JP5457744B2 - Clothes dryer - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a clothes dryer provided with a water-cooled dehumidifying type heat exchanger in a circulation passage that circulates and supplies drying air for drying clothes and the like.

  Conventionally, this type of clothes dryer circulates through a circulation passage without discharging hot air heated to a predetermined temperature, that is, so-called dry air, to increase the efficiency of heat energy for drying. Drying air is continuously blown onto the object to be dried such as

  The basic structure of this clothes dryer is to connect a circulation passage to the inlets and outlets of the drying air provided on both sides of the drying chamber for storing clothes etc. A drying means such as a heater, a blowing device, and a heating means such as a heater device, thereby drying an object to be dried such as clothing while circulating and supplying dry air to the drying chamber (for example, patents) Reference 1).

  According to the washer / dryer described in Patent Document 1, a supply air passage as a circulation passage and a dehumidification air passage are connected to a water tank as a drying chamber and cooled on a heat exchange plate surface provided in the dehumidification air passage. It is configured to include a so-called water-cooled dehumidification type heat exchanger that flows water in a zigzag manner to make good contact with the air and cools and dehumidifies moisture contained in the air.

JP 2008-54948 A

  However, in the washing and drying machine having the above configuration, when the circulation air volume of the dehumidifying air passage is increased in order to increase the heat exchange efficiency, and thus the drying efficiency, the cooling water flowing down the heat exchange plate surface is greatly rolled up, The water splash is sucked into the air blower as the air blowing means on the downstream side, and further applied to the heater device as the heating means, and there is a concern about the electrical safety of the air blower and the heater device.

  Furthermore, the rolled-up cooling water may become mist-like near the outlet of the dehumidifying air passage (heat exchanger), resulting in resistance to circulating air. If the air volume is increased with respect to this resistance, the mist-like portion in a staying state is wound up. For this reason, there is a restriction on the increase of the circulating air volume, and it is not possible to secure a sufficient air volume for drying that circulates through the water tank, the dehumidifying air path, and the air supply air path. There has been a problem that the dry air that is wind cannot be sufficiently circulated and supplied, and the drying object such as clothing cannot be efficiently dried.

  In order to solve the above problems, the present invention is a water-cooled dehumidification type heat exchanger, which can secure a necessary amount of drying air while suppressing an abnormal winding phenomenon of cooling water (water droplets), and has a drying efficiency. An object of the present invention is to provide an improved clothes dryer.

In order to achieve the above object, a clothes dryer of the present invention includes a box-shaped main body forming an outer shell, a drying chamber for drying clothes accommodated in the main body, and the drying chamber. A circulation passage provided so as to be able to circulate and supply the drying air; a drying air generation unit which is provided in the middle of the circulation passage and which includes the heater device and the air blower that generates the heated drying air; and the circulation passage. Provided in the upstream side of the dry air generating unit in the heat exchanger for water-cooling dehumidification of the moisture in the dry air, and provided in parallel with the passage in the heat exchanger, the flow through the passage in the heat exchanger A bypass passage for reducing the amount of dry air is provided, and a rib projecting inward is provided on an inner peripheral surface of the passage in the heat exchanger (the invention of claim 1).

According to the above means, since the bypass passage is provided in parallel with the heat exchanger, the drying air is circulated and supplied to the drying chamber through the passage and the bypass passage in the heat exchanger.
By securing the ventilation from the bypass passage, the amount of dry air flowing through the passage in the heat exchanger can be suppressed, and as a result, the rolled-up water splash can be prevented from reaching the downstream blower. At the same time, even if the rolled up water droplets stagnate and become a blowing resistance in the heat exchanger, it is replenished with the air volume from the bypass passage, so there is no significant reduction in air volume. It is possible to provide a clothes dryer that can be expected to improve drying efficiency under sufficient drying air.

The front view which mainly shows the internal structure of the heat exchange unit in 1st Example which applied this invention to the washing-drying machine. Longitudinal side view showing the overall structure of the washing and drying machine The perspective view seen from the back which shows the mechanism part inside the main part of a washing dryer Air flow characteristic diagram showing the relationship between the amount of dry air flowing through the heat exchange unit and the amount of dry air flowing through the bypass passage according to the rotational speed of the fan. FIG. 1 equivalent view showing a second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 1 equivalent view showing a third embodiment of the present invention. Air flow characteristic diagram showing the relationship between the amount of dry air flowing in the heat exchanger passage and the bypass passage according to the opening of the bypass passage Characteristic chart showing changes in dry air characteristics and bypass passage opening as the drying operation progresses Characteristic chart showing air flow characteristics by course operation Action explanatory diagram for explaining the amount of dry air flowing in the heat exchanger passage and the bypass passage according to the amount of cooling water supplied to the heat exchanger, and the opening degree of the bypass passage FIG. 1 equivalent view showing a fourth embodiment of the present invention.

(First embodiment)
Hereinafter, a first embodiment in which the present invention is applied to a drum-type washing and drying machine will be described with reference to FIGS. Among these, FIG. 2 is a longitudinal side view showing the overall configuration of the washing / drying machine 1, and FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing an outer tub 2 and a circulation passage 3, etc., which will be described later. The overall configuration of the washing / drying machine 1 will be described. The washing / drying machine 1 functions as a washing machine during a washing operation and a dehydrating operation, and functions as a clothes dryer during a drying operation.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the main body 4 forming the outline of the washing / drying machine 1 has a substantially rectangular box shape, and a base plate 4 a is provided at the bottom of the main body 4. The front cover 4b that constitutes the front surface of the main body 4 has an inclined surface shape that inclines toward the rear, and a laundry entrance / exit 5 including a substantially circular opening is formed on the upper portion thereof. The front cover 4 b is provided with a door 6 that can be rotated in the lateral direction, and the laundry entrance 5 is opened and closed by the door 6.

  In the front cover 4b of the main body 4, an operation panel 9 having various operation switches and a display unit is provided above the laundry entrance 5 and a control provided on the back side (the back side of the front cover 4b). It is connected to the apparatus 7 so that input is possible. The control device 7 is composed mainly of a microcomputer and includes a ROM, a RAM, and the like, and controls the overall operation of the washer / dryer 1 based on various input signals and pre-stored control programs. ing.

  An outer tub 2 is disposed in the main body 4, and a drum 8 is disposed in the outer tub 2. The outer tub 2 is elastically supported on the base plate 4a by two elastic support mechanisms 13 (only one is shown in FIG. 2), and the support form is a horizontal axis in which the rotation center axis direction of the drum 8 is the front-rear direction. And is pivotally supported in an upwardly inclined manner.

  Each of the outer tub 2 and the drum 8 has a bottomed cylindrical shape with the front surface portion opened. Among these, the front opening part of the outer tub 2 and the laundry entrance / exit 5 formed in the front part of the main body 4 are connected by a bellows 10. The drum 8 in the outer tub 2 stores laundry such as clothes, and functions as a rotating tub controlled at a predetermined rotation speed during washing operation, dehydration operation, and drying operation. A large number of small holes 8a for water flow and ventilation (a part of which is shown in FIG. 2) are formed, and a plurality of baffles 8b for lifting the laundry are formed.

