Clothes dryer

Abstract

To provide a clothes dryer which can allow the wind generated by a circulation blower to reach easily even to a negative pressure region in which a wind pressure generated by the circulation blower becomes negative in a circulation air passage.SOLUTION: A clothes dryer includes: a drying tub in which clothing is stored; a circulation air passage for connecting between an air inflow port and an air outflow port provided at the drying tub; and a circulation blower for circulating the air in the drying tub through the circulation air passage. The circulation air passage includes: a positive pressure region in which a wind pressure generated by the circulation blower becomes positive; a negative pressure region in which the wind pressure generated by the circulation blower becomes negative; and an air passage area reduction region in which an air passage area becomes smaller toward the negative pressure region side from the positive pressure region side.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 12

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] An embodiment of the present invention relates to a clothes dryer. [Background technology]

[0002] For example, as disclosed in Patent Document 1, a drum-type washer-dryer, which is an example of a clothes dryer that dries clothes, is equipped with a water tub that is a drying chamber in which clothes are stored, a circulation air duct that connects an air inlet and an air outlet provided in the water tub, and a circulation fan that circulates air inside the water tub through the circulation air duct. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Patent Publication No. 2021-83932 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] The inventors of the present application have confirmed that in the circulation air passage provided in this type of washer-dryer, a positive pressure region where the air pressure generated by the circulation fan is positive, i.e., a plus value, and a negative pressure region where the air pressure generated by the circulation fan is negative, i.e., a minus value, are formed. That is, in the upwind part of the circulation air passage, the air generated by the circulation fan is likely to reach there, so the air pressure tends to be positive. On the other hand, in the downwind part of the circulation air passage, the air generated by the circulation fan is unlikely to reach there, so the air pressure tends to be negative.

[0005] In the conventional configuration, the evaporator and condenser constituting the heat pump mechanism for generating hot air are arranged in the leeward part of the circulation air passage. Therefore, in the conventional configuration in which the wind pressure generated by the circulation fan is negative in the leeward part of the circulation air passage, the wind generated by the circulation fan cannot reach the evaporator or condenser efficiently. In a state in which the wind generated by the circulation fan cannot reach the evaporator or condenser efficiently, the heat exchange efficiency between the air flowing in the circulation air passage and the evaporator or condenser decreases, making it difficult to efficiently generate hot air.

[0006] Therefore, the present embodiment provides a clothes dryer that makes it easier for the air generated by the circulation fan to reach negative pressure areas in the circulation air path where the air pressure generated by the circulation fan is negative. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The clothes dryer of this embodiment comprises a drying tub in which clothes are stored, a circulation air duct connecting an air inlet and an air outlet provided in the drying tub, and a circulation blower which circulates air in the drying tub through the circulation air duct, and the circulation air duct has a positive pressure region where the air pressure generated by the circulation blower is positive, a negative pressure region where the air pressure generated by the circulation blower is negative, and a reduced air duct area region where the air duct area decreases from the positive pressure region side to the negative pressure region side. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. 2 is a vertical cross-sectional side view showing a schematic configuration example of a clothes dryer according to the present embodiment; [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of a circulating air passage according to the present embodiment. [Diagram 3] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an example of the internal configuration of a clothes dryer according to an embodiment of the present invention, viewed from the right front. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing an example of the internal configuration of the clothes dryer according to the embodiment, viewed from the right rear. [Diagram 5] FIG. 2 is a front view showing an example of the internal configuration of the clothes dryer according to the embodiment; [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a rear view showing an example of the internal configuration of the clothes dryer according to the embodiment; [Figure 7] FIG. 2 is a right side view showing an example of the internal configuration of the clothes dryer according to the embodiment; [Figure 8] FIG. 2 is a plan view showing an example of the internal configuration of the clothes dryer according to the embodiment; [Figure 9] FIG. 1 is a vertical sectional front view showing an enlarged schematic configuration example of a part of a circulating air passage and its surrounding area according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 10] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing an example of the configuration of a circulating air passage according to the embodiment, viewed from the right front. [Figure 11] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing an example of the configuration of a circulating air passage according to the embodiment, viewed from the left rear. [Figure 12] FIG. 2 is a rear view showing an example of the configuration of a circulating air passage according to the embodiment; DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0009] An embodiment of a clothes dryer will be described below with reference to the drawings. The washer-dryer 1 illustrated in FIG. 1 is an example of a clothes processing device capable of performing a predetermined process on clothes, in this case at least a washing process for washing clothes, a rinsing process for rinsing clothes, and a dehydration process for dehydrating clothes. The washer-dryer 1 is a so-called drum-type washer-dryer in which the rotation center axis of the rotating tub extends horizontally or in a direction inclined relative to the horizontal. The washer-dryer 1 is also an example of a clothes dryer capable of performing a drying process for drying clothes.

[0010] The washer / dryer 1 includes a clothes treatment tub 3 inside a rectangular outer casing 2 that forms the outer shell of the washer / dryer 1. The clothes treatment tub 3 is configured to be capable of accommodating clothes (not shown) that are to be subjected to various processes, such as washing, rinsing, spin-drying, and drying.

