JP7541963B2 - Washer/dryer - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a washer/dryer.

There are washing and drying machines that wash and dry clothes in one go. The following types of washing and drying machines are known:
The washer-dryer includes a tub for storing water, a blower for blowing drying air, a circulation air duct connecting the tub and the blower, a drying filter provided between the circulation air duct and the blower in a state that the user can remove it to the outside of the machine, and a heater.
The heater turns the air sent from the blower into warm air during the drying process.

In the drying process, water-cooled dehumidification type washer-dryers run tap water through part of the circulating air duct and dehumidify the air by bringing the moist circulating air into contact with the tap water.

Japanese Patent No. 6670737 (Figure 9, paragraph 0043, etc.)

One effective method for improving the dehumidification performance of the above-mentioned washer-dryers is to increase the volume of circulating air in order to increase the frequency of heat exchange between the circulating air and the tap water flowing in part of the circulating air duct. However, in conventional washer-dryers, the tap water flowing in the circulating air duct comes into direct contact with the circulating air. As a result, depending on the condition of the inner walls of the circulating air duct and the way the tap water flows, some of the tap water can be sucked up by the circulating air flowing in the opposite direction, and splashed onto the drying filter and heater, causing the drying filter to become clogged, resulting in ventilation resistance and a decrease in the heating performance of the heater, which in turn leads to problems with reduced drying performance.

As a solution to this problem, Patent Document 1 describes a washer-dryer that is characterized by having a dehumidifying rib (29f) in the dehumidifying section in the circulating air passage and a cooling water supply nozzle (21b) adjacent to the dehumidifying rib (29f), and supplies cooling water from one nozzle (21b) to each cooling water flow path (22a to 22d).

However, according to the conventional technology disclosed in Patent Document 1, the cooling water and the circulating air still come into direct contact with each other, which can lead to a worsening of wettability due to foreign matter adhering to the surface of the dehumidifying rib (29f). Furthermore, if the amount of circulating air is increased to improve dehumidification performance, there remains a possibility that the cooling water will be rolled up. Furthermore, because the cooling water that flows between the dehumidifying ribs (29f) is limited in area, it is difficult to ensure a wide heat exchange surface that comes into contact with the circulating air, making it difficult to ensure high dehumidification performance.

Generally, the larger the surface area of the heat exchange surface that comes into contact with the circulating air, the higher the heat exchange efficiency and the higher the dehumidification performance. However, expanding the heat exchange surface also increases the size of the housing, which can lead to issues such as poor installation due to the increased space required and increased costs due to rising material costs.
The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and has an object to provide a washer/dryer that has high dehumidifying performance without increasing the size of its housing.

In order to solve the above problems, the washer-dryer of the present invention comprises a box body forming an outer shell, an outer tub for storing water, a rotatable inner tub disposed within the outer tub and capable of containing laundry, a blower for supplying air to the outer tub and the inner tub, a circulation air passage from an intake port for sucking in circulating air at the lower rear of the outer tub to an outlet port for blowing the circulating air into the inner tub, a heater for heating the circulating air, a drying filter disposed within the circulation air passage for collecting lint, a water supply valve for supplying water to the outer tub, and a heat exchanger disposed behind the inner tub in the circulation air passage for dehumidifying the circulating air, the heat exchanger having a plurality of ribs or fins, and provided with an air passage through which the circulating air passes from the lower rear of the outer tub to the upper rear of the outer tub, and a water passage through which water supplied from the water supply valve flows from the upper rear of the outer tub to the lower rear of the outer tub , the air passage and the water passage being configured as separate adjacent chambers .

The present invention makes it possible to provide a washer-dryer with high dehumidification performance without increasing the size of the housing.

1 is a cross-sectional configuration diagram of a main part of a washing/drying machine according to a first embodiment of the present invention, as viewed from the side; FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of a main part of the heat exchanger of the washer/dryer of the first embodiment, as viewed from the side. FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of a main part of a washing/drying machine according to a second embodiment, as viewed from the side; FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of a main part of a heat exchanger of a washing/drying machine according to a second embodiment, as viewed from the side. FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of a main part of a washing/drying machine according to a third embodiment, as viewed from the side. FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of a main part of a heat exchanger of a washing/drying machine according to a third embodiment, as viewed from the side. FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a first embodiment of a heat exchanger. FIG. 4 shows a second embodiment of the heat exchanger. FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example 1 of a water channel structure of a heat exchanger along the II cross section of FIG. 8 . FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example 2 of a water channel structure of a heat exchanger along the II cross section of FIG. 8 . FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example 3 of a water channel structure of a heat exchanger along the II cross section of FIG. 8 . FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example 4 of a water channel structure of a heat exchanger along the II cross section of FIG. 8 . FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view of a main part of a washing/drying machine according to a fourth embodiment, as viewed from the side. FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a heat exchanger according to a fourth embodiment. FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram of an outer tub and a first lint filter of a washer/dryer according to a fourth embodiment, as viewed from the front. FIG. 13 is a perspective view showing a circulation air passage of a portion that houses a heat exchanger according to a fourth embodiment. FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional configuration diagram showing the flow of air (dashed arrows) and the flow of cooling water (solid arrows) of circulating air during drying, as viewed from the side of the washer-dryer of the fourth embodiment. FIG. 4 shows a third embodiment of a heat exchanger.

The washer-dryer of the present invention is a washer-dryer equipped with a heat exchanger in a circulation air duct connecting a tub for storing water with a heater and a blower for drying clothes, and is characterized in that the heat exchanger has a plurality of ribbed shapes on the outside and a water channel inside for flowing tap water.
Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings as appropriate.

