Dryer

Abstract

A dryer (1) according to the present disclosure comprises: a housing (2) having an opening formed in the front surface thereof; a lid (3) that covers the opening (20) of the housing (2); a storage tub (4) that is provided inside the housing (2) so as to be rotatable around a rotation axis (V0) extending in the axial direction, and that has a bottom part (41) facing the opening (20); a drying air passage (6) that extends between a suction port (61) communicating with the storage tub (4) from the front side and a blowout port (62) communicating with the storage tub (4) from the rear side; and a fan (8) that is disposed in the drying air passage (6). A part of the drying air passage (6) is defined by: a first wall part (23) that defines the blowout port (62); a second wall part (65) that is positioned on the rear side of the first wall part (23), and that forms a flow path together with the first wall part (23); and a third wall part (66) that extends between the second wall part (65) and an outflow port of the fan. The third wall part (66), when viewed from the axial direction, extends in a first direction (K1) from the outflow port of the fan. The first wall part (23) has a first edge (62A) on the first direction side of the blowout port (62), and a first portion (24) that protrudes in the first direction (K1) from the first edge (62A). The second wall part (65) is connected to an end part (24A) on the first direction side of the first portion (24).

Description

Dryer

[0001] This disclosure relates to a dryer.

[0002] For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a dryer having a storage tank and a drying air duct that communicates with the storage tank and supplies warm air to the storage tank. The drying air duct has a suction port located in front of the storage tank and a blowout port located behind the storage tank.

[0003] In the dryer described in Patent Document 1, the air flowing out from the blowout port flows toward the suction port along the rotation axis of the storage tank.

[0004] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2003-103086

[0005] However, in the structure of Patent Document 1, there is still room for improvement in terms of the drying efficiency of the object.

[0006] Therefore, an object of the present disclosure is to solve the above problems and to improve the drying efficiency of the object.

[0007] The dryer according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes a housing having an opening formed in the front surface, a lid covering the opening of the housing, a storage tank provided rotatably around a rotation axis extending in the axial direction inside the housing and having a bottom facing the opening, a suction port communicating with the storage tank from the front side, a drying air duct extending between the suction port and a blowout port communicating with the storage tank from the rear side, and a fan disposed in the drying air duct. A part of the drying air duct is defined by a first wall portion defining the blowout port, a second wall portion located behind the first wall portion and forming a flow path therebetween, and a third wall portion extending between the second wall portion and the outlet of the fan. The third wall portion extends in a first direction from the outlet of the fan when viewed from the axial direction. The first wall portion has a first edge on the first direction side of the blowout port and a first portion protruding in the first direction from the first edge. The second wall portion is connected to the end on the first direction side of the first portion.

[0008] According to the present disclosure, a dryer with improved drying efficiency of an object can be provided.

[0009] Perspective view of the dryer according to Embodiment 1 of this disclosure Cross-sectional view of the dryer according to Embodiment 1 of this disclosure Schematic diagram of the dryer according to Embodiment 1 of this disclosure Cross-sectional view of the storage tank Schematic front view of the dryer Schematic front view of the dryer Perspective view of the dryer viewed from the rear Perspective view of the dryer viewed from the rear with the fan case removed Cross-sectional view near the outlet Schematic cross-sectional view near the outlet Schematic cross-sectional view near the outlet Perspective view of the fan case Cross-sectional view of the dryer showing the airflow

[0010] (Embodiment) A dryer 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described. The dryer 1 is a device for drying wet clothes, towels, sheets, and other objects.

[0011] Figure 1 is a perspective view of the dryer 1 according to Embodiment 1 of the present disclosure. Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view of the dryer 1. Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of the dryer 1.

[0012] As shown in Figures 1 to 3, the dryer 1 comprises a housing 2, a lid 3, a storage tank 4, a drive unit 5 (Figure 3), a drying air passage 6, a heat pump device 7, a fan 8, and a control unit C (Figure 3).

[0013] The housing 2 is a component that forms the exterior of the dryer 1. An opening 20 is provided on the front of the housing 2.

[0014] As shown in Figure 2, the lid 3 is a member that covers the opening 20 of the housing 2 in an openable and closable manner. The lid 3 seals the opening 20 of the housing 2 with a sealing portion 32. In the closed state, the lid 3 has an internal flow path 31 that communicates with the storage tank 4. The internal flow path 31 of the lid 3 is part of the drying air passage 6.

[0015] The storage tank 4 is a roughly cylindrical member that is rotatable around a rotation axis V0 inside the housing 2 and capable of accommodating an object. The storage tank 4 may also be called a drum. The storage tank 4 has an opening 40 facing the opening 20 of the housing 2. When the user opens the lid 3, they can place an object into the storage tank 4 through the openings 20 and 40.

[0016] The storage tank 4 has a bottom portion 41 and a cylindrical portion 42. The bottom portion 41 is a disc-shaped member facing the opening 40 and closes one end of the cylindrical portion 42 which extends in the axial direction M. Together with the lid 3, the bottom portion 41 and the cylindrical portion 42 define a space for storing an object.

[0017] The rotation axis V0 of the storage tank 4 extends substantially horizontally. In this specification, "extends substantially horizontally" means extending horizontally or in a direction having an inclination of 5° or less from the horizontal. The direction along the rotation axis V0 is defined as the axial direction M, and the horizontal direction perpendicular to the rotation axis V0 is defined as the width direction K. The axial direction M has a front side M1 extending from the bottom 41 to the opening 40 and a rear side M2 ​​extending from the opening 40 to the bottom 41.

