KR20170135733A - Clothes Dryer - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to a device for drying clothes capable of preventing an increase in the number of repetitions of an operation and stop of a burner; and preventing the clothes in a drum from damage. A controlling device turns off the burner when an exhaust temperature reaches an exhaust temperature off set value or more after starting a drying operation (S110). After an off period (YES at S112), the controlling device turns on the burner (S116); and operates the burner during an on period when the exhaust temperature is lower than an exhaust temperature on set value (YES at S114). The controlling device advances an on-off duty pattern by one step (S124) when a cloth temperature reaches a cloth temperature off set value or more (YES at S120), or the exhaust temperature reaches the exhaust temperature off set value or more while turning on the burner in the on period. The present invention comprises the drum, a fan, the burner, a relation temperature detecting unit, and the controlling device.

Description

Clothes Dryer

The present invention relates to a clothes dryer.

Patent Literature 1 discloses a washing machine comprising a drum for accommodating clothes, a fan for sending air into the drum from the outside, a burner for heating the air to be sent into the drum, A spray temperature sensor for detecting a temperature, and a clothes dryer having a control device. In this clothes dryer, after the drying operation is started by operating the burner and the fan, the control device stops the burner when the blowing temperature detected by the blowing temperature sensor exceeds the predetermined off-boundary value, Thereafter, when the ejection temperature falls below a predetermined on-boundary value lower than the off-boundary value, the burner is operated again. As a result, the temperature inside the drum is prevented from being maintained at an excessively high temperature.

JP 1995-008693 A

According to the clothes dryer of Patent Document 1, the number of repetitions of operation and stoppage of the burner is increased particularly at the end of the drying operation, and accordingly, the temperature of the air provided to the drum becomes higher than the temperature suitable for drying. As a result, the clothes in the drum may be excessively heated and damaged.

The present invention discloses a clothes dryer capable of suppressing an increase in the number of repetitions of operation and stoppage of the burner and suppressing damage of the clothes in the drum.

The clothes dryer disclosed in this specification includes a drum for receiving clothes, a fan for sending air into the drum from the outside, a burner for heating the air before being sent into the drum, And a control device. (A) stopping the burner when the relative temperature detected by the relative temperature detecting means exceeds a predetermined off-threshold value after starting the drying operation by operating the burner and the fan, (b) (C) after the lapse of the off period, the temperature of the relationship detected by the relationship temperature detecting means is lower than a predetermined on-boundary value which is lower than the off-boundary value (D) the operation of the burner is continued for a predetermined ON period after the burner is operated again, (e) when the relative temperature detected by the relative temperature detecting means is less than the off-boundary value (F) the relative temperature detected by the relationship temperature detecting means during continuing the operation of the burner during the warm-up period is not less thanIn a specific case exceeding the off-threshold value, the burner is stopped before the on period, the off-period is changed so that the off period becomes longer, and the process returns to the process (b).

After the start of the drying operation, the clothes dryer stops the burner when the temperature of the relation exceeds the predetermined off-boundary value, keeps the burner stopped during the off period after the burner is stopped, , The relationship temperature is maintained at a temperature equal to or higher than the ON boundary value and equal to or lower than the OFF boundary value by operating the burner again and continuing the operation of the burner during the ON period when the relationship temperature is lower than the predetermined ON boundary value, Is maintained at an excessively high temperature. Then, the clothes dryer stops the burner before the on period elapses when the relative temperature detected by the relative temperature detecting means is determined to exceed the off boundary value while the operation of the burner is continued during the on period, The off period is changed so as to be longer. As a result, the off period after the next time becomes long, and the decrease of the temperature of the relationship during the off period is promoted. As a result, it is possible to suppress an increase in the number of repetitions of operation and stoppage of the burner. Thus, it is possible to suppress the relationship temperature from being maintained at a temperature higher than a temperature suitable for drying, and to suppress damage of the clothes in the drum.

Provided is a clothes dryer capable of suppressing an increase in the number of repetitions of operation and stoppage of a burner and suppressing damage of clothes in the drum.

Fig. 1 is a diagram schematically showing a configuration of a clothes dryer 2. Fig.
2 is a flowchart showing the main processing by the control device 70. As shown in Fig.
Fig. 3 is a flowchart showing the closing correction processing by the control device 70. Fig.
Fig. 4 is a flowchart showing the course determination process and the clothes temperature control process by the control device 70. Fig.
5 is a flowchart showing an exhaust temperature control process performed by the control device 70. As shown in Fig.
FIG. 6 is a graph showing the transition of the clothes temperature, the exhaust temperature, the ejection temperature, and the electrode detection state when the drying operation is performed by the clothes dryer of the comparative example.
FIG. 7 is a graph showing the transition of the clothes temperature, the exhaust temperature, the ejection temperature, and the electrode detection state when the drying operation is performed by the clothes dryer 2 of the embodiment.

