Washing and drying machine

Abstract

The present invention provides a washing and drying machine capable of properly drying clothes. The washing and drying machine (100) comprises: an inner tank (140) for accommodating clothes; an outer tank (130) enclosing the inner tank (140); a heat pump, which uses an evaporator for allowing a decompressed refrigerant to absorb ambient heat to dehumidify air, uses a compressor to compress the refrigerant, uses a condenser for dissipating the heat of the compressed refrigerant to heat the air, and uses an expansion mechanism to reduce the pressure of the refrigerant; and a spray port (340) for spraying the air heated by the heat pump into the inner tank (140), the spray port (340) being arranged on the front side of the outer tank (130), and the opening area of ​​the spray port (340) being 1500mm 2 Above and 3000mm 2 Within the following range, the product of the mass air volume and the wind speed ejected from the above-mentioned ejection port (340), that is, the blowing force, is set to be greater than 0.8N.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to a washing and drying machine. Background Art

[0002] As background art in this technical field, the following Patent Documents 1 to 6 describe techniques related to washing and drying machines.

[0003] Prior art literature

[0004] Patent Literature

[0005] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent No. 5205492

[0006] Patent Document 2: Japanese Patent No. 6923620

[0007] Patent Document 3: Japanese Patent No. 5119350

[0008] Patent Document 4: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2005-224491

[0009] Patent Document 5: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2018-7938

[0010] Patent Document 6: Japanese Patent No. 5887487 Summary of the invention

[0011] Issues that the invention needs to solve

[0012] However, in the above-mentioned technology, it is desired to further appropriately dry the laundry.

[0013] The present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to provide a washing and drying machine capable of appropriately drying clothes.

[0014] Solutions to Solve Problems

[0015] In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, the washing and drying machine of the present invention is characterized in that it comprises: an inner tank for accommodating clothes; an outer tank for enclosing the inner tank; a heat pump for compressing refrigerant by a compressor, dehumidifying air by an evaporator for allowing the decompressed refrigerant to absorb surrounding heat, compressing refrigerant by a compressor, heating air by a condenser for releasing the heat of the compressed refrigerant, and decompressing the pressure of the refrigerant by an expansion mechanism; and a spray port for spraying the air heated by the heat pump into the inner tank, the spray port being arranged on the front side of the outer tank, and the opening area of ​​the spray port being 1500 [mm 2 ] and above and 3000[mm 2 ] or less, the product of the mass air volume and wind speed ejected from the above-mentioned nozzle, that is, the blowing force, is set to be greater than 0.8 [N].

[0016] The effects of the invention are as follows.

[0017] According to the present invention, laundry can be dried appropriately.

[0018] Other problems, structures, and effects than those described above will become apparent from the following description of the embodiments. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0019] Figure 1 It is a perspective view of the washing and drying machine of the first embodiment.

[0020] Figure 2 is a schematic central cross-sectional view of a washing and drying machine.

[0021] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the drainage path.

[0022] Figure 4 It is an exploded perspective view of a washing and drying machine.

[0023] Figure 5 It is another exploded perspective view of the washing and drying machine.

[0024] Figure 6 It is a three-dimensional diagram of a drying device.

[0025] Figure 7 It is a top view of the drying device.

[0026] Figure 8 This is a perspective view of the drying device with the upper casing removed.

[0027] Fig. 9 It is a three-dimensional diagram of the blower.

[0028] Fig.10 It is a partially cut-away rear view of a washing and drying machine.

[0029] Fig.11 yes Fig.10 Magnified image of the upper part.

[0030] Fig.12 It is a perspective view of the main parts of the washing and drying machine.

[0031] Fig.13 is the rear view of the tank cover.

[0032] Fig.14 This is an enlarged view of the main part of the tank cover.

[0033] Fig.15 yes Fig.14 Sectional view taken along line XV-XV.

[0034] Fig.16It is a perspective view of the water supply unit.

[0035] Fig.17 It is an explanatory diagram of the evaluation value of the drying completion degree.

[0036] Fig.18 This is a diagram showing an example of the relationship between the blowing force and the evaluation value of the drying completion degree.

[0037] Fig.19 It is a diagram showing the simulation results of the required input power characteristics of the blower.

[0038] Fig. 20 It is a diagram showing the calculation result of the relative required input power characteristics of the blower.

[0039] Fig.21 This is a diagram showing the relationship between the opening area, the volumetric air volume, and the average wind speed at the nozzle in the present embodiment as forward blowing.

[0040] Fig. 22 This is a diagram showing the relationship between the opening area, the volumetric air volume, and the average wind speed at the air outlet in a modified example of after-blowing.

[0041] Fig.23 This is an illustration of the air volume measurement method.

[0042] Fig.24 This is a diagram of the washing and drying machine according to the second embodiment of the present invention as seen from the side, with the side panels and the back panel removed.

[0043] Fig.25 Observed from behind Fig.24 The figure of the washing and drying machine is a figure with the back panel and side panels removed.

[0044] Fig.26 It is shown Fig.24 A cross-sectional view of the interior of an outer tank of a washing and drying machine.

[0045] Fig. 27 Observed from the rear (back side) Fig.24 The figure of the washing and drying machine is a figure with the top panel, side panels and back panel removed.

[0046] Fig.28 Viewed from the right side Fig.24 A partial enlarged view of the upper part of the washing and drying machine.

[0047] Fig.29 This is a perspective view showing the appearance of a heat pump unit according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0048] Fig.30This is the view from above with the blower removed. Fig.29 Diagram of a heat pump unit shown.

[0049] Fig.31 It's perspective Fig.30 A diagram of the interior of a heat pump unit is shown.

[0050] Fig.32 is from Fig.29 The heat pump unit shown is a perspective view with the upper housing removed.

[0051] Fig.33 It is shown Fig.30 Cross-sectional view of section XX.

[0052] Fig.34 It is shown in an enlarged manner Fig.33 An enlarged view of part XI.

[0053] Fig.35 It is shown Fig.30 A sectional view of section XII-XII.

[0054] Fig.36 It is a schematic diagram showing the flow of dry air flowing through the heat pump unit.

[0055] Fig.37 This is a plan view of a heat exchanger cleaning unit according to an embodiment of the present invention as viewed from below.

[0056] Fig.38 It is shown in an enlarged manner Fig.35 An enlarged view of part XI.

[0057] Fig.39 yes Fig.34 An enlarged cross-sectional view of the water receiving portion of a heat exchanger cleaning unit.

[0058] Fig.40 It is a perspective view showing the appearance of a washing and drying machine according to a third embodiment.

[0059] Fig.41 It is a schematic cross-sectional view of the right side showing the internal structure of the washing and drying machine.

[0060] Fig.42 This is a perspective view schematically showing the device configuration of a heat pump unit of a washing and drying machine.

[0061] Fig.43 It is a rear view showing the arrangement of the components in the cabinet of the washing and drying machine.

[0062] Fig.44 It is a three-dimensional diagram of the equipment inside the cabinet of the washing and drying machine.

[0063] Fig.45It is a longitudinal sectional view of the air flow path portion in the heat pump unit of the washing and drying machine.

[0064] Fig.46 This is a diagram showing the interior of a heat pump unit of a washing and drying machine by partially cutting away the casing.

[0065] Fig.47 It is an exploded perspective view of the storage housing of the washing and drying machine.

[0066] Fig.48 It is a plan view of a base plate housed in a housing case of a washing and drying machine.

[0067] Fig.49 This is a conceptual diagram showing the arrangement of the components of the washing and drying machine in a cabinet.

[0068] Fig.50 It is a perspective view showing the appearance of a washing and drying machine according to a fourth embodiment.

[0069] Fig.51 It is a schematic cross-sectional view of the right side showing the internal structure of the washing and drying machine.

[0070] Fig.52 This is a perspective view schematically showing the device configuration of a heat pump unit of a washing and drying machine.

[0071] Fig.53 It is a longitudinal sectional view of the air flow path portion of the heat pump unit of the washing and drying machine.

[0072] Fig.54 It is a rear view showing the arrangement of the components in the cabinet of the washing and drying machine.

[0073] Fig.55 It is a three-dimensional diagram of the components in the cabinet of the washing and drying machine.

[0074] Fig.56 This is a system diagram of the drainage path of a washing and drying machine.

[0075] Fig.57 It is an exploded perspective view of the washing tank part of the washing and drying machine.

[0076] Fig.58 It is a perspective view of the washing liquid container and its surroundings of the washing and drying machine.

[0077] Fig.59 is a block diagram showing the electrical connections of a control system of a washing and drying machine.

[0078] Fig.60 This is a flowchart illustrating the processing executed by the air supply control unit of the washing and drying machine.

[0079] Fig.61This is a line diagram for explaining the processing executed by the air supply control unit of the washing and drying machine.

[0080] Fig.62 It is a line graph explaining the effect of the washing and drying machine.

[0081] Explanation of symbols

[0082] 100—washing and drying machine, 130—outer tank, 140—rotating drum (inner tank), 220—heat pump unit (heat pump), 231—compressor, 232—heater (condenser), 233—dehumidifier (evaporator), 235—expansion valve (expansion mechanism), 340—spout, 1002—outer tank, 1003—inner tank, 1006—air circulation flow path (air circulation duct), 200—drying device, 1007—air blower, 1010—heat pump unit, 1011—evaporator (dehumidifier), 1011a—cleaning surface of dehumidifier, 1013—condenser (heater), 1041—cleaning nozzle, 1041a—spherical portion (spherical surface), 10 41b—spray outlet, 1041b1, 1041b2—opening edges of the spray outlet, 1041b3, 1041b4—side surfaces of the spray outlet in the length direction D1, 1041c—ribs, 1100—washing and drying machine, 2001—housing, 2002—air supply fan (air supply fan, drying / heating device), 2020—outer tank (washing tank), 2029—rotating drum (inner tank, washing tank), 2100—washing and drying machine, 2300—heat pump unit (drying / heating device), 2301—condenser (heater), 2302—evaporator (dehumidifier), 2307—compressor, 2311—spray flow path, 2312—return flow path, 24 01—washing treatment liquid container, 2501—storage shell, 2522—exhaust port, 2542—drive circuit and heat sink (circuit) for driving the compressor, 2544—motor drive circuit and heat sink (circuit), 3002—air blower, 3020—outer tank, 3029—rotating drum (inner tank), 3041—washing tank, 3100—washing and drying machine, 3205—drain hose (drainage path), 3211—discharge path, 3213—return elbow, 3221—drain pump (pump), 3222—dew water hose (dew water flow path), 3300—heat pump unit (drying / heating device), 3311—spray flow path, 3312—return flow path, 3402—primary filter (filter), 3403—secondary filter (filter), 3411—pressure release flow path, 3431—secondary filter cleaning parts (filter cleaning device), 3432—four-way valve (filter cleaning device), 3434—cleaning control unit, 3551—water level sensor (sensor), 3552—air supply control unit, 3701—connecting part, 3702—position (connecting part), A—opening area, F—blowing force, v—average wind speed (wind speed), ρ—air density, Qv—volumetric air volume, A1—opening angle of the nozzle, A2—inclination angle of the cleaning water, D1—length direction, D2—direction perpendicular to the length direction D1. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0083] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described using a plurality of examples.

[0084] <First embodiment>

[0085] [Overview of the First Embodiment]

[0086] There are the following expectations for a washing and drying machine.

[0087] (Expectation #1) Good drying completion (less wrinkles on clothes)

[0088] (Expectation #2) Shorter drying time

[0089] (Expectation #3) Lower power consumption

[0090] When the technology of Patent Document 1 is applied, a heater type is used as the drying method, and it is considered that the flow rate of the clothes directly blown from the front of the tank is 1.5 [m 3 / min] or more, and a high-speed wind of 60 [m / s] or more and 130 [m / s] or less. This stretches the wrinkles of the clothes, and it is believed that the above-mentioned expectation #1 (completion) can be met to a certain extent. In addition, by applying the technology of Patent Document 2 and adopting a heat pump method as a drying method, it is believed that expectation #3 (energy saving) can also be met to a certain extent.

[0091] Furthermore, by applying the technology of Patent Document 3, it is believed that expectations #1, #2, and #3 can be satisfied simultaneously to a certain extent. That is, regarding expectation #3 (energy saving), by adopting a heat pump method with higher thermal efficiency than a heater type as a drying method, power consumption can be reduced. Furthermore, regarding expectation #2 (shortening the time), by blowing high-speed air to clothes in order to stretch the wrinkles of the clothes, it is possible to promote the evaporation of water from the clothes, thereby shortening the drying time. Furthermore, by adopting a heat pump method with higher efficiency, it is possible to distribute suppressible current to the air supply motor. Thus, even low-temperature warm air can flow in a large amount of air, and it is possible to achieve short-term drying while suppressing the shrinkage of the clothes. Thus, a degree of completion with fewer wrinkles and shrinkage can be achieved, and it is believed that expectation #1 (completion) can be satisfied to a certain extent.

[0092] In the technology of patent document 1, the drying completion degree can be improved to a certain extent by adjusting the air volume, wind speed and blowing force blown to the clothes. However, since a heater type is used as a drying method, it has a problem of poor efficiency and high power consumption compared with a heat pump drying method.

[0093] Furthermore, in the technology applied in Patent Document 2, the power consumption can be reduced to a certain extent by adopting a heat pump method. However, since the nozzle area is not reduced, the improvement of the drying completion degree becomes a problem. Furthermore, Patent Document 2 does not specifically record the nozzle area and air volume that are important for achieving energy saving, time reduction, and drying completion degree.

[0094] Furthermore, in the technology applied to Patent Document 3, the power consumption can be reduced by adopting a heat pump device. However, in order to blow high-speed air to the clothes, the nozzle area is 250 [mm 2 ], with a flow rate of about 1.5 [m 3 / min] to operate. By performing such operation, it is possible to achieve both Expectation #3 (energy saving) and Expectation #1 (completion) to a certain extent. On the other hand, the amount of heating that affects Expectation #2 (time reduction) is determined by the product of the air volume and the air temperature difference before and after the heat source.

[0095] In order to suppress the deterioration of clothes in a washing and drying machine, the upper limit of the air temperature needs to be suppressed to about 90°C, and the air temperature difference does not change greatly. Therefore, when the air volume is the same as that of the heater type, even if a heat pump is used for the drying method, it is difficult to increase the heating amount, and thus it is difficult to shorten the drying time. In this way, when it is desired to achieve both Expectation #3 (energy saving) and Expectation #1 (completion), there is a problem that it becomes difficult to shorten the drying time of Expectation #2.

[0096] Furthermore, in the technology using Patent Document 3, the advantage of reducing power consumption by using a heat pump can be used to increase the speed of the motor to increase the air volume. As a result, it is possible to operate in a manner that achieves both Expected #1 (completion) and Expected #2 (shortening the time). However, since the nozzle area is reduced to 250 [mm 2 ], so there is a disadvantage of greatly increasing power consumption. Thus, in the technology applied to Patent Document 3, if one wants to meet Expectation #1 (completion) and Expectation #2 (shortening time), it becomes difficult to reduce power consumption and it is difficult to meet Expectation #3 (energy saving). In view of the above situation, the following implementation method aims to meet all Expectations #1, #2, and #3 simultaneously and well-balanced in a high dimension.

[0097] <Structure of the First Embodiment>

[0098] (Box 110)

[0099] Figure 1 It is a perspective view of the washing and drying machine 100 according to the first embodiment.

[0100] Washing and drying machine 100 is a drum type washing and drying machine, and a base 102 is provided at its lower end. A substantially rectangular parallelepiped frame-shaped housing 110 is mounted on the upper surface of base 102. Housing 110 includes side panels 112, reinforcements (not shown), front cover 114, and upper cover 116.

[0101] The side panels 112 are mainly formed of steel plates and resin molded products. The frame of the housing 110 is formed by combining the side panels 112 and reinforcements (not shown). The front cover 114 and the upper cover 116 are mounted on the frame. The front cover 114 is provided with a door 120 for taking out and putting in laundry. An operation panel 122 is provided at the front upper portion of the housing 110. The operation panel 122 is provided with a power switch, buttons for selecting an operation program, etc. In addition, a cover 124 is mounted on the upper cover 116. The cover 124 covers the detergent container 522 (see Fig.16 ), above the softener container 524, etc.

[0102] (Outer tank 130 and rotating drum 140)

[0103] Figure 2 1 is a schematic central cross-sectional view of the washing and drying machine 100 .

[0104] like Figure 2 As shown, an outer tank 130 is provided inside the housing 110. The outer tank 130 is supported by a plurality of suspensions (not shown), and the upper portion is suspended by a spring (not shown). In addition, a rotating drum 140 (inner tank) is provided inside the outer tank 130. The user opens the door 120 and puts the laundry 510 into the rotating drum 140.

[0105] Furthermore, during dehydration, vibration may be generated due to the imbalance of the laundry 510. Therefore, a fluid balancer 142 is provided on the outer periphery of the opening of the rotary drum 140 to reduce the vibration. Furthermore, a plurality of lifters 144 are provided inside the rotary drum 140 to lift the laundry 510. Furthermore, the rotary drum 140 is directly connected to a motor 149 for driving the drum via a main shaft 148 connected to a metal flange 146 for the rotary drum.

[0106] A tank cover 132 is provided in front of the outer tank 130, and a rubber bellows 134 having an elastic body is installed at the opening of the tank cover 132. The bellows 134 has the function of maintaining the water tightness between the inside of the outer tank 130 and the door 120. Thus, water leakage during washing, rinsing and dehydration is prevented. The rotating drum 140 has a plurality of small holes (not shown) for centrifugal dehydration and ventilation on the side and back. In addition, a water receiving portion 136 is provided at the bottom of the outer tank 130.

