JP2010172454A - Washing-drying machine - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To increase the drying and drying-finishing performance for laundry, and to reduce the power consumption. <P>SOLUTION: This washing-drying machine 1 includes: an external tub 4 which has an opening 4a on one surface and is elastically supported; an internal tub 5 which is pivotally supported in the external tub 4 in a manner to be freely rotatable, has an opening 5a on one end and is rotation-driven by a motor 8; a lid body 7 which opens/closes the opening 4a of the external tub 4; blow-out ports 37A and 37B through which hot air 50 is blown into the internal tub 5 in a drying process, and at the same time, for which at least either one of the blow-in area and the blow-in direction is changed; air channel ducts 15, 13, 24, 25 and 23 which form air flow channels connecting an air discharge port 12 with the blow-out ports while making the air discharge port 12 installed in the external tub 4 the upstream side, and making the blow-out ports the downstream side; an air feeding fan 18 which feeds the air in the air channel ducts; and a heating means 21 which prepares the hot air 50 by heating the air. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2010,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a laundry dryer and a dryer for drying laundry such as clothes.

The drum type washing and drying machine has a drum arranged in a horizontal or substantially horizontal inclined outer tub so as to be rotatable around a horizontal or substantially horizontal rotating shaft, and the drum is arranged around the rotating shaft. Is rotated until the laundry is washed, rinsed, dehydrated and dried.
Here, in order to dry the moisture-containing laundry, the air inside the drum containing moisture is exhausted outside the outer tub and dehumidified by the dehumidifying means, then heated and dried by the heating means, and then applied by the fan. The wet laundry is dried by repeating the drying cycle of evaporating moisture from the laundry by blowing the pressurized and accelerated air into the drum.

Conventionally, the washing and drying machine described in Patent Document 1 includes a bypass passage in which part of the air sent by the blower flows without passing through the heating means, and is configured to vary the passage cross-sectional area of the bypass passage. The structure which makes it variable according to the magnitude | size of a washing capacity | capacitance, cloth quality, and the temperature in an outer case is disclosed.
However, there is no description about the structure for improving the finishing of drying and improving the drying efficiency.

JP 2007-330354 A

By the way, in order to accelerate the evaporation of moisture from laundry such as clothes and shorten the drying time, the airflow resistance at the air outlet is reduced by increasing the area of the air outlet, and the air volume is reduced even if the wind speed is lowered. It may be preferable to increase.
Increasing the fan rotation speed increases the amount of hot air, but on the other hand, fan noise increases and power consumed by the fan motor increases.
In addition, squeezing the nozzle to increase the wind speed is effective in reducing wrinkles in laundry such as clothes, but the pressure loss at the nozzle part is large, so it is necessary to rotate the fan at high speed. Noise increases. Therefore, these points are technical issues.

  In view of the above situation, the present invention makes it possible to improve the drying and drying finishing performance of the laundry and reduce power consumption by making the area of the hot air blowing port variable or changing the blowing direction of the hot air. It is in providing a washing dryer and a dryer.

  In order to achieve the above object, the washing and drying machine according to the first aspect of the present invention includes an outer tub having an opening on one surface and elastically supported, a shaft rotatably supported inside the outer tub, and an outer tub at one end. An inner tank having an opening opposite to the opening of the outer tank, a lid for opening and closing the opening of the outer tank, a motor for rotationally driving the inner tank, and blowing hot air into the inner tank in the drying process, An air passage is formed in which at least one of the blowing directions is changed, and an exhaust port provided in the outer tub is upstream, the outlet is downstream, and the exhaust port and the outlet are connected. An air duct, an air blowing fan that blows air in the air duct, and a heating unit that heats the air to warm air are provided.

  The dryer according to the second aspect of the present invention has an outer tub that has an opening on one surface and is elastically supported, and is rotatably supported inside the outer tub and has an opening at one end that faces the opening of the outer tub. An inner tub, a lid that opens and closes the opening of the outer tub, a motor that rotationally drives the inner tub, and blows warm air into the inner tub in the drying step, and at least one of the blowing area and the blowing direction The air outlet duct, the air duct that forms the air flow path that connects the exhaust outlet and the outlet, and the air outlet duct A blower fan that blows the air inside and a heating means that heats the air to produce hot air are provided.

  ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION According to this invention, the washing-drying machine and dryer which can improve the drying and finishing performance of a laundry, and can aim at reduction of power consumption are realizable.

It is a perspective view including the partial cut which shows the whole drum-type washing dryer of embodiment concerning this invention, and an internal structure. It is a rear view including the partial cut which shows the internal structure of the drum type washing-drying machine of embodiment. It is a right view including the partial cut which shows the internal structure of the drum type washing-drying machine of embodiment. It is a top view including the partial cut which shows the internal structure of the drum type washing-drying machine of embodiment. It is a perspective view of 1st Embodiment which changes the blowing direction of warm air by the structure of the blowing duct of a drum type washing-drying machine, and the switching operation of warm air by a switching valve body. It is a perspective view of 1st Embodiment which changes the blowing direction of warm air by the structure of the blowing duct of a drum type washing-drying machine, and the switching operation of warm air by a switching valve body. It is a perspective view of 1st Embodiment which changes the blowing direction of warm air by the structure of the blowing duct of a drum type washing-drying machine, and the switching operation of warm air by a switching valve body. It is a perspective view of 2nd Embodiment which changes the blowing direction of warm air with the structure of the blowing duct of a drum type washing-drying machine, and the switching operation of warm air by a switching valve body. It is a perspective view of 2nd Embodiment which changes the blowing direction of warm air with the structure of the blowing duct of a drum type washing-drying machine, and the switching operation of warm air by a switching valve body. It is a perspective view of 2nd Embodiment which changes the blowing direction of warm air with the structure of the blowing duct of a drum type washing-drying machine, and the switching operation of warm air by a switching valve body. It is the perspective view which looked at the blowing duct shown to FIG. 5 and FIG. 8 of the drum type washing-drying machine of embodiment from the back side, and is a perspective view which shows an example of the drive mechanism of a switching valve body. It is the perspective view which looked at the blowing duct shown to FIG. 7 and FIG. 10 of the drum type washing-drying machine of embodiment from the back side, and is a perspective view which shows an example of the drive mechanism of a switching valve body. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the control system which controls the drum type washing-drying machine of embodiment. It is a figure which shows the schematic flowchart of the standard course of the drum type washing-drying machine of embodiment. It is a perspective view including the principal part cross section which looked at the blowing duct vicinity of the deformation | transformation form of 2nd Embodiment from the front side.

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.
FIG. 1 is a perspective view including a partial cut showing an overall configuration and an internal configuration of a drum-type washing / drying machine 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 2 shows an internal configuration of the drum-type washing / drying machine 1 shown in FIG. FIG. 3 is a rear view including a partial cut, FIG. 3 is a right side view including a partial cut showing an internal configuration of the drum type laundry dryer 1 shown in FIG. 1, and FIG. 4 is an inside of the drum type laundry dryer 1 shown in FIG. It is a top view including the partial cut which shows a structure.

<< Overview of Drum-type Washer / Dryer 1 >>
The drum-type washing / drying machine 1 (see FIGS. 1 to 4) of the embodiment performs washing and rinsing of the laundry 14 (see FIG. 3) put into the drum 5 by supplying and draining water while the drum 5 rotates. After the dehydration, the drum 5 rotates and the laundry 14 is dried by blowing warm air (50 (50A, 50B) (see FIG. 3)) to wash, rinse, dehydrate, The process until drying is performed automatically and continuously.