First Embodiment
Fig. 1 is a cross-sectional side view of a main part of a washer/dryer S according to a first embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 2 is a cross-sectional side view of a main part of a heat exchanger 8 of the washer/dryer S according to the first embodiment.
Although the washer-dryer shown as an embodiment is a drum-type washer-dryer S, the present invention may also be embodied in a vertical type washer-dryer having an inner tub with a rotating shaft extending in an approximately vertical direction, and the configuration, features, and effects thereby provided are the same.

The drum type washer-dryer S performs a process from washing to drying laundry.
The drum type washer-dryer S includes a box 1 , an outer tub 2 , an inner tub 3 , a blower 4 , a circulating air duct 5 , a heater 6 , a drying filter 7 , and a heat exchanger 8 .
The drum type washer-dryer S has an outer shell formed by a box body 1. A door 1d for inserting and removing laundry is provided at the front of the box body 1. A control device 1c for controlling the drum type washer-dryer S is provided at the top of the box body 1. The control device 1c is composed of various circuits such as a microcomputer, a sensor circuit, and a drive circuit for rotating the inner tub 3.

Washing water is stored inside the outer tub 2. A water supply valve (not shown) for supplying water to the outer tub 2 is provided at the upper rear portion inside the box 1.
The inner tub 3 is disposed within the outer tub 2, and rotates about a substantially horizontal axis O into which laundry is placed.
During the drying process, the blower 4 supplies air (circulating air) for drying the laundry into the inner tub 3 .
The circulation air duct 5 connects the outer tub 2 and the blower 4. The circulation air duct 5 is provided with a duct 5d through which dry air flows, a first bellows hose 5j1, and a second bellows hose 5j2. The circulation air duct 5 extends from an intake port 5i into the duct 5d to an outlet port 5o into the inner tub 3. The intake port 5i is an intake port that draws in circulating air from the rear of the outer tub (into the circulation air duct), similar to the opening 2i in the fourth embodiment described later.

The first bellows hose 5j1 and the second bellows hose 5j2 deform to prevent the vibrations of the outer tub 2 that occur when the inner tub 3 rotates from being transmitted to the components (blower 4, heater 6, etc.) fixed to the box body 1.
The heater 6 is provided inside the air circulation duct 5. The heater 6 heats the circulating air sent from the blower 4 in the air circulation duct 5 during the drying process.
The drying filter 7 is provided inside the circulating air duct 5. The drying filter 7 collects lint carried by the circulating air before the blower 4 during the drying process.

The heat exchanger 8 is provided in the circulating air passage 5 and cools and dehumidifies the circulating air. A water passage 8a2 is provided inside the heat exchanger 8. The surface of the pipe 8a that is in contact with the circulating air forms a heat exchange surface 8a1.
One end of a first internal water supply hose 9a is provided at the lower end of the outer tub 2. The other end of the first internal water supply hose 9a is connected to a lint filter 10 that collects lint during washing and rinsing.

A circulation pump 11 that circulates the wash water is installed downstream of the lint filter 10. The downstream of the circulation pump 11 is connected to a second internal water distribution hose 9b and a third internal water distribution hose 9c that is connected to a drain valve 12. The second internal water distribution hose 9b is connected to the top of the outer tub 2 and supplies wash water to the inner tub 3. The drain valve 12 is connected to an external drain hose 13 for draining the water outside the machine.

<Washing water circulation and drainage>
During circulation during washing and rinsing, the wash water and rinse water are circulated from the outer tub 2 through the first internal water supply hose 9a, the lint filter 10, the circulation pump 11, and the second internal water supply hose 9b, as shown by arrows α11 and α12 in Figure 1, and are circulated in a shower-like manner from the top of the inner tub 3.
When draining wash water and rinsing water, the water is drained from the outer tub 2 through the first internal water supply hose 9a, the lint filter 10, the circulation pump 11, the third internal water supply hose 9c, the drain valve 12, and the external drain hose 13, as shown by arrows α11, α13, and α14 in Figure 1.

During the drying process, the drying air for drying the laundry is generated by the blower 4. The drying air that has passed through the laundry in the inner tub 3 passes from the inner tub 3 through the outer tub 2 (dashed arrow β11 in FIG. 1), the intake port 5i (dashed arrow β12 in FIG. 1), the duct 5d (dashed arrow β13 in FIG. 1), the first bellows hose 5j1 (dashed arrow β14 in FIG. 1), the drying filter 7, the blower 4, the heater 6 (dashed arrow β15 in FIG. 1), and the second bellows hose 5j2, and is circulated through the outlet 5o into the inner tub 3 (dashed arrow β16 in FIG. 1).

<Heat exchanger 8>
2, the heat exchanger 8 has an outer heat exchange surface 8a1, heat exchange ribs 8b, and an inner water passage 8a2. The heat exchanger 8 is fixed in the circulating air passage 5.
The heat exchanger 8 is formed, for example, using a member containing aluminum (aluminum alloy or the like) having high thermal conductivity. The heat exchanger 8 is a molded product having a plurality of ribs formed as heat exchange ribs 8b on the outside and a water channel 8a2 formed inside.

Tap water for dehumidification flows through the water passage 8a2.
The duct 5b, through which the circulating air flows from bottom to top (arrow β13 in Figs. 1 and 2), is provided in a substantially vertical direction. Therefore, the heat exchanger 8 has a water passage 8a2 provided in a substantially vertical direction along the circulating air flowing through the duct 5b. This allows the heat exchanger 8 to have a large thermal conduction area with the circulating air in the duct 5b.
The outer surface of the heat exchanger forms a heat exchange surface 8a1. The heat exchange surface 8a1 exchanges heat between the circulating air flowing through the duct 5d (indicated by dashed arrow β13 in FIG. 2) and the water flowing through the internal water passage 8a2 (indicated by arrow γ11 in FIG. 2). As a result, the tap water for dehumidification flowing through the water passage 8a2 cools and dehumidifies the circulating air flowing through the duct 5d.