[0107] An in-tank duct 150 is provided at the back portion of the outer tank 130. The in-tank duct 150 is connected to the outer tank 130 via a primary filter 152, and is connected to a return air path 156 via a secondary filter 154. A cleaning nozzle 153 for cleaning the secondary filter 154 is disposed above the secondary filter 154. Furthermore, a drainage path 160 and a heat pump unit 220 (heat pump) are provided below the outer tank 130. By providing the heat pump unit 220 below the outer tank 130, the space below the outer tank 130 can be effectively utilized.

[0108] The return air duct 156 is connected to the heat pump unit 220 via a return pleated protective cover 158. The return air duct 156 is a member formed by fixing two resin plates (no symbol) by vibration welding, and is screwed to the outer tank 130. The return pleated protective cover 158 is formed using a rubber material in a pleated shape that can expand and contract so that the vibration of the outer tank 130 and the return air duct 156 does not affect the heat pump unit 220.

[0109] (Drainage path 160)

[0110] Figure 3 Schematic diagram of the drainage path 160 .

[0111] Drainage path 160 includes drainage path 170 and overflow path 180. Drainage path 170 is a path for draining water accumulated in outer tank 130. Overflow path 180 is a path for draining excess water when water accumulated in outer tank 130 exceeds a predetermined water level.

[0112] The drainage channel 170 includes an internal drainage channel 172, a water channel filter 174, a drainage valve 176, and a drainage hose 178. The internal drainage channel 172 is connected to the bottom surface of the outer tank 130, and the water channel filter 174 collects lint (threads) in the drainage flowing through the internal drainage channel 172. The lint collected by the water channel filter 174 is cleaned appropriately by the user.

[0113] In addition, a water return bend 182 is formed in the middle of the overflow path 180. The water return bend 182 can pass water and store water, and can block the flow of air by storing water. Figure 2 ) is rotated to supply water to the return bend 182. Thus, the sealing water stored in the return bend 182 is replaced. The overflow path 180 on the downstream side of the return bend 182 is connected to the drain hose 178.

[0114] On the other hand, the heat pump unit 220 is connected to a dew condensation water hose 252 via a dew condensation water pump 250. The dew condensation water pump 250 discharges the water dehumidified by the heat pump unit 220 via the dew condensation water hose 252. The dew condensation water hose 252 is connected to the downstream side of the drain hose 178.

[0115] The condensation water hose 252 is configured to prevent backflow from the drain hose 178 to the heat pump unit 220. That is, the condensation water hose 252 has a portion (no symbol) that stands up to a position higher than the overflow path 180 in the vertical direction between the condensation water pump 250 and the drain hose 178. In addition, a circulating water path 184 and a circulating pump 186 are provided between the drain path 170 and the outer tank 130. Thus, the water in the outer tank 130 can be circulated to the outer tank 130 via the water path filter 174 as needed.

[0116] (Flow path in the tank, filter)

[0117] Figure 4 It is an exploded perspective view of the washing and drying machine 100.

[0118] Right now, Figure 4 The tank cover 132 is removed from the outer tank 130 and the rotating drum 140, the fluid balancer 142 and the outer tank 130 are partially cut away. Figure 4 The figure shows a state where the right side half of the outer tank 130 and the right side half of the rotating drum 140 are cut away. The outer tank 130 is formed in a bottomed cylindrical shape, and the tank cover 132 is provided at the front opening of the outer tank 130.

[0119] The primary filter 152 has a mesh-shaped collection portion, but Figure 4 , the mesh-shaped collection part is removed for illustration. As described above, the inner tank duct 150 is provided at the back portion of the outer tank 130. During the washing and rinsing strokes, the rotating drum 140 becomes stationary as required. The opening 150a of the inner tank duct 150 is arranged at a position higher than the washing water level and the rinsing water level when the rotating drum 140 is stationary.

[0120] The tank cover 132 is provided with a circulation pump 186 (see Figure 3 ) through a circulation flow path 132a. A water spray nozzle 132b is formed at the front end of the tank cover 132. In addition, a spray air path 330 for the flow of dry air and a spray port 340 for blowing out the dry air are formed in the tank cover 132. In addition, in the example shown in the figure, the spray air path 330 is provided in front of the rotating drum 140, but the spray air path 330 may also be provided behind the rotating drum 140, for example, at the position PS shown in the figure.

[0121] Figure 5It is another exploded perspective view of the washing and drying machine 100.

[0122] Right now, Figure 5 The rotating drum 140 is removed from the outer tank 130 (see Figure 2 ), a primary filter 152, a cleaning nozzle 153 and a secondary filter 154. The inner tank duct 150 has a motor 149 (see FIG. 1 ) which runs from the upper part of the outer tank 130 to the right part and avoids the motor 149 that drives the rotating drum 140. Figure 2 ) in a roughly arc-shaped shape bent in a manner.

[0123] The opening 150a at the bottom of the pipe in the tank (see Figure 4 ) is an opening without a filter (a mesh-shaped component). Thus, the in-tank duct 150 can discharge the water flowing into the in-tank duct 150 and the lint, dust, etc. attached to the secondary filter 154 described below. In addition, the in-tank duct 150 is provided with an opening 150a, so that even if the primary filter 152 described below is clogged, the circulating air can flow through the opening 150a and the drying operation can continue.

[0124] The primary filter 152 includes a substantially rectangular parallelepiped resin frame having a plurality of partitions and a mesh-shaped collection portion (not shown). Here, when the rotary drum 140 is driven while the outer tank 130 is storing water, the stored water is lifted to the primary filter 152. Thus, the primary filter 152 can be cleaned.

[0125] A communication port 155 communicating with the outside of the outer tank 130 is formed at the upper back surface of the outer tank 130. A return air passage 156 (see FIG. 1 ) is connected to the communication port 155 at the outer back surface of the outer tank 130. Figure 2 That is, the communication port 155 is a connection portion between the return air passage 156 and the outer tank 130. The secondary filter 154 is mounted in the communication port 155.

[0126] The secondary filter 154 includes a resin frame having a substantially rectangular shape divided into a plurality of sections and a mesh-shaped collecting portion (not shown). A cleaning nozzle 153 is provided on the upper portion of the secondary filter 154. The cleaning nozzle 153 allows cleaning water to flow toward the secondary filter 154 to clean the secondary filter 154. Furthermore, the cleaning nozzle 153 presses the resin frame of the secondary filter 154 from above, and also plays a role of sealing it from the outside air.

[0127] In this embodiment, the primary filter 152 is located at the front side of the front-to-back direction of the in-tank duct 150, and the secondary filter 154 is located at the rear side (inner side). That is, the primary filter 152 and the secondary filter 154 are arranged across the in-tank duct 150 so that the ventilation directions overlap. In addition, the primary filter 152 and the secondary filter 154 face each other, and the circulating air after passing through the primary filter 152 passes through the secondary filter 154 without disturbing the flow, thereby reducing the ventilation resistance.

[0128] Furthermore, the two-piece filter structure of the primary filter 152 and the secondary filter 154 relative to the flow direction can achieve a planar overlap of the meshes, and can make each mesh (sieve hole) coarser than the case of a one-piece structure. Thus, the lint is captured throughout the two filters, so that the lint can be prevented from being densely packed, and a stable air circulation can be achieved. Furthermore, it can also cause the primary filter 152 and the secondary filter 154 to become clogged, and even cleaning cannot improve the clogging. Even in the event that such a situation occurs, the secondary filter 154 can be freely disassembled relative to the connecting port 155, and the secondary filter 154 can be removed for cleaning.

[0129] (Drying device 200)

[0130] Figure 6 It is a perspective view of the drying device 200 .

[0131] The drying device 200 includes a blower 210 and a heat pump unit 220. In this embodiment, a warm air drying method is applied as the drying method. That is, the blower 210 rotates the rotating drum 140 (see Figure 2 ) and the heat pump unit 220. The drying device 200 heats the circulating air after dehumidifying it. The heat pump unit 220 includes a housing 222, which can be separated into a lower housing 222D and an upper housing 222U.

[0132] Figure 7 2 is a top view of the drying device 200 .

[0133] The blower 210 includes an impeller 212 (see Fig. 9 )(impeller), a motor 214 for rotating and driving the impeller 212, and a fan housing 216 for housing the impeller 212. Inside the housing 222, a compressor 231, a heater 232 (condenser), a dehumidifier 233 (evaporator), and a refrigerant pipe 234 are provided.

[0134] A portion of the refrigerant pipe 234 is reduced to form an expansion valve 235 (expansion mechanism). In addition, air inlets 223, 224 and a dehumidifier cleaning part 225 are arranged on the upper surface of the upper shell 222U. The air inlet 223 is provided for taking in external air. The dehumidifier cleaning part 225 allows cleaning water to flow toward the front surface (right surface in the figure) of the dehumidifier 233.

[0135] Figure 8 It is a perspective view of the drying device 200 in a state where the upper housing 222U is removed.

[0136] As shown in the figure, the compressor 231 is connected to the heater 232 and the dehumidifier 233 via the refrigerant pipe 234. The heater 232 and the dehumidifier 233 are provided so as to be closely attached to and sandwiched in the housing 222 so that the air does not flow through the sides thereof. Thus, a circulation air path of the air from right to left in the figure is formed.

[0137] A cross-fin tube heat exchanger is applied to the heater 232 and the dehumidifier 233. That is, in order to exchange heat with the air, a heat transfer tube (no symbol) is installed in a manner that penetrates the stacked aluminum fins (not shown). The compressor 231 is arranged on the lower housing 222D via vibration-proof rubber (not shown) and the like. The compressor 231 uses, for example, a piston type, a rotary type, a scroll type, etc. The compressor 231 is controlled by an inverter and the speed is variable from a low speed to a high speed. In order to prevent breakage due to the propagation of the rotational vibration of the compressor 231, the refrigerant piping 234 is connected to each part in a zigzag state.

[0138] The flow of the refrigerant in the heat pump unit 220 is as follows. First, the high-temperature and high-pressure gas refrigerant ejected from the compressor 231 flows into the heater 232, and condenses and liquefies by dissipating heat to the circulating air. The liquefied refrigerant is depressurized by the expansion valve 235 adjusted to a predetermined opening, becomes a low-temperature and low-pressure gas-liquid two-phase state, and flows into the dehumidifier 233. Then, the refrigerant absorbs heat from the circulating air and evaporates and gasifies. The vaporized refrigerant becomes a medium-temperature and low-pressure refrigerant and is sucked into the compressor 231. The medium-temperature and low-pressure refrigerant is compressed again by the compressor 231 to become a high-temperature and high-pressure gas refrigerant. In this way, a refrigerant cycle is formed, and the drying of clothes is promoted by dehumidifying and heating the circulating air.

[0139] Fig. 9 It is a perspective view of the air blower 210 .

[0140] As described above, the blower 210 includes the impeller 212, the motor 214, and the fan housing 216. The blower 210 is disposed in the heat pump unit 220 (see Figure 8 ). And, if Figure 2As shown, the heat pump unit 220 and the blower 210 are disposed below the outer tank 130 .

[0141] (Structure of air path)

[0142] Back to Figure 2 In the washing and drying machine 100, in order to circulate the air for drying the laundry between the heat pump unit 220 and the rotary drum 140, an air circulation path is formed between the heat pump unit 220 and the outer tub 130. The air path for conveying air from the outer tub 130 to the heat pump unit 220 includes a primary filter 152, an in-tub duct 150, a secondary filter 154, a return air path 156, and a return pleat protection cover 158 from the upstream side of the air.

[0143] Fig.10 It is a partially cut-away rear view of the washing and drying machine 100 .

[0144] Fig.10 In the embodiment, the blower 210 is connected to an outlet air passage 310 extending approximately in the vertical direction. Furthermore, the upper end of the outlet air passage 310 is connected to an outlet air passage 320 extending approximately in the horizontal direction. The return air passage 156 is formed approximately in an inverted L shape. Furthermore, a base housing 512 and a water supply unit 520 are provided at the upper portion of the washing and drying machine 100. The dehumidifier cleaning hose 518 is connected to the dehumidifier cleaning parts 225 (see Figure 7 ) water supply.

[0145] Fig.11 yes Fig.10 Magnified image of the upper part.

[0146] A cleaning nozzle 153 is mounted on the upper surface of the return air passage 156, constituting a part of the air passage of the return air passage 156. In addition, a secondary filter cleaning hose 532 for supplying cleaning water and an exhaust pleated protective cover 352 are mounted on the cleaning nozzle 153. In addition, the exhaust pleated protective cover 352 is connected to the exhaust housing 354. In addition, an exhaust port 901 connected to the outside of the device is provided on the downstream side of the exhaust housing 354.

[0147] As described above, the heat pump unit 220 (see Figure 7 ) Intake outside air from the air inlet 223. And, the high-humidity air after passing through the clothes is discharged from the exhaust port 901 formed downstream of the exhaust housing 354. Thus, the dehumidification performance can be improved. In addition, a damper (not shown) that can be opened and closed by a stepper motor is provided in the exhaust housing 354. Therefore, the opening and closing timing of the damper is adjusted according to the state in the tank and the state of the outside air, so as to obtain a balance between heating and dehumidification.

[0148] Fig.12 It is a perspective view of the main parts of the washing and drying machine 100.

[0149] The air passage for conveying air from the blower 210 to the outer tank 130 includes, from the upstream side of the air, a discharge air passage 310, a discharge air passage 320, a discharge pleat protection cover 322, a discharge air passage 330, and a discharge port 340 (see Figure 4 ).

[0150] The ejection air path 310 is a blow-molded resin component, which is connected to the blower 210 and the ejection air path 320 by embedding from the upper and lower directions. The ejection air path 320 is a resin component formed by fixing two upper and lower resin plates with a roughly Π-shaped cross-section using a screw. The ejection air path 320 is connected to the downstream side of the ejection air path 320 with an ejection wrinkle protection cover 322, and the ejection air path 330 is connected to the downstream side of the ejection wrinkle protection cover 322. The ejection wrinkle protection cover 322 is formed using a rubber material with a wrinkle shape that can expand and contract, so that the vibration of the ejection air path 330 will not affect the ejection air path 320. In addition, the distance between the ejection air paths 310, 320 and the outer tank 130 is ensured to be greater than a predetermined interval. Thus, the ejection air paths 310, 320 are configured so that they will not contact the outer tank 130 when the outer tank 130 vibrates.

[0151] Fig.13 It is a rear view of the slot cover 132.

[0152] The ejection air passage 330 is a flow passage inside the tank cover 132 provided at the front side of the tank cover 132. A ejection port 340 is formed at the outlet of the ejection air passage 330. The ejection port 340 is configured to open toward the inside of the rotary drum 140. In this way, the warm air discharged from the ejection port 340 can be directly blown to the clothes in the drum. The inner circumference width of the tank cover 132 at the portion where the ejection port 340 is formed is referred to as the clothes input width L2.

[0153] Fig.14 It is an enlarged view of the main part of the slot cover 132.

[0154] and, Fig.15 yes Fig.14 Sectional view taken along line XV-XV.

[0155] In the above figure, the outer circumference of the spray outlet 340 is formed in a substantially arc shape along the inner circumference of the rotating drum 140. On the other hand, the inner circumference of the spray outlet 340 is formed in a straight line. The maximum width of the spray outlet 340 in the radial direction is referred to as the flying amount L4. Here, if the flying amount L4 is too large, the laundry input width L2 (refer to Fig.13 ) becomes narrower.

[0156] As a result, the movement of clothes is sometimes hindered during washing and drying, or becomes an obstacle when clothes are put in and taken out. Therefore, in this embodiment, the shape of the jet outlet 340 is set to a flat slit shape to reduce the flying amount L4. In addition, as described above, the outer peripheral side of the jet outlet 340 is formed in an arc shape along the inner periphery of the groove cover 132 and is substantially concentric with the outer groove 130. Therefore, even if the opening area of ​​the jet outlet 340 is increased, the clothes input width L2 is difficult to be narrowed.

[0157] (Water supply unit)

[0158] Fig.16 It is a perspective view of the water supply unit 520 .

[0159] The water supply unit 520 includes a detergent container 522, a softener container 524, a manual inlet 526, a water supply port 528, a four-way valve 530, a secondary filter cleaning hose 532, a water supply tank 534, an ADS unit 536, a dehumidifier cleaning hose 538, a main hose 540, a spray hose 542, and a detergent / softener tray 550 which serves as a container for the above-mentioned elements.

[0160] A hose (not shown) connected to a water pipe is connected to the water supply port 528, and the water supply port 528 is connected to a four-way valve 530. The four-way valve 530 can set the flow range of water supply according to the water supply pressure. A water supply tank 534 is connected to the four-way valve 530, and water can be further supplied to each flow path branch. The detergent container 522 and the softener container 524 are arranged in front of the water supply tank 534.

[0161] The manual inlet 526 provided in front of the detergent container 522 and the softener container 524 is an inlet for manually inserting detergent and softener. Water is supplied to the manual inlet 526 via the four-way valve 530, and water is supplied to the outer tank 130 from the main hose 540, so that the user can also insert detergent and softener during washing. In the above example, the detergent container 522 and the softener container 524 are provided in the water supply unit 520. However, a detergent container for delicate clothes may be provided instead of or in addition to them.

[0162] ADS unit 536 is provided below detergent container 522 and softener container 524. Water is supplied to ADS unit 536 via four-way valve 530, and detergent in detergent container 522 or softener in softener container 524 can be automatically added to outer tub 130 via main hose 540.

[0163] Furthermore, water can be supplied directly from the water supply tank 534 to the outer tank 130 via the main hose 540. Furthermore, water can be supplied to the cleaning nozzle 153 (see FIG. 1 ) via the secondary filter cleaning hose 532. Figure 5) to clean the secondary filter 154. Then, water is supplied to the tank cover 132 (see Figure 4 ) water supply, so that the door 120 can be cleaned (refer to Figure 2 ) and bellows 134. Furthermore, the dehumidifier cleaning parts 225 (see Figure 7 ) water supply, which can clean the dehumidifier 233.

