Washing and drying machine

Abstract

To constitute a drain path that can drain dew condensation water dripping from low temperature piping around a compressor in a short time from a machine chamber where the compressor is arranged, in a washing and drying machine.SOLUTION: A washing and drying machine includes an inner tub 3, an outer tub 2, and a heat pump unit 610 including a compressor 611. The heat pump unit 610 includes: a compressor chamber 617a in which the compressor 611 and low temperature refrigerant piping 616d connected to the compressor 611 are disposed; a through-hole 620 provided on the lower surface 617aa of the compressor chamber 617a, and communicating with the outside of the heat pump unit 610; and a dew condensation water storage container 621 arranged downward in the gravity direction of the through-hole 620, and for storing dew condensation water generating in the compressor 611 and the low temperature refrigerant piping 616d. The dew condensation water storage container 621 allows the stored dew condensation water to evaporate and drains the same from the dew condensation water storage container 621.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 16

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a washing / drying machine that performs washing and drying. [Background technology]

[0002] The air conditioning unit of Patent Document 1 is configured such that the compressor is installed in a recess at the bottom of the housing area (paragraph 0052), and condensation water dripping from the low-temperature piping around the compressor is collected at the bottom around the recess (paragraph 0055). In addition, the air conditioning unit separates the part of the heat exchanger that receives the condenser from the part that receives the evaporator, and serves as a separated water drainage tray that separates and receives and drains moisture removed from laundry that accompanies the circulating air and detergent and fabric softener components that may enter the circulating system before passing through the heat exchanger (paragraph 0043). The condensation water collected at the bottom flows down through a communication passage formed at the same level as the bottom into the separated water drainage tray, which is lower than the bottom, and is naturally drained together with the separated water (paragraph 0055). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2010-64020 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In the air conditioning unit of Patent Document 1, the drainage path is configured so that the condensed water dripping from the low-temperature pipe is merged with other drainage water and drained, which tends to make the drainage path for the condensed water complicated. If the drainage path for the condensed water becomes complicated, the condensed water may remain inside the compressor housing area for a long time, and in this case, strict measures must be taken to prevent rusting of the compressor.

[0005] An object of the present invention is to provide a drainage path in a washer / dryer that can quickly drain condensation water dripping from low-temperature piping around a compressor from a machine chamber in which the compressor is located. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] In order to achieve the above object, a washing and drying machine of the present invention comprises: An inner tank, An outer tank containing the inner tank; a heat pump unit including a compressor, a condenser, an expansion valve, and an evaporator connected by a refrigerant pipe through which a refrigerant flows; a circulation air duct in which the condenser and the evaporator are configured as a heat exchanger for drying air; In a washing and drying machine equipped with the heat pump unit includes a compressor chamber in which the compressor and a low-temperature refrigerant pipe connected to the compressor are disposed, a through hole provided on a lower surface of the compressor chamber and communicating with an outside of the heat pump unit; and a condensation water storage container disposed below the through hole in a gravitational direction and configured to store condensation water generated in the compressor and the low-temperature refrigerant piping, The condensation water storage container evaporates the stored condensation water and drains it from the condensation water storage container. Effect of the Invention

[0007] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a washer / dryer equipped with a drainage path that can quickly drain condensation water dripping from low-temperature piping around the compressor from the machine room in which the compressor is located. Problems, configurations and effects other than those described above will become apparent from the following description of the embodiments. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing the appearance of a washing / drying machine 100. [Diagram 2] 2 is a central cross-sectional view of the washing / drying machine 100 shown in FIG. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the configuration of a drainage path 5. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a rear view of the washing / drying machine 100. [Diagram 5] 2 is a perspective view of the upper portion of the washing / drying machine 100 as viewed obliquely from the rear. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the inside of the washing / drying machine 100 with the housing 1 removed. [Figure 7] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a water supply unit (water supply section) 20. [Figure 8] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the board unit 17. [Figure 9] FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of a drying device 600. [Figure 10] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the heat pump unit 10. [Figure 11] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the heat pump unit 10 with an upper casing 10A1 removed. [Figure 12] 13 is a schematic diagram showing a first embodiment of a through hole 620. FIG. [Figure 13] 13 is a schematic diagram showing a second embodiment of a through hole 620. FIG. [Figure 14] 13 is a schematic diagram showing a third embodiment of a through hole 620. FIG. [Figure 15] 13 is a schematic diagram showing a fourth embodiment of a through hole 620. FIG. [Figure 16] 13 is a schematic diagram showing a fifth embodiment of a through hole 620. FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0009] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS An embodiment of a washing / drying machine according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. A housing 1 of a washer / dryer 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Fig. 1. Fig. 1 is a perspective view showing the exterior of the washer / dryer 100.

[0010] The washer / dryer 100 is a drum-type washer / dryer, and the frame is formed by combining side panels 1b, made mainly of steel plates and resin molded parts, and reinforcing materials (not shown) on the top of the base (frame) 1a, and the front cover 1c and top cover 1d are further attached on top of that to form the housing 1. The front cover 1c is provided with a door 1e for loading and unloading laundry. The top cover 1d is provided at the front upper part with a power switch, buttons for selecting operation programs, and a display 1f. The top cover 1d is also provided with a cover 1g for a storage section for a detergent box and a fabric softener box.

