JP2015123348A - Dryer - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a dryer capable of improving dehumidification efficiency by effectively utilizing dew condensation water generated by dehumidification in an evaporator of a heat pump unit.SOLUTION: The dryer includes: a housing tub (3) for housing an object to be dried; circulation air passages (23, 30, 24, 26) for circulating air in the housing tub (3); a heat pump unit (13) having an evaporator (10) arranged in the circulation air passages (23, 30, 24, 26) and dehumidifying the air circulating in the circulation air passages (23, 30, 24, 26), and a condenser (8) arranged on a downstream side of the evaporator (10) in the circulation air passages (23, 30, 24, 26) and heating the air dehumidified by the evaporator (10); a water storage tank (31) for storing dew condensation water generated in the evaporator (10); and a dew condensation water utilization unit (40) for dehumidifying the air circulating in the circulation air passages (23, 30, 24, 26) by utilizing the dew condensation water supplied from the water storage tank (31).

Description

  The present invention relates to a dryer.

  Conventionally, as a dryer, after the laundry is dried by supplying warm air heated by a condenser to the laundry in the rotating drum, the air that has become hot and humid with the moisture evaporated from the laundry is evaporated. There is a heat pump type washing and drying machine that cools and dehumidifies in this way (see, for example, Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2006-116066 (Patent Document 1)).

JP 2006-116066 A

  By the way, in the said washing-drying machine, the dew condensation water produced by the dehumidification in the evaporator is drained as it is and discarded without using the low-temperature dew condensation water, so there is a problem that the dehumidification efficiency is poor.

  Then, the subject of this invention is providing the dryer which can improve dehumidification efficiency by using effectively the dew condensation water produced by dehumidification with the evaporator of the heat pump unit.

In order to solve the above problems, the dryer of the present invention is:
A storage tank for storing a dry object;
A circulation air passage for circulating the air in the storage tank;
An evaporator that is disposed in the circulation air passage and dehumidifies air circulating in the circulation air passage; and an air that is disposed downstream of the evaporator in the circulation air passage and is dehumidified by the evaporator. A heat pump unit having a condenser for heating;
A water storage tank for storing condensed water generated in the evaporator;
And a dew condensation water utilization unit that dehumidifies the air circulating through the circulation air passage using the dew condensation water supplied from the water storage tank.

In one embodiment of the dryer,
The said dew condensation water utilization part is arrange | positioned upstream from the said evaporator in the said circulation air path, and has a cooling plate cooled with the dew condensation water supplied from the said water storage tank.

In one embodiment of the dryer,
A circulation pump for supplying the condensed water in the water storage tank to the condensed water utilization unit;
A circulation path that returns to the water storage tank after the condensed water from the water storage tank is supplied to the dew condensation water utilization unit by the circulation pump.

In one embodiment of the dryer,
A water level sensor for detecting the water level in the water storage tank;
A drainage section for draining dew condensation water in the water storage tank;
When the water level in the water storage tank detected by the water level sensor is equal to or higher than a preset upper limit water level, a portion of the condensed water in the water storage tank is drained to leave a predetermined amount of condensed water. And a drainage control unit for controlling the drainage unit.

In one embodiment of the dryer,
A temperature sensor for detecting the temperature of the condensed water in the water storage tank;
A drainage section for draining dew condensation water in the water storage tank;
A drainage control unit that controls the drainage unit to drain the condensed water in the water storage tank when the temperature of the dew condensation water in the water storage tank detected by the temperature sensor is equal to or higher than a preset upper limit temperature. And with.

In one embodiment of the dryer,
The dew condensation water utilization unit has a cooling mechanism for flowing the dew condensation water supplied from the water storage tank along the inner wall on the upstream side of the evaporator in the circulation air passage.

  As apparent from the above, according to the present invention, it is possible to realize a dryer capable of improving the dehumidification efficiency by effectively using the dew condensation water generated by dehumidification by the evaporator of the heat pump unit.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an appearance of a washing / drying machine according to a first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a diagram schematically showing a configuration relating to the drying function of the washing / drying machine. FIG. 3 is an enlarged schematic view of the main part including the heat pump unit and the water storage tank of the washer / dryer. FIG. 4 is an enlarged schematic view of a main part including a heat pump unit and a water storage tank of a washing / drying machine according to a second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 5 is a diagram schematically showing a configuration relating to the drying function of the washing / drying machine according to the third embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6 is a diagram schematically showing a configuration relating to the drying function of the washing / drying machine according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention.

