Washer / dryer

Abstract

To provide a washer dryer capable of preventing condensate water generated in a cooler from adhering to a heater.SOLUTION: A washer dryer has a circulation path connected to an outer tank. The circulation path includes a second duct 113 disposed so that a cooler 130 and a heater 140 are located on downstream side of a position at which an air blower is disposed and the cooler 130 is located on upstream side of the heater 140. A protective wall part 340, which extends in a direction perpendicular to air flow in the second duct 113 along a bottom surface wall 303 of the second duct 113 and is overlapped on a gap between the cooler 130 and the bottom surface wall 303 from downstream side of the cooler 130, is disposed in the second duct 113. A flange part 344 protruding toward the cooler 130 and contacting the cooler 130 is formed on the protective wall part 340.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a washing and drying machine. [Background technology]

[0002] The following Patent Document 1 describes a washer-dryer that includes an air circulation path having an outlet and a return port connected to an outer tub, an air blower that circulates the air in the outer tub by taking it from the outlet into the air circulation path and returning it to the outer tub from the return port, and a heat exchanger that is provided in the air circulation path and exchanges heat between a refrigerant and the air in the air circulation path.

[0003] In this washer / dryer, the air circulation passage includes a middle section that extends in the front-rear direction at a position higher than the outer tub. The heat exchanger further includes a first heat exchanger on the heating side that is disposed downstream of the rotary blades of the blower section in the middle section, and a second heat exchanger on the cooling side that is disposed downstream of the first heat exchanger. The first heat exchanger and the second heat exchanger are aligned in the front-rear direction.

[0004] A high-temperature refrigerant flows through the first heat exchanger. Air passing through the first heat exchanger is heated by heat exchange with the refrigerant and becomes hot air. A low-temperature refrigerant flows through the second heat exchanger. Air containing moisture evaporated from laundry is cooled and dehumidified by heat exchange with the refrigerant as it passes through the second heat exchanger. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Patent Publication No. 2021-23720 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] In the above-mentioned washer / dryer, by swapping the positions of the first heat exchanger, which is a heater, and the second heat exchanger, which is a cooler, and arranging the second heat exchanger upstream of the first heat exchanger, a configuration can be adopted in which the air after being dehumidified by the second heat exchanger is heated by the first heat exchanger.

[0007] When the above-mentioned configuration is adopted, the second heat exchanger and the first heat exchanger are arranged in this order downstream of the blower, so that the air with high momentum sent out from the blower, i.e., hot air, can easily pass through the second heat exchanger. The air from the blower not only passes between the heat dissipation fins, but also between the second heat exchanger and the bottom surface of the air circulation path. The air resistance between the second heat exchanger and the bottom surface of the air circulation path is smaller than that between the heat dissipation fins, so the momentum of the passing air is less likely to decrease.

[0008] The water condensed on the second heat exchanger, i.e., on the heat dissipation fins of the second heat exchanger, due to heat exchange with the air, runs down the heat dissipation fins and falls to the bottom of the air circulation path. If the above-mentioned configuration is adopted, there is a concern that the water present on the bottom will be blown downstream by the air flowing between the cooler and the bottom of the air circulation path, and the blown water will adhere to the first heat exchanger and hinder heating.

[0009] The present invention has been made in consideration of the above-mentioned problems, and has an object to provide a washer / dryer that can prevent condensed water generated in the cooler from adhering to the heater. [Means for solving the problem]

[0010] A washer / dryer according to a main aspect of the present invention includes an outer tub arranged in a housing, a washing tub arranged in the outer tub and storing laundry, a circulation path connected to the outer tub, a blower arranged in the circulation path and circulating air between the outer tub and the circulation path, a cooler that cools and dehumidifies the air flowing in the circulation path, and a heater that heats the air flowing in the circulation path. Here, the circulation path includes a duct in which the cooler and the heater are arranged downstream of the position where the blower is arranged, with the cooler located upstream of the heater. Inside the duct, a duct extends along a bottom wall of the duct in a direction perpendicular to the air flow in the duct and is located downstream of the cooler. Located downstream of A barrier portion is provided to overlap the gap between the cooler and the bottom wall. From the barrier The cooler Upstream direction Overhang hand Contact with the cooler and stopping the water blown upward by the air that flows between the cooler and the bottom wall and blows up along the barrier portion. A flange is formed.

[0011] According to the above configuration, the water blown downstream by the air flowing between the cooler and the bottom wall is stopped by the barrier part. Furthermore, the water blown upward by the air blowing up along the barrier part is stopped by the flange part. This makes it possible to prevent condensed water generated in the cooler from entering the heater arrangement area and adhering to the heater, and to prevent the heating of the heater from being hindered.

[0012] In the washer / dryer according to this aspect, the barrier portion may include a rib protruding from the bottom wall and a cover portion covering the rib from above. In this case, the flange portion may be formed on the cover portion.

[0013] According to the above configuration, by covering the rib with the cover portion, a barrier portion having a flange portion can be easily formed inside the duct.

[0014] In the washer / dryer according to this aspect, the flange portion may be made of an elastic material.

