Clothes dryer

Abstract

The invention provides a clothes dryer capable of improving drying efficiency. The clothes dryer according to the present invention is provided with: a rotating drum having a peripheral wall and a bottom wall provided with a ventilation hole, the rotating drum rotating about a rotating shaft connected to the bottom wall; a plate-shaped drum support member that supports the rotating shaft of the rotating drum and that has a blow-out opening at a position facing the bottom wall of the rotating drum; a circulation air path that circulates air for drying through the vent hole and the blow-out opening; an annular first sealing member that is in contact with the bottom wall of the rotating drum so as to seal the space between the bottom wall and the drum support member; and a seal support member having a fixed portion fixed to the drum support member and a support portion for supporting the first seal member, the support portion being positioned further outward than the fixed portion in the radial direction of the rotating drum.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to a clothes dryer. Background Technology

[0002] For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a washer-dryer that includes a drum for holding clothes and an air outlet located near the center of the rear surface of the drum. In the washer-dryer described in Patent Document 1, warm air is supplied into the drum from the air outlet located near the center of the rear surface of the drum. As a result, the clothes inside the drum can be dried.

[0003] Existing technical documents

[0004] Patent documents

[0005] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2003-103086 Summary of the Invention

[0006] The problem the invention aims to solve

[0007] This disclosure provides a clothes dryer that improves drying efficiency.

[0008] Solution for solving the problem

[0009] One aspect of the disclosed garment dryer comprises: a rotating drum having a peripheral wall and a bottom wall with vent holes, rotating about a rotating shaft connected to the bottom wall; a plate-shaped drum support member supporting the rotating shaft of the rotating drum, having an outlet at a position opposite to the bottom wall of the rotating drum; a circulating air passage for circulating drying air through the vent holes and the outlet; an annular first sealing member contacting the bottom wall in a manner that seals the bottom wall of the rotating drum with the drum support member; and a sealing support member having a fixing portion fixed to the drum support member and a support portion supporting the first sealing member, the support portion being located further outward in the radial direction of the rotating drum than the fixing portion.

[0010] The effects of the invention

[0011] According to this disclosure, a clothes dryer that improves drying efficiency can be provided. Attached Figure Description

[0012] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of a clothes dryer according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0013] Figure 2 This is a perspective view of the back of a clothes dryer according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0014] Figure 3This is an exploded perspective view of the back of the clothes dryer according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0015] Figure 4 It is about Figure 2 End view of section AA.

[0016] Figure 5 This is a plan view of the rotating drum.

[0017] Figure 6 It means Figure 5 A sectional view of the BB section.

[0018] Figure 7 This is a plan view of the roller support component.

[0019] Figure 8 This is an exploded perspective view of the sealing assembly.

[0020] Figure 9 yes Figure 4 An enlarged view of the R part in the image.

[0021] Figure 10 This is a plan view of the first sealing component.

[0022] Figure 11 It means Figure 10 A cross-sectional view of the CC section.

[0023] Figure 12 This is a plan view of the sealing support component.

[0024] Figure 13 It means Figure 12 A sectional view of the DD section.

[0025] Figure 14 It is a plan view of the retaining plate.

[0026] Figure 15 It means Figure 14 A sectional view of the EE section.

[0027] Figure 16 This is a plan view of the second sealing component.

[0028] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0029] 10. Clothes dryer; 12. Door; 14. Operating unit; 16. Sealing assembly; 18. First sealing part; 20. Rotating drum; 22. Bottom wall; 24. Peripheral wall; 25. Rotating shaft; 26. Shaft fixing part; 28. Vent hole; 29. ​​Vent part; 30. Sliding part; 32. Lifting rib; 40. Drum support member; 42. Rotary bearing; 44. Recess; 45. Front protruding surface; 46. Air duct cover; 48. Control unit; 50. Fan; 52. Rib; 53. Vent; 54. Air outlet; 58, 58A, Hole; 60. First sealing member ; 62, sealing seat; 64, flat part; 66, curved part; 68, sealing mounting part; 70, sealing support member; 72, fixing part; 74, support part; 76, intermediate part; 78, foot part; 80, 82, 86, 88, threaded hole; 84, hole; 90, retaining member; 92, retaining plate; 94, 96, hole; 98, contact part; 100, pressing part; 102, curved part; 110, second sealing member; 112, hole; 114, protrusion; 122, heat exchange part; 124, vent hole; I, J, K, L, M, N, airflow. Detailed Implementation

