Dryer

Abstract

To provide a dryer having high drying efficiency.SOLUTION: The dryer includes a tub, and a shaft formed with a plurality of outlets connected to the inside of the tub and rotating together with the tub. The plurality of outlets include a first outlet provided along a circumferential direction around a central axis of the shaft, and a second outlet provided between two first outlets adjacent to each other in the circumferential direction and having a smaller area than the first outlet and a smaller maximum dimension along a radial direction.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 8

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to dryers. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a washer-dryer that dries laundry by introducing drying air into an inner tub. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2010-187962 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] There is a demand for dryers that have improved drying efficiency and reduced power consumption.

[0005] One object of the present disclosure is, for example, to provide a dryer having high drying efficiency. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] In one aspect of the present disclosure, a dryer includes a tub and a shaft that rotates with the tub and has a plurality of air outlets formed therein that connect to the interior of the tub. The air outlets include first air outlets that are provided in a circumferential direction about a central axis of the shaft, and second air outlets that are provided between two adjacent first air outlets in the circumferential direction and have a smaller area than the first air outlets and a smaller maximum radial dimension. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to the present disclosure, for example, a dryer having high drying efficiency can be provided. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic diagram of a washing / drying machine according to a first embodiment. [Figure 2] 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a washing / drying machine according to a first embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a schematic perspective view of a washing tub according to the first embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a schematic plan view of a washing tub and a cover in the first embodiment. [Figure 5] FIG. 2 is a schematic plan view of the washing tub in the first embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a schematic rear view of the washing tub and the reinforcing member in the first embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a schematic cross-sectional view taken along line VII-VII in FIG. 5. [Figure 8] FIG. 2 is a schematic plan view of a part of the washing tub and the cover in the first embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 2 is a schematic plan view of a cover in the first embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a schematic cross-sectional view taken along line XX in FIG. 9. [Figure 11] FIG. 2 is a schematic perspective view of a cover in the first embodiment. [Figure 12] 3 is a schematic side view of a cover in the first embodiment. [Figure 13] FIG. 3 is a schematic rear view of the cover in the first embodiment. [Figure 14] FIG. 10 is a schematic plan view of a washing tub and a cover in a second embodiment. [Figure 15] FIG. 15 is a schematic cross-sectional view taken along line XV-XV in FIG. [Figure 16] FIG. 10 is a schematic plan view of a cover in the second embodiment. [Figure 17] FIG. 10 is a schematic plan view of a part of the washing tub and the cover in the second embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] (First embodiment) A washer-dryer 1 according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings. In the following description, components having substantially the same functions will be referred to by the same reference numerals, and the description will be incorporated herein by reference. In the following description, the side of the washer-dryer 1 on which the door 12 (see FIG. 1) is provided will be referred to as the front side, and the opposite side will be referred to as the rear side. The front-to-rear direction will sometimes be referred to as the depth direction. The right side and left side are the directions when the washer-dryer 1 is viewed from the front side to the rear side. The left-to-right direction will sometimes be referred to as the width direction. The direction perpendicular to each of the depth direction and width direction will be referred to as the height direction.

[0010] It should be noted that a "washer-dryer" is a machine that combines the washing function of washing laundry with the drying function of drying clothes, etc. Therefore, a washer-dryer is both a type of dryer and a type of washing machine.

[0011] In this disclosure, the term "dryer" refers to a general device for drying items such as clothes (e.g., washed laundry). The dryer may include, for example, a tub into which the items to be dried are placed and which rotates together with the items to be dried, and a blower mechanism for supplying air into the tub. The dryer may further include a rotation mechanism for rotating the tub.

[0012] In the present disclosure, the term "washing machine" refers to a general device that performs various processes, such as washing, on items to be washed. Examples of processes that a washing machine can perform on items to be washed include washing, deodorizing, and sterilizing. The items to be washed are not particularly limited. Examples of items to be washed include cloth products. Specific examples of items to be washed include clothing such as clothes, hats, and gloves, personal belongings such as shoes, bags, handkerchiefs, and towels, bedding such as curtains, blankets, towel blankets, and futon covers, carpets, stuffed toys, and the like.

[0013] (1 washer / dryer) Fig. 1 is a schematic diagram of a washer / dryer 1 according to the first embodiment. Fig. 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the washer / dryer 1 according to the first embodiment. Fig. 3 is a schematic perspective view of a washing tub 14 according to the first embodiment.

[0014] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the washer / dryer 1 includes a housing 11, a door 12, a water tub 13, a washing tub 14, a motor 15 (see Figure 1) as a rotation mechanism, a water supply channel 16 (see Figure 1), and a drain channel 17 (see Figure 1).

[0015] Housing 11 houses each component of washer / dryer 1. Housing 11 is formed, for example, in a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape. An upper portion of the front surface, which is one side surface of housing 11, forms inclined surface 11a that extends obliquely upward toward the rear.

[0016] A main opening 11b is formed in the inclined surface 11a of the housing 11. The main opening 11b is used for putting laundry in and taking laundry out. The door 12 is rotatably supported by the housing 11. The door 12 is rotatable between a closed position where the main opening 11b is closed and an open position where the main opening 11b is opened.

[0017] 1, a water supply port 11c is provided in the upper part of the housing 11. A drain port 11d is provided in the lower part of the housing 11.

[0018] Water tub 13 stores water used for washing. Water tub 13 is formed with opening 13a that communicates with main opening 11b of housing 11. Water tub 13 also has water supply port 13b and drain port 13c.

[0019] The water supply channel 16 is a channel that runs from the water supply port 11c of the housing 11 to the water supply port 13b of the water tank 13. The drain channel 17 is a channel that runs from the drain port 13c of the water tank 13 to the drain port 11d of the housing 11.

