JP2021083932A

JP2021083932A - Clothes dryer

Info

Publication number: JP2021083932A
Application number: JP2019216754A
Authority: JP
Inventors: 隆行本村; Takayuki Hommura; 金田　至功; Yoshinori Kaneda; 至功金田
Original assignee: Toshiba Lifestyle Products and Services Corp
Current assignee: Toshiba Lifestyle Products and Services Corp
Priority date: 2019-11-29
Filing date: 2019-11-29
Publication date: 2021-06-03

Abstract

To stably perform fixing of a connection duct, in a clothes dryer capable of achieving effective utilization of a space by making a cross-sectional shape of the connection duct for connecting a movable part and a fixing part out of a circulation air passage a non-circular shape having a linear part.SOLUTION: In a clothes dryer, a drying air passage of a drying air supply mechanism is constituted by having an air blowing duct provided at a corner portion of an outer case in a fixed manner, and a connection duct having an elastic deformation part and for connecting the drying chamber side and the air blowing duct. In the air blowing duct and the connection duct, a cross-sectional shape is a non-circular shape having a linear part at least at one part. The connection duct is connected by being fastened from the outer peripheral side by a fastening metal fitting in a state where an end part is covered on a connection end part of the air blowing duct, and on the outer periphery of the portion fastened by the fastening metal fitting of the connection duct, a mounting rib is integrally provided.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

本発明の実施形態は、衣類乾燥機に関する。 Embodiments of the present invention relate to a clothes dryer.

従来、衣類乾燥機例えばドラム式の洗濯乾燥機にあっては、矩形箱状をなす外箱内に、乾燥室となる円筒状の水槽を振動可能に設け、その水槽に設けられた給気口及び排気口を水槽外で接続する循環風路を設け、乾燥風供給機構により乾燥風を水槽内に循環供給する構成のものがある。この場合、乾燥風路は、複数個の送風ダクトを連結して構成される。例えば、外箱内の上部コーナー部分に固定的に設けられる送風ダクトと、可動部である水槽の上部の排気口とをつなぐ部分では、弾性材料からなり中間に蛇腹状部を有する連結ダクトを用いてそれらを接続することが行われる。またこの場合、連結ダクトと送風ダクトとの連結固定には、ばね性を有する金属材料からなる固定金具が用いられ、固定金具により送風ダクトを連結ダクトに対して外周側から締付けるようにして固定することが一般的である（例えば特許文献１参照）。 Conventionally, in a clothes dryer, for example, a drum-type washer-dryer, a cylindrical water tank serving as a drying chamber is vibrably provided in a rectangular box-shaped outer box, and an air supply port provided in the water tank. In addition, there is a configuration in which a circulation air passage for connecting the exhaust port outside the water tank is provided and the dry air is circulated and supplied into the water tank by a dry air supply mechanism. In this case, the dry air passage is configured by connecting a plurality of air ducts. For example, a connecting duct made of an elastic material and having a bellows-shaped part in the middle is used for the part connecting the air duct fixedly provided at the upper corner part in the outer box and the exhaust port at the upper part of the water tank which is a movable part. It is done to connect them. Further, in this case, a fixing bracket made of a metal material having a spring property is used for connecting and fixing the connecting duct and the blowing duct, and the blowing duct is fixed by tightening the blowing duct with respect to the connecting duct from the outer peripheral side. Is common (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

特開平１０−２６３２９４号公報Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 10-263294

ところで、従来では、上記した送風ダクトや連結ダクトにおいて、断面が円形状のものを採用することが一般的であったが、外箱内のコーナー部のスペースを有効利用して乾燥風路を大きくするためには、送風ダクトや連結ダクトを、断面ほぼ四角形状のものを採用することが考えられる。ところが、上記のようなばね性を有する板状の金属を利用した固定金具を用いて固定を行う場合、断面四角形のダクトに対し、その直線部全体に均一に締付け力を付与することは難しく、安定した固定が難しくなる事情がある。 By the way, in the past, it was common to use the above-mentioned ventilation ducts and connecting ducts having a circular cross section, but the space in the corners inside the outer box is effectively used to increase the dry air passage. In order to do so, it is conceivable to adopt a ventilation duct or a connecting duct having a substantially square cross section. However, when fixing is performed using a fixing bracket using a plate-shaped metal having a spring property as described above, it is difficult to uniformly apply a tightening force to the entire straight portion of a duct having a quadrangular cross section. There are circumstances in which stable fixing becomes difficult.

そこで、循環風路のうち可動部と固定部とを連結する連結ダクトの断面形状を、直線部を有した非円形状としてスペースの有効利用を図ることができるものにあって、連結ダクトの固定を安定的に行うことができる衣類乾燥機を提供する。 Therefore, the cross-sectional shape of the connecting duct that connects the movable part and the fixed part of the circulation air passage is a non-circular shape that has a straight part so that the space can be effectively used, and the connecting duct is fixed. Provide a clothes dryer that can stably perform the above.

実施形態の衣類乾燥機は、外箱と、前記外箱内に振動可能に弾性支持され衣類が収容される乾燥室と、前記乾燥室に対し乾燥風路を通して乾燥風を供給する乾燥風供給機構とを備えるものであって、前記乾燥風供給機構の乾燥風路は、前記外箱内のコーナー部分に固定的に設けられる送風ダクトと、弾性変形部を有し前記乾燥室側と前記送風ダクトとを接続する連結ダクトとを有して構成され、前記送風ダクト及び連結ダクトは、共に、断面形状が、少なくとも一部に直線部を有した非円形状をなし、前記連結ダクトは、その端部が、前記送風ダクトの接続端部に被せられた状態で、締付金具により外周側から締付けられることにより接続されると共に、前記連結ダクトの前記締付金具により締付けられる部分の外周に、取付用リブが一体に設けられている。 The clothes dryer of the embodiment includes an outer box, a drying chamber that is elastically supported in the outer box and houses clothes, and a drying air supply mechanism that supplies dry air to the drying chamber through a drying air duct. The drying air passage of the drying air supply mechanism has an air duct fixedly provided at a corner portion in the outer box, an elastically deformed portion, and the drying chamber side and the air duct. Both the ventilation duct and the connecting duct have a non-circular shape having a straight portion at least in a part thereof, and the connecting duct has an end thereof. The portion is connected by being tightened from the outer peripheral side by the tightening bracket in a state of being covered with the connection end portion of the ventilation duct, and is attached to the outer periphery of the portion of the connecting duct that is tightened by the tightening bracket. Ribs are provided integrally.

