Dryer

Abstract

This allows us to provide a dryer that suppresses the deterioration of drying performance. [Solution] The dryer according to the present disclosure comprises a housing, a storage tank for storing objects, 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, an air passage connecting the blower, the storage tank, and the collection device, wherein the collection device comprises an inlet extending from an air intake port communicating with the storage tank, a swirling section communicating with the inlet and swirling the incoming air while sending it in a first direction, a mesh section provided downstream of the swirling section and having a cylindrical shape extending in the first direction, with a mesh that allows air to flow out from the inside to the outside of the cylindrical shape in at least a part of it, and an air passage member surrounding the outer circumference of the mesh section and having an exhaust port communicating with a rotating drum, wherein the exhaust port of the air passage member is positioned away from the circumferential surface of the mesh section in the first direction.

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 for accommodating clothes, a blower for blowing air into the rotary drum, and an air flow path for communicating the rotary drum with the blower. 【0003】 In the dryer described in Patent Document 1, a filter for mainly collecting foreign matters 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. If the user of the dryer neglects to clean the filter, it becomes difficult for air to pass through the collection device, and there is a risk that the drying performance will deteriorate. Therefore, there is still room for improvement in terms of suppressing the deterioration of the drying performance. 【0006】 An object of the present disclosure is to solve the above problems and to suppress a decrease in drying performance. 【Means for Solving the Problems】 【0007】 A dryer according to one aspect of the present disclosure comprises a housing, a storage tank for storing objects, 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 comprises an inlet extending from an air intake port communicating with the storage tank, a swirling section communicating with the inlet and swirling the incoming air while sending it in a first direction, a mesh section provided downstream of the swirling section and having a cylindrical shape extending in the first direction, with a mesh in which air flows out from the inside to the outside of the cylindrical shape in at least a part of it, and an air passage member surrounding the outer circumference of the mesh section and having an exhaust port communicating with a rotating drum, wherein the exhaust port of the air passage member is positioned away from the circumferential surface of the mesh section in the first direction. [Effects of the Invention] 【0008】 According to this disclosure, it is possible to provide a dryer that suppresses the deterioration of drying performance. [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] Perspective view of the mesh member, the downstream swivel section, and the recovery section. [Figure 7] Cross-sectional view of a portion of the collection device showing the rotating section. [Figure 8] Cross-sectional view of a part of a collection device showing a mesh component. [Figure 9] Cross-sectional view of a part of the collection device showing the mesh member and case. [Modes for carrying out the invention] 【0010】 (Embodiment 1) The dryer according to Embodiment 1 of the present disclosure will be described. FIG. 1A is a schematic diagram of a dryer 1 according to Embodiment 1 of the present disclosure. FIG. 1B is a schematic front view of the dryer 1. 【0011】 The dryer 1 of Embodiment 1 is a washing and drying machine (so-called drum-type washing and drying machine) having a washing function. Although the dryer 1 may be referred to as a clothing dryer, objects other than clothing such as towels and sheets may also be processed. 【0012】 As shown in FIG. 1A, the dryer 1 includes a housing 2, an outer tub 3, a rotary drum 4, a drive unit 5, a heat pump device 6, a collection device 7, an air flow path 8, a blower device 9, a water supply valve 10, a drain valve 11, and a control unit 12. 【0013】 Hereinafter, two directions orthogonal to each other in the horizontal plane are defined as the width direction X and the front-rear direction Y, and the vertical direction orthogonal to the horizontal plane is defined as the up-down direction Z. 【0014】 The housing 2 is a member that forms the appearance of the dryer 1. An opening 20 and an openable and closable door 21 that covers the opening 20 are provided on the front surface of the housing 2. 