Clothes dryer

Abstract

To provide a structure which, for a laundry dryer which is configured in a manner in which water can be sprayed from its washing nozzle to the inside of its exhaust air duct, makes it easier to spray water to an area of the exhaust air duct in which foreign objects tend to accumulate.SOLUTION: A laundry dryer according to an embodiment includes a drying chamber in which laundry is contained, a circulation air passage which connects an exhaust air opening and an air supply opening which are located in the drying chamber and through which air in the drying chamber is circulated, an exhaust air duct which forms a component of a part of the circulation air passage which is connected to the exhaust air opening, and a washing nozzle which is placed in a position in which it faces downward, from above, towards the exhaust air duct and sprays water to the inside of the exhaust air duct, and the central axis of the washing nozzle is off the central axis of the exhaust air duct.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

[Technical field]

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

[0002] A drum-type washer-dryer, which is an example of a clothes dryer that dries clothes, is provided with a water tub as a drying chamber in which clothes are stored. The washer-dryer also has a circulation air duct that connects an exhaust port and an air intake port provided in the water tub. In a drying process for drying clothes, air in the water tub is circulated through the circulation air duct. For this reason, a drying filter is provided in the middle of the circulation air duct to capture foreign matter such as lint and dust contained in the air flowing through the circulation air duct.

[0003] In this type of washer-dryer, the portion of the circulation air duct upstream of the drying filter, i.e., the portion connected to the exhaust port of the water tub, is configured with an exhaust duct. Therefore, foreign matter contained in the air flowing into the circulation air duct is likely to accumulate in the exhaust duct provided upstream of the drying filter. Furthermore, at least a portion of the exhaust duct is formed in a bellows shape to prevent vibrations generated in the water tub during operation from being transmitted to the circulation air duct. Therefore, foreign matter is more likely to accumulate inside the exhaust duct having such a bellows-shaped portion.

[0004] When foreign matter accumulates in the exhaust duct, the foreign matter increases airflow resistance, reducing the flow rate and speed of air circulating in the circulation airflow path, and thus reducing the drying performance of the clothes in the water tub. Thus, as disclosed in Patent Document 1, for example, a washer-dryer configured to be able to spray water from a cleaning nozzle into the exhaust duct has been devised. With this type of washer-dryer, the foreign matter accumulated in the exhaust duct can be removed by spraying water from the cleaning nozzle into the exhaust duct. This allows air to circulate well through the circulation airflow path, and maintains the drying performance of the clothes in the water tub. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] JP 2019-195704 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] In the configuration disclosed in Patent Document 1, the central axis of the cleaning nozzle coincides with the central axis of the exhaust duct. Therefore, water can be sprayed evenly over the entire inner circumferential surface of the exhaust duct. However, foreign matter does not accumulate evenly over the entire inner circumferential surface of the exhaust duct, and there are areas where foreign matter is likely to accumulate and areas where it is difficult to accumulate. Therefore, in a configuration in which water is sprayed evenly over the entire inner circumferential surface of the exhaust duct, water may not be sprayed sufficiently to the areas where foreign matter is likely to accumulate, and in this case, the state in which foreign matter has accumulated in the exhaust duct cannot be eliminated.

[0007] Therefore, this embodiment provides a configuration for a clothes dryer that is configured to be able to spray water from a cleaning nozzle into an exhaust duct, making it easier to spray water into areas of the exhaust duct where foreign matter is likely to accumulate. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] The clothes dryer of this embodiment comprises a drying chamber in which clothes are stored, a circulation air duct that connects an exhaust port and an air intake port provided in the drying chamber and circulates air within the drying chamber, an exhaust duct that constitutes the portion of the circulation air duct that is connected to the exhaust port, and a cleaning nozzle that is provided in a position facing the exhaust duct from above and sprays water into the exhaust duct, and the central axis of the cleaning nozzle is offset from the central axis of the exhaust duct.

[0009] In addition, the clothes dryer of this embodiment comprises a drying chamber in which clothes are stored, a circulation air duct that connects an exhaust port and an air intake port provided in the drying chamber and circulates air within the drying chamber, an exhaust duct that constitutes the portion of the circulation air duct that is connected to the exhaust port, and a cleaning nozzle that is provided in a position facing the exhaust duct from above and sprays water into the exhaust duct, and the central axis of the water sprayed from the cleaning nozzle intersects the central axis of the exhaust duct.

[0010] In addition, the clothes dryer of this embodiment includes a drying chamber in which clothes are stored, a circulation air duct that connects an exhaust port and an air intake port provided in the drying chamber and circulates air within the drying chamber, an exhaust duct that constitutes a portion of the circulation air duct that is connected to the exhaust port, and a cleaning nozzle that is provided at a position facing the exhaust duct from above and sprays water into the exhaust duct, wherein the cleaning nozzle is provided on the opposite side to the exhaust duct and has a water inlet section through which water to be sprayed into the exhaust duct flows in, and a tapered section that is provided on the exhaust duct side and gradually widens toward the exhaust duct side, and the tapered section has a first inclined section inclined at a first angle with respect to a central axis of the water inlet section, and a second inclined section inclined at a second angle different from the first angle with respect to the central axis of the water inlet section.

