EP2360309A1 - Laundry machine and washing and drying machine - Google Patents
Laundry machine and washing and drying machine Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- EP2360309A1 EP2360309A1 EP11153957A EP11153957A EP2360309A1 EP 2360309 A1 EP2360309 A1 EP 2360309A1 EP 11153957 A EP11153957 A EP 11153957A EP 11153957 A EP11153957 A EP 11153957A EP 2360309 A1 EP2360309 A1 EP 2360309A1
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- EP
- European Patent Office
- Prior art keywords
- water
- washing
- drying machine
- filter
- water supply
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
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- D—TEXTILES; PAPER
- D06—TREATMENT OF TEXTILES OR THE LIKE; LAUNDERING; FLEXIBLE MATERIALS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- D06F—LAUNDERING, DRYING, IRONING, PRESSING OR FOLDING TEXTILE ARTICLES
- D06F39/00—Details of washing machines not specific to a single type of machines covered by groups D06F9/00 - D06F27/00
- D06F39/02—Devices for adding soap or other washing agents
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- D—TEXTILES; PAPER
- D06—TREATMENT OF TEXTILES OR THE LIKE; LAUNDERING; FLEXIBLE MATERIALS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- D06F—LAUNDERING, DRYING, IRONING, PRESSING OR FOLDING TEXTILE ARTICLES
- D06F39/00—Details of washing machines not specific to a single type of machines covered by groups D06F9/00 - D06F27/00
- D06F39/08—Liquid supply or discharge arrangements
- D06F39/088—Liquid supply arrangements
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- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Textile Engineering (AREA)
- Detail Structures Of Washing Machines And Dryers (AREA)
Abstract
Description
- The present invention relates to a laundry machine and a washing and drying machine including a detergent dispenser. The laundry machine which comprises a drying machine and which can work as a washing machine and/or a drying machine is called in the following "washing and drying machine".
- A laundry machine (or a washing and drying machine) typically comprises a housing, a water vessel, and a water supply valve and a detergent case disposed in an upper portion of the housing. The water through the water supply valve passes through the detergent case configured to accommodate detergent and then is supplied to the water vessel. Consequently, the detergent is appropriately supplied into the water vessel (for example, refer to Japanese Patent Application Publication No.
2007-68801 -
Fig. 17 shows a vertical cross section of a conventional drum-type laundry machine disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Publication No.2007-68801 Fig. 18 is a side view of a detergent case of the laundry machine shown inFig. 17 . - As shown in
Fig. 17 , thelaundry machine 160 comprises adrive motor 161, adrum 162 rotated by thedrive motor 161, a water vessel (outer vessel) 163 accommodating thedrum 162, and adetergent dispenser 164 disposed above the foregoing components. Thedrum 162 is used as a washing drum and a dewatering bin. - As shown in
Fig. 18 , thedetergent dispenser 164 comprises aframe 165, astorage container 168 housed in theframe 165, and acover 166 disposed above thestorage container 168. A user may pull thestorage container 168 from theframe 165 to put the detergent therein. Awater filling pipe 166a is formed in thecover 166. - The
laundry machine 160 further comprises awater supply hose 170. One end of thewater supply hose 170 is connected to the water vessel 163 (refer toFig. 17 ). The other end of thewater supply hose 170 is connected to a bottom of the frame 165 (refer toFig. 18 ). - The
laundry machine 160 typically comprises acheck valve 171 mounted on a joint between theframe 165 and thewater supply hose 170. Thecheck valve 171 allows water flow from theframe 165 to thewater vessel 163 whereas thecheck valve 171 prevents water flow from thewater vessel 163 to theframe 165. - The
laundry machine 160 comprises aninlet 167 configured to connect to an external water source, and awater supply valve 169 mounted on a side of theframe 165. Thewater supply valve 169 stops the water flowing from theinlet 167 or allows the water supply to thewater vessel 163. - The
frame 165 includes a connectingwater channel 165a configured to allow the water flow from thewater supply valve 169 to thewater filling pipe 166a. As described above, the user may put the detergent in thestorage container 168. The user may thereafter open thewater supply valve 169 to supply water into thewater filling pipe 166a via the connectingwater channel 165a. The water supplied to thewater filling pipe 166a flows into thestorage container 168 from several water-filling holes (not shown) formed on thecover 166. The water and the detergent are mixed in thestorage container 168 to become detergent mixed water. The detergent mixed water flows through thewater supply hose 170 connected to the bottom of theframe 165, and then flows into thewater vessel 163. - The
housing 180 includes atop plate 180a, which forms a top surface of thehousing 180. Thedetergent dispenser 164 is disposed in a space between thewater vessel 163 and thetop plate 180a of thehousing 180. Such an arrangement of thedetergent dispenser 164 contributes to downsizing of thelaundry machine 160. - As described above, the
water filling pipe 166a formed above thedetergent dispenser 164 allows water to be poured from above thestorage container 168. Thewater filling pipe 166a is adjacent to an inner surface (lower surface) of thetop plate 180a of thehousing 180. Theinlet 167 is formed at thetop plate 180a of thehousing 180 as described above. Theinlet 167 is connected to a water source such as a water faucet with a pipeline such as a hose. Thewater supply valve 169 inside thehousing 180 is disposed below theinlet 167. -
Fig. 19 shows a schematic cross section of elements disposed in an upper portion of thelaundry machine 160. Thelaundry machine 160 is described in further detail with reference toFigs. 18 and19 . -
Figs. 18 and19 show a relative positional relationship between thewater filling pipe 166a and thewater supply valve 169. Thewater supply valve 169 is mounted more inward (downward) in thehousing 180. Accordingly, thewater filling pipe 166a near the inner surface of thetop plate 180a of thehousing 180 is positioned above thewater supply valve 169. Consequently, when thewater supply valve 169 is closed after the water supply process is complete (that is, after the operation of thelaundry machine 160 is ended), as shown inFig. 19 , it is likely that water remains in the connectingwater channel 165a configured to connect thewater supply valve 169 to thewater filling pipe 166a. It may be more humid around thewater supply valve 169, the connectingwater channel 165a and thewater filling pipe 166a because of the water remaining in the connectingwater channel 165a. Accordingly, if the water remaining in the connectingwater channel 165a is kept unattended, it is likely that mold grows around thewater supply valve 169, the connectingwater channel 165a and thewater filling pipe 166a. Due to the growth of the mold and other contamination around the water supply channel for guiding water to thewater vessel 163, it is less likely that clothing is washed with clean water. The washing performance of thelaundry machine 160 may thereby deteriorate. - An object of the present invention is to provide a laundry machine and a washing and drying machine configured to effectively reduce growth of mold around a water supply valve and maintain washing performance.
- A laundry machine according to one aspect of the present invention includes: a housing; a water vessel disposed in the housing; a detergent dispenser provided above the water vessel; a water supply channel in fluid communication with the detergent dispenser and the water vessel; a water supply valve configured to control water supply; and a formation member connected to the water supply valve to form a water filling pipe configured to supply water into the detergent dispenser, wherein the water filling pipe is disposed below the water supply valve.
- A washing and drying machine according to one aspect of the present invention includes: the foregoing laundry machine; a rotatable drum internally mounted in the water vessel; and a drying mechanism configured to supply drying air into the drum for drying clothing in the drum.
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Fig. 1 is a perspective cross sectional view schematically showing elements disposed in an upper portion of a drum-type washing and drying machine according to one embodiment. -
Fig. 2 is a lateral cross sectional view schematically showing the elements of the washing and drying machine shown inFig. 1 . -
Fig. 3 is a perspective view showing the cross section of the elements of the washing and drying machine shown inFig. 1 . -
Fig. 4 is a plan view of the elements of the washing and drying machine shown inFig. 1 . -
Fig. 5 is a vertical cross sectional view along a line A-A shown inFig. 4 . -
Fig. 6 is a plan view of the elements of the washing and drying machine shown inFig. 1 . -
Fig. 7 is a perspective view showing the elements disposed in the internal upper space of the housing of the washing and drying machine shown inFig. 1 . -
Fig. 8 is a perspective view showing the elements disposed in the internal upper space of the housing of the washing and drying machine shown inFig. 1 . -
Fig. 9 is a perspective view showing a support mechanism configured to support a heat pump device used for drying clothing in the washing and drying machine shown inFig. 1 . -
Fig. 10 is a perspective view showing the elements of the washing and drying machine shown inFig. 1 . -
Fig. 11 is a perspective view showing another support mechanism configured to support the heat pump device used for drying clothing in the washing and drying machine shown inFig. 1 . -
Fig. 12 is a perspective view showing the elements of the heat pump device used for drying clothing in the washing and drying machine shown inFig. 1 . -
Fig. 13 is a perspective view schematically showing the washing and drying machine configured to dry clothing using a heat pump device according to one embodiment. -
Fig. 14 is a partial perspective view showing a front surface of the washing and drying machine shown inFig. 1 . -
Fig. 15 is a cross sectional view schematically showing the elements disposed in the upper portion of the washing and drying machine shown inFig. 1 . -
Fig. 16 is a cross section schematically showing the elements disposed in the upper portion of the washing and drying machine shown inFig. 1 . -
Fig. 17 is a vertical cross sectional view of a conventional drum-type laundry machine. -
Fig. 18 is a side view showing a configuration of a detergent case of the laundry machine shown inFig. 17 . -
Fig. 19 is a cross sectional view schematically showing elements in an upper portion of the laundry machine shown inFig. 17 . - A laundry machine according to one embodiment is now described with reference to the accompanying drawings. In this embodiment, a drum-type washing and drying machine is exemplified as a washing and drying machine. Alternatively, the washing and drying machine may also be different types of washing and drying machines. Moreover, a washing device without a drying function may also be used as a laundry machine. Accordingly, the detailed structure described below does not in any way limit a principle according to this embodiment.