【0015】 The outer tub 3 is provided inside the housing 2 and is a substantially cylindrical member having a function of storing washing water. The outer tub 3 may also be referred to as a water tank or a tub. The outer tub 3 is provided with an opening 31 at a position 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. Also, a shaft passing through the center of the bottom of the outer tub 3 is defined as a central axis V0. The outer tub 3 is arranged to be inclined such that the central axis V0 has an angle with respect to the horizontal. Note that the central axis V0 may be provided 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 this order, and then flows back into the outer tub 3 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 rotatably around the central axis V0 inside the outer tub 3, and is a substantially cylindrical member capable of accommodating laundry. The rotary drum 4 may be referred to as a washing tub, an inner tub, or a storage tub. A 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 has a first heat exchanger, a second heat exchanger, a refrigerant pipe that circulates refrigerant between the two heat exchangers, a compressor, and a throttling mechanism. The first heat exchanger is a heat exchanger (dehumidifying heat exchanger) for dehumidifying air. The second heat exchanger is a heat exchanger (heating heat exchanger) for heating the dehumidified air downstream of the first heat exchanger. The compressor compresses the refrigerant flowing from the first heat exchanger toward the second heat exchanger, and the throttling mechanism decompresses the refrigerant flowing from the second heat exchanger toward 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. Figure 6 is a perspective view of the mesh members 73A and 73B, the downstream swivel sections 75A and 75B, and the recovery section 76. 【0031】 As shown in Figures 2 and 3, the collection device 7 includes a case 70, an inlet 71, an upstream swirling section 72 (Figure 3), mesh members 73A and 73B (Figures 3 and 5), a filter 74 (Figure 3), a downstream swirling section 75 (Figure 3), and a recovery section 76. 【0032】 As shown in Figure 3, the case 70 is a case that houses a part of the inlet section 71, the upstream swirling section 72, the mesh members 73A and 73B, the filter 74, and the downstream swirling section 75. Although not shown in Figure 3, the case 70 further houses the 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, case 70 is integrally formed with case 60 of the heat pump device 6 (Figure 1A). Case 60 is a component that forms the exterior of the heat pump device 6. Case 70 and case 60 are connected to each other in the front-rear direction Y. 【0034】 Case 70 defines a connection port 80 downstream of the mesh members 73A and 73B, which connects to the case 60 of the heat pump device 6 in the front-rear direction Y. A filter 74 is provided at the connection port 80. 【0035】 In Embodiment 1, a portion of the case 70, which houses the upstream swivel section 72, the mesh members 73A and 73B, and the downstream swivel section 75, protrudes from the housing 2 (Figure 1A). 【0036】 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 upstream swirling section 72. In other words, the inlet section 71 communicates with the rotating drum 4 and the upstream swirling section 72. 【0037】 In Embodiment 1, the inlet section 71 extends linearly upward from the intake port 81 and is connected to the upstream swirling section 72. In Embodiment 1, the downstream portion of the inlet section 71 is integrally formed with the upstream swirling section 72. The intake port 81 is connected to the outer tank 3 via a flow path member having a bellows shape, but it may also be directly connected to the opening 33 (Figure 1B) of the outer tank 3. 【0038】 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. 【0039】 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. 【0040】 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. 【0041】 The upstream swirling section 72 is a flow channel member that generates a swirling flow by sending the air flowing in from the inlet section 71 in predetermined axial directions V1 and V2, while swirling it around axes L1 and L2 along the axial directions V1 and V2. 【0042】 As shown in Figure 4, in Embodiment 1, the upstream swirling section 72 has a first upstream swirling section 72A and a second upstream swirling section 72B, each generating a swirling flow independently and without interfering with each other. The upstream swirling sections 72A and 72B are arranged side by side in the width direction X so as to be adjacent to each other. 【0043】 The inlet 71 is positioned between the axes L1 and L2 of the upstream swivel sections 72A and 72B in the width direction X, so as to supply air to both the upstream swivel sections 72A and 72B. Therefore, air flows from the inlet 71 outward in the width direction X into the respective upstream swivel sections 72A and 72B. 【0044】 The upstream 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. 【0045】 The upstream swirling 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 upstream swirling 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 the Y and Z axes which are perpendicular to the width direction X. 【0046】 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. 【0047】 Here, the first upstream swirling section 72A swirls the incoming air while sending it in the first axial direction V1, and the second upstream 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 upstream swirling section 72A is different from the swirling direction C2 of the swirling flow in the second upstream swirling section 72B. 【0048】 Returning to Figure 3, the axes L1 and L2 of the upstream swirl 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 upstream swirl sections 72A and 72B can be secured, so that a swirling flow can be generated while suppressing pressure loss. 【0049】 The air flowing from the inlet 71 into the upstream swirling sections 72A and 72B forms a swirling flow and flows into the mesh members 73A and 73B located downstream of the upstream swirling sections 72A and 72B while swirling. 