[0164] (The significance of using heat pump method)

[0165] Here, in this embodiment, the significance of adopting the heat pump method is explained. In the heater-type drying method described in the above-mentioned patent document 1, the input power mainly input to the heater ≈ the heating amount, and the ratio of the heating amount to the input power is less than "1". Since the heat pump drying system can reuse the energy discarded in dehumidification for heating, the heating amount can be ensured with less input energy, so the energy-saving performance is higher. In this way, according to the heat pump drying system, the ratio of the heating amount to the input power input to the compressor 231 as the input energy is greater than "1". That is, by increasing the proportion of the input power input to the compressor 231 in all the power consumption of the washing and drying machine 100, the energy-saving performance of the washing and drying machine 100 can be improved.

[0166] Furthermore, in the washing and drying machine 100 of this embodiment, the upper limit of power consumption is 1500 [W] or less due to the restriction of household sockets. Therefore, assuming that a heater type is adopted, the upper limit of the heating amount is also 1500 [W]. However, in general washing and drying machines, considering the fluctuation of current and voltage, the input current is limited to about 14 [A], so the upper limit of the heating amount is about 1400 [W].

[0167] In this embodiment, since heat pump drying is performed, even if the input power to the washing and drying machine 100 is 1400 [W] or less, a heating amount of 1500 [W] or more can be achieved. In this way, by increasing the heating amount, the drying time can be shortened. In addition, since the advantages of the heat pump drying are effectively utilized, in this embodiment, the power consumption of the compressor 231 is greater than that of other elements (mainly the air blower 210 and the motor 149 of the rotating drum 140).

[0168] (Relationship between completion evaluation and blowing force)

[0169] Fig.17 It is an explanatory diagram of the evaluation value EV of the drying completion degree.

[0170] The evaluation value EV of the drying completion is one of the important performances as a basic performance of drying such as drying degree and shrinkage. Fig.17In the photos, each is a photo of a shirt after washing and drying. For the shirt after drying, the expansion of the clothing, the amount of wrinkles, and the depth of wrinkles are evaluated by sensory evaluation and expressed in six levels as the evaluation value EV. In each photo, the numerical value "1" to "6" shown in the upper left part is the evaluation value EV, and the higher the numerical value, the better the degree of drying completion. According to Fig.17 By making the evaluation value EV "4" or more, the wrinkles of the shirt can be reduced, and the labor and time of ironing can be reduced.

[0171] Fig.18 This is a diagram showing an example of the relationship between the blowing force and the evaluation value EV of the drying completion degree. Fig.18 In the figure, the horizontal axis is the blowing force [N], and the vertical axis is the evaluation value EV.

[0172] Fig.18 The characteristic CR22 shown is a characteristic of this embodiment. Figure 4 As shown, in the present embodiment, spray port 340 is provided in front of rotary drum 140. Thus, it is possible to reduce obstacles between spray port 340 and the laundry inside rotary drum 140, and to increase evaluation value EV.

[0173] On the other hand, the characteristic CR24 is that the ejection port 340 is provided at the rear portion of the rotating drum 140 (for example Figure 4 If the nozzle 340 is disposed at the rear of the rotating drum 140, the wind ejected from the nozzle 340 will be blown to the lift 144 (see FIG. Figure 2 ), so there is a chance for wind diffusion. Therefore, for the same blowing force, the characteristic CR22 of this embodiment can achieve a higher evaluation value EV than the characteristic CR24 of the modified example.

[0174] In this way, in order to improve the evaluation value EV of the drying completion, it is preferred that the wind blows directly to the clothes. Moreover, the increase in the blowing force, which is the force that stretches the wrinkles, has a greater impact on the improvement of the evaluation value EV. Here, the blowing force is a value calculated by "mass air volume × average wind speed of the nozzle 340". Fig.18 The characteristics are obtained by testing with a load of 3 [kg] of clothing.

[0175] That is, the air volume is changed by adjusting the rotation speed of the blower 210, and the characteristics CR22 and CR24 are obtained. In addition, the load of 3 [kg] is equivalent to the amount of laundry for an average adult for two days. In addition, the air volume and wind speed when calculating the blowing force are the values ​​when the temperature is 20 [℃] and the relative humidity is 60 [%].

[0176] In characteristic CR22 of the present embodiment, the blowing force and the evaluation value EV have a roughly proportional relationship. In characteristic CR22, the blowing force is set to 0.8 [N] or more, so that the evaluation value EV can be "4" or more. That is, even without ironing, a beautiful drying completion without deep wrinkles can be achieved. And, in characteristic CR24 of the modified example, it can be inferred that: by setting the blowing force to 1.4 [N] or more, the evaluation value EV can be "4". That is, even in the modified example, it can be inferred that: by increasing the blowing force, a beautiful drying completion without deep wrinkles can be achieved even without ironing.

[0177] (Area of ​​the ejection port 340)

[0178] As described above, it is desirable to simultaneously and well-balance the desire #1 (completion), the desire #2 (time reduction), and the desire #3 (energy saving). To this end, it is preferable to achieve the following three points.

[0179] (1) By increasing the input power to the compressor 231, the heating amount and the dehumidification amount are increased.

[0180] (2) Although the input power to the blower 210 is reduced, the air volume is as large as possible to suppress the increase in the temperature of the compressor 231 and the clothes.

[0181] (3) In the case of front blowing, the blowing force is ensured to be 0.8 [N] or more, and in the case of rear blowing, the blowing force is ensured to be 1.4 [N] or more.

[0182] In order to realize the above (1) to (3), it is effective to appropriately adjust the opening area of ​​the air outlet 340 so as to appropriately balance the air velocity and air volume blown from the air outlet 340 to the clothes.

[0183] Fig.19 2 is a diagram showing simulation results of required input power characteristics of the blower 210 .

[0184] Fig.19 The horizontal axis is the opening area A [mm 2 ], and the vertical axis is the required input power Pin for the blower 210. The characteristics CP1, CP2, and CP3 are respectively set to 3.0 [m 3 / min], 3.5[m 3 / min], and 4.0[m 3 / min] characteristics.

[0185] according to Fig.19If the opening area A of the ejection port 340 is reduced, the required input power Pin for the blower 210 becomes larger, so it is difficult to effectively utilize the advantages of the heat pump method. In any of the characteristics CP1, CP2, and CP3, it can be seen that if the opening area A is 5000 [mm 2 ], even if the opening area A is increased above this, the required input power Pin will basically not decrease.

[0186] Fig.19 The contents are based on the experimental results of the washing and drying machine 100 of this embodiment, assuming that "the pressure loss at the nozzle 340 changes according to the square of the wind speed" and "the other air path losses change according to the square of the air volume", and the values ​​in the figure are calculated. More specifically, the simulation conditions are as follows: CD1 to CD5.

[0187] Condition CD1: ΔP = ΔP a +ΔP b

[0188] Here, ΔP is the air passage resistance [Pa] of the washing and drying machine 100, and ΔP a is the wind path resistance [Pa] of the ejection port 340, ΔP b It is the air passage resistance [Pa] of the air passage other than the discharge port 340 .

[0189] Condition CD2: ΔP a =a×v 2

[0190] Here, a is a predetermined coefficient, and v is an average wind speed (wind speed) [m / s] at the ejection port 340 .

[0191] Condition CD3: ΔP b =b×Q v 2

[0192] Here, b is a predetermined coefficient, Q v is the volume of air flowing in the air path [m 3 / min].

[0193] Condition CD4: a = ΔP a0 / v0 2 , b=ΔP b0 / Q v0 2

[0194] Here, "0" included in the subscript represents a value actually measured in the washing and drying machine 100 of the present embodiment.

[0195] Condition CD5: Pin = ΔP × Q v / (60×η)

[0196] Here, Pin is the input power [W] to the blower 210 , and η is the efficiency [−] of the blower 210 .

[0197] Fig.19 The operating point P2 in FIG. 1 is the operating point of the present embodiment. That is, in the present embodiment, the opening area A of the ejection port 340 is set to about 2000 [mm 2 ], achieving 3.5[m 3 / min] of air volume. At this time, the blowing force is 2.0 [N], the rotation speed of the blower 210 is 10000 [rpm], and the required input power Pin for the blower 210 is 282 [W]. In addition, when the air temperature is 20 [℃], the overall pressure loss is 3280 [Pa], and the pressure loss at the nozzle 340 is 1615 [Pa].

[0198] Fig. 20 2 is a diagram showing calculation results of the required input power characteristics of the blower 210 .

[0199] and Fig.19 same, Fig. 20 The horizontal axis is the opening area A [mm 2 ]. And, the vertical axis is the relative required input power PinR for the blower 210. Here, the relative required input power PinR is Fig.19 The opening area A of CP1, CP2 and CP3 is 5000 [mm 2 ] is the percentage of the required input power Pin when the required input power Pin is set to 100[%].

[0200] Relative to Fig.19 The characteristics of CP1, CP2, and CP3 relative to the required input power PinR roughly overlap, becoming Fig. 20 The operating point P12 in the characteristic CR12 is a point where the curvature is substantially maximum in the characteristic CR12. Here, the operating point to be applied is not limited to the operating point P12, and any point on the line of the characteristic CR12 can be selected.

[0201] In order to improve the blowing force and suppress the relative required input power PinR to maximize the advantages of the heat pump method, it is desirable to apply the opening area A in the range where the slope of the characteristic CR12 changes significantly. The range of the opening area A where the slope of the characteristic CR12 changes significantly is 1500 to 3000 [mm 2 ](1500[mm 2 ] and above and 3000[mm 2] below), area 402 is the range sandwiched by points P14 and P16.

[0202] If point P14 is selected as the action point, it is possible to give priority to expectation #1 (completion) while achieving both expectation #2 (shortening time) and expectation #3 (energy saving). On the other hand, if point P16 is selected as the action point, it is possible to give priority to expectation #2 (shortening time) and expectation #3 (energy saving) while achieving both expectation #1 (completion). Furthermore, if the action point P12 with the largest curvature is selected and the opening area A near it is 2100 [mm 2 ]±10[%] of the operating point, it is possible to further achieve the desired #1 (completion), desired #2 (time reduction) and desired #3 (energy saving) in a well-balanced manner.

[0203] When the opening area A is made smaller than that of region 402, since the opening area A of the nozzle 340 is smaller, the wind speed becomes faster, the blowing force becomes larger, and the focus can be on expectation #1 (completion). However, since it is an area where the required input power PinR increases sharply, the input power to the compressor 231 cannot be increased, and expectation #3 (energy saving) is insufficient. Since the input power to the compressor 231 is small, the heat generation and dehumidification of the heat pump are reduced, the drying time is extended, and expectation #2 (time reduction) is also insufficient. In addition, when the opening area A is made larger than that of region 402, since the required input power PinR is smaller, the focus can be on expectation #2 (time reduction) and expectation #3 (energy saving), but since the opening area A of the nozzle 340 is larger, the wind speed is smaller, the blowing force becomes smaller, and expectation #1 (completion) is insufficient. Therefore, by making the opening area A of the nozzle 340 in the range of region 402 1500~3000 [mm 2 ](1500[mm 2 ] and above and 3000[mm 2 ] below), it is possible to have the advantages of both the case where the area is smaller than area 402 and the case where the area is larger than area 402, thereby being able to realize all expectations #1, #2, and #3 simultaneously and in a well-balanced manner in a high dimension.

[0204] (Relationship between opening area, air volume and air speed at the nozzle)

[0205] Fig.21 It shows the opening area A and volumetric air volume Q in the case of forward blowing. v , and the average wind speed v (wind speed) at the nozzle 340. Fig.21 In the figure, the horizontal axis is the opening area A [mm 2 ], the vertical axis is the volumetric air volume Q v And the average wind speed v. Moreover, characteristic CR32 is the volume air volume Q v1 and 2 are characteristics of the average wind speed v (scale on the left), and characteristic CR34 is a characteristic of the average wind speed v (scale on the right), and are simulation results when the blowing force is set to 0.8 [N].

[0206] Fig. 22 The opening area A and the volumetric air volume Q in the modified example of the after-blowing are shown. v , and the average wind speed v at the outlet 340. That is, in this modification, the outlet 340 is provided at the rear of the rotating drum 140 (for example Figure 4 position in PS). Fig. 22 The meaning of the horizontal and vertical axes in Fig.21 The same. Moreover, the characteristic CR42 is the volume air volume Q v 4 is the characteristic of the average wind speed v (scale on the left), and characteristic CR44 is the characteristic of the average wind speed v (scale on the right), and they are simulation results when the blowing force is set to 1.4 [N].

[0207] according to Fig.21 and Fig. 22 In this embodiment and the modified example, the volume air volume Q v By satisfying the following formula (1), the evaluation value EV is expected to be "4" or above, so expectation #1 (completion degree) can be satisfied.

[0208]

[0209] Here, F is the blowing force [N], and ρ is the air density. In the case of front blowing, F is set to 0.8 [N], and in the case of rear blowing, F is set to 1.4 [N].

[0210] Similarly, according to Fig.21 and Fig. 22 In the present embodiment and the modified example, the average wind speed v at the outlet 340 is estimated to be "4" or more as the evaluation value EV by satisfying the following formula (2), and thus the expectation #1 (completion degree) can be satisfied.

[0211]

[0212] Here, F is set to 0.8 [N] in the case of front blowing, and F is set to 1.4 [N] in the case of back blowing.

[0213] (Method of measuring air volume)

[0214] Fig.23 This is an illustration of the air volume measurement method.

[0215] The operating air volume Q0 of the washing and drying machine 100 can be calculated by measuring the blower characteristic CR50 of the blower 210 alone and the air passage resistance ΔP of the washing and drying machine 100 .

[0216] The method for measuring the blower characteristic CR50 is shown below.

[0217] First, pressure measurement points are set on the suction side and the discharge side of the blower 210. Then, the blower 210 is installed on an air volume measurement device in accordance with JIS_B8330 and AMCA210-85, and the pressures on the suction side and the discharge side of each air volume at the operating speed of the blower 210 are measured. After that, by calculating the pressure difference between the measured pressures on the suction side and the discharge side, the relationship between the air volume and the pressure difference at the operating speed, i.e., the blower characteristic CR50, can be obtained.

[0218] Next, a method for measuring the air passage resistance ΔP is described below.

[0219] The blower 210 whose blower characteristic CR50 is measured is installed in the washing and drying machine 100, and the pressures on the suction side and the discharge side are measured at the operating speed of the blower 210. Then, the air passage resistance ΔP is obtained by calculating the pressure difference between the measured pressures on the suction side and the discharge side. Based on these two measurements, the operating air volume Q0 can be calculated from the intersection P0 of the blower characteristic CR50 and the air passage resistance ΔP.

[0220] Then, by obtaining the operating air volume Q0 of the washing and drying machine 100, the operating average air speed v0 can be obtained from the following equation (3).

[0221] v0=(Q0 / 60A)…Formula (3)

[0222] [Effects of Embodiment]

[0223] As described above, according to the first embodiment using forward blowing, the nozzle 340 is provided on the front side of the outer tank 130, and the opening area A of the nozzle 340 is 1500 [mm 2 ] and above and 3000[mm 2 ] or less, the product of the mass air volume and the wind speed (v) ejected from the ejection port 340, that is, the blowing force F, is set to be greater than 0.8 [N]. This allows the clothes to be dried appropriately. That is, it is possible to simultaneously and well-balance expectations #1 (completion), #2 (time reduction), and #3 (energy saving) in a high-dimensional manner.

[0224] In the modified example using post-blowing, the opening area A of the nozzle 340 is 1500 [mm 2 ] and above and 3000[mm 2 ] or less, the blowing force F, which is the product of the mass air volume and the wind speed (v) ejected from the ejection port 340, is set to be greater than 1.4 [N]. Thus, even when post-blowing is adopted, the clothes can be dried appropriately.

[0225] In the first embodiment and the modified example, the mass air volume is the volume air volume Q ejected from the ejection port 340. v The product of volume air volume Q v Set to Q v , the opening area A of the nozzle 340 is set to A, the blowing force is set to F, the air density is set to ρ, F is set to 0.8 [N] in the case of front blowing, and F is set to 1.4 [N] in the case of back blowing, and it is further preferred to satisfy This can achieve an appropriate volumetric air volume Q v .

[0226] Furthermore, in the first embodiment and the modified example, when the average wind speed ejected from the ejection port 340 is set to v, the opening area A of the ejection port 340 is set to A, the blowing force is set to F, the air density is set to ρ, F is set to 0.8 [N] in the case of front blowing, and F is set to 1.4 [N] in the case of rear blowing, it is further preferred to satisfy Thereby, an appropriate wind speed (v) can be achieved.

[0227] In the first embodiment, the volumetric air volume Q ejected from the ejection port 340 is v More preferably, 2.7 [m 3 As a result, the volume air volume Q, which is expected to be "4" or more as the evaluation value EV, can be achieved in the entire range of the region 402. v .

[0228] Furthermore, in the modified example using post-blowing, it is further preferred that the volumetric air volume Q ejected from the ejection port 340 is v 3.6[m 3 Thus, even when after-blowing is adopted, the volume air volume Q which is expected to be "4" or more as the evaluation value EV can be achieved in the entire range of the region 402. v .

[0229] Furthermore, in both the first embodiment and the modified example, it is further preferred that the opening area A of the ejection port 340 is 2100 [mm 2 ]±10[%]. As a result, it is possible to simultaneously and well-balance expectation #1 (completion), expectation #2 (time reduction), and expectation #3 (energy saving) in a higher dimension.

[0230] Furthermore, in both the first embodiment and the modified example, it is further preferred that the outer peripheral side of the ejection port 340 is formed in a substantially arc shape concentric with the inner tank (140). Fig.13 ), and increase the opening area A of the ejection port 340.

