JP2009066105A - Washing and drying machine - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To improve the maintainability of a heat pump unit in a washing and drying machine provided with the heat pump unit. <P>SOLUTION: The washing and drying machine includes: a water tank 40 for storing water used in a washing operation; a water supply path (water supply route) 30 for supplying the water inside the water tank 40 into a housing chamber 10 in the washing operation; the heat pump unit 20 with a refrigerant circuit comprising at least a compressor 21, a heat radiator 22, a capillary tube (pressure reduction device) 23 and a heat sink 24; and an air circulation route 50 for discharging air successively heat-exchanged with the heat sink 24 and the heat radiator 22 into the housing chamber 10 and heat-exchanging the air which has passed through the housing chamber 10 with the heat sink 24 again. The water tank 40 is arranged on the back surface side of the lower part of a main body B, and the heat pump unit 20 is arranged on the front surface side of the lower part of the main body B. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2009,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a washing / drying machine that performs a washing operation of a laundry to be washed and a subsequent drying operation.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, there has been provided a washing / drying machine that automatically performs washing to drying of a laundry in a storage room that stores the laundry. This laundry dryer generally performs a washing operation having a plurality of different processes such as washing, rinsing and dehydration, and a drying operation for drying the laundry to be dehydrated in the dehydration process.

  In the conventional drying operation, an electric heater or a gas combustion heater is conventionally used as a heat source, and the outside air is heated by the electric heater or the combustion heater to form high-temperature air, and then blown out into the storage chamber in which the laundry is stored. The indoor laundry was dried.

  However, when a drying operation is performed using an electric heater, a gas combustion heater, or the like, the high-temperature air sent into the storage room uses outside air that has low temperature outside the storage room and includes humidity. It takes a long time for things to dry. Therefore, there is a problem that the energy consumption for drying the object to be dried increases and the energy cost such as electricity bill and gas bill rises.

Therefore, the air in the air circulation path is blown by a blower using a heat pump unit comprising a refrigerant circuit in which a pressure reducing device such as a compressor, a radiator, an expansion valve, and a heat absorber are connected by piping and the heat exchange medium can be circulated. Developed one that heats with a radiator, discharges heated high-temperature air to the storage chamber, dries the material to be dried in the storage chamber, condenses the moisture evaporated from the material to be dried, and disposes it on the heat sink (See, for example, Patent Document 1).
JP 2007-29359 A

  By the way, since such a heat pump unit has a considerable weight, when it is disposed in the main body of the washing and drying machine, the center of gravity is biased to the front surface, and the main body tends to fall down to the front side. In order to avoid this, a heat pump unit is disposed on the lower back side of the washing / drying machine main body to ensure stability.

  However, when the heat pump unit is arranged on the back side of the main body, when taking out the heat pump during maintenance of the heat pump, a work space is required on the back side of the main body, so the washing and drying machine main body must be moved, In particular, after installing the washing and drying machine in the home, there has been a problem that it is difficult to perform maintenance work.

  The present invention has been made to solve the conventional technical problem, and an object of the present invention is to improve the maintainability of the heat pump unit in the washing / drying machine including the heat pump unit.

  The washing / drying machine of the present invention stores the laundry in a storage room provided in the main body, and executes a washing operation and a subsequent drying operation, and stores water used in the washing operation. A heat pump having a refrigerant circuit configured to include at least a compressor, a radiator, a decompression device, and a heat absorber, and a water supply path for supplying water in the water tank to a storage chamber in a washing operation A water tank comprising a unit and an air circulation path for discharging air that has been sequentially exchanged with the heat absorber and the heat radiator into the accommodation chamber in a drying operation, and for allowing the air that has passed through the accommodation chamber to exchange heat with the heat absorber again; Is arranged on the back side of the lower part of the main body, and the heat pump unit is arranged on the front side of the lower part of the main body.

  The washing / drying machine of the invention of claim 2 is characterized in that, in the above invention, the heat pump unit is detachable from the air circulation path, so that it can be pulled out forward of the main body.

  A washing and drying machine according to a third aspect of the invention is characterized in that in the invention according to the first or second aspect, the air passing through the accommodation chamber is heat-exchanged with water in the water tank.

  According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, the washing / drying machine according to the third aspect is characterized in that the air circulation path through which air passes through the storage chamber passes through the water in the water tank.

  According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the invention of the third aspect, the water in the water tank is caused to flow down into the air circulation path through which air passes through the storage chamber.

  According to the present invention, in a washing / drying machine that stores a laundry in a storage chamber provided in a main body and executes a washing operation and a subsequent drying operation, the water used in the washing operation is stored. A water pump, a water supply path for supplying water in the water tank into the accommodation chamber in a washing operation, and a heat pump unit having a refrigerant circuit configured to include at least a compressor, a radiator, a decompressor, and a heat absorber The air tank is provided with an air circulation path for discharging air that has been heat-exchanged sequentially with the heat absorber and the radiator into the storage chamber in the drying operation, and for allowing the air that has passed through the storage chamber to be heat-exchanged with the heat absorber again. Since the heat pump unit is arranged on the front side of the lower part of the main body and arranged on the lower side of the lower part, the heat pump unit maintenance can be easily performed from the front side of the main body. Thereby, the maintainability of the heat pump unit can be improved. Moreover, even if it is a case where a heat pump unit is arrange | positioned on the front side of a main body by arrange | positioning a water tank heavier than a heat pump unit in the back side of the lower part of a main body, it can prevent falling forward.

  In addition, the water used in the washing operation is stored in the water tank, and in the washing operation, the water used in the washing operation is reused by supplying the stored water to the accommodation chamber through the water supply path. It can save water.

  Further, in the above invention, if the heat pump unit can be attached to and detached from the air circulation path as in the invention of claim 2, the heat pump unit can be maintained more easily if it can be pulled out in front of the main body. Thereby, the maintenance property can be improved.