【0050】 As shown in Figures 3 and 5, the mesh members 73A and 73B each have a cylindrical shape extending around axial directions V1 and V2, 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. 【0051】 Because the mesh members 73A and 73B have a cylindrical shape, the airflow of the swirling flow that flows in from the upstream 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, suppress disturbance of the swirling flow inside the meshes 85A and 85B, and suppress the pressing of foreign matter against the meshes 85A and 85B. Therefore, foreign matter is less likely to adhere to the meshes 85A and 85B. 【0052】 As shown in Figure 5, the first mesh member 73A is arranged coaxially L1 with the first upstream rotating section 72A, and the second mesh member 73B is arranged coaxially L2 with the second upstream rotating section 72B. That is, axes L1 and L2 are the central axes of the mesh members 73A and 73B, respectively. Therefore, since the upstream rotating sections 72A and 72B are arranged side by side in the width direction X, the circumferential surfaces of the mesh members 73A and 73B are also arranged adjacent to each other in the width direction X. 【0053】 On the other hand, the circumferential surfaces of the mesh members 73A and 73B are arranged with a gap G1 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. 【0054】 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. 【0055】 Returning to Figure 3, the outer periphery of the mesh members 73A and 73B is surrounded by the case 70. Therefore, an internal space K1 is defined between the mesh members 73A and 73B and the case 70. The internal space K1 extends to the connection port 80 of the case 70. Air flowing out from the mesh members 73A and 73B flows into the internal space K1 and towards the connection port 80. The case 70 may also be called an air passage member because it forms a space through which air flows. 【0056】 The connection port 80 is located at the bottom of the case 70. Specifically, at least a portion of the connection port 80 is located below the axes L1 and L2 of the mesh members 73A and 73B. In Embodiment 1, the connection port 80 is located below the collection section 76. 【0057】 The filter 74 is located at the connection port 80 of the case 70 and 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. 【0058】 A heat pump device 6 (Figure 1A) is located in the internal space K2 downstream of the filter 74. 【0059】 The case 60 of the heat pump device 6 has an exhaust port 82. 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. 【0060】 Air that does not pass through mesh members 73A and 73B flows into the downstream swirling section 75 and the recovery section 76, respectively. 【0061】 The downstream swivel section 75 is aligned with the respective mesh members 73A and 73B in the axial directions V1 and V2, and communicates with the internal spaces of the mesh members 73A and 73B. The downstream swivel section 75 is a flow channel member for agglomerating foreign matter that remains inside the mesh members 73A and 73B. 【0062】 As shown in Figure 6, in Embodiment 1, the downstream swivel section 75 has a first downstream swivel section 75A and a second downstream swivel section 75B, which are connected to a first mesh member 73A and a second mesh member 73B, respectively. The downstream swivel sections 75A and 75B each have circumferential surfaces S1 and S2 extending around axial directions V1 and V2, respectively, and have a substantially cylindrical shape. That is, the first mesh member 73A is arranged coaxially L1 with the first upstream swivel section 72A. The second mesh member 73B is arranged coaxially L2 with the second upstream swivel section 72B. 【0063】 Since the downstream swirling sections 75A and 75B have a roughly cylindrical shape, it becomes easy to guide the air flowing in from the mesh members 73A and 73B along the circumferential surfaces S1 and S2, thereby maintaining the swirling flow. By maintaining the swirling flow, foreign matter contained in the swirling flow can be agglomerated and solidified to form clumps of foreign matter. 【0064】 The circumferential surfaces S1 and S2 of the downstream swirling sections 75A and 75B are provided with discharge ports 77A and 77B that communicate with the recovery section 76, partially in the circumferential direction. In Embodiment 1, the discharge ports 77A and 77B are provided on the upper half (i.e., the +Z side half) of the circumferential surfaces S1 and S2. As the mass of foreign matter grows larger, the centrifugal force acting due to the swirling increases, allowing the mass to enter the recovery section 76 from the downstream swirling section 75. 【0065】 The recovery section 76 is a container for storing clumps of foreign matter formed in the downstream swirling sections 75A and 75B. The recovery section 76 communicates with the respective outlets 77A and 77B and receives foreign matter from the respective downstream swirling sections 75A and 75B. Specifically, it has recovery sections 76A and 76B corresponding to the respective outlets 77A and 77B. The recovery sections 76A and 76B are partitioned from each other. 【0066】 The collection unit 76 is detachable from the downstream swivel unit 75. The user can remove the collection unit 76 from the downstream swivel unit 75 and discard any foreign matter accumulated inside. 【0067】 Next, the structure of the inlet section 71 and the upstream swivel section 72 will be described in more detail. Figure 7 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 upstream swivel section 72. 