO in S28 and S50 in FIG. The subsequent processes (hereinafter referred to as “blocking correction process”) are executed. On the other hand, after the start of the drying operation in S10, if the predetermined period elapses without being determined as YES in either S24 or S26, the control device 70 determines YES in S28, and S80 to S86 in FIG. Each process (hereinafter referred to as “course determination process”) is executed.

(Clogging correction processing; FIG. 3)
The content of the blockage correction process will be described with reference to FIG. In S50, the control device 70 determines whether or not the blowing temperature detected by the blowing temperature thermistor 40 is 140 ° C. or more and less than 160 ° C. When the blowing temperature at this time is within the range of 140 ° C. or more and less than 160 ° C., the control device 70 determines YES in S50 and proceeds to S52. When the lint filter 16 is blocked by lint, the air volume of the air flowing through the ventilation path of the clothes dryer 2 is reduced, and the blowout temperature is increased accordingly. When the lint filter 16 is hardly blocked, the blowing temperature is normally maintained in a range of less than 140 ° C. However, when the lint filter 16 is blocked, the blowing temperature rises to 140 ° C. or more. And as the obstruction | occlusion degree of the lint filter 16 becomes high, blowing temperature also becomes high. In S52, the control device 70 resets each correction value. In S52, the clothing temperature off correction value is set to 10, the clothing temperature on correction value is set to 10, the exhaust temperature off correction value is set to 5, and the exhaust temperature on correction value is set to 5. When S52 ends, the process proceeds to S54. On the other hand, when the outlet temperature is outside the range of 140 ° C. or higher and lower than 160 ° C., the control device 70 determines NO in S50, skips S52, and proceeds to S54.

  In S54, the control device 70 determines whether or not the blowing temperature is 160 ° C. or higher and lower than 180 ° C. When the blowing temperature at this time is in the range of 160 ° C. or higher and lower than 180 ° C., the control device 70 determines YES in S54, and proceeds to S56. In S56, the control device 70 resets each correction value. In S56, the clothing temperature off correction value is set to 15, the clothing temperature on correction value is set to 20, the exhaust temperature off correction value is set to 10, and the exhaust temperature on correction value is set to 10. When S56 ends, the process proceeds to S58. On the other hand, if the outlet temperature is outside the range of 160 ° C. or higher and lower than 180 ° C., the control device 70 determines NO in S54, skips S56, and proceeds to S58.

  In S58, the control device 70 determines whether or not the blowing temperature is not lower than 180 ° C and lower than 200 ° C. When the blowing temperature at this time is within the range of 180 ° C. or more and less than 200 ° C., the control device 70 determines YES in S58, and proceeds to S60. In S <b> 60, the control device 70 turns on a notification lamp provided on the display unit on the front surface of the housing 4. Thereby, the user who has seen the notification lamp can know that the lint filter 16 is currently closed and needs to be cleaned. In continuing S62, the control apparatus 70 resets each correction value. In S62, the clothing temperature off correction value is set to 20, the clothing temperature on correction value is set to 30, the exhaust temperature off correction value is set to 15, and the exhaust temperature on correction value is set to 15. When S62 ends, the process proceeds to S64. On the other hand, if the outlet temperature is outside the range of 180 ° C. or higher and lower than 200 ° C., the control device 70 determines NO in S58, skips S60 and S62, and proceeds to S64.

  In S64, the control device 70 determines whether or not the blowing temperature is 200 ° C. or higher. When the blowing temperature at this time is 200 ° C. or higher, the control device 70 determines YES in S64, proceeds to S66, and stops the drying operation with an error. In this case, the control device 70 stops the motor 12 and the fan 14 and turns off the burner 30. When S66 ends, the controller 70 ends the drying operation with an error. On the other hand, when the blowing temperature is not 200 ° C. or higher, the control device 70 determines NO in S64 and returns to S22 in FIG. That is, in S22, the control device 70 recalculates each set value by using each correction value (S20, any one of S52, S56, and S62 in FIG. 3) set at this time. Then, the drying operation is continued according to each set value calculated again.

  That is, in this embodiment, the control device 70 repeatedly executes the blockage correction process (see FIG. 3) until the predetermined period elapses without being determined YES in S24 and S26, and is set during that time. The drying operation is continued while updating each set value as needed using the latest correction values (S22 in FIG. 2).

