WO2023170998A1

WO2023170998A1 - Washer/dryer

Info

Publication number: WO2023170998A1
Application number: PCT/JP2022/032342
Authority: WO
Inventors: 幸太郎高橋; 晴樹額賀
Original assignee: 日立グローバルライフソリューションズ株式会社
Priority date: 2022-03-10
Filing date: 2022-08-29
Publication date: 2023-09-14
Also published as: JP2023131799A

Abstract

The present invention comprises a case (2), an outer tank (3) that is provided inside the case (2) and holds water, a drum (4) that is provided inside the outer tank (3) and can hold laundry and rotate, a blower (5a) for supplying air into the outer tank (3) and the drum (4), a discharge port (5c) that supplies air into the drum (4), a circulated air passage (5d) that connects the blower (5a) and the outer tank (3), a heating and dehumidification means that is provided inside the circulated air passage (5d) and heats and dehumidifies air, an air passage filter (6) that is provided between the blower (5a) and the outer tank (3), an intake port (11) that communicates with the circulated air passage (5d) and takes in air outside the outer tank (3), and an out-of-device exhaust port (21) that is provided in the case (2) and communicates with the circulated air passage (5d). The orientation or position of the out-of-device exhaust port (21) can be altered arbitrarily.

Description

Washing and drying machine

The present invention relates to a washer/dryer.

In washer/dryers, the air in the tank that heats damp clothes becomes highly humid during the drying process, so a drying method that dehumidifies and dries the clothes by installing a dehumidifying device and a heating device in the circulation air path is common. It is true. Among these drying technologies, there is also a known technology that accelerates dehumidification by exhausting a portion of the highly humid (high humidity) circulating air outside the machine and taking in low-humidity air from outside the machine. It is known that dehumidifying the air as quickly as possible will shorten the drying time. Additionally, it has been found that drying progresses by exchanging high-humidity air inside the tank with low-humidity outside air without using heating input, which makes it possible to reduce power consumption. In addition, in heat pump type dryers, it is known that the continuous circulation of highly humid air increases the load on the compressor in the heat pump's refrigeration cycle, and the humid air inside the tank is exhausted outside the machine. There is also a known technique for stably operating the compressor by taking in dry air from outside the machine instead.

Patent Document 1 discloses, in a washer/dryer having a heat pump type drying means, an exhaust port for discharging part of the circulating air flowing through an air circulation path formed between a drying chamber and a heat absorber, and a radiator from the drying chamber. A technology is described that includes an intake port that takes in outside air to compensate for the circulating air discharged from the exhaust port formed in a part of the air circulation path leading to the drying chamber, or an intake port formed between the drying chamber and the heat absorber. has been done.

Patent Document 2 discloses that in a washer/dryer having a heat pump type drying means, in response to the problem of condensation and mold forming on the walls of the surrounding environment by exhausting high-humidity air, the space surrounding the circulation duct is It describes a blowing means that takes in outside air from outside the machine and a technology that moves, dilutes and diffuses the moisture in the air discharged outside the machine without allowing it to stay inside the machine, and then discharges it from the exhaust means outside the machine. .

Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2004-215943 Patent No. 4679384

However, according to the technology related to Patent Document 1, highly humid air is exhausted from the exhaust port, but when exhausting outside the main body, the highly humid air causes dew condensation on the surrounding environment, for example, a wall. This may lead to discoloration of the walls and the growth of mold.

In addition, according to the technology disclosed in Patent Document 2, since the exhaust port is provided toward the back of the main body, the air is exhausted from the surrounding environment, especially from a position close to the wall surface, so that high humidity is generated on the wall surface before it diffuses into the outside air. When air comes into contact with it, condensation occurs and there is a risk of discoloration and mold growth.

In any of the conventional techniques, the external exhaust port is located at the rear of the main body or the upper surface of the main body, and the direction of the exhaust is fixed. The environment in which washer/dryers are installed varies depending on the user. For example, there may be cases where there is not enough space to install the washer/dryer and the back of the washer/dryer must be placed very close to the wall, or a laundry basket may be installed on top of the washer/dryer. However, if the outside exhaust port and the direction of the exhaust are fixed, there will be restrictions such as not being able to install a washer/dryer in the first place, or not being able to install a laundry basket in a location that is convenient for the user. However, there was a problem in that the convenience was significantly impaired.

The present invention solves the above-mentioned conventional problems, and reduces drying time and power consumption while suppressing wall discoloration and mold growth in the installation environment of a washer/dryer, or a heat pump unit. An object of the present invention is to provide a washer/dryer capable of reducing the load on a compressor.

The present invention provides a box body, an outer tank provided in the box body for storing water, a rotatable inner tank provided in the outer tank and capable of accommodating clothing, etc., the outer tank and the inner tank. a blower for supplying air into the interior of the tank; a blower outlet for supplying air into the inner tank; a circulation air passage connecting the outer tank and the air blower; a dehumidifying and heating means for dehumidifying and heating; a lint collecting filter provided between the outer tank and the blower; an intake port connected to the circulation air path and sucking air outside the outer tank; The air conditioner is characterized by comprising an external exhaust port provided in the box body and connected to the circulation air path, and the direction or position of the external exhaust port can be changed arbitrarily.

