Dryer

Abstract

We can provide a dryer that supplies air uniformly to each mesh component. [Solution] The dryer according to the present disclosure comprises a storage tank, a blower for blowing air into the storage tank, and a collection device for collecting foreign matter from the air that has passed through the storage tank. The collection device comprises an inlet extending from an air intake port communicating with the storage tank, a first swirling section having a first opening communicating with the inlet section and swirling the incoming air while sending it in a first direction, a second swirling section having a second opening communicating with the inlet section and swirling the incoming air while sending it in a first direction, a first mesh member downstream of the first swirling section, and a second mesh member downstream of the second swirling section. The first swirling section and the second swirling section are aligned in a second direction intersecting the first direction. When viewed from the first direction, the center of the air intake port is shifted to one side in the second direction relative to the midpoint of the first swirling section and the second swirling section. The inlet is configured to deflect the air from the second opening rather than the first opening, and the second opening is smaller than the first opening.

Description

【Technical Field】 【0001】 The present disclosure relates to a dryer. 【Background Art】 【0002】 For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a dryer including a rotary drum that houses clothes, a blower that blows air into the rotary drum, and an air flow path that connects the rotary drum and the blower. 【0003】 In the dryer described in Patent Document 1, a filter for mainly collecting foreign substances such as lint is provided in the middle of the air flow path. 【Prior Art Documents】 【Patent Documents】 【0004】 【Patent Document 1】 Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2009-28564 【Summary of the Invention】 【Problems to be Solved by the Invention】 【0005】 However, since the filter of Patent Document 1 is provided so as to intersect the air flow direction in the air flow path, clogging is likely to occur. When a plurality of cylindrical mesh members are provided instead of the filter of Patent Document 1, it may be difficult to uniformly supply air to each mesh member. 【0006】 Therefore, an object of the present disclosure is to solve the above problems and to uniformly supply air to each mesh member. 【Means for Solving the Problems】 【0007】 A dryer according to one aspect of the present disclosure comprises a housing, a storage tank provided inside the housing for storing an object, a blower for blowing air into the storage tank, a collection device for collecting foreign matter from the air that has passed through the storage tank, and an air passage connecting the blower, the storage tank, and the collection device, wherein the collection device has an inlet extending from an air intake port communicating with the storage tank, a first swirling section having a first opening communicating with the inlet for swirling the incoming air along a first direction, and a second opening communicating with the inlet for swirling the incoming air along the first direction The device comprises a second rotating section that rotates while rotating, a first mesh member having a cylindrical shape and provided downstream of the first rotating section, and a second mesh member having a cylindrical shape and provided downstream of the second rotating section. The first and second rotating sections are aligned in a second direction intersecting the first direction, and when viewed from the first direction, the center of the intake port is shifted to one side in the second direction relative to the midpoint of the first and second rotating sections. The inlet is configured to deflect air from the first opening toward the second opening, and the second opening is smaller than the first opening. [Effects of the Invention] 【0008】 According to this disclosure, a dryer can be provided that uniformly supplies air to each mesh member. [Brief explanation of the drawing] 【0009】 [Figure 1A] Schematic diagram of a dryer according to the embodiment of this disclosure [Figure 1B] Schematic front view of a dryer [Figure 2] Perspective view of the collection device [Figure 3] Cross-sectional view along line AA in Figure 2 [Figure 4] Cross-sectional view along line BB in Figure 2 [Figure 5] Cross-sectional view along the CC line in Figure 2 [Figure 6] Cross-sectional view of a portion of the collection device showing the rotating section. [Figure 7] Cross-sectional view of a part of a collection device showing a mesh component. [Modes for carrying out the invention] 【0010】 (Embodiment 1) A description of the dryer 1 according to Embodiment 1 of this disclosure will be provided. Figure 1A is a schematic diagram of the dryer 1 according to Embodiment 1 of this disclosure. Figure 1B is a schematic front view of the dryer 1. 【0011】 The dryer 1 in Embodiment 1 is a washer-dryer with a washing function (a so-called drum-type washer-dryer). The dryer 1 may be called a clothes dryer, but it may also process items other than clothing, such as towels and sheets. 【0012】 As shown in Figure 1A, the dryer 1 comprises a housing 2, an outer tank 3, a rotating drum 4, a drive unit 5, a heat pump device 6, a collection device 7, an air passage 8, a blower 9, a water supply valve 10, a drain valve 11, and a control unit 12. 【0013】 In the following, two mutually orthogonal directions within the horizontal plane are defined as the width direction X and the front-to-back direction Y, while the vertical direction perpendicular to the horizontal plane is defined as the up-and-down direction Z. 【0014】 The housing 2 is a component that forms the exterior of the dryer 1. The front of the housing 2 is provided with an opening 20 and a door 21 that can be opened and closed to cover the opening 20. 【0015】 The outer tub 3 is a roughly cylindrical member located inside the housing 2, and has the function of holding washing water. The outer tub 3 may also be called a water tank or tub. The outer tub 3 is installed in the opening 31 facing the opening 20 of the housing 2, and the edge of the opening 31 is connected to the opening 20 by a bellows 32. The axis passing through the center of the bottom of the outer tub 3 is defined as the central axis V0. The outer tub 3 is positioned at an angle to the horizontal such that the central axis V0 is at an angle to the horizontal. The central axis V0 may also be set horizontally. 【0016】 The outer tub 3 is further provided with openings 33 and 34. The openings 33 and 34 are openings that communicate with the heat pump device 6, the collection device 7, and the air flow path 8. The air in the outer tub 3 flows out from the opening 33, passes through the collection device 7, the heat pump device 6, and the air flow path 8 in sequence, and then flows back into the outer tub 3 again through the opening 34 (see arrow A). 【0017】 As shown in FIG. 1B, when viewed from the front-rear direction Y, the distance between the outer peripheral surface of the outer tub 3 and the upper surface of the housing 2 becomes wider toward the outside X1. Therefore, it becomes easier to secure a space above the outer tub 3 toward the outside X1. Here, "outside X1" means the width direction X away from the central axis V0. 