[0030] (Insights, etc., that form the basis of this disclosure)

[0031] When the inventors conceived of this disclosure, there existed a washer-dryer that supplied warm air into the drum from an air inlet located near the center of the rear surface of the drum. To improve drying efficiency, the inventors researched a solution where the outlet for supplying drying air into the rotating drum was positioned further outward in the radial direction, below the rotation axis of the drum. On the other hand, to position the outlet further outward in the radial direction, a seal to prevent air leakage during drying needed to be positioned further outward in the radial direction on the bottom wall of the rotating drum.

[0032] Therefore, this disclosure provides a clothes dryer in which the seal contacts the bottom wall at a location further outward in the radial direction of the rotating drum, thereby positioning the blowout outlet further outward in the radial direction of the rotating drum and improving drying efficiency.

[0033] (Implementation Method)

[0034] The clothes dryer according to the embodiments of this disclosure will be described.

[0035] [Overall Structure]

[0036] Figure 1This is a perspective view of a clothes dryer 10 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. For illustration, the X-axis is defined as the width direction, the Y-axis as the depth direction, and the Z-axis as the height direction. To illustrate the internal structure of the clothes dryer 10, the door 12 is moved in the -Y direction.

[0037] The clothes dryer 10 of this embodiment is a drum-type clothes dryer with a drying function. The clothes dryer 10 includes a door 12, an operation unit 14, and a rotating drum 20. The door 12 opens and closes the opening of the rotating drum 20, which will be described later. The user opens the door 12, thereby placing clothes into the rotating drum 20 through the opening. The user operates the operation unit 14, thereby rotating the rotating drum 20 using a drive mechanism (e.g., a drive based on an electric motor and belt), and blowing drying air into the rotating drum 20 using an air supply mechanism. As a result, the clothes inside the rotating drum 20 can be dried.

[0038] Figure 2 This is a perspective view of the back of the clothes dryer 10. To confirm the internal structure, the back panel of the clothes dryer 10 housing has been removed. The roller support member 40, the air duct cover 46, and the control unit 48 are installed on the back of the clothes dryer 10.

[0039] The roller support member 40 is a component that supports the rotating roller 20 to enable rotation using a rotary bearing 42. The roller support member 40 is provided with a recess 44 for reinforcement. The recess 44 is recessed forward, and a forward-protruding surface 45 is provided on the inner side of the recess 44.

[0040] The air duct cover 46 is a component that forms part of the circulating air duct and houses the fan 50, and is mounted on the roller support member 40. The fan 50 operates in a manner that generates airflow circulating in the circulating air duct.

[0041] The control unit 48 is a component that controls the operation of the clothes dryer 10 and is mounted on the drum support member 40. The control unit 48 controls the constituent elements of the clothes dryer 10, such as the drive mechanism of the rotating drum 20 and the fan 50. Alternatively, the control unit 48 may include, for example, a memory (not shown) storing a program and a processing circuit (not shown) corresponding to a processor such as a CPU, whereby the processor executes the program, thereby performing the functions of the aforementioned elements.

[0042] Figure 3 This is an exploded 3D view of the back of the clothes dryer 10. Figure 4 It means Figure 2 The end view of section AA. (See attached image.) Figure 3 , Figure 4 As shown, a sealing assembly 16 is provided between the rotating drum 20 and the drum support member 40.

[0043] The sealing assembly 16 is an annular component used to seal between the rotating roller 20 and the roller support member 40. The sealing assembly 16, when fixed to the front protruding surface 45 of the roller support member 40, is in annular contact with the bottom wall 22 of the rotating roller 20. During rotation of the rotating roller 20, the sealing assembly 16 continues to contact the bottom wall 22 of the rotating roller 20, thereby maintaining the seal between the rotating roller 20 and the roller support member 40. The sealing assembly 16 of this embodiment has a sealing member (e.g., felt) made of a material suitable for the sliding of the bottom wall 22 of the rotating roller 20.

[0044] like Figure 4 As shown, the sealing assembly 16 installed on the roller support member 40 is in contact with the bottom wall 22 of the rotating roller 20.

