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 has an opening that communicates with the inflow portion and generates a swirling flow from the inflowed air, and a first filter screen portion and a second filter screen portion that are provided downstream of the swirling portion and each have a cylindrical shape, the first filter screen portion and the second filter screen portion are arranged with their peripheral surfaces adjacent to each other, each have a filter screen at least on a portion of the adjacent peripheral surfaces, and the swirling direction of the swirling flow in the first filter screen portion and the swirling direction of the swirling flow in the second filter screen portion are different from each other.

Description

Technical Field

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

[0002] For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a dryer that includes a storage tank for storing clothes, an air supply device for supplying air to the storage tank, and an air flow path that connects the storage tank and 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 the reduction of 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 air flow 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 having an opening communicating with the inlet, generating a swirling flow from the inflowing air; and a first filter section and a second filter section disposed downstream of the swirling section, each having a cylindrical shape, the first filter section and the second filter section being arranged such that their circumferential surfaces are adjacent to each other, each having a filter screen at least in the portion of the adjacent circumferential surface, the swirling direction of the swirling flow in the first filter section being different from the swirling direction of the swirling flow in the second filter section.

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

[0015] Figure 2 This is a perspective view of the collection device included in the dryer of the embodiment.

[0016] Figure 3 It is along Figure 2 A cross-sectional view along line AA.

[0017] Figure 4 It is along Figure 2 A cross-sectional view of the BB line.

[0018] Figure 5 It is along Figure 2 A cross-sectional view of the CC line.

[0019] Figure 6 This is a partial cross-sectional view showing the trapping device of the rotating section.

[0020] Figure 7 This is a partial cross-sectional view showing the collection device of the filter screen component.

[0021] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0022] 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. Rotating 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

[0023] (Implementation Method)

[0024] The dryer according to the embodiments of this disclosure will be described. Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the dryer 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0025] 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.

[0026] like Figure 1 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.

[0027] 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.

[0028] The housing 2 is a component that forms the exterior of the dryer 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.

[0029] 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.

[0030] 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).

[0031] The 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.

[0032] 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.

[0033] 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.

[0034] 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.

[0035] 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.

[0036] Airflow path 8 is located inside housing 2 and is a flow path component that connects rotating drum 4, heat pump device 6, collection device 7, and air supply device 9. When air supply device 9 is driven, air circulates between rotating drum 4 and heat pump device 6 via airflow path 8 (refer to square arrow A).

[0037] 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.

[0038] 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.

[0039] 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.

[0040] 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.

[0041] 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.

[0042] 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 2 A cross-sectional view of the CC line collection device 7 in the image.

[0043] like Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, the collection device 7 has a housing 70, an inflow section 71, and a swirling section 72. Figure 3 ), filter components 73A, 73B ( Figure 3 , Figure 5 ), Filter 74 ( Figure 3 ), Cohesion Department 75 ( Figure 3 ), Storage section 76.

[0044] like Figure 3 As shown, the outer casing 70 is a portion that houses the inflow section 71, the swirling section 72, and the filter component 73A (in...). Figure 5 (See diagram in the middle), 73B, filter 74, and condenser 75 housing. Figure 3 The diagram is omitted, but the outer casing 70 also houses the heat pump unit 6. Figure 1 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 1 ).

[0045] In the embodiment, portions of the housing 72, filter components 73A and 73B, and condensation portion 75 of the outer casing 70 are partially removed from the casing 2 ( Figure 1 It can be prominent, but it can also be that the outer shell 70 is completely housed inside the shell 2.

[0046] The inflow section 71 is from the rotating drum 4 ( Figure 1 The flow path member extending from the intake port 81 allows humid air from the rotating drum 4 to flow into the swirl section 72. That is, the inflow section 71 connects the rotating drum 4 with the swirl section 72.

[0047] In one embodiment, the inflow portion 71 extends upward in a straight line from the intake port 81 and connects to the swirling portion 72. In another embodiment, the downstream portion of the inflow portion 71 is integrally formed with the swirling portion 72. The intake port 81 is connected to the outer groove 3 via a flow path member having a corrugated tube shape, but it can also be directly connected to the opening 33 of the outer groove 3. Figure 1 )connect.