[0015] According to the above-mentioned configuration, the flange is easily brought into strong contact with the cooler by elastic deformation, so that water splashed upward is less likely to leak upward over the flange.

[0016] In the case of the above configuration, the flange portion may further include a first flange and a second flange that is provided on the first flange and protrudes shorter than the first flange.

[0017] According to the above configuration, the flange has a double structure with the first and second flanges in the vertical direction, which makes it even more difficult for water to leak above the flange. Moreover, the second flange protrudes less than the first flange and is less likely to come into strong contact with the cooler than the first flange, so the flange as a whole is less likely to provide resistance to the cooler when the cooler is placed inside the duct, and is less likely to interfere with the placement.

[0018] In the washer / dryer according to this aspect, a drain recess having a drain outlet may be formed in the bottom wall downstream of the barrier portion and upstream of the heater. In this case, a drain groove may be formed upstream of the drain recess, sloping downward toward the drain recess and connected to the drain recess.

[0019] According to the above configuration, the water stopped by the barrier portion can flow through the drain groove into the drain recess together with other water that has fallen onto the bottom wall, and can be discharged from the outlet.

[0020] In the washer / dryer according to this aspect, the bottom wall may be provided with a drainage section in an area where the heater is disposed, for draining water that has entered the area.

[0021] According to the above configuration, even if water seeps into the arrangement area and accumulates at the bottom, the accumulated water can be prevented from leaking out of the duct and entering the outer tank. Effect of the Invention

[0022] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a washing / drying machine capable of preventing condensed water generated in a cooler from adhering to a heater.

[0023] The effects and significance of the present invention will become clearer from the following description of the embodiments. However, the following embodiment is merely an example of how the present invention can be put into practice, and the present invention is not limited to the embodiment described below. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0024] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a side cross-sectional view that illustrates a schematic configuration of a washer / dryer according to an embodiment. [Diagram 2] Fig. 2(a) is a perspective view of the outer tub with the drying device attached thereto according to the embodiment, as seen from above and rear, and Fig. 2(b) is a perspective view of the main part of the outer tub, showing the periphery of the exhaust port according to the embodiment. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is a plan view of the second duct in which the cooler and heater are disposed with the upper case removed according to the embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the second duct in which the cooler and the heater are disposed, cut in the front-rear direction at the position of the drain recess according to the embodiment. [Diagram 5] 5(a) and (b) are perspective views of a cooler and a heater, respectively, according to an embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a lower case according to the embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a perspective cross-sectional view of a lower case from which a packing has been removed, taken at a position in front of an area in which a cooler is disposed, according to the embodiment. [Figure 8] Fig. 8(a) is a perspective view of the packing according to the embodiment as seen from above and rear, Fig. 8(b) and (c) are a front cross-sectional view and a side cross-sectional view of the packing according to the embodiment, respectively. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating the periphery of a barrier part in a second duct according to an embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0025] Hereinafter, an embodiment of a washing / drying machine of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0026] Fig. 1 is a side cross-sectional view that typically illustrates the configuration of a washer / dryer 1. Fig. 2(a) is a perspective view of an outer tub 20 equipped with a drying device 100, as viewed from above and behind. Fig. 2(b) is a perspective view of a main portion of the outer tub 20, illustrating the periphery of an exhaust port 203.

[0027] The washer / dryer 1 of this embodiment is a so-called drum-type washer / dryer. The washer / dryer 1 includes a rectangular parallelepiped housing 10. A circular input port 11 through which laundry is input is formed in the front of the housing 10. The input port 11 is covered by a door 12 that can be opened and closed freely.

[0028] In the housing 10, an outer tub 20 is elastically supported by a plurality of dampers 21 and springs 22. The outer tub 20 has a cylindrical peripheral wall 201 and a disk-shaped rear wall 202. A drum 23 is rotatably disposed in the outer tub 20. The drum 23 rotates around a horizontal axis L. The drum 23 has a circular opening 23a on the front side. The outer tub 20 has a circular opening 20a in front of the opening 23a of the drum 23.

[0029] A large number of dewatering holes 23b are formed in the peripheral wall of drum 23. In addition, a baffle 24 for lifting up the laundry is provided on the peripheral wall inside drum 23. Drum 23 corresponds to the washing tub of the present invention.

[0030] A drive motor 30 is disposed behind the outer tub 20 to generate torque for rotating the drum 23. The drive motor 30 is, for example, an outer rotor type DC brushless motor. During the washing and rinsing steps, the drive motor 30 rotates the drum 23 at a rotation speed at which the centrifugal force acting on the laundry in the drum 23 is smaller than gravity and the laundry tumbles. On the other hand, during the spin-drying step, the drive motor 30 rotates the drum 23 at a rotation speed at which the centrifugal force acting on the laundry in the drum 23 is much larger than gravity and the laundry sticks to the peripheral wall of the drum 23.

[0031] A drain outlet 20b is formed at the bottom of the outer tub 20. A drain passage 40 constituted by a drain hose or the like is connected to the drain outlet 20b. A drain valve 41 and a drain filter 42 are provided in the drain passage 40. The drain valve 41 includes, for example, a valve and a torque motor for opening and closing the valve. When the drain valve 41 is opened, the water stored in the outer tub 20 is discharged outside the machine through the drain passage 40. The drain filter 42 captures foreign matter such as lint contained in the wastewater.