[0020] A washing tub 14 is provided inside water tub 13. Like water tub 13, washing tub 14 is cylindrical and has a bottom. Washing tub 14 and water tub 13 are arranged concentrically. Laundry is placed into washing tub 14. Washing tub 14 accommodates laundry. Washing tub 14 is cylindrical and has an opening 14a at one end and a bottom at the other end. Laundry is placed into washing tub 14 through main opening 11b and opening 14a of washing tub 14.

[0021] The water supplied to water supply channel 16 is supplied into water tub 13 through water supply port 13b, and further supplied into washing tub 14 through a plurality of through-holes formed in washing tub 14.

[0022] The water inside water tub 13 and washing tub 14 is discharged through drain outlet 13c and drainage channel 17 to drain outlet 11d.

[0023] As shown mainly in FIG. 2 , the washer-dryer 1 has a heating mechanism 18. Heating mechanism 18 is disposed behind and below water tub 13 within housing 11. Heating mechanism 18 is a mechanism for heating air. The air heated by heating mechanism 18 is supplied into washing tub 14 within water tub 13 and then returns to heating mechanism 18. Air circulates through a circuit including heating mechanism 18 and water tub 13, and the circulating air is heated by heating mechanism 18. Note that a configuration may be adopted in which a portion of the circulating air is discharged from the washer-dryer 1.

[0024] Heating mechanism 18 may be configured, for example, by a condenser constituting part of a heat pump or an electric heater that heats by electrical resistance. Heating mechanism 18 may also have a dehumidifying mechanism (such as a heat pump evaporator or a dehumidifying plate). Heating mechanism 18 may also be disposed in a different location, such as above water tub 13.

[0025] Washing tub 14 is supported rotatably around rotating shaft 15a. Motor 15 rotates rotating shaft 15a to rotate washing tub 14. Motor 15 constitutes a rotation mechanism that rotates washing tub 14, which constitutes a tub. Motor 15 as a rotation mechanism may, for example, rotate washing tub 14 only in one rotation direction around the axis of rotating shaft 15a, or may be configured to rotate in both clockwise and counterclockwise directions. For example, motor 15 may be controlled to repeatedly perform one rotation operation that rotates washing tub 14 clockwise and another rotation operation that rotates washing tub 14 counterclockwise.

[0026] Rotating shaft 15a of washing tub 14 is inclined relative to the horizontal. Specifically, rotating shaft 15a extends obliquely upward toward the front relative to the horizontal. Therefore, opening 14a of washing tub 14 faces obliquely upward. For example, rotating shaft 15a is inclined at an angle between 3 degrees and 30 degrees relative to the horizontal. The angle of inclination of rotating shaft 15a relative to the horizontal is determined based on water-saving effect, cleaning power, susceptibility to damage to the laundry, ease of removing the laundry, etc. Rotating shaft 15a may also be disposed horizontally. In this case, washing tub 14 is supported with opening 14a of washing tub 14 facing horizontally.

[0027] For example, by driving motor 15 and rotating washing tub 14 relative to water tub 13 when water is stored in water tub 13, laundry in washing tub 14 can be washed or rinsed. Also, by driving motor 15 when there is no water in water tub 13, laundry in washing tub 14 can be dehydrated.

[0028] As shown in FIG. 1, washer / dryer 1 is provided with water tub 13 capable of storing water. Water tub 13 is generally cylindrical with one end closed. Specifically, water tub 13 has a generally cylindrical side wall (peripheral wall) 13e and a bottom wall 13d that closes the rear end of side wall 13e. Water tub 13 cannot rotate relative to housing 11. Water tub 13 is provided within housing 11 so that it can swing using dampers, springs, etc. (not shown).

[0029] A washing tub 14 serving as a tub is disposed inside water tub 13. Laundry is placed in washing tub 14 and washed. Therefore, the washing capacity (volume of laundry that can be selected) of washer-dryer 1 correlates with the volume of washing tub 14. The larger the volume of washing tub 14, the larger the washing capacity of washer-dryer 1.

[0030] For example, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 3, washing tub 14 is substantially cylindrical with a bottom. Specifically, washing tub 14 is substantially cylindrical with one end closed. More specifically, washing tub 14 has bottom wall 14b and side wall (peripheral wall) 14c. Bottom wall 14b is located in front of bottom wall 13d of water tub 13 in the direction of extension of central axis A shown in FIG. 2, etc. Bottom wall 14b and bottom wall 13d are each substantially disk-shaped. Bottom wall 14b and bottom wall 13d are arranged substantially parallel and substantially concentrically. More specifically, when laundry has not been put into washer-dryer 1 and washer-dryer 1 was stopped, bottom wall 14b and bottom wall 13d are arranged substantially concentrically.

[0031] A cylindrical side wall (peripheral wall) 14c is connected to bottom wall 14b. Bottom wall 14b and side wall 14c are fixed to each other by, for example, crimping. More specifically, side wall 14c is connected to the peripheral edge of disk-shaped bottom wall 14b. Side wall 14c extends diagonally forward (in the direction of central axis A) from bottom wall 14b. Washing tub 14 and water tub 13 are arranged to share the same central axis A. Washing tub 14 has a smaller diameter than water tub 13. A clearance is provided between the outer peripheral surface of washing tub 14 and the inner peripheral surface of water tub 13.

[0032] Washing tub 14 is rotatable about central axis A relative to water tub 13 shown in FIG. 1. Washing tub 14 is driven to rotate by motor 15, which serves as a rotation mechanism. When motor 15 is driven, washing tub 14 rotates relative to water tub 13 and housing 11. This agitates the laundry, water, etc. in washing tub 14. This allows the laundry to be washed, rinsed, loosened, dehydrated, etc.

