Washing and drying machine

Abstract

A washing and drying machine (10) is provided with a cabinet (11), an outer tub (13) capable of storing water, an inner tub (12) built in the outer tub, and a blower fan (51) of a fan unit (18) that supplies air into the outer tub. A suction port is formed on one face of the fan unit, and a blower motor (52) that drives the blower fan is arranged on the other face. A spiral flow path, i.e., a spiral housing (55), is provided around the blower fan, a heater, i.e., a PTC heater (58), and an exhaust port (37) are provided downstream of the spiral flow path, and a substantially straight expansion flow path (57) is provided between the outlet of the spiral flow path and the heater. When the expansion length in the motor direction of the expansion flow path is set as A, the expansion length in the suction port direction is set as B, the expansion length in the outer peripheral direction is set as C, and the expansion length in the inner peripheral direction is set as D, the relationship "A>(C+D) / 2>B" is satisfied.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a washer-dryer. Background Technology

[0002] The drying process in a continuous washer-dryer involves the following steps: High-temperature air is generated using a fan and heat source and blown into the washing tub to raise the temperature of the clothes, causing moisture to evaporate. The moisture from the recirculated air is then removed by a dehumidifier. The washer-dryer promotes drying by repeatedly performing this series of processes or by exchanging the air inside and outside the machine.

[0003] As a washing and drying machine that continuously performs washing and drying, there is, for example, the washing and drying machine described in Patent Document 1. Patent Document 1 describes a washing and drying machine that has a rotating drum for storing clothes, a first motor (main motor) for driving the rotating drum, and a housing for supporting an outer groove in which the rotating drum is built, and performs drying operation. The characteristic feature is that a fan unit is provided, which includes: an impeller with multiple blades, a second motor (air supply motor) for driving the impeller, a fan housing and a fan cover for forming a vortex flow path, and a heater for heating the air discharged from the impeller. At least one air vane is provided in the flow path from the outlet of the vortex flow path to the inlet of the heater. The air vane is located downstream in the rotational direction from the center of the connecting impeller and the front end of the tongue of the outlet of the vortex flow path.

[0004] Typically, PTC (Positive Temperature Coefficient) heaters, known for their high safety, are used as heat sources in washer-dryers. Furthermore, to accommodate high-density component installation within the washer-dryer, PTC heaters are generally rectangular, meaning they are elongated cuboids extending roughly perpendicular to the airflow direction. While it is known that shortening the distance from the vortex flow path outlet to the heater inlet (widening the flow path distance) can compress the fan unit, increasing the number of heating elements to enhance heating capacity leads to a larger change in the cross-sectional area of ​​the widened flow path, potentially causing uneven airflow velocity distribution at the heater inlet.

[0005] Therefore, in the prior art described in Patent Document 1, by providing a wind vane in the expanded flow path from the outlet of the vortex flow path to the inlet of the heater, the flow of the expanded flow path with a short-distance deflection is homogenized to some extent, thereby increasing the heat generation.

[0006] Existing technical documents

[0007] Patent documents

[0008] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2014-64726 Summary of the Invention

[0009] The problem that the invention aims to solve

[0010] However, in the prior art described in Patent Document 1, if the wind vane is tilted about 10° or more relative to the mainstream, the airflow will be separated from the wind vane and the vortex flow path. Therefore, there is a limit to the uniformity of the wind speed distribution of the wind vane and the increase in the heat generated thereafter.

[0011] Furthermore, if the number of PTC heater elements is increased to increase heat generation, the PTC heater becomes an elongated rectangular shape, resulting in extremely poor airflow distribution. Consequently, the increase in heat generation due to the increased number of elements also has its limits. Therefore, it is desirable to increase the number of PTC elements and improve the uniformity of the airflow distribution into the heater, thereby improving the effect of shortening the drying operation time.

[0012] The present invention was made to solve the above-mentioned problems. Its main objective is to provide a washing and drying machine that can increase the heating capacity of the heater by improving the uniformity of the air velocity distribution flowing into the heater, and can shorten the drying operation time by increasing the heating capacity of the heater.

[0013] Solution for solving the problem

[0014] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention provides a washer-dryer comprising: a housing; an outer tank housed within the housing and capable of storing water; an inner tank housed within the outer tank and capable of rotating freely; a fan unit for supplying air to the outer tank; and a blower disposed on the fan unit. An air intake is formed on one side of the fan unit, and a blower motor for driving the blower is disposed on the other side of the fan unit. A vortex-shaped flow path is disposed around the blower. A heater and an exhaust port are disposed downstream of the vortex flow path. A generally straight enlarged flow path is disposed between the outlet of the vortex flow path and the heater. When the enlarged length of the enlarged flow path in the motor direction is defined as A, the enlarged length in the air intake direction as B, the enlarged length in the outer peripheral direction as C, and the enlarged length in the inner peripheral direction as D, the relationship "A > (C + D) / 2 > B" is satisfied.

[0015] Other options will be discussed later.

[0016] Invention Effects

[0017] According to the present invention, the heating capacity of the heater can be increased by improving the uniformity of the air velocity distribution flowing into the heater, and the drying operation time can be shortened by increasing the heating capacity of the heater. Attached Figure Description

[0018] Figure 1This is a side sectional view of the washer-dryer according to Embodiment 1.

[0019] Figure 2 This is a perspective view of the air intake side of the fan unit of the washer-dryer according to Embodiment 1.