  Furthermore, in each of the above inventions, if the air passing through the storage chamber is exchanged with the water in the water tank as in the invention of claim 3, the heat of the air passing through the storage chamber is released to the water in the water tank. Thus, the temperature of the air circulating in the circulation path can be lowered. Thereby, the inconvenience that heat accumulates in the washing and drying machine can be suppressed. Furthermore, the dehumidifying performance is improved and the drying time can be shortened.

  In particular, in the invention described in claim 3, if the air circulation path through which the air passing through the accommodation chamber passes as in the invention of claim 4 passes through the water in the water tank, the water in the water tank is separately circulated. The air passing through the accommodation chamber can be heat-exchanged with the water in the water tank without providing the water circulation means.

  Further, in the invention according to claim 3, if the water in the water tank is caused to flow down into the air circulation path through which the air passing through the storage chamber passes as in the invention according to claim 5, the configuration of the air circulation path is as follows. It can be simplified.

  The present invention has been made to improve the maintainability of a heat pump unit in a washer / dryer including a heat pump unit having a refrigerant circuit including a compressor, a radiator, a decompressor, and a heat absorber. For the purpose of improving the maintainability of such a heat pump unit, a water tank for storing water used in washing operation is arranged on the back side of the lower part of the main body, and the heat pump unit is arranged on the front side of the lower part of the main body It was realized by doing. Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

  FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram viewed from the side of a washing / drying machine W of one embodiment to which the present invention is applied, FIG. 2 is an internal configuration diagram viewed from the front of the washing / drying machine W of FIG. 1, and FIG. Each internal configuration diagram is shown. The washing / drying machine W executes a washing operation for washing clothes to be washed (clothes to be dried) such as clothes and a drying operation for drying the laundry washed in the washing operation. An open / close door 3 for opening and closing an outlet 6 for taking in and out the laundry is attached to the upper side of the outer case 1 of the main body B constituting the main body B. An operation panel (not shown) on which various operation switches and a display unit are disposed is provided on the side of the open / close door 3 or on the exterior case 1 above.

  In the main body B, an outer tub drum 2 made of a cylindrical resin capable of storing water is provided, and the outer tub drum 2 is disposed with a cylindrical axis as an oblique direction. Inside the outer tub drum 2, an approximately cylindrical stainless steel inner tub drum 5 serving as a washing tub and a dewatering tub is provided. The inside of the inner tub drum 5 is a storage chamber 10 for storing the laundry, and this is also arranged with a cylindrical shaft as an oblique direction, and the shaft of the drive motor M mounted on the outer tub drum 2. It is connected to a shaft 8 and is held rotatably in the outer tub drum 2 around the shaft 8.

  Further, the outlet 6 is formed on one end surface 5A (the left surface in FIG. 1) of the inner tank drum 5, and the inner tank drum 5 is provided with a hard rubber member 11 made of ethylene propylene rubber and the like and a support. The member 9 is rotatably held at the outlet 6. In addition, a plurality of through holes 7 through which air and water can flow are formed around the cylindrical side surface 5S of the inner tank drum 5 and the other end surface 5B in the axial direction (the right side surface in FIG. 1). . The through holes 7 are holes through which water flows out in the washing operation and air for drying (circulation air) flows in the drying operation.

  The drive motor M described above is for rotating the inner tub drum 5 about the shaft 8 in the same oblique direction as the shafts of the outer tub drum 2 and the inner tub drum 5 in the washing operation and the drying operation after the end of the washing operation. Motor. The drive motor M is attached to one end of the shaft 8, and the controller C, which will be described later, rotates the inner tub drum 5 at a high speed during the dehydration process of the washing operation, and compared with the washing operation during the drying operation. Thus, the inner tank drum 5 is controlled to rotate at a low speed.

  On the other hand, a water supply passage 30 for supplying water into the outer tub drum 2 is provided above the outer tub drum 2 of the main body B, and one end of the water supply passage 30 is made of tap water or the like via a water supply valve 30V. Connected to water supply. The water supply valve 30V is controlled to be opened and closed by the controller C. The other end of the water supply passage 30 is connected to the detergent box 15. The detergent box 15 is connected to the outer tank drum 2 by the communication pipe 32 and is opened above the inner tank drum 5 in the outer tank drum 2. When the water supply valve 30V is opened by the controller C, Water (tap water) is supplied from the water supply source into the outer drum 2 via the water supply passage 30, the detergent box 15, and the communication pipe 32, and the water is supplied to the through holes 7 around the side surface 5S of the inner drum 5. It is comprised so that it may be supplied also to the storage chamber 10 via.

  Further, a drainage passage 35 as a draining means for discharging water in the outer tub drum 2 (including the storage chamber 10) is provided at the lower part of the main body B, and one end of the drainage passage 35 is washed and dried. It is led out to the outside of the machine W and opens to a drainage groove or the like. The other end of the drainage passage 35 is connected to the other end 2B side of the outer tank drum 2 from the other end surface 5B of the inner tank drum 5 through two drainage valves 35V and 36V whose opening and closing are controlled by the controller C. The outer tank drum 2 is communicated with the lowest part.

  The drainage passage 35 is on one end side of the drainage valve 35V (on the opposite side to the other end communicating with the lowest part of the outer drum 2 and on the lower side in FIG. 1), and on the other end of the drainage valve 36V. One end of the water storage passage 36 is connected to the side (upper side in FIG. 1), that is, the drainage passage 35 between the drainage valve 35V and the drainage valve 36V. The water storage passage 36 is a passage for leading to a water tank 40 for storing water discharged through the drainage passage 35 after being used in the washing operation, and the other end of the water storage passage 36 is the water tank 40. Open in.

  One end of a water supply passage 38 is connected to the bottom of the water tank 40. The water supply passage 38 is a water supply path for supplying water in the water tank 40 to the storage chamber 10. The water supply passage 38 stands upward from one end opening at the bottom of the water tank 40, and the other end is connected to the detergent box 15. A pump P for pumping up water in the water tank 40 is installed in the water supply passage 38, and the water in the water tank 40 is washed on the other end side (upper side in FIG. 1) from the pump P. One end of a drain pipe 39 for discharging to the outside of the dryer W is connected, and the water in the water tank 40 pumped up by the pump P flows to the drain pipe 39 at a connection portion of one end of the drain pipe 39. A three-way valve 38V (flow path control means) is provided for controlling whether to supply to the storage chamber 10 or not.

