dryer

Abstract

A dryer that suppresses a decrease in drying performance is provided. The dryer of the present disclosure includes a housing, a receiving tank that receives an object, an air supply device that supplies air into the receiving tank, a trapping device that traps foreign matter from the air that has passed through the receiving tank, and an air flow path that communicates the air supply device, the receiving tank, and the trapping device, the trapping device having an inflow portion that extends from a suction port that communicates with the receiving tank, a swirling portion that communicates with the inflow portion and swirls the inflowing air while supplying the air in a first direction, a filter portion that is provided downstream of the swirling portion, has a cylindrical shape that extends in the first direction, and has at least a portion that has a filter that allows the air to flow from an inner side of the cylindrical shape toward an outer side, and a wind path member that surrounds an outer periphery of the filter portion, has an exhaust port that communicates with the rotating drum, and has the exhaust port of the wind path member disposed at a position that is separated from a peripheral surface of the filter portion in the first direction.

Description

Technical Field

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

[0002] For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a dryer that includes a rotating drum for storing clothes, an air supply device for supplying air to the rotating drum, and an air flow path that connects the rotating drum to the air supply device.

[0003] In the dryer described in Patent Document 1, a filter is provided in the middle of the air flow path to mainly capture foreign objects such as lint.

[0004] Existing technical documents

[0005] Patent documents

[0006] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2009-28564 Summary of the Invention

[0007] The problem the invention aims to solve

[0008] However, the filter in Patent Document 1 is arranged in a manner that crosses the direction of airflow in the airflow path, making it prone to clogging. If the user of the dryer neglects to clean the filter, air may have difficulty passing through the trapping device, potentially reducing drying performance. Therefore, there is room for improvement in preventing a decrease in drying performance.

[0009] The purpose of this disclosure is to solve the above-mentioned problems and suppress the reduction in drying performance.

[0010] Solution for solving the problem

[0011] A dryer according to one aspect of this disclosure includes: a housing; a receiving tank for receiving an object; an air supply device for supplying air into the receiving tank; a trapping device for trapping foreign objects from the air passing through the receiving tank; and an airflow path connecting the air supply device, the receiving tank, and the trapping device, the trapping device having: an inlet extending from an air intake communicating with the receiving tank; a swirling section communicating with the inlet, causing the inflowing air to swirl while being supplied in a first direction; a filter section located downstream of the swirling section, having a cylindrical shape extending in the first direction, and at least partially having a filter for air to flow out from the inside to the outside of the cylindrical shape; and an airflow member surrounding the outer periphery of the filter section, having an exhaust port communicating with a rotating drum, the exhaust port of the airflow member being positioned separate from the circumferential surface of the filter section in the first direction.

[0012] The effects of the invention

[0013] According to this disclosure, a dryer that can suppress the reduction of drying performance can be provided. Attached Figure Description

[0014] Figure 1A This is a schematic diagram of a dryer according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0015] Figure 1B This is a schematic front view of the dryer according to the embodiment.

[0016] Figure 2 This is a perspective view of the collection device included in the dryer of the embodiment.

[0017] Figure 3 It is along Figure 2 A cross-sectional view along line AA.

[0018] Figure 4 It is along Figure 2 A cross-sectional view of the BB line.

[0019] Figure 5 It is along Figure 2 A cross-sectional view of the CC line.

[0020] Figure 6 It is a perspective view showing the filter screen components, downstream swirling section, and recovery section of the collection device.

[0021] Figure 7 This is a partial cross-sectional view showing the trapping device of the rotating section.

[0022] Figure 8 This is a partial cross-sectional view showing the collection device of the filter screen component.

[0023] Figure 9 It is a partial cross-sectional view showing the trapping device, including the filter components and the housing.

[0024] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0025] 1. Dryer; 2. Shell; 3. Outer tank; 4. Rotating drum; 5. Drive unit; 6. Heat pump unit; 7. Collection device; 8. Air flow path; 9. Air supply device; 10. Water supply valve; 11. Drain valve; 12. Control unit; 70. Outer shell; 71. Inlet; 72A, 72B. Upstream swirling part; 73A, 73B. Filter screen component; 78. Protrusion; 81. Air inlet; 83A, 83B. Peripheral wall part; 84A, 84B. Opening; 85A, 85B. Filter screen; 87. End; 89A, 89B. End; L1, L2. Axis. Detailed Implementation

[0026] (Implementation Method)

[0027] The dryer according to the embodiments of this disclosure will be described. Figure 1A This is a schematic diagram of the dryer 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 1B This is a schematic front view of dryer 1.

[0028] The dryer 1 in this embodiment is a washing and drying machine with a washing function (a so-called drum washing and drying machine). The dryer 1 can also be called a clothes dryer, but it can also handle items other than clothing such as towels and sheets.

[0029] like Figure 1A As shown, the dryer 1 includes a shell 2, an outer tank 3, a rotating drum 4, a drive unit 5, a heat pump device 6, a collection device 7, an air flow path 8, an air supply device 9, a water supply valve 10, a drain valve 11, and a control unit 12.

[0030] Hereinafter, the two mutually orthogonal directions in the horizontal plane will be designated as the width direction X and the front-back direction Y, and the vertical direction orthogonal to the horizontal plane will be designated as the up-down direction Z.

[0031] The housing 2 is a component that forms the appearance of the washing machine 1. An opening 20 and a freely opening and closing door 21 covering the opening 20 are provided on the front surface of the housing 2.

[0032] The outer tank 3 is located inside the housing 2 and is a generally cylindrical component that functions to store washing water. The outer tank 3 can also be referred to as a sink or bucket. The outer tank 3 has an opening 31 located opposite the opening 20 of the housing 2. The edge of the opening 31 is connected to the opening 20 via a bellows 32. Furthermore, the axis passing through the center of the bottom of the outer tank 3 is designated as the central axis V0. The outer tank 3 is arranged at an angle relative to the horizontal with respect to the central axis V0. Alternatively, the central axis V0 can be set horizontally.

[0033] The outer tank 3 is also provided with openings 33 and 34. Openings 33 and 34 are openings that connect to the heat pump device 6, the trapping device 7 and the air flow path 8. Air in the outer tank 3 flows out from opening 33, passes through the trapping device 7, the heat pump device 6 and the air flow path 8 in sequence, and then flows back into the outer tank 3 through opening 34 (refer to square arrow A).