  Hereinafter, the dryer of this invention is demonstrated in detail by embodiment of illustration.

[First Embodiment]
FIG. 1 is an external perspective view of a washing / drying machine according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the washing and drying machine according to the first embodiment includes an operation display unit 20 for selecting and inputting a driving operation on the front of the outer box 1 and displaying the driving state, a washing tub 2, and a rotating drum 3. And a door 21 for opening and closing the opening (shown in FIG. 2).

  FIG. 2 schematically shows a configuration relating to the drying function of the washing / drying machine.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the washing and drying machine has an outer box 1, a washing tub 2 disposed in the outer box 1, and an inclination angle that is upward on the front side with respect to the horizontal direction in the washing tub 2. Rotating drum 3 as an example of a storage tank that is disposed to be rotatable around a central axis J and that stores a drying object 5 such as clothing, and a rotation driving unit that rotationally drives the rotating drum 3 about the central axis J The drive motor 4 is provided. The washing tub 2 and the rotating drum 3 are open on the door 21 side, and by opening the door 21, the laundry and the drying object 5 can be taken in and out of the rotating drum 3. Moreover, by closing the door 21, the washing tub 2 is kept watertight and airtight. The central axis J may be substantially parallel to the horizontal direction.

  Further, a filter storage unit 30 is disposed on the back side of the upper portion of the outer box 1. A first air circulation duct 23 connects between the intake port 30a of the filter storage unit 30 and the exhaust port 22 of the washing tub 2, and second air is connected between the exhaust port 30b of the filter storage unit 30 and the heat pump unit 13. They are connected by a circulation duct 24. The heat pump unit 13 is disposed on the back side of the lower portion of the outer box 1. In addition, an air duct 26 is connected between the heat pump unit 13 and the air inlet 25 of the washing tub 2. The circulation fan 11 is disposed on the heat pump unit 13 side of the air duct 26.

  The first air circulation duct 23, the filter housing part 30, the second air circulation duct 24, and the air duct 26 form a circulation air path. The heat pump unit 13 includes an evaporator 10 disposed in the circulation air passage and a condenser 8 disposed on the downstream side of the evaporator 10 in the circulation air passage.

  The rotating drum 3 is formed with a plurality of through holes (not shown) that allow water and air to flow between the peripheral surface 3A and the inside of the washing tub 2. A plurality of air introduction holes (not shown) communicating with the air inlet 25 of the washing tub 2 are formed on the bottom surface 3 </ b> B of the rotating drum 3. As a result, the dried heated air supplied from the heat pump unit 13 through the air duct 26 is supplied into the rotary drum 3 from the air inlet 25 as indicated by an arrow Y in FIG.

  Further, the heated air that has taken away moisture from the drying object 5 such as clothes accommodated in the rotating drum 3 becomes moisture-absorbing air. This hygroscopic air passes through the through hole in the peripheral surface 3A of the rotating drum 3 into the washing tub 2 as indicated by an arrow Z in FIG. 2, and is filtered from the exhaust port 22 of the washing tub 2 through the first air circulation duct 23. The air is exhausted toward the storage unit 30, and is introduced from the filter storage unit 30 through the second air circulation duct 24 into the heat pump unit 13.

On the heat pump unit 13 side in the second air circulation duct 24, a metal cooling plate 40 as an example of a dew condensation water utilization unit is disposed. The cooling plate 40 is inclined so that the front side on the heat pump unit 13 side is lower than the rear side on the opposite side.
A cooling water pipe 41 connects the rear end side of the cooling plate 40 and the water storage tank 31 below the heat pump unit 13. A cooling water pump 42 as an example of a circulation pump is disposed in the middle of the cooling water pipe 41. A cooling nozzle (not shown) is provided on the cooling plate 40 side of the cooling water pipe 41.