[0018] As shown in Figure 3, the drive unit 5 is configured to rotate the storage tank 4 around the rotation axis V0. The drive unit 5 includes, for example, a belt that is in contact with the outer circumference of the storage tank 4 and extends around the storage tank 4, and a motor that drives the belt.

[0019] The drying air passage 6 is a passage provided inside the housing 2 and lid 3 that circulates the air in the storage tank 4 to dry the object (see arrow A). The drying air passage 6 is defined by the internal passage 31 of the lid 3 (Figure 2), the storage tank 4, the passage member 60, and the fan case 63, which will be described later. The passage member 60 is a member that connects the internal passage 31 and the fan case 63 and is located below the storage tank 4. The fan case 63 houses the fan 8 and is a member that connects the passage member 60 and the storage tank 4.

[0020] The drying air passage 6 extends between an intake port 61 provided on the inner surface of the lid 3 and an outlet port 62 provided on the rear side M2 ​​of the storage tank 4. The intake port 61 and the outlet port 62 sandwich the storage tank 4 in the axial direction M. Therefore, air circulates between the storage tank 4 and the drying air passage 6, passing through the storage tank 4 from the rear side M2 ​​to the front side M1.

[0021] The intake port 61 communicates with the storage tank 4 from the front side M1, and allows air from the storage tank 4 to flow into the internal flow path 31 of the lid 3. The air that flows into the internal flow path 31 flows below the storage tank 4 towards the rear side M2 ​​through the flow path member 60 and the fan case 63. The outlet port 62 communicates with the storage tank 4 from the rear side M2, and allows air from the fan case 63 to flow into the storage tank 4.

[0022] The heat pump device 7 is located in the drying air passage 6 and is a device for dehumidifying and heating the air flowing through the drying air passage 6. Specifically, the heat pump device 7 has a first heat exchanger 71 and a second heat exchanger 72. The first heat exchanger 71 dehumidifies the air, and the second heat exchanger 72 heats the air.

[0023] Fan 8 is positioned in the drying air passage 6 and generates airflow in the drying air passage 6. The operation of fan 8 generates airflow in the drying air passage 6 as indicated by arrow A. Fan 8 may be of any type, for example, an axial fan or a centrifugal fan. In Embodiment 1, fan 8 is located behind the storage tank 4 M2 and below the storage tank 4.

[0024] The control unit C is a device that controls the operation of the dryer 1. The control unit C controls components of the dryer 1 such as the drive unit 5, the heat pump device 7, and the fan 8. The control unit C may, for example, include a memory (not shown) that stores a program and a processing circuit (not shown) corresponding to a processor such as a CPU, and the processor may function as these elements by executing the program.

[0025] Next, the detailed configuration of the storage tank 4 will be explained with reference to Figure 4. Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view of the storage tank 4.

[0026] As shown in Figure 4, the bottom portion 41 has ventilation holes 44. The ventilation holes 44 have multiple openings that penetrate in the axial direction M. Since the outlet 62 (Figure 3) of the drying air passage 6 is located at the rear side M2 ​​of the bottom portion 41, the air blown out from the outlet 62 passes through the ventilation holes 44 and flows into the storage tank 4.

[0027] The cylindrical portion 42 has a plurality of baffles 47 that project radially from the inner circumferential surface 46 toward the rotation axis V0. The baffles 47 function as projections that catch and lift objects contained in the storage tank 4 when the storage tank 4 rotates. Once lifted to a predetermined height, the object is separated from the inner circumferential surface 46 by gravity and falls while passing through the central region of the storage tank 4. In Embodiment 1, there are two baffles 47 that face each other radially.

[0028] Each baffle 47 has two side surfaces 48 extending in the axial direction M. The side surfaces 48 are inclined so as to approach each other from the inner circumferential surface 46 toward the axis of rotation V0, forming a vertex 49. The baffle 47 may have any shape as long as it is a structure that can lift the object.

[0029] Next, the configuration of the air outlet 62 will be explained with reference to Figures 3 and 5A through 8. Figure 5A is a schematic front view of the dryer 1. Figure 5B is a schematic front view of Figure 5A showing the configuration of the lid 3. Figure 6 is a perspective view of the dryer 1 seen from the rear M2. Figure 7 is a perspective view of the dryer 1 seen from the rear M2 with the fan case 63 removed. In Figures 6 and 7, the rear surface 29 of the housing 2 shown in Figure 3 is omitted so that the support plate 21 is visible. Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view of the vicinity of the air outlet 62 seen from the rear M2.

[0030] Returning to Figure 3, the air outlet 62 is provided on the support plate 21 of the housing 2. The support plate 21 faces the bottom 41 of the storage tank 4 and is a plate-shaped member that rotatably supports the storage tank 4 between the storage tank 4 and the back surface 29 of the housing 2.

[0031] As shown in Figure 5A, the air outlet 62 is provided on the support plate 21 at a position facing the ventilation hole 44 of the bottom portion 41. In Embodiment 1, the entire air outlet 62 faces the ventilation hole 44.