  On the other hand, the outer tub 2 is substantially non-porous and can store water during a washing operation or a dehydrating operation, and functions as a drying chamber that forms a closed space for taking in the drying air described later during a drying operation. .

  A three-way water supply valve 29 is provided in the upper part of the main body 4, and includes a flow meter 29 a and a water supply connection port 29 b protruding from the upper surface of the main body 4. Accordingly, during a washing operation, water from a tap faucet serving as an external water source can be supplied into the outer tub 2 from the water supply connection port 29b via the water supply hose 29c. The flow meter 29a measures the amount of water at this time, and is input to the control device 7 and stored as an electrical signal.

  A concave water reservoir 11 communicating with the inside of the outer tub 2 is provided at the lower part of the outer tub 2, and a sheathed heater 12 for generating warm water is disposed inside the water reservoir 11. A drain port (not shown) is formed at the bottom of the rear part, which is the lowest part of the water reservoir 11, and one end of a drain pipe 14 is connected to the drain port. The water in the outer tub 2 flows through the drain pipe 14 and can be drained outside the machine through a lint filter 15 and a drain valve 16 arranged in the middle.

  A motor 17 is disposed at the bottom (back) center of the outer tub 2. The motor 17 is composed of an outer rotor type DC brushless motor. The stator 17a is attached to the center of the back surface of the outer tub 2, and a rotating shaft 18 that rotates together with the rotor 17b protrudes into the outer tub 2 so that the bottom of the drum 8 is formed. (Back) Connected and fixed to the center. Thus, the motor 17 functions as a driving device that rotationally drives the drum 8, and the speed is controlled by the control device 7.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the upper and back portions of the outer tub 2 are connected to the outer tub 2 so as to be able to circulate and supply the drying air into the outer tub 2 and the drum 8 during the drying operation. A passage 3 is provided. One end of the circulation passage 3 is connected to an exhaust port 2a formed at the front of the upper surface of the peripheral wall of the outer tub 2, and the dry air discharged from the outer tub 2 is sucked into the circulation passage 3 from the exhaust port 2a. On the other hand, the other end of the circulation passage 3 is connected to an air supply port 2b formed in the upper part of the back surface of the outer tub 2, and dry air passing through the circulation passage 3 is blown into the outer tub 2 from the air supply port 2b. .

  The circulation passage 3 is made up of several ventilation ducts or components having the function of ventilation ducts, and is mainly composed of an exhaust duct 19, a filter duct 20, a hanging duct 27, a heat exchange unit 21, a blower 22, and a heater device. 23, a flexible duct 24, and an air supply duct 25. The drying air flows in this order in the circulation passage 3 (indicated by broken arrows A to I in the figure), and the outer tub 2 and the drum 8 in this order. The drying air is circulated and supplied inside. The air blower 22 and the heater device 23 constitute a dry air generating unit described later, and these casings function as a ventilation duct.

  The exhaust duct 19 and the flexible duct 24 have a bellows-like flexible portion, and one end thereof is connected to an exhaust port 2 a formed in the outer tub 2 and an air supply duct 25. For this reason, the vibration of the outer tub 2 based on the rotation of the drum 8 is absorbed and blocked by the flexible portion, and the subsequent vibration transmission to the circulation passage 3 is suppressed. The filter duct 20, the hanging duct 27, the heat exchange unit 21, the air blower 22, and the heater device 23 are attached and fixed to the main body 4 side.

  The exhaust duct 19 is formed in an L shape, and a filter duct 20 is connected to the other end opened in the horizontal direction. The filter duct 20 has a rectangular cylindrical filter housing portion 26 to which the exhaust duct 19 is connected on the upstream side and an upper surface is opened, and a duct portion 20a extending substantially horizontally from the filter housing portion 26 to the rear. It is formed integrally. A filter unit 26 a (see FIG. 2) having a mesh-like filter having air permeability is accommodated in the filter accommodating portion 26 so that it can be taken in and out from above the main body 4. A rear end connection port 20b that opens downward is provided at the rear end of the filter duct 20 (duct portion 20a).

  A drooping duct 27 that hangs in a substantially vertical direction is connected to the rear end connection port 20b. The hanging duct 27 is configured to extend greatly downward so as to obtain a vertically long dimension required by a water-cooled dehumidifying type heat exchanger 31 described later.

  Hereinafter, the configuration of the heat exchange unit 21 connected to the hanging duct 27 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 1 is a front view showing the internal configuration of the heat exchange unit 21 and the hanging duct 27 from which the cover member covering the surface side is removed. In particular, as shown in FIG. 1, the hanging duct 27 is formed integrally with the heat exchange unit 21 in this embodiment, and communicates with the heat exchange unit 21 through the communication port 28 at the lowermost end. The heat exchange unit 21 is formed in a vertically long shape so as to be folded back from the lowermost end portion and extend upward in parallel with the hanging duct 27.

  The heat exchange unit 21 and the hanging duct 27 are disposed on the back of the outer tub 2. The hanging duct 27 has a drying air inlet 27a formed at the upper end thereof connected to a rear end connection port 20b of the filter duct 20 (duct portion 20a) (see FIG. 3).

  On the other hand, the heat exchange unit 21 is formed with a partition wall 30 that divides the inside thereof into left and right, and the partition wall 30 is formed to extend in the vertical direction. An inclined portion 30 a that tilts in the upper right direction is formed on the upper portion of the partition wall 30. For this reason, even when water droplets, which will be described later, are rolled up in the heat exchanger 31, the water droplets hit the inclined portion 30a and the water droplets are scattered downstream from the drying air outlet 39 of the heat exchange unit 21. Suppress.

  In the heat exchange unit 21, a vertically long water-cooled dehumidifying type heat exchanger 31 is formed on the right side of the partition wall 30, and a bypass that bypasses the heat exchanger 31 that is long in the vertical direction is formed on the left side of the partition wall 30. A passage 32 is formed in parallel with the heat exchanger 31 passage. The vertically long passage and the bypass passage 32 in the heat exchanger 31 are formed so that the upper portion thereof is inclined in the upper right direction. An inclined wall 30 b is provided in parallel with the inclined portion 30 a of the partition wall 30, and the inclined wall 30 b extends from the side wall of the hanging duct 27 so as to be inclined in the upper right direction. The upper portion of the bypass passage 32 is formed between the inclined wall 30b and the inclined portion 30a of the partition wall 30, and opens to the upper right in the figure.

  The inclined wall 30b serves as a blowing resistance of the dry air flowing through the bypass passage 32, suppresses a large amount of dry air from flowing into the bypass passage 32, and lacks the dry air flowing into the heat exchanger 31 passage to provide a dehumidifying function. Prevent it from dropping. In this case, the flow of the drying air can be adjusted by appropriately setting the inclination angles of the inclined portion 30a and the inclined wall 30b. Furthermore, the inclined wall 30b functions as a ridge that prevents water splashed from the heat exchanger 31 from entering the bypass passage 32 from above. The bypass passage 32 is formed as a linear passage having a narrower width than the passage in the heat exchanger 31.