The heat exchange ribs 8b are provided on the heat exchange surface 8a1 to expand the surface area of the heat exchange surface 8a1 and promote heat exchange. In other words, since the heat exchange surface 8a1 of the heat exchanger 8 has a plurality of rib-shaped heat exchange ribs 8b, the heat exchange surface 8a1 can be expanded.
A water inlet 8k for supplying tap water is provided at the top of the main body mounting body 8H of the heat exchanger 8 so as to be connected to the water passage 8a2. On the other hand, a drain port 8h for discharging tap water is provided at the bottom of the main body mounting body 8H of the heat exchanger 8 so as to be connected to the water passage 8a2.
The drain outlet 8h allows tap water that has flowed from above downward through the water passage 8a2 to pass through a portion 2a (see FIG. 2) inside the outer tub 2 from the lower part of the circulating air passage 5 and is then drained outside the machine.
The heat exchanger 8 has a water supply port 8k for supplying tap water to the water passage 8a2 and a drainage path (a drain port 8h, a part 2a inside the outer tank 2) for discharging the water outside the machine.

This configuration makes it possible to minimize the contact area (region) between the tap water flowing through the water passage 8a2 and the circulating air (wind) flowing outside the heat exchanger 8 inside the circulating air passage 5 where the wind speed increases. This has the effect of suppressing the rolling up of the tap water for dehumidification by the circulating wind (circulating air) flowing inside the duct 5d.
In addition, since the tap water that has flowed through the internal water passage 8a2 flows inside the outer tub 2, the structure of the connection with the drain outlet 8h is simple, and the number of parts is reduced. Also, assembly is easy. Therefore, costs can be reduced.

<<Second embodiment>>
Fig. 3 is a cross-sectional side view of a main part of a washer/dryer 2S according to a second embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 4 is a cross-sectional side view of a main part of a heat exchanger 28 of the washer/dryer 2S according to the second embodiment of the present invention.
The washer/dryer 2S of the second embodiment is characterized in that a drain path 8h2 for dehumidifying tap water is provided outside the outer tub 2. Since the other configurations are similar to those of the first embodiment, the same components are denoted by the same reference numerals and the description thereof will be omitted.

In the second embodiment, a drain path 8h2 connected to a first internal water distribution hose 9a is provided on the outside of the outer tub 2.
In the heat exchanger 28, a drain port 28h of a water passage 28a2 through which tap water for dehumidification flows is connected to the exhaust path 8h2.
As a result, the dehumidification water flowing through the water passage 28a2 of the heat exchanger 28 flows from the drain outlet 28h through the discharge path 8h2 outside the outer tub 2 and into the first internal water distribution hose 9a, where it is drained.

According to the second embodiment, it is possible to completely isolate the circulating air (dashed arrow β13 in FIG. 4) flowing through the duct 5d from the tap water (arrow γ11 in FIG. 4). As a result, the circulating air (dashed arrow β13 in FIG. 4) does not come into contact with the tap water (arrow γ11 in FIG. 4), further improving the dehumidification performance. It is also possible to prevent the tap water from rolling up.

<<Third embodiment>>
FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional side view of a main part of a washer/dryer 3S according to the third embodiment.
FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional side view of a main part of a heat exchanger 38 of a washer/dryer 3S according to the third embodiment.
The third embodiment is characterized in that a lint-collecting filter 16 is provided at the connection between the outer tub 2 and the circulating air duct 5 .

In the third embodiment, a lint-collecting filter 16 is formed at the boundary between the rear surface of the outer tub 2 and the circulating air passage 5 (duct 5d). The lint-collecting filter 16 is configured in a mesh shape and mainly collects lint (lint) during the drying process. By providing the lint-collecting filter 16, the drying filter 7 shown in FIG. 1 becomes unnecessary, and the space occupied by the drying filter 7 can be freed up.

Lint is generated in the following ways:
The laundry fibers are peeled off and lint is generated due to mechanical forces such as the laundry rubbing against each other in the inner tub 3 during the washing and rinsing processes and the air blown into the inner tub 3 during the drying process. The generated lint is heavy and wet in the early stages of the drying process and does not float, but as the drying process progresses, the water evaporates from the lint, making it lighter and it begins to float. Among the floating lint, lint larger than the mesh of the lint collecting filter 16 is collected by the lint collecting filter 16 and is discharged from the outer tub drain hole 2o to the first internal drain hose 9a after the completion of the subsequent washing and rinsing processes.

In the first and second embodiments, a drying filter 7 for collecting lint is provided downstream of the heat exchangers 8 and 28, but according to the third embodiment, lint is collected by a lint collection filter 16 upstream of the heat exchanger 28. Therefore, even if the heat exchange ribs 28b provided on the outside of the heat exchanger 28 are made finer, it is possible to prevent lint from clogging between the heat exchange ribs 28b. Therefore, it is possible to narrow the spacing between the heat exchange ribs 28b to ensure an even larger heat exchange area, and higher dehumidification performance can be expected.

<Examples of Heat Exchangers 8, 28>
Examples of the heat exchangers 8, 28 in the first to third embodiments are shown in Figs.
FIG. 7 shows a first example embodiment of the heat exchanger 8, 28.