[0011] The front opening 3c of the clothing treatment tub 3 can be opened and closed by a door 4 provided on the front of the outer box 2. By opening the door 4, a user can put clothing into and take clothing out of the clothing treatment tub 3 through the front opening 3c of the clothing treatment tub 3. The clothing treatment tub 3 also functions as a drying tub in which clothing is stored during the drying process in which the clothing is dried.

[0012] The washer / dryer 1 also includes a water supply unit 5 for supplying water into the clothes treatment tub 3, and a drainage unit 6 for draining the water in the clothes treatment tub 3 to the outside of the machine. The water supply unit 5 includes a well-known water supply valve 8 and a water injection case 9 in a water supply path 7 extending from a water source (not shown), such as a water main, to the clothes treatment tub 3. The drainage unit 6 also includes a well-known drainage valve 11 in a drainage path 10 extending from the bottom of the clothes treatment tub 3 to the outside of the machine. When the drainage valve 11 is closed, water is supplied from the water supply unit 5 to the clothes treatment tub 3, so that a predetermined amount of water is stored in the clothes treatment tub 3. When the drainage valve 11 is opened, the water in the clothes treatment tub 3 is drained to the outside of the machine via the drainage path 10.

[0013] A well-known drain filter unit 12 is provided in the drain path 10, upstream of the drain valve 11. The drain filter unit 12 captures foreign matter such as lint and dust contained in the water discharged from the clothes treatment tub 3 through the drain path 10 by the drain unit 6 to the outside of the machine.

[0014] The washer / dryer 1 also includes a circulation air duct 100. The circulation air duct 100 connects the air outlet 3a and the air inlet 3b of the clothes treating tub 3 outside the clothes treating tub 3. In this case, the air outlet 3a is provided at the front part of the top surface of the clothes treating tub 3. The air inlet 3b is provided at the top part of the back surface of the clothes treating tub 3.

[0015] A heat exchange duct 106 is provided in the middle of the circulation air duct 100. In this case, the heat exchange duct 106 is provided in the rear part of the lower part inside the outer casing 2 so as to extend along the left-right direction of the outer casing 2. A well-known drying filter 15 is provided in the middle of the circulation air duct 100 on the upwind side of the heat exchange duct 106. The drying filter 15 captures foreign matter such as lint and dust contained in the air flowing inside the circulation air duct 100.

[0016] 2, the washer / dryer 1 includes a heat pump mechanism 16. The heat pump mechanism 16 configures a refrigeration cycle in which a compressor 17, a condenser 18, a throttle 19, and an evaporator 20 are connected in a cycle by a refrigerant pipe 21. Of these, the condenser 18 and the evaporator 20, which configure a heat exchanger, are disposed inside a heat exchange duct 106 which configures a part of the circulation air passage 100.

[0017] The circulation air passage 100 is also provided with a circulation fan 22. The circulation fan 22 functions as an example of an air generation section or an air pressure generation section, and circulates the air in the clothing treatment tub 3 through the circulation air passage 100. When the circulation fan 22 is driven, the air in the clothing treatment tub 3 is introduced into the circulation air passage 100 from the air outlet 3a, flows from the upwind side, which is the air outlet 3a side, to the downwind side, which is the air inlet 3b side, and is returned to the clothing treatment tub 3 from the air inlet 3b, as shown by the arrow W in Fig. 2. That is, when the circulation fan 22 is driven, the air in the clothing treatment tub 3 is circulated through the circulation air passage 100.

[0018] The evaporator 20 is disposed in the heat exchange duct 106 on the air outlet 3a side of the clothing treatment tub 3, that is, on the windward side of the circulation air duct 100. Meanwhile, the condenser 18 is disposed in the heat exchange duct 106 on the air inlet 3b side of the clothing treatment tub 3, that is, on the downwind side of the circulation air duct 100. That is, in the circulation air duct 100, more specifically in the heat exchange duct 106, the evaporator 20 is disposed on the upwind side of the condenser 18, that is, on the upstream side in the direction of the air flow. In other words, in the circulation air duct 100, more specifically in the heat exchange duct 106, the condenser 18 is disposed on the downwind side of the evaporator 20, that is, on the downstream side in the direction of the air flow.

[0019] The evaporator 20 is an example of a dehumidifying section, and functions as a dehumidifying means for cooling and dehumidifying the air flowing in the circulating air passage 100 from the air outlet 3a side to the air inlet 3b side, that is, from the windward side to the downwind side. On the other hand, the condenser 18 is an example of a heating section, and functions as a heating means for heating the air flowing in the circulating air passage 100 from the air outlet 3a side to the air inlet 3b side, that is, from the windward side to the downwind side.

[0020] By providing the evaporator 20 and the condenser 18 in the circulating air passage 100, the air flowing from the windward side to the leeward side in the circulating air passage 100 is dehumidified by the evaporator 20 and heated by the condenser 18, and is returned to the clothing treatment tub 3 as hot air at a predetermined temperature. This allows the clothing stored in the clothing treatment tub 3 to be dried by the hot air.

