JP2018114037A - Clothes dryer - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To improve a drying performance of a clothes dryer by suppressing an increase in a cloth drying time or an increase in a power consumption.SOLUTION: The clothes dryer comprises: a rotary tub 1 rotatably provided in a housing 2; a heat pump device 50; a circulation air path 7 for circulating drying air in the rotary tub 1; a blower fan 5 provided in the circulation air path 7 for supplying drying air heated by the heat pump device 50 into the rotary tub 1; an exhaust air path 18 provided so as to be communicated with the circulation air path 7 and exhaust drying air to an outside of the machine; an intake air path 17 through which ambient air of an outside the circulation air path 7 advances into the circulation air path 7; an exhaust air rate regulator 20 for changing a rate of drying air exhausted to an outside of the housing 2 via the exhaust air path 18; an intake air flow regulator 60 for changing an air flow of the air advancing into the circulation air path 7 from the intake air path 17; and a control device 30. Thereby, it is possible to achieve shortening of the drying time and improvement of an energy saving property.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

  The present invention relates to a clothes dryer for drying clothes and a washing / drying machine having a washing function and a clothes drying function.

  Clothes dryers that effectively dry clothes using heat pumps have been developed. In this type of clothes dryer, the heat energy used to dry the clothes is collected by a heat absorber and reused. Thereby, clothing can be dried efficiently (for example, refer to patent documents 1).

  FIG. 10 is a longitudinal sectional view showing the configuration of a conventional clothes dryer. FIG. 11 is a configuration diagram of a drying system of the clothes dryer. As shown in FIGS. 10 and 11, the clothes dryer is provided with a circulation duct 102 including a rotating drum 101 for storing clothes. A heat pump device 103 is provided in the circulation duct 102 as a drying device.

  The heat pump device 103 includes a compressor 104 that compresses the refrigerant, a radiator 105 that radiates heat of the compressed refrigerant, an expansion mechanism 106 that reduces the pressure of the high-pressure refrigerant, and a refrigerant that has been depressurized to a low pressure. It is comprised by the heat absorber 107 which takes heat from the circumference | surroundings. And they are connected with a pipe line so that a refrigerant circulates through them.

  In addition to the rotating drum 101, the circulation duct 102 is provided with a blower 108 that circulates drying air, a radiator 105 and a heat absorber 107 of the heat pump device 103. The radiator 105 heats the circulating drying air. The heat absorber 107 cools and dehumidifies the drying air.

  In the clothes dryer having this configuration, moisture evaporated from the clothes is condensed on the heat absorber 107 and, at the same time, the heat energy used for drying the clothes is collected by the heat absorber 107. Therefore, loss of heat energy can be extremely reduced, and clothes with low power and high dehumidification rate can be dried.

JP 7-178289 A

  However, the clothes dryer described in Patent Document 1 includes a portion where air is heated by the radiator 105 and a portion where air is cooled by the heat absorber 107 in the circulation duct 102 for drying air. . Based on the principle of the heat pump device, the electric input for driving the compressor 104 is added to the heat energy recovered by the heat absorber 107 and is radiated from the heat radiator 105. Therefore, in the clothes dryer configured as described above, only the thermal energy corresponding to the electric input to the compressor 104 contributes to the temperature rise of the drying air.

As a result, for example, when the temperature of the drying air is rapidly increased for the purpose of shortening the drying time in the early stage of the drying process, the heating capacity that the clothes dryer can exert depends on the power consumption that drives the compressor 104. Limited. As a result, the original characteristics of the heat pump that take in heat from outside the space to be heated and use it as large heat energy are not utilized.

  Further, at the end of the drying process, the heat energy corresponding to the electric input in the compressor 104 is accumulated in the drying air in the circulation duct 102 and the rotary drum 101. Thereby, the temperature of the drying air rises, and the relative humidity of the drying air flowing into the heat absorber 107 decreases. Accordingly, it is necessary to increase the cooling capacity necessary for dehumidifying the drying air. For this reason, it is necessary to increase the cooling capacity of the heat pump device 103. That is, there is a problem that the power consumption increases.

  Further, when the power consumption in the compressor 104 is further accumulated in the drying air in the circulation duct 102 and the rotary drum 101, the temperature of the drying air and the temperature and pressure of the refrigerant are increased. Reach the maximum capacity. In that case, it becomes necessary to stop the operation of the heat pump device 103 or reduce the electric input in the compressor 104 of the heat pump device 103 by operating the safety device. As a result, there is a problem that the drying time is prolonged.

  This invention solves the said conventional subject, and it aims at providing the clothes dryer which can suppress the increase in the drying time of a clothes dryer and the increase in power consumption.

  The clothes dryer according to the present invention includes a main body, a rotating tub provided rotatably in the main body, a compressor that compresses the refrigerant, a radiator that dissipates heat of the compressed refrigerant, and a pressure of the high-pressure refrigerant. A heat pump device constructed by connecting an expansion mechanism for depressurizing and a heat absorber for depriving heat from the surroundings by a depressurized and low-pressure refrigerant through a conduit so that the refrigerant can circulate, and a drying pump communicating with the rotating tub A circulation air passage having an air discharge port and a drying air outlet for circulating the drying air in the rotary tank; and the drying air provided in the circulation air passage and heated by the heat pump device An air blower that is supplied into the rotating tank, an exhaust air passage that is provided in communication with the circulation air passage, and exhausts drying air to the outside of the main body, and ambient air outside the circulation air passage is connected to the circulation air passage. The intake section entering the interior and the circulation air passage An exhaust ratio adjusting device capable of changing a ratio of the drying air that is exhausted to the outside of the main body through the exhaust air path, and changing an air volume of the air entering the circulation air path from the intake portion. A clothes dryer including a control device for controlling the intake air volume adjusting device and the air blowing device, the heat pump device, the exhaust rate adjusting device, the intake air volume adjusting device, and the like.

  According to said structure, low humidity and high temperature air can be efficiently blown with respect to laundry, such as clothing, and laundry, such as clothing, can be dried efficiently.

  Furthermore, according to the above configuration, the rate of exhausting the drying air to the outside of the machine and the amount of intake air from the outside of the machine can be changed during the drying process, thereby effectively reducing the drying time and improving the energy saving performance. Drying can be performed. Moreover, since the exhaust ratio of the drying air to the outside of the apparatus can be changed, the comfort of the installation space can be maintained.

  The clothes dryer of the present invention can exhaust moisture from drying air while collecting heat from air outside the main body and suppressing loss of thermal energy due to exhaust. Therefore, laundry such as clothes can be efficiently dried. Further, the rate of exhausting the drying air to the outside of the machine and the amount of intake air from outside the machine can be optimally controlled in accordance with the progress of drying of the clothes. This makes it possible to improve energy efficiency and drying performance in the entire drying process.