[0011] In addition, the clothes dryer of this embodiment comprises a drying chamber in which clothes are stored, a circulation air duct that connects an exhaust port and an air intake port provided in the drying chamber and circulates air within the drying chamber, an exhaust duct that constitutes the portion of the circulation air duct that is connected to the exhaust port, and a cleaning nozzle that is provided in a position facing the exhaust duct from above and sprays water into the exhaust duct, the cleaning nozzle being provided on the opposite side to the exhaust duct and having a water inlet portion through which water to be sprayed into the exhaust duct flows, and the central axis of the water inlet portion is inclined with respect to the central axis of the exhaust duct. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0012] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a vertical sectional side view illustrating a schematic configuration example of a washing / drying machine according to a first embodiment; [Diagram 2] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of a circulation air passage according to a first embodiment; [Diagram 3] FIG. 1 is a front view showing an example of the configuration of a clothing treatment tub and an exhaust duct according to a first embodiment; [Figure 4] FIG. 1 is a vertical sectional front view showing a schematic configuration example of an exhaust duct and a cleaning nozzle according to a first embodiment; [Diagram 5] FIG. 13 is a vertical sectional front view showing a schematic configuration example of an exhaust duct and a cleaning nozzle according to a second embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 13 is a vertical sectional front view showing a schematic configuration example of an exhaust duct and a cleaning nozzle according to a third embodiment; [Figure 7] FIG. 13 is a vertical sectional front view showing a schematic configuration example of an exhaust duct and a cleaning nozzle according to a fourth embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 13 is a vertical sectional front view showing a schematic configuration example of an exhaust duct and a cleaning nozzle according to a fifth embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 13 is a vertical sectional front view showing a schematic configuration example of an exhaust duct and a cleaning nozzle according to a sixth embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 13 is a vertical sectional front view showing a schematic configuration example of an exhaust duct and a cleaning nozzle according to a seventh embodiment. [Figure 11] FIG. 13 is a longitudinal sectional front view showing a schematic configuration example of an exhaust duct and a cleaning nozzle according to a modified example of the seventh embodiment. [Figure 12] FIG. 13 is a vertical sectional front view showing a schematic configuration example of an exhaust duct and a cleaning nozzle according to an eighth embodiment. [Figure 13] FIG. 23 is a vertical sectional front view showing a schematic configuration example of an exhaust duct and a cleaning nozzle according to a modified example of the eighth embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0013] Hereinafter, a number of embodiments of the clothes dryer will be described with reference to the drawings. Note that, in the number of embodiments, substantially the same elements are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof will be omitted.

[0014] (First embodiment) 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 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.

[0015] The washer / dryer 1 includes a clothes treatment tub 3 inside a rectangular box-shaped outer casing 2 that forms the outer shell of the washer / dryer. 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, and spin-drying. In the present disclosure, the clothes treatment tub 3 includes a cylindrical water tub with a bottom and a rotatable cylindrical drum with a bottom. The peripheral wall of the drum is provided with a large number of small holes (not shown), and the inner peripheral surface of the drum is provided with a plurality of baffles (not shown) for stirring up the clothes.

[0016] 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 chamber in which clothing is stored during the drying process in which the clothing is dried.

[0017] 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.

[0018] 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.

[0019] The washer / dryer 1 also includes a circulation air duct 13. The circulation air duct 13 connects the exhaust port 3a and the air inlet 3b of the clothes treating tub 3 outside the clothes treating tub 3. In this case, the exhaust port 3a is provided in the front part of the clothes treating tub 3, located at the upper right side when viewed from the front side of the washer / dryer 1. The exhaust port 3a is formed in a cylindrical shape that faces upward. Meanwhile, the air inlet 3b is provided at the upper part of the back of the clothes treating tub 3. In this case, the air inlet 3b forms an opening that penetrates the back of the clothes treating tub 3 in the front-rear direction. The positions of the exhaust port 3a and the air inlet 3b in the clothes treating tub 3 can be changed as appropriate.

[0020] A heat exchanger 14 is provided in the circulation air duct 13. In this case, the heat exchanger 14 is provided in the rear part of the lower part inside the outer box 2 so as to extend along the left-right direction of the outer box 2. A well-known drying filter 15 is provided in the circulation air duct 13 upstream of the heat exchanger 14. The drying filter 15 captures foreign matter such as lint and dust contained in the air flowing through the circulation air duct 13.

[0021] 2, the washer / dryer 1 includes a well-known 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 exchanger unit 14 which configures a part of the circulation air duct 13.