The main features of the embodiments described below are listed below. The technical elements described below are independent technical elements and exert their technical usefulness individually or in various combinations, and are not limited to the combination of claims described in the application.

(Feature 1) In a specific case, the control device preferably changes the ON period so that the ON period is shortened, and returns to the process of (b).

According to this configuration, the clothes dryer changes the on period so that the on period is further shortened in a specific case. As a result, the off period after the next time becomes longer and the on period becomes shorter. As a result, the lowering of the temperature of the relation during the off period is promoted, and the rise of the temperature of the relation during the warm period is suppressed. Therefore, it is possible to more appropriately suppress the relationship temperature from being maintained at a temperature higher than the temperature suitable for drying, and more appropriately suppress the damage of the clothes in the drum.

(Feature 2) The relationship temperature preferably includes the exhaust temperature, which is the temperature of the air after passing through the drum. Preferably, the relational temperature detecting means includes an exhaust temperature sensor for detecting the exhaust temperature. The off-boundary value preferably includes a predetermined off-off temperature boundary value that is a boundary value of the exhaust temperature. The on-boundary value preferably includes a predetermined on-off-air temperature boundary value that is a boundary value of the exhaust temperature lower than the off-exhaust temperature boundary value.

According to this configuration, the clothes dryer can switch the operation and stop of the burner on the basis of the exhaust temperature. Therefore, by suppressing excessive rise of the exhaust temperature, the clothes in the drum can be prevented from being excessively heated to a high temperature, and the damage of the clothes in the drum can be suppressed.

(Feature 3) It is preferable that the relationship temperature includes a clothing temperature which is the temperature of the clothes in the drum. The relation temperature detecting means preferably includes a clothes temperature sensor for detecting the clothes temperature. The off boundary value preferably includes a predetermined off clothing temperature boundary value that is a boundary value of the clothes temperature. The on boundary value preferably includes a predetermined on clothing temperature boundary value that is a boundary value of the clothing temperature lower than the off clothing temperature boundary value.

According to this configuration, the clothes dryer can switch the operation and stop of the burner on the basis of the clothes temperature. Therefore, by suppressing excessive rise of the clothes temperature, it is possible to suppress the clothes in the drum from being excessively heated to a high temperature, and to prevent the clothes in the drum from being damaged.

(Example)

(Configuration of clothes dryer 2; Fig. 1)

1, the clothes dryer 2 of the present embodiment includes a tubular body 4, a door 6, a drum 10, a fan 14, a burner 30, a control device 70).

The tubular body (4) is the main body of the clothes dryer (2). Each of the elements of the clothes dryer 2 is accommodated in the cylinder 4. On the front surface (right side in Fig. 1) of the cylindrical body 4, a display portion and an operation portion (not shown) are provided. The display unit is a display on which various information is displayed. The operation portion includes a plurality of buttons. The user can input various instructions to the clothes dryer 2 through the operation unit. The door (6) is a door provided on the front surface of the cylinder (4).

The drum 10 is a container for accommodating clothes C to be dried. The drum 10 can be rotated by the motor 12. On the front side of the drum 10, a front opening 10a is opened and closed by a door 6. [ The user of the clothes dryer 2 can open the door 6 to insert the clothes C into the drum 10 through the front opening 10a and remove the clothes C from the drum 10 have. A jet port 36 for sending air after heated by the burner 30 is also opened in the drum 10 on the side of the front opening 10a as the front side of the drum 10. [

In the drum 10, an electrode 50 and a clothes temperature thermistor 60 are provided. The electrode (50) detects moisture contained in the clothes (C). The clothes temperature thermistor 60 detects the temperature of the clothes C in the drum 10 (hereinafter referred to as " clothes temperature "). The clothes 50 contact the electrode 50 and the clothes temperature thermistor 60 in accordance with the rotation of the drum 10 so that the electrode 50 detects the moisture of the clothes C and the clothes temperature thermistor 60 The clothes temperature can be detected. In the drum 10, a weight sensor not shown in the drawing is also provided. The weight sensor detects the weight of the clothes (C) in the drum (10).

Further, a rear opening portion 10b is opened on the rear side (right side in Fig. 1) of the drum 10. [ The rear opening portion 10b is closed by the lint filter 16. The lint filter 16 is a filter for collecting seams (lint) generated in the clothes C and the like in the drum 10. The lint filter 16 allows the air to pass through, but does not pass the seam flow contained in the air.

The fan (14) is disposed on the rear side of the drum (10). The fan 14 is operated so that air is supplied from the outside of the cylinder 4 into the drum 10 (see arrows W1 to W3 in Fig. 1) (Refer to arrows W4 to W6 in Fig. 1) toward the exhaust port 20 formed on the upper surface in the vicinity of the exhaust port (right side in Fig. 1). The exhaust temperature thermistor 22 is provided in the vicinity of the exhaust port 20 and controls the temperature of the air to be discharged from the drum 10 toward the exhaust port 20 It is a thermistor to detect.