FIGS. 5 to 7 show a switching operation of hot air 50A and 50B to be blown to the laundry 14 by the configuration of the blowing duct 23 and the switching valve body 36 of the drum type washing and drying machine 1 (arrows 40A and 40B in FIGS. 5 and 7). 2 is a perspective view of the first embodiment in which the blowing direction of the hot air 50A, 50B is changed.
A switching valve body 36 pivotally supported by a hot air inlet 41 (see FIGS. 5 to 7) is provided in the blowing duct 23 of the drum type washing and drying machine 1 shown in FIGS. 3 and 4. The switching valve body 36 is formed in a shape extending from the rotary support shaft 35 to the upstream side (the upper side in the drawing) through which the hot air 50A and 50B flows or the heater 21 side.

As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the air path from the switching valve body 36 to the opening 4a of the outer tub 4 in the blowing duct 23 is divided into two by a partition 38 and the first blowing passage 39A and the first blowing passage 39A. The second blow-in passage 39B is formed, and is connected to the first blow-out opening 37A and the second blow-out opening 37B that open toward the inside of the drum 5, respectively.
During the drying operation, drying is performed by blowing hot air 50 (50A, 50B) onto the laundry 14 from the first and second outlets 37A, 37B of the blowing duct 23.

During the drying operation, the switching valve body 36 in the blowing duct 23 is rotated (see arrows 40A and 40B in FIGS. 5 and 7) to switch between the first blowing port 37A and the second blowing port 37B. The air direction, the wind speed, the air volume, etc. of the hot air 50A and 50B are appropriately switched.
As a result, the direction or area of the warm air outlet (first and second outlets 37A, 37B) for drying the laundry 14 by blowing dry hot air 50 (50A, 50B) into the drum 5 is set. It is variable.

Hereinafter, the configuration of the drum type washing and drying machine 1 will be described in detail.
<< Exterior of drum-type washing dryer 1 >>
The drum type washing / drying machine 1 shown in FIG. 1 has an outer frame (not shown) of a support member formed by combining a steel plate and a resin molded product on top of a base 3 of a base support member by screwing or the like. It is attached.
The outer frame is provided with a front cover c1 that forms a front case on the front and an openable / closable lid 7 for taking in and out the laundry 14, and a rear cover c2 that forms a rear case on the back. Is provided. The front cover c1, the back cover c2, the base 3 and the like constitute a casing of the washing / drying machine 1.

On the upper part of the front cover c1, an operation panel 51 for the user to operate the drum type washing and drying machine 1 is provided.
The operation panel 51 includes a power switch for turning on / off the drum-type washing / drying machine 1 and a plurality of modes for selecting a washing / drying (washing / drying continuous operation) standard course, washing, and drying modes. The operation button switch 51s and a start switch (not shown) which is pressed when each mode is started are arranged. Further, the operation panel 51 is provided with a light emitting diode indicator 51h having a plurality of displays for informing the user of the operation state of the drum type washing and drying machine 1.

<Outer tank 4>
The drum-type washing and drying machine 1 shown in FIG. 1 has a cylindrical outer tub 4 with its front side open on a base 3 in a housing such as a front cover c1 and the like, as shown in FIG. The front side is inclined slightly upward from the horizontal and is supported by the suspension 2.
The outer tub 4 plays a role of storing washing water during the washing and rinsing processes and receiving and discharging moisture removed from the laundry 14 during the dehydration and drying processes.
The outer tub 4 is engaged with a tension coil spring (not shown) to prevent the outer tub 4 from falling.

The outer tub 4 has a portion facing the front lid 7 opened by an opening 4a (see FIG. 1), and a cylindrical peripheral side plate 4c (see FIG. 2) and a flat plate 4d. The inside has a short cylindrical shape with a large cavity diameter.
When the drum-type washing / drying machine 1 shown in FIG. 1 is viewed from the front side (in the direction of arrow A in FIG. 1), a detergent charging unit 10 that feeds detergent into the outer tank 4 at the upper left corner of the outer tank 4. Is arranged. In addition, description is abbreviate | omitted about the detail of a structure of the detergent injection | throwing-in part 10. FIG.

<Suspension 2>
The suspension 2 that supports the outer tub 4 and the like is provided with a compression coil spring having elastic force and, for example, oil, in order to reduce the vibration of the outer tub 4 during operation of the drum type washing and drying machine 1, and the viscous resistance of the oil. And an oil damper that generates a damping force.

<Drum 5>
Inside the outer tub 4 shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, a drum 5 whose front side is opened by an opening 5 a is pivotally supported and arranged concentrically with the outer tub 4.
The drum 5 is made of, for example, a thin stainless steel plate, and the front side is opened with an opening 5a (see FIGS. 1 and 3), and a cylindrical peripheral plate 5c and a flat plate 5d forming an outer peripheral portion. Are formed in a short cylindrical shape having a large diameter.
The drum 5 is rotationally driven by a direct drive by a drive motor 8 provided on the back plate 4d on the back surface of the outer tub 4. Needless to say, the drum 5 may be driven by the drive motor 8 via a speed reduction mechanism such as a transmission belt.

Here, the cylindrical peripheral plate 5c and the flat back plate 5d of the drum 5 shown in FIGS. 2 and 3 have moisture removed from the laundry 14 during centrifugal dehydration in the dehydration process and air during the drying process. A large number of small holes (not shown) through which the flow passes are formed.
In addition, a plurality of lifters (not shown) are provided inside the drum 5, and the plurality of lifters scoop up the laundry 14 when the drum 5 is rotated by the drive motor 8. By changing the position, effective washing such as tapping and drying are possible.

<Lid 7>
As shown in FIG. 1, an opening 6 is formed on the front side of the housing of the drum type washing and drying machine 1, and this opening 6, the opening 4a of the outer tub 4, the opening 5a of the drum 5, etc. A lid 7 is provided for opening and closing.
For example, the lid 7 is pivotally supported so as to be freely opened and closed in the direction of the arrow α1 in FIG. 1, and is indicated by a reference numeral 7 ′ (indicated by a broken line in FIG. 1) by pressing a door open button (not shown). Can be opened to the open position.

  The user presses a door open button (not shown) to open the lid 7 to the reference numeral 7 ′, put the laundry 14 into the drum 5 from the opening 6, and close the lid 7. The opening 6, the opening 4 a of the outer tub 4, the opening 5 a of the drum 5, etc. are closed, and after washing, rinsing, dehydration, and drying processes, the door 7 button is pressed again to signify the lid 7. Open to 7 'and take out the laundry 14 after washing and drying.

<Bellows 9>
The opening 6 on the front side of the drum type washing and drying machine 1 and the opening 4a of the outer tub 4 are connected by a bellows 9 formed of a flexible material such as rubber, for example.
When the lid 7 is closed, the bellows 9 is elastic even when the outer tub 4 vibrates during washing, rinsing, dehydration process, etc. by making the positional relationship that a part of the bellows 9 is in contact with the lid 7. By deforming, the formation of a gap between the bellows 9 and the lid 7 is prevented, and the water sealing is ensured.
Further, the vibration of the outer tub 4 during the dehydration process and the like is transmitted to the housing such as the front cover c1 by the internal friction of the bellows 9.

<< Drying means 11 >>
1 is viewed from the front side (in the direction of arrow A in FIG. 1), and the laundry 14 containing moisture after washing is dried from the rear of the outer tub 4 to the upper right corner. A drying means 11 is arranged for this purpose.
The drying means 11 removes the dehumidification duct 13 (see FIGS. 2 and 3) that absorbs the moisture of the laundry 14 and dehumidifies the humid air and the lint of the fiber scraps sent together with the air. Filter 16 (see FIGS. 1 and 4), a fan 18 (see FIGS. 1 and 2) for circulating air for drying, and heating means for heating the drying air to hot air 50 And a connecting air passage 24 (see FIGS. 1 and 2) for connecting the dehumidification duct 13 and the fan 18 to the heater 21 (see FIGS. 1 and 3).
If the heater 21 is a so-called sheathed heater and there is no fear of clogging with foreign matters such as lint, the filter 16 may not be provided.