[0045] Here, the circulating air path of the clothes dryer 10 will be explained. Figure 4 The circulating airflow path through which airflows I to N in the diagram pass is assisted by fan 50 (in... Figure 4 (Not shown in the figure) The path of the air circulating between the rotating drum 20 and the heat exchange section 122 is defined by the air duct cover 46, the drum support member 40, the blowout 54, the front protruding surface 45 of the drum support member 40, the sealing assembly 16, the vent 28 of the bottom wall 22, the rotating drum 20, the vent 124 and the heat exchange section 122.

[0046] As shown in airflow I, the airflow generated by fan 50 first passes through the space between air duct cover 46 and roller support member 40.

[0047] Next, as shown by the airflow J, the airflow flows upward into the interior of the rotating drum 20 through the blow-out port 54 and the vent hole 28 communicating with the blow-out port 54. In order to prevent the airflow J from flowing out of the circulating air path, a sealing assembly 16 is provided to seal between the rotating drum 20, which is a rotating body, and the drum support member 40, which is a fixed body.

[0048] Next, as shown by the airflow K, the air flowing into the interior of the rotating drum 20 is discharged through the vent 124.

[0049] Next, as shown by airflows L and M, the circulating air discharged through vent 124 is dehumidified and heated by heat exchange unit 122. Heat exchange unit 122 is located at the lower part of clothes dryer 10 and includes a heat exchanger for dehumidification and a heat exchanger for heating.

[0050] Then, as shown by airflow N, the dehumidified and heated air flows back towards fan 50, becoming airflow I. This concludes the explanation of the circulating airflow path.

[0051] Next, each component will be explained.

[0052] Figure 5 This is a plan view showing the rotating drum 20. The rotating drum 20 has a bottom wall 22, which includes a shaft fixing portion 26 and a venting portion 29. The shaft fixing portion 26 has a rotating shaft 25, and the venting portion 29 has a plurality of vent holes 28. Furthermore, in the bottom wall 22, at a position radially outward from the vent holes 28, there is a sealing sliding portion 30 that contacts the first sealing portion 18 of the sealing assembly 16 in an annular shape.

[0053] Figure 6 It means Figure 5 A cross-sectional view of section BB. Multiple lifting ribs 32 for agitating clothes are arranged on the inner side of the peripheral wall 24 of the rotating drum 20. A drive belt (not shown) for transmitting power from the electric motor to the rotating drum 20 is installed on the peripheral wall 24.

[0054] Figure 7 This is a plan view of the roller support member 40. The roller support member 40 has a rotary bearing 42 for supporting the rotating roller 20 so that it can rotate, and also serves as a base for mounting components on the back of the clothes dryer 10.

[0055] The roller support member 40 is subjected to bending processing, and at least partially has an annular recess 44, a front protruding surface 45, and multiple ribs 52. This improves the bending stiffness of the roller support member 40, enabling it to support the rotating roller 20 more reliably. Furthermore, while bending processing has been described as an example of the processing performed on the roller support member 40, it is not limited to this; drawing processing, etc., may also be performed.

[0056] In addition, the roller support member 40 has a plurality of holes 58 for threaded fixing of the sealing assembly 16. In this embodiment, the holes 58 are arranged in an annular shape with gaps between them. Recesses are provided around the holes 58 to improve strength.

[0057] Furthermore, the hole 58A located below the blowout 54 in the hole 58 is covered by the air duct cover 46 when the air duct cover 46 is installed on the roller support member 40. That is, the hole 58A is located inside the circulating air duct. A recess is provided around the hole 58A, thereby preventing the screw from protruding into the air duct, and thus preventing the decrease in air volume caused by increased pressure loss.

[0058] Furthermore, the roller support member 40 has a vent 53 and a blow-out port 54. The vent 53 is an opening through which airflow N from the separately provided heat exchange section 122 passes. The blow-out port 54 is an opening through which airflow I generated by the fan 50 passes. In this embodiment, the blow-out port 54 is located at a position lower than the rotary bearing 42.

[0059] Next, the sealing assembly 16 will be described. Figure 8 This is an exploded perspective view of sealing component 16. Figure 9 It is Figure 4 The enlarged view of the R part shows the contact state between the sealing assembly 16 and the bottom wall 22.

[0060] Figure 8 , Figure 9 The sealing assembly 16 shown includes a first sealing member 60, a sealing support member 70, a retaining member 90, and a second sealing member 110.