  Further, the other end of the drainage pipe 39 is connected to a drainage passage 35 on one end side from the drainage valve 36V (the opposite side to the other end communicating with the lowest part of the outer drum 2 and the lower side in FIG. 1). Has been. The controller C controls the opening and closing of the valve devices such as the drain valves 35V and 36V and the three-way valve 38V and the operation of the pump P described above.

  On the other hand, a suction port 52 of an air circulation path 50 to be described later is formed in the outer tank drum 2 on the one end face 5A side above the cylindrical side surface 5S of the inner tank drum 5. The suction port 52 is an air outlet of the storage chamber 10 for discharging air from the storage chamber 10. An air outlet 54 of the air circulation path 50 is formed above the other end 2B of the outer tub drum 2. The air outlet 54 is an air inlet of the storage chamber 10 for introducing air into the storage chamber 10.

  On the other hand, the air circulation path 50 described above is configured from the front side to the lower side and the side of the outer tub drum 2 in the main body B. In the drying operation, the air circulation path 50 operates the fan 55 installed in the air circulation path 50 to discharge the air that is sequentially heat-exchanged with the heat absorber 24 and the heat radiator 22 into the storage chamber 10. This is a path for exchanging heat between the air that has passed through the storage chamber 10 and the heat absorber 24 again. A heat radiator 22 and a heat absorber 24 of the heat pump unit 20 to be described later are installed in the air circulation path 50 so as to exchange heat with the air circulated by the fan 55.

  Specifically, the air circulation path 50 of the present embodiment includes a duct member 51 on the suction port 52 side, a duct member 53 on the discharge port 54 side, and the air of the heat pump unit 20 configured in the heat insulating box 17 described later. It consists of a passage 29 and the like. One end of the duct member 51 is above the cylindrical side surface 5S of the inner tank drum 5, and is connected and fixed to the suction port 52 formed in the outer tank drum 2 on the one end surface 5A side. The inside of the main body B between the tank drum 2 and the side of the outer case 1 extends downward, and the other end is air in the heat insulating box 17 in which the heat pump unit 20 disposed on the lower front side of the main body B is accommodated. It is fixedly connected to the inlet 17A. In FIG. 1, reference numeral 57 denotes a waste thread filter for removing waste thread from the laundry stored in the storage chamber 10 from the circulating air, and a suction port 52 of the duct member 51 of the air circulation path 50. It is installed in the vicinity.

  One end of the duct member 53 is connected and fixed to the air outlet 54 formed above the other end 2 </ b> B of the outer tub drum 2, extends from the one end to the lower front side, and the other end of the heat insulating box 17. It is connected and fixed to the air outlet 17B.

Further, the air passage 29 is configured in the heat insulating box 17 in which the heat pump unit 20 is accommodated, and a radiator 22 and a heat absorber 24 are installed on the air passage 29. The heat pump unit 20 has a refrigerant circuit (refrigeration cycle) configured to include at least a compressor 21, a radiator 22, a capillary tube 23 as a decompression device, and a heat absorber 24. The heat pump unit 20 of the present embodiment includes a refrigerant circuit configured by sequentially connecting a compressor 21, a radiator 22, a capillary tube 23, a heat absorber 24, and the like in an annular manner. In this embodiment, the capillary tube 23 is used as the pressure reducing device of the heat pump unit 20, but an expansion valve may be used. The refrigerant circuit of the heat pump unit 20 is filled with a predetermined amount of carbon dioxide (CO ₂ ) as a refrigerant.

  The compressor 21 used in the present embodiment is a multi-stage (two-stage) compression rotary compressor, and includes an electric element in a hermetic container (not shown) and a first rotary compression element (1 Stage) and a second rotary compression element (second stage). Then, the low-pressure refrigerant is introduced from the refrigerant introduction pipe 25 to the first rotary compression element of the compressor 21, and the high-temperature and high-pressure refrigerant compressed by the second rotary compression element is discharged from the refrigerant discharge pipe 26 to the outside of the compressor 21. It is configured. The compressor that can be used in the present invention is not limited to the two-stage compression rotary compressor 21 of the embodiment, and may be a single-stage or three-stage or more multi-stage compression compressor, or a scroll. Various other compressors such as type and reciprocating type compressors are also applicable. The refrigerant to be sealed in the refrigerant circuit is not limited to carbon dioxide, and other existing refrigerants (for example, HFC) may be used.

  The refrigerant discharge pipe 26 of the compressor 21 is connected to an inlet of an air heating radiator 22 provided on the outlet 54 side of the air circulation path 50. The piping 27 exiting the radiator 22 reaches the capillary tube 23, and the piping 28 connected to the outlet of the capillary tube 23 is connected to the inlet of the heat absorber 24 provided on the suction port 52 side of the air circulation path 50. The refrigerant inlet pipe 25 of the compressor 21 is connected to the outlet of the heat absorber 24 to constitute such an annular refrigerant circuit.

  On the other hand, the heat radiator 22 is a heating means for heating the air in the air circulation path 50 of the present embodiment, and is in the heat insulating box body 17 on the outlet 54 side (duct member 53 side) from the heat absorber 24. It is installed on the air outlet 17B side on the air path 29. Further, the heat absorber 24 is disposed at the air inlet 17 </ b> A on the air path 29 in the heat insulating box body 17 on the suction port 52 side (duct member 51 side) from the heat radiator 22.

  The fan 55 sends air heated by the radiator 22 in the drying operation as described above from the air outlet 54 of the air circulation path 50 to the storage chamber 10 in the inner tank drum 5, and the air that has passed through the storage chamber 10. After the air is sent from the suction port 52 to the heat absorber 24, it is returned to the heat radiator 22, and thereby air is circulated in the air circulation path 50. In the present embodiment, the fan 55 is disposed in a duct member 53 connected to the air downstream side of the heat pump unit 20 in the air circulation path 50.