<Dehumidifying duct 13 of drying means 11>
A dehumidifying duct 13 (see FIG. 2) is provided in the vicinity of the rear of the outer tub 4 shown in FIG. 1, and the dehumidifying duct 13 is provided below the back plate 4d on the back surface of the outer tub 4 shown in FIG. Connected to the exhaust port 12, that is, the exhaust port 12 provided in the lower part of the outer tub 4 via a bellows 15 (see FIG. 3), extends upward, and is connected to the fan 18 to connect air passage 24 (FIG. 2). In this way, the outer tub 4 and the dehumidifying duct 13 are connected by the expandable bellows 15 (see FIG. 3).

  The dehumidifying duct 13 is an exhaust port provided in the lower part of the back surface of the outer tub 4 as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3 for humid air containing moisture absorbed from the wet laundry 14 inside the drum 5 shown in FIG. 12 in the process of discharging in the direction of arrow 30 and sending it from the bottom to the top along the outside of the back plate 4d (see FIG. 2) of the outer tub 4, for example, cooling water is flowed to cool the discharged wet air And dehumidifying means such as a heat exchanger (not shown) for condensing and dehumidifying the moisture contained therein.

<Connection air path 24 of drying means 11>
As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the dehumidification duct 13 is connected to a connection air passage 24 at the rear upper side of the outer tub 4, and the connection air passage 24 is substantially rearward along the rotation axis of the drum 5. It extends from the front to the front (see FIG. 1). The air dehumidified by the dehumidifying means and sent from the dehumidifying duct 13 is blown in the direction of the arrow 31 (see FIG. 1) in the connection air passage 24.

<Filter 16 of the drying means 11>
As shown in FIG. 1, the connection air passage 24 is connected to the filter 16, and the filter 16 collects lint that is fiber waste contained in the air that dries the laundry 14.
The filter 16 is provided so that the user can insert and remove from the front side of the drum-type washing and drying machine 1 (in the direction of arrow A in FIG. 1), and the user removes the filter 16 and cleans the collected lint. It has a configuration that can. Details of the configuration of the filter 16 are omitted.
If the heater 21 is a so-called sheathed heater and there is no fear of clogging with foreign matters such as lint, the filter 16 may not be provided.

<Fan 18 of the drying means 11>
As shown in FIGS. 1 and 3, the air in which the lint is collected in the filter 16 is provided with a space between the outer tank 4 adjacent to the filter 16 and connects to the fan 18. In the direction of the arrow 32 and is introduced into the rotation center of the rotary blade provided inside the fan 18.
The fan 18 is a so-called centrifugal sirocco fan having a large number of small forward blades or a turbo fan having rear blades. The rotary blades are rotated by a fan drive motor 20 to accelerate air by centrifugal force.

  The air accelerated by the fan 18 is heated to dry hot air 50 when passing through the heater 21 (see FIGS. 3 and 4), and passes through the blow-in bellows 25 (see FIG. 3), and passes through the outer tub 4. Is blown into the drum 5 in the direction indicated by the arrow 34A or 34B (warm air 50 (50A, 50B)). The means for changing the direction in which the hot air 50 is blown will be described later.

The hot air 50 blown into the drum 5 heats the laundry 14 to evaporate the moisture to become humid air, and is sucked into the dehumidifying duct 13 outside the outer tub 4 from the exhaust port 12 shown in FIG. The dehumidification duct 13 is again dehumidified as described above.
The laundry 14 such as wet clothes is dried by continuously repeating the drying cycle as described above.

<< Blowing duct 23 >>
Next, the structure of the blowing duct 23 according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.
FIGS. 5 to 10 are perspective views showing the configuration of the blowing duct 23 and the switching operation of the hot air 50 by the switching valve body 36 described later. FIGS. 5 to 7 show the blowing of the hot air 50 from the blowing duct 23. The 1st Embodiment which changes a direction is shown.

  In the configuration shown in FIGS. 5 to 7 of the first embodiment, the direction in which the hot air 50A blown from the first blowout port 37A shown in FIG. 5 is blown into the drum 5 is indicated by the arrow 34A shown in FIG. This is the direction toward the center of the back side of the drum 5 in the direction or near the center. On the other hand, the direction in which the hot air 50B blown out from the second blowout port 37B shown in FIG. 7 is blown into the drum 5 is the direction toward the lower surface or the vicinity of the lower surface of the drum 5 in the direction of the arrow 34B shown in FIG. The first and second blowout ports 37A and 37B are arranged so that the blowout directions of the hot air 50A and 50B are different (see FIG. 6).

FIGS. 8 to 10 show a second embodiment in which the air volume of the warm air 50 is changed as another example of the blow-in duct 23.
In the configuration shown in FIGS. 8 to 10 of the second embodiment, the area of the first air outlet 37C and the area of the second air outlet 37D are different from each other. For example, the area of the first air outlet 37C is more The area of the second blowout port 37D is small and larger, and the direction in which the hot air 50A and 50B blown out from the first and second blowout ports 37C and 37D is blown into the drum 5 is shown in FIG. The direction of the arrow 34A shown in FIG. 9 is the same direction toward the center of the back side of the drum 5 or near the center (see FIG. 9).

As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6 of the first embodiment and FIGS. 8 and 9 of the second embodiment, the blowing duct 23 is substantially orthogonal to the flow direction of the hot air 50 (50A, 50B) at the hot air inlet 41. A switching valve body 36 that is rotatably supported is provided around a rotation support shaft 35 that is provided so as to cross the air passage in the direction of the rotation.
That is, as shown in FIGS. 6 and 7 of the first embodiment and FIGS. 9 and 10 of the second embodiment, the most downstream side (lower side in the drawing) through which the hot air 50 flows with respect to the hot air inlet 41 On the other hand, the switching valve body 36 is extended from the rotation support shaft 35 to the upstream side (the upper side in the drawing) through which the hot air 50 flows or the heater 21 side from the rotary support shaft 35. It is arranged as a shape.
As shown in FIGS. 5 and 7, the switching valve body 36 is arranged in a shape extending from the rotary support shaft 35 to the upstream side (upper side in the drawing) through which the hot air 50 flows or the heater 21 side. In the first position P1 (see FIG. 5) and the second position P2 (see FIG. 7), the switching valve body 36 is pressed against the inner surface of the hot air inlet 41 by the wind pressure of the hot air 50 (50A, 50B). The switching valve body 36 can be reliably switched.
On the other hand, contrary to the configuration of the present embodiment, when the switching valve body 36 is arranged as a shape extending from the rotary support shaft 35 to the downstream side (the lower side in the drawing) through which the hot air 50 flows or the counter heater 21 side, The switching valve body 36 opens the air flow path by the wind pressure of the hot air 50, that is, the switching valve body 36 is pushed away from the inner surface of the hot air inlet 41, and the switching operation of the switching valve body 36 becomes unstable. Become.

As shown in FIG. 5 of the first embodiment, from the downstream side of the switching valve body 36 to the first and second outlets 37A and 37B, the first and second parts partitioned by the partition 38 and divided from each other. Two blowing passages 39A and 39B are juxtaposed.
That is, as shown in FIGS. 5 and 8, the first blowing passage 39A is connected to the first blowing port 37A, and the second blowing passage 39B is connected to the second blowing port 37B. .
The first air outlet 37A and the second air outlet 37B are opened near the opening 5a of the drum 5 toward the inside of the drum 5 in the outer tub (4), respectively, and warm air 50 (50A, 50A, 50B) is sprayed onto the laundry 14 in the drum 5 and dried.