[0021] As shown in Fig. 3, the clothing treatment tub 3 has a cylindrical water tub 31 with a bottom and a cylindrical drum 32 with a bottom that can rotate inside the water tub 31. The peripheral wall of the drum 32 is provided with a large number of small holes 33, and the inner peripheral surface of the drum 32 is provided with a plurality of baffles 34 for stirring up the clothing. A drum motor (not shown) for rotating the drum 32 is provided on the rear surface of the clothing treatment tub 3. The drum motor is formed in a substantially circular shape centered on the rotation axis of the drum 32.

[0022] The above describes an outline of a configuration example of the washer / dryer 1 according to the present disclosure. In the washer / dryer 1 according to the present disclosure, ingenuity is particularly applied to the configuration of the circulation air duct 100. Next, the configuration example of the circulation air duct 100 will be described in more detail.

[0023] 3 to 7, circulation air duct 100 includes first duct 101, second duct 102, third duct 103, fourth duct 104, and fifth duct 105. Circulation air duct 100 also includes heat exchange duct 106 on the downwind side of fifth duct 105. Circulation air duct 100 also includes clothing treatment tub 3 between first duct 101 and second duct 102.

[0024] The base end 101a of the first duct 101 is connected to the air outlet 22a of the circulation blower 22. Meanwhile, the tip end 101b of the first duct 101 is connected to the air inlet 3b of the clothes treatment tub 3. When viewed from the rear side of the washer-dryer 1, the first duct 101 is curved so as to bypass the right side of the drum motor (not shown). The wind generated by the circulation blower 22 flows from the air outlet 22a into the first duct 101 and further into the circulation air passage 100. The base end 101a of the first duct 101 is formed of a flexible cylindrical bellows portion. As a result, a configuration is realized in which vibrations generated in the water tub 31 due to the rotation of the drum 32 during operation of the washer-dryer 1 are absorbed by the bellows portion and are not easily transmitted to the circulation blower 22.

[0025] The base end 102a of the second duct 102 is connected to the air outlet 3a of the clothes treatment tub 3. In this case, the air outlet 3a forms a cylindrical opening extending upward. The base end 102a of the second duct 102 is configured with a flexible cylindrical bellows portion. This realizes a configuration in which vibrations generated in the water tub 31 due to the rotation of the drum 32 during operation of the washer / dryer 1 are absorbed by the bellows portion and are not easily transmitted to the second duct 102 and, by extension, the circulating air passage 100.

[0026] The tip end 102b of the second duct 102 extends rearward from the upper end of the bellows portion and is connected to the windward portion of the drying filter 15. The drying filter 15 constitutes the base end 103a of the third duct 103. Therefore, the tip end 102b of the second duct 102 can also be defined as being connected to the base end 103a of the third duct 103.

[0027] The third duct 103 is an example of an inclined air passage section, and extends along the front-rear direction of the washer-dryer 1, and is inclined downward from the front side to the rear side with respect to the horizontal direction. As described above, the base end 103a of the third duct 103 is connected to the tip end 102b of the second duct 102. The tip end 103b of the third duct 103 is connected to the base end 104a of the fourth duct 104. The third duct 103 is formed by combining an upper component 103A and a lower component 103B that are divided into upper and lower parts along the horizontal direction.

[0028] The open bottom portion of the upper constituent part 103A is formed in a horizontal straight line when viewed from the right side of the washer-dryer 1. Moreover, the top surface of the upper constituent part 103A is inclined downward from the front side to the rear side when viewed from the right side of the washer-dryer 1. Moreover, a drying filter 15 is integrally provided at the front part of the upper constituent part 103A.

[0029] The upper open portion of the lower constituent part 103B is formed in a horizontal straight line when viewed from the right side of the washer-dryer 1. In addition, the lower surface portion of the lower constituent part 103B is inclined downward from the front side to the rear side when viewed from the right side of the washer-dryer 1.

[0030] The third duct 103 is formed by joining a bottom open part of the upper constituent part 103A and a top open part of the lower constituent part 103B. The joint part between the bottom open part of the upper constituent part 103A and the top open part of the lower constituent part 103B is preferably configured to be firmly and airtightly joined by, for example, welding. In addition, the third duct 103 has an air passage cross section in a direction perpendicular to its extension direction that is generally or completely rectangular. In this case, the air passage cross section of the third duct 103 has a rectangular cross section that is longer in the horizontal direction than in the vertical direction.

[0031] The fourth duct 104 extends linearly along the up-down direction of the washer-dryer 1. The base end 104a of the fourth duct 104, in other words, the upper end of the fourth duct 104, is connected to the tip end 103b of the third duct 103, as described above. Meanwhile, the tip end 104b of the fourth duct 104, in other words, the lower end of the fourth duct 104, is connected to the base end 105a of the fifth duct 105. The fourth duct 104 has an air passage cross section in a direction perpendicular to its extension direction that is generally or completely rectangular. In this case, the air passage cross section of the fourth duct 104 has a rectangular cross section that is longer in the horizontal direction than in the front-rear direction.