[0061] The first sealing member 60 has a first sealing portion 18 and a sealing seat 62. The first sealing portion 18 contacts the bottom wall 22 to perform a sealing function, and the sealing seat 62 supports the first sealing portion 18.

[0062] The first sealing part 18 is installed on the inner part of the sealing seat 62, and the outer part of the sealing seat 62 is fixed to the sealing support member 70 by the retaining member 90.

[0063] The outer portion of the sealing seat 62 is sandwiched between the retaining member 90 and the sealing support member 70, thereby fixing the first sealing member 60 supporting the first sealing part 18 to the sealing support member 70.

[0064] The sealing support member 70 is a part used to fix the first sealing part 18, the first sealing member 60, and the retaining member 90 to the roller support member 40, and is fixed to the front protruding surface 45 of the roller support member 40 via the second sealing member 110.

[0065] The following uses Figures 10-16 The detailed construction of the first sealing member 60, the sealing support member 70, the retaining member 90, and the second sealing member 110 is described.

[0066] Figure 10 This is a plan view showing the annular first sealing member 60. Figure 11 It means Figure 10 A cross-sectional view of the CC section. The first sealing member 60 includes a first sealing portion 18 and a sealing seat 62. The sealing seat 62 includes a flat portion 64, a curved portion 66, and a sealing mounting portion 68. The first sealing member 60 is a flat member when no external force is applied, but it is pressed against the bottom wall 22 of the rotating roller 20, thereby... Figure 11 The curved portion 66 shown is bent in this way.

[0067] The flat portion 64 is the part fixed to the sealing support member 70 by being sandwiched between the sealing support member 70 and the retaining member 90. The sealing mounting portion 68 is the part for mounting the first sealing portion 18, extending radially inward from the flat portion 64 and along the Y-axis. Furthermore, the first sealing portion 18 can be mounted to the sealing mounting portion 68 by sewing with thread or the like, or by adhesive. The first sealing member 60 is pressed against the bottom wall 22 of the rotating roller 20, and the curved portion 66 is located between the flat portion 64 and the sealing mounting portion 68. The flat portion 64 and the sealing mounting portion 68 extend in opposite directions. The curved portion 66 allows the first sealing portion 18 to contact the bottom wall 22 of the rotating roller 20 at an angle. Since the first sealing portion 18 slides against the bottom wall 22 of the rotating roller 20, a wear-resistant material is used.

[0068] Figure 12 A plan view showing the sealing support member 70. Figure 13 express Figure 12 A sectional view of the DD section. The sealing support member 70 has a fixing part 72, a support part 74 extending outward in the radial direction relative to the fixing part 72, and an intermediate part 76 between the fixing part 72 and the support part 74. The fixing part 72, the support part 74, and the intermediate part 76 are all annular.

[0069] The fixing part 72 is the part that fixes the sealing assembly 16 to the roller support member 40, and has threaded holes 80, 82, and 84. The threaded hole 80 is used for threaded fastening to the roller support member 40. The threaded hole 82 is used for threaded fastening to the roller support member 40 together with the second sealing member 110. The hole 84 is used for temporarily installing the second sealing member 110 to the sealing support member 70. Multiple threaded holes 80, 82, and 84 are arranged in a ring shape with open spacing.

[0070] The support 74 is mounted and supported by the retaining member 90. Figure 10 The first sealing member 60 shown is a portion thereof. The support portion 74 has threaded holes 86 and 88 used for threaded fastening of the retaining member 90. A plurality of threaded holes 86 are arranged in a ring with spacing between them. Furthermore, the threaded holes 86 have bends around them for positioning the retaining member 90. In the embodiment of this disclosure, the threaded holes 88 are arranged with spacing between them on both sides of each threaded hole 86.

[0071] like Figure 12 and Figure 13As shown, the intermediate portion 76 extends outward along the Y-axis and radially from the fixed portion 72 to the support portion 74. The intermediate portion 76 ensures the distance between the fixed portion 72 and the support portion 74 in both the Y-axis and radial directions. Furthermore, the fixed portion 72 has a foot 78 that directly contacts the roller support member 40.

[0072] Figure 14 This is a plan view showing the annular retaining member 90. Figure 15 It means Figure 14 A sectional view of the EE section. The retaining member 90 is mounted on the sealing support member 70, securing the first sealing member 60. (As shown) Figure 14 As shown, the retaining member 90 is divided into multiple parts (four in this embodiment) and has multiple retaining plates 92. This division facilitates the installation of the retaining plates 92 onto the sealing support member 70.