一実施形態を示すもので、洗濯乾燥機の内部構成を概略的に示す縦断右側面図A vertical right side view showing an embodiment and schematically showing the internal configuration of the washer / dryer. 洗濯乾燥機の内部構成をヒートポンプを含んだ状態で概略的に示す縦断背面図Longitudinal rear view showing the internal configuration of the washer / dryer in a state including the heat pump. 外箱部分を外した状態で示す水槽部分の斜視図Perspective view of the aquarium part shown with the outer box part removed 外箱の上面部分を外した状態で示す水槽部分の上面図Top view of the water tank part shown with the top part of the outer box removed 外箱の前面及び上面部分を外した状態で示す水槽部分の正面図Front view of the water tank part shown with the front and top parts of the outer box removed 連結ダクトの外観を示す斜視図Perspective view showing the appearance of the connecting duct 連結ダクトの後端部を示す縦断正面図Longitudinal front view showing the rear end of the connecting duct 連結ダクトの前端部を示す横断平面図Cross-sectional plan view showing the front end of the connecting duct 取付用リブの図１３のＸ−Ｘ線部分の断面構成を示す図The figure which shows the cross-sectional structure of the X-ray part of FIG. 13 of a mounting rib. 取付用リブの図１３のＹ−Ｙ線部分の断面構成を示す図The figure which shows the cross-sectional structure of the YY line part of FIG. 13 of a mounting rib. 締付金具の構成を締付状態で示す図The figure which shows the structure of the tightening metal fitting in the tightened state 締付金具を拡開状態とした様子を示す図The figure which shows the state which the tightening metal fitting was in the expanded state 締付金具による連結ダクトの締付けの様子を示す図The figure which shows the state of tightening of a connecting duct by a tightening metal fitting

以下、洗濯運転及び乾燥運転が可能なヒートポンプ式のドラム式洗濯乾燥機に適用した一実施形態について、図面を参照しながら説明する。まず、図１から図５を参照しながら、本実施形態に係る衣類乾燥機としての洗濯乾燥機１の全体構成について述べる。図１等に示すように、洗濯乾燥機１の本体を構成する外箱２は、全体としてほぼ矩形箱状に構成され、外箱２内には、乾燥室となる円筒状の水槽３が後下がりに傾斜した状態で、図示しない弾性支持機構を介して振動可能に支持されている。前記水槽３内には、洗濯物である衣類が収容される円筒状のドラム４が回転可能に支持されている。このドラム４は、前後方向に延び且つ水平からやや後下がりに傾斜した傾斜軸を中心に回転するように構成されている。 Hereinafter, an embodiment applied to a heat pump type drum type washer-dryer capable of washing operation and drying operation will be described with reference to the drawings. First, the overall configuration of the washer / dryer 1 as the clothes dryer according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 5. As shown in FIG. 1 and the like, the outer box 2 constituting the main body of the washer / dryer 1 is formed in a substantially rectangular box shape as a whole, and a cylindrical water tank 3 serving as a drying chamber is rearly inside the outer box 2. It is oscillatedly supported via an elastic support mechanism (not shown) in a downwardly inclined state. In the water tank 3, a cylindrical drum 4 in which clothes that are laundry are housed is rotatably supported. The drum 4 is configured to rotate about an inclined axis extending in the front-rear direction and inclined slightly backward from the horizontal.

図１に示すように、このドラム４の周壁部及び後壁部には通水、通気用の多数の孔４ａが形成され、また、ドラム４の周壁部の内面には、洗濯物撹拌用の図示しない複数個のバッフルが設けられている。詳しく図示はしないが、このドラム４の前面部には、衣類が出し入れされる円形の開口部が設けられており、前記水槽３の前面部には、前記開口部に連なる投入口３ａが形成されている。外箱２の前面には、その投入口３ａを開閉する扉５が設けられている。外箱２の前面部の上部には、操作パネル６が設けられている。詳しく図示はしないが、この操作パネル６には、電源スイッチや各種設定を行うための操作部や表示部等が設けられている。 As shown in FIG. 1, a large number of holes 4a for water passage and ventilation are formed in the peripheral wall portion and the rear wall portion of the drum 4, and the inner surface of the peripheral wall portion of the drum 4 is used for washing laundry. A plurality of baffles (not shown) are provided. Although not shown in detail, a circular opening through which clothes are taken in and out is provided on the front surface of the drum 4, and an inlet 3a connected to the opening is formed on the front surface of the water tank 3. ing. A door 5 for opening and closing the insertion port 3a is provided on the front surface of the outer box 2. An operation panel 6 is provided on the upper portion of the front surface of the outer box 2. Although not shown in detail, the operation panel 6 is provided with a power switch, an operation unit for performing various settings, a display unit, and the like.

図１、図２に示すように、前記水槽３の後部には、駆動機構を構成する例えばアウタロータ形のブラシレスモータからなるドラムモータ８が配置されている。図１に示すように、このドラムモータ８の回転軸の先端は、水槽３の背面を貫通して水槽３内に突出し、前記ドラム４の後部中心部に連結固定されている。このような構成により、ドラム４はドラムモータ８により直接的に回転駆動される。この場合、ドラム４は、脱水行程においては、正転方向つまり正面から見て時計回り方向に連続回転されるようになっている。洗い行程やすすぎ行程、乾燥行程等においては、ドラム４は正転、反転が繰り返される。 As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, a drum motor 8 made of, for example, an outer rotor type brushless motor constituting a drive mechanism is arranged at the rear portion of the water tank 3. As shown in FIG. 1, the tip of the rotating shaft of the drum motor 8 penetrates the back surface of the water tank 3 and protrudes into the water tank 3, and is connected and fixed to the rear central portion of the drum 4. With such a configuration, the drum 4 is directly rotationally driven by the drum motor 8. In this case, the drum 4 is continuously rotated in the normal rotation direction, that is, in the clockwise direction when viewed from the front in the dehydration stroke. In the washing stroke, rinsing stroke, drying stroke, etc., the drum 4 is repeatedly rotated forward and backward.

詳しく図示はしないが、前記外箱２内の上部には、給水源としての水道からの水を前記水槽３内等に給水するための給水機構が設けられている。この給水機構は、給水弁を含んでいる。一方、図１に示すように、水槽３の下部には、排水管路１２が接続され、この排水管路１２の途中部には排水弁１３設けられている。排水弁１３が閉鎖された状態で給水機構により水槽３内に水が供給された場合には、その水は水槽３内に貯留される。このとき、水槽３内の水位は、図示しない水位センサにより検出される。前記排水弁１３が開放されることに伴い、水槽３内に貯留されていた水は、排水管路１２を通して機外へ排出される。 Although not shown in detail, a water supply mechanism for supplying water from tap water as a water supply source to the inside of the water tank 3 or the like is provided in the upper part of the outer box 2. This water supply mechanism includes a water supply valve. On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 1, a drainage pipe line 12 is connected to the lower part of the water tank 3, and a drainage valve 13 is provided in the middle of the drainage pipe line 12. When water is supplied into the water tank 3 by the water supply mechanism with the drain valve 13 closed, the water is stored in the water tank 3. At this time, the water level in the water tank 3 is detected by a water level sensor (not shown). As the drain valve 13 is opened, the water stored in the water tank 3 is discharged to the outside of the machine through the drain pipe line 12.