[0048] The swirling section 72 is a flow path component that causes 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, thereby generating a swirling flow.

[0049] like Figure 4 As shown, in this embodiment, the swirling section 72 has a first swirling section 72A and a second swirling section 72B that independently generate swirling flows that do not interfere with each other. Hereinafter, the first swirling section 72A and the second swirling section 72B will also be simply referred to as swirling sections 72A and 72B. The swirling sections 72A and 72B are arranged in a manner that they are adjacent to each other in the width direction X.

[0050] The inlet 71 is located in the width direction X between the axes L1 and L2 of the swirl sections 72A and 72B, respectively, in order to supply air to both swirl sections 72A and 72B. Therefore, air flows from the inlet 71 outward in the width direction X into each swirl section 72A and 72B.

[0051] The swirling sections 72A and 72B each have openings 84A and 84B communicating with the inlet section 71 for the introduction of air. Openings 84A and 84B are directly open relative to the inlet section 71. Specifically, openings 84A and 84B are connected to the upper end of the inlet section 71. Opening 84A is connected to one side of the upper end of the inlet 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.

[0052] The 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 swirling portions 72A and 72B generate swirling flow by guiding air along the inner peripheral surfaces of the peripheral wall portions 83A and 83B, respectively. 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 are parallel to each other.

[0053] 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.

[0054] Here, the first swirling section 72A causes the incoming air to swirl while being transported toward the first axis V1, and the second 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 swirling section 72A is different from the swirling direction C2 of the swirling flow in the second swirling section 72B.

[0055] Back Figure 3 The axes L1 and L2 of the swirling sections 72A and 72B are inclined relative to the longitudinal direction Y. With this structure, even in structures with limited space in the longitudinal direction Y, the axial dimensions V1 and V2 of the swirling sections 72A and 72B can be ensured, thus generating swirling flow with suppressed pressure loss.

[0056] The air flowing from the inlet 71 into the 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 swirling sections 72A and 72B, respectively.

[0057] like Figure 3 and Figure 5 As shown, filter components 73A and 73B have cylindrical shapes extending along 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.

[0058] The filter components 73A and 73B have a cylindrical shape, so the airflow in the swirling flow entering from the swirling portions 72A and 72B is parallel to the filter screens 85A and 85B of the 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, and can 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.

[0059] like Figure 5 As shown, the first filter element 73A is disposed on the same axis L1 as the first rotating part 72A, and the second filter element 73B is disposed on the same axis L2 as the second rotating part 72B. That is, axes L1 and L2 are the central axes of filter elements 73A and 73B, respectively. Therefore, the rotating parts 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.

[0060] On the other hand, the peripheral surfaces of filter components 73A and 73B are arranged with a spacing S1 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.

[0061] 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.

[0062] Back Figure 3 Air flowing out radially from filter components 73A and 73B flows into the internal space K1 defined by the outer casing 70. The internal space K1 is the space outside the filter components 73A and 73B and upstream of the filter 74.

[0063] Filter 74 is a filter that runs through the air in the front-to-back direction Y. By allowing air flowing out from filter elements 73A and 73B to pass through, filter 74 can further remove foreign objects such as lint from the air before it flows into the heat pump unit 6.

[0064] A heat pump unit 6 is configured in the internal space K2 downstream of filter 74. Figure 1 ).

[0065] The housing 70 has an exhaust port 82 downstream of the heat pump unit 6. The exhaust port 82 is connected to the airflow path 8 (…). Figure 1 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.

[0066] Air that does not pass through filter components 73A and 73B flows into the condenser 75.

[0067] The coagulation section 75 communicates radially inward with the filter components 73A and 73B, and is a flow path component for coagulating foreign matter remaining inside the filter components 73A and 73B. The coagulation section 75 is located downstream of each of the radially inward sides of the filter components 73A and 73B, and has two generally cylindrical shapes extending along axial directions V1 and V2. By guiding and maintaining the swirling flow flowing from the filter components 73A and 73B using its inner circumferential surface, the coagulation section 75 can coagulate foreign matter contained in the swirling flow. The coagulated foreign matter forms a block.