[0011] It should be noted that the washer / dryer 100 according to the present invention is not limited to a drum-type washer / dryer, but may be a washer / dryer equipped with a heat pump unit or a vertical washer / dryer.

[0012] The configuration of the outer tub 2 and the inner tub 3 will be described with reference to Fig. 2. Fig. 2 is a central cross-sectional view of the washer-dryer 100 shown in Fig. 1. Fig. 2 shows the washer-dryer 100 as viewed from the left side.

[0013] An outer tub 2 is provided inside the housing 1, and the outer tub 2 and the rotating drum (inner tub) 3 are housed in the housing 1. The outer tub 2 is supported by a number of suspensions (not shown), and its upper part is suspended by a spring (not shown). The door 1e is opened and laundry WA is put into the rotating drum 3 housed inside the outer tub 2. A fluid balancer 3a is provided on the outer periphery of the opening of the rotating drum 3 to reduce vibrations caused by imbalance of the laundry WA during spin-drying. A number of lifters 3b are provided inside the rotating drum 3 to lift up the laundry WA. The rotating drum 3 is directly connected to a motor (drive unit) 4 for driving the drum via a main shaft 3d connected to a metal flange 3c for the rotating drum.

[0014] A tub cover 2a is provided in front of the outer tub 2, and a rubber bellows 2b made of an elastic body is attached to the opening of the tub cover 2a. The bellows 2b plays a role in maintaining the watertightness between the inside of the outer tub 2 and the door 1e. This prevents water leakage during washing, rinsing and spin-drying. The rotating drum 3 has many small holes (not shown) on its side and back for centrifugal spin-drying and ventilation. A water receiving section 2c is provided at the bottom of the outer tub 2. A drainage path 5 for draining the wash water from the outer tub 2 is provided at the bottom of the outer tub 2.

[0015] The drainage path 5 will be described with reference to Fig. 3. Fig. 3 is a diagram showing the configuration of the drainage path 5.

[0016] The drainage path 5 has a drainage channel 5a for draining water accumulated in the outer tub 2, and an overflow drainage channel 5b for overflow draining when the water accumulated in the outer tub 2 exceeds a predetermined water level. The drainage channel 5a is a channel for draining water accumulated in the outer tub 2, and has an internal drainage channel 5a1, a water channel filter 5a2, a drain valve 5a3, and a drain hose 5a4. The internal drainage channel 5a1 is connected to the bottom of the outer tub 2, and the water channel filter 5a2 collects lint in the wastewater flowing through the internal drainage channel 5a1. The lint collected by the water channel filter 5a2 is cleaned up by the user as appropriate.

[0017] The overflow drainage channel 5b is equipped with a trap 5b1 that can pass and store water in the overflow drainage channel, can block the flow of air by storing water, and replaces the sealing water by supplying water by the rotation of the tank. The overflow drainage channel downstream of the trap 5b1 is connected to a drain hose 5a4.

[0018] A condensation water hose 5d is connected to the downstream side of the drain hose 5a4 for draining the water dehumidified by the heat pump unit 610 using the condensation water pump 5c. The condensation water hose 5d is elevated to a position higher than the overflow drain 5b in the vertical direction to prevent backflow from the drain hose 5a4 to the heat pump unit 610.

[0019] Between the water channel filter 5a2 and the outer tub 2, a circulation water channel (circulation flow path) 5e for circulating the water in the outer tub 2, and a circulation pump 5f are provided.

[0020] The configuration of the drying device 600 will be described with reference to Fig. 4 to Fig. 6. Fig. 4 is a rear view of the washer-dryer 100. Fig. 5 is a perspective view of the upper part of the washer-dryer 100 as seen obliquely from the rear. Fig. 6 is a perspective view showing the inside of the washer-dryer 100 with the housing 1 removed.

[0021] 4, the drying device 600 is made up of a blower 630, a heat pump unit 610 that dehumidifies and then heats circulating air, and a circulation air passage 660 that circulates the circulating air (air for drying) between the heat pump unit 610 and the outer tub 2. The blower 630 and the heat pump unit 610 are integrally configured, and in this embodiment, are disposed in the lower part of the washer / dryer 100, specifically, below the outer tub 2.

[0022] The circulation air passage 660 is formed between the heat pump unit 610 and the outer tub 2 so that drying air for drying laundry circulates between the heat pump unit 610 and the inside of the inner tub 3.

[0023] The drying air circulating between the heat pump unit 610 and the inside of the inner tub 3 includes air sent from the heat pump unit 610 to the inner tub 3 for drying the laundry, and air returned from the inner tub 3 to the heat pump unit 610 after being used to dry the laundry.