[0073] The retaining plate 92 has holes 94 and 96. Holes 94 and 96 are used for threaded fastening to the sealing support member 70. The periphery of hole 94 is bent to engage with the bend around the threaded hole 86 of the sealing support member 70, thereby enabling the positional alignment of the sealing support member 70 relative to the retaining plate 92.

[0074] The retaining plate 92 has a contact portion 98, a pressing portion 100, and a bent portion 102 between the contact portion 98 and the pressing portion 100. The contact portion 98 contacts the sealing support member 70, and the pressing portion 100 contacts the first sealing member 60. The retaining plate 92 uses the reaction force generated by its own elastic deformation to fix the first sealing member 60 to the sealing support member 70.

[0075] Figure 16 This is a plan view showing the annular second sealing member 110. The second sealing member 110 is disposed between the roller support member 40 and the fixing portion 72 of the sealing support member 70, and is a member used to ensure airtightness. The second sealing member 110 has a hole 112 and a protrusion 114. The hole 112 is for threaded fastening, and the protrusion 114 is pressed into the hole 84 of the sealing support member 70 for temporary installation. Multiple holes 112 and protrusions 114 are arranged annularly with spaced intervals. The second sealing member 110 is formed of an elastic material (e.g., rubber).

[0076] The above are the components included in the sealing assembly 16. For example... Figure 9 As shown, the sealing assembly 16 is in contact with the bottom wall 22.

[0077] The sealing support member 70 has a middle portion 76 that extends outward in the radial direction, thereby positioning the support portion 74 further outward in the radial direction than the fixing portion 72 and the middle portion 76. Regarding the position of the sliding portion 30 on the bottom wall 22, it is positioned inside the rotating roller 20 in the radial direction compared to the support portion 74, and outside the rotating roller 20 in the radial direction compared to the fixing portion 72.

[0078] Furthermore, the middle portion 76 extends along the Y-axis direction, thereby enabling the first sealing portion 18 to contact the bottom wall 22 even when the distance between the roller support member 40 and the bottom wall 22 of the rotating roller 20 is large.

[0079] Furthermore, the second sealing member 110 undergoes elastic deformation between the fixing portion 72 and the front protruding surface 45 due to the tightening of the screws. As a result, the airtightness between the sealing support member 70 and the roller support member 40 is improved.

[0080] Furthermore, the sliding portion 30 of the bottom wall 22 contacts the first sealing portion 18, thereby applying a bending load to the sealing assembly 16. The bending load causes the first sealing member 60 to elastically deform. Based on this elastic deformation, it is less likely for the first sealing portion 18 and the bottom wall 22 to make unilateral contact, and it is easier for them to make circumferential contact.

[0081] like Figure 4 As shown, the drying air is blown out from the outlet 54 through the air duct 46, passes through the vent 28 of the bottom wall 22 which is connected to the outlet 54, and is supplied to the interior of the rotating drum 20.

[0082] The first sealing part 18 contacts the outer side of the bottom wall 22, thereby allowing the air outlet 54 to be positioned lower than the rotary bearing 42, enabling drying air to pass through the vent 28 in the lower part of the bottom wall 22 into the rotary drum 20. As a result, upward airflow can be directed forward, facilitating contact between the drying air and the clothes as they are lifted and lowered by the lifting ribs 32, thus improving the efficiency of drying the clothes.

[0083] In addition, the blowout 54 is located on the inner side of the rotating drum 20 in the radial direction compared to the lifting rib 32, thereby preventing the airflow for drying from coming into contact with the lifting rib 32 and making it less likely to be obstructed.

[0084] There exists a situation where drying air is supplied into the rotating drum 20, while on the other hand, the drying air flows out of the rotating drum 20 through a vent 28 that is not connected to the blow-out port 54. For example... Figure 4 As shown, the bottom wall 22 is covered by the sealing assembly 16 and the front protruding surface 45, thereby preventing the outflow of drying air.

[0085] like Figure 4 As shown, a sealing component 16 is provided, thereby preventing the airflow J from flowing out of the circulating air path.

[0086] Next, an example of the assembly sequence from the assembly of the sealing assembly 16 to the installation of the rotating roller 20 on the roller support member 40 on which the sealing assembly 16 is mounted will be described.

