Dryer

Abstract

To provide a dryer having high drying efficiency.SOLUTION: Each of both side surfaces of the recess is provided so as to intersect with either the first or second linear projection when viewed from the direction in which the central axis extends. The bottom surface of the recess is located outside the first or second linear projection in a region where the air passage is provided, and has an inclined surface inclined to the air passage bottom wall side toward the center side. The air duct bottom wall has an inclined part inclined to the washing tank bottom wall side from the outer side of the outer side end of the inclined surface toward the center side.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 9

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] Patent No. 5599280 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 cylindrical water tub with one end closed in the direction of extension of a central axis, a cylindrical washing tub concentrically disposed within the water tub and having a washing tub bottom wall facing the water tub bottom wall and having an air outlet formed in a central portion, a reinforcing plate attached to the water tub bottom wall on the side opposite the washing tub bottom wall, an air passage bottom wall located between the water tub bottom wall and the washing tub bottom wall, and an air passage forming member connected to the air passage bottom wall and having a tubular portion extending toward the air outlet, forming an air passage. The reinforcing plate has a plate body attached to the water tub bottom wall and first and second linear protrusions protruding from the plate body toward the washing tub bottom wall and extending in mutually different radial directions. A recess is formed in a portion of the water tub bottom wall facing the washing tub that overlaps with the air passage, including a portion located circumferentially between the first linear protrusion and the second linear protrusion. Each of the two side surfaces of the recess is provided so as to intersect with either the first or second linear protrusion when viewed from the direction of extension of the central axis. The bottom surface of the recess is located outside the first or second linear protrusion in the area where the air passage is provided, and has an inclined surface that inclines toward the air passage bottom wall toward the center. The air passage bottom wall has an inclined portion that inclines toward the washing tub bottom wall from outside the outer end of the inclined surface toward the center. [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] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a washing and drying machine. [Figure 2] FIG. 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a washing / drying machine. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a schematic perspective view of a washing tub. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a schematic plan view of a washing tub. [Figure 5] FIG. 2 is a schematic rear view of the water tank, the reinforcing plate, the motor, and the duct. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a schematic rear view of the water tank and the reinforcing plate. [Figure 7] FIG. 2 is a schematic front view of the water tank and the air passage forming member. [Figure 8] FIG. 2 is a schematic front view of the water tank. [Figure 9] FIG. 2 is a schematic rear view showing the shapes and arrangements of air passages, recesses, and ducts. [Figure 10] FIG. 8 is a schematic cross-sectional view taken along line XX in FIG. 7. [Figure 11] FIG. 10 is a schematic cross-sectional view taken along line XI-XI in FIG. [Figure 12] FIG. 8 is a schematic cross-sectional view taken along line XII-XII in FIG. 7. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing an enlarged portion of the vicinity of the duct in FIG. 12. [Figure 14] FIG. 2 is a schematic perspective view of the air-path forming member as viewed from the front surface side. [Figure 15] FIG. 2 is a schematic perspective view of the air-passage forming member as viewed from the rear surface side. [Figure 16] FIG. 2 is a schematic perspective view of the air-passage forming member as viewed from the rear surface side. [Figure 17] FIG. 2 is a schematic perspective view of the air-passage forming member as viewed from the rear surface side. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] A washer-dryer 1 according to an 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 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. Fig. 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the washer / dryer 1. Fig. 3 is a schematic perspective view of a washing tub main body 14e. Fig. 4 is a schematic plan view of the washing tub 14.

[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 having a washing tub body 14e and a reinforcing member 20 (see Figure 3), a motor 15 (see Figure 1) as a rotation mechanism, a water supply channel 16 (see Figure 1), a drainage channel 17 (see Figure 1), and a heating mechanism 18.

[0015] (Case 11) 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] (Aquarium 13) Water tub 13 stores water used for washing. Water tub 13 is cylindrical with one side (rear side) in the direction in which central axis A extends closed. Water tub 13 has a substantially cylindrical side wall (peripheral wall) 13e and a water tub bottom wall 13d that closes the rear end of side wall 13e. Water tub 13 cannot rotate with respect to housing 11. Water tub 13 is swingably mounted within housing 11 by dampers, springs, etc. (not shown).

[0019] The water tank 13 is formed with an opening 13a that communicates with the main opening 11b of the housing 11. The water tank 13 further has a water supply port 13b and a water drain port 13c.

[0020] 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.

[0021] (Washing tub 14) A washing tub 14 is provided inside water tub 13. Washing tub 14 is cylindrical with one end (rear side) in the direction in which central axis A extends closed. Washing tub 14 is cylindrical with an opening 14a at one end and a bottom at the other end. Washing tub 14 and water tub 13 are arranged concentrically. Laundry is placed into washing tub 14 through main opening 11b and opening 14a of washing tub 14. The laundry is washed in washing tub 14. For this reason, 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 greater the washing capacity of washer-dryer 1.