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Fig. 2 shows a schematic lateral cross section of the drum-type washing and drying machine according to one embodiment. An overall configuration of the washing and drying machine is now described with reference toFig. 2 . - The washing and drying
machine 500 comprises ahousing 1 including walls configured to define an internal space for accommodating various elements used for washing and drying clothing. The walls of thehousing 1 include afront wall 1e disposed on the front side and arear wall 1d opposite to thefront wall 1e. - The washing and drying
machine 500 further comprises acylindrical drum 3 disposed in thehousing 1. Thedrum 3 includes aperipheral wall 531 defining an opening, which opens toward thefront wall 1e, and abottom wall 532 opposite to the opening defined by theperipheral wall 531. Clothing is placed in thedrum 3 through the opening, which is opened toward thefront wall 1e. - The washing and drying
machine 500 comprises acylindrical water vessel 2 disposed in thehousing 1. Thewater vessel 2 accommodating thedrum 3 includes aperipheral wall 521. surrounding theperipheral wall 531 of thedrum 3, and abottom wall 522 along thebottom wall 532 of thedrum 3. Wash water is stored in thewater vessel 2. - The washing and drying
machine 500 comprises adrive motor 7 mounted on thebottom wall 522 of thewater vessel 2. The rotational axis of thedrum 3, which is rotated with thedrive motor 7, is upwardly tilted toward thefront wall 1e. A water supply pipe (not shown) provided with a water supply valve (not shown) and a drainage pipe provided with a drain valve (not shown) may be connected to thewater vessel 2. - An
exhaust outlet 11 is formed in an upper portion of theperipheral wall 531 of thedrum 3. Dry air after drying the clothing in thedrum 3 is efficiently exhausted from thedrum 3 through theexhaust outlet 11. Alternatively, theexhaust outlet 11 may also be formed at any other portion than the upper portion of theperipheral wall 531 of thedrum 3. Theexhaust outlet 11 is preferably formed above a water level of the wash water in thedrum 3, so that it is less likely that the wash water in thedrum 3 affects the exhaust of the dry air from thedrum 3. - The washing and drying
machine 500 comprises a damper (not shown) disposed below thewater vessel 2. The damper supports thewater vessel 2. For example, while the clothing is dewatered, the clothing may be unevenly distributed in thedrum 3. The uneven distribution of clothing in thedrum 3 may result in unbalanced weight of thedrum 3, which in turn causes vibration of thewater vessel 2. The damper appropriately attenuates the vibration of thewater vessel 2. -
Fig. 14 is a schematic perspective front view of the washing and dryingmachine 500. The washing and dryingmachine 500 is now described in further detail with reference toFigs. 2 and14 . - The washing and drying
machine 500 comprises adoor 5. Therotatable door 5 is mounted to thefront wall 1e of thehousing 1. Thedoor 5 is turned between an open position (refer toFig. 14 ) in which thedoor 5 protrudes from thefront wall 1e of thehousing 1 and a closed position (refer toFig. 2 ) in which thedoor 5 confronts the opening of thedrum 3. The user may turn thedoor 5 toward the open position to place laundry (clothing) into thedrum 3 or remove laundry (clothing) from thedrum 3. - The washing and drying
machine 500 comprises anoperation panel 4 mounted in an upper portion of thefront wall 1e of thehousing 1. The horizontally extendingoperation panel 4 includes various operation keys and a display. - The
housing 1 includes aright wall 1a disposed between thefront wall 1e and therear wall 1d, and aleft wall 1b opposite to theright wall 1a. The washing and dryingmachine 500 comprises adetergent dispenser 10 mounted on thefront wall 1e. Thedetergent dispenser 10 below theoperation panel 4 is disposed near a corner between thefront wall 1e and theleft wall 1b. The user may draw out thedetergent dispenser 10 from thehousing 1. -
Fig. 1 is a schematic perspective view showing elements configured to supply water into thewater vessel 2.Fig. 6 is a plan view of the elements in an upper portion of thehousing 1.Fig. 7 is a perspective view of the elements shown inFig. 6 .Fig. 10 is a schematic perspective view of the washing and dryingmachine 500. The elements configured to supply water into thewater vessel 2 are now described with reference toFigs. 1 ,2 ,6 ,7 and10 . - As shown in
Figs. 6 ,7 and10 , the washing and dryingmachine 500 further comprises aninlet 20 to which a water channel such as hose extending from a water source (e.g. water faucet) is attached. As shown inFigs. 6 and10 , theinlet 20 is disposed beside therear wall 1d of thehousing 1. - As shown in
Figs. 1 and6 , the washing and dryingmachine 500 comprises awater supply valve 14 below theinlet 20. Thewater supply valve 14 connected to theinlet 20 in thehousing 1 controls water supply (stops or allows water flow from the inlet 20). - As shown in
Fig. 2 , the walls of thehousing 1 include anupper wall 1c surrounded by the upper edges of thefront wall 1e, therear wall 1d, theright wall 1a and theleft wall 1b. Theupper wall 1c forms a top surface of thehousing 1. As shown inFig. 1 , theaforementioned detergent dispenser 10 is disposed between theupper wall 1c of thehousing 1 and thewater vessel 2. Thedetergent dispenser 10 comprises aframe 12 and astorage container 13 accommodated in theframe 12. The user may draw out thestorage container 13 from theframe 12 to put the detergent in thestorage container 13. - The
storage container 13 is a substantially rectangular box which opens upward. Thestorage container 13 may be partitioned, for example, into a first storage room configured to store powder detergent, a second storage room configured to store liquid detergent and a third storage room configured to store liquid softener. Alternatively, thestorage container 13 may have any other structure to store any detergent. - The washing and drying
machine 500 comprises aformation member 16 above thedetergent dispenser 10. Theformation member 16 forms awater filling pipe 15. Thewater filling pipe 15 is connected to thewater supply valve 14. Water from thewater supply valve 14 passes through thewater filling pipe 15 and is supplied to thestorage container 13. In this embodiment, theformation member 16 forms thewater filling pipe 15 below thewater supply valve 14. Consequently, when the water supply is complete, the water around thewater supply valve 14 is appropriately drained, and it is less likely that the water remains around thewater supply valve 14. - The
formation member 16 is manufactured by thermally bonding two resin sheets molded from a resin material such as polypropylene resin. Thewater filling pipe 15 is formed inside theformation member 16. Thewater filling pipe 15 may include, for example, a first water filling pipe configured to guide water to the aforementioned first storage room and the second storage room, and a second water filling pipe configured to guide water to the aforementioned third storage room. Preferably, the washing and dryingmachine 500 comprises twowater supply valves 14. Onewater supply valve 14 is mounted on the first water filling pipe and the otherwater supply valve 14 is mounted on the second water filling pipe. In the washing process for washing the clothing, thewater supply valve 14 mounted on the first water filling pipe may be opened, and thewater supply valve 14 mounted on the second water filling pipe may be closed. Consequently, in the washing process, water is appropriately supplied to the first storage room and the second storage room in which the detergent is stored. In the rinsing process for rinsing the clothing, thewater supply valve 14 mounted on the first water filling pipe may be closed and thewater supply valve 14 mounted on the second water filling pipe may be opened. Consequently, in the rinsing process, water is appropriately supplied to the third storage room in which the liquid softener is stored. - In this embodiment, the
formation member 16 is formed from polypropylene resin. Alternatively, theformation member 16 may also be formed from other materials. Preferably, easily-worked materials may be used for theformation member 16. - In this embodiment, the
formation member 16 defines two water filling pipes. Alternatively, the formation member may form other water pouring structures. Preferably, a shape or a structure of theformation member 16 is designed to match a structure of thestorage container 13. - The
formation member 16 includes a bottom surface formed with several water-fillingholes 19. The water supplied from thewater supply valve 14 flows through thewater filling pipe 15, thereafter passes through the water-fillingholes 19, and flows into thestorage container 13. Thestorage container 13 stores the detergent as described above. The detergent and water are mixed in thestorage container 13. The mixed liquid of the detergent and the water is subsequently moved to theframe 12. - The washing and drying
machine 500 further comprises awater supply hose 17. One end of thewater supply hose 17 is connected to a bottom of theframe 12. The other end of thewater supply hose 17 is connected to thewater vessel 2. A water supply channel is thereby formed between theframe 12 and thewater vessel 2. The mixed liquid of the detergent and the water after the movement to theframe 12 flows into thewater vessel 2 through thewater supply hose 17. - The washing and drying