The heat exchangers 8 and 28 of the first embodiment shown in FIG. 7 have a heat exchanger shell 8b having water channels 8s and a plurality of rib-shaped fins 8b2.
Tap water for dehumidification flows through the water passage 8s.
A large number of rib-shaped fins 8b2 are provided upright on a heat exchange surface 8a1 defined by a heat exchanger outer shell 8b in which water channels 8s are formed.
The multiple rib-shaped fins 8b2 increase the contact area with the circulating air flowing through the circulating air passage 5, thereby improving the dehumidifying performance of the circulating air during drying.

FIG. 8 shows a second example embodiment of the heat exchanger 8, 28.
8, the heat exchanger 8, 28 of the first embodiment has a plurality of rib-shaped fins 8b3 on both outer surfaces of the heat exchanger outer shell 8b. The plurality of rib-shaped fins 8b3 on both outer surfaces increases the area of the heat exchange surface, enabling more efficient dehumidification than simply flowing circulating air on both sides of the heat exchanger 8, 28.
In the above-mentioned embodiment, the water passage 8s is formed hollow inside the heat exchanger 8, 28, but the water passage 8s may also be formed by the heat exchanger 8, 28 and the wall surface 5a of the circulating air passage 5 as shown in Figure 15. In this case, there is an advantage that the structure of the heat exchanger 8, 28 can be simplified and costs can be reduced.

9A to 9D show examples 1 to 4 of the water channel structure of the heat exchangers 8 and 28 in the II cross section of FIG.
The structure of the water channel 8s inside the heat exchanger 8, 28 may be Water Channel Structure Examples 1 to 4 shown in Figs. 9A to 9D.

In Example 1 of FIG. 9A, the water passage 8s inside the heat exchanger 8, 28 is hollowed out.
In Example 2 of Fig. 9B, a plurality of zigzag ribs r1 extending in the direction of water flow (arrow γ11 in Fig. 9B) are formed in the water passage 8s inside the heat exchanger 8, 28. The zigzag ribs r1 cause the water flowing in the water passage 8s to spread over a wide area, slowing down the flow speed. This improves the heat exchange capacity with the circulating air flowing in the circulating air passage 5.

In Example 3 of Figure 9C, short ribs r2 are formed alternately in a direction intersecting the direction in which water flows (arrow γ11 in Figure 9B) in the water channel 8s inside the heat exchanger 8, 28. The alternating ribs r2 cause the water flowing through the water channel 8s to spread over a wide area, slowing down the flow speed. This improves the heat exchange capacity with the circulating air flowing through the circulation air channel 5. The speed of the water flowing through the water channel 8s can be easily adjusted by adjusting the spacing between the ribs r2 in the direction in which the water flows (arrow γ11 in Figure 9B) or the spacing between the ribs r2 in the direction intersecting the direction in which the water flows (arrow γ11 in Figure 9B).

In Example 3 of Figure 9D, short ribs r2 are formed in a zigzag pattern along the direction in which water flows through the water passage 8s inside the heat exchanger 8, 28 (arrow γ11 in Figure 9B). The short zigzag ribs r2 cause the water flowing through the water passage 8s to spread over a wide area, slowing down the flow speed. This improves the heat exchange capacity with the circulating air flowing through the circulating air passage 5.

As shown in Figures 9B to 9D, at least two or more ribs r1, r2, and r3 that act as resistance to the flow of water are formed on the wall surface of the water passage 8s. This increases the heat exchange capacity with the circulating air flowing through the circulation air passage 5, improving the dehumidification efficiency.
According to the configurations of the first to third embodiments, cooling water such as tap water flows through the water passages 8a2, 8s provided inside the heat exchanger 8, so that it is possible to suppress the cooling water from being stirred up by the circulating wind (air) flowing through the circulating air passage 5. In addition, a large heat exchange area can be secured by providing a plurality of ribbed heat exchange ribs 8b, 28b on the outside of the heat exchangers 8, 28. Therefore, it is possible to obtain efficient and high dehumidification performance during drying. The heat exchange ribs 8b, 28b may be replaced with fins.
In addition, the shapes of the above-mentioned internal water passage 8s in the embodiments shown in Figures 9A to 9D may all be formed on the wall surface 5a of the circulation air passage 5 when the water passage 8s is formed by the heat exchanger 8, 28 and the wall surface 5a of the circulation air passage 5 as shown in Figure 15.

Therefore, the moist circulating air can be efficiently dehumidified, which has the effect of shortening the drying operation time and suppressing the amount of power consumption. In addition, it is possible to suppress the deterioration of drying performance caused by tap water splashing onto the drying filter and heater, which was a problem in the conventional water-cooling dehumidification method.
As a result of the above, it is possible to provide washer-dryers S to 3S having a water-cooled dehumidification section (duct 5d, heat exchangers 8, 28) with high dehumidification performance that suppresses the rising of cooling water caused by the circulating wind (air) flowing through the circulating air duct 5 during drying without increasing the size of the outer casing (box body 1).

The configurations described in the first to third embodiments may be appropriately combined.
<<Fourth embodiment>>
A fourth embodiment of the present invention is shown in FIGS.

Fig. 10 is a cross-sectional side view of a main part of a washer/dryer 4S according to the fourth embodiment, and Fig. 11 is a perspective view of a heat exchanger 48 according to the fourth embodiment.
A washer/dryer 4S of the fourth embodiment is characterized in that a heat exchanger 48 is composed of thin plate-like fins 48a and heat transfer tubes 48b that also serve as water channels.
The heat exchanger 48 is disposed between the first bellows hose 5j1 at the upper rear part of the washer/dryer 4S and the blower 4. Since the other configurations are similar to those of the third embodiment, the same components are denoted by the same reference numerals and detailed description thereof will be omitted.