  A plurality of ribs 33 projecting inward are provided on the inner peripheral wall surface of the heat exchanger 31. These ribs 33 are provided alternately and so as to be slightly inclined with respect to the width direction (the left-right direction in the figure) of the heat exchanger 31. As a result, as a whole structure by the ribs 33, spiral convex portions are formed on the inner peripheral wall surface of the heat exchanger 31.

  The passage inlet 31a of the heat exchanger 31 is provided with a U-shaped rib 42 projecting inwardly from the rib 33, and the U-shaped open portion of the lid member (not shown) is provided on the lid member side (not shown). A rib is provided to block a part. Therefore, the passage inlet 31a of the heat exchanger 31 to which the lid member is assembled is formed in a square shape by the ribs 42 and the like and is narrowed down to the center. This restriction speeds up the flow of the drying air flowing through the passage of the heat exchanger 31 and more effectively diffuses water poured from the water injection port 34 described later, thereby improving the dehumidification efficiency by heat exchange, and thus the drying efficiency. .

  The water injection port 34 is provided at the upper end of the heat exchanger 31, and one end of a water injection hose 34 a is connected to the water injection port 34, and the other end of the water injection hose 34 a is provided in the upper part of the outer tub 2. It is connected to one valve mechanism of the water supply valve 29 (see FIG. 2). Accordingly, during the drying operation, water from the three-way water supply valve 29 is poured into the heat exchanger 31 from the water inlet 34 through the water injection hose 34a.

  When water is supplied to the water tub as the outer tub 2 during the washing operation, the water pressure of the tap water connected to the washing / drying machine 1 and the water supply amount are measured by the flow meter 29a (see FIG. 2). An electrical signal corresponding to the amount of water supply is input to the control device 7 and stored. The control device 7 determines the amount of water supplied per fixed time poured into the heat exchanger 31 in, for example, three stages (small water amount, standard water amount, large water amount). Water poured into the heat exchanger 31 flows down the heat exchanger 31 while gradually drawing a spiral through the spiral convex portion formed of the ribs 33 formed on the inner peripheral wall surface of the heat exchanger 31, Or it falls.

  A drain port 35 is provided at the bottom of the heat exchange unit 21. One end of a drain tube 36 is connected to the drain port 35. The other end of the drain tube 36 is connected to the downstream side (outside of the machine) of the drain pipe 14 connected to the bottom of the outer tub 2 relative to the drain valve 16. The water that has reached the bottom of the heat exchanger 31 is drained from the drain port 35 to the outside of the machine through the drain tube 36.

  An insertion hole 40 projecting inward of the drooping duct 27 is provided at an intermediate portion in the vertical direction of the drooping duct 27, and a temperature sensor 41 made of, for example, a thermistor is provided on the outside of the dripping duct 27. It is inserted from (the back side in the figure). The temperature sensor 41 is airtightly attached to the insertion hole 40 while being inserted into the insertion hole 40, and can detect the temperature of the drying air discharged from the outer tub 2 and flowing into the hanging duct 27. An electrical signal corresponding to the temperature detected by the temperature sensor 41 is input to the control device 7.

  As shown in FIG. 3, an air blower 22 is disposed above the outer tub 2, and the upper ends of the heat exchange unit 21 and the heat exchanger 31 are disposed at the suction port of the fan casing 22 a of the air blower 22. The drying air outlet 39 (see FIG. 1) formed in the above is connected. The blower 22 rotates a fan 22c (see FIG. 2) disposed in the fan casing 22a by a fan motor 22b. A blower rotation speed sensor (not shown) is attached to the blower 22 to detect the rotation speed of the fan motor 22b and control the speed.

  Above the outer tub 2, one end of the heater device 23 is connected to the discharge port of the fan casing 22a. The heater device 23 includes a heater 23b (see FIG. 2) for generating hot air made of, for example, a PTC heater, in a heater case 23a that constitutes an outline of the heater device 23. The so-called dry air generating unit constituted by the air blower 22 and the heater device 23 converts the dry air dewatered by the heat exchanger 31 into new dry air by the air blowing action of the air blower 22 and the heating action of the heater device 23. It is regenerated and delivered to the flexible duct 24 on the downstream side.

  The other end of the flexible duct 24 is connected to the upper end portion of the air supply duct 25 provided at the upper left portion of the back surface of the outer tub 2. The air supply duct 25 is connected in communication with an air supply port 2b (see FIG. 3) of the outer tub 2.

  The relationship between the rotational speed of the fan 22c (fan motor 22b) and the amount of dry air flowing through the heat exchange unit 21 and the bypass passage 32 will be described with reference to FIG. As shown in FIG. 4, as the fan rotational speed increases, the amount of dry air flowing through the heat exchange unit 21 and the bypass passage 32 gradually increases. In addition, the way of increasing the amount of dry air flowing through the heat exchange unit 21 is larger than the way of increasing the amount of dry air flowing through the bypass passage 32. This is because the bypass passage inlet 32a is narrow and does not lead to a proportional increase in air volume.

Next, the operation of the drying operation of an object to be dried such as clothes in the drum type washing and drying machine 1 according to the present embodiment will be described.
First, regarding the operation of the washing / drying machine 1, as is well known, in a standard operation course, washing, rinsing and dehydration operations are automatically performed with a focus on controlling the rotational speed of the drum 8 directly connected to the motor 17. In the conventional washing function, the drum 8 is driven to rotate, and the outer tub 2 that forms a substantially closed space functions as a water tub. When water is supplied from the three-way water supply valve 29 into the outer tub 2 during the washing operation, the water supply amount per fixed time of the water supply (water source) connected to the washing / drying machine 1 is the flow meter 29a (see FIG. 2). ) And the measurement result is input to the control device 7 and stored so as to be distinguishable in three stages (small water amount, standard water amount, and large water amount) as described above. And finally, it shifts to the drying operation. The drum 8 is rotationally driven in the same manner, but the outer tub 2 functions as a drying chamber for taking in the drying air, and dries laundry such as clothes in the drum 8. Hereinafter, the operation content of the drying operation will be described in detail.

  The control device 7 operates the heat exchange unit 21, the blower device 22, the heater device 23, and the like so as to execute a drying operation for continuously supplying dry air into the outer tub 2. The flow of the drying air flowing through the circulation passage 3 is indicated by broken arrows A to I in FIGS. In FIG. 2, a part of the circulation passage 3 is omitted, but broken line arrows are continuously added to indicate a continuous flow of the drying air. In the following, description will be made along the order of the broken-line arrows A to I indicating the flow of the drying air.

  The dry air after contributing to the drying of clothes and the like in the outer tub 2 is discharged from the exhaust port 2a at the upper front as exhaust air containing moisture. Then, it passes through the exhaust duct 19 and flows backward through the filter duct 20 (broken line arrow A). If the lint or the like is contained in the dry air flowing in the filter duct 20, the lint or the like is captured by the filter unit 26 a in the filter housing portion 26.

  The dry air that has flowed backward through the duct portion 20a of the filter duct 20 and has reached the rear end connection port 20b flows downward in the hanging duct 27 (broken arrows B and C). Next, the drying air enters the heat exchange unit 21 from the communication port 28 (see FIG. 1) of the drooping duct 27 (broken line arrow D) and flows upward in the heat exchange unit 21 (broken line arrow E). .