[0020] Figure 3 This is a perspective view of the air supply motor side of the fan unit of the washer-dryer according to Embodiment 1.

[0021] Figure 4 This is an internal structural diagram of the fan unit of the washer-dryer according to Embodiment 1.

[0022] Figure 5 This is a front view of the PTC heater of the washer-dryer according to Embodiment 1.

[0023] Figure 6 This is an explanatory diagram showing the relationship between the enlarged flow path inlet cross section and the enlarged flow path outlet cross section of the washer-dryer of Embodiment 1.

[0024] Figure 7 This is an explanatory diagram showing the relationship between the enlarged flow path inlet cross section and the enlarged flow path outlet cross section of the washer-dryer in Embodiment 2. Detailed Implementation

[0025] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention (hereinafter referred to as "this embodiment") will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Furthermore, the drawings are merely schematic representations to provide a sufficient understanding of the present invention. Therefore, the present invention is not limited to the examples shown in the drawings. Additionally, in the drawings, common constituent elements and identical constituent elements are labeled with the same reference numerals, and repeated descriptions of them are omitted.

[0026] To balance improving the uniformity of the airflow velocity distribution into the heater and increasing the heating capacity of the heater, as described later, it is preferable to make the inlet and outlet shapes of the expanded flow path approximately square. This embodiment provides a washer-dryer in which the inlet and outlet shapes of the expanded flow path are approximately square. Regarding the approximate square shape, this can be achieved, for example, by configuring the washer-dryer as follows.

[0027] (1) The washer-dryer comprises: a housing; an outer tank housed in the housing and capable of storing water; an inner tank housed in the outer tank and capable of rotating freely; a fan unit for supplying air to the outer tank; and a blower provided in the fan unit. An air intake is formed on one side of the fan unit, and a blower motor for driving the blower is provided on the other side of the fan unit. A vortex-shaped vortex flow path is provided around the blower. A heater and an exhaust port are provided downstream of the vortex flow path. A generally straight enlarged flow path is provided between the outlet of the vortex flow path and the heater. When the enlarged length of the enlarged flow path in the motor direction is set as A, the enlarged length in the air intake direction is set as B, the enlarged length in the outer peripheral direction is set as C, and the enlarged length in the inner peripheral direction is set as D, the enlarged flow path satisfies the relationship "A>(C+D) / 2>B".

[0028] (2) In addition, the washer-dryer may be configured to include: a housing; an outer tank housed in the housing and capable of storing water; an inner tank housed in the outer tank and rotatable; a blower for supplying air to the outer tank; a blower motor for rotating and driving the blower; a PTC (Positive Temperature Coefficient) heater for heating the air supplied by the blower; and a circulating air path connecting the outer tank to the blower, wherein the PTC heater has 9 or more heating elements and the number of layers and columns of heating elements are the same.

[0029] (3) In addition, the washer-dryer can be configured to include: a housing; an outer tank housed in the housing and capable of storing water; an inner tank housed in the outer tank and rotatable; a fan unit for supplying air to the outer tank; and a blower provided in the fan unit. An air intake is formed on one side of the fan unit, and a blower motor for driving the blower is arranged on the other side of the fan unit. A vortex-shaped vortex flow path is provided around the blower. A heater and an exhaust port are provided downstream of the vortex flow path. A generally straight enlarged flow path is provided between the outlet of the vortex flow path and the heater. When the enlarged length of the enlarged flow path in the motor direction is set as A, the enlarged length in the air intake direction is set as B, the enlarged length in the outer peripheral direction is set as C, and the enlarged length in the inner peripheral direction is set as D, the enlarged flow path satisfies the relationship "C>(A+B) / 2>D".

[0030] (4) Furthermore, the washer-dryer is preferably configured to include: a housing; an outer tank housed in the housing and capable of storing water; an inner tank housed in the outer tank and capable of rotating freely; a fan unit for supplying air to the outer tank; and a blower provided on the fan unit, wherein an air intake is formed on one side of the fan unit, and a blower motor for driving the blower is arranged on the other side of the fan unit, a vortex-shaped vortex flow path is provided around the blower, a heater and an exhaust port are provided downstream of the vortex flow path, and a generally straight enlarged flow path is provided between the outlet of the vortex flow path and the heater, wherein when the enlarged length in the motor direction of the enlarged flow path is set as A, the enlarged length in the air intake direction is set as B, the enlarged length in the outer peripheral direction is set as C, and the enlarged length in the inner peripheral direction is set as D, A, B, C, and D are approximately the same.

[0031] These structures are described in the following implementation.

[0032] [Implementation Method 1]

[0033] <Overall Structure of the Washer and Dryer>

[0034] The following is for reference Figures 1 to 4 The overall structure of the washer-dryer 10 of Embodiment 1 will be described. Figure 1 This is a side sectional view of the washer-dryer 10 of Embodiment 1. Here, we will describe the case where the washer-dryer 10 of Embodiment 1 is a drum-type washer-dryer. Figure 2 This is a perspective view of the air intake 36 side of the fan unit 18 of the washer-dryer 10. Figure 3 This is a perspective view of the blower motor 52 of the fan unit 18 of the washer-dryer 10. Figure 4 This is a diagram showing the internal structure of the fan unit 18 of the washer-dryer 10.

[0035] like Figure 1 As shown, the washer-dryer 10 of this embodiment 1 has an inner tank 12, an outer tank 13, a main motor 14, a circulating air duct 16, a circulating pump 17, a fan unit 18, a warm air duct 19, a lint filter 24, and a water inlet 31 inside the housing 11.