[0087] First, such as Figure 11 As shown, the first sealing part 18 is sewn onto the sealing mounting part 68 of the sealing seat 62.

[0088] Next, as Figure 8 As shown, the first sealing member 60 is configured to contact the support portion 74 of the sealing support member 70. Furthermore, the retaining member 90 is configured such that the contact portion 98 contacts the support portion 74, and the pressing portion 100 contacts the flat portion 64. At this time, the thickness of the first sealing member 60 prevents the contact portion 98 from contacting the surface of the support portion 74. In this state, the retaining member 90 is threadedly fastened to the sealing support member 70. The screw-based fastening ensures that the contact portion 98 is in approximately surface contact with the support portion 74; however, the thickness of the first sealing member 60 and the pressing portion 100 interfere, causing the retaining member 90 to elastically deform. The reaction force generated by the elastic deformation of the retaining member 90 is used to fix the first sealing member 60 to the sealing support member 70. Using the retaining member 90, the first sealing member 60 can be installed on the support portion 74 of the sealing support member 70 without providing a threaded hole in the first sealing member 60.

[0089] Furthermore, the method of installing the first sealing member 60 onto the sealing support member 70 is not limited by the fixing method based on the retaining member 90; an adhesive-based fixing method or a welding-based fixing method can also be used. Since the retaining member 90 is not used, there is an advantage in reducing the number of parts. On the other hand, the fixing method using the retaining member 90 has the advantage of being easy to reassemble.

[0090] Next, the protrusion 114 of the second sealing member 110 is pressed into the hole 84 of the sealing support member 70, thereby temporarily installing the second sealing member 110 onto the sealing support member 70. The above is an example of the assembly sequence of the sealing assembly 16.

[0091] Next, the sequence of installing the sealing assembly 16 onto the front protruding surface 45 of the roller support member 40 will be described. First, as... Figure 3As shown, the central axis of the ring of the sealing assembly 16 is aligned with the rotating bearing 42 of the roller support member 40, and the second sealing member 110 and the front protruding surface 45 are brought into contact. The screws installed in the threaded holes 80 and 82 are tightened. The screws are tightened until the foot 78 of the sealing support member 70 contacts the roller support member 40. As a result, the second sealing member 110 is compressed and elastically deformed, thereby ensuring the airtightness between the fixing part 72 and the roller support member 40.

[0092] Alternatively, after the sealing support member 70 and the second sealing member 110 are installed on the roller support member 40, the first sealing member 60 and the retaining member 90 are installed on the sealing support member 70.

[0093] Furthermore, as long as airtightness is ensured, the roller support member 40 and the sealing assembly 16 can be fixed together. In addition to this embodiment, methods such as fixing with adhesives or welding can also be used. Since the second sealing member 110 is not used, there is an advantage of reducing the number of parts. On the other hand, the fixing method using the second sealing member 110 has the advantage of being easy to reassemble.

[0094] Finally, as Figure 3 In this way, the first sealing portion 18 of the sealing assembly 16 comes into contact with the bottom wall 22 of the rotating roller 20. This contact causes the first sealing member 60 to bend and contact the bottom wall 22 at an angle. Furthermore, by mounting the rotating bearing 42 of the roller support member 40 and the rotating shaft 25 of the rotating roller 20, and by fixing the roller support member 40 and the rotating roller 20, the contact between the first sealing portion 18 and the bottom wall 22 can be maintained. This concludes the explanation of the assembly sequence.

[0095] [Summarize]

[0096] The features of this disclosure are described in summary of the above description.

[0097] In order to improve the efficiency of drying clothes, the inventors studied the placement of the air outlet 54 on the lower side. In order to place the air outlet 54 on the lower side, the first sealing part 18 of the first sealing member 60 needs to be placed on the outer side of the bottom wall 22, like the sliding part 30. Therefore, a clothes dryer 10 with a sealing support member 70 not present in the conventional structure was invented.

[0098] If the first sealing member 60 is directly mounted to the roller support member 40, it needs to be mounted on the front protruding surface 45 of the roller support member 40, which restricts its position in the radial direction. In contrast, in the clothes dryer 10 of this embodiment, the first sealing member 60 is mounted to the roller support member 40 via the sealing support member 70, and the first sealing member 60 is mounted at a position where the sealing support member 70 extends outward in the radial direction. Therefore, the sliding part 30 can be provided at a position further outward than the front protruding surface 45.