[0022] As shown in FIG. 3, washing tub 14 has washing tub main body 14e and reinforcing member 20. Washing tub main body 14e has washing tub bottom wall 14b and side wall (peripheral wall) 14c. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, washing tub bottom wall 14b is located in front of water tub bottom wall 13d of water tub 13 in the direction of central axis A. Washing tub bottom wall 14b and water tub bottom wall 13d face each other in the direction of central axis A. Washing tub bottom wall 14b and water tub bottom wall 13d are each substantially disk-shaped. When no laundry is loaded into washer-dryer 1 and washer-dryer 1 is stopped, washing tub bottom wall 14b and water tub bottom wall 13d are arranged substantially concentrically. As shown in FIG. 4, when viewed in the direction of central axis A, washing tub bottom wall 14b has opening 14b1 formed in its center.

[0023] A cylindrical side wall (peripheral wall) 14c is connected to washing tub bottom wall 14b. Washing tub bottom wall 14b and side wall 14c are fixed to each other, for example, by welding. More specifically, side wall 14c is connected to the periphery of disk-shaped washing tub bottom wall 14b. Side wall 14c extends diagonally forward (in the direction of central axis A) from washing tub bottom wall 14b. Washing tub main body 14e and water tub 13 are arranged to share the same central axis A. Washing tub main body 14e has a smaller diameter than water tub 13. A clearance is provided between the outer peripheral surface of washing tub main body 14e and the inner peripheral surface of water tub 13.

[0024] (shaft 15a and motor 15) Washing tub 14 is supported rotatably around shaft 15a. Motor 15 rotates washing tub 14 by rotating shaft 15a. Motor 15 constitutes a rotation mechanism that rotates washing tub 14. Motor 15 as a rotation mechanism may, for example, rotate washing tub 14 only in one rotation direction around the axis of 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.

[0025] For example, laundry in washing tub body 14e can be washed or rinsed by driving motor 15 to rotate washing tub body 14e relative to water tub 13 when water is stored in water tub 13. Also, laundry in washing tub body 14e can be dehydrated by driving motor 15 when there is no water in water tub 13.

[0026] In this embodiment, the central axis A of the shaft 15a extends obliquely upward toward the front, but the present disclosure is not limited to this configuration. The central axis A, which is the rotation axis of the washing tub body 14e, may extend obliquely upward toward the front, or may extend substantially horizontally.

[0027] (reinforcing member 20) 3, a reinforcing member 20 is provided on the rear side of washing tub main body 14e, specifically, on the back side of washing tub bottom wall 14b. This reinforcing member 20 covers opening 14b1 of washing tub bottom wall 14b, and constitutes washing tub 14 together with washing tub main body 14e.

[0028] Reinforcing member 20 is a member that reinforces washing tub body 14e, which is rotationally driven by motor 15, improves the rigidity of washing tub body 14e, and efficiently transmits the rotational force (torque) of shaft 15a to washing tub body 14e.

[0029] As shown in Fig. 3, reinforcing member 20 includes shaft portion 21 and multiple support portions 22a, 22b, and 22c. Shaft portion 21 is fitted into opening 14b1 of washing-tub bottom wall 14b. Therefore, the surface of shaft portion 21 is located on the inner surface of washing-tub body 14e. Shaft portion 21 is fixed to shaft 15a with fastening members such as bolts and nuts.

[0030] 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 around central axis A. Support portions 22a, 22b, and 22c each extend radially outward from shaft portion 21. The outer ends of each of support portions 22a, 22b, and 22c are fixed to sidewall 14c of washing tub body 14e. This prevents reinforcing member 20 and washing tub body 14e from rotating relative to one another.

[0031] (Air outlet 23) As shown in Fig. 3, a plurality of air outlets 23 are formed in shaft portion 21. More specifically, a plurality of air outlets 23 are formed in shaft portion 21. 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 body 14e.

[0032] The plurality of air outlets 23 are each located outside the shaft 15a when viewed from the direction in which the central axis A extends. The plurality of air outlets 23 are arranged around the shaft 15a at intervals from one another in the circumferential direction.

[0033] The plurality of air outlets 23 are each connected to heating mechanism 18 shown in FIG. 2 etc. by an air path. Air heated by heating mechanism 18 is supplied into washing tub 14 via the plurality of air outlets 23 provided in the center of washing tub bottom wall 14b. The air supplied to washing tub 14 is sent to water tub 13 via through-holes formed in side wall 14c of washing tub body 14e. 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.