  During the drying operation, the cooling water pump 42 is operated, and the cooling water (condensation water) supplied from the water storage tank 31 of the heat pump unit 13 is discharged from the cooling nozzle and flows through the upper surface of the cooling plate 40 to cool the cooling plate 40. . Thereby, air is cooled by the cooling water (condensation water) and the cooling plate 40, and moisture contained in the air flowing in the second air circulation duct 24 is effectively condensed.

  The washing / drying machine includes a control device 15 including a microcomputer and an input / output circuit. The control device 15 has a drain control unit 15a that controls the drain pump 44 (shown in FIG. 3).

  FIG. 3 is an enlarged schematic view of the main part including the heat pump unit 13 and the water storage tank 31 of the washing / drying machine. In FIG. 3, the same reference numerals are assigned to the same components as those in the washing and drying machine shown in FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the heat pump unit 13 includes an evaporator 10, a compressor 7, a condenser 8, and an expansion valve 9. The evaporator 10, the compressor 7, the condenser 8, and the expansion valve 9 are connected by a refrigerant pipe 14 to form a refrigerant circuit, and the refrigerant compressed by the compressor 7 includes the condenser 8, the expansion valve 9, and the evaporator 10. It flows in the order. Further, a temperature sensor 16 or the like is attached to the refrigerant pipe 14 on the discharge side of the compressor 7. The controller 15 can control the capacity of the compressor 7 in accordance with the refrigerant temperature measured by the temperature sensor 16. Further, the control device 15 controls the expansion valve 9 as necessary.

  Further, a water storage tank 31 for storing condensed water generated by dehumidification in the evaporator 10 is disposed below the heat pump unit 13. In addition, a temperature sensor 17 that detects the temperature of the condensed water is disposed in the water storage tank 31, and a water level sensor 18 that detects the water level in the water storage tank 31 is disposed. In this embodiment, a float sensor is used as the water level sensor 18. Further, one end of a drain pipe 43 is connected to the water storage tank 31, and a drain pump 44 as an example of a drain section is disposed in the drain pipe 43.

  In the washing and drying machine having the above-described configuration, when selection of an operation course, time setting of each process, or the like is input from the operation display unit 20 (shown in FIG. 1), the control device 15 (the selection information or setting information is input). As shown in FIG. 2, from washing to drying is executed as a series of operations or only a drying operation is executed.

  In the drying operation, the rotary drum 3 is rotated by the drive motor 4 at a rotation speed corresponding to the drying operation to stir the drying object 5 such as clothes, and the heat pump unit 13 and the circulation fan 11 are driven to dry the air. Circulation starts.

  At this time, in the heat pump unit 13, the refrigerant is compressed by the compressor 7 shown in FIG. 3, and this refrigerant passes through the refrigerant pipe 14 from the compressor 7, the condenser 8, the expansion valve 9, the evaporator 10, and the compressor 7. It cycles in order. Since the heat of the compressed refrigerant flows into the condenser 8 and is radiated to the air in contact with the fins 8B provided in the refrigerant pipe 8A provided in the condenser 8, it becomes heated air. 2 is fed from the circulation fan 11 shown in FIG. 2 through the air duct 26 into the rotary drum 3 through the air inlet 25.

  As a result, the heated air becomes moisture-absorbing air deprived of moisture from the drying object 5 such as clothes agitated in the rotary drum 3 and is discharged from the exhaust port 22 to the first air circulation duct 23.

  The hygroscopic air blown to the first air circulation duct 23 enters the space in the heat pump unit 13 from the intake port of the heat pump unit 13 via the filter housing portion 30 and the second air circulation duct 24 shown in FIG. When passing through the fin 10B of the evaporator 10 shown in FIG. In the evaporator 10, the refrigerant that has been decompressed by the expansion valve 9 to a low pressure flows through the refrigerant pipe 10A.

  As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the dew condensation water generated by dehumidifying the hygroscopic air with the evaporator 10 drops into the water storage tank 31, and the dehumidified and dried air enters the condenser 8. It is heated again.

  The structure of the drying function of the heat pump system that heats and dehumidifies the drying air by the heat pump unit 13 collects the heat absorbed by the evaporator 10 with the refrigerant and dissipates it again from the condenser 8, so the energy input to the compressor 7 The amount of heat described above can be given to the drying object 5 such as clothing, and it is possible to realize a reduction in drying time and energy saving.