図１に示すように、前記水槽３には、前部の上部右寄り部位に、ドラム４内の空気を排出する排気口１７が設けられていると共に、背面部の上部左寄り部位にドラム４内に乾燥風を供給するための給気口１８が設けられている。このとき、排気口１７は、断面長方形状をなし、水槽３の外周部の右上部前側部分から上方に凸となるように一体的に設けられている。そして、図１、図２に示すように、外箱２内部には、ドラム４内に乾燥風つまり温風を循環供給して衣類の乾燥運転を実行するための乾燥風供給機構１９が設けられている。 As shown in FIG. 1, the water tank 3 is provided with an exhaust port 17 for discharging the air in the drum 4 at the upper right side portion of the front portion, and in the drum 4 at the upper left side portion of the back portion. An air supply port 18 for supplying dry air is provided. At this time, the exhaust port 17 has a rectangular cross section, and is integrally provided so as to be convex upward from the upper right portion front side portion of the outer peripheral portion of the water tank 3. Then, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, inside the outer box 2, a dry air supply mechanism 19 for circulating and supplying dry air, that is, warm air to the inside of the drum 4 to execute the drying operation of clothes is provided. ing.

前記乾燥風供給機構１９は、水槽３の外部に位置して、乾燥風路としての循環風路２０を備えている。この循環風路２０の始端部は、水槽３の前記排気口１７に接続され、循環風路２０の終端部が前記給気口１８に接続されている。乾燥風供給機構１９は、循環風の除湿及び加熱を行って乾燥風を生成するヒートポンプ１５を備えている。これと共に、前記排気口１７から排出された空気を、循環風路２０内を矢印Ａ方向に循環させながら前記給気口１８から水槽３ひいてはドラム４内に供給する送風装置としての送風ファン１６を備えている。 The dry air supply mechanism 19 is located outside the water tank 3 and includes a circulation air passage 20 as a dry air passage. The start end of the circulation air passage 20 is connected to the exhaust port 17 of the water tank 3, and the end portion of the circulation air passage 20 is connected to the air supply port 18. The dry air supply mechanism 19 includes a heat pump 15 that dehumidifies and heats the circulating air to generate dry air. At the same time, the blower fan 16 as a blower device that supplies the air discharged from the exhaust port 17 from the air supply port 18 into the water tank 3 and the drum 4 while circulating in the circulation air passage 20 in the direction of the arrow A is provided. I have.

前記循環風路２０は、具体的には、図１、図２等に示すように、連結ダクト２１と、送風ダクトとしての上部送風ダクト２２と、後部送風ダクト２３と、ヒートポンプダクト２４と、給気ダクト２５とを備えている。そのうち連結ダクト２１は、前記水槽３の排気口１７と、上部送風ダクト２２の前端部とを接続するためのダクトであり、その詳細については後述する。 Specifically, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the circulation air passage 20 includes a connecting duct 21, an upper air duct 22 as an air duct, a rear air duct 23, a heat pump duct 24, and a supply duct 24. It is provided with an air duct 25. Among them, the connecting duct 21 is a duct for connecting the exhaust port 17 of the water tank 3 and the front end portion of the upper air blowing duct 22, and the details thereof will be described later.

前記上部送風ダクト２２は、図１３に示すように、断面形状が少なくとも一部に直線部を有した非円形状、この場合四辺に直線部を有し角部に丸みを帯びたほほ長方形状をなしている。この上部送風ダクト２２は、図１、図３〜図５に示すように、外箱２内の右側上部のコーナー部を後方に延びて設けられ固定的に設けられ、その後端部に、後部送風ダクト２３の上端部が接続されている。また、この上部送風ダクト２２の途中部位には、乾燥風から糸くずを捕獲するための周知のリントフィルタ２６（図１参照）が設けられている。図３、図４にも示すように、前記リントフィルタ２６は、本体２の上面に開口する開口部２２ａから出し入れ可能に設けられている。 As shown in FIG. 13, the upper ventilation duct 22 has a non-circular shape having at least a straight portion in a cross-sectional shape, and in this case, a cheek rectangular shape having straight portions on all four sides and rounded corners. I'm doing it. As shown in FIGS. 1, 3 to 5, the upper ventilation duct 22 is provided so that the upper right corner portion in the outer box 2 extends rearward and is fixedly provided, and the rear ventilation duct 22 is provided at the rear end portion. The upper end of the duct 23 is connected. Further, a well-known lint filter 26 (see FIG. 1) for capturing lint from the dry air is provided in the middle of the upper ventilation duct 22. As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the lint filter 26 is provided so as to be able to be taken in and out from the opening 22a that opens on the upper surface of the main body 2.

更に、図１に示すように、上部送風ダクト２２の途中部の上部には、前記リントフィルタ２６よりも後方に位置して、内部の空気を本体２の上面から排出するための排気用開口部９が設けられている。これと共に、排気用開口部９を開閉する排気ダンパ１０が設けられている。この排気ダンパ１０は、図示しないモータ等からなる駆動機構により開閉動作する。これにて、前記排気ダンパ１０を開放させることにより、循環風路２０内を流れる空気の一部を、排気用開口部９から外箱２外へ排出することができる。 Further, as shown in FIG. 1, an exhaust opening is located in the upper part of the middle part of the upper air duct 22 and is located behind the lint filter 26 to exhaust the internal air from the upper surface of the main body 2. 9 is provided. Along with this, an exhaust damper 10 for opening and closing the exhaust opening 9 is provided. The exhaust damper 10 is opened and closed by a drive mechanism including a motor (not shown) or the like. With this, by opening the exhaust damper 10, a part of the air flowing in the circulation air passage 20 can be discharged to the outside of the outer box 2 from the exhaust opening 9.

前記後部送風ダクト２３は、断面が矩形状をなし、図２に示すように、水槽３の後方を下方に延び、その先端即ち下端が、ヒートポンプダクト２４の基端部である右端部に接続されている。ヒートポンプダクト２４は、断面が矩形状をなし、外箱２内の底部後寄り部位を右左方向に延び、その先端側（図２で右端側）に前記送風ファン１６が設けられている。この送風ファン１６は、例えばファンケーシング３２内に遠心ファン３３及びそれを駆動するファンモータ３４を備えて構成されている。前記ファンケーシング３２の出口部に、前記給気ダクト２５の基端部である下端部が接続されている。尚、ファンケーシング３２と給気ダクト２５との接続には、蛇腹状の接続ダクト３５が用いられる。 The rear ventilation duct 23 has a rectangular cross section, and as shown in FIG. 2, extends downward from the rear of the water tank 3, and its tip, that is, the lower end is connected to the right end, which is the base end of the heat pump duct 24. ing. The heat pump duct 24 has a rectangular cross section, extends in the rearward portion of the bottom of the outer box 2 in the right-left direction, and the blower fan 16 is provided on the tip end side (right end side in FIG. 2). The blower fan 16 is configured to include, for example, a centrifugal fan 33 and a fan motor 34 for driving the centrifugal fan 33 in a fan casing 32. The lower end portion, which is the base end portion of the air supply duct 25, is connected to the outlet portion of the fan casing 32. A bellows-shaped connecting duct 35 is used to connect the fan casing 32 and the air supply duct 25.