[0033] Specifically, washing tub 14 is provided rotatably together with rotating shaft 15a of motor 15 shown in Fig. 1. When motor 15 is driven, washing tub 14 rotates around central axis A together with rotating shaft 15a.

[0034] In this embodiment, an example in which the central axis A extends obliquely upward toward the front will be described, but the present disclosure is not limited to this configuration. The central axis A, which is the rotation axis of the washing tub 14, may extend obliquely upward toward the front, or may extend substantially horizontally.

[0035] FIG. 4 is a schematic plan view of the washing tub 14 and the cover 30 in the first embodiment. FIG. 5 is a schematic plan view of the washing tub 14 in the first embodiment. FIG. 6 is a schematic back view of the washing tub 14 and the reinforcing member 20 in the first embodiment. FIG. 7 is a schematic cross-sectional view taken along line VII-VII in FIG. 5. FIG. 8 is a schematic plan view of a portion of the washing tub 14 and the cover 30 in the first embodiment. FIG. 9 is a schematic plan view of the cover 30 in the first embodiment. FIG. 10 is a schematic cross-sectional view taken along line XX in FIG. 9. FIG. 11 is a schematic perspective view of the cover 30 in the first embodiment. FIG. 12 is a schematic side view of the cover 30 in the first embodiment. FIG. 13 is a schematic back view of the cover 30 in the first embodiment.

[0036] 3, 6, and 7, a reinforcing member 20 is provided on the rear side of washing tub 14, specifically, on the back side of bottom wall 14b. Reinforcing member 20 is thicker than bottom wall 14b. Reinforcing member 20 reinforces washing tub 14, which is driven to rotate by motor 15, to improve the rigidity of washing tub 14 and efficiently transmit the rotational force (torque) of rotating shaft 15a to washing tub 14.

[0037] As shown in FIGS. 3 and 6, the reinforcing member 20 includes a shaft portion 21 and a plurality of support portions 22a, 22b, and 22c. The shaft portion 21 is located in the center of the bottom wall 14b. The shaft portion 21 is located on the central axis A. The central axis of the shaft portion 21 is common with the central axis A. As shown in FIGS. 2 and 7, the shaft portion 21 is coaxially fixed to the rotating shaft 15a by fastening members such as bolts and nuts. Specifically, the shaft portions 21 are arranged at equal intervals in the circumferential direction and are fixed to the rotating shaft 15a by bolts (not shown) inserted into four through-holes 21a (see FIG. 5) that penetrate the shaft portion 21. In this embodiment, the shaft portion 21 and the rotating shaft 15a form the shaft 19. The shaft portion 21 is fitted into a through-hole formed in the center of the bottom wall 14b. Therefore, the surface of the shaft portion 21 is located on the inner surface of the washing tub 14.

[0038] A plurality of support portions 22a, 22b, and 22c are connected to shaft portion 21. Support portions 22a, 22b, and 22c are spaced apart from one another in the circumferential direction about central axis A. Support portions 22a, 22b, and 22c each extend radially outward from shaft portion 21. The outer ends of support portions 22a, 22b, and 22c are fixed to sidewall 14c of washing tub 14. This prevents reinforcing member 20 and washing tub 14 from rotating relative to one another. The outer ends of support portions 22a, 22b, and 22c may be fixed to sidewall 14c by fastening members such as bolts and nuts, or by welding.

[0039] 2, 3, 6, and 7, a plurality of air outlets 23 are formed in shaft 19. More specifically, the plurality of air outlets 23 are formed in shaft portion 21 of shaft 19, which constitutes reinforcing member 20. Each of the plurality of air outlets 23 is formed to penetrate shaft portion 21 in the direction in which central axis A extends. Therefore, each of the plurality of air outlets 23 is formed to be connected to the inside of washing tub 14.

[0040] Each of the plurality of air outlets 23 is connected to heating mechanism 18 shown in FIG. 2 etc. via an air path (not shown). Air heated by heating mechanism 18 is blown into washing tub 14 via the air path and the plurality of air outlets 23. The air supplied to washing tub 14 is sent to water tub 13 via through-holes formed in side wall 14c of washing tub 14. An air path 60 (see FIG. 2) connected to heating mechanism 18 is connected to water tub 13, and air from water tub 13 returns to heating mechanism 18 via air path 60. The circulation of air in this air circulation circuit may be generated by a fan or the like arranged in the circulation path.

[0041] Next, the plurality of air outlets 23 and the cover 30 will be described in detail mainly with reference to FIGS.

[0042] As shown mainly in Fig. 5 etc., the plurality of air outlets 23 are provided at intervals from one another along the circumferential direction centered on the central axis A. The plurality of air outlets 23 include a plurality of first air outlets 23a and a plurality of second air outlets 23b.

[0043] The multiple first air outlets 23a are provided at intervals from one another in the circumferential direction centered on the central axis A. The multiple second air outlets 23b are also provided at intervals from one another in the circumferential direction centered on the central axis A. The second air outlets 23b are provided in each region between two adjacent first air outlets 23a in the circumferential direction. Therefore, the multiple first air outlets 23a and the multiple second air outlets 23b are arranged alternately at intervals from one another in the circumferential direction. The first air outlets 23a and the second air outlets 23b are provided so that the distance between the central axis A (the rotation axis of the shaft) and the radial outer end of the second air outlet 23b is substantially equal to the distance between the central axis A (the rotation axis of the shaft) and the radial outer end of the first air outlet 23a.

