JP5256960B2 - Article washing and drying equipment - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a dehumidifying and heating device that dehumidifies and heats air, and an article washing and drying device such as a washing dryer having a washing function.

  A general dehumidifying and warming apparatus having a dehumidifying function and a warming function is configured as shown in the schematic diagram of FIG.

  In FIG. 9, the dehumidifying and heating device 100 includes a heat pump device 105 including a compressor 101, a condenser 102, a decompression mechanism 103, and an evaporator 104, an air inlet 106, an evaporator 104, a condenser 102, and an air outlet. The configuration includes a wind circuit 108 in which air flows in the order 107 (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

  The operation of the dehumidifying / heating apparatus 100 configured as described above will be described below with reference to the Mollier diagram of FIG.

  First, as the operation of the heat pump, when the compressor 101 is driven, the gas refrigerant is compressed to become a high-temperature and high-pressure gas refrigerant and flows into the condenser 102. The gas refrigerant that has flowed into the condenser 102 exchanges heat with air (area a in FIG. 10), the air is heated, the refrigerant is cooled and condensed, and changes into a high-pressure liquid refrigerant.

  Next, the high-pressure liquid refrigerant is depressurized by the decompression mechanism 103 to become a low-temperature low-pressure liquid refrigerant or a gas-liquid two-phase refrigerant. This refrigerant flows into the evaporator 104, exchanges heat with air, cools the air, heats the refrigerant to become a low-pressure gas refrigerant (b area in FIG. 10), and is sucked into the compressor 101.

  On the other hand, the high-humidity air flowing in from the air inlet 106 first flows into the evaporator 104 and is cooled. At this time, when the air is cooled below the outdoor temperature, condensation is formed on the surface of the evaporator 104, and the air is dehumidified.

  Next, it flows into the condenser 102, is heated, becomes high-temperature, low-humidity air, and exits from the air outlet 107 to the outside of the dehumidifying and warming device 100. The heating amount at this time is the input amount of the compressor 101 (c in FIG. 10) obtained by subtracting the cooling amount (b region in FIG. 10) in the evaporator 104 from the heating amount in the condenser 102 (a region in FIG. 10). Area). Therefore, the temperature of the air exiting from the air outlet 107 becomes higher than the temperature of the air flowing in from the air inlet 106.

  In recent years, such a dehumidifying and warming apparatus 100 has been used in clothes dryers. Next, the case where the said dehumidification warming apparatus 100 is used for a clothes dryer is demonstrated.

  FIG. 11 is a side sectional view of a conventional washing / drying machine.

  Inside the outer tub 110 installed inside the housing 109, a cylindrical and horizontal axis type clothing storage portion 112 for storing the clothing 111 is rotatably provided and is driven to rotate by the drive motor 113. . On the front surface of the housing 109, an opening 109a for taking in and out the garment 111 and a door 114 for opening and closing the same are provided.

  Openings 110a and 112a are also provided on the front side of the outer tub 110 and the clothing storage portion 112, respectively. The opening 110a of the outer tub 110 is connected to the opening 109a of the housing 109 in a watertight manner by a bellows 115. ing.

  The air blower 116 constituting the air blowing means is provided on the outer peripheral surface of the outer tub 110 so as to be positioned in a corner space (upper part of the housing 109) formed by the upper surface 109d of the housing 109 and the outer tub 110. . The dehumidifying and warming device 100 described with reference to FIG.

  Hereinafter, the clothes drying operation in the washing and drying machine having the above configuration will be described. In addition, about the component same as FIG. 9, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected and demonstrated.

  The dehumidifying and warming device 100 is operated, and the blower 116 is operated in parallel with this. The warm air heated by the heat radiation of the condenser 102 is blown from the air outlet 107 through the wind circuit 108 into the clothing housing portion 112 through the air supply port 117. The clothing storage part 112 is rotationally driven by the drive motor 113, and the clothing 111 is stirred up and down.

  The warm air supplied into the clothing storage portion 112 takes moisture when passing through the gaps in the clothing 111, and in the wet state passes through the blower 116 from the circulation duct 119 via the exhaust port 118 of the outer tub 110, and enters the air inlet. 106 to the evaporator 104. When the wet warm air passes through the evaporator 104, the sensible heat and latent heat are deprived and dehumidified, and separated into dry air and condensed water.

When the dried air subsequently passes through the condenser 102, it is heated again by the condenser 102 to become hot air, and is supplied again into the outer tub 110 and the clothing storage portion 112 in the same manner as described above. repeat. The condensed water flows into a drain pan 120 provided at the lower part of the evaporator 104 and is discharged out of the apparatus through a drain port (not shown). Here, since the air can contain more moisture as the temperature is higher, it is more effective to raise the air temperature sooner after the drying operation is started.
Japanese Examined Patent Publication No. 6-75628

  However, in the configuration of the conventional washing and drying machine, the drying operation time can be shortened by using the dehumidifying / warming device 100 and the power consumption is reduced, but the cleaning power of dirt is improved during the washing operation. Or when supplying hot water to improve the defoaming of the detergent during the rinsing operation, a separate heating device such as a heater (not shown) is required, which is consumed during washing and rinsing operations. There was a problem that the amount of electric power could not be reduced.