The burner 30 is disposed below the drum 10. The burner 30 heats the air sent from the outside through the jet port 36 into the drum 10 (see arrow W3) using the combustion heat generated by burning the gas. Gas, which is a fuel, is supplied to the burner 30 through the gas supply pipe 32. The gas supply pipe 32 is provided with a solenoid valve 34 for closing the gas supply pipe 32. A blowout temperature thermistor (40) is provided between the burner (30) and the blowout port (36). The blowout temperature thermistor 40 is controlled by the temperature (hereinafter referred to as "blowing temperature") of the air heated by the burner 30 (that is, the air sent from the blowout port 36 into the drum 10 ).

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

(Operation of the clothes dryer 2)

Next, the operation of the clothes dryer 2 of the present embodiment will be described. When the user puts the clothes C into the drum 10 and inputs a predetermined drying start operation through the operation unit (not shown) of the clothes dryer 2, the clothes dryer 2 executes the drying operation do. While the drying operation is being performed, the control device 70 executes the respective processes shown in Figs. 2 to 5.

(Main processing; Fig. 2)

Fig. 2 shows a flow chart of the main process executed by the control device 70 during the drying operation of the clothes dryer 2. Fig. The controller 70, when a drying start operation is input on the operating unit, the controller 70 starts the main process of Fig. In S10, the control device 70 rotates the motor 12 and the fan 14, and operates the burner 30. Thus, the drying operation is started. Hereinafter, it is assumed that the burner 30 is turned on (that is, the burner 30 is turned on) and the burner 30 is stopped (that is, the burner 30 is turned off) I turn out ".

Next, the control device 70 sets the on-off duty at this point to the pattern 1. The term " on-off duty " refers to a period during which the burner 30 is turned on (hereinafter referred to as a "on period") and a period during which the burner 30 is turned off during a predetermined unit period (60 seconds in this embodiment) (Hereinafter referred to as " off period "). As described later in detail, after the start of the drying operation in S10, the control device 70 controls the burner 30 in accordance with the on-off duty after the exhaust temperature exceeds the predetermined exhaust temperature off set value, (See Fig. 5) for switching the on / off state of the exhaust gas temperature. In the on-off duty, there are a plurality of preset patterns (refer to FIG. 5). For example, Pattern 1 has a turn-on period of 50 seconds and an off period of 10 seconds among 60 seconds as a unit period. Pattern 2 has a turn-on period of 45 seconds and an off period of 15 seconds. In the pattern 3, the on period is 40 seconds and the off period is 20 seconds. As described above, each pattern is set such 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 the pattern 1.

Subsequently, in S14, the control device 70 determines the driving course of the drying operation based on the weight of the clothes C in the drum 10 and the degree of dehydration of the clothes C, and if the result is rated Or not. The weight of the garment C is detected by a weight sensor (not shown) in the drum 10. [ The dehydration degree of the clothes C is calculated on the basis of the frequency with which the electrode 50 detects the moisture of the clothes C. [ When the weight of the clothes (C) and the degree of dehydration are within a predetermined rated range, the control device (70) judges that the result of the tentative determination 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 of the clothes C and the degree of dehydration are within a predetermined rated range (for example, when the clothes C are too much or too little (excessive, small amounts) (High dehydration), etc.), the control device 70 determines that the result of the tentative determination of the driving course is not rated. In this case, the control device 70 determines NO at S14 and proceeds to S18.

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 " garment temperature off initial value " is an initial set value of the garment temperature as a reference for turning off the burner 30 after the start of the drying operation. The " garment temperature on initial value " is an initial set value of the garment temperature as a reference for turning on the burner 30 once the burner 30 is turned off. The " exhaust temperature off initial value " is an initial set value of the exhaust temperature serving 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 which serves as a reference for once turning on the burner 30 after the burner 30 is turned off. In the case of S16 and S18, the values of the initial values to be set are different.

In S16, the garment temperature off initial value and the garment temperature on initial value are set to 90 deg. C and 80 deg. 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 deg. C and 75 deg. C, respectively. Then, the exhaust temperature-off initial value and the exhaust temperature-on initial value are set to 70 ° C and 68 ° C, respectively.

Subsequently, in S20, the control device 70 initially sets the 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 point of S20, any correction value is set to zero. Here, the " garment temperature off correction value " is calculated by calculating the garment temperature off set value, which is a set value of the garment temperature serving as a reference for turning off the burner 30 after the start of the drying operation, . The "garment temperature on correction value" is obtained by correcting the initial value of the garment temperature on, and after the burner 30 is turned off once, the garment temperature It is a value for calculating the set value. The "exhaust temperature off correction value" is calculated by calculating the exhaust temperature OFF set value which is a set value of the exhaust temperature serving as a reference for turning off the burner 30 after the start of the drying operation by correcting the exhaust temperature OFF initial value Lt; / RTI > The " exhaust temperature on correction value " is a value obtained by correcting the exhaust temperature temperature initial value, and once the burner 30 is turned off, the exhaust temperature, which is a set value of the exhaust temperature, On setting value.