[0044] Comparing first air outlet 23a and second air outlet 23b, first air outlet 23a has a relatively large area, while second air outlet 23b has a small area. The cross-sectional area of ​​second air outlet 23b is smaller than the cross-sectional area of ​​first air outlet 23a. The area of ​​second air outlet 23b is preferably 0.1 times or more, and more preferably 0.3 times or more, the area of ​​first air outlet 23a. The area of ​​second air outlet 23b is preferably 0.9 times or less, more preferably 0.7 times or less, and more preferably 0.5 times or less, the area of ​​first air outlet 23a.

[0045] The radial dimension L2 of second air outlet 23b is smaller than the maximum radial dimension L1 of first air outlet 23a. The radial dimension L2 of second air outlet 23b is preferably smaller than the radial dimension L1 of first air outlet 23a. The maximum dimension L2 is preferably 0.9 times or less the maximum dimension L1. The maximum dimension L2 is preferably 0.5 times or more the maximum dimension L1, more preferably 0.6 times or more, and even more preferably 0.7 times or more.

[0046] The maximum circumferential dimension W2 of the second air outlet 23b is preferably smaller than the maximum circumferential dimension W1 of the first air outlet 23a. The maximum dimension W2 is preferably 0.9 times or less, more preferably 0.7 times or less, and even more preferably 0.5 times or less, of the maximum dimension W1. The maximum dimension W2 is preferably 0.1 times or more, and more preferably 0.3 times or more, of the maximum dimension W1.

[0047] The value (W2 / L2) obtained by dividing the maximum dimension W2 by the maximum dimension L2 is preferably smaller than the value (W1 / L1) obtained by dividing the maximum dimension W1 by the maximum dimension L1. W2 / L1 is preferably 0.9 times or less, more preferably 0.7 times or less, of W1 / L1. W2 / L1 is preferably 0.1 times or more, more preferably 0.3 times or more, of W1 / L1.

[0048] As shown primarily in FIGS. 8 and 5 , the first air outlet 23a and the second air outlet 23b are each formed in a quadrangular shape, specifically a generally trapezoidal shape, with rounded corners and a circumferential width that narrows toward the radial center. The circumferential dimensions of the first air outlet 23a and the second air outlet 23b gradually increase from the radially outer side toward the radially inner side and then gradually decrease. The radius of curvature of each corner located toward the radial center of the first air outlet 23a and the second air outlet 23b is larger than the radius of curvature of each corner located toward the radially outer side of the first air outlet 23a and the second air outlet 23b. The radius of curvature of each corner located toward the radial center of the first air outlet 23a and the second air outlet 23b is preferably 0.9 times or less, more preferably 0.8 times or less, of the radius of curvature of each corner located toward the radial center of the first air outlet 23a and the second air outlet 23b. The radius of curvature of each corner located on the radially outer side of each of the first air outlet 23a and the second air outlet 23b is preferably at least 0.3 times, and more preferably at least 0.5 times, the radius of curvature of each corner located on the radially central side of each of the first air outlet 23a and the second air outlet 23b.

[0049] As shown primarily in FIG. 6, the multiple first air outlets 23a and the multiple second air outlets 23b are configured so that the distances along the circumferential direction between adjacent first air outlets 23a and second air outlets 23b in the circumferential direction are substantially equal.

[0050] The radially outer ends of the first air outlets 23a and the second air outlets 23b are located on substantially the same circumference. The distance between the radially outer ends of the first air outlets 23a and the second air outlets 23b and the central axis A is substantially equal. As described above, the radial dimension L2 of the second air outlet 23b is smaller than the radial dimension L1 of the first air outlet 23a (see FIG. 5). Therefore, the shaft portion 21 is configured such that, when viewed in the direction in which the central axis A extends, the distance L3 between the second air outlet 23b and the central axis A is longer than the distance L4 between the first air outlet 23a and the central axis A.

[0051] The difference between the distance L3 and the distance L4, i.e., the difference between the dimension L2 and the dimension L1, is preferably smaller than the dimension L2. The difference between the distance L3 and the distance L4 is preferably 0.1 times or more the dimension L1. The first and second air outlets 23a and 23b are preferably provided so that a virtual normal to a portion of the edge of the first air outlet 23a, the portion being a distance away from the central axis A equal to the distance L3 between the second air outlet 23b and the central axis A, does not pass through the second air outlet 23b adjacent to the first air outlet 23a in the circumferential direction. For example, a virtual circle is defined from the central axis A, the distance L3 between the second air outlet 23b and the central axis A. The first and second air outlets 23a and 23b are preferably provided so that a normal to the edge of the first air outlet 23a at the intersection of the virtual circle and the edge of the first air outlet 23a does not pass through the second air outlet 23b adjacent to the first air outlet 23a in the circumferential direction. It is more preferable that the normal to the edge of the first air outlet 23a does not pass through not only the adjacent second air outlet 23b, but also the first air outlet 23a or second air outlet 23b adjacent to the second air outlet 23b.

[0052] 4 and 8, the air outlet 23 is covered by a cover 30. Next, the arrangement and configuration of the cover 30 will be described in detail mainly with reference to FIGS.

[0053] As shown in Fig. 4, cover 30 is disposed in washing tub 14. Cover 30 covers the front side of multiple air outlets 23 in the direction in which central axis A extends. Cover 30 is fixed to shaft portion 21. In detail, pin 30a provided on cover 30 shown in Figs. 12 and 13 is inserted into through-hole 21b shown in Fig. 5 to position it, and a bolt is inserted into a hole provided in the center of cover 30 and tightened, thereby fixing cover 30 to shaft portion 21.