【0018】 Returning to FIG. 1A, the rotary drum 4 is provided inside the outer tub 3 so as to be rotatable around the central axis V0, and is a substantially cylindrical member that can accommodate laundry. The rotary drum 4 may be referred to as a washing tub, an inner tub, or a storage tub. A large number of through-holes 40 are formed in the rotary drum 4, and the through-holes 40 communicate the rotary drum 4 and the outer tub 3. The rotary drum 4 is provided with an opening 41 at a position facing the opening 20 of the housing 2 and the opening 31 of the outer tub 3. When the user opens the door 21, the user can put laundry into the rotary drum 4 through the openings 20, 31, and 41. 【0019】 The drive unit 5 is a member that rotationally drives the rotary drum 4 around the central axis V0. The drive unit 5 has, for example, a motor that rotates the rotary drum 4. 【0020】 The heat pump device 6 is provided at the upper part of the housing 2, communicates with the rotary drum 4, and is a device for dehumidifying and heating the air flowing in from the rotary drum 4. 【0021】 The heat pump device 6 includes a first heat exchanger, a second heat exchanger, refrigerant piping for circulating refrigerant between the two heat exchangers, a compressor, and a throttling mechanism. The first heat exchanger is a heat exchanger for dehumidifying air (dehumidifying heat exchanger). The second heat exchanger is a heat exchanger for heating the dehumidified air downstream of the first heat exchanger (heating heat exchanger). The compressor compresses the refrigerant flowing from the first heat exchanger to the second heat exchanger, and the throttling mechanism reduces the pressure of the refrigerant flowing from the second heat exchanger to the first heat exchanger. 【0022】 The collection device 7 is located upstream of the heat pump device 6 and collects foreign matter such as lint and dust from the air flowing from the rotating drum 4 towards the heat pump device 6. The collection device 7 removes foreign matter from the air and prevents it from adhering to the heat pump device 6 and components such as the blower 9 located downstream of it. 【0023】 As shown in Figure 1B, the collection device 7 and the heat pump device 6 (Figure 1A) are located above the outer tank 3, offset X1 outward from the central axis V0 of the outer tank 3. The central end of the collection device 7 is located X1 outward from the central axis V0. In Embodiment 1, a part of the collection device 7 is positioned between the outer tank 3 and the housing 2, and the upper part of the collection device 7 protrudes upward from the upper surface of the housing 2, but the embodiment is not limited to this. The entire collection device 7 may be housed inside the housing 2. 【0024】 Returning to Figure 1A, the air passage 8 is located inside the housing 2 and is a flow path member that connects the rotating drum 4, the heat pump device 6, the collection device 7, and the blower device 9. When the blower device 9 is driven, air circulates between the rotating drum 4 and the heat pump device 6 via the air passage 8 (see arrow A). 【0025】 In Embodiment 1, the air passage 8 is provided between the heat pump device 6 and the rotating drum 4, but is not limited to this, and may be provided between other components, such as between the rotating drum 4 and the collection device 7, or between the collection device 7 and the heat pump device 6. 【0026】 The blower 9 is installed in the air passage 8 and is a device that blows air to circulate it between the rotating drum 4 and the heat pump device 6. The blower 9 blows the air that has been dehumidified and heated by the heat pump device 6 toward the rotating drum 4. The blower 9 has, for example, a blower fan. 【0027】 The water supply valve 10 has an openable and closable valve that is connected to a faucet via an external hose. When the water supply valve 10 is opened, water is supplied to the outer tank 3. The water supply valve 10 is located on the upper part of the housing 2. 【0028】 The drain valve 11 is a valve that can be opened and closed. When closed, it stores water in the outer tank 3, and when open, it drains the water stored in the outer tank 3. The drain valve 11 is located at the bottom of the housing 2. 【0029】 The control unit 12 is a component that controls the operation of the dryer 1. The control unit 12 controls the components of the dryer 1, such as the drive unit 5, heat pump device 6, blower device 9, water supply valve 10, and drain valve 11. The control unit 12 includes a general-purpose processor such as a CPU, MPU, FPGA, DSP, or ASIC that realizes predetermined functions by executing a program. The control unit 12 can realize various controls in the dryer 1 by calling and executing a control program stored in memory (not shown). The control unit 12 is not limited to realizing predetermined functions through the cooperation of hardware and software, but may also be a hardware circuit specifically designed to realize predetermined functions. 【0030】 Next, the structure of the collection device 7 will be described in more detail. Figure 2 is a perspective view of the collection device 7. Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view of the collection device 7 along line AA in Figure 2. Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view of the collection device 7 along line BB in Figure 2. Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view of the collection device 7 along line CC in Figure 2. 【0031】 As shown in Figures 2 and 3, the collection device 7 includes a case 70, an inlet 71, a swirling section 72 (Figure 3), mesh members 73A and 73B (Figures 3 and 5), a filter 74 (Figure 3), an aggregation section 75 (Figure 3), and a storage section 76. 【0032】 As shown in Figure 3, the case 70 is a case that houses a part of the inlet section 71, a swirling section 72, mesh members 73A (shown in Figure 5), 73B, a filter 74, and a condensation section 75. Although not shown in Figure 3, the case 70 further houses a heat pump device 6 (Figure 1A). The upstream portion of the inlet section 71 is connected to one side of the case 70, and the air passage 8 (Figure 1A) is connected to the other side. 【0033】 In Embodiment 1, a portion of the case 70, which houses the rotating section 72, the mesh members 73A and 73B, and the agglomeration section 75, protrudes from the housing 2 (Figure 1A). 【0034】 The inlet section 71 is a flow path member extending from an air intake port 81 that communicates with the rotating drum 4 (Figure 1A), and allows moist air from the rotating drum 4 to flow into the swirling section 72. In other words, the inlet section 71 communicates with the rotating drum 4 and the swirling section 72. 【0035】 Returning to Figure 1B, the inlet 71 communicates with the opening 33 of the outer tank 3. Specifically, the air intake port 81 of the inlet 71 is connected to the opening 33 via a flow channel member having a bellows shape. The opening 33 is located on the circumferential surface of the outer tank 3, offset X1 outward with respect to the central axis V0 of the outer tank 3. Therefore, the inlet 71 is located above the outer tank 3, offset X1 outward. 