[0034] like Figure 1B As shown, when viewed from the front-rear direction Y, the distance between the outer peripheral surface of the outer groove 3 and the upper surface of the housing 2 widens towards the outer side X1. Therefore, it is easier to ensure space above the outer groove 3 by facing outward X1. Here, "outer side X1" refers to the width direction X away from the central axis V0.

[0035] Back Figure 1AThe rotating drum 4 is a generally cylindrical component that is rotatable about a central axis V0 inside the outer tub 3 and is capable of holding laundry. The drum 4 can also be referred to as a washing tub, inner tub, or storage tub. The rotating drum 4 has a plurality of through holes 40, which connect the rotating drum 4 to the outer tub 3. The rotating drum 4 has an opening 41 located opposite the opening 20 of the housing 2 and the opening 31 of the outer tub 3. When the user opens the door 21, laundry can be placed into the rotating drum 4 through the openings 20, 31, and 41.

[0036] The drive unit 5 is a component that drives the rotating drum 4 to rotate around the central axis V0. The drive unit 5 may include, for example, a motor that rotates the rotating drum 4.

[0037] The heat pump device 6 is located on the upper part of the housing 2 and is connected to the rotating drum 4. It is a device for dehumidifying and heating the air flowing in from the rotating drum 4.

[0038] The heat pump unit 6 includes a first heat exchanger, a second heat exchanger, refrigerant piping for circulating refrigerant between the two heat exchangers, a compressor, and a throttling mechanism. The first heat exchanger is used for dehumidifying the air (dehumidification heat exchanger). The second heat exchanger is used for heating the dehumidified air downstream of the first heat exchanger (heating heat exchanger). The compressor compresses the refrigerant flowing from the first heat exchanger to the second heat exchanger. The throttling mechanism reduces the pressure of the refrigerant flowing from the second heat exchanger to the first heat exchanger.

[0039] The trapping device 7 is an upstream device for collecting foreign objects such as wire ends and dust from the air flowing from the self-rotating drum 4 to the heat pump unit 6. The trapping device 7 removes foreign objects from the air, preventing them from adhering to components such as the heat pump unit 6 and the downstream air supply device 9.

[0040] like Figure 1B As shown, the collection device 7 and the heat pump device 6 ( Figure 1A The trapping device 7 is positioned above the outer groove 3, offset outward by X1 relative to the central axis V0 of the outer groove 3. The end of the trapping device 7 on the central side is located outward by X1 from the central axis V0. In one embodiment, the trapping device 7 is partially disposed between the outer groove 3 and the housing 2, and the upper part of the trapping device 7 protrudes upward from the upper surface of the housing 2, but is not limited thereto. Alternatively, the trapping device 7 may be entirely housed inside the housing 2.

[0041] Back Figure 1A The air flow path 8 is located inside the housing 2 and is a flow path component that connects the rotating drum 4, the heat pump device 6, the collection device 7, and the air supply device 9. When the air supply device 9 is driven, air circulates between the rotating drum 4 and the heat pump device 6 through the air flow path 8 (refer to square arrow A).

[0042] In this embodiment, the airflow path 8 is located between the heat pump device 6 and the rotating drum 4, but it is not limited to this. It can also be located between the rotating drum 4 and the collection device 7, between the collection device 7 and the heat pump device 6, or between other components.

[0043] An air supply device 9 is located in the airflow path 8 and is a device that supplies air and circulates it between the rotating drum 4 and the heat pump unit 6. The air supply device 9 delivers air dehumidified and heated by the heat pump unit 6 toward the rotating drum 4. The air supply device 9 may include, for example, a fan.

[0044] The water supply valve 10 has an openable and closable valve that is connected to a faucet via an external hose. When the water supply valve 10 is opened, water is supplied to the outer tank 3. The water supply valve 10 is located on the upper part of the housing 2.

[0045] The drain valve 11 is a valve that can be opened and closed. When closed, it stores water in the outer tank 3, and when opened, it discharges the water stored in the outer tank 3. The drain valve 11 is located at the lower part of the housing 2.

[0046] The control unit 12 is a component that controls the operation of the dryer 1. The control unit 12 controls the components of the dryer 1, including the drive unit 5, heat pump device 6, air supply device 9, water supply valve 10, and drain valve 11. The control unit 12 includes a general-purpose processor such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit), MPU (Micro Processing Unit), FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array), DSP (Digital Signal Processor), or ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit) that executes a program to achieve predetermined functions. The control unit 12 can achieve various controls of the dryer 1 by calling and executing a control program stored in memory (not shown). The control unit 12 is not limited to achieving predetermined functions through hardware and software cooperation; it can also be a specially designed hardware circuit that achieves predetermined functions.

[0047] Next, the construction of the trapping device 7 will be described in more detail. Figure 2 This is a three-dimensional view of the trapping device 7. Figure 3 It is along Figure 2 A cross-sectional view of the AA line collection device 7. Figure 4 It is along Figure 2 A cross-sectional view of the BB line collection device 7 in the image. Figure 5 It is along Figure 2A cross-sectional view of the CC line collection device 7 in the image. Figure 6 This is a perspective view of filter components 73A and 73B, downstream swirling parts 75A and 75B, and recovery part 76.

[0048] like Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, the collection device 7 has a housing 70, an inflow section 71, and an upstream swirling section 72. Figure 3 ), filter components 73A, 73B ( Figure 3 , Figure 5 ), Filter 74 ( Figure 3 ), downstream swirl section 75 ( Figure 3 ), Recycling Department 76.

[0049] like Figure 3 As shown, the outer casing 70 is a housing that includes a portion of the inflow section 71, the upstream swirl section 72, the filter components 73A and 73B, the filter 74, and the downstream swirl section 75. Figure 3 The diagram is omitted, but the outer casing 70 also houses the heat pump unit 6. Figure 1A An upstream portion of an inlet 71 is connected to one side of the housing 70, and an airflow path 8 is connected to the other side. Figure 1A ).

