WO2014024356A1

WO2014024356A1 - Dryer

Info

Publication number: WO2014024356A1
Application number: PCT/JP2013/002869
Authority: WO
Inventors: 松田　眞一; 明宏細川
Original assignee: パナソニック株式会社
Priority date: 2012-08-06
Filing date: 2013-04-26
Publication date: 2014-02-13
Also published as: DE112013003904T5; JP2014030666A

Abstract

The present invention discloses a dryer provided with: a drum (520) in which clothes are held; a fan (620) that blows dry air for drying the clothes into the drum; an exhaust air duct (650) that guides exhaust air discharged from the drum in a first direction oriented toward the fan; and heat exchange equipment (631, 632) that exchanges heat with the exhaust air that flows inside the exhaust air duct, and produces the dry air. The heat exchange equipment comprises a primary heat exchanger (631) positioned inside the exhaust air duct, and a secondary heat exchanger (632) positioned outside of the exhaust air duct. The secondary heat exchanger comprises a waste heat device (663) that discharges waste heat transferred from the primary heat exchanger, and a chiller (664) that blows in cool air for cooling the waste heat device. The chiller blows the cool air in a second direction that differs from the aforementioned first direction.

Description

Drying equipment

The present invention relates to a drying apparatus for drying clothes.

The drying device dries clothing using high-temperature and dry air (hereinafter referred to as “dry air”). Dry air is typically created using a heat exchanger. The heat exchanger includes a dehumidifier that removes heat from the air deprived of moisture from the garment and reduces the humidity of the air, and a heater that heats the air that has passed through the dehumidifier and creates dry air.

Patent Document 1 discloses a technique for improving the heat exchange efficiency of a heat exchanger. Patent Document 1 proposes an additional heat exhaust structure disposed outside a duct through which air passes. The exhaust heat structure promotes exhaust heat from the working medium circulated between the dehumidifier and the heater. After passing through the heater, the working medium exhausts heat through the exhaust heat structure. Thereafter, since the working medium passes through the dehumidifier, the dehumidifier can take a large amount of heat from the air. As a result, the heat exchange efficiency is improved.

If the heat released through the exhaust heat structure is transferred to the air used to dry the clothes, the heat exchange efficiency will be reduced as a result. Therefore, the exhaust heat structure needs to be separated from the air circulation path used for drying the clothes. The arrangement of the exhaust heat structure away from the dehumidifier and the heater complicates the design of the pipeline that defines the circulation path of the working medium. Alternatively, the arrangement of the exhaust heat structure separated from the dehumidifier and the heater may require a large housing to prevent interference with other devices used in the drying device.

JP-A-63-209700

An object of the present invention is to provide a drying apparatus that dries clothing using a heat exchange technique capable of achieving high heat exchange efficiency.

A drying device according to one aspect of the present invention is directed to a storage tank in which clothes are stored, a blower that sends dry air for drying the clothes to the storage tank, and exhaust air that is discharged from the storage tank to the blower. An exhaust duct that guides in a first direction, and a heat exchange device that exchanges heat with the exhaust air flowing through the exhaust duct to produce the dry air. The heat exchange device includes a main heat exchanger disposed in the exhaust duct and a sub heat exchanger disposed outside the exhaust duct. The auxiliary heat exchanger includes a heat exhauster that exhausts heat transferred from the main heat exchanger, and a cooler that sends cooling air for air cooling the exhaust heat exchanger. The cooler feeds the cooling air in a second direction different from the first direction.

The drying apparatus according to the present invention can dry clothes using a heat exchange technique capable of achieving high heat exchange efficiency.

The objects, features and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the following detailed description and the accompanying drawings.

It is a schematic block diagram of the washing dryer illustrated as a drying apparatus of 1st Embodiment. It is a schematic longitudinal cross-sectional view of the washing-drying machine shown by FIG. FIG. 3 is a schematic rear view of the washing / drying machine shown in FIG. 2. FIG. 3 is a schematic perspective view of the washing / drying machine shown in FIG. 2. FIG. 3 is a schematic front view of the washing / drying machine shown in FIG. 2. FIG. 3 is a schematic perspective view of the washing / drying machine shown in FIG. 2. FIG. 3 is a schematic plan view of the washing / drying machine shown in FIG. 2. It is the schematic of the heat pump apparatus of the washing-drying machine shown by FIG. FIG. 7 is a schematic perspective view of a second exhaust duct of the washing / drying machine shown in FIG. 6. FIG. 10 is a schematic left side view of the second exhaust duct shown in FIG. 9. FIG. 10 is a schematic plan view of a second exhaust duct shown in FIG. 9. FIG. 10 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a second exhaust duct along the line AA shown in FIG. 9. FIG. 10 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a second exhaust duct along the line BB shown in FIG. 9. It is a schematic sectional drawing of the washing dryer illustrated as a drying device of a 2nd embodiment. FIG. 15 is a schematic perspective view of the washing / drying machine illustrated in FIG. 14. It is a schematic perspective view of the 2nd exhaust duct arrange | positioned in the housing | casing of the washing / drying machine shown by FIG.

Hereinafter, a washing / drying machine (drying apparatus having a washing function) exemplified as a drying apparatus will be described with reference to the drawings. Note that terms used in the following description to indicate directions such as “up”, “down”, “left”, and “right” are merely for the purpose of clarifying the description. Therefore, these terms do not limit the principle of the drying apparatus. In the following description, a washing dryer is used to explain the principle of the drying device. However, an apparatus having only a drying function may be used as the drying apparatus.