[0231] Furthermore, in both the first embodiment and the modified example, it is further preferred that the heat pump 220 is disposed below the outer tub 130. Thus, the space of the cabinet 110 of the washing and drying machine 100 can be effectively utilized. Furthermore, even if the heat pump 220 is enlarged in order to achieve both the desired #2 (shortening time) and the desired #3 (energy saving) in a high-dimensional manner, the rotating drum 140, i.e., the clothing input area, is located higher, so it is easy to input clothing.

[0232] <Second embodiment>

[0233] Hereinafter, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0234] use Figure 24 to Figure 26 , an overview of the structure of the washing and drying machine 1100 is described. Fig.24 This is a diagram of a washing and drying machine 1100 according to an embodiment of the present invention, as viewed from the side, with the side panel 1001a and the back panel 1001b removed. Fig.25 Observed from behind Fig.24 The figure of the washing and drying machine 1100 is a figure showing the state after the back panel and the side panels are removed. Fig.26 It is shown Fig.24 A cross-sectional view of the interior of an outer tank 1002 of a washing and drying machine 1100.

[0235] In this specification, the side seen on the right side when observing the washing and drying machine 1100 from the front is described as the right side, and the side seen on the left side is described as the left side. Sometimes the left and right direction of the washing and drying machine 1100 is described as the width direction, the front and rear direction is described as the depth direction, and the up and down direction is described as the height direction.

[0236] like Fig.24 As shown in FIG. 1 , the washing and drying machine 1100 has a washing function and a drying function and is a drum-type washing and drying machine that performs a washing process and a drying process. The washing and drying machine 1100 includes a water supply unit 1019 (see FIG. 1 ) for supplying water used in the washing process. Fig. 27 The water supply unit 1019 includes a water supply port 1019a (see Fig.28 ), a water supply valve and a detergent / softener tray not shown. In addition, the washing and drying machine 1100 includes a drying device used in the drying process. The drying device of this embodiment is configured to include a heat pump unit 1010 (see Fig.25 )、air blower 1007 (refer to Fig.25 ) and air circulation duct 1006 (refer to Fig.25 ).

[0237] The washing and drying machine 1100 is assembled on the upper part of the base 1001e with side panels (not shown) and a front panel 1001f (see FIG. Fig.26 ) and other reinforcing materials to form a frame, and the front side appearance panel 1001a, the back panel 1001b and the upper panel 1001d are installed thereon, thereby forming the box body 1001. The front side appearance panel 1001a is formed with an opening for taking out and putting in laundry such as clothes, and the opening is closed by a door not shown in the figure in a manner that it can be opened.

[0238] An outer tank 1002 is provided inside the housing 1001 . The outer tank 1002 can store liquid inside and is supported by a plurality of suspensions 1021 .

[0239] like Fig.26 As shown, an inner tank 1003 supported to rotate freely is provided on the inner side of the outer tank 1002. The inner tank 1003 has a cylindrical side portion 1003b, and the side portion 1003b has a plurality of holes 1002a, and the back side of the side portion 1003b is closed by a bottom surface 1003c. The inner tank 1003 has an opening portion 1003d on the front side, and a fluid balancer 1031 is provided on the outer periphery (peripheral portion) of the opening portion 1003d to reduce the vibration caused by the imbalance of the laundry during dehydration. The inner tank 1003 is configured to be rotatably driven by a motor 1005 provided on the bottom portion (back portion) of the outer tank 1002 via a drive shaft 1051. Therefore, the inner tank 1003 is also called a rotating drum.

[0240] like Fig.25 As shown, a heat pump unit 1010 for realizing a drying function is arranged on the back side of the washing and drying machine 1100. The heat pump unit 1010 includes an evaporator 1011, a compressor 1012, a condenser 1013, an expansion valve 1014, and a gas-liquid separator 1015. The evaporator 1011 and the condenser 1013 constitute a heat exchanger, and the evaporator 1011 is arranged on the downstream side of the air flow relative to the condenser 1013. The air circulating in the heat pump unit 1010, the outer tank 1002, and the inner tank 1003 is blown by the blower 1007, cooled and dehumidified in the evaporator 1011, and then heated by the condenser 1013. The air dehumidified and heated by the heat pump unit 1010 dries the laundry such as clothes in the inner tank 1003 and becomes high temperature and high humidity, and then returns to the heat pump unit 1010. In order to circulate the air for drying the laundry between heat pump unit 1010 and inner tub 1003 , an air circulation flow path (air circulation duct) 1006 is formed between heat pump unit 1010 and outer tub 1002 .

[0241] Air that has been dehumidified and heated to dry laundry and air that has become high-temperature and humid after drying laundry may be referred to as drying air in some descriptions.

[0242] use Fig. 27 and Fig.28 The air circulation duct 1006 will be described.

[0243] Fig. 27 Observed from the rear (back side) Fig.24 FIG. 1100 of the washing and drying machine is a diagram showing a state where the top panel 1001d, the side panels and the back panel 1001b are removed.

[0244] In this specification, the structure of the air circulation duct 1006 is defined based on the heat pump unit 1010. Fig.25 ) is integrated with the heat pump unit 1010, and the structure of the air circulation duct 1006 is defined based on the blower 1007 and the heat pump unit 1010.

[0245] The air circulation duct 1006 includes an air circulation duct section 1061 disposed on the upstream side of the inner tank 1003, an air circulation duct section 1062 disposed on the downstream side of the inner tank 1003, and an exhaust device 200 that discharges a portion of the circulating air. The air circulation duct section 1061 is disposed between the heat pump unit 1010 and the outer tank 1002, and constitutes a conveying duct (first air duct) that conveys air from the heat pump unit 1010 to the outer tank 1002. More specifically, the air circulation duct section 1061 is disposed between the blower 1007 located on the downstream side when viewed from the heat pump unit 1010 and the outer tank 1002, and is connected to the heat pump unit 1010 via the blower 1007. On the other hand, the air circulation duct section 1062 is disposed between the outer tank 1002 and the heat pump unit 1010, and constitutes a return duct (second air duct) that returns air from the outer tank 1002 side to the heat pump unit 1010 side.

[0246] The delivery duct 10061 is composed of at least two parts including an upstream duct part 1061a and a downstream duct part 1061b. The parts constituting the upstream duct part 1061a of the delivery duct 10061 are mainly arranged on the back side of the washing and drying machine 1100 relative to the outer tank 1002. The parts constituting the downstream duct part 1061b of the delivery duct 10061 are mainly arranged on the upper surface side of the washing and drying machine 1100 relative to the outer tank 1002.

[0247] That is, in this embodiment, the delivery duct 10061 includes an upstream duct portion 1061a and a downstream duct portion 1061b. The upstream duct portion 1061a is arranged on the back side of the washing and drying machine 1100 relative to the outer tank 1002, and is arranged on the upstream side relative to the downstream duct portion 1061b in the flow direction of the circulating air. The downstream duct portion 1061b is arranged on the upper surface side of the washing and drying machine 1100 relative to the outer tank 1002, and is arranged on the downstream side relative to the upstream duct portion 1061a in the flow direction of the circulating air.

[0248] Fig.28 Viewed from the right side Fig. 27 A partial enlarged view of the upper portion of the washing and drying machine 1100.

[0249] The upstream duct portion 1061 a is configured to extend in the front-rear direction of the washing and drying machine 1100 , and the downstream duct portion 1061 b is configured to extend in the up-down direction of the washing and drying machine 1100 .

[0250] One end (upstream end) 611 of the transport duct 10061 is connected to one side of the heat pump unit 1010. The other end (downstream end) is connected to one side of the nozzle (air inlet) 1002a1 provided on the front side 2a of the outer tank 1002. Specifically, one end 1611 of the transport duct 10061 is connected to the ejection port 1007a of the blower 1007. In addition, the other end 1612 of the transport duct 10061 is connected to the nozzle (air inlet) 1002a1 via a connecting member 1063a such as a bellows protective cover.

[0251] like Fig. 27 As shown, one end 1611 of the delivery pipe 10061 is one end 1061a1 of the upstream pipe section 1061a, and the other end 1061a2 of the upstream pipe section 1061a is connected to one end 1061b1 of the downstream pipe section 1061b. Fig.28 As shown, the other end 1061b2 of the downstream duct portion 1061b becomes the other end 1612 of the transport duct 10061.

[0252] like Fig. 27As shown, the return duct 1062 is arranged on the back side of the washing and drying machine 1100 relative to the outer tank 1002. A curved portion 1062c is provided between the upstream duct portion 1062a and the downstream duct portion 1062b of the return duct 1062. The upstream duct portion 1062a is arranged on the upper side relative to the rotation drive shaft 1051 of the inner tank 1003, and extends in the left-right direction of the washing and drying machine 1100. The downstream duct portion 1062b is arranged on the side opposite to the side where the upstream duct portion 1061a of the delivery duct 10061 is arranged relative to the rotation drive shaft 1051 of the inner tank 1003 in the left-right direction of the washing and drying machine 1100, and extends in the up-down direction of the washing and drying machine 1100.

[0253] One end (upstream end) 1621 of the return duct 1062 is connected to one side of the air outlet 1002c2 provided on the bottom surface (back surface) 1002c of the outer tank 1002, and the other end (downstream end) 1622 is connected to one side of the air inlet 1010a of the heat pump unit 1010. Specifically, one end 1621 of the return duct 1062 is connected to the outlet 1002c2 via a connecting member such as a pleated protective cover (not shown), and the other end 1622 of the return duct 1062 is connected to the air inlet 1010a via a connecting member 1063b such as a pleated protective cover.

[0254] The air (drying air) used to dry the laundry inside the inner tub 1003 flows out to the outer tub 1002 , flows into the return passage 1006c from the air outlet 2c2 provided on the back side of the outer tub 1002 , and returns to the heat pump unit 1010 through the return duct 1062 .

[0255] In order to form the above-mentioned flow of air, the blower 1007 is integrated with the heat pump unit 1010. When the motor 1007b of the blower 1007 is driven, the air (warm air) sucked into the blower 1007 from the heat pump unit 1010 flows into the upstream duct portion 1061a connected to the ejection port (blower outlet) 1007a of the blower 1007. On the other hand, the return duct 1062 is connected to the air inlet 1010a of the heat pump unit 1010, and the air flowing in the return duct 1062 returns to the heat pump unit 1010 from the air inlet 1010a of the heat pump unit 1010.

[0256] The structure of the delivery pipe 10061 and the return pipe 1062 is not limited to the above-mentioned structure. The delivery pipe 10061 and the return pipe 1062 can also be further divided into more parts to form. In addition, the connecting parts such as the folded protective cover used in the connection parts of each pipe and each pipe part are appropriately set according to the needs, and the connection parts of each pipe and each pipe part are not limited to the above-mentioned structure.

[0257] Furthermore, in the description that “duct A is connected to duct B”, when direct connection is not explicitly described, it includes a case where duct A and duct B are indirectly connected via a connection member such as a bellows or other duct member.

[0258] use Figure 29 to Figure 32 The heat pump unit 1010 will be described. Fig.29 1 is a perspective view showing the appearance of a heat pump unit 1010 according to an embodiment of the present invention. Fig.30 The blower 1007 was removed and observed from above. Fig.29 A diagram of a heat pump unit 1010 is shown. Fig.31 It's perspective Fig.30 A diagram of the interior of a heat pump unit 1010 is shown. Fig.32 is from Fig.29 The heat pump unit 1010 is shown in a perspective view with the upper housing 1010c removed.

[0259] The heat pump unit 1010 is integrally provided with a compressor 1012, a condenser (heater) 1013, an expansion valve (decompression mechanism) 1014, an evaporator (dehumidifier) ​​1011, etc. in a resin casing. The resin casing can be separated into an upper casing 1010c and a lower casing 1010d.

[0260] The upper housing 1010c is provided with an air inlet 1010a and a heat exchanger cleaning unit 1004 for flowing cleaning water toward the front surface of the evaporator (dehumidifier) ​​1011. The evaporator (dehumidifier) ​​1011 and the condenser (heater) 1013 constitute a heat exchanger. The heat exchangers 1011 and 1013 are sandwiched between the upper housing 1010c and the lower housing 1010d in a manner that blocks the flow of air to the surroundings, forming a circulating air path (circulating flow path) for drying air. In order to exchange heat with the drying air, the evaporator (dehumidifier) ​​1011 and the condenser (heater) 1013 of this embodiment use a cross-fin tube type heat exchanger installed in a manner that the heat transfer tube passes through the stacked aluminum fins.

[0261] Heat pump unit 1010 has heat pump internal air flow paths 1064 and 1065 formed inside its housings (resin cases) 1010c and 1010d to connect its air inlet 1010a to the blower 1007. Heat pump internal air flow path 1006d forms a part of the air circulation flow path (air circulation duct) 1006.

[0262] The heat pump configured as a heat pump unit 1010 includes an evaporator 1011, a compressor 1012, a condenser 1013, an expansion valve 1014, and a gas-liquid separator 1015. The evaporator 1011 is a radiator, the condenser 1013 is a cooler, and the evaporator 1011 and the condenser 1013 constitute a heat exchanger.

[0263] The refrigerant piping 1018 includes a refrigerant piping (first refrigerant piping) 1181 connecting the evaporator 1011 and the compressor 1012, a refrigerant piping (second refrigerant piping) 1182 connecting the compressor 1012 and the condenser 1013, a refrigerant piping (third refrigerant piping) 1183 connecting the condenser 1013 and the expansion valve 1014, and a refrigerant piping (fourth refrigerant piping) 1184 connecting the expansion valve 1014 and the evaporator 1011. A gas-liquid separator 1015 is provided in the middle of the refrigerant piping 1018 connecting the evaporator 1011 and the compressor 1012. In this heat pump, the refrigerant circulates in the order of the evaporator 1011, the gas-liquid separator 1015, the compressor 1012, the condenser 1013, the expansion valve 1014, and the evaporator 1011.

[0264] The air flowing in the air circulation flow path 1006 is cooled and dehumidified by the evaporator 1011 in the heat pump internal air flow paths 1064 and 1065 from the air inlet 1010a to the air outlet 1010b of the heat pump unit 1010, and then heated by the condenser 1013. Therefore, the evaporator 1011 is sometimes referred to as a dehumidifier and the condenser 1013 is sometimes referred to as a heater.

[0265] In this embodiment, the air blower 1007 is installed at the air outlet 1010b of the heat pump unit 1010, and the air blower 1007 is integrated with the heat pump unit 1010. Therefore, the air blower 1007 can be regarded as a part of the heat pump unit 1010, and the outlet 1007a of the air blower 1007 can also be regarded as the outlet (outlet) of the heat pump unit 1010.

[0266] use Figures 33 to 38 , cleaning of the heat exchanger of the heat pump unit 1010 is described. Fig.33 It is shown Fig.30 Cross-sectional view of section XX. Fig.34 It is shown in an enlarged manner Fig.33 An enlarged view of part XI. Fig.35 It is shown Fig.30 A sectional view of section XII-XII. Fig.36 1010 is a schematic diagram showing the flow of dry air flowing through the heat pump unit 1010 . Fig.37 This is a plan view of the water receiving portion 4a of the heat exchanger cleaning unit 1004 according to one embodiment of the present invention as viewed from below. Fig.38 It is shown in an enlarged manner Fig.35 An enlarged view of section XV. Fig.39 yes Fig.34 An enlarged cross-sectional view of the water receiving portion 1004a of the heat exchanger cleaning unit 1004.

[0267] like Fig.33 and Fig.34 As shown, the heat exchanger cleaning unit 1004 includes a water receiving member 1004a having a cleaning nozzle 1041, and a cover member 1004b covering the upper surface of the water receiving member 1004a. The cover member 1004b also serves as a part of the upper shell 1010c of the heat pump unit 1010, and is composed of the upper shell 1010c. The upper shell 1010c and the lower shell 1010d are sealed with water, and a certain degree of water pressure is generated inside the resin shells 1010c and 1010d when the heat exchangers 1011 and 1013 are cleaned.

[0268] The heat exchanger cleaning unit 1004 sprays cleaning liquid to the heat exchangers 1011 and 1013 using the cleaning nozzle 1041 to clean the heat exchangers 1011 and 1013. In this embodiment, water supplied from the water supply unit 1019 is used as the cleaning liquid. Hereinafter, the cleaning liquid will be referred to as cleaning water.

[0269] The heat exchangers 1011 and 1013 include a heater 1013 and a dehumidifier 1011 disposed on the upstream side of the heater 1013 in the flow direction of the drying air. The cleaning nozzle 1041 is disposed on the upstream side (the air inlet 1010a side) of the dehumidifier 1011 in the flow direction of the drying air. The cleaning water is sprayed from the cleaning nozzle 1041 to the side surface 1011a of the dehumidifier 1011 located on the upstream side in the flow direction of the drying air.

[0270] In this case, the cleaning nozzle 1041 sprays the cleaning water obliquely to the cleaning surface 1011a of the heat exchanger 1011, 1013. Fig.34 As shown, the cleaning nozzle 1041 preferably sprays the cleaning water at an inclination such that an inclination angle A2 formed by the cleaning water W with respect to the cleaning surface 1011a of the dehumidifier 1011 is greater than 1 degree and less than 10 degrees.

[0271] That is, in the washing and drying machine 1100 of this embodiment, the heat exchangers 1011 and 1013 include a heater 1013 and a dehumidifier 1011 arranged upstream of the heater 1013 in the flow direction of the drying air, and the cleaning nozzle 1041 sprays cleaning water using the dehumidifier 1011 as a cleaning surface.

[0272] Lint contained in the dry air adheres to the side surface 1011a of the dehumidifier 1011 located upstream in the flow direction of the dry air in the heat exchangers 1011 and 1013. By spraying washing water to the side surface 1011a of the dehumidifier 1011, the lint attached to the heat exchangers 1011 and 1013 can be efficiently washed away.