[0032] Compared to the rotation axis V0, the center C1 of the width direction K of the outlet 62 is located on one side K1 of the rotation axis V0. Therefore, the outlet 62 is closer to the inner circumferential surface 46 of the storage tank 4 on one side K1 than to the inner circumferential surface 46 of the storage tank 4 on the other side K2. Note that a portion of the outlet 62 may be located on the other side K2 of the rotation axis V0.

[0033] The air outlet 62 is located below the rotation axis V0. In Embodiment 1, the entire air outlet 62 is located below the rotation axis V0. However, it is sufficient if at least a part of the air outlet 62 is located below the rotation axis V0.

[0034] Focusing on the apex 49 of the baffle 47 located at the lowest point of the storage tank 4, the center C1 of the outlet 62 in the vertical Z direction and width direction K is located below the midpoint C2 between the apex 49 of the baffle 47 and the axis of rotation V0. The center C1 of the outlet 62 is, for example, the intersection point of a line passing through the midpoints of the upper and lower ends of the outlet 62 and a line passing through the midpoints of both ends in the width direction K.

[0035] The air outlet 62 is located closer to the apex 49 of the baffle 47, which is at the lowest point, than to the rotation axis V0. Specifically, the distance G1 between the lower end of the air outlet 62 and the apex 49 is smaller than the distance G2 between the upper end of the air outlet 62 and the rotation axis V0. By providing this distance G1 between the lower end of the air outlet 62 and the apex 49, it is possible to prevent the baffle 47 from overlapping the air outlet 62 when the storage tank 4 rotates, thereby preventing obstruction of air outflow from the air outlet 62.

[0036] The width dimension W1 of the air outlet 62 is greater than the height dimension H1 in the vertical direction Z. Specifically, the distance between the two ends of the air outlet 62 in the width direction K is greater than the distance between the upper and lower ends of the air outlet 62. This shape makes it easy to install the air outlet 62 at a low position while ensuring the opening area of ​​the air outlet 62 and preventing it from becoming vertically elongated in the vertical direction Z.

[0037] Returning to Figure 3, the intake port 61 facing the outlet port 62 has a plurality of openings 61A formed on the inner surface of the lid 3. In the following description, the intake port 61 refers to the region where a collection of multiple openings 61A is formed. Note that the intake port 61 may have only one opening 61A.

[0038] A portion of the suction port 61 is located above the rotation axis V0. Alternatively, the entire suction port 61 may be located above the rotation axis V0.

[0039] As shown in Figure 5B, the intake port 61 is located above the outlet port 62. When viewed from the axial direction M, the intake port 61 overlaps with a portion of the outlet port 62, and the outlet port 62 protrudes downward relative to the intake port 61. In other words, the lower end of the outlet port 62 is located below the lower end of the intake port 61. Furthermore, the upper end of the outlet port 62 is located below the upper end of the intake port 61. Therefore, in Embodiment 1, the vertical Z center C1 of the outlet port 62 is located below the vertical Z center C3 of the intake port 61. In Embodiment 1, the vertical Z center C3 of the intake port 61 is located above the rotation axis V0, but is not limited to this.

[0040] The area of ​​the outlet 62 is smaller than the area of ​​the intake 61 (i.e., the area of ​​the region where the opening 61A is formed). By reducing the area of ​​the outlet 62, the air velocity of the air blown out from the outlet 62 can be increased, spreading out the objects falling into the storage tank 4 and making it easier for the air to reach them. Therefore, the drying efficiency of the objects by the dryer 1 can be improved.

[0041] As shown in Figures 6 and 7, a fan case 63 is connected to the air outlet 62 from the rear M2. As described above, the fan case 63 has a fan housing section 64 that houses the fan 8 which is located on the rear M2 of the support plate 21, and defines a part of the drying air passage 6.

[0042] The fan case 63 is fixed to the support plate 21 around the air outlet 62 from the rear side M2. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 7, the fan case 63 is screwed to the wall portion of the support plate 21 including the wall portion 23 that defines the air outlet 62.

[0043] The fan 8 is located on the opposite side of the width direction K from the air outlet 62 with respect to the rotation axis V0. Specifically, with respect to the rotation axis V0, the air outlet 62 is located on one side K1 of the width direction K, and the fan 8 is located on the other side K2 of the width direction K. In other words, the fan 8 and the air outlet 62 sandwich the rotation axis V0 in the width direction K.

[0044] On the other hand, both the fan 8 and the air outlet 62 are provided at a position lower than the rotation axis V0. Therefore, the fan case 63 is also provided at a position lower than the rotation axis V0. Below the rotation axis V0, since the air outlet 62 is located above the fan 8, the fan case 63 extends obliquely upward from the fan 8 toward the air outlet 62.

[0045] In addition to the fan housing portion 64, the fan case 63 has a wall portion 65 and a wall portion 66. The wall portion 65 is located on the rear side M2 of the wall portion 23 of the support plate 21 and is arranged to cover the air outlet 62. The wall portion 65 defines a part of the drying air passage 6 between it and the wall portion 23. The wall portion 66 extends between the fan housing portion 64 and the wall portion 65.