[0032] Further, the fourth duct 104 has a constricted portion 110 in the middle thereof. The constricted portion 110 is provided on the right side of the fourth duct 104 when viewed from the rear side of the washer-dryer 1, in other words, on the side of the drum motor (not shown). The constricted portion 110 is recessed toward the left side when viewed from the rear side of the washer-dryer 1, in other words, toward the opposite side from the drum motor (not shown). The air passage area of ​​the fourth duct 104 at the constricted portion 110 is smaller than the air passage area of ​​the fourth duct 104 other than the constricted portion 110.

[0033] The fifth duct 105 extends in the left-right direction of the washer-dryer 1 and is inclined downward from the left to the right in the horizontal direction when viewed from the rear side of the washer-dryer 1, in other words, toward the heat exchange duct 106 side and the circulation blower 22 side. As described above, the base end 105a of the fifth duct 105 is connected to the tip end 104b of the fourth duct 104. The tip end 105b of the fifth duct 105 is connected to the air inlet 106a provided at the base end of the heat exchange duct 106. In this case, the air inlet 106a is formed in a cylindrical shape extending in the vertical direction.

[0034] The fifth duct 105 is formed by an upper constituent portion 105A and a lower constituent portion 105B that are divided vertically.

[0035] The open lower surface of the upper constituent part 105A is formed in a horizontal straight line when viewed from the rear side of the washer-dryer 1. In addition, the upper surface of the upper constituent part 105A is inclined downward from the left side to the right side when viewed from the rear side of the washer-dryer 1.

[0036] The upper open portion of the lower constituent part 105B is formed in a horizontal straight line when viewed from the rear side of the washer-dryer 1. In addition, the lower surface portion of the lower constituent part 105B is inclined downward from the left side to the right side when viewed from the rear side of the washer-dryer 1.

[0037] The fifth duct 105 is formed by joining the lower open part of the upper constituent part 105A and the upper open part of the lower constituent part 105B. The joint part between the lower open part of the upper constituent part 105A and the upper open part of the lower constituent part 105B is preferably configured to be firmly and airtightly joined by, for example, welding. In addition, the base end 105a side part of the fifth duct 105 has an air passage cross section in a direction perpendicular to the extension direction, which is generally or completely rectangular. In this case, the air passage cross section of the fifth duct 105 has a rectangular shape that is longer in the horizontal direction than in the front-rear direction. In addition, the tip end 105b side part of the fifth duct 105 has an air passage cross section that is circular.

[0038] As described above, the air inlet 106a constituting the base end of the heat exchange duct 106 is connected to the tip 105b of the fifth duct 105. On the other hand, the tip 106b of the heat exchange duct 106 is connected to an air suction port (not shown) provided in the circulation blower 22.

[0039] As described above, in the washer / dryer 1, a circulation cycle is formed by connecting the first duct 101, the clothes treatment tub 3, the second duct 102, the third duct 103, the fourth duct 104, the fifth duct 105, the heat exchange duct 106, and the circulation blower 22. Note that the connection parts between the components that form this circulation cycle are generally fixed by, for example, press-fitting accompanied by adhesion, but the connection may be made more firmly and airtightly by, for example, welding.

[0040] In the circulation air passage 100, the connection between the tip end 103b of the third duct 103 and the base end 104a of the fourth duct 104 forms a curved air passage section 120 that bends downward to avoid the clothing treatment tub 3. As illustrated in Figs. 8 and 9, a recessed escape section 121 is formed in the lower part of the third duct 103, located on the windward side of the curved air passage section 120, so that the clothing treatment tub 3 can enter. The air passage area in the part of the third duct 103 where the escape section 121 is formed is smaller than the air passage area in other parts, in this case, at least the part where the curved air passage section 120 is formed. In other words, the air passage area in the curved air passage section 120 is larger than the air passage area in the escape section 121, which is the windward side of the curved air passage section 120.

[0041] In this case, at least the lateral dimension of curved air passage section 120 is larger than the lateral dimension of escape section 121. That is, by making at least the lateral dimension of curved air passage section 120 larger, an air passage area larger than that of escape section 121 is ensured.

[0042] Next, we will explain an example of the relationship in size between the air passage areas of the various parts of the air circulation passage 100. The air passage area of ​​each part of the air circulation passage 100 is the area of ​​a cross section along a direction that is approximately or completely perpendicular to the direction in which the air flows in each part.

[0043] 10 and 11, the air passage area S1 of the air discharge port 22a of the circulation fan 22, in other words, the air passage area S1 of the portion of the first duct 101 on the side of the base end 101a, is approximately 4600 square millimeters in this case. Also, the air passage area S2 of the air inlet 3b of the clothing treatment tub 3, in other words, the air passage area S2 of the portion of the first duct 101 on the side of the tip end 101b, is approximately 9000 square millimeters in this case.

[0044] In this case, the internal volume of the clothing treatment tub 3 is approximately 997,000 cubic millimeters. In this case, the air passage area S3 of the air outlet 3a of the clothing treatment tub 3 is approximately 14,900 square millimeters. That is, the opening area of ​​the air outlet 3a of the clothing treatment tub 3 is at least larger than the opening area of ​​the air inlet 3b of the clothing treatment tub 3.