[0032] A water supply unit 50 is disposed at the upper part of the housing 10. The water supply unit 50 includes a first water supply valve 51, a second water supply valve 52, a first water supply hose 53, and a second water supply hose 54. The first water supply valve 51 and the second water supply valve 52 are configured by dual electromagnetic valves. One end of the first water supply hose 53 is connected to the first water supply valve 51, and the other end is connected to the water inlet 20c provided on the rear wall 202 of the outer tub 20. One end of the second water supply hose 54 is connected to the second water supply valve 52, and the other end is connected to the water supply passage 160.

[0033] When the first water supply valve 51 is opened, tap water from a water faucet flows through the first water supply hose 53 and is supplied from the water inlet 20c into the outer tub 20. When the second water supply valve 52 is opened, tap water flows through the second water supply hose 54 and is supplied to the water supply passage 160.

[0034] A drying device 100 is disposed in an upper portion of housing 10 for drying the laundry in drum 23. Drying device 100 includes a circulation path 110, a blower 120, a cooler 130, a heater 140, a drying filter 150, a water supply path 160, and a wiper mechanism 170.

[0035] The circulation path 110 is an air passage through which air flows, and is connected to the outer tub 20. The circulation path 110 includes a first duct 111, a fan casing 112, a second duct 113, and an introduction pipe 114.

[0036] 2(b), an exhaust port 203 is provided in the rear part of the peripheral wall 201 of the outer tub 20, above the center of the outer tub 20. The exhaust port 203 is elongated in the front-rear direction, i.e., in the axial direction of the outer tub 20, and has a rectangular shape with rounded corners.

[0037] 2(a), the first duct 111 is disposed on the peripheral wall 201 at the rear of the outer tub 20 and connected to the exhaust port 203, and extends from the exhaust port 203 along the peripheral wall 201 to the top side of the peripheral wall 201. The fan casing 112 is disposed above the peripheral wall 201 at the rear of the outer tub 20, above the first duct 111 on the right side of the top of the peripheral wall 201.

[0038] The fan casing 112 is formed in a flat hollow cylindrical shape, and has an intake port on the lower surface and an exhaust port on the circumferential surface. The first duct 111 is connected to the intake port of the fan casing 112 via a flexible connection hose 115.

[0039] The second duct 113 has a substantially rectangular box shape long in the front-rear direction, and is disposed above the peripheral wall 201 and in front of the fan casing 112. The rear end of the second duct 113 is connected to the discharge port of the fan casing 112. The introduction pipe 114 extends from the front end of the second duct 113 and is connected to the intake port 204 formed in the front upper part of the outer tub 20. The introduction pipe 114 is composed of a first pipe 114a integrally formed with the second duct 113 and a second pipe 114b connecting between the first pipe 114a and the intake port 204. A drain hose 116 is connected to the bottom of the second duct 113, through which water condensed from the air by the cooler 130 is discharged. The drain hose 116 is connected to the outer tub 20 via a connecting hose (not shown). The second duct 113 corresponds to the duct of the present invention.

[0040] The blower 120 is, for example, a centrifugal fan, and includes a fan 121 housed in a fan casing 112, and a fan motor 122 for rotating the fan 121. The blower 120 circulates air between the outer tub 20 and the circulation path 110. Air discharged from the outer tub 20 through the exhaust port 203 flows through the circulation path 110 in the order of the first duct 111, the fan casing 112, the second duct 113, and the introduction pipe 114, and returns to the outer tub 20 through the intake port 204. The blower 120 and the fan casing 112 constitute a blowing unit.

[0041] The cooler 130 and the heater 140 are disposed on the upstream side and downstream side, respectively, in the second duct 113. The cooler 130 and the heater 140 are constituted by an evaporator and a condenser, respectively, included in a heat pump device. The heat pump device includes a compressor, an expansion valve, etc., which constitute a cold / heat circuit together with the evaporator and the condenser.

[0042] A low-temperature refrigerant flows inside the cooler 130. The cooler 130 cools the air flowing in the second duct 113, i.e., in the circulation path 110, by heat exchange with the low-temperature refrigerant, thereby dehumidifying the air. A high-temperature refrigerant flows inside the heater 140. The heater 140 heats the dehumidified air flowing in the second duct 113, i.e., in the circulation path 110, by heat exchange with the high-temperature refrigerant.

[0043] The drying filter 150, the water supply passage 160, and the wiper mechanism 170 are disposed in the first duct 111. The drying filter 150 is disposed in the first duct 111 so as to block the air passage. The drying filter 150 is located in the circulation passage 110, upstream of the air flow of the blower 120, the cooler 130, and the heater 140. The drying filter 150 captures foreign matter such as lint contained in the air discharged from the outer tub 20.

[0044] The water supply passage 160 and the wiper mechanism 170 are for cleaning the dry filter 150. The water supply passage 160 allows water supplied from the water supply unit 50 to flow through the dry filter 150, and washes away foreign matter adhering to the capture surface of the dry filter 150. The wiper mechanism 170 includes a wiper 171 that moves over the capture surface, and the wiper 171 wipes off foreign matter adhering to the capture surface.