[0046] As shown in FIG. 8, the wall portion 66 defines the drying air passage 6 between the air outlet 81 of the fan and the air outlet 62 upstream of the wall portion 65. The wall portion 66 extends obliquely in the vertical direction Z toward the wall portion 65 from the air outlet 81 of the fan 8 on one side K1. Specifically, the direction in which the wall portion 66 extends is closer to the width direction K (horizontal) than the vertical direction Z. That is, the angle between the direction in which the wall portion 66 extends and the width direction K (horizontal) is smaller than the angle between the direction in which the wall portion 66 extends and the vertical direction Z. By making the direction in which the wall portion 66 extends closer to the horizontal, it becomes easier to make the height of the air outlet 62 closer to the height of the fan 8 and provide it at a lower position. In Embodiment 1, the wall portion 66 extends linearly.

[0047] When comparing the wall portion 65 and the wall portion 66, the wall portion 65 protrudes toward the rotation axis V0 more than the wall portion 66. In other words, among the wall portion 65, the surface 65A, which is the surface facing the rotation axis V0, is provided at a position protruding more than the wall portion 66 so as to approach the rotation axis V0 more than the wall portion 66. While the wall portion 65 and the wall portion 66 are arranged side by side in the width direction K, a step is formed in the radial direction between the wall portion 65 and the wall portion 66. Specifically, the wall portion 65 is connected to the wall portion 66 by a wall portion 67 that extends along the vertical direction Z toward the rotation axis V0. Note that the wall portion 67 may extend in another direction intersecting the width direction K.

[0048] Next, referring to FIGS. 9A and 9B, the configuration of the wall portion 65 of the fan case 63 will be described in more detail. FIG. 9A is a schematic cross-sectional view of the vicinity of the air outlet 62 as viewed from the rear side M2. FIG. 9B is a schematic cross-sectional view of the vicinity of the air outlet 62 as viewed from the vertical direction Z.

[0049] As shown in FIG. 9A, in addition to the air outlet 62, the wall portion 65 covers the first portion 24 of the wall portion 23 located on one side K1 of the air outlet 62 and the second portion 25 of the wall portion 23 located below the air outlet 62. In other words, when viewed from the axial direction M, the air outlet 62, the first portion 24, and the second portion 25 are located inside the wall portion 65.

[0050] The first portion 24 protrudes further toward the one side K1 from the first edge 62A on the one side K1 of the air outlet 62. The second portion 25 protrudes further downward from the second edge 62B below the air outlet 62.

[0051] As shown in Figure 9B, the wall portion 65 is connected to the end portion 24A of one side K1 of the first portion 24. With this configuration, the wall portion 65 forms a space S1 between itself and the wall portion 23 of the support plate 21 on one side K1 of the outlet 62. A portion of the air flowing from the fan 8 to one side K1 flows into the space S1 located on one side K1 of the outlet 62 and returns, generating an airflow toward the other side K2. The air toward the other side K2 interferes with the air flowing from the fan 8 to one side K1, deflecting the airflow near the outlet 62 toward the front side M1. Therefore, the airflow from the outlet 62 toward one side K1 is suppressed, and the airflow toward the inner circumferential surface 46 of the storage tank 4 on one side K1 is suppressed. In the storage tank 4, the airflow toward the front side M1 can be promoted.

[0052] Returning to Figure 9A, the wall portion 65 is connected to the lower end 25A of the second portion 25. With this configuration, the wall portion 65 forms a space S2 between itself and the wall portion 23 of the support plate 21 below the outlet 62. A portion of the air flowing from the fan 8 flows into the space S2 located below the outlet 62 and is deflected upward. Therefore, the downward flow of air from the outlet 62 can be suppressed. Combined with the deflection of air by the space S1, this promotes the forward and upward airflow from the outlet 62.

[0053] Figure 10 is a perspective view of the fan case 63 as seen from the front M1. As shown in Figure 10, the wall portion 65 of the fan case 63 has an inclined surface 68 at a position opposite the upper part of the air outlet 62. The inclined surface 68 is inclined upward so as to approach the air outlet 62. The inclined surface 68 guides the air inside the fan case 63 to flow upward from the upper part of the air outlet 62 (see arrow B). This configuration further suppresses the downward flow of air from the air outlet 62.

[0054] The wall portion 65 of the fan case 63 has an inclined surface 69 at a position opposite to the second portion 25 of the wall portion 23 located below the air outlet 62. The inclined surface 69 is inclined upward away from the wall portion 23. The inclined surface 69 guides the air in the space S2 upward (see arrow D), making it easier for it to flow upward from the air outlet 62.

[0055] Next, the airflow in the dryer 1 will be explained with reference to Figure 11. Figure 11 is a cross-sectional view of the dryer 1 showing the airflow.

[0056] As shown in Figure 11, the air flowing through the fan case 63 is deflected into spaces S1 and S2, and flows forward M1 and upward from the outlet 62 towards the intake port 61 of the lid 3. Since the intake port 61 is located above the outlet 62, the upward airflow can be further promoted.

[0057] When the storage tank 4 rotates with the object 10 inside, the object 10 is lifted by the baffle 47 and falls away from the inner surface 46 of the storage tank 4 at a predetermined height. As the object 10 falls, it is away from the inner surface 46 and spreads out in the air in the central region of the storage tank 4. The air flowing forward M1 and upward from the outlet 62 hits the object 10 that is spread out in the air. By blowing air onto the object 10 that is spread out in the air, more air can be blown onto the object 10 compared to blowing air onto the object 10 that is pressed against the inner surface 46 and curled up, thereby improving the drying efficiency of the object 10.