[0273] like Fig.34 As shown, the cleaning nozzle 1041 has a spherical surface 1041a. The spherical surface 1041a is not a perfect sphere, but is, for example, a hemispherical curved surface. Furthermore, the radius of the entire curved surface does not need to be constant.

[0274] The ejection port 1041b is formed on the spherical surface 1041a. Fig.36 and Fig.37 As shown, the ejection port 1041b is formed in a slit shape having a length direction D1 in the horizontal direction and in the direction along the cleaning surface 1011a of the dehumidifier 1011. The ejection port 1041b is formed such that the width W1 in the direction perpendicular to the length direction D1 is the largest in the central portion of the length direction D1, and the width of the ejection port 1041b decreases toward the two ends of the length direction D1. Therefore, when the ejection port 1041b is viewed from the front, the width dimension W1 of the central portion of the ejection port 1041b is larger than the width dimension W2 of the two ends of the length direction D1.

[0275] That is, in the washing and drying machine 1100 of the present embodiment, the cleaning nozzle 1041 has a spherical portion (spherical surface) 1041a and a spray port 1041b formed on the spherical portion (spherical surface) 1041a, the spray port 1041b is formed in a slit shape having a length direction D1 in the horizontal direction and in the direction along the cleaning surface 1011a of the dehumidifier 1011, the spray port 1041b is formed so that the width W1 in the direction perpendicular to the length direction D1 is the largest in the central portion of the length direction D1, and the width of the spray port 1041b becomes smaller toward the two ends in the length direction D1.

[0276] The cleaning nozzle 1041 is shaped into a spherical surface (sphere) so that water pressure is evenly applied to the inside of the cleaning nozzle 1041. At this time, the spray port 1041b is shaped in a longitudinal direction so that the cleaning water is sprayed in a fan shape, and the upstream side 1011a of the dehumidifier 1011 can be cleaned in a wide range.

[0277] That is, the washing and drying machine 1100 of this embodiment is a washing and drying machine having a washing function and a drying function, and has:

[0278] an outer tank 1002 capable of storing liquid inside;

[0279] An inner tank 1003 is rotatably supported in the outer tank 1002 and contains laundry; and

[0280] The drying device 200 delivers drying air to the inner tank 1003.

[0281] The drying device 200 includes a heat pump unit 1010 having heat exchangers 1011 and 1013 and a blower 1007.

[0282] The heat pump unit 1010 includes a cleaning nozzle 1041 for spraying cleaning water toward the heat exchangers 1011 and 1013 on the upstream side of the heat exchangers 1011 and 1013 in the flow direction of the drying air.

[0283] The cleaning nozzle 1041 sprays cleaning water to the cleaning surface 1011 a of the heat exchangers 1011 and 1013 in an inclined and fan-shaped manner.

[0284] The washing water is sprayed in a fan shape, so that even when the amount of water is small, the heat exchangers 1011 and 1013 can be cleaned over a wide range. In this case, by tilting the washing surface 1011a and spraying the washing water at an acute angle, the risk of the washing water not being sprayed to the leading edge of the fins of the heat exchangers 1011 and 1013 can be reduced, and the risk of the washing water passing through the leading edge of the fins can also be reduced.

[0285] like Fig.35 As shown, the cleaning nozzle 1041 is arranged near the portion where the drying air flowing into the housings 4a and 4b of the heat pump unit 1010 flows more. In this embodiment, two cleaning nozzles 1041 are provided, but both cleaning nozzles are arranged forward of the center (center) 11x in the front-rear direction of the cleaning surface 1011a.

[0286] like Fig.30 As shown in FIG. 1 , the air outlet 1010b of the heat pump unit 1010 is arranged in front of the air inlet 1010a, and the air outlet 1010b and the air inlet 1010a are arranged staggered in the front-to-back direction. If the heat exchangers 1011 and 1013 are arranged in the direction along the front-to-back direction between the air outlet 1010b and the air inlet 1010a in this state, the drying air flowing in the air flow path 1064 in the heat pump is as follows: Fig.36 As shown by the hollow arrow, a flow biased toward the front is generated. As a result, lint contained in the dry air is easily concentrated in the area indicated by the single-dot chain line on the side surface 1011a of the dehumidifier 1011.

[0287] Therefore, in the washing and drying machine 1100 of the present embodiment, the cleaning nozzle 1041 is arranged close to the region where a large amount of lint adheres.

[0288] In the present embodiment, by configuring the cleaning nozzle 1041 in a region where the amount of lint attached is relatively large, the flow rate of the cleaning water can be increased even if the amount of water is relatively small, and the minimum cleaning power can be maintained. For example, when the water after cleaning the heat exchangers 1011 and 1013 is set in a drying device and drained by a drainage pump for condensed water, the amount of water exceeding the power of the drainage pump cannot be used as cleaning water. In the present embodiment, the heat exchangers 1011 and 1013 can be cleaned with a small amount of cleaning water, so the existing drainage pump for condensed water provided in the washing and drying machine 1100 can be used. Alternatively, the washing and drying machine 1100 of the present embodiment can clean the heat exchangers 1011 and 1013 with a small amount of cleaning water, so the operating cost can be suppressed to a low level.

[0289] like Fig.37 As shown, the cleaning nozzle 1041 has a rib 1041c at the outlet of the spray outlet 1041b. The rib 1041c is provided on one side of the outlet opening edge 1041b1 closer to the dehumidifier 1011 of the two outlet opening edges 1041b1 and 1041b2 of the spray outlet 1041b that are opposed in a direction D2 perpendicular to the longitudinal direction D1 of the spray outlet 1041b.

[0290] That is, in the washing and drying machine 1100 of the present embodiment, the cleaning nozzle 1041 has a rib 1041c protruding in the spray direction of cleaning water at the outlet opening edge 1041b1 of the outlet opening edge 1041b1 and 1041b2 of the spray port 1041b located on the cleaning surface 1011a side.

[0291] The spray angle of the washing water sprayed from the washing nozzle 1041 may become unstable due to the Coanda effect. By providing the rib 1041c, the spray angle is stabilized.

[0292] like Fig.37 As shown in FIG. 1 , the slit length in the longitudinal direction D1 of the spray outlet 1041b of the cleaning nozzle 1041 gradually increases from L2 on the inlet side to L2 on the outlet side. Fig.38 As shown, the ejection port 1041b has an opening angle A1 that opens from the inlet side toward the outlet side.

[0293] That is, in the washing and drying machine 1100 of the present embodiment, the spray outlet 1041b is formed as a slit shape having a length direction D1 in the horizontal direction and in the direction along the cleaning surface 1011a of the dehumidifier 1011, and the spray outlet 1041b has an opening angle A1 that opens in such a manner that the slit length in the length direction D1 increases from the inlet side toward the outlet side, and the opening angle A1 is set to an angle greater than 130° and smaller than 180°.

[0294] The amount of water ejected from the cleaning nozzle 1041b depends on the water supply pressure, so depending on the installation environment (tap water pressure of each household), the cleaning range may be narrowed due to insufficient water. In this embodiment, by making the opening angle of the spray port 1041b above 130°, a wide range of cleaning can be performed even when the water supply pressure is low and the water volume is small.

[0295] like Fig.39 As shown, the discharge port 1041b is formed so that the width in the direction D2 perpendicular to the longitudinal direction D1 increases from the inlet side toward the outlet side. In this case, the side surface 1041b3 of the discharge port 1041b along the longitudinal direction D1 is preferably inclined so that the inlet side is closer to the cleaning surface 1011a of the dehumidifier 1011 relative to the outlet side. In this embodiment, the side surface 1041b4 opposite to the side surface 1041b3 in the direction D2 perpendicular to the longitudinal direction D1 is formed in the up-down direction (vertical direction).

[0296] That is, in the washing and drying machine 1100 of this embodiment,

[0297] The side surface 1041b3 of the two side surfaces 1041b3 and 41b4 of the spray outlet 1041b along the length direction D1, which is closer to the cleaning surface 1011a of the dehumidifier 1011, is inclined in such a manner that the inlet side is located on the side of the cleaning surface 1011a of the dehumidifier 1011 relative to the outlet side, and is inclined with respect to the up and down directions in such a manner that the cleaning water sprayed from the spray outlet 1041b is directed toward the cleaning surface 1011a of the dehumidifier 1011.

[0298] Thus, the discharge port 1041b is inclined so as to be directed toward the cleaning surface 1011a of the dehumidifier 1011 from the up-down direction (vertical direction).

[0299] As a method for cleaning the cleaning surface 1011a of the dehumidifier 1011, a method of providing one cleaning nozzle 1041b and spraying cleaning water from a higher position is considered. However, in order to spray from a higher position, it is necessary to increase the size of the housing according to the height of the cleaning nozzle 1041b. In addition, since the cleaning nozzle 1041b is separated from the dehumidifier 1011, there is a concern that the cleaning performance will be reduced. In this embodiment, there are multiple cleaning nozzles 1041b, which can suppress the enlargement of the housing and can spray cleaning water over a large range from a position closer to the dehumidifier 1011. In this case, it is possible to spray at an acute spray angle A2 (refer to Fig.34 ) Spray cleaning water onto the cleaning surface 1011a of the dehumidifier 1011.

[0300] <Third Embodiment>

[0301] Hereinafter, a third embodiment of the present invention will be described using the drawings. In the drawings mentioned below, up and down, front and back, left and right directions are indicated by arrows as appropriate, but this is for convenience of description and does not limit the present invention.

[0302] Fig.40 It is a perspective view showing the appearance of the washing and drying machine according to this embodiment. Fig.41 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the right side of the internal structure of the washing and drying machine of this embodiment. Fig.40 As shown, the washing and drying machine 2100 is an example of a drum-type washing and drying machine, and a frame is formed by combining a side plate 2001a mainly made of steel plate and resin molded products and a reinforcing material (not shown) on the upper part of the base 2001h, and a front cover 2001c and an upper cover 2001e are installed thereon to form a box body 2001. The front cover 2001c is provided with a washing machine 2030 (see Fig.41 ) door 2009. In addition, the washing and drying machine 2100 can also be configured as a vertical washing and drying machine.

[0303] like Fig.41 As shown, an outer tank 2020 is provided inside the housing 2001. The lower part of the outer tank 2020 is supported by a plurality of suspensions 2005a, and the upper part is suspended by a spring 2005b. Furthermore, the door 2009 is opened to put laundry 2030 into the rotating drum 2029 (inner tank) located inside the outer tank 2020. The outer tank 2020 and the rotating drum 2029 (inner tank) are used as the main components to constitute the washing tank. Furthermore, a fluid balancer 2031 for reducing the vibration caused by the imbalance of the laundry 2030 during dehydration is provided on the outer periphery of the opening of the rotating drum 2029. Furthermore, a plurality of lifters 2033 for lifting the laundry 2030 are provided on the inner side of the rotating drum 2029. Furthermore, the rotating drum 2029 is directly connected to the motor M10 for drum driving via a main shaft 2035 connected to a metal flange 2034 for the rotating drum. Furthermore, the mechanism for driving the rotating drum 2029 may be a so-called belt drive structure in which a pulley fixed to the main shaft 2035 and a motor fixed to the outer tank 2020 are connected via a belt to drive the drum.

[0304] A rubber bellows 2010 made of an elastomer is installed at the opening of the outer tank 2020. The bellows 2010 has the function of maintaining the water tightness between the outer tank 2020 and the door 2003. In this way, water leakage is prevented during washing, rinsing and dehydration. The rotating drum 2029 has a plurality of small holes (not shown) on the side wall for centrifugal dehydration and ventilation. In addition, a water receiving portion 2054 is provided at the bottom of the outer tank 2020. The drain port 2021 opened in the water receiving portion 2054 is connected to the drain hose 2026 via the drain valve V1. The overflow hose 17 is installed on the front surface of the outer tank 2020 and merges with the drain hose 2026 at a position downstream of the drain valve V1.

[0305] A circulation pump 2018 for drawing washing water to the upper part of the outer tub 2020 and distributing the washing water to the laundry 2030 in the rotary drum 2029 is fixed to a base 2001h ( Fig.40 The washing water enters the suction port side of the circulation pump 2018 from the drain port 2021 of the water receiving portion 2054 provided at the lower part of the outer tank 2020 through the lint filter 2041, and after being pressurized by the circulation pump 2018, is sprayed from the spray nozzle 45 toward the rotating drum 2029.

[0306] Drying is done by air supply fan 2002 (air supply fan) ( Fig.43 ) warm air drying method in which air is circulated between the rotary drum 2029 and the heat pump unit 2300 to dry the air. In this embodiment, the air supply fan 2002 and the heat pump unit 2300 that heats the circulating air after dehumidifying it by the heat pump method are used as the main components to form a drying / heating device. In addition, the washing and drying machine 2100 has a jet flow path 2311 ( Fig.43 , Fig.44 ), and a return flow path 2312 ( Fig.43 , Fig.44 ) (both are explained below).

[0307] Fig.42 2300 (heater) is a perspective view showing an overview of the device structure of the heat pump unit 2300. The heat pump unit 2300 is mainly composed of a compressor 2307, a condenser 2301, a variable expansion valve 2308, and an evaporator 2302. In this embodiment, the variable expansion valve 2308 is used as an expansion mechanism, but a fixed expansion mechanism such as a capillary tube may also be used. As the flow of circulating air, it flows through the evaporator 2302 (dehumidifier) ​​and then flows into the condenser 2301 (heater), and then reaches the air supply fan 2002 ( Fig.45) is the suction port. Since the air inlet (not shown) is located between the evaporator 2302 and the condenser 2301, the air volume flowing into the evaporator 2302 is the amount of air blown out by the air supply fan 2002 minus the amount of exhaust gas discharged through the exhaust port (not shown). When the air flows into the condenser 2301, an amount of air equal to the exhaust gas volume flows in from the air inlet (not shown). Therefore, the air volume passing through the condenser 2301 is equal to the air volume of the air supply fan 2002 ( Fig.45 ) have the same blowing amount.

[0308] The circulating air returned from the washing tub to the heat pump unit 2300 is dehumidified by exchanging heat with the low-temperature refrigerant in the evaporator 2302. Then, the circulating air whose temperature has been lowered by being dehumidified exchanges heat with the high-temperature refrigerant in the condenser 2301, and its temperature rises, and is sent out to the washing tub again. In the evaporator 2302, the circulating air exchanges heat with the low-temperature refrigerant, and is thus dehumidified to produce drain water. In order to discharge the drain water to the outside, a drain pump (not shown) is provided as needed. In addition, Fig.42 The configuration relationship of each part within the washing and drying machine 2100 is ignored.

[0309] Fig.43 It is a rear view showing the arrangement of the components in the housing. Fig.44 2001 is a three-dimensional diagram of the equipment in the box. In the box 2001, the upper part of the outer tank 2020 (washing tank) and the upper cover 2001e ( Fig.40 ) is provided with a washing treatment liquid container 2401. The washing treatment liquid container 2401 is arranged in a position close to the left side in the horizontal direction inside the housing 2001. The washing treatment liquid container 2401 is a container for storing various washing treatment liquids such as detergents and softeners used for washing. Each washing treatment liquid in the washing treatment liquid container 2401 is added into the washing tank in a predetermined amount at a predetermined time by a predetermined mechanism (the details are omitted because they are well known). (In this embodiment, it is set to be automatically added). In addition, the horizontal direction is the width direction (left-right direction) when looking at the washing and drying machine 2100 (housing 2001) from the front.

[0310] However, in the technology of Patent Document 1, a water injection box having a detergent input box in a pull-out manner is arranged above an air supply duct connected to a drying mechanism equipped with a heat pump. Therefore, the detergent in the detergent input box may deteriorate due to the heat generated from the air intake duct through which warm air circulates. However, Patent Document 1 does not disclose any countermeasures for such an undesirable situation, and there is room for improvement in this regard. The technical content of this embodiment that improves this undesirable point is described in detail below.

[0311] Back to Fig.43 , Fig.44The ejection flow path 2311 is a flow path for supplying the circulating air dried and heated by the heat pump unit 2300 from the air supply fan 2002 to the outer tank 2020 (washing tank). The ejection flow path 2311 is connected to the outer tank 2020 (washing tank) from the heat pump unit 2300 along the box body 2001 ( Fig.40 ) rises to the right ( Fig.43 ), and extends horizontally just below the upper cover 2001e of the box body 2001 ( Fig.44 ) and connected to the outer tank 2020 (washing tank).

[0312] The return flow path 2312 is a flow path for returning the circulating air supplied from the ejection flow path 2311 to the outer tank 2020 (washing tank) from the outer tank 2020 (washing tank) to the heat pump unit 2300. The return flow path 2312 extends from the heat pump unit 2300 along the housing 2001 ( Fig.40 ) rises at its left end, bends to the right in the left-right direction at the upper portion, extends to the upper side of the outer tank 2020 (washing tank), and is connected to the outer tank 2020 (washing tank) ( Fig.43 ).

[0313] As described above, the cleaning liquid container 2401 is located on one side (left side) of the housing 2001 in the horizontal direction, and the discharge flow path 2311 is located on the other side (right side) of the housing 2001 .

[0314] Furthermore, the distance between the cleaning liquid container 2401 and the discharge flow path 2311 is longer than the distance between the cleaning liquid container 2401 and the return flow path 2312 .

[0315] The return flow path 2312 is arranged on the same side (left side) as the cleaning solution container 2401 of the housing 2001 in the horizontal direction.

[0316] like Fig.43 As shown, a drying / heating device composed of a blower fan 2002, a heat pump unit 2300, etc. is arranged at the lower part of the outer tub 2020 (washing tub).