  Here, the cooling water pump 42 is operated to supply the condensed water accumulated in the water storage tank 31 to the cooling plate 40 through the cooling water pipe 41. Thereby, air is cooled by the cooling water (condensation water) and the cooling plate 40, and moisture contained in the air flowing in the second air circulation duct 24 is effectively condensed. The cooling water after cooling the cooling plate 40 flows down in the second air circulation duct 24 and returns to the water storage tank 31.

  The water stored in the water storage tank 31 is operated by a drainage pump 44 as an example of a drainage section when the water temperature in the water storage tank 31 detected by the temperature sensor 17 is equal to or higher than a preset upper limit temperature. As a result, the water is drained to the outside through a drain pipe 43 (not shown). On the downstream side of the drainage pump 44 of the drainage pipe 43, a check valve (not shown) that allows only the flow from the water storage tank 31 to the drainage port is disposed. Further, when the water level in the water storage tank 31 detected by the water level sensor 18 is equal to or higher than a preset upper limit water level, a part of the condensed water in the water storage tank 31 is drained to form a predetermined amount of condensation. The drainage pump 44 is controlled by the drainage control unit 15a so that water remains.

  According to the washing dryer having the above-described configuration, the low-temperature dew condensation water generated by performing dehumidification with the evaporator 10 of the heat pump unit 13 is stored in the water storage tank 31 in the drying operation, and the dew condensation supplied from the water storage tank 31 is stored. Using water, the air circulating through the circulation air passages (23, 30, 24, 26) is dehumidified by the dew condensation water utilization unit (cooling plate 40), and is generated by dehumidification in the evaporator 10 of the heat pump unit 13. Dehumidification efficiency can be improved by effectively using low-temperature dew condensation water.

  Further, by cooling the cooling plate 40 disposed on the upstream side of the evaporator 10 in the circulation air passages (23, 30, 24, 26) with the condensed water supplied from the water storage tank 31, The air circulating in the path is cooled by the cooling plate 40 and dehumidified. Thereby, the dew condensation water produced by the dehumidification by the evaporator 10 can be effectively used with a simple configuration.

  Further, by providing a circulation path (cooling water pipe 41, second air circulation duct 24) returning to the water storage tank 31 after the condensed water from the water storage tank 31 is supplied to the cooling plate 40 by the cooling water pump 42, The condensed water in the tank 31 can be reused repeatedly. In addition, this invention may be the structure without the said circulation path, In that case, after the dew condensation water from a water storage tank is supplied to a cooling plate, it drains as it is.

  Further, when the water level in the water storage tank 31 detected by the water level sensor 18 is equal to or higher than a preset upper limit water level, a part of the condensed water in the water storage tank 31 is drained to form a predetermined amount of condensation. Since the drainage control unit 15a controls the drainage unit (drainage pump 44) so that water remains, the water level when the water storage tank 31 is full is set to the upper limit water level, and the water level in the water storage tank 31 rises to store water. When it is detected that the tank 31 is full, a portion of the condensed water in the water storage tank 31 is drained so that the amount of condensed water necessary for cooling the cooling plate 40 remains, and excess condensed water is discharged. It is possible to prevent the condensed water from overflowing from the water storage tank 31.

  In addition, when the temperature of the dew condensation water in the water storage tank 31 detected by the temperature sensor 17 is equal to or higher than a preset upper limit temperature, the water discharge controller 15a drains the dew condensation water in the water storage tank 31. (The drain pump 44) is controlled so that the dew condensation water in the water storage tank 31 is drained when the temperature of the dew condensation water in the water storage tank 31 rises and the dehumidification capacity in the dew condensation water utilization unit decreases. Thus, low-temperature dew condensation water newly generated in the evaporator 10 can be stored in the water storage tank 31 and used.

[Second Embodiment]
FIG. 4 shows an enlarged schematic view of the main part including the heat pump unit 13 and the water storage tank 31 of the washing / drying machine of the second embodiment of the present invention. The washing / drying machine of the second embodiment has the same configuration as the washing / drying machine of the first embodiment except for the operation of the switching valve 45, the drain pipe 46, and the control device 15, and FIG. The same reference numerals are assigned to the same components.