[0045] FIG. 3 is a plan view of the second duct 113 in which the cooler 130 and the heater 140 are arranged and the upper case 302 is removed. FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the second duct 113 in which the cooler 130 and the heater 140 are arranged, cut in the front-rear direction at the position of the drainage recess 313. FIGS. 5(a) and 5(b) are perspective views of the cooler 130 and the heater 140, respectively. FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the lower case 301. FIG. 7 is a perspective cross-sectional view of the lower case 301 from which the packing 341 has been removed, cut in front of the arrangement area 320 of the cooler 130. FIG. 8(a) is a perspective view of the packing 341 seen from above and behind. FIGS. 8(b) and 8(c) are front and side cross-sectional views of the packing 341, respectively. FIG. 9 is a schematic view of the periphery of the barrier section 340 in the second duct 113.

[0046] The configurations of the second duct 113, the cooler 130 and the heater 140 will be described in detail with reference to FIGS.

[0047] The second duct 113 is formed by joining a lower case 301 having an open top surface and an upper case 302 having an open bottom surface. The second duct 113 is made of a resin material, and includes a bottom wall 303, a top wall 304, a front side wall 305, a rear side wall 306, a right side wall 307, and a left side wall 308.

[0048] The bottom wall 303 has a shape in which the right end is nearly horizontal and the portion to the left of the right end slopes upward toward the left end. A rectangular inlet 309 that is long in the left-right direction is formed in the rear side wall 306. An outlet of the fan casing 112 is connected to the inlet 309. A thin outlet 310 that is long in the left-right direction is formed in the front side wall 305. A first pipe 114a of the introduction pipe 114 that is integrally formed with the second duct 113 is connected to the outlet 310. The air sent out from the fan casing 112 flows from the rear to the front inside the second duct 113.

[0049] Inside the second duct 113, the cooler 130 is disposed in a rear arrangement area 320 on the upstream side, and the heater 140 is disposed in a front arrangement area 330 on the downstream side. The cooler 130 and the heater 140 are arranged linearly in the front-to-rear direction while being close to each other.

[0050] 5(a), the cooler 130 is an evaporator, and includes three heat exchangers 131 arranged in the front-rear direction, and two connecting pipes 132 for connecting these heat exchangers 131. Each heat exchanger 131 is formed by making a flat pipe through which a refrigerant flows meander in the vertical direction, and has a large number of heat dissipation fins 131a in the meandering portion. The cooler 130 has a refrigerant inlet 133 provided in front of the upper connecting pipe 132, and a refrigerant outlet 134 provided in the rear of the lower connecting pipe 132.

[0051] 5(b), the heater 140 is a condenser and includes four heat exchangers 141 arranged in the front-rear direction and two connecting pipes 142 for connecting these heat exchangers 141. Each heat exchanger 141 is formed by making a flat pipe through which a refrigerant flows meander in the left-right direction, and has a large number of heat dissipation fins 141a in the meandering portion. The heater 140 is provided with an inlet 143 and an outlet 144 for the refrigerant at the front and rear of the upper connecting pipe 142, respectively.

[0052] The cooler 130 and the heater 14 have a front shape corresponding to the front cross-sectional shape of the second duct 113 .

[0053] 3, inside the second duct 113, a storage section 312 is provided on the right side of the two arrangement areas 320, 330, separated by a partition wall 311 extending in the front-rear direction. A lower portion of the partition wall 311 is formed in the lower case 301, and an upper portion is formed in the upper case 302.

[0054] A feed pipe 181 and a return pipe 182 extending from a discharge port and a suction port of a compressor (not shown), respectively, are introduced into the storage section 312. The feed pipe 181 is connected to the inlet 143 of the heater 140. The return pipe 182 is connected to the outlet 134 of the cooler 130.

[0055] A connecting pipe 184 having a capillary tube 183 serving as an expansion valve is disposed in the accommodation portion 312. The inlet of the connecting pipe 184 is connected to the outlet 144 of the heater 140, and the outlet of the connecting pipe 184 is connected to the inlet 133 of the cooler .

[0056] The refrigerant compressed by the compressor and heated to a high temperature is supplied to the heater 140 through the feed pipe 181, and flows through the three heat exchangers 141 of the heater 140. As a result, the heater 140 becomes hot. The refrigerant leaving the heater 140 is reduced in pressure as it passes through the capillary tube 183 in the connecting pipe 184, and becomes cold. The cold refrigerant is supplied to the cooler 130, and flows through the three heat exchangers 131 of the cooler 130. As a result, the cooler 130 becomes cold. The refrigerant leaving the cooler 130 returns to the compressor through the return pipe 182.

[0057] 6 and 7, inside the second duct 113, in the arrangement area 320 for the cooler 130, a rectangular parallelepiped protruding portion 321 is provided protruding from the lower portion of the partition wall 311 so as to be close to the left end portion of the cooler 130. In addition, in the arrangement area 320, a drain groove 322 is formed in the horizontal portion of the bottom wall 303, which crosses the arrangement area 320 in the front-rear direction. The drain groove 322 slopes downward in the front direction.