<How to collect lint>
As shown in FIG. 10, a first lint filter 26 is provided at an opening 2i on the rear surface of the outer tub 2 which connects the outer tub 2 to a duct 5d.

FIG. 12 is a conceptual diagram showing the outer tub 2 and the first lint filter 26 of a washer/dryer 4S according to the fourth embodiment, as viewed from the front.
The first lint filter 26 is composed of a mesh 26a and a frame 26b that holds the mesh 26a in place with tension. The mesh 26a is made of synthetic fibers, resin fibers, thin metal wires, etc. The frame 26b is made of resin, rust-resistant light metal, etc.

The first lint filter 26 is fixed by fitting a frame 26b into an opening 2i connecting the outer tub 2 and the duct 5d. The first lint filter 26 is an alternative structure to the drying filter 7 shown in Fig. 1. The opening 2i is an intake port that draws in circulating air from the rear of the outer tub, similar to the intake port 5i in the first embodiment.
Lint generated during drying is collected by the first lint filter 26 and washed away during the next washing operation or a dedicated filter cleaning operation. The washed away lint is collected by the lint filter 10 via the first internal drain hose 9a. In a conventional washer-dryer, the lint filter (corresponding to the lint filter 10 in FIG. 10) collects lint generated during washing, and the dryer filter (corresponding to the dryer filter 7 in FIG. 1) collects lint generated during drying. The two filters each collect lint generated in different processes.

In contrast, in the washer/dryer 4S of the fourth embodiment, all of the lint generated in each process is collected by the lint filter 10.
As a result, the drying filter 7 disposed in the upper portion of the washer/dryer S shown in FIG. 1 is eliminated.

<Configuration of Heat Exchanger 48>
In the place where the drying filter 7 (see FIG. 1) was disposed, the upper circulation air duct 25 containing the heat exchanger 48 is newly disposed, as shown in FIG. 10. In other words, the heat exchanger 48 is accommodated in the upper circulation air duct 25.

<Structure of Heat Exchanger 48>
11, the heat exchanger 48 has a plurality of thin plate-like fins 48a made of a material with good thermal conductivity (e.g., aluminum) spaced apart from each other. A hollow cylindrical heat transfer tube 48b, through which water can pass, is connected to and passes through the plurality of thin plate-like fins 48a.
The heat transfer tube 48b is made of a material with good thermal conductivity (e.g., copper). The hollow cylindrical inner surface of the heat transfer tube 48b is grooved to increase the surface area of the inner surface of the heat transfer tube 8b. This allows heat to be conducted through the enlarged inner surface of the heat transfer tube 8b. Therefore, the heat of the fluid (tap water) (arrow γ32 in FIG. 11) flowing inside the heat transfer tube 8b can be efficiently transferred to the fins 48a.

<Water supply path for heat transfer tubes>
The heat transfer tube 48b has a water supply port 48b1 through which tap water is supplied and a drain port 48b2 through which the tap water is discharged after heat exchange.
The openings of the heat transfer tube 48b (water supply port 48b1, water drain port 48b2) are connected to other components by water channels.

10 is provided at the upper rear portion of the washer/dryer 4S with a water supply valve 17. A water supply hose (not shown) is connected to the water supply valve 17 during washing.
The water supply valve 17 is connected to a water supply port 48b1, which is one opening of the heat transfer tube 48b, via a hose 28o. The other opening of the heat transfer tube 48b, which is a drain port 48b2, is connected to the circulation pump 11 via a hose 18. With this configuration, tap water is supplied from the water supply valve 17 through the hose 28o into the heat transfer tube 48b. The tap water passes through the heat transfer tube 48b and undergoes heat exchange, and is drained from the drain port 48b2 at the other end of the heat transfer tube 48b. The drained tap water flows from the hose 18 to the circulation pump 11 via the drain valve 12 and out of the machine.

The heat transfer tube 48b in the heat exchanger 48 is not branched, but is a single-pass tube, which increases the flow rate and prevents a decrease in the temperature difference, thereby improving the cooling efficiency.
<Configuration of upper circulation air duct 25>

The configuration of the upper circulation air duct 25 shown in FIG. 10 will be described.
The upper circulation air duct 25 dehumidifies the moist circulating air that has collected moisture from the clothes (laundry) sent from the outer tub 2 during the drying process. Then, the upper circulation air duct 25 is a component that transports the dehumidified circulating air to the blower 4.
The upper circulation air duct 25 contains a heat exchanger 48, a second lint filter 27 (described later), and a water inlet 28a1.

The heat exchanger 48 dehumidifies the circulating air containing moisture from the dried laundry.
The second lint filter 27 collects lint that is smaller than the mesh of the first lint filter 26 and scatters toward the blower 4 and has not been captured by the first lint filter 26 .
The water inlet 28a1 is used to inject water to clean the heat exchanger 48 and the second lint filter 27.

<Arrangement of Heat Exchanger 48>
The heat transfer tube 48b of the heat exchanger 48 is disposed so as to penetrate the upper circulation air duct 25. The openings (water supply port 48b1, water drain port 48b2) of the heat transfer tube 48b are positioned outside the upper circulation air duct 25 to support the heat exchanger 48. An elastic bush (not shown) made of a material with low thermal conductivity such as silicone (not shown) is attached to the contact portion between the heat transfer tube 48b and the upper circulation air duct 25. The bush with low thermal conductivity is provided between the heat transfer tube 48b and the upper circulation air duct 25, so that the temperature of the heat transfer tube 48b does not affect the temperature of the upper circulation air duct 25.