[0022] The circulation air duct 13 is also provided with a circulation fan 22. The circulation fan 22 is an example of a circulation section, and circulates the air in the clothing treatment tub 3 through the circulation air duct 13. When the circulation fan 22 is driven, the air in the clothing treatment tub 3 is introduced into the circulation air duct 13 from the exhaust port 3a, flows from the upwind side, which is the exhaust port 3a side, to the downwind side, which is the air supply port 3b side, and is returned to the clothing treatment tub 3 from the air supply port 3b. That is, when the circulation fan 22 is driven, the air in the clothing treatment tub 3 is circulated through the circulation air duct 13.

[0023] The evaporator 20 is disposed within the heat exchange section 14 on the exhaust port 3a side of the clothing treatment tub 3, i.e., on the upwind side of the circulation air duct 13. On the other hand, the condenser 18 is disposed within the heat exchange section 14 on the intake port 3b side of the clothing treatment tub 3, i.e., on the downwind side of the circulation air duct 13. That is, within the circulation air duct 13, or more specifically, within the heat exchange section 14, the evaporator 20 is disposed on the upwind side of the condenser 18.

[0024] 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 13 from the exhaust port 3a side to the intake port 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 13 from the exhaust port 3a side to the intake port 3b side, that is, from the windward side to the downwind side.

[0025] 3, the portion of the circulation air passage 13 upstream of the drying filter 15, i.e., the portion connected to the exhaust port 3a of the clothing treatment tub 3, is formed by an exhaust duct 13D. In this case, the exhaust duct 13D is formed by combining an exhaust duct main body 13D1 and a bellows portion 13D2.

[0026] The exhaust duct main body 13D1 is made of, for example, a resin material having rigidity, and is connected to the upstream side of the drying filter 15. On the other hand, the bellows portion 13D2 is made of, for example, a rubber material having flexibility. The bellows portion 13D2 is generally cylindrical as a whole, but its peripheral portion is configured in a bellows shape. The bellows portion 13D2 also connects the exhaust port 3a of the clothing treatment tub 3 and the upstream portion of the exhaust duct main body 13D1.

[0027] In the washer / dryer 1, a portion of the exhaust duct 13D connected to the exhaust port 3a of the clothes treating tub 3 is configured with a flexible bellows portion 13D2. In the washer / dryer 1 configured in this manner, for example, vibrations generated in the clothes treating tub 3 due to rotation of the spin tub during operation can be absorbed by the bellows portion 13D2, making it difficult for the vibrations to be transmitted to the circulation air passage 13.

[0028] The washer / dryer 1 according to the present disclosure further includes a cleaning nozzle 100 in the exhaust duct 13D. The cleaning nozzle 100 is provided in the upper part of the exhaust duct main body 13D1 constituting a part of the exhaust duct 13D, and the bellows part 13D2 is located below the cleaning nozzle 100. That is, the cleaning nozzle 100 is provided in the exhaust duct 13D, particularly in a position facing the inside of the bellows part 13D2 of the exhaust duct 13D from above, and is configured to be able to spray water from above into the exhaust duct 13D, particularly into the bellows part 13D2 of the exhaust duct 13D. Next, a configuration example of the cleaning nozzle 100 will be described in detail.

[0029] As illustrated in FIG. 4, the cleaning nozzle 100 is configured to integrally include a water inlet section 110 and a tapered section 120. The water inlet section 110 is provided on the side of the cleaning nozzle 100 opposite to the exhaust duct 13D, in this case, on the upper side. In this case, the water inlet section 110 is configured in a long cylindrical shape. The central axis C1 of the cylindrical water inlet section 110 constitutes the central axis C1 of the cleaning nozzle 100 as a whole. On the other hand, the tapered section 120 is provided on the exhaust duct 13D side of the cleaning nozzle 100, in this case, on the lower side. In this case, the tapered section 120 is configured in a tapered shape in which the opening area gradually expands from the water inlet section 110 side to the exhaust duct 13D side, that is, from the upper side to the lower side.

[0030] The water inlet valve 8 is connected to the base end of the water inlet 110, that is, the upper end opposite to the tapered portion 120, via a water supply hose (not shown). As a result, water supplied from the water supply valve 8 flows into the water inlet 110, and the water that has flowed into the water inlet 110 is sprayed from the tapered portion 120 into the exhaust duct 13D. That is, in the cleaning nozzle 100, the water inlet 110 is a component into which water flows in to be sprayed into the exhaust duct 13D. The water inlet 110 is also a component that efficiently supplies water to be sprayed into the exhaust duct 13D to the tapered portion 120, which is an injection port portion.