[0068] An opening 77 communicating with a storage section 76 is provided on a portion of the periphery of the condensation section 75. In this embodiment, the opening 77 is located at the upper part of the condensation section 75. When the foreign object becomes larger, the centrifugal force generated by the rotation easily acts on the object, allowing it to enter the storage section 76 from the condensation section 75.

[0069] The storage section 76 is a container for storing blocks of foreign matter formed by the coagulation section 75. The storage section 76 can be detached from the collection device 7. The user can detach the storage section 76 and discard the foreign matter stored therein.

[0070] Next, the construction of the inflow section 71 and the swirling section 72 will be described in more detail. Figure 6 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 swirling section 72.

[0071] like Figure 6 As shown, the first peripheral wall portion 83A of the first rotating portion 72A and the second peripheral wall portion 83B of the second rotating portion 72B are connected to each other at one end 87.

[0072] 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 opposite directions. Therefore, the swirling direction C1 of the swirling flow in the first swirling section 72A is opposite to the swirling direction C2 of the swirling flow in the second swirling section 72B. In this embodiment, the swirling flow in the first swirling section 72A swirls clockwise, and the swirling flow in the second swirling section 72B swirls counterclockwise.

[0073] 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.

[0074] 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.

[0075] On the other hand, the first peripheral wall portion 83A of the first rotating portion 72A and the second peripheral wall portion 83B of the second rotating 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.

[0076] 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.

[0077] 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 swirling portions 72A and 72B from the wall surfaces of the inflow portion 71 to which the peripheral wall portions 83A and 83B are connected.

[0078] 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 swirling sections 72A and 72B. By flowing into the swirling sections 72A and 72B with the wind direction close to the tangential direction, the merging with the swirling flow that would otherwise disturb the flow inside the 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 swirling sections 72A and 72B, thus increasing the size of the openings 84A and 84B and ensuring a larger flow area.

[0079] In addition, the air flowing in the 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 swirling sections 72A and 72B.

[0080] 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.

[0081] Here, the positional relationship between the swirling section 72 and the inflow section 71 is explained. Through the intake port 81 ( Figure 4 The central axis L3 of the inflow section 71 at the center of the ) Figure 6 The inflow portion 71 is offset in the width direction X relative to the end 87 of the swivel portion 72. In the embodiment, the inflow portion 71 is disposed biased toward the swivel portion 72A.

[0082] On the side of the rotating section 72A, compared with the side of the rotating section 72B, it is possible to ( ) with the outer peripheral surface of the outer groove 3 Figure 1 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.

[0083] To guide air from its offset position toward the respective 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 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.

[0084] With this structure, opening 84B is smaller than opening 84A, thus allowing air to flow into the vortex section 72B more reliably. Therefore, air can be supplied evenly to openings 84A and 84B, which have different opening areas. Furthermore, disturbances to the swirling flow in the vortex sections 72A and 72B can be suppressed, allowing the area near the center of the vortex sections 72A and 72B to serve as the center of the swirling flow, enabling efficient generation of the swirling flow.

[0085] Next, the construction of filter components 73A and 73B 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 filter components 73A and 73B.

[0086] 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.

[0087] like Figure 7 As shown, no partitions such as walls or ribs are provided in the interval S1 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 along the vertical direction Z and communicates with the internal space K1 of the outer casing 70.

[0088] The airflow at interval S1 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 interval S1 are parallel to each other. That is, the air flowing from the first filter component 73A to interval S1 and the air flowing from the second filter component 73B to interval S1 flow in the same direction (upwards). Therefore, even without a separator, mutual interference of airflow at interval S1 can be suppressed.

[0089] 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.

[0090] The rotation directions C1 and C2 of filter components 73A and 73B are opposite to each other. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the distance between the central axes of filter components 73A and 73B while maintaining a state in which mutual interference of air is unlikely to occur in the interval S1, thereby reducing the distance S1. As a result, it is easy to achieve space-saving in the collection device 7.

[0091] Filter components 73A and 73B are surrounded by housing 70. A gap S2 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.

[0092] The size of the gap S2 between the peripheral surfaces of filter components 73A and 73B and the inner wall surface of the outer casing 70 varies along the axes L1 and L2. The gap S1 between filter components 73A and 73B is smaller than twice the minimum value of the gap S2.