  In the heat exchange unit 21, the drying air (broken arrow E) flowing upward is diverted, one from the passage inlet 31a to the passage in the heat exchanger 31, and the other from the bypass passage inlet 32a to the bypass passage. It flows to 32. In the heat exchanger 31, the water supplied from the three-way water supply valve 29 and poured from the water injection port 34 flows down along the spiral convex portion composed of a plurality of ribs 33 provided on the inner peripheral wall surface of the passage. . For this reason, the flowing water contacts the drying air flowing through the passage of the heat exchanger 31 for a longer time and heat exchange is promoted. Thereby, the drying air is effectively cooled, the moisture contained in the drying air is more condensed, and the moisture and moisture in the drying air are dehumidified. Thereafter, the drying air is discharged above the drying air outlet 39 serving as the heat exchange unit 21 and the heat exchanger 31 and flows into the fan casing 22a (broken arrow F).

  By the way, in this embodiment, the amount of water supplied from the water supply (water source) during the washing operation is measured, and the measurement result is stored in the control device 7. The amount of water injected into the heat exchanger 31 naturally varies in accordance with the measurement result corresponding to any one of “large water amount”, “standard water amount”, and “small water amount”. Therefore, the control device 7 controls the rotational speed of the air blower 22 that generates the basic air volume of the dry air in accordance with the determination result, for example, effective heat exchange performance commensurate with the amount of water according to the progress of the drying operation. It is possible to perform control such as setting the air volume to obtain the air flow and adjusting the increase / decrease in the overall air volume in order to improve the drying performance.

The water generated by the condensation is discharged from the drainage port 35 through the drainage tube 36 together with the water poured into the heat exchanger 31 to the outside of the apparatus.
On the other hand, the drying air flowing through the bypass passage 32 has no heat exchange effect due to water injection, and therefore flows into the fan casing 22a from the drying air outlet 39 as the heat exchange unit 21 and the heat exchanger 31 without being dehumidified (broken line). Arrow F).

  The dry air discharged from the heat exchanger 31 passage and the bypass passage 32 is sucked into the fan casing 22a of the blower 22 and then discharged to the heater device 23, where it is discharged by the heater 23b (see FIG. 2). Heated (dashed arrow G). The heated dry air passes through the flexible duct 24 (broken line arrow H) and the air supply duct 25 (broken line arrow I) and is supplied into the outer tub 2 from the air supply port 2b. Then, the dry air after drying in contact with clothes or the like in the rotating drum 8 is discharged from the exhaust port 2a. As described above, the drying air is circulated and supplied into the outer tub 2 to dry clothes and the like in the drum 8 that are to be dried.

From the above, the washing / drying machine 1 according to the present embodiment has the following effects.
According to the washer / dryer 1, since the bypass passage 32 is provided in parallel with the heat exchanger 31 passage, the drying air flows into the heat exchanger 31 at the inlet side of the heat exchanger 31 passage and the bypass passage 32. And is sent to the drying air generating unit side, where it is regenerated as new drying air and circulated and supplied to the outer tub 2.

  By the way, in the case of only the passage of the heat exchanger as in the prior art, if the air volume is increased in order to increase the drying efficiency, there is a possibility that the cooling water is abnormally raised and reaches the downstream fan or heater. On the other hand, when the air volume tends to be small, the water droplets rolled up in the upper part of the heat exchanger become mist, which tends to be a resistance to the flow of the dry air, further hindering the air flow in the heat exchanger. There was a risk.

However, in the present embodiment, the amount of dry air flowing through the heat exchanger 31 passage can be reduced by at least the amount flowing to the bypass passage 32 side.
Accordingly, it is possible to prevent the phenomenon that water droplets are abnormally rolled up by the drying air from the passage in the heat exchanger 31 to ensure electrical safety, and the drying air flowing into the bypass passage 32 has a relatively low resistance. Of course, since there is no heat exchanging action, it flows smoothly, and as a result, it is possible to increase the flow without reducing the overall air volume, while preventing the above-mentioned phenomenon of water droplets from rolling up. In addition, a predetermined amount of drying air circulated and supplied to the outer tub 2 can be secured, the drying efficiency of the washing dryer 1 can be improved, and the drying operation time can be further shortened.

  In the present embodiment, an example in which the heat exchanger 31 passage and the bypass passage 32 are integrally formed in the heat exchange unit 21 is shown, but the present invention is not limited to this, and the heat exchanger 31 passage and the bypass passage 32 May be formed independently of each other, and the hanging duct 27 does not have to be formed integrally with the heat exchange unit 21 as shown in the present embodiment, and these are formed independently and connected to each other. It is good also as composition to do.

  FIG. 5 to FIG. 11 show the second to fourth embodiments of the present invention with respect to the above embodiment, and the same reference numerals are given to substantially the same parts as the first embodiment, and the description is omitted. The differences will be explained.

(Second Embodiment)
FIG. 5 is a view corresponding to FIG. 1 showing a second embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 5, a hanging duct 51 is connected to the inlet side of the heat exchange unit 21 constituting the heat exchanger 31 passage and the bypass passage 32, and on the drying air outlet 39 side of the heat exchange unit 21 and the heat exchanger 31. A short-circuit passage 52 that is short-circuited is formed in the upper part of the side wall of the hanging duct 51. In the present embodiment, the drooping duct 51 is formed integrally with the heat exchange unit 21 and has a side wall as a common wall. Therefore, the short-circuit path 52 can be formed simply by forming a communication hole.

Next, the operation of the drying operation according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 2 and 3 showing a common configuration.
Part of the drying air (broken arrow C) that flows downward through the hanging duct 51 flows into the short-circuit passage 52 formed in the upper side wall of the hanging duct 51, and the drying air outlet 39 of the heat exchange unit 21. It flows into the vicinity. Therefore, the dry air flows into the fan casing 22a immediately from the dry air outlet 39 without the heat exchange action and without passing through the bypass passage 32 (broken line arrow F). The other dry air flows into the heat exchange unit 21 from the communication port 28 formed at the lowermost part of the hanging duct 51 (broken line arrow D), and the heat exchanger 31 is the same as described in the first embodiment. After diverting and flowing into the passage and the bypass passage 32, the air is discharged from the upper common drying air outlet 39 and flows into the fan casing 22a (broken line arrow F). Accordingly, since the short-circuit passage 52 is also communicated with the vicinity of the front of the drying air outlet 39, all of the divided drying air is discharged from one drying air outlet 39.

From the above, the washing / drying machine 1 according to the present embodiment has the following effects in addition to the effects shown in the first embodiment.
According to the washing and drying machine 1 according to the present embodiment, the short-circuit passage 52 that is short-circuited to the front side of the drying air outlet 39 of the heat exchanger 31 is formed in the upper portion of the side wall of the hanging duct 51.