[0036] The inner tub 12 is a cylindrical washing and spin-drying tub (rotating drum) built into the outer tub 13 and capable of rotation. Multiple through holes for water and ventilation are formed on the outer peripheral wall and bottom wall of the inner tub 12. A door 15 for loading and unloading clothes is provided on the front surface cover 11F of the cabinet 11. The inner tub 12 is inclined with the door 15 side becoming higher.

[0037] The outer groove 13 encloses the inner groove 12. The front surface of the outer groove 13 is open, and a main motor 14 for rotating the inner groove 12 is mounted on the back of the outer groove 13.

[0038] A fan unit 18 is provided at the upper part of the outer slot 13 to supply air into the outer slot 13. The fan unit 18 is connected to the volute 55 (see reference). Figure 4 An air intake 36 is formed on one side (see reference). Figure 2 On the other side, a blower motor 52 that drives the blower 51 is arranged (see reference). Figure 3 Fan unit 18 from intake port 36 (see reference) Figure 2 ) Intake moist air and expel it from exhaust port 37 (refer to) Figure 2 It blows out heated and pressurized air. The fan unit 18 is equipped with a blower motor 52 (see reference). Figure 3 The first fan housing 41 and the air intake 36 (see reference) Figure 2 The second fan housing 42.

[0039] like Figure 4 As shown, the fan unit 18 is equipped with a blower 51, a tongue 54, a vortex housing 55, an enlarged flow path 57, a PTC heater 58, and a heater cover 59.

[0040] The blower 51 passes through a hollow circular plate to connect with the blower motor 52 (see reference). Figure 3 The motor shaft 53 connected to it rotates around the center, and the air intake 36 (see reference) is provided in a manner that communicates with the center of the circular plate. Figure 2 The blower 51 draws in humid air and discharges it into the vortex housing 55 located on the outer periphery of the circular plate. The vortex housing 55 is a vortex-shaped space located around the circular plate of the blower 51, which functions as a flow path (vortex flow path) for air (humid air) to pass through.

[0041] Downstream of the vortex outer shell 55 (vortex flow path) is a PTC heater 58 for heating air (humid air) and a duct for directing air (humid air) to a warm air duct 19 (see reference). Figure 1 The exhaust port 37 is used for discharge. Additionally, a generally straight enlarged flow path 57 is provided between the outlet of the vortex housing 55 (vortex flow path) and the PTC heater 58. The enlarged flow path 57 is separated from the inner periphery of the vortex housing 55 (vortex flow path) by a tongue 54. The tongue 54 is a protrusion provided at the outlet of the vortex housing 55. The PTC heater 58 is configured to block the downstream end of the enlarged flow path 57 and is supported by a heater cover 59. The enlarged flow path 57 is configured such that the enlarged flow path outlet cross-section 62 is larger than the enlarged flow path inlet cross-section 61.

[0042] Inside the fan unit 18, a vortex housing 55 (vortex flow path) and an enlarged flow path 57 are provided as air supply paths for air (humid air). Air is supplied from the intake port 36 (see reference) by the blower 51. Figure 2The air (humid air) drawn into the fan unit 18 is pressurized by the blower 51 and delivered as humid air to the vortex housing 55 (vortex flow path), and reaches the PTC heater 58 through the vortex housing 55 and the enlarged flow path 57. Furthermore, the humid air flows through the PTC heater 58 (see reference 58). Figure 4 The heated air is then released from the exhaust vent 37 (see reference). Figure 2 It is discharged into the heating duct 19 and conveyed from the outlet 38 of the heating duct 19 to the inner tank 12.

[0043] Wet clothes are stored in the inner tank 12. The wet clothes are heated by warm air (blown air) supplied to the inner tank 12 from the outlet 38. At this time, the moisture contained in the clothes evaporates and is recycled as steam into the air in the outer tank 13. Thus, humid air is generated in the outer tank 13.

[0044] A circulating air passage 16 for circulating humid air and a circulating pump 17 for pressurizing the humid air are provided around the outer tank 13. A lint filter 24 for collecting lint is provided at the connection between the outer tank 13 and the circulating air passage 16. When humid air passes through the lint filter 24, the humid air is separated into air and lint generated from clothing. The lint is captured by the lint filter 24, and the humid air after passing through the lint filter 24 reaches the circulating air passage 16. The circulating air passage 16 is a flow path for dehumidifying the humid air containing moisture recovered from clothing and conveying it to the blower 51. A water inlet 31 is provided at the upper end of the circulating air passage 16. The washer-dryer 10 dehumidifies the humid air by circulating cooling water injected from the water inlet 31 inside the circulating air passage 16, cooling the walls of the circulating air passage 16.

[0045] In addition, the washer-dryer 10 has an internal drain hose 21, an external drain hose 22, a lint filter 23, and a drain valve 32 inside the housing 11.

[0046] The internal drain hose 21 is housed inside the outer tank 13, allowing the washing water used for washing clothes to flow towards the external drain hose 22. The external drain hose 22 discharges the washing water that has passed through the internal drain hose 21 to the outside. The lint filter 23 collects lint from the washing solution. The drain valve 32 selectively opens and closes to direct the washing water flow towards the external drain hose 22.

[0047] <Drying Operation Control>

[0048] The following is mainly based on Figure 1 The drying operation of the washer-dryer 10 is explained.