【0068】 As shown in Figure 7, the first circumferential wall portion 83A of the first upstream rotating portion 72A and the second circumferential wall portion 83B of the second upstream rotating portion 72B are connected to each other at one end portion 87. 【0069】 Since each of the peripheral wall portions 83A and 83B extends outward in the width direction X from the end portion 87, the peripheral wall portions 83A and 83B guide the air outward, that is, in opposite directions. Therefore, the direction of rotation C1 of the swirling flow in the first upstream swirling portion 72A and the direction of rotation C2 of the swirling flow in the second upstream swirling portion 72B are opposite. In Embodiment 1, the swirling flow in the first upstream swirling portion 72A rotates clockwise, and the swirling flow in the second upstream swirling portion 72B rotates counterclockwise. 【0070】 The first portion 88A of the first peripheral wall portion 83A extending from the end portion 87 and the second portion 88B of the second peripheral wall portion 83B extending from the end portion 87 form a protrusion 78. The protrusion 78 faces the intake port 81 (Figure 4) of the inlet portion 71 in the vertical direction Z and protrudes downward toward the intake port 81. The end portion 87 forms the tip of the protrusion 78. 【0071】 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 protrusion 78, each have a greater curvature than the other parts of the circumferential wall portions 83A and 83B, and are provided in a curved shape that bulges radially outward. The first portion 88A and the second portion 88B each move away from the end 87 and the bulge decreases. Therefore, the circumferential wall portions 83A and 83B are provided in a smooth curved shape. The first portion 88A and the second portion 88B may extend along an involute curve that bulges radially outward. 【0072】 On the other hand, the first circumferential wall portion 83A of the first upstream swivel portion 72A and the second circumferential wall portion 83B of the second upstream swivel portion 72B are connected to the inlet portion 71 near the other end portions 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. 【0073】 Ends 89A and 89B are located below end 87. Therefore, openings 84A and 84B face each other in the width direction X below the protrusion 78. Furthermore, ends 89A and 89B are located further outward in the width direction X than end 87. In other words, end 87 and the protrusion 78 are located between ends 89A and 89B (i.e., between openings 84A and 84B). This configuration makes it easy to divert the air in the inlet 71 in opposite directions with respect to the width direction X by the protrusion 78 and direct it into the respective openings 84A and 84B. 【0074】 In Embodiment 1, the end portions 89A and 89B protrude inward in the width direction X from the wall surface of the inlet 71 to which the peripheral wall portions 83A and 83B are connected. In other words, the end portions 89A and 89B protrude downstream in the direction of travel of the swirling flow through the upstream swirling portions 72A and 72B from the wall surface of the inlet 71 to which the peripheral wall portions 83A and 83B are connected. 【0075】 With this configuration, the air flowing through the inlet 71 strikes the outer circumferential surfaces of the ends 89A and 89B, is guided to the outer circumferential surfaces extending from the ends 89A and 89B, and flows into the upstream 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 and second circumferential wall sections 83A and 83B. By flowing into the upstream swirling sections 72A and 72B with the wind direction being close to the tangential direction, the air can merge with the swirling flow flowing inside the upstream swirling sections 72A and 72B while suppressing disturbance to the swirling flow. Furthermore, because the ends 89A and 89B are provided, the air flowing through the inlet 71 can be guided to the radially outward side of the swirling flow flowing through the upstream swirling sections 72A and 72B, allowing the size of the openings 84A and 84B to be increased and a large drainage area to be secured. 【0076】 Furthermore, since the air flowing through the upstream swirling sections 72A and 72B is guided to the inner circumferential surface of the end sections 89A and 89B, it becomes easier to maintain a swirling flow in the upstream swirling sections 72A and 72B. 【0077】 In Embodiment 1, the opening area of ​​opening 84A along the rotation direction C1 is larger than the opening area of ​​opening 84B along the rotation direction C2. However, the opening areas of openings 84A and 84B may be the same. 【0078】 Here, the positional relationship between the upstream swirling section 72 and the inlet section 71 will be explained. The central axis L3 of the inlet section 71, which passes through the center of the intake port 81 (Figure 4), is offset in the width direction X relative to the end portion 87 of the upstream swirling section 72. In Embodiment 1, the inlet section 71 is positioned biased toward the upstream swirling section 72A side. 【0079】 On the upstream swivel section 72A side, more space can be secured between it and the outer surface of the outer tank 3 (Figure 1A) compared to the upstream swivel section 72B side. As a result, it becomes easier to provide a bellows member to absorb vibrations between the outer tank 3 and the inlet section 71, 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, thereby suppressing failures of the collection device 7 and the heat pump device 6. 