<First Embodiment>
(Washing and drying machine)
FIG. 1 is a schematic block diagram of a washing / drying machine 100 exemplified as the drying device of the first embodiment. The washing / drying machine 100 will be described with reference to FIG. A solid arrow in FIG. 1 represents a control signal path or a force transmission path. The dotted arrows in FIG. 1 indicate the flow of water. The arrow of the dashed-dotted line in FIG. 1 represents the flow of air.

The washing / drying machine 100 includes a control unit 200, a water supply mechanism 300, a drainage mechanism 400, a clothing processing mechanism 500, a drying mechanism 600, and a housing 700. The laundry dryer 100 executes a washing process, a rinsing process, a dehydrating process, and a drying process. The control unit 200 controls the water supply mechanism 300, the drainage mechanism 400, the clothing processing mechanism 500, and the drying mechanism 600 according to these processes. The housing 700 houses the control unit 200, the water supply mechanism 300, the drainage mechanism 400, the clothing processing mechanism 500, and the drying mechanism 600.

Clothing processing mechanism 500 includes a motor 510 and a washing tub 520. The user can store the clothes in the washing tub 520. The control unit 200 controls the motor 510 to rotate the washing tub 520 in the washing process, the rinsing process, the dehydrating process, and the drying process. As a result of the rotation of the washing tub 520, the clothes are agitated. In the present embodiment, the washing tub 520 is exemplified as a storage tub.

The water supply mechanism 300 includes a water supply valve 310, a switching valve 320, and a detergent container 330. The water supply valve 310 and the switching valve 320 operate under the control of the control unit 200 in the washing process and the rinsing process. The user can store the detergent in the detergent container 330.

The control unit 200 opens the water supply valve 310 in order to supply water to the washing tub 520 in the washing process and the rinsing process. The water that flows in through the water supply valve 310 reaches the switching valve 320. In the washing process, the control unit 200 operates the switching valve 320 to set a water supply path from the detergent container 330 to the washing tub 520. As a result, water containing a detergent is supplied to the washing tub 520 in the washing step. In the rinsing step, the control unit 200 operates the switching valve 320 to set a water supply path that goes directly from the switching valve 320 to the washing tub 520. As a result, tap water is supplied to the washing tub 520 in the rinsing step.

The drainage mechanism 400 includes a circulation pump 410, a drain valve 420, and a filter device 430. The control unit 200 appropriately controls the circulation pump 410 and the drain valve 420 in the washing process and the rinsing process. As a result, the washing step and the rinsing step are performed under a small amount of water.

The drain valve 420 is closed while the control unit 200 operates the circulation pump 410. While the circulation pump 410 is operating, the water supplied to the washing tub 520 by the water supply mechanism 300 is circulated between the circulation pump 410 and the washing tub 520. The filter device 430 is disposed in the water path from the washing tub 520 to the circulation pump 410. The filter device 430 removes dust from the water discharged from the washing tub 520.

In the washing process and the rinsing process, when the control unit 200 opens the drain valve 420, unnecessary water in the washing tub 520 is discharged out of the casing 700. The controller 200 may open the drain valve 420 also in the dehydration process. In the dehydration process, the water separated from the clothing is discharged out of the housing 700 through the drain valve 420.

The drying mechanism 600 includes an air filter device 610, a blower 620, and a heat pump device 630. The controller 200 operates the blower 620 and the heat pump device 630 in the drying process. While the blower 620 operates, the air in the washing tub 520 is circulated between the washing tub 520 and the blower 620. The air filter device 610 and the heat pump device 630 are arranged in an air path from the washing tub 520 to the blower 620. The air filter device 610 is disposed between the washing tub 520 and the heat pump device 630. Therefore, the air filter device 610 can remove dust from the discharged air discharged from the washing tub 520. Thereafter, the heat pump device 630 exchanges heat with the exhaust air to produce dry air. The dry air is then fed into the washing tub 520 by the blower 620. In the present embodiment, the heat pump device 630 is exemplified as a heat exchange device.

Clothing is agitated by the rotation of the washing tub 520. The dry air that has flowed into the washing tub 520 collides with clothes and takes away moisture. As a result, the clothes are dried. The humidity of the air that collides with clothing increases. The air that has collided with the clothing is then discharged from the washing tub 520 as discharged air.

FIG. 2 is a schematic longitudinal sectional view of the washing / drying machine 100. The washing / drying machine 100 will be further described with reference to FIG.

The casing 700 is erected between the bottom wall 710 lying substantially horizontally below the washing tub 520, the top wall 720 lying substantially horizontally above the washing tub 520, and the bottom wall 710 and the top wall 720. A front wall 730 and a rear wall 740 opposite to the front wall 730 are included. The washer / dryer 100 includes a rotatable door body 110 attached to the front wall 730. The front wall 730 is formed with an insertion port 731 that communicates with the washing tub 520. The door body 110 rotates between a closed position where the charging port 731 is closed and an open position where the charging port 731 is opened. Note that the door 110 shown in FIG. 2 is in the closed position.

The washing tub 520 opens toward the front wall 730. The user can turn the door body 110 to the open position and put the clothes into the washing tub 520 through the insertion port 731. Thereafter, the user can close the door body 110 and confine the clothes in the washing tub 520.

The washing tub 520 includes a rotating drum 530 that rotates about a rotation axis RX that extends substantially horizontally between the front wall 730 and the rear wall 740, and a water tank 540 that houses the rotating drum 530. The water tank 540 includes a substantially cylindrical outer peripheral wall 541 that surrounds the rotation axis RX, and an outer bottom wall 542 that closes a space surrounded by the rear end of the outer peripheral wall 541.