[0049] The air is pressurized and heated by the blower 51, and then heated by the PTC heater 58 (see reference). Figure 4) Heating. The heated air is blown out from the air outlet 38 of the warm air duct 19 toward the moisture-containing laundry stored inside the inner tub 12. Thereby, the temperature of the laundry rises. At this time, the moisture in the laundry evaporates driven by the absolute humidity difference between the moisture and the air. The air containing evaporated water (moist air) is cooled driven by the temperature difference between the air and the inner wall of the outer tub 13. At this time, the moisture contained in the air (moist air) condenses. Thereafter, the moist air passes through the lint filter 24 and reaches the circulation air path 16, and is further cooled and condensed by the cooling water flowing inside the circulation air path 16. Thereafter, the cooled and condensed air passes through an unillustrated lint filter and returns to the blower 51 again. The washer-dryer 10 promotes drying of the laundry by repeating such a cycle of heating, evaporating and condensing air, and recovers the moisture in the laundry into the cooling water inside the inner wall of the outer tub 13 and the circulation air path 16.

[0050] <Lint Recovery Control in Washing>

[0051] Through the drying operation, lint generated from the laundry adheres to the lint filter 24. The lint is cleaned in the subsequent washing process. In the washing process, when washing water is accumulated inside the outer tub 13, the lint filter 24 can be cleaned by water flow through rotating the inner tub 12. Thereafter, by driving the circulation pump 17, the washing liquid inside the outer tub 13 passes through the thread filter 23. At this time, the lint in the washing liquid is captured by the thread filter 23. And when the drain valve 32 is opened, the washing water is discharged to the outside of the machine.

[0052] <Structure of PTC Heater>

[0053] In the washer-dryer 10, a PTC heater 58 is used (see Figure 4 ) as a heating unit for moist air. The PTC heater 58 has the characteristic that the resistance of the heating element changes when the heating temperature rises. Since the heating temperature of such a PTC heater 58 has an upper limit, it has high safety and is suitable for use as a heating unit for a washer-dryer.

[0054] As Figure 5 shows, the PTC heater 58 has a plurality of heating elements 71 and a plurality of fins 72 disposed above and below each heating element 71. The main-view shape of each heating element 71 is substantially square. Moreover, the number of layers and the number of columns of the heating elements 71 of the PTC heater 58 are 3 layers and 3 columns. Therefore, in this embodiment, the main-view shape of the PTC heater 58 is substantially square, and the width W and the height T are approximately equal.

[0055] The PTC heater 58 generates heat by energizing the heating element 71 and efficiently exchanges heat with the air through the fins 72. The PTC heater 58 can increase the heat exchange (heating of the air) by increasing the airflow through the heating element 71 and fins 72. However, the heat exchange of the PTC heater 58 reaches saturation at a certain flow rate, and the heater's heat output becomes constant. In such a PTC heater 58, when the airflow velocity distribution on the front surface of the heater is uneven, the heating element 71 locally exposed to the high-speed warm airflow reaches its heating limit, while the heating element 71 locally exposed to the low-speed warm airflow cannot heat up sufficiently, resulting in a decrease in the overall heat output of the PTC heater 58. When the heat output of the PTC heater 58 decreases, the average temperature of the warm air passing through the PTC heater 58 decreases. When the warm air temperature decreases, the evaporation rate of moisture in the clothing slows down, and the drying time is prolonged. Therefore, to shorten the drying time, it is preferable to provide multiple heating elements 71 and to uniformly distribute the airflow velocity on the front surface of the PTC heater 58.

[0056] <Structure of the Fan Unit>

[0057] like Figures 2 to 4 As shown, the fan unit 18 has a blower 51 (see reference). Figure 4 ), the blower motor 52 that drives the blower 51 (refer to Figure 3 ), a first fan housing 41 and a second fan housing 42. In the second fan housing 42, at the intake port 36 (see reference 42) Figure 2 The entrance is provided with a flared opening 36a that widens outwards in a circular shape (see reference). Figure 2 The first fan housing 41 can be equipped with a blower motor 52 (see reference). Figure 3 ), blower motor 52 (refer to) Figure 3 Motor shaft 53 (refer to) Figure 4 ), blower 51 (refer to) Figure 4 ) and horn mouth 36a (refer to) Figure 2 They are assembled on the same axis.

[0058] like Figure 4As shown, a vortex-shaped vortex shell 55, which functions as a vortex flow path, is formed in the internal space formed by the first fan shell 41 and the second fan shell 42 on the outer periphery of the blower 51. The vortex shell 55 slows down the flow of air discharged from the blower 51 and converts it into static pressure. A tongue 54 is provided at the outlet of the vortex shell 55, and a PTC heater 58 is provided on the downstream side of the vortex shell 55. In addition, a generally straight widening flow path 57 is provided between the outlet of the vortex shell 55 and the PTC heater 58. At the outlet of the vortex shell 55, the air velocity on the outer periphery tends to increase due to the influence of the swirling component of the blower 51. It should be noted that the widening flow path 57 is provided from the end of the vortex-shaped portion in the vortex shell 55, and is configured such that the width of the flow path increases monotonically (straight-line) as it moves downstream.