[0034] As shown in FIG. 2, the plurality of air outlets 23 are covered by a cover 30 disposed inside the washing tub 14.

[0035] (Reinforcement plate 70) FIG. 5 is a schematic rear view of the water tub 13, reinforcing plate 70, motor 15, and duct 75. FIG. 6 is a schematic rear view of the water tub 13 and reinforcing plate 70. As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the reinforcing plate 70 is attached to the water tub 13, specifically, to the water tub bottom wall 13d. This reinforcing plate 70 improves the strength and rigidity of the water tub 13. For example, the water tub 13 is made of resin while the reinforcing plate 70 is made of metal, and the reinforcing plate 70 is made of a material with a higher Young's modulus than the water tub 13.

[0036] More specifically, reinforcing plate 70 is attached to the surface of water tub bottom wall 13d opposite washing tub bottom wall 14b. Reinforcing plate 70 is attached to the surface of water tub bottom wall 13d on the motor 15 side (rear side). Motor 15, which is a heavy object, is attached to this reinforcing plate 70. This improves the bonding strength between motor 15 and water tub 13.

[0037] Reinforcing plate 70 has plate body 71 and multiple linear protrusions 72. Plate body 71 is plate-shaped. Plate body 71 is attached to water-tank bottom wall 13d. Specifically, the outer periphery of plate body 71 is fixed to water-tank bottom wall 13d with fastening members such as bolts and nuts. When viewed in the direction in which central axis A extends, plate body 71 has a larger area than motor 15.

[0038] A plurality of linear protrusions (ribs) 72 are connected to plate body 71. The plurality of linear protrusions 72 improve the strength and rigidity of plate body 71. Each of the plurality of linear protrusions 72 extends from the surface of plate body 71 on the washing tub bottom wall 14b side toward washing tub bottom wall 14b. Each of the plurality of linear protrusions 72 extends in a direction approximately normal to the surface of plate body 71 on the washing tub bottom wall 14b side. The plurality of linear protrusions 72 extend in different directions from each other along the radial direction. In this embodiment, the plurality of linear protrusions 72 include at least a first linear protrusion 72a and a second linear protrusion 72b that extend in different directions from each other along the radial direction.

[0039] 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.

[0040] The heating mechanism 18 may be configured, for example, by a heat pump, an electric heater that heats by electric resistance, and a dehumidifier. The heating mechanism 18 may also be disposed in another location, such as above the water tank 13.

[0041] FIG. 7 is a schematic front view of the water tank and air-path forming member. FIG. 8 is a schematic front view of the water tank. FIG. 9 is a schematic back view showing the shape and arrangement of the air paths, recesses, and ducts. FIG. 10 is a schematic cross-sectional view taken along line XX in FIG. 7. FIG. 11 is a schematic cross-sectional view taken along line XI-XI in FIG. 7. FIG. 12 is a schematic cross-sectional view taken along line XII-XII in FIG. 7. FIG. 13 is a schematic cross-sectional view enlarging a portion near air path 80a in FIG. 12. FIG. 14 is a schematic perspective view of the air-path forming member as viewed from the front side. FIG. 15 is a schematic perspective view of the air-path forming member as viewed from the back side. FIG. 16 is a schematic perspective view of the air-path forming member as viewed from the back side. FIG. 17 is a schematic perspective view of the air-path forming member as viewed from the back side.

[0042] Next, a supply path for heated air supplied from heating mechanism 18 shown in FIG. 2 into washing tub 14 will be described in detail.

[0043] (Duct 75) Heated air from heating mechanism 18 is supplied to the region between water tub bottom wall 13d and washing tub bottom wall 14b via duct 75 shown in Fig. 5 etc. The heated air from duct 75 is supplied into washing tub 14 via air path (heated air supply path) 80a (see Fig. 10, for example) formed by water tub bottom wall 13d and air path forming member 80, and air outlet 23 (see Figs. 2 and 3, for example) formed in shaft portion 21.

[0044] 5, duct 75 connected to heating mechanism 18 is attached to the rear surface of aquarium bottom wall 13d and reinforcing plate 70. Air passage 75a through which heated air passes is formed within duct 75, and heated air from heating mechanism 18 is supplied via this air passage to air passage 80a provided in front of aquarium bottom wall 13d.

[0045] Duct 75 is located on the W1 side in the width direction (left-right direction) W when viewed from the front. Note that since Fig. 5 is a view of water tub 13 as viewed from the back side, the W1 side is the left side (L) when viewed from the front. The W2 side, which is opposite to the W1 side in the width direction W, is the right side (R) when viewed from the front.

[0046] The duct 75 has a first portion 75A and a second portion 75B.