Side surface sectional view which shows schematic structure of the washing-drying machine in Embodiment 1 of this invention Configuration diagram of the drying system of the washing and drying machine in Embodiment 1 of the present invention The figure which shows transition of the warm air temperature of the washing dryer in Embodiment 1 of this invention. The figure which shows the relationship between the exhaust rate at the time of the speed drying of the washing dryer in Embodiment 1 of this invention, and drying efficiency. The figure which shows the relationship between the exhaust rate at the time of energy-saving drying of the washing dryer in Embodiment 1 of this invention, and drying efficiency. The block diagram of the drying system of the washing dryer in Embodiment 2 of this invention The block diagram of the drying system of the washing dryer in Embodiment 3 of this invention Airway configuration diagram at low temperature of the drying system of the washing and drying machine in Embodiment 3 of the present invention Airway block diagram of steady state of the drying system of the washing and drying machine in Embodiment 3 of the present invention A longitudinal sectional view showing the configuration of a conventional clothes dryer Conventional clothing dryer drying system configuration diagram

  According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a clothes dryer, comprising: a main body; a rotating tub provided rotatably in the main body; a compressor that compresses the refrigerant; a radiator that radiates heat of the compressed refrigerant; and a high-pressure refrigerant. A heat pump device constructed by connecting an expansion mechanism for reducing the pressure and a heat absorber for taking heat away from the surroundings by the reduced pressure and low pressure refrigerant through a pipe line, and drying connected to the rotary tank A circulation air passage having an air discharge port for drying and an air outlet for drying, and a circulation air passage for circulating the drying air in the rotating tank, and drying air provided in the circulation air passage and heated by the heat pump device. An air blower that is supplied into the rotating tub, an exhaust air passage that is provided in communication with the circulation air passage and exhausts drying air to the outside of the main body, and ambient air outside the circulation air passage is used as the circulation air. The intake section entering the road and the circulation airflow path An exhaust ratio adjusting device capable of changing a ratio of the drying air that is exhausted to the outside of the main body through the exhaust air path, and changing an air volume of the air entering the circulation air path from the intake portion. And a control device for controlling the air blowing device, the heat pump device, the exhaust rate adjusting device, the intake air flow adjusting device, and the like.

  With this configuration, it is possible to efficiently blow low-humidity and high-temperature air to the laundry such as clothes, and the laundry such as clothes can be efficiently dried. Further, since the exhaust rate of the drying air during the drying process and the amount of intake air from the outside of the machine can be changed, drying with reduced drying time and improved energy saving can be performed efficiently. . Moreover, since the exhaust ratio of the drying air to the outside of the apparatus can be changed, the comfort of the installation space can be maintained.

  In a second aspect of the invention, in particular, in the first aspect of the invention, the radiator of the heat pump device is provided in the circulation air passage, and the exhaust air passage is connected to the drying air discharge port of the circulation air passage and the The heat sink is provided in the exhaust air passage by being branched and connected to a heat radiator.

  With this configuration, a part of the drying air is discharged outside the clothes drying apparatus after passing through the heat absorber. Thereby, since the heat absorber performs heat exchange only with the drying air to be exhausted, the temperature of the exhaust air that has passed through the heat absorber can be lowered. Thereby, when the temperature of the exhaust air in the first half of the drying process is low, the temperature of the exhaust air becomes lower than that of the intake air. As a result, the heat energy of the air outside the circulation air passage can be collected by the heat absorber and taken into the circulation air passage and further into the rotating tub.

As a result, in addition to the electric input for driving the compressor, the thermal energy of the air outside the main body collected by the heat absorber is accumulated in the circulation air passage and further in the rotating tank, so that the drying air temperature It is possible to improve the temperature rise rate of the water, and it is possible to improve the drying performance.

  In addition, even if the temperature of the exhaust air in the latter half of the drying process is high, the main body without cooling or dehumidifying all or part of the moisture contained in the exhausted air with a heat sink while suppressing heat energy loss due to exhaust It becomes possible to exhaust to the outside, and the drying performance can be improved.

  Therefore, in the entire drying process, it is possible to shorten the drying time and save energy while suppressing an increase in power consumption of the heat pump device, and to improve the drying performance.

  In a third aspect of the invention, in particular, in the first or second aspect of the invention, the exhaust ratio adjusting device is provided upstream of the heat absorber in the air flow. With this configuration, it is possible to perform the finer control of the amount of air flowing into the heat absorber as the clothes are dried. Therefore, in the entire drying process, it is possible to shorten the drying time while suppressing an increase in power consumption of the heat pump apparatus with higher accuracy.

  According to a fourth aspect of the invention, in particular, in the second or third aspect of the invention, the exhaust ratio adjusting device is provided in the vicinity of a branch portion between the circulation air passage and the exhaust air passage. With this configuration, the exhaust ratio can be controlled directly and with high sensitivity. Therefore, the heat sink installed in the exhaust air flow path downstream of the exhaust rate adjusting device can be more efficiently cooperated to contribute to shortening the drying time and realizing energy saving.

  In a fifth aspect of the invention, in particular, in any one of the first to fourth aspects of the invention, the intake portion is provided between a branch portion of the circulating air passage with the exhaust air passage and the radiator. It is. With this configuration, the air that has entered from the intake section is always heated by the radiator and then supplied into the rotating tub. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the adverse effect on the drying caused by the air that has entered from the intake section.

  In a sixth aspect of the present invention, in particular, in any one of the first to fifth aspects, the intake section is configured as an intake air path that is a metal or resin pipe, and the intake air volume adjusting device includes the intake air path. It is provided in the vicinity of the connection portion between the air passage and the circulation air passage. With this configuration, a large volume of outside air can be taken in through the intake air passage. In response to this, it is possible to discharge a large volume of air from the exhaust air passage to the outside. Therefore, it is possible to increase the amount of air passing through the heat absorber and increase the heat energy collected by the heat absorber. As a result, drying time can be further shortened. Further, by providing the intake air volume adjusting device in the vicinity of the connection portion between the intake air path and the circulation air path, the air volume of the outside air taken into the circulation air path can be controlled more directly.

  In a seventh aspect of the invention, in particular, in any one of the second to sixth aspects of the invention, the downstream portion of the air flow from the heat absorber of the exhaust air passage and the upstream of the air flow from the radiator of the circulation air passage. A communication portion that communicates with the portion is provided, and the intake air volume adjusting device is provided in the circulation air passage in the vicinity of the communication connection portion between the communication portion and the circulation air passage. With this configuration, adjustment of the air volume outside the main body mixed with the air circulating in the circulation air path, adjustment of the exhaust ratio of the air to the outside of the machine and adjustment of the ratio of the air cooled and dehumidified by the heat absorber, Furthermore, various air volume ratio adjustments such as adjusting the ratio of recirculation of the air dehumidified by the heat absorber in the exhaust air path to the circulation air path can be performed. Thereby, it is possible to perform more efficient drying with shortened drying time and improved energy saving throughout the drying process.