[0050] In the embodiment, the housing 70 and the heat pump device 6 ( Figure 1A The outer casing 60 is integrally formed. The outer casing 60 is a component that forms the appearance of the heat pump device 6. The outer casing 70 is connected to the outer casing 60 in the front-rear direction Y.

[0051] Downstream of the filter components 73A and 73B, the housing 70 defines a connection port 80 in the front-to-back direction Y, which connects to the housing 60 of the heat pump device 6. A filter 74 is provided at the connection port 80.

[0052] In the embodiment, a portion of the housing 70 that houses the upstream swivel section 72, filter components 73A and 73B, and the downstream swivel section 75 is separated from the housing 2 ( Figure 1A )protrude.

[0053] The inflow section 71 is from the rotating drum 4 ( Figure 1A The flow path member extending from the intake port 81 allows humid air from the rotating drum 4 to flow into the upstream swirl section 72. That is, the inflow section 71 connects the rotating drum 4 with the upstream swirl section 72.

[0054] In one embodiment, the inflow portion 71 extends upward in a straight line from the intake port 81 and connects to the upstream swirling portion 72. In another embodiment, the downstream portion of the inflow portion 71 is integrally formed with the upstream swirling portion 72. The intake port 81 is connected to the outer groove 3 via a flow path member having a corrugated pipe shape, but it can also be directly connected to the opening 33 of the outer groove 3. Figure 1B )connect.

[0055] The opening 33 is located on the circumference of the outer groove 3 at a position offset outward by X1 relative to the central axis V0 of the outer groove 3. Therefore, the inflow portion 71 is located above the outer groove 3 at a position offset outward by X1.

[0056] With this structure, it is easier to ensure sufficient vertical space (Z) for the inflow section 71 compared to the case where the inflow section 71 is located directly above the central axis V0. Therefore, the height at which the collecting device 7 protrudes upwards from the upper surface of the housing 2 can be reduced. Thus, a compact structure can be achieved in the dryer 1.

[0057] Furthermore, a corrugated flow path member for absorbing vibration can be easily installed between the outer tank 3 and the inflow section 71, which can suppress the transmission of vibration caused by the rotation of the rotating drum 4 to the collection device 7 and the heat pump device 6. Therefore, malfunctions of the collection device 7 and the heat pump device 6 can be suppressed.

[0058] The upstream swirling section 72 is a flow path component that generates a swirling flow by causing the air flowing in from the inlet section 71 to swirl around the axes L1 and L2 along the axes V1 and V2 while being transported to the predetermined axes V1 and V2.

[0059] like Figure 4 As shown, in this embodiment, the upstream swirling section 72 has a first upstream swirling section 72A and a second upstream swirling section 72B that independently generate swirling flows that do not interfere with each other. Hereinafter, the first upstream swirling section 72A and the second upstream swirling section 72B will also be simply referred to as upstream swirling sections 72A and 72B. The upstream swirling sections 72A and 72B are arranged in a manner that they are adjacent to each other in the width direction X.

[0060] The inlet 71 is located in the width direction X between the axes L1 and L2 of the upstream swirling sections 72A and 72B, supplying air to both upstream swirling sections 72A and 72B. Therefore, air flows from the inlet 71 outward in the width direction X into each of the upstream swirling sections 72A and 72B.

[0061] The upstream swirling sections 72A and 72B each have openings 84A and 84B communicating with the inflow section 71 for the purpose of introducing air. Openings 84A and 84B are directly open relative to the inflow section 71. Specifically, openings 84A and 84B are connected to the upper end of the inflow section 71. Opening 84A is connected to one side of the upper end of the inflow section 71 in the width direction X, and opening 84B is connected to the other side of the upper end in the width direction X. Openings 84A and 84B are opposite to each other in the width direction X.

[0062] The upstream swirling portions 72A and 72B each have peripheral wall portions 83A and 83B extending in a generally arcuate shape from the edges of the openings 84A and 84B, respectively. The upstream swirling portions 72A and 72B generate swirling flow by guiding air along the inner peripheral surfaces of the peripheral wall portions 83A and 83B. Specifically, the peripheral wall portions 83A and 83B extend in a generally arcuate shape around axes L1 and L2 along the axial directions V1 and V2, respectively. In this embodiment, the axial directions V1 and V2 and the axes L1 and L2 are orthogonal to the width direction X and parallel to each other. Furthermore, the axial directions V1 and V2 or the axes L1 and L2 may also have an angle relative to the Y-axis and Z-axis, which are orthogonal to the width direction X.

[0063] Furthermore, axes L1 and L2 are not limited to being parallel to each other; they can extend along each other. For example, axes L1 and L2 can also extend at an angle to each other and in a manner that increases in intervals along the width direction X. Axes L1 and L2 can also be torsional to each other.

[0064] Here, the first upstream swirling section 72A causes the incoming air to swirl while being transported toward the first axis V1, and the second upstream swirling section 72B causes the incoming air to swirl while being transported toward the second axis V2. The swirling direction C1 of the swirling flow in the first upstream swirling section 72A is different from the swirling direction C2 of the swirling flow in the second upstream swirling section 72B.

[0065] Back Figure 3 The axes L1 and L2 of the upstream swirling sections 72A and 72B are inclined relative to the longitudinal direction Y. With this structure, even in a structure with limited space in the longitudinal direction Y, the axial dimensions V1 and V2 of the upstream swirling sections 72A and 72B can be ensured, thus generating swirling flow with suppressed pressure loss.

[0066] The air flowing from the inlet 71 into the upstream swirling sections 72A and 72B forms a swirling flow, and while swirling, it flows into the filter components 73A and 73B located downstream of the upstream swirling sections 72A and 72B, respectively.

[0067] like Figure 3 and Figure 5As shown, filter components 73A and 73B have cylindrical shapes extending about axial directions V1 and V2, respectively, and are components having filter screens 85A and 85B covering the entire circumference. Filter screens 85A and 85B have multiple through holes extending radially. The through holes allow air to flow out from the inside to the outside of the cylindrical shape only, inhibiting the passage of foreign objects.