[0058] In the arrangement region 320, the bottom wall 303 is provided with four bottom ribs 323 extending in the left-right direction between the overhanging portion 321 and the right side wall 307, spaced apart in the front-rear direction. The right side wall 307 is provided with four side ribs 324 extending in the up-down direction, with their lower ends connected to the bottom ribs 323. The overhanging portion 321 is further provided with four support ribs 325 extending from the side surfaces of the overhanging portion 321 to the upper surface, with their lower ends connected to the bottom ribs 323.

[0059] The three rear bottom ribs 323 have a stepped shape in a portion corresponding to the inclined portion of the bottom wall 303. The front and rearmost bottom ribs 323 are discontinued at the portion of the drain groove 322. The two middle bottom ribs 323 are discontinued over most of the horizontal portion of the bottom wall 303 including the portion of the drain groove 322. The four support ribs 325 are concave on the right side in a semi-U shape.

[0060] In the placement area 320, between the two front and rear bottom ribs 323, on the right and left sides of the drain groove 322 in the horizontal portion of the bottom wall 303, low mounting ribs 326 extending in the left-right direction are formed.

[0061] In the cooler 130, each heat exchanger 131 is sandwiched between the two front and rear bottom ribs 323, the side ribs 324, and the support rib 325. This restricts the movement of the cooler 130 in the front-rear direction. Also, in the cooler 130, each heat exchanger 131 is placed on the placement rib 326, and the two connection pipes 132 are supported by the support rib 325. This creates a gap between the cooler 130 and the bottom wall 303.

[0062] A barrier wall portion 340 is provided inside the second duct 113 in front of the cooler 130, i.e., downstream, so as to be adjacent to the cooler 130. The barrier wall portion 340 extends in the left-right direction along the bottom wall 303 of the second duct 113, i.e., in a direction perpendicular to the air flow inside the second duct 113, and overlaps with the gap between the cooler 130 and the bottom wall 303 from the downstream side of the cooler 130.

[0063] The barrier portion 340 is composed of the foremost bottom rib 323 and a packing 341 that is placed from above on the bottom rib 323. The packing 341 is made of an elastic material such as rubber and formed into a shape that corresponds to the bottom rib 323, and has the same length in the left-right direction as the bottom rib 323. The foremost bottom rib 323 corresponds to the rib of the present invention, and the packing 341 corresponds to the cover portion of the present invention.

[0064] 8(a) to 8(c), a fitting groove 342 extending in the left-right direction is formed on the lower surface of the packing 341. The left and right ends of the packing 341 protrude upward, and the fitting grooves 342 extend upward at the left and right ends. Four holes 343 connected to the fitting grooves 342 are formed on the upper surface of the packing 341.

[0065] A flange 344 is formed at the upper end of the packing 341, projecting rearward, i.e., toward the cooler 130. The flange 344 has the same length in the left-right direction as the packing 341. The flange 344 includes a first flange 344a that projects obliquely so as to approach the bottom wall 303, and a second flange 344b that is provided on the first flange 344a and projects parallel to the upper surface of the packing 341, i.e., the bottom wall 303 of the second duct 113. The second flange 344b projects shorter than the first flange 344a.

[0066] With the packing 341 placed over the frontmost bottom rib 323, the fitting grooves 342 of the packing 341 fit into the upper part of the bottom rib 323, the lower ends of the side ribs 324, and the lower ends of the support ribs 325. Also, the four protrusions 327 provided on the upper end of the bottom rib 323 are inserted into the four holes 343 of the packing 341. Furthermore, the upper discontinued portion of the drain groove 322 in the bottom rib 323 is covered by the packing 341.

[0067] 9, the flange portion 344 of the barrier portion 340 comes into contact with the cooler 130 arranged in the arrangement region 320. When the cooler 130 is arranged in the arrangement region 320 from above, the first flange 344a of the flange portion 344 elastically deforms forward and downward and comes into strong contact with the cooler 130, and the second flange 344b comes into contact with the cooler 130 above the first flange 344a and weaker than the first flange 344a. In this way, the flange portion 344 is easily brought into close contact with the cooler 130 by elastically deforming.

[0068] Incidentally, approximately half of the front side of the upper surface of packing 341 is largely chamfered to form an inclined surface. This allows water adhering to the upper surface of packing 341 to easily flow to bottom wall 303 due to the inclined surface, thereby preventing water remaining on the upper surface from being blown away by hot air toward heater 140. The front side of the upper surface of packing 341 may be formed with a large R to form an arc-shaped inclined surface.

[0069] Inside the second duct 113, a drain recess 313 is provided in front of the drain groove 322 by recessing the bottom wall 303. The drain recess 313 is located downstream of the barrier portion 340 and upstream of the arrangement area 330 of the heater 140. The drain groove 322 is connected to the drain recess 313. A cylindrical drain outlet 314 is formed in the lower part of the rear wall of the drain recess 313. The drain outlet 314 is connected to the drain hose 116. Furthermore, a cylindrical inlet 315 is formed in the lower part of the front wall of the drain recess 313 (see FIG. 4).