  That is, the washing / drying machine W operates the fan 55 during the drying operation to suck into the fan 55 the air that is sequentially heat-exchanged with the heat absorber 24 and the heat radiator 22, and discharges the air into the housing chamber 10 from the air outlet 54. The air passing through the storage chamber 10 is circulated so as to return to the heat absorber 24.

  The operation of the washing / drying machine W of this embodiment is controlled by the controller C described above. The controller C is a control means for controlling the washing and drying machine W, and operates the drive motor M, opens / closes the water supply valve 30V of the water supply passage 30 and the water discharge valves 35V and 36V of the water discharge passage 35, and the three-way valve of the water supply passage 38. The operation of 38V, the operation of the pump P in the water supply passage 38, the operation of the compressor 21 of the heat pump unit 20, the air volume of the fan 55, and the like are controlled. Further, the controller C controls the temperature of the air that has passed through the radiator 22 so that the laundry to be stored in the storage chamber 10 is not discolored and damaged. Specifically, for example, a temperature sensor for detecting the inlet temperature of the storage chamber 10 is attached in the vicinity of the outlet 54 of the duct member 53 of the air circulation path 50 that is the air inlet of the storage chamber 10, and the controller C The operation of the compressor 21 is controlled so that the temperature of the circulating air detected by the temperature sensor becomes a predetermined temperature.

  Next, the operation of the washing / drying machine W will be described with the above configuration. First, the operation when water is not stored in the water tank 40 will be described. In this embodiment, the water used in the rinsing process of the washing operation is stored in the water tank 40, and the water stored in the water tank 40 is used in the washing process of the next washing operation. Will be explained. In addition, for example, whether or not water is stored in the water tank 40 is determined by providing a water level sensor in the water tank 40 and detecting the water storage in the water tank 40 by the sensor during the washing operation. Alternatively, the operation of the drain valve 36V and the pump P may be stored in the memory by the controller C, and the presence or absence of water stored in the water tank 40 may be determined based on the information stored in the memory during the washing operation. Absent. In addition to this, the present invention is effective as another method for determining the water storage in the water tank 40.

  First, the laundry is put into the storage chamber 10 in the inner tub drum 5 from the outlet 6 and a predetermined amount of detergent corresponding to the amount of the laundry is put into the detergent box 15 to open and close the lid. 3 and the detergent box 15 are closed, and the washing operation is started by the controller C when the power switch and start switch of the operation switch described above are operated. At this time, the controller C determines whether water is stored in the water tank 40. In this case, when it is determined that water is not stored in the water tank 40, the water supply valve 30V of the water supply passage 30 is opened, and the water supply passage 30 is opened. Thereby, water is supplied from the water supply source to the outer tank drum 2 through the water supply passage 30, the detergent box 15, and the communication pipe 32. The water supplied to the outer tank drum 2 flows into the storage chamber 10 through a plurality of through holes 7 formed in the inner tank drum 5. At this time, both drain valves 35V and 36V of the drain passage 35 are closed.

  When a predetermined amount of water accumulates in the storage chamber 10 of the inner tank drum 5, the controller C closes the water supply valve 30V and closes the water supply passage 30. Thereby, the supply of water from the water supply source is stopped.

  Next, the drive motor M is energized and activated by the controller C. As a result, the shaft 8 rotates, and the inner tub drum 5 attached to the shaft 8 starts to rotate in the outer tub drum 2, and the washing (washing) process of the washing operation is started. When a predetermined time elapses from the start of the cleaning process, the controller C stops the drive motor M, opens both the drain valves 35V and 36V of the drain passage 35, and opens the inside of the storage chamber 10 of the inner tank drum 5 (that is, outside). Water (washing water) in the tank drum 2 is discharged.

  When the water in the storage chamber 10 (in the outer tub drum 2) is discharged, the drive motor M is actuated again by the controller C, and the laundry is dehydrated. When this dehydration is executed for a predetermined time, the drain valves 35V and 36V are closed, the drain passage is closed, and the process proceeds to the rinsing process.

  In this rinsing step, first, the drain valve 30V of the water supply passage 30 is opened, and the water supply passage 30 is opened. Thereby, water is again supplied from the water supply source to the outer drum 2 and the storage chamber 10. When a predetermined amount of water is supplied to the storage chamber 10 in the inner tank drum 5, the controller C closes the water supply valve 30 </ b> V and closes the water supply passage 30. Thereby, the supply of water from the water supply source is stopped.

  Then, after the rotation operation of the drive motor M is repeated for a predetermined time to perform rinsing, the drive motor M is stopped. Here, in the present embodiment, as described above, the rinsing water after rinsing the laundry in the rinsing process is stored in the water tank without being discharged to the outside. That is, the controller C opens the drain valve 35V of the drain passage 35 with the drain valve 36V closed. Thereby, the rinsing water in the storage chamber 10 (in the outer tank drum 2) is discharged to the drainage passage 35. The rinse water discharged into the drainage passage 35 flows into the water tank 40 from the drainage passage 35 through the water storage passage 36. At this time, since the pump P of the water supply passage 38 remains stopped, the rinse water from the storage chamber 10 that has flowed into the water tank 40 is stored in the water tank 40.

  When the rinse water in the storage chamber 10 (in the outer tub drum 2) is discharged, the drive motor M is actuated by the controller C, and the inner tub drum 5 is rotated in the same manner as described above to dehydrate the laundry. Move to dehydration process. When this dehydration process is executed for a predetermined time, the controller C closes the drain valve 35V of the drain passage 35 and closes the drain passage 35. In addition, by starting the preheating operation of the heat pump in the middle of the dehydration process, it is possible to circulate a certain amount of high-temperature air in the air circulation path 50 when the dehydration process is shifted to the drying operation. Further, the compressor 21 is started by the controller C and the operation of the fan 55 is started, and the inner tank drum 5 is rotated by the drive motor M to shift to the drying operation. In each figure, arrows indicate the flow of circulating air during the drying operation.