  The present invention solves the above-described conventional problems, and by using only a dehumidifying and heating device having a heat pump device, it is possible to supply hot water not only during drying operation but also during washing and rinsing operations. An object of the present invention is to provide a washing / drying machine with low power consumption.

In order to solve the above-described conventional problems, the present invention provides a dehumidifying and warming device that dries laundry washing and dry matter such as clothes so that the refrigerant circulates sequentially through the compressor, the condenser, the decompression mechanism, the evaporator, and the like. A condenser having a heat pump device connected to the double pipe, the condenser having a double pipe in which a refrigerant flows outside and a water flows inside, and a fin in thermal contact with the double pipe; A water supply path for supplying water to the double pipe of the condenser and an introduction path for introducing the water heated by the condenser into the article storage section for storing the laundry washing dry matter are provided.

  Thereby, in the washing operation from the washing (washing) operation, the washing (washing) water can be heated by the heat pump device, and as a result, the washing power of the detergent can be extracted. Further, even in the rinsing operation, it is possible to improve the defoaming of the detergent and shorten the operation time.

  Further, even in the drying operation, by operating the heat pump device, the wet warm air containing moisture in the article storage unit is passed through the evaporator, thereby removing the sensible heat and latent heat and cooling the warm air. Dehumidify. And drying time can be shortened by repeating the circulation which heats dry air with a condenser again, makes it warm air, and supplies it in the goods accommodating part again.

  Accordingly, by operating the heat pump device in the washing (rinsing), rinsing and drying processes, it is possible to reduce the time required for the process from washing to drying, and to provide an article washing and drying device with low power consumption. Can do.

  In the present invention, since the warmed water can be supplied to the article storage unit from the washing (washing) operation to the tinning operation, the washing (washing) that draws out the cleaning power of the detergent, and the defoaming of the detergent is good. Rinsing is possible, and the washing (washing) operation time and the rinsing operation time can be shortened.

  In addition, drying in the article storage unit is performed by warm air reheated by a condenser after drying sensible heat and latent heat when passing through the evaporator, so that drying time can be shortened. .

  Therefore, it does not require any other heating device such as a heater, and the dehumidifying and heating device equipped with a heat pump device can reduce the time required for washing (rinsing), rinsing and drying processes, and consumption associated with operation Electric power can be reduced.

  The invention according to claim 1 is an article storage unit that stores laundry washed and dried products such as clothes, a blower circuit that communicates with the article storage unit, a blower disposed in the blower circuit, and a dehumidifying and warming device. A washing and drying apparatus configured as described above, wherein the dehumidifying and warming apparatus includes a compressor, a condenser, a decompression mechanism, an evaporator, and the like, and these are connected so that the refrigerant sequentially circulates. The condenser has a double pipe in which refrigerant flows outside and water flows inside, and a fin that is in thermal contact with the double pipe. Furthermore, the double pipe of the condenser A water supply path for supplying water and an introduction path for introducing water heated by the condenser into the article storage unit are provided.

  By setting it as this structure, the water supply to an articles | goods storage part can be made into the warm water heated by the condenser. As a result, the cleaning power of the cleaning water can be increased, and since it can be performed using a heat pump device without providing a new heat source, hot water can be efficiently generated.

  In particular, in the case of a washing / drying apparatus for clothing or the like, it is possible to improve the cleaning power of the detergent during the washing operation, and it is possible to improve the defoaming of the detergent during the rinsing operation. Therefore, it is possible to shorten the operation time associated with washing and rinsing.

  Furthermore, since the inside of the article storage unit is dehumidified by an evaporator and further air is heated by a high-temperature and low-humidity air heated by a condenser, a high drying capacity can be obtained and the drying time can be shortened. . Therefore, other heating devices such as a heater are not required, and drying is performed by the heat pump device, so that the added value of the heat pump device can be increased.

  In particular, in the case of a laundry drying device for clothing, etc., the washing water and the rinsing water can be heated and the dry air can be generated by the heat pump device. It is possible to reduce the time required.

  The invention according to claim 2 is the water according to claim 1, wherein the flow of the refrigerant outside in the double pipe of the condenser flows from the leeward side of the condenser toward the windward side and flows inside. It is set so as to be opposite to the flow.

  Thereby, in the drying operation, the average temperature difference between the air flowing through the condenser and the refrigerant flowing outside the double pipe can be increased to increase the amount of heat exchange, and the process from washing to drying can be performed. Such time can be further shortened.

  Further, in the washing operation from the washing (washing) operation, the average temperature difference between the water flowing inside the double pipe and the refrigerant flowing outside the double pipe can be increased to increase the amount of heat exchange. It is possible to improve the detergency against dirt and improve the defoaming of the detergent during the rinsing operation, thereby shortening the washing (washing) operation time and the rinsing operation time.

  According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the first or second aspect of the present invention, an intake portion that takes in external air and a discharge portion that discharges air to the outside are provided in the middle of the blower circuit. .