[0054] As shown in Figure 8 and other figures, the cover 30 has a lattice portion 30A. The lattice portion 30A has a plurality of partition walls 31 extending in the radial direction and a plurality of partition walls 32 extending in the circumferential direction. The lattice portion 30A is formed by the intersection of the plurality of partition walls 31 and the plurality of partition walls 32, and a plurality of through holes 33 defined by two circumferentially adjacent partition walls 31 and two radially adjacent partition walls 32 are formed in the lattice portion 30A.

[0055] As shown in FIG. 10 , the cover 30 has a central portion 30b located in a central region through which the central axis A passes and an outer portion 30c located radially outward of the central portion 30b. A plurality of partition walls 32 are provided in both the central portion 30b and the outer portion 30c. Among the plurality of partition walls 32, the plurality of partition walls 32a provided in the central portion 30b and the plurality of partition walls 32b provided in the outer portion 30c have substantially the same width. In contrast, the partition wall 32c provided between the central portion 30b and the outer portion 30c is wider than the partition walls 32a and 32b. In other words, the radial width of the partition wall 32c is wider than the radial widths of the partition walls 32a and 32b. The central portion 30b and the outer portion 30c are separated by this wide partition wall 32c.

[0056] As shown in Figure 8 and other figures, the central portion 30b is located inside the multiple air outlets 23 when viewed from the direction in which the central axis A extends. The central portion 30b and the multiple air outlets 23 do not overlap when viewed from the direction in which the central axis A extends. On the other hand, the outer portion 30c is located so as to include, in the radial direction, an area in which the multiple air outlets 23 are provided when viewed from the direction in which the central axis A extends. The outer portion 30c overlaps with the multiple air outlets 23 when viewed from the direction in which the central axis A extends.

[0057] The plurality of partition walls 31 include a plurality of partition walls 31a and a plurality of partition walls 31b. A plurality of partition walls 31a are provided in the central portion 30b among the plurality of partition walls 31. Each of the plurality of partition walls 31a extends in the radial direction. The plurality of partition walls 31a are arranged at intervals from one another in the circumferential direction. In the central portion 30b, a plurality of through holes 33a constituting a part of the plurality of through holes 33 are formed in the central portion 30b by annular partition walls 32a arranged at intervals from one another in the radial direction so as to intersect with the plurality of partition walls 31a. The partition walls 31a constituting the second partition walls are located inward of the radially inner ends of the plurality of air outlets 23 when viewed from the direction in which the central axis A extends.

[0058] The outer portion 30c is provided with a plurality of partition walls 31b among the plurality of partition walls 31. The plurality of partition walls 31b each extend radially. The plurality of partition walls 31b are arranged at intervals from one another in the circumferential direction. In the outer portion 30c, a plurality of through holes 33b constituting a part of the plurality of through holes 33 are formed in the outer portion 30c by annular partition walls 32b arranged at intervals from one another in the radial direction so as to intersect with the plurality of partition walls 31b. The partition walls 31b constituting the first partition walls are located outward from the inner ends of the plurality of air outlets 23 in the radial direction when viewed from the direction in which the central axis A extends.

[0059] The number of partition walls 31a constituting the second partition wall is the same as the number of partition walls 31b constituting the first partition wall, 18 for each. The partition walls 31a and the partition walls 31b are provided at different positions in the circumferential direction. The partition walls 31a and the partition walls 31b are arranged so that the partition walls 31a and the partition walls 31b are not positioned on the same straight line, and the outer peripheral end of the partition wall 31a and the inner peripheral end of the partition wall 31b both terminate at the partition wall 32c. In other words, the partition walls 31a and the partition walls 31b branch off from the partition wall 32c in a T-shape and extend radially inward and radially outward, respectively.

[0060] The distance between two radially adjacent partition walls 32a in the central portion 30b is substantially equal to the distance between two radially adjacent partition walls 32b in the outer portion 30c, so the radial dimension of the through hole 33a provided in the central portion 30b is substantially equal to the radial dimension of the through hole 33b provided in the outer portion 30c.

[0061] As shown in FIG. 8, among the partition walls 31 extending in the radial direction, the plurality of partition walls 31b constituting the first partition wall provided in the outer portion 30c includes a plurality of partition walls 31b1 and a plurality of partition walls 31b2.

[0062] Each of the plurality of partition walls 31b1 is provided across the first air outlet 23a in the radial direction when viewed in the direction along the central axis A. Each of the plurality of partition walls 31b1 is provided so as to extend from the outer end of the first air outlet 23a in the radial direction, or further outward than the outer end, to the inner end of the first air outlet 23a in the radial direction, when viewed in the direction along the central axis A. In other words, when viewed in the direction along the central axis A, the outer end of each of the plurality of partition walls 31b1 is located at the same position as the outer end of the first air outlet 23a in the radial direction or further outward than the outer end, and when viewed in the direction along the central axis A, the inner end of each of the plurality of partition walls 31b1 is located at the same position as the inner end of the first air outlet 23a in the radial direction or further inward than the inner end. Therefore, each of the plurality of air outlets 23 is divided into a plurality of sections along the circumferential direction by the partition walls 31b1. That is, the cover 30 is provided so as to divide the first air outlet 23a into a plurality of sections (a plurality of regions) along the circumferential direction when viewed from the direction in which the central axis A extends.

[0063] Specifically, each of the plurality of partition walls 31b1 is configured to extend radially at approximately the center along the circumferential direction of first air outlet 23a when viewed in the direction of extension of central axis A. Therefore, each of the plurality of first air outlets 23a is partitioned by partition wall 31b1 into one side portion 23a1 and another side portion 23a2 in the circumferential direction. One side portion 23a1 and other side portion 23a2 have substantially the same area and are congruent.

