WO2019101048A1

WO2019101048A1 - Combination washer dryer

Info

Publication number: WO2019101048A1
Application number: PCT/CN2018/116296
Authority: WO
Inventors: 西浦直人; 福井秋陆
Original assignee: 青岛海尔洗衣机有限公司; Aqua株式会社
Priority date: 2017-11-22
Filing date: 2018-11-20
Publication date: 2019-05-31
Also published as: JP7048932B2; CN111373086B; CN111373086A; JP2019092879A

Abstract

A combination washer dryer can have an increased air exhaust efficiency and prevent water from entering an air circulation path. The automatic combination washer dryer comprises: an outer tub, elastically supported in a machine housing; an air circulation path (50a), provided with a heater (130) and a blowing fan (120), for circulating the heated air generated due to the operation of the heater (130) and the blowing fan (120) between the air circulation path (50a) and the outer tub; an internal air exhaust port (115), disposed in the air circulation path (50a) for expelling a portion of the heated air flowing therethrough; and an upper air exhaust path (240), provided with external air exhaust ports (241) on the top thereof facing toward the outside of the machine housing (10) and directed upward, for guiding the heated air expelled from the internal air exhaust port (115) to flow to the external air exhaust ports (241). An upper communication port (244), which is an inlet of the heated air flowing to the upper air exhaust path (240), is arranged below the external air exhaust ports (241) in such a way as not to overlap the external air exhaust ports (241) in a vertical direction.

Description

Washing and drying machine

Technical field

The present invention relates to a washer-dryer.

Background technique

Conventionally, there has been known a washing and drying machine in a so-called pulsator type washing machine (fully automatic washing machine) which performs washing of clothes by generating a water flow in a washing and dewatering tank by a pulsator disposed at the bottom of the washing and dewatering tub. It is equipped with a drying function for clothes. For example, Patent Document 1 describes an example of such a washer-dryer.

The washer-dryer of Patent Document 1 is provided with a circulation air passage at the rear portion of the top cover provided at the upper portion of the outer casing. The circulation air path includes a warm air supply device that generates and supplies warm air, so that the warm air circulates between it and the water tub. An exhaust port is provided in the circulation air passage, and a part of the circulating warm air is discharged from the exhaust port to the outside of the circulation air passage. A recess is provided in the rear cover covering the rear of the top cover, and the upper side of the recess is covered by the exhaust cover. The hood has a plurality of discharge ports facing the front of the washer-dryer. The warm air discharged to the outside of the circulation air passage reaches a space formed by the recessed portion and the exhaust hood above the circulation air passage, and is discharged from the discharge port to the outside of the washing and drying machine.

When a part of the warm air circulating in the circulation air passage is discharged from the upper side of the circulation air passage, that is, the upper surface portion of the washer-dryer (the exhaust hood in Patent Document 1) through the exhaust air passage, if When the discharge port is provided in the horizontal direction as in the case of Patent Document 1, and is not disposed in the front direction, that is, in the horizontal direction, the warm air is easily discharged from the discharge port, and the exhaust efficiency can be expected to be improved.

However, when the discharge port faces upward as described above, when the washer dryer is wet, the water from the outside easily enters the exhaust air passage through the discharge port. Further, since the discharged warm air is cooled by the outside air, the water condensed at the exhaust port easily falls directly into the exhaust air passage. Since there are electric components such as a fan and a heater in the circulation air passage, it is not desirable that water entering the exhaust air passage from the outside reaches the circulation air passage.

Prior art literature

Patent literature

Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Laid-Open Publication No. 2014-136059

Summary of the invention

Problems to be solved by the invention

Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide a washer-dryer capable of preventing an increase in exhaust efficiency and preventing water from entering a circulation air passage.

Solution to solve the problem

The washing and drying machine of the main aspect of the present invention comprises: an outer tub elastically supported in the casing; an inner tub rotatably disposed in the outer tub to accommodate the laundry; a circulation air passage, a heater and a blower fan that circulates between the circulation air passage and the outer tub by a heater generated by the operation of the heater and the blower fan; a first exhaust port disposed in the circulation air passage Discharging a portion of the warm air flowing through the circulation air passage; and exhausting the air passage having a second exhaust port facing the exterior of the casing and facing upward on the top surface thereof The warm air discharged from the first exhaust port flows to the second exhaust port. Here, the inlet of the warm air flowing to the exhaust air passage is provided so as not to overlap the second exhaust port in the vertical direction below the second exhaust port.

According to the above configuration, since the second exhaust port of the exhaust air passage facing the outside of the casing faces upward, the warm air discharged from the first exhaust port and flowing toward the exhaust air passage is easily discharged from the second exhaust. The mouth is smoothly discharged, and the exhaust efficiency of the warm air can be expected to be improved.

Further, since the inlet of the warm air flowing to the exhaust air passage does not overlap the second exhaust port in the up and down direction, the water entering from the second exhaust port does not directly drop into the inlet of the warm air. Therefore, since it is difficult for the incoming water to reach the upstream side through the inlet of the warm air and it is difficult to reach the inside of the circulation air passage, it is possible to prevent the electric components such as the blower fan and the heater existing in the circulation air passage from coming into contact with the entering water. .