[0068] Filter components 73A and 73B have a cylindrical shape, so the airflow in the swirling flow entering from the upstream swirling portions 72A and 72B is parallel to the filter screens 85A and 85B of filter components 73A and 73B. That is, it can suppress the flow of air in a direction orthogonal to the filter screens 85A and 85B, suppress disturbance of the swirling flow inside the filter screens 85A and 85B, and suppress the pressing of foreign objects against the filter screens 85A and 85B. Therefore, foreign objects are difficult to adhere to the filter screens 85A and 85B.

[0069] like Figure 5 As shown, the first filter element 73A is disposed on the same axis L1 as the first upstream swivel portion 72A, and the second filter element 73B is disposed on the same axis L2 as the second upstream swivel portion 72B. That is, axes L1 and L2 are the central axes of filter elements 73A and 73B, respectively. Therefore, the upstream swivel portions 72A and 72B are arranged in the width direction X, and thus the peripheral surfaces of filter elements 73A and 73B are also arranged adjacent to each other in the width direction X.

[0070] On the other hand, the peripheral surfaces of filter components 73A and 73B are arranged with a spacing G1 in the width direction X. That is, the peripheral surfaces of filter components 73A and 73B are arranged separately from each other. As a result, a portion of the air flowing out from filter components 73A and 73B flows in the space K3 between the peripheral surfaces of filter components 73A and 73B.

[0071] Alternatively, filter components 73A and 73B may have a support portion 86 supporting the filter screens 85A and 85B in a portion of the entire circumference.

[0072] Back Figure 3 The filter components 73A and 73B are surrounded by the outer casing 70. Therefore, an internal space K1 is defined between the filter components 73A and 73B and the outer casing 70. The internal space K1 extends to the connection port 80 of the outer casing 70. Air flowing out of the filter components 73A and 73B flows into the internal space K1 and towards the connection port 80. Furthermore, a space for airflow is formed, therefore the outer casing 70 can also be referred to as an airflow component.

[0073] The connection port 80 is located at the lower part of the housing 70. Specifically, at least a portion of the connection port 80 is located below the axes L1 and L2 of the respective filter components 73A and 73B. In this embodiment, the connection port 80 is located below the recovery section 76.

[0074] The filter 74 is a filter located at the connection port 80 of the housing 70 and extending through in the front-rear direction Y. By allowing air flowing out from the filter elements 73A and 73B to pass through, the filter 74 can further remove foreign objects such as lint from the air before it flows into the heat pump unit 6.

[0075] A heat pump unit 6 is configured in the internal space K2 downstream of filter 74. Figure 1A ).

[0076] The housing 60 of the heat pump unit 6 has an exhaust port 82. The exhaust port 82 is connected to the air flow path 8 ( Figure 1A The air flowing into the internal space K1 passes through the filter 74, is dehumidified and heated by the heat pump device 6, flows from the exhaust port 82 into the air flow path 8, and returns to the rotating drum 4.

[0077] Air that does not pass through filter components 73A and 73B flows sequentially into the downstream swirl section 75 and the recovery section 76.

[0078] The downstream swirl section 75 is arranged axially along V1 and V2 with each filter screen component 73A and 73B, and communicates with the internal space of the filter screen components 73A and 73B. The downstream swirl section 75 is a flow path component used to agglomerate foreign matter that remains inside the filter screen components 73A and 73B.

[0079] like Figure 6 As shown, in this embodiment, the downstream swivel portion 75 has a first downstream swivel portion 75A and a second downstream swivel portion 75B that are respectively connected to the first filter element 73A and the second filter element 73B. Hereinafter, the first downstream swivel portion 75A and the second downstream swivel portion 75B will also be simply referred to as downstream swivel portions 75A and 75B. The downstream swivel portions 75A and 75B each have circumferential surfaces S1 and S2 extending about axial directions V1 and V2, respectively, and have a generally cylindrical shape. That is, the first filter element 73A is disposed on the same axis L1 as the first upstream swivel portion 72A. The second filter element 73B is disposed on the same axis L2 as the second upstream swivel portion 72B.

[0080] The downstream swirling sections 75A and 75B have a generally cylindrical shape, which facilitates the guidance of air flowing in from the filter components 73A and 73B along the circumferential surfaces S1 and S2, respectively, to maintain the swirling flow. By maintaining the swirling flow, foreign matter contained in the swirling flow can be agglomerated and concentrated to form a mass of foreign matter.

[0081] The downstream rotating sections 75A and 75B each have a discharge port 77A and 77B on their respective circumferential surfaces S1 and S2, which communicate with the recovery section 76. In this embodiment, the discharge ports 77A and 77B are respectively located in the upper half (i.e., the +Z side half) of the circumferential surfaces S1 and S2. When the foreign object becomes larger, the centrifugal force exerted by the rotating motion increases, allowing the object to enter the recovery section 76 from the downstream rotating section 75.

[0082] The recovery section 76 is a container for storing foreign matter blocks formed by the downstream swirling sections 75A and 75B. The recovery section 76 is connected to the discharge ports 77A and 77B, and receives foreign matter from the downstream swirling sections 75A and 75B, respectively. Specifically, it has recovery sections 76A and 76B corresponding to the discharge ports 77A and 77B, respectively. The recovery sections 76A and 76B are separated from each other.

[0083] The recycling unit 76 can be detached from the downstream rotating part 75. The user can detach the recycling unit 76 from the downstream rotating part 75 and discard the foreign objects stored therein.

[0084] Next, the construction of the inflow section 71 and the upstream swirling section 72 will be described in more detail. Figure 7 This is a partial cross-sectional view of the trapping device 7 as seen from the front-rear direction Y, showing the inflow section 71 and the upstream swirling section 72.

[0085] like Figure 7 As shown, the first peripheral wall 83A of the first upstream swivel portion 72A and the second peripheral wall 83B of the second upstream swivel portion 72B are connected to each other at one end 87.

[0086] Each peripheral wall portion 83A and 83B extends outward from the end 87 in the width direction X, thus guiding air outward, i.e., in the opposite direction. Therefore, the swirling direction C1 of the swirling flow in the first upstream swirling portion 72A is opposite to the swirling direction C2 of the swirling flow in the second upstream swirling portion 72B. In this embodiment, the swirling flow in the first upstream swirling portion 72A swirls clockwise, and the swirling flow in the second upstream swirling portion 72B swirls counterclockwise.