[0045] In addition, the air passage area S4 of the second duct 102 in the circulation air passage 100, more specifically, the air passage area S4 of the bellows portion constituting the base end portion 102a of the second duct 102, is approximately 6400 square millimeters in this case. In addition, the air passage area S5 of the drying filter 15 in the circulation air passage 100, in other words, the air passage area S5 of the base end portion 103a side portion of the third duct 103, is approximately 10300 square millimeters in this case. In addition, the air passage area S6 of the tip end portion 103b side portion of the third duct 103 in the circulation air passage 100, in other words, the air passage area S6 of the portion upwind of the curved air passage portion 120, is approximately 8300 square millimeters in this case.

[0046] In addition, the air passage area S7 of the base end 104a side portion of the fourth duct 104 in the circulation air passage 100, in other words, the air passage area S7 of the portion of the fourth duct 104 that is on the leeward side of the curved air passage portion 120 and on the windward side of the constricted portion 110, is approximately 8100 square millimeters in this case. In addition, the air passage area S8 of the middle portion of the fourth duct 104 in the circulation air passage 100, in other words, the air passage area S8 of the portion of the fourth duct 104 where the constricted portion 110 is formed, is approximately 5000 square millimeters in this case. In addition, the air passage area S9 of the tip end 104b side portion of the fourth duct 104 in the circulation air passage 100, in other words, the air passage area S9 of the portion of the fourth duct 104 that is on the leeward side of the constricted portion 110, is approximately 8600 square millimeters in this case. The air passage area S9 of the portion of the circulation air passage 100 on the tip end 104b side of the fourth duct 104 is equal to the air passage area of ​​the portion of the circulation air passage 100 on the base end 105a side of the fifth duct 105.

[0047] In this case, the air passage area S10 of the tip 105b of the fifth duct 105 in the circulation air passage 100 is approximately 4700 square millimeters. The air passage area S10 of the tip 105b of the fifth duct 105 in the circulation air passage 100 is equal to the air passage area of ​​the air inlet 106a constituting the base end of the heat exchange duct 106.

[0048] The inventors of the present application have confirmed that a positive pressure region R1 where the air pressure generated by the circulation fan 22 is positive, i.e., a plus value, and a negative pressure region R2 where the air pressure generated by the circulation fan 22 is negative, i.e., a minus value, are formed in the circulation air passage 100. Therefore, the inventors of the present application conducted verification experiments for identifying the portion where the positive pressure region R1 and the portion where the negative pressure region R2 are formed for the circulation air passage 100 configured as described above.

[0049] Next, the results of a verification experiment conducted by the inventor of the present application will be described. As shown in Fig. 12, this verification experiment was conducted by providing holes H1-H4 of a predetermined size, in this case holes H1-H4 with a diameter of about 25 mm, in the air passage area S7 portion, the air passage area S8 portion, the air passage area S9 portion, and the air passage area S10 portion of the circulation air passage 100, and measuring the speed of the wind flowing in or out through each of the holes H1-H4. In this verification experiment, the wind speed generated by the circulation fan 22, that is, the wind speed in the air passage area S1 portion, is 20 meters / second in this case.

[0050] According to a verification experiment conducted by the inventor of the present application, air flows out from inside of the circulation air passage 100 to outside through the hole H1 provided in the air passage area S7 portion of the circulation air passage 100, and the speed of the outflowing air was 15 meters / second in this case. Furthermore, air hardly flows out or in through the hole H2 provided in the air passage area S8 portion of the circulation air passage 100 and the hole H3 provided in the air passage area S9 portion of the circulation air passage 100. Furthermore, air flows in from outside of the circulation air passage 100 to inside through the hole H4 provided in the air passage area S10 portion of the circulation air passage 100, and the speed of the inflowing air was 10 meters / second in this case.

[0051] Based on the above verification results, airflow from hole H1 occurred in air passage area S7 of circulation air passage 100. Therefore, it can be confirmed that the air pressure generated by circulation fan 22 is positive, that is, a positive pressure state, in air passage area S7. Therefore, air passage area S7 of circulation air passage 100 and the part upwind of air passage area S7 can be defined as a positive pressure region R1 where the air pressure generated by circulation fan 22 is positive, that is, a plus value.

[0052] In addition, in the air passage area S10 portion of the circulation air passage 100, air flows in from the hole H4. Therefore, it can be confirmed that the air pressure generated by the circulation fan 22 is negative in the air passage area S10 portion, that is, a negative pressure state is formed. Therefore, the air passage area S10 portion of the circulation air passage 100 and the portion on the leeward side of the air passage area S10 portion can be defined as a negative pressure region R2 where the air pressure generated by the circulation fan 22 is negative, that is, a negative value. Note that the air passage area S10 portion of the circulation air passage 100 and the portion on the leeward side of the air passage area S10 portion are close to the air suction port of the circulation fan 22, so that the air suction force of the circulation fan 22 is likely to act on them. Therefore, it is considered that the negative pressure state is easily formed due to the action of such suction force.