[0093] Next, refer to Figure 3 , Figure 6 as well as Figure 7 The flow of air and foreign objects in the collection device 7 is explained.

[0094] like Figure 3 As shown, when the air supply device 9 ( Figure 1 When driven, air flows from the rotating drum 4 into the inlet 71 through the air intake 81. For example... Figure 6 As shown, air flows upward within the inlet 71 to the openings 84A and 84B, and then flows into the respective swirling sections 72A and 72B. The air flowing into the swirling sections 72A and 72B flows along the peripheral walls 83A and 83B in the swirling directions C1 and C2, respectively, forming a swirling flow. While swirling, the swirling flow travels along the axial directions V1 and V2 towards the filter components 73A and 73B, respectively.

[0095] like Figure 3 and Figure 7 As shown, a portion of the air reaching the filter components 73A and 73B swirls through the filter screens 85A and 85B and flows into the internal space K1 of the housing 70. The air flowing into the internal space K1 passes sequentially through the filter 74 and the heat pump device 6 and flows out from the collection device 7 via the exhaust port 82.

[0096] like Figure 3 As shown, a portion of the swirling flow travels along the axial directions V1 and V2 toward the condenser 75. As the swirling flow continues to swirl within the condenser 75, foreign objects such as loose threads contained within it become entangled and form clumps. When these clumps of foreign objects grow larger, they flow into the storage section 76 through the opening 77 of the condenser 75. Air can also come into contact with the end face of the condenser 75 and flow back to the filter components 73A and 73B.

[0097] The features of this disclosure are described in summary of the above description.

[0098] The dryer 1 in this embodiment is provided with a collection device 7, which has two swirling sections 72A and 72B and two cylindrical filter screen components 73A and 73B. By providing multiple swirling sections, the total area of ​​the openings into the swirling sections can be increased. Furthermore, by providing multiple filter screen components, the area of ​​the filter screens 85A and 85B can be increased compared to the case of providing a single filter screen component. By increasing the total area of ​​the filter screens, pressure loss can be reduced. Therefore, the reduction in the drying performance of the dryer 1 is suppressed.

[0099] The system includes two swirling sections 72A and 72B that generate independent swirling flows into each filter element 73A and 73B. In this configuration, the trapping device 7 diverts the air flowing in the inlet section 71 in such a way that it can supply air from a single air intake 81 toward each swirling section 72A and 72B.

[0100] Specifically, the trapping device 7 has a protrusion 78 located between openings 84A and 84B and opposite to the air intake 81. Air flowing upward from the air intake 81 comes into contact with the protrusion 78 and flows into the first swirling section 72A and the second swirling section 72B along the inner peripheral surfaces of the portions 88A and 88B forming the protrusion 78.

[0101] Furthermore, the rotation direction C1 of the swivel section 72A and the filter element 73A is different from the rotation direction C2 of the swivel section 72B and the filter element 73B. Therefore, even when the space in the width direction X is limited and it is difficult to obtain a large gap S1 between the filter elements 73A and 73B, the air flowing out from the filter elements 73A and 73B is unlikely to cause interference within the gap S1. Moreover, compared to the case where the rotation direction is set to be the same and a separation structure for suppressing mutual interference of air is provided in the gap S1, the structure of the trapping device 7 can be simplified.

[0102] [Effect 1]

[0103] The dryer 1 according to the embodiment can achieve the following effects.

[0104] 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 for trapping foreign objects from the air passing through the rotating drum 4; and an air flow path 8. The air flow path 8 connects the air supply device 9, the rotating drum 4, and the trapping device 7. The trapping device 7 has an inlet portion 71 extending from an air intake 81 communicating with the rotating drum 4, a first swirling portion 72A, a second swirling portion 72B, a first filter element 73A (first filter element), and a second filter element 73B (second filter element). The first swirling portion 72A has a first opening 84A communicating with the inlet portion 71, causing the inflowing air to rotate while being supplied in the axial direction V1 (first direction). The second swirling portion 72B has a second opening 84B communicating with the inlet portion 71, causing the inflowing air to rotate while being supplied in the axial direction V2 (second direction). The first filter element 73A is located downstream of the first swirl section 72A and has a cylindrical shape extending along the axial direction V1, and at least partially has a filter 85A that allows air to flow out from the inside of the cylindrical shape to the outside. The second filter element 73B is located downstream of the second swirl section 72B and has a cylindrical shape extending along the axial direction V2, and at least partially has a filter 85B that allows air to flow out from the inside of the cylindrical shape to the outside.