  By setting it as this structure, a part of air circulated in the middle of a ventilation circuit can be discharged | emitted from a discharge part outside, and external air can be taken in instead from an intake part.

  Therefore, at the time of the washing (washing) operation and the rinsing operation, it is possible to suppress a decrease in the temperature of the circulating air as compared with the case where the article storage unit and the air blowing circuit are closed circuits. As a result, it is possible to suppress a decrease in heat exchange capacity with the evaporator accompanying a decrease in the temperature of the air passing through the evaporator, and to reduce the amount of heating to water by the refrigerant inside the double pipe of the condenser. Can be suppressed.

  Furthermore, since heat exchange between the low-temperature air and the water (warming water) supplied to the article storage unit can be suppressed, it is possible to suppress a decrease in water temperature used for washing (washing) and rinsing.

  Also, during drying operation, a part of the air circulating in the middle of the blower circuit is discharged from the discharge part to the outside, and external air is taken in instead of the intake part, thereby suppressing an increase in air temperature in the article storage part. As a result, the overload environment of the compressor accompanying the increase in the air temperature can be mitigated.

  As a result, it is possible to perform a high-performance heat pump operation from the initial stage to the latter half of the drying operation without reducing the ability reduction control of the heat pump device due to the overload of the compressor, and the drying operation time can be shortened.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the invention according to any one of the first to third aspects, the waste water from the article storage unit is connected to a water supply path for supplying water to the double pipe of the condenser. A return path is provided, and a switching valve is provided at a connection portion with the water supply path to use water from the return path or water from the water supply path as water to be supplied to the condenser.

  Thereby, the warm water of the article | item storage part supplied from the water supply path | route can be circulated among a return path | route, a condenser, a water supply path | route, and an article | item storage part. As a result, the temperature of the circulating hot water is raised by the condenser to improve the cleaning power against dirt, improve the detergent foaming during the rinsing operation, and shorten the washing (rinsing) operation time and the rinsing operation time. Can do.

  The invention according to claim 5 is the invention according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the air that has passed through the evaporator flows in the blower circuit so as to pass through the condenser. A wind circuit, a second wind circuit that flows so that the wind that has passed through the evaporator bypasses the condenser, and the wind that has passed through the evaporator, the first wind circuit or the second wind circuit A switching device is provided for controlling the air flow so that the air passing through the evaporator flows to the second wind circuit when the water from the water supply path is heated by a condenser. It is what you do.

  By setting it as this structure, it can suppress receiving the influence of the heat of the air which passes a condenser in the heat exchange effect | action of the refrigerant | coolant and water in a condenser. As a result, heat exchange between the refrigerant and water can be performed effectively, and the water supplied to the article storage unit can be efficiently heated.

  The invention according to claim 6 is the invention according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein a heat storage water tank for storing hot water heated by the condenser is provided in the middle of the introduction path. is there.

  With this configuration, particularly when the compressor is overloaded in the drying process, the heat exchange action in the condenser can be exchanged with water in addition to the heat exchange with the air. The overload environment of the machine can be mitigated. As a result, drying can be continued with high heat pump capability. Moreover, since the water heated by the condenser is stored in the heat storage tank, it can be used for supplying warm water for washing (washing) water in the next washing (washing) step, and the washing power of washing water can be increased.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. The present invention is not limited to the embodiments.

(Embodiment 1)
FIG. 1 is a system conceptual diagram showing the configuration of the refrigerant circuit and water circuit of the washing and drying machine and the flow of air in the blower circuit according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view seen from the side of the washing and drying machine in the first embodiment. FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along a plane orthogonal to the tube axis direction of the condenser according to the first embodiment. FIG. 4 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the double pipe of the condenser in the first embodiment.

  As shown in FIGS. 1 to 4, a cylindrical outer tub (elastically supported by a plurality of suspensions 2) (inside a housing 1 x of a washing / drying machine (corresponding to a washing / drying apparatus of the present invention) 1). (Corresponding to the article storage portion of the present invention) 3 is provided, and the suspension 2 absorbs vibration during washing and dehydration. Inside the outer tub 3, a cylindrical inner tub 5 that accommodates an object to be dried (hereinafter referred to as clothing) 4 is rotatably provided. The inner tank 5 is rotationally driven by a drive motor 6.

Here, in the casing 1x, the outer tub 3 and the inner tub 5 are provided so as to be inclined so that the back surface is lowered from the front surface, and the rotation axis direction of the inner tub 5 is raised 20 to 30 degrees forward from the horizontal direction. It is inclined to.

  On the front surface of the housing 1x, there are provided an opening 1a through which clothes 4 are put in and out and a door 7 for opening and closing the opening 1a. Similar openings 3 a and 5 a are provided on the front side of the outer tub 3 and the inner tub 5, and the opening 3 a of the outer tub 3 is water-tightly connected to the opening 1 a of the housing 1 by a bellows 8. .

  A drainage path 9 for discharging washing water is provided at the bottom of the outer tub 3 and is connected to a drainage valve 10.