[0059] <Structure of expanded flow path and heater>

[0060] To maximize the density of the fan unit 18 within the washer-dryer 10, the distance from the outlet of the vortex housing 55 (vortex flow path) to the enlarged flow path 57 on the front surface of the PTC heater 58 can be minimized. Furthermore, the PTC heater 58 has multiple heating elements 71 (see reference) to increase heat generation. Figure 5 The fan unit 18 incorporates the heating element 71 of the PTC heater 58 (see reference). Figure 5 When the number of PTC heaters is large, the shape of the expanded flow path 57 and the PTC heater 58 can easily lead to a situation where the cross-sectional area of ​​the flow path has to be drastically increased. Furthermore, this drastic increase in the flow path cross-section can easily cause airflow stripping at the wall of the expanded flow path 57. When airflow stripping occurs, the airflow does not expand along the expanded flow path 57, and therefore the airflow velocity distribution at the front surface of the PTC heater 58 easily becomes uneven. Consequently, in this case, heat exchange performance is easily reduced.

[0061] Therefore, in this embodiment, by means of... Figure 6 The flow path 57 and PTC heater 58 are configured as shown, even with the addition of heating element 71 (see reference) to the PTC heater 58. Figure 5 In the case of a certain number of airflows, it is also possible to reduce the stripping of airflow on the wall of the expanded flow path 57, and to make the airflow distribution on the front surface of the PTC heater 58 more uniform.

[0062] Figure 6 This is an explanatory diagram showing the relationship between the enlarged flow path inlet section 61 and the enlarged flow path outlet section 62 of the washer-dryer 10. The configuration relationship between the enlarged flow path inlet section 61 and the enlarged flow path outlet section 62 is called... Figure 4The relationship is shown. With the expanded flow path outlet section 62 as the reference, when the expanded length of the expanded flow path 57 in the motor direction is defined as A, the expanded length in the intake direction is defined as B, the expanded length in the outer peripheral direction is defined as C, and the expanded length in the inner peripheral direction is defined as D, the expanded flow path 57 can be configured to satisfy the relationship "A>(C+D) / 2>B".

[0063] In addition, the expanded flow path 57 can be configured to satisfy the relationship "C>(A+B) / 2>D".

[0064] Furthermore, the expanded flow path 57 can be configured to satisfy the relationship “(A+B)>(C+D)”.

[0065] exist Figure 6 In the example shown, there are nine heating elements. The washer-dryer 10 increases the heat output of the PTC heater 58 by incorporating multiple heating elements 71. Furthermore, in Figure 6 In the example shown, the heating element 71 of the PTC heater 58 has 3 layers and 3 columns, and the heating element 71 of the PTC heater 58 has the same number of layers and columns.

[0066] Furthermore, the aspect ratio of the PTC heater 58 can be configured to be in the range of 0.8 to 1.2. The aspect ratio is the ratio of height to width when the height [mm], width [mm], and depth [mm] are set.

[0067] exist Figure 6 In the example shown, the PTC heater 58 has 3 layers and 3 columns of heating elements 71. Therefore, the PTC heater 58 has an aspect ratio close to 1, making it approximately square. This allows the washer-dryer 10 to easily uniformly distribute the airflow in front of the heater, increasing the heating capacity. Furthermore, the washer-dryer 10 can select operating modes: low (3 elements), medium (6 elements), and high (9 elements). Therefore, the washer-dryer 10 can appropriately switch temperatures according to the drying progress, preventing excessive temperature rise of the clothes and promoting drying. Thus, the washer-dryer 10 not only suppresses fabric damage but also eliminates the need for cooling operation when excessive temperature rise is not required, thereby achieving reduced time and energy savings.

[0068] In this embodiment, the washer-dryer 10 places the lint filter 24 (drying filter) between the outer tank 13 and the circulating air path 16. This type of washer-dryer 10 eliminates the need to place the lint filter 24 near the blower 51, thus allowing for a larger fan unit 18. Furthermore, the washer-dryer 10 alleviates the constraints of the PTC heater 58 and the enlarged flow path 57, making it easier to uniformly distribute the airflow across the front surface of the heater.

[0069] <Main Features of Washer Dryers>

[0070] The washer-dryer 10 of this embodiment has the following features.

[0071] (1) The washer-dryer 10 of this embodiment includes: a housing 11; an outer tank 13 housed in the housing 11 and capable of storing water; an inner tank 12 built into the outer tank 13 and rotatable; a fan unit 18 for supplying air to the outer tank 13; and a blower 51 provided in the fan unit 18. An air intake 36 is formed on one side of the fan unit 18, and a blower motor 52 for driving the blower 51 is arranged on the other side of the fan unit 18. A vortex-shaped vortex flow path (vortex housing 55) is provided around the blower 51. A heater (PTC heater 58) and an exhaust port 37 are provided downstream of the vortex flow path (vortex housing 55). A generally straight enlarged flow path 57 is provided between the outlet of the vortex flow path (vortex housing 55) and the heater. Figure 6 As shown, when the length of the expanded flow path 57 in the motor direction is set as A, the length of the expanded flow path in the intake direction is set as B, the length of the expanded flow path in the outer peripheral direction is set as C, and the length of the expanded flow path in the inner peripheral direction is set as D, the expanded flow path 57 can be configured to satisfy the relationship "A>(C+D) / 2>B".