[0047] First portion 75A extends in a substantially vertical direction on the L side with respect to central axis A. Of air passage 75a, first air passage 75a1 formed in first portion 75A also extends in a substantially vertical direction on the L side with respect to central axis A. Heated air from heating mechanism 18 is supplied to first air passage 75a1 formed in first portion 75A.

[0048] The second portion 75B is connected to the downstream end of the first portion 75A. In this embodiment, heated air flows upward through the first air passage 75a1. Therefore, the second portion 75B is connected to the upper end of the first portion 75A. The second portion 75B extends in a different direction from the first portion 75A. Specifically, the second portion 75B extends in a direction inclined relative to the vertical direction. More specifically, the second portion 75B extends in the circumferential direction when viewed from the direction in which the central axis A extends. Therefore, the second air passage 75a2 formed in the second portion 75B of the air passage 75a also extends in the circumferential direction centered on the central axis A when viewed from the direction in which the central axis A extends.

[0049] (Through hole 13d1) As shown in FIG. 6, through-hole 13d1 is formed in water-tank bottom wall 13d. This through-hole 13d1 is positioned to overlap the downstream end of second air passage 75a2 when viewed in the direction of central axis A. Therefore, heated air from second air passage 75a2 is sent to the front side of water-tank bottom wall 13d via through-hole 13d1. This configuration allows duct 75 connected to heating mechanism 18 to be positioned without interfering with shaft 15a, and through-hole 13d1 to be positioned at the top of water-tank bottom wall 13d. This prevents water from entering duct 75 even if it enters air outlet 23.

[0050] As described above, in this embodiment, the second air passage 75a2 connected to the through hole 13d1 extends in the circumferential direction, and therefore the heated air from the air passage 75a is supplied to the through hole 13d1 as a swirling flow that flows in the circumferential direction from the L side to the R side.

[0051] (Air passage forming member 80) The washing tub bottom wall 14b side of through-hole 13d1 formed in water tub bottom wall 13d is covered by air-path forming member (cover) 80 shown in FIGS. 7 and 10. As shown in FIG. 10, air path 80a is formed between air path forming member 80 and washing tub bottom wall 14b. Air path 75a formed in duct 75 is connected to air path 80a via through-hole 13d1. Heated air is guided to air outlet 23 via air path 80a and supplied into washing tub 14.

[0052] As shown in FIGS. 15 to 17, air-passage forming member 80 has air-passage bottom wall 81, a pair of side walls 82a and 82b, and tubular portion 83. As shown in FIGS.

[0053] Air passage bottom wall 81 is located between water tub bottom wall 13d and washing tub bottom wall 14b. Air passage bottom wall 81 faces, with a gap between them, the surface of water tub bottom wall 13d on the washing tub bottom wall 14b side. As shown in Fig. 10, the upper end of air passage bottom wall 81 faces through-hole 13d1 when viewed from the direction in which central axis A extends. Air passage bottom wall 81 extends from the portion facing through-hole 13d1 toward central axis A.

[0054] A pair of side walls 82a, 82b are each arranged on either side of air passage bottom wall 81 in the width direction. Side wall 82a is connected to one width end of air passage bottom wall 81, and side wall 82b is connected to the other width end. Side walls 82a, 82b each extend from air passage bottom wall 81 toward water-tank bottom wall 13d. The tips of side walls 82a, 82b contact water-tank bottom wall 13d. Air passage 80a is defined and formed by side walls 82a, 82b, air passage bottom wall 81, and water-tank bottom wall 13d.

[0055] Cylindrical portion 83 is connected to the downstream ends (ends on the central axis A side) of air passage bottom wall 81 and side walls 82a, 82b. Cylindrical portion 83 extends toward air outlet 23 formed in shaft portion 21 (toward the front in the direction in which central axis A extends). As shown in FIG. 2, the tip of cylindrical portion 83 is close to shaft portion 21. As a result, the air passage formed within cylindrical portion 83 is connected to air outlet 23 formed in shaft portion 21. As a result, heated air from air passage 80a is blown out from air outlet 23.

[0056] (recess 130) As shown in FIG. 8, recess 130 is formed in water tub bottom wall 13d. Recess 130 is recessed in the surface of water tub bottom wall 13d on the washing tub bottom wall 14b side, toward the opposite side from washing tub bottom wall 14b (air-path forming member 80). When viewed from the direction in which central axis A extends, recess 130 is arranged to overlap with air-path forming member 80. The space within recess 130, together with the space within air-path forming member 80, forms air path 80a. By providing recess 130 recessed toward the opposite side from air-path forming member 80 in water tub bottom wall 13d, the cross-sectional area of ​​air path 80a can be increased. This improves the efficiency of blowing heated air.