[0087] A protrusion 78 is formed by the first portion 88A of the first peripheral wall portion 83A extending from the end 87 and the second portion 88B of the second peripheral wall portion 83B extending from the end 87. The protrusion 78 and the air inlet 81 of the inflow portion 71 ( Figure 4 It is opposite to the air inlet 81 in the vertical direction Z and protrudes downward. The end 87 forms the top of the protrusion 78.

[0088] The first portion 88A of the first peripheral wall portion 83A and the second portion 88B of the second peripheral wall portion 83B forming the protrusion 78 have curvatures greater than those of other portions of the peripheral wall portions 83A and 83B, and are arranged in a curved shape bulging outwards radially. The bulge of the first portion 88A and the second portion 88B decreases as they move away from the end 87. Therefore, the peripheral wall portions 83A and 83B are arranged in a smooth curved shape. The first portion 88A and the second portion 88B may also extend along an involute curve bulging outwards radially.

[0089] On the other hand, the first peripheral wall portion 83A of the first upstream swirling portion 72A and the second peripheral wall portion 83B of the second upstream swirling portion 72B are connected to the inflow portion 71 near the other end portions 89A and 89B. Thus, the opening 84A is defined between the end portions 87 and 89A of the first peripheral wall portion 83A, and the opening 84B is defined between the end portions 87 and 89B of the second peripheral wall portion 83B.

[0090] End portions 89A and 89B are located below end portion 87. Therefore, openings 84A and 84B are opposite each other in the width direction X below protrusion 78. Furthermore, end portions 89A and 89B are located outside in the width direction X compared to end portion 87. In other words, end portion 87 and protrusion 78 are located between end portions 89A and 89B (i.e., between openings 84A and 84B). With this structure, air in the inflow portion 71 can easily be diverted in opposite directions in the width direction X through protrusion 78 and flow into each opening 84A and 84B.

[0091] In this embodiment, the ends 89A and 89B protrude inward in the width direction X from the wall surfaces of the inflow portion 71 to which the peripheral wall portions 83A and 83B are respectively connected. In other words, the ends 89A and 89B protrude downstream in the direction of travel of the swirling flow flowing in the upstream swirling portions 72A and 72B, respectively, from the wall surfaces of the inflow portion 71 to which the peripheral wall portions 83A and 83B are connected.

[0092] With this structure, the air flowing in the inlet 71 contacts the outer peripheral surfaces of the ends 89A and 89B, and is guided by the outer peripheral surfaces extending from the ends 89A and 89B. With the wind direction corrected to be close to the tangential direction of the first and second peripheral walls 83A and 83B, the air flows radially outward into the upstream swirling sections 72A and 72B. By flowing into the upstream swirling sections 72A and 72B with the wind direction close to the tangential direction, the merging with the swirling flow that would disturb the internal flow of the upstream swirling sections 72A and 72B can be suppressed. Furthermore, by providing the ends 89A and 89B, the air flowing in the inlet 71 can be guided radially outward into the swirling flow flowing in the upstream swirling sections 72A and 72B, thus increasing the size of the openings 84A and 84B and ensuring a larger flow area.

[0093] In addition, the air flowing in the upstream swirling sections 72A and 72B is guided by the inner circumferential surfaces of the ends 89A and 89B, so it is easy to maintain the swirling flow in the upstream swirling sections 72A and 72B.

[0094] In this embodiment, the opening area of ​​opening 84A along the rotation direction C1 is larger than the opening area of ​​opening 84B along the rotation direction C2. Alternatively, the opening areas of openings 84A and 84B can be the same.

[0095] Here, the positional relationship between the upstream swirling section 72 and the inflow section 71 is explained. Through the air intake 81 ( Figure 4 The central axis L3 of the inflow section 71 at the center of the ) Figure 7 The inflow portion 71 is offset in the width direction X relative to the end 87 of the upstream swivel portion 72. In the embodiment, the inflow portion 71 is disposed biased toward the upstream swivel portion 72A.

[0096] On the upstream swivel section 72A side, compared to the upstream swivel section 72B side, it is possible to ( ) with the outer peripheral surface of the outer groove 3 Figure 1A This ensures more space between the outer tank 3 and the inflow section 71. Therefore, it is easy to install a bellows member for absorbing vibration between the outer tank 3 and the inflow section 71, which can suppress the transmission of vibration caused by the rotation of the rotating drum 4 to the collection device 7 and the heat pump device 6, and can suppress the malfunction of the collection device 7 and the heat pump device 6.

[0097] To guide air from its offset position toward the respective upstream swirling sections 72A and 72B, the inlet section 71 has inclined surfaces 91 and 92 near the openings 84A and 84B, respectively. Inclined surface 91 extends from the portion of the first peripheral wall 83A adjacent to the end point 89A, and is inclined relative to the vertical direction Z such that air is deflected tangentially toward the upstream swirling sections 72A and 72B. Inclined surface 92 extends from the portion of the second peripheral wall 83B adjacent to the end point 89B, and is inclined relative to the vertical direction Z such that air is deflected toward the opening 84B. In other words, inclined surface 91 prevents excessive air supply to the opening 84A, and inclined surface 92 guides air toward the opening 84B.

[0098] With this structure, opening 84B is smaller than opening 84A, thus allowing air to flow more reliably into the upstream swirl section 72B. Therefore, air can be supplied uniformly to openings 84A and 84B, which have different opening areas. Furthermore, disturbances to the swirling flow in the upstream swirl sections 72A and 72B can be suppressed, allowing the area near the center of the upstream swirl sections 72A and 72B to be the center of the swirling flow, enabling efficient generation of the swirling flow.

[0099] Next, the construction of filter components 73A and 73B will be described in more detail. Figure 8 This is a partial cross-sectional view of the trapping device 7 as seen from the front-rear direction Y, showing the filter components 73A and 73B.

[0100] In this embodiment, the first filter element 73A and the second filter element 73B have a common structure. However, the first filter element 73A and the second filter element 73B may also have different diameters, lengths, and structures.

[0101] like Figure 8 As shown, no partitions such as walls or ribs are provided in the gap G1 between the first filter component 73A and the second filter component 73B. That is, a communicating space K3 is provided between the first filter component 73A and the second filter component 73B. The space K3 extends in the vertical direction Z and communicates with the internal space K1 of the outer casing 70.