前記給気ダクト２５は、外箱２内の左側の水槽３の後方を上方に延び、その先端部である上端部が前記給気口１８に接続されている。図２に示すように、前記ヒートポンプダクト２４内には、ヒートポンプ１５を構成する蒸発器２７及び凝縮器２８が、右左（図２で左右）に順に位置して配置されている。また、前記ヒートポンプ１５は、圧縮機２９と、前記凝縮器２８と、減圧手段である絞り弁３０と、前記蒸発器２７とを、冷媒配管３１により閉ループ状に接続して構成されている。ヒートポンプ１５の内部には、所要量の冷媒が封入され、冷媒配管３１を循環する。このとき、凝縮器２８が乾燥風を加熱する加熱手段として機能し、蒸発器２７が乾燥風から湿気を除去する除湿手段として機能する。 The air supply duct 25 extends upward behind the water tank 3 on the left side in the outer box 2, and the upper end portion, which is the tip end portion thereof, is connected to the air supply port 18. As shown in FIG. 2, in the heat pump duct 24, the evaporator 27 and the condenser 28 constituting the heat pump 15 are arranged in order on the left and right (left and right in FIG. 2). Further, the heat pump 15 is configured by connecting the compressor 29, the condenser 28, the throttle valve 30 which is a depressurizing means, and the evaporator 27 in a closed loop shape by a refrigerant pipe 31. A required amount of refrigerant is sealed inside the heat pump 15 and circulates in the refrigerant pipe 31. At this time, the condenser 28 functions as a heating means for heating the dry air, and the evaporator 27 functions as a dehumidifying means for removing moisture from the dry air.

このヒートポンプ１５は、図２に冷媒の流れを矢印Ｂで示すように、圧縮機２９が駆動されることにより圧縮機２９から吐出された気体冷媒が、凝縮器２８に流入し、該凝縮器２８における熱交換により凝縮されて液体冷媒とされる。凝縮器２８から流出した液体冷媒が絞り弁３０によって膨張されて霧状とされ、その霧状の冷媒が、蒸発器２７に流入される。そして、蒸発器２７において、外気との熱交換により冷媒が気化され、その気体冷媒が圧縮機２９に戻される。更に圧縮機２９にて冷媒が圧縮されて高温、高圧とされて吐出されるという循環が行われる。 In this heat pump 15, as shown by the arrow B in the flow of the refrigerant in FIG. 2, the gaseous refrigerant discharged from the compressor 29 by driving the compressor 29 flows into the condenser 28, and the condenser 28 It is condensed into a liquid refrigerant by heat exchange in. The liquid refrigerant flowing out of the condenser 28 is expanded by the throttle valve 30 to form a mist, and the mist-like refrigerant flows into the evaporator 27. Then, in the evaporator 27, the refrigerant is vaporized by heat exchange with the outside air, and the gaseous refrigerant is returned to the compressor 29. Further, a circulation is performed in which the refrigerant is compressed by the compressor 29 and discharged at a high temperature and a high pressure.

このヒートポンプ１５の駆動と共に、前記送風ファン１６が駆動されることにより、図１、図２に風の流れを矢印Ａで示すように、水槽３つまりドラム４内の空気が、排気口１７から連結ダクト２１、上部送風ダクト２２、後部送風ダクト２３を順に通って、ヒートポンプダクト２４に至る。このとき、空気が上部送風ダクト２２内を通る際に、リントフィルタ２６等により、空気に含まれていたリント即ち糸くずが捕獲される。 By driving the blower fan 16 together with the drive of the heat pump 15, the air in the water tank 3, that is, the drum 4, is connected from the exhaust port 17 as shown by the arrow A in FIGS. 1 and 2. It passes through the duct 21, the upper air duct 22, and the rear air duct 23 in this order to reach the heat pump duct 24. At this time, when the air passes through the upper air duct 22, the lint, that is, lint contained in the air is captured by the lint filter 26 and the like.

そして、ヒートポンプダクト２４内に通されたた空気は、蒸発器２７及び凝縮器２８を順に通った後、給気ダクト２５に流れ、給気口１８及び孔４ａを通ってドラム４内に供給されるという循環が行われる。この空気の循環により、水槽３即ちドラム４内の衣類から湿気を奪って多量の蒸気を含んだ空気が、ヒートポンプダクト２４内の蒸発器２７部分を通って冷却されることにより、蒸気が凝縮あるいは昇華されて除湿され、その除湿空気が凝縮器２８部分を通ることにより加熱されて乾いた温風となり、再びドラム４内に供給され、衣類の乾燥に供される。 Then, the air passed through the heat pump duct 24 passes through the evaporator 27 and the condenser 28 in order, then flows into the air supply duct 25, and is supplied into the drum 4 through the air supply port 18 and the hole 4a. There is a cycle of rubbing. This air circulation removes moisture from the clothes in the water tank 3, that is, the drum 4, and the air containing a large amount of steam is cooled through the evaporator 27 portion in the heat pump duct 24, so that the steam is condensed or It is sublimated and dehumidified, and the dehumidified air is heated by passing through the condenser 28 portion to become dry warm air, which is supplied into the drum 4 again and is used for drying clothes.

図１に示すように、前記外箱２内には、例えばマイクロコンピュータを主体に構成され、洗濯乾燥機１全体の制御を行う制御装置３６が設けられている。制御装置３６は、前記給水弁、排水弁１３、ドラムモータ８、送風ファン１６のファンモータ３４、ヒートポンプ１５の圧縮機２９及び絞り弁３０等を制御する。このとき、図示はしないが、循環風路２０内の各部や、ヒートポンプ１５の各部には、それら各部の温度を検出する複数個の温度センサが設けられている。これら温度センサの検出信号は、前記制御装置３６に入力される。 As shown in FIG. 1, in the outer box 2, for example, a control device 36 mainly composed of a microcomputer and controlling the entire washer / dryer 1 is provided. The control device 36 controls the water supply valve, the drain valve 13, the drum motor 8, the fan motor 34 of the blower fan 16, the compressor 29 of the heat pump 15, the throttle valve 30, and the like. At this time, although not shown, each part in the circulation air passage 20 and each part of the heat pump 15 are provided with a plurality of temperature sensors for detecting the temperature of each part. The detection signals of these temperature sensors are input to the control device 36.

以上の構成により、制御装置３６は、操作部にてユーザにより設定される運転コースに応じて、各センサからの入力信号や予め記憶された制御プログラムに基づいて、洗濯乾燥機１の各機構を制御し、洗い行程、すすぎ行程、脱水行程からなる洗濯運転や、乾燥運転を自動で実行する。このとき、制御装置３６は、各温度センサの検出温度に基づいて、ヒートポンプ１５の圧縮機２９や送風ファン１６等を駆動制御するすると共に、前記ドラム４を回転駆動することにより、乾燥運転を実行する。 With the above configuration, the control device 36 controls each mechanism of the washing / drying machine 1 based on the input signal from each sensor and the control program stored in advance according to the operation course set by the user in the operation unit. It controls and automatically executes a washing operation consisting of a washing process, a rinsing process, and a dehydration process, and a drying operation. At this time, the control device 36 drives and controls the compressor 29 of the heat pump 15, the blower fan 16, and the like based on the detected temperature of each temperature sensor, and executes the drying operation by rotationally driving the drum 4. To do.