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

Next, the control device 70 performs the monitoring of S24, S26, and S28. In S24, the control device 70 determines whether the exhaust temperature detected by the exhaust temperature thermistor 22 is lower than the exhaust temperature (exhaust temperature) detected by the exhaust temperature thermistor 22 before a predetermined period (2 minutes and 30 seconds in this embodiment) Off set value S22 or more. If the exhaust temperature becomes equal to or greater than the exhaust temperature OFF set value before the predetermined period of time elapses, the control device 70 determines YES in S24 and determines whether each process after S110 in FIG. 5 (hereinafter referred to as " Adjustment processing "). For example, if the air in the drum 10 has already reached a sufficiently high temperature immediately after the start of the drying operation, such as when the drying operation is restarted immediately after the last drying operation is completed, YES is determined in S24 .

In S26, the controller 70 determines that the garment temperature detected by the garment temperature thermistor 60 is equal to or larger than the garment temperature off set value S22 before a predetermined period of time has elapsed since the start of the drying operation in S10 Monitor. If the garment temperature becomes equal to or higher than the garment temperature off set value before the predetermined period of time elapses, the control device 70 determines YES in S26 and performs the processing of S94 to S98, S88, and S90 , &Quot; clothes temperature control process "). For example, if the clothes C are already sufficiently hot at the point in time immediately after the start of the drying operation, such as when the drying operation is restarted without removing the clothes immediately after the last drying operation is finished, Quot; YES "

In S28, the control device 70 monitors that a predetermined period has elapsed since the start of the drying operation in S10. When the drying operation is started in step S10, the control device 70 does not judge YES in any of S24 and S26, and if the predetermined period is unprocessed, the control device 70 determines NO in step S28, (Hereinafter referred to as " closing correction processing ") are executed. On the other hand, if a predetermined period of time has elapsed after the start of the drying operation in S10 and no determination is made in either of S24 and S26, the control device 70 determines YES in S28, To S86 (hereinafter referred to as " course determination processing ").

(Closing correction processing; Fig. 3)

The contents of the closing correction processing will be described with reference to Fig. In S50, the control device 70 determines whether or not the ejection temperature detected by the ejection temperature thermistor 40 is 140 DEG C or more and less than 160 DEG C or not. If the ejection temperature at this time point is within the range from 140 DEG C to 160 DEG C, the control device 70 determines YES in S50 and proceeds to S52. When the lint filter 16 is closed by the lint, air volume of the air flowing through the ventilation path of the clothes dryer 2 is reduced, and accordingly, the ejection temperature becomes higher. When the lint filter 16 is almost not closed, the ejection temperature is usually kept in a range of less than 140 DEG C, but when the lint filter 16 is closed, the ejection temperature rises to 140 DEG C or more. As the degree of closure of the lint filter 16 increases, the ejection temperature also increases. In S52, the control device 70 resets each correction value. In S52, the garment temperature off correction value is set to 10, the garment 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, respectively. When S52 is finished, the process proceeds to S54. On the other hand, if the ejection temperature is out of the range of 140 DEG C or more and less than 160 DEG 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 ejection temperature is 160 deg. C or more and less than 180 deg. If the ejection temperature at this time point is within the range of 160 DEG C or more and less than 180 DEG 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 garment temperature off correction value is set to 15, the garment temperature on correction value is set to 20, the exhaust temperature off correction value to 10, and the exhaust temperature ON correction value to 10, respectively. When S56 is finished, the process proceeds to S58. On the other hand, when the ejection temperature is out of the range of 160 DEG C or more and less than 180 DEG 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 ejection temperature is 180 DEG C or more and less than 200 DEG C or not. If the ejection temperature at this time point is within the range of 180 DEG C or more and less than 200 DEG C, the control device 70 determines YES in S58 and proceeds to S60. In S60, the control device 70 lights the notification lamp provided on the display portion on the front face of the cylinder 4. Thus, the user of the notification lamp can notify that the current lint filter 16 is closed and cleaning is required. Subsequently, in S62, the control device 70 resets each correction value. In S62, the garment temperature off correction value is set to 20, the garment 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, respectively. When S62 is finished, proceed to S64. On the other hand, when the ejection temperature is out of the range of 180 DEG C or more and less than 200 DEG 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 ejection temperature is 200 DEG C or more. If the ejection temperature at this time point is 200 DEG C or more, the control device 70 determines YES in S64 and proceeds to S66 to stop the drying operation by 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 control device 70 ends the drying operation in error. On the other hand, if the ejection temperature is not higher than 200 DEG C, the control device 70 determines NO in S64 and returns to S22 in Fig. That is, in S22, the control device 70 again calculates each set value using each of the correction values (S20, S52, S56, and S62 in Fig. 3) set at this point. Then, the drying operation is continued in accordance with the set values again calculated.