[0024] As shown in FIG. 4, a blower 630 is connected to the outlet side of the heat pump unit 610. The washer-dryer 100 is provided with a feed air passage (feed duct) 661 as an air passage for feeding drying air from the blower 630 to the outer tub 2. The feed air passage 661 is an air passage for feeding drying air to be used for drying laundry to the inner tub 3. The feed air passage 661 is provided with a first feed air passage (first feed duct) 661a (see FIGS. 4 and 5), a second feed air passage (second feed duct) 661b (see FIGS. 4 and 5), an exhaust bellows 663c (see FIG. 6), and a third feed air passage (third feed duct) 661c (see FIG. 6) from the upstream side. Here, the third feed air passage 661c is an air passage provided inside the tub cover 2a. An outlet for blowing drying air into the inner tub 3 is provided at the downstream end of the third air supply passage 661c.

[0025] As shown in Fig. 4, a return air passage 662 (see Fig. 4) is configured as an air passage for sending drying air from the outer tub 2 to the heat pump unit 610. The return air passage (return duct) 662 is an air passage through which the drying air that has contributed to drying the laundry in the inner tub 3 returns to the heat pump unit 610. The return air passage 662 is connected to the heat pump unit 610 by a return bellows 663a. The return bellows 663a is made of an expandable and contractible rubber material in a bellows shape so that vibrations of the outer tub 2 do not affect the heat pump unit 610 via the return air passage 662.

[0026] In addition, reference numeral 17 shown in FIG. 5 denotes a board unit including a control device, and reference numeral 20 denotes a water supply unit (water supply section).

[0027] The water supply unit 20 in the washer / dryer 100 will be described with reference to Fig. 7. Fig. 7 is a perspective view of the water supply unit (water supply section) 20.

[0028] The water supply is connected to a water supply inlet 20a (see FIG. 2), which is connected to a water supply solenoid valve 21 having four solenoid valves. The four solenoid valves can set the flow rate range of water that can be supplied according to the water supply pressure. A water supply box 22 is connected to the water supply solenoid valve 21, and water can be further branched into each flow path to supply water. A detergent / fabric softener tray 23 is provided in front of the water supply box 22. The detergent / fabric softener tray 23 is divided into a detergent tray (detergent dispenser case) 23a and a fabric softener tray (fabric softener dispenser case) 23b.

[0029] A manual detergent and fabric softener insertion port 24 is provided in front of the detergent / fabric softener tray 23. By supplying water to the manual detergent and fabric softener insertion port 24 and then supplying water to the outer tub 2 from the main hose 25a, the detergent and fabric softener can be added during washing.

[0030] An ADS unit 26 is provided below the detergent / fabric softener tray 23. By supplying water to the ADS unit 26, the detergent in the detergent tank or the fabric softener in the fabric softener tank can be automatically dispensed into the outer tub 2 via the main hose 25a.

[0031] Water can also be supplied directly from the water supply box 22 to the outer tub 2 via the main hose 25a. The air duct filter (not shown) can be cleaned by supplying water to a cleaning nozzle (not shown) of the filter (air duct filter) installed in the air duct via the air duct filter cleaning hose 25b. The door 1e and bellows 2f can be cleaned by supplying water to the tub cover 2a via the shower hose 25c. The water supply destination can be switched by multiple solenoid valves installed in the water supply box 22.

[0032] The board unit 17 in the washer / dryer 100 will be described with reference to Fig. 8. Fig. 8 is an exploded perspective view of the board unit 17.

[0033] The board unit 17 is made up of a board casing 17a, a board case lid 17b, and a board 17c. The board casing 17a is covered with resin inside and aluminum sheet metal outside. The board case lid 17b is made of sheet metal.

[0034] The board unit 17 is provided with electrical devices such as a board 17c inside. The board 17c has a microcomputer and constitutes a control device for the washer / dryer 100. The control device has a microcomputer and acquires various information signals (drain temperature sensor, temperature sensor, temperature sensor, outside air temperature sensor, conductivity sensor, etc.) in response to the operation of the operation switch by the user and in the washing process and drying process. The microcomputer is connected to the motor 4, the water supply solenoid valve 21, the drain valve 5a3, the circulation pump 5f, the blower 630, the compressor 611, the condensation water pump 5c, etc. via a drive circuit, and controls the opening / closing, rotation, or energization of these devices.

[0035] The substrate 17c includes a motor 4 for driving the washing tub, a fan motor 630 for blowing air, a power element for driving the compressor 611, and a heat dissipation fin for dissipating heat, and is arranged so that the power element and other electronic components are on the lower surface side. Among these, the power element for driving the compressor 611 generates the largest amount of heat.

[0036] A cooling fan (not shown) is provided on the rear side of board casing 17a, and exhaust port 17e is provided on board case lid 17b. By driving the cooling fan, air inside the washing machine housing is taken into board unit 17 and exhausted toward outer tub 2 located below board unit 17. Here, by not providing an exhaust port on the detergent / fabric softener tray side, deterioration of detergent due to a rise in temperature on the detergent / fabric softener tray side caused by cooling air can be suppressed.