[0105] With this structure, openings 84A and 84B communicating with the inlet section 71 are provided, thus allowing air in the inlet section 71 to be diverted toward the swirling sections 72A and 72B. Therefore, swirling flows are generated in the swirling sections 72A and 72B, and these swirling flows can be supplied to the filter elements 73A and 73B respectively. This prevents lint from adhering to and accumulating on the filter screens 85A and 85B of the filter elements 73A and 73B, and also prevents a decrease in the airflow passing through the filter elements 73A and 73B. By providing multiple filter elements 73A and 73B, each supplied with swirling flows, even in a limited space where it is difficult to install a large filter section, the total area of ​​the filter elements 73A and 73B can be increased, reducing pressure loss. Therefore, a decrease in the drying performance of the dryer 1 can be prevented.

[0106] In addition, in the dryer 1 of the embodiment, the collection device 7 has a protrusion 78 (wall portion) which is opposite to the air inlet 81 of the inlet portion 71, causing the air in the inlet portion 71 to deflect toward the first opening 84A and the second opening 84B.

[0107] With this structure, it becomes easy to divert the air flowing in from the intake port 81.

[0108] Furthermore, in the dryer 1 of the embodiment, the first opening 84A and the second opening 84B are opposite to each other. The protrusion 78 is located between the first opening 84A and the second opening 84B.

[0109] With this structure, it becomes easy to divert the air flowing in from the intake port 81.

[0110] Furthermore, in the dryer 1 of the embodiment, the first rotating section 72A has a first peripheral wall portion 83A extending about an axis L1 (first axis) along the axial direction V1. The second rotating section 72B has a second peripheral wall portion 83B extending about an axis L2 (second axis) along the axial direction V2. The first rotating section 72A and the second rotating section 72B are arranged such that their axes L1 and L2 extend along each other and are arranged in the width direction X (third direction).

[0111] With this structure, a compact configuration can be achieved even when multiple swivel sections 72A, 72B and filter components 73A, 73B are provided.

[0112] In addition, in the dryer 1 of the embodiment, the first peripheral wall portion 83A and the second peripheral wall portion 83B are connected to each other at one end 87, and are connected to the inflow portion 71 near the other end portions 89A and 89B.

[0113] This structure allows the swivel sections 72A and 72B to be connected adjacent to each other, resulting in a more compact configuration.

[0114] Furthermore, in the dryer 1 of the embodiment, the end 89A on the other side of the first peripheral wall portion 83A protrudes from the wall surface of the first peripheral wall portion 83A connected to the inflow portion 71. The end 89B on the other side of the second peripheral wall portion 83B protrudes from the wall surface of the second peripheral wall portion 83B connected to the inflow portion 71.

[0115] With this structure, the air flowing into the swirl section 72A and 72B can be guided by the ends 89A and 89B.

[0116] In addition, in the dryer 1 of the embodiment, portions 88A and 88B of the first peripheral wall portion 83A and the second peripheral wall portion 83B extending from one end 87 form protrusions 78 that protrude toward the air intake 81.

[0117] With this structure, the construction of the rotating parts 72A and 72B becomes simple by forming the protrusion 78 locally from the peripheral wall parts 83A and 83B.

[0118] Furthermore, in the dryer 1 of the embodiment, the portions 88A and 88B of the first peripheral wall portion 83A and the second peripheral wall portion 83B extending from one end 87 are respectively provided as curved shapes that bulge outward in the radial direction.

[0119] With this structure, air can easily flow into the radially outer region of the swirling sections 72A and 72B, making it easy for the air to swirl.

[0120] Furthermore, in the dryer 1 of the embodiment, when viewed from the axial direction V1, the inflow portion 71 is located between the axis L1 and the axis L2, and extends along the vertical direction Z (the fourth direction) that intersects the width direction X.