[0064] Of the multiple partition walls 31b, the multiple partition walls 31b2 other than the partition wall 31b1 that crosses the first air outlet 23a are arranged so as not to overlap with the air outlets 23, specifically the first air outlet 23a and the second air outlet 23b, when viewed in the direction along the central axis A. Each of the multiple partition walls 31b2 is located between the first air outlet 23a and the second air outlet 23b that are adjacent to each other in the circumferential direction when viewed in the direction along the central axis A. When viewed in the direction along the central axis A, the multiple partition walls 31b2 are arranged so that the circumferential distance between one partition wall 31b2 and the circumferentially adjacent first air outlet 23a is longer than the circumferential distance between one partition wall 31b2 and the circumferentially adjacent second air outlet 23b. The first air outlet 23a is provided on one circumferential side of each of the multiple partition walls 31b2, and the second air outlet 23b is provided on the other circumferential side. The one partition wall 31b2 is disposed at a position closer to the second air outlet 23b than to the first air outlet 23a in the circumferential direction.

[0065] In this embodiment, an example will be described in which none of the partition walls 31b2 overlaps with the second air outlet 23b. However, the present disclosure is not limited to this configuration. For example, at least one of the partition walls 31b2 may overlap with the circumferential end of the second air outlet 23b.

[0066] In this embodiment, since the cover 30 having the above-described configuration is provided, the warm air supplied from the heating mechanism 18 and blown out from the outlet 23 toward the inside of the washing tub 14 flows into the inside of the washing tub 14 through the multiple through holes 33 formed in the cover 30.

[0067] From the viewpoint of improving the drying efficiency of the items to be dried (laundry) in the washer-dryer 1 and reducing the power consumption of the washer-dryer 1 during the drying process, it is preferable to increase the amount of air supplied into the washing tub 14 via the air outlet 23 and the cover 30. However, if air outlets are provided over the entire shaft portion, including the central portion on the central axis side of the shaft portion, it may be difficult to maintain a sufficiently high strength of the shaft portion. In the washer-dryer 1, the air outlet 23 is provided on the radially outer portion of the shaft portion 21, excluding the central region near the central axis A. This can increase the strength and rigidity of the shaft portion 21.

[0068] From the viewpoint of increasing the amount of airflow supplied into the washing tub, it is also possible to provide a plurality of uniformly shaped air outlets having the same maximum radial dimension and substantially the same area. Furthermore, even in the case of providing first air outlet 23a with a relatively large area and second air outlet 23b with a relatively small area, as in the present embodiment, it is also possible to extend second air outlet 23b to the radially inner end of first air outlet 23a to increase the area. However, such a configuration increases the length of the portion of shaft portion 21 located between first air outlet 23a and second air outlet 23b, which are adjacent in the circumferential direction. This tends to reduce the strength and rigidity of shaft portion 21, particularly in the areas where first air outlet 23a and second air outlet 23b are provided.

[0069] As shown in FIG. 5 , in the washer / dryer 1, the radial dimension L2 of the second air outlet 23b is shorter than the radial dimension L1 of the first air outlet 23a. Therefore, the radial length of the portion of the shaft portion 21 between the first air outlet 23a and the second air outlet 23b, which are adjacent in the circumferential direction, is short. This makes it easier to ensure high strength and rigidity in the portion of the shaft portion 21 between the first air outlet 23a and the second air outlet 23b, which are adjacent in the circumferential direction. Therefore, the portion of the shaft portion 21 between the first air outlet 23a and the second air outlet 23b, which are adjacent in the circumferential direction, can be narrowed while suppressing a decrease in the strength and rigidity of the shaft portion 21. By narrowing the portion of the shaft portion 21 between the first air outlet 23a and the second air outlet 23b, which are adjacent in the circumferential direction, the circumferential width of at least one of the first air outlet 23a and the second air outlet 23b can be increased, thereby increasing the area. As a result, the amount of air supplied into the washing tub 14 can be increased, which can improve the drying efficiency and reduce the power consumption of the washer / dryer 1.

[0070] Furthermore, in the washer-dryer 1, the areas of first air outlet 23a and second air outlet 23b are different, so the air volume of the air blown out from first air outlet 23a and the air volume of the air blown out from second air outlet 23b are different from each other. Specifically, the air volume of the air blown out from first air outlet 23a, which has a relatively large area, is greater than the air volume of the air blown out from second air outlet 23b, which has a relatively small area. Therefore, the air blown out from first air outlet 23a is more likely to be released into washing tub 14 while being diffused toward second air outlet 23b, i.e., toward the outside in the circumferential direction. This allows the air from air outlet 23 to be supplied to a wider area in washing tub 14. As a result, the laundry drying efficiency of the washer-dryer 1 can be further improved, and the power consumption of the washer-dryer 1 can be further reduced.

[0071] When the first air outlets 23a are opened widely, the strength of the shaft portion 21 near the central axis A can be ensured by making the two adjacent first air outlets 23a small-diameter air outlets offset toward the outer periphery like the second air outlets 23b. For example, when air outlets of the same shape are arranged circumferentially, it is necessary to limit the dimensions of each air outlet to ensure strength. In contrast, in this embodiment, the small-area second air outlets 23b are intentionally arranged offset toward the outer periphery, so that the large-area first air outlet 23a can be formed between them. Even if the sum of the areas of the first air outlets 23a and the second air outlets 23b is not large, the flow resistance of the air outlets depends on the periphery, and therefore, by making each of the air outlets 23a and 23b large in area, loss can be reduced.