In the washer-dryer of the present aspect, the following structure may be employed: the exhaust air passage includes a first rib extending downward to surround the second exhaust port. In this case, the first rib has a height such that water passing from the outside of the casing through the second exhaust port and entering the inlet of the warm air in an oblique straight line to the height of the second rib .

According to the above configuration, the water that enters the inlet of the warm air from the outside of the casing through the second exhaust port and along the oblique straight line can be blocked by the first rib, and the water entering the exhaust air passage is difficult to reach the entrance of the warm air. .

In the washer-dryer of the present aspect, the exhaust air passage may include an exhaust port group composed of a plurality of the second exhaust ports, and a manner of surrounding the exhaust port group. a second rib extending below. In this case, the second rib has a height such that water passing from the outside of the casing through the second exhaust port and entering the inlet of the warm air in an oblique straight line to the height of the second rib .

According to the above configuration, the water that enters the inlet of the warm air from the outside of the casing through the second exhaust port and along the oblique straight line can be blocked by the second rib, and the water entering the exhaust air passage is difficult to reach the entrance of the warm air. .

In the washer-dryer of the present aspect, the following structure may be employed: the bottom surface of the exhaust air passage includes a raised surface that is raised in a manner higher than the surrounding surface. In this case, the inlet of the warm air is provided on the raised surface.

According to the above configuration, since a water storage space capable of accumulating a certain amount of water before the water reaches the inlet of the warm air can be secured in the exhaust air passage, even if a large amount of water enters the exhaust air passage, It is also difficult for the incoming water to reach the entrance to the warm air.

In the washing and drying machine of the present embodiment, the following structure may be employed: a drain port for discharging water entering the exhaust air passage. In this case, the bottom surface of the exhaust air passage includes an inclined surface that is inclined downward toward the drain port side.

According to the above configuration, the water that enters from the second exhaust port and drops to the bottom surface of the exhaust air passage can be smoothly guided to the drain port through the inclined surface and discharged from the drain port. As a result, the water entering the exhaust air passage is more difficult to reach the entrance of the warm air.

In the washing and drying machine of the present aspect, the following configuration may be adopted: a relay air passage is further provided, and is disposed below the exhaust air passage, and is connected to the inlet of the warm air and the first exhaust port. In this case, the first exhaust port is located below the inlet of the warm air, and does not overlap the inlet of the warm air in the up and down direction.

According to the above configuration, the warm air discharged from the first exhaust port flows through the relay air passage and the exhaust air passage is discharged from the second exhaust port to the outside of the casing. Here, since the first exhaust port does not overlap with the inlet of the warm air flowing to the exhaust air passage in the up and down direction, even if the water entering the exhaust air passage and reaching the inlet of the warm air falls into the relay air passage. These waters will not directly reach the first exhaust port and will not reach the circulation air path.

Effect of the invention

According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a washer-dryer capable of improving the exhaust efficiency while preventing water from entering the circulation air passage.

The effects and significance of the present invention will become more apparent from the following description of embodiments. However, the following embodiments are merely examples of the practice of the present invention, and the present invention is not limited by the contents described in the following embodiments.

DRAWINGS

1 is a side cross-sectional view of a fully automatic washer-dryer of an embodiment.

Fig. 2 is a rear perspective view of the upper portion of the fully automatic washer-dryer of the embodiment.

Fig. 3 is a perspective view of the drying device of the embodiment.

4(a) and 4(b) are perspective views of the warm air generating unit of the embodiment.

Fig. 5 is a perspective view of the air passage unit of the embodiment and a filter unit detached from the air passage unit.

Fig. 6 (a) is a perspective view of the air passage unit in a state in which the upper air passage member is removed in the embodiment, and Fig. 6 (b) is a perspective view of the air passage member in the reversed state in the embodiment.

Fig. 7 is a rear elevational view of the upper panel in which the periphery of the exhaust hood portion of the embodiment is enlarged.

Fig. 8 is a rear cross-sectional view of the drying device taken along the center of the warm air generating unit of the embodiment.

Fig. 9 is a rear cross-sectional view showing a main part of the drying device taken along the position of the lower exhaust air passage and the upper exhaust air passage in the embodiment.

Fig. 10 is a side cross-sectional view showing a main part of the drying device taken along a position of a drain port of the upper exhaust air passage of the embodiment.

Description of the reference numerals

1: automatic washing and drying machine (washing and drying machine); 10: casing; 20: outer barrel; 24: washing dewatering barrel (inner barrel); 50: drying device; 50a: circulating air path; 115: internal row Air port (first exhaust port); 230: lower exhaust air path (relay air path); 240: upper exhaust air path (exhaust air path); 241: external exhaust port (second exhaust port) 242: exhaust port group; 243: raised surface; 244: upper communication port (heater inlet); 245: first rib (first rib); 246: second rib (second rib); 247: Drainage port; 248: inclined surface.