さて、本実施形態における前記連結ダクト２１及びその接続構造について、図６〜図１１も参照して述べる。図６〜図８に示すように、連結ダクト２１は、ウレタン等の可撓性を有するプラスチック材料から成り、一端側である前端部から上方に延び、すぐ後方に折れ曲り、他端側である後端部に向けて後方に延びる形態のダクト状に構成されている。この連結ダクト２１は、断面形状が、少なくとも一部に直線部を有する非円形状をなしており、本実施形態では、四辺に直線部を有し角部に丸みを帯びたやや横長な長方形状をなしている。 The connecting duct 21 and its connecting structure in the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 6 to 11. As shown in FIGS. 6 to 8, the connecting duct 21 is made of a flexible plastic material such as urethane, extends upward from the front end portion on one end side, bends immediately rearward, and is on the other end side. It is configured in a duct shape that extends rearward toward the rear end. The cross-sectional shape of the connecting duct 21 is a non-circular shape having at least a straight portion, and in the present embodiment, a slightly oblong rectangular shape having straight portions on all four sides and rounded corners. Is doing.

この場合、連結ダクト２１の前端部は、前記排気口１７の外周面に被さるようにして接続され、連結ダクト２１の後端部は、前記上部送風ダクト２２の前端部外周面に被さるようにして接続される。詳しくは後述するように、連結ダクト２１は、それら両端部において、夫々締付金具４２（図１１等参照）により外周側から締付けられて接続される。また、図３、図４等にも示すように、連結ダクト２１のうち前後に延びる部分の中間部分には、弾性変形部としての蛇腹状部３７が一体に設けられている。この蛇腹状部３７により、外箱２に対する水槽３の振動が吸収される。 In this case, the front end of the connecting duct 21 is connected so as to cover the outer peripheral surface of the exhaust port 17, and the rear end of the connecting duct 21 is connected so as to cover the outer peripheral surface of the front end of the upper air duct 22. Be connected. As will be described in detail later, the connecting ducts 21 are fastened and connected from the outer peripheral side by tightening metal fittings 42 (see FIG. 11 and the like) at both ends thereof. Further, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, an bellows-shaped portion 37 as an elastically deformed portion is integrally provided in the intermediate portion of the portion extending in the front-rear direction of the connecting duct 21. The bellows-shaped portion 37 absorbs the vibration of the water tank 3 with respect to the outer box 2.

更に、本実施形態では、図４、図５にも示すように、連結ダクト２１の前後に延びる部分の右側面部には、前記蛇腹状部３７の前部に位置して、前後方向に薄肉で該蛇腹状部３７の外周部よりもさらに外周この場合右側部に突出するような高さ寸法を有する保護用リブ３８が一体に設けられている。後の作用説明でも述べるように、水槽３の振動時などに、この保護用リブ３８が、外箱２の右側壁部内面と先に接触することによって、蛇腹状部３７の保護が図られるようになっている。 Further, in the present embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the right side surface portion of the portion extending in the front-rear direction of the connecting duct 21 is located in the front portion of the bellows-shaped portion 37 and is thin in the front-rear direction. An outer peripheral portion of the bellows-shaped portion 37 is integrally provided with a protective rib 38 having a height dimension so as to project to the right side portion in this case. As will be described later in the explanation of the operation, when the water tank 3 vibrates, the protective rib 38 comes into contact with the inner surface of the right side wall portion of the outer box 2 in advance to protect the bellows-shaped portion 37. It has become.

ここで、図１１及び図１２は、前記締付金具４２の構成を示している。この締付金具４２は、一般に管を固定するものとして供されている、クリップバンド或いはホースクリップ等と称されるクリップ式のものが採用される。即ち、この締付金具４２は、断面が円形の金属製のばね線材を、連結ダクト２１の断面形状に対応した矩形環状に折曲げて、連結ダクト２１の外周を周回するバンド部４２ａを構成する。これと共に、ばね線材を一周分よりやや長く設けて、一方の短辺側中央部でクロスさせることにより、その短辺側に、ばね線材が二重になる部分を設け、更にその両端に外周側に突出するつまみ部４３が設けられる。 Here, FIGS. 11 and 12 show the configuration of the tightening metal fitting 42. As the tightening metal fitting 42, a clip type thing called a clip band, a hose clip, or the like, which is generally provided for fixing a pipe, is adopted. That is, the tightening metal fitting 42 constitutes a band portion 42a that circulates around the outer circumference of the connecting duct 21 by bending a metal spring wire having a circular cross section into a rectangular annular shape corresponding to the cross-sectional shape of the connecting duct 21. .. At the same time, the spring wire is provided slightly longer than one circumference and crossed at the center of one of the short sides to provide a portion where the spring wire is doubled on the short side, and the outer peripheral side is further provided at both ends. A knob portion 43 protruding from the spring is provided.

これにより、図１２に示すように、作業者が締付金具４２のつまみ部４３を互いに近付ける、つまり矢印Ｃ方向に狭めるように移動させることにより、バンド部４２ａが矢印Ｄ方向に拡がるようになり、その拡開状態でバンド部４２ａを連結ダクト２１の外周部に容易に配置することができる。この後、締付金具４２のつまみ部４３に加える力をなくすと、図１１、図１３に示すように、バンド部４２ａが狭くなって締付状態となり、ばね力による締付け保持がなされる。 As a result, as shown in FIG. 12, the band portion 42a expands in the arrow D direction when the operator moves the knob portions 43 of the tightening bracket 42 closer to each other, that is, narrows them in the arrow C direction. The band portion 42a can be easily arranged on the outer peripheral portion of the connecting duct 21 in the expanded state. After that, when the force applied to the knob portion 43 of the tightening metal fitting 42 is eliminated, the band portion 42a becomes narrower and becomes a tightening state as shown in FIGS. 11 and 13, and the tightening is held by the spring force.

前記連結ダクト２１は、上記したように、その後端部が上部送風ダクト２２の前端部外周面に被せられ、その外周面が締付金具４２により締付けられて接続される。これと共に、連結ダクト２１の前端部は、前記排気口１７の外周面に被せられ、その外周面が締付金具４２により締付けられて接続される。そして、図６〜図８に示すように、前記連結ダクト２１の前記締付金具４２により締付けられる部分の外周には、夫々取付用リブ３９、４０が一体に設けられている。これら取付用リブ３９、４０は同等の構成を備えるので、図９、図１０、図１３では、連結ダクト２１の後端部側に設けられた取付用リブ３９を代表させて図示している。 As described above, the connecting duct 21 is connected by covering the rear end portion with the outer peripheral surface of the front end portion of the upper ventilation duct 22 and tightening the outer peripheral surface with the tightening metal fitting 42. At the same time, the front end portion of the connecting duct 21 is put on the outer peripheral surface of the exhaust port 17, and the outer peripheral surface is tightened and connected by the tightening metal fitting 42. Then, as shown in FIGS. 6 to 8, mounting ribs 39 and 40 are integrally provided on the outer periphery of the portion of the connecting duct 21 that is tightened by the tightening bracket 42, respectively. Since these mounting ribs 39 and 40 have the same configuration, the mounting ribs 39 provided on the rear end side of the connecting duct 21 are shown as representatives in FIGS. 9, 10, and 13.