[0058] The air that reaches the intake port 61 flows into the flow path member 60 through the internal flow path 31 of the lid 3, and then into the fan case 63.

[0059] (Summary) The above explanation summarizes the features of this disclosure.

[0060] The dryer 1 according to this embodiment has an intake port 61 on the front side M1 of the storage tank 4 and an outlet port 62 on the rear side M2 ​​of the storage tank 4. In Embodiment 1, a part of the intake port 61 is located above the rotation axis V0, while the entire outlet port 62 is located below the rotation axis V0. Therefore, the air passing through the storage tank 4 from the outlet port 62 towards the intake port 61 tends to flow upward. By flowing upward, the air is more likely to hit the object spread out in the air in the storage tank 4 than if it were flowing downward from the outlet port 62 located below. Also, compared to air flowing horizontally, the path of the air passing through the storage tank 4 can be made longer, making it even easier for the air to hit the object. Therefore, the drying efficiency of the object by the dryer 1 can be improved.

[0061] In the dryer 1, the fan case 63 forms a space S2 below the outlet 62. The air flowing through the fan case 63 is deflected in space S2. As a result, the air flowing out from the outlet 62 is more likely to flow upward.

[0062] In addition to space S2, the fan case 63 forms space S1 on one side K1 of the outlet 62. If the air flowing through the fan case 63 on one side K1 were to flow out of the outlet 62 as is, it would hit the inner circumferential surface 46 of the storage tank 4 on one side K1. However, in the dryer 1 according to this disclosure, the air flowing through the fan case 63 on one side K1 is deflected in space S1 and flows in the axial direction M rather than the inner circumferential surface 46 of the storage tank 4. By flowing along the axial direction M through the central region of the storage tank 4 near the rotation axis V0, the air is more likely to hit objects that are spread out away from the inner circumferential surface 46.

[0063] Furthermore, in the dryer 1, the wall portion 66 of the fan case 63 is tilted to be closer to horizontal in order to position the outlet 62 at a lower position. As a result, the outlet 62 is shifted to one side K1 with respect to the rotation axis V0. Therefore, the wall portion 65 of the fan case 63 facing the outlet 62 is made to protrude further toward the rotation axis V0 than the wall portion 66. With this configuration, even though the outlet 62 is positioned shifted to one side K1, by bringing it closer to the rotation axis V0, the air flowing out of the outlet 62 can flow more easily along the axial direction M.

[0064] (Effect 1) The dryer 1 according to Embodiment 1 can achieve the following effects.

[0065] As described above, the dryer 1 of this embodiment comprises a housing 2 having an opening 20 formed on its front, a lid 3 covering the opening 20 of the housing 2, and a storage tank 4 located inside the housing 2, rotatably mounted around a rotation axis V0 extending in the axial direction M, and having a bottom 41 facing the opening 20. The dryer 1 further comprises a drying air passage 6 extending between an intake port 61 communicating with the storage tank 4 from the front M1 and an outlet port 62 communicating with the storage tank 4 from the rear M2, and a fan 8 arranged in the drying air passage 6. At least a portion of the outlet port 62 is located below the rotation axis V0. The intake port 61 is located above the outlet port 62.

[0066] This configuration, by positioning the outlet 62 lower than the intake 61, makes it easier for air to flow upward. This upward flow allows the air to more easily reach the object dispersed in the air within the storage tank 4 compared to when the air flows downward from the outlet 62 located below. Therefore, the drying efficiency of the object by the dryer 1 can be improved.

[0067] Furthermore, the dryer 1 of this embodiment has a baffle 47 that extends along the axial direction M and has a vertex 49 that protrudes from the inner circumferential surface 46 of the storage tank 4 toward the rotation axis V0. When viewed from the width direction K intersecting the axial direction M, the vertical center C1 of the outlet 62 is located below the midpoint C2 between the vertex 49 of the baffle 47, which is located at the lowest point, and the rotation axis V0.

[0068] This configuration allows the air outlet 62 to be positioned at a lower location.

[0069] Furthermore, in the dryer 1 of this embodiment, when viewed from the width direction, the outlet 62 is located closer to the apex 49 of the baffle 47 than to the rotation axis V0.

[0070] This configuration allows the air outlet 62 to be positioned at a lower location.

[0071] Furthermore, in the dryer 1 of this embodiment, when viewed from the axial direction M, the dimension H1 of the outlet 62 in the vertical direction Z (height direction) is smaller than the dimension W1 of the outlet 62 in the width direction K.

[0072] This configuration allows the air outlet 62 to be positioned at a lower location while maintaining a sufficient opening area for the air outlet 62.

[0073] Furthermore, in the dryer 1 of this embodiment, when viewed from the axial direction M, the center C1 of the outlet 62 in the width direction K is located on one side K1 of the width direction K of the rotation axis V0, and the fan 8 is located on the other side K2 of the width direction K of the rotation axis V0.

[0074] With this configuration, the air outlet 62 and the fan 8 are aligned vertically, and the air outlet 62 can be positioned lower compared to the case where the air outlet 62 is located above the fan 8.

[0075] Furthermore, the dryer 1 of this embodiment is further provided with a support plate 21 positioned between the bottom 41 and the back surface 29 of the housing 2, which rotatably supports the bottom 41, and the air outlet 62 is formed in the support plate 21.

[0076] This configuration simplifies the structure of the dryer 1 compared to the case where the air outlet 62 is located on a separate component.