machine 500 further comprises acheck valve 18 disposed at a connection between thewater vessel 2 and the water supply hose 17 (water supply channel). Thecheck valve 18 allows the water to flow from thedetergent dispenser 10 to the water vessel 2 (water flow in a forward direction) whereas thecheck valve 18 prevents the flow of the water (as well as air) from thewater vessel 2 to the detergent dispenser 10 (flow in a reverse direction). Thecheck valve 18 prevents, for example, in the washing process, flow of wash water in thewater vessel 2 toward thedetergent dispenser 10. Moreover, thecheck valve 18 prevents, for example, in the drying process, leakage of dry air for drying the clothing from thewater vessel 2 through thewater supply hose 17. - As shown in
Figs. 7 and10 , the washing and dryingmachine 500 further comprises acontrol substrate 50 in thehousing 1. Thecontrol substrate 50 above thedetergent dispenser 10 comprises various electronic elements (various circuits) which are used to control the washing and dryingmachine 500. - A control substrate of a general washing and drying machine is disposed in a lower portion of the housing, but in this embodiment, the
control substrate 50 is disposed in an upper portion of thehousing 1. Accordingly, lead wires used for electrical connection among various elements controlled by thecontrol substrate 50 may become shorter. - As shown in
Fig. 10 , thecontrol substrate 50 is disposed near thefront wall 1e of thehousing 1. Accordingly, an electrician repairing thecontrol substrate 50 may easily access thecontrol substrate 50 in the upper potion of thehousing 1 and near thefront wall 1e. The electrician with standing near thefront wall 1e may repair thecontrol substrate 50, which results in more efficient maintenance work for thecontrol substrate 50. - The operation of the washing and drying
machine 500 in the washing process is now described with reference toFigs. 1 ,2 ,6 ,7 ,10 and19 . In the washing process, the washing and dryingmachine 500 performs the washing process, rinsing process and dewatering process. - The washing and drying
machine 500 measures weight of the laundry placed in thedrum 3 when the washing process starts. The washing and dryingmachine 500 displays, on the display of theoperation panel 4, rough amounts of the detergent and the liquid softener, which are required for washing the laundry based on the measured weight. - The user may draw the
storage container 13 out from thefront wall 1e of thehousing 1 to put the displayed amounts of the detergent (the powder detergent and/or the liquid detergent) and the liquid softener in thestorage container 13. The user may select any types of the detergent and the liquid softener. Accordingly, the user may put either the powder detergent or the liquid detergent in thestorage container 13, or put both the powder detergent and the liquid detergent in thestorage container 13. - The washing and drying
machine 500 thereafter opens the water supply valve 14 (for the first storage room and/or second storage room) to start the water supply. The water reaches thewater filling pipe 15 through thewater supply valve 14. Subsequently, the water flows into thestorage container 13 through the water-fillingholes 19. The water and the detergent are mixed in thestorage container 13 to be detergent mixed water. The detergent mixed water flows into theframe 12 from thestorage container 13. Eventually, the detergent mixed water flows into thewater vessel 2 through the water supply hose 17 (water supply channel). It should be noted that the washing and dryingmachine 500 controls thewater supply valve 14 according to the measured laundry weight to supply an appropriate amount of detergent mixed water to thewater vessel 2. - When the appropriate amount of the detergent mixed water is supplied to the
water vessel 2, the washing and dryingmachine 500 closes thewater supply valve 14. The washing and dryingmachine 500 thereafter rotates thedrum 3 to execute the washing process. - After the washing process is performed for a given period, the rinsing process is executed. The washing and drying
machine 500 opens the water supply valve 14 (for the third storage room) in the rinsing process to make mixed liquid of water and the liquid softener in thestorage container 13. The mixed liquid of the water and the liquid softener is supplied to thewater vessel 2. - As described in the context of
Fig. 19 , after washing process ends, it is likely that water remains around the water supply valve of the conventional washing and drying machine whereas since the washing and dryingmachine 500 according to this embodiment comprises thewater filling pipe 15 below thewater supply valve 14, water around thewater supply valve 14 is drained through thewater filling pipe 15. Since there is little or no water around thewater supply valve 14, it is less likely that mold grows around thewater supply valve 14. Consequently, unlike the conventional washing and drying machine, the washing and dryingmachine 500 according to this embodiment may supply cleaner water to thewater vessel 2 through thewater supply valve 14 and maintain excellent washing performance for a long time. - Since the
water filling pipe 15 is disposed below thewater supply valve 14, thedetergent dispenser 10 is also disposed at a lower position in comparison to a conventional washing and drying machine. Consequently, a space is created between thedetergent dispenser 10 and theupper wall 1c of thehousing 1. This space is used for installation of thecontrol substrate 50. Since the internal space of thehousing 1 is exploited, the washing and dryingmachine 500 according to this embodiment may be designed to have an equivalent size to the conventional washing and drying machine. - The
check valve 18 is now described with reference toFigs. 1 and18 . - As shown in
Fig. 18 , thecheck valve 171 of the conventional washing and drying machine is mounted near the detergent dispenser 164 (on a connection between theframe 165 and the water supply hose 170). Specifically, thecheck valve 171 is disposed at a discharge opening of thedetergent dispenser 164. The arrangement of theconventional check valve 171 requires higher hydraulic head pressure in order for water (detergent mixed water) in thedetergent dispenser 164 to pass through thecheck valve 171. In order to obtain the higher hydraulic head pressure, theconventional detergent dispenser 164 needs to be designed to have a larger height. - As shown in
Fig. 1 , thecheck valve 18 of the washing and dryingmachine 500 according to this embodiment is mounted near the water vessel 2 (on a connection between thewater vessel 2 and the water supply hose 17). Specifically, thecheck valve 18 is disposed near thewater vessel 2 and not near the discharge opening of thedetergent dispenser 10. Since sufficient hydraulic head pressure is obtained between thecheck valve 18 and thedetergent dispenser 10 for passing the water through thecheck valve 18, the flow of the water (detergent mixed water) from thedetergent dispenser 10 toward thewater vessel 2 may be achieved even if thedetergent dispenser 10 with a smaller height than theconventional detergent dispenser 164 is used. - In this embodiment, since the
compact detergent dispenser 10 with the smaller height is used, the washing and dryingmachine 500 may also be downsized. In addition, the reduction in the height of thedetergent dispenser 10 also contributes to creating a space for installing thecontrol substrate 50 and other elements (space between theupper wall 1c of thehousing 1 and the detergent dispenser 10), which results in more free design of the washing and dryingmachine 500. -
Figs. 15 and 16 show schematic cross sections of thecontrol substrate 50. Thecontrol substrate 50 is now described with reference toFigs. 15 and 16 . - The
control substrate 50 comprises aheat sink 50a (radiator). Theheat sink 50a radiates heat generated from the various electronic elements and circuits of thecontrol substrate 50 to reduce temperature of thecontrol substrate 50. - As shown in
Fig. 15 , theheat sink 50a of thecontrol substrate 50 is disposed near theformation member 16 configured to form thewater filling pipe 15. Preferably, theheat sink 50a of thecontrol substrate 50 is in contact with theformation member 16. - The
formation member 16 is cooled by the water flowing through thewater filling pipe 15. Accordingly, efficient radiation of heat from thecontrol substrate 50 to theformation member 16 is achieved with theheat sink 50a of thecontrol substrate 50 near or in contact with theformation member 16. Therefore, it is less likely that heat accumulation in thecontrol substrate 50 causes any malfunction. - As shown in
Fig. 16 , a through-hole 16a may also be formed in theformation member 16. Theheat sink 50a of thecontrol substrate 50 in contact with theformation member 16 covers the through-hole 16a. Since the water passing through thewater filling pipe 15 directly contacts theheat sink 50a, more efficient heat radiation from thecontrol substrate 50 to theformation member 16 is achieved. Preferably, a sealing member is disposed between theformation member 16 and theheat sink 50a. The sealing member seals a boundary between theformation member 16 and theheat sink 50a to inhibit water leakage from the through-hole 16a. - The washing and drying
machine 500 has, in addition to the washing function for washing clothing, a drying function for drying the clothing. The clothing is dried with a heat pump device. -