前記取付用リブ３９、４０は、連結ダクト２１の外周面の全周に渡って、比較的太くつまり幅広に設けられる。具体的には、図９、図１０に示すように、締付金具４２を構成する線材の幅寸法即ち直径よりも大きく、この場合３倍程度の幅寸法で設けられている。このとき、図７、図８に示すように、取付用リブ３９、４０は、連結ダクト２１の各辺の直線部において、中央側が周辺部よりも外周方向に高くなるように、外周縁部が緩やかな湾曲形状をなすように構成されている。 The mounting ribs 39 and 40 are provided to be relatively thick, that is, wide, over the entire circumference of the outer peripheral surface of the connecting duct 21. Specifically, as shown in FIGS. 9 and 10, the width dimension of the wire rod constituting the tightening metal fitting 42, that is, the diameter is larger than that of the wire rod, and in this case, the width dimension is about three times as large. At this time, as shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, the outer peripheral edges of the mounting ribs 39 and 40 are higher in the outer peripheral direction than the peripheral portions in the straight portions of each side of the connecting duct 21. It is configured to form a gently curved shape.

更に本実施形態では、図９及び図１０に示すように、取付用リブ３９、４０の外周部には、全周に渡って前記締付金具４２のバンド部４２ａを構成しているばね線材が配置される溝部４１が設けられている。本実施形態では、その溝部４１のうち、少なくとも一部、この場合一側の短辺における締付金具４２のうちのばね線材が二重になっている部分即ちつまみ部４３相当部が配置される部分については、図１０に示すように、締付金具４２のばね線材の直径寸法の２倍以上の幅広部４１ａとして構成されている。 Further, in the present embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 9 and 10, a spring wire rod forming the band portion 42a of the tightening metal fitting 42 is provided on the outer peripheral portion of the mounting ribs 39 and 40 over the entire circumference. A groove 41 to be arranged is provided. In the present embodiment, at least a part of the groove portion 41, in this case, a portion of the tightening metal fitting 42 on one short side where the spring wire is doubled, that is, a portion corresponding to the knob portion 43 is arranged. As shown in FIG. 10, the portion is configured as a wide portion 41a that is at least twice the diameter dimension of the spring wire rod of the tightening metal fitting 42.

次に、上記構成の洗濯乾燥機１の作用について述べる。上記連結ダクト２１は、次のようにして取付けられる。即ち、連結ダクト２１の後端部側において、締付金具４２が予め拡開状態とされ、その状態で連結ダクト２１の外周部に通されて配置されている。連結ダクト２１の後端部は、上部送風ダクト２２の前端部の外周に被さるように嵌合され、その状態で、締付金具４２のバンド部４２ａが、後端部側の取付用リブ３９の外周に配置され、締付状態とされる。これにより、連結ダクト２１の後端部は、上部送風ダクト２２の前端部外周に対し締付金具４２によって締付けられ、その締付け力により接続固定される。 Next, the operation of the washer / dryer 1 having the above configuration will be described. The connecting duct 21 is attached as follows. That is, on the rear end side of the connecting duct 21, the tightening metal fitting 42 is preliminarily opened, and in that state, it is passed through the outer peripheral portion of the connecting duct 21 and arranged. The rear end of the connecting duct 21 is fitted so as to cover the outer periphery of the front end of the upper air duct 22, and in that state, the band portion 42a of the tightening bracket 42 is attached to the mounting rib 39 on the rear end side. It is placed on the outer circumference and is in a tightened state. As a result, the rear end portion of the connecting duct 21 is tightened by the tightening metal fitting 42 to the outer periphery of the front end portion of the upper air duct 22, and is connected and fixed by the tightening force.

このとき、連結ダクト２１の断面形状が直線部を有したほぼ長方形であって、締付金具４２のバンド部４２ａも直線状となり、その直線状部分全体に対し均一的に締付け力を与えることが難しい事情がある。ところが本実施形態では、連結ダクト２１の締付金具４２により締付けられる部分に、取付用リブ３９が一体に設けられている。そのため、締付金具４２のバンド部４２ａは、その内周部が、取付用リブ３９に当たって、取付用リブ３９を内周側に圧縮するような力を付与するようになり、取付用リブ３９の弾性力によって、連結ダクト２１が上部送風ダクト２２に対し締付けられるようになる。従って、締付金具４２による直接的な締付け力に加えて、取付用リブ３９の圧縮力を介した締付け力が得られることにより、連結ダクト２１の直線部全体に締付け力を付与することが可能となる。 At this time, the cross-sectional shape of the connecting duct 21 is substantially rectangular with a straight portion, and the band portion 42a of the tightening metal fitting 42 is also linear, so that the entire linear portion can be uniformly tightened. There are difficult circumstances. However, in the present embodiment, the mounting rib 39 is integrally provided at the portion to be tightened by the tightening metal fitting 42 of the connecting duct 21. Therefore, the band portion 42a of the tightening metal fitting 42 is subjected to a force such that the inner peripheral portion of the band portion 42a hits the mounting rib 39 and compresses the mounting rib 39 toward the inner peripheral side. The elastic force causes the connecting duct 21 to be tightened against the upper ventilation duct 22. Therefore, in addition to the direct tightening force by the tightening metal fitting 42, the tightening force via the compressive force of the mounting rib 39 can be obtained, so that the tightening force can be applied to the entire straight portion of the connecting duct 21. It becomes.

しかも、取付用リブ３９は、連結ダクト２１の直線部においては、その中央側が周辺部よりも外周方向に高くなる形状をなしている。連結ダクト２１のうち、直線部の中央部は、締付金具４２による締付け力が伝わりにくい事情があるが、その直線部の中央部においては取付用リブ３９が高く形成されており、その部分での圧縮量が周辺部に比べて多くなり、直線部の中央部での大きな締付け力を得ることが可能となる。したがって、部分的に締付け力が弱くなることを防止でき、全周に渡ってより良好な締付け力を得ることが可能となる。 Moreover, the mounting rib 39 has a shape in which the central side of the straight portion of the connecting duct 21 is higher in the outer peripheral direction than the peripheral portion. Of the connecting duct 21, the central portion of the straight portion has a situation in which the tightening force by the tightening metal fitting 42 is difficult to be transmitted, but the mounting rib 39 is formed high in the central portion of the straight portion, and the mounting rib 39 is formed high in that portion. The amount of compression is larger than that of the peripheral portion, and it is possible to obtain a large tightening force at the central portion of the straight portion. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the tightening force from being partially weakened, and it is possible to obtain a better tightening force over the entire circumference.