[0070] 6, in the arrangement region 330 of the heater 140, the inclined portion of the bottom wall 303 has a stepped shape. In the arrangement region 330, the bottom wall 303 is provided with five bottom ribs 331 extending in the left-right direction between the partition wall 311 and the right side wall 307 at intervals in the front-rear direction. In addition, the right side wall 307 is provided with five side ribs 332 extending in the up-down direction and having lower ends connected to the bottom ribs 331. In each bottom rib 331, a portion corresponding to the inclined portion of the bottom wall 303 has a stepped shape.

[0071] In the heater 140, each heat exchanger 141 is sandwiched between two bottom ribs 331 and side ribs 332 on the front and rear sides. This restricts the movement of the heater 140 in the front-rear direction. In the heater 140, each heat exchanger 141 is placed on the bottom wall 303, and the two connection pipes 142 are supported by the four bottom ribs 331 on the rear side.

[0072] In the arrangement area 330, a recess 333 of a predetermined shape is formed in the horizontal portion of the bottom wall 303. The three intermediate bottom ribs 331 are interrupted where the recess 333 is formed. A drainage portion 334 is provided at the forefront of the recess 333. The drainage portion 334 includes a drainage recess 335 formed by recessing the bottom wall 303, and a cylindrical drainage port 336 formed in the lower part of the rear wall of the drainage recess 335.

[0073] 4, the drain outlet 336 and the inlet 315 are connected by a connecting pipe 350. As a result, the drain outlet 336, i.e., the drain recess 335, is connected to the drain hose 116 via the connecting pipe 350 and the drain recess 313. As a result, the drain section 334 can share the drain hose 116 with the drain recess 313.

[0074] The drainage section 334 may be configured simply by a drainage port provided on the bottom surface of the recess 333 and penetrating the bottom wall 303 .

[0075] Now, the washer / dryer 1 performs a washing / drying operation, a washing operation, or a drying operation of various operation courses. In the washing / drying operation, the washing process, the intermediate spin-drying process, the rinsing process, the final spin-drying process, and the drying process are performed in order. In the washing operation, the washing process through the final spin-drying process are performed, and the drying process is not performed. In the drying operation, only the drying process is performed. Depending on the operation course, the rinsing process and the intermediate spin-drying process may be performed two or more times.

[0076] In the washing process, water containing detergent is filled in the outer tub 20 up to a predetermined water level according to the load of laundry contained in the drum 23, and the laundry immersed in the water is tumbled by repeatedly rotating the drum 23 forward and backward. The detergent-containing water penetrates into the laundry, and dirt adhering to the surface and inside of the laundry is removed by the power of the detergent and the mechanical force of the tumbling.

[0077] In the rinsing process, the drum 23 rotates forward and backward with water stored in the outer tub 20 up to a predetermined water level, and the laundry is tumbled. This causes the detergent contained in the laundry to be discharged together with the water, and the laundry is rinsed.

[0078] In the intermediate spin-drying step and the final spin-drying step, drive motor 30 rotates in one direction at high speed, and drum 23 rotates in one direction at a rotation speed at which the centrifugal force acting on the laundry inside drum 23 is much greater than gravity. The action of the centrifugal force presses the laundry against the peripheral wall surface of drum 23 and dehydrates it. In the final spin-drying step, drum 23 rotates at a rotation speed higher than the rotation speed in the intermediate spin-drying step.

[0079] In the drying process, air is circulated between the outer tub 20 and the circulation path 110 by the operation of the blower 120, and the air introduced into the outer tub 20 is heated by the operation of the heater 140 to become hot air. Furthermore, the drum 23 rotates forward and backward to tumble the laundry.

[0080] Hot air introduced into the outer tub 20 from the intake port 204 hits the tumbling laundry, drying the laundry. The hot air that has removed moisture from the laundry returns to the circulation path 110 from the exhaust port 203. Foreign matter such as lint from the laundry is taken into the circulation path 110 together with the hot air. The foreign matter is captured by the capture surface of the drying filter 150 when the hot air passes through the drying filter 150. Foreign matter is less likely to flow through the circulation path 110 downstream of the drying filter 150, and foreign matter is less likely to adhere to the blower 120, the cooler 130, and the heater 140 located downstream.

[0081] In the circulation path 110, the hot air passes through the cooler 130 before being heated by the heater 140, and is dehumidified by the cooler 130. At this time, water condensed from the air is condensed on the heat dissipation fins 131a of the cooler 130, and the condensed water moves downward along the heat dissipation fins 131a and falls onto the bottom wall 303 below the cooler 130. As shown by the arrows in FIG. 7, the water that has fallen onto the bottom wall 303 flows through the gap between the cooler 130 and the bottom wall 303 into the drain groove 322, and flows through the drain groove 322 into the drain recess 313. The water that has flowed into the drain recess 313 is discharged from the drain outlet 314 and discharged into the outer tub 20 through the drain hose 116.

[0082] In the washing and drying operation and the drying operation, when the drying step is completed, a filter cleaning operation is performed to remove foreign matter from the drying filter 150. In the filter cleaning operation, a water supply step and a wiper operation step are performed in sequence.