FIG. 13 is a perspective view showing the upper circulation air duct 25 in a portion housing a heat exchanger 48 according to the fourth embodiment.
The heat exchanger 48 is disposed at an incline in the upper circulation air duct 25. That is, the heat transfer tube 48b is disposed at an incline with respect to the horizontal plane.
This provides the following three effects.
The first effect is that since the heat transfer tubes 48b are inclined with respect to the horizontal plane, no water remains in the heat transfer tubes 48b. If the heat transfer tubes 48b are filled with water and exposed to a low-temperature environment, the volume of the water in the heat transfer tubes 48b will expand due to freezing, and the heat transfer tubes 48b, which have a lower thermal expansion coefficient than water, will burst. By arranging the heat exchanger 48 at an angle and promoting the drainage of water from the heat transfer tubes 48b, no water remains in the heat transfer tubes 48b, and the heat transfer tubes 48b are prevented from bursting.

The second effect is to suppress the amount of condensed water remaining inside the heat transfer tube 48b. The details of the drying operation will be described later.
The function of the heat exchanger 48 during drying operation is to cool the fins 48a by supplying tap water into the heat transfer tubes 48b, and to bring them into contact with the circulating air moistened with the moisture from the laundry. As a result, the temperature difference between the fins 48a and the circulating air causes the moisture contained in the circulating air to condense on the fins 48a, and the circulating air is dehumidified. The fins 48a are hydrophilic, and the surface tension of the condensed water adhering to the fins 48a increases, so the contact angle approaches 0°, making it easier to move on the fins 48a. As a result, the condensed water moving on the fins 48a can be drained without being blown away by the wind. By preventing the condensed water on the fins 48a from remaining, the fins 48a cooled inside the upper circulation air duct 25 can be exposed, preventing a decrease in dehumidification performance.

The third effect is to suppress splashing of condensation water on the fins 48a. Condensation water adheres to the surface of the fins 48a. The fins 48a of the heat exchanger 48 are arranged at an angle within the upper circulation air duct 25 and are not perpendicular to the upper circulation air duct 25, so that the wind pressure acting on the condensation water on the fins 48a is dispersed in the direction of the angle, suppressing splashing.

<How to treat condensation water>
As shown in Fig. 13, a drain groove 19 with a concave cross section is provided below the heat exchanger 48 in the upper circulation air duct 25. The drain groove 19 is for draining condensation water adhering to the fins 48a of the heat exchanger 48. A drain outlet 19a is connected to the drain groove 19. The drain outlet 19a is connected to a drain hose 19b (see Fig. 10).
Each fin 48a at the lower end of the inclined heat exchanger 48 is in contact with the drain groove 19 of the upper circulation air passage 25. The fins 48a or a part of the lower end of the heat exchanger 48 are in contact with the wall or rib of the drain groove 19 of the other component. This allows the condensation water flowing from the fins 48a to be quickly moved to the drain groove 19 of the other component. In the fourth embodiment, the surface of the fins 48a is hydrophilically treated, so that the condensation water flows along the inclination of the heat exchanger 48 and collects at the lower end of the heat exchanger 48. Since the heat exchanger 48 is in contact with the drain groove 19 of the upper circulation air passage 25, the condensation water moves from the fins 48a to the drain groove 19. The condensation water that reaches the drain groove 19 flows to the drain outlet 19a and is discharged to the outside of the upper circulation air passage 25 through the drain hose 19b (see FIG. 10) (arrow γ23 in FIG. 13).

<Area Cooled by Heat Transfer Tube 48b in Heat Exchanger 48>
As shown in Fig. 13, a part of the heat exchanger 48 is disposed in the drain groove 19. The circulating air flowing through the upper circulation air duct 25 does not directly hit the fins 48a in the drain groove 19. Therefore, the area in the drain groove 19, which is the condensation water treatment area R2 shown in Fig. 11, has a low contribution to dehumidification. Therefore, in the fourth embodiment, the heat transfer tube 48b is disposed in the dehumidification treatment area R1, which is the area that is directly hit by the circulating air.

<Arrangement of second lint filter 27>
A second lint filter 27 is provided at the blower side opening of the upper circulation air duct 25 shown in FIG.
Incidentally, the fine powdery lint that has passed through the first lint filter 26 accumulates and forms clumps in the bellows hose 5j1 (see FIG. 10) and the heat exchanger 48. There is a risk that the clumped lint will be carried by the wind to the blower 4 and heater 6 that are disposed downstream. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 10, a second lint filter 27 is disposed upstream of the blower 4 and heater 6 to prevent the clumps of lint from adhering to the blower 4 and heater 6.

13 is composed of a mesh 27a and a frame 27b that fixes the mesh 27a with tension. The second lint filter 27 is fixed by fitting the frame 27b between the opening 25o on the blower 4 side of the upper circulation air duct 25 and the heat exchanger 48.
The second lint filter 27 is disposed at an angle so that the lower end 27s is on the heat exchanger 48 side. This is to make it easier for cleaning water used to clean the second lint filter 27, which will be described later, to hit the mesh 27a of the second lint filter 27. In addition, the cleaning water is made to easily flow into the drain groove 19, so that water does not accumulate in the upper circulation air duct 25. This prevents condensation water from affecting the drying function and causing a decrease in the drying function.