[0037] Of the power elements, the power element for driving compressor 611 is disposed immediately behind intake port 17d of the cooling fan, thereby making it possible to suppress a temperature rise caused by improved cooling performance of the power element of compressor 611.

[0038] With reference to FIG. 9, the function of the drying device 600 in the washing / drying machine 100 will be described. FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of the drying device 600.

[0039] The heat pump unit 610 has a compressor 611, a condenser (heater) 612, an expansion valve 613, and an evaporator (dehumidifier) ​​614 as basic components of a heat pump, and further includes an accumulator 615. The accumulator 615 prevents the liquid refrigerant from returning to the compressor 611. In this embodiment, the blower 630 is integrally configured with the heat pump unit 610, and the blower 630 may be considered as a component of the heat pump unit 610.

[0040] The outer tub 2 is disposed so as to enclose the inner tub 3 that contains the clothes, and has a return port 2d for drying air on its rear side. The return port 2d and the inlet 610a of the heat pump unit 610 are connected to a return air passage 662 (see FIG. 4).

[0041] A blower 630 is connected to the outlet of the heat pump unit 610, and a supply air passage 661 is connected to an exhaust port 630a of the blower 630. A downstream end of the supply air passage 661 is connected to a third supply air passage 661c (see FIG. 6) formed in the tank cover 2a via an exhaust bellows 663c (see FIG. 6). An exhaust port 661d is formed at the downstream end of the third supply air passage 661c. The air outlet 661d blows dry air from the front of the inner tub 3 onto the clothes.

[0042] When the blower 630 is operated, the dry air pressurized by the blower 630 is sent to the outer tub 2 through the delivery air duct 661 and is blown out from the air outlet 661d in front of the inner tub 3 toward the clothes in the inner tub 3. The dry air that has removed moisture from the clothes and their surroundings passes through the return air duct 662 from the return port 2d and enters the heat pump unit 610 from the inlet 610a of the heat pump unit 610.

[0043] In the heat pump unit 610, the drying air is dehumidified when passing through the evaporator 614, and heated when passing through the condenser 612. The evaporator 614 and the condenser 612 form a heat exchange section that exchanges heat with the drying air. The drying air, which has become hot after passing through the heat exchange sections 614 and 612, repeats the circulation back to the blower 630. Repeating the circulation of the drying air, which dehumidifies and heats it, promotes the drying of clothes.

[0044] Next, we will explain the flow of refrigerant in the heat pump unit 610. When the compressor 611 of the heat pump unit 610, which contains a predetermined amount of fluorocarbon-based refrigerant or natural refrigerant, is operated, the refrigerant enters the condenser 612 in a high-temperature, high-pressure gas state.

[0045] In the condenser 612, the refrigerant that has been brought to a medium temperature through heat exchange with the drying air flowing between the fins is in a gas-liquid two-phase region. As the heat exchange with the drying air continues, the refrigerant becomes liquefied. The refrigerant that has become liquid at the outlet of the condenser 612 passes through the expansion valve 613 and becomes a low-temperature, low-pressure gas-liquid two-phase refrigerant.

[0046] The refrigerant that has flowed into the evaporator 614 flows while gradually increasing the amount of gas (while increasing the dryness) through heat exchange with the drying air, and then flows back into the compressor 611. The accumulator 615 provided upstream of the compressor 611 separates the liquid refrigerant by gravity difference so that the compressor 611 does not lose reliability by compressing the liquid refrigerant, and allows only the gas refrigerant to enter the compressor 611.

[0047] The compressor 611 and the accumulator 615 are disposed in a compressor chamber (machine chamber) 617a, and a refrigerant pipe 616a connecting the compressor 611 and the condenser 612, and a refrigerant pipe 616d connecting the evaporator 614 and the compressor 611 via the accumulator 615 are disposed across the compressor chamber (machine chamber) 617a and a piping chamber 617b. The refrigerant pipe 616a connecting the condenser 612 and the expansion valve 613 and the refrigerant pipe 616b connecting the expansion valve 613 and the evaporator 614 are disposed in the piping chamber 617b, and the expansion valve 613 provided between the refrigerant pipe 616a and the refrigerant pipe 616b is also disposed in the piping chamber 617b.

[0048] The structure of the heat pump unit 610 will be described with reference to Figures 10 and 11. Figure 10 is a perspective view of the heat pump unit 610. Figure 11 is a perspective view of the heat pump unit 610 with the upper casing 618b removed.

[0049] 10, the heat pump unit 610 includes a resin casing 618, and includes a compressor 611, a condenser (heater) 612, an expansion valve (pressure reducing mechanism) 613, an evaporator (dehumidifier) ​​614, and an accumulator 615 inside the casing 618. The casing 618 can be separated into a lower casing 618a and an upper casing 618b, which are fixed together with resin nails or screws.

[0050] 11, the heat exchangers (heat exchange sections) 614, 612 are provided with end plates 619a, 619b to obstruct air flowing laterally, and are sandwiched between an upper casing 618b and a lower casing 618a, and are disposed in a drying air circulation path 664. The circulation path 664 is a circulation path within the heat pump unit, and is divided into an upstream heat pump unit circulation path 664a on the upstream side with respect to the heat exchangers 614, 612, and a downstream heat pump unit circulation path 664b on the downstream side with respect to the heat exchangers 614, 612.