  In the first embodiment, the drainage pipe 43 is connected to the water storage tank 31, and the drainage pump 44 is disposed in the drainage pipe 43 to drain the condensed water in the water storage tank 31. On the other hand, in 2nd Embodiment, the form which drains condensed water using the cooling water pump 42 is demonstrated below.

  As shown in FIG. 4, a switching valve 45 is disposed downstream of the cooling water pump 42, that is, in the middle of the cooling water pipe 41 between the cooling water pump 42 and the cooling plate 40 (shown in FIG. 2). . One end of the drain pipe 46 is connected to the switching valve 45 as a branch branched from the switching valve 45. The switching valve 45 switches to a path communicating with the cooling plate 40 through the cooling water pipe 41 or a path communicating with the drain pipe 46. The switching valve 45 is controlled by the drainage control unit 15 a of the control device 15 together with the cooling water pump 42.

  According to the second embodiment, during the drying operation in which the condensed water stored in the water storage tank 31 is supplied to the cooling plate 40, the cooling water pump 42 is driven and the switching valve 45 is switched to the path on the cooling plate 40 side. . Accordingly, as described in the first embodiment, dehumidification can be performed on the upstream side of the evaporator 10 of the heat pump unit 13.

  On the other hand, when the condensed water in the water storage tank 31 needs to be drained, the switching valve 45 is switched to the side communicating with the drain pipe 46. Thereby, it can drain using the cooling water pump 42. Thereby, the cooling water pump 42 can be used also as a drainage pump, and a part of drainage path including the drainage pump can be simplified.

[Third Embodiment]
FIG. 5 shows a schematic configuration relating to drying of the washing / drying machine of the third embodiment of the present invention. The washer / dryer of the third embodiment has the same configuration as that of the washer / dryer of the first embodiment except for the cooling mechanism, and the same reference numerals are given to the same components and the description thereof will be omitted.

  In the washing and drying machine of the third embodiment, as shown in FIG. 5, the second cooling water pipe 50 branched from the cooling plate 40 side of the cooling water pipe 41 extends upward, and the second cooling water pipe The upper end of 50 is connected to a cooling water supply port 24 a provided in the second air circulation duct 24.

  In the washing / drying machine having the above configuration, during the drying operation, the cooling water pump 42 is operated, and the condensed water accumulated in the water storage tank 31 is circulated through the cooling water pipe 41 and the second cooling water pipe 50 in the second air circulation. The cooling water is supplied from the cooling water supply port 24 a into the duct 24 and simultaneously supplied to the cooling plate 40. Thereby, the inner wall of the second air circulation duct 24 is cooled with cooling water (condensation water), and the air flowing in the second air circulation duct 24 is effectively dehumidified, and as described in the first embodiment. The cooling plate 40 is also dehumidified. The cooling water after cooling the inner wall of the second air circulation duct 24 flows down in the second air circulation duct 24, passes through the cooling plate 40, and returns to the water storage tank 31.

  The cooling water pipe 41, the cooling water pump 42, the second cooling water pipe 50, and the cooling water supply port 24a constitute a cooling mechanism as an example of a dew condensation water utilization unit.

  The washing / drying machine of the third embodiment has the same effect as the washing / drying machine of the first embodiment.

  In addition, after the condensed water from the water storage tank 31 is supplied to the cooling plate 40 by the cooling water pump 42, the circulation path (cooling water pipe 41, part of the second air circulation duct 24) returns to the water storage tank 31, and cooling A circulation path (cooling water pipe 41, second cooling water pipe 50, second air circulation duct) returning to the water storage tank 31 after the condensed water from the water storage tank 31 is supplied into the second air circulation duct 24 by the water pump 42. 24), the condensed water in the water storage tank 31 can be reused repeatedly.

  In addition, a cooling mechanism (41, 42, 50, 24a) that causes the condensed water supplied from the water storage tank 31 to flow along the inner wall on the upstream side of the evaporator 10 in the circulation air passage (23, 30, 24, 26). ), The air circulating in the circulation air path is cooled and dehumidified on the inner wall on the upstream side of the evaporator 10, so that dew condensation water generated by dehumidification by the evaporator 10 with a simple configuration in addition to dehumidification due to a synergistic effect. Can be used effectively.