That is, in the present embodiment, the control device 70 repeatedly executes the closing correction process (see FIG. 3) until a predetermined period of time has elapsed without being judged as YES in S24 and S26, The drying operation is continued while changing the set values frequently (S22 in Fig. 2) using the latest correction values.

(Course determination processing and clothing temperature temperature adjustment processing: Fig. 4)

The contents of the course determination processing (S80 to S86) and the clothes temperature control processing (S94 to S98, S88, S90) will be described with reference to Fig. In the present embodiment, the course determination processing (S80 to S86) is executed only once when a predetermined period has elapsed without being determined as YES in S24 and S26 in Fig. 2, and thereafter, , S90, S94 to S98).

In S80, the control device 70 determines (determines) the driving course of the drying operation based on the weight of the clothes C in the drum 10 and the dehydration degree of the clothes C, It is judged whether or not it is rated. The details of the process of S80 are the same as those of S14 of Fig. 2, and therefore, a detailed description thereof will be omitted. If it is determined that the judgment 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 judgment 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 initial values of the garment temperature off initial value, the garment temperature on initial value, the exhaust temperature off initial value, and the exhaust temperature on initial value. S82, and S84 are the same as the processing in S16 and S18, respectively.

Next, in S86, the control device 70 calculates each set value in the same manner as S20. In S86, the control device 70 determines whether or not each of the initial values set in S82 or S84 is the one set at the time point when a predetermined period elapses (YES in S28) without being determined as YES in S24 and S26 in Fig. 2 By subtracting the correction value (S20 in Fig. 2, S52, S56, and S62 in Fig. 3), each set value is calculated. 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, the course determination process (Fig. 4) is executed, and each set value is determined (S86). Thereafter, the drying operation is continued according to the respective set values determined in S86. Upon completion of S86, the control device 70 executes the clothes temperature control processing (S88, S90, S94 to S98).

The control device 70 performs the monitoring of S88 and S90. In S88, the control device 70 monitors that the exhaust temperature becomes equal to or higher than the exhaust temperature OFF set value. When the exhaust temperature becomes equal to or higher than the exhaust temperature OFF set value, the control device 70 determines YES in S88 and executes the process after S110 in FIG. 5 (i.e., the exhaust temperature control process). In this case, the clothes 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. When the clothing temperature becomes equal to or higher than the setting value of the clothes temperature off, the control device 70 determines YES in S90 and proceeds to S94.

In S94, the control device 70 turns off the burner 30. Subsequently, in S96, the control device 70 monitors that the clothing temperature becomes lower than the clothing temperature ON setting value. After the burner 30 is turned off, if the clothes temperature falls below the clothes temperature ON set value, the control device 70 determines YES in S96 and proceeds to S98. In S98, the control device 70 turns on the burner 30 again. Then, monitoring returns to S88 and S90.

(Exhaust temperature control processing; FIG. 5)

The contents of the exhaust temperature control 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. Subsequently, at S112, the control device 70 monitors the elapse of the off period after starting the off timer at 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 temperature becomes lower than the exhaust 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 the monitoring of S118, S120, and S122. In S118, the control device 70 monitors that 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, and turns off the burner 30 to start the 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. When the clothes temperature becomes equal to or higher than the clothes temperature off set value, the control device 70 determines YES in S120 and proceeds to S124. In S122, the control device 70 monitors that the exhaust temperature becomes equal to or higher than the exhaust temperature-off set value before the ON period elapses. When the exhaust temperature becomes equal to or higher than the exhaust temperature off set value, the control device 70 determines YES in S122 and proceeds to S124.

In step 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 (i.e., ON / OFF = 50 seconds: 10 seconds), the control device 70 sets the ON / , On: Off = 45 seconds: 15 seconds). When S124 ends, the process returns to S110, and the control device 70 turns off the burner 30 and starts the off timer. Thereafter, the control device 70 executes the respective processes of S110 to S124 in accordance with the on period and the off period in which the on-off duty pattern after the change in S124 appears.

As described above, during the execution of the drying operation, the above processes (see Figs. 2 to 5) are executed. When the predetermined drying operation time has elapsed or when a predetermined drying stop operation is input to the operation section, the control device 70 turns off the burner 30 and turns on the motor 12 and the fan 14 And the drying operation is terminated. In this case, the processes of Figs. 2 to 5 are also ended.