[0072] Furthermore, in the washer-dryer 1, as shown in FIG. 8 , the cover 30 is provided to divide the first air outlet 23a into a plurality of sections along the circumferential direction when viewed in the direction of the central axis A. Specifically, the plurality of partition walls 31b of the cover 30 include a plurality of partition walls 31b1 provided across the first air outlet 23a in the radial direction when viewed in the direction of the central axis A. The partition walls 31b1 are provided to extend radially through the central portion of the first air outlet 23a, and the partition walls 31b1 divide the first air outlet 23a into one side portion 23a1 and another side portion 23a2 in the circumferential direction. Because the partition walls 31b1 are located downstream of the air outlet 23 in the blowing direction of the air from the air outlet 23, the air blown out from the first air outlet 23a is more likely to be diffused to both sides in the circumferential direction by the partition walls 31b1. Therefore, the airflow from the air outlet 23 can be supplied to a wider area in the washing tub 14. As a result, the drying efficiency and power consumption of the washer / dryer 1 can be further reduced.

[0073] In the washer-dryer 1, a partition wall 31b2 is provided between first air outlet 23a and second air outlet 23b, which are adjacent in the circumferential direction. Therefore, partition walls 31b2 are located on both sides of second air outlet 23b in the circumferential direction. These partition walls 31b2 enhance the linearity in the circumferential direction of the air blown out from second air outlet 23b, which has a relatively small area, a relatively small width W2, and a small air volume. Therefore, the air blown out from second air outlet 23b is less likely to prevent the air blown out from first air outlet 23a from being diffused and supplied into washing tub 14. Therefore, air can be supplied to a wider area in washing tub 14. As a result, the drying efficiency and power consumption of the washer-dryer 1 can be further reduced.

[0074] In particular, in the washer-dryer 1, the distance between adjacent partition walls 31b2 and second air outlet 23b in the circumferential direction is shorter than the distance between adjacent partition walls 31b2 and first air outlet 23a in the circumferential direction. Partition wall 31b2 is disposed in a position closer to second air outlet 23b of first air outlet 23a and second air outlet 23b in the circumferential direction. This further improves the linearity of the air blown out from second air outlet 23b and further promotes the diffusion of the air blown out from first air outlet 23a. This allows air to be supplied to a wider area within washing tub 14. As a result, the drying efficiency and power consumption of the washer-dryer 1 can be further reduced.

[0075] Incidentally, cover 30 is exposed to the inside of washing tub 14. Therefore, when washing tub 14 is rotated, there is a risk that laundry in washing tub 14 and cover 30 may come into contact with each other. In particular, in a case where central axis A is inclined relative to the horizontal direction, as in washer-dryer 1, the rotating laundry may reach the bottom wall 14b of washing tub 14 closer to central axis A. Therefore, there is a high possibility that cover 30 may come into contact with the laundry.

[0076] To prevent damage to the cover due to contact between the laundry and the cover, it is possible to eliminate through-holes in the central area of ​​the cover that does not overlap with the air outlets when viewed from the direction of the central axis. However, in this case, the area ratio of the through-holes to the area where the cover is provided is reduced. Furthermore, the wind speed in the central area where the cover is provided tends to be too low. Therefore, there is a risk that the air blown out from the air outlets will be drawn toward the central axis, making it difficult to supply the air to a wide area of ​​the washing tub 14.

[0077] In the washer-dryer 1, when viewed in the direction of extension of the central axis A, through holes 33a are formed in the cover 30 even on the side closer to the central axis A than the area where the air outlet 23 is provided. This prevents the area ratio occupied by the through holes 33 to the area where the cover 30 is provided from becoming too low, thereby preventing the ventilation efficiency of the cover 30 from decreasing too much. Furthermore, this prevents the air velocity in the central area of ​​the cover 30 closer to the central axis A from becoming too low, thereby preventing the air blown out from the through holes 33 of the cover 30 from being difficult to diffuse within the washing tub 14. Furthermore, the partition walls 31a and 31b are located at different positions in the circumferential direction. This increases the strength and rigidity of the cover 30 compared to, for example, a case in which the partition walls 31a and 31b are arranged in a straight line. Therefore, even if the laundry comes into contact with the cover 30, the cover 30 is less likely to be damaged. Therefore, the washer-dryer 1 achieves high drying efficiency and low power consumption while preventing damage to the cover 30.

[0078] Other embodiments of the present disclosure will be described below. In the following description, members having substantially the same functions as those in the first embodiment will be referred to by the same reference numerals, and descriptions thereof will be omitted.

[0079] (Second embodiment) Fig. 14 is a schematic plan view of washing tub 14 and cover 30 in the second embodiment. Fig. 15 is a schematic cross-sectional view taken along line XV-XV in Fig. 14. Fig. 16 is a schematic plan view of cover 30 in the second embodiment. Fig. 17 is a schematic plan view of a portion of washing tub 14 and cover 30 in the second embodiment.

[0080] The washer-dryer according to the second embodiment is substantially similar to the washer-dryer 1 according to the first embodiment except for the configuration of the cover 30. Therefore, with respect to the features of the cover 30 in the second embodiment described below, the description of the first embodiment also applies to the second embodiment.

[0081] As shown mainly in FIGS. 16 and 17, the second embodiment and the first embodiment differ from each other in the configurations of the partition walls 31, 32 and the through-holes 33 in the cover 30. As shown in FIG.

[0082] In the second embodiment, among the plurality of partition walls 31, the plurality of partition walls 31a provided in the center portion 30b of the cover (see FIG. 10) constitute a plurality of partition wall pairs, each of which is made up of two partition walls 31a extending in directions inclined toward each other from the same position located on the central axis A side toward the outside. The plurality of partition wall pairs are arranged at intervals from each other in the circumferential direction.