Detailed ways

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

Fig. 1 is a side cross-sectional view of the fully automatic washer-dryer 1 of the present embodiment. Fig. 2 is a rear perspective view of the upper portion of the fully automatic washer-dryer 1 of the present embodiment.

The fully automatic washing and drying machine 1 is provided with a casing 10 constituting an appearance. The casing 10 includes a square tubular body portion 11 having open upper and lower surfaces, an upper panel 12 covering the upper surface of the body portion 11, and a footrest 13 supporting the body portion 11. An outer insertion port 14 for feeding the laundry is formed in the upper panel 12. The outer insertion port 14 is covered by an upper cover 15 that is openable and closable.

In the casing 10, the outer tub 20 is elastically suspended and supported by four booms 21 having anti-vibration means. The outer tub 20 is composed of a substantially cylindrical outer tub main body 20a that is open on the upper surface, and an outer tub cover 20b that covers the upper surface of the outer tub main body 20a. In the outer tub cover 20b, an inner insertion opening 22 for receiving laundry is formed at a position corresponding to the outer insertion opening 14. The inner insertion opening 22 is covered by the outer tub cover 23 so as to be openable and closable.

Inside the outer tub 20, a substantially cylindrical washing and dewatering tub 24 that is open on the top is disposed. On the inner circumferential surface of the washing and dewatering tub 24, a plurality of dewatering holes 24a are formed over the entire circumference. A balance ring 25 is provided at an upper portion of the washing and dewatering tub 24. A pulsator 26 is disposed at the bottom of the washing and dewatering tub 24. A plurality of blades 26a are radially provided on the surface of the pulsator 26. It should be noted that the washing and dewatering tub 24 corresponds to the inner tub of the present invention.

A drive unit 30 that generates a torque that drives the washing and dewatering tub 24 and the pulsator 26 is disposed at the outer bottom of the outer tub 20. The drive unit 30 includes a drive motor 31 and a transmission mechanism portion 32. The transmission mechanism portion 32 has a clutch mechanism by which the torque of the drive motor 31 is transmitted only to the pulsator 26 during the washing process and the rinsing process, and only the pulsator 26 is rotated, which is driven during the dehydration process. The torque of the motor 31 is transmitted to the pulsator 26 and the washing and dewatering tub 24 to integrally rotate the pulsator 26 and the washing and dewatering tub 24.

A drain port portion 20c is formed at the outer bottom of the outer tub 20. A drain valve 40 is provided in the drain port portion 20c. The drain valve 40 is connected to the drain hose 41. When the drain valve 40 is opened, the water stored in the washing and dewatering tub 24 and the tub 20 is discharged to the outside of the body through the drain hose 41.

In the rear portion of the casing 10, a drying device 50 and a water supply device 60 are disposed above the outer tub 20. The drying device 50 and the water supply device 60 are attached to the fixing plate 16 disposed at the rear of the upper surface of the body portion 11, and are covered by the upper panel 12.

The drying device 50 dries the laundry contained in the washing and dewatering tub 24. The drying device 50 includes a heater and a circulation air passage 50a equipped with a blower fan 50a that is connected to the inside of the outer tub 20 through an intake duct 71 and an exhaust duct 72. The intake duct 71 and the exhaust duct 72 are flexible ducts formed of an elastic material such as rubber, and the intermediate portion has a serpentine portion (not shown). The warm air generated by the operation of the heater and the blower fan is discharged from the circulation air passage 50a, and is introduced into the outer tub 20 through the intake duct 71. Further, the warm air discharged from the outer tub 20 is introduced into the circulation air passage 50a through the exhaust duct 72. Thus, the warm air circulates between the circulation air passage 50a and the outer tub 20.

The water supply port 61 of the water supply device 60 exposed to the outside is connected to an external water supply hose (not shown) extending from the faucet. The water supply device 60 includes a water supply valve and a detergent container, and by opening the water supply valve, tap water from the faucet is supplied into the outer tub 20 together with the detergent contained in the detergent container. The water supply device 60 may include a bath water pump.

Next, the structure of the drying device 50 will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. 3 to 10.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the drying device 50 of the present embodiment. 4(a) and 4(b) are perspective views of the warm air generating unit 51 of the present embodiment, and Fig. 4(b) shows a state after the upper casing 110b is removed. FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the air passage unit 52 of the present embodiment and the filter unit 53 detached from the air passage unit 52. (a) of FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the air passage unit 52 in a state in which the upper air passage member 52b is removed, and FIG. 6(b) is a perspective view of the air passage member 52b in the inverted state of the present embodiment. FIG. 7 is a rear elevational view of the upper panel 12 in which the periphery of the exhaust hood portion 54 of the present embodiment is enlarged. FIG. 8 is a rear cross-sectional view of the drying device 50 taken along the center portion of the warm air generating unit 51 of the present embodiment. FIG. 9 is a rear cross-sectional view of a main part of the drying device 50 taken along the position of the lower exhaust air passage 230 and the upper exhaust air passage 240 of the present embodiment. FIG. 10 is a side cross-sectional view showing a main part of the drying device 50 taken along the position of the drain port 247 of the upper exhaust air passage 240 of the present embodiment. In addition, in FIG. 3, the partial view of the upper panel 12 which comprises the hood part 54 of the drying apparatus 50 is integrally formed, and the outline of the hood part 54 is shown by the broken line.