FIG. 3 is a schematic rear view of the washing / drying machine 100. The washing / drying machine 100 will be further described with reference to FIGS. 2 and 3. In addition, the rear wall 740 is removed from the washing / drying machine 100 shown in FIG.

The housing 700 further includes a left wall 750 standing between the front wall 730 and the rear wall 740, and a right wall 760 opposite to the left wall 750. The motor 510 described above is disposed at the corners defined by the right wall 760, the bottom wall 710 and the rear wall 740. The clothing processing mechanism 500 includes a rotating shaft 551 that passes through the outer bottom wall 542 and is connected to the rotating drum 530, a pulley 552 that is attached to the rotating shaft 551, and an endless belt 553 that transmits driving force from the motor 510 to the pulley 552. ,including. Therefore, the motor 510 can appropriately rotate the rotating drum 530 in the water tank 540. In the present embodiment, the left wall 750 is exemplified as the side wall and the first wall. The right wall 760 is exemplified as the second wall.

The above-described blower 620 is disposed at a corner portion defined by the left wall 750, the bottom wall 710, and the rear wall 740. The blower 620 is installed on the bottom wall 710. The drying mechanism 600 includes an inflow duct 640 disposed between the rear wall 740 and the outer bottom wall 542. Inflow duct 640 is connected to blower 620 and outer bottom wall 542. The inflow duct 640 guides dry air from the blower 620 to the washing tub 520 along the rear wall 740. The inflow duct 640 is curved so as to surround the pulley 552 that rotates between the outer bottom wall 542 and the rear wall 740. The outer bottom wall 542 is formed with an inlet (not shown) that allows air to flow into the washing tub 520. In addition, the technique of introducing dry air from the blower 620 to the washing tub 520 may be the same as the technique used for a known drying apparatus.

FIG. 4 is a schematic perspective view of the washing / drying machine 100. FIG. 5 is a schematic front view of the washing / drying machine 100. The washing / drying machine 100 will be further described with reference to FIGS. 2, 4 and 5. Note that the top wall 720 and the front wall 730 are removed from the washing and drying machine 100 shown in FIG. The front wall 730 is removed from the washing / drying machine 100 shown in FIG.

The water tank 540 includes an annular outer front wall 543 that protrudes inward from the front edge of the outer peripheral wall 541, and an annular protrusion 544 that protrudes from the inner edge of the outer front wall 543 toward the front wall 730. The drying mechanism 600 further includes an exhaust duct 650 that guides exhaust air discharged from the washing tub 520 to the blower 620. The exhaust duct 650 is connected to the upper part of the outer front wall 543 and the blower 620.

The exhaust duct 650 includes a first exhaust duct 651 extending along the front wall 730 from the outer front wall 543 toward the bottom wall 710, and a second exhaust duct bent from the first exhaust duct 651 and extending toward the blower 620. 652. Second exhaust duct 652 includes a junction box 653 connected to first exhaust duct 651. The air filter device 610 described above is disposed in the junction box 653.

The first exhaust duct 651 is curved between the outer front wall 543 and the connection box 653 toward the left wall 750 so as to surround the protruding portion 544. In the present embodiment, the housing 700 is made of metal. Therefore, the heat of the exhaust air flowing along the first exhaust duct 651 is easily released to the outside of the casing 700 through the metal left wall 750.

The exhaust air that has reached the lower end of the first exhaust duct 651 flows into the junction box 653. The air filter device 610 removes dust from the exhaust air that has flowed into the junction box 653. The second exhaust duct 652 extends from a connection box 653 disposed near the front wall 730 toward the rear wall 740 and is connected to the blower 620. A part of the heat pump device 630 described above is disposed in the second exhaust duct 652. The heat pump device 630 disposed between the air filter device 610 and the blower 620 exchanges heat with the exhaust air flowing through the second exhaust duct 652 to produce dry air. In the present embodiment, the direction from the front wall 730 toward the rear wall 740 (that is, the extending direction of the second exhaust duct 652) is exemplified as the first direction.

FIG. 6 is a schematic perspective view of the washing / drying machine 100. FIG. 7 is a schematic plan view of the washing / drying machine 100. The washing / drying machine 100 will be further described with reference to FIGS. 2, 6 and 7. The top wall 720, the front wall 730, the first exhaust duct 651, and the washing tub 520 are removed from the washing and drying machine 100 shown in FIG. The top wall 720, the first exhaust duct 651, and the washing tub 520 are removed from the washing / drying machine 100 shown in FIG.

6 and 7, the second exhaust duct 652 extends along the left wall 750. Second exhaust duct 652 includes an accommodating portion 654 formed between junction box 653 and blower 620.

(Heat pump device)
FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram of the heat pump device 630. The heat pump device 630 will be described with reference to FIGS.

The heat pump device 630 includes a main heat exchanger 631 disposed in the housing portion 654, and a sub heat exchanger 632 that discharges heat received from the main heat exchanger 631 outside the second exhaust duct 652. The main heat exchanger 631 includes a dehumidifying unit 633 that dehumidifies exhaust air flowing through the second exhaust duct 652, and a heating unit 634 that heats the dehumidified exhaust air and generates dry air.

The heat pump device 630 includes a compressor 635 that compresses the working medium flowing toward the heating unit 634, a pressure reducing valve 636 that depressurizes the working medium flowing toward the dehumidifying unit 633, and a circulation tube 637 that defines a circulation path of the working medium. Further included. The circulation tube 637 forms a closed loop that passes through the compressor 635, the heating unit 634, the pressure reducing valve 636, and the dehumidifying unit 633. In the present embodiment, the pressure reducing valve 636 is exemplified as a pressure reducing unit. The circulation tube 637 is exemplified as a circulation path.