[0051] Further, the casing 618 is provided with a compressor chamber (machine chamber) 617a and a piping chamber 617b. The compressor chamber (machine chamber) 617a and the piping chamber 617b are partitioned by a partition wall 617c. The compressor chamber (machine chamber) 617a is located on the side of the circulation air passage 664b in the downstream heat pump unit, and the compressor chamber (machine chamber) 617a and the circulation air passage 664b in the downstream heat pump unit are partitioned by a partition wall 617d. The piping chamber 617b is located on the side of the heat exchangers 614, 612 and the circulation air passage 664a in the upstream heat pump unit, and the piping chamber 617b and the heat exchangers 614, 612 are partitioned by an end plate 619a, and the piping chamber 617b and the circulation air passage 664a in the upstream heat pump unit are partitioned by a partition wall 617e.

[0052] The circulation air duct 664 in the heat pump unit is airtightly separated from the compressor room (machine room) 617a and the piping room 617b, and the drying air flows through the circulation air duct 664 in the heat pump unit from the circulation air duct 664a in the upstream heat pump unit to the circulation air duct 664b in the downstream heat pump unit as shown by the white arrow in Fig. 11. The drying air in the circulation air duct 664b in the downstream heat pump unit is sucked into the blower 630 and discharged from the discharge port 630a of the blower 630.

[0053] The condenser (heater) 612 and the evaporator (dehumidifier) ​​614 exchange heat with the drying air, and therefore use a cross-fin tube type heat exchanger in which a circular heat transfer tube is inserted through aluminum fins stacked at a specified pitch and attached by expanding the tube.

[0054] Compressor 611 is installed in lower casing 618a via vibration-proof rubber, etc. Compressor 611 may be, for example, a piston type, rotary type, scroll type, or other compressor, and the rotation speed can be varied from low to high speed by inverter control.

[0055] Compressor 611, condenser (heater) 612, expansion valve 613, evaporator (dehumidifier) ​​614, and accumulator 615 are connected by refrigerant piping 616 (see FIG. 9). To prevent refrigerant piping 616 from breaking due to the propagation of rotational vibration of compressor 611, the refrigerant piping 616 connects each device in a serpentine manner.

[0056] A container (not shown) is provided below the evaporator 614 for the condensed water to drain, and the condensed water pump 5c (see Figure 3) is operated periodically or by detecting the water level, to drain the condensed water outside the washer-dryer 100.

[0057] On the other hand, when the surface of the refrigerant pipe 616d between the evaporator 614 and the compressor 611 and the accumulator 615 is below the dew point of the air in the compressor chamber 617a, condensation occurs on the surface of the refrigerant pipe 616d and the accumulator 615. The condensed water falls due to gravity and accumulates at the lower part (bottom) of the compressor chamber 617a.

[0058] Condensation water accumulated in the lower part of the compressor chamber 617a evaporates in a short time if the amount of condensation water generated in a short time is small, but if condensation water occurs over a long time or under conditions where condensation water occurs continuously, the level of condensation water in the compressor chamber 617a increases. There is a concern that the condensation water accumulated in the compressor chamber 617a may corrode the base and shell plate of the compressor 611. If the corrosion of the compressor 611 and the refrigerant piping 616 progresses, refrigerant leakage may occur or rupture may occur at a location that is under high pressure depending on the operating conditions.

[0059] In order to drain condensation water accumulated in compressor chamber 617a, a through hole (discharge hole) 620 communicating with the outside is provided in lower surface 617aa of compressor chamber 617a. Hereinafter, an embodiment of through hole 620 will be described with reference to Figs. 12 to 16.

[0060] [Example 1] The first embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 12. Fig. 12 is a schematic diagram showing the first embodiment regarding the through-hole 620. Note that Fig. 12 shows only the lower part of the washer / dryer 100. Since the pipe 616d is a pipe through which a low-temperature refrigerant flows, it will be referred to as a low-temperature refrigerant pipe in the following description.

[0061] Water condensed on the surface of the low-temperature refrigerant pipe 616 accumulates in the lower part of the compressor chamber 617a in the heat pump unit 610. Therefore, in this embodiment, a through hole 620 communicating with the outside of the heat pump unit 610 is provided in the lower surface 617aa near the compressor 611 of the lower casing 618a.

[0062] A condensation water storage container 621 is provided on the base 1a below the gravity direction (below the vertical direction) of the through-hole 619. An opening (base opening) 1aa that connects the inside (interior) and the outside (exterior) of the washer-dryer 100 is provided in the center of the base 1a.