As shown in FIG. 3, the drying device 50 includes a warm air generating unit 51, a wind path unit 52, a filter unit 53, and an exhaust hood portion 54. The hood portion 54 is formed as a part of the upper panel 12. The air path unit 52 to which the filter unit 53 is attached and the warm air generation unit 51 are integrated and integrated, and after being mounted to the fixed plate 16, the upper panel 12 is attached to the body portion 11, thus completing the drying device 50.

Referring to (a), (b) and FIG. 8 of FIG. 4, the warm air generating unit 51 includes a casing 110, a blower fan 120, and a heater 130, and generates warm air by the operation of the blower fan 120 and the heater 130. The housing 110 is formed by joining a lower case 110a having an upper surface opening and an upper case 110b having a lower surface open. A gasket 110c for sealing is provided between the lower casing 110a and the upper casing 110b. The housing 110 includes a fan chamber 111 and a discharge air passage 112 extending from the fan chamber 111. A suction port 113 connected to the fan chamber 111 is formed on the top surface of the casing 110, and a discharge port 114 connected to the discharge air passage 112 is formed on the bottom surface of the casing 110. The discharge port 114 protrudes downward and is connected to the upper end portion of the intake duct 71. Further, an internal exhaust port 115 connected to the vicinity of the outlet of the fan chamber 111 is formed on the top surface of the casing 110. Further, in the casing 110, a drain cylinder 140 that extends in the vertical direction is integrally formed. It should be noted that the internal exhaust port 115 corresponds to the first exhaust port of the present invention.

The blower fan 120 is, for example, a centrifugal fan, and includes a blower 121 and a blower motor 122 for rotating the blower 121. The blower 121 is disposed in the fan chamber 111 so as to face the suction port 113, and the blower motor 122 is disposed on the outer bottom surface of the casing 110. The heater 130 is, for example, a semiconductor heater, and is disposed at a position immediately before the discharge port 114 in the discharge air passage 112.

5 to 10, the air passage unit 52 includes an intake air passage 210, a filter chamber 220, and a lower exhaust air passage 230. The intake air passage 210, the filter chamber 220, and the lower exhaust air passage 230 are integrally formed by joining the lower air passage member 52a whose upper surface is open and the upper air passage member 52b whose lower surface is open. A gasket 52c for sealing is provided between the lower air passage member 52a and the upper air passage member 52b. It should be noted that the lower exhaust air passage 230 corresponds to the relay air passage of the present invention.

In the air passage unit 52, an air passage forming portion 52d whose upper surface is open is formed outside the upper surface of the upper air passage member 52b. The upper exhaust air passage 240 connected to the lower exhaust air passage 230 is formed by covering the upper surface of the air passage forming portion 52d with the exhaust hood portion 54. As shown in FIG. 7, a groove portion 54a constituting an outer peripheral portion of the hood portion 54 is formed on the back surface of the hood portion 54. As shown in FIG. 3, the upper end portion of the air passage forming portion 52d is housed in the groove portion 54a, and is in contact with the sealing gasket 54b attached to the groove portion 54a. It should be noted that the upper exhaust air passage 240 corresponds to the exhaust air passage of the present invention.

The intake air passage 210 has a shape that is long in the left-right direction and flat in the vertical direction. In the intake air passage 210, an air passage outlet 211 is formed on the bottom surface of the right end portion. The air passage exit 211 is connected to the suction port 113 of the warm air generating unit 51.

The filter chamber 220 is provided below the left end portion of the intake air passage 210, and has a substantially rectangular parallelepiped box shape that is slightly longer in the front-rear direction. On the front surface of the filter chamber 220, an insertion port 221 for inserting the filter unit 53 is formed. An introduction port 222 is formed in the bottom surface of the filter chamber 220. The inlet 222 protrudes downward and is connected to the upper end portion of the exhaust duct 72. Further, on the bottom surface of the filter chamber 220, an external air intake port 223 for taking in outside air is formed in front of the introduction port 222. The filter chamber 220 communicates with the intake air passage 210 via an outlet 224 formed on the top surface.

The intake air passage 210 and the filter chamber 220 constitute a circulation air passage 50a together with the casing 110 of the warm air generation unit 51.