(Course determination processing and clothing temperature control processing; FIG. 4)
The contents of the course determination process (S80 to S86) and the clothing temperature adjustment process (S94 to S98, S88, S90) will be described with reference to FIG. In this embodiment, the course determination process (S80 to S86) is executed only once when a predetermined period has elapsed without being determined YES in S24 and S26 of FIG. S88, S90, S94 to S98).

  In S80, the control device 70 determines the operation course of the drying operation based on the weight of the clothing C in the drum 10 and the degree of dehydration of the clothing C, and whether or not the result is rated. Determine whether. Since the content of the process of S80 is the same as S14 of FIG. 2, detailed description is abbreviate | omitted. When it is determined that the determination result of the driving course is rated (YES in S80), the control device 70 proceeds to S82. On the other hand, when it is determined that the determination result of the driving course is not rated (NO in S80), the control device 70 proceeds to S84.

  In S82 and S84, the control device 70 resets the initial values of the clothing temperature off initial value, the clothing temperature on initial value, the exhaust temperature off initial value, and the exhaust temperature on initial value. The processes of S82 and S84 are the same as the processes of S16 and S18, respectively.

  Next, in S86, the control device 70 calculates each set value similarly to S20. In S86, the control device 70 is set when a predetermined period has elapsed from each initial value set in S82 or S84 without being determined YES in S24 and S26 of FIG. 2 (YES in S28). Each set value is calculated by subtracting each correction value (see S20 in FIG. 2, S52, S56, and S62 in FIG. 3). In the present embodiment, when the predetermined period has elapsed (YES in S28), the closing correction process (FIG. 3) is not executed, and each correction value is determined. Then, by executing the course determination process (FIG. 4), each set value is determined (S86). Thereafter, the drying operation is continued according to the set values determined in S86. After finishing S86, the control apparatus 70 performs clothing temperature control processing (S88, S90, S94-S98).

  The control device 70 performs monitoring of S88 and S90. In S88, the control device 70 monitors that the exhaust gas temperature becomes equal to or higher than the exhaust gas temperature OFF set value. When the exhaust gas temperature is equal to or higher than the exhaust gas temperature OFF set value, the control device 70 determines YES in S88 and executes the processing after S110 in FIG. In this case, the clothing temperature control process ends. In S90, the control device 70 monitors that the clothing temperature becomes equal to or higher than the clothing temperature off set value. If the clothing temperature is equal to or higher than the clothing temperature off set value, the control device 70 determines YES in S90, and proceeds to S94.

  In S94, the control device 70 turns off the burner 30. In continuing S96, the control apparatus 70 monitors that clothing temperature becomes less than clothing temperature ON setting value. If the clothing temperature falls below the clothing temperature ON set value after turning off the burner 30, the control device 70 determines YES in S96 and proceeds to S98. In S98, the control device 70 turns on the burner 30 again. And it returns to monitoring of S88 and S90.

(Exhaust temperature control processing; Fig. 5)
The contents of the exhaust gas temperature adjustment process will be described with reference to FIG. In S110, the control device 70 turns off the burner 30 and starts an off timer for counting the off period. In subsequent S112, the control device 70 monitors whether the off period has elapsed since the start of the off timer in S110. When the off period has elapsed, the control device 70 determines YES in S112, and proceeds to S114.

  In S114, the control device 70 monitors that the exhaust gas temperature is less than the exhaust gas temperature ON set value. After the burner 30 is turned off, if the exhaust temperature falls below the exhaust temperature on set value, the control device 70 determines YES in S114 and proceeds to S116. In S116, the control device 70 turns on the burner 30 again and starts an on-timer for counting the on period.

  Next, the control device 70 executes each monitoring of S118, S120, and S122. In S118, the control device 70 monitors whether the ON period has elapsed since the ON timer was started in S116. When the on period has elapsed, the control device 70 determines YES in S118, returns to S110, turns off the burner 30 again, and starts an off timer. In S120, the control device 70 monitors that the clothing temperature becomes equal to or higher than the clothing temperature off set value before the on-period elapses. If the clothing temperature is equal to or higher than the clothing temperature off set value, the control device 70 determines YES in S120, and proceeds to S124. Further, in S122, the control device 70 monitors whether the exhaust gas temperature becomes equal to or higher than the exhaust gas temperature OFF set value before the on period elapses. If the exhaust temperature is equal to or higher than the exhaust temperature off set value, the control device 70 determines YES in S122, and proceeds to S124.