  In the third embodiment, cooling water (condensation water) is supplied from the cooling water supply port 24 a into the second air circulation duct 24 via the second cooling water pipe 50. Thus, the inner wall of the second air circulation duct 24 is cooled with cooling water (condensation water), and the air flowing in the second air circulation duct 24 is effectively dehumidified. At this time, a part (all) of the cooling water falling through the second air circulation duct 24 also flows into the cooling plate 40. If it does in this way, it can anticipate raising the dehumidification efficiency in the cooling plate 40 with the cooling water supplied through the cooling water pipe 41. FIG.

  Further, the route for supplying the cooling plate 40 to the cooling plate 40 is eliminated, and all the cooling water is supplied from the cooling water supply port 24a via the cooling water pipe 50, and flows down the inner wall of the second air circulation duct 24. This can also flow to the cooling plate 40. Thereby, the dehumidification effect by the cooling plate 40 is acquired similarly. That is, the cooling water pipe 41 is eliminated, and the cooling water is supplied from the cooling water supply port 24a directly from the cooling water pump 42 via the cooling water pipe 50. Thus, only one cooling water pipe 50 is required, and the cooling water pipe 41 can be eliminated.

[Fourth Embodiment]
FIG. 6 shows a schematic configuration relating to drying of the washing / drying machine of the fourth embodiment of the present invention. The washing / drying machine of the fourth embodiment has the same configuration as the washing / drying machine of the first embodiment except for a cooling mechanism provided instead of the cooling plate, and the same reference numerals are given to the same components. A description thereof will be omitted.

  As shown in FIG. 6, the washer / dryer of the fourth embodiment cools the water storage tank 31 on the lower side of the heat pump unit 13 and the cooling water supply port 24 a provided on the upper side of the second air circulation duct 24. They are connected by a water pipe 60. The cooling water pipe 60 is provided with a cooling water pump 42 as an example of a circulation pump.

  In the washing / drying machine configured as described above, during the drying operation, the cooling water pump 42 is operated to supply the condensed water accumulated in the water storage tank 31 into the second air circulation duct 24 via the cooling water pipe 60. Thus, the inner wall of the second air circulation duct 24 is cooled with cooling water (condensation water), and the air flowing in the second air circulation duct 24 is effectively dehumidified. The cooling water after cooling the inner wall of the second air circulation duct 24 flows down in the second air circulation duct 24 and returns to the water storage tank 31.

  The cooling water pump 42, the cooling water pipe 60, and the cooling water supply port 24a constitute a cooling mechanism as an example of a condensed water utilization unit.

  According to the washer / dryer of the fourth embodiment, the condensed water supplied from the water storage tank 31 flows along the inner wall on the upstream side of the evaporator 10 in the circulation air passage (23, 30, 24, 26). The cooling mechanism (42, 60, 24a) cools and dehumidifies the air circulating in the circulation air path on the inner wall upstream of the evaporator 10, so that dew condensation caused by dehumidification by the evaporator 10 with a simple configuration. Water can be used effectively.

  A circulation path (cooling water pipe 60, part of the second air circulation duct 24) returns to the water storage tank 31 after the condensed water from the water storage tank 31 is supplied into the second air circulation duct 24 by the cooling water pump 42. ), The condensed water in the water storage tank 31 can be repeatedly reused.

  In the first to fourth embodiments, the washing / drying machine has been described. However, the present invention may be applied to a drying machine having no washing function.

  Although the said 1st-4th embodiment demonstrated the washing-drying machine provided with the cooling plate 40, the cooling mechanism (41,42,50,24a), and the cooling mechanism (42,60,24a) as a dew condensation water utilization part. The dew condensation water utilization part of the dryer according to the present invention is not limited to this, and the dew condensation of other configurations that dehumidifies the air circulating in the circulation air path using dew condensation water generated by dehumidification in the evaporator of the heat pump unit. A dryer equipped with a water utilization unit may be used. For example, a configuration capable of improving the dehumidifying capacity by applying the condensed water of the water storage tank to a part of the evaporator (particularly a high temperature portion) of the heat pump unit may be used as the condensed water utilization unit.

  Although specific embodiments of the present invention have been described, the present invention is not limited to the first to fourth embodiments, and various modifications can be made within the scope of the present invention.