  In an eighth aspect of the invention, in particular, in any one of the first to seventh aspects of the invention, the temperature sensor for detecting the temperature of the drying air flowing into the rotating tank is provided, and is detected by the temperature sensor at the start of operation. When the temperature of the drying air is low, the exhaust rate is controlled to 50% or less. With this configuration, in the initial stage of drying, the heated drying air is not exhausted outside the apparatus, and the temperature in the rotating tub can be raised in a short period of time. And after that, the inside of a circulation wind path, the inside of a rotation tank, etc. can be maintained at high temperature, and it can dry efficiently. Moreover, the frost formation to a heat absorber is suppressed, the heat collection efficiency of the heat energy by a heat absorber is maintained, and it can dry efficiently.

  According to a ninth aspect of the invention, in particular, in the seventh aspect of the invention, a temperature sensor for detecting the temperature of the drying air flowing into the rotating tub is provided, and the temperature of the drying air detected by the temperature sensor is higher than a predetermined value. In this case, the intake air volume adjusting device is controlled to close the communication portion. With this configuration, the temperature inside the rotating tub can be raised in a short time by heating the air outside the main body that has entered the circulation air passage from the intake portion with the radiator. Thereby, drying can be performed efficiently.

  Hereinafter, a washing / drying machine according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. The following embodiments are examples embodying the present invention, and do not limit the technical scope of the present invention.

(Embodiment 1)
FIG. 1 is a side sectional view showing a schematic configuration of a washing / drying machine according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a configuration diagram of a drying system of the washing / drying machine. In the present embodiment, a description will be given using a washing / drying machine. The laundry dryer is a clothes dryer having a washing function. Therefore, the laundry dryer is also a kind of clothes dryer.

  As shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, the washing / drying machine includes a rotating tub 1 formed in a cylindrical shape having a bottom surface in which laundry is accommodated. The rotating tub 1 is rotatably provided in a water tank 3 that is swingably supported in a housing 2 (main body). The water tank 3 is formed in a cylindrical shape having a bottom surface 31. The water tank 3 stores water used for washing and rinsing clothes. The water tank 3 is swingably supported in the housing 2 (main body) by a damper 4 provided below the water tank 3. The rotating tub 1 is provided with its rotating shaft inclined forward and upward relative to the horizontal.

  A drive motor 6 is attached to the bottom surface 31 which is the back surface of the water tank 3. The drive motor 6 rotates the rotating tub 1 around the rotation axis in the forward direction and the reverse direction. The washing / drying machine performs washing, rinsing, and drying on clothes put in the rotating tub 1 by the rotation of the rotating tub 1 driven by the drive motor 6.

  A door body 14 is provided at the front portion of the housing 2 so as to face the front opening 1 a of the rotating tub 1. The user can put the laundry (clothing) in and out of the rotating tub 1 by opening the door body 14.

  In addition, an elastic sealing member 22 is provided on the edge of the front opening of the housing 2 over the entire circumference. Between the edge of the front opening of the water tank 3 and the edge of the inner surface of the front opening of the housing 2, a sealing member 23 having elasticity is provided over the entire circumference. When the user closes the door body 14, the seal member 22 is pressed by the door body 14 and is elastically deformed, thereby ensuring watertightness and airtightness of the water tank 3 with respect to the outside of the machine.

A water supply pipe (not shown) is connected to the upper part of the water tank 3. A water supply valve (not shown) is provided in the middle of the water supply pipe. The water supply valve supplies water into the water tank 3 through the water supply pipe.
A drain pipe 12 is connected to the lowermost part of the water tank 3. A drain valve 11 is provided in the middle of the drain pipe 12. The drain valve 11 discharges the water in the water tank 3 to the outside through the drain pipe 12.

  The washing and drying machine also includes a circulation air passage 7 that circulates air in the water tank 3 and the rotating tub 1, and a heat pump device 50 that exchanges heat with the drying air that circulates in the circulation air passage 7.

  The circulation air path 7 is configured by a metal or resin pipe as an air circulation air path for drying clothes in the drying process. The air circulation air passage includes a water tank 3 and a rotating tank 1. The circulation air path 7 is connected to a discharge port 16 (drying air discharge port) provided on the upper side surface of the water tank 3 and an air outlet 8 (drying air outlet) provided on the rear side surface of the water tank 3. Is provided. The airtightness of the air circulation air passage including the water tank 3 and the rotating tank 1 during the operation of the washing / drying machine is maintained by the sealing member 22 provided in the front opening of the water tank 3 and the door body 14 being in close contact with each other. Is done.

  A blower fan 5 is provided in the circulation air passage 7 as a blower. The blower fan 5 is driven by a blower motor (not shown), and circulates the drying air in the water tank 3 and the rotary tank 1 in the circulation air passage 7.

  An intake air passage 17 and an exhaust air passage 18 are connected to the circulation air passage 7 respectively. The intake air passage 17 guides air outside the circulation air passage 7 or outside the housing 2 into the circulation air passage 7. The exhaust air passage 18 discharges part or all of the air in the circulation air passage 7 discharged from the discharge port 16 to the outside of the housing 2. The end portions of the intake air passage 17 and the exhaust air passage 18 that are not connected to the circulation air passage 7 are open to the outside of the housing 2. Both the intake air passage 17 and the exhaust air passage 18 are made of metal or resin pipes.

  The circulation air passage 7 extends in the back direction from the discharge port 16 along the upper side surface of the water tank 3. And the circulation air path 7 is arrange | positioned in the rear part of the water tank 3 along the rear side surface of the water tank 3 in a direction substantially perpendicular to the rotation axis of the rotation tank 1 and toward the rotation axis of the rotation tank 1. .

  The exhaust air passage 18 also has a portion extending in the back direction along the upper side surface of the water tank 3. And in the part extended in the back direction along the water tank 3 upper side surface of the circulation air path 7 and the exhaust air path 18, it extends in the back direction along the water tank 3 upper side surface of the circulation air path 7. The part which has been done has the part located behind the part extended in the back direction along the water tank 3 upper part side of exhaust air way 18. Then, a portion extending in the back direction along the upper side surface of the water tank 3 of the exhaust air passage 18 and a back surface extending along the side surface of the upper portion of the water tank 3 in the exhaust air passage 18 of the circulation air passage 7. The portions positioned rearward of the portions are arranged in tandem with each other.

  As schematically shown in FIG. 2, the circulation air passage 7 incorporates a radiator 52 that constitutes a heat pump device 50 described later. The radiator 52 is provided on the downstream side of the air flow from the intake air passage 17 and in front of the air outlet 8 of the water tank 3.

  A heat absorber 54 constituting the heat pump device 50 is installed in the exhaust air passage 18. The heat absorber 54 is not provided in the circulation air passage 7. The exhaust air passage 18 is branched from between the discharge port 16 (drying air discharge port) of the water tank 3 of the circulation air passage 7 and the radiator 52.

  An exhaust ratio adjusting device 20 is provided in the vicinity of the exhaust port 18a through which air is discharged from the exhaust air passage 18 to the outside of the machine. The exhaust ratio adjusting device 20 can change the ratio (exhaust ratio) of air exhausted from the exhaust air path 18 to the outside of the air circulating in the circulation air path 7.