【0036】 This configuration makes it easier to secure vertical space Z for the inlet 71 compared to the case where the inlet 71 is located directly above the central axis V0. As a result, the height to which the collection device 7 protrudes upward from the top surface of the housing 2 can be reduced. Therefore, a compact structure can be achieved in the dryer 1. 【0037】 Furthermore, it becomes easier to provide a flow channel member with a bellows shape for absorbing vibrations between the outer tank 3 and the inlet 71, thereby suppressing the transmission of vibrations caused by the rotation of the rotating drum 4 to the collection device 7 and the heat pump device 6. Consequently, malfunctions of the collection device 7 and the heat pump device 6 can be suppressed. 【0038】 The inlet section 71 extends from the intake port 81 along the vertical direction Z and is connected to the swirling section 72. In Embodiment 1, the downstream portion of the inlet section 71 is formed integrally with the swirling section 72. 【0039】 As shown in Figure 4, in Embodiment 1, the swirling section 72 has a first swirling section 72A and a second swirling section 72B, each generating a swirling flow independently and without interfering with each other. The swirling sections 72A and 72B are arranged adjacent to each other in the width direction X. The first swirling section 72A is positioned on the +X side of the second swirling section 72B. The circumferential surfaces of the first swirling section 72A and the second swirling section 72B are adjacent, and openings are provided on the adjacent circumferential surfaces so that the first swirling section 72A and the second swirling section 72B can communicate with each other. 【0040】 The inlet 71 is positioned between the axes L1 and L2 of the swivel sections 72A and 72B in the width direction X, so as to supply air to both the swivel sections 72A and 72B. Therefore, air flows from the inlet 71 outward in the width direction X into the respective swivel sections 72A and 72B. 【0041】 The swivel sections 72A and 72B each have openings 84A and 84B that communicate with the inlet section 71 in order to introduce air. The openings 84A and 84B each open directly to the inlet section 71. Specifically, the openings 84A and 84B are each connected to the upper end of the inlet section 71. Opening 84A is connected to one side of the upper end of the inlet section 71 in the width direction X, and opening 84B is connected to the other side of the upper end in the width direction X. The openings 84A and 84B face each other in the width direction X. Air flows from the inlet section 71 into the respective swivel sections 72A and 72B in the opposite direction of the width direction X. Note that the arrangement of the inlet section 71, the swivel sections 72A and 72B, and the openings 84A and 84B is not limited to the above. 【0042】 The swivel sections 72A and 72B each have peripheral wall sections 83A and 83B that extend in a substantially arc shape from the edges of the openings 84A and 84B, respectively. The swivel sections 72A and 72B each generate a swirling flow by guiding air along the inner circumferential surfaces of the peripheral wall sections 83A and 83B, respectively. Specifically, the peripheral wall sections 83A and 83B each extend in a substantially arc shape around axes L1 and L2 along the axial directions V1 and V2. In Embodiment 1, the axial directions V1 and V2 and axes L1 and L2 are perpendicular to the width direction X and parallel to each other. Note that the axial directions V1 and V2 or axes L1 and L2 may have angles with respect to each other or with respect to the Y and Z axes which are perpendicular to the width direction X. 【0043】 Furthermore, axes L1 and L2 are not limited to being parallel to each other; they may simply extend along each other. For example, axes L1 and L2 may extend at an angle to each other, so as to increase the distance between them in the width direction X. Axes L1 and L2 may also have a twist relative to each other. 【0044】 Here, the first swirling section 72A swirls the incoming air while sending it in the first axial direction V1, and the second swirling section 72B swirls the incoming air while sending it in the second axial direction V2. The swirling direction C1 of the swirling flow in the first swirling section 72A is different from the swirling direction C2 of the swirling flow in the second swirling section 72B. 【0045】 Returning to Figure 3, the axes L1 and L2 of the swivel sections 72A and 72B are inclined with respect to the longitudinal direction Y. With this configuration, even in configurations where space in the longitudinal direction Y is limited, the axial dimensions V1 and V2 of the swivel sections 72A and 72B can be secured, so that a swirling flow can be generated while suppressing pressure loss. 【0046】 The air flowing from the inlet 71 into the swirling sections 72A and 72B forms a swirling flow and flows into the mesh members 73A and 73B located downstream of the swirling sections 72A and 72B while swirling. 【0047】 As shown in Figures 3 and 5, the mesh members 73A and 73B have a cylindrical shape extending in the axial directions V1 and V2, respectively, and are members having mesh 85A and 85B around their entire circumference. The meshes 85A and 85B have multiple through holes that penetrate radially. The through holes allow only air to flow out from the inside to the outside of the cylindrical shape, suppressing the passage of foreign matter. 【0048】 Because the mesh members 73A and 73B have a cylindrical shape, the airflow of the swirling flow entering from the swirling sections 72A and 72B is parallel to the meshes 85A and 85B of the mesh members 73A and 73B. In other words, it is possible to suppress the flow of air in a direction perpendicular to the meshes 85A and 85B, and to suppress foreign matter from being pressed against the meshes 85A and 85B. Therefore, foreign matter is less likely to adhere to the meshes 85A and 85B. 【0049】 As shown in Figure 5, the first mesh member 73A is positioned coaxially L1 with the first rotating section 72A, and the second mesh member 73B is positioned coaxially L2 with the second rotating section 72B. That is, axes L1 and L2 are the central axes of the mesh members 73A and 73B, respectively. Therefore, since the rotating sections 72A and 72B are positioned side by side in the width direction X, the circumferential surfaces of the mesh members 73A and 73B are also positioned adjacent to each other in the width direction X. 【0050】 On the other hand, the circumferential surfaces of the mesh members 73A and 73B are arranged with a gap S1 in the width direction X. That is, the circumferential surfaces of the mesh members 73A and 73B are spaced apart from each other. Therefore, some of the air flowing out from the mesh members 73A and 73B flows through the space K3 between the circumferential surfaces of the mesh members 73A and 73B. 【0051】 The mesh members 73A and 73B may have a support portion 86 in a part of their entire circumference that supports the meshes 85A and 85B. 