[0053] In addition, in the air passage area S8 portion and the air passage area S9 portion of the circulation air passage 100, there is little or no outflow or inflow of air from the holes H2 and H3. Therefore, it can be confirmed that the air pressure generated by the circulation fan 22 is neither positive nor negative, that is, in the air passage area S8 portion and the air passage area S9 portion, the air passage area S8 portion and the air passage area S9 portion of the circulation air passage 100 are in a non-pressure region R3 where the air pressure generated by the circulation fan 22 is neither positive nor negative. The non-pressure region R3 can also be defined as the region between the air passage area S7 portion and the air passage area S10 portion, or as the region between the positive pressure region R1 and the negative pressure region R2.

[0054] In the washer / dryer 1 according to the present disclosure, a constricted portion 110 is provided in the non-pressure region R3. The constricted portion 110 is configured so that the air passage area gradually decreases or narrows from the positive pressure region R1 toward the negative pressure region R2, in other words, from the windward side toward the leeward side of the circulation air passage 100. Therefore, the non-pressure region R3 can be defined as an example of a reduced air passage area region.

[0055] Moreover, the constricted portion 110 is configured such that the air passage area gradually decreases from the positive pressure region R1 side toward the negative pressure region R2 side, and then the air passage area gradually increases or widens from the positive pressure region R1 side toward the negative pressure region R2 side, in other words, from the windward side toward the leeward side of the circulating air passage 100. Therefore, the non-pressure region R3 can also be defined as an example of an enlarged air passage area region.

[0056] As described above, the non-pressure region R3 has a reduced air duct area region on the windward side where the air duct area gradually decreases from the positive pressure region R1 to the negative pressure region R2, and an expanded air duct area region on the leeward side where the air duct area gradually increases from the positive pressure region R1 to the negative pressure region R2. In other words, the non-pressure region R3 can be defined as a region that includes both the reduced air duct area region and the expanded air duct area region.

[0057] According to the exemplary configuration of the washer / dryer 1 illustrated above, the circulation air passage 100 has a positive pressure region R1 where the air pressure generated by the circulation blower 22 is positive, i.e., a plus value, and a negative pressure region R2 where the air pressure generated by the circulation blower 22 is negative, i.e., a minus value, and in the non-pressure region R3 located between the positive pressure region R1 and the negative pressure region R2, the air passage area is gradually reduced from the positive pressure region R1 side toward the negative pressure region R2 side.

[0058] That is, the circulation air passage 100 is configured to have a flow path with a gradually smaller air passage area, a so-called "narrow passage," in a portion where the air pressure generated by the circulation fan 22 switches from positive to negative, in other words, in a portion where the air speed weakens. According to this configuration example, in a portion where the air pressure generated by the circulation fan 22 switches from positive to negative and the air speed weakens, the decrease in air pressure can be suppressed by passing the air through a narrower flow path, and thus the decrease in air speed can be suppressed. Therefore, the air generated by the circulation fan 22 can easily reach the negative pressure region R2 in the circulation air passage 100 where the air pressure generated by the circulation fan 22 becomes negative.

[0059] In the washer / dryer 1 according to the present disclosure, the evaporator 20 and condenser 18 constituting the heat pump mechanism 16 are disposed in the negative pressure area R2. Therefore, by making it easier for the air generated by the circulation fan 22 to reach the negative pressure area R2, heat exchange between the air flowing in the circulation air passage 100 and the evaporator 20 and the condenser 18 can be promoted, and hot air can be efficiently generated and supplied into the clothing treatment tub 3. That is, the clothing in the clothing treatment tub 3 can be efficiently dried.

[0060] Furthermore, in the washer / dryer 1, constricted portion 110 provided in the portion of circulation air passage 100 between positive pressure zone R1 and negative pressure zone R2 is provided to the side of a drum motor (not shown) provided on the rear surface of the clothing treatment tub 3. Therefore, a part of the drum motor, which is a relatively large component of the washer / dryer 1, can be fitted into constricted portion 110, and the drum motor can be disposed by effectively utilizing the limited space in the outer casing 2.

[0061] In addition, in the washer / dryer 1, the opening area S3 of the air outlet 3a of the clothes treating tub 3 is larger than at least the opening area S2 of the air inlet 3b. The clothes treating tub 3 has a relatively large internal volume. Therefore, there is a concern that the air pressure generated by the circulation fan 22 will be significantly reduced as the air flows into the clothes treating tub 3 from the air inlet 3b.

[0062] According to the configuration example in which the opening area S3 of the air outlet 3a is larger than the opening area S2 of the air inlet 3b, the air in the clothing processing tub 3 can be efficiently discharged from the widely opened air outlet 3a. Therefore, even if the air pressure generated by the circulation blower 22 is significantly reduced as it flows into the clothing processing tub 3 from the air inlet 3b, the air in the clothing processing tub 3 can be actively discharged from the air outlet 3a to promote the flow of air so as to compensate for the reduction in air pressure, i.e., the loss. This makes it possible to suppress a decrease in the amount of air circulating through the circulation air passage 100 and a decrease in circulation efficiency.