  Moreover, the evaporator 12 and the condenser 13 which consist of the fin tube type heat exchanger format which comprises the heat pump apparatus 11 which is a dehumidification warming apparatus are provided in the back lower part of the outer tank 3. As shown in FIG. The evaporator 12 and the condenser 13 are disposed substantially in parallel so that the surfaces having the largest areas face each other, and the arrangement direction thereof is substantially the same as the front-rear direction of the housing 1x. The empty space in the housing 1x formed by the inclination is effectively utilized and accommodated.

  The evaporator 12 and the condenser 13 constitute a well-known refrigerant circuit 17 together with a compressor 14, a throttle means (equivalent to a pressure reducing mechanism of the present invention) 15 such as an electric expansion valve, and a pipe line 16. Are housed in the heat pump device 11. Further, an air inlet 18 is provided on the suction side opening surface 12a side of the evaporator 12, and an air outlet 19 is provided on the discharge side opening surface 13a side of the condenser 13, respectively. Consists of a communicating air path.

  Here, as shown in FIG. 4, the condenser 13 is provided with an outer tube 13 b through which the refrigerant flows, an outer tube 13 b, a double tube 13 a including an inner tube 13 c through which water flows, and a double tube. It is comprised from the fin 13d closely_contact | adhered to 13a. In addition, the refrigerant in the double pipe 13a flows from the leeward side (evaporator 12 side) of the condenser 13 toward the windward side (the air blower 28 side described later), and is opposed to the flow of water flowing inside. The flow direction is set in

  And the heat pump apparatus 11 which consists of each element which comprises the refrigerant circuit 17, and the air inflow port 18 and the air outflow port 19 are comprised in the unit 20 integrated.

  Further, a drain water container 20a for storing dehumidified water from the evaporator 12 is provided below the evaporator 12 and the condenser 13, and the water stored in the drain water container 22 is discharged from an outlet (not shown). ) To the outside of the aircraft.

  Here, as shown in FIG. 1, the unit 20 includes a first wind circuit 21 through which air flows in the order of an air inlet 18, an evaporator 12, a condenser 13, and an air outlet 19, an air inlet 18, A switching device 23 comprising a second wind circuit 22 through which air flows in the order of the evaporator 12 and the air outlet 19 and a damper device for switching between the first wind circuit 21 and the second wind circuit 22 is provided. ing.

  Further, the double pipe 13a of the condenser 13 is provided with a water supply path 25 connected to the inlet of the inner pipe 13c and enabling water supply, and an introduction path 27 connected to the outer tub 3 from the outlet of the inner pipe 13c. It has been. The water supply path 25 is provided with a pump 24 for supplying water from a water supply source (not shown) to the inner pipe 13c, and the introduction path 27 is provided with an opening / closing valve 26. By making the flow of water from the water supply path 25 to the introduction path 27, the water flowing through the inner pipe 13c becomes a flow opposite to the flow direction of the refrigerant flowing through the outer pipe 13b constituting the double pipe 13a.

Further, a blower 28 is disposed at the air outlet 19 of the unit 20 of the casing 1x, and the outlet 28b of the blower 28 is an air supply duct (mainly located rearward of the side as viewed from the back side of the casing 1x). (Corresponding to the blower circuit of the invention) 29. Further, the air supply port 29 a of the air supply duct 29 is open to the inside of the outer tub 3.

  Here, the air supply duct 29 and the air outlet 28b of the blower 28 are connected to each other by an air supply hose 30 made of a bellows-like stretchable flexible material.

  On the other hand, the air inlet 18 of the unit 20 communicates with an exhaust duct (corresponding to a blower circuit of the present invention) 31. The exhaust duct 31 is provided on the outer surface of the outer tub 3, and the exhaust port 31 a opens to the inside of the outer tub 3 at a position far away from the air supply port 29 a of the air supply duct 29. Further, an exhaust port hose (not shown) made of a flexible material having a bellows shape that can be expanded and contracted is provided at a connection portion between the exhaust duct 31 and the air inlet 18. A lint filter 32 for collecting lint and the like is provided.

  Further, the air supply duct 29 and the exhaust duct 31 are provided with a seal structure (for example, a labyrinth seal, not shown) so as not to directly communicate in the outer tub 3.

  Further, in the middle of the exhaust duct 31, there are provided an intake portion 33 for taking outside air into the exhaust duct 31 and a discharge portion 34 for discharging a part of the air in the exhaust duct 31 to the outside.

  Further, a control means 35 is provided on the inner front side of the housing 1x. The control means 35 includes the drive motor 6, drain valve 10, blower 28 and compressor 14, switching device 23, pump 24, opening and closing. The operation of the valve 26 and the like is controlled to control the washing, dehydration and drying processes.

  The operation of the washing / drying machine 1 configured as described above will be described below.

  In the washing process, water is supplied until the water level reaches a predetermined water level in the outer tub 3 with the drain valve 10 closed, and the garment 4 and the inner tub 5 containing the washing water are rotated by the drive motor 6 to wash the clothing 4. I do.

  At the time of this water supply, the switching device 23 of the unit 20 is in a position where the ventilation to the condenser 13 is blocked in FIG. 1, the pump 24 is operated, and the on-off valve 26 is opened.