  In S124, the control device 70 advances the on / off duty pattern by one step. For example, when the on / off duty pattern is set to pattern 1 (that is, on: off = 50 seconds: 10 seconds), in S124, the control device 70 changes the on / off duty pattern to pattern 2 (that is, on: off = 45 seconds: 15 seconds). When S124 ends, the process returns to S110, and the control device 70 turns off the burner 30 again and starts an off timer. Thereafter, the control device 70 executes each process of S110 to S124 according to the on period and the off period indicated by the on / off duty pattern changed in S124.

  As described above, the above-described processes (see FIGS. 2 to 5) are performed during the execution of the drying operation. When a predetermined drying operation time has elapsed, or when a predetermined drying stop operation is input to the operation unit, the control device 70 turns off the burner 30, stops the motor 12 and the fan 14, and performs drying. End driving. In that case, the processing of FIGS.

(Drying operation of comparative example; FIG. 6)
Here, in order to fully explain the effect of the drying operation by the clothes dryer 2 of the present embodiment, referring to FIG. 6, a comparative example in the case of performing the drying operation using the conventional clothes dryer. explain. The conventional clothes dryer also has the same configuration as the clothes dryer 2 shown in FIG. However, in the conventional clothes dryer, the exhaust gas temperature adjustment process of FIG. 5 is not executed. In the conventional clothes dryer, instead of the exhaust temperature control process of FIG. 5, the burner is stopped when the exhaust temperature exceeds a predetermined exhaust temperature off set value, and after the burner is stopped, the exhaust temperature is set to a predetermined level. When the exhaust gas temperature is lower than the set value, a process for operating the burner again (hereinafter sometimes referred to as “conventional temperature control process”) is executed. That is, in the conventional temperature control process, the process of turning on / off the burner according to the on / off duty is not performed. Therefore, in the conventional temperature adjustment process, the process of changing the on / off duty pattern is not performed.

  FIG. 6 is a graph showing the transition of the clothing temperature, the exhaust temperature, the blowout temperature, and the electrode detection state when the drying operation is performed by the clothes dryer of the comparative example. In the example of FIG. 6, the weight of the clothing C is 2 kg, and the drying operation time is set to 35 minutes. The clothing temperature off set value and the clothing temperature on set value are set to 90 ° C. and 80 ° C., respectively, and the exhaust temperature off set value and the exhaust temperature on set value are set to 72 ° C. and 71 ° C., respectively. CT, ET, and BT in FIG. 6 are graphs showing changes in clothing temperature, exhaust temperature, and blowing temperature, respectively. DS indicates a detection state of an electrode (corresponding to the electrode 50 in FIG. 1) for detecting moisture in the clothing. DS indicates a pulse signal output when the electrode detects moisture in the clothing.

  In the example of FIG. 6, the clothing temperature, the exhaust temperature, and the blowing temperature all continue to rise from the start of the drying operation to around 19 minutes. Further, the frequency at which the electrode 50 detects moisture is high until about 15 minutes from the start of the drying operation, and then the frequency is low (that is, the drying is proceeding). Then, 19 minutes after the start of the drying operation, the clothing temperature reaches the clothing temperature OFF set value (that is, 90 ° C.) or more, and the clothing temperature control process is executed. Then, after 23 minutes from the start of the drying operation, the exhaust temperature reaches the exhaust temperature off set value (that is, 72 ° C.) or more, and then the conventional temperature adjustment process is executed. As a result, especially in the final stage of the drying operation (after 20 minutes), the number of times the burner is turned on and off is increased (the total number of burners is 20), and accordingly, the temperature in the drum is lower than the temperature suitable for drying. It becomes easy to be maintained at a high temperature. As a result, in a drying operation using a conventional clothes dryer, the clothes in the drum may be exposed to excessively high temperatures and may be damaged.

(Drying operation of Example; FIG. 7)
On the other hand, FIG. 7 is a graph showing changes in clothing temperature, exhaust temperature, blowing temperature, and electrode detection state when the drying operation is performed by the clothes dryer 2 of the present embodiment. In the example of FIG. 7 as well, as in the example of FIG. 6, the weight of the clothing C is 2 kg, and the drying operation time is set to 35 minutes. The clothing temperature off set value and the clothing temperature on set value are set to 90 ° C. and 80 ° C., respectively, and the exhaust temperature off set value and the exhaust temperature on set value are set to 72 ° C. and 71 ° C., respectively.