The circulation tube 637 that guides the working medium from the pressure reducing valve 636 toward the compressor 635 is bent many times in the accommodating portion 654. The dehumidifying part 633 includes a number of cooling fins 638 attached to the bent circulation tube 637. The working medium from the pressure reducing valve 636 toward the compressor 635 is cooled by the pressure reduction by the pressure reducing valve 636. As a result, the circulation tube 637 that guides the working medium from the pressure reducing valve 636 toward the compressor 635 and the cooling fins 638 attached to the circulation tube 637 are also cooled. When the exhaust air passes through the dehumidifying part 633, the cooling fins 638 take heat from the exhaust air. As a result, moisture contained in the exhaust air is condensed on the cooling fins 638. Therefore, the humidity of the exhaust air decreases. In the present embodiment, the cooling fin 638 is exemplified as a dehumidifying fin.

The circulation tube 637 that guides the working medium from the compressor 635 toward the pressure reducing valve 636 is bent and bent many times in the housing portion 654. The heating unit 634 includes a number of heating fins 639 attached to the bent circulation tube 637. Due to the compression by the compressor 635, the working medium from the compressor 635 toward the pressure reducing valve 636 is heated. As a result, the working medium heading from the compressor 635 to the pressure reducing valve 636 and the heating fin 639 attached to the circulation tube 637 are also heated. When the exhaust air passes through the heating unit 634, the heating fins 639 give heat to the exhaust air and create dry air.

The cooling fin 638 includes a cooling surface 661 extending along the flow of exhaust air flowing from the connection box 653 disposed near the front wall 730 toward the blower 620 disposed near the rear wall 740. The exhaust air is mainly cooled by the cooling surface 661. The heating fin 639 includes a heating surface 662 extending along the flow of exhaust air flowing from the connection box 653 disposed near the front wall 730 toward the blower 620 disposed near the rear wall 740. The exhaust air is mainly heated by the heating surface 662. In the present embodiment, the cooling surface 661 and the heating surface 662 are exemplified as heat exchange surfaces.

The auxiliary heat exchanger 632 is formed between the heating unit 634 and the pressure reducing valve 636. The circulation tube 637 defines a guide path for guiding the working medium between the heating unit 634 and the pressure reducing valve 636. The circulation tube 637 is bent many times between the heating unit 634 and the pressure reducing valve 636. The working medium is guided by a multi-bent guide path and flows in the auxiliary heat exchanger 632. Therefore, the auxiliary heat exchanger 632 receives heat from the main heat exchanger 631 through the working medium.

The auxiliary heat exchanger 632 includes a heat exhauster 663 that exhausts heat from the working medium sent from the heating unit 634, and a fan device 664 that sends cooling air for cooling the exhaust heat exchanger 663. The fan device 664 sends cooling air toward the left wall 750 (that is, the fan device 664 sends cooling air in a direction away from the second exhaust duct 652). The heat exhauster 663 is disposed between the fan device 664 and the left wall 750. The cooling air passes through the heat exhauster 663 and promotes exhaust heat from the working medium. In the present embodiment, the direction from the right wall 760 to the left wall 750 and / or the direction from the left wall 750 to the right wall 760 is perpendicular to the flow direction of the exhaust air flowing through the second exhaust duct 652. Therefore, it is illustrated as the second direction. The fan device 664 is exemplified as a cooler. The second direction may be a direction different from the flow direction of the exhaust air flowing through the second exhaust duct 652 (air flowing from the main heat exchanger 631 to the blower 620), and is not limited to a right angle direction.

As shown in FIG. 6, the auxiliary heat exchanger 632 is disposed closer to the left wall 750 than to the right wall 760. Therefore, the heat transferred from the heat exhauster 663 to the cooling air is discharged out of the casing 700 through the left wall 750.

As shown in FIG. 6, the auxiliary heat exchanger 632 is installed on the housing portion 654. Therefore, the auxiliary heat exchanger 632 is positioned above the main heat exchanger 631 disposed in the housing portion 654. As a result, heat convection from the auxiliary heat exchanger 632 to the housing portion 654 is less likely to occur.

As shown in FIG. 8, the heat exhauster 663 includes a number of heat exhaust fins 665 attached to a circulation tube 637 that is bent between the heating unit 634 and the pressure reducing valve 636. The heat exhaust fin 665 includes a heat exhaust surface 666 extending from the fan device 664 disposed between the right wall 760 and the left wall 750 toward the left wall 750. The heat exhauster 663 mainly exhausts heat through the heat exhaust surface 666.

FIG. 9 is a schematic perspective view of the second exhaust duct 652. The second exhaust duct 652 will be described with reference to FIGS. 8 and 9.

The second exhaust duct 652 includes an upper cover 655 that covers the upper part of the main heat exchanger 631 and a lower cover 656 that covers the lower part of the main heat exchanger 631. The auxiliary heat exchanger 632 (the fan device 664 and the heat exhaustor 663) is supported by the upper cover 655.

The upper cover 655 includes a compressor cover portion 657 that covers the compressor 635. The compressor cover portion 657 is surrounded by the left wall 750, the connection box 653, the housing portion 654, and the fan device 664. Therefore, the compressor 635, the main heat exchanger 631, and the auxiliary heat exchanger 632 are densely arranged near the left wall 750.

FIG. 10 is a schematic left side view of the second exhaust duct 652. FIG. 11 is a schematic plan view of the second exhaust duct 652. FIG. 12 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the second exhaust duct 652 along the line AA shown in FIG. The second exhaust duct 652 will be further described with reference to FIGS. 9 to 12. Note that the upper cover 655 is removed from the second exhaust duct 652 shown in FIGS. 10 and 11.