【0052】 Returning to Figure 3, the air flowing radially outward from the mesh members 73A and 73B flows into the internal space K1 defined by the case 70. The internal space K1 is the space outside the mesh members 73A and 73B and upstream of the filter 74. 【0053】 The filter 74 is a filter that penetrates in the front-to-back direction Y. By passing the air flowing out from the mesh members 73A and 73B through the filter 74, foreign matter such as lint in the air can be further removed before it flows into the heat pump device 6. 【0054】 A heat pump device 6 (Figure 1A) is located in the internal space K2 downstream of the filter 74. 【0055】 Case 70 has an exhaust port 82 downstream of the heat pump device 6. The exhaust port 82 is connected to the air passage 8 (Figure 1A). That is, air flowing into the internal space K1 passes through the filter 74, is dehumidified and heated by the heat pump device 6, flows into the air passage 8 from the exhaust port 82, and is returned to the rotating drum 4. 【0056】 Air that does not pass through the mesh members 73A and 73B flows into the condensation section 75. 【0057】 The agglomeration section 75 communicates with the radially inner surfaces of the mesh members 73A and 73B and is a flow channel member for agglomerating foreign matter remaining inside the mesh members 73A and 73B. The agglomeration section 75 is provided downstream of each of the radially inner surfaces of the mesh members 73A and 73B and has two substantially cylindrical shapes extending in the axial directions V1 and V2. The agglomeration section 75 guides and maintains the swirling flow flowing in from the mesh members 73A and 73B on its inner surface, thereby agglomerating foreign matter contained in the swirling flow. The agglomerated foreign matter forms clumps. 【0058】 An opening 77 communicating with the storage section 76 is provided on a part of the circumferential surface of the agglomeration section 75. In Embodiment 1, the opening 77 is provided on the upper part of the agglomeration section 75. As the mass of foreign matter grows larger, a large centrifugal force acts on the mass due to its rotation, allowing the mass to enter the storage section 76 from the agglomeration section 75. 【0059】 The storage section 76 is a container in which clumps of foreign matter formed in the agglomeration section 75 are stored. The storage section 76 is removable from the collection device 7. The user can remove the storage section 76 and discard the foreign matter accumulated inside. The agglomeration section 75 may also be removable from the collection device 7 along with the storage section 76. Furthermore, the entire collection device 7 may be removable from the housing 2. 【0060】 Next, the structure of the inlet section 71 and the swivel section 72 will be described in more detail. Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view of a part of the collection device 7, as seen from the front-rear direction Y, showing the inlet section 71 and the swivel section 72. 【0061】 As shown in Figure 6, the first circumferential wall portion 83A of the first rotating portion 72A and the second circumferential wall portion 83B of the second rotating portion 72B are connected to each other at one end 87. On the other hand, the first circumferential wall portion 83A and the second circumferential wall portion 83B are connected to the inlet portion 71 at the other ends 89A and 89B. Thus, the opening 84A is defined between the ends 87 and 89A of the first circumferential wall portion 83A, and the opening 84B is defined between the ends 87 and 89B of the second circumferential wall portion 83B. 【0062】 In Embodiment 1, the size of the openings 84A and 84B is constant along the axial directions V1 and V2. Therefore, in this specification, the size of the openings 84A and 84B is the distance between the ends 87 and 89A or ends 87 and 89B along the rotational directions C1 and C2 when viewed from the axial directions V1 and V2. 【0063】 The first portion 88A of the first circumferential wall portion 83A extending from the end portion 87 and the second portion 88B of the second circumferential wall portion 83B extending from the end portion 87 form a protrusion 78. The protrusion 78 projects downward toward the intake port 81 of the inlet portion 71. The first portion 88A of the first circumferential wall portion 83A and the second portion 88B of the second circumferential wall portion 83B extend outward M1 from the end portion 87, that is, in opposite directions. With this configuration, the air in the inlet portion 71 can be divided by the protrusion 78 and guided in opposite directions in the width direction X by portions 88A and 88B. 【0064】 Here, "outer M1" refers to the width direction X away from the end 87 in the collection device 7, and "inner M2" refers to the width direction X approaching the end 87 in the collection device 7. 【0065】 As a result of splitting the flow in opposite directions, the rotation direction C1 of the swirling flow in the first swirling section 72A and the rotation direction C2 of the swirling flow in the second swirling section 72B are in opposite directions. In Embodiment 1, the swirling flow in the first swirling section 72A rotates clockwise, and the swirling flow in the second swirling section 72B rotates counterclockwise. 【0066】 The first portion 88A of the first circumferential wall portion 83A and the second portion 88B of the second circumferential wall portion 83B, which form the convex portion 78, each extend with a greater curvature than the other portions of the circumferential wall portions 83A and 83B. In Embodiment 1, the first portion 88A and the second portion 88B extend along a curve that bulges radially outward. The first portion 88A and the second portion 88B may also extend along an involute curve. 【0067】 The ends 89A and 89B extend in the rotational direction C1 and C2 from the lowest point of the respective rotational sections 72A and 72B, and protrude inward M2 from the lowest point. This configuration makes it easier to rotate the air and maintain the rotational flow in the rotational sections 72A and 72B. If the intake port 81 is located further outward M1, the end 89A may be located upstream of the lowest point of the rotational section 72A. 【0068】 In Embodiment 1, the ends 89A and 89B protrude inward M2 beyond the wall surface of the connected inlet 71 and face the inner circumferential surfaces of portions 88A and 88B of the protrusion 78. With this configuration, the air flowing through the inlet 71 strikes the outer circumferential surfaces of the ends 89A and 89B, is guided by the outer circumferential surfaces extending from the ends 89A and 89B, and flows into the swirling sections 72A and 72B at a radially outward position with the wind direction corrected to be close to the tangential direction of the first circumferential wall section 83A and the second circumferential wall section 83B. By flowing into the swirling sections 72A and 72B with the wind direction close to the tangential direction, it is possible to merge with the swirling flow while suppressing disturbance of the swirling flow flowing inside the swirling sections 72A and 72B. Furthermore, the provision of ends 89A and 89B allows the air flowing through the inlet 71 to be guided radially outward from the swirling flow through the swirling sections 72A and 72B, thereby enabling the openings 84A and 84B to be enlarged and a larger drainage area to be secured. 