[0031] The central axis C1 of the water inlet 110, which is the central axis of the cleaning nozzle 100, is generally or completely parallel to the central axis C2 of the bellows part 13D2, which is the central axis of the exhaust duct 13D, but is laterally shifted by a predetermined amount L from the central axis C2 of the bellows part 13D2. That is, the cleaning nozzle 100 is not provided directly above the center of the bellows part 13D2, but is provided at a position laterally shifted from directly above the center of the bellows part 13D2. In this case, the central axis C1 of the water inlet 110, which is the central axis of the cleaning nozzle 100, is provided to the right of the central axis C2 of the bellows part 13D2 when viewed from the front side of the washer / dryer 1, in this case, at a position shifted outward, which is the opposite side to the clothes treatment tub 3 side.

[0032] Furthermore, the specified amount L, in other words, the length L between the central axis C1 and the central axis C2, can be appropriately changed depending on, for example, the diameter dimension of the bellows portion 13D2, the diameter dimension of the tip opening of the tapered portion 120, the flow velocity and flow rate of the water supplied from the water supply valve 8 to the cleaning nozzle 100, the distance between the bellows portion 13D2 and the cleaning nozzle 100, etc.

[0033] Further, tapered section 120 has at least a short inclined section 121 and a long inclined section 122. Short inclined section 121 constitutes an outer inclined section on the right side as viewed from the front side of washer / dryer 1, in this case the side opposite to the clothes treating tub 3. Meanwhile, long inclined section 122 constitutes an inner inclined section on the left side as viewed from the front side of washer / dryer 1, in this case the side facing the clothes treating tub 3.

[0034] The short inclined section 121 is an example of a first inclined section, and in this case, is inclined at a first angle K1 with respect to the central axis C1 of the water inlet section 110. On the other hand, the long inclined section 122 is an example of a second inclined section, and in this case, is inclined at a second angle K2 different from the first angle K1 with respect to the central axis C1 of the water inlet section 110. In this case, the second angle K2 is an angle larger than the first angle K1. Also, the short inclined section 121 is an inclined surface that is shorter than the long inclined section 122.

[0035] According to the above-described exemplary configuration of the cleaning nozzle 100, the water jetted from the tapered portion 120 is jetted so as to spread between the extension line of the short inclined portion 121 and the extension line of the long inclined portion 122. The central axis C3 of the water jetted from the tapered portion 120 is not parallel to the central axis C2 of the bellows portion 13D2, but intersects with the central axis C2 of the bellows portion 13D2. The central axis C3 of the water jetted from the tapered portion 120 is inclined at a predetermined angle K3 with respect to the central axis C2 of the bellows portion 13D2.

[0036] 3, in the drying process for drying the clothes in the clothes treating tub 3, the air in the clothes treating tub 3 flows from the exhaust port 3a into exhaust duct 13D, which is the upstream part of the circulation air passage 13, by the blowing action of the circulation blower 22. At this time, the air in the clothes treating tub 3 flows into exhaust duct 13D from the left side as viewed from the front side of the washer / dryer 1, which is the inside, that is, the clothes treating tub 3 side in this case, to the right side as viewed from the front side of the washer / dryer 1, which is the outside, that is, the opposite side to the clothes treating tub 3 side in this case.

[0037] Therefore, foreign matter such as lint and dust contained in the air that flows into exhaust duct 13D tends to accumulate on the inner circumferential surface of bellows portion 13D2 in outer region R1, which is the right side as viewed from the front side of washer-dryer 1, in this case, the opposite side to the clothes treating tub 3. Foreign matter also accumulates on the inner circumferential surface of bellows portion 13D2 in inner region R2, which is the left side as viewed from the front side of washer-dryer 1, in this case, the side of clothes treating tub 3. Foreign matter also accumulates on the inner circumferential surface of bellows portion 13D2 in regions other than regions R1 and R2.

[0038] According to the cleaning nozzle 100 of the above-described configuration example, water can be forcefully sprayed into the area R1 within the exhaust duct 13D where foreign matter is particularly likely to accumulate, thereby efficiently removing the foreign matter accumulated in the area R1.

[0039] 4, the cleaning nozzle 100 has its central axis C1 shifted to the right of the central axis C2 of the bellows portion 13D2 when viewed from the front side of the washer / dryer 1, in this case, outwardly away from the clothes treating tub 3. In other words, the cleaning nozzle 100 is located closer to region R1 than region R2. Therefore, the cleaning nozzle 100 can spray water vigorously onto the inner circumferential surface of the bellows portion 13D2, particularly onto region R1, and can efficiently remove foreign matter accumulated in region R1.

[0040] In addition, the cleaning nozzle 100 has a configuration in which its central axis C1 is provided at a position shifted toward the region R1 side, but can also spray water to the region R2 side, which is the opposite side to the region R1. Therefore, it is possible to sufficiently remove foreign matter accumulated in not only the region R1 but also the region R2. In addition, the cleaning nozzle 100 can also spray water to regions other than the regions R1 and R2 on the inner circumferential surface of the bellows portion 13D2. Therefore, it is possible to remove foreign matter accumulated in regions other than the regions R1 and R2. In other words, the cleaning nozzle 100 can efficiently clean the region R1 in particular, and can also sufficiently clean the entire inner circumferential surface of the bellows portion 13D2 including the regions R1 and R2.