[0317] Fig.45 It is a longitudinal sectional view of the air flow path portion of the heat pump unit. Fig.46 FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the interior of a heat pump unit by cutting away a portion of the housing. Fig.45 As shown, the air supply fan 2002 (air supply machine) is located on the rightmost outer side of the heat pump unit 2300. Fig.46 As shown, the compressor 2307 is located at the right end side of the heat pump unit 2300. Thus, the compressor 2307, the air supply fan 2002 (air supply machine) and the washing treatment liquid container 2401 ( Fig.43) are arranged on opposite sides in the horizontal direction in the housing 2001 (the former is the right side and the latter is the left side) (see also Fig.49 ). The motor 2331 is a motor for driving the air supply fan 2002.

[0318] Furthermore, a resin recycled material is used for a part of the discharge flow path 2311 and the return flow path 2312. In this example, a recycled material based on polypropylene is used, and regarding the color of the resin, the discharge flow path 2311 is black, and the return flow path 2312 is cream.

[0319] Fig.45 In the embodiment, the evaporator 2302 (dehumidifier) ​​and the condenser 2301 (heater) are respectively arranged near the left center of the heat pump unit 2300 in the left-right direction. Moreover, the condenser 2301 (heater) is arranged at a position to the right of the evaporator 2302 (dehumidifier). Therefore, the distance between the washing treatment liquid container 2401 arranged at the left end in the left-right direction in the box 2001 and the condenser 2301 (heater) is longer than the distance between the washing treatment liquid container 2401 and the evaporator 2302 (dehumidifier) ​​(see also Fig.49 ). In addition, during the drying process of the laundry 2030, in the evaporator 2302, the refrigerant evaporates due to the air (air containing a large amount of moisture) that absorbs moisture from the laundry 2030 in the washing tub, and the refrigerant goes to the compressor 2307. On the other hand, the air is cooled by the latent heat of evaporation of the refrigerant and dehumidified, and goes to the condenser 2301. In the condenser 2301, the refrigerant condenses due to the air dehumidified by the evaporator 2302, and the air is heated by the latent heat of condensation of the refrigerant at this time, and the heated air is supplied to the washing tub via the ejection flow path 2311.

[0320] Back to Fig.43 A housing case 2501 for housing a circuit for controlling and driving a predetermined actuator of the washing and drying machine 2100 is provided between the washing treatment liquid container 2401 and the discharge flow path 2311 .

[0321] Fig.472 is an exploded perspective view of the storage housing. The storage housing 2501 is a box body that is roughly rectangular when viewed from above, and is formed by combining a housing 2502 and a housing 2503. A substrate 2511 on which a circuit for controlling and driving a predetermined actuator of the washing and drying machine 2100 is installed is stored in the storage housing 2501 formed by combining the housing 2502 and the housing 2503. A cooling fan 2521 (also serving as an air inlet) for cooling the storage housing 2501 is provided on a side plate 2502a on one short side of the housing 2502. A side plate 2502b on one long side of the housing 2502 faces the washing treatment liquid container 2401, and a side plate 2502c on the other long side faces the ejection flow path 2311. Furthermore, a slit-shaped exhaust port 2522 is provided at a position on the side of the housing 2503 opposite to the cooling fan 2521 side and close to the discharge flow path 2311 side.

[0322] The material of the storage case 2501 includes metal. In particular, aluminum and aluminum alloy are preferable as the material of the storage case 2501.

[0323] Fig.48 2 is a plan view of the substrate in the housing. A drive circuit (power element) for driving the compressor 2307 and a heat sink 2542 are installed in the area 2541 near the side plate 2504c on the side of the ejection flow path 2311, in front of the cooling fan 2521 of the substrate 2511. The drive circuit and the drive circuit part of the heat sink 2542 are the components that generate the most heat among the circuit elements installed on the substrate 2511.

[0324] In region 2543 on substrate 2511 adjacent to region 2541 on the opposite side of cooling fan 2521, motor drive circuits (power elements) for driving motor M10 for driving rotating drum 2029 (inner tank) and motor 2331 for driving air supply fan 2002 and heat sink 2544 are installed.

[0325] On the substrate 2511, a heat sink 2547 for cooling other heat-generating circuit elements mounted on the substrate 2511 is installed in an area 2546 near the side plate 2502b which is closer to the washing treatment liquid container 2401 than the areas 2541 and 2543. In addition, a control circuit such as a processor and an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit) for controlling the above-mentioned driving circuits (power elements) is also installed on the substrate 2511.

[0326] As described above, a drive circuit and a heat sink 2542 for driving the compressor 2307 are installed in the area 2541 near the side plate 2502c on the side of the ejection flow path 2311. Therefore, the drive circuit and the washing treatment liquid container 2401 are located on opposite sides in the horizontal direction (left-right direction) (see also Fig.49 ).

[0327] Furthermore, as described above, a slit-shaped exhaust port 2522 is provided at a portion of the housing 2502 near the ejection flow path 2311. That is, the exhaust port 2522 of the housing 2501 is arranged in a horizontal direction different from that of the washing treatment liquid container 2401 (the former is the right side, and the latter is the left side) (see also Fig.49 ).

[0328] Next, the effects of this embodiment will be described.

[0329] First, the washing liquid container 2401 is located on one side (left side) of the housing 2001 in the horizontal direction, and the ejection flow path 2311 is located on the other side (right side) of the housing 2001. Therefore, the washing liquid in the washing liquid container 2401 is not easily affected by the hot air rising from the ejection flow path 2311 including the heat generated by the ejection flow path 2311 through which the heated air circulates, and the washing liquid is not easily deteriorated. Therefore, the washing and drying machine 2100 can suppress the washing liquid in the washing liquid container 2401 from being affected by heat.

[0330] Furthermore, the distance between the washing treatment liquid container 2401 and the ejection flow path 2311 is longer than the distance between the washing treatment liquid container 2401 and the return flow path 2312. In contrast to the air containing hot air flowing in the ejection flow path 2311, the return flow path 2312 flows the air cooled and humidified by heat exchange with the clothes and water transfer in the washing tub. Therefore, when the distance between the washing treatment liquid container 2401 and the ejection flow path 2311 is longer than the distance between the washing treatment liquid container 2401 and the return flow path 2312, the washing treatment liquid container 2401 is less susceptible to the heat from the ejection flow path 2311 than in the opposite case. Therefore, the washing and drying machine 2100 can suppress the washing treatment liquid (detergent, softener, etc.) in the washing treatment liquid container 2401 from being affected by heat.

[0331] Furthermore, the return flow path 2312 is arranged on the same side (left side) as the washing treatment liquid container 2401 of the housing 2001 in the horizontal direction. The return flow path 2312 flows the cooled air in the washing tank. Therefore, even if the return flow path 2312 is arranged on the same side as the washing treatment liquid container 2401 in the horizontal direction, the washing treatment liquid container 2401 is hardly affected by heat. Therefore, the washing and drying machine 2100 can suppress the washing treatment liquid in the washing treatment liquid container 2401 from being affected by heat.

[0332] Furthermore, the length of the ejection flow path 2311 is longer than the length of the return flow path 2312. The ejection flow path 2311 flows air with a relatively low temperature, but is arranged at a position where it is easy to have a thermal impact on the washing treatment liquid container 2401. Therefore, if the return flow path 2312 is shortened, the heat dissipation surface from the return flow path 2312 becomes narrower, and it is difficult for the return flow path 2312 to have a thermal impact on the washing treatment liquid container 2401. Therefore, the washing and drying machine 2100 can suppress the washing treatment liquid in the washing treatment liquid container 2401 from being affected by heat.

[0333] The washing and drying machine 2100 uses recycled materials, so that the protection of the earth's environment can be considered through the reuse of resources, but the unit price is often increased compared to general resins, so it is preferably used in a limited manner. In addition, the recycled materials produce deviations in the appearance of the components due to the mixture, so by using them in the flow path that the user cannot visually see from the outside, it is possible to protect the environment without damaging the design of the washing machine. In addition, the return flow path 2312 is lower in temperature than the ejection flow path 2311, that is, the temperature change is small, so if the recycled materials are applied to the return flow path 2312, it is difficult to produce odor due to temperature changes compared to applying the recycled materials to the ejection flow path 2311.

[0334] And, generally speaking, the more types of mixtures in the recycled material, the closer to black, and the cheaper the unit price. Therefore, in order to realize a low-cost washing machine, it is preferred that the color of the recycled material is black. In this embodiment, by setting the color of the return flow path 2312 to a color closer to white than the color of the ejection flow path 2311, the emissivity of the return flow path 2312 is lower than the emissivity of the ejection flow path 2311, and the return flow path 2312, which is easily configured to have a thermal impact on the washing treatment liquid container 2401, can be suppressed from causing a thermal impact on the washing treatment liquid in the washing treatment liquid container 2401.

[0335] Furthermore, a drying / heating device composed of an air supply fan 2002 (air supply machine), a heat pump unit 2300, etc. is arranged at the lower part of the outer tank 2020 (washing tank). Therefore, there is a distance between the drying / heating device and the washing treatment liquid container 2401 arranged at the upper part of the outer tank 2020 (washing tank), and the outer tank 2020 (washing tank) is arranged between the two. Therefore, the washing treatment liquid container 2401 is not easily affected by the heat from the drying / heating device. Thus, the washing and drying machine 2100 can suppress the washing treatment liquid in the washing treatment liquid container 2401 from being affected by heat.

[0336] Furthermore, as described above, the compressor 2307, the air supply fan 2002 (air supply machine), and the washing treatment liquid container 2401 are arranged on opposite sides in the horizontal direction (the former is the right side, and the latter is the left side) in the housing 2001. Therefore, the heat of the motor of the compressor 2307 and the air supply fan 2002 (air supply machine), which are heat sources, is difficult to be transferred to the washing treatment liquid container 2401. Therefore, the washing and drying machine 2100 can suppress the washing treatment liquid in the washing treatment liquid container 2401 from being affected by heat.

[0337] Furthermore, as described above, the distance between the washing treatment liquid container 2401 disposed at the left end in the left-right direction in the housing 2001 and the condenser 2301 (heater) is longer than the distance between the washing treatment liquid container 2401 and the evaporator 2302 (dehumidifier). Compared with the evaporator 2302, the condenser 2301 is a larger heat source, but since the condenser 2301 is far away from the washing treatment liquid container 2401, it is difficult for heat to be transferred from the condenser 2301 to the washing treatment liquid container 2401. Therefore, the washing and drying machine 2100 can suppress the washing treatment liquid in the washing treatment liquid container 2401 from being affected by heat.

[0338] Furthermore, as described above, a housing 2501 for housing a circuit for controlling and driving a predetermined actuator of the washing and drying machine 2100 is provided between the washing and drying liquid container 2401 and the ejection flow path 2311. Therefore, the housing 2501 becomes an obstacle, and cuts off the heat transfer from the ejection flow path 2311 to the washing and drying liquid container 2401. Therefore, the washing and drying machine 2100 can suppress the washing and drying liquid in the washing and drying liquid container 2401 from being affected by heat.

[0339] Furthermore, the storage housing 2501 is configured to contain metal. Therefore, compared with the storage housing 2501 formed of resin or the like, when the storage housing 2501 is configured to contain metal, the radiant heat in the storage housing 2501 is difficult to leak out. Therefore, the heat generated by the circuit in the storage housing 2501 is difficult to be transferred to the washing treatment liquid container 2401. Therefore, the washing and drying machine 2100 can suppress the washing treatment liquid in the washing treatment liquid container 2401 from being affected by heat.

[0340] Furthermore, a drive circuit for driving the compressor 2307 and a heat sink 2542 are mounted on the substrate 2511. Moreover, the drive circuit and the washing treatment liquid container 2401 are located on opposite sides in the horizontal direction (left-right direction) (the former is the right side and the latter is the left side). Therefore, the heat of the drive circuit of the compressor 2307, which is prone to generate a large amount of heat, is difficult to be transferred to the washing treatment liquid container 2401. Therefore, the washing and drying machine 2100 can suppress the washing treatment liquid in the washing treatment liquid container 2401 from being affected by heat.

[0341] Furthermore, as described above, the exhaust port 2522 of the storage housing 2501 is arranged in a horizontal direction different from the washing treatment liquid container 2401 side (the former is the right side, and the latter is the left side). Therefore, the hot air discharged from the storage housing 2501 to the outside through the exhaust port 2522 is difficult to be transmitted to the washing treatment liquid container 2401. Therefore, the washing and drying machine 2100 can suppress the washing treatment liquid in the washing treatment liquid container 2401 from being affected by heat.

[0342] <Fourth embodiment>

[0343] The fourth embodiment of the present invention is described below using the accompanying drawings. In addition, in the following drawings, arrows are used to indicate the up and down, left and right, front and back directions as appropriate. The above directions are the directions observed from the user standing in front of the washing and drying machine for the convenience of description and do not limit the present invention.

[0344] Fig.50 It is a perspective view showing the appearance of the washing and drying machine according to this embodiment. Fig.51 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the right side of the internal structure of the washing and drying machine of this embodiment. Fig.50 As shown, the washing and drying machine 3100 is an example of a drum-type washing and drying machine, and a frame is formed by combining a side plate 3001a mainly made of steel plate and resin molded products and a reinforcing material (not shown) on the upper part of the base 3001h, and a front cover 3001c and an upper cover 3001e are installed thereon, thereby forming a box body 3001. The front cover 3001c is provided with a washing 3030 for taking out and putting in (refer to Fig.51 ) door 3009. In addition, the washing and drying machine 3100 can also be configured as a vertical washing and drying machine.

[0345] like Fig.51As shown, an outer tank 3020 is provided inside the housing 3001. The lower part of the outer tank 3020 is supported by a plurality of suspensions 3005a, and the upper part is suspended by a spring 3005b. Furthermore, the door 3009 is opened to put laundry 3030 into the rotating drum 3029 (inner tank) located inside the outer tank 3020. The outer tank 3020 and the rotating drum 3029 (inner tank) are used as main components to form a washing tank 3041. Furthermore, a fluid balancer 3031 is provided on the outer periphery of the opening of the rotating drum 3029 for reducing the vibration caused by the imbalance of the laundry 3030 during dehydration. Furthermore, a plurality of lifters 3033 for lifting the laundry 3030 are provided on the inner side of the rotating drum 3029. Furthermore, the rotating drum 3029 is directly connected to the motor M10 for driving the drum via a main shaft 3035 connected to a metal flange 3034 for the rotating drum. Furthermore, the mechanism for driving the rotating drum 3029 may be a so-called belt drive structure in which a pulley fixed to the main shaft 3035 and a motor fixed to the outer tank 3020 are connected via a belt to drive the drum.

[0346] A rubber bellows 3010 made of an elastomer is installed at the opening of the outer tank 3020. The bellows 3010 has the function of maintaining the water tightness between the outer tank 3020 and the door 3009. Thus, water leakage during washing, rinsing and dehydration is prevented. The rotating drum 3029 has a plurality of small holes (not shown) for centrifugal dehydration and ventilation on the side wall. In addition, a drainage path 3042 (described below) related to the drainage of the washing and drying machine 3100 is provided at the bottom of the outer tank 3020.

[0347] Drying is done by blower 3002 ( Fig.53 ) The washing and drying machine 3100 is a warm air drying method in which air is circulated (circulated air) between the rotating drum 3029 and the heat pump unit 3300 (drying / heating device) to dry the air. In addition, in this embodiment, the washing and drying machine 3100 is provided with a jet flow path 3311 ( Fig.54 , Fig.55 ), and a return flow path 3312 ( Fig.54 , Fig.55 ) (both are explained below).

[0348] Fig.523300 is a perspective view showing an overview of the device structure of the heat pump unit 3300. The heat pump unit 3300 is mainly composed of a compressor 3307, a condenser 3301, a variable expansion valve 3308, and an evaporator 3302. In this embodiment, the variable expansion valve 3308 is used as an expansion mechanism, but a fixed expansion mechanism such as a capillary tube may also be used. As the flow of circulating air, it flows into the condenser 3301 (heater) after passing through the evaporator 3302 (dehumidifier), and reaches the blower 3002 ( Fig.53 ) inlet.

[0349] The circulating air returned from the washing tank 3041 to the heat pump unit 3300 is dehumidified by exchanging heat with the low-temperature refrigerant in the evaporator 3302. Then, the circulating air whose temperature has been lowered by dehumidification exchanges heat with the high-temperature refrigerant in the condenser 3301, and its temperature rises, and is sent to the washing tank again. In the evaporator 3302, the circulating air exchanges heat with the low-temperature refrigerant, and is thus dehumidified to produce condensation water (drain water). In order to discharge the condensation water to the outside, a drainage pump 3221 ( Fig.56 ).also, Fig.52 The configuration relationship of each part within the washing and drying machine 3100 is ignored.

[0350] Fig.53 FIG. 3 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the air flow path of the heat pump unit. The blower 3002 supplies air from the heat pump unit 3300 to the discharge flow path 3311. Fig.53 As shown, the blower 3002 is located on the rightmost outer side of the heat pump unit 3300 .

[0351] Fig.54 It is a rear view showing the arrangement of the components in the housing. Fig.55 3311 is a three-dimensional diagram of the components in the housing. The ejection flow path 3311 is a flow path for supplying the circulating air dried and heated by the heat pump unit 3300 from the blower 3002 to the outer tank 3020 (washing tank 3041). The ejection flow path 3311 is a flow path for supplying the circulating air dried and heated by the heat pump unit 3300 from the blower 3002 to the outer tank 3020 (washing tank 3041). Fig.50 ) rises to the right ( Fig.54 ), and on the upper cover 3001e ( Fig.50 ) extends horizontally directly below ( Fig.55 ) and connected to the outer tank 3020 (washing tank 3041).