Fig. 4 is a schematic plan view of the washing and dryingmachine 500.Fig. 5 is a cross sectional view along a line A-A shown inFig. 4 .Fig. 6 is a perspective view schematically showing an upper configuration of the washing and dryingmachine 500.Fig. 13 is a schematic perspective view of the washing and dryingmachine 500. The heat pump device is now described with reference toFigs. 1 to 6 andFig. 13 . - The washing and drying
machine 500 includes aheat pump device 30, and various elements connected to theheat pump device 30 and circulating the dry air for drying the clothing. Theheat pump device 30 and the various elements which work with theheat pump device 30 and define a circulation path of the dry air are intensively disposed in the upper space (space above the water vessel 2) of thehousing 1. - The
heat pump device 30 and the various elements which work with theheat pump device 30 and define the circulation path of the dry air are heavier. As shown inFigs. 2 and13 , theheat pump device 30 and the various elements which work with theheat pump device 30 and define the circulation path of the dry air are disposed in the upper space of thehousing 1. The washing and dryingmachine 500 comprises a support structure configured to support theheat pump device 30 and the various elements which work with theheat pump device 30 and define the circulation path of the dry air. The support structure protects the aforementioned elements from an impact which may happen during transportation of the washing and dryingmachine 500 or arise from dropping off of the washing and dryingmachine 500. - As shown in
Figs. 3 to 5 , theheat pump device 30 comprises acompressor 31 configured to compress refrigerant, aheat exchanger 80 configured to dry the clothing in thedrum 3, and adecompressor 33 including an expansion valve (or capillary tube) configured to decompress the highly pressurized refrigerant. Theheat exchanger 80 comprises aheating portion 32 configured to radiate heat of the highly pressurized and heated refrigerant due to compression by thecompressor 31, and adehumidifier 34 configured to remove ambient heat with the decompressed refrigerant with lower pressure. - As shown in
Fig. 3 , theheat pump device 30 further comprises atube 39 connecting thecompressor 31, theheating portion 32, which configure theheat exchanger 80, thedehumidifier 34 and thedecompressor 33. The refrigerant flowing through thetube 39 is circulated among thecompressor 31, theheating portion 32, thedehumidifier 34 and thedecompressor 33. -
Fig. 3 shows a generatrix G extending from an apex 2a (the uppermost point of the discoid bottom wall 522) of thebottom wall 522 of thewater vessel 2. The generatrix G is the uppermost generatrix representing an outer surface of theperipheral wall 521 of thewater vessel 2. - The
compressor 31 above theperipheral wall 521 of thewater vessel 2 is shifted toward theright wall 1a rather than the generatrix G. Thecompressor 31 includes abottom surface 31a positioned below the generatrix G. Since the upper space above theperipheral wall 521 of thewater vessel 2 is exploited for installation of thecompressor 31, theheat pump device 30 including thecompressor 31 may be appropriately accommodated in thesmaller housing 1. Since a position of thecompressor 31 is shifted toward theright wall 1a (orleft wall 1b) rather than the uppermost generatrix G, theheat pump device 30 may be located in the upper space without increase in height of thehousing 1. The compact washing and dryingmachine 500 may thereby be provided. - The refrigerant flowing through the
tube 39 in thedehumidifier 34 exchanges heat with ambient air (dry air flowing from thefilter 40 to the dehumidifier 34). Consequently, the refrigerant is heated and vaporized whereas water components in the dry air become condensed, which result in removal of the water components from the dry air. - The vaporized refrigerant flows into the
compressor 31. Thecompressor 31 compresses the refrigerant, which becomes highly heated and pressurized. The highly heated and pressurized refrigerant thereafter flows into theheating portion 32. In theheating portion 32, the refrigerant exchanges heat with the ambient air (dry air flowing from thedehumidifier 34 to the heating portion 32). Consequently, the dry air is heated whereas the refrigerant is cooled and liquefied. - The
decompressor 33 decompresses the liquefied and pressurized refrigerant, which becomes cooler and lower pressure. The cooler refrigerant with lower pressure flows into thedehumidifier 34 once again. - The
blower 9 blows the dry air toward thewater vessel 2. The dry air thereafter flows into thedrum 3 through thewater vessel 2, so that the clothing stored in thedrum 3 is dried. - As a result of drying the clothing, the dry air contains a larger amount of water components. As described above, the
blower 9 sucks the dry air in thedrum 3 from theexhaust outlet 11 of thewater vessel 2, so that the dry air reaches theheat pump device 30 via thefilter 40. - As described above, the
dehumidifier 34 of theheat pump device 30 initially dehumidifies and cools the dry air. Consequently, the water components in the dry air become condensed and are separated from the dry air. The dry air thereafter flows into theheating portion 32, which heats the dry air as described above. Consequently, the dry air passing through theheat pump device 30 becomes heated and less humid. Theblower 9 re-sends the heated and less humid air to thedrum 3. - As shown in
Figs. 4 and6 , the washing and dryingmachine 500 comprises afastening member 38 configured to fasten theblower 9 to theheat pump device 30. Theblower 9 fastened to theheat pump device 30 with thefastening member 38 is disposed beside thecompressor 31. Since the space formed beside thecompressor 31 in thehousing 1 is exploited for installation of theblower 9, theblower 9 is appropriately accommodated in thehousing 1 without unnecessary enlargement of thehousing 1. Since the washing and dryingmachine 500 does not become unnecessarily taller even if theheat pump device 30 and theblower 9 are disposed in the upper space in thehousing 1, the compact washing and dryingmachine 500 is provided. - The filter is now described with reference to
Figs. 2 ,5 ,6 and14 . - As shown in
Figs. 5 and6 , the washing and dryingmachine 500 comprises thefilter 40 disposed at an upstream position of theheat exchanger 80. Thefilter 40 defines thecirculatory airflow path 8 together with theheat pump device 30. When the washing and dryingmachine 500 performs the drying process, lint (dust components separated from the clothing) gets mixed into the dry air. Since thefilter 40 provided in thecirculatory airflow path 8 removes the lint from the dry air immediately before theheat exchanger 80, it is likely that thefilter 40 moderates accumulation of the lint, which may cause deterioration in heat exchange efficiency of theheat exchanger 80. - As shown in
Fig. 5 , thefilter 40 includes afirst filter 40A and asecond filter 40B disposed at a downstream position of thefirst filter 40A. Thefirst filter 40A is coarser than thesecond filter 40B. Accordingly, thesecond filter 40B traps and collects finer lint and other foreign objects passed through thefirst filter 40A. Consequently, it is less likely that the lint and other foreign objects adhere, which results in less deterioration of efficiencies in the heat exchange of theheat pump device 30 and air circulation of theblower 9. Moreover, it is less likely that the lint and other foreign objects scatter outside thehousing 1 because of thefilter 40, which results in less contamination around the washing and dryingmachine 500. - As shown in
Fig. 14 , anopening 40c is formed on theupper wall 1c of thehousing 1. Thefirst filter 40A is attached to and removed from thecirculatory airflow path 8 through theopening 40c near a front edge of theupper wall 1c. Accordingly, the user or the worker with standing near thefront wall 1e of thehousing 1 may attach or remove thefirst filter 40A to or from thehousing 1, which results in more efficient maintenance for the washing and dryingmachine 500. - As shown in
Fig.5 , unlike thefirst filter 40A, thesecond filter 40B is fixed to thecirculatory airflow path 8. Since thefirst filter 40A removes the lint and other foreign matters from the dry air before thesecond filter 40B, thesecond filter 40B less frequently clogs. Moreover, the user or the worker may clean thesecond filter 40B through theopening 40c formed on theupper wall 1c of thehousing 1. Accordingly, it is not so big deal to eliminate the clogging of thesecond filter 40B fixed to thecirculatory airflow path 8. - The
heat exchanger 80 is disposed immediately after thesecond filter 40B. As described above, the refrigerant heated by thecompressor 31 flows in theheat exchanger 80. Thesecond filter 40B fixed to thecirculatory airflow path 8 prevents a poorly experienced user for maintenance work from easy access to theheat exchanger 80. In addition, unlike thefirst filter 40A, since thesecond filter 40B is fixed to thecirculatory airflow path 8, it is less like that position of thesecond filter 40B is changed. Accordingly, infiltration of the lint into the heat exchanger, which is caused by inappropriate installation of thesecond filter 40B, hardly occurs. - The
filter 40 causes pressure loss of the dry air. As a result of the pressure loss, velocity distribution of the dry air is uniformed (that is, flow of the dry air is rectified). As shown inFigs. 4 and5 , thefilter 40 is disposed immediately before theheat exchanger 80. Accordingly, the rectified dry air flows into theheat exchanger 80. - In general, if the circulatory airflow path is shortened in order to downsize the washing and drying machine, it may be difficult to install a rectification mechanism (for example, a straight pipe) in the circulatory airflow path. However, according to this embodiment, since the