[0041] Moreover, according to the cleaning nozzle 100, the inclination angle K1 of the short inclined portion 121, which is located on the region R1 side of the tapered portion 120, with respect to the central axis C1 of the water inlet portion 110 is smaller than the inclination angle K2 of the long inclined portion 122, which is located on the region R2 side of the tapered portion 120, with respect to the central axis C1 of the water inlet portion 110. According to this configuration example, the angle of the water flowing from the water inlet portion 110 into the tapered portion 120 does not change significantly on the short inclined portion 121 side, so that the water flowing from the water inlet portion 110 into the tapered portion 120 can be sprayed into the exhaust duct 13D without significantly attenuating its momentum. This allows water to be sprayed more vigorously into the region R1 located on the short inclined portion 121 side of the inner circumferential surface of the bellows portion 13D2, and foreign matter accumulated in the region R1 can be removed more efficiently.

[0042] Moreover, in the cleaning nozzle 100, the inclination angle K2 of the long inclined portion 122, which is on the region R2 side of the tapered portion 120, with respect to the central axis C1 of the water inlet portion 110 is larger than the inclination angle K1 of the short inclined portion 121, which is on the region R1 side of the tapered portion 120, with respect to the central axis C1 of the water inlet portion 110. According to this configuration example, on the long inclined portion 122 side, the angle of the water that flows into the tapered portion 120 from the water inlet portion 110 can be significantly changed toward the region R2 side before being sprayed. This allows water to sufficiently reach the region R2 located on the long inclined portion 122 side of the inner circumferential surface of the bellows portion 13D2, and foreign matter accumulated in the region R2 can also be sufficiently removed.

[0043] Furthermore, even if the cleaning nozzle 100 is provided in a position closer to region R1 than region R2, in other words, even if the cleaning nozzle 100 is provided in a position far from region R2, the long inclined portion 122 of the tapered portion 120 can significantly change the angle of the water toward region R2, as described above, so that the water can reach region R2 far from the cleaning nozzle 100 sufficiently to remove foreign matter. In other words, even if the cleaning nozzle 100 moves away from region R2 as a result of shifting the cleaning nozzle 100 toward region R1, the long inclined portion 122 can make the water reach a long distance, so that region R2 far from the cleaning nozzle 100 can also be sufficiently cleaned.

[0044] As described above, according to the configuration example of the first embodiment, in a washer-dryer 1 configured to be able to spray water from a cleaning nozzle 100 into an exhaust duct 13D, it is possible to easily spray water into region R1 of the inner surface of the bellows portion 13D2, which is a portion of the exhaust duct 13D where foreign matter is likely to accumulate, and it is possible to efficiently remove foreign matter accumulated in region R1.

[0045] Moreover, the cleaning nozzle 100 can spray water also onto the region R2 of the inner circumferential surface of the bellows portion 13D2, so that foreign matter accumulated in the region R2 can be sufficiently removed. Moreover, the cleaning nozzle 100 can spray water also onto the region of the inner circumferential surface of the bellows portion 13D2 other than the regions R1 and R2, so that the entire inner circumferential surface of the bellows portion 13D2, including the regions R1 and R2, can be sufficiently cleaned.

[0046] Second embodiment 5, the central axis C1 of the water inlet section 110 is not parallel to the central axis C2 of the bellows section 13D2, but intersects with the central axis C2 of the bellows section 13D2. In this case, the central axis C1 of the water inlet section 110 is inclined downward from the right side as viewed from the front side of the washer-dryer 1, that is, the outside opposite the clothes treating tub 3 in this case, to the left side as viewed from the front side of the washer-dryer 1, that is, the inside toward the clothes treating tub 3 in this case.

[0047] In addition, the cleaning nozzle 100 is in a state in which the central axis C1 of the water inlet section 110 is inclined at a predetermined angle K4 with respect to the central axis C2 of the bellows section 13D2. In addition, in the cleaning nozzle 100, the inclination angle K1 of the short inclined section 121 with respect to the central axis C1 of the water inlet section 110 and the inclination angle K2 of the long inclined section 122 with respect to the central axis C1 of the water inlet section 110 are approximately or completely the same angle. Therefore, the central axis C3 of the water sprayed from the tapered section 120 approximately or completely coincides with the central axis C1 of the water inlet section 110.

[0048] Even with the configuration example of the second embodiment illustrated above, for a washer-dryer 1 configured to be able to spray water from the cleaning nozzle 100 into the exhaust duct 13D, it is possible to easily spray water into region R1 on the inner surface of the bellows portion 13D2, which is a portion of the exhaust duct 13D where foreign matter is likely to accumulate, and foreign matter accumulated in region R1 can be efficiently removed.