<Water inlet placement>
As shown in FIG. 13, a water inlet 28a1 that opens to allow water to be poured into upper circulation air duct 25 is provided on the inside of the top surface of upper circulation air duct 25.
In detail, a pipe 28k through which cleaning water for cleaning the heat exchanger 48 and the second lint filter 27 flows is provided on the inside of the top surface of the upper circulation air duct 25 so as to cross the upper part of the upper circulation air duct 25. A plurality of branch pipes 28a are arranged from the pipe 28k in the direction in which the circulating air of the upper circulation air duct 25 flows. A plurality of water inlets 28a1 are formed in each branch pipe 28a. Each branch pipe 28a forms a water passage through which the cleaning water passes and reaches the water inlets 28a1.

A flow path branch pipe 28a is disposed on the inside of the top surface of the upper circulation air duct 25 so as to cover the heat exchanger 48 and the second lint filter 27. The flow path branch pipe 28a has a plurality of water inlet ports 28a1 that open into the upper circulation air duct 25.
The branch pipe 28a of the flow path is connected to the water supply valve 17 by a waterway piping 28k (see FIG. 10). Tap water can be supplied from the water supply valve 17 to the water inlet 28a1 via the waterway piping 28k and the flow path branch pipe 28a.

As shown in FIG. 13, tap water from the water supply valve 17 flows into a waterway pipe 28k (arrow γ21 in FIG. 13), flows through a branch pipe 28a (arrow γ22 in FIG. 13), and is supplied to a water inlet 28a1.
In this way, the water that has reached the branch pipe 28a of the flow path passes through the water inlet 28a1 and is sprayed as cleaning water onto the heat exchanger 48 and the second lint filter 27 from the inside of the top surface of the upper circulation air duct 25. The cleaning water washes away lint (lint) adhering to the surfaces of the heat exchanger 48 and the second lint filter 27, passes through the drain groove 19, and is discharged from the drain hose 19b (see FIG. 10) through the drain outlet 19a to the outside of the upper circulation air duct 25 (arrow γ23 in FIG. 10).

<Operation Control of Fourth Embodiment>
The drying operation in the washer/dryer 4S of the fourth embodiment will be described.
The drying operation is controlled by a control device 1c (see FIG. 10).

FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional configuration diagram showing the flow of air (broken arrows) and the flow of cooling water (solid arrows) of circulating air during drying, as viewed from the side of a washer/dryer 4S according to the fourth embodiment.
The wind generated by the blower 4 passes through the heater 6 (broken line arrow β26 in FIG. 14), where it is heated to become hot air, which is then sent from the outlet 5o to the inner tub 3 (broken line arrow β20 in FIG. 14). The wet clothes (laundry) in the inner tub 3 are heated by the hot air, and the moisture evaporates. The evaporated moisture is collected as steam by the air in the outer tub 2, and becomes moist air.

The moist air in the outer tub 2 passes through the first lint filter 26 (dotted arrow β23 in FIG. 14) and is separated into air and lint generated from the clothes. The first lint filter 26 captures the lint.
The moist air (dashed arrow β23 in FIG. 14) that has passed through the first lint filter 26 passes through the duct 5d (dashed arrow β24 in FIG. 14) and reaches the upper circulation air duct 25.
Tap water (cooling water) is supplied to the water supply port 48b1 of the heat transfer tube 48b of the heat exchanger 48 in the upper circulation air duct 25 from the water supply valve 17 (arrow γ31 in FIG. 14, arrow γ31 in FIG. 11). The cooling water (arrow γ32 in FIG. 11, FIG. 13) flowing through the heat transfer tube 48b keeps the fins 48a shown in FIG. 11, FIG. 13 at the same temperature as the cooling water, and the entire heat exchanger 48 is cooled.

The cooled heat exchanger 48 comes into contact with the moist air heated by the hot air. The moisture contained in the moist air heated by the temperature difference between the two condenses on the surfaces of the fins 48a. This causes the heated moist air to be dehumidified. The condensed water on the fins 48a moves to the drain groove 19 (see FIG. 13) and is discharged outside the upper circulation air duct 25 (arrow γ23 in FIG. 13 and FIG. 14).
The air dehumidified by the heat exchanger 48 is separated from fine lint clumps by the second lint filter 27. The fine lint clumps are collected by the second lint filter 27. The dehumidified air is sent to the heater 6 by the blower 4 (arrow β26 in FIG. 14). The dehumidified air is cooled by the heat exchanger 48 (arrow β25 in FIG. 13 and FIG. 14). Therefore, the dehumidified air is reheated by the heater 6 and sent back into the inner tub 3, whereby the moisture contained in the clothes is evaporated and collected in the air in the outer tub 2.

By repeating the above-mentioned series of steps, the moisture contained in the wet clothes is removed and the clothes are dried.
During the drying operation, lint generated from the clothes adheres to the first lint filter 26, the second lint filter 27, and the heat exchanger 48.
This lint is washed away during the washing process. Washing water is sprayed from the water inlet 28a1 (see FIG. 13) of the water supply valve 17 to wash the second lint filter 27 and the heat exchanger 48.

The washing water containing lint flows to the circulation pump 11 via the drain groove 19 (see FIG. 13) and the washing drain hose 19b (see FIG. 14).
When the cleaning water accumulates in the outer tub 2, the inner tub 3 is rotated and the water flow cleans the first lint filter 26. The cleaning water accumulated in the outer tub 2 contains the lint collected from the first lint filter 26, the second lint filter 27, and the heat exchanger 48.

When the circulation pump 11 shown in Fig. 14 is driven, the cleaning liquid in the outer tub 2 passes through the lint filter 10 and collects the lint contained in the cleaning water. When the drain valve 12 is opened, the cleaning water is drained outside the machine and the cleaning water and the lint are separated.
By doing as described above, the lint adhering to the first lint filter 26 , the second lint filter 27 and the heat exchanger 48 can be collected in the lint filter 10 .
The user only needs to discard the lint collected in the lint filter 10, and there is no need to perform maintenance on the first lint filter 26, the second lint filter 27, and the heat exchanger 48.