【0069】 Next, the positional relationship between the swivel section 72 and the inlet section 71 will be explained. The central axis L3 passing through the center of the intake port 81 of the inlet section 71 is offset outward X1 with respect to the midpoint Xc in the width direction X of the swivel section 72. The midpoint Xc of the swivel section 72 is the midpoint of the axis L1 of the first swivel section 72A and the axis L2 of the second swivel section 72B when viewed from axial directions V1 and V2. In Embodiment 1, the midpoint Xc of the swivel section 72 is aligned with the end 87 in the vertical direction Z, but the arrangement is not limited to this. 【0070】 In other words, the inlet section 71 is positioned biased toward the swivel section 72A side. On the swivel section 72A side, more space can be secured between the outer surface of the outer tank 3 and the housing 2 (Figure 1A) compared to the swivel section 72B side. 【0071】 If the inlet 71 is misaligned with respect to the midpoint of the swirling sections 72A and 72B, there is a risk of uneven distribution of air flowing from the inlet 71 to the swirling sections 72A and 72B. Specifically, because the inlet 71 is misaligned towards the first swirling section 72A, there is a risk that air from the inlet 71 will preferentially flow into the first opening 84A of the first swirling section 72A. 【0072】 On the other hand, the inlet section 71 is configured to deflect air towards the second opening 84B of the second swirling section 72B rather than towards the first opening 84A. Specifically, the inlet section 71 has a first inclined surface 91 that slopes from the intake port 81 toward the second opening 84B and guides air to the second opening 84B in addition to the first opening 84A. Therefore, even in a configuration where the inlet section 71 is misaligned, the direction of airflow can be changed to more reliably direct air into the second swirling section 72B. 【0073】 If this happens, there is a risk that an excessive amount of air will be supplied to the second swivel section 72B, and less air will flow into the first swivel section 72A. 【0074】 Therefore, the sizes of the openings 84A and 84B of the swivel sections 72A and 72B are adjusted according to the airflow guided by the first inclined surface 91. In Embodiment 1, the second opening 84B is smaller than the first opening 84A, depending on the orientation of the first inclined surface 91 that guides air to the second opening 84B. As a result, excessive air supply to the second swivel section 72B can be suppressed, and air can be supplied more uniformly to the swivel sections 72A and 72B. By supplying air uniformly to each of the swivel sections 72A and 72B, air can be supplied even more uniformly to each of the mesh members 73A and 73B. 【0075】 Next, the configuration of the first inclined surface 91 will be described in detail. The first inclined surface 91 forms a part of the inner wall surface of the inlet section 71. Specifically, the first inclined surface 91 forms a part of the inner wall surface on the +X side of the inlet section 71, which is connected to the first peripheral wall section 83A. The first inclined surface 91 guides the air flowing along it so that the air flows into the opening 84A while flowing tangentially to the first swirling section 72A. In addition, the first inclined surface 91 facilitates the flow of air near the center of the width direction X of the inlet section 71 into the opening 84B, which is away from the first inclined surface 91. 【0076】 In Embodiment 1, the first inclined surface 91 is directly connected to the first peripheral wall portion 83A. Therefore, the air flowing along the first inclined surface 91 is likely to strike the outer peripheral surface of the end portion 89A. 【0077】 The inlet section 71 has a second inclined surface 92 in addition to the first inclined surface 91. The second inclined surface 92, like the first inclined surface 91, is inclined from the air intake port 81 toward the second opening 84B, guiding air to the second opening 84B. 【0078】 The second inclined surface 92, like the first inclined surface 91, also forms part of the inner wall surface of the inlet 71. Specifically, the second inclined surface 92 forms part of the inner wall surface on the -X side of the inlet 71, which is connected to the second peripheral wall portion 83B. The second inclined surface 92 extends inclined upward toward the -X side so as to deflect the air toward the opening 84B. 【0079】 In Embodiment 1, the second inclined surface 92 is directly connected to the second peripheral wall portion 83B. 【0080】 Comparing the inclined surfaces 91 and 92, the inclination angle of the first inclined surface 91 is greater than that of the second inclined surface 92. Also, the first inclined surface 91 is longer than the second inclined surface 92. This configuration makes it easier for the air flowing through the inlet 71 to hit the first inclined surface 91, and makes it easier for the first inclined surface 91 to guide the air. Therefore, it is easier for the first inclined surface 91 to draw air into the opening 84B. 【0081】 Furthermore, the inclined surfaces 91 and 92 may be arranged such that the extension of the tangent to portion 88B of the second peripheral wall portion 83B extends between the virtual extension of the first inclined surface 91 and the virtual extension of the second inclined surface 92. The inlet portion 71 may have any number, arrangement, and orientation of inclined surfaces to deflect the air, based on the structure, dimensions, and flow rate of the inlet portion 71. 【0082】 Next, the structure of the mesh members 73A and 73B will be described in more detail. Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view of a part of the collection device 7, showing the mesh members 73A and 73B, as viewed from the front-to-back direction Y. 【0083】 In Embodiment 1, the first mesh member 73A and the second mesh member 73B have a common structure. However, the first mesh member 73A and the second mesh member 73B may have different diameters and lengths, and may also have different structures. 【0084】 As shown in Figure 7, there are no partitions such as walls or ribs in the gap S1 between the first mesh member 73A and the second mesh member 73B. In other words, a communication space K3 is provided between the first mesh member 73A and the second mesh member 73B. The space K3 extends in the vertical direction Z and communicates with the internal space K1 of the case 70. 【0085】 Let's explain the airflow in the gap S1. Since the swirling directions C1 and C2 in the respective mesh members 73A and 73B are opposite, the tangential directions of the swirling flows on the opposing circumferential surfaces across the gap S1 are aligned with each other. That is, the air flowing out from the first mesh member 73A into the gap S1 and the air flowing out from the second mesh member 73B into the gap S1 flow in the same direction (upward). Therefore, even without a partition, it is possible to suppress turbulence in the airflow of the air flowing out from the first mesh member 73A and the air flowing out from the second mesh member 73B in the gap S1. 