filter 40 rectifies the dry air, flow length required for rectifying the dry air becomes shorter. Inflow of the rectified dry air to theheat exchanger 80 inhibits considerable local change in the heat exchange efficiency. The heat exchange efficiency of theheat exchanger 80 is thereby improved. - As described above, the
filter 40 provided at the upstream position of theheat exchanger 80 rectifies the dry air without installation of any rectification mechanism (for example, a straight pipe) in thecirculatory airflow path 8, which preferably results in the shortercirculatory airflow path 8. - As shown in
Figs. 2 and5 , thedehumidifier 34 of theheat exchanger 80 includes anintroductory surface 534 to which the dry air flows. Thefilter 40 is disposed near theintroductory surface 534. Accordingly, the dry air rectified with thefilter 40 is linearly sent to thedehumidifier 34 immediately after thefilter 40. - As described above, the
filter 40 rectifies the dry air. The rectification of the dry air with thefilter 40 reduces the flow velocity of the dry air. Since thecirculatory airflow path 8 hardly inflects a flow direction of the dry air between thefilter 40 and theintroductory surface 534, the dry air linearly flows into thedehumidifier 34 immediately after its flow velocity reduction. Consequently, it is less likely that the dry air passed through the dehumidified 34 becomes locally high flow velocity, so that the condensed water component at the dehumidified 34 hardly scatters. - As shown in
Fig. 5 , the washing and dryingmachine 500 further comprises arecovery structure 35 configured to recover the condensed water components at thedehumidifier 34. Therecovery structure 35 is disposed below thedehumidifier 34. As described above, since thefilter 40 inhibits the dispersion of the condensed water components at thedehumidifier 34, the water components may be sufficiently recovered by using thecompact recovery structure 35. Accordingly, the compact washing and dryingmachine 500 is provided. - A concavity (not shown) is formed on the
recovery structure 35. The condensed water components at thedehumidifier 34 run down on a surface of the dehumidifier and seep to the concavity. The concavity ranges to receive the water components which may be dispersed downstream by the dry air. - As described above, the
filter 40 configured to rectify the dry air decreases the dispersion of the condensed water components at thedehumidifier 34. Accordingly, narrower area of the concavity is required to receive the water components seeping from thedehumidifier 34. Accordingly, the water components may be sufficiently collected with thecompact recovery structure 35. - As described above, the water components are less scattered because of the
filter 40 and appropriately recovered with therecovery structure 35. The recovered water components are preferably discharged from the concavity of therecovery structure 35 to the outside of the washing and dryingmachine 500. For example, the water components may be drained together with the wash water from a drain outlet below thehousing 1. - The
recovery structure 35 is disposed in the upper space of thehousing 1 together with theheat exchanger 80. Accordingly, the water components recovered with therecovery structure 35 is appropriately drained using potential energy. The discharge of the water components from therecovery structure 35 does not require any dedicated discharge system such as a pump, which results in the compact washing and dryingmachine 500. - As described above, the
filter 40 immediately before theheat exchanger 80 effectively inhibits the inflow of the lint and other foreign objects into theheat exchanger 80. Nevertheless, as a result of longer usage of the washing and dryingmachine 500, the lint and other foreign objects in some cases become adhered to and/or accumulated in theheat exchanger 80. - As described above, the
heat exchanger 80 is provided at the upper portion in thehousing 1. The worker may remove thefirst filter 40A through theopening 40c formed on theupper wall 1c of thehousing 1. Subsequently, the worker may remove thesecond filter 40B from thecirculatory airflow path 8 with a dedicated tool. The worker may access theheat exchanger 80 to remove the lint and other foreign objects from theheat exchanger 80. The worker with standing near thefront wall 1e of thehousing 1 may perform the series of operations such as removing thefirst filter 40A, removing thesecond filter 40B and removing the lint and other foreign matter from theheat exchanger 80, which results in more efficient maintenance for the washing and dryingmachine 500. - Configuration of the
filter 40 is now described with reference toFig. 5 . - The substantially cylindrical
first filter 40A of thefilter 40 includes a coarser filter mesh than the filter mesh used as thesecond filter 40B. Thefirst filter 40A includes a peripheral surface formed with an opening used as theinflow portion 41 into which the dry air flows. The dry air exhausted from thedrum 3 flows into thefirst filter 40A via theinflow portion 41. - The
second filter 40B fixed at the downstream portion of thefirst filter 40A includes a flat filter mesh. - The
filter 40 comprises acover part 42 disposed above thefirst filter 40A. When thefirst filter 40A is mounted on the washing and dryingmachine 500, thecover part 42 is fitted into theopening 40c formed on theupper wall 1c of thehousing 1. Thecover part 42 is preferably configured to be gripped by the user. When the user mounts thefirst filter 40A, the user may use thecover part 42 as a knob. - The substantially cylindrical
first filter 40A includes an area LL which causes considerable pressure loss, and an area LS which causes less pressure loss. The area LS at a substantially center portion of thefirst filter 40A confronts theinflow portion 41 to directly collide with the dry air flowing from theinflow portion 41. The area LL exists above and below the area LS. - The dry air passed through the cylindrical
first filter 40A configured to generate the aforementioned pressure loss distribution flows into theheat exchanger 80. As a result of the aforementioned pressure loss, the velocity distribution of the dry air which becomes higher speed in an upper portion of thedehumidifier 34 and lower speed in a lower portion of thedehumidifier 34 is obtained. The cylindricalfirst filter 40A is preferably disposed near theintroductory surface 534 of thedehumidifier 34, which results in less dispersion of the condensed water components at thedehumidifier 34. - Droplets of the condensed water components at the
dehumidifier 34 are smaller at the upper portion of thedehumidifier 34. The droplets combine with droplets of other water components during running down. Consequently, the droplets of the water components gradually become larger as running down. Accordingly, larger droplets of the water components become adhered to the lower portion of thedehumidifier 34 whereas smaller droplets of the water components become adhered to the upper portion of thedehumidifier 34. - As described above, the velocity of the dry air around the lower portion of the
dehumidifier 34 is lower than the velocity of the dry air at the upper portion of thedehumidifier 34. Accordingly, it is less likely that the larger droplets of the water components scatter, which results in narrower dispersion range of the water component condensed at thedehumidifier 34. Accordingly, the condensed water component at thedehumidifier 34 may be appropriately recovered using thesmaller recovery structure 35. - In this embodiment, the
filter 40 including thefirst filter 40A and thesecond filter 40B performs two-step filtering process. Alternatively, the washing and drying machine may comprise a filter device configured to perform one-step filtering process by using a single filter element. Furthermore, the washing and drying machine may also comprise a filter device configured to perform multi-step (more than two steps) filtering process by using more than two filter elements. - In this embodiment, the
filter 40 comprises the substantially cylindricalfirst filter 40A. Alternatively, the washing and drying machine may also comprise a flat or any other shape of a filter element. - The washing and drying
machine 500 according to this embodiment comprises, as described above, theheat pump device 30 and thefilter 40 fastened to theheat pump device 30. Thefilter 40 and theheat exchanger 80 of theheat pump device 30 are both disposed in the upper space of the housing 1 (space above the water vessel 2). Accordingly, thefilter 40 is disposed near theheat exchanger 80. - The
filter 40, theheat exchanger 80 and theblower 9 are sequentially disposed in order along the flow direction of the dry air. Thefilter 40 rectifies the dry air. The rectified dry air flows into theheat exchanger 80. Theheat exchanger 80 dehumidifies and heats the dry air. Theblower 9 thereafter blows the dry air to thedrum 3. - A conventional washing and drying machine comprises a heat pump device disposed in the lower space of the housing (space below the water vessel), and a filter disposed in the upper space of the housing (space above the water vessel). The filter, the blower and the heat exchanger are sequentially disposed in order along the flow direction of the dry air.