  The exhaust ratio adjusting device 20 can be configured by, for example, a plate rotatably provided in the exhaust air passage 18 in the vicinity of the exhaust port 18a, a motor that rotates the plate, and the like. The control device 30 controls the operation of the exhaust ratio adjusting device 20. The control device 30 can change the opening ratio of the exhaust port 18a in the exhaust air passage 18 between 0% and 100% by driving and controlling the motor and appropriately rotating the plate. As a result, the exhaust ratio can be changed.

  An intake air volume adjustment device 60 is provided in the vicinity of the connection portion between the intake air path 17 and the circulation air path 7. The intake air amount adjusting device 60 can change the air amount of the air outside the housing 2 that is taken in from the intake air passage 17 and mixed with the air circulating in the circulation air passage 7.

  The intake air volume adjusting device 60 is constituted by, for example, a plate rotatably provided in the intake air passage 17 in the vicinity of the connection portion between the intake air passage 17 and the circulation air passage 7, a motor for rotating the plate, and the like. be able to. The control device 30 controls the operation of the intake air volume adjusting device 60. The control device 30 can change the opening ratio at the branching point in the intake air passage 17 or between the two air passages by driving and controlling the motor and appropriately rotating the plate. Thereby, the intake air volume can be changed.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the circulation air passage 7 extends from the discharge port 16 along the upper side surface of the water tank 3 substantially horizontally and in the back direction. And the circulation air path 7 is arrange | positioned in the rear part of the water tank 3 along the rear side surface of the water tank 3 in a direction substantially perpendicular to the rotation axis of the rotation tank 1 and toward the rotation axis of the rotation tank 1. . The exhaust air passage 18 is disposed along the upper side surface of the water tank 3 and substantially in parallel with the circulation air passage 7.

  Both the heat absorber 54 and the radiator 52 are disposed above the water tank 3. A radiator 52 is disposed behind the heat absorber 54. As described above, the rotating tub 1 is provided with its rotation axis inclined forward and upward relative to the horizontal. Therefore, the space above the water tank 3 becomes larger toward the rear. With this configuration, the radiator 52 can be formed larger than the heat absorber 54.

  Further, a dehumidified water drain pipe (not shown) is provided at the lower part of the heat absorber 54. The dehumidified water drain pipe discharges the dehumidified water flowing out from the heat absorber 54 to the outside of the circulation air path 7.

  Further, a temperature sensor 9 is provided in the vicinity of the air outlet 8. The temperature sensor 9 detects the temperature of the drying air flowing into the rotary tank 1. The temperature sensor 9 is composed of, for example, a thermistor.

  The control device 30 is provided in the housing 2. The control device 30 controls the blower fan 5, the heat pump device 50, the exhaust ratio adjusting device 20, the intake air volume adjusting device 60, and the like. The control device 30 controls the drive motor 6, the water supply valve, the drain valve 11 and the like, and sequentially executes each step of washing, rinsing and drying.

  Next, the configuration of the heat pump device 50 mounted in the washing / drying machine of the first embodiment and the flow of drying air will be described with reference to FIG.

As shown in FIG. 2, the heat pump device 50 includes a compressor 51, a radiator 52, an expansion mechanism 53, and a heat absorber 54. A refrigerant circuit is formed by circulating these components in a circular manner through the pipeline 55 in the order described above. A refrigerant is sealed in the refrigerant circuit. The high-temperature superheated high-pressure gas refrigerant compressed by the compressor 51 is connected to the pipeline 55 from the compressor 51.
It is discharged inside. The high pressure gas refrigerant discharged into the pipe 55 flows into the radiator 52. As described above, the radiator 52 is installed in the circulation air passage 7 through which drying air is circulated. Therefore, the refrigerant is cooled by the drying air when flowing in the radiator 52. The high-pressure gas refrigerant is condensed by the radiator 52 that is a condenser, and changes its state to a high-pressure liquid refrigerant.

  The high-pressure liquid refrigerant that has flowed out of the radiator 52 is expanded in the expansion mechanism 53 to be in a low pressure state. Then, it flows into the heat absorber 54. As described above, the heat absorber 54 is installed in the exhaust air passage 18. The exhaust air passage 18 is connected to the circulation air passage 7 through which the drying air is circulated. Therefore, the refrigerant cools a part of the drying air discharged from the rotary tank 1 by evaporating when flowing in the heat absorber 54. The low-pressure liquid refrigerant is evaporated by the heat absorber 54 that is an evaporator, and changes its state to a low-pressure gas refrigerant.

  The low-pressure gas refrigerant that has flowed out of the heat absorber 54 is sucked into the compressor 51. Then, it is compressed again in the compressor 51. Through the above process, the refrigerant circulates in the refrigerant circuit. As the refrigerant circulating in the refrigerant circuit, for example, a non-azeotropic mixed refrigerant such as R407C, a pseudo-azeotropic mixed refrigerant such as R410A, or a single refrigerant can be used.

  Next, the configuration relating to the flow of drying air for drying clothes and the flow of drying air will be described. When the blower fan 5 is driven, the drying air that has become humid due to moisture taken from the clothes in the rotary tub 1 is discharged from the discharge port 16 to the circulation air path 7. The discharged air flows separately into the exhaust air passage 18 and the circulation air passage 7. The ratio of flowing separately (exhaust ratio) is determined by the exhaust ratio adjusting device 20.

  The air guided to the exhaust air passage 18 side is cooled and dehumidified by the heat absorber 54. The cooled and dehumidified air is discharged out of the housing 2 through the exhaust port 18a.

  On the other hand, the drying air guided to the circulation air passage 7 side is mixed with the air outside the housing 2 taken in from the intake air passage 17. The mixed air is sent toward the radiator 52 and heated by the radiator 52.

  The intake air passage 17 is provided so as to communicate with the circulation air passage 7 on the intake side of the blower fan 5. The intake air passage 17 is also provided so as to communicate with the circulation air passage 7 upstream of the radiator 52. Therefore, the air outside the housing 2 sucked from the intake air passage 17 is mixed with the drying air that has flowed toward the circulation air passage 7 and then passes through the radiator 52. At this time, the mixed air is heated by the radiator 52.

  The drying air heated by the radiator 52 passes through the blower fan 5 and the blower outlet 8 and is sent again into the rotary tank 1.

  In addition, the clothes dryer which does not have a washing function is not equipped with the water tank 3, the water supply valve, the water supply pipe, and the drain valve 11 which store wash water. And the connection of the rotating tank 1 and the circulation air path 7 which a clothes dryer rotates is comprised so that the rotating tank 1 may slide on sealing members, such as felt.

  About the washing / drying machine comprised as mentioned above, the operation | movement and effect | action at the time of clothing drying are demonstrated. The following description is made assuming a typical case where the outside air temperature is 20 ° C. and the drying air target temperature is 60 ° C. to 65 ° C. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing the transition of the warm air temperature of the washing and drying machine in the present embodiment.