The lower exhaust air passage 230 is separated from the intake air passage 210 by the lower partition wall 52a1 formed in the lower air passage member 52a and the upper partition wall 52b1 formed in the upper air passage member 52b. The lower exhaust air passage 230 has a shape that is long in the left-right direction, and includes a first air passage 231 that is closer to the warm air generating unit 51 and a second air passage 232 that is farther from the warm air generating unit 51. The first air path 231 and the second air path 232 are separated by a partition wall 233. A lower communication port 234 that connects the first air passage 231 and the second air passage 232 is formed in the partition wall 233. An inlet port 235 is formed at an end portion of the bottom surface 231a of the first air passage 231 opposite to the partition wall 233. An annular protruding portion 236 is formed around the introduction port 235, and a gasket 237 is attached to the groove portion 236a formed on the back side of the protruding portion 236. The inlet 235 is connected to the internal exhaust port 115 of the warm air generating unit 51. The inlet 235 and the inner exhaust port 115 are sealed by a gasket 237. The bottom surface 232a of the second air passage 232 is lower than the bottom surface 231a of the first air passage 231. Thereby, a large height is secured between the bottom surface 232a of the second air passage 232 and the lower edge of the lower communication port 234.

An exhaust valve unit 250 for opening and closing the lower communication port 234 is provided in the lower exhaust air passage 230. As shown in FIG. 6(a), the exhaust valve unit 250 includes a shutter 251 that closes the lower communication port 234 from the second air passage 232 side, and a motor 252 that is coupled to the rotation shaft 251a of the shutter 251. The rotation of the motor 252 is transmitted to the rotating shaft 251a, whereby the shutter 251 is switched to a position where the lower communication port 234 is closed and opened.

The upper exhaust air passage 240 is located above the lower exhaust air passage 230 and has a shape that is long in the left-right direction. The exhaust hood portion 54 constitutes a top surface of the upper exhaust air passage 240. On the top surface of the upper exhaust air passage 240, as viewed from the front of the drying device 50, a plurality of external exhaust gases arranged in front, rear, and left and right are formed on the right side, that is, on the first air passage 231 side of the lower exhaust air passage 230. Port 241. Each of the external exhaust ports 241 has an oblong shape that is long in the left-right direction. Each of the external exhaust ports 241 faces the outside of the casing 10 and faces upward. The plurality of external exhaust ports 241 constitute an exhaust port group 242. It should be noted that the external exhaust port 241 corresponds to the second exhaust port of the present invention.

On the bottom surface of the upper exhaust air passage 240, as viewed from the front of the drying device 50, on the left side, that is, on the second air passage 232 side of the lower exhaust air passage 230, a bulge is formed which is raised above the surrounding surface. Face 243. A substantially rectangular upper communication port 244 that connects the upper exhaust air passage 240 and the second air passage 232 of the lower exhaust air passage 230 is formed in the raised surface 243. The upper communication port 244 is an inlet for the warm air flowing to the upper exhaust air passage 240. The upper communication port 244 is located away from the exhaust port group 242 in the longitudinal direction of the upper exhaust air passage 240, and thus does not overlap the exhaust port group 242 in the vertical direction below the exhaust port group 242. That is, it does not overlap with all of the external exhaust ports 241.

A first rib 245 that extends downward so as to surround the entire circumference of each of the external exhaust ports 241 is formed on the top surface of the upper exhaust air passage 240. Further, on the top surface of the upper exhaust air passage 240, a second rib extending downward so as to surround the side and the rear of the upper communication port 244 side of the exhaust port group 242 is formed outside the first rib 245. 246. Without the first rib 245 and the second rib 246, water from the outside of the casing 10 can be traveled obliquely straight through the external exhaust port 241 at the external exhaust port 241 located near the upper communication port 244. Upper communication port 244. Therefore, the first rib 245 and the second rib 246 have such that the water traveling from the outside of the casing 10 through the external exhaust port 241 and traveling obliquely straight to the upper communication port 244 impinges on the first rib 245 and the second rib 246 height. It should be noted that the first rib 245 and the second rib 246 correspond to the first rib and the second rib of the present invention, respectively.

In the upper exhaust air passage 240, a bulging portion 240a that bulges rearward is provided at a position rearward of the exhaust port group 242, and a drain port 247 is formed on a bottom surface of the bulging portion 240a. The drain port 247 is located lower than the upper communication port 244, and an inclined surface 248 that is inclined downward in the direction away from the upper communication port 244 and further inclined downward toward the drain port 247 is formed on the bottom surface of the upper exhaust air passage 240. Further, on the bottom surface of the upper exhaust air passage 240, a groove portion 249 is formed at a position corresponding to the upper partition wall 52b1. The drain port 247 is connected to the upper end of the drain cylinder 140 formed integrally with the casing 110 of the warm air generating unit 51.

Referring to FIG. 5, the filter unit 53 includes a filter main body portion 310 and a front panel portion 320 provided at a front portion of the filter main body portion 310. The filter main body portion 310 has a double filter structure composed of a lower filter 311 and an upper filter 312 that overlap in the vertical direction, and is housed in the filter chamber 220 of the air passage unit 52. The front panel portion 320 closes the insertion port 221 of the filter chamber 220. A handle 321 is provided in the front panel portion 320. The user can hold the handle 321 to move the filter unit 53 in the front-rear direction to detach the filter unit 53 with respect to the air path unit 52.