  As a result, a part of the drying air flowing into the drooping duct 51 is supplied to the outer tub 2 through the short-circuit passage 52 and the circulation passage 3. Since the short-circuit passage 52 is formed in the upper part of the side wall of the hanging duct 51, the dry air supplied to the outer tub 2 through the short-circuit passage 52 is supplied to the outer tub 2 through the communication port 28 and the heat exchange unit 21 side. Since the blowing resistance is less than that of the drying air to be flowed, the total amount of the drying air circulated and supplied to the outer tub 2 is increased. Therefore, even if the flow of the drying air from the bypass passage 32 or the heat exchanger 31 passage is deteriorated for some reason, it is replenished from the short-circuit passage 52. Therefore, the total air volume of the circulating drying air is the air volume. Without reducing, the necessary amount can be secured and rather increased. Therefore, since the washing / drying machine 1 according to the present embodiment can circulate and supply a sufficient amount of circulating air to the outer tub 2, the drying efficiency of the laundry can be improved and the drying operation time can be shortened.

(Third embodiment)
The third embodiment shown in FIGS. 6 to 10 is a flap 62 (passage changing means) that can change the passage sectional area of the bypass passage 32 of the heat exchange unit 61 (corresponding to the heat exchange unit 21 in the first embodiment). ), Which will be described in detail below.

  FIG. 6 is a view corresponding to FIG. 1 showing a third embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 7 is an air flow showing the relationship between the opening degree of the bypass passage 32 and the amount of dry air flowing through the heat exchanger 31 passage and the bypass passage 32. FIG. FIG. 8 is a characteristic diagram showing changes in the characteristics of the dry air and the opening of the bypass passage 32 as the drying operation progresses, and FIG. 9 is a characteristic diagram showing the air volume characteristics and the like for each course operation. FIG. 10 is an operation explanatory diagram for explaining the amount of dry air flowing in the heat exchanger passage and the bypass passage 32 according to the amount of cooling water supplied to the heat exchanger 31 and the opening degree of the bypass passage 32.

  As shown in FIG. 6, at the lower end of the partition wall 30 that partitions the heat exchange unit 61 and forms the bypass passage 32, a rotating shaft of a stepping motor (not shown) that is driven and controlled by the control device 7 (see FIG. 2). 62a is inserted from the outside (the back side in the figure) of the heat exchange unit 61. The shape of the flap 62 is a rectangular plate having substantially the same shape as the opening, and one side of the flap 62 is attached and fixed to the rotating shaft 62a. The flap 62 reciprocates in the direction of the arrow about the rotating shaft 62a. To do. By rotating the flap 62, the bypass passage inlet 32a can be opened and closed, and the passage sectional area of the bypass passage 32 (the opening degree of the bypass passage 32) can be varied.

  When the lower side of the flap 62 is in contact with the side wall of the hanging duct 51 (this is also the side wall of the heat exchange unit 21 and the side wall of the bypass passage 32), the degree of opening of the bypass passage 32 is 0%. The passage cross-sectional area of the passage 32 is zero. When the flap 62 is positioned in line with the partition wall 30, the opening degree of the bypass passage 32 is 100%, that is, the passage cross-sectional area of the bypass passage 32 is maximized. However, in this embodiment, the minimum opening is not 0%, but is set to approximately 30%, and a part of the opening is always open and in communication.

  In this embodiment, the stepping motor has a step angle of, for example, 1 degree. However, the stepping motor is not limited to this. For example, the step angle may be changed to 3 degrees or 5 degrees. The smaller the step angle, the more finely the opening of the bypass passage 32 can be controlled.

  Next, the relationship between the opening degree of the bypass passage 32 and the amount of dry air flowing through the heat exchanger 31 passage and the bypass passage 32 will be described with reference to FIG. As shown in FIG. 7, as the opening degree of the bypass passage 32 increases, the amount of dry air flowing through the heat exchanger 31 gradually decreases and the amount of dry air flowing through the bypass passage 32 gradually increases. At any opening degree of the bypass passage 32, the sum of the amount of dry air flowing through the heat exchanger 31 and the bypass passage 32 is substantially equal to the amount of dry air flowing into the heat exchange unit 21.

  FIG. 8 is a two-stage configuration showing the drying air temperature and the same air volume characteristic on the upper stage side and the opening degree of the bypass passage 32 on the lower stage side, and shows the characteristic change according to the progress of the drying operation. Here, for example, a specific process of the drying operation of the standard course will be described below as a model case. First, in the drying operation, it can be divided into three strokes specifically associated with three phenomena depending on the progress from the start. That is, it is divided into a heating period at the beginning of the drying operation, a constant rate period in which the dehumidifying action (drying action) is actively performed, and a decrement period that is a finishing period in which the drying has progressed and the dehumidification is almost finished.

  In the heating period, assuming that, for example, the outside air temperature and the inside temperature of the outer tub 2 are equal at the initial time point, the dry air heated by the heater device 23 is generated, so that the temperature sensor 41 (see FIG. 6) corresponds to a period in which the drying air temperature based on 6) rapidly rises from the ambient temperature as the ambient temperature to a predetermined temperature.

  When the drying air temperature reaches the predetermined temperature, a constant rate period is reached, and the rapid temperature rise of the drying air stops, and the temperature characteristics in a stable state close to a flat shape are exhibited. The heat of the drying air is mainly used for the temperature rise of the laundry and the latent heat of vaporization of the water in the laundry, and the drying action of the laundry such as clothes proceeds most actively during the constant rate period. Dry air that has been performing heat exchange in a well-balanced manner with respect to the moisture contained in clothing or the like is released from the constant temperature state and proceeds to the rate-decreasing period as heating continues and the drying effect proceeds.

  During the rate-decreasing period, the control device 7 stops the energization drive to the heater device 23, but drying of the clothes and the like is further promoted by the preheating of the drying air, and then the air (cold air) accompanying the decrease in the drying air temperature is removed. Circulation supply to the tank 2 cools clothes and the like, and eventually the drive of the blower 22 is also stopped, the circulation of the drying air stops, the reduction period ends and the total drying operation time ends.

Next, a drying operation in which the opening degree of the bypass passage 32 is varied in accordance with the drying air temperature circulating through the circulation passage 3 will be described with reference to FIG.
In the heating period, at the initial stage of the drying operation (section indicated by period J in FIG. 8), the bypass passage 32 is opened to the maximum. That is, the control device 7 controls the rotation of the rotary shaft 62a (see FIG. 6) of the stepping motor (not shown) so that the opening degree of the bypass passage 32 becomes 100%. Energization of the air blower 22 and the heater device 23 (see FIG. 3) is started simultaneously with the start of the drying operation. Since the opening degree of the bypass passage 32 is 100%, the amount of dry air passing through the bypass passage 32 is maximized, and as a result, the amount of dry air flowing through the heat exchanger 31 passage is minimized. The so-called heat exchangeable dry air volume cooled by the water supplied to the heat exchanger 31 can be minimized. This can suppress the phenomenon of large water droplets in the heat exchanger 31 and can reduce the blowing resistance caused by the water droplets, allowing the dry air passing through the circulation passage 3 and the heater device 23 to pass smoothly. And the air volume can be increased.