The washing and drying machine in the present embodiment has an exhaust air passage 18 that is branched from a circulation air passage 7 through which drying air is circulated. The exhaust air passage 18 is branched from between the discharge port 16 (drying air discharge port) of the water tank 3 of the circulation air passage 7 and the radiator 52. The end of the exhaust air passage 18 that is not connected to the circulation air passage 7 is open to the outside of the housing 2. And in this exhaust air path 18, the heat absorber 54 which is the evaporator of the heat pump apparatus 50 is arrange | positioned.

  With this configuration, part of the drying air passes through the heat absorber 54 and is then discharged to the outside of the laundry dryer. Thereby, the heat absorber 54 performs heat exchange only with the drying air to be exhausted. Therefore, the heat absorber 54 can lower the temperature of the exhaust air that has passed therethrough.

  For example, in the first half of the drying process, the temperature of the exhaust air is low. The relationship between the temperature T1 of the air outside the housing 2 to be sucked and the temperature T2 of the air exhausted to the outside of the housing 2 is T1> T2. As a result, the heat pump device 50 can take in the heat energy of the air outside the housing 2 into the housing 2 by the heat absorber 54. Therefore, the washing / drying machine can take in the drying air heated by the heat energy, which has been collected, into the casing 2 and further into the rotating tub 1 by the blower fan 5.

  Thereby, in addition to the heating by the radiator 52, the heat energy collected by the heat absorber 54 can also be used for the temperature rise of the drying air. As a result, as shown in FIG. 3, the temperature rise rate of the hot air temperature of the drying air can be made faster than in the case of a conventional clothes dryer.

  That is, the washing / drying machine can store the heat energy of the air outside the housing 2 taken in by the heat absorber 54 in the housing 2 in addition to the electric input for driving the compressor 51. This makes it possible to improve the temperature rise rate of the drying air temperature. Therefore, it is possible to realize a washing / drying machine in which the drying time is shortened and the drying performance is improved.

  Further, for example, in the latter half of the drying process, the temperature of the exhaust air becomes high and the relative humidity becomes low. In such a state, the washing / drying machine suppresses thermal energy loss by depriving exhaust air of sensible heat. However, the dew point temperature of the exhaust air is lower than the temperature of the heat absorber 54, so that the latent heat is not lost, and all or part of the moisture contained in the exhaust air is not dehumidified by the heat absorber 54. It is discharged out of the housing 2. As a result, it is possible to realize a washing / drying machine with improved energy saving and further improved drying performance.

  As described above, the washing and drying machine in the present embodiment can shorten the drying time while suppressing an increase in power consumption of the heat pump device 50 in the entire drying process.

  The intake air passage 17 (intake portion) is configured as a metal or resin pipe. Therefore, a large volume of outside air can be taken in through the intake air passage 17. In response to this, it is possible to discharge a large volume of air from the exhaust air passage 18 to the outside. Accordingly, it is possible to increase the amount of air passing through the heat absorber 54 and increase the heat energy collected by the heat absorber 54. As a result, drying time can be further shortened.

  Further, the intake air passage 17 is connected to the circulation air passage 7 between a branch portion of the circulation air passage 7 with the exhaust air passage 18 and the radiator 52. With this configuration, the air taken in from the intake air passage 17 is always heated by the radiator 52 and then supplied into the rotary tank 1. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the adverse effect on the drying caused by the air entering from the intake air passage.

  Furthermore, the washing and drying machine in the present embodiment includes an exhaust rate adjusting device 20 that can change the rate of the exhaust air that is exhausted through the circulation air path 7 and exhausted through the exhaust air path 18 to the outside of the housing 2. Thus, it is possible to realize a washing / drying machine having further improved drying performance.

  For example, when drying is started and the temperature value of the drying air blown into the rotary tank 1 detected by the temperature sensor 9 is low, the control device 30 operates the exhaust ratio adjusting device 20 as follows. In the initial stage of drying, the control device 30 controls the exhaust rate adjusting device 20 so as to reduce the exhaust rate from the exhaust air passage 18 to the outside of the housing 2 in order to increase the temperature in the rotary tub 1 in a short time. To do. Accordingly, an increase in power consumption of the heat pump device 50 can be suppressed, and the temperature in the rotary tank 1 can be further increased in a short time.

  Thereafter, when the temperature in the rotary tank 1 rises above a certain level, the control device 30 controls the operation of the exhaust rate adjusting device 20 so as to increase the exhaust rate. As a result, it is possible to increase the rate at which the heat energy taken in by the heat absorber 54 is used for heating the drying air flowing through the circulation air passage 7, efficiently drying, and shortening the drying time.

  Next, it demonstrates more concretely based on the data obtained by inventors. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing the relationship between the exhaust rate and the drying efficiency when measured with particular attention to shortening the drying time. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing the relationship between the exhaust rate and the drying efficiency when measured with particular attention to energy saving. In all the data, the environment outside the apparatus was measured at a temperature of 20 ° C. and a humidity of 60 to 65%.

  The exhaust rate (%) is the ratio of the amount of air that is adjusted in proportion by the exhaust rate adjusting device 20 out of the amount of air flowing through the circulation air passage 7 and is discharged out of the machine from the exhaust air passage 18. The drying efficiency (%) is (dry moisture amount (g) × latent heat of evaporation (J / g)) / power consumption amount (Wh) in the compressor 51.

  FIG. 4 is a graph showing the drying efficiency measured by changing the exhaust rate under the condition that the power consumption in the compressor 51 is substantially constant (for example, about 400 Wh). In this case, as shown in FIG. 4, high drying efficiency is obtained by adjusting the exhaust rate to 20% to 50%. As a result, the drying time obtained was about 60 min.

  FIG. 5 is a graph showing the drying efficiency measured by changing the exhaust rate under the condition that the target drying time is substantially constant (for example, about 120 min). In this case, as shown in FIG. 5, high drying efficiency is obtained by adjusting the exhaust rate to 50% to 100%. As a result, the power consumption in the compressor 51 can be suppressed to about 200 Wh.

  In an actual washer-dryer, in addition to the speed drying mode set mainly for shortening the drying time and the energy saving drying mode set mainly for energy saving, there is an intermediate drying mode between the two. It can be set appropriately. A plurality of drying modes may be installed, and drying may be performed by selection by the user, or by automatic selection with reference to the temperature and humidity environment of the outside air, the amount of clothes to be dried, and the like. The plurality of drying modes may be switched according to the progress of drying.

  As described above, the provision of the exhaust rate adjusting device 20 makes it possible to optimally control the amount of air flowing into the heat absorber 54 as the clothes are dried. As a result, in the entire drying process, it is possible to shorten the drying time while suppressing an increase in power consumption of the heat pump device 50.

Further, when it is desired to suppress the space humidity outside the housing 2, the operation of the exhaust rate adjusting device 20 is controlled by the control device 30 so as to reduce the exhaust rate by, for example, a selection method by the user. Thereby, the space environment outside the housing 2 can be kept comfortable. In addition to the selection method by the user, a humidity sensor is provided outside the housing 2, and the control device 30 is configured to automatically change the exhaust ratio by comparing with a humidity value detected by the humidity sensor. May be.