One end of the partition 38 is disposed in contact with the rotation support shaft 35 of the switching valve body 36, and a sealing seal is provided between the partition 38 and the switching valve body 36, for example, by a flexible member such as rubber. It is the structure which keeps airtight.
In FIG. 5 of the first embodiment and FIG. 8 of the second embodiment, the switching valve body 36 shows the first position P1 rotated in the direction of the arrow 40A, and the switching valve body 36 and the hot air inlet portion. A sealing seal (not shown) made of a flexible member such as rubber is provided around the switching valve body 36 or the inner peripheral surface of the hot air inlet 41 so as to be sealed with the switching valve body 36. It is provided, and it is the structure which keeps between the internal peripheral surface of the warm air inlet port 41 and the switching valve body 36 airtight.

  Accordingly, as shown in FIG. 5 of the first embodiment and FIG. 8 of the second embodiment, the hot air 50A passing through the blow-in bellows 25 (see FIG. 3) is exchanged with the switching valve body 36 at the hot air inlet 41. It is introduced only into the first blowing passage 39A partitioned by the partition 38 and blown out into the drum 5 from the first blowing port 37A (37C). On the other hand, the second blowing passage 39B connected to the second blowing port 37B is sealed by a switching valve body 36 and a partition 38 via a hermetic seal (not shown) (see FIGS. 5 and 8). The hot air 50A does not enter, and the hot air 50A is not blown out from the second outlet 37B (37D).

In FIG. 7 of the first embodiment and FIG. 10 of the second embodiment, the second position P2 where the switching valve body 36 is rotated in the direction of the arrow 40B is shown. A space between the switching valve body 36 and the inner peripheral surface of the hot air inlet portion 41 is kept airtight between the inner peripheral surface of the hot air inlet portion 41 and the switching valve body 36 by a hermetic seal (not shown).
As a result, the hot air 50B that has passed through the blow-in bellows 25 (see FIG. 3) is secondly partitioned by the switching valve body 36 and the partition 38 at the hot air inlet 41 as shown in FIGS. It is introduced only into the blowing passage 39B and blown out into the drum 5 from the second blowing port 37B (37D). On the other hand, since the first blowing passage 39A connected to the first blowing port 37A (37C) is sealed by the sealing valve (not shown) by the switching valve body 36 and the partition 38, the hot air 50B does not enter. The warm air 50B is not blown out from the first blowout port 37A (37C).

FIG. 6 of the first embodiment shows a third position P3 that is an intermediate position between the first position P1 of the switching valve body 36 shown in FIG. 5 and the second position P2 of the switching valve body 36 shown in FIG. Show. Similarly, FIG. 9 of the second embodiment is a third position which is an intermediate position between the first position P1 of the switching valve body 36 shown in FIG. 8 and the second position P2 of the switching valve body 36 shown in FIG. The position P3 is shown.
The switching valve body 36 at the third position P3 shown in FIG. 6 of the first embodiment and FIG. 9 of the second embodiment has a configuration that is not in contact with the inner peripheral surface of the hot air inlet 41.

  In the state shown in FIG. 6 of the first embodiment and FIG. 9 of the second embodiment, when the hot air 50 is blown into the hot air inlet 41 from the blow-in bellows 25, a part 50A of the hot air 50 is the first. The air is introduced into the blowing passage 39A and blown into the drum 5 from the first blowing port 37A (37C), and the other part 50B of the hot air 50 is introduced into the second blowing passage 39B and the second blowing port. The air is blown into the drum 5 from 37B (37D).

Here, in the configuration shown in FIGS. 8 to 10 of the second embodiment, the area of the first outlet 37C and the area of the second outlet 37D are different from each other, for example, the first outlet 37C. The area is smaller and the area of the second outlet 37D is larger.
As shown in FIG. 8, when the hot air 50A is blown from the first outlet 37C at the first position P1 of the switching valve body 36, the fluid resistance of the outlet is large, so the flow rate is large but the air volume is small. As shown in FIG. 10, when the hot air 50B is blown out from the second outlet 37D at the second position P2 of the switching valve body 36, the flow rate is small because the fluid resistance of the outlet is small. Becomes big.

Further, in the third position P3 shown in FIG. 9 of the second embodiment, the warm air 50A, 50B is blown out from both the first blowout port 37C and the second blowout port 37D. Since the fluid resistance is the smallest, the air volume of the warm air 50A, 50B is maximized.
Thus, in 2nd Embodiment, the air volume and the wind speed of the warm air 50 can be changed by changing the area of a blower outlet as shown in FIG.8, FIG.10, FIG.9.
Here, at the first position P1 shown in FIG. 8 of the second embodiment, the speed of the hot air 50A blown out from the first blowout port 37C having a small area is, for example, 100 m (meters) / s (seconds) or more. When the speed is set and the air volume is 1.4 m ³ (cubic meter) / minute or more, the wrinkles of the laundry 14 such as clothing can be extended by the wind pressure of the hot air 50A to improve the finish.

By the way, once the laundry 14 such as clothes is dried with wrinkles, the wrinkles will not stretch even if the hot air 50 is blown onto the laundry 14 at a high speed. It is necessary to keep blowing high-speed hot air 50A from the state where the article 14 is still sufficiently wet to the end of drying in order to improve the finish.
On the other hand, both the first outlet 37C and the second outlet 37D from the second outlet 37D having a large area at the second position P2 shown in FIG. 10 or at the third position P3 shown in FIG. Therefore, when the warm air 50 is blown out, the air velocity can be increased to 2 m ³ / min or more, although the wind speed is reduced to, for example, about 20 m / s. Alternatively, if the air volume of the hot air 50 may remain at 1.4 m ³ / min, the air volume of the hot air 50 can be obtained even if the rotation speed of the fan 18 is further reduced. 1)), the power consumption can be reduced and there is an energy saving effect.

<< Drive mechanism of switching valve body 36 >>
Next, an example of the drive mechanism of the switching valve body 36 shown in FIGS. 5 to 10 will be described with reference to FIGS.
11 shows the switching valve body as seen from the direction opposite to the blowing duct 23 shown in FIG. 5 of the first embodiment and the blowing duct 23 shown in FIG. 8 of the second embodiment (direction B shown in FIGS. 5 and 8). It is a perspective view which shows an example of 36 drive mechanisms. FIG. 12 is a perspective view showing an example of a drive mechanism of the switching valve body 36 when the blowing duct 23 is viewed from the direction opposite to FIGS. 7 and 10 (direction C shown in FIGS. 7 and 10).

As shown in FIGS. 11 and 12, a rotation arm 42 is fixed to a rotation support shaft 35 to which the switching valve body 36 is fixed. When the rotation arm 42 is rotated, the rotation support shaft 35 is connected to the rotation support shaft 35. The switching valve body 36 rotates.
A fulcrum 43 is provided on the other end side of the rotation arm 42 with respect to the rotation support shaft 35 on one end side of the rotation arm 42, and one end of a connecting rod 44 is rotatably connected to the fulcrum 43. The rotating arm 42 is rotatably connected to one end of the connecting rod 44 through a fulcrum 43.