- As described above, in this embodiment, since the
filter 40 is disposed near theheat exchanger 80, the dry air is circulated using the shortercirculatory airflow path 8 than the circulatory airflow path adopted in the aforementioned conventional washing and drying machine. Accordingly, the pressure loss of the dry air flowing along thecirculatory airflow path 8 is reduced. The reduction in the pressure loss of the dry air results in less power consumption of theblower 9 to blow the dry air. In addition, the reduction in the pressure loss of the dry air may increase flow rate of the dry air flowing along thecirculatory airflow path 8. - The
filter 40 disposed in the shortercirculatory airflow path 8 rectifies the dry air. The rectification of the dry air improves the heat exchange efficiency of theheat exchanger 80. Consequently, in comparison to the conventional washing and drying machine, an amount of the heat exchange considerably increases per unit time, which results in power saving and shorter drying time. - Temperature detection for the dry air is now described with reference to
Fig. 5 . - The washing and drying
machine 500 further comprises afirst temperature sensor 36 and asecond temperature sensor 37. Thefirst temperature sensor 36 and thesecond temperature sensor 37 are both used for detecting temperature of the dry air in thecirculatory airflow path 8. - The
first temperature sensor 36 detects the temperature of the dry air flowing between thedrum 3 and theheat exchanger 80. Thefirst temperature sensor 36 is disposed between thefilter 40 and thedehumidifier 34. - The
second temperature sensor 37 detects the temperature of the dry air between theheat exchanger 80 and thedrum 3. Thesecond temperature sensor 37 is disposed immediately after theblower 9. - The
first temperature sensor 36 detects the temperature of the dry air before the dry air is dehumidified and heated by theheat exchanger 80. Thesecond temperature sensor 37 detects the temperature of the dry air after the dry air is dehumidified and heated by theheat exchanger 80. Output signals of thefirst temperature sensor 36 and thesecond temperature sensor 37 are used for controlling theheat pump device 30. - The
first temperature sensor 36 between thefilter 40 and theheat exchanger 80 is provided near the area LL where the pressure loss of the substantially cylindricalfirst filter 40A is larger (upper or lower portion of thefirst filter 40A). In thefirst filter 40A, the lint and other foreign objects less often clog the area LL with larger pressure loss in comparison to the area LS with smaller pressure loss. Accordingly, thefirst temperature sensor 36 near the area LL may more accurately detect the temperature of the dry air for a long time. Since the temperature detected with thefirst temperature sensor 36 may change if the lint and other foreign objects clog thefilter 40, the output signals of thefirst temperature sensor 36 may be used for detecting the clogging of thefilter 40. Accordingly, thefirst temperature sensor 36 near the area LL may also accurately detect the clogging of thefilter 40 for a long time. - The
first temperature sensor 36 between thefilter 40 and theheat exchanger 80 and thesecond temperature sensor 37 disposed at a downstream position of theblower 9 are located in the shortercirculatory airflow path 8. An interval between thefirst temperature sensor 36 and thesecond temperature sensor 37 becomes shorter. Thefirst temperature sensor 36 and thesecond temperature sensor 37 in the shorter interval are less sensitive to error factors (for example, leakage of the dry air) which may cause errors in the temperature detection. Accordingly, thefirst temperature sensor 36 and thesecond temperature sensor 37 may accurately detect the temperature of the dry air with less sensitivity to the error factors such as the leakage of the dry air. -
Fig. 8 is a perspective view of theheat pump device 30 supported by the support mechanism.Fig. 9 shows the support mechanism mounted on thehousing 1. - The washing and drying
machine 500 further comprises asupport mechanism 560 configured to support theheat pump device 30 in thehousing 1. Thesupport mechanism 560 includes a supportingmember 61 configured to support theheat pump device 30, and a confiningmember 62 configured to confine upward displacement of theheat pump device 30. - As shown in
Fig. 7 , both ends of the supportingmember 61 supporting theheat pump device 30 between thecompressor 31 and the confiningmember 62 are coupled to the upper edges of theright wall 1a and theleft wall 1b, respectively. Similarly, both ends of the confiningmember 62 are coupled to the upper edges of theright wall 1a and theleft wall 1b, respectively. - As shown in
Figs. 8 and9 , the supportingmember 61 extending between theright wall 1a and theleft wall 1b below theheating portion 32 and/or thedehumidifier 34, which are disposed at an upstream position of thecompressor 31, supports theheat pump device 30. The confiningmember 62 extends between theright wall 1a and theleft wall 1b at a farther position from thecompressor 31 than the supportingmember 61 and confines the upward displacement of theheat pump device 30. In this embodiment, the supportingmember 61 is adjacent to thecompressor 31. The confiningmember 62 extends above thefilter 40 disposed at an upstream position of theheat pump device 30. - As shown in
Fig. 7A , the washing and dryingmachine 500 further comprises ascrew 70 configured to fix theheat pump device 30 to the supportingmember 61, and a helical coil wire screw thread insert (not shown) configured to engage with thescrew 70. As shown inFig. 7B , the washing and dryingmachine 500 further comprises a screw 71 (refer toFig. 6 ) configured to fix thefilter 40 to the confiningmember 62 and a helical coil wirescrew thread insert 72 configured to engage with thescrew 71. As a result of connection between thefilter 40 and the confiningmember 62, theheat pump device 30 is fixed to the confiningmember 62. - In the
heat pump device 30, thecompressor 31 is heavier. The weight of thecompressor 31 is applied to theright wall 1a and theleft wall 1b via the supportingmember 61 supporting theheat pump device 30 near thecompressor 31. Consequently, the weight of thecompressor 31 reduces vibration of the upper edges of theright wall 1a and theleft wall 1b caused by a vibration factor such as the rotation of thedrum 3. The load of the weight of theheat pump device 30 against theright wall 1a and theleft wall 1b increases weight of a vibratory element group including theright wall 1a and theleft wall 1b. The increase in the weight of the vibratory element group including theright wall 1a and theleft wall 1b results in less vibratory amplitude under the same excitation force. Consequently, since theright wall 1a and theleft wall 1b of thehousing 1 are subject to considerably downward force, even if theright wall 1a and theleft wall 1b are affected by the rotation of thedrum 3 or other vibration factors, the vibration of theright wall 1a and theleft wall 1b is suitably reduced. Overall vibration of thehousing 1 thereby decreases. - The
support mechanism 560 comprising the supportingmember 61 uses the gravity working on theheat pump device 30 including thecompressor 31 to press the upper edges of theright wall 1a and theleft wall 1b to effectively decrease the vibration of theright wall 1a and theleft wall 1b of thehousing 1 caused by the rotation of thedrum 3 and other vibration factors. -
Fig. 11 is a perspective view showing another arrangement of the supporting member in the washing and dryingmachine 500.Fig. 12 is a schematic perspective view of the washing and dryingmachine 500. Another arrangement of the supporting member is now described with reference toFigs. 11 and12 . - The weight of the
compressor 31 may be loaded to one of theright wall 1a and theleft wall 1b. For example, as shown inFig. 11 , thesupport mechanism 560 may comprise, instead of the aforementioned supportingmember 61, a supportingmember 63 extending between theright wall 1a and therear wall 1d. As shown inFig. 11 , thecompressor 31 is disposed at a corner between theright wall 1a and therear wall 1d. Since thecompressor 31 is surrounded by theright wall 1a, therear wall 1d and the supportingmember 63, even if the washing and dryingmachine 500 is dropped or toppled, theheavier compressor 31 is appropriately supported by theright wall 1a, therear wall 1d and the supportingmember 63. - The
support mechanism 560 is now described in further detail with reference toFigs. 6 to 10 . - As shown in
Figs. 4 and6 , theblower 9 near thecompressor 31 is fastened to theheat pump device 30 with thefastening member 38. Accordingly, the weight load of theblower 9 is applied to theright wall 1a and/or theleft wall 1b in addition to the weight of theheat pump device 30, which results in less vibration of theright wall 1a and/or theleft wall 1b of thehousing 1 caused by the rotation of thedrum 3 or other vibratory elements. - The
blower 9 includes afan 9b configured to cause the dry air flow in thecirculatory airflow path 8, and ablast motor 9a configured to rotate thefan 9b. When theblast motor 9a rotates thefan 9b, the dry air passed through theheat pump device 30 is sent into thedrum 3. Theblast motor 9a has relatively great weight as with thecompressor 31. As described above, theblower 9 is disposed near thecompressor 31. The supportingmember blower 9 extends along thecompressor 31 and theblower 9 to support theblower 9 in addition to supporting thecompressor 31, which results in a simpler structure for supporting heavier elements (compressor 31 and blower 9). Thesimpler support mechanism 560 significantly contributes to reduction in a number of components, weight and cost of the washing and dryingmachine 500. - As described above, the confining
member 62 extends between theright wall 1a and theleft wall 1b above theheat pump device 30. The confiningmember 62 is farther from thecompressor 31 than the supportingmember 61. - The confining
member 62 is now described with reference toFigs. 2 ,3 and6 . - As shown in
Figs. 2 and3 , theheavier compressor 31 and theheavier blower 9 are disposed near therear wall 1d whereas lighter elements (for example, the heat exchanger 80) are closer to thefront wall 1e than thecompressor 31 and theblower 9. Accordingly, moment for uplifting the lighter elements near thefront wall 1e works on the circulation mechanism of the dry air including theheat pump device 30. - The confining