  Furthermore, the washing / drying machine according to the present embodiment takes in the intake air path 17 and can adjust the air volume of the air outside the housing 2 mixed with the air circulating in the circulation air path 7. By providing the device 60, it is possible to realize a washing and drying machine with further improved drying performance.

  The drying air flowing through the circulation air passage 7 is taken from the intake air passage 17 in accordance with the air amount determined by the intake air amount adjusting device 60 at the connection portion between the intake air passage 17 and the circulation air passage 7. Mixed with outside air. The mixed air is sent toward the radiator 52 and heated by the radiator 52. The drying air heated by the radiator 52 passes through the blower fan 5 and the blower outlet 8 and is sent again into the rotary tank 1.

  For example, when the temperature value of the air blown into the rotary tank 1 detected by the temperature sensor 9 is low (for example, less than 8 ° C.) at the initial stage of the drying process or the like, the control device 30 controls the temperature in the rotary tank 1. In order to raise the air flow rate in a short time, the intake air volume adjusting device 60 is controlled so as to reduce the air volume taken into the circulation air path 7 from the intake air path 17.

  As a result, the temperature of the drying air that circulates in the circulating air passage 7 and is heated by the radiator 52 and supplied into the rotating tub 1 can be raised and maintained in a short time. Further, the temperature of the air passing through the heat absorber 54 in the exhaust air passage 18 can be raised at an early stage. Thereby, even when the temperature of the outside air outside the housing 2 is low, frost formation on the heat absorber 54 can be suppressed.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the intake air amount adjusting device 60 is disposed near the branch portion of the circulation air passage 7 with the exhaust air passage 18. Therefore, the intake air volume adjusting device 60 can function as an exhaust rate adjusting device different from the exhaust rate adjusting device 20.

  Further, the intake air passage 17 is preferably provided intentionally as in the present embodiment, but may not be provided specifically. This is because the circulation air passage 7 is in natural communication with the outside air through the exhaust air passage 18. That is, it suffices if there is an intake portion where ambient air outside the circulation air passage 7 enters the circulation air passage 7.

  Moreover, in addition to the heat absorber 54 provided in the exhaust air path 18, the structure which provides another heat absorber in the circulation air path 7 similarly to the past is also considered. However, the configuration in which another heat absorber is also provided in the circulation air passage 7 has the same problem as the conventional configuration described above. Therefore, as in the configuration of the present embodiment, it is desirable that the circulation air passage 7 has no heat absorber but only the exhaust air passage 18. With the configuration of the present embodiment, a greater effect can be obtained in shortening the drying time and saving energy.

(Embodiment 2)
FIG. 6 is a configuration diagram of a drying system of the washing / drying machine according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention. A washing / drying machine according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. In the washing and drying machine according to the second embodiment, the exhaust rate adjusting device 20 is provided upstream of the heat absorber 54 and in the vicinity of the branch connection portion between the exhaust air passage 18 and the circulation air passage 7. It is. The washing / drying machine according to the second embodiment is configured in the same manner as the washing / drying machine according to the first embodiment except for the parts described below. Detailed description of this similar configuration is omitted.

  As shown in FIG. 6, the exhaust ratio adjusting device 20 is provided in the vicinity of the connection portion between the exhaust air passage 18 and the circulation air passage 7. The exhaust ratio adjusting device 20 can change the ratio (exhaust ratio) of air exhausted from the exhaust air path 18 to the outside of the air circulating in the circulation air path 7. The exhaust ratio adjusting device 20 is provided upstream of the heat absorber 54 in the air flow.

  The exhaust ratio adjusting device 20 is configured by, for example, a plate rotatably provided in the exhaust air passage 18 in the vicinity of the connection portion between the exhaust air passage 18 and the circulation air passage 7, a motor that rotates the plate, and the like. be able to. The control device 30 controls the operation of the exhaust ratio adjusting device 20. The control device 30 can change the opening ratio at the branch point in the exhaust air passage 18 or between the two air passages by driving and controlling the motor and appropriately rotating the plate. As a result, the exhaust ratio can be changed.

  About the washing / drying machine comprised as mentioned above, the operation | movement and effect | action at the time of clothing drying are demonstrated.

  When the blower fan 5 is driven, the drying air that has become humid due to moisture taken from the clothes in the rotary tub 1 is discharged from the discharge port 16 to the circulation air path 7. The discharged air flows separately into the exhaust air passage 18 and the circulation air passage 7. The ratio of flowing separately (exhaust ratio) is determined by the exhaust ratio adjusting device 20.

  The air guided to the exhaust air passage 18 side is cooled and dehumidified by the heat absorber 54. The cooled and dehumidified air is discharged out of the housing 2 through the exhaust port 18a.

  On the other hand, the drying air guided to the circulation air passage 7 side is mixed with the air outside the housing 2 taken in from the intake air passage 17. The mixed air is sent toward the radiator 52 and heated by the radiator 52.

  The intake air passage 17 is provided so as to communicate with the circulation air passage 7 on the intake side of the blower fan 5. The intake air passage 17 is also provided so as to communicate with the circulation air passage 7 upstream of the radiator 52. Therefore, the air outside the housing 2 sucked from the intake air passage 17 is mixed with the drying air that has flowed toward the circulation air passage 7 and then passes through the radiator 52. At this time, the mixed air is heated by the radiator 52.

  The drying air heated by the radiator 52 passes through the blower fan 5 and the blower outlet 8 and is sent again into the rotary tank 1.

  In the present embodiment, the exhaust ratio adjusting device 20 is provided upstream of the heat absorber 54 in the air flow. With this configuration, the optimal control of the amount of air flowing into the heat absorber 54 can be performed more finely than the washing dryer in the first embodiment in accordance with the progress of drying of the clothes. Therefore, in the entire drying process, it is possible to reduce the drying time while suppressing an increase in power consumption of the heat pump device 50 with higher accuracy.

  Further, the exhaust ratio adjusting device 20 is provided at a branch portion between the circulation air path 7 and the exhaust air path 18, thereby controlling the exhaust ratio more directly and with higher sensitivity than the washing dryer in the first embodiment. be able to. Therefore, the heat absorber 54 installed in the exhaust air passage 18 downstream of the exhaust ratio adjusting device 20 can be more efficiently operated to contribute to the reduction of the drying time and the energy saving.

(Embodiment 3)
FIG. 7 is a configuration diagram of the drying system of the washing / drying machine according to Embodiment 3 of the present invention. A washing / drying machine according to Embodiment 3 of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. Note that the washing and drying machine according to the third embodiment includes a configuration of a part of the wall surface of the circulation air passage 7 and the exhaust air passage 18, and an intake air amount adjusting device 60 provided in the vicinity of the part of the wall surface. It is characterized by its multifunctional adjustment function. The washing / drying machine according to the third embodiment is configured in the same manner as the washing / drying machine according to the first embodiment except for the parts described below. Detailed description of this similar configuration is omitted.