  In addition, the compressor 14 and the blower 28 are driven, and a heat pump operation is performed in which the refrigerant is circulated from the compressor 14 to the condenser 13, the throttle means 15 and the evaporator 12 to form the refrigerant circuit 17.

  As a result, air flows into the outer tub 3 from the air supply duct 29 as indicated by arrows a and b by the blower 28, and enters the exhaust duct 31 from the exhaust port 31a of the outer tub 3 as indicated by arrows c, d and e. The exhaust duct 31 flows through the lint filter 32 provided. The external air intake part 33 and the exhaust part 34 provided in the middle of the exhaust duct 31 will be described later.

  The air that has passed through the exhaust duct 31 is in the unit 20 at a position where the switching device 23 shields the ventilation to the condenser 13, so that the air inflow from the air inlet 18 to the evaporator 12 and the air outlet 19 is indicated by the arrow f. The air then passes through the second wind circuit 22 that flows in order, and then circulates with the air supply duct 29, the outer tub 3, and the exhaust duct 31 by the blower 28. Thus, on the air side, heat is taken into the refrigerant circuit 17 by the evaporator 12.

On the other hand, in the condenser 13, ventilation is not performed and the refrigerant and water pass through the double pipe 13a. Therefore, heat is exchanged between the condenser 13 and water and refrigerant.

  The heat exchange action is such that the refrigerant and water are counterflowed to increase the average temperature difference, and the heat exchange amount is increased to transfer the heat of the refrigerant to the water.

  When a predetermined amount of water is supplied into the outer tub 3, the heat pump operation and the operation of the pump 24 are stopped, and the on-off valve 26 is closed. Then, as described above, washing in which the inner tub 5 rotates is performed.

  Therefore, in the washing process, the water supplied into the outer tub 3 is in a state of being heated by the refrigerant, and the washing power of the detergent during washing can be increased. Accordingly, the washing time can be shortened.

  When the washing process ends, the drain valve 10 is opened, the washing water in the outer tub 3 is drained, and the rinsing process is performed.

  In the rinsing process, water is supplied until the water level reaches a predetermined water level in the outer tub 3 with the drain valve 10 closed, and the inner tub 5 is rotated by the driving motor 6 for a predetermined time to penetrate the clothing 4. The process of eluting the detergent component, stopping the drive motor 6 after a predetermined time, opening the drain valve 10 and discharging the rinse water is repeated several times.

  Also in this rinsing process, at the time of water supply, the switching device 23, the pump 24, and the on-off valve 26 are in the same state as in the washing process, and in addition, a heat pump operation is performed.

  As a result, the rinsing water is also heated in the rinsing step, so that the detergent that permeates the clothes can be improved in foaming and the rinsing time (number of times) can be shortened accordingly.

  And when a rinse process is complete | finished, a dehydration process is performed. In this dehydration process, as is well known, the pump 24 is stopped, the drain valve 10 is opened, the water in the outer tub 3 is drained outside the machine, and then the inner tub 5 containing the clothing 4 is rotated at high speed by the drive motor 6. The water contained in the garment 4 is separated by centrifugal force, and the water is discharged from a large number of holes (not shown) provided in the inner tub 5 to the outer tub 3 and dehydrated.

  When the dehydration process is completed, a drying process is performed. In this drying process, the inner tub 5 is rotated at a low speed by the drive motor 6, and the clothes 4 in the inner tub 5 are stirred up and down by the rotation of the inner tub 5.

  In this drying process, the switching device 23 of the unit 20 is in a position where the second air circuit 22 is closed in FIG. 1 to allow ventilation to the condenser 13, and the pump 24 is stopped and further opened and closed. The valve 26 is closed.

  In addition, the compressor 14 and the blower 28 are driven, and a heat pump operation is performed in which the refrigerant is circulated from the compressor 14 to the condenser 13, the throttle means 15 and the evaporator 12 to form the refrigerant circuit 17.

  Thereby, in the condenser 13, there is no heat exchange with the water in the double pipe 13a, and the heat exchange action with air is performed.

That is, by the operation of the blower 28, the air flows into the outer tub 3 from the air supply duct 29 as indicated by arrows a and b by the blower 28 and passes through the gap between the garments 4 in the inner tub 5. In the wet state, the moisture contained in the water is taken from the exhaust port 31a of the outer tub 3 through the exhaust duct 31 and through the lint filter 32 as shown by the arrow c. With this lint filter 32, the outer tub 3
It captures foreign matter such as lint contained in the air from the air, eliminating the risk of subsequent effects on the wind circuit.

  Further, a part of the air that has passed through the lint filter 32 is discharged to the outside from a discharge portion 34 provided in the middle of the exhaust duct 31 as indicated by an arrow g, and outside air is taken in from the intake portion 33 as indicated by an arrow h. And flows through the exhaust duct 31.

  The air that has passed through the exhaust duct 31 as indicated by the arrows d and e flows in the unit 20 in the order of the condenser 12, the evaporator 12, and the air outlet 19 from the air inlet 18 as indicated by the arrow i. After passing through the wind circuit 21, the air is then circulated with the air supply duct 29, the outer tub 3 and the exhaust duct 31 by the blower 28.