[0099] Furthermore, the sealing support member 70 extends not only in the radial direction but also in the front-rear direction, thereby enabling it to fill the gap between the bottom wall 22 and the roller support member 40. This further reduces the constraints on the position of the first sealing member 60.

[0100] [Effect]

[0101] The clothes dryer 10 according to the embodiment can achieve the following effects.

[0102] The clothes dryer 10 of the embodiment includes: a rotating drum 20 having a peripheral wall 24 and a bottom wall 22 with vent holes 28, rotating about a rotating shaft 25 connected to the bottom wall 22; a plate-shaped drum support member 40 supporting the rotating shaft 25 of the rotating drum 20, and having an outlet 54 at a position opposite to the bottom wall 22 of the rotating drum 20; a circulating air passage that circulates drying air through the vent holes 28 and the outlet 54; an annular first sealing member 60 that contacts the bottom wall 22 in a manner that seals between the bottom wall 22 of the rotating drum 20 and the drum support member 40; and a sealing support member 70 having a fixing part 72 fixed to the drum support member 40 and a support part 74 supporting the first sealing member 60, the support part 74 being located outside the fixing part 72 in the radial direction of the rotating drum 20.

[0103] With this structure, the first sealing member 60 can be brought into contact with the bottom wall 22 at a location further outward in the radial direction of the rotating drum 20. Therefore, the blowout 54 can be located further outward in the radial direction of the rotating drum 20, providing a clothes dryer with improved drying performance.

[0104] In addition, in the clothes dryer 10 of the embodiment, the sealing support member 70 has an intermediate part 76 between the fixing part 72 and the support part 74, and the intermediate part 76 extends from the roller support member 40 toward the bottom wall 22.

[0105] With this structure, even if the bottom wall 22 of the rotating drum 20 is separated from the drum support member 40, the first sealing member 60 can still contact the bottom wall 22.

[0106] In addition, in the clothes dryer 10 of the embodiment, an annular second sealing member 110 is provided between the roller support member 40 and the fixing part 72.

[0107] With this structure, the airtightness between the roller support member 40 and the fixing part 72 is improved.

[0108] In addition, in the clothes dryer 10 of the embodiment, the second sealing member 110 is formed of rubber.

[0109] With this structure, reassembly becomes easy when assembling the sealing assembly 16 and the roller support member 40.

[0110] In addition, in the clothes dryer 10 of the embodiment, the support portion 74 of the sealing support member 70 and the first sealing member 60 are fixed by the retaining member 90.

[0111] With this structure, the first sealing member can be fixed to the support 74 without providing a threaded hole in the first sealing member 60.

[0112] In addition, in the clothes dryer 10 of the embodiment, the blowout 54 of the drum support member 40 is located below the rotation axis 25 of the rotating drum 20.

[0113] With this structure, drying air can be supplied from the lower side of the rotating drum 20 into the rotating drum 20.

[0114] In addition, in the clothes dryer 10 of the embodiment, the rotating drum 20 has a lifting rib 32 protruding from the peripheral wall 24 toward the inside of the rotating drum 20, and the blow-out port 54 of the drum support member 40 is disposed inside the rotating drum 20 in the radial direction relative to the lifting rib 32.

[0115] With this structure, the airflow for drying is not easily obstructed by the lifting ribs 32.

[0116] In addition, in the clothes dryer 10 of the embodiment, the first sealing member 60 contacts the bottom wall 22 at a position on the outer side of the air hole 28 in the radial direction of the rotating drum 20.

[0117] This structure can prevent the air used for drying from flowing out of the self-circulating airflow path.

[0118] In addition, in the clothes dryer 10 of the embodiment, the roller support member 40 has at least a partial annular recess 44 on the outside of the blow-out port 54 in the radial direction of the rotating roller 20.

[0119] This structure improves the bending stiffness of the roller support member 40.

[0120] (Summary of the implementation method)

[0121] The clothes dryer of the first embodiment includes: a rotating drum having a peripheral wall and a bottom wall with vent holes, rotating about a rotating shaft connected to the bottom wall; a plate-shaped drum support member supporting the rotating shaft of the rotating drum, having an outlet at a position opposite to the bottom wall of the rotating drum; a circulating air passage that circulates drying air through the vent holes and the outlet; an annular first sealing member that contacts the bottom wall in a manner that seals between the bottom wall of the rotating drum and the drum support member; and a sealing support member having a fixing part fixed to the drum support member and a support part supporting the first sealing member, the support part being located on the outer side of the rotating drum in the radial direction than the fixing part.