【0080】 In order to guide the air from a biased position toward the respective upstream swirling sections 72A and 72B, the inlet section 71 has inclined surfaces 91 and 92 near the openings 84A and 84B. The inclined surface 91 extends from the portion of the first circumferential wall 83A adjacent to the end 89A and is inclined with respect to the vertical direction Z so as to deflect the air tangentially toward the upstream swirling sections 72A and 72B. The inclined surface 92 extends from the portion of the second circumferential wall 83B adjacent to the end 89B and is inclined with respect to the vertical direction Z so as to deflect the air toward the opening 84B. That is, the inclined surface 91 prevents an excessive supply of air to the opening 84A, and the inclined surface 92 guides the air toward the opening 84B. 【0081】 With this configuration, since opening 84B is smaller than opening 84A, air can be more reliably supplied to the upstream swirling section 72B. Therefore, air can be supplied uniformly to openings 84A and 84B, which have different opening areas. In addition, since turbulence in the swirling flow through the upstream swirling sections 72A and 72B can be suppressed, the center of the swirling flow can be made near the center of the upstream swirling sections 72A and 72B, and the swirling flow can be generated efficiently. 【0082】 Next, the structure of the mesh members 73A and 73B will be described in more detail. Figure 8 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 8, there are no partitions such as walls or ribs in the gap G1 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 at the gap G1. 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 G1 are aligned with each other. That is, the air flowing out from the first mesh member 73A into the gap G1 and the air flowing out from the second mesh member 73B into the gap G1 flow in the same direction (upward). Therefore, even without a partition, interference of air at the gap G1 can be suppressed. 【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 G1, thereby reducing the interval G1. 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 G2 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 G2 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 spacing G1 of the mesh members 73A and 73B is less than twice the minimum value of the spacing G2. 【0090】 Next, we will describe in more detail the case 70 located downstream of the mesh members 73A and 73B. Figure 9 is a cross-sectional view of the collection device 7 showing the mesh members 73A and 73B and the case 70. 【0091】 As shown in Figure 9, the case 70 has wall surfaces P1 and P2 surrounding the mesh members 73A and 73B. Specifically, the case 70 has wall surfaces P1 and P2 that are radially opposite to the outer circumference of the mesh members 73A and 73B. In Embodiment 1, wall surface P1 is located below the mesh members 73A and 73B, and wall surface P2 encircles the mesh members 73A and 73B. Wall surface P2 is opposite to the outer circumference of the mesh members 73A and 73B, except for the parts that face each other. Note that other members may be placed between the outer circumference of the mesh member 73A or the outer circumference of the mesh member 73B and the wall surfaces P1 and P2. 【0092】 The wall surface P1 extends in the vertical direction Z, separating the internal space K1 defined by the case 70 from the inlet 71 below the mesh members 73A and 73B. The wall surface P1 prevents the air flowing out from the mesh members 73A and 73B from flowing to the -Y side. 【0093】 The wall surface P2 extends along the axial direction V1 and around the axis L1. In Embodiment 1, the wall surface P2 has a portion P21 that extends in the front-rear direction Y and around the axis L1, and a portion P22 that is located above the mesh members 73A and 73B and extends in the axial direction V1. With this configuration, the air flowing out from the mesh members 73A and 73B can be guided in the direction along the axial direction V1. 【0094】 Furthermore, the wall surface P2 may extend along the axial direction V1 throughout its entire length, or it may extend along the front-to-back direction Y throughout its entire length. 【0095】 Case 70 further has a wall surface P3 above the mesh members 73A and 73B that separates the internal space K1 from the recovery section 76. Air flowing out from the top of the mesh members 73A and 73B is guided along the wall surfaces P2 and P3 to the bottom of the mesh members 73A and 73B. 【0096】 Below the mesh members 73A and 73B, wall surface P4 is connected to the +Y side end of wall surface P2, and wall surface P5 is connected to the +Y side end of wall surface P4. The +Y side end of wall surface P5 defines the lower part of the connection opening 80. Wall surfaces P4 and P5 extend in a direction having an axial component V1. Therefore, by providing wall surfaces P4 and P5, the connection opening 80 is located at a position axially V1 away from the mesh members 73A and 73B. 【0097】 Wall surfaces P4 and P5 are located on the +Y side of the mesh member 73A and below the downstream swivel section 75A. Wall surface P4 extends inclined downward relative to wall surface P2, and wall surface P5 extends from the lower end of wall surface P4 along the front-rear direction Y. Therefore, when viewed from the width direction X, wall surfaces P2, P4, and P5 have a broken line shape. This configuration makes it possible to create a shape that avoids the downstream swivel section 75A. 