[0049] Moreover, in the cleaning nozzle 100, the central axis C1 of the water inlet section 110 is inclined with respect to the central axis C2 of the bellows section 13D2, and the central axis C1 of the water inlet section 110 is oriented toward the region R2. According to this configuration example, while water is forcefully sprayed into the region R1, it is also easy to forcefully spray water toward the region R2, and foreign matter accumulated in the region R2 can also be efficiently removed.

[0050] In addition, the cleaning nozzle 100 can spray water onto the inner circumferential surface of the bellows portion 13D2 in areas other than the areas R1 and R2. This allows the entire inner circumferential surface of the bellows portion 13D2, including the areas R1 and R2, to be sufficiently cleaned.

[0051] Third embodiment 6 has a configuration in which the short inclined portion 121 and the long inclined portion 122 of the cleaning nozzle 100 illustrated in the second embodiment are interchanged. That is, the cleaning nozzle 100 has a configuration in which the long inclined portion 122 is provided on the region R1 side, and the short inclined portion 121 is provided on the region R2 side.

[0052] According to this configuration example, on the long inclined portion 122 side, the angle of the water that flows into the tapered portion 120 from the water inlet portion 110 can be changed significantly toward the region R1 side before being sprayed. This allows a sufficient amount of water to be sprayed onto the region R1 located on the long inclined portion 122 side of the inner circumferential surface of the bellows portion 13D2, and foreign matter accumulated in the region R1 can be efficiently removed. In addition, it becomes possible to spray water above the region R1, making it possible to clean the entire region R1.

[0053] Furthermore, on the short inclined portion 121 side, the angle of the water flowing from the water inlet portion 110 into the tapered portion 120 does not change significantly, so the water can be sprayed into the exhaust duct 13D without significantly attenuating the momentum of the water flowing from the water inlet portion 110 into the tapered portion 120. This allows water to be sprayed vigorously into the region R2 located on the short inclined portion 121 side of the inner circumferential surface of the bellows portion 13D2, and foreign matter accumulated in the region R2 can be removed more efficiently. Furthermore, because the water can be sprayed without significantly attenuating its momentum, the water can reach the region R2 away from the cleaning nozzle 100 sufficiently.

[0054] (Fourth embodiment) The cleaning nozzle 100 illustrated in Figure 7 is configured such that, compared to the cleaning nozzle 100 illustrated in the second embodiment, the central axis C1 of the water inlet section 110 is inclined downward from the left side when viewed from the front side of the washer-dryer 1, in this case the inside side which is the side of the clothes treating tub 3, to the right side when viewed from the front side of the washer-dryer 1, in this case the outside which is the opposite side to the clothes treating tub 3.

[0055] According to this configuration example, the water can be directed toward the region R1 at the time when the water flows from the water inlet portion 110 into the tapered portion 120. Therefore, the water can be sprayed more vigorously toward the region R1, and the region R1 can be cleaned more efficiently.

[0056] Fifth embodiment The cleaning nozzle 100 illustrated in Figure 8 is configured such that the short inclined portion 121 and the long inclined portion 122 are interchanged with respect to the cleaning nozzle 100 illustrated in the second embodiment, and the central axis C1 of the water inlet portion 110 is inclined downward from the left side when viewed from the front side of the washer-dryer 1, in this case, the inside, which is the side of the clothes treating tub 3, to the right side when viewed from the front side of the washer-dryer 1, in this case, the outside, which is the opposite side to the clothes treating tub 3.

[0057] This configuration example is a combination of the third and fourth embodiments described above. Therefore, the fifth embodiment can achieve both the effects of the third and fourth embodiments described above.

[0058] Sixth embodiment 9, the central axis C1 of the water inlet section 110, which is the central axis of the cleaning nozzle 100, is substantially or completely parallel to the central axis C2 of the bellows section 13D2, which is the central axis of the exhaust duct 13D, but is shifted toward the region R1 side from the central axis C2 of the bellows section 13D2. In addition, the length of the inclined portion of the tapered section 120 on the region R1 side and the length of the inclined portion on the region R2 side are substantially or completely the same. In addition, in the tapered section 120, the inclination angle of the inclined portion on the region R1 side relative to the central axis C1 of the water inlet section 110 and the inclination angle of the inclined portion on the region R2 side relative to the central axis C1 of the water inlet section 110 are substantially or completely the same.

[0059] Even with this configuration example, water can be vigorously sprayed to the area R1 close to the cleaning nozzle 100, and water can also be sufficiently sprayed to the area R2 far from the cleaning nozzle 100. In addition, the entire inner circumferential surface of the bellows portion 13D2, including the areas R1 and R2, can be sufficiently cleaned.

[0060] That is, according to the sixth embodiment, a configuration is realized in which the central axis C1 of the water inlet section 110, which is the central axis of the cleaning nozzle 100, is shifted toward the region R1 side from the central axis C2 of the bellows section 13D2, which is the central axis of the exhaust duct 13D. This makes it possible to sufficiently obtain the effect of making it easier to inject water into the region R1 in the exhaust duct 13D where foreign matter is likely to accumulate.