[0083] In the water supply process, water is supplied from the water supply passage 160 to the dry filter 150 for a predetermined water supply time. The water flows onto the capture surface of the dry filter 150, and foreign matter adhering to the capture surface is washed away by the water. In the wiper operation process, the wiper 171 operates for a predetermined wiper operation time. The brush of the wiper 171 moves while rubbing against the capture surface of the dry filter 150, thereby scraping off foreign matter adhering to the capture surface.

[0084] In the water supply process and the wiper operation process, foreign matter discharged into the outer tub 20 flows into the drainage channel 40 together with the water discharged into the outer tub 20 and is collected by the drainage filter 42 arranged in the drainage channel 40.

[0085] In the drying device 100, the cooler 130 and the heater 140 are arranged in this order on the downstream side of the blower 120 in the circulation path 110. Therefore, the air with strong momentum sent out from the blower 120, i.e., the hot air, easily passes through the cooler 130. The hot air passes not only between the heat dissipation fins 131a, but also between the cooler 130 and the bottom wall 303. Since the air path resistance between the cooler 130 and the bottom wall 303 is smaller than that between the heat dissipation fins 131a, the momentum of the passing hot air is not easily reduced. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 9, the water that falls from the cooler 130 and exists on the bottom wall 303 is easily blown downstream by the hot air flowing between the cooler 130 and the bottom wall 303.

[0086] In this embodiment, inside the second duct 113, a barrier portion 340 is provided on the downstream side of the cooler 130. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 9, water blown downstream by hot air is stopped by the barrier portion 340. Furthermore, when hot air blows up along the barrier portion 340 and water is blown upward, the water blown upward is stopped by the flange portion 344 formed on the barrier portion 340. The flange portion 344 has a double structure of a first flange 344a and a second flange 344b in the vertical direction, and is firmly attached to the cooler 130 by elastic deformation, so that water is unlikely to go over the flange portion 344. The water stopped by the barrier portion 340 flows through the drain groove 322 to the drain recess 313.

[0087] In this way, even if the water that has fallen from the cooler 130 onto the bottom wall 303 is blown downstream by hot air, the barrier section 340 prevents the blown water from entering the arrangement area 330 of the heater 140. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the condensed water generated in the cooler 130 from adhering to the heater 140, and to prevent the heating of the heater 140 from being hindered.

[0088] Furthermore, in this embodiment, a drainage section 334 is provided in the arrangement area 330 of the heater 140. Therefore, even if water infiltrates into the arrangement area 330 and accumulates at the bottom, the accumulated water is drained by the drainage section 334. The drained water flows through the connection pipe 350 and the drainage recess 313 to the drain hose 116 and is discarded outside the machine. This makes it possible to prevent the water accumulated in the arrangement area 330 from leaking out of the second duct 113 through the outlet 310, flowing through the introduction pipe 114, and entering the outer tub 20.

[0089] <Effects of the embodiment> According to this embodiment, the circulation path 110 includes a second duct 113 in which the cooler 130 and the heater 140 are disposed downstream of the position where the blower 120 is disposed, such that the cooler 130 is located upstream of the heater 140. Inside the second duct 113, a barrier portion 340 is provided, which extends along a bottom wall 303 of the second duct 113 in a direction perpendicular to the air flow in the second duct 113 and overlaps the gap between the cooler 130 and the bottom wall 303 from the downstream side of the cooler 130. A flange portion 344 is formed on the barrier portion 340, which protrudes toward the cooler 130 and comes into contact with the cooler 130.

[0090] According to this configuration, water blown downstream by air flowing between the cooler 130 and the bottom wall 303 is stopped by the barrier portion 340. Furthermore, water blown upward by air blowing up along the barrier portion 340 is stopped by the flange portion 344. This makes it possible to prevent condensed water generated in the cooler 130 from entering the arrangement region 330 of the heater 140 and adhering to the heater 140, and prevents the heating of the heater 140 from being hindered.

[0091] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, the barrier portion 340 includes a bottom rib 323 protruding from the bottom wall 303 and a packing 341 covering the bottom rib 323 from above, and the packing 341 has a flange portion 344 formed thereon.

[0092] According to this configuration, by covering the bottom rib 323 with the packing 341 , the barrier portion 340 having the flange portion 344 can be easily formed inside the second duct 113 .

[0093] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, the flange 344 is made of an elastic material, and therefore, by elastic deformation, it is likely to come into strong contact with the cooler 130. As a result, water splashed upward is less likely to leak upward beyond the flange 344.

[0094] Furthermore, according to the present embodiment, flange portion 344 formed from an elastic material includes first flange 344a and second flange 344b that is provided on first flange 344a and protrudes shorter than first flange 344a.

[0095] According to this configuration, flange 344 has a double structure in the vertical direction, with first flange 344a and second flange 344b, which makes it even more difficult for water to leak above flange 344. Moreover, second flange 344b protrudes less than first flange 344a and does not come into strong contact with cooler 130 compared to first flange 344a, so flange 344 as a whole is less likely to provide resistance to cooler 130 when cooler 130 is disposed in second duct 113, and is less likely to hinder the arrangement.

[0096] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, a drainage recess 313 having a drainage outlet 314 is formed in the bottom wall 303 downstream of the barrier portion 340 and upstream of the heater 140, and a drainage groove 322 is formed upstream of the drainage recess 313, sloping downward toward the drainage recess 313 and connected to the drainage recess 313.