[0121] With this structure, the inflow section 71 can be configured to extend along the tangential direction of the two swirling sections 72A and 72B. Therefore, swirling flow is easily generated within the swirling sections 72A and 72B.

[0122] In addition, in the dryer 1 of the embodiment, the first opening 84A and the second opening 84B are respectively connected to the inflow section 71.

[0123] With this structure, the air flows from the air inlet 81 of the inlet section 71 to the openings 84A and 84B of the swirling sections 72A and 72B via a shared path, which simplifies the construction of the trapping device 7.

[0124] [Effect 2]

[0125] The dryer 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 for trapping foreign objects from the air passing through the rotating drum 4; and an air flow path 8. The air flow path 8 connects the air supply device 9, the rotating drum 4, and the trapping device 7. The trapping device 7 has an inflow portion 71 extending from an air intake 81 communicating with the rotating drum 4, a swirling portion 72, a first filter element 73A (first filter portion), and a second filter element 73B (second filter portion). The swirling portion 72 has openings 84A and 84B communicating with the inflow portion 71, generating a swirling flow from the inflowing air. The first filter element 73A and the second filter element 73B are located downstream of the swirling portion 72 and each has a cylindrical shape. The first filter element 73A and the second filter element 73B are arranged so that their peripheral surfaces are adjacent to each other, and each has a filter element 85A, 85B in at least a portion of the adjacent peripheral surfaces. The swirling direction C1 of the swirling flow in the first filter element 73A is different from the swirling direction C2 of the swirling flow in the second filter element 73B.

[0127] This structure suppresses interference between the air flowing from the first filter element 73A and the air flowing from the second filter element 73B. Therefore, pressure loss in the collection device 7 is reduced. Consequently, the reduction in the drying performance of the dryer 1 is prevented.

[0128] Furthermore, in the dryer 1 of the embodiment, the peripheral surface of the first filter member 73A and the peripheral surface of the second filter member 73B are spaced apart by a distance S1.

[0129] With this structure, it is possible to suppress the mutual interference between the air flowing from the first filter element 73A to the space S1 and the air flowing from the second filter element 73B to the space S1.

[0130] Furthermore, in the dryer 1 of the embodiment, the first filter element 73A has a cylindrical shape extending along axis L1, and the second filter element 73B has a cylindrical shape extending along axis L2. Axis L1 and axis L2 extend along each other.

[0131] With this structure, a compact configuration can be achieved even when multiple filter components 73A and 73B are set.

[0132] Furthermore, in the dryer 1 of the embodiment, when viewed from the axis L1, the inflow portion 71 is disposed between the axis L1 and the axis L2.

[0133] With this structure, the air in the inlet 71 can easily flow into the swirling sections 72A and 72B on both sides in opposite directions. As a result, swirling flows in opposite directions are formed in the swirling sections 72A and 72B, and these opposing swirling flows flow into the filter components 73A and 73B respectively.

[0134] Furthermore, in the dryer 1 of the embodiment, the swirl section 72 has a first opening 84A for air to flow into the swirling flow forming the first filter element 73A and a second opening 84B for air to flow into the swirling flow forming the second filter element 73B. In the width direction X adjacent to the circumferential surfaces of the first filter element 73A and the second filter element 73B, the first opening 84A and the second opening 84B are opposite each other.

[0135] With this structure, openings 84A and 84B are opposite each other, allowing air to flow into the swirling section 72 in the direction of opening 84A and the opposite direction of opening 84B. Therefore, swirling flows with different swirling directions can be generated in the swirling section 72.

[0136] Furthermore, in the dryer 1 of the embodiment, the distance between the axis L1 of the first filter element 73A and the axis L2 of the second filter element 73B is greater than the average value of the diameter of the first filter element 73A and the diameter of the second filter element 73B, but less than twice the average value.

[0137] With this structure, even when the spacing S1 between filter elements 73A and 73B is narrower than twice the average diameter of filter elements 73A and 73B, mutual interference of air flowing from each filter element 73A and 73B can be suppressed. That is, mutual interference of air can be suppressed, and space-saving of the collection device 7 can be achieved.