[0061] Seventh embodiment 10 is provided directly above the center of the bellows portion 13D2. The length of the inclined portion on the region R1 side of the tapered portion 120 is generally or completely the same as the length of the inclined portion on the region R2 side of the tapered portion 120. The inclination angle of the inclined portion on the region R1 side of the tapered portion 120 relative to the central axis C1 of the water inlet portion 110 is generally or completely the same as the inclination angle of the inclined portion on the region R2 side of the water inlet portion 110 relative to the central axis C1 of the water inlet portion 110.

[0062] However, the cleaning nozzle 100 is configured so that the central axis C1 of the water inlet section 110 is inclined downward from the left side when viewed from the front side of the washer-dryer 1, in this case, from the inside, which is the side of the clothing treatment tub 3, to the right side when viewed from the front side of the washer-dryer 1, in this case, from the outside, which is the opposite side of the clothing treatment tub 3.

[0063] Even in this configuration example, since the central axis C1 of the water inlet portion 110 is oriented toward the region R1, water can be forcefully sprayed onto the region R1, and the region R1 can be efficiently cleaned. In addition, water can be sufficiently sprayed onto the region R2, and the region R2 can be efficiently cleaned. In addition, the entire inner circumferential surface of the bellows portion 13D2, including the regions R1 and R2, can be thoroughly cleaned.

[0064] That is, according to the seventh embodiment, a configuration is realized in which the central axis C1 of the water inlet section 110, which is the central axis of the cleaning nozzle 100, is inclined with respect to the central axis C2 of the bellows section 13D2, which is the central axis of the exhaust duct 13D. This makes it possible to sufficiently obtain the effect of making it easier to inject water into a portion of the exhaust duct 13D where foreign matter is likely to accumulate.

[0065] As shown in FIG. 11, the cleaning nozzle 100 may be configured such that the central axis C1 of the water inlet 110 is inclined downward from the right side as viewed from the front side of the washer / dryer 1, that is, the outer side opposite to the clothes treatment tub 3 in this case, to the left side as viewed from the front side of the washer / dryer 1, that is, the inner side, that is, the clothes treatment tub 3 in this case. According to this configuration example, since the central axis C1 of the water inlet 110 is oriented toward the area R2, water can be sprayed vigorously to the area R2, and the area R2 can be washed efficiently. In addition, water can be sprayed sufficiently to the area R1, and the area R1 can be washed efficiently. In addition, the entire inner circumferential surface of the bellows portion 13D2 including the areas R1 and R2 can be washed sufficiently.

[0066] Eighth embodiment 12 is provided directly above the center of the bellows portion 13D2. The central axis C1 of the water inlet portion 110, which is the central axis of the cleaning nozzle 100, roughly or completely coincides with the central axis C2 of the bellows portion 13D2, which is the central axis of the exhaust duct 13D. However, the tapered portion 120 has a short inclined portion 121 and a long inclined portion 122, and in this case, the short inclined portion 121 is provided on the region R1 side, and the long inclined portion 122 is provided on the region R2 side.

[0067] This configuration example also allows water to be forcefully sprayed onto region R1, and also allows water to be sufficiently sprayed onto region R2. In addition, the entire inner circumferential surface of bellows portion 13D2, including regions R1 and R2, can be sufficiently cleaned.

[0068] That is, according to the eighth embodiment, a configuration is realized in which the central axis C3 of the water sprayed from the cleaning nozzle 100 intersects with the central axis C2 of the bellows portion 13D2, which is the central axis of the exhaust duct 13D. Also, according to the eighth embodiment, a configuration is realized in which the short inclined portion 121 and the long inclined portion 122 of the tapered portion 120 have different inclination angles K1 of the short inclined portion 121 with respect to the central axis C1 of the water inlet portion 110 and the inclination angle K2 of the long inclined portion 122 with respect to the central axis C1 of the water inlet portion 110. This makes it possible to sufficiently obtain the effect of making it easier to spray water to a portion of the exhaust duct 13D where foreign matter is likely to accumulate.

[0069] 13, the cleaning nozzle 100 may be configured such that the long inclined portion 122 is provided on the region R1 side and the short inclined portion 121 is provided on the region R2 side. This configuration example also allows the region R1 to be efficiently cleaned, and the region R2 to be sufficiently cleaned. In addition, the entire inner circumferential surface of the bellows portion 13D2, including the regions R1 and R2, can be sufficiently cleaned.

[0070] (Other embodiments) In addition, the present embodiment is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and can be modified or expanded as appropriate without departing from the spirit of the present invention. For example, the clothes dryer may be configured by appropriately selecting and combining the above-described embodiments.