[0057] 7 and 8, recess 130 and air-path forming member 80 provided on recess 130 extend obliquely upward from the side of central axis A when viewed in the direction of extension of central axis A. As shown in Fig. 8, recess 130 and air-path forming member 80 are provided so as to include a portion located between first linear protrusion 72a and second linear protrusion 72b of reinforcing plate 70 when viewed in the direction of extension of central axis A. In detail, a portion of air-path bottom wall 81 excluding its downstream end (on the side of central axis A) and a portion of recess 130 facing this portion are located between first linear protrusion 72a and second linear protrusion 72b.

[0058] 8 to 13, recess 130 has a bottom surface 130a and a pair of side surfaces 131a, 131b. Bottom surface 130a faces air passage bottom wall 81 in the direction in which central axis A extends. Each of the pair of side surfaces 131a, 131b extends from an end of air passage bottom wall 81 in the width direction toward air passage forming member 80. Bottom surface 130a has a first portion 130a1, a second portion 130a2, a third portion 130a3, and a fourth portion 130a4.

[0059] First portion 130a1 is located in the upstream portion of air passage 80a. First portion 130a1 is located between side surface 131a and side surface 131b.

[0060] The second portion 130a2 and the third portion 130a3 are located downstream of the first portion 130a1. Specifically, the second portion 130a2 and the third portion 130a3 are each located downstream of the widthwise end of the first portion 130a1. The second portion 130a2 is located at the R-side end of the air passage 80a. The third portion 130a3 is located at the L-side end of the air passage 80a. The second portion 130a2 has a portion located above (forward of) the first linear protrusion 72a. The third portion 130a3 has a portion located above (forward of) the second linear protrusion 72b.

[0061] Both second portion 130a2 and third portion 130a3 are located closer to air passage bottom wall 81 than first portion 130a1. Second portion 130a2 and third portion 130a3 each have a surface that is inclined in the radial direction relative to first portion 130a1. Second portion 130a2 and third portion 130a3 each incline toward air passage bottom wall 81 toward the center (toward central axis A). Specifically, second portion 130a2 and third portion 130a3 are each inclined portions that incline toward air passage bottom wall 81 from the upstream side to the downstream side of air passage 80a.

[0062] In this embodiment, air passage 80a is provided biased toward second linear protrusion 72b of first linear protrusion 72a and second linear protrusion 72b. When viewed from the direction of extension of central axis A, the size of the angle between the extension direction of air passage 80a and first linear protrusion 72a is larger than the size of the angle between the extension direction of air passage 80a and second linear protrusion 72b. Therefore, the area of ​​air passage 80a that intersects with first linear protrusion 72a is smaller than the area that intersects with second linear protrusion 72b. Therefore, of second portion 130a2 and third portion 130a3, the width of the air passage is relatively smaller in second portion 130a2 and relatively larger in third portion 130a3.

[0063] In this embodiment, because the angle between the extension direction of air passage 80a and second linear protrusion 72b is small, the position where side surface 131b intersects with second linear protrusion 72b is located closer to the outer periphery of central axis A than the position where side surface 131a intersects with first linear protrusion 72a. Therefore, when viewed from the extension direction of air passage 80a, third portion 130a3 is wider than second portion 130a2 (see FIG. 13). Furthermore, the upstream end of third portion 130a3 is located more upstream of air passage 80a than the upstream end of second portion 130a2 (see FIG. 8). In this embodiment, second portion 130a2 and third portion 130a3 are concentric with central axis A. Therefore, the step between the third portion 130a3 and the first portion 130a1 at the upstream tip of the third portion 130a3 is smaller than the step between the second portion 130a2 and the first portion 130a1 at the upstream tip of the second portion 130a2.

[0064] The step between the second portion 130a2 and the first portion 130a1 is connected by a surface 133a. The surface 133a is an inclined surface that is inclined with the downstream side facing upward (forward) from the first portion 130a1 as the base end surface. The step between the third portion 130a3 and the first portion 130a1 is connected by a surface 133b. The surface 133b is an inclined surface that is inclined with the downstream side facing upward (forward) from the first portion 130a1 as the base end surface.

[0065] A surface 133c connected to the downstream end of the first portion 130a1 is provided in the region between the second portion 130a2 and the third portion 130a3. The surface 133c is an inclined surface that is inclined with the first portion 130a1 as the base end surface and the downstream side facing upward (forward). The inclination angle of the surface 133c with respect to the first portion 130a1 is greater than the inclination angle of the second portion 130a2 with respect to the first portion 130a1 and the inclination angle of the third portion 130a3 with respect to the first portion 130a1. When viewed from the direction in which the central axis A extends, the surface 133c is located radially outward of the shaft 15a.