In the fully automatic washer-dryer 1, the washing operation, the washing and drying operation, or the drying operation of various operation modes are performed. The washing operation is an operation in which only washing is performed, and the washing process, the intermediate dehydration process, the rinsing process, and the final dehydration process are sequentially performed. The washing and drying operation is a continuous washing to drying operation, and then the final dehydration process is performed. The drying operation is an operation in which only drying is performed, and only the drying process is performed.

In the washing process and the rinsing process, the pulsator 26 is rotated to the right and to the left in a state where water is stored in the washing and dewatering tub 24. A flow of water is generated in the washing and dewatering tub 24 by the rotation of the pulsator 26. During the washing process, the laundry is washed by the generated water stream and the detergent contained in the water. During the rinsing process, the laundry is rinsed by the generated water flow.

During the intermediate dewatering process and the final dewatering process, the washing and dewatering tub 24 and the pulsator 26 are integrally rotated at a high speed. The laundry is dehydrated by the action of centrifugal force generated in the washing dewatering bucket 24.

In the drying process, the internal air circulation drying process is first performed, followed by the external air introduction drying process. In the internal air circulation drying process, in the lower exhaust air passage 230, the lower communication port 234 is closed by the shutter 251 (refer to FIG. 9). As a result, the exhaust gas passing through the lower exhaust air passage 230 and the upper exhaust air passage 240 cannot be performed. In the warm air generating unit 51, the blower fan 120 and the heater 130 operate. When the blower fan 120 is operated and the blower 121 is rotated, as shown by the arrow in FIG. 8, air is sucked into the casing 110 from the suction port 113, and wind is generated in the fan chamber 111. The generated wind flows through the discharge air passage 112 and is heated by the heater 130, and the warm air is discharged from the discharge port 114. The warm air discharged from the discharge port 114 is supplied into the outer tub 20 through the intake duct 71.

The warm air flow supplied into the outer tub 20 flows in the dewatering tub 24 . In the washing and dewatering tub 24, the pulsator 26 is rotated to the right and rotated to the left for a fixed time. The laundry in the washing and dewatering tub 24 is in contact with the warm air flowing in the washing and dewatering tub 24 while being stirred by the pulsator 26. The warm air flowing through the washing and dewatering tub 24 is discharged from the outer tub 20 through the exhaust duct 72, and is again passed through the introduction port 222, the filter chamber 220, and the intake air passage 210 as indicated by the arrow in Fig. 8 The suction port 113 is sucked into the housing 110.

During the internal air circulation drying process, since the lower exhaust air passage 230 and the upper exhaust air passage 240 cannot be exhausted, the outside air passing through the external air intake port 223 is hardly ingested, and the warm air is in the air. The circulation air passage 50a circulates with the outer tub 20, whereby the temperature inside the washing and dewatering tub 24 rises rapidly.

Foreign matter such as lint coming out of the laundry due to the stirring of the pulsator 26 or the like is mixed into the warm air discharged from the outer tub 20. The warm air passes through the lower filter 311 and the upper filter 312 of the filter unit 53 in the filter chamber 220, and foreign matter contained in the warm air is collected by the

filters

311, 312.

When the temperature in the washing and dewatering tub 24 continues to rise and the moisture evaporates from the laundry to cause a large amount of moisture in the warm air, the external air is switched to the drying process. The switching to the external air introduction drying process may be performed based on the elapsed time after the start of the drying process, or based on the temperature inside the outer tub 20 detected by the temperature sensor, and the outer tub 20 detected by the humidity sensor. The humidity is coming.

In the external air introduction drying process, as shown by the dotted arrow in FIG. 9, the shutter 251 is opened in the lower exhaust air passage 230, so that the lower communication port 234 is opened. Thereby, the exhaust gas passing through the lower exhaust air passage 230 and the upper exhaust air passage 240 can be in a state in which the outside air can be taken in from the outside air intake port 223. In this state, the blower fan 120 and the heater 130 operate. The outside air taken in from the outside air intake port 223 passes through the filter chamber 220, mixes with the warm air taken in from the introduction port 222, and simultaneously flows to the intake air passage 210, and the warm air mixed with the outside air is sucked into the casing 110. Inside. At this time, the outside air passes through the lower filter 311 and the upper filter 312 in the filter chamber 220, and foreign matter such as dust contained in the outside air is collected by the

filters

311 and 312.

During the introduction and drying of the outside air, the flow rate of the warm air supplied into the outer tub 20 is increased by the amount corresponding to the intake of the outside air, so that a part of the warm air containing a large amount of moisture in the outer tub 20 is passed. The lower exhaust air passage 230 and the upper exhaust air passage 240 are discharged to the outside of the casing 10 . That is, as indicated by the solid arrows in FIG. 9, a part of the warm air flowing in the outer tub 20 of the circulation air passage 50a is discharged from the internal exhaust port 115, and is discharged to the lower exhaust air passage 230 through the introduction port 235. Inside. The warm air discharged into the lower exhaust air passage 230 sequentially flows through the first air passage 231 and the second air passage 232, and is discharged into the upper exhaust air passage 240 through the upper communication port 244. The warm air discharged into the upper exhaust air passage 240 flows toward the exhaust port group 242 side, and is discharged to the outside of the casing 10 from each of the external exhaust ports 241 of the exhaust port group 242.