As described above, the compressor 635, the main heat exchanger 631, and the auxiliary heat exchanger 632 are densely arranged near the left wall 750, so that the circulation tube 637 includes the left wall 750, the main heat exchanger 631, and the like. It is mainly piped in the space between. As shown in FIG. 12, the main heat exchanger 631 and the circulation tube 637 are connected within the housing portion 654. Since the upper cover 655 blocks the cooling air sent out by the fan device 664, the cooling air hardly affects the temperature of the working medium flowing into and out of the main heat exchanger 631.

As shown in FIG. 9, the compressor cover 657 includes a protrusion 658 that protrudes between the left wall 750 and the auxiliary heat exchanger 632. As shown in FIG. 10, a part of the circulation tube 637 is disposed above the main heat exchanger 631 for connection with the compressor 635. Since the protrusion 658 appropriately covers the circulation tube 637 disposed above the main heat exchanger 631, the cooling air hardly affects the temperature of the working medium flowing into and out of the compressor 635.

FIG. 13 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the second exhaust duct 652 along the line BB shown in FIG. The second exhaust duct 652 will be further described with reference to FIG.

The lower cover 656 includes a protruding wall 671 protruding downward so as to be separated from the dehumidifying part 633, a rib 672 protruding upward from the protruding wall 671 and supporting the dehumidifying part 633, and a connecting pipe protruding downward from the protruding wall 671. 673. The protruding wall 671 receives water dripped from the dehumidifying part 633 supported by the rib 672. Thereafter, the water is discharged from the second exhaust duct 652 through the connection pipe 673.

(Relationship between circulating air and cooling air)
The relationship between the circulating air circulated by the blower 620 and the cooling air sent out by the fan device 664 will be described with reference to FIGS. 2 and 9.

As described with reference to FIG. 2, the blower 620 sucks air in the washing tub 520 through the exhaust duct 650. Thereafter, the blower 620 reflows air into the washing tub 520 through the inflow duct 640. The first exhaust duct 651 is disposed closer to the front wall 730 than the inflow duct 640. The inflow duct 640 is disposed closer to the rear wall 740 than the first exhaust duct 651. As a result, a long distance is provided between the first exhaust duct 651 and the inflow duct 640. The auxiliary heat exchanger 632 is further away from the front wall 730 than the first exhaust duct 651, and is further away from the rear wall 740 than the inflow duct 640.

As shown in FIG. 9, the fan device 664 blows out cooling air toward the left wall 750. Therefore, the cooling air has little thermal effect on the exhaust air flowing in the first exhaust duct 651 and the dry air flowing in the inflow duct 640. Therefore, the washing / drying machine 100 can produce dry air under high heat exchange efficiency.

Second Embodiment
FIG. 14 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a washing / drying machine 100A exemplified as the drying device of the second embodiment. The same code | symbol is attached | subjected with respect to the characteristic part which is common in 1st Embodiment. Description of 1st Embodiment is used with respect to the characteristic part to which the same code | symbol was attached | subjected. The washing / drying machine 100A will be described with reference to FIG.

As in the first embodiment, the washing / drying machine 100A includes a water supply mechanism 300, a drainage mechanism 400, and a clothing processing mechanism 500. The laundry dryer 100A further includes a drying mechanism 600A and a housing 700A. The drying mechanism 600A includes a blower 620 and an air filter device 610, as in the first embodiment. The drying mechanism 600A further includes a heat pump device 630A.

FIG. 15 is a schematic perspective view of the washing / drying machine 100A. The housing 700A will be described with reference to FIG. Note that the top wall and front wall of the casing 700A are removed from the washing and drying machine 100A shown in FIG. The top wall and the front wall of the housing 700A are the same as in the first embodiment.

The housing 700 </ b> A includes a left wall 750 </ b> A that is erected on the left side of the washing tub 520. The right wall 760 is erected on the opposite side of the left wall 750A. The left wall 750A is formed with an air introduction port 751 that allows introduction of outside air outside the housing 700A. Other structures of the housing 700A are the same as those in the first embodiment.

FIG. 16 is a schematic perspective view of the second exhaust duct 652 arranged in the housing 700A. The heat pump device 630A is described with reference to FIG.

The heat pump device 630A includes a sub heat exchanger 632A disposed adjacent to the air inlet 751. Similar to the first embodiment, the auxiliary heat exchanger 632 </ b> A includes a heat exchanger 663. The auxiliary heat exchanger 632A further includes a fan device 664A disposed between the heat exchanger 663 and the left wall 750A. The fan device 664 </ b> A sucks outside air through the air inlet 751 and sends the outside air as cooling air toward the right wall 760. Exhaust heat from the heat exhauster 663 is promoted by the outside air flowing in through the air inlet 751. The other structure of the heat pump device 630A is the same as that of the first embodiment. In the present embodiment, the fan device 664A is exemplified as a cooler.

In the present embodiment, the air inlet 751 is formed in the left wall 750A. Alternatively, the air inlet may be formed in the bottom wall. If the air inlet is formed immediately below the fan device, the fan device can appropriately introduce the air outside the housing into the housing. If the air inlet is formed directly below the fan device, the fan device may send cooling air toward the left wall in the same manner as in the first embodiment.

In the various embodiments described above, the fan device delivers cooling air in the horizontal direction. Alternatively, the fan device may send cooling air in the vertical direction to air-cool the exhaust heat generator. For example, the fan device may send cooling air toward the top wall of the housing. If the heat sink is disposed between the fan device and the ceiling wall, the fan device can properly cool the heat sink. Alternatively, the fan device may send cooling air toward the bottom wall of the housing. If the heat sink is disposed between the fan device and the bottom wall, the fan device can properly cool the heat sink.