[0072] In this embodiment, the washer-dryer 10 is configured such that the expanded flow path 57 is in a "A > B" relationship, thus expanding the expanded flow path 57 axially toward the blower motor 52. Therefore, compared to expanding the expanded flow path 57 toward the intake port 36, the height of the fan unit 18 can be suppressed and it can be installed compactly. That is, even if the number of heating elements of the heater is increased to increase the heat output of the heater, it is difficult to deteriorate the installation performance. Moreover, by configuring the expanded flow path 57 in this embodiment to satisfy the "A > (C + D) / 2 > B" relationship, the flow path is appropriately expanded in both the fan axial and fan radial directions, thus making it difficult for peeling at the air passage wall to occur, the air velocity distribution at the front surface of the heater is uniform, and the heat output per unit number of heating elements of the heater is increased, thereby shortening the drying time of clothes.

[0073] (2) The heater of the washing and drying machine 10 in this embodiment can be a PTC heater 58.

[0074] By setting the heater to a PTC heater 58, the washer-dryer 10 of this embodiment can suppress the temperature rise around the heater section caused by the increase in the heating amount of the heater, thus achieving both improved safety during drying operation and shorter drying time.

[0075] (3) The heater of the washing and drying machine 10 of this embodiment has a plurality of heating elements 71, and the number of rows and layers of heating elements 71 can be approximately the same.

[0076] Furthermore, the washer-dryer 10 of this embodiment includes: a housing 11; an outer tank 13 housed in the housing 11 and capable of storing water; an inner tank 12 built into the outer tank 13 and rotatable; a blower 51 that supplies air to the outer tank 13; a blower motor 52 that drives the blower 51 to rotate; a PTC heater that heats the air supplied by the blower 51; and a circulating air path connecting the outer tank 13 and the blower 51. The PTC heater has nine or more heating elements, and the number of layers and rows of heating elements 71 can be the same.

[0077] Typically, a PTC heater is a structure composed of multiple heating elements 71, with the height and width of each heating element 71 being approximately square. Therefore, by making the number of layers and columns of the heater the same, the washer-dryer 10 of this embodiment can make the overall aspect ratio (height to width ratio) of the heater close to 1. This can suppress the rapid expansion in one direction in the enlarged flow path 57, and even when the number of heating elements in the heater is increased, it is easy to make the air velocity distribution uniform, thereby increasing the heating capacity of the heater.

[0078] (4) The enlarged flow path 57 of the washing and drying machine 10 in this embodiment can satisfy the relationship “C>(A+B) / 2>D”.

[0079] Furthermore, the washer-dryer 10 of this embodiment includes: a housing 11; an outer tank 13 housed in the housing 11 and capable of storing water; an inner tank 12 built into the outer tank 13 and rotatable; a fan unit 18 supplying air to the outer tank 13; and a blower 51 provided on the fan unit 18. An air intake 36 is formed on one side of the fan unit 18, and a blower motor 52 driving the blower 51 is disposed on the other side of the fan unit 18. A vortex-shaped vortex flow path (vortex housing 55) is provided around the blower 51. A heater and an exhaust port 37 are provided downstream of the vortex flow path (vortex housing 55), and a generally straight enlarging flow path 57 is provided between the outlet of the vortex flow path (vortex housing 55) and the heater. Figure 6 As shown, when the length of the expanded flow path 57 in the motor direction is set as A, the length of the expanded flow path in the intake direction is set as B, the length of the expanded flow path in the outer peripheral direction is set as C, and the length of the expanded flow path in the inner peripheral direction is set as D, the expanded flow path 57 can be configured to satisfy the relationship "C>(A+B) / 2>D".

[0080] Typically, it is known that at the outlet of the outer casing, i.e., the inlet of the expanded flow path 57, the wind speed in the outer peripheral direction of the casing tends to increase due to the influence of the fan's swirling component. Therefore, the wind speed on the outer peripheral side is faster than that on the inner peripheral side of the expanded flow path inlet. Thus, in this embodiment, the washer-dryer 10 is configured such that the expanded flow path 57 has a "C > D" relationship, making it difficult for peeling to occur at the airflow path wall and enabling uniform wind speed distribution at the front surface of the heater. Furthermore, by configuring the expanded flow path 57 in a manner that satisfies the relationship "C > (A + B) / 2 > D", the washer-dryer 10 of this embodiment appropriately expands the flow path in both the fan axial and radial directions, making it difficult for peeling to occur at the airflow path wall, uniformizing the wind speed distribution at the front surface of the heater, and increasing the heat output per unit number of heating elements in the heater, thereby shortening the drying time of clothes.

[0081] (5) The washing and drying machine 10 of this embodiment can be configured to expand the flow path 57 to satisfy the relationship of "(A+B)>(C+D)".

[0082] Typically, it is known that at the outlet of the outer casing, i.e., the inlet of the expanded flow path 57, the wind speed in the outer peripheral direction of the outer casing is high due to the influence of the fan's cyclonic component, which easily leads to deviation. Therefore, the washer-dryer 10 of this embodiment expands the flow path 57 in such a way that the axial expansion length (A+B) is larger than the radial expansion length (C+D) of the fan, thereby increasing the airflow expansion rate in the direction with less wind speed deviation. This results in a more uniform wind speed distribution, increases the heat output per unit number of heating elements in the heater, and thus shortens the drying time of clothes.

[0083] (6) The aspect ratio of the PTC heater of the washer-dryer 10 in this embodiment can be in the range of 0.8 to 1.2.