The other end of the connecting rod 44 is rotatably connected to a fulcrum 46 provided at one end of a drive arm 47 driven by the switching valve motor 45, and the connecting rod 44 is connected via the fulcrum 46. The other end is rotatably connected to the drive arm 47.
The switching valve motor 45 is provided with a speed reduction mechanism (not shown) having a predetermined reduction ratio, and the high speed rotation of the motor shaft of the switching valve motor 45 is adapted to the low speed operation of the switching valve body 36. Has slowed down to

In the state shown in FIG. 11, the switching valve body 36 is fully rotated in the direction of the arrow 40 </ b> A and is at the first position P <b> 1 (top dead center) (see FIGS. 5 and 8). In this configuration, the inner circumferential surface and the switching valve body 36 are in contact with each other to maintain airtightness through a hermetic seal (not shown).
In the state shown in FIG. 12, the switching valve body 36 is fully rotated in the direction of the arrow 40B and is at the second position P2 (bottom dead center) (see FIGS. 7 and 10). In this configuration, the inner circumferential surface and the switching valve body 36 are in contact with each other to maintain airtightness through a hermetic seal (not shown).
That is, by reciprocating the switching valve motor 45, the switching valve body 36 is moved to a top dead center (first position P1) (see FIG. 11) and a bottom dead center (second position P2) (see FIG. 12). Between the first air outlet 37A (37C) (see FIG. 11) and the second air outlet 37B (37D) (see FIG. 12).

Furthermore, the first detection means 48 for detecting that the switching valve body 36 shown in FIG. 11 is at the top dead center position (first position P1) (see FIGS. 5 and 8), and the switching valve shown in FIG. Second detection means 49 for detecting that the body 36 is at the bottom dead center position (second position P2) (see FIGS. 7 and 10) is provided.
The first detection means 48 and the second detection means 49 may be, for example, a micro switch that detects the position of the drive arm 47, or a Hall IC that detects a magnet provided on the drive arm 47. Alternatively, a pair of a light-emitting element and a light-receiving element of a photocoupler that detects that a part of the drive arm 47 shields light may be used.

The first and second detection means 48 and 49 may detect the drive mechanism of the switching valve body 36 other than the drive arm 47 or the movement of the switching valve body 36.
In addition, it may be a proximity switch that detects the operation of the drive mechanism including the drive arm 47 of the switching valve body 36 or the operation of the switching valve body 36 without contact, and the switching valve body 36 is at the top dead center position (first position P1). ) Or the bottom dead center position (second position P2), the configuration of the first detection means 48 and the second detection means 49 can be selected as appropriate.

<Control system>
FIG. 13 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a control system for controlling the drum type washing and drying machine 1.
As described above, the operation panel 51 shown in FIG. 1 is provided with the display 51h including various displays and the various switches 51s including the power source. The display 51h and the various switches 51s are respectively shown in FIG. It is connected to a display unit and a key input unit of the operation circuit unit 94 shown.
The switch 51s selects execution of each process such as washing, rinsing, dehydration, and drying, and the display 51h including various displays displays the amount of detergent, the amount of water, the time of various processes, the progress, abnormalities, and the like. Is.

The control circuit unit S shown in FIG. 13 is configured around a microcomputer 100 (hereinafter referred to as a microcomputer) provided on the main control board 52. The control circuit unit S functions as a control unit that controls the overall operation of the drum type washing and drying machine 1.
The microcomputer 100 receives operation signals from various switches 51 s including the power switch of the operation panel 51 shown in FIG. 1. On the other hand, an operation set value and a necessary amount of detergent according to an operation signal by a user switch (51 s) operation, Information such as the amount of water or the time, progress, abnormality, etc. of the various processes is sent to a display 51h including various displays, a buzzer (not shown), a water supply / drainage control circuit 96 that controls various actuators such as a water supply / drainage valve 93, etc. Output.

The power supply circuit 95 directly rectifies and smoothes the commercial power supply and supplies a DC power source necessary for the microcomputer 100 and other circuits. For this reason, the DC power supply of the microcomputer 100 and other circuits is superimposed on the commercial AC power supply.
Then, the microcomputer 100 supplies the drainage and drainage valves based on input signals such as operation signals of the various switches 51s and detection signals of the humidity sensor 90 and a control program described in C language or the like stored in advance in a ROM (Read Only Memory). Each motorized valve such as 93 and motors such as the fan drive motor 20 are controlled.

Specifically, the microcomputer 100 controls the opening and closing of the valves by supplying a commercial power source to various water supply / drainage valves 93 via the water supply / drainage control circuit 96. Further, the microcomputer 100 controls the rotation of the fan drive motor 20 via the air blowing control circuit 98 to vary the air volume from the blowing duct 23 (see FIG. 3).
Furthermore, the microcomputer 100 controls the rotation direction and rotation speed of the drive motor 8 such as a brushless motor that rotates the drum 5 (see FIG. 3) via the motor drive circuit 99. When the rotational load torque of the drive motor 8 increases, the motor drive circuit 99 increases the current applied to the drive motor 8 to increase the drive torque, while when the rotational load torque decreases, the motor drive circuit 99 applies it to the drive motor 8. Control is performed to reduce the current and drive torque to keep the rotation speed constant.

By detecting the current applied to the drive motor 8 in the motor drive circuit 99, it is possible to determine the magnitude of the load torque applied to the drive motor 8 and to detect the amount of cloth put into the drum 5.
As described above, the cloth amount detection of the laundry 14 can be detected by detecting the rotational torque of the drive motor 8 from the current and the rotational speed of the drive motor 8. These configurations for detecting the amount of cloth 14 are referred to as cloth amount detecting means.

The detergent amount calculation unit 101 calculates a detergent amount necessary for washing based on the detected cloth amount.
The temperature sensor 92 and the humidity sensor 90 detect the temperature and humidity of the warm air 50 (50A, 50B) used for clothes drying and transmit the detection signal to the main control board 52.
The comparison unit 102 compares the measurement value (detection signal) obtained by the temperature sensor 92 and the humidity sensor 90 with a preset reference value 103 and outputs the magnitude of the reference value 103 to the microcomputer 100. Further, the microcomputer 100 controls the rotation direction, the number of rotations, and the like of the switching valve motor 45 (see FIGS. 11 and 12) via the switching valve control circuit 97 to vary the position of the switching valve body 36.
The first detection means 48 and the second detection means 49 are provided at a top dead center position (first position P1) (see FIGS. 5, 8, and 11) to a bottom dead center position (second position). Position P2) (see FIGS. 7, 10, and 12), and a detection signal is transmitted to the microcomputer 100.

<< Operation of Drum-type Washer / Dryer 1 >>
Next, the operation of the drum type laundry dryer 1 shown in FIG. 1 will be described.
First, an outline process of washing and drying in the drum type laundry dryer 1 will be described.
FIG. 14 is a diagram showing a schematic flowchart of a standard course of the drum type washing and drying machine 1.
First, when the user depresses the power switch of the operation panel 51 shown in FIG. 1 and turns on the standard course switch 51s, the operation of the standard course is started, washing the laundry 14, two intermediate dehydrations and rinsing, Final dehydration and drying are performed sequentially.

Referring to FIG. 14, first, when the user depresses the power switch of operation panel 51 (see FIG. 1) to turn on the power and turn on standard course switch 51s, the cloth amount of laundry 14 is detected (step 1). ). After that, the user inputs the detergent (step 20).
After supplying the necessary tap water (step 2), washing (step 3) is performed, and the washing water is drained (step 4). Thereafter, in order to squeeze out the detergent contained in the laundry 14, first intermediate dehydration is performed (step 5), and water supply is started again for the first rinse (step 6).

When the first rinse (step 7) is completed, the rinse water is drained (step 8). Thereafter, in order to squeeze out the detergent still contained in the laundry 14, a second intermediate dehydration (step 9) is performed, and water supply is started again for the second rinse (step 10).
When the second rinse (step 11) is completed, the rinse water is drained (step 12), and then final dewatering (step 13) is performed.
Finally, drying (step 14) is performed, and washing and drying are completed.