(Drying operation in the comparative example; Fig. 6)

Here, a comparative example in which the drying operation is performed using a conventional clothes dryer will be described with reference to Fig. 6 in order to fully explain the operation effect of the drying operation by the clothes dryer 2 of the present embodiment. 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 temperature control 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, (Hereinafter referred to as " conventional temperature treatment ") when the temperature is lower than the set temperature value. That is, in the conventional temperature control processing, the burner is not turned on and off according to the on-off duty. Therefore, in the conventional temperature control process, the process of changing the on / off duty pattern is not performed.

Fig. 6 is a graph showing the transition of the clothes temperature, the exhaust temperature, the ejection 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 clothes C is 2 kg, and the drying operation time is set to 35 minutes. The clothes temperature off set value and the clothes temperature on set value are set to 90 deg. C and 80 deg. C, respectively, and the exhaust temperature set value and the exhaust temperature set value are set to 72 deg. C and 71 deg. CT, ET, and BT in FIG. 6 are graphs showing changes in clothes temperature, exhaust temperature, and ejection temperature, respectively. DS represents the detection state of the electrode (corresponding to the electrode 50 in Fig. 1) for detecting the moisture of the clothes. DS represents a pulse signal outputted when the electrode detects the moisture of the garment.

In the example of Fig. 6, the clothes temperature, the exhaust temperature, and the ejection temperature continuously increase from the start of the drying operation to about 19 minutes. Further, the frequency at which the electrode 50 detects the moisture is high from the start of the drying operation to about 15 minutes, and thereafter decreases (that is, drying is progressing). After about 19 minutes from the start of the drying operation, the clothes temperature reaches the clothes temperature off set value (i.e., 90 DEG C) or more, and the clothes temperature control process is executed. Subsequently, after about 23 minutes from the start of the drying operation, the exhaust temperature reaches the exhaust temperature off set value (i.e., 72 deg. C) or more, and then the conventional temperature control process is performed. As a result, particularly in the end stage of the drying operation (after 20 minutes), the number of repetitions of burner on / off is increased (the total number of burner turns is 20 times), and accordingly, . As a result, in the conventional drying operation by the clothes dryer, the clothes in the drum are excessively heated to a high temperature, and there is a risk of being damaged.

(Drying operation of the embodiment; Fig. 7)

7 is a graph showing the transition of the clothes temperature, the exhaust temperature, the ejection temperature, and the electrode detection state when the drying operation is performed by the clothes dryer 2 of the present embodiment. 7, the weight of the clothes C is set to 2 kg and the drying operation time is set to 35 minutes, similarly to the example of Fig. The clothes temperature off set value and the clothes temperature on set value are set to 90 deg. C and 80 deg. C, respectively, and the exhaust temperature off set value and the exhaust temperature set value are set to 72 deg. C and 71 deg.

In the example of Fig. 7, the clothes temperature, the exhaust temperature, and the ejection temperature continuously increase from about 15 minutes after the start of the drying operation. Further, the frequency at which the electrode 50 detects the moisture is high from the start of the drying operation to about 15 minutes, and thereafter decreases (that is, drying is progressing). After 17 minutes from the start of the drying operation, the exhaust temperature reaches the exhaust temperature OFF set value (i.e., 72 DEG C) or more, and thereafter, the exhaust temperature control process of FIG. 5 is executed. That is, after the burner 30 is turned off (S110 in Fig. 5), the control device 70 determines whether or not the garment temperature is equal to or higher than the garment temperature off setting value (S116) while the burner 30 is turned on (YES in S120), or when the exhaust temperature reaches the exhaust temperature OFF set value or more, the ON / OFF duty pattern is advanced by one step (S124). As a result, the off period after the next time becomes longer, and the on period becomes shorter. As a result, the lowering of the clothes temperature and the exhaust temperature during the off period is promoted, and the rise of the clothes temperature and the exhaust temperature during the warm period is controlled. As a result, the increase in the number of repetitions of the on-off of the burner 30 is suppressed (the total number of burner turns on is 15). Accordingly, the temperature in the drum 10 can be prevented from being maintained at a temperature higher than the temperature suitable for drying, and the damage of the clothes C in the drum 10 can be suppressed.

The configuration and operation 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 of Fig. 3 and sets each correction value in accordance with the ejection temperature. More specifically, each correction value is set to a value larger than 0 when the ejection temperature is in a range of 140 占 폚 or more. Then, when a predetermined period of time has elapsed (YES in S28), the control device 70 sets the correction values (S20 in Fig. 2, S52, S56, and S62 in Fig. 3) And calculates each set value (S86 in Fig. 4). Then, the drying operation is continued in accordance with the set values determined in S86. That is, when the ejection temperature at the time point elapsed after a predetermined period is 140 ° C or more, each set value becomes lower than the initial value. This makes it possible to turn off the burner 30 relatively early, for example, when the blowout temperature is set to a predetermined 140 ° C or higher, for example, due to the fact that the lint filter 16 is closed. Therefore, in the case where the lint filter 16 is closed or the like, excessive increase of the clothes temperature or the exhaust temperature can be suppressed. Therefore, with the clothes dryer 2 of the present embodiment, the clothes C in the drum 10 can be prevented from being excessively heated to a high temperature, and the clothes C in the drum 10 can be prevented from being damaged have.