  From the above, the drying air temperature that is substantially equal to the outside air temperature at the beginning of the drying operation can be efficiently increased to the predetermined temperature in a short time, and the drying operation time can be shortened to improve the drying efficiency of the laundry such as clothes. In addition, it is possible to sufficiently secure the drying air that circulates in the circulation passage 3, which can further contribute to the improvement of the drying efficiency of clothes and the like. The drying air temperature is measured by a temperature sensor 41 attached to the hanging duct 51. As shown in FIG. 8, when the drying air temperature reaches the predetermined temperature, the control device 7 controls the rotation of the rotary shaft 62a of the stepping motor until the opening degree of the bypass passage 32 is minimized (in the closing direction). ) Decrease gradually. The heated dry air contributes to the drying of clothes and the like, and the dry air containing moisture gradually flows in the heat exchanger 31 passage, and when the opening degree of the bypass passage 32 is minimized (for example, 30%). Degree), the maximum amount of dry air is caused to flow through the passage of the heat exchanger 31, and the dehumidification efficiency of the dry air can be further improved. The drying air that circulates in the circulation passage 3 is heated by the heater device 23, and the drying air temperature further rises, and shifts to a stable constant rate period of a predetermined temperature.

  During the drying operation, the opening degree of the bypass passage 32 is not reduced to 0%, and during the drying operation, a part of the circulating drying air is always passed through the bypass passage 32, and the effect (ensurement of air volume and Increase etc.) can be maintained. As a result, the amount of dry air flowing through the passage of the heat exchanger 31 can be suppressed, the abnormal winding phenomenon can be suppressed, and water droplets can be prevented from reaching the blower 22 on the downstream side, and electrical safety is ensured. Even if it is not abnormal, even if the rolled water droplets stay in the upper part of the heat exchanger 31 passage and become air blowing resistance, the air is passed through the bypass passage 32 without heat exchange (dehumidification). Thus, the air volume of the dry air is replenished and the air volume of the circulating dry air is not reduced as a whole, and a sufficient amount of dry air can be circulated and supplied into the outer tub 2, thereby improving the drying efficiency of clothes and the like. The minimum value of the opening degree of the bypass passage 32 may be variably adjusted to 0%. When the opening degree of the bypass passage 32 is set to 0%, all the drying air flowing into the heat exchange unit 21 flows into the heat exchanger 31 passage, and all the drying air is heat-exchanged to improve the dehumidification efficiency. .

  In the constant rate period, the drying air exhibits a stable temperature characteristic that stops the rapid temperature rise and rises little by little, and the drying action of clothes and the like is most actively performed. Even during this constant rate period, in order to keep the opening degree of the bypass passage 32 to a minimum, the amount of drying air flowing through the heat exchanger 31 passage becomes the maximum amount, the dehumidification efficiency of the heat exchanger 31 is maximized, and the drying efficiency is also increased. Go up.

  Further, when the drying by heating proceeds and the drying of the clothing or the like progresses, the constant rate period ends and the rate of decrease starts. During the rate-decreasing period, the drying action of clothing and the like rapidly progresses to a high temperature state, the temperature of the drying air (exhaust air) contributing to drying is rapidly increased, and the temperature sensor 41 detects this sudden increase in temperature, thereby controlling the temperature. The device 7 stops the energization drive of the heater device 23. Even if the heater device 23 is stopped, the drying air temperature rises due to inertia for a while. During the reduction period, the control device 7 controls the rotation of the rotary shaft 62a of the stepping motor and gradually increases the opening degree of the bypass passage 32 until it reaches 100%. During this time, the drying air further accelerates the drying of the laundry due to the preheating temperature. The opening degree of the bypass passage 32 is further increased, the amount of dry air flowing through the bypass passage 32 is increased, and the amount of dry air flowing through the heat exchanger 31 is decreased. For this reason, while the air volume to be heat-exchanged is reduced, it is supplemented by the air volume flowing from the bypass passage 32, and the dry air volume circulating through the circulation passage 3 is not reduced.

  Thus, since the drive of the heater device 23 is stopped, the drying air temperature gradually decreases as shown in FIG. When the opening amount of the bypass passage 32 becomes 100% and the maximum amount of dry air flows through the bypass passage 32, a large amount of cold dry air (cold air) is circulated and supplied to the outer tub 2, and clothes that are still hot Is quickly cooled, and eventually the driving of the blower 22 is stopped and the circulation of the drying air is stopped, the reduction period ends and the total drying operation time ends.

  As described above, by appropriately varying the opening degree of the bypass passage 32 according to the temperature of the drying air circulating through the circulation passage 3, a sufficient amount of drying air can be secured as necessary, or as necessary. Clothes etc. can be efficiently dried, such as the necessity degree of heat exchange (dehumidification) can be adjusted, and drying operation time can be shortened.

Next, a drying operation in which the opening degree of the bypass passage 32 is varied in accordance with the amount of dry air circulating through the circulation passage 3 will be described with reference to FIG.
FIG. 9 is a characteristic diagram showing, in upper and lower two stages, the changes in the characteristics of the drying air and the opening of the bypass passage 32 as the drying operation progresses, for example, comparing the standard course and the resting course. A holiday course is a course that is selected during a time when it is desired to suppress noise generated during dry operation such as at night.

  As shown in FIG. 9, the control unit 7 causes the fan rotation speed of the fan motor 22 b of the blower device 22 (see FIG. 3) to decrease during the rest course as compared with the standard course over the entire drying operation time. Be controlled. For this reason, compared to the standard course, the rest course has less dry air volume circulating through the circulation passage 3 and the noise generated during the drying operation is suppressed, but naturally the dry air volume contributing to the drying of clothes, etc. Less. Therefore, compared with the standard course, the rest course increases the opening amount of the bypass passage 32 over the entire drying operation time, thereby increasing the amount of dry air flowing through the bypass passage 32 and the bypass passage 32 when the standard course is selected. It is controlled so as to be substantially equal to the amount of dry air flowing through the air.

  From the above, the following effects are obtained. When the amount of dry air circulating through the circulation passage 3 is small as in a holiday course, the amount of dry air flowing through the bypass passage 32 is increased over the entire drying operation time by increasing the opening of the bypass passage 32. Although the amount of air flowing through the heat exchanger 31 is slightly reduced, it is replenished with the amount of dry air flowing from the bypass passage 32 into the circulation passage 3 such as in the fan casing 22a without heat exchange. As a result, the overall air volume is not greatly reduced, and as a result, a decrease in the dry air volume necessary for drying clothes and the like can be suppressed. Furthermore, since the amount of dry air flowing through the passage of the heat exchanger 31 is suppressed, it is possible to prevent water droplets in the heat exchanger 31 from being abnormally wound up and reaching the downstream air blower, thereby ensuring electrical safety. The In addition, the driving time of this resting course can be set longer than the standard course if necessary.

Next, a drying operation in which the opening degree of the bypass passage 32 is varied in accordance with the amount of water supplied to the heat exchanger 31 will be described with reference to FIGS.
FIG. 10 is an operation explanatory diagram showing the amount of dry air flowing through the heat exchanger 31 passage and the bypass passage 32 and the opening degree of the bypass passage 32 to be compared based on the difference in the amount of water supplied to the heat exchanger 31.