[0063] When condensation water W occurs on the surface of low-temperature refrigerant pipe 616d or accumulator 615 during operation of compressor 611, condensation water W flows to lower surface 617aa of compressor chamber 617a and is collected in condensation water storage container 621 through through-hole 620. The surroundings of condensation water storage container 621 are close to the temperature and humidity environment of the room in which washer-dryer 100 is placed, and the condensation water in condensation water storage container 621 can be evaporated by diffusion. In this case, condensation water storage container 621 is not particularly provided with a drainage path for draining the condensation water. That is, the condensation water stored in condensation water storage container 621 is drained from condensation water storage container 621 by evaporation.

[0064] As described above, the washer / dryer 100 of this embodiment has the following configuration.

[0065] An inner tank 3; An outer tank 2 containing an inner tank 3; A heat pump unit 610 in which a compressor 611, a condenser 612, an expansion valve 613, and an evaporator 614 are connected by a refrigerant pipe 616 through which a refrigerant flows; A circulation air duct 660 in which a condenser 612 and an evaporator 614 are configured as heat exchangers for drying air; In the washer / dryer 100, The heat pump unit 610 includes a compressor chamber 617a in which a compressor 611 and a low-temperature refrigerant pipe 616d connected to the compressor 611 are disposed, A through hole 620 is provided in a lower surface 617aa of the compressor chamber 617a and communicates with the outside of the heat pump unit 610; a condensation water storage container 621 that is disposed below the through hole 620 in the direction of gravity and stores condensation water generated in the compressor 611 and the low-temperature refrigerant pipe 616d; The condensation water storage container 621 evaporates the stored condensation water and drains it from the condensation water storage container 621 .

[0066] Also, in the future, it is possible to use natural flammable refrigerants, such as propane, instead of the current fluorocarbon-based refrigerants, in order to reduce the environmental load. If the connection of the refrigerant pipe 616 is vibrated by the vibration caused by the operation of the compressor 611 and a slow leak occurs due to the occurrence of cracks, the refrigerant will be naturally exhausted to the outside from the heat pump unit 610 through the through hole 620 if the refrigerant has a density greater than that of air. If the lower casing 616a does not have the through hole 620, the heat pump unit 610 may become filled with the refrigerant.

[0067] The explosion limit of propane, a naturally flammable refrigerant, is 2.1 to 9.5 vol%. If there is no through hole 620 and the refrigerant leaks inside the casing of heat pump unit 620 and mixes with air, and a spark occurs at the connection of the power line of compressor 611 or the like in the above concentration, there is a risk of explosion. On the other hand, by providing the through-hole 620 according to the present invention, it is possible to prevent the leaked refrigerant from diffusing to the surroundings and increasing in concentration, thereby making it possible to avoid the risk of explosion.

[0068] In this embodiment, the condensation water storage container 621 can be sized and shaped to be optimized for storing condensation water generated on the surfaces of the low-temperature refrigerant pipe 616d and the accumulator 615. In addition, the condensation water storage container 621 can be sized and shaped to be optimized for evaporating the condensation water.

[0069] [Example 2] The second embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 13. Fig. 13 is a schematic diagram showing the second embodiment with respect to through-hole 620. Note that Fig. 13 shows only the lower part of washer-dryer 100. The same components as those in the first embodiment are given the same reference numerals as those in the first embodiment, and duplicated explanations will be omitted. Below, components different from the first embodiment will be described.

[0070] The base 1a has a plurality of ribs 1ac protruding upward from the lower surface 1ab, and a rib partition space (partition space) 1ad partitioned by the ribs 1ac is formed. The rib 1ac increases the strength of the base 1a. The rib partition space 1ad formed by the plurality of ribs 1ac is open at the top, and the rib partition space 1ad can be used as the condensation water storage container 621 of the first embodiment. By properly matching the positional relationship between the through hole 620 and the rib partition space 1ad, that is, by arranging the rib partition space 1ad below the through hole 620 in the gravitational direction, the condensation water flowing down from the through hole 620 can be received and stored in the rib partition space 1ad.

[0071] A certain amount of condensation water can be stored in the rib-divided space 1ad. The amount of condensation water W generated in the low-temperature refrigerant pipe 616d and the accumulator 615 is smaller than the amount of condensation water generated in the evaporator 614, and can be stored in the small volume of the rib-divided space 1ad. Since a plurality of rib-divided spaces 1ad are provided, by arranging other rib-divided spaces 1ad around the rib-divided space 1ad functioning as the condensation water storage container 621, even if the condensation water overflows from the rib-divided space 1ad functioning as the condensation water storage container 621, the overflowing condensation water can be received in the other rib-divided spaces 1ad.

[0072] In this embodiment, the condensation water stored in the rib-partitioned space 1ad evaporates by diffusion. The rib-partitioned space 1ad is not provided with a drainage path for draining the condensation water. That is, the condensation water stored in the rib-partitioned space 1ad is drained from the rib-partitioned space 1ad by evaporating.

[0073] As described above, the washer / dryer 100 of this embodiment has the following features: A housing 1 containing an outer tank 2 and an inner tank 3; A stand (base) 1a on which the housing 1 is placed, A part of the stand 1a also serves as a condensation water storage container 621.