According to the present invention, it is possible to shorten drying time, reduce power consumption, or reduce the load on the compressor of a heat pump unit while suppressing discoloration of walls and the growth of mold in the environment where the washer/dryer is installed. We can provide washing and drying machines.

FIG. 1 is an external perspective view of a washer/dryer according to a first embodiment. It is a block diagram showing the inside of the washer-dryer of a 1st embodiment. FIG. 3 is a front view of an outer tank and an air passage filter in the washer/dryer of the first embodiment. It is a block diagram showing the inside of the washer-dryer of a 1st embodiment. FIG. 3 is a configuration diagram of an external exhaust port. FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an external exhaust port. FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the exterior with the external exhaust port oriented in a different direction. FIG. 7 is an external perspective view showing a state in which the external exhaust port is oriented in another direction. FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view showing the flow of the air intake and exhaust section when the external exhaust port is directed upward. FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view showing the flow of air intake and exhaust air when the external exhaust port faces backward. FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view showing the flow of air intake and exhaust air when the external exhaust port faces forward. FIG. 7 is a modified view of the external exhaust port. FIG. 7 is a modified view of the external exhaust port. FIG. 7 is a modified view of the external exhaust port. It is a sectional view showing an air intake and exhaust part of the washer dryer of a 2nd embodiment. It is a sectional view showing an air intake and exhaust part of the washer dryer of a 2nd embodiment. It is a sectional view showing an air intake and exhaust part of the washer dryer of a 2nd embodiment. It is a block diagram which shows the washing/drying machine of 2nd Embodiment. It is a block diagram which shows the inside of the washer-dryer of 3rd Embodiment. It is a block diagram which shows the inside of the washer-dryer of 4th Embodiment. It is a block diagram which shows the inside of the washer-dryer of 5th Embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the operation|movement at the time of drying operation in the washer-dryer of 5th Embodiment. It is a block diagram which shows the inside of the washer-dryer of 6th Embodiment. It is a block diagram which shows the inside of the washer dryer of 7th Embodiment. It is a front view showing the inside of a washing dryer of a 7th embodiment.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the washer/dryer of the present invention will be described using the drawings. In the following, as a specific configuration of the washer/dryer, a drum type washer/dryer in which the rotation axis of the inner tub is approximately horizontal will be exemplified, but the present invention is applicable to a vertical type washer/dryer in which the rotation axis of the inner tub is approximately vertical. A similar effect can be obtained by applying .

(First embodiment)
FIG. 1 is an external perspective view of a washer/dryer according to a first embodiment. Note that the following description will be made with the direction shown in FIG. 1 as a reference.
As shown in FIG. 1, the washer/dryer 1A of the first embodiment includes a box 2 forming an outer shell. This box body 2 has a skeleton constructed by combining side plates 2s and reinforcing materials (not shown), which are mainly made of steel plates and resin molded products, on the top of a base 2h, and on top of which are made of resin molded products. It is configured by attaching a front cover 2b, a lower front cover 2c, and a top cover 2d. Further, the front cover 2b is provided with a door 2a that is opened and closed when loading and unloading laundry (clothing). Furthermore, an intake port 11 and an external exhaust port 21, which will be described later, are provided at the top of the box body 2.

FIG. 2 is a configuration diagram showing the inside of the washer/dryer of the first embodiment. In addition, in FIG. 2, the flow of air during drying is shown by broken line arrows, and the flow of cooling water during drying is shown by solid line arrows.
As shown in FIG. 2, the washer/dryer 1A includes an outer tank 3 provided inside a box body 2 for storing water, and a rotatable drum 4 (inner drum 4 provided in the outer tank 3 for storing clothes, etc.). tank), a blower 5a for supplying air to the inside of the outer tank 3 and the drum 4, an air outlet 5c for supplying air to the inside of the drum 4, and a circulating air passage 5d connecting the outer tank 3 and the blower 5a. , a dehumidifying means provided in the circulation air path to dehumidify the air, a heater 5b to heat the dehumidified air, and an air path filter 6 (lint collecting device) provided between the outer tank 3 and the blower 5a. filter); In this embodiment, the dehumidifying means and the heater 5b constitute a dehumidifying heating means. Further, in this embodiment, the dehumidifying and heating means using cooling water and the heater 5b has been described as an example, but the dehumidifying and heating means may be configured using a heat pump device.