  The amount of water supplied to the heat exchanger 31 is affected by the water pressure of the tap water at the place where the washing / drying machine 1 is installed. If the water supply has a low water pressure, it will decrease. If the water pressure is high, it will increase. As described above, the amount of water supply during the washing operation has been measured by the flow meter 29a, and the determination criteria can be applied as it is. For example, it is discriminated in three stages (small water amount, standard water amount, large water amount), stored in the control device 7, and controlled as follows.

  If it is determined that the amount of water supplied to the heat exchanger 31 is “small amount of water”, the opening degree of the bypass passage 32 is as follows in the heating period and the decrement period shown in FIG. 10 (and FIG. 8). The opening degree is controlled to be “small”, which is smaller than the “standard water amount”. For this reason, the dry air volume of the bypass passage 32 is also smaller than the standard in the case of the “standard water volume”. This does not increase so much that the water droplets rolled up in the heat exchanger 31 stay and become a blowing resistance of the drying air, and circulates in the circulation passage 3 even if a large amount of drying air flows through the heat exchanger 31 passage. The air volume of the entire drying air is not reduced, and the dehumidifying efficiency of the heat exchanger 31 can be further increased.

  On the other hand, when the amount of water poured into the heat exchanger 31 is determined to be “a large amount of water”, the opening degree of the bypass passage 32 is controlled to be “large” that is larger than the standard in the case of the “standard amount of water”. For this reason, the dry air volume of the bypass passage 32 is also larger than the standard in the case of the “standard water volume”. That is, since the amount of water poured into the heat exchanger 31 is increased, it is possible to increase the dehumidification efficiency by exchanging heat with a large air volume. However, if the air volume is increased more than necessary, a large amount of water droplets will be wound up, and the water droplets may temporarily stay and become a blowing resistance, or may eventually lead to an abnormal situation of entering the blower 22 side. Is done. Accordingly, the opening degree of the bypass passage 32 is set to “large” so that not only the heat exchanger 31 passage side but also the bypass passage 32 side can blow a maximum amount of air, thereby avoiding the anxiety and the entire dry wind. The increase in the air volume can be expected to improve the drying efficiency of clothes and the like.

  In the present embodiment, the opening degree of the bypass passage 32 is controlled to be, for example, 0.8 times the opening degree of the bypass passage 32 when the opening degree of the bypass passage 32 is “standard”. That is, the opening degree “large” of the bypass passage 32 is controlled to an opening degree of the bypass passage 32 that is 1.2 times the opening degree of the bypass passage 32 when the opening degree of the bypass passage 32 is “standard”. I have to. In addition, in the division of the period J at the beginning of the heating period shown in FIG. 8, the amount of water poured into the heat exchanger 31 is any of “small amount of water”, “standard amount of water”, and “large amount of water”. The opening degree of the bypass passage 32 shown in FIG. 10 is preferentially controlled to 100%. As described above, since not only clothes but also the outer tub 2 and the circulation passage 3 are still in a low temperature state in the initial stage of the drying operation, the overall air volume can be increased more than when the drying air is cooled by the heat exchanger 31. It is advantageous for improving the drying performance.

  In the constant rate period shown in FIG. 10 (see FIG. 8), even if the amount of water supplied to the heat exchanger 31 is any of “small water amount”, “standard water amount”, and “large water amount”, the bypass passage The opening degree of 32 is “minimum” shown in FIG. 8, and the amount of dry air flow of the bypass passage 32 is also “minimum”. The constant rate period is a period in which the drying of clothes or the like is most promoted, and therefore, the maximum amount of drying air is passed through the passage of the heat exchanger 31 to improve the dehumidification efficiency. In addition, it is a common matter as a clothes dryer to have the operation state accompanying the progress of the drying operation shown in FIG. 8, that is, having a heating period, a constant rate period, and a decrement period.

(Fourth embodiment)
FIG. 11 is a view corresponding to FIG. 1 showing a fourth embodiment of the present invention. However, since it is particularly similar to the third embodiment, it will be described below in comparison with the third embodiment (see FIG. 6). In particular, a flap 72 (short-circuit amount varying means) is provided in the short-circuit passage 52 formed in the hanging duct 51 that is short-circuited to the drying air outlet 39 side of the heat exchange unit 71 and the heat exchanger 31, and the opening area of the short-circuit passage 52 is provided. This is characterized in that the (passage cross-sectional area) can be varied, which will be described in detail below.

  As shown in FIG. 11, at the lower end of the short-circuit passage 52, a rotating shaft 72a of a stepping motor (not shown) driven and controlled by the control device 7 (see FIG. 2) is located outward (rear side shown). From the side). The shape of the flap 72 is a rectangular plate-like body having substantially the same shape as the opening of the short-circuit passage 52. One side of the flap 72 is fixedly attached to the rotating shaft 72a, and the flap 72 rotates around the rotating shaft 72a. To do. By rotating the flap 72, the short circuit passage 52 can be opened and closed, and the opening area of the short circuit passage 52 (the opening degree of the short circuit passage 52) can be varied.

  When the flap 72 completely closes the opening of the short circuit passage 52, the short circuit passage 52 is fully closed, that is, the opening degree of the short circuit passage 52 is 0%. When the flap 72 is in contact with the inclined wall 30b, the short-circuit path 52 is fully opened, that is, the opening degree of the short-circuit path 52 is 100%. The control device 7 drives and controls each of the stepping motors so that the flap 62 and the flap 72 rotate in conjunction with each other. That is, the opening degree of the bypass passage 32 and the opening degree of the short-circuit passage 52 are controlled and interlocked so as to be always the same. Specifically, when the opening of the bypass passage 32 is 100%, the opening of the short-circuit passage 52 is 100%, and when the opening of the bypass passage 32 is 0%, the opening of the short-circuit passage 52 is 0%.

Next, the operation and effect of the washing / drying machine 1 according to this embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.
8, the opening degree of the bypass passage 32 is 100%, and the opening degree of the short circuit passage 52 linked to the opening degree of the bypass passage 32 is also 100%. The drive is controlled so that For this reason, the amount of dry air passing through the bypass passage 32 and the short-circuit passage 52 is maximized, and the amount of dry air passing through the heat exchanger 31 is minimized, which is caused by the water supplied to the heat exchanger 31. The amount of dry air to be cooled can be minimized. Furthermore, since the phenomenon in which the water splash wound up in the heat exchanger 31 stays can be reduced and the air blowing resistance can be suppressed, the amount of dry air passing through the circulation passage 3 and the heater device 23 can be increased.

  From the above, the drying air temperature substantially equal to the outside temperature at the beginning of the drying operation can be efficiently increased to the predetermined temperature in a short time, and the drying operation time can be shortened and the drying efficiency of clothes and the like can be improved. In addition, since it is possible to sufficiently secure the drying air that circulates in the circulation passage 3, it further contributes to the improvement of the laundry drying efficiency.