In this embodiment, the control device 70 also uses the correction values set by the closing correction process of Fig. 3, even before the predetermined period of time has elapsed after the start of the drying operation (S10 of Fig. 2) The respective set values are calculated (S22 in Fig. 2), and the drying operation is executed on the basis of the set values. When the exhaust temperature reaches the exhaust temperature off set value or more (YES in S24) before the predetermined period elapses after the start of the drying operation (S10 in Fig. 2) (YES in S26), the course determination process (S80 to S86 in FIG. 4) is skipped, and based on each setting value set at that point, the clothing temperature control process (S94 And the exhaust temperature control process (S110 and subsequent steps in FIG. 5). That is, according to the clothes dryer 2 of the present embodiment, even when the drying operation is performed again immediately after the last drying operation is completed, for example, The drying operation can be executed based on the set value. Thereby, irrespective of the situation of the drying operation, it is possible to appropriately suppress the damage of the clothes C in the drum 10.

In addition, in the present embodiment, in the closing correction process of Fig. 3, 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 do. Thus, in the clothes dryer 2 of the present embodiment, the clothes temperature and the exhaust temperature (that is, the clothes temperature off set value and the exhaust temperature off set value), which serve as a reference when the burner 30 is turned off, The clothes temperature and the exhaust temperature (that is, the clothes temperature ON setting value and the exhaust temperature ON setting value), which are the reference when turning on the clothes warmer 30, can also be corrected. As a result, it is possible to suppress excessive increase in the number of repetitions of the on-off of the burner 30, and to maintain the temperature in the drum 10 at a temperature suitable for drying the clothes C.

3, when the ejection temperature is 140 ° C or more and less than 160 ° C (YES in S50), the garment temperature off correction value and the garment temperature on correction value are both 10 (S52 ), The garment temperature on correction value 20 is larger than the garment temperature off correction value 15 when the ejection temperature is 160 DEG C or more and less than 180 DEG C (YES in S54). If the ejection temperature is not less than 180 DEG C and less than 200 DEG C (YES in S58), the garment temperature ON correction value 30 is larger than the garment temperature OFF correction value 20. [ That is, according to the clothes dryer 2 of the present embodiment, when the degree of closure of the lint filter 16 is relatively high, the clothes temperature on correction value is made larger than the clothing temperature off correction value (i.e., , It is possible to increase the temperature difference between the OFF set value and the ON set value). As a result, the average temperature of the garment 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 executes the exhaust temperature control process of Fig. 5 when the exhaust temperature reaches the exhaust 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 determines whether or not the garment temperature is equal to or higher than the garment temperature off setting value (S116) while the burner 30 is turned on (YES in S120), or when the exhaust temperature reaches the exhaust temperature OFF set value or more, the ON / OFF duty pattern is advanced by one step (S124). As a result, the off period after the next time becomes longer, and the on period becomes shorter. As a result, the lowering of the clothes temperature and the exhaust temperature during the off period is promoted, and the rise of the clothes temperature and the exhaust temperature during the warm period is suppressed. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the number of repetitions of on-off of the burner 30. Accordingly, it is possible to suppress the temperature in the drum 10 from being maintained at a temperature higher than the temperature suitable for drying, and to prevent the clothes C in the drum 10 from being damaged.

The correspondence between the description of this embodiment and the description of the claims will be explained. The clothing temperature and the exhaust temperature are examples of " relation temperature ". The garment temperature thermistor and the exhaust temperature thermistor are examples of " relation temperature detecting means ". The clothes temperature OFF set value and the exhaust temperature OFF set value are examples of " off boundary value ". The garment temperature ON set value and the exhaust temperature ON set value are examples of " ON boundary value ". The case of YES in S120 or S122 of Fig. 5 is an example of " specific case ".

The embodiments have been described in detail above, but these are merely illustrative and do not limit the claims. The techniques described in the claims include various modifications of the embodiments described above.

(Modification 1) In the above embodiment, in the case of YES in S120 or S122 of FIG. 5, the control device 70 advances the ON / OFF duty pattern by one step (S124). Instead of this, the control device 70 may skip S124 and proceed to S110 when the determination in S120 is YES (that is, the garment temperature reaches the garment temperature off set value or more) (that is, the on- It is not necessary to advance the pattern in one step). Conversely, if YES in S122 (i.e., when the exhaust temperature reaches the exhaust temperature OFF set value or more), the controller 70 may skip S124 and proceed to S110 (i.e., You do not have to go through one step).