  As shown in FIG. 7, the circulation air passage 7 and the exhaust air passage 18 are partly in close contact with or shared with the wall surface of the pipe. In that portion, a communication hole 41 (communication portion) through which air can flow between the circulation air passage 7 and the exhaust air passage 18 is provided. The communication hole 41 is provided on the downstream side of the air flow from the heat absorber 54 in the exhaust air passage 18 and on the upstream side of the air flow from the radiator 52 in the circulation air passage 7.

  An intake air volume adjusting device 60 is provided in the circulation air passage 7 in the vicinity of the communication hole 41. The intake air volume adjusting device 60 in the present embodiment has various adjustment functions in addition to the intake air volume adjustment, as will be described later. Therefore, in the following description, the intake air volume adjustment device 60 is referred to as a multi-function adjustment device 40.

  The multi-function adjusting device 40 can be constituted by, for example, a plate rotatably provided in the circulation air passage 7 in the vicinity of the communication hole 41 and a motor for rotating the plate. The control device 30 controls the operation of the multi-function adjusting device 40. The control device 30 drives and controls the motor to appropriately rotate the plate, thereby changing the opening ratio between the three air passages including the circulation air passage 7, the exhaust air passage 18, and the intake air passage 17 as well. Can be changed. Thereby, the control apparatus 30 can perform the control which changes the various air volume ratios described below.

  First, the multi-function adjusting device 40 is taken from the intake air passage 17 and mixed with the air circulating in the circulation air passage 7 in the same manner as the intake air amount adjusting device 60 in the first and second embodiments. Adjust the air volume of outside air.

  Further, the multi-function adjusting device 40 can change the ratio (exhaust ratio) of air exhausted from the exhaust air path 18 to the outside of the air circulating in the circulation air path 7. Thereby, the multi-function adjusting device 40 not only adjusts the ratio of air discharged outside the apparatus, but also adjusts the ratio of air cooled and dehumidified by the heat absorber 54. The exhaust rate adjusting function of the multi-function adjusting device 40 can be combined with the exhaust rate adjusting device 20.

  Furthermore, the multi-function adjusting device 40 also adjusts the proportion of air recirculated to the circulation air passage 7 through the communication hole 41 out of the air dehumidified by the heat absorber 54 in the exhaust air passage 18.

  The multi-function adjusting device 40 is a complex adjusting device capable of simultaneously performing the three adjustments described above.

  In addition, the washing and drying machine in the present embodiment includes a humidity sensor 42 that detects the humidity outside the housing 2.

  About the washing / drying machine comprised as mentioned above, the operation | movement and effect | action at the time of clothing drying are demonstrated.

When the blower fan 5 is driven, drying air for drying the clothes is discharged from the discharge port 16 into the circulation air path 7. All or part of the exhausted air passes through the radiator 52,
Heated by the radiator 52. At this time, in only a part of the air, the air taken from outside the circulation air passage 7 through the intake air passage 17 is combined and heated. The heated drying air is blown out into the rotary tank 1 through the blowout port 8.

  The air blown into the rotating tub 1 takes moisture from the laundry in the rotating tub 1 to become a humid state, and part or all of the air is sent into the exhaust air passage 18 and passes through the heat absorber 54. At the same time as the dehumidification, thermal energy is recovered. The air that has passed through the heat absorber 54 is in a state where a part or all of the air contains moisture that could not be dehumidified by the heat absorber 54 according to the ratio determined by the exhaust ratio adjusting device 20 and the multi-function adjusting device 40. It is discharged out of the housing 2 from the exhaust port 18a. The other air is combined with the air taken from outside the circulation air passage 7 via the intake air passage 17, passes through the radiator 52, heated, and then sent into the rotary tank 1.

  In the above, the air containing moisture that could not be dehumidified by the heat absorber 54 is released to the outside of the housing 2 through the exhaust air passage 18, and the air outside the housing 2 is taken in from the intake air passage 17. Low-humidity air can be sent to the radiator 52. Further, the heat energy recovered by the heat absorber 54 can be used as heat energy for heating the drying air by the radiator 52. Thereby, high temperature air can be sent in the rotating tub 1, and the laundry accommodated in the rotating tub 1 can be dried efficiently.

  In the above, the exhaust ratio from the exhaust port 18a and the flow ratio to the heat absorber 54 can be changed by appropriately controlling the exhaust ratio adjusting device 20 and the multi-function adjusting device 40 in accordance with the progress of drying. .

  For example, at the start of the drying process, the exhaust rate and the flow rate rate are each 20%, recirculated to the circulation air passage 7 through the communication hole 41, heated by the radiator 52, and then blown into the rotary tank 1. Increase the ratio. And at the time of the steady state when the temperature detected by the temperature sensor 9 becomes a certain level or more, the exhaust rate and the flow rate rate are set to 50%, respectively, and drying is performed while suppressing the power consumption by the heat pump device 50. By controlling the exhaust ratio adjusting device 20 and the multi-function adjusting device 40 as described above, efficient drying with reduced drying time and improved energy saving can be performed throughout the drying process. However, the above ratio is an example and does not limit the present invention.

  In addition, when it is desired to suppress the space humidity outside the housing 2, the exhaust rate is less than 20% at the start of the drying process and the temperature detected by the temperature sensor 9 is equal to or higher than a certain level, for example, by a user selection method. The space environment outside the housing 2 can be kept comfortable by setting it to less than 50% at regular times. Further, the recirculation ratio and the exhaust rate may be automatically changed using the humidity value detected by the humidity sensor 42 without being limited to the selection type. However, the above ratio is an example and does not limit the present invention.

  FIG. 8 is an air path configuration diagram at the time of low temperature of the drying system of the washing dryer in the third embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 8, the exhaust ratio adjusting device 20 completely closes the exhaust port 18 a, and the multi-function adjusting device 40 opens the communication hole 41, and the circulation air path 7 on the upstream side of the radiator 52. Is completely closed. In this state, all of the air discharged from the discharge port 16 passes through the heat absorber 54 in the exhaust air passage 18 and is dehumidified, and then flows into the circulation air passage 7 from the communication hole 41, and the radiator 52. After passing through and heated, it is sent to the rotary tank 1.

In the above, when the value of the temperature of the drying air detected by the temperature sensor 9 is less than 8 ° C., for example, at the start of drying, the exhaust ratio adjusting device 20 and the multi-function adjusting device are in the above state shown in FIG. 40 is controlled so that the exhaust ratio from the exhaust air passage 18 becomes 0%. Thereby, in the initial stage of drying, the heated drying air is not exhausted outside the apparatus, and the temperature in the rotating tub 1 can be raised in a short period of time. And after that, the inside of the circulation air path 7, the inside of the rotary tank 1, etc. can be kept at high temperature, and it can dry efficiently. In the above description, an extreme example in which the exhaust ratio is set to 0% has been described. However, based on the data shown in FIG. 4, if the exhaust ratio is set to 50% or less, substantially the same effect can be obtained. be able to.

  Further, for example, when the temperature value of the drying air detected by the temperature sensor 9 is less than 8 ° C. and the exhaust rate is 0%, air having a low temperature is not sucked into the circulation air path 7. Therefore, the air having passed through the radiator 52 and having a high temperature can be sent to the heat absorber 54. As a result, frost formation on the heat absorber 54 is suppressed, the heat collection efficiency of the heat energy by the heat absorber 54 is maintained, and drying can be performed efficiently. In addition, said temperature conditions and exhaust ratio are examples, and do not limit this invention.