【0098】 In Embodiment 1, the connection port 80 opens in the front-rear direction Y. The front-rear direction Y intersects with the radial direction of the mesh members 73A and 73B. With this configuration, compared to the case where the connection port 80 opens in the radial direction of the mesh members 73A and 73B, it is possible to suppress the outflow of air along the radial direction of the mesh members 73A and 73B. Therefore, it is possible to suppress foreign matter from being pressed against the inner circumferential surface of the mesh members 73A and 73B and from sticking to them. 【0099】 When viewed from the axial direction V1, the connection port 80 partially overlaps with the area surrounded by the mesh member 73A. 【0100】 The connection port 80 may open in a direction different from the front-to-back direction Y, as long as it intersects the radial direction of the mesh members 73A and 73B. The connection port 80 may open in another direction inclined with respect to the axial direction V1, for example. With such a configuration, the axial dimension V1 of the collection device 7 can be reduced compared to when it opens in the axial direction V1, thereby saving space for the collection device 7. Alternatively, the connection port 80 may open in a direction with a smaller inclination angle with respect to the horizontal than the axial direction V1, for example. With such a configuration, the vertical dimension Z of the collection device 7 can be reduced. 【0101】 Next, the flow of air and foreign matter in the collection device 7 will be explained with reference to Figures 6 to 9. 【0102】 As shown in Figure 7, when the blower 9 (Figure 1A) is driven, air flows from the rotating drum 4 through the intake port 81 into the inlet 71, flows upward, and is divided towards the openings 84A and 84B, respectively. 【0103】 Air flowing into the upstream 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. 【0104】 As shown in Figure 8, 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. 【0105】 As shown in Figure 9, the air flowing into the internal space K1 flows along the axial direction V1 toward the connection port 80. Specifically, the air is guided by the wall surfaces P1 to P5 and reaches the connection port 80, which is located axially away from the mesh members 73A and 73B in the direction of V1. 【0106】 After passing through the filter 74 provided at the connection port 80, the air passes through the heat pump device 6, where it is dehumidified and heated, and then returned to the rotating drum 4 through the exhaust port 82. 【0107】 [Effect 1] The dryer 1 according to Embodiment 1 can achieve the following effects. 【0108】 As described above, the dryer 1 according to Embodiment 1 comprises a housing 2, a rotating drum 4 (container tank) for containing the object to be dried, a blower 9 for blowing air into the rotating drum 4, a collection device 7, and an air passage 8 that connects the blower 9, the rotating drum 4, and the collection device 7. The collection device 7 collects foreign matter from the air that has passed through the rotating drum 4. The collection device 7 has an inlet 71 extending from an air intake 81 that communicates with the rotating drum 4, and an upstream swirling section 72A (swirling section) that communicates with the inlet 71 and swirls the incoming air while sending it in the axial direction V1 (first direction). The collection device 7 is provided downstream of the upstream swirling section 72A and further has a mesh member 73A (mesh section) which has a cylindrical shape extending in the axial direction V1 and has a mesh 85A that allows air to flow out from the inside to the outside of the cylindrical shape in at least a part of it. The collection device 7 further includes a case 70 (air passage member) that surrounds the outer circumference of the mesh member 73A and has a connection port 80 (exhaust port) that communicates with the rotating drum 4. The connection port 80 of the case 70 is positioned away from the circumferential surface of the mesh member 73A in the axial direction V1. 【0109】 With this configuration, if the connection port 80 is separated in the axial direction V1, it is possible to encourage the air flowing out of the mesh member 73A to flow along the axial direction V1. This suppresses the air flowing out of the mesh member 73A in the radial direction perpendicular to the mesh 85A. By suppressing the airflow perpendicular to the mesh 85A, it is possible to suppress disturbance of the swirling flow inside the mesh 85A and suppress the airflow that presses foreign matter against the mesh 85A. Therefore, it is possible to suppress foreign matter from sticking to the mesh 85A, and thus suppress the deterioration of the drying performance of the dryer 1. 【0110】 Furthermore, in the dryer 1 according to Embodiment 1, the connection port 80 of the case 70 opens in a direction intersecting the radial direction of the mesh member 73A. 【0111】 With this configuration, compared to the case where the connection port 80 is open in the radial direction, the flow of air flowing out from the mesh member 73A in the radial direction perpendicular to the mesh 85A is further suppressed, and the turbulence of the swirling flow inside the mesh 85A can be suppressed. 