また本実施形態では、取付用リブ３９の外周部には、締付金具４２のバンド部４２ａが配置される溝部４１が設けられている。これにより、締付金具４２の位置決めがなされ、軸方向へのずれを防止することができ、ひいては、締付金具４２による連結ダクト２１の接続状態の保持つまり密閉性の確保がより確実に行われるようになる。この場合、溝部４１には、幅広部４１ａが設けられているので、締付金具４２のバンド部４２ａの二重になる部分即ちつまみ部４３に相当する部分を、幅広部４１ａに配置することができ、締付金具４２をより安定して保持することができる。 Further, in the present embodiment, a groove portion 41 in which the band portion 42a of the tightening metal fitting 42 is arranged is provided on the outer peripheral portion of the mounting rib 39. As a result, the tightening metal fitting 42 is positioned and can be prevented from being displaced in the axial direction, and by extension, the connecting state of the connecting duct 21 is maintained by the tightening metal fitting 42, that is, the airtightness is more reliably ensured. Will be. In this case, since the groove portion 41 is provided with the wide portion 41a, the double portion of the band portion 42a of the tightening metal fitting 42, that is, the portion corresponding to the knob portion 43 can be arranged in the wide portion 41a. It is possible to hold the tightening metal fitting 42 more stably.

一方、詳しい説明は省略するが、連結ダクト２１の前端部においては、水槽３の排気口１７の上端部に被せられ、取付用リブ４０に対し、同様にして締付金具４２を用いて接続がなされる。尚、上記構成の洗濯乾燥機１においては、ドラム４内に収容されている衣類、例えば洗濯直後の衣類に対する乾燥運転が行われると、ドラム４が比較的低速で回転されながら、ヒートポンプ１５及び送風ファン１６が駆動される。すると、上記したように、ヒートポンプ１５により生成された温風即ち乾燥風が、循環風路２０を通して水槽３内即ちドラム４内に循環供給され、衣類が乾燥される。 On the other hand, although detailed description is omitted, at the front end portion of the connecting duct 21, the upper end portion of the exhaust port 17 of the water tank 3 is covered, and the mounting rib 40 is similarly connected to the mounting rib 40 by using the tightening metal fitting 42. Be done. In the washer / dryer 1 having the above configuration, when the clothes housed in the drum 4, for example, the clothes immediately after washing are dried, the heat pump 15 and the blower are blown while the drum 4 is rotated at a relatively low speed. The fan 16 is driven. Then, as described above, the warm air, that is, the dry air generated by the heat pump 15 is circulated and supplied into the water tank 3, that is, the drum 4 through the circulation air passage 20, and the clothes are dried.

ここで、循環風路２０を構成する上部送風ダクト２２等は、外箱２に固定的に取付けられており、これに対し、水槽３は外箱２に対し振動可能に弾性支持されているので、上記乾燥運転時等には、水槽３ひいては排気口１７は、外箱２に対して振動するようになる。連結ダクト２１は、固定側である上部送風ダクト２２と、可動側である排気口１７との間を繋ぐものであるが、中間部に設けられた蛇腹状部３７の弾性変形により、水槽３の振動を吸収することができる。 Here, the upper air duct 22 and the like constituting the circulation air passage 20 are fixedly attached to the outer box 2, whereas the water tank 3 is elastically supported by the outer box 2 so as to be vibrable. During the drying operation or the like, the water tank 3 and thus the exhaust port 17 vibrate with respect to the outer box 2. The connecting duct 21 connects the upper air duct 22 on the fixed side and the exhaust port 17 on the movable side, but due to the elastic deformation of the bellows-shaped portion 37 provided in the intermediate portion, the water tank 3 It can absorb vibrations.

また、上記構成にあっては、循環風路２０を構成する連結ダクト２１や上部送風ダクト２２等が、断面が長方形状となるように構成されている。これにより、連結ダクト２１や上部送風ダクト２２を、外箱２内の右上のコーナー部分に、外箱２の内壁に極力近付けて、スペース的な無駄を小さくした形態で配置することができる。これにより、断面形状が円形の場合のようなデッドスペースを減少することができ、乾燥風路２０の断面積を大きくする等、スペースの有効利用を図ることができる。 Further, in the above configuration, the connecting duct 21 and the upper air blowing duct 22 constituting the circulation air passage 20 are configured to have a rectangular cross section. As a result, the connecting duct 21 and the upper air blowing duct 22 can be arranged in the upper right corner portion of the outer box 2 as close as possible to the inner wall of the outer box 2 in a form that reduces space waste. As a result, the dead space as in the case where the cross-sectional shape is circular can be reduced, and the space can be effectively used, such as increasing the cross-sectional area of the dry air passage 20.

但し、連結ダクト２１に関しては、図４、図５に示すように、外箱２の内側壁面に近接していることにより、水槽３の振動に伴い、特に図で右方に突出配置されている蛇腹状部３７部分が、外箱２の内側壁面に接触し、摺動により損傷してしまう虞が考えられる。ところが、本実施形態では、連結ダクト２１の蛇腹状部３７の近傍に保護用リブ３８を一体に設けるようにした。これにより、振動があっても、保護用リブ３８の方が蛇腹状部３７よりも先に外箱２の内側壁面に当接するようになり、蛇腹状部３７の外周端部の摺動による損傷などの発生を未然に防止することができる。 However, as shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the connecting duct 21 is arranged so as to project to the right in the drawing due to the vibration of the water tank 3 due to its proximity to the inner wall surface of the outer box 2. It is conceivable that the bellows-shaped portion 37 may come into contact with the inner wall surface of the outer box 2 and be damaged by sliding. However, in the present embodiment, the protective rib 38 is integrally provided in the vicinity of the bellows-shaped portion 37 of the connecting duct 21. As a result, even if there is vibration, the protective rib 38 comes into contact with the inner wall surface of the outer box 2 before the bellows-shaped portion 37, and the outer peripheral end portion of the bellows-shaped portion 37 is damaged by sliding. It is possible to prevent the occurrence of such problems.

このように本実施形態によれば、次のような効果を得ることができる。即ち、循環風路２０のうち可動部としての水槽３と、固定部としての上部送風ダクト２２とを連結する連結ダクト２１の断面形状を、直線部を有した非円形状この場合長方形状としてスペースの有効利用を図ることができる。そして、連結ダクト２１の締付金具４２により締付けられる部分の外周に、取付用リブ３９、４０を一体に設けたので、連結ダクト２１の固定を安定的に行うことができる。本実施形態では、取付用リブ３９、４０を、連結ダクト２１の直線部において、その中央側が周辺部よりも外周方向に高くなる形状に構成したので、連結ダクト２１の断面形状が非円形状であることに伴って部分的に締付け力が弱くなることを防止でき、全周に渡って良好な締付け力を得ることができ、より効果的となる。 As described above, according to the present embodiment, the following effects can be obtained. That is, the cross-sectional shape of the connecting duct 21 that connects the water tank 3 as the movable portion and the upper air blowing duct 22 as the fixed portion of the circulation air passage 20 is a non-circular shape having a straight portion, and in this case, a space as a rectangular shape. Can be effectively used. Since the mounting ribs 39 and 40 are integrally provided on the outer periphery of the portion of the connecting duct 21 to be tightened by the tightening metal fitting 42, the connecting duct 21 can be stably fixed. In the present embodiment, the mounting ribs 39 and 40 are formed in a shape in which the central side of the straight portion of the connecting duct 21 is higher in the outer peripheral direction than the peripheral portion, so that the cross-sectional shape of the connecting duct 21 is non-circular. It is possible to prevent the tightening force from being partially weakened due to the presence, and it is possible to obtain a good tightening force over the entire circumference, which is more effective.