  In the unit 20, when the wet warm air flowing into the air inlet 18 passes through the evaporator 12, the sensible heat and latent heat are taken away and dehumidified, and separated into dry air and dehumidified water. This dry air is heated again as it passes through the condenser 13. That is, in the condenser 13, the average temperature difference between the passing air and the refrigerant flowing outside the double pipe 13a is increased to increase the amount of heat exchange. Circulate in the order described above.

  Further, the dehumidified water condensed on the evaporator 12 and separated from the moist air is stored in the drain water container 20a and discharged from the discharge port to the outside of the apparatus.

  By repeating the above-described operation, drying of the garment 4 is advanced, and the operation of the drive motor 6 and the heat pump device 11 is stopped after a lapse of time, thereby completing the drying process.

  As described above, the heat absorbed by the evaporator 12 using the heat pump device 11 is recovered by the refrigerant, and the heat is radiated again by the condenser 13, thereby giving the clothing 4 a heat amount equal to or greater than the energy input to the compressor 14. It is possible to reduce the drying time and save energy.

  Furthermore, in the washing step and the rinsing step, the water supplied to the outer tub 3 is once heated by the condenser 13, and therefore, particularly in the washing step, the washing power of the detergent can be drawn out and the washing time can be shortened. it can. In the rinsing step, the detergent impregnated in the garment 4 can be eluted to shorten the rinsing time.

  In the first embodiment, in the middle of the exhaust duct 31, an intake portion 33 that takes in external air into the exhaust duct 31 and a discharge portion 34 that discharges a part of the air in the exhaust duct 31 to the outside. Since it provides, each of a washing process, a rinse process, and a drying process can be performed effectively.

  That is, in the washing process and the tinning process, if the circuit of the air system that circulates between the outer tub 3 and the unit 11 is a closed circuit, the temperature of the circulating air decreases as the circulation is repeated, and passes through the evaporator 12. The temperature difference with the air to be reduced is reduced, and the heat exchange capability in the evaporator 12 is reduced. As a result, in the condenser 13, the amount of water heated by the refrigerant in the double pipe 13 a is reduced, and it becomes difficult to supply the hot water to the outer tub 3.

However, by providing the intake portion 33 that takes in the outside air in a part of the blower circuit that circulates between the outer tub 3 and the unit 11, the reduction in the circulating air temperature can be suppressed, and the heat exchange capability of the evaporator 12 The decrease can be suppressed. In particular, by discharging a part of the circulating air from the discharge part 34, it is possible to increase the amount of air taken in and to further suppress the decrease in the circulating air temperature.

  As a result, a decrease in the amount of warming water in the condenser 13 can be suppressed, and the supply of warm water to the outer tub 3 can be stabilized.

  Moreover, since the heat exchange action between the low-temperature air that has passed through the evaporator 12 and the condenser 13 is regulated by the switching device 23, it is possible to suppress the water warming action from being inhibited by the low-temperature air. The supply of hot water to the tank 3 can be further stabilized.

  Further, in the drying process, if the blower circuit that circulates between the outer tub 3 and the unit 11 is a closed circuit, the moisture evaporation from the clothing 4 proceeds as the drying process proceeds, and the moisture evaporation in the inner tank 5 proceeds. The amount of air decreases and the temperature of the air flowing into the evaporator 12 gradually increases. Along with this, the evaporation temperature and the condensation temperature of the refrigerant also rise, and further, the discharge pressure of the compressor 14 rises.

  When the discharge pressure of the compressor 14 increases in this way, from the consideration of pressure resistance, control such as lowering the operating rotational speed of the compressor 14 or intermittently operating the compressor 14 is accompanied, thereby causing heat pump operation. As a result, the drying operation time is prolonged.

  However, an intake portion 33 for taking outside air into the exhaust duct 31 into a part of a blower circuit that circulates between the outer tub 3 and the unit 11, and a discharge portion that discharges a part of the air circulating in the exhaust duct 31 to the outside air. By providing 34, an increase in the circulating air temperature described above can be suppressed, and an increase in the temperature of the refrigerant can be suppressed.

  As a result, the compressor 14 can be operated stably, and the drying ability by the heat pump can be stabilized. Along with this, prolonged drying time can be suppressed, and efficient drying can be performed. In particular, by discharging a part of the circulating air, it is possible to increase the amount of air taken in and to further suppress the rise in the circulating air temperature.

  As described above, in the first embodiment, no other heating device such as a heater is required, and the heat pump device 11 is made to function in the washing process, the rinsing process, and the drying process, thereby allowing the process from washing to drying. The required operation time can be shortened, and the power consumption accompanying the operation time can be reduced.

(Embodiment 2)
FIG. 5 is a system conceptual diagram showing the configuration of the refrigerant circuit and water circuit of the washing and drying machine and the flow of air in the blower circuit according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention. FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view seen from the side of the washing and drying machine in the second embodiment. Here, the same constituent elements as those of the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals and description thereof is omitted.