On the other hand, when the compressor 21 is driven, the refrigerant (CO ₂ ) is sucked into the first rotary compression element of the compressor 21 from the refrigerant introduction pipe 25 and compressed. The refrigerant compressed to the intermediate pressure by the first rotary compression element is sucked into the second rotary compression element and compressed in the second stage to become supercritical high-temperature / high-pressure refrigerant gas, and the refrigerant discharge pipe 26 is discharged to the outside.

  The refrigerant gas discharged from the refrigerant discharge pipe 26 flows into the radiator 22 provided in the air circulation path 50. At this time, the temperature of the refrigerant flowing into the radiator 22 has risen to about + 100 ° C. to + 120 ° C., and the high-temperature and high-pressure refrigerant gas here radiates heat by exchanging heat with the air circulating in the air circulation path 50. , And cooled to about + 30 ° C. to + 50 ° C.

  The refrigerant cooled by the radiator 22 is then depressurized by the capillary tube 23, and then circulated air (air including moisture from the storage chamber 10) by the heat absorber 24 provided in the air circulation path 50. Evaporates through heat exchange. That is, the refrigerant circuit 20 condenses air containing moisture from the storage chamber 10 by the heat absorber 24 to remove moisture in the air, and pumps heat from the circulating air by the refrigerant in the heat absorber 24. It functions as a heat pump that heats the circulating air that is transported to the radiator 22 and discharged into the storage chamber 10.

  In this way, the refrigerant circuit 20 is provided, and moisture in the air from the storage chamber 10 is condensed and removed by the heat absorber 24. At this time, the heat pumped up from the air is conveyed to the radiator 22 by the refrigerant, and the storage chamber By using it for heating the circulating air discharged to 10, energy efficiency can be improved. In particular, since the circulating air can be heated to a high temperature without using a special heating means such as an electric heater by the radiator 22, energy costs such as electric energy are reduced, and a more efficient drying operation is realized. be able to.

  The refrigerant evaporated in the heat absorber 24 is then sucked into the compressor 21 through the refrigerant introduction pipe 25 and circulated.

  In addition, air heated to + 90 ° C. to + 110 ° C. through heat exchange with the high-temperature and high-pressure refrigerant gas flowing through the radiator 22 by the operation of the fan 55 exits the heat insulating box 17 from the air outlet 17B, and the duct member 53. Through the blower outlet 54 formed above the other end 2B of the outer tub drum 2, and through the holes 7 and 5 formed in the other end surface 5B of the inner tub drum 5. -It discharges in the storage chamber 10 from.

  The air discharged into the storage chamber 10 warms the laundry stored in the storage chamber 10 to evaporate moisture and dry the laundry. Then, air containing moisture by drying the laundry flows out of the inner tub drum 5 from the through holes 7..., And passes through the air circulation path 50 from the suction port 52 formed above the outer tub drum 2. It is sucked in. Then, it passes through the duct member 51 of the air circulation path 50, enters the heat insulating box 17 from the air inlet 17 </ b> A, and passes through the heat absorber 24 provided on the air passage configured in the heat insulating box 17. .

  At this time, the air containing moisture by drying the laundry in the storage chamber 10 exchanges heat with the refrigerant flowing through the heat absorber 24 and is deprived of heat by the refrigerant. Then, moisture in the air condenses on the surface of the heat absorber 24. As a result, the laundry can be dried by the heat absorber 24 to condense and remove moisture from the moisture-containing air, and the dried air can be obtained again.

  The water condensed on the surface of the heat absorber 24 is then dropped as a water droplet onto a drain pan (not shown) provided at the lower portion of the heat absorber 24 and discharged to the outside through the drain pipe, the drainage passage 35 and the like. Is done.

  On the other hand, the air that has been dried by removing moisture from the heat absorber 24 is deprived of heat by the refrigerant flowing through the heat absorber 24 and is cooled to about + 20 ° C. to + 40 ° C. Then, after passing through the periphery of the radiator 22 and exchanging heat with the high-temperature and high-pressure refrigerant gas flowing through the radiator 22 and being heated to + 90 ° C. to + 110 ° C., it exits the heat insulating box 17 from the air outlet 17B and is ducted A through hole formed in the other end surface 5B of the inner tank drum 5 through the member 53, sucked into the fan 55 provided there, and through the blowout port 54 formed above the other end 2B of the outer tank drum 2 7. The cycle of discharging into the storage chamber 10 is repeated. By performing such a drying operation, the laundry in the storage room 10 is completely dried. Then, when the drying operation is performed and the temperature of the air passing through the storage chamber 10 rises to a predetermined temperature, or when the drying operation is performed for a predetermined time, the controller C ends the drying operation.

  At this time, as described above, the rinsing water used in the rinsing process of the washing operation is stored in the water tank 40, and this rinsing water is used in the washing process of the next washing operation. Then, next, operation | movement of the washing dryer D of a present Example in the case where a washing operation is started in the state in which the water is stored in the water tank 40 is demonstrated.

  The laundry is put into the storage chamber 10 in the inner tub drum 5 from the outlet 6, and a predetermined amount of detergent corresponding to the amount of the laundry is put into the detergent box 15, and the open / close lid 3 and When the detergent box 15 is closed and the power switch and start switch of the operation switch described above are operated, the washing operation is started by the controller C. At this time, the controller C determines whether water is stored in the water tank 40. In this case, when it is determined that water is stored in the water tank 40, the controller C operates the three-way valve 38V of the water supply passage 38 so that the water in the water tank 40 flows toward the detergent box 15 side. Then, the operation of the pump P provided in the water supply passage 38 is started. Thereby, the water in the water tank 40 is pumped up, and water is supplied to the outer tank drum 2 through the water supply passage 38, the detergent box 15, and the communication pipe 32. The water supplied to the outer tank drum 2 flows into the storage chamber 10 through a plurality of through holes 7 formed in the inner tank drum 5. At this time, both drain valves 35V and 36V of the drain passage 35 are closed.

  When a predetermined amount of water accumulates in the storage chamber 10 of the inner tank drum 5, the water in the water tank 40 is actuated by the controller C to the water distribution pipe 39 and the three-way valve 38V of the water supply passage 38 is operated. Is stopped. Thereby, supply of the stored water from the water tank 4 is stopped.