<Operation control 1 of switching valve body 36>
Next, an example of operation control (see FIGS. 5, 6, and 7) of the switching valve body 36 in the drying process (step 14 in FIG. 14) will be described.
As an example, an example in which wind direction control is performed according to the determination of the amount of cloth by detecting the amount of cloth 14 will be described.
In the schematic flowchart shown in FIG. 14, when the amount of laundry 14 is determined to be, for example, 3 kg or less after the amount of cloth is detected by the cloth amount detection means of the laundry 14 (step 1), In Step 14 of FIG. 14, assuming that the amount is small, as shown in FIG. 7, the switching valve body 36 is moved to blow out the hot air 50B from the second outlet 37B, and the wind direction of the hot air 50B is changed to FIG. As shown by the arrow 34B shown in FIG. 4, the hot air 50B is efficiently transferred to the drum 5 in a state where a small amount of laundry 14 is concentrated near the lower surface of the drum 5 by being directed to the lower surface or the vicinity of the lower surface of the drum 5. It can be applied to a small amount of laundry 14 near the lower surface.

On the other hand, if the amount of the laundry 14 is detected (step 1 in FIG. 14) and it is determined that the amount of the laundry 14 exceeds 3 kg, the amount of the laundry 14 is large. The laundry 14 is full inside the drum 5.
Therefore, in step 14 of FIG. 14, as shown in FIG. 5, the switching valve body 36 is moved and the hot air 50A is blown out from the first blowout port 37A. As shown in the direction of the arrow 34A shown in FIG.
Thus, by selecting an appropriate wind direction corresponding to the amount of the laundry 14, moisture evaporation from the laundry 14 can be effectively promoted and drying efficiency can be improved.

<Operation control 2 of switching valve body 36>
As another embodiment, an example in which the air volume or wind speed is changed in the first half and the second half of the drying process (step 14 in FIG. 14) will be described.
In the state where the final dehydration step (step 13) shown in FIG. 14 is completed, the laundry 14 is uniformly moistened inside the drum 5. Therefore, in the first half of the drying process (step 14 in FIG. 14), warm air 50 is blown over the entire laundry 14 by increasing the air volume in order to promote evaporation from the uniformly wet laundry 14. It is desirable to promote the evaporation of moisture from the laundry 14.

However, the laundry 14 on the near side near the opening 5a of the drum 5 near the outlet 37 (37A, 37B, 37C, 37D) (see FIGS. 5 and 8) is dried hot air 50 (50A, 50B) ( 5 (see FIG. 5 and FIG. 8) is sprayed directly and is easy to dry, whereas the warm air 50 passing through the laundry 14 on the back side of the drum 5 (right side of FIG. 3) is on the near side (in FIG. 3). Moisture does not easily evaporate because the humidity increases through the wet laundry 14 on the left side of the paper and the temperature is lowered due to the loss of latent heat for evaporating the moisture.
Therefore, in the latter half of the drying process, the laundry 14 on the near side of the drum 5 (left side of the drum 5 shown in FIG. 3) is dried, but on the back side of the drum 5 (right side of the drum 5 shown in FIG. 3). The laundry 14 is in a wet state where the unevenness in drying occurs, that is, the laundry 14 remains moist.

As described above, in order to dry the laundry 14 in which the drying unevenness has occurred, the warm air 50 passes through the laundry 14 on the near side (the left side of the drum 5 shown in FIG. 3) and is still wet. It is necessary to blow warm air 50 to the laundry 14 on the back side of the drum 5 (right side of the drum 5 shown in FIG. 3).
For this purpose, the area of the outlet (outlet 37) through which the hot air 50 (50A, 50B) (see FIGS. 5 and 8) exits is reduced to increase the pressure by increasing the outlet speed, and the hot air 50 is washed vigorously. It is desirable to spray on the object 14.

That is, in the first half of the drying process, for example, as shown in FIG. 10 of the second embodiment, a large amount of hot air 50B is blown into the drum 5 from the second blowout port 37D having a large area, and the entire laundry (14) is thus washed. In the latter half of the drying process, for example, as shown in FIG. 8 of the second embodiment, hot air 50A is blown in from the first blowout port 37C having a small area to dry the laundry 14 on the back side. It is desirable to make it the structure to make.
Alternatively, in the first half of the drying process, as shown in FIG. 9 of the second embodiment, a larger amount of hot air 50 (50A, 50B) is supplied from both the first outlet 37C and the second outlet 37D. ).

As an example for switching the first and second outlets 37C and 37D between the first half and the second half of the drying step, the first and second after a predetermined time has passed since the drying step was started. The second outlets 37C and 37D are switched.
This predetermined time is long because the drying time is long when the amount of the laundry 14 is large, based on the detection result of the cloth amount detection of the laundry 14 (step 1 in FIG. 14). When the amount is small, the drying time can be shortened. Therefore, when the amount is set short, the timing of switching the air volume of the warm air 50 can be optimized according to the amount of the laundry 14.
Alternatively, the first and second outlets 37C and 37D may be switched based on the humidity measurement result measured by the humidity sensor 90 (see FIG. 13).

That is, when the humidity is equal to or higher than a predetermined value after the drying is started, as shown in FIG. 10 of the second embodiment, a large amount of hot air 50B is blown from the second blowing port 37D having a large area, In the latter half of the drying process, when the laundry 14 is dried and the humidity is gradually decreased to a predetermined value or less, as shown in FIG. It is desirable that the hot air 50A be blown in from the outlet 37C.
Alternatively, if the humidity is still higher than the predetermined value in the first half of the drying process, both the first outlet 37C and the second outlet 37D are used as shown in FIG. 9 of the second embodiment. A larger amount of hot air 50A, 50B may be blown out from the mouth.

<Operation control 3 of switching valve body 36>
Further, as another example, an example in which a mode giving priority to drying finish and a mode giving priority to drying efficiency can be selected and appropriate warm air 50 is blown in accordance with the selected mode will be described.
As described above, the area of the hot air blowing ports (first and second blowing ports 37C and 37D (see FIG. 8)) is narrowed down from the state where the laundry 14 is still sufficiently moist to the end of drying. If the hot air 50 is continuously blown, the wrinkles are stretched by the wind pressure of the hot air 50 and the finish is improved.
On the other hand, if the area of the hot air outlets (first and second outlets 37C and 37D (see FIG. 8)) is increased and a large amount of hot air 50 is continuously blown, the evaporation of moisture is promoted and the drying efficiency is improved. Therefore, shortening of drying time and energy saving can be realized, and further energy saving can be realized by reducing the rotation speed of the fan 18 (see FIG. 1).

  Here, a drying mode selection means for selecting a finishing mode that prioritizes a good finish and a high-efficiency mode that prioritizes shortening drying time and saving energy, for example, an operation button for selecting either the finishing mode or the high-efficiency mode. A switch 51 s is provided on the operation panel 51 and connected to a key input unit (see FIG. 13) of the operation circuit unit 94. When the finish mode is selected, the hot air 50A is blown vigorously from the first blowout port 37C having a small area as shown in FIG. 8 of the second embodiment in the drying process, and the high efficiency mode is selected. In the drying process, as shown in FIG. 10 of the second embodiment, if a large amount of hot air 50B is blown from the second blowout port 37D having a large area, an appropriate hot air is obtained according to the selected mode. 50 can be blown out, which is preferable.

When the high-efficiency mode is selected, as shown in FIG. 9 of the second embodiment, a larger amount of hot air 50A, 50B is supplied from both the first outlet 37C and the second outlet 37D. You may blow out.
The first outlets 37A and 37C and the second outlets 37B and 37D shown in FIGS. 5 and 8 of the above embodiment are the same as those in the first embodiment described with reference to FIGS. The air outlet 37A and the second air outlet 37B have different directions and change the wind direction. In the second embodiment described with reference to FIGS. 8 to 10, the first air outlet 37C and the second air outlet 37C The areas of the air outlets 37D are different and the air volume is changed. However, the areas of the first air outlets 37A and 37C and the second air outlets 37B and 37D are different in both area and direction. It is also possible to change the wind direction.