In the fourth embodiment, lint is collected during the washing process, but a dedicated cleaning course that performs a similar operation may also be performed.

<Effects of the Fourth Embodiment>
According to the fourth embodiment, tap water is caused to flow through the heat transfer tube 48b to cool the heat exchanger 48. When the heat exchanger 48 comes into contact with the moist circulating air, the moisture contained in the circulating air is condensed on the fins 48a due to the temperature difference.

The circulating air can be dehumidified by condensation of the moisture contained in the circulating air. Because the heat exchanger 48 and the upper circulation air duct 25 are in contact with the drain groove 19 (see FIG. 13) only at a point or line, the contact area can be significantly reduced compared to the conventional configuration. Therefore, the heat loss due to cooling of the upper circulation air duct 25 can be suppressed.
Furthermore, in the conventional configuration, tap water for cooling was flowed onto the inner wall surface of the tank of the circulating air duct, so that a cooling area larger than the wall surface area of the circulating air duct could not be secured, and there was a limit to the cooling efficiency.

In contrast, according to the fourth embodiment, as shown in Fig. 13, the contact area with the circulating air can be increased by disposing the heat exchanger 48 in the center of the upper circulation air duct 25. This improves the dehumidification efficiency.
Furthermore, by providing the first lint filter 26 in the outer tub 2, it is not necessary to provide a drying filter between the upper circulation air duct 25 and the blower 4, and the heat exchanger 48 can be installed in that space.
Therefore, the heat exchanger 48 can be enlarged, and the dehumidification efficiency can be improved without increasing the housing size (the size of the box 1).

As described above, the fourth embodiment can provide a washer/dryer 4S with improved dehumidification efficiency as compared with the conventional configuration.
<<Other embodiments>>
1. The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment and modified configurations, and various modifications and specific forms are possible within the scope of the appended claims.

1 Box body 2 Outer tank 2a Part of the outer tank (drainage path)
3 Inner tank 4 Blower 5 Circulating air duct 5a Wall surface 5i Intake port 5o Outlet port 6 Heater 7 Drying filter 8, 28 Heat exchanger 8a2 Water passage 8b, 28b Heat exchange rib (rib)
8b2 Rib-shaped fin (fin)
8h2 Discharge route (drainage route)
8s Water passage 16 Lint collection filter 17 Water supply valve r1 Rib (zigzag resistor)
r1, r2, r3 Rib (resistor)
r2, r3 Ribs (alternate resistors)
S, 2S, 3S washer/dryer

Claims (10)

A box body forming an outer shell;
An outer tank for storing water;
a rotatable inner tub provided in the outer tub and capable of accommodating laundry;
A blower for supplying air to the outer tub and the inner tub;
a circulation air passage extending from an intake port for sucking in circulating air at a rear lower portion of the outer tub to an exhaust port for blowing the circulating air into the inner tub;
A heater for heating the circulating air;
a drying filter disposed in the circulating air duct for collecting lint;
a water supply valve for supplying water to the outer tank;
a heat exchanger provided behind the inner tank in the circulating air passage for dehumidifying the circulating air;
The heat exchanger includes:
An air passage is provided, the air passage having a plurality of ribs or fins and through which the circulating air flows from the rear lower portion of the outer tub to the rear upper portion of the outer tub;
A water passage is provided through which the water supplied from the water supply valve flows from the upper rear portion of the outer tub to the lower rear portion of the outer tub ,
The air passage and the water passage are configured in separate adjacent chambers.
A washing and drying machine characterized by the above. A box body forming an outer shell;
An outer tank for storing water;
a rotatable inner tub provided in the outer tub and capable of accommodating laundry;
A blower for supplying air to the outer tub and the inner tub;
a circulation air passage extending from an intake port for sucking in circulation air at a rear portion of the outer tub to an outlet port for blowing the circulation air into the inner tub;
A heater for heating the circulating air;
a lint collecting filter provided at an opening on the rear surface of the outer tub between the outer tub and the circulating air passage , the opening connecting the outer tub to a duct that forms the circulating air passage ;
a water supply valve for supplying water to the outer tank;
a heat exchanger provided in the circulating air passage for dehumidifying the circulating air,
The heat exchanger includes:
A washer/dryer comprising: a plurality of ribs or fins on an outer side; and a water passage provided inside through which water supplied from the water supply valve flows. The washing and drying machine according to claim 1 or 2,
The washing/drying machine, wherein the water drainage path is provided inside the outer tub. The washing and drying machine according to claim 1 or 2,
The washing and drying machine, wherein the water drainage path is provided outside the outer tub. The washing and drying machine according to claim 1 or 2 ,
The washer/dryer, wherein the heat exchanger is formed containing aluminum. The washing and drying machine according to claim 1 or 2 ,
The heat exchanger has a water channel extending in a substantially vertical direction. The washing and drying machine according to claim 1 or 2,
The washer/dryer, wherein a resistor intersecting the flow of the water is provided in the water passage of the heat exchanger. The washing and drying machine according to claim 1 or 2,
The washer/dryer, wherein the water passage of the heat exchanger is provided with resistors arranged alternately so as to cross the flow of the water. The washing and drying machine according to claim 1 or 2,
The washer/dryer, wherein a resistor intersecting the flow of water is provided in a zigzag shape in the water passage of the heat exchanger. The washing and drying machine according to claim 1 or 2 ,
a water passage through which the water supplied from the water supply valve flows, the water passage being formed by the heat exchanger and a wall surface of the circulating air passage.

Images