[0066] The fourth portion 130a4 is connected to the second portion 130a2 and the third portion 130a3, which form an inclined surface. The fourth portion 130a4 is connected to the downstream ends of the second portion 130a2 and the third portion 130a3. The fourth portion 130a4 is provided in an arc shape (annular shape with a portion cut out). One end of the arc-shaped fourth portion 130a4 is connected to the second portion 130a2, and the other end is connected to the third portion 130a3. The fourth portion 130a4 is concentric with the second portion 130a2 and the third portion 130a3 about the central axis A and is continuous with the second portion 130a2 and the third portion 130a3 without any boundaries. The fourth portion 130a4 is provided around the shaft 15a and forms an outer periphery. A plurality of air outlets 23 are located inside second portion 130a2, third portion 130a3, fourth portion 130a4, and surface 133c. Heated air passes through air passage 80a, second portion 130a2, third portion 130a3, fourth portion 130a4, and surface 133c, and is blown out into washing tub 14 via air outlets 23. As shown in FIGS. 10 and 11, air outlets 23 are located inside second portion 130a2, third portion 130a3, fourth portion 130a4, and surface 133c.

[0067] (Shapes of the air passage forming member 80 and the recess 130) As shown in FIGS. 15 and 16, air passage bottom wall 81 has flat portion 81a and inclined portion 81b. Flat portion 81a is substantially parallel to bottom surface 130a of recess 130. Inclined portion 81b is connected to the downstream end of flat portion 81a. Inclined portion 81b is inclined from flat portion 81a toward cylindrical portion 83 toward washing tub bottom wall 14b (front side in the direction in which central axis A extends). The upstream end edge of inclined portion 81b is in the shape of a circular arc located on a circle concentric with the shape of cylindrical portion 83.

[0068] 7, 10, and 11, the second portion 130a2 and the third portion 130a3, which respectively constitute the inclined surface, are located in the region where the inclined portion 81b is provided and closer to the cylindrical portion 83 than that region when viewed in the direction along the central axis A. The second portion 130a2 and the third portion 130a3 are not substantially provided in the region where the flat portion 81a is provided when viewed in the direction along the central axis A.

[0069] (Heated air flow) Next, the flow of heated air from heating mechanism 18 shown in Fig. 1 to washing tub 14 will be described. Heated air from heating mechanism 18 is supplied to duct 75 shown in Fig. 5. The heated air first passes through first portion 75A extending linearly upward, and then passes through arc-shaped second portion 75B extending along the turning direction from the L side to the R side. Thereafter, the heated air is guided from second portion 75B through through-hole 13d1 shown in Fig. 6 to air passage 80a (see Figs. 9 to 11) provided on the washing tub bottom wall 14b side of water tub bottom wall 13d.

[0070] The heated air guided from through-hole 13d1 into air passage 80a is air that has flowed in a swirling direction toward the R side. Therefore, as shown in Fig. 9, the amount of air passing through the L-side region of air passage 80a where duct 75 is provided is relatively small, and the amount of air passing through the R-side region opposite duct 75 is relatively large, and the air flows at a high speed.

[0071] 8, through hole 13d1 is disposed offset toward the L side in the width direction of air passage 80a. Specifically, when viewed in the direction in which central axis A extends, through hole 13d1 is disposed such that the centroid of through hole 13d1 is located toward the L side of the center in the width direction of the upstream end of air passage 80a in the circumferential direction centered on central axis A. Therefore, the air volume (air speed) of the heated air flowing through the L-side region of air passage 80a is low, and the air volume (air speed) of the heated air flowing through the R-side region is high.

[0072] Of the heated air guided toward the center in air passage 80a, the heated air flowing through the central region in the width direction of air passage 80a is blown toward shaft 15a. The air blown toward shaft 15a changes direction toward air outlet 23 located around shaft 15a, and is blown out from air outlet 23 into washing tub 14.

[0073] Heated air that passes through the side of air passage 80a where second portion 130a2 is provided in the width direction of air passage 80a (the direction perpendicular to the airflow direction in air passage 80a when viewed from the direction in which central axis A extends) passes through surface 133a and is guided to second portion 130a2 and fourth portion 130a4. On the other hand, heated air that passes through the side of air passage 80a where third portion 130a3 is provided in the width direction of air passage 80a passes through surface 133b and is guided to third portion 130a3 and fourth portion 130a4.

[0074] In this way, the heated air that has passed through the end of air passage 80a in the width direction flows into fourth portion 130a4. The heated air that has turned clockwise into fourth portion 130a4 and the heated air that has flowed counterclockwise collide at fourth portion 130a4, and are thereby efficiently guided to air outlet 23 and blown out into washing tub 14 via air outlet 23.