【0112】 Furthermore, in the dryer 1 according to Embodiment 1, when viewed from the axial direction V1, the connection port 80 overlaps with the area surrounded by the mesh member 73A. 【0113】 With this configuration, the air flowing out from the mesh member 73A tends to move in the axial direction V1, thereby suppressing disturbance of the swirling flow inside the mesh 85A. 【0114】 Furthermore, in the dryer 1 according to Embodiment 1, the connection port 80 of the case 70 opens in a direction inclined with respect to the axial direction V1 of the mesh member 73A. 【0115】 With this configuration, compared to the case where the connection port 80 opens in the axial direction V1, tilting it allows for space saving in the axial direction V1 of the collection device 7. 【0116】 Furthermore, in the dryer 1 according to Embodiment 1, the axial direction V1 extends diagonally downward. The connection port 80 of the case 70 opens in a direction having a smaller inclination angle with respect to the horizontal than the axial direction V1. 【0117】 This configuration allows for space savings in the vertical Z direction of the collection device 7 by reducing the inclination relative to the horizontal. 【0118】 Furthermore, in the dryer 1 according to Embodiment 1, at least a portion of the connection port 80 of the case 70 is located below the axis L1 (central axis) of the mesh member 73A. 【0119】 With this configuration, space can be provided above the connection port 80 to install, for example, a recovery unit 76A. 【0120】 Furthermore, in the dryer 1 according to Embodiment 1, the case 70 has a wall surface P2 that faces the outer circumference of the mesh member 73A and extends along the axial direction V1. 【0121】 This configuration allows the air flowing out from the mesh member 73A to be guided along the axial direction V1. 【0122】 Furthermore, in the dryer 1 according to Embodiment 1, the case 70 has a wall surface P2 that encircles the mesh member 73A. 【0123】 This configuration allows the air flowing out from the mesh member 73A to be guided more reliably along the axial direction V1. 【0124】 Furthermore, in the dryer 1 according to Embodiment 1, the collection device 7 further has a downstream swirling section 75A (recovery section) that communicates with the internal space of the mesh member 73A and into which foreign matter flows. 【0125】 This configuration allows for the collection of foreign objects while suppressing their adhesion to the mesh 85A. 【0126】 Furthermore, the dryer 1 according to Embodiment 1 is further equipped with a heat pump device 6 located downstream of the collection device 7. The connection port 80 of the case 70 communicates with the heat pump device 6. 【0127】 This configuration prevents foreign matter from clogging the mesh 85A while also preventing it from reaching the heat pump device 6. 【0128】 This disclosure is not limited to the embodiments described herein and can be implemented in various other ways. 【0129】 In this specification, the designations "first" and "second" for the constituent elements are used for convenience only. That is, the first upstream swivel section 72A may be located on the -X side, and the second upstream swivel section 72B may be located on the +X side. 【0130】 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 that has a drying function that heats the air may be used, such as a simple dryer that does not have a washing function. 【0131】 In Embodiment 1, an example was described in which the collection device 7 has two upstream swirling sections 72A and 72B and two mesh members 73A and 73B, but it is not limited to this. The collection device 7 may have any number of swirling sections and any number of mesh members. 【0132】 In Embodiment 1, an example was described in which the rotation directions of the upstream rotation sections 72A and 72B are opposite, but the invention is not limited to this. The rotation directions of the upstream rotation sections 72A and 72B may be the same. 【0133】 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, in the portions facing the spacing G1. 【0134】 In Embodiment 1, an example was described in which the connection port 80 is provided below the mesh members 73A and 73B, but the invention is not limited to this. The connection port 80 may also be provided downstream of the mesh member 73A and above the mesh members 73A and 73B. For example, the connection port 80 is formed downstream of the mesh member 73A and extends around the entire circumference of the wall surface P2. With this configuration, air can be discharged from the mesh member 73A while suppressing disturbance of the swirling flow inside the mesh 85A. 【0135】 The dryer in the first embodiment comprises a housing, a storage tank for storing objects, 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, an air passage connecting the blower, the storage tank, and the collection device, wherein the collection device comprises an inlet extending from an air intake port communicating with the storage tank, a swirling section communicating with the inlet and swirling the incoming air while sending it in a first direction, a mesh section provided downstream of the swirling section and having a cylindrical shape extending in the first direction, with a mesh in which air flows out from the inside to the outside of the cylindrical shape in at least a part of it, and an air passage member surrounding the outer circumference of the mesh section and having an exhaust port communicating with a rotating drum, wherein the exhaust port of the air passage member is positioned away from the circumferential surface of the mesh section in the first direction. 