[0063] In addition, according to the washer / dryer 1, the circulating air duct 100 has a curved air duct section 120 that bends to avoid the clothes treating tub 3, and the air duct area in the portion where this curved air duct section 120 is formed is larger than the air duct area in the portion upwind of the curved air duct section 120, in this case, the portion where the escape section 121 is formed.

[0064] Here, there is a concern that the wind may have difficulty flowing in the curved portion of the circulating air passage 100 because the direction in which the wind moves changes significantly. According to a configuration example in which the air passage area in the curved air passage section 120 is made larger than the air passage area in the portion on the windward side of the curved air passage section 120, it is possible to ensure a large air passage area in the portion where the direction in which the wind moves changes significantly. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the wind from having difficulty flowing in the curved portion of the air passage.

[0065] Further, according to the washer / dryer 1, the circulation air passage 100 has the third duct 103 as an example of an inclined air passage section inclined with respect to the horizontal direction, and the third duct 103 is formed by an upper component part 103A and a lower component part 103B divided vertically. According to this configuration example, the degree of freedom in the dimensional design in the depth direction, in other words, in the vertical direction, can be improved for each of the upper component part 103A and the lower component part 103B, and in other words, the upper component part 103A and the lower component part 103B, which are deep in the vertical direction, can be easily manufactured by molding or the like. Therefore, by combining such upper component part 103A and lower component part 103B, it is possible to form the third duct 103 having a larger vertical dimension, and it is possible to realize the third duct 103 having a larger air passage area, that is, the third duct 103 through which the wind flows easily.

[0066] According to the washer / dryer 1, the fifth duct 105 is also formed by an upper component part 105A and a lower component part 105B that are divided vertically. Therefore, the same effect as that of the third duct 103 can be expected for the fifth duct 105.

[0067] Although detailed description is omitted, according to the washer / dryer 1, the compressor 17 is disposed below the fifth duct 105. However, since the fifth duct 105 is configured to be inclined downward with respect to the horizontal direction, that is, the lower surface portion is inclined, it is easy to secure a space for the compressor 17 below the fifth duct 105. Therefore, it is not necessary to provide a recessed portion for the upper portion of the compressor 17 in the lower surface portion of the fifth duct 105, and even if such a recessed portion is provided, the recessed amount of the recessed portion can be minimized. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the air passage area of ​​the fifth duct 105 from being reduced by the recessed portion, and it is possible to realize a fifth duct 105 having a larger air passage area, that is, a fifth duct 105 through which air flows easily.

[0068] In addition, according to the washer / dryer 1, the fourth duct 104 constituting a part of the circulating air passage 100 has a rectangular air passage cross section in a direction perpendicular to the extension direction, that is, the fourth duct 104 is a component having a rectangular outer shape. According to this configuration example, the fourth duct 104 can be arranged along the inner surface of the rectangular box-shaped outer casing 2, in this case, the rear surface and the right side surface, that is, the fourth duct 104 can be arranged along the corners of the rectangular box-shaped outer casing 2. This allows the fourth duct 104 to be arranged by effectively utilizing the limited space in the rectangular box-shaped outer casing 2. In addition, the air passage area of ​​the fourth duct 104 can be maximized, and the fourth duct 104 through which air flows more easily can be realized.

[0069] This embodiment is not limited to the above-mentioned embodiment, and can be modified or expanded as appropriate without departing from the spirit of the present invention. For example, the position at which the constricted portion 110 is provided in the circulating air passage 100 is not limited to the position exemplified in the above-mentioned embodiment, and can be modified as appropriate.

[0070] That is, the constricted portion 110 is provided in the region between the positive pressure region R1 and the negative pressure region R2 in the circulation air passage 100, in this case, in the non-pressure region R3. The locations where the positive pressure region R1 and the negative pressure region R2 are formed in the circulation air passage 100 may vary depending on various conditions, such as the size of the air passage area of ​​each part in the circulation air passage 100, the overall shape of the circulation air passage 100 and the shape of each part, the overall length of the circulation air passage 100 and the length of each part, the size and shape of the clothing treatment tub 3, the position, size and shape of the air outlet 3a and the air inlet 3b in the clothing treatment tub 3, and the performance of the circulation blower 22. Therefore, it is preferable to specify the locations where the positive pressure region R1 and the negative pressure region R2 are formed in a configuration to which the technical idea of ​​the present disclosure is to be applied, and provide the constricted portion 110 at an optimal position in the region between the positive pressure region R1 and the negative pressure region R2.

[0071] Furthermore, the constricted portion 110 may be configured so that its entirety is contained within the non-pressure region R3, or so that a portion of it is contained within the non-pressure region R3. When a portion of the constricted portion 110 is provided within the non-pressure region R3, the windward portion of the constricted portion 110 may be configured so that it is outside the non-pressure region R3, i.e., inside the positive pressure region R1, or the leeward portion of the constricted portion 110 may be configured so that it is outside the non-pressure region R3, i.e., inside the negative pressure region R2.

[0072] In the above-described embodiment, the constricted portion 110 is configured to be located to the side of a drum motor (not shown) provided on the rear surface of the clothing treatment tub 3. However, the constricted portion 110 does not necessarily have to be located to the side of the drum motor (not shown), and may be located in another portion.