  Next, the drive motor M is energized and activated by the controller C. As a result, the shaft 8 rotates, and the inner tub drum 5 attached to the shaft 8 starts to rotate in the outer tub drum 2, and the washing (washing) process of the washing operation is started. In addition, since the operation | movement of the subsequent washing | cleaning process, a rinse process, a spin-drying | dehydration process, and a drying operation is the same as the operation | movement mentioned above, description is abbreviate | omitted here.

  Thus, in the washing / drying machine W of the present embodiment, the water used in the washing operation is stored in the water tank 40, and the water stored in the water tank 40 is transferred from the water supply passage 38 in the subsequent washing operation. Since the water is fed into the storage chamber 10, the water used in the washing operation can be reused to save water.

  By the way, in the washing / drying machine provided with such a heat pump unit, the heat pump unit has a considerable weight, and therefore, it is necessary to stably dispose the washing / drying machine in the main body B in consideration of the weight balance of the washing / drying machine. Therefore, in the conventional washing / drying machine W, it is arranged over the entire lower surface of the main body B, or is arranged on the lower back side of the main body B so that the center of gravity is biased to the front surface and the main body B does not fall down to the front surface. It was. However, it is difficult for such a conventional heat pump unit to perform work at the time of maintenance, leading to deterioration in workability of maintenance.

  Therefore, in the washer / dryer W of the present invention, in the lower part of the main body B, the water tank 40 is disposed on the back side, and the heat pump unit 20 is disposed on the front side. In this case, since the weight balance of the main body B is achieved by the water tank 40 arranged on the back side and the heat pump unit 20 arranged on the front side, the main body B can be stabilized. Thus, by arranging the heat pump unit 20 on the lower front side of the main body B, maintenance of the heat pump unit 20 can be easily performed from the front surface of the main body B.

  In particular, by setting the capacity of the water tank 40 to be heavier than the weight of the heat pump unit 20, the center of gravity of the washing / drying machine W becomes the back side of the main body B. Thereby, the inconvenience that the washing / drying machine W falls over on the front side where a person works during maintenance can be surely prevented, and safety during maintenance work can be ensured.

  Further, the heat pump unit 20 of the present embodiment is configured to be detachable from the duct member 51 and the duct member 53 of the air circulation path 50. Specifically, the heat pump unit 20 of the present embodiment is housed in the heat insulating box 17 and is detachably mounted on the front side of the lower part of the main body B as a cassette. The air inlet 17 </ b> A is formed on one end of the upper surface of the heat insulating box 17 (on the left side in FIG. 1). The air inlet 17A is a cylindrical hole that penetrates the upper surface of the heat insulating box 17 in the vertical direction, and a seal member such as rubber is attached to the entire circumference of the hole. In addition, an air outlet 17B is formed on one side surface (the right side in FIG. 1) of the heat insulating box 17. The air outlet 17B is a cylindrical hole that penetrates one side surface of the heat insulating box 17 in the horizontal direction, and a seal member such as rubber is attached to the entire circumference of the hole.

  The heat insulation box 17 is configured on the front surface of the lower part of the main body B, has an opening on the front surface, and is detachably accommodated in a space 45 having a U-shape from there to the back surface. That is, when the heat insulation box 17 accommodated in the heat pump unit 20 is inserted into the space 45 from the front opening, the duct members 51 and 53 are connected to the air inlet 17A and the air outlet 17B of the heat insulation box 17 by this insertion operation. The air circulation path 50 is thus configured. Further, since the sealing member is attached to the air inlet 17A and the air outlet 17B of the heat insulating box 17, the duct members 51 and 53 are connected to the air inlet 17A and the air outlet 17B of the heat insulating box 17 via the sealing members. Connected to. Thus, by connecting the air inlet 17A and the air outlet 17B formed in the heat insulating box 17 through the seal member and the duct members 51 and 53, both the members 51 and 53 can be easily connected to circulate the air. The path 50 can be configured, and the inconvenience that the air in the air circulation path 50 leaks outside from the connection point can be prevented.

  The heat insulating box 17 accommodated in the space 45 is configured to be able to be drawn forward from the space 45. Specifically, by pulling the heat insulation box 17 forward from the front opening, the duct members 51 and 53 are fixed to the air inlet 17A and the air outlet 17B of the heat insulation box 17 and can be taken out. As described above, by making the heat pump unit 20 detachable from the air circulation path 50, only the heat pump unit 20 can be taken out from the main body B by enabling the heat pump unit 20 to be pulled out in front of the main body. Thereby, when performing the maintenance of the heat pump unit 20, the heat pump unit 20 is pulled out forward by moving the heat pump unit 20 in the main body B without moving the washing / drying machine W itself at all. Can be taken out easily.

  In this case, for example, if a roller is attached to the bottom of the heat insulation box 17 and a groove is formed on the surface in the corresponding space, the heat insulation box 17 can be attached and pulled out more easily. Become.

  In this embodiment, the water used in the rinsing process of the washing operation is stored in the water tank 40, and the water stored in the water tank 40 is used in the washing process of the next washing operation. However, the water stored in the water tank 40 is not limited to the rinse water used in the rinsing process, and may be water used in the cleaning process. Further, the present invention is effective when the water stored in the water tank 40 is used not only in the washing process of the next washing operation but also in the rinsing process.

  Next, a washing / drying machine according to another embodiment to which the present invention is applied will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 4 is a schematic configuration diagram viewed from the side of the washing / drying machine X of the present embodiment. 4, components having the same reference numerals as those in FIGS. 1 to 3 have the same or similar functions or effects, and description thereof is omitted. The washing / drying machine X of the present embodiment stores the laundry in the storage room 10 provided in the main body B as in the washing / drying machine W of the first embodiment, and executes the washing operation and the drying operation. It is a dryer. That is, since the washing / drying machine X of the present embodiment has almost the same structure as the washing / drying machine of the first embodiment, the description of the same structure is omitted here, and only a different structure is described. In addition, the arrow shown in FIG. 4 has shown the flow of the circulating air in the drying operation of the washing dryer X of a present Example. Further, in FIG. 4, the drain valves 35V and 36V, the water storage passage 36, and the drain pipe 39 are not shown, but it is assumed that they are actually provided in the same manner as in the above embodiment.