[0138] Furthermore, in the dryer 1 of the embodiment, a communicating space K3 is provided between the first filter screen component 73A and the second filter screen component 73B.

[0139] With this structure, even in the case of a simple construction where no partition wall is provided in the interval S1 between filter components 73A and 73B, it is possible to suppress the mutual interference of air flowing out from each filter component 73A and 73B.

[0140] Furthermore, in the dryer 1 of the embodiment, the collecting device 7 also has a housing 70 for receiving the first filter element 73A and the second filter element 73B. The first filter element 73A and the second filter element 73B are spaced S2 from the inner wall surface of the housing 70.

[0141] With this structure, even when the flow direction of the air flowing out of the filter components 73A and 73B is restricted by the housing 70, it is possible to suppress the mutual interference of the air flowing out of each filter component 73A and 73B.

[0142] Furthermore, in the dryer 1 of the embodiment, the distance S1 between the first filter element 73A and the second filter element 73B is smaller than twice the minimum value of the distance S2 between the outer shell 70 and the peripheral surfaces of the first filter element 73A and the second filter element 73B.

[0143] With this structure, even when the spacing S1 between the filter components 73A and 73B is narrow, it is possible to suppress mutual interference between the air flowing out of each filter component 73A and 73B. That is, mutual interference between air components can be suppressed, and space-saving of the collection device 7 can be achieved.

[0144] Furthermore, this disclosure is not limited to the above-described embodiments and can be implemented in various other forms.

[0145] 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 may also be used, such as a simple dryer without a washing function, a dryer with a heat pump device for dehumidifying and heating the air, or another dryer with a drying function.

[0146] Furthermore, in this embodiment, an example of the trapping device 7 having two rotating sections 72A and 72B and two filter elements 73A and 73B has been described, but it is not limited to this. The trapping device 7 may also have two or more rotating sections and two or more filter elements.

[0147] Furthermore, in this embodiment, an example has been described where the rotating portions 72A and 72B are adjacent to each other at end 87, but this is not a limitation. The rotating portions 72A and 72B may also be arranged with a certain degree of spacing rather than being adjacent. In this case, the paths from the intake port 81 to each opening 84A and 84B may also be independent.

[0148] Furthermore, in this embodiment, examples of openings 84A and 84B being opposite are described, but this is not a limitation. Openings 84A and 84B may also open in any direction.

[0149] 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., in the portions facing the interval S1.

[0150] Furthermore, in this embodiment, an example of forming a protrusion 78 in the swirling section 72 has been described, but it is not a limitation. The protrusion 78 may also be omitted from the trapping device 7. Additionally, the trapping device 7 may have other wall portions opposite to the air intake 81 of the inflow section 71 and deflecting the air in the inflow section 71 toward the respective openings 84A, 84B. These wall portions may also have a shape along the width direction X. In this case, the wall portions may also be located between the openings 84A, 84B. With such a configuration, it is easy to deflect the air toward the respective openings 84A, 84B.

[0151] Furthermore, in this embodiment, an example of the dryer 1 having a heat pump device 6 for heating the air inside the rotating drum 4 has been described, but it is not limited to this. The dryer 1 may also have a heater instead of the heat pump device 6, and the air may be heated by the heater.

[0152] Furthermore, in this embodiment, an example has been described where the trapping device 7, the heat pump device 6, and the air supply device 9 are arranged sequentially from upstream to downstream in the air flow direction, but this is not a limitation. In the air flow direction, the air supply device 9 may also be located upstream of the heat pump device 6.

[0153] Furthermore, in this embodiment, an example of air circulating within a flow path provided in the housing 2 has been described, but it is not limited to this. Air may also be discharged outside the housing 2 after passing through the rotating drum 4. For example, the dryer 1 may also form a flow path through the housing 2 and the rotating drum 4. The air supply device 9, the heat pump device 6, the rotating drum 4, and the collection device 7 may also be arranged sequentially in the flow path.