[0352] The return flow path 3312 is a flow path for returning the circulating air supplied from the ejection flow path 3311 to the outer tank 3020 (washing tank 3041) from the outer tank 3020 to the heat pump unit 3300. The return flow path 3312 is formed at the back of the outer tank 3020 (washing tank 3041) from the heat pump unit 3300 along the housing 3001 ( Fig.50 ) rises at its left end, bends to the right in the left-right direction at the upper portion, extends to the upper side of the outer tank 3020 (washing tank 3041), and is connected to the outer tank 3020 (washing tank 3041) ( Fig.54 , Fig.55 ).

[0353] Fig.56 The drainage path 3042 includes a drainage flow path 3201 for discharging water stored in the outer tank 3020 and a discharge path 3221 for overflow drainage when the water stored in the outer tank 3020 exceeds a predetermined water level.

[0354] The drainage flow path 3201 is a path for draining the water stored in the outer tank 3020, and includes an internal drainage path 3202, a water path filter 3203, a drainage valve 3204, and a drainage hose 3205. The internal drainage path 3202 is connected to the bottom surface of the outer tank 3020, and the water path filter 3203 captures lint (thread ends) in the drainage flowing in the internal drainage path 3202. The lint captured by the water path filter 3203 is cleaned appropriately by the user.

[0355] The discharge path 3221 is connected to the overflow port 3212 for discharging the water in the outer tank 3020 when the water level in the outer tank 3020 reaches a predetermined level or above. A portion of the discharge path 3221 forms a return bend 3213, which stores the water flowing in the discharge path 3221 by bending, thereby cutting off the flow of air between the outer tank 3020 side and the above-mentioned outside side via the discharge path. The return bend 3213 is bent downward in a substantially U-shape, for example. The discharge path 3221 on the downstream side of the return bend 3213 is connected to the drain hose 3205. That is, the drainage flow path 3201 and the discharge path 3221 merge at the drain hose 3205, and the drain hose 3205 is both the drainage flow path 3201 and the discharge path 3221. The drain hose 3205 discharges the water in the outer tank 3020 to the outside.

[0356] In the heat pump unit 3300, the circulating air is dehumidified by exchanging heat with the low-temperature refrigerant in the evaporator 3302, and the condensed water generated thereby is discharged by the drain pump 3221 (pump). The condensed water is guided by a condensed water hose 3222 (condensed water flow path) connected to the drain pump 3221 at one end and connected to the drain hose 3205 at the other end, and is discharged to the outside by the drain hose 3205. In order to prevent water from flowing back from the drain hose 3205 to the heat pump unit 3300, the condensed water hose 3222 is arranged at a position higher than the drain flow path 3201 in the vertical direction.

[0357] Furthermore, a circulating water path 3231 and a circulating pump 3232 for circulating the water in the outer tank 3020 are provided between the water path filter 3203 and the outer tank 3020 .

[0358] In addition, the water return bend 3213 stores water flowing from the outer tub 3020 during the washing operation of the washing and drying machine 3100. During the drying operation of the washing and drying machine 3100, the stored water cuts off the flow of air between the outer tub 3020 and the outside, thereby suppressing the odor of scale from rising into the washing tub 3041. Therefore, during the drying operation, it is necessary to prevent the water stored in the water return bend 3213 from being depleted.

[0359] On the other hand, the circulating air dried and heated by the heat pump unit 3300 is sent toward the outer tank 3020 by the blower 3002. The circulating air coming out of the blower 3002 has the highest pressure at the outlet of the blower 3002, and when it flows through the ejection flow path 3311, it is subjected to the resistance of the flow path, and the pressure is reduced to a certain extent and flows into the outer tank 3020. The pressure at this time becomes the internal pressure in the outer tank 3020. After that, when the circulating air in the outer tank 3020 flows through the return flow path 3312, it is subjected to the resistance of the flow path, and the pressure is further reduced, and it becomes substantially the atmospheric pressure at the inlet of the blower 3002.

[0360] In this case, if the pressure loss of the circulating air in the return flow path 3312 is large, the internal pressure of the outer tank 3020 is relatively high. In this way, if the internal pressure of the outer tank 3020 is high, the air pressure on the side of the discharge path 3221 connected to the outer tank 3020 is also high, and the water retained in the return bend 3213 is squeezed out by the air pressure, and the possibility of almost no water in the return bend 3213 increases.

[0361] Therefore, in this embodiment, a scheme for making it difficult for water in the water return pipe 3213 to be lacking during the drying operation will be described below.

[0362] (1) First, in the washing and drying machine 3100 of this embodiment, it is designed that during the operation of the heat pump unit 3300, the pressure loss of air in the above-mentioned return flow path 3312, the evaporator 3302 and the condenser 3301 of the heat pump unit 3300 is smaller than the pressure loss in the ejection flow path 3311.

[0363] (2) Furthermore, the washing and drying machine 3100 is designed so that, during the operation of the heat pump unit 3300 , the pressure difference between the internal pressure of the washing tub 3041 and the suction port of the blower 3002 is smaller than the pressure difference between the internal pressure of the washing tub 3041 and the discharge port of the blower 3002 .

[0364] In order to realize the above (1) and (2), the washing and drying machine 3100 has the following structures.

[0365] First, if Fig.54 , Fig.55 As shown, the length of the return flow path 3312 is set shorter than the length of the discharge flow path 3311. Thus, the degree of decompression of the circulating air due to the resistance in the discharge flow path 3311 is greater than the degree of decompression due to the resistance in the return flow path 3312.

[0366] Next, the minimum cross-sectional area of ​​the return flow path 3312 is larger than the minimum cross-sectional area of ​​the ejection flow path 3311. As a result, the degree of decompression of the circulating air due to the resistance in the ejection flow path 3311 is greater than the degree of decompression due to the resistance in the return flow path 3312. The portion of the return flow path 3312 with the minimum cross-sectional area is the portion of the return flow path 3312 (connection portion 3701) ( Fig.55 The portion with the smallest cross-sectional area of ​​the ejection flow path 3311 is the portion 3702 of the ejection flow path 3311 ( Fig.55 ).

[0367] Furthermore, the connection portion 3711 ( Fig.53 ) is larger than the cross-sectional area of ​​the connection portion (portion 3702 ( Fig.55 )) has a large cross-sectional area. That is, the portion where the cross-sectional area of ​​the circulating air flow path changes sharply becomes a large resistance to the circulating air. The connection portion 3711 between the return flow path 3312 and the heat pump unit 3300 and the connection portion (portion 3702 ( Fig.55 )) are both equivalent to the part where the cross-sectional area of ​​the flow path of the circulating air changes sharply. Therefore, the cross-sectional area of ​​the connection between the return flow path 3312 and the heat pump unit 3300 is larger than the cross-sectional area of ​​the connection between the ejection flow path 3311 and the outer tank 3020, so that the ejection flow path 3311 side can help increase the resistance of the circulating air compared with the return flow path 3312 side.

[0368] Fig.57 It is an exploded stereogram of the washing tank part. A connecting port 3401 connected to the return flow path 3312 is provided at the upper part of the outer tank 3020 in the washing tank 3041. That is, the air in the circulating air returned from the washing tank 3041 to the heat pump unit 3300 flows into the return flow path 3312 from the connecting port 3401. A primary filter 3402 (filter) and a secondary filter 3403 (filter) are provided in the connecting port 3401. The primary filter 3402 and the secondary filter 3403 are filters for removing dust from the circulating air flowing from the washing tank 3041 to the return flow path 3312. The circulating air flowing from the washing tank 3041 to the return flow path 3312 is dusted in sequence by the primary filter 3402 and the secondary filter 3403. In addition, three or more filters may be provided. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the primary filter 3402 and the secondary filter 3403 can be said to be arranged at the inlet part of the return flow path 3312, but they can be arranged somewhere in the air flow path including the return flow path 3312 between the outer tank 3020 and the evaporator 3302 of the heat pump unit 3300.

[0369] The presence of the primary filter 3402 and the secondary filter 3403 can prevent the return passage 3312 from being clogged with dust and the pressure loss of the circulating air on the return passage 3312 from increasing. In addition, the filter includes a plurality of primary filters 3402 and secondary filters 3403, so dust in the circulating air can be effectively removed.

[0370] Furthermore, a secondary filter cleaning component 3431 (filter cleaning device) is provided at the communication port 3401 .

[0371] Fig.58 34 is a perspective view of the vicinity of the washing treatment liquid container. A cleaning hose 3433 for supplying tap water to the secondary filter cleaning part 3431 is provided near the washing treatment liquid container 3412. A four-way valve (solenoid valve) 3432 (filter cleaning device) opens and closes the cleaning hose 3433 to selectively supply water from the cleaning hose 3433 to the secondary filter cleaning part 3431.

[0372] Fig.59 34 is a block diagram showing the electrical connection of the control system of the washing and drying machine. The control system is centered on a control device 3441 composed of a microcomputer, etc. The control device 3441 is connected to the four-way valve 3432 and the motor M10 via a predetermined interface. Based on a predetermined program, etc., the control device 3441 realizes the function of the cleaning control unit 3434. The cleaning control unit 3434 controls the four-way valve 3432 and the motor M10 to clean the primary filter 3402 and the secondary filter 3403 at a predetermined time.

[0373] That is, the secondary filter 3403 is cleaned by spraying the tap water introduced from the secondary filter cleaning part 3431 into the washing and drying machine 3100 directly to the secondary filter 3403 for cleaning. In addition, the water used for cleaning the secondary filter 3403 is stored in the washing tank 3041, and the rotating drum 3029 (inner tank) is rotated by the control of the motor M10, so that the primary filter 3402 is also cleaned by using the water in the rotating drum 3029 (inner tank).

[0374] As an example of the timing of the above-mentioned cleaning, the secondary filter 3403 is cleaned before the main washing process of the washing process. In addition, the primary filter 3402 and the secondary filter 3403 are cleaned after the main washing process and the rinsing process and before the dehydration process. In this way, the cleaning of the above-mentioned filter is preferably performed every time the washing is performed.

[0375] In this way, if the primary filter 3402 and the secondary filter 3403 are cleaned frequently and automatically, the cleaning will not be forgotten for a long time as in the case of manual cleaning, so the clogging caused by dust on the return flow path 3312 side can be suppressed. Thus, the pressure loss of the circulating air on the return flow path 3312 side can be reduced.

[0376] The above are specific solutions for achieving the above (1) and (2). In order to reduce the internal pressure in the drying process in the washing tank 3041, the following solution is also adopted in this embodiment.

[0377] like Fig.59 As shown, in the control device 3441, a water level sensor 3551 (sensor) for detecting the internal pressure in the washing tank 3041 and predicting the water level in the washing tank 3041 is connected via a predetermined interface ( Fig.56 ) and the blower 3002 (the motor driving the blower 3002). That is, the water level in the washing tub 3041 is linked to the internal pressure in the washing tub 3041. The control device 3441 realizes the function of the air supply control unit 3552 based on a predetermined program.

[0378] Fig.60 This is a flowchart illustrating the processing executed by the air supply control unit. Fig.61 3002 is a line graph for explaining the processing executed by the air supply control unit. This line graph shows the relationship between the time elapse of the rotation speed of the air blower 3002 and the time elapse of the water level sensor 3551.

[0379] Fig.60 The process starts when the heat pump unit 3300 starts to operate in the drying process. First, when the heat pump unit 3300 starts to operate, the air supply control unit 3552 rotates the air blower 3002 at a first speed (step S1) ( Fig.613553). After that, the air supply control unit 3552 compares the internal pressure of the washing tub 3041 detected by the water level sensor 3551 with a predetermined determination value (step S2). As a result, when the internal pressure of the washing tub 3041 exceeds the determination value (No in step S2), the air supply control unit 3552 returns to step S1.

[0380] When the internal pressure of the washing tub 3041 is lower than the determination value (Yes in step S2), the air supply control unit 3552 then performs an action observation process (step S3). The action observation process is a process for determining whether the water level sensor 3551 is operating properly. In this process, the air supply control unit 3552 changes the rotation of the air blower 3002 up and down (in step S3). Fig.61 At symbol 3554, the rotation speed is lower than the first rotation speed, and then at symbol 3555, the rotation speed returns to the first rotation speed, and the change of the detection value of the water level sensor 3551 corresponding thereto is observed ( Fig.61 The sign of 3556 changes).

[0381] This observation is used to observe the extent to which the detection value of the water level sensor 3551 changes due to the change in the rotation speed of the air blower 3002 and the change in the internal pressure of the washing tub 3041, and to observe whether the detection value of the water level sensor 3551 is abnormal. If there is an abnormality such as the detection value of the water level sensor 3551 being too high (No in step S4), the air supply control unit 3552 returns to step S1. In a normal situation (Yes in step S4), the air supply control unit 3552 sets the rotation speed of the air blower 3002 to a second rotation speed higher than the above-mentioned first rotation speed (step S5) ( Fig.61 symbol 3557).

[0382] According to such processing, when the internal pressure of the washing tank 3041 is high, the blower 3002 is not moved to the second speed but maintained at the first speed, so that the internal pressure of the washing tank 3041 does not increase. In addition, since the water level sensor 3551 may have an error (deviation of the product), the blower 3002 is set to the second speed by confirming that the water level sensor 3551 normally captures the internal pressure of the washing tank 3041, so that the internal pressure of the washing tank 3041 does not increase unexpectedly. The water level sensor 3551 is originally a sensor for predicting the water level in the washing tank 3041, but since the internal pressure of the washing tank 3041 is measured, by using the water level sensor 3551 as a sensor for this control, there is no need to provide a pressure sensor separately, and the number of components can be reduced.

[0383] Furthermore, the washing and drying machine 3100 also suppresses the discharge of water in the return bend pipe 3213 through the following structure.

[0384] Back to Fig.56The condensation water hose 3222 (condensation water flow path) connects the drain pump 3221 (pump) to the drain hose 3205 (discharge path), so that the condensation water discharged by the drain pump 3221 flows to the drain hose 3205. Then, the drainage path 3042 has a pressure release flow path 3411, which is connected to the upstream side of the condensation water hose 3222 (condensation water flow path) at a position on the downstream side of the discharge path 3221 than the return bend 3213, and releases the pressure on the downstream side to the atmosphere.

[0385] The condensed water discharged by the drain pump 3221 is discharged to the outside through the condensed water hose 3222 and the drain hose 3205. At this time, the condensed water flows in the drain hose 3205, so there is a concern that the discharge path 3221 on the downstream side of the return bend 3213 becomes negative pressure. At this time, there is a concern that the water in the return bend 3213 will be discharged due to this pressure. Therefore, the pressure of the discharge path 3221 on the downstream side of the return bend 3213 is released to the outside of the atmosphere by using the pressure release flow path 3411, so that the water in the return bend 3213 can be suppressed from being discharged.

[0386] like Fig.50 , Fig.51 As shown, a washing liquid container 3412 is provided at the upper part of the housing 3001. The washing liquid container 3412 stores washing liquid such as detergent and softener, and the stored washing liquid is automatically added to the washing tank 3041 at a predetermined time by a predetermined mechanism (which is well known and therefore omitted for explanation). Fig.58 As shown, the front end 3413 of the pressure release flow path 3411 is connected to the cleaning solution container 3412 .

[0387] That is, the washing treatment liquid container 3412 is at atmospheric pressure, and has an area where there is no problem even if water enters. Furthermore, if the water in the return bend 3213 is discharged, the water vapor from the washing tank 3041 may flow in the pressure discharge flow path 3411, but the washing treatment liquid container 3412 has an area where there is no problem even if condensation occurs. For the above reasons, the front end 3413 of the pressure release flow path 3411 is connected to the washing treatment liquid container 3412.

[0388] Next, the effects of this embodiment will be described.

[0389] As described above, the air blower 3002 is arranged at a position downstream of the heat pump unit 3300. If the heat pump unit 3300 is arranged downstream of the air blower 3002, there are the following problems. That is, in this case, it is difficult to make the wind speed of the circulating air uniform. In addition, the wind blown by the air blower 3002 has directionality. If there are heat exchangers of the heat pump unit 3300 on the downstream side of the air blower 3002, the wind only blows to a part of the heat exchanger, and the heat exchange performance is reduced.

[0390] Therefore, in this regard, the air blower 3002 is preferably disposed at a position downstream of the heat pump unit 3300. However, in this case, the air discharged from the washing tank 3041 is subjected to pressure loss not only in the return flow path 3312 but also when passing through the heat pump unit 3300, so that the pressure loss of the circulating air on the return side from the washing tank 3041 becomes larger, and the internal pressure of the washing tank 3041 becomes relatively higher.

[0391] Fig.62 3002 through the washing tank 3041 and the path of the circulating air from the outlet of the blower 3002 through the washing tank 3041 to the inlet of the blower 3002, and the vertical axis shows the pressure of the circulating air.

[0392] The solid curve of the symbol 3601 of the line graph is an example of a case where the air blower 3002 is arranged on the upstream side of the heat pump unit 3300. The pressure of the circulating air rises sharply in the ejection flow path 3311 from the outlet of the air blower 3002 which is substantially at atmospheric pressure, and then begins to drop. In addition, the internal pressure in the washing tank 3041 remains high, and then suffers pressure loss in the return flow path 3312 and the heat pump unit 3300, so that the circulating air becomes substantially at atmospheric pressure at the inlet of the air blower 3002.

[0393] In contrast, in this embodiment, the following measures are taken.

[0394] (1) First, in the washing and drying machine 3100 of this embodiment, it is designed that during the operation of the heat pump unit 3300, the pressure loss of air in the above-mentioned return flow path 3312, the evaporator 3302 and the condenser 3301 of the heat pump unit 3300 is smaller than the pressure loss in the ejection flow path 3311.

[0395] (2) Furthermore, the washing and drying machine 3100 is designed so that, during the operation of the heat pump unit 3300 , the pressure difference between the internal pressure of the washing tub 3041 and the suction port of the blower 3002 is smaller than the pressure difference between the internal pressure of the washing tub 3041 and the discharge port of the blower 3002 .