The dryer of this invention is
A storage tank 3 for storing a dry object;
A circulation air passage (23, 30, 24, 26) for circulating the air in the storage tank 3,
The evaporator 10 disposed in the circulation air passage (23, 30, 24, 26) and dehumidifying the air circulating through the circulation air passage (23, 30, 24, 26), and the circulation air passage (23, 30, 24, 26) disposed downstream of the evaporator 10 and having a condenser 8 for heating the air dehumidified by the evaporator 10,
A water storage tank 31 for storing the condensed water generated in the evaporator 10;
A dew condensation water utilization unit for dehumidifying the air circulating through the circulation air passages (23, 30, 24, 26) using the dew condensation water supplied from the water storage tank 31 is provided.

  According to the above configuration, in the drying operation, low-temperature dew condensation water generated by performing dehumidification with the evaporator 10 of the heat pump unit 13 is stored in the water storage tank 31, and the dew condensation water supplied from the water storage tank 31 is used. Thus, by dehumidifying the air circulating through the circulation air passages (23, 30, 24, 26) by the dew condensation water utilization unit, the low-temperature dew condensation water generated by dehumidification in the evaporator 10 of the heat pump unit 13 is effectively utilized. Thus, the dehumidification efficiency can be improved.

In one embodiment of the dryer,
The dew condensation water utilization section is disposed upstream of the evaporator 10 in the circulation air passage (23, 30, 24, 26), and is cooled by the dew condensation water supplied from the water storage tank 31. 40.

  According to the above embodiment, the cooling plate 40 disposed upstream of the evaporator 10 in the circulation air path (23, 30, 24, 26) is cooled by the dew condensation water supplied from the water storage tank 31. Thus, the air circulating through the circulation air passages (23, 30, 24, 26) is cooled by the cooling plate 40 and dehumidified. Thereby, the dew condensation water produced by the dehumidification by the evaporator 10 can be effectively used with a simple configuration.

In one embodiment of the dryer,
A circulation pump 42 for supplying the condensed water in the water storage tank 31 to the condensed water utilization unit;
A circulation path (24, 41) for returning the condensed water from the water storage tank 31 to the water storage tank 31 after the condensed water from the water storage tank 31 is supplied to the condensed water use section by the circulation pump 42 is provided.

  According to the above embodiment, by providing the circulation path (24, 41) that returns to the water storage tank 31 after the condensed water from the water storage tank 31 is supplied to the dew condensation water utilization unit by the circulation pump 42, Condensed water can be reused repeatedly.

In one embodiment of the dryer,
A water level sensor 18 for detecting the water level in the water storage tank 31;
A drainage section 44 for draining the dew condensation water in the water storage tank 31;
When the water level in the water storage tank 31 detected by the water level sensor 18 is equal to or higher than a preset upper limit water level, a part of the condensed water in the water storage tank 31 is drained to form a predetermined amount of condensation. And a drainage control unit 15a for controlling the drainage unit 44 so that water remains.

  According to the above embodiment, when the water level in the water storage tank 31 detected by the water level sensor 18 is equal to or higher than the preset upper limit water level, a part of the dew condensation water in the water storage tank 31 is drained and set in advance. Since the drainage control unit 15a controls the drainage unit 44 so that the amount of condensed water remains, the water level when the water storage tank 31 is full is set to the upper limit water level, and the water level in the water storage tank 31 rises to store water. When it is detected that the tank 31 is full, a part of the condensed water in the water storage tank 31 is drained so that the amount of condensed water necessary for cooling the condensed water utilization part remains, and excessive condensation is caused. It becomes possible to dispose of the water and prevent the condensed water from overflowing from the water storage tank 31.

In one embodiment of the dryer,
A temperature sensor 17 for detecting the temperature of condensed water in the water storage tank 31;
A drainage section 44 for draining the dew condensation water in the water storage tank 31;
When the temperature of the dew condensation water in the water storage tank 31 detected by the temperature sensor 17 is equal to or higher than a preset upper limit temperature, the drainage unit 44 is controlled to drain the dew condensation water in the water storage tank 31. And a drainage control unit 15a.