  In the second embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 5 and 6 in addition to the first embodiment, one end is connected to the drainage path 9 of the outer tub 3 and the other end is a water supply path of the condenser 13. 25 is provided, and a switching valve 37, 37a is provided at each connecting portion.

  The switching valve 37 provided in the water supply path 25 has an action of switching the water supplied to the inner pipe 13c of the double pipe 13a constituting the condenser 13 to water in the water supply path 25 or hot water poured into the outer tub 3. Do. The switching valve 37 a switches whether the water in the outer tub 3 flows to the drainage path 9 or the return path 36, and interlocks with the operation of the switching valve 37.

In addition, in FIG. 5, although it has set as the structure which provided the switching valve 37a and the drain valve 10 in the drainage channel 9, it can also be set as any one valve apparatus.

  In such a configuration, by operating the switching valves 37 and 37a during the washing process and the rinsing process, the cleaning action and the rinsing action can be improved as compared with the first embodiment.

  That is, during the washing process and the rinsing process, the first air circuit 21 is closed by the switching device 23 as in the first embodiment, and the heat pump device 11 and the blower 28 are operated.

  In particular, during the washing process, the pump 24 is driven, the washing water is heated by the condenser 13, and a predetermined amount of the water is supplied into the outer tub 3. When the predetermined amount of water supply ends, the switching valves 37 and 37a are operated to bring the return path 36 into a communication state.

  Therefore, the water in the outer tub 3 circulates from the return path 36 through the water supply path 25 to the introduction path 27 and the outer tub 3, and is heated when passing through the condenser 13 to a temperature at which the washing power of the detergent is extracted. Can be heated up to. As a result, shortening of the washing time can be expected.

  The above operation can be performed in parallel with the washing operation. However, once the temperature of the water in the outer tub 3 has been raised, the detergent may be added to start washing. In particular, in the former case, an effect can be expected to shorten the washing time. However, since high-concentration water in which the detergent is melted is circulated, countermeasures against malfunctions of the operation parts such as the switching valves 37 and 37a or the pump 24 are taken. There is a need.

  In the rinsing process, the water supply operation by the pump 24 and the switching operation of the switching valves 37 and 37a are performed every time the rinsing water is exchanged, but the rinsing is performed by so-called hot water heated by the condenser 13. Therefore, the detergent impregnated in the clothes 4 can be effectively eluted, and the rinsing time can be shortened.

  In this case, heating may be performed only when the rinse effect of the detergent is great, such as heating the rinse water by the heat pump device 11 only for the first time or the second time of rinsing.

  And when a rinse process is complete | finished, a dehydration process and a drying process are performed. The dehydration process and the drying process are performed in the same manner as in the first embodiment, and a description thereof will be omitted.

(Embodiment 3)
FIG. 7 is a system conceptual diagram showing the configuration of the refrigerant circuit and water circuit of the washing and drying machine and the flow of air in the blower circuit according to Embodiment 3 of the present invention. FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view seen from the side of the washing and drying machine in the third embodiment. Here, the same constituent elements as those of the first and second embodiments are denoted by the same reference numerals and the description thereof is omitted.

  As shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, in addition to the configuration of the first embodiment, the configuration of the third embodiment is provided with a branch path 38 including a heat storage water tank 39 in parallel with the introduction path 27, and switching valves 39a and 39b. To control the flow of water from the inner pipe 13c of the double pipe 13a constituting the condenser 13 directly from the introduction path 27 to the outer tank 3 or from the introduction path 27 to the outer tank 3 via the heat storage tank 39. It is configured.

  Note that the switching valve 39b can be omitted by making the opening / closing valve 26 of the introduction path 27 also function as a switching valve 39b described later.

In this configuration, in the third embodiment, heat (warm water) generated when the overload operation of the compressor 14 is suppressed during the drying process is stored in the heat storage tank 39.

  For example, when the moisture evaporation from the garment 4 progresses and the temperature of the air flowing into the evaporator 12 gradually increases as the moisture evaporation from the clothing 4 progresses, as in the latter half of the drying process, the evaporation temperature of the refrigerant Further, the condensation temperature rises and the discharge pressure of the compressor 14 rises abnormally.

  In this way, when a so-called overload state of the compressor 14 occurs, in order to protect the compressor 14, the operation rotational speed of the compressor 14 is reduced or the continuous operation of the compressor 14 is made intermittent operation. For example, the capability of heat pump operation is reduced.

  In the third embodiment, when such an overload condition occurs, or when exposed to an environment that causes an overload, water is supplied to the inner pipe 13c of the double pipe 13a constituting the condenser 13. Thus, the condensation temperature can be lowered and the above-described overload state can be prevented.

  At this time, by switching the switching valve 39a to the branch path 38 side and closing the switching valve 39b, the water heated by the heat exchange with the condenser 13 is the branch path provided in parallel with the introduction path 27. 38 can be temporarily stored in the heat storage water tank 39.

  The configuration of the third embodiment in which the heat storage water tank 39 is provided as described above is the same as in the first embodiment in the washing process, the rinsing process, the dehydration process, and the drying process. However, the washing process when the hot water is stored in the heat storage water tank 39 is as follows.