<< Modification of Second Embodiment for Changing Air Volume of Hot Air 50 (50A, 50B) >>
Next, another modification of the second embodiment shown in FIGS. 8 to 10 for changing the air volume of the hot air 50 will be described with reference to FIG.
FIG. 15 is a perspective view including a cross section of a main part when the vicinity of the blowing duct 23 according to a modification of the second embodiment is viewed from the front side (the direction of arrow A in FIG. 1).
The first blowing port 37E is a blowing port that has a small area and blows hot air at a high speed. When the switching valve body 36 is rotated in the direction of the arrow 40A (see the reference numeral 36 'indicated by a two-dot chain line in FIG. 15). Unlike FIG. 8 of the second embodiment, is different from the second embodiment in a positional relationship that does not contact the inner peripheral wall of the hot air inlet 41.

In the modified embodiment of FIG. 15, when the switching valve body 36 is rotated in the direction of the arrow 40B (see the reference numeral 36 indicated by a solid line in FIG. 15), the warm air 50E is changed by the switching valve body 36 and the partition 38. Only one outlet 37E is guided and blown into the drum 5 at high speed.
On the other hand, when the switching valve body 36 is rotated in the direction of the arrow 40A to the position of reference numeral 36 ′ (indicated by a two-dot chain line in FIG. 15), the hot air 50E, 50F Like FIG. 9, it flows to both sides of the switching valve body 36 and both sides of the partition 38 and is blown out from both the first outlet 37E and the second outlet 37F. In addition, in FIG. 15 of a deformation | transformation form, the form by which the warm air 50 is blown off only from the 2nd blowing outlet 37F is not implement | achieved.

Here, if the hot air 50E blown out from the first blowout port 37E is a blowout port with a small area suitable for blowing out the high-speed hot air 50 corresponding to the above-described finishing mode, the switching valve body 36 is indicated by an arrow. When turned to the position of 36 '(indicated by a two-dot chain line in FIG. 15) by rotating in the direction of 40A, the area of the first outlet 37E and the second outlet 37F is summed up. Since the hot air 50E and 50F are blown out, the air volume can be increased.
In the above embodiment, the case where the switching valve motor 45 (see FIG. 13) is applied to rotate the switching valve body 36, but a solenoid may be used instead of the motor.

<< Action and effect >>
According to the above configuration, since the warm air 50 is blown from the blowout port 37 (37A, 37B, 37C, 37D) on the front surface side of the drum 5 during the drying process, Since the hot air 50 is directly blown to the laundry 14 and the warm air 50 passes through the inside of the laundry 14 and is exhausted from the exhaust port 12, the drying efficiency is improved.
Furthermore, in order to improve the drying finish of the laundry 14 such as clothing, the area of the blow-out port through which the hot air 50 is blown is narrowed to increase the wind speed to a predetermined speed or higher, thereby washing the laundry 14 such as clothing. The finish of drying can be improved by spreading and stretching the wrinkles.

  Therefore, the drum type washing and drying machine 1 is configured to change the opening area of the blowing nozzles (first and second blowing ports 37C, 37D, etc.) for blowing the hot air 50 into the drum 5 during the drying operation. The finishing-priority drying mode (see FIG. 8) suitable for reducing the area of the blowing nozzle and narrowing the air path to increase the speed of the warm air 50 and extending the wrinkles of the laundry 14 such as clothing, and the area of the blowing nozzle Can be switched to a drying mode (see FIGS. 9 and 10) in which the air volume of the hot air 50 is increased to increase the drying efficiency.

  Further, depending on the amount of the laundry 14, the warm air 50 is blown into the drum 5 in the direction in which the warm air 50 is blown into the drum 5, for example, when the laundry 14 is large and the laundry 14 is full in the drum 5. (Refer to FIG. 5 and FIG. 3) On the other hand, when the laundry 14 is small and stays only in the vicinity of the lower surface of the drum 5, the warm air 50 is directed downward toward the lower surface or the lower surface of the drum 5. The drying efficiency can be further improved by directly blowing the warm air 50 onto the laundry 14 such as clothing by changing the direction in which the warm air 50 is blown (see FIGS. 7 and 3). it can.

That is, by rotating the switching valve body 36, the direction of the blowout port of the hot air 50 can be changed during the drying process, and the blowout direction when the hot air 50 is blown into the drum 5 can be changed (FIG. 5 and FIG. 7), it is possible to improve the drying efficiency by selecting an appropriate blowing direction according to the type and amount of the laundry 14 such as clothes.
In order to change the air volume of the hot air 50, it is effective to change the nozzle area of the outlet (the areas of the first and second outlets 37C and 37D (see FIG. 8)).

Therefore, as described above, the nozzle area of the outlet can be changed by rotating the switching valve body 36, and the air volume of the hot air 50 can be increased or decreased, so that the drying efficiency is improved and the drying time is increased. Can be shortened.
Further, since the pressure loss is reduced when the area of the nozzle is increased, the rotation speed of the fan 18 necessary for obtaining a predetermined air volume can be reduced, so that power consumption can be reduced and energy saving can be realized. . In addition, the fan noise can be reduced.

In the above embodiment, the rotary valve structure 36 has been exemplified and described. However, each of the first blowout ports 37A, 37C, 37E and the second blowout ports 37B, 37D, 37F is opened and closed. The switching valve body 36 may be opened and closed by a sliding type switching member, and the configuration of the switching member such as the switching valve body 36 is not limited to the illustrated rotary type.
Moreover, in the said embodiment, although the blower outlet of the warm air 50 was provided with two 1st blower ports 37A and the 2nd blower port 37B, the case where the blowing direction of the warm air 50 was changed was illustrated, The number of the 50 outlets may be one, and the position of the one outlet may be mechanically changed to change the outlet direction.

Moreover, it is set as the structure which changes the at least any one of the blowing area and the direction as 3 or more arbitrary numbers of the blowing outlets of the warm air 50, and according to the kind and quantity of the laundry 14, a dry state, etc. It is also possible to appropriately select at least one of the blowout area and direction by appropriately selecting the blowout opening of the hot air 50.
As described above, the number of the hot air 50 outlets, the mechanism for opening and closing the hot air 50 outlets, the hot air 50 outlet area, the mechanism for changing the direction, and the like are not limited to those illustrated in the embodiment, and may be appropriately selected. Selectable.

In the above embodiment, the case where the rotation axis of the drum 5 is inclined slightly upward from the horizontal to the front has been described as an example. However, the configuration of the present invention is applied to achieve the effects of the present invention. If it does so, the angle of the rotating shaft of the drum 5 is not limited.
Further, in the above-described embodiment, the case where the blowout port 37 is provided near the opening (opening portion 5a) of the drum 5 has been described as an example. However, the present invention is not limited to such a configuration. The same effect is obtained even when the back plate 5d of the tank 4 is provided on the back plate 4d side and the back plate 5d of the drum 5 is configured in a mesh shape through which hot air can pass and the hot air is blown into the drum 5 from the back plate 5d side. Is obtained.
In the embodiment, various configurations have been described. However, these configurations can be appropriately combined. Thereby, the effect which combined each structure is acquired.
In the above embodiment, the drum-type washing / drying machine 1 has been described as an example of a washing / drying machine.