(Variation Example 2) [0086] Further, when the garment temperature reaches the garment temperature off set value or more before the warm-up period elapses and the exhaust temperature reaches the exhaust temperature-off set value or more That is, YES in both S120 and S122 of FIG. 5), the 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 step, lengthens the OFF period, and shortens the ON period. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the control device 70 may be configured to make the off period longer and the on period shorter in S124. In this case, the sum of the off period and the on period may be shorter than a predetermined unit period (for example, 60 seconds).

(Variation 4) In the above-described embodiment, in addition to the clothing temperature off correction value and the exhaust temperature off correction value, the controller 70 controls the clothes temperature < RTI ID = 0.0 > The correction value and the exhaust temperature-on correction value are also set, and the respective set values are calculated using the respective correction values (S22 in Fig. 2, S86 in Fig. 4). The control device 70 sets only the clothing temperature off correction value and the exhaust temperature off correction value in S20 of FIG. 2, S52, S56, and S62 of FIG. 3, The setting of the exhaust temperature on correction value may be omitted. In this case, in S22 of Fig. 2 and S86 of Fig. 4, the controller 70 sets the initial value of the garment temperature ON and the initial value of the exhaust temperature ON as the garment temperature ON setting value and the exhaust temperature ON setting value (That is, calculation for subtracting the correction value may not be performed).

(Modification 5) In the above embodiment, the control device 70 executes the closing correction process of Fig. 3 after the start of the drying operation (S10 of Fig. 2), and sets each correction value in accordance with the ejection temperature. More specifically, each correction value is set to a value larger than 0 when the ejection temperature is in a range of 140 占 폚 or more. Instead of this, the control device 70 may set each correction value in accordance with the rising amount of the ejection temperature from the start point of the drying operation. In other words, the control device 70 may set each correction value in accordance with the rising degree (or rising speed) of the ejection temperature from the start point of the drying operation. Each correction value may be set to a value larger than 0 when the rising amount of the ejection temperature is in a range of a predetermined rising temperature boundary value (for example, 120 DEG C) or more. The control device 70 may calculate each set value on the basis of the set correction values at a time point when a predetermined period elapses after a predetermined period of time elapses. Then, the drying operation may be continued in accordance with each of the determined set values. Also in this modified example, the clothes dryer 2 can suppress the excessive increase of the clothes temperature or the exhaust temperature in accordance with circumstances such as the lint filter 16 being closed or the like.

The technical elements described in this specification or the drawings exert their technical usefulness solely or in combination with each other and are not limited to the combinations described in the claims at the time of filing. Further, the techniques illustrated in this specification or drawings can achieve a plurality of objectives at the same time, and achieving one of them is technically useful.

2: Clothes dryer 4:
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: Spout 40: Spout temperature thermistor
50: electrode 60: clothing temperature thermistor
70: Control device C: Clothing

Claims (4)

In a clothes dryer,
A relative temperature detecting means for detecting a temperature related to the drying of the clothes in the drum, and a control device for controlling the temperature of the laundry in the drum, Respectively,
The control device includes:
(a) after the drying operation is started by operating the burner and the fan, the burner is stopped when the relative temperature detected by the relative temperature detecting means exceeds a predetermined OFF threshold value,
(b) after the burner is stopped, the burner is kept stationary for a predetermined off period,
(c) after the lapse of the off period, when the temperature of the relation detected by the relation temperature detecting means falls below a predetermined ON boundary value lower than the off boundary value, the burner is operated again,
(d) after the burner is operated again, the operation of the burner is continued for a predetermined ON period,
(e) When the on period has elapsed without the relative temperature detected by the relative temperature detecting means exceeding the off boundary value, the burner is stopped and the process returns to the process (b)
(f) In a case where the relative temperature detected by the relation temperature detecting means during the on period of the burner operation is certain to exceed the off-threshold value, the burner is stopped before the on period, and the off period is set to be longer And returns to the process of (b). The method according to claim 1,
The control device returns to the process of (b) by changing the ON period so that the ON period is further shortened in a specific case. 3. The method according to claim 1 or 2,
The relationship temperature includes an exhaust temperature which is the temperature of the air after passing through the drum,
The relationship temperature detecting means includes an exhaust temperature sensor for detecting the exhaust temperature,
Off boundary value includes a predetermined off-off temperature boundary value that is a boundary value of the exhaust temperature,
On boundary value includes a predetermined warm exhaust temperature boundary value that is a boundary value of the exhaust temperature lower than the off-exhaust temperature boundary value. 3. The method according to claim 1 or 2,
The relationship temperature includes the garment temperature, which is the temperature of the garment in the drum,
The relationship temperature detecting means includes a clothing temperature sensor for detecting the clothing temperature,
Off boundary value includes a predetermined off clothing temperature boundary value that is a boundary value of the clothing temperature,
On boundary value comprises a predetermined on-garment temperature boundary value that is a boundary value of the clothing temperature lower than the off-garment temperature boundary value.

Images