[0102] The airflow within the gap G1 will be explained. The rotation directions C1 and C2 of filter components 73A and 73B are opposite to each other, therefore the tangential directions of the swirling flow at opposite circumferential surfaces across the gap G1 are parallel to each other. That is, the air flowing from the first filter component 73A into the gap G1 and the air flowing from the second filter component 73B into the gap G1 flow in the same direction (upwards). Therefore, even without a separator, mutual interference of airflow at the gap G1 can be suppressed.

[0103] The spacing between the central axes (i.e., axes L1 and L2) of filter components 73A and 73B is larger than the average diameter of filter components 73A and 73B, but smaller than twice the average diameter. The spacing between the central axes of filter components 73A and 73B can also be smaller than 1.5 times the average diameter of filter components 73A and 73B.

[0104] Since the rotation directions C1 and C2 of the filter components 73A and 73B are opposite to each other, the gap between the central axes of the filter components 73A and 73B can be reduced while maintaining a state in which mutual interference of air is unlikely to occur in the gap G1, thus reducing the gap G1. Therefore, it is easy to achieve space saving in the collection device 7.

[0105] Filter components 73A and 73B are surrounded by housing 70. A gap G2 exists between filter components 73A and 73B and the inner wall surface of housing 70. Specifically, the circumferential surfaces of filter components 73A and 73B are separated from the inner wall surface of housing 70 over their entire circumference. Therefore, air flows out more evenly over the entire circumference of filter components 73A and 73B. By preventing a localized increase in airflow in the circumferential direction, the adhesion of foreign matter such as lint caused by uneven airflow in filter components 73A and 73B can be suppressed.

[0106] The size of the gap G2 between the peripheral surfaces of filter components 73A and 73B and the inner wall surface of the outer casing 70 varies along the direction around axes L1 and L2. The gap G1 between filter components 73A and 73B is smaller than twice the minimum value of the gap G2.

[0107] Next, the housing 70 downstream of the filter components 73A and 73B will be described in more detail. Figure 9 This is a cross-sectional view of the trapping device 7, which shows the filter components 73A and 73B and the housing 70.

[0108] like Figure 9 As shown, the housing 70 has walls P1 and P2 surrounding the filter components 73A and 73B. Specifically, the housing 70 has walls P1 and P2 that are radially opposite to the outer peripheries of the filter components 73A and 73B. In this embodiment, wall P1 is located below the filter components 73A and 73B, and wall P2 surrounds the filter components 73A and 73B. Wall P2 is opposite to the outer peripheral portions of the filter components 73A and 73B, except for the mutually facing portions. Furthermore, other components may be arranged between the outer peripheral surfaces of the filter components 73A and 73B and the walls P1 and P2.

[0109] The wall surface P1 extends in the vertical direction Z, separating the internal space K1 defined by the outer casing 70 from the inflow portion 71 below the filter components 73A and 73B. The wall surface P1 can suppress the flow of air from the filter components 73A and 73B towards the -Y side.

[0110] The wall surface P2 extends along the axial direction V1 in a manner that it is circumferentially around the axis L1. In this embodiment, the wall surface P2 has a portion P21 extending in the front-rear direction Y and circumferentially around the axis L1, and a portion P22 located above the filter components 73A and 73B and extending along the axial direction V1. With this structure, air flowing out of the filter components 73A and 73B can be guided in a direction along the axial direction V1.

[0111] In addition, the wall P2 can also extend as a whole along the axial direction V1, or it can extend as a whole along the front-back direction Y.

[0112] The outer casing 70 also has a wall surface P3 above the filter components 73A and 73B that isolates the internal space K1 from the recovery section 76. Air flowing out from the upper part of the filter components 73A and 73B is guided along the walls P2 and P3 to the lower part of the filter components 73A and 73B.

[0113] A wall surface P4 is connected to the +Y side end of wall surface P2 below filter components 73A and 73B, and a wall surface P5 is connected to the +Y side end of wall surface P4. The +Y side end of wall surface P5 defines the lower part of connection port 80. Wall surfaces P4 and P5 extend in a direction having an axial V1 component. Therefore, by providing walls P4 and P5, connection port 80 is located at a position separated from filter components 73A and 73B in the axial V1 direction.

[0114] Wall surfaces P4 and P5 are located on the +Y side of the filter element 73A, below the downstream swivel section 75A. Wall surface P4 extends downward at an angle relative to wall surface P2, and wall surface P5 extends from the lower end of wall surface P4 along the front-rear direction Y. Therefore, when viewed from the width direction X, walls P2, P4, and P5 have a zigzag shape. This structure allows for a shape that avoids the downstream swivel section 75A.

[0115] In this embodiment, the connection port 80 opens in the front-rear direction Y. The front-rear direction Y intersects the radial direction of the filter components 73A and 73B. With this structure, compared to a case where the connection port 80 opens radially in the filter components 73A and 73B, it is possible to suppress the radial flow of air from the filter components 73A and 73B. Therefore, it is possible to prevent foreign objects from pressing against and adhering to the inner circumferential surfaces of the filter components 73A and 73B.

[0116] When viewed from the axial direction V1, the connection port 80 partially overlaps with the area surrounded by the filter element 73A.

[0117] The connection port 80 can open in a direction different from the front-rear direction Y, as long as it is in a direction that radially intersects with the filter components 73A and 73B. For example, the connection port 80 can also open in other directions inclined relative to the axial direction V1. With this structure, compared to the case where the opening is in the axial direction V1, the size of the trapping device 7 in the axial direction V1 can be reduced, thus saving space in the trapping device 7. Furthermore, the connection port 80 can also open in a direction where the angle of inclination relative to the horizontal is smaller than the angle of inclination of the axial direction V1 relative to the horizontal. With this structure, the size of the trapping device 7 in the vertical direction Z can be reduced.

[0118] Next, refer to Figures 6 to 9 The flow of air and foreign objects in the collection device 7 is explained.

[0119] like Figure 7 As shown, when the air supply device 9 ( Figure 1A When driven, air flows from the rotating drum 4 into the inlet 71 through the air inlet 81, flows upward, and is split towards the openings 84A and 84B.