By thus performing the external air introduction drying process, the moisture evaporated from the laundry is efficiently discharged from the inside of the outer tub 20 to the outside of the casing 10, and the inside of the outer tub 20 is easily dehumidified, thereby promoting the drying of the laundry. It should be noted that a part of the warm air from the outer tub 20 flows through the circulation air passage 50a and is heated again by the heater 130, so that the temperature in the outer tub 20 is maintained high. When the external air is introduced into the drying process, the drying process ends.

In the upper exhaust air passage 240, the external exhaust port 241 facing the outside of the casing 10 faces upward, so that the warm air discharged from the internal exhaust port 115 and flowing to the upper upper exhaust air passage 240 is easily discharged from the outside. The port 241 is smoothly discharged. Therefore, in the present embodiment, the exhaust efficiency of the warm air containing a large amount of water is improved, and thus the drying efficiency of the laundry can be expected to be improved.

However, in another piece, when the upper panel 12 or the like is wet, water from the outside easily enters the upper exhaust air passage 240 through the external exhaust port 241. Further, the water that has condensed on the external exhaust port 241 due to the warm air discharged is cooled by the outside air, and is easily dropped into the upper exhaust air passage 240.

In the present embodiment, the upper communication port 244, which is the inlet of the warm air flowing to the upper exhaust air passage 240, is formed so as not to overlap all of the external exhaust ports 241 in the vertical direction. Therefore, the external exhaust port 241 is provided. The incoming water does not drip directly to the upper communication port 244. Therefore, it is difficult for the water entering the upper exhaust air passage 240 to enter the upstream side through the upper communication port 244, and it is difficult to reach the lower exhaust air passage 230 and reach the inside of the rear housing 110, that is, the circulation air passage 50a. The electric components such as the blower fan 120 and the heater 130 existing in the circulation air passage 50a are prevented from coming into contact with the incoming water.

Further, in the present embodiment, a raised surface 243 that is raised above the surrounding surface is formed on the bottom surface of the upper exhaust air passage 240, and an upper communication port 244 is provided in the raised surface 243. Therefore, a water storage space capable of accumulating a certain amount of water before the water reaches the upper communication port 244 can be secured in the upper exhaust air passage 240. Thereby, even if a large amount of water enters into the upper exhaust air passage 240, it is difficult for the entered water to reach the upper communication port 244.

Further, in the above embodiment, the bottom surface of the upper exhaust air passage 240 is provided with a drain port 247 and an inclined surface 248 that is inclined downward toward the drain port 247 side. As shown in Fig. 10, water that has entered from the external exhaust port 241 and dripped onto the bottom surface of the upper exhaust air passage 240 easily flows down the inclined surface 248 and is guided to the drain port 247. The water guided to the drain port 247 passes through the drain cylinder 140, and is discharged from the lower end portion of the drain cylinder 140 to the bottom of the tub 20. Thereby, it is more difficult for the water entering the upper exhaust air passage 240 to reach the upper communication port 244. It should be noted that water dripping to the bottom surface of the upper exhaust air passage 240 may be accumulated in the groove portion 249. In the case where the water stored in the groove portion 249 is overflowed, the overflowed water flows down the inclined surface 248 and is guided to the drain port 247. Further, the water stored in the groove portion 249 is quickly evaporated naturally.

Further, in the above embodiment, the water that has passed through the external exhaust port 241 from the outside of the casing 10 and travels obliquely straight to the upper communication port 244 is blocked by the first rib 245 and the second rib 246. Therefore, it is more difficult for the water entering the upper exhaust air passage 240 to reach the upper communication port 244. Further, water that has entered the upper exhaust air passage 240 and passes over the upper surface of the upper exhaust air passage 240 to reach above the upper communication port 244 is blocked by the second rib 246. Thereby, it is possible to prevent the entering water from dripping from above to the upper communication port 244 through the top surface of the upper exhaust air passage 240.

Further, in the present embodiment, the introduction port 235 of the lower exhaust air passage 230, that is, the internal exhaust port 115 connected to the introduction port 235 is provided so as not to overlap the upper communication port 244 in the vertical direction. Therefore, even if the water that has entered the upper exhaust air passage 240 and reaches the upper communication port 244 falls into the lower exhaust air passage 230, the water does not directly reach the internal exhaust port 115. Therefore, even if water enters the lower exhaust air passage 230, it is difficult for the water to reach the circulation air passage 50a.