[0396] As a result, the pressure loss of the circulating air in the return flow path 3312 and the heat pump unit 3300 can be reduced, so the pressure loss of the circulating air on the side of the ejection flow path 3311 becomes relatively high, and the internal pressure of the washing tank 3041 can be reduced. Fig.62In the drying process, the pressure of the circulating air is shown as symbol 3602, and the internal pressure of the washing tank 3041 can be reduced compared with the case of the curve of symbol 3601. Therefore, in the drying process, the water in the return trap 3213 can be suppressed from being discharged due to the high internal pressure of the washing tank 3041.

[0397] Furthermore, in order to achieve the above (1) and (2), the following various schemes are adopted in this embodiment.

[0398] First, if Fig.54 , Fig.55 As shown, the length of the return flow path 3312 is set shorter than the length of the ejection flow path 3311. As a result, the degree of decompression of the circulating air due to the resistance in the ejection flow path 3311 is greater than the degree of decompression due to the resistance in the return flow path 3312. Therefore, the above-mentioned (1) and (2) can be achieved.

[0399] Next, the minimum cross-sectional area of ​​the return flow path 3312 is larger than the minimum cross-sectional area of ​​the ejection flow path 3311. Thus, the degree of decompression of the circulating air due to the resistance in the ejection flow path 3311 is greater than the degree of decompression due to the resistance in the return flow path 3312. Therefore, the above-mentioned (1) and (2) can be achieved.

[0400] Furthermore, the cross-sectional area of ​​the connection between the return flow path 3312 and the heat pump unit 3300 is larger than the cross-sectional area of ​​the connection between the ejection flow path 3311 and the outer tank 3020. That is, the portion where the cross-sectional area of ​​the flow path of the circulating air changes sharply becomes a larger resistance to the circulating air. The connection between the return flow path 3312 and the heat pump unit 3300 and the connection between the ejection flow path 3311 and the outer tank 3020 are both equivalent to the portion where the cross-sectional area of ​​the flow path of the circulating air changes sharply. Therefore, the cross-sectional area of ​​the connection between the return flow path 3312 and the heat pump unit 3300 is larger than the cross-sectional area of ​​the connection between the ejection flow path 3311 and the outer tank 3020, so that the ejection flow path 3311 side can help increase the resistance of the circulating air compared to the return flow path 3312 side. Therefore, the above-mentioned (1)(2) can be achieved.

[0401] The presence of the primary filter 3402 and the secondary filter 3403 can prevent the return flow path 3312 from being clogged with dust and thereby increasing the pressure loss of the circulating air on the return flow path 3312. Therefore, the above-mentioned (1) and (2) can be achieved.

[0402] Furthermore, the filter is provided with a plurality of primary filters 3402 and secondary filters 3403, so that dust in the circulating air can be effectively removed. In addition, the filter can be provided with three or more filters. Therefore, the above-mentioned (1) and (2) can be achieved.

[0403] Furthermore, as described above, if the primary filter 3402 and the secondary filter 3403 are automatically and frequently cleaned by the control of the control device 3441, they will not be forgotten for a long time as in the case of manual cleaning, so that the clogging caused by dust on the return flow path 3312 side can be suppressed. Therefore, the pressure loss of the circulating air on the return flow path 3312 side can be reduced. Therefore, the above-mentioned (1) and (2) can be achieved.

[0404] In addition, in this embodiment, in order to reduce the internal pressure in the washing tank 3041 during the drying process, the following scheme is also adopted.

[0405] First, according to Fig.60 In the process, when the internal pressure of the washing tank 3041 is high, the blower 3002 is not moved to the second speed, but maintained at the first speed, so that the internal pressure of the washing tank 3041 will not increase.

[0406] Furthermore, in this case, since the water level sensor 3551 may have an error (deviation of the product), the blower 3002 is set to the second speed by confirming that the water level sensor 3551 normally grasps the internal pressure of the washing tank 3041, so that the internal pressure of the washing tank 3041 does not accidentally become too high.

[0407] In addition, in this case, the water level sensor 3551 is originally a sensor for predicting the water level in the washing tank 3041, but since the internal pressure of the washing tank 3041 is measured, by using the water level sensor 3551 as a sensor for this control, there is no need to set up a pressure sensor separately, which can reduce the number of components.

[0408] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the discharge of water in the return trap 3213 is also suppressed by the following scheme.

[0409] That is, the condensed water discharged by the drain pump 3221 is discharged to the outside through the condensed water hose 3222 and the drain hose 3205. At this time, the condensed water flows in the drain hose 3205, so there is a concern that the discharge path 3221 on the downstream side of the return bend 3213 becomes negative pressure. At this time, there is a concern that the water in the return bend 3213 will be discharged due to this pressure. Therefore, the pressure of the discharge path 3221 on the downstream side of the return bend 3213 is released to the outside of the atmosphere by using the pressure release flow path 3411, so that the water in the return bend 3213 can be suppressed from being discharged.

[0410] The pressure release flow path 3411 is connected to the washing treatment liquid container 3412. That is, the washing treatment liquid container 3412 is at atmospheric pressure and has an area where there is no problem even if water enters. Furthermore, if the water in the return bend 3213 is discharged, the water vapor from the washing tank 3041 may flow into the pressure discharge flow path 3411, but the washing treatment liquid container 3412 has an area where there is no problem even if condensation occurs. For the above reasons, it is appropriate to set the front end 3413 of the pressure release flow path 3411 as the washing treatment liquid container 3412.

[0411] In addition, the present invention is not limited to the above-mentioned embodiments, and includes various modified examples. For example, the above-mentioned embodiments are embodiments described in detail in order to easily explain the present invention, and are not limited to all the structures described. In addition, a part of the structure of a certain embodiment can be replaced with the structure of other embodiments, and the structure of other embodiments can be added to the structure of a certain embodiment. In addition, for a part of the structure of each embodiment, other structures can be added, deleted, or replaced.

Claims

1. A washing and drying machine, characterized in that: have: an inner tank, which accommodates clothing; an outer tank containing the inner tank; A heat pump dehumidifies the air using an evaporator that causes the decompressed refrigerant to absorb ambient heat, compresses the refrigerant using a compressor, heats the air using a condenser that dissipates the heat of the compressed refrigerant, and reduces the pressure of the refrigerant using an expansion mechanism. as well as a jet outlet for ejecting the air heated by the heat pump into the inner tank; The ejection port is provided on the front side of the outer tank. The opening area of ​​the above-mentioned nozzle is 1500mm 2 Above and 3000mm 2 Within the following range, The blowing force, which is the product of the mass air volume and the wind speed ejected from the ejection port, is set to 0.8 N or more.

2. A washing and drying machine, characterized in that: have: an inner tank, which accommodates clothing; an outer tank containing the inner tank; A heat pump that dehumidifies the air using an evaporator that causes a decompressed refrigerant to absorb ambient heat, compresses the refrigerant using a compressor, heats the air using a condenser that dissipates heat from the compressed refrigerant, and reduces the pressure of the refrigerant using an expansion mechanism; and a jet outlet for ejecting the air heated by the heat pump into the inner tank; The ejection port is provided at the rear side of the outer tank. The opening area of ​​the above-mentioned nozzle is 1500mm 2 Above and 3000mm 2 Within the following range, The blowing force, which is the product of the mass air volume and the wind speed ejected from the ejection port, is set to 1.4 N or more.

3. The washing and drying machine according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The mass air volume is the product of the volume air volume ejected from the ejection port and the air density. When the above volumetric air volume is set as Q v , when the opening area of ​​the above-mentioned nozzle is set to A, the above-mentioned blowing force is set to F, and the air density is set to ρ, the following formula is satisfied:

4. The washing and drying machine according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: When the average wind speed ejected from the nozzle is v, the opening area of ​​the nozzle is A, the blowing force is F, and the air density is ρ, the following equation is satisfied:

5. The washing and drying machine according to claim 1, characterized in that The volume of air ejected from the above-mentioned outlet is 2.7m 3 / min or above.

6. The washing and drying machine according to claim 2, characterized in that: The volume of air ejected from the above-mentioned outlet is 3.6m 3 / min or above.

7. The washing and drying machine according to claim 3, characterized in that The opening area of ​​the above-mentioned nozzle is 2100mm 2 ±10%.

8. The washing and drying machine according to claim 4, characterized in that The opening area of ​​the above-mentioned nozzle is 2100mm 2 ±10%.

9. The washing and drying machine according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The outer peripheral side of the ejection port is formed in a substantially arc shape concentric with the inner groove.

10. The washing and drying machine according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The heat pump is arranged below the outer tank.

11. A washing and drying machine having washing and drying functions, characterized in that: have: an outer tank capable of storing liquid internally; an inner tank rotatably supported in the outer tank and accommodating laundry; and A drying device that delivers drying air to the inner tank. The drying device is composed of a heat pump unit with a heat exchanger and a blower. The heat pump unit includes a cleaning nozzle for spraying cleaning water toward the heat exchanger on the upstream side of the heat exchanger in the flow direction of the drying air. The cleaning nozzle sprays cleaning water obliquely in a fan-shaped manner toward the cleaning surface of the heat exchanger.

12. The washing and drying machine according to claim 11, characterized in that The heat exchanger includes a heater and a dehumidifier disposed upstream of the heater in the flow direction of the drying air. The cleaning nozzle sprays cleaning water onto the dehumidifier as the cleaning surface.

13. The washing and drying machine according to claim 12, characterized in that: The cleaning nozzle sprays the cleaning water at an inclination such that an inclination angle of the cleaning water with respect to the cleaning surface of the dehumidifier is 1 degree or more and 10 degrees or less.

14. The washing and drying machine according to claim 12, characterized in that The cleaning nozzle includes a spherical portion and a spray port formed in the spherical portion. The spray port is formed in a slit shape having a longitudinal direction along the direction of the cleaning surface of the dehumidifier. The ejection port is formed such that a width in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction is largest at a central portion in the longitudinal direction and the width of the ejection port decreases toward both ends in the longitudinal direction.

15. The washing and drying machine according to claim 12, characterized in that: The cleaning nozzle includes a spherical portion and a spray port formed in the spherical portion. The spray port is formed in a slit shape having a longitudinal direction along the direction of the cleaning surface of the dehumidifier. The ejection port opens at an angle of 130° or more and less than 180° from the inlet side toward the outlet side in the longitudinal direction.

16. The washing and drying machine according to claim 14, characterized in that The side surface of the two side surfaces along the length direction of the above-mentioned nozzle, which is closer to the above-mentioned cleaning surface of the above-mentioned dehumidifier, is inclined in such a manner that the inlet side is located on the side of the above-mentioned cleaning surface of the above-mentioned dehumidifier relative to the outlet side, and is inclined relative to the up and down direction in such a manner that the cleaning water ejected from the nozzle is directed toward the above-mentioned cleaning surface of the above-mentioned dehumidifier.

17. The washing and drying machine according to claim 12 or 13, characterized in that: The cleaning nozzle includes a spherical portion and a spray port formed in the spherical portion. The spray port is formed in a slit shape having a longitudinal direction along the direction of the cleaning surface of the dehumidifier. The cleaning nozzle includes a rib protruding in a jetting direction of the cleaning water at an outlet-side opening edge portion of the spout opening located on a side of the cleaning surface.

18. The washing and drying machine according to claim 11, characterized in that The cleaning nozzle is arranged close to an area where a large amount of lint is attached.

19. A washing and drying machine, characterized in that: have: Box; A washing tank comprising an outer tank disposed in the housing and an inner tank disposed in the outer tank; a washing liquid container, which is disposed above the washing tank in the box body and stores the washing liquid fed into the washing tank; A drying / heating device is provided in the box and dries and heats the air by means of a heat pump; an ejection flow path for supplying the air dried and heated by the drying / heating device into the washing tub; as well as a return flow path for returning the air supplied from the discharge flow path to the washing tub from the washing tub to the drying / heating device; The cleaning liquid container is located on one side of the housing in a horizontal direction, and the ejection flow path is located on the other side of the housing.

20. A washing and drying machine, characterized in that: have: Box; A washing tank comprising an outer tank disposed in the housing and an inner tank disposed in the outer tank; a washing liquid container, which is arranged on the upper part of the washing tank in the box body and stores the washing liquid automatically added into the washing tank; A drying / heating device is provided in the box and dries and heats the air by means of a heat pump; an ejection flow path for supplying the air dried and heated by the drying / heating device into the washing tub; as well as a return flow path for returning the air supplied from the discharge flow path to the washing tub to the drying / heating device; The distance between the cleaning liquid container and the discharge flow path is longer than the distance between the cleaning liquid container and the return flow path.

21. The washing and drying machine according to claim 19, characterized in that The return flow path is arranged on the same side as the cleaning liquid container of the housing in a horizontal direction.

22. The washing and drying machine according to claim 21, characterized in that The discharge flow path is longer than the return flow path.

23. The washing and drying machine according to claim 19 or 20, characterized in that: The drying / heating device is arranged at the lower part of the washing tub.

24. The washing and drying machine according to claim 23, characterized in that The compressor and the blower of the drying / heating device are arranged on opposite sides of the washing liquid container in the housing in a horizontal direction.

25. The washing and drying machine according to claim 23, characterized in that The distance between the washing process liquid container and the heater of the drying / heating device is longer than the distance between the washing process liquid container and the dehumidifier of the drying / heating device.

26. The washing and drying machine according to any one of claims 19 to 22, characterized in that: A housing case accommodating a circuit for controlling and driving a predetermined actuator is provided between the cleaning liquid container and the discharge flow path in the housing.

27. The washing and drying machine according to claim 26, characterized in that The storage case is formed by containing metal.

28. The washing and drying machine according to claim 26, characterized in that The housing houses a circuit for driving the compressor of the drying / heating device. The cleaning liquid container and the circuit for driving the compressor are located on opposite sides of each other in the horizontal direction.

29. The washing and drying machine according to claim 26, characterized in that The housing is provided with an exhaust port for discharging the internal air to the outside. The exhaust port is arranged in a horizontal direction different from the direction of the cleaning liquid container.

30. The washing and drying machine according to claim 21, characterized in that The return flow path is made of recycled resin, and the color of the return flow path is closer to white than the color of the discharge flow path.

31. A washing and drying machine, characterized in that: have: A washing tank having an outer tank and an inner tank disposed within the outer tank; A drying / heating device that dries and heats the air using a heat pump; an ejection flow path for supplying the air dried and heated by the drying / heating device into the washing tub; a return flow path for returning the air supplied from the discharge flow path to the washing tub from the washing tub to the drying / heating device; a blower disposed downstream of the drying / heating device and supplying air from the drying / heating device to the discharge flow path; a discharge passage connected to the outer tank side to discharge the water in the outer tank to the outside; and The return bend is provided in the discharge path and stores water flowing in the discharge path by bending, thereby cutting off the flow of air between the outer tank side and the outside side via the discharge path. During operation of the drying / heating device, pressure loss of air in the return flow path, the dehumidifier, and the heater of the drying / heating device is smaller than pressure loss in the discharge flow path.

32. A washing and drying machine, characterized in that: have: A washing tank having an outer tank and an inner tank disposed within the outer tank; A drying / heating device that dries and heats the air using a heat pump; an ejection flow path for supplying the air dried and heated by the drying / heating device into the washing tub; a return flow path for returning the air supplied from the discharge flow path to the washing tub from the washing tub to the drying / heating device; a blower disposed downstream of the drying / heating device to blow air from the drying / heating device to the outlet flow path; a discharge passage connected to the outer tank side to discharge the water in the outer tank to the outside; and The return bend is provided in the discharge path and stores water flowing in the discharge path by bending, thereby cutting off the flow of air between the outer tank side and the outside side via the discharge path. During operation of the drying / heating device, a pressure difference between the internal pressure of the washing tub and the suction port of the blower is smaller than a pressure difference between the internal pressure and the discharge port of the blower.

33. The washing and drying machine according to claim 31, characterized in that The return flow path is shorter than the discharge flow path.

34. The washing and drying machine according to claim 31, characterized in that The minimum cross-sectional area of ​​the return flow path is larger than the minimum cross-sectional area of ​​the discharge flow path.

35. The washing and drying machine according to claim 31, characterized in that A cross-sectional area of ​​a connection portion between the return flow path and the drying / heating device is larger than a cross-sectional area of ​​a connection portion between the discharge flow path and the outer tub.

36. The washing and drying machine according to claim 31, characterized in that A filter for dust removal is provided in the air flow path including the return flow path between the outer tub and the dehumidifier of the drying / heating device.

37. The washing and drying machine according to claim 36, characterized in that A plurality of the filters are provided in the air flow path.

38. The washing and drying machine according to claim 31, characterized in that have: a pump for discharging condensed water generated by the drying of the air in the drying / heating device; a discharge passage for discharging the water in the washing tank to the outside; a condensation water flow path connecting the pump and the discharge path so that the condensation water discharged by the pump flows toward the discharge path; as well as The pressure release flow path is connected to the upstream side of the condensation water flow path at a position downstream of the return water trap in the discharge path, and releases the pressure on the downstream side to the atmosphere.

39. The washing and drying machine according to claim 36 or 37, characterized in that: have: a filter cleaning device for cleaning the filter with water; and A cleaning control unit controls the filter cleaning device to clean the filter at a predetermined timing.

40. The washing and drying machine according to claim 31, characterized in that have: a sensor for determining the internal pressure of the washing tub; and An air supply control unit controls the air supply fan so that when the drying / heating device is driven, the air supply fan is initially driven at a first speed, and thereafter, when the internal pressure of the washing tub is lower than a predetermined judgment value of the internal pressure detected by the sensor, the air supply fan is driven at a second speed that is higher than the first speed.

41. The washing and drying machine according to claim 40, characterized in that After starting to drive the blower at the first rotation speed, the air supply control unit varies the rotation speed of the blower to observe changes in the detection value of the sensor, and drives the blower at the second rotation speed based on the observation result.

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