1 Drum-type washing and drying machine (washing and drying machine)
4 Outer tank 4a Opening (outer tank opening)
5 drums (inner tank)
5a Opening (inner tank opening)
6 Opening (outer tub opening)
7 Lid (lid)
8 Drive motor (motor)
11 Drying means (air duct, filter, blower fan, heating means)
12 Exhaust port 13 Dehumidification duct (air duct)
14 Laundry 15 Bellows (air duct)
16 filters,
18 fans (fans)
20 Fan drive motor (fan rotation speed control means)
21 Heater (heating means)
23 Blowing duct (air duct)
24 Connection air path (air duct)
25 Blow bellows (air duct)
35 Rotating spindle (fulcrum)
36 Switching valve body (switching member)
37 Outlet (First Outlet, Second Outlet)
37A First outlet 37B Second outlet 38 Partition (partition)
39 Inlet passage (air duct)
39A First inflow passage (air duct)
39B Second blow passage (air duct)
41 Hot air inlet (air duct)
48 First detection means (switching valve position selection means)
49 Second detection means (switching valve position selection means)
50 Hot air 50A Hot air 50B Hot air 50E Hot air 50F Hot air 51s Operation button switch (Drying mode selection means)
90 Humidity sensor (switching valve position selection means)
92 Temperature sensor (switching valve position selection means)
94 Key input part (Drying mode selection means)
98 Blower control circuit (fan speed control means)
100 microcomputer (fan rotation speed control means, switching valve position selection means, drying mode selection means)
C control circuit section (fan rotation speed control means, switching valve position selection means, drying mode selection means)
P1 1st position P2 2nd position P3 3rd position

Claims (24)

An outer tank having an opening on one side and elastically supported;
An inner tub rotatably supported inside the outer tub and having an opening facing the opening of the outer tub at one end;
A lid for opening and closing the opening of the outer tub;
A motor that rotationally drives the inner tank;
While blowing warm air into the inner tub in the drying step, at least one of the blowing area and the blowing direction is changed,
An exhaust duct provided in the outer tub is upstream, the outlet is downstream, and an air duct that forms an air flow path connecting the exhaust outlet and the outlet;
A blower fan for blowing air in the air duct;
A washing / drying machine comprising heating means for heating the air to produce the warm air. The washing / drying machine according to claim 1, wherein the outlet is provided near the opening of the inner tub. The outlet has a first outlet and the second outlet,
And,
A partition that separates the first outlet and the second outlet;
The washing / drying machine according to claim 1, further comprising: a switching member that switches between opening and closing of each of the first outlet and the second outlet. The switching member is a switching valve body that is in contact with the partition wall and is rotatably supported around a fulcrum, and is extended to the heating means side or the upstream side of the air flow path. The washing / drying machine according to claim 3. The first blowout port and the second blowout port are different from each other in the direction of blowing out the warm air, and the first blowout port blows the warm air toward the center or the vicinity of the center of the inner tank, The washing / drying machine according to claim 3 or 4, wherein the second blowout port is arranged so as to blow the warm air toward a lower surface or a vicinity of the lower surface of the inner tub. 6. The area according to claim 3, wherein the first blowout port and the second blowout port have different areas of the blowout port through which the hot air is blown out. Washing and drying machine. The switching member is
A first position for blowing hot air from only the first outlet, a second position for blowing hot air from only the second outlet, and the first and second outlets. It switches between the 3rd position which blows off warm air from both. The washer-dryer as described in any one of Claims 3-6 characterized by the above-mentioned. The area of the first outlet is smaller than the area of the second outlet;
And,
The washing / drying machine according to claim 7, further comprising fan rotation speed control means for lowering the rotation speed of the blower fan than the first position at the second position to the third position. . A cloth amount detecting means for detecting the amount of laundry put into the inner tub;
Based on the detection result of the cloth amount detecting means, in the drying step, the first and second outlets of the warm air are moved to the first position, the second position, and the third using the switching member. The washing / drying machine according to claim 7 or 8, further comprising a switching valve position selection means for switching to any one of the positions. The switching valve position selection means includes
After a predetermined time has elapsed from the start of the drying process, the first and second outlets for the warm air are moved to the first position, the second position, and the third position using the switching member. The laundry dryer according to claim 9, wherein the position is converted from any one of the positions to another position. Further comprising a humidity measuring means for measuring the humidity of the hot air,
The switching valve position selection means includes
After the temperature of the hot air drops below a predetermined humidity, the switching member is used to move the hot air outlet from any one of the first position, the second position, and the third position. The washing / drying machine according to claim 9, wherein the washing / drying machine is converted into a position of Drying mode selection means for selecting a first drying mode that prioritizes the dry finish of the laundry and a second drying mode that prioritizes the drying efficiency of the laundry,
The switching valve position selection means includes
When the first drying mode is selected by the drying mode selection means, the hot air outlet is set to the first position, and when the second drying mode is selected by the drying mode selection means The washing / drying machine according to claim 9, wherein the second position or the third position is selected for the hot air outlet. An outer tank having an opening on one side and elastically supported;
An inner tub rotatably supported inside the outer tub and having an opening facing the opening of the outer tub at one end;
A lid for opening and closing the opening of the outer tub;
A motor that rotationally drives the inner tank;
While blowing warm air into the inner tub in the drying step, at least one of the blowing area and the blowing direction is changed,
An exhaust duct provided in the outer tub is upstream, the outlet is downstream, and an air duct that forms an air flow path connecting the exhaust outlet and the outlet;
A blower fan for blowing air in the air duct;
A drying device comprising heating means for heating the air to produce the warm air. The dryer according to claim 13, wherein the outlet is provided near the opening of the inner tank. The outlet has a first outlet and the second outlet,
And,
A partition that separates the first outlet and the second outlet;
The dryer according to claim 13 or 14, further comprising a switching member that switches between opening and closing of each of the first outlet and the second outlet. The switching member is a switching valve body that is in contact with the partition wall and is rotatably supported around a fulcrum, and is extended to the heating means side or the upstream side of the air flow path. The dryer according to claim 15. The first blowout port and the second blowout port are different from each other in the direction of blowing out the warm air, and the first blowout port blows the warm air toward the center or the vicinity of the center of the inner tank, The dryer according to claim 15 or 16, wherein the second blow-out port is disposed so as to blow the warm air toward a lower surface or a vicinity of the lower surface of the inner tank. 18. The area according to claim 15, wherein the first air outlet and the second air outlet have different areas of the air outlet that blows out the warm air. Dryer. The switching member is
A first position for blowing hot air from only the first outlet, a second position for blowing hot air from only the second outlet, and the first and second outlets. It switches between the 3rd positions which blow off warm air from both. The dryer according to any one of claims 15 to 18 characterized by things. The area of the first outlet is smaller than the area of the second outlet;
And,
The dryer according to claim 19, further comprising fan rotation speed control means for lowering the rotation speed of the blower fan than the first position at the second position to the third position. A cloth amount detecting means for detecting the amount of laundry put into the inner tub;
Based on the detection result of the cloth amount detecting means, in the drying step, the first and second outlets of the warm air are moved to the first position, the second position, and the third using the switching member. The dryer according to claim 19 or 20, further comprising a switching valve position selection means for switching to any one of the positions. The switching valve position selection means includes
After a predetermined time has elapsed from the start of the drying process, the first and second outlets for the warm air are moved to the first position, the second position, and the third position using the switching member. The dryer according to claim 21, wherein the dryer is converted from any one of the positions to another position. Further comprising a humidity measuring means for measuring the humidity of the hot air,
The switching valve position selection means includes
After the temperature of the hot air drops below a predetermined humidity, the switching member is used to move the hot air outlet from any one of the first position, the second position, and the third position. The dryer according to claim 21, wherein the dryer is converted into the position of Drying mode selection means for selecting a first drying mode that prioritizes the dry finish of the laundry and a second drying mode that prioritizes the drying efficiency of the laundry,
The switching valve position selection means includes
When the first drying mode is selected by the drying mode selection means, the hot air outlet is set to the first position, and when the second drying mode is selected by the drying mode selection means The dryer according to claim 21, wherein the second position or the third position is selected for the hot air outlet.

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