[0073] Incidentally, by fitting the various components constituting the washer-dryer 1 into the constricted portion 110, it is possible to fit the various components compactly within the outer box 2. For this reason, it is advisable to use the space formed by the constricted portion 110 to arrange the various components constituting the washer-dryer 1. In this case, by arranging relatively large components such as the clothes treatment tub 3 and compressor 17, in addition to the drum motor (not shown), so as to fit them into the space formed by the constricted portion 110, the overall configuration of the washer-dryer 1 can be made even more compact.

[0074] Moreover, the height position of the constricted portion 110 can be appropriately changed as long as it is provided in the region between the positive pressure region R1 and the negative pressure region R2 in the circulating air passage 100. For example, the constricted portion 110 may be configured such that the portion higher than the middle position in the vertical direction of the outer box 2 is smaller or larger than the portion lower than the middle position in the vertical direction of the outer box 2. Moreover, the constricted portion 110 may be configured such that the portion higher than the middle position in the vertical direction of the outer box 2 and the portion lower than the middle position in the vertical direction of the outer box 2 are almost or completely the same size. Moreover, the constricted portion 110 may be configured such that the entire constricted portion 110 is higher than the middle position in the vertical direction of the outer box 2. Moreover, the constricted portion 110 may be configured such that the entire constricted portion 110 is lower than the middle position in the vertical direction of the outer box 2.

[0075] Furthermore, the length of the constricted portion 110 can be changed as appropriate as long as it is provided in the region between the positive pressure region R1 and the negative pressure region R2 in the circulating air passage 100. For example, the constricted portion 110 may be longer or shorter than the diameter of a drum motor (not shown). The constricted portion 110 may be longer or shorter than the diameter of the clothing treatment tub 3.

[0076] The constricted portion 110 may be provided continuously or discontinuously in the region between the positive pressure region R1 and the negative pressure region R2. When multiple constricted portions 110 are provided in the region between the positive pressure region R1 and the negative pressure region R2, the recess amount of each of the constricted portions 110 may be the same or different. When the boundary between the positive pressure region R1 and the negative pressure region R2 can be specified as a "line" rather than as a "region", that is, when the positive pressure region R1 and the negative pressure region R2 are continuous and no non-pressure region R3 exists, the air passage area at the boundary line may be locally narrowed by, for example, a rib, and the narrowed portion may function as a "constricted portion" or an "air passage area reduction portion".

[0077] In addition, the present embodiment is not limited to a so-called drum type washer-dryer in which the rotation axis of the rotary tub extends horizontally or in an inclined direction, but can also be applied to a so-called vertical axis type washer-dryer in which the rotation axis of the rotary tub extends vertically. In addition, the present embodiment can also be applied to a pure clothes dryer that does not have a washing function.

[0078] It should be noted that the present embodiment is presented merely as an example and is not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These novel embodiments can be implemented in various other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. The present embodiment and its modifications are included in the scope and spirit of the invention, and are included in the scope of the invention and its equivalents described in the claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0079] In the drawings, 1 indicates a washer / dryer (clothes dryer), 3 indicates a clothes treatment tub (drying tub), 3a indicates an air flow outlet, 3b indicates an air flow inlet, 22 indicates a circulation fan, 100 indicates a circulation air duct, 103 indicates a third duct (inclined air duct section), 103A indicates an upper component, 103B indicates a lower component, 120 indicates a curved air duct section, R1 indicates a positive pressure area, R2 indicates a negative pressure area, and R3 indicates a no-pressure area (area where air duct area is reduced).

Claims

1. A drying tub in which clothes are stored; a circulation air duct connecting an air inlet and an air outlet provided in the drying tank; a circulation fan that circulates air in the drying tank through the circulation air passage; Equipped with The circulation air duct is a positive pressure region where the wind pressure generated by the circulation fan is positive; a negative pressure region where the wind pressure generated by the circulation fan is negative; a reduced air passage area region in which the air passage area gradually decreases from the positive pressure region side toward the negative pressure region side; an enlarged air passage area region in which an air passage area gradually increases from the positive pressure region side to the negative pressure region side; having A heat exchanger is provided in the negative pressure region, The clothes dryer in which air flowing through the circulation air duct passes from the circulation blower through the positive pressure region, the air duct area reduction region, the air duct area expansion region, and the negative pressure region in this order, and then circulates so as to return to the circulation blower.

2. The clothes dryer according to claim 1 , wherein an opening area of ​​the air outlet is larger than an opening area of ​​the air inlet.

3. The circulating air duct has a curved air duct portion that bends to avoid the drying tank, 3. The clothes dryer according to claim 1, wherein an air passage area in the curved air passage portion is larger than an air passage area in a portion on the windward side of the curved air passage portion.

4. The circulation air passage has an inclined air passage portion inclined with respect to the horizontal direction, 4. The clothes dryer according to claim 1, wherein the inclined air passage portion is formed by an upper component portion and a lower component portion that are divided vertically along a horizontal direction.

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