[0074] In addition, in the washer / dryer 100 of this embodiment, The stand 1a has a plurality of ribs 1ac protruding upward from a lower surface 617aa and partition spaces 1ad partitioned by the plurality of ribs 1ac, The condensation water storage container 621 is formed by a partition space 1ad.

[0075] According to this embodiment, the base 1a can also be used as the condensation water storage container 621, so that the number of parts can be reduced compared to the first embodiment.

[0076] [Example 3] The third embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 14. Fig. 14 is a schematic diagram showing the third embodiment with respect to through-hole 620. Note that Fig. 14 shows only the lower part of washer / dryer 100. The same components as those in the first and second embodiments are given the same reference numerals as those in the first and second embodiments, and duplicated explanations will be omitted. Below, components different from those in the first and second embodiments will be described.

[0077] In this embodiment, a gradient θ is provided on lower surface 617aa of compressor chamber 617a, and through-hole 620 is provided at the lowest part of gradient θ. In other words, a gradient θ descending toward through-hole 620 is provided on lower surface 617aa of compressor chamber 617a.

[0078] As described above, in the washer / dryer 100 of this embodiment, A lower surface 617aa of the compressor chamber 617a in which the through hole 620 is provided has a downward inclination toward the through hole 620.

[0079] Due to the gradient θ, the condensation water that falls onto the lower surface 617aa of the compressor chamber 617a flows along the gradient θ, and is collected in the through-holes 520 and is quickly drained from the through-holes 520.

[0080] [Example 4] The fourth embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 15. Fig. 15 is a schematic diagram showing the fourth embodiment relating to a through hole 620. Note that Fig. 14 shows only the lower part of the washer / dryer 100.

[0081] In this embodiment, the heat pump unit 610 is arranged higher than in the second embodiment. The same components as in the second embodiment are given the same reference numerals as in the second embodiment, and the same explanations will be omitted. Below, the components different from the second embodiment will be explained.

[0082] In this embodiment, the heat pump unit 610 is disposed above the base 1a by a distance L. For example, the heat pump unit 610 is disposed in the upper vicinity of the outer tank 2. In this case, a drain pipe 620a is extended downward from a through hole 620 provided in a lower surface 617aa of the compressor chamber 617a, and condensed water W is caused to flow from the lower end of the drain pipe 620a into the rib partition space 1ad. The drain pipe 620a is preferably a flexible pipe extending downward from the through hole 620 toward the rib partition space 1ad (condensation water storage container 621). The flexible pipe 620a is durable against vibration, improves reliability, and allows piping to avoid interfering devices.

[0083] The rib partition space 1ad in this embodiment functions as a condensation water storage container 621, similar to the second embodiment. A dedicated container may be provided as the condensation water storage container 621, similar to the first embodiment. Also, a gradient θ may be provided on the lower surface 617aa of the compressor chamber 617a, similar to the third embodiment. Also, in the first to third embodiments, a pipe 620a may be provided without changing the arrangement of the heat pump unit 610.

[0084] As described above, the washer / dryer 100 of this embodiment has the following features: A flexible pipe 620a extends from the through hole 620 downward toward the condensation water storage container 621.

[0085] In addition, in the washer / dryer 100 of this embodiment, The heat pump unit 610 is disposed at the top of the washer / dryer 100.

[0086] By adopting the configuration of this embodiment, even in a configuration in which the heat pump unit 610 is arranged at the top of the washer / dryer 100, condensation water W can be drained outside the heat pump unit 610 through the through hole 620 provided in the underside 617aa of the compressor chamber 617a.

[0087] [Example 5] The fifth embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 16. Fig. 16 is a schematic diagram showing the fifth embodiment regarding the through-hole 620.

[0088] In this embodiment, the layout of the electrical components is specified compared to the first embodiment. The same components as those in the first embodiment are given the same reference numerals as those in the first embodiment, and the duplicated explanations are omitted. Below, the components different from the first embodiment are explained.

[0089] In this embodiment, similarly to the first embodiment, the heat pump unit 610 is disposed at the lower part of the washer / dryer 100, and a natural flammable gas refrigerant such as propane is used as the refrigerant of the heat pump unit 610. The configuration of the heat pump unit 610 is similar to that of the first embodiment.

[0090] In this case, it is preferable to install the electrical devices on the upper part of the washer / dryer 100. For this reason, the board unit 17 including the control device is installed on the upper part of the washer / dryer 100.

[0091] However, blower 630 and drain valve (electromagnetic valve) 5a3, which are integral with heat pump unit 610, cannot be installed in the upper part of washer-dryer 100. In this case, the electric parts of blower 630 and drain valve 5a3 are housed in a sealed container and installed in the lower part of washer-dryer 100.

[0092] As described above, in the washer / dryer 100 of this embodiment, The heat pump unit 610 uses a flammable gas as a refrigerant.

[0093] In addition, the washer / dryer 100 of this embodiment has A sensor 622 for detecting the flammable gas is provided on the periphery of the opening of the through hole.