[0084] By setting the aspect ratio of the heater to 0.8 to 1.2, the washer-dryer 10 of this embodiment can expand the vortex flow path (vortex housing 55) not only in the width direction of the heater but also in the height direction. Therefore, the airflow is difficult to separate from the vortex flow path (vortex housing 55), the air velocity distribution is uniform, and the heat generation of the heater is increased. As a result, the washer-dryer 10 of this embodiment can dry clothes more efficiently than the prior art described in Patent Document 1, and thus can shorten the operating time compared to the prior art.

[0085] (7) The heater input should be able to switch to at least 3 stages.

[0086] like Figure 5As shown, by arranging the PTC heater structure, for example, in a 3-layer, 3-row, approximately square shape with an aspect ratio close to 1, the washer-dryer 10 of this embodiment can easily achieve uniform airflow distribution on the front surface of the heater, thereby increasing the heating capacity. Furthermore, the operating mode can be selected as weak (3 elements), medium (6 elements), or strong (9 elements). Therefore, appropriate temperature switching can be performed according to the drying progress, allowing clothes to dry while preventing excessive temperature rise. This not only suppresses fabric damage but also eliminates the need for cooling when the temperature rises excessively, thereby achieving reduced drying time and energy savings.

[0087] (8) The washing and drying machine 10 of this embodiment may be equipped with a lint filter (not shown) for capturing lint in the outer tank 13.

[0088] Typically, lint filters are located near the blower 51, but in this embodiment, the washer-dryer 10 places the lint filter (not shown) inside the outer tank 13, thus alleviating the constraints on the placement of the fan unit 18. That is, by placing the lint filter (not shown) inside the outer tank 13, the washer-dryer 10 of this embodiment can expand the space for the heater and fan, thereby increasing the number of heating elements in the heater and ensuring a longer flow path 57, increasing the heat output of the heater and shortening the drying time of the clothes.

[0089] In addition, during the drying operation, the washer-dryer 10 uses a PTC heater 58 (see reference). Figure 4 The heating capacity (enhanced heating ability) of the washer-dryer 10 increases the absolute humidity difference between the air (humid air) and the inner wall of the outer tank 13, which drives the condensation of moisture contained in the air (humid air), and also increases the absolute humidity difference between the moisture in the clothes and the air blown out of the outlet 38. That is, the washer-dryer 10 increases the absolute humidity difference by adding a PTC heater 58 (see reference 13). Figure 4 The increased heating capacity of the PTC heater 58 can improve the evaporation performance of moisture from clothing and the condensation performance of moisture from humid air. Therefore, increasing the heating capacity of the PTC heater 58 (refer to...) Figure 4 Increasing the heating capacity (enhancing heating ability) is very effective in shortening the drying time. However, increasing the PTC heater 58 (refer to...) Figure 4 The increased heating capacity (enhanced heating ability) of the PTC heater 58, due to the rising temperature of the warm air (blown air) supplied from the outlet 38 to the inner tank 12, can cause the clothes to become hot, potentially increasing damage. Furthermore, structural components such as the outlet 38 of the warm air duct 19 can also become hot. Therefore, in the latter half of the drying operation, the washer-dryer 10 reduces the temperature of the PTC heater 58 (see reference...) Figure 4 The heating capacity of the PTC heater 58 can be reduced, or the PTC heater can be stopped (see reference 58). Figure 4The cooling operation of the blower 51 can be implemented. As a result, the washer-dryer 10 can prevent clothes and structural components from being overheated.

[0090] As described above, the washing and drying machine 10 according to Embodiment 1 can increase the heating capacity of the heater by improving the uniformity of the air velocity distribution flowing into the heater, and shorten the drying operation time by increasing the heating capacity of the heater.

[0091] [Implementation Method 2]

[0092] The following is for reference Figure 7 The structure of the washer-dryer 10A of Embodiment 2 will be described. Figure 7 This is a diagram showing the structure of the washer-dryer 10A of Embodiment 2.

[0093] like Figure 7 As shown, the washer-dryer 10A of Embodiment 2 is different from the washer-dryer 10 of Embodiment 1 (see reference). Figure 6 Compared to the previous version, the difference lies in the presence of a fan unit 18A instead of a fan unit 18. When the extended length of the extended flow path 57 in the motor direction is set as A, the extended length in the intake direction is set as B, the extended length in the outer peripheral direction is set as C, and the extended length in the inner peripheral direction is set as D, the fan unit 18A becomes a structure where A, B, C, and D are approximately the same (±5 [mm]).

[0094] With a uniform airflow distribution at the outer casing outlet (i.e., the inlet of the expanded flow path 57), uniformly expanding the airflow path in four directions makes it easier to uniformly distribute the airflow on the front surface of the heater. Therefore, the washer-dryer 10A of this embodiment 2, by making A, B, C, and D approximately the same and appropriately expanding the flow path in both the axial and radial directions of the fan, makes it difficult for peeling to occur at the airflow path wall, uniformizes the airflow distribution at the front surface of the heater, and increases the heat output per unit number of heating elements in the heater, thereby shortening the drying time of clothes.

[0095] To supplement this structure, the washer-dryer 10 of Embodiment 1 described above (refer to...) Figure 6 The A, B, C, and D of the first embodiment are different. In contrast, the A, B, C, and D of the washer-dryer 10A of this embodiment 2 are approximately the same. With the airflow distribution at the outer casing outlet (i.e., the inlet of the expanded flow path 57) being uniform, the washer-dryer 10A of this embodiment 2 expands uniformly in all four directions, thus easily achieving uniform airflow distribution at the heater inlet (i.e., the outlet of the expanded flow path 57). Therefore, by uniformizing the airflow distribution on the front surface of the heater, the washer-dryer 10A of this embodiment 2 increases the heat output per unit number of heating elements in the heater, thereby shortening the drying time for clothes.