[0083] Of the multiple partitions 31, the multiple partitions 31b provided on the outer portion 30c of the cover (see Figure 10) form multiple partition pairs 31B, each consisting of two partitions 31b extending in mutually inclined directions further outward from the respective outer ends of the multiple partitions 31a provided in the center portion 30b.

[0084] In the second embodiment, as in the first embodiment, the second air outlet 23b has a smaller area than the first air outlet 23a and a smaller maximum radial dimension, so the total area of ​​the air outlet 23 can be increased, thereby achieving high drying efficiency. When viewed from the direction in which the central axis A extends, the distance between the second air outlet 23b and the central axis A is longer than the distance between the first air outlet 23a and the central axis A. Therefore, higher drying efficiency can be achieved.

[0085] In the second embodiment, when viewed from the direction of extension of the central axis A, the plurality of partition walls 31a and the plurality of partition walls 31b each extend in a direction inclined relative to the radial direction. Furthermore, one partition wall 31a and the plurality of partition walls 31b connected to that one partition wall 31a extend in mutually different directions. This effectively increases the strength and rigidity of the cover 30.

[0086] In the second embodiment, unlike the first embodiment, the first air outlet 23a is divided into three by partition walls 31b. Specifically, when viewed in the direction along the central axis A, one partition wall 31b3 of two partition walls 31b constituting a plurality of partition wall pairs 31B is disposed so as to overlap with the first air outlet 23a, and the other partition wall 31b4 is disposed so as not to overlap with the first air outlet 23a but to pass between the first air outlet 23a and the second air outlet 23b in the circumferential direction, specifically, to pass substantially directly above the outer end of the second air outlet 23b in the circumferential direction. When viewed in the direction along the central axis A, the partition wall 31b does not overlap with the second air outlet 23b.

[0087] One first air outlet 23a overlaps with each of partition walls 31b3 of two partition wall pairs 31B adjacent to each other in the circumferential direction. Therefore, first air outlet 23a is partitioned by two partition walls 31b3 into three parts: portion 23a3 located in the circumferential center, portion 23a4 located on one side of portion 23a3 in the circumferential direction, and portion 23a5 located on the other side of portion 23a3 in the circumferential direction. Even when first air outlet 23a is partitioned into three or more parts by partition walls 31b in this way, the air from first air outlet 23a is diffused and supplied to a wide area of ​​washing tub 14, as in the first embodiment, so that laundry can be dried efficiently.

[0088] The embodiments disclosed herein should be considered to be illustrative in all respects and not restrictive. The scope of the present invention is defined by the claims, not by the above description, and is intended to include all modifications within the meaning and scope of the claims. Furthermore, configurations obtained by combining the configurations of the different embodiments described in this specification are also included in the scope of the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0089] 1: Washer / dryer 14: Washing machine tub 15a: Rotating shaft 18:Heating mechanism 19: Shaft 20: Reinforcement member 21: Shaft 21a: Through hole 21b: Through hole 23:Air outlet 23a: 1st outlet 23b: 2nd outlet 30: Cover 30A: Lattice part 30b: Center 30c:Outer part 31, 31a, 31b, 32, 32a, 32b, 32c: Bulkhead

Claims

1. A tank and a shaft having a plurality of outlets connected to the inside of the tank and rotating together with the tank; Equipped with The plurality of air outlets include: a first air outlet provided along a circumferential direction around a central axis of the shaft; a second air outlet provided between two of the first air outlets adjacent to each other in the circumferential direction, the second air outlet having a smaller area and a smaller maximum dimension along the radial direction than the first air outlets; Including the dryer.

2. The dryer according to claim 1, wherein the first air outlet and the second air outlet are arranged so that the distance between the rotation axis of the shaft and the radial outer end of the second air outlet is equal to the distance between the rotation axis of the shaft and the radial outer end of the first air outlet.

3. 2. The dryer according to claim 1, wherein the first air outlet and the second air outlet are arranged so that a normal to a portion of an edge of the first air outlet that is a distance away from the central axis the same distance as the distance between the second air outlet and the central axis does not pass through the first air outlet.

4. A cover for covering the plurality of air outlets in the tank is further provided. The dryer according to claim 1 , wherein the cover is provided so as to divide the first air outlet into a plurality of sections along a circumferential direction when viewed from a direction in which the central axis extends.

5. The dryer according to claim 1, wherein, when viewed from the direction in which the central axis extends, the distance between the second air outlet and the central axis is longer than the distance between the first air outlet and the central axis.

6. the cover has a lattice portion including a plurality of partition walls extending along the radial direction to define a plurality of through holes, The dryer according to claim 4 , wherein the plurality of partition walls include a partition wall provided across the first air outlet in the radial direction when viewed from the direction in which the central axis extends.

7. The plurality of partition walls are a plurality of first partition walls located outside inner ends of the plurality of air outlets in the radial direction and spaced apart from one another along the circumferential direction; a plurality of second partition walls located inside inner ends of the plurality of air outlets in the radial direction and spaced apart from one another along the circumferential direction; Including, The dryer according to claim 6 , wherein the first partition wall and the second partition wall are provided at different positions in the circumferential direction.

8. The dryer of claim 6, wherein the plurality of partition walls include a partition wall located between the first air outlet and the second air outlet adjacent to each other in the circumferential direction, and the shortest distance in the circumferential direction between the partition wall and the first air outlet adjacent to the partition wall in the circumferential direction is longer than the shortest distance in the circumferential direction between the partition wall and the second air outlet adjacent to the partition wall in the circumferential direction.

9. The dryer according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the central axis of the tub is inclined relative to the horizontal direction.

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