  That is, in the normal washing process, the water supplied to the outer tub 3 from the introduction path 27 is heated by the heat pump device 11, but when the hot water is stored in the heat storage water tub 39, The pump 24 is operated with the operation stopped, the switching valves 39a and 39b are operated to supply the water in the water supply path 25 to the heat storage tank 39 through the double pipe 13a, and the hot water in the heat storage tank 39 is Water is supplied to the outer tub 3 through the on-off valve 26.

  Accordingly, warm water is poured into the outer tub 3 without operating the unit 20 and performing the heat pump operation at the beginning of the washing process, so that the washing power of the washing dryer 1 can be improved while improving the cleaning power of dirt during the washing operation. Electric power can be further reduced.

  Further, in the washing process and the rinsing process as necessary, the switching device 23 is operated so as to prevent the ventilation to the condenser 13 and the heat pump device 11 is operated similarly to the first embodiment. Thus, the hot water can be stored in the heat storage water tank 39, and the rinsing performed repeatedly several times can be performed with the hot water.

  Moreover, the temperature fall of the stored warm water can be suppressed by making the thermal storage water tank 39 into a heat insulation structure.

  In each of the above-described embodiments, the description has been mainly made on the washing and drying machine for clothing and the like. However, for example, this is the case of an industrial product that requires a washing step of immersing in the washing liquid or spraying the washing liquid. However, it can be cleaned using warm water that has been heated in the same manner and dried with dry air by a heat pump device, and does not depart from the scope of the present invention.

The article washing and drying apparatus according to the present invention can shorten the time from washing (washing) to drying by operating the heat pump apparatus in the washing (washing), rinsing and drying processes. As well as washing and drying machines for clothes for business use, foods represented by grains, transportation equipment represented by automobiles, etc., equipment that requires hot water washing and drying processes for human bodies, etc. It can be applied for use.

System conceptual diagram of a washing and drying machine in Embodiment 1 of the present invention Sectional drawing from the side surface of the washing and drying machine in Embodiment 1 Sectional drawing of the principal part of the condenser in Embodiment 1 The expanded sectional view of the double pipe of the condenser in Embodiment 1 System conceptual diagram of a washing and drying machine in Embodiment 2 of the present invention Sectional drawing from the side surface of the washing and drying machine in Embodiment 2 System conceptual diagram of a washing and drying machine in Embodiment 3 of the present invention Sectional drawing from the side surface of the washing and drying machine in Embodiment 3 Schematic diagram of a dehumidifying and heating device showing a conventional example Mollier diagram of the heat pump device constituting the dehumidifying and warming device Sectional drawing from the side of a washing and drying machine showing a conventional example

1 Washing and drying machine (washing and drying equipment)
3 Outer tank (article storage part)
4 Clothing 11 Heat pump device 12 Evaporator 13 Condenser 13a Double pipe 13b Outer pipe 13c Inner pipe 13d Fin 14 Compressor 15 Throttle means (pressure reduction mechanism)
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 21 1st wind circuit 22 2nd wind circuit 23 Switching apparatus 25 Water supply path 27 Introduction path 28 Blower 29 Air supply duct (blower circuit)
31 Exhaust duct (fan circuit)
33 Intake section 34 Discharge section 36 Return path 37 Switching valve 37a Switching valve 39 Thermal storage tank

Claims (6)

A washing / drying apparatus comprising an article storage unit for storing laundry washed and dried products such as clothes, a blower circuit communicating with the article storage unit, a blower disposed in the blower circuit, and a dehumidifying and heating device. ,
The dehumidifying and warming device includes a compressor, a condenser, a decompression mechanism, an evaporator, and the like, and includes a heat pump device that is connected so that the refrigerant sequentially circulates,
Wherein the condenser, the refrigerant flows outside the outer tube, and the inside of the inner tube and the double tube which water flows, a structure having a fin in close thermally said double pipe, further water into the inner tube An article cleaning / drying apparatus provided with a water supply path for supplying water and an introduction path for introducing water heated by the condenser into the article storage section.   The article according to claim 1, wherein the flow of the refrigerant on the outer side of the double pipe of the condenser is set so as to flow from the leeward side of the condenser toward the windward side, and to be opposed to the flow of water flowing on the inner side. Washing and drying equipment.   The article cleaning / drying device according to claim 1, wherein an intake portion that takes in external air and a discharge portion that discharges air to the outside are provided in the middle of the blower circuit.   A return path is provided in which the waste water from the article storage unit is connected to a water supply path for supplying water to the double pipe of the condenser. The article cleaning / drying device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising a switching valve for water from the water supply or water from the water supply path.   A first wind circuit that flows so that the wind that has passed through the evaporator passes through the condenser, and a second wind that flows so that the wind that has passed through the evaporator bypasses the condenser. A circuit and a switching device for controlling the wind passing through the evaporator to flow through the first wind circuit or the second wind circuit, and water from the water supply path is heated by a condenser The article cleaning and drying apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the switching device controls the wind that has passed through the evaporator to flow to the second wind circuit.   The article washing and drying apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein a heat storage water tank for storing hot water heated by the condenser is provided in the middle of the introduction path.

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