【0086】 The spacing between the central axes (i.e., axes L1 and L2) of the mesh members 73A and 73B is greater than the average diameter of the mesh members 73A and 73B, and less than twice the average diameter. The spacing between the central axes of the mesh members 73A and 73B may also be less than 1.5 times the average diameter. 【0087】 Because the rotation directions C1 and C2 of the mesh members 73A and 73B are opposite, the distance between the central axes of the mesh members 73A and 73B can be reduced while maintaining a state in which air interference is less likely to occur at the interval S1, thereby reducing the interval S1. Therefore, it becomes easier to achieve space savings for the collection device 7. 【0088】 The mesh members 73A and 73B are surrounded by the case 70. The mesh members 73A and 73B have a gap S2 between them and the inner wall surface of the case 70. Specifically, the circumferential surfaces of the mesh members 73A and 73B are separated from the inner wall surface of the case 70 around their entire circumference. As a result, air flows out more uniformly around the entire circumference of the mesh members 73A and 73B. By avoiding localized increases in the amount of air flow in the swirling direction, the adhesion of foreign matter such as lint due to uneven airflow on the mesh members 73A and 73B can be suppressed. 【0089】 The size of the gap S2 between the circumferential surfaces of the mesh members 73A and 73B and the inner wall surface of the case 70 varies along axes L1 and L2. The gap S1 between the mesh members 73A and 73B is less than twice the minimum value of the gap S2. In other words, the minimum value of the gap S2 is greater than half the value of the gap S1. 【0090】 Next, the flow of air and foreign matter in the collection device 7 will be explained with reference to Figures 3, 6, and 7. 【0091】 As shown in Figure 3, when the blower 9 (Figure 1A) is driven, air flows from the rotating drum 4 through the intake port 81 into the inlet 71 and flows upward. 【0092】 As shown in Figure 6, in the inlet 71, the air flowing along the wall on the +X side is guided by the first inclined surface 91 and flows toward the opening 84A in a direction close to the tangential direction of the first swirling section 72A. Furthermore, the air guided by the first inclined surface 91 that flows near the center of the inlet 71 is deflected diagonally toward the opening 84B. 【0093】 - The air flowing along the wall on side X is guided by the second inclined surface 92 and deflected toward the second opening 84B. On the other hand, because the second inclined surface 92 is connected to the end portion 89B, the air flowing along the second inclined surface 92 does not flow directly into the second opening 84B, but is deflected tangentially to the second swivel portion 72B by the outer circumferential surface of the end portion 89B before flowing into the second opening 84B. 【0094】 The air flowing into the respective swirling sections 72A and 72B through the openings 84A and 84B flows along the peripheral walls 83A and 83B in the swirling directions C1 and C2, forming a swirling flow. The swirling flow proceeds axially towards the mesh members 73A and 73B in the directions V1 and V2 while swirling. 【0095】 As shown in Figures 3 and 7, a portion of the swirling flow that reaches the mesh members 73A and 73B passes through meshes 85A and 85B and flows into the internal space K1 of the case 70. The air that flows into the internal space K1 passes through the filter 74 and the heat pump device 6 in sequence and flows out from the collection device 7 through the exhaust port 82. 【0096】 As shown in Figure 3, a portion of the swirling flow travels along the axial directions V1 and V2 toward the agglomeration section 75. As the swirling flow continues to swirl in the agglomeration section 75, foreign matter such as lint contained in the swirling flow becomes entangled with each other and forms clumps. As the clumps of foreign matter grow larger, they flow into the storage section 76 through the opening 77 of the agglomeration section 75 due to centrifugal force. The air may flow back to the mesh members 73A and 73B after reaching the end face of the agglomeration section 75. 【0097】 To summarize the above explanation, the features of this disclosure are described below. 【0098】 The dryer 1 according to Embodiment 1 employs an arrangement in which the inlet 71 is offset from the central axis V0 of the outer tank 3. Therefore, the outer space X1 above the outer tank 3 can be utilized, making the dryer 1 more compact. On the other hand, the swirling sections 72A and 72B are arranged side by side in the width direction X, and take up more space in the width direction X than the inlet 71. Similar to the inlet 71, it is difficult to adopt an extremely biased arrangement of the swirling sections 72A and 72B within the housing 2. Therefore, the center of the air intake port 81 of the inlet 71 is offset from the midpoint of the swirling sections 72A and 72B. That is, the air intake port 81 is located closer to the first swirling section 72A than to the second swirling section 72B. 【0099】 In this configuration, the inlet 71 has inclined surfaces 91 and 92. Therefore, the air in the inlet 71 can be reliably guided by the swirling section 72B, which is further away. However, simply providing the inclined surfaces 91 and 92 may result in an excessive supply of air to the second swirling section 72B. Therefore, the shape of the inclined surfaces 91 and 92 and the protrusion 78 makes the second opening 84B smaller than the first opening 84A. With this configuration, the excessive supply of air to the second swirling section 72B can be suppressed, and the uniformity of the air flowing into the swirling sections 72A and 72B becomes easier compared to the case where only the inclined surfaces 91 and 92 are provided. 【0100】 [Effect 1] The dryer 1 according to Embodiment 1 can achieve the following effects. 【0101】 As described above, the dryer 1 according to Embodiment 1 comprises a housing 2 and a rotating drum 4 (container tank) provided inside the housing 2 for containing the object to be dried. The dryer 1 further comprises a blower 9 for blowing air into the rotating drum 4, a collection device 7 for collecting foreign matter from the air that has passed through the rotating drum 4, and an air passage 8 that connects the blower 9, the rotating drum 4, and the collection device 7. The collection device 7 has an inlet 71 extending from an air intake 81 that communicates with the rotating drum 4. The collection device 7 has a first opening 84A and a second opening 84B that communicate with the inlet 71, and a first swirling section 72A and a second swirling section 72B that swirl the incoming air while sending it along the front-rear direction Y (first direction). The collection device 7 includes a first mesh member 73A having a cylindrical shape and located downstream of the first swirling section 72A, and a second mesh member 73B having a cylindrical shape and located downstream of the second swirling section 72B. The first swirling section 72A and the second swirling section 72B are aligned in the width direction X (second direction) intersecting the front-rear direction Y. When viewed from the front-rear direction Y, the central axis L3 (center) of the intake port 81 is shifted to the +X side (one side in the second direction) with respect to the midpoint Xc of the first swirling section 72A and the second swirling section 72B. The inlet section 71 is configured to deflect air towards the second opening 84B rather than the first opening 84A. The second opening 84B is smaller than the first opening 84A. 