[0075] Incidentally, motor 15 is heavy. When motor 15 is attached to aquarium bottom wall 13d, it is necessary to provide aquarium bottom wall 13d with high rigidity. One method for achieving this is to attach a reinforcing plate 70 to aquarium 13, thereby ensuring high rigidity of aquarium bottom wall 13d. If, for example, reinforcing plate 70 is made thicker in order to increase the rigidity of reinforcing plate 70, the weight of reinforcing plate 70 tends to become too heavy. From the perspective of realizing a highly rigid reinforcing plate 70 while suppressing an increase in the weight of reinforcing plate 70, it is effective to provide linear protrusions (ribs) 72 on reinforcing plate 70.

[0076] In recent years, there has been a strong demand for larger capacity washer-dryers 1, and therefore a growing demand for deeper water tub 13. For example, if linear protrusion 72 were to protrude rearward from water tub bottom wall 13d, a large space would need to be secured behind water tub 13 within housing 11. For this reason, it is preferable to have linear protrusion 72 protrude toward water tub bottom wall 13d, as in washer-dryer 1.

[0077] In this case, for example, linear protrusion 72 may be provided in air passage 80a along the extension direction of air passage 80a. However, in this case, linear protrusion 72 divides air passage 80a in the width direction, which may cause a difference in the volume of heated air flowing through one region of air passage 80a located on one side of linear protrusion 72 and the other region of air passage 80a in the width direction of air passage 80a, and this may reduce the efficiency of supplying heated air, which may result in a decrease in the efficiency of drying laundry.

[0078] In view of the above, in washer-dryer 1 of the present embodiment, air passage 80a (recess 130) is provided to pass through the region between first linear protrusion 72a and second linear protrusion 72b. This configuration prevents air passage 80a from being divided into multiple sections by linear protrusion 72, thereby preventing an extreme decrease in air volume in some of the divided regions. In particular, in the present embodiment, air from duct 75 flows more easily through the R-side region of air passage 80a than through the L-side region. Therefore, for example, if linear protrusion 72 were configured to extend radially from the center of air passage 80a, the amount of heated air flowing through the L-side of air passage 80a would be extremely small, and air blowing efficiency would be extremely reduced. However, as described above, because air passage 80a is not divided into multiple sections by linear protrusion 72, heated air flows easily throughout the entire air passage 80a.

[0079] As described above, in washer / dryer 1, a part of bottom surface 130a of recess 130 is configured to intersect with first linear protrusion 72a or second linear protrusion 72b. Therefore, in the region of air passage 80a that intersects with first linear protrusion 72a or second linear protrusion 72b, the depth of air passage 80a (thickness along the direction in which central axis A extends) tends to be small because air passage 80a straddles first linear protrusion 72a or second linear protrusion 72b, and steps tend to occur in air passage 80a at the portions where linear protrusions 72a, 72b are provided. Therefore, in washer-dryer 1, bottom surface 130a of recess 130 is provided with second portion 130a2 and third portion 130a3 as inclined surfaces located above (forward of) first linear protrusion 72a or second linear protrusion 72b in the region where air passage 80a is provided, and inclined toward air passage bottom wall 81 toward the center (toward cylindrical portion 83). This prevents a sudden step from being formed on bottom surface 130a. Moreover, air passage bottom wall 81 has inclined portion 81b that inclined toward washing-tub bottom wall 14b from the outside toward the center beyond the outer ends of second portion 130a2 and third portion 130a3 as inclined surfaces. This prevents a decrease in the cross-sectional area of ​​air passage 80a, even in the region where second portion 130a2 and third portion 130a3 as inclined surfaces are provided. Therefore, turbulence is less likely to occur in the heated air even in the region of air passage 80a where second portion 130a2 and third portion 130a3 are provided, and the heated air flows smoothly. This improves the efficiency of supplying heated air into washing tub 14. As a result, the drying efficiency is improved and the power consumption of washer-dryer 1 can be reduced.

[0080] In this embodiment, second portion 130a2 and third portion 130a3 are provided as inclined surfaces that slope toward air passage bottom wall 81 toward the center (cylindrical portion 83 side). By making second portion 130a2 and third portion 130a3 inclined surfaces with the outer periphery facing rearward, the step at the end portions in the width direction of the air passage is reduced, and heated air flowing at the end portions in the width direction of the air passage, where the flow velocity is high, can easily flow smoothly to 130a4. Furthermore, since the heights of first linear protrusion 72a and second linear protrusion 72b can be made higher the closer to central axis A, the vicinity of shaft 15a, which is likely to be subjected to load, can be effectively reinforced.