[0077] Furthermore, in the dryer 1 of this embodiment, the fan 8 is located behind the support plate 21 M2 and below the storage tank 4. The dryer 1 further includes a fan case 63 that houses the fan 8. The fan case 63 has a wall portion 66 that defines the drying air passage 6 between the fan 8 and the outlet 62, and when viewed from the axial direction M, the wall portion 66 is inclined with respect to the vertical direction Z.

[0078] With this configuration, compared to the case where the wall portion 66 extends in the vertical direction Z, the direction in which the wall portion 66 extends can be made closer to horizontal, making it easier to install the air outlet 62 at a lower position.

[0079] Furthermore, in the dryer 1 of this embodiment, the lower end of the air outlet 62 is located below the lower end of the suction port 61.

[0080] With this configuration, by positioning the lower end of the outlet 62 at a low position, air can more easily flow upward in the storage tank 4.

[0081] Furthermore, in the dryer 1 of this embodiment, the center C1 of the air outlet 62 is located below the center C3 of the suction port 61.

[0082] With this configuration, by positioning the center of the air outlet 62 at a low position, air can more easily flow upward in the storage tank 4.

[0083] Furthermore, in the dryer 1 of this embodiment, the intake port 61 is provided on the lid 3, and the lid 3 forms part of the drying air passage 6 inside.

[0084] This configuration simplifies the structure of the dryer 1.

[0085] (Effect 2) The dryer 1 according to Embodiment 1 can provide the following effects.

[0086] As described above, the dryer 1 of this embodiment comprises a housing 2 having an opening 20 formed on its front, a lid 3 covering the opening 20 of the housing 2, and a storage tank 4 rotatably provided inside the housing 2 around a rotation axis V0 extending in the axial direction M, and having a bottom portion 41 facing the opening 20. The dryer 1 further comprises a drying air passage 6 extending between an intake port 61 communicating with the storage tank 4 from the front M1 and an outlet port 62 communicating with the storage tank 4 from the rear M2, and a fan 8 arranged in the drying air passage 6. Part of the drying air passage 6 is defined by a wall portion 23 (first wall portion) defining the outlet port 62, a wall portion 65 (second wall portion) located on the rear M2 side of the wall portion 23 and forming a flow path with the wall portion 23, and a wall portion 66 (third wall portion) extending between the wall portion 65 and the outlet port 81 of the fan 8. When viewed from the axial direction M, the wall portion 66 extends from the outlet 81 of the fan 8 to one side K1 (first direction). The wall portion 23 has a first edge 62A on one side K1 of the outlet 62 and a first portion 24 that protrudes from the first edge 62A to one side K1 in the width direction K. The wall portion 65 is connected to the end 24A on one side K1 of the first portion 24.

[0087] This configuration allows a space S1 to be formed on one side K1 of the outlet 62. The air upstream of the outlet 62 is deflected in space S1 and is more likely to flow out of the outlet 62 toward the front M1 rather than toward the inner circumferential surface 46 of the storage tank 4. By flowing along the axial direction M, the air is more likely to pass through the central region of the storage tank 4 near the rotation axis V0 and more likely to hit objects that are spread out away from the inner circumferential surface 46 of the storage tank 4. Therefore, the drying efficiency of the dryer 1 is improved.

[0088] Furthermore, in the dryer 1 of this embodiment, the wall portion 23 has, separately from the first edge 62A, a second edge 62B that is lower (radially outward) with respect to the rotation axis V0, and a second portion 25 that protrudes downward from the second edge 62B, and the wall portion 65 is connected to the lower end 25A of the second portion 25.

[0089] This configuration allows a space S2 to be formed below the outlet 62. The air upstream of the outlet 62 is deflected in space S2, making it easier for it to flow upward from the outlet 62. The air is more likely to hit the object that has spread out in the central region of the containment tank 4. Therefore, the drying efficiency of the dryer 1 is further improved.

[0090] Furthermore, in the dryer 1 of this embodiment, when viewed from the axial direction M, the center C1 of the width direction K of the outlet 62 is located on one side K1 with respect to the rotation axis V0, and the fan 8 is located on the opposite side K1 with respect to the rotation axis V0.

[0091] This configuration makes it possible to save space in the dryer 1 in the axial direction M.

[0092] Furthermore, in the dryer 1 of this embodiment, when viewed from the axial direction M, the wall portion 65 protrudes more toward the rotation axis V0 than the wall portion 66.

[0093] With this configuration, by positioning the wall portion 65 near the rotation axis V0, the air flowing out from the outlet 62 can more easily flow along the axial direction M.

[0094] Furthermore, in the dryer 1 of this embodiment, at least a portion of the outlet 62 is located below the rotation axis V0.

[0095] With this configuration, by positioning the outlet 62 at a low position, air can more easily flow upward in the storage tank 4.

[0096] Furthermore, in the dryer 1 of this embodiment, the lower end of the air outlet 62 is located below the lower end of the suction port 61.

[0097] With this configuration, by positioning the lower end of the outlet 62 at a low position, air can more easily flow upward in the storage tank 4.

[0098] Furthermore, the dryer 1 of this embodiment further includes a support plate 21 positioned between the bottom 41 and the back surface 29 of the housing 2, which rotatably supports the bottom 41, and a fan case 63 that houses the fan 8 and is connected to the air outlet 62. The support plate 21 has a wall portion 23, and the fan case 63 has a wall portion 65.