【0102】 With this configuration, when the inlet 71 is offset, the air can be deflected towards the second opening 84B, but there is a risk that more air will flow into the second swirling section 72B than into the first swirling section 72A. Therefore, by making the second opening 84B smaller than the first opening 84A, the airflow rate into each of the swirling sections 72A and 72B can be made more uniform. Consequently, air can be supplied uniformly to each of the mesh members 73A and 73B. 【0103】 Furthermore, in the dryer 1 according to Embodiment 1, the first swirling section 72A is positioned on the +X side (one side in the second direction) of the second swirling section 72B. The inlet section 71 has a first inclined surface 91 that slopes from the intake port 81 toward the second opening 84B. 【0104】 With this configuration, when the inlet 71 is offset, air can be supplied to the second swirling section 72B that is further away from the inlet 71. On the other hand, by making the second opening 84B smaller, it is possible to suppress the excessive supply of air to the second swirling section 72B. 【0105】 Furthermore, in the dryer 1 according to Embodiment 1, the first inclined surface 91 forms the wall surface on the +X side of the inlet 71. 【0106】 With this configuration, the first inclined surface 91 can deflect air that flows along the +X side of the inlet 71 and easily flows into the first swirling section 72A toward the second swirling section 72B. 【0107】 Furthermore, in the dryer 1 according to Embodiment 1, the first inclined surface 91 is connected to the first rotating section 72A. 【0108】 With this configuration, the first inclined surface 91 can direct the air that flows near the first swirling section 72A towards the second swirling section 72B, making it easier for air to flow into the first swirling section 72A. 【0109】 Furthermore, in the dryer 1 according to Embodiment 1, the inlet section 71 has a second inclined surface 92 on the wall surface on the -X side (the other side in the second direction) that is inclined from the air intake port 81 toward the second opening 84B. 【0110】 With this configuration, the second inclined surface 92 can deflect the air flowing on the -X side of the inlet 71 toward the second swirling section 72B. In addition, it becomes easier to connect the inlet 71 and the swirling sections 72A and 72B, whose centers are offset from each other. 【0111】 Furthermore, in the dryer 1 according to Embodiment 1, the axes L1 and L2 (central axes) of the first mesh member 73A and the second mesh member 73B are inclined with respect to the horizontal. 【0112】 With this configuration, if the axes L1 and L2 of the mesh members 73A and 73B are inclined along the central axis V0 of the outer tank 3, it becomes easy to position the collection device 7 along the outer circumferential surface of the outer tank 3. Therefore, the space around the outer tank 3 can be utilized. 【0113】 Furthermore, in the dryer 1 according to Embodiment 1, the rotating drum 4 is rotatably mounted around a central axis V0 (rotation axis), and the central axis V0 extends inclined downward with respect to the horizontal. When viewed from the front-rear direction Y, the inlet 71 is located above the circumferential surface of the rotating drum 4, at a position offset in the width direction X with respect to the central axis V0. 【0114】 With this configuration, by shifting the inlet 71 in the width direction X with respect to the central axis V0, the outer space X1 above the rotating drum 4 can be utilized. 【0115】 This disclosure is not limited to the embodiments described above, and can be implemented in various other forms. 【0116】 In this specification, the designations "first" and "second" for the constituent elements are used for convenience only. That is, the first swivel section 72A may be located on the -X side, and the second swivel section 72B may be located on the +X side. 【0117】 In Embodiment 1, an example was described in which the dryer 1 is a drum-type washer-dryer equipped with a washing function, but it is not limited to this. Any dryer may be used, such as a simple dryer without a washing function, as long as it has a heat pump device that dehumidifies and heats the air. 【0118】 In Embodiment 1, an example was described in which the collection device 7 has two swivel sections 72A, 72B and two mesh members 73A, 73B, but it is not limited to this. The collection device 7 may have other swivel sections and mesh members in addition to the swivel sections 72A, 72B and the mesh members 73A, 73B. 【0119】 In Embodiment 1, an example was described in which the rotation directions of the rotation sections 72A and 72B are opposite, but the invention is not limited to this. The rotation directions of the rotation sections 72A and 72B may be the same. 【0120】 In Embodiment 1, an example was described in which the swivel sections 72A and 72B are adjacent to each other at the end 87, but the invention is not limited to this. The swivel sections 72A and 72B may be arranged with a gap between them. 【0121】 In Embodiment 1, an example was described in which the openings 84A and 84B face each other, but the invention is not limited to this. The openings 84A and 84B may be opened in any direction. 【0122】 In Embodiment 1, an example was described in which the mesh members 73A and 73B have mesh 85A and 85B around their entire circumference, but the invention is not limited to this. The mesh members 73A and 73B only need to have through holes formed in at least the portions where the mesh members 73A and 73B are adjacent to each other, that is, the portions facing the spacing S1. 【0123】 In Embodiment 1, an example was described in which the swivel portion 72 forms a protrusion 78, but the invention is not limited to this. The collection device 7 may omit the protrusion 78. The collection device 7 may also have other wall portions that face the air intake port 81 of the inlet portion 71 and deflect the air in the inlet portion 71 toward the respective openings 84A and 84B. 【0124】 In Embodiment 1, an example was described in which the dryer 1 has a heat pump device 6 to heat the air inside the rotating drum 4, but the dryer 1 is not limited to this. The dryer 1 may have a heater instead of the heat pump device 6, and the air may be heated by the heater. 【0125】 In Embodiment 1, an example was described in which the collection device 7, heat pump device 6, and blower device 9 are arranged in order from upstream to downstream in the direction of airflow, but the system is not limited to this. In the direction of airflow, the blower device 9 may be arranged upstream of the heat pump device 6. 