The embodiment described above mainly includes the following configuration.

The drying device according to one aspect of the above-described embodiment includes a storage tank in which clothing is stored, a blower that sends dry air that dries the clothing to the storage tank, and exhaust air that is discharged from the storage tank. And an exhaust duct that guides in a first direction toward the first direction, and a heat exchange device that exchanges heat with the exhausted air flowing through the exhaust duct to produce the dry air. The heat exchange device includes a main heat exchanger disposed in the exhaust duct and a sub heat exchanger disposed outside the exhaust duct. The auxiliary heat exchanger includes a heat exhauster that exhausts heat transferred from the main heat exchanger, and a cooler that sends cooling air for air cooling the exhaust heat exchanger. The cooler feeds the cooling air in a second direction different from the first direction.

According to the above configuration, since the blower sends dry air into the storage tank, the clothes in the storage tank are appropriately dried. As a result of air supply from the blower, exhaust air is discharged from the storage tank. The exhaust air is guided in the first direction by the exhaust duct and heads for the blower. While the exhaust air flows through the exhaust duct, the main heat exchanger disposed in the exhaust duct exchanges heat with the exhaust air. As a result, the heat exchange device can produce dry air. Since the exhaust heat exchanger of the auxiliary heat exchanger disposed outside the exhaust duct exhausts heat transferred from the main heat exchanger, the heat exchange rate in the main heat exchanger increases. The cooler that cools the heat exhauster sends the cooling air in a second direction different from the first direction, so that the heat exhausted from the heat exhauster hardly affects the dry air and the exhaust air thermally. Become. Thus, the drying device can dry the garment using a heat exchange technique that can achieve high heat exchange efficiency.

In the above configuration, the drying device may further include a housing in which the storage tank is stored. The housing may include a first wall disposed near the auxiliary heat exchanger.

According to the above configuration, since the first wall of the casing is disposed near the sub heat exchanger, the exhaust heat from the sub heat exchanger is easily released outside the casing through the first wall.

In the above configuration, the first wall may be made of metal.

According to the above configuration, since the first wall is made of metal, the exhaust heat from the auxiliary heat exchanger is easily conducted in the first wall. Therefore, the heat is easily discharged out of the housing through the first wall.

In the above configuration, the drying device may further include a housing in which the storage tank is stored. The housing may include a first wall disposed near the auxiliary heat exchanger, and a second wall opposite to the first wall. The cooler may send the cooling air toward the second wall.

According to the above configuration, the cooler feeds the cooling air toward the second wall opposite to the first wall disposed near the sub heat exchanger, so the exhaust heat from the sub heat exchanger is , Diffused in the housing. Since the direction in which the cooling air is sent is a second direction different from the first direction, the exhaust heat from the heat exhauster is less likely to be thermally affected by the dry air and the exhaust air. Thus, the drying device can dry the garment using a heat exchange technique that can achieve high heat exchange efficiency.

In the above configuration, the housing may include a bottom wall lying below the storage tank. An air inlet that allows inflow of outside air outside the housing may be formed in the bottom wall. The cooler may send air flowing in from the air inlet as the cooling air.

According to the above configuration, the auxiliary heat exchanger is appropriately cooled by the outside air outside the casing. Thus, the drying device can dry the garment using a heat exchange technique that can achieve high heat exchange efficiency.

In the above configuration, the first wall may be formed with an air inlet that allows inflow of outside air outside the housing. The cooler may send air flowing in from the air inlet as the cooling air.

In the above configuration, the drying device may further include a housing in which the storage tank is stored. The housing may include a first wall disposed near the auxiliary heat exchanger, and a top wall lying above the storage tank. The cooler may send the cooling air toward the top wall. The exhaust duct may be extended along the first wall.

According to the above configuration, the cooler feeds the cooling air toward the top wall lying above the storage tank, so that the exhaust heat from the auxiliary heat exchanger is diffused in the casing. Since the direction in which the cooling air is sent is a second direction different from the first direction, the exhaust heat from the heat exhauster is less likely to be thermally affected by the dry air and the exhaust air. Thus, the drying device can dry the garment using a heat exchange technique that can achieve high heat exchange efficiency. Since the exhaust duct extends along the first wall, the main heat exchanger in the exhaust duct is also disposed near the first wall. Since both the main heat exchanger and the sub heat exchanger are concentrated in the vicinity of the first wall, the layout design of the heat exchange device is facilitated.

In the above configuration, the drying device may further include a housing in which the storage tank is stored. The housing may include a first wall disposed near the auxiliary heat exchanger and a bottom wall lying below the storage tank. The cooler may send the cooling air toward the bottom wall. The exhaust duct may be extended along the first wall.

According to the above configuration, the cooler feeds the cooling air toward the bottom wall lying below the storage tank, so that the exhaust heat from the auxiliary heat exchanger is diffused in the casing. Since the direction in which the cooling air is sent is a second direction different from the first direction, the exhaust heat from the heat exhauster is less likely to be thermally affected by the dry air and the exhaust air. Thus, the drying device can dry the garment using a heat exchange technique that can achieve high heat exchange efficiency. Since the exhaust duct extends along the first wall, the main heat exchanger in the exhaust duct is also disposed near the first wall. Since both the main heat exchanger and the sub heat exchanger are concentrated in the vicinity of the first wall, the layout design of the heat exchange device is facilitated.

In the above configuration, the exhaust duct may be extended along the first wall.