[0099] This configuration simplifies the design of the dryer 1.

[0100] (Effect 3) The dryer 1 according to Embodiment 1 can achieve the following effects.

[0101] As described above, the dryer 1 of this embodiment comprises a housing 2 having an opening 20 formed on its front, a lid 3 covering the opening 20 of the housing 2, and a storage tank 4 located inside the housing 2 so as to be rotatable around a rotation axis V0 extending in the axial direction M, and having a bottom portion 41 facing the opening 20. The dryer 1 further comprises a drying air passage 6 extending between an intake port 61 communicating with the storage tank 4 from the front M1 and an outlet port 62 communicating with the storage tank 4 from the rear M2, and a fan 8 arranged in the drying air passage 6. Part of the drying air passage 6 is defined by a wall portion 23 (first wall portion) defining the outlet port 62, a wall portion 65 (second wall portion) located on the rear M2 side of the wall portion 23 and forming part of the drying air passage 6 with the wall portion 23, and a wall portion 66 (third wall portion) extending between the wall portion 65 and the outlet port 81 of the fan 8. When viewed from the axial direction M, the wall portion 65 protrudes more toward the rotation axis V0 than the wall portion 66.

[0102] With this configuration, the wall portion 65 protrudes toward the rotation axis V0, which allows the air flowing out from the outlet 62 to be guided toward the rotation axis V0. This promotes airflow along the axial direction M. As a result, the air is more likely to hit the object that has spread out in the central region of the containment tank 4. Consequently, the drying efficiency of the dryer 1 is improved.

[0103] Furthermore, in the dryer 1 of this embodiment, the wall portion 65 is connected to the wall portion 66 by a wall portion 67 (fourth wall portion) that extends toward the rotation axis V0.

[0104] This configuration makes it easy to create a step between wall portion 65 and wall portion 66 by using wall portion 67 to make wall portion 65 protrude.

[0105] Furthermore, in the dryer 1 of this embodiment, at least a portion of the outlet 62 is located below the rotation axis V0.

[0106] With this configuration, by positioning the outlet 62 at a low position, air can more easily flow upward in the storage tank 4.

[0107] Furthermore, in the dryer 1 of this embodiment, the lower end of the air outlet 62 is located below the lower end of the suction port 61.

[0108] With this configuration, by positioning the lower end of the outlet 62 at a low position, air can more easily flow upward in the storage tank 4.

[0109] Furthermore, in the dryer 1 of this embodiment, when viewed from the axial direction M, the center C1 of the outlet 62 in the width direction K is located on one side K1 of the width direction K with respect to the rotation axis V0. When viewed from the axial direction M, the fan 8 is located on the other side K2 of the width direction K with respect to the rotation axis V0.

[0110] This configuration makes it possible to save space in the dryer 1 in the axial direction M.

[0111] Furthermore, in the dryer 1 of this embodiment, at least a portion of the fan 8 is located below the storage tank 4, and the wall portion 66 extends inclined with respect to the vertical direction Z.

[0112] This configuration allows the direction in which the wall portion 66 extends to be closer to horizontal. As a result, the height of the air outlet 62 can be brought closer to the height of the fan 8, making it easier to install the air outlet 62 at a lower position.

[0113] Furthermore, the dryer 1 of this embodiment is further provided with a fan case 63 that houses the fan 8 and is connected to the air outlet 62, and the fan case 63 has a wall portion 65 and a wall portion 66.

[0114] This configuration simplifies the design of the dryer 1.

[0115] This disclosure is not limited to the embodiments described above, and can be implemented in various other forms.

[0116] In Embodiment 1, an example was described in which the outlet 62 is provided on the support plate 21, but the invention is not limited to this. The outlet 62 may also be formed on another member located on the rear side M2 ​​of the storage tank 4.

[0117] In Embodiment 1, an example was described in which the center C1 of the width direction K of the air outlet 62 is located on one side K1 of the rotation axis V0, but the invention is not limited to this. The center C1 of the width direction K of the air outlet 62 may be located on the other side K2 of the rotation axis V0, that is, it may be located on the same side as the fan 8 with respect to the rotation axis V0.

[0118] In Embodiment 1, an example was described in which the fan case 63 integrally comprises a fan housing 64 and wall portions 65, 66, and 67, but the invention is not limited to this. The fan housing 64 and wall portions 65, 66, and 67 may be composed of different materials.

[0119] In Embodiment 1, an example was described in which the suction port 61 is provided on the lid 3, but the invention is not limited to this. The suction port 61 may also be provided on the sealing portion 32 above the lid 3. In this case, the inside of the sealing portion 32 communicates with the internal flow path 31 of the lid 3.

[0120] In Embodiment 1, an example was described in which the wall portion 23 has both the first portion 24 and the second portion 25, but the invention is not limited to this. For example, the wall portion 23 may have only the first portion 24.

[0121] In Embodiment 1, an example was described in which the outlet 62 is located below the rotation axis V0 and the intake port 61, but the invention is not limited to this. The outlet 62 may be located above the rotation axis V0, or above the intake port 61.

[0122] In Embodiment 1, an example was described in which the wall portion 65 protrudes toward the rotation axis V0 relative to the wall portion 66, but the invention is not limited to this. The wall portions 65 and 66 may have any shape or arrangement relationship as long as they have a structure that connects the outlet 81 and the air outlet 62 of the fan 8.