[0120] Air flowing into the upstream swirling sections 72A and 72B through openings 84A and 84B respectively flows along the peripheral walls 83A and 83B in the swirling directions C1 and C2, forming swirling flows. While swirling, the swirling flows travel towards the filter components 73A and 73B in the axial directions V1 and V2 respectively.

[0121] like Figure 8 As shown, a portion of the filter elements 73A and 73B swirls through the filter elements 85A and 85B and flows into the internal space K1 of the housing 70.

[0122] like Figure 9 As shown, the air flowing into the internal space K1 flows toward the connection port 80 along the axial direction V1. Specifically, the air is guided by the walls P1 to P5 to reach the connection port 80, which is separated from the filter components 73A and 73B in the axial direction V1.

[0123] When the air passes through the filter 74 located at the connection port 80, it is dehumidified and heated by the heat pump device 6 and returned to the rotating drum 4 via the exhaust port 82.

[0124] [Effect 1]

[0125] The washing machine 1 according to the embodiment can achieve the following effects.

[0126] As described above, the dryer 1 of the embodiment includes: a housing 2; a rotating drum 4 (receiving tank) for receiving objects; an air supply device 9 for supplying air into the rotating drum 4; a trapping device 7; and an air flow path 8 connecting the air supply device 9, the rotating drum 4, and the trapping device 7. The trapping device 7 traps foreign objects from the air passing through the rotating drum 4. The trapping device 7 has: an inlet 71 extending from an air intake 81 communicating with the rotating drum 4; and an upstream swirling section 72A (swirling section) communicating with the inlet 71, causing the inflowing air to swirl while being supplied axially V1 (first direction). The trapping device 7 also has a filter element 73A (filter section) located downstream of the upstream swirling section 72A, having a cylindrical shape extending axially V1, and at least partially having a filter 85A for air to flow out from the inside of the cylindrical shape toward the outside. The collection device 7 also has a housing 70 (air passage component) that surrounds the outer periphery of the filter component 73A and has a connection port 80 (exhaust port) communicating with the rotating drum 4. The connection port 80 of the housing 70 is located at a position that is separated from the circumferential surface of the filter component 73A in the axial direction V1.

[0127] With this structure, if the connection port 80 is separated in the axial direction V1, the air flowing out of the filter element 73A can be promoted to flow along the axial direction V1. The flow of air flowing out of the filter element 73A in the radial direction orthogonal to the filter 85A can be suppressed. By suppressing the flow of air orthogonal to the filter 85A, the disturbance of the internal swirling flow of the filter 85A can be suppressed, and the flow of air that presses foreign objects against the filter 85A can be suppressed. Therefore, the adhesion of foreign objects to the filter 85A can be suppressed, thereby suppressing the reduction of the drying performance of the dryer 1.

[0128] Furthermore, in the dryer 1 of the embodiment, the connection port 80 of the outer casing 70 is open in a direction that radially intersects with the filter screen member 73A.

[0129] With this structure, compared to the case where the connection port 80 is open in the radial direction, it is possible to further suppress the flow of air flowing out of the filter element 73A in the radial direction orthogonal to the filter 85A, and to suppress the disturbance of the swirling flow inside the filter 85A.

[0130] Furthermore, in the dryer 1 of the embodiment, when viewed from the axial direction V1, the connection port 80 overlaps with the area surrounded by the filter screen member 73A.

[0131] With this structure, the air flowing out of the filter element 73A is directed toward the axial direction V1, thus suppressing the disturbance of the swirling flow inside the filter 85A.

[0132] Furthermore, in the dryer 1 of the embodiment, the connection port 80 of the outer casing 70 is opened in a direction inclined relative to the axial direction V1 of the filter screen member 73A.

[0133] With this structure, compared to the case where the connection port 80 is open in the axial direction V1, by tilting it, space-saving can be achieved in the axial direction V1 of the trapping device 7.

[0134] Furthermore, in the dryer 1 of the embodiment, the axial direction V1 extends obliquely downward. The connection port 80 of the outer casing 70 opens in a direction with an inclination angle relative to the horizontal smaller than the inclination angle of the axial direction V1 relative to the horizontal.

[0135] Based on this structure, by reducing the tilt relative to the horizontal, space-saving in the vertical direction Z of the trapping device 7 can be achieved.

[0136] Furthermore, in the dryer 1 of the embodiment, at least a portion of the connection port 80 of the outer casing 70 is located below the axis L1 (central axis) of the filter screen member 73A.

[0137] With this structure, space can be provided above the connection port 80, for example, a recycling section 76A can be installed.

[0138] In addition, in the dryer 1 of the embodiment, the outer shell 70 has a wall surface P2 that is opposite to the outer periphery of the filter member 73A and extends along the axial direction V1.

[0139] With this structure, the air flowing out of the filter element 73A can be guided along the axial direction V1.

[0140] In addition, in the dryer 1 of the embodiment, the outer shell 70 has a wall surface P2 that surrounds the filter screen member 73A.

[0141] With this structure, the air flowing out of the filter element 73A can be guided more reliably along the axial direction V1.

[0142] In addition, in the dryer 1 of the embodiment, the collection device 7 also has a downstream swirl section 75A (recovery section), which is connected to the internal space of the filter screen member 73A and allows foreign matter to flow in.

[0143] This structure can prevent foreign objects from adhering to the filter material 85A and can also recover foreign objects.

[0144] Additionally, the dryer 1 in this embodiment also includes a heat pump device 6 located downstream of the collection device 7. The connection port 80 of the outer casing 70 is connected to the heat pump device 6.

[0145] This structure can prevent foreign objects from clogging the filter 85A and prevent foreign objects from reaching the heat pump unit 6.

[0146] Furthermore, this disclosure is not limited to any particular implementation method and can be implemented in various other forms.

[0147] In this specification, for convenience, the names of the constituent elements are referred to as "the first" and "the second". That is, it is also possible that the first upstream rotating part 72A is located on the -X side and the second upstream rotating part 72B is located on the +X side.

[0148] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the example described is a drum-type washer-dryer with a washing function, but it is not limited to this. Any dryer can also be used, such as a simple dryer without a washing function or a dryer with a heated air drying function.