[0096] As described above, the washing and drying machine 10A according to Embodiment 2, similar to the washing and drying machine 10 of Embodiment 1, can increase the heating capacity of the heater by improving the uniformity of the air velocity distribution flowing into the heater, and shorten the drying operation time by increasing the heating capacity of the heater.

[0097] Furthermore, according to the washing and drying machine 10A of Embodiment 2, compared with the washing and drying machine 10 of Embodiment 1, the wind speed distribution on the front surface of the heater is further made more uniform, and the heat output per unit number of heating elements of the heater is increased, thereby shortening the drying time of clothes.

[0098] This invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and includes various modifications. For example, the embodiments described above are detailed for the purpose of easily understanding and illustrating the invention, and are not limited to having all the structures described. Furthermore, a portion of the structure of the embodiments can be replaced with other structures, and other structures can be added to the structure of the embodiments. Additionally, for a portion of each structure, other structures can be added, deleted, or replaced.

[0099] Furthermore, in the above embodiments, a washing and drying machine with a selection function was described as an example, but the present invention can also be applied to a dryer without a selection function.

[0100] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the heating element 71 was described as having a 4-row, 4-layer structure. However, the heating element 71 can also be configured as having a 4-row, 4-layer structure, as long as the heating amount (heat output) of the heating element 71 does not exceed the wattage of the electricity used in a household.

[0101] Symbol Explanation

[0102] 10, 10A—Washer and dryer; 11—Cabinet; 11F—Front cover; 12—Inner tub (rotating drum); 13—Outer tub; 14—Main motor; 15—Door; 16—Circulating air duct; 17—Circulating pump; 18, 18A—Fan unit; 19—Heat air duct; 21—Internal drain hose; 22—External drain hose; 23—Lin filter; 24—Lin filter; 31—Water inlet; 32—Drain valve; 36—Air intake; 36a —Flame opening, 37—Exhaust port, 38—Blowout outlet, 41—First fan housing, 42—Second fan housing, 51—Blower, 52—Blower motor, 53—Motor shaft, 54—Tongue, 55—Vortex housing (vortex flow path), 57—Enlarged flow path, 58—PTC heater (heater), 59—Heater cover, 61, 61a—Enlarged flow path inlet section, 62—Enlarged flow path outlet section, 71—Heating element, 72—Fin.

Claims

1. A washing and drying machine, characterized in that, have: Box; An outer tank housed within the aforementioned container and capable of storing water; An inner groove that is built into the aforementioned outer groove and can rotate freely; A fan unit that supplies air to the aforementioned outer trough; and The blower is installed in the aforementioned fan unit. An air intake is formed on one side of the aforementioned fan unit. A blower motor that drives the blower is located on the other side of the aforementioned fan unit. A vortex-shaped flow path is arranged around the aforementioned blower. A heater and an exhaust port are provided downstream of the aforementioned vortex flow path. An enlarged flow path, roughly straight, is provided between the outlet of the aforementioned vortex flow path and the aforementioned heater. When the length of the expanded flow path in the motor direction is set as A, the length of the expanded flow path in the intake direction is set as B, the length of the expanded flow path in the outer peripheral direction is set as C, and the length of the expanded flow path in the inner peripheral direction is set as D, the expanded flow path satisfies the relationship "A>(C+D) / 2>B".

2. The washer and dryer according to claim 1, characterized in that, The heater described above is a PTC heater.

3. The washer and dryer according to claim 2, characterized in that, The heater described above has multiple heating elements, and the number of rows and layers of the heating elements are approximately the same.

4. The washer and dryer according to claim 1, characterized in that, The expanded flow path described above satisfies the relationship "C > (A+B) / 2 > D".

5. The washer and dryer according to claim 1, characterized in that, The above-mentioned expanded flow path satisfies the relationship "(A+B) > (C+D)".

6. The washing and drying machine according to claim 2, characterized in that, The aspect ratio of the above-mentioned PTC heater is in the range of 0.8 to 1.

2.

7. The washer and dryer according to claim 1, characterized in that, The input to the aforementioned heater can be switched to at least three stages.

8. The washer and dryer according to claim 1, characterized in that, A lint filter for capturing lint is installed inside the aforementioned outer tank.

9. A washing and drying machine, characterized in that, have: Box; An outer tank housed within the aforementioned container and capable of storing water; An inner groove that is built into the aforementioned outer groove and can rotate freely; A fan unit that supplies air to the aforementioned outer trough; and The blower is installed in the aforementioned fan unit. An air intake is formed on one side of the aforementioned fan unit. A blower motor that drives the blower is located on the other side of the aforementioned fan unit. A vortex-shaped flow path is arranged around the aforementioned blower. A heater and an exhaust port are provided downstream of the aforementioned vortex flow path. An enlarged flow path, roughly straight, is provided between the outlet of the aforementioned vortex flow path and the aforementioned heater. When the length of the expanded flow path in the motor direction is set as A, the length of the expanded flow path in the intake direction is set as B, the length of the expanded flow path in the outer peripheral direction is set as C, and the length of the expanded flow path in the inner peripheral direction is set as D, the expanded flow path satisfies the relationship "C>(A+B) / 2>D".

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