[0123] In Embodiment 1, an example was described in which the first portion 24 is located on one side K1 of the outlet 62, but the invention is not limited to this. If the direction in which the fan case 63 extends from the outlet 81 of the fan 8 is considered the first direction, then the first portion 24 may be any portion that further protrudes in the first direction from the end of the outlet 62 on the first direction side. In this case, the second portion 25 may be any portion that protrudes radially outward from an end different from the end from which the first portion 24 protrudes.

[0124] The dryer in the first embodiment comprises a housing having an opening on its front, a lid covering the opening of the housing, a storage tank rotatably mounted inside the housing around a pivot axis extending axially and having a bottom facing the opening, a drying air passage extending between an intake port communicating with the storage tank from the front and an outlet port communicating with the storage tank from the rear, and a fan positioned in the drying air passage. Part of the drying air passage is defined by a first wall portion defining the outlet, a second wall portion located behind the first wall portion and forming a flow path with the first wall portion, and a third wall portion extending between the second wall portion and the outlet of the fan. When viewed from the axial direction, the third wall portion extends in a first direction from the outlet of the fan, and the first wall portion has a first edge on the first direction side of the outlet and a first portion projecting in a first direction from the first edge, and the second wall portion is connected to the first direction end of the first portion.

[0125] In the second embodiment of the dryer, the first wall portion has, in addition to the first edge, a second edge radially outward with respect to the axis of rotation, and a second portion projecting radially outward from the second edge, and the second wall portion is connected to the radially outward end of the second portion.

[0126] In the third embodiment of the dryer, in the dryer of the first or second embodiment, when viewed from the axial direction, the center of the outlet in the first direction is located on the first direction side with respect to the axis of rotation, and the fan is located on the opposite side of the first direction with respect to the axis of rotation.

[0127] In the fourth embodiment, as in the dryer of the third embodiment, when viewed from the axial direction, the second wall protrudes more toward the axis of rotation than the third wall.

[0128] In the fifth embodiment, the dryer is such that, in the dryer of the second embodiment, at least a portion of the outlet is located below the axis of rotation.

[0129] In the sixth embodiment, the dryer is such that, in the fifth embodiment, the lower end of the outlet is located below the lower end of the intake.

[0130] As a dryer in the seventh embodiment, the dryer in any of the first to sixth embodiments further comprises a support plate disposed between the bottom and the back of the housing and rotatably supporting the bottom, and a fan case housing a fan and connected to an outlet, wherein the support plate has a first wall portion, and the fan case has a second wall portion.

[0131] While this disclosure is adequately described in relation to preferred embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings, various modifications and alterations will be obvious to those skilled in the art. Such modifications and alterations should be understood to be included within the scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.

[0132] The dryer of this disclosure is useful as a household or commercial dryer because it can improve drying efficiency.

[0133] 1 Dryer 2 Housing 3 Lid 4 Storage Tank 6 Drying Air Passage 7 Heat Pump Device 8 Fan 21 Support Plate 23 Wall Section 24 First Section 25 Second Section 31 Internal Flow Path 41 Bottom Section 42 Cylinder Section 46 Inner Circumferential Surface 47 Baffle 49 Apex 60 Flow Path Member 61 Intake Port 62 Outlet Port 63 Fan Case 65 Wall Section 66 Wall Section 67 Wall Section

Claims

A housing with an opening formed on the front, A lid that covers the opening in the housing, Inside the housing, a storage tank is provided that is rotatable around a rotation axis extending in the axial direction and has a bottom facing the opening, A drying air passage extending between an intake port communicating with the storage tank from the front and an outlet port communicating with the storage tank from the rear, The system comprises a fan arranged in the drying air passage, A portion of the drying air passage is defined by a first wall portion defining the outlet, a second wall portion located behind the first wall portion and forming a flow path between it and the first wall portion, and a third wall portion extending between the second wall portion and the outlet of the fan. The third wall portion, when viewed from the axial direction, extends in the first direction from the outlet of the fan, The first wall portion has a first edge on the first direction side of the air outlet and a first portion protruding from the first edge in the first direction. The second wall portion is connected to the end of the first portion on the first direction side, and is a dryer. 　 The first wall portion is, In addition to the first edge, there is a second edge that is radially outward with respect to the axis of rotation, It has a second portion that protrudes radially outward from the second edge, The dryer according to claim 1, wherein the second wall portion is connected to the radially outer end of the second portion. 　 The dryer according to claim 1, wherein, when viewed from the axial direction, the center of the outlet in the first direction is located on the first direction side with respect to the rotation axis, and the fan is located on the opposite side of the first direction with respect to the rotation axis. 　 The dryer according to claim 3, wherein, when viewed from the axial direction, the second wall portion protrudes more toward the rotation axis than the third wall portion. 　 The dryer according to claim 2, wherein at least a portion of the outlet is located below the rotation axis. 　 The dryer according to claim 5, wherein the lower end of the air outlet is located below the lower end of the suction port. 　 A support plate is positioned between the bottom and the back of the housing and rotatably supports the bottom, The system further comprises a fan case that houses the aforementioned fan and is connected to the aforementioned outlet, The dryer according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the support plate has the first wall portion, and the fan case has the second wall portion.

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