[0081] In particular, in a configuration such as the washer-dryer 1, in which the shaft 15a passes through the cylindrical portion 83, the air outlet 23 is also provided on the back side (downstream side) of the shaft 15a, and the fourth portion 130a4 is provided as the outer periphery, the effect of improving drying efficiency by adopting the above configuration is likely to be obtained.

[0082] As described above, in washer-dryer 1, the air speed tends to be low in the L-side region of air passage 80a. Therefore, in the direction of extension of air passage 80a, the first inclined surface formed by third portion 130a3 provided on the L-side is longer than second portion 130a2 provided on the R-side. This prevents a large step from occurring on the L-side, where the air speed tends to be low, and also reduces the tendency for the cross-sectional area of ​​air passage 80a to change gradually. This prevents the heated air from flowing from the L-side region of air passage 80a, where the air speed tends to be low, into fourth portion 130a4 via third portion 130a3. This further improves the efficiency of blowing heated air.

[0083] 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]

[0084] 1: Washer / dryer 13: Aquarium 13d: Tank bottom wall 13d1 :Through hole 14: Washing machine tub 14b: Washing tub bottom wall 14e: Washing machine body 15: Motor 15a: shaft 18:Heating mechanism 23:Air outlet 60: Air path 70: Reinforcement plate 71: Plate body 72: Linear protrusion 72a: First linear protrusion 72b: Second linear protrusion 75: Duct 75A: 1st part 75B: 2nd part 75a: Wind path 75a1: First air passage 75a2:Second wind path 80: Air passage forming member 80a: Wind path 81: Airway bottom wall 81a: Flat part 81b: Inclined part 82a: Side wall 82b: Side wall 83: Cylindrical part 130: Recess 130a: bottom 130a1 :1st part 130a2 :Second part 130a3: 3rd part 130a4: 4th part 131a: Side 131b: Side

Claims

1. A cylindrical water tank with one end closed in the direction in which the central axis extends; a cylindrical washing tub provided concentrically with the water tub inside the water tub, and having a washing tub bottom wall facing the water tub bottom wall and having an air outlet formed in a central portion thereof; A reinforcing plate attached to a surface of the water tub bottom wall opposite to the washing tub bottom wall; an air passage bottom wall that is a bottom wall located between the water tub bottom wall and the washing tub bottom wall; an air passage forming member that is connected to the air passage bottom wall and has a cylindrical portion that extends toward the air outlet, and forms the air passage; Equipped with The reinforcing plate is a plate body attached to the bottom wall of the water tank; First and second linear protrusions protruding from the plate body toward the bottom wall of the washing tub extend in different directions along a radial direction; and a recess including a portion located between the first linear protrusion and the second linear protrusion in a circumferential direction is formed in a portion of the water tub bottom wall that overlaps with the air passage on the washing tub side surface, each of the two side surfaces of the recess is provided so as to intersect with either the first or second linear protrusion when viewed from the extending direction of the central axis; a bottom surface of the recessed portion is located outside the first or second linear protrusion in the region where the air passage is provided, and has an inclined surface that inclines toward the air passage bottom wall toward the center, The air passage bottom wall has an inclined portion that inclines from the outer side of the outer end of the inclined surface toward the washing tub bottom wall toward the center.

2. Further, a shaft is provided which is located in the cylindrical portion and is connected to the washing tub. The dryer according to claim 1 , wherein the air from the air passage is supplied into the washing tub from an outer circumferential portion provided around the shaft of the cylindrical portion.

3. The dryer according to claim 2 , wherein a portion of the air passage located in a region where the inclined surface is provided is connected to the outer circumferential portion.

4. a supply path extending from one side to the other side in the circumferential direction, the other side end being connected to the upstream end of the air passage; The inclined surface includes a first inclined surface located on one side in the circumferential direction of the recess, and a second inclined surface located on the other side in the circumferential direction, The dryer according to claim 1 , wherein the first inclined surface is formed longer than the second inclined surface in the direction in which the flow path extends.

5. a supply path extending from one side to the other side in the circumferential direction, the other side end being connected to the upstream end of the air passage; The inclined surface includes a first inclined surface located on one side in the circumferential direction of the recess, and a second inclined surface located on the other side in the circumferential direction, The dryer according to claim 1 , wherein a step between the tip of the first inclined surface and the bottom surface of the recess is smaller than a step between the tip of the second inclined surface and the bottom surface of the recess.

6. a through-hole connecting the air passage and the supply path is formed in the bottom wall of the water tank; The dryer according to claim 4 or 5, wherein the through-hole is provided such that a centroid of the through-hole is located on one side of a center of an upstream end of the air passage in the circumferential direction.

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