According to the above configuration, since the exhaust duct extends along the first wall, the main heat exchanger in the exhaust duct is also disposed near the first wall. Since both the main heat exchanger and the sub heat exchanger are concentrated in the vicinity of the first wall, the layout design of the heat exchange device is facilitated.

In the above configuration, the casing is erected between a front wall in which an input port communicating with the storage tank is formed, a rear wall opposite to the front wall, and the front wall and the rear wall. And a side wall. The side wall may be the first wall.

According to the above configuration, since the exhaust duct extends along the side wall, the main heat exchanger in the exhaust duct is also disposed near the side wall. Since both the main heat exchanger and the sub heat exchanger are centrally arranged near the side wall, the layout design of the heat exchange device is facilitated.

In the above configuration, the housing may include a bottom wall lying below the storage tank. The exhaust duct includes a first exhaust duct extending along the front wall from the storage tank toward the bottom wall, a first exhaust duct bent from the first exhaust duct, and extending in the first direction toward the blower. 2 exhaust ducts. The blower may be installed on the bottom wall. The main heat exchanger may be disposed in the second exhaust duct.

According to the above configuration, since the blower is installed on the bottom wall, the second exhaust duct extending in the first direction is arranged along the bottom wall. Since the cooler sends cooling air in a second direction different from the extending direction of the second exhaust duct in which the main heat exchanger is disposed, the exhaust heat from the auxiliary heat exchanger flows in the first exhaust duct. Less affected by exhaust air. Thus, the drying device can dry the garment using a heat exchange technique that can achieve high heat exchange efficiency.

In the above configuration, the drying device may further include an inflow duct for guiding the dry air from the blower to the storage tank along the rear wall. The first exhaust duct may be disposed closer to the front wall than the inflow duct. The inflow duct may be disposed closer to the rear wall than the first exhaust duct. The cooler may be further away from the front wall than the first exhaust duct and further away from the rear wall than the inflow duct.

According to the above configuration, the blower sends the dry air produced by the heat exchange device to the storage tank through the inflow duct. Therefore, the clothes are properly dried in the storage tank. The cooler that is further away from the front wall than the first exhaust duct and further away from the rear wall than the inflow duct sends out the cooling air in the second direction, so the exhaust heat from the auxiliary heat exchanger is The exhaust air flowing in the first exhaust duct and the dry air flowing in the inflow duct are hardly affected. Thus, the drying device can dry the garment using a heat exchange technique that can achieve high heat exchange efficiency.

In the above configuration, the main heat exchanger may include a dehumidifying unit that dehumidifies the exhausted air and a heating unit that heats the exhausted air dehumidified by the dehumidifying unit and generates the dry air.

According to the above configuration, the dehumidifying unit reduces the humidity of the exhaust air. Then, a heating part heats exhaust air and produces dry air. Therefore, the drying apparatus can dry clothes appropriately using dry air.

In the above configuration, the heat exchange device includes a circulation path that defines a circulation path of the working medium between the dehumidifying unit and the heating unit, a compressor that compresses the working medium, and a decompression that depressurizes the working medium. May be included. The circulation path may define a guide path for guiding the working medium to the exhaust heat generator between the heating unit and the decompression unit.

According to the above configuration, the circulation path guides the working medium to the exhaust heat exchanger between the heating unit and the decompression unit, so that the heat of the main heat exchanger passes to the sub heat exchanger via the working medium. Communicated. Since the auxiliary heat exchanger promotes exhaust heat from the working medium, the temperature of the working medium flowing into the decompression unit is reduced. As a result, a low-temperature working medium is created by the decompression of the decompression unit. Thus, the drying device can dry the garment using a heat exchange technique that can achieve high heat exchange efficiency.

In the above-described configuration, the dehumidifying unit may include a heat removal fin that removes heat from the exhausted air flowing in the exhaust duct using the working medium cooled by the decompression by the decompression unit. The heating unit may include a heating fin that applies heat of the working medium compressed by the compressor to the exhaust air flowing in the exhaust duct. The heat removal fin and the heating fin may include a heat exchange surface along the first direction.

According to the above configuration, since the heat removal fin and the heating fin have a heat exchange surface along the first direction, the exhaust air flowing in the first direction smoothly flows in the exhaust duct, and the main heat exchanger. Heat exchange can be performed.

In the above configuration, the heat exhauster may include a heat exhaust fin including a heat exhaust surface along the second direction.

According to the above configuration, since the heat exhaustor includes the heat exhaust surface along the second direction, the cooling air flowing in the second direction smoothly flows along the heat exhaust surface and is exhausted from the sub heat exchanger. Can promote heat.

In the above configuration, the second direction may be a direction perpendicular to the first direction.

According to the above configuration, since the second direction is a direction perpendicular to the first direction, the exhaust heat from the heat exhauster hardly affects the dry air and the exhaust air thermally. Thus, the drying device can dry the garment using a heat exchange technique that can achieve high heat exchange efficiency.

In the above configuration, the auxiliary heat exchanger may be disposed above the main heat exchanger.

According to the above configuration, since the auxiliary heat exchanger is disposed above the main heat exchanger, the exhaust heat from the exhaust heat exchanger hardly affects the dry air and the exhaust air thermally. . Thus, the drying device can dry the garment using a heat exchange technique that can achieve high heat exchange efficiency.

In the above configuration, the drying device may further include a water supply mechanism that supplies water to the storage tank. The storage tank may include a rotary drum that rotates around a rotation axis that extends between the front wall and the rear wall, and a water tank that stores the rotary drum. The water tank may include a cylindrical outer peripheral wall surrounding the rotating shaft.