member 62 closer to thefront wall 1e than the supportingmember 61 inhibits the upward displacement of the lighter elements such as theheat exchanger 80. In this embodiment, thefilter 40 away from thecompressor 31 is connected to theheat pump device 30. The confiningmember 62 is provided across and above thefilter 40 between theheat pump device 30 and thefront wall 1e. The confiningmember 62 appropriately confines the upward displacement of thefilter 40 and theheat pump device 30 of theheat exchanger 80. Since the upward displacement of the lighter members between thecompressor 31 and thefront wall 1e is integrally confined with the confiningmember 62, thesupport mechanism 560 is simplified. Accordingly, a part number, weight and cost of the washing and dryingmachine 500 decrease. - As described above, the confining
member 62 comes in contact with thefilter 40 apart from thecompressor 31 to confine the upward displacement of theheat pump device 30. Theheavier compressor 31 causes the moment around the supportingmember 61. The moment results in an upward force acting on theheat pump device 30 and thefilter 40. The upward force applied to theheat pump device 30 and thefilter 40 becomes greater as its working point becomes apart from the supportingmember 61. Since the confiningmember 62 confines the upward displacement of thefilter 40 to which the considerable force is applied, theheat pump device 30 and thefilter 40 are stabilized in the upper space. - Alternatively, the confining
member 62 may be provided across and above theheat exchange 80 of theheat pump device 30. The confiningmember 62 directly confines the upward displacement of theheat exchanger 80. - As described above, the
heat pump device 30 and the elements (filter 40 and blower 9) around theheat pump device 30 are appropriately supported by the supportingmember heat pump device 30. Moreover, the confiningmember 62 is mounted across and above theheat pump device 30 and/or thefilter 40. The confiningmember 62 and the supportingmember heat pump device 30, respectively, suitably reduce vertical vibration amplitude, which results in decrease in the overall vibration of thehousing 1 caused by the rotation of thedrum 3. - The
aforementioned support mechanism 560 inhibits, in addition to the vibration of thehousing 1, drawbacks such as breakage or damage of securing members such asscrews housing 1. Thesupport mechanism 560 may appropriately retain theheat pump device 30 and the elements (filter 40 and blower 9) around theheat pump device 30 even when, for example, the washing and dryingmachine 500 is accidentally dropped or toppled during the transport and/or installation thereof. The advantageous effect of thesupport mechanism 560 on the securing members used for fastening the elements is now described. - Several components are also disposed in the upper space of the housing of a general washing and drying machine. The components disposed in the upper space are typically connected to a supporting element such as the upper wall of the housing. If the washing and drying machine is dropped or toppled, the securing members (for example, helical coil wire screw thread insert used as a screw and/or a nut) for fastening the components in the upper space to the supporting element are subject to greater tensile stress from the gravity working on the components in the upper space as well as the impact force caused by the toppling and drop. The securing members used for fixation of heavy components are subject to great tensile stress. Accordingly, the securing members used for the fixation of the components in the upper space of the general washing and drying machine more easily break when the washing and drying machine is toppled or dropped.
- In this embodiment, the
compressor 31 and theblower 9 of theheat pump device 30 are heavier. The supportingmember compressor 31 and/or theblower 9. Moreover, the confiningmember 62 farther from thecompressor 31 than the supportingmember heat pump device 30 and/or thefilter 40. - When the washing and drying
machine 500 is dropped or toppled, the supportingmember heat pump device 30 and/or theblower 9 and the impact force resulting from the drop or toppling of the washing and dryingmachine 500. The weight of theheat pump device 30 and/or theblower 9 and the impact force resulting from the drop or toppling of the washing and dryingmachine 500 work as compression force against the supportingmember - The compression force working on the supporting
member screw 70 or helical coil wire screw thread insert configured to fasten the supportingmember heat pump device 30/blower 9. Nevertheless, unlike the tensile stress, it is less likely that the securing member is broken by the compression force. - In this embodiment, the supporting
member heavier compressor 31. Consequently, the moment is generated around the supportingmember member member front wall 1e. The moment around the supportingmember member 62 mounted across and above theheat pump device 30 and/or thefilter 40. The compression force working on the confiningmember 62 also affects the securing members such as thescrew 71 or the helical coil wirescrew thread insert 72 configured to fasten the confiningmember 62 to theheat pump device 30 and/or thefilter 40. Nevertheless, unlike the tensile stress, it is less likely that the securing members are broken by the compression force. - As described above, the supporting
member 61 near thecompressor 31 appropriately supports theheat pump device 30. Moreover, the confiningmember 62 apart from thecompressor 31 appropriately confines the upward displacement of theheat pump device 30 or thefilter 40 connected to theheat pump device 30. Accordingly, thesupport mechanism 560 may appropriately support theheat pump device 30 in the upper space of thehousing 1. - The housing of the general washing and drying machine becomes taller according to height of the supporting member supporting the components in the upper space.
- In this embodiment, the
drum 3 and thewater vessel 2 are tilted in thehousing 1. Consequently, the upper space becomes wider near therear wall 1d than near thefront wall 1e. Larger elements (compressor 31 and/or blower 9) are disposed in the upper space near therear wall 1d. Accordingly, sufficiently wide space is exploited to place the supportingmember housing 1. - The generatrix G defining the outer surface of the
peripheral wall 521 of thewater vessel 2 is tilted downward from thefront wall 1e toward therear wall 1d. Accordingly, the distance between the inner surface of theupper wall 1c defining an upper boundary of the upper space and theperipheral wall 521 of thewater vessel 2 becomes longer upon approaching therear wall 1d. Since theheat pump device 30 is closer to therear wall 1d than to thefront wall 1e, in addition to theheat pump device 30, the supportingmembers heat pump device 30 are also appropriately disposed in thecompact housing 1. - The
dehumidifier 34 and theheating portion 32 of theheat pump device 30 are preferably formed using highly conductive metal such as copper or aluminum. Since theheat pump device 30 is disposed above thewater vessel 2 as described above, it is less likely that theheat pump device 30 is exposed to the wash water. Accordingly, metallic corrosion in thedehumidifier 34 and theheating portion 32, which may be caused by chemical components such as detergent, softener or bleach contained in the wash water, less likely occurs. - Since the
dehumidifier 34 and theheating portion 32 of theheat exchanger 80 are linearly aligned with respect to theblower 9 along thecirculatory airflow path 8 of the dry air, the dry air substantially linearly flows in theheat exchanger 80. In general, inflected flow of fluid induces drift and pressure loss of the fluid, but the linear arrangement of thedehumidifier 34 and theheating portion 32 according to this embodiment hardly causes such drift and pressure loss of the fluid, which results in efficient circulation of the dry air and less power consumption of theblower 9 to blow the dry air in thecirculatory airflow path 8. - As a result of the less drift of the dry air, it is less likely that the dry air passing through the
dehumidifier 34 locally becomes faster. As described above, thedehumidifier 34 condensates the water components in the dry air. If the faster flow of the dry air locally occurs in thedehumidifier 34, the condensed water components is carried by the dry air once again to thedrum 3 via theblower 9. Consequently, the clothing in thedrum 3 may absorb the water components once again. In this embodiment, it is less likely that the linear arrangement of thedehumidifier 34 and theheating portion 32 causes the locally faster flow of the dry air as described above. Accordingly, it is less likely that the circulation of the condensed water component deteriorates the drying efficiency. - In general, under lower flow rate of fluid passing through a heat pump device, a heat absorption amount of an endothermic portion configured to absorb heat from the fluid goes down, which results in incomplete vaporization of refrigerant passing through the endothermic portion. Subsequently, the incompletely vaporized refrigerant may reach a compressor. The compressor may potentially malfunction as a result of compressing a devolatilized refrigerant.
- In this embodiment, since the linear arrangement of the
dehumidifier 34 and theheating portion 32 maintains appropriate flow rate of the dry air in theheat exchanger 80, complete vaporization of the refrigerant in thedehumidifier 34 may be easily achieved. Since it is less likely that devolatilized refrigerant flows into thecompressor 31, thecompressor 31 hardly malfunctions, which results in the more reliable washing and dryingmachine 500 comprising theheat pump device 30. As a result of the enhancement in reliability, it may be possible to continuously dehumidify the dry air without halting thecompressor 31 to shorten drying operation period. - It should be noted that, as the refrigerant used in the
heat pump device 30, any standard refrigerant such as HFC (hydrofluorocarbon)-based refrigerant, HFO (hydrofluoroolefin)-based refrigerant, and carbon dioxide refrigerant may be suitably used. - In this embodiment, the washing and drying
machine 500 includes a washing function and a drying function. Alternatively, the principle of the aforementioned embodiment may be applied to a laundry machine without the drying function. A laundry machine without the drying function does not need the aforementionedheat pump device 30 or the various elements arranged along thecirculatory airflow path 8. - In this embodiment, the washing and drying
machine 500 is a drum-type washing and drying machine. Alternatively, the principle according to the aforementioned embodiment may be applied to a pulsator-type washing and drying machine. - In this embodiment, the washing and drying
machine 500 heats and dehumidifies the dry air for drying the clothing with theheat pump device 30. Alternatively, the dry air may be heated with a heater. Moreover, the dry air may be dehumidified with an air-cooled dehumidifier. - The foregoing embodiment primarily includes the laundry machine configured as described below.