[0122] As a clothes dryer in the second embodiment, it is also possible that, in the clothes dryer in the first embodiment, the sealing support member has an intermediate part between the fixing part and the support part, and the intermediate part extends in the direction from the roller support member toward the bottom wall.

[0123] As a clothes dryer in the third embodiment, it is also possible that, in the clothes dryers of the first and second embodiments, an annular second sealing member is provided between the roller support member and the fixing part.

[0124] As a clothes dryer in the fourth embodiment, it is also possible that, in the clothes dryer of the third embodiment, the second sealing member is formed of rubber.

[0125] As a clothes dryer in the fifth embodiment, it is also possible that, in the clothes dryers of the first to fourth embodiments, the support portion of the sealing support member and the first sealing member are fixed by a retaining member.

[0126] As a clothes dryer in the sixth embodiment, it is also possible that, in the clothes dryers of the first to fifth embodiments, the blow-out port of the drum support member is located below the rotation axis of the rotating drum.

[0127] As a clothes dryer in the seventh embodiment, it is also possible that in the clothes dryers of the first to sixth embodiments, the rotating drum has lifting ribs protruding from the peripheral wall toward the inside of the rotating drum, and the blow-out port of the drum support member is disposed inside the rotating drum in the radial direction relative to the lifting ribs.

[0128] As the clothing dryer in the eighth embodiment, it may also be that, in the clothing dryers of the first to seventh embodiments, the first sealing member contacts the bottom wall at a location on the outer side of the vent hole in the bottom wall in the radial direction of the rotating drum.

[0129] As a clothes dryer in the ninth embodiment, it is also possible that, in the clothes dryers of the first to eighth embodiments, the drum support member has at least a partial annular recess on the outer side of the blow-out port in the radial direction of the rotating drum.

[0130] This disclosure has been fully described with reference to the accompanying drawings and in connection with preferred embodiments; however, various modifications and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Such modifications and variations are to be understood as included therein, provided they do not depart from the scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims.

[0131] Industrial availability

[0132] The clothes dryer disclosed herein is characterized by a structure that brings the seal into contact with the rotating drum, a feature that can also be applied to washing machines with drums, such as household drum washing machines.

Claims

1. A clothes dryer, wherein, This clothes dryer features: A rotating drum having a peripheral wall and a bottom wall with ventilation holes, rotates about a rotating shaft connected to the bottom wall. A plate-shaped roller support member that supports the rotation axis of the rotating roller has a blowout outlet at a position opposite to the bottom wall of the rotating roller; A circulating air path circulates the drying air through the vent and the outlet. A first annular sealing member contacts the bottom wall in such a way as to seal the bottom wall of the rotating drum from the drum support member; as well as A sealing support member having a fixing portion fixed to the roller support member and a support portion supporting the first sealing member. The support portion is located on the outer side of the fixed portion in the radial direction of the rotating drum.

2. The clothes dryer according to claim 1, wherein, In the sealing support member, an intermediate portion is provided between the fixing portion and the support portion, and the intermediate portion extends in a direction from the roller support member toward the bottom wall.

3. The clothes dryer according to claim 1, wherein, A second annular sealing member is also provided between the roller support member and the fixing part.

4. The clothes dryer according to claim 3, wherein, The second sealing member is made of rubber.

5. The clothes dryer according to claim 1, wherein, The support portion of the sealing support member and the first sealing member are fixed by a retaining member.

6. The clothes dryer according to claim 1, wherein, The blow-out port of the roller support member is located below the rotation axis of the rotating roller.

7. The clothes dryer according to claim 6, wherein, The rotating drum has lifting ribs that project from the peripheral wall toward the inside of the rotating drum. The blow-out port of the roller support member is located inside the radial direction of the rotating roller, relative to the lifting rib.

8. The clothes dryer according to claim 1, wherein, The first sealing member contacts the bottom wall at a location on the outer side of the vent hole in the bottom wall in the radial direction of the rotating drum.

9. The clothes dryer according to claim 1, wherein, The roller support member has at least a partial annular recess on the outer side of the blow-out port in the radial direction of the rotating roller.

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