[0097] According to this configuration, the water stopped by the barrier portion 340 can flow together with other water that has fallen onto the bottom wall 303 through the drain groove 322 into the drain recess 313 and be discharged from the drain outlet 314.

[0098] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, the bottom wall 303 is provided with a drainage section 334 in the arrangement area 330 for the heater 140 for draining water that has entered the arrangement area 330 .

[0099] According to this configuration, even if water seeps into the arrangement area 330 and accumulates at the bottom, the accumulated water can be prevented from leaking out of the second duct 113 and entering the outer tub 20.

[0100] Although the embodiment of the present invention has been described above, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiment, and various modifications of the embodiment of the present invention are possible in addition to those described above.

[0101] For example, in the above embodiment, the second duct 113 is formed in a rectangular box shape with a part of the bottom wall 303 inclined to correspond to the peripheral wall 201 of the outer tank 20. However, the second duct 113 may have any shape as long as the cooler 130 and the heater 140 are arranged on the upstream and downstream sides, respectively, of the inside of the second duct 113.

[0102] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the barrier portion 340 is configured by the bottom rib 323 protruding from the bottom wall 303 and the packing 341 having the flange 344 formed of an elastic material. However, the configuration of the barrier portion 340 is not limited to the above. For example, the barrier portion 340 may be configured such that a flange formed of an elastic material is attached to the upper portion of the rib protruding from the bottom wall 303.

[0103] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the cooler 130 and the heater 140 are respectively configured by an evaporator and a condenser included in a heat pump device. However, the cooler 130 may be configured by a water-cooled heat exchanger or the like, and the heater 140 may be configured by a semiconductor heater or the like.

[0104] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the barrier portion 340 is configured such that the flange portion 344 is made of an elastic material and has two flanges, the first flange 344a and the second flange 344b. However, the flange portion 344 may be made of a material other than an elastic material, for example, a resin material. Furthermore, the flange portion 344 may be configured to have one flange, or three or more flanges.

[0105] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the drain outlet 336 of the drain section 334 is connected to the drain hose 116 via the connection pipe 350 and the drain recess 313. However, the drain outlet 336 may be connected to the drain hose 116 via the connection pipe 350, or the drain outlet 336 may be connected to another drain hose leading to the drain channel 40.

[0106] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the washer / dryer 1 is a drum-type washer / dryer equipped with a horizontal-axis-type drum 23. However, the present invention can also be applied to a so-called vertical-type washer / dryer equipped with a vertical-axis-type washing / spinning tub having a pulsator therein.

[0107] In addition, the embodiments of the present invention can be modified in various ways as appropriate within the scope of the technical ideas set forth in the claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0108] 10. Chassis 20 Outer tank 23 Drum (washing tub) 110 Circulation route 113 Second Duct (Duct) 120 Blower 130 Cooler 140 Heater 313 Drainage recess 314 Drain 322 Drain 323 Bottom rib (rib) 330 Placement area 334 Drainage section 340 Barrier Section 341 Gasket (Cover part) 344 Tsuba 344a First Guard 344b Second tsuba

Claims

1. An outer tank disposed within the housing; A washing tub disposed in the outer tub and accommodating laundry; A circulation path connected to the outer tank; a blower disposed in the circulation path and configured to circulate air between the outer tub and the circulation path; a cooler that cools and dehumidifies the air flowing through the circulation path; A heater that heats the air flowing through the circulation path, the circulation path includes a duct in which the cooler and the heater are disposed downstream of a position where the blower is disposed, and the cooler is disposed upstream of the heater; A barrier portion is provided inside the duct, the barrier portion extending along a bottom wall of the duct in a direction perpendicular to the air flow in the duct and positioned downstream of the cooler to overlap a gap between the cooler and the bottom wall from the downstream side, The barrier wall portion is formed with a flange portion that protrudes from the barrier wall portion in the upstream direction toward the cooler, contacts the cooler, and stops water that is blown upward by air that flows between the cooler and the bottom wall and blows up along the barrier wall portion. A washer / dryer characterized by the above.

2. The washing and drying machine according to claim 1, The barrier portion includes a rib protruding from the bottom wall and a cover portion covering the rib from above, The flange portion is formed on the cover portion. A washer / dryer characterized by the above.

3. The washing / drying machine according to claim 1 or 2, The flange is formed of an elastic material. A washer / dryer characterized by the above.

4. The washing and drying machine according to claim 3, The flange portion includes a first flange and a second flange provided on the first flange and extending shorter than the first flange. A washer / dryer characterized by the above.

5. The washing / drying machine according to any one of claims 1 to 4, The bottom wall has: A drain recess having a drain outlet is formed downstream of the barrier and upstream of the heater, A drain groove is formed upstream of the drain recess, inclined downward toward the drain recess and connected to the drain recess. A washer / dryer characterized by the above.

6. The washing and drying machine according to any one of claims 1 to 5, The bottom wall is provided with a drainage portion in the heater arrangement area for draining water that has entered the heater arrangement area. A washer / dryer characterized by the above.

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