  FIG. 9 is an air path configuration diagram in a steady state of the drying system of the washing / drying machine according to the third embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 9, the exhaust rate adjusting device 20 completely opens the exhaust port 18 a, and the multi-function adjusting device 40 has a communication hole 41 between the exhaust air passage 18 and the circulation air passage 7. It is completely closed. In this state, after a part of the air discharged from the discharge port 16 passes through the heat absorber 54 in the exhaust air passage 18 and is dehumidified, the whole is discharged from the exhaust port 18a to the outside of the housing 2. . The other air is combined with the air taken from outside the circulation air passage 7 via the intake air passage 17, passes through the radiator 52, is heated, and then sent to the rotary tank 1.

  In the above, for example, when the value of the temperature of the drying air detected by the temperature sensor 9 at the start of drying is 20 ° C. (predetermined value) or more, the exhaust ratio adjusting device 20 and the multifunctional device are in the above state shown in FIG. By controlling the adjusting device 40, a part of the air discharged from the discharge port 16 and flowing through the circulation air passage 7 is exhausted out of the housing 2 through the exhaust port 18a. And the temperature in the rotary tank 1 can be raised in a short time by taking in the air outside the housing | casing 2 from the intake air path 17 in the circulation air path 7, and heating with the heat radiator 52. FIG. Thereby, drying can be performed efficiently. In addition, said temperature conditions are an example and do not limit this invention.

  In the present embodiment, the exhaust gas ratio adjusting device 20 is provided with an exhaust port 18a through which air is discharged from the exhaust air passage 18 to the outside of the machine on the downstream side of the heat flow from the heat absorber 54, as in the first embodiment. However, it may be provided in the vicinity of the branch connection portion between the exhaust air passage 18 and the circulation air passage 7 on the upstream side of the air flow from the heat absorber 54 as in the second embodiment.

  In addition, the wall surfaces of the ducts of the circulation air passage 7 and the exhaust air passage 18 are in close contact or shared, and a communication hole 41 through which air can flow between the circulation air passage 7 and the exhaust air passage 18 is provided in that portion. Instead of the configuration described above, a conduit that connects the circulation air passage 7 and the exhaust air passage 18 may be configured as a recirculation air passage. In the case of this configuration, the opening of the communication connection portion of the recirculation air passage to the circulation air passage 7 corresponds to the communication hole 41.

  As is apparent from the description of the above embodiments, according to the present invention, it is possible to provide a clothes dryer (washing dryer) whose drying performance is remarkably improved as compared with the prior art.

  In addition, this invention is not limited to the structure which performs clothing drying of a heat pump system. For example, a Peltier type may be used.

Further, in each of the above embodiments, a washing / drying machine having both a washing function and a clothes drying function has been described. Applicable. As a configuration example of the clothes dryer, a configuration in which the washing function is removed from the laundry dryer can be used.

  The scope of application of the present invention is not limited to the drum-type clothes dryer (washing dryer) described in the above embodiment. For example, the present invention may be applied to a hanging-drying system other than the drum type, a pulsator type vertical washing dryer, or the like.

  Since the clothes dryer of the present invention can provide efficient drying with reduced energy loss of exhaust heat, shortened drying time and improved energy saving, not only drum-type clothes dryers, It can also be applied to applications such as hanging dry drying methods other than drum type and vertical washing drying of pulsator type.

1 Rotating tank 2 Housing (main body)
3 Water tank 4 Damper 5 Blower fan (blower)
6 Drive motor 7 Circulating air path 8 Air outlet (air outlet for drying)
9 Temperature sensor 16 Air outlet (Air outlet for drying)
17 Intake air path (intake section)
18 Exhaust air passage 18a Exhaust port 20 Exhaust ratio adjusting device 30 Control device 40 Multi-function adjusting device 41 Communication hole (communication portion)
42 Humidity sensor 50 Heat pump device 51 Compressor 52 Radiator (condenser)
53 Expansion mechanism 54 Heat absorber (evaporator)
55 Pipeline 60 Intake air volume adjustment device

Claims (9)

The body,
A rotating tank provided rotatably in the main body;
The refrigerant includes a compressor that compresses the refrigerant, a radiator that dissipates the heat of the compressed refrigerant, an expansion mechanism that reduces the pressure of the high-pressure refrigerant, and a heat absorber that draws heat from the surroundings by the reduced-pressure refrigerant. A heat pump device configured to be circulated and connected by a pipeline,
A circulation air passage having a drying air discharge port and a drying air outlet communicating with the rotating tank, and circulating the drying air in the rotating tank;
A blower that is provided in the circulation air passage and supplies the drying air heated by the heat pump device into the rotary tank;
An exhaust air passage that is provided in communication with the circulation air passage and exhausts drying air out of the main body;
An air intake section through which ambient air outside the circulation air passage enters the circulation air passage;
An exhaust ratio adjusting device capable of changing a ratio of the drying air flowing through the circulation air path to the outside of the main body through the exhaust air path;
An intake air volume adjustment device capable of changing the air volume of air entering the circulation air path from the intake section;
A clothes dryer comprising: a control device that controls the blower device, the heat pump device, the exhaust rate adjustment device, the intake air flow rate adjustment device, and the like. The radiator of the heat pump device is provided in the circulation air passage,
The exhaust air path is branched and connected between the drying air discharge port of the circulation air path and the radiator.
The clothes dryer according to claim 1, wherein the heat absorber is provided in the exhaust air passage. The clothes dryer according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the exhaust rate adjusting device is provided upstream of the heat absorber in the flow of air. The clothes dryer according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the exhaust rate adjusting device is provided in the vicinity of a branch portion between the circulation air passage and the exhaust air passage. The clothes dryer according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the intake portion is provided between a branch portion of the circulation air passage with the exhaust air passage and the radiator. The intake portion is configured as an intake air passage that is a metal or resin pipe.
The clothes dryer according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the intake air amount adjusting device is provided in the vicinity of a connection portion between the intake air passage and the circulation air passage. A communication portion for communicating the downstream portion of the air flow from the heat absorber of the exhaust air passage and the upstream portion of the air flow from the radiator of the circulation air passage;
The clothes dryer according to any one of claims 2 to 6, wherein the intake air volume adjusting device is provided in the circulation air passage in the vicinity of a communication connection portion between the communication portion and the circulation air passage. A temperature sensor for detecting the temperature of the drying air flowing into the rotating tank;
8. The exhaust gas ratio is controlled to 50% or less when the temperature of the drying air detected by the temperature sensor is low, such as at the start of operation. Clothes dryer. A temperature sensor for detecting the temperature of the drying air flowing into the rotating tank;
8. The garment according to claim 7, wherein when the temperature of the drying air detected by the temperature sensor is higher than a predetermined value, the intake air volume adjustment device is controlled to close the communication portion. Dryer.

Images