- The laundry machine according to one aspect of the present invention includes: a housing; a water vessel disposed in the housing; a detergent dispenser provided above the water vessel; a water supply channel in fluid communication with the detergent dispenser and the water vessel; a water supply valve configured to control water supply; and a formation member connected to the water supply valve to form a water filling pipe configured to supply water into the detergent dispenser, wherein the water filling pipe is disposed below the water supply valve.
- According to the foregoing configuration, the water supplied under the water supply control by the water supply valve pass through the water filling pipe and reaches the detergent dispenser. The water thereafter passes through the water supply channel and is supplied into the water vessel. The water filling pipe is disposed below the water supply valve. When the water supply is complete, water around the water supply valve is appropriately drained. Since the water is less likely to remain around the water supply valve, it is less likely that mold grows around the water supply valve. Accordingly, since the water supplied to the water vessel is less likely to be contaminated by the mold, the laundry machine may maintain washing performance for a long time.
- In the foregoing configuration, preferably, the laundry machine further includes a control substrate configured to control operation of the laundry machine, wherein the control substrate is disposed in a space above the detergent dispenser in the housing.
- According to the foregoing configuration, since the water filling pipe is disposed below the water supply valve, the detergent dispenser is also placed at a lower position. A space is thereby formed above the detergent dispenser. The control substrate configured to control the operation of the laundry machine is disposed in the foregoing space. A more compact laundry machine may be provided since the control substrate exploits the space in the housing.
- Since the control substrate is disposed over the detergent dispenser above the water vessel, electricians may access the control substrate with standing near the housing, which results in more efficient maintenance of the control substrate.
- In the foregoing configuration, preferably, the control substrate includes a radiator, and the radiator is disposed near the formation member configured to form the water filling pipe.
- According to the foregoing configuration, the formation member configured to form the water filling pipe is cooled with the water passing through the water filling pipe during the water supply. Accordingly, the heat generated in the control substrate efficiently radiates via the radiator of the control substrate near the formation member, so that it is less likely that heat accumulation makes the control substrate malfunction.
- In the foregoing configuration, preferably, the radiator comes in contact with the formation member, the formation member is formed with a through-hole leading to the radiator, and the water flowing into the water filling pipe through the through-hole comes in contact with the radiator.
- According to the foregoing configuration, the water passing through the water filling pipe directly contacts the radiator of the control substrate. Therefore heat efficiently radiates from the control substrate. The water flowing into the water vessel is warmed with the heat radiation from the control substrate. Accordingly, the washing efficiency is improved.
- In the foregoing configuration, preferably, the laundry machine further includes a check valve disposed at a connection between the water vessel and the water supply channel, wherein the check valve allows the water to flow from the detergent dispenser to the water vessel and prevents the water to flow from the water vessel to the detergent dispenser.
- According to the foregoing configuration, the check valve is mounted at the connection between the water vessel and the water supply channel. Accordingly, the water flowing from the water supply valve may adequately pass through the check valve due to the hydraulic head pressure arising between the connection and the detergent dispenser. Since the water adequately passes through the check value without increase in height of the detergent dispenser in order to obtain the hydraulic head pressure, a more compact laundry machine is provided.
- The washing and drying machine according to another aspect of the present invention includes: the foregoing laundry machine; a rotatable drum internally mounted in the water vessel; and a drying mechanism configured to supply drying air into the drum for drying clothing in the drum.
- According to the foregoing configuration, since the washing and drying machine including a washing function and a drying function is hardly affected by the contamination of water resulting from the mold around the water supply valve, the washing and drying machine may maintain a more effective washing function for a long time.
- The principle of the aforementioned embodiment may be suitably applied to various types of laundry machines and washing and drying machines such as drum-type and pulsator-type.
Claims (6)
- A laundry machine comprising:a housing (1);a water vessel (2) disposed in the housing (1);a detergent dispenser (10) provided above the water vessel (2);a water supply channel (17) in fluid communication with the detergent dispenser (10) and the water vessel (2);a water supply valve (14) configured to control water supply; anda formation member (16) connected to the water supply valve (14) to form a water filling pipe (15) configured to supply water into the detergent dispenser (10),wherein the water filling pipe (15) is disposed below the water supply valve (14).
- The laundry machine according to claim 1, further comprising:a control substrate (50) configured to control operation of the laundry machine, whereinthe control substrate (50) is disposed in a space above the detergent dispenser (10) in the housing (1).
- The laundry machine according to claim 2, wherein
the control substrate (50) includes a radiator (50a), and
the radiator (50a) is disposed near the formation member (16) configured to form the water filling pipe (15). - The laundry machine according to claim 3, wherein
the radiator (50a) comes in contact with the formation member (16),
the formation member (16) is formed with a through-hole (16a) leading to the radiator (50a), and
the water flowing into the water filling pipe (15) comes in contact with the radiator (50a) through the through-hole (16a). - The laundry machine according to any one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising:a check valve (18) disposed at a connection between the water vessel (2) and the water supply channel (17),wherein the check valve (18) allows the water to flow from the detergent dispenser (10) to the water vessel (2) and prevents the water to flow from the water vessel (2) to the detergent dispenser (10).
- A washing and drying machine (500) comprising:the laundry machine of one of preceding claims;a rotatable drum (3) internally mounted in the water; anda drying mechanism configured to supply drying air into the drum (3) for drying clothing in the drum (3).
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
JP2010032659A JP5465551B2 (en) | 2010-02-17 | 2010-02-17 | Washing machine and washing dryer |
Publications (2)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
EP2360309A1 true EP2360309A1 (en) | 2011-08-24 |
EP2360309B1 EP2360309B1 (en) | 2018-01-24 |
Family
ID=43920798
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
EP11153957.3A Not-in-force EP2360309B1 (en) | 2010-02-17 | 2011-02-10 | Laundry machine and washing and drying machine |
Country Status (4)
Country | Link |
---|---|
EP (1) | EP2360309B1 (en) |
JP (1) | JP5465551B2 (en) |
CN (2) | CN102162185B (en) |
TW (1) | TWI434974B (en) |
Cited By (5)
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EP2447410A1 (en) * | 2010-10-26 | 2012-05-02 | Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. | Washing machine |
US20150128659A1 (en) * | 2013-11-12 | 2015-05-14 | Dongbu Daewoo Electronics Corporation | Water supply valve and water supply valve assembly for wall mounted drum type washing machine |
EP3064629A4 (en) * | 2013-10-30 | 2017-04-12 | Haier Group Corporation | Pulsator-type heat pump combined washer-dryer and drying method |
CN111088664A (en) * | 2018-10-23 | 2020-05-01 | 宁波吉德电器有限公司 | Softener putting control method for washing machine and washing machine |
US11713533B2 (en) * | 2016-12-23 | 2023-08-01 | Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. | Washing machine |
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JP6071250B2 (en) * | 2012-05-25 | 2017-02-01 | 東芝ライフスタイル株式会社 | Washing machine |
JP6572434B2 (en) * | 2015-10-14 | 2019-09-11 | パナソニックIpマネジメント株式会社 | Clothes dryer |
CN106012413A (en) * | 2016-07-26 | 2016-10-12 | Tcl家用电器(合肥)有限公司 | Washing agent box and washing and drying all-in-one machine |
CN106012437A (en) * | 2016-07-26 | 2016-10-12 | Tcl家用电器(合肥)有限公司 | Washing agent box and washing machine |
CN114182474B (en) * | 2021-11-30 | 2022-08-26 | 珠海格力电器股份有限公司 | Washing machine with heat pump drying function and drying control method |
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Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
TWI434974B (en) | 2014-04-21 |
CN201933320U (en) | 2011-08-17 |
JP2011167302A (en) | 2011-09-01 |
JP5465551B2 (en) | 2014-04-09 |
CN102162185A (en) | 2011-08-24 |
CN102162185B (en) | 2012-11-07 |
EP2360309B1 (en) | 2018-01-24 |
TW201144517A (en) | 2011-12-16 |
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