  In the example of FIG. 7, the clothing temperature, the exhaust temperature, and the blowout temperature all continue to rise from the start of the drying operation to about 15 minutes. Further, the frequency at which the electrode 50 detects moisture is high until about 15 minutes from the start of the drying operation, and then the frequency is low (that is, the drying is proceeding). Then, after 17 minutes from the start of the drying operation, the exhaust temperature reaches the exhaust temperature off set value (that is, 72 ° C.) or more, and thereafter, the exhaust gas temperature adjustment process of FIG. That is, after the burner 30 is turned off (S110 in FIG. 5), the control device 70 reaches the clothing temperature higher than the clothing temperature off set value while the burner 30 is turned on again during the on period (S116). If this is the case (YES in S120), or if the exhaust temperature reaches or exceeds the exhaust temperature off set value, the on / off duty pattern is advanced by one step (S124). Thereby, the off period after the next time becomes longer and the on period becomes shorter. Thereby, the fall of the clothing temperature and exhaust temperature during an off period is accelerated | stimulated, and the raise of the clothing temperature and exhaust temperature during an on period is suppressed. Therefore, an increase in the number of ON / OFF repetitions of the burner 30 is suppressed (the total number of burner ONs is 15). In connection with it, it can suppress that the temperature in the drum 10 is maintained at a temperature higher than the temperature suitable for drying, and it can suppress that the clothing C in the drum 10 receives damage.

  The configuration and operation details of the clothes dryer 2 of the present embodiment have been described above. As described above, after the start of the drying operation (S10 in FIG. 2), the control device 70 executes the closing correction process in FIG. 3, and sets each correction value in accordance with the blowing temperature. Specifically, each correction value is set to a value larger than 0 when the blowing temperature is in a range of 140 ° C. or higher. Then, when the predetermined period elapses (YES in S28), the control device 70 is based on the correction values set when the predetermined period elapses (see S20 in FIG. 2, S52, S56, and S62 in FIG. 3). Thus, each set value is calculated (S86 in FIG. 4). Thereafter, the drying operation is continued in accordance with each set value determined in S86. That is, when the blowing temperature at a predetermined time point is 140 ° C. or higher, each set value is lower than the initial value. Therefore, the burner 30 can be turned off relatively early, for example, in the case where the blowout temperature becomes a predetermined 140 ° C. or higher due to, for example, the lint filter 16 being blocked. Therefore, in the case where the lint filter 16 is closed, for example, the clothing temperature or the exhaust temperature can be suppressed from rising excessively. Therefore, according to the clothes dryer 2 of a present Example, it can suppress that the clothing C in the drum 10 is exposed to high temperature too much, and can suppress that the clothing C in the drum 10 receives a damage.

  In the present embodiment, the control device 70 uses each correction value set by the blockage correction processing in FIG. 3 even after the start of the drying operation (S10 in FIG. 2) and before the predetermined period has elapsed. Then, each set value is calculated (S22 in FIG. 2), and the drying operation is executed based on the set value. Then, after the start of the drying operation (S10 in FIG. 2), when the exhaust temperature reaches the exhaust temperature off set value or more before the predetermined period elapses (YES in S24), or the clothing temperature is set to the clothing temperature off setting. If the value exceeds the value (YES in S26), the course determination process (S80 to S86 in FIG. 4) is skipped, and the clothing temperature control process (FIG. 4) is performed based on each set value set at that time. 4 and after S94) and the exhaust gas temperature adjustment process (after S110 in FIG. 5). That is, according to the clothes dryer 2 of the present embodiment, for example, even when the drying operation is performed again immediately after the previous drying operation is completed, the appropriate time without waiting for the elapse of the predetermined period. The drying operation can be executed based on each set value. Therefore, it can suppress appropriately that the clothing C in the drum 10 receives damage irrespective of the condition of drying operation.

  In the present embodiment, the control device 70 sets not only the clothing temperature off correction value and the exhaust temperature off correction value, but also the clothing temperature on correction value and the exhaust temperature on correction value in the blockage correction processing of FIG. Therefore, according to the clothes dryer 2 of the present embodiment, the burner 30 is turned on together with the clothing temperature and the exhaust temperature (that is, the clothing temperature off set value and the exhaust temperature off set value) that serve as a reference when the burner 30 is turned off. The clothing temperature and the exhaust temperature (that is, the clothing temperature on-set value and the exhaust temperature on-set value), which are the standards at the time, can be corrected. Therefore, it is possible to suppress an excessive increase in the number of times the burner 30 is turned on and off, and appropriately maintain the temperature in the drum 10 at a temperature suitable for drying the clothing C.