According to the above configuration, the drying device further includes a water supply mechanism for supplying water to the storage tank, and thus has a washing function. Since the water tank includes a cylindrical outer peripheral wall that surrounds a rotation shaft extending between the front wall and the rear wall, the heat exchange device is appropriately accommodated in a space surrounded by the outer peripheral wall, the side wall, and the bottom wall.

In the above configuration, the first direction may be a direction from the main heat exchanger toward the blower.

According to the above configuration, the cooler sends the cooling air in the second direction different from the air flow direction from the main heat exchanger to the blower, so that the exhaust heat from the exhaust heat generator is supplied to dry air and exhaust air. On the other hand, it becomes hard to be influenced thermally. Thus, the drying device can dry the garment using a heat exchange technique that can achieve high heat exchange efficiency.

The principle of this embodiment is suitably used for an apparatus for drying clothes.

Claims

A storage tank in which clothing is stored;
A blower for sending dry air for drying the clothes into the storage tank;
An exhaust duct for guiding exhaust air discharged from the storage tank in a first direction toward the blower;
A heat exchange device that exchanges heat with the exhausted air flowing through the exhaust duct to produce the dry air;
The heat exchange device includes a main heat exchanger disposed in the exhaust duct, and a sub heat exchanger disposed outside the exhaust duct,
The auxiliary heat exchanger includes a heat exhauster that exhausts heat transferred from the main heat exchanger, and a cooler that sends cooling air to air-cool the exhaust heat exchanger,
The cooling device sends the cooling air in a second direction different from the first direction.
It further comprises a housing for accommodating the storage tank,
The housing includes a first wall disposed near the auxiliary heat exchanger;
The drying apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the cooler feeds the cooling air toward the first wall.
The drying apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the first wall is made of metal.
It further comprises a housing for accommodating the storage tank,
The housing includes a first wall disposed near the auxiliary heat exchanger, and a second wall opposite to the first wall,
The drying apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the cooling device feeds the cooling air toward the second wall.
The housing includes a bottom wall lying below the storage tank,
The bottom wall is formed with an air inlet that allows inflow of outside air outside the housing,
The drying apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the cooler feeds air flowing in from the air inlet as the cooling air.
The first wall is formed with an air inlet that allows inflow of outside air outside the housing,
The drying apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the cooler feeds air flowing in from the air inlet as the cooling air.
It further comprises a housing for accommodating the storage tank,
The housing includes a first wall disposed near the auxiliary heat exchanger, and a ceiling wall lying above the storage tank,
The cooler sends the cooling air toward the top wall,
The drying apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the exhaust duct extends along the first wall.
It further comprises a housing for accommodating the storage tank,
The housing includes a first wall disposed near the auxiliary heat exchanger, and a bottom wall lying below the storage tank,
The cooler sends the cooling air toward the bottom wall,
The drying apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the exhaust duct extends along the first wall.
The drying apparatus according to any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein the exhaust duct extends along the first wall.
The housing includes a front wall in which an inlet port communicating with the storage tank is formed, a rear wall opposite to the front wall, and a side wall erected between the front wall and the rear wall, Including
The drying apparatus according to claim 9, wherein the side wall is the first wall.
The housing includes a bottom wall lying below the storage tank,
The exhaust duct includes a first exhaust duct extending along the front wall from the storage tank toward the bottom wall, a first exhaust duct bent from the first exhaust duct, and extending in the first direction toward the blower. 2 exhaust ducts,
The blower is installed on the bottom wall;
The drying apparatus according to claim 10, wherein the main heat exchanger is disposed in the second exhaust duct.
An inflow duct for guiding the dry air from the blower to the storage tank along the rear wall;
The first exhaust duct is disposed closer to the front wall than the inflow duct;
The inflow duct is disposed closer to the rear wall than the first exhaust duct;
The drying apparatus according to claim 11, wherein the cooler is separated from the front wall than the first exhaust duct, and is separated from the rear wall than the inflow duct.
The main heat exchanger includes: a dehumidifying unit that dehumidifies the exhausted air; and a heating unit that heats the exhausted air dehumidified by the dehumidifying unit and generates the dry air. The drying apparatus of any one of thru | or 12.
The heat exchange device includes: a circulation path that defines a circulation path of the working medium between the dehumidifying unit and the heating unit; a compressor that compresses the working medium; and a decompression unit that decompresses the working medium. Including
The drying apparatus according to claim 13, wherein the circulation path defines a guide path for guiding the working medium to the heat exhauster between the heating unit and the decompression unit.
The dehumidifying unit includes a heat removal fin that takes heat from the exhausted air flowing in the exhaust duct using the working medium cooled by the decompression by the decompression unit,
The heating unit includes a heating fin that applies heat of the working medium compressed by the compressor to the exhaust air flowing in the exhaust duct,
The drying device according to claim 14, wherein the heat removal fin and the heating fin include a heat exchange surface along the first direction.
The drying apparatus according to claim 15, wherein the heat exhauster includes a heat exhaust fin including a heat exhaust surface along the second direction.
The drying apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 16, wherein the second direction is a direction perpendicular to the first direction.
The drying apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 17, wherein the auxiliary heat exchanger is disposed above the main heat exchanger.
A water supply mechanism for supplying water to the storage tank;
The storage tank includes a rotary drum that rotates around a rotation axis that extends between the front wall and the rear wall, and a water tank that stores the rotary drum,
The drying apparatus according to claim 11 or 12, wherein the water tank includes a cylindrical outer peripheral wall surrounding the rotating shaft.
The drying apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 19, wherein the first direction is a direction from the main heat exchanger toward the blower.