  In the washing / drying machine X of the present embodiment, the suction port 52 of the air circulation path 50 is formed in the support member 9 positioned below the outlet 6, and the outlet 54 is formed above the other end 2 </ b> B of the outer tub drum 2. Has been. In such a configuration, when the fan 55 is operated, the air in the storage chamber 10 flows into the air circulation path 50 from the suction port 52 formed in the support member 9 below the outlet 6 of the one end surface 5A of the inner tank drum 5. Sucked into. Then, it passes through the duct member 51 of the air circulation path 50, enters the heat insulating box 17 from the air inlet 17 </ b> A, and the heat absorber 24 provided on the air passage 29 configured in the heat insulating box 17, dissipates heat. After sequentially passing through the vessel 22, the heat insulating box 17 is left from the air outlet 17 </ b> B and enters the duct member 53.

  A through hole formed in the other end surface 5B of the inner tank drum 5 is sucked into the fan 55 provided in the duct member 53 and passes through the outlet 54 formed above the other end surface 2B of the outer tank drum 2. 7. The cycle of discharging into the storage chamber 10 is repeated.

  On the other hand, the air circulation path 50 of the present embodiment is configured such that the circulating air flowing in the air circulation path 50 can exchange heat with the water in the water tank 40. Specifically, in this embodiment, at least a part of the duct member 51 of the air circulation path 50 is configured in the water in the water tank 40. That is, the duct member 51 of the present embodiment extends from one end connected and fixed to the suction port 52 to the back side of the main body B, and then descends downward, inside the water tank 40 provided there. The air in the heat insulation box 17 in which the heat pump unit 20 disposed on the lower front side of the main body B is accommodated through a passage 51A formed at a position where the water tank 40 becomes water in a state where water is stored in the water tank 40. It is fixedly connected to the inlet 17A.

  In this way, by configuring a part of the duct member 51 of the air circulation path 50 in the water in the water tank 40, the air passing through the storage chamber 10 passes through the passage 51 </ b> A configured in the water in the water tank 40. In this process, the circulating air can be cooled by exchanging heat with the water in the water tank 40. In particular, as in the washer / dryer X of the present invention, air that has been subjected to heat exchange with the heat absorber 24 and the heat radiator 22 in sequence is discharged into the storage chamber 10, and the air circulation that causes the air that has passed through the storage chamber 10 to exchange heat with the heat absorber 24 again. In a so-called inside-air circulation type washing and drying machine having a path, the electric input of the compressor 21 of the heat pump unit 20 gradually accumulates in the refrigerant circuit and the air circulation path 50 as the drying operation proceeds, and the washing and drying machine X Inconvenience that heat is trapped will occur. It is difficult to cope with such heat accumulation in conventional washing and drying machines, and the washing and drying machine breaks down due to the heat, or very high temperature air is discharged into the storage room, and the object to be dried changes color. There was a fear.

  However, the air passing through the storage chamber 10 is heat-exchanged with the water in the water tank 40 as described above, whereby the heat of the air passing through the storage chamber 10 is released to the water in the water tank 40 and the air circulation path 50. It becomes possible to lower the temperature of the air circulating inside. Thereby, the inconvenience that heat accumulates in the washing / drying machine X can be suppressed. Furthermore, the dehumidifying performance is improved and the drying time can be shortened.

  In particular, if the air circulation path 50 through which the air passing through the storage chamber 10 passes passes through the water in the water tank as in the present embodiment, water circulation means for separately circulating the water in the water tank 40 is provided. Without being provided, the air that has passed through the storage chamber 10 can be heat-exchanged with the water in the water tank 40.

  Next, a washing / drying machine according to another embodiment to which the present invention is applied will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 5 is a schematic configuration diagram seen from the side of the washing / drying machine Y of this embodiment. In FIG. 5, components having the same reference numerals as those in FIGS. 1 to 4 are omitted because they have the same or similar functions or effects. The washing / drying machine Y of the present embodiment accommodates the laundry in the accommodation room 10 provided in the main body B in the same manner as the washing / drying machines W and X of the respective embodiments, and executes the washing operation and the drying operation. It is a washing and drying machine. That is, since the washing / drying machine Y of this embodiment also has almost the same structure as the washing / drying machine of each of the above embodiments, the description of the same structure is omitted here, and only a different structure is described. In FIG. 5, solid arrows indicate the flow of circulating air in the drying operation of the washer / dryer Y of this embodiment. Further, in FIG. 5, the drain valves 35V and 36V, the water storage passage 36, and the drain pipe 39 are not shown, but it is assumed that they are actually provided as in the first embodiment.

  In the washer / dryer Y of the present embodiment, the suction port 52 of the air circulation path 50 is formed below the other end 2 </ b> B of the outer tub drum 2, and the air outlet 54 is formed on the support member 9 positioned above the outlet 6. Has been. The duct member 51 having one end connected to the suction port 52 rises upward from the suction port 52 along the other end 2B of the outer tub drum 2, extends forward, and then descends downward. The end is connected and fixed to the air inlet 17 </ b> A of the heat insulating box 17.

  The duct member 53 having one end connected to the air outlet 54 descends from the air outlet 54 below the main body B, and the other end is connected and fixed to the air outlet 17B of the heat insulating box 17. In this case, due to the operation of the fan 55, the air in the storage chamber 10 is sucked through the through holes 7 formed in the other end surface 5B of the inner tank drum 5 and below the other end 2B of the outer tank drum 2. The air is sucked into the air circulation path 50 from the mouth 52.

  Then, it passes through the duct member 51 of the air circulation path 50, enters the heat insulating box 17 from the air inlet 17A, and the heat absorber 24 provided on the air passage 29 configured in the heat insulating box 17, the heat dissipation After sequentially passing through the vessel 22, the heat insulating box 17 is left from the air outlet 17 </ b> B and enters the duct member 53. Then, a cycle in which the air is sucked into the fan 55 provided in the duct member 53 and discharged into the accommodation chamber 10 from the discharge port 54 formed in the support member 9 above the outlet 6 on the one end surface 5A of the inner tank drum 5. repeat.