[0094] In addition, the washer / dryer 100 of this embodiment has A board unit 17 including a control device is provided. The heat pump unit 610 is disposed at the bottom of the washer / dryer 100. The board unit 17 is disposed at the top of the washing / drying machine 100.

[0095] In this embodiment, with such a configuration, the flammable refrigerant (flammable gas) leaking from the refrigerant pipe 616 diffuses from the through-hole 620 to the lower side of the heat pump unit 610. As a result, the flammable refrigerant leaking from the refrigerant pipe 616 does not reach the vicinity of the contacts of the electric devices arranged in the upper part of the washer-dryer 100, and the risk of explosion or ignition can be reduced. Furthermore, by providing the through-hole 620, the flammable gas refrigerant leaking can be prevented from increasing in concentration by diffusing to the lower side of the heat pump unit 610, and the risk of explosion can be avoided. Furthermore, by reducing the number of parts to be accommodated in the sealed container, the productivity of the washer-dryer 100 is improved.

[0096] When a flammable refrigerant is used, it is preferable to provide a sensor 622 for detecting leakage of the flammable refrigerant in the heat pump unit 610. The sensor 622 is disposed on the periphery of the opening of the through hole 620. In particular, in this embodiment, the sensor 622 is disposed at the exit of the through hole 620, so that the flammable refrigerant that gathers in the through hole 620 and before it diffuses can be detected. This makes it possible to detect even a slight leakage of the flammable refrigerant.

[0097] With this configuration, this embodiment makes it possible to quickly detect the leakage of a flammable refrigerant, thereby reducing the risk of explosion.

[0098] The condensation water storage container 621 of this embodiment may be configured with a rib partition space 1ad, as in the second embodiment. Also, in this embodiment, a gradient θ may be provided on the lower surface 617aa of the compressor chamber 617a, as in the third embodiment. Also, in this embodiment, the heat pump unit 610 may be disposed above the base 1a by a distance L, and a drain pipe 620a may be extended downward from the through hole 620, as in the fourth embodiment. In this case, the sensor 622 may be disposed at the lower end of the drain pipe 620a.

[0099] The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, but includes various modified examples. For example, the above-described embodiments have been described in detail to clearly explain the present invention, and are not necessarily limited to those including all of the configurations. It is also possible to replace a part of the configuration of one embodiment with the configuration of another embodiment, and it is also possible to add the configuration of another embodiment to the configuration of one embodiment. It is also possible to add, delete, or replace a part of the configuration of each embodiment with another configuration. [Explanation of symbols]

[0100] 1...housing, 1a...frame (base), 1ac...rib, 1ad...partition space (rib partition space), 2...outer tank, 3...inner tank, 17...board unit, 100...washer / dryer, 610...heat pump unit, 611...compressor, 612...condenser, 613...expansion valve, 614...evaporator, 616...refrigerant piping, 660...circulation air path, 616d...low-temperature refrigerant piping, 617a...compressor chamber, 617aa...underside of compressor chamber 617a, 620...through hole, 620a...pipe, 621...condensation water storage container, 622...sensor.

Claims

1. An inner tank, An outer tank containing the inner tank; a heat pump unit including a compressor, a condenser, an expansion valve, and an evaporator connected by a refrigerant pipe through which a refrigerant flows; a circulation air duct in which the condenser and the evaporator are configured as a heat exchanger for drying air; In a washing and drying machine equipped with The heat pump unit comprises: a compressor chamber in which the compressor and a low-temperature refrigerant pipe connected to the compressor are disposed; a through hole provided on a lower surface of the compressor chamber and communicating with an outside of the heat pump unit; and a condensation water storage container disposed below the through hole in a gravitational direction and configured to store condensation water generated in the compressor and the low-temperature refrigerant piping, The washer / dryer is characterized in that the condensation water storage container evaporates the stored condensation water and drains it from the condensation water storage container.

2. The washing and drying machine according to claim 1, a housing containing the outer tank and the inner tank; A stand on which the housing is placed, The washer / dryer is characterized in that a part of the stand also serves as the condensation water storage container.

3. The washing and drying machine according to claim 2, The base has a plurality of ribs protruding upward from a lower surface thereof and a partitioned space partitioned by the plurality of ribs, The washer / dryer is characterized in that the condensation water storage container is formed by the partition space.

4. The washing and drying machine according to claim 1, The washer / dryer, wherein a lower surface of the compressor chamber in which the through hole is provided has a downward inclination toward the through hole.

5. The washing and drying machine according to claim 1, A washing / drying machine, comprising: a flexible pipe extending downward from the through hole toward the condensation water storage container.

6. The washing and drying machine according to claim 5, The heat pump unit is disposed in an upper portion of the washer / dryer.

7. The washing and drying machine according to claim 1, The heat pump unit uses a flammable gas as a refrigerant.

8. The washing and drying machine according to claim 7, a sensor for detecting the flammable gas on the periphery of the opening of the through hole,

9. The washing and drying machine according to claim 7, A board unit including a control device is provided, the heat pump unit is disposed in a lower portion of the washer / dryer, The base unit is disposed on an upper portion of the washer / dryer.

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