  In the present embodiment, in the blockage correction process of FIG. 3, when the blowout temperature is 140 ° C. or higher and lower than 160 ° C. (YES in S50), the clothing temperature off correction value and the clothing temperature on correction value are both 10. When (S52) the blowout temperature is 160 ° C. or higher and lower than 180 ° C. (YES in S54), the clothing temperature on correction value (20) is larger than the clothing temperature off correction value (15). Furthermore, when the blowing temperature is 180 ° C. or higher and lower than 200 ° C. (YES in S58), the clothing temperature on correction value (30) is larger than the clothing temperature off correction value (20). That is, according to the clothes dryer 2 of the present embodiment, when the degree of blockage of the lint filter 16 is relatively high, the clothes temperature on correction value is made larger than the clothes temperature off correction value compared to when the degree of blockage is relatively low ( That is, the temperature difference between the off set value and the on set value can be increased). As a result, the average temperature of the clothing temperature can be lowered, and the number of on / off switching of the burner 30 can be reduced.

  In the present embodiment, the control device 70 performs the exhaust gas temperature adjustment process of FIG. 5 when the exhaust gas temperature reaches the exhaust gas temperature OFF set value or more after the start of the drying operation. That is, after the burner 30 is turned off (S110 in FIG. 5), the control device 70 reaches the clothing temperature higher than the clothing temperature off set value while the burner 30 is turned on again during the on period (S116). If this is the case (YES in S120), or if the exhaust temperature reaches or exceeds the exhaust temperature off set value, the on / off duty pattern is advanced by one step (S124). Thereby, the off period after the next time becomes longer and the on period becomes shorter. Thereby, the fall of the clothing temperature and exhaust temperature during an off period is accelerated | stimulated, and the raise of the clothing temperature and exhaust temperature during an on period is suppressed. Therefore, the repetition number of ON / OFF of the burner 30 can be suppressed. And in connection with it, it can suppress that the temperature in the drum 10 is maintained in temperature higher than the temperature suitable for drying, and can suppress that the clothing C in the drum 10 receives a damage.

  The correspondence between the description of the present embodiment and the description of the claims will be described. Clothing temperature and exhaust temperature are examples of “related temperatures”. The clothing temperature thermistor and the exhaust temperature thermistor are examples of the “related temperature detection means”. The clothing temperature off set value and the exhaust temperature off set value are examples of the “off threshold value”. The clothing temperature ON set value and the exhaust temperature ON set value are examples of the “ON threshold value”. The case of YES in S120 or S122 of FIG. 5 is an example of a “specific case”.

  As mentioned above, although the Example was described in detail, these are only illustrations and do not limit a claim. The technology described in the claims includes various modifications and changes of the specific examples illustrated above.

(Modification 1) In the above embodiment, when YES is obtained in S120 or S122 of FIG. 5, the control device 70 advances the on / off duty pattern by one step (S124). Alternatively, if YES in S120 (that is, if the clothing temperature reaches the clothing temperature off set value or more), the control device 70 may skip S124 and proceed to S110 (that is, the on / off duty pattern). Does not have to go one step). Conversely, if YES in S122 (that is, if the exhaust temperature reaches the exhaust temperature off set value or more), the control device 70 may skip S124 and proceed to S110 (that is, set the on / off duty pattern to 1). You don't have to go through the steps)

(Modification 2) Further, the control device 70, when the clothing temperature reaches the clothing temperature off set value or more and the exhaust temperature reaches the exhaust temperature off set value or more before the on-period elapses (that is, In the case of YES in both S120 and S122 in FIG. 5), control device 70 may advance the on / off duty pattern by one step.

(Modification 3) In the above embodiment, in S124 of FIG. 5, the control device 70 advances the on / off duty pattern by one stage, lengthens the off period, and shortens the on period. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the controller 70 may lengthen the off period and not change the on period in S124. In this case, the sum of the off period and the on period may be longer or shorter than a predetermined unit period (for example, 60 seconds).