  According to the embodiment, when the temperature of the dew condensation water in the water storage tank 31 detected by the temperature sensor 17 is equal to or higher than the preset upper limit temperature, the drainage control is performed so that the dew condensation water in the water storage tank 31 is drained. Since the drainage part 44 is controlled by the part 15a, the condensed water in the water storage tank 31 is drained when the temperature of the dew condensation water in the water storage tank 31 rises and the dehumidification capacity in the dew condensation water utilization part decreases. Thus, low-temperature dew condensation water newly generated in the evaporator 10 can be stored in the water storage tank 31 and used.

In one embodiment of the dryer,
The dew condensation water utilization unit is a cooling mechanism that allows the dew condensation water supplied from the water storage tank 31 to flow along the inner wall upstream of the evaporator 10 in the circulation air passage (23, 30, 24, 26) ( 41, 42, 50, 60, 24a).

  According to the above-described embodiment, the cooling mechanism (41, 42) that causes the condensed water supplied from the water storage tank 31 to flow along the inner wall on the upstream side of the evaporator 10 in the circulation air path (23, 30, 24, 26). , 50, 60, 24a), the air circulating through the circulation air passages (23, 30, 24, 26) is cooled on the inner wall on the upstream side of the evaporator 10 and dehumidified. Thereby, the dew condensation water produced by the dehumidification by the evaporator 10 can be effectively used with a simple configuration.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Outer box 2 ... Washing tub 3 ... Rotating drum 3A ... Circumferential surface 3B ... Bottom surface 4 ... Drive motor 5 ... Drying object 7 ... Compressor 8 ... Condenser 8A ... Refrigerant pipe line 8B ... Fin 9 ... Expansion valve 10 ... Evaporator 10A ... Refrigerant pipeline 10B ... Fin 11 ... Circulating fan 13 ... Heat pump unit 14 ... Refrigerant piping 15 ... Control device 15a ... Drainage control unit 16 ... Temperature sensor 17 ... Temperature sensor 18 ... Water level sensor 20 ... Operation display unit 21 ... Door 22 ... Exhaust port 23 ... First air circulation duct 24 ... Second air circulation duct 24a ... Cooling water supply port 25 ... Intake port 26 ... Blower duct 30 ... Filter housing 30a ... Inlet port 30b ... Exhaust port 31 ... Water storage tank DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 40 ... Cooling plate 41 ... Cooling water pipe 42 ... Cooling water pump 43 ... Drain pipe 44 ... Drain pump 45 ... Switching valve 46 ... Drain pipe 50 ... Second cooling water pipe Ip 60 ... cooling water pipe

Claims (5)

A storage tank for storing a dry object;
A circulation air passage for circulating the air in the storage tank;
An evaporator that is disposed in the circulation air passage and dehumidifies air circulating in the circulation air passage; and an air that is disposed downstream of the evaporator in the circulation air passage and is dehumidified by the evaporator. A heat pump unit having a condenser for heating;
A water storage tank for storing dew condensation water generated by dehumidification in the evaporator;
A dryer comprising: a dew condensation water utilization unit that dehumidifies the air circulating in the circulation air passage using the dew condensation water supplied from the water storage tank. The dryer according to claim 1,
The said dew condensation water utilization part is arrange | positioned upstream from the said evaporator in the said circulation wind path, and has a cooling plate cooled with the dew condensation water supplied from the said storage tank, The dryer characterized by the above-mentioned. In the dryer according to claim 1 or 2,
A circulation pump for supplying the condensed water in the water storage tank to the condensed water utilization unit;
A dryer comprising: a circulation path that returns to the water storage tank after the condensed water from the water storage tank is supplied to the dew condensation water utilization unit by the circulation pump. In the dryer according to any one of claims 1 to 3,
A water level sensor for detecting the water level in the water storage tank;
A drainage section for draining dew condensation water in the water storage tank;
When the water level in the water storage tank detected by the water level sensor is equal to or higher than a preset upper limit water level, a portion of the condensed water in the water storage tank is drained to leave a predetermined amount of condensed water. And a drainage control unit for controlling the drainage unit. In the dryer according to any one of claims 1 to 4,
The said dew condensation water utilization part has a cooling mechanism which flows the dew condensation water supplied from the said water storage tank along the inner wall upstream from the said evaporator in the said circulation wind path, The drying machine characterized by the above-mentioned.

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