[0071] The length and diameter of the water inlet section 110 can be changed as appropriate. The shape of the water inlet section 110 is not limited to a cylindrical shape, and various configurations can be applied as long as the configuration allows water to be guided to the tapered section 120. The size and diameter of the tapered section 120 can be changed as appropriate. The length and angle of inclination of the inclined portion constituting the tapered section 120 can be changed as appropriate. The cleaning nozzle 100 may be configured to include the water inlet section 110 and the tapered section 120 as an integral part, or may be configured to include them as separate parts.

[0072] The direction in which the central axis C1 of the water inlet section 110, which is the central axis of the cleaning nozzle 100, is shifted from the central axis C2 of the bellows section 13D2, which is the central axis of the exhaust duct 13D, is not limited to the right side as viewed from the front side of the washer-dryer 1, which is the outside opposite to the clothes treatment tub 3 in this case, but may be the left side as viewed from the front side of the washer-dryer 1, which is the inside on the clothes treatment tub 3 side in this case. The central axis C1 of the water inlet section 110, which is the central axis of the cleaning nozzle 100, may be shifted in the front-rear direction from the central axis C2 of the bellows section 13D2, which is the central axis of the exhaust duct 13D. The central axis C1 of the water inlet section 110, which is the central axis of the cleaning nozzle 100, may be shifted in a direction different from the lateral direction and the front-rear direction from the central axis C2 of the bellows section 13D2, which is the central axis of the exhaust duct 13D.

[0073] 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.

[0074] 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]

[0075] In the drawings, 1 indicates a washer / dryer (clothes dryer), 3 indicates a clothes treatment tub (drying chamber), 3a indicates an exhaust port, 3b indicates an air intake port, 13 indicates a circulating air duct, 13D indicates an exhaust duct, 100 indicates a cleaning nozzle, 110 indicates a water inlet, 120 indicates a tapered portion, 121 indicates a short inclined portion (first inclined portion), and 122 indicates a long inclined portion (second inclined portion).

Claims

1. a drying chamber in which the clothes are stored; a circulation air duct that connects an exhaust port and an air intake port provided in the drying chamber and circulates air within the drying chamber; An exhaust duct that constitutes a portion of the circulation air passage that is connected to the exhaust port and includes a flexible portion; a cleaning nozzle provided at a position facing the exhaust duct from above and configured to inject water from above into the flexible portion of the exhaust duct; Equipped with A clothes dryer, wherein a central axis of the cleaning nozzle is parallel to a central axis of the exhaust duct and offset from the central axis of the exhaust duct.

2. a drying chamber in which the clothes are stored; a circulation air duct that connects an exhaust port and an air intake port provided in the drying chamber and circulates air within the drying chamber; An exhaust duct that constitutes a portion of the circulation air passage that is connected to the exhaust port and includes a flexible portion; a cleaning nozzle provided at a position facing the exhaust duct from above and configured to inject water from above into the flexible portion of the exhaust duct; Equipped with the exhaust duct has a duct main body portion disposed above the flexible portion, The cleaning nozzle is disposed on an upper wall portion of the duct main body, A clothes dryer in which a central axis of the water sprayed from the cleaning nozzle intersects with a central axis of the exhaust duct.

3. a drying chamber in which the clothes are stored; a circulation air duct that connects an exhaust port and an air intake port provided in the drying chamber and circulates air within the drying chamber; An exhaust duct that constitutes a portion of the circulation air passage that is connected to the exhaust port and includes a flexible portion; a cleaning nozzle provided at a position facing the exhaust duct from above and configured to inject water from above into the flexible portion of the exhaust duct; Equipped with The cleaning nozzle is a water inlet portion provided on the opposite side of the exhaust duct and into which water to be injected into the exhaust duct flows; a tapered portion provided on the exhaust duct side and gradually expanding toward the exhaust duct side; having The tapered portion is A first inclined portion inclined at a first angle with respect to a central axis of the water inlet portion; A second inclined portion inclined at a second angle different from the first angle with respect to a central axis of the water inlet portion; having A clothes dryer in which a central axis of the water inlet portion passes between an extension line of the first inclined portion and an extension line of the second inclined portion.

4. a drying chamber in which the clothes are stored; a circulation air duct that connects an exhaust port and an air intake port provided in the drying chamber and circulates air within the drying chamber; An exhaust duct that constitutes a portion of the circulation air passage that is connected to the exhaust port and includes a flexible portion; a cleaning nozzle provided at a position facing the exhaust duct from above and configured to inject water from above into the flexible portion of the exhaust duct; Equipped with the cleaning nozzle is provided on the opposite side to the exhaust duct and has a water inlet portion through which water to be sprayed into the exhaust duct flows, the exhaust duct has a duct main body portion disposed above the flexible portion, The water inlet is disposed on an upper wall of the duct body, A clothes dryer, wherein a central axis of the water inlet portion is inclined with respect to a central axis of the exhaust duct.

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