Further, in the present embodiment, the bottom surface 232a of the second air passage 232 to which the lower exhaust air passage 230 is connected to the upper exhaust air passage 240 via the upper communication passage 244 is disposed lower than the bottom surface 231a of the first air passage 231. Therefore, it is possible to secure a water storage space in the second air passage 232 that can store a certain amount of water before the water reaches the lower communication port 234. Thus, even if water enters the lower exhaust air passage 230, it is more difficult for the water to reach the circulation air passage 50a. Further, since it is difficult for water to be stored in a position where the baffle 251 provided in the second air passage 232 is immersed in water, it is possible to prevent the opening and closing operation of the baffle 251 from being affected by the accumulated water.

Further, in the present embodiment, since the lower communication port 234 of the lower exhaust air passage 230 does not overlap the upper communication port 244 in the vertical direction, water does not drip directly from the upper communication port 244 to the lower communication port 234. It is difficult for water to enter the first air passage 231 through the lower communication port 234. Further, even if water enters the first air passage 231 and water flows through the bottom surface 231a of the first air passage 231, since the protruding portion 236 is provided around the introduction port 235, it is difficult for the entered water to reach the introduction port 235, and it is difficult to pass through the introduction port. 235 reaches the internal exhaust port 115.

Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments and the like, and various modifications other than the above may be made in the embodiments of the present invention.

For example, in the above embodiment, the internal exhaust port 115 is provided in the casing 110 of the warm air generating unit 51. That is, the internal exhaust port 115 is provided at a position between the blower fan 120 and the heater 130 in the circulation air passage 50a. However, the internal exhaust port 115 may also be disposed at any position within the circulation air passage 50a. For example, the internal exhaust port 115 may be provided in the circulation air passage 50a as the intake air passage 210 at the upstream position of the blower fan 120.

Further, in the above embodiment, the lower exhaust air passage 230 is provided between the upper exhaust air passage 240 and the internal exhaust port 115 as a relay air passage. However, the lower exhaust air passage 230 may not be provided, and the upper communication port 244 of the upper exhaust air passage 240 may be connected to the internal exhaust port 115 as an introduction port.

Further, in the above embodiment, the flapper 251 is disposed in the lower communication port 234. However, the baffle 251 may be disposed in the introduction port 235 to open and close the introduction port 235, or may be disposed in the upper communication port 244 to open and close the upper communication port 244.

Further, in the above embodiment, both the first rib 245 and the second rib 246 are provided in the upper exhaust air passage 240. However, only one of the first rib 245 and the second rib 246 may be provided in the upper exhaust air passage 240.

Further, in the above embodiment, the exhaust cover portion 54 is formed integrally with the upper panel 12. However, the hood portion 54 may be formed separately from the upper panel 12.

Moreover, in the above-described embodiment, an example in which the present invention is applied to a fully automatic washer-dryer 1 in which a drying function of clothes is mounted in a so-called pulsator type washing machine is shown. However, the present invention is also applicable to a drum-type washer-dryer in which a drying function of clothes is mounted in a drum-type washing machine in which a horizontal-axis type drum is disposed in an outer tub.

In addition, the embodiment of the present invention can be variously modified as appropriate within the scope of the technical idea shown in the claims.

Claims

A washer-drying machine characterized by having:

The outer tub is elastically supported in the casing;

An inner tub rotatably disposed in the outer tub to accommodate the laundry;

a circulation air passage configured with a heater and a blower fan to circulate warm air generated by operation of the heater and the blower fan between the circulation air passage and the outer tub;

a first exhaust port disposed in the circulation air passage to discharge a portion of the warm air flowing through the circulation air passage;

The exhaust air passage has a second exhaust port facing the outside of the casing and facing upward on the top surface thereof, so that warm air discharged from the first exhaust port flows to the second exhaust port,

The inlet of the warm air flowing to the exhaust air passage is provided so as not to overlap the second exhaust port in the vertical direction below the second exhaust port.
A washer-dryer according to claim 1, wherein

The exhaust air passage includes a first rib extending downward to surround the second exhaust port,

The first rib has a height that causes water from the outside of the casing to pass through the second exhaust port and travel obliquely to the inlet of the warm air to the second rib.
A washer-dryer according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that

The exhaust air passage includes an exhaust port group including a plurality of the second exhaust ports, and a second rib extending downward to surround the exhaust port group.

The second rib has a height at which water that passes from the outside of the casing through the second exhaust port and goes obliquely straight to the inlet of the warm air impinges on the second rib.
A washer-dryer according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that

The bottom surface of the exhaust air passage includes a raised surface that is raised in a manner higher than the surrounding surface.

An inlet of the warm air is provided on the raised surface.
A washer-dryer according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that

Also provided: a drain port for discharging water entering the exhaust air passage,

The bottom surface of the exhaust air passage includes an inclined surface that is inclined downward toward the drain port side.
A washer-dryer according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that

a relay air passage is disposed below the exhaust air passage and connected to the inlet of the warm air and the first exhaust port.

The first exhaust port is located below the inlet of the warm air and does not overlap the inlet of the warm air in the up and down direction.