(Modification 4) In the above embodiment, in S20 of FIG. 2 and S52, S56, and S62 of FIG. 3, the control device 70 corrects the clothing temperature on correction in addition to the clothing temperature off correction value and the exhaust temperature off correction value. A value and an exhaust temperature ON correction value are also set, and each set value is calculated using each correction value (S22 in FIG. 2, S86 in FIG. 4). Without being limited thereto, the control device 70 sets only the clothing temperature OFF correction value and the exhaust temperature OFF correction value in S20 of FIG. 2 and S52, S56, and S62 of FIG. 3, and sets the clothing temperature ON correction value and the exhaust temperature ON. The setting of the correction value may be omitted. In this case, in S22 of FIG. 2 and S86 of FIG. 4, the control device 70 specifies the clothing temperature on initial value and the exhaust temperature on initial value as the clothing temperature on set value and the exhaust temperature on set value, respectively. (In other words, it is not necessary to perform a calculation to reduce the correction value).

(Modification 5) In the above embodiment, after the start of the drying operation (S10 in FIG. 2), the control device 70 executes the closing correction process in FIG. 3 and sets each correction value according to the blowout temperature. Specifically, each correction value is set to a value larger than 0 when the blowing temperature is in a range of 140 ° C. or higher. Instead of this, the control device 70 may set each correction value according to the amount of increase in the blowing temperature from the start of the drying operation. In other words, the control device 70 may set each correction value according to the degree of increase (or rate of increase) in the blowing temperature from the start time of the drying operation. Then, each correction value may be set to a value larger than 0 when the amount of increase in the blowing temperature is in a range equal to or higher than a predetermined upper temperature increase threshold (for example, 120 ° C.). Then, when the predetermined period elapses, the control device 70 may calculate each set value based on each correction value set when the predetermined period elapses. Thereafter, the drying operation may be continued in accordance with each determined set value. Also in this modification, the clothes dryer 2 can suppress an excessive rise in the clothing temperature or the exhaust temperature according to circumstances such as the lint filter 16 being blocked.

  The technical elements described in this specification or the drawings exhibit technical usefulness alone or in various combinations, and are not limited to the combinations described in the claims at the time of filing. In addition, the technology exemplified in this specification or the drawings can achieve a plurality of objects at the same time, and has technical usefulness by achieving one of the objects.

2: Clothing dryer 4: Housing 6: Door 10: Drum 10a: Front opening 10b: Rear opening 12: Motor 14: Fan 16: Lint filter 20: Exhaust port 22: Exhaust temperature thermistor 30: Burner 32: Gas Supply pipe 34: Solenoid valve 36: Outlet 40: Outlet temperature thermistor 50: Electrode 60: Clothing temperature thermistor 70: Control device C: Clothing

Claims (4)

A clothes dryer,
A drum for housing clothing;
A fan that sends air into the drum from the outside,
A burner that heats the air before it is sent into the drum;
A related temperature detecting means for detecting a related temperature related to drying of the clothes in the drum;
A control device, and
The control device
(A) After the drying operation is started by operating the burner and the fan, the burner is stopped when the related temperature detected by the related temperature detecting means exceeds a predetermined off threshold,
(B) After stopping the burner, maintaining the state where the burner is stopped for a predetermined off period;
(C) After the OFF period, when the related temperature detected by the related temperature detecting means is lower than a predetermined ON threshold value lower than the OFF threshold value, the burner is operated again,
(D) After operating the burner again, continue the operation of the burner for a predetermined ON period;
(E) When the on-period elapses without the relational temperature detected by the relational temperature detection means exceeding the off-threshold value, the burner is stopped, and the process returns to the process (b).
(F) In a specific case where the relational temperature detected by the relational temperature detecting means exceeds the off threshold while the burner is continuously operated during the on period, the burner is stopped before the on period elapses, and the off period is long. The off period is changed so that the process returns to the process (b).
Clothes dryer. In a specific case, the control device further changes the on period so that the on period is shortened, and returns to the process of (b).
The clothes dryer according to claim 1. The relevant temperature includes the exhaust temperature, which is the temperature of the air after passing through the drum,
The related temperature detection means includes an exhaust temperature sensor for detecting the exhaust temperature,
The off threshold includes a predetermined off exhaust temperature threshold that is an exhaust temperature threshold,
The on threshold includes a predetermined on exhaust temperature threshold that is an exhaust temperature threshold lower than the off exhaust temperature threshold.
The clothes dryer according to claim 1 or 2. The relevant temperature includes the clothing temperature, which is the temperature of the clothing in the drum,
The related temperature detection means includes a clothing temperature sensor for detecting the clothing temperature,
The off threshold includes a predetermined off clothing temperature threshold that is a clothing temperature threshold,
The on threshold includes a predetermined on clothing temperature threshold that is a clothing temperature threshold lower than the off clothing temperature threshold,
The clothes dryer according to any one of claims 1 to 3.