また、取付用リブ３９、４０の外周部に、締付金具４２が配置される溝部４１を設けたので、締付金具４２による連結ダクト２１の接続状態の保持をより確実に行うことができる。特に、溝部４１の一部に、幅広部４１ａを設けたので、締付金具４２のバンド部４２ａの二重になる部分を、溝部４１のうち幅広部４１ａ部分に配置することができ、締付金具４２をより安定して保持することができる。更に、連結ダクト２１には、蛇腹状部３７の外周部よりもさらに外周に突出する高さ寸法を有する保護用リブ３８を設けたので、蛇腹状部３７の外周端部の摺動による損傷などの発生を未然に防止することができ、連結ダクト２１の耐久性を高いものとすることができる。 Further, since the groove portion 41 in which the tightening metal fitting 42 is arranged is provided on the outer peripheral portion of the mounting ribs 39 and 40, the connection state of the connecting duct 21 can be more reliably held by the tightening metal fitting 42. In particular, since the wide portion 41a is provided in a part of the groove portion 41, the double portion of the band portion 42a of the tightening metal fitting 42 can be arranged in the wide portion 41a portion of the groove portion 41 and tightened. The metal fitting 42 can be held more stably. Further, since the connecting duct 21 is provided with a protective rib 38 having a height dimension that protrudes further to the outer periphery than the outer peripheral portion of the bellows-shaped portion 37, damage due to sliding of the outer peripheral end portion of the bellows-shaped portion 37, etc. Can be prevented from occurring, and the durability of the connecting duct 21 can be made high.

尚、上記実施形態では、連結ダクト及び送風ダクトの断面形状を長方形状としたが、直線部を有する非円形状としては、平行な直線部の両端を円弧でつないだ小判形状や、六角形状、八角形状等、様々な形状が考えられる。また、締付金具の構成についても、環状部分の端部をねじにより締付け固定するものなど、様々な変形が可能である。取付用リブに設けられる溝部や、保護用リブについては、必要に応じて設ければ良く、省略することも可能である。 In the above embodiment, the cross-sectional shape of the connecting duct and the ventilation duct is rectangular, but the non-circular shape having a straight portion includes an oval shape in which both ends of the parallel straight portions are connected by an arc, or a hexagonal shape. Various shapes such as an octagonal shape can be considered. Further, the structure of the tightening metal fitting can be variously modified, such as one in which the end portion of the annular portion is tightened and fixed with a screw. Grooves and protective ribs provided on the mounting ribs may be provided as needed and can be omitted.

その他、例えば乾燥風供給機構としては、ヒートポンプを備えるものに限らず、ヒータにより温風を生成するものであっても良い等、衣類乾燥機の各部のハード構成についても、様々な変更が可能である。上記実施形態は、例として提示したものであり、発明の範囲を限定することは意図していない。この新規な実施形態は、その他の様々な形態で実施されることが可能であり、発明の要旨を逸脱しない範囲で、種々の省略、置き換え、変更を行うことができる。本実施形態およびその変形は、発明の範囲および要旨に含まれるとともに、特許請求の範囲に記載された発明とその均等の範囲に含まれる。 In addition, for example, the drying air supply mechanism is not limited to the one provided with a heat pump, and may be one that generates warm air by a heater. Various changes can be made to the hardware configuration of each part of the clothes dryer. is there. The above embodiments are presented as examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. This novel embodiment can be implemented in various other embodiments, and various omissions, replacements, and changes can be made without departing from the gist of the invention. The present embodiment and its modifications are included in the scope and gist of the invention, and are included in the scope of the invention described in the claims and the equivalent scope thereof.

図面中、１は洗濯乾燥機（衣類乾燥機）、２は外箱、３は水槽（乾燥室）、４はドラム、１５はヒートポンプ、１６は送風ファン、１７は排気口、１８は給気口、１９は乾燥風循環機構、２０は循環風路、２１は連結ダクト、２２は上部送風ダクト、２３は後部送風ダクト、２４はヒートポンプダクト、２５は給気ダクト、２６はリントフィルタ、３７は蛇腹状部、３８は保護用リブ、３９、４０は取付用リブ、４１は溝部、４１ａは幅広部、４２は締付金具、４２ａはバンド部、４３はつまみ部を示す。 In the drawing, 1 is a washer / dryer (clothes dryer), 2 is an outer box, 3 is a water tank (drying chamber), 4 is a drum, 15 is a heat pump, 16 is a blower fan, 17 is an exhaust port, and 18 is an air supply port. , 19 is a dry air circulation mechanism, 20 is a circulation air passage, 21 is a connecting duct, 22 is an upper air duct, 23 is a rear air duct, 24 is a heat pump duct, 25 is an air supply duct, 26 is a lint filter, and 37 is a bellows. Shaped portion, 38 is a protective rib, 39 and 40 are mounting ribs, 41 is a groove portion, 41a is a wide portion, 42 is a tightening bracket, 42a is a band portion, and 43 is a knob portion.

Claims

With the outer box
A drying chamber in which clothes are elastically supported and accommodated in the outer box,
It is provided with a drying air supply mechanism for supplying drying air to the drying chamber through a drying air passage.
The drying air passage of the drying air supply mechanism includes a blower duct fixedly provided at a corner portion in the outer box and a connecting duct having an elastic deformation portion and connecting the drying chamber side and the blower duct. Have and consist of
Both the ventilation duct and the connecting duct have a cross-sectional shape of a non-circular shape having at least a straight portion.
The connecting duct is connected by being tightened from the outer peripheral side by a tightening metal fitting with its end covered with the connecting end of the air duct.
A clothes dryer in which mounting ribs are integrally provided on the outer periphery of a portion of the connecting duct that is tightened by the tightening bracket.

The clothes dryer according to claim 1, wherein the mounting rib provided on the connecting duct has a shape in which the central side thereof is higher in the outer peripheral direction than the peripheral portion in the straight portion.

Claim 1 or 2 in which the mounting rib is configured to have a width direction dimension larger than the width dimension of the tightening metal fitting, and a groove portion on which the tightening metal fitting is arranged is provided on the outer peripheral portion thereof. The clothes dryer described.

The clothes dryer according to claim 3, wherein at least a part of the groove portion has a width dimension that is at least twice the width dimension of the tightening metal fitting.

The elastically deformed portion of the connecting duct is formed of a bellows-shaped portion, and the connecting duct is formed with a protective rib having a height dimension so as to project further to the outer periphery than the outer peripheral portion of the bellows-shaped portion. The clothes dryer according to any one of items 1 to 4.