  When the drying air temperature reaches the predetermined temperature during the heating period (see FIG. 8), the opening degree of the bypass passage 32 and the short-circuit passage 52 is made equal to each other while the flap 62 and the flap 72 are interlocked with each other. It is gradually reduced until it reaches the minimum. The drying air passing through the bypass passage 32 and the short circuit passage 52 gradually decreases, and the drying air flowing through the heat exchanger 31 passage gradually increases. By providing the flap 72 in the short-circuit passage 52, the dry air that has flowed short-circuited from the short-circuit passage 52 to the drying air outlet 39 of the heat exchange unit 71 gradually flows into the heat exchanger 31 passage, and heat exchange is performed. The flow rate of the drying air flowing through the passage of the heat exchanger 31 can be increased, so that the dehumidification efficiency of the heat exchanger 31 can be improved.

  In the constant rate period (see FIG. 8), the opening degree of the bypass passage 32 and the short-circuit passage 52 is kept to a minimum. Even during the constant rate period, by providing the flap 72 in the short circuit passage 52, the dry air that has been short-circuited from the short circuit passage 52 to the drying air outlet 39 of the heat exchange unit 71 also flows into the heat exchanger 31 passage. Thus, it is possible to increase the flow rate of the drying air flowing through the passage of the heat exchanger 31, and thus it is possible to improve the dehumidification efficiency of the heat exchanger 31.

  In the reduction period (see FIG. 8), the opening degree of the bypass passage 32 and the short-circuit passage 52 is gradually increased until it reaches 100%. For this reason, the dry air that has flowed through the heat exchanger 31 passage and contributed to the dehumidifying action gradually increases and flows into the bypass passage 32 and the short-circuit passage 52 that do not contribute to the dehumidifying action. During this time, the drying air further accelerates the drying action of the clothes and the like by the preheating temperature. Therefore, as the opening degree of the bypass passage 32 and the short-circuit passage 52 increases, the amount of dry air flowing through the heat exchanger 31 passage naturally decreases. For this reason, the whole drying wind which circulates through the circulation channel | path 3 can be increased, avoiding becoming the ventilation resistance which can reduce appropriately the water splash wound up in the heat exchanger 31.

  After the heater device 23 stops driving, the drying air temperature gradually decreases as shown in FIG. 8 as in the first embodiment. However, in this embodiment, the opening degree of the bypass passage 32 and the short-circuit passage 52 is 100%, and the maximum amount of dry air flows through the bypass passage 32 and the short-circuit passage 52. For this reason, a large amount of chilled dry air (cold air) is circulated and supplied to the outer tub 2 to quickly cool clothes, etc., and the drive of the blower 22 is eventually stopped to stop the circulation of the dry air, and the rate reduction period ends. And the total drying operation time ends.

  As described above, by changing the opening degree of the short circuit passage 52 in conjunction with the opening degree of the bypass passage 32, the dry air that has flowed short-circuited from the short circuit passage 52 to the drying air outlet 39 of the heat exchange unit 71 is also obtained. If necessary, it contributes to an increase in the circulating air volume and contributes to an improvement in the dehumidification efficiency of the heat exchanger 31. For this reason, clothes etc. can be dried efficiently and drying operation time can be shortened.

  During the drying operation, the opening degree of the short circuit passage 52 is not reduced to 0% in this embodiment, and a part of the circulating drying air is always dried from the short circuit passage 52 to the heat exchange unit 71 during the drying operation. A short circuit flows to the air outlet 39. As a result, as in the case of the bypass passage 32, the amount of dry air flowing through the heat exchanger 31 passage can be suppressed, and an abnormal phenomenon in which the rolled water droplets reach the blower 22 on the downstream side can be prevented, or Even if the water droplets that have been rolled up stay in the form of a mist and become a blowing resistance of the heat exchanger 31 passage, the heat exchanger 31 and the bypass passage 32 are short-circuited to the fan casing 22a from the short-circuit passage 52. Since it is replenished by the air volume of the dry air flowing into the interior, the overall air volume of the circulating dry air is not greatly reduced, but a sufficient amount of dry air can be circulated and supplied to the outer tub 2 so that it can be dried. Efficiency can be improved. In addition, you may set the opening degree of the short circuit passage 52 to 0%, for example. Incidentally, when the opening degree of the short circuit passage 52 is set to 0%, the opening degree of the bypass passage 32 is also linked to 0%, so that all dry air flowing into the drooping duct 51 flows into the heat exchanger 31 passage, It becomes possible to increase the dehumidifying efficiency of the drying air.

  The present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above and shown in the drawings. For example, the present invention can be applied not only to a drum-type washing / drying machine having a washing function but also to a clothes drying machine having at least a drying function, Therefore, the drum arranged in the outer tub as a drying chamber is effective as a stirring means for clothes and the like in the drying operation, but instead, for example, a structure for hanging and supporting clothes and the like in a stationary state in the drying chamber. Also good.

  In addition, in the washing / drying machine according to the above-described embodiment, the example in which the heat exchange unit and the hanging duct are integrally formed is shown, but the present invention is not limited to this, and the heat exchange unit and the hanging duct are individually independent. May be formed. Various other modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the present invention.

  In the drawings, 1 is a washing dryer (clothing dryer), 2 is an outer tub (drying chamber), 3 is a circulation passage, 4 is a main body, 8 is a drum, 22 is a blower, 23 is a heater device, 27 and 51 are A hanging duct (ventilating duct), 31 is a heat exchanger, 32 is a bypass passage, 52 is a short-circuit passage, 62 is a flap (path variable means), and 72 is a flap (short-circuit amount variable means).

Claims (9)

A box-shaped body that forms the outer shell;
A drying chamber for drying clothes or the like disposed and accommodated inside the main body;
A circulation passage provided to circulate and supply the drying air to the drying chamber;
A dry air generating unit provided in a middle portion of the circulation passage and comprising a heater device and a blower device that generates the heated dry air;
A heat exchanger provided on the upstream side of the dry air generating unit in the circulation passage, and water-cooling dehumidifying moisture in the dry air;
A bypass passage that is provided in parallel with the passage in the heat exchanger and reduces the amount of the dry air flowing through the passage in the heat exchanger ;
The clothes dryer characterized by the rib which protrudes inward provided in the internal peripheral surface of the channel | path in the said heat exchanger . 2. The clothes dryer according to claim 1, wherein the flap side pivots to open and close the inlet side of the bypass passage. Clothes dryer of claim 1 wherein the cross-sectional area of the bypass passage variable can be characterized by the kite by the flap to pivot.   The clothes dryer according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the bypass passage is fully opened in the initial stage of the drying operation. 4. The clothes dryer according to claim 3, wherein the flap is variable according to the temperature of the drying air circulating in the circulation passage. 4. The clothes dryer according to claim 3, wherein the flap is variable in accordance with the amount of dry air circulating through the circulation passage. 4. The clothes dryer according to claim 3, wherein the flap is variable in accordance with a water supply amount for water cooling of the heat exchanger.   An upstream ventilation duct connected to the bypass passage and the inlet side of the heat exchanger is provided, and the duct has a short-circuit passage that is short-circuited to the outlet side of the heat exchanger. 4. The clothes dryer according to any one of 3.   9. The clothes dryer according to claim 8, wherein a short-circuit amount variable means is provided in the short-circuit passage of the ventilation duct, and the opening / closing thereof is interlocked with the opening / closing operation of the bypass passage.

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