【0126】 In Embodiment 1, an example was described in which air circulates through a flow path provided inside the housing 2, but the invention is not limited to this. The air may be discharged outside the housing 2 after passing through the rotating drum 4. For example, the dryer 1 may have a flow path that passes through the housing 2 and the rotating drum 4. The flow path may be provided in the order of a blower 9, a heat pump 6, a rotating drum 4, and a collection device 7. 【0127】 The dryer in the first embodiment comprises a housing, a storage tank provided inside the housing for storing an object, a blower for blowing air into the storage tank, a collection device for collecting foreign matter from the air that has passed through the storage tank, and an air passage connecting the blower, the storage tank, and the collection device, wherein the collection device has an inlet extending from an air intake port communicating with the storage tank, a first swirling section having a first opening communicating with the inlet for swirling the incoming air along a first direction, and a second opening communicating with the inlet for swirling the incoming air along the first direction The device comprises a second rotating section that rotates while rotating, a first mesh member having a cylindrical shape and provided downstream of the first rotating section, and a second mesh member having a cylindrical shape and provided downstream of the second rotating section. The first and second rotating sections are aligned in a second direction intersecting the first direction, and when viewed from the first direction, the center of the intake port is shifted to one side in the second direction relative to the midpoint of the first and second rotating sections. The inlet is configured to deflect air from the first opening toward the second opening, and the second opening is smaller than the first opening. 【0128】 In the second embodiment of the dryer, the first swirling section is arranged on one side of the second direction of the second swirling section, and the inlet section has a first inclined surface that slopes from the air intake toward the second opening. 【0129】 In the third embodiment of the dryer, the first inclined surface forms a wall surface on one side of the inlet in the second direction, as in the dryer of the second embodiment. 【0130】 In the fourth embodiment, as in the dryer of the third embodiment, the first inclined surface is connected to the first rotating section. 【0131】 In the fifth embodiment, the dryer in the third or fourth embodiment has a second inclined surface on the wall surface on the other side in the second direction, which is inclined from the air intake toward the second opening. 【0132】 In the sixth embodiment, the dryer is such that, in any of the first to fifth embodiments, the central axes of the first mesh member and the second mesh member are inclined with respect to the horizontal. 【0133】 As a dryer in the seventh embodiment, in a dryer in any of the first to sixth embodiments, the storage tank is rotatably mounted around a rotation axis, the rotation axis extends horizontally or inclined downward with respect to the horizontal, and when viewed from a first direction, the inlet is located above the circumferential surface of the storage tank, offset in a second direction with respect to the rotation axis. 【0134】 While this disclosure is adequately described in relation to preferred embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings, various modifications and alterations will be obvious to those skilled in the art. Such modifications and alterations should be understood to be included within the scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims. [Industrial applicability] 【0135】 The dryer of this disclosure can improve the collection efficiency of the collection device for the dryer and is therefore useful as a household clothes dryer, a commercial clothes dryer, or any type of washer-dryer (e.g., a household drum-type washer-dryer). [Explanation of Symbols] 【0136】 1 Dryer 2 cabinets 3 Outer tank 4-rotation drum 5 Drive Unit 6. Heat pump system 7 Collection device 8 Airflow channels 9. Blower 10 Water supply valve 11 Drain valve 12 Control Unit 70 cases 71 Inlet 72A, 72B Swivel section 73A, 73B Mesh members 78 Convex part 81 Air intake 83A, 83B peripheral wall part 84A, 84B opening 85A, 85B mesh 87 End 89A, 89B end L1, L2 axis

Claims

[Claim 1] The casing and A storage tank for containing an object is provided inside the aforementioned housing, A blower for blowing air into the aforementioned storage tank, A collection device for collecting foreign matter from the air that has passed through the aforementioned containment tank, The system includes an air passage that connects the blower, the containment tank, and the collection device, The aforementioned collection device, An inlet extending from an air intake port communicating with the aforementioned storage tank, A first swirling section having a first opening that communicates with the aforementioned inlet section, and which swirls the incoming air while sending it along a first direction, A second swirling section has a second opening that communicates with the aforementioned inlet section and swirls the incoming air while sending it along the first direction, A first mesh member having a cylindrical shape is provided downstream of the first rotating section, It includes a second mesh member having a cylindrical shape, which is provided downstream of the second rotating section, The first rotating section and the second rotating section are aligned in a second direction intersecting the first direction, When viewed from the first direction, the center of the intake port is shifted to one side in the second direction relative to the midpoint between the first and second swivel sections. The inlet is configured to deflect air toward the second opening rather than the first opening. A dryer in which the second opening is smaller than the first opening. [Claim 2] The first rotating section is positioned on one side of the second rotating section in the second direction. The dryer according to claim 1, wherein the inlet has a first inclined surface that slopes toward the second opening from the air intake. [Claim 3] The dryer according to claim 2, wherein the first inclined surface forms a wall surface on one side of the inlet in the second direction. [Claim 4] The dryer according to claim 3, wherein the first inclined surface is connected to the first rotating section. [Claim 5] The dryer according to claim 3, wherein the inlet has a second inclined surface on the wall surface on the other side in the second direction, which is inclined from the air intake towards the second opening. [Claim 6] The dryer according to claim 1, wherein the central axes of the first mesh member and the second mesh member are inclined with respect to the horizontal. [Claim 7] The aforementioned storage tank is mounted so as to be rotatable around a pivot axis, The aforementioned rotating shaft extends horizontally, or extends at an angle downward relative to the horizontal, The dryer according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein, when viewed from the first direction, the inlet is provided above the circumferential surface of the storage tank at a position offset in the second direction with respect to the rotation axis.

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