【0136】 In the second embodiment of the dryer, the exhaust port of the air passage member opens in a direction intersecting the radial direction of the mesh portion, as in the dryer of the first embodiment. 【0137】 In the third embodiment of the dryer, as in the dryer of the second embodiment, when viewed from the first direction, the exhaust port overlaps with the area surrounded by the mesh portion. 【0138】 In the fourth embodiment, as a dryer in any of the first to third embodiments, the exhaust port of the air passage member opens in a direction inclined with respect to the first direction of the mesh portion. 【0139】 In the fifth embodiment, the dryer is configured such that, in the fourth embodiment, the first direction extends diagonally downward, and the exhaust port of the air passage member opens in a direction having a smaller inclination angle with respect to the horizontal than the first direction. 【0140】 In the sixth embodiment, as in the dryer of the fifth embodiment, at least a portion of the exhaust port of the air passage member is located below the central axis of the mesh portion. 【0141】 In the seventh embodiment, the dryer in any of the first to sixth embodiments has a wall surface that faces the outer circumference of the mesh portion and extends along the first direction. 【0142】 In the eighth embodiment, as in the seventh embodiment, the dryer has a wall surface that encircles the mesh portion. 【0143】 In the ninth embodiment, as in the eighth embodiment, the exhaust port is formed downstream of the mesh section and extends around the entire circumference of the wall surface. 【0144】 In the tenth embodiment, the dryer, in any of the first to ninth embodiments, further comprises a collection unit that communicates with the internal space of the mesh section and into which foreign matter flows. 【0145】 In the eleventh embodiment, the dryer is further equipped with a heat pump device located downstream of the collection device, in addition to the dryer in any of the first to tenth embodiments, and the exhaust port of the air passage member is in communication with the heat pump device. 【0146】 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] 【0147】 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] 【0148】 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 Upstream 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 the object, 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 comprises the aforementioned blower, the aforementioned storage tank, and the aforementioned collection device, and an air passage connecting them. The aforementioned collection device, An inlet extending from an air intake port communicating with the aforementioned storage tank, A swivel section that communicates with the aforementioned inlet section and swivels the incoming air while sending it in a first direction, A mesh section is provided downstream of the swivel section, has a cylindrical shape extending in the first direction, and has a mesh in at least a portion that allows air to flow out from the inside to the outside of the cylindrical shape, It includes an air passage member that surrounds the outer periphery of the mesh portion and has an exhaust port that communicates with the storage tank, A dryer in which the exhaust port of the air passage member is positioned away from the circumferential surface of the mesh portion in the first direction. [Claim 2] The dryer according to claim 1, wherein the exhaust port of the air passage member opens in a direction intersecting the radial direction of the mesh portion. [Claim 3] The dryer according to claim 2, wherein, when viewed from the first direction, the exhaust port overlaps with the area surrounded by the mesh portion. [Claim 4] The dryer according to claim 1, wherein the exhaust port of the air passage member opens in a direction inclined with respect to the first direction of the mesh portion. [Claim 5] The first direction extends diagonally downward, The dryer according to claim 4, wherein the exhaust port of the air passage member opens in a direction having a smaller angle of inclination with respect to the horizontal than the first direction. [Claim 6] The dryer according to claim 5, wherein at least a portion of the exhaust port of the air passage member is located below the central axis of the mesh portion. [Claim 7] The dryer according to claim 1, wherein the air passage member has a wall surface that faces the outer circumference of the mesh portion and extends along the first direction. [Claim 8] The dryer according to claim 7, wherein the air passage member has a wall surface that encircles the mesh portion. [Claim 9] The dryer according to claim 8, wherein the exhaust port is formed downstream of the mesh portion and extends around the entire circumference of the wall surface. [Claim 10] The dryer according to claim 1, wherein the collection device further comprises a collection section that communicates with the internal space of the mesh section and into which the foreign matter flows. [Claim 11] The collection device further comprises a heat pump device located downstream of the aforementioned collection device, The dryer according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the exhaust port of the air passage member communicates with the heat pump device.

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