  On the other hand, the air circulation path 50 of the present embodiment is also configured so that the circulating air flowing in the air circulation path 50 through the storage chamber 10 can exchange heat with the water in the water tank 40 as in the second embodiment. The air circulation path 50 through which the air passing through the storage chamber 10 passes does not have to be configured to pass through the water in the water tank 40 as in the second embodiment, but the air circulation through which the air passes through the storage chamber 10 passes. By circulating the water in the water tank 40 in the path 50, the circulating air flowing in the air circulation path 50 is configured to be able to exchange heat with the water in the water tank 40.

  Specifically, in the present embodiment, the water in the water tank 40 is configured to flow down to the duct member 51 connected to the suction port 52 for discharging air from the storage chamber 10. In the present embodiment, one end of a communication pipe 47 for connecting the water in the water tank 40 pumped up by the pump P to the duct member 51 is connected to the middle part of the water supply passage 38. A three-way valve 47V (for controlling whether the water in the water tank 40 pumped up by the pump P is supplied to the communication pipe 47 or supplied to the storage chamber 10 is connected to the connection portion of the one end of the communication pipe 47. Channel control means) is provided.

  In addition, the other end of the communication pipe 47 is connected to a middle portion of the duct member 51 that is above the suction port 52. The duct member 51 flows down to the air circulation path 50 (duct member 51) via the communication pipe 47 on one end side which is the lowest part of the duct member 51 below the connection portion of the other end of the communication pipe 47 of the duct member 51. A return pipe 48 is connected to return the water in the water tank 40 thus returned to the water tank 40 again. Then, when the pump P is operated during the drying operation, and the three-way valve 47V is controlled so that the water in the water tank 40 pumped up by the pump P flows into the communication pipe 47, the water tank as shown by a one-dot chain line in FIG. The water pumped up from 40 flows into the duct member 51 through the water supply passage 38 and the communication pipe 47, and flows down into the duct member 51 from there. Thereby, in the process in which the air which passed through the storage chamber 10 passes this duct member 51, heat exchange with the water from the water tank 40 which flows down can be carried out, and the said air can be cooled. Thereby, the inconvenience that heat accumulates in the washing / drying machine Y can be suppressed as in the second embodiment.

  In particular, the configuration of the air circulation path 50 is simplified by adopting a configuration in which the water in the water tank 40 flows down into the air circulation path 50 through which the air passing through the storage chamber 10 passes as in the present embodiment. Can do. Further, by causing the water in the water tank 40 to flow down into the air circulation path 50, the waste thread in the circulating air can be captured by the flowing water and discharged together with the water out of the air circulation path 50. Therefore, the function of assisting the waste thread filter 57 is also exhibited.

  In the present embodiment, the water in the water tank 40 is part of the path for allowing the water in the water tank 40 to flow into the air circulation path 50 through which the air passing through the storage chamber 10 passes. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the route for allowing the water in the water tank 40 to flow down into the air circulation path 50 is used for water supply. A pump means may be provided separately from the passage 38 and pumped up the water in the water tank 40 in the path.

It is a schematic block diagram of the washing-drying machine of one Example to which this invention is applied. Example 1 It is an internal block diagram seen from the front of the washing-drying machine of FIG. It is an internal block diagram seen from the back surface of the washing-drying machine of FIG. It is a schematic block diagram of the washing-drying machine of the other Example to which this invention is applied. (Example 2) It is a schematic block diagram of the washing-drying machine of another another Example to which this invention is applied. (Example 3)

Explanation of symbols

B Main body C Controller M Drive motor P Pump W, X, Y Washer / dryer 1 Exterior case 2 Outer tub drum 3 Open / close door 5 Inner tub drum 5A One end surface 5B The other end surface 5S Side surface 6 Outlet 7 Through hole 8 Shaft 9 Support member DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 Storage chamber 11 Hard rubber member 15 Detergent box 17 Heat insulation box 17A Air inlet 17B Air outlet 20 Heat pump unit 21 Compressor 22 Radiator 23 Capillary tube (pressure reduction device)
24 heat absorber 25 refrigerant introduction pipe 26 refrigerant discharge pipe 27, 28 piping 30 water supply passage 30V water supply valve 32 communication pipe 35 drainage passage 35V, 36V drainage valve 36 water storage passage 38 water supply passage (water supply passage)
38V, 47V Three-way valve 39 Drain pipe 40 Water tank 45 Space 47 Communication pipe 48 Return pipe 50 Air circulation path 51, 53 Duct member 52 Suction port 54 Air outlet 55 Fan 57 Waste thread filter

Claims (5)

In the washing and drying machine that stores the laundry in the storage room provided in the body, and executes the washing operation and the subsequent drying operation,
A water tank for storing water used in the washing operation;
In the washing operation, a water supply path for supplying water in the water tank into the accommodation chamber;
A heat pump unit having a refrigerant circuit configured to include at least a compressor, a radiator, a decompressor, and a heat absorber;
In the drying operation, an air circulation path for discharging air that has been sequentially exchanged with the heat absorber and the radiator into the housing chamber, and for causing the air that has passed through the housing chamber to exchange heat with the heat absorber again,
The washing / drying machine is characterized in that the water tank is arranged on the back side of the lower part of the main body and the heat pump unit is arranged on the front side of the lower part of the main body.   The washing / drying machine according to claim 1, wherein the heat pump unit is attachable to and detachable from the air circulation path so that the heat pump unit can be pulled out forward of the main body.   The washing / drying machine according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the air that has passed through the storage chamber exchanges heat with water in the water tank.   The washing / drying machine according to claim 3, wherein the air circulation path through which the air passing through the storage chamber passes is configured to pass through water in the water tank.   The washing / drying machine according to claim 3, wherein water in the water tank is caused to flow down in the air circulation path through which air passing through the storage chamber passes.

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