[0154] The first type of dryer includes: a housing; a receiving tank for receiving objects; 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 connecting the air supply device, the receiving tank, and the trapping device. The trapping device has: an inlet extending from an air intake communicating with the receiving tank; a swirling section having an opening communicating with the inlet, generating a swirling flow from the inflowing air; and a first filter section and a second filter section disposed downstream of the swirling section, each having a cylindrical shape. The first filter section and the second filter section are arranged such that their circumferential surfaces are adjacent to each other, and each has a filter screen at least in the portion of the adjacent circumferential surface. The swirling direction of the swirling flow in the first filter section is different from the swirling direction of the swirling flow in the second filter section.

[0155] The second type of dryer is based on the first type of dryer, but the peripheral surfaces of the first filter section and the second filter section are spaced apart.

[0156] The third type of dryer is based on the second type of dryer, wherein the first filter section has a cylindrical shape extending along the first axis, and the second filter section has a cylindrical shape extending along the second axis, with the first axis and the second axis extending along each other.

[0157] The fourth type of dryer is based on the third type of dryer, but when viewed from the first axis, the inlet is positioned between the first axis and the second axis.

[0158] The fifth type of dryer, based on the fourth type of dryer, has the following features in the swirl section: a first opening for air to flow into the swirling flow forming the first filter section; and a second opening for air to flow into the swirling flow forming the second filter section. The first opening and the second opening are opposite each other in the direction adjacent to the circumferential surfaces of the first and second filter sections.

[0159] The sixth type of dryer is based on any of the third to fifth types of dryers, wherein the distance between the first axis of the first filter section and the second axis of the second filter section is greater than the average value of the diameter of the first filter section and the diameter of the second filter section, but less than twice the average value.

[0160] The seventh type of dryer, based on the second or sixth type of dryer, has a communicating space between the first filter section and the second filter section.

[0161] The dryer of the eighth form is based on the dryer of any of the second to seventh forms, and the collecting device further has a housing for housing the first filter section and the second filter section, with the first filter section and the second filter section spaced apart from the inner wall surface of the housing.

[0162] The dryer of the ninth form is based on the dryer of the eighth form, but the distance between the first filter section and the second filter section is smaller than twice the minimum distance between the outer shell and the peripheral surfaces of the first and second filter sections.

[0163] 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.

[0164] Industrial availability

[0165] The dryer disclosed herein can suppress the reduction of the drying performance of the dryer, and is therefore useful as a household clothes dryer, a commercial clothes dryer, any type of wash dryer (e.g., a household drum washer dryer, a vertical washer dryer), or other clothes processing machines with drying functions.

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 having an opening communicating with the inflow section, generating a swirling flow from the inflowing air; and The first and second filter sections, located downstream of the swivel section, are respectively cylindrical in shape. The first filter section and the second filter section are arranged so that their peripheral surfaces are adjacent to each other, and each has a filter at least in a portion of its adjacent peripheral surface. The swirling direction of the swirling flow in the first filter section is different from that in the second filter section.

2. The dryer according to claim 1, wherein, The peripheral surface of the first filter section is spaced apart from the peripheral surface of the second filter section.

3. The dryer according to claim 2, wherein, The first filter section has a cylindrical shape extending along the first axis. The second filter section has a cylindrical shape extending along the second axis. The first axis and the second axis extend along each other.

4. The dryer according to claim 3, wherein, When viewed from the first axis, the inflow portion is positioned between the first axis and the second axis.

5. The dryer according to claim 4, wherein, The swirling section has: a first opening for air to flow into, forming the swirling flow of the first filter section; and a second opening for air to flow into, forming the swirling flow of the second filter section. In the direction where the circumferential surface of the first filter section is adjacent to the circumferential surface of the second filter section, the first opening is opposite to the second opening.

6. The dryer according to claim 3, wherein, The distance between the first axis of the first filter section and the second axis of the second filter section is greater than the average value of the diameter of the first filter section and the diameter of the second filter section, but less than twice the average value.

7. The dryer according to claim 2, wherein, A communicating space is provided between the first filter section and the second filter section.

8. The dryer according to any one of claims 2 to 7, wherein, The collection device also has a housing for accommodating the first filter section and the second filter section. The first filter section and the second filter section are spaced apart from the inner wall surface of the outer casing.

9. The dryer according to claim 8, wherein, The distance between the first filter section and the second filter section is less than twice the minimum distance between the outer casing and the peripheral surfaces of the first filter section and the second filter section.

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