[0149] Furthermore, in this embodiment, an example of the trapping device 7 having two upstream swirl sections 72A and 72B and two filter screen members 73A and 73B has been described, but it is not limited to this. The trapping device 7 may also have any number of swirl sections and any number of filter screen sections.

[0150] Furthermore, in this embodiment, an example has been described where the rotation directions of the upstream rotating portions 72A and 72B are opposite to each other, but this is not a limitation. The rotation directions of the upstream rotating portions 72A and 72B may also be the same.

[0151] Furthermore, in the embodiment, an example is described where filter elements 73A and 73B have filter elements 85A and 85B covering the entire circumference, but this is not a limitation. Filter elements 73A and 73B may have through holes formed at least in the portions adjacent to each other, i.e., the portions facing the spacer G1.

[0152] Furthermore, in this embodiment, an example where the connection port 80 is located below the filter components 73A and 73B has been described, but this is not a limitation. The connection port 80 may also be located above the filter components 73A and 73B, downstream of the filter component 73A. For example, the connection port 80 may be formed over the entire circumference of the wall surface P2, downstream of the filter component 73A. With such a structure, air can flow out of the filter component 73A without disturbing the swirling flow inside the filter 85A.

[0153] The dryer of the first form includes: a housing; a receiving tank for receiving an object; an air supply device for supplying air into the receiving tank; a trapping device for trapping foreign objects from the air passing through the receiving tank; and an air flow path that connects the air supply device, the receiving tank, and the trapping device, the trapping device having: an inlet extending from an air intake communicating with the receiving tank; a swirling section communicating with the inlet, causing the inflowing air to swirl while being supplied in a first direction; a filter section located downstream of the swirling section, having a cylindrical shape extending in the first direction, and at least partially having a filter for air to flow out from the inside to the outside of the cylindrical shape; and an airflow member surrounding the outer periphery of the filter section, having an exhaust port communicating with a rotating drum, the exhaust port of the airflow member being positioned separately from the periphery of the filter section in the first direction.

[0154] The second type of dryer is based on the first type of dryer, but the exhaust port of the air passage component is opened in a direction that intersects the filter section radially.

[0155] The third type of dryer is based on the second type of dryer, but when viewed from the first direction, the exhaust port overlaps with the area surrounded by the filter section.

[0156] The fourth type of dryer is based on any of the first to third types of dryers, but the exhaust port of the air passage component is opened in a direction inclined relative to the first direction of the filter section.

[0157] The fifth type of dryer is based on the fourth type of dryer, but extends obliquely downward in the first direction, and the exhaust port of the air passage component opens in a direction with an inclination angle relative to the horizontal that is smaller than the inclination angle of the first direction relative to the horizontal.

[0158] The sixth type of dryer is based on the fifth type of dryer, in which at least a portion of the exhaust port of the air passage component is located below the central axis of the filter section.

[0159] The seventh type of dryer is based on any of the first to sixth types of dryers, and the air passage component has a wall surface that is opposite to the outer periphery of the filter section and extends along the first direction.

[0160] The eighth type of dryer is based on the seventh type of dryer, and the air passage component has a wall surface that surrounds the filter section.

[0161] The ninth type of dryer is based on the eighth type of dryer, but the exhaust port is formed in a position downstream of the filter section, covering the entire circumference of the wall surface.

[0162] The dryer of the 10th type, based on the dryer of any of the 1st to 9th types, further includes a collection unit that communicates with the internal space of the filter unit and allows foreign matter to flow in.

[0163] The 11th type of dryer, based on any of the 1st to 10th types of dryers, further includes a heat pump device located downstream of the trapping device, and the exhaust port of the air passage component is connected to the heat pump device.

[0164] This disclosure has been fully described with reference to the accompanying drawings and 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.

[0165] Industrial availability

[0166] The dryer disclosed herein can improve the collection efficiency of the collection device used in the dryer, and is therefore useful as a household clothes dryer, a commercial clothes dryer, or any type of washing and drying machine (e.g., a household drum washing and drying machine).

Claims

1. A dryer, wherein, The dryer includes: case; Storage trays are used to store objects. An air supply device that supplies air into the receiving trough; A collection device that captures foreign objects from the air passing through the collection slot; and An airflow path connects the air supply device, the collection trough, and the collection device. The trapping device has: The inflow section extends from the air intake that communicates with the receiving slot; A swirling section, which is connected to the inflow section, causes the inflowing air to swirl while being transported in the first direction; A filter section, located downstream of the swirling section, has a cylindrical shape extending along the first direction, and at least partially has a filter screen for air to flow out from the inside to the outside of the cylindrical shape; and An airflow component, which surrounds the outer periphery of the filter section, has an exhaust port communicating with the receiving groove. The exhaust port of the air passage component is positioned at a location separate from the circumferential surface of the filter section in the first direction.

2. The dryer according to claim 1, wherein, The exhaust port of the air passage component opens in a direction that intersects the filter section radially.

3. The dryer according to claim 2, wherein, When viewed from the first direction, the exhaust port overlaps with the area surrounded by the filter section.

4. The dryer according to claim 1, wherein, The exhaust port of the air passage component opens in a direction inclined relative to the first direction of the filter section.

5. The dryer according to claim 4, wherein, The first direction extends diagonally downwards. The exhaust port of the air passage component opens in a direction in which the angle of inclination relative to the horizontal is smaller than the angle of inclination relative to the horizontal in the first direction.

6. The dryer according to claim 5, wherein, At least a portion of the exhaust port of the air passage component is located below the central axis of the filter section.

7. The dryer according to claim 1, wherein, The airflow component has a wall surface that is opposite to the outer periphery of the filter section and extends along the first direction.

8. The dryer according to claim 7, wherein, The airflow component has a wall surface that surrounds the filter section.

9. The dryer according to claim 8, wherein, The exhaust port is formed over the entire circumference of the wall surface at a position downstream of the filter section.

10. The dryer according to claim 1, wherein, The collection device also has a recovery section, which is connected to the internal space of the filter section and allows the foreign matter to flow in.

11. The dryer according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein, The dryer also includes a heat pump unit located downstream of the trapping device. The exhaust port of the air duct component is connected to the heat pump device.

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