During the drying process, the blower 5a generates circulating air as indicated by the dashed arrow in the figure to dry the laundry. Further, the air blown from the air blower 5a at the upper part of the outer tank 3 is heated by the downstream heater 5b, and then is supplied to the drum 4 through the air outlet 5c. The air supplied to the drum 4 heats the damp laundry stored in the drum 4 to remove moisture, and then passes through the outer circumferential hole (not shown) of the drum 4 into the gap between the drum 4 and the outer tub 3. The air flows out into the space, and further passes through the air passage filter 6, which is a mesh filter, and reaches the circulation air passage 5d. The air flowing into the circulation air passage 5d has increased humidity by taking moisture from the laundry, so the cooling water shown by the solid arrow in the figure is supplied from the upper part of the circulation air passage 5d to the cooling water supply section 9 ( By cooling the high humidity air, water vapor condenses and dehumidifies the air. The dry air after dehumidification passes through the air path hose 5e and returns to the blower 5a. In this way, the blowing device supplies hot drying air to the damp laundry in the drum 4 to accelerate drying of the laundry.

Additionally, the washer/dryer 1A is provided with a drainage channel below the outer tub 3. This drainage channel is a path for draining water from the outer tank 3, and includes an internal drainage channel 7a that communicates with the bottom opening of the outer tank 3, and a water channel filter 7b that collects lint in the drainage flowing through the internal drainage channel 7a. It consists of a drain valve 7c that is mainly closed during the washing process and the rinsing process and opened during other processes, and a drain hose 7d through which waste water passes when the drain valve 7c is opened. Note that the lint collected by the waterway filter 7b is appropriately cleaned by the user.

The circulation pump 8 is provided on the downstream side of the water channel filter 7b, and circulates the waste water to the outer tank 3 via the circulation channel 8a during the washing process and the rinsing process.

Additionally, the washer/dryer 1A is connected to the circulation air path 5d and includes an intake port 11 that can take in outside air. This intake port 11 is located at the back side of the upper part of the box body 2 (see FIG. 1). Further, the air intake port 11 is configured by a plurality of holes cut out in a grid pattern in the top cover 2d of the box body 2 (see FIG. 1) and arranged in a rectangular shape.

Further, the washing/drying machine 1A is connected to the circulation air passage 5d, and is provided with an external exhaust port 21 for discharging the wind flowing through the circulation air passage 5d to the outside of the machine. This external exhaust port 21 is located on the back side of the upper part of the box body 2 (see FIG. 1).

Additionally, the washer/dryer 1A is equipped with an exhaust switching valve 31 in the circulation air path 5d that opens and closes the external exhaust port 21. Note that FIG. 2 shows a state in which the exhaust switching valve 31 is closed. In this exhaust switching valve 31, a valve body 31a is rotatably supported via a hinge 31b. Note that this configuration of the exhaust switching valve is merely an example, and is not limited to this.

FIG. 3 is a front view of an outer tank and an air passage filter in the washer/dryer of the first embodiment.
As shown in FIG. 3, the washer/dryer 1A has a large vertically elongated intake port 3a on the back of the outer tub 3 in order to reduce the ventilation resistance from the outer tub 3 to the blower 5a and increase the volume of circulating air. The air intake port 3a is covered with an air passage filter 6 having a large area. Further, a circulating air path 5d from the outer tank 3 to the blower 5a is arranged below the blower 5a and on the rear side of the outer tank 3 so as to connect the two through the shortest distance.

In the washer/dryer 1A having the above configuration, the laundry is washed away due to the mechanical force of the laundry in the drum 4 rubbing against each other during the washing process and the rinsing process, and the mechanical force of the wind supplied to the drum 4 during the drying process. The fibers are peeled off and lint is generated. The generated lint is wet and heavy at the beginning of the drying process, so it does not float, but as the drying progresses, it becomes lighter and begins to float. Among the floating lint, lint larger than the mesh of the air passage filter 6 is collected by the air passage filter 6 and discharged into the internal drainage channel 7a after the subsequent washing process and rinsing process are completed.

FIG. 4 is a configuration diagram showing the inside of the washer/dryer of the first embodiment.
As shown in FIG. 4, when the exhaust switching valve 31 is opened during drying operation, the air supplied to the drum 4 heats the damp laundry stored in the drum 4 and removes moisture. It flows out into the space between the drum 4 and the outer tank 3 through the outer peripheral hole (not shown) of the drum 4, and further passes through the air passage filter 6, which is a mesh filter, to reach the circulation air passage 5d. The wind flowing into the circulation air passage 5d rises without being dehumidified by the dehumidifying means, passes through the air passage hose 5e, and discharges the highly humid wind to the outside of the machine from the external exhaust port 21. Note that the reason why the circulating air passage 5d is not dehumidified is because the supply of cooling water from the cooling water supply section 9 is stopped.

FIG. 5 is a configuration diagram of the external exhaust port. 6A is an external perspective view of the external exhaust port, FIG. 6B is an external perspective view of the external exhaust port in a different direction, and FIG. 6C is a perspective view of the external exhaust port in a different direction. FIG. Note that the upper diagram in FIG. 5 is a top view, and the lower diagram in FIG. 5 is a side view.
As shown in the upper diagram of FIG. 5, the external exhaust port 21 includes a hemispherical main body 21a, a slit-shaped opening 21b formed in the main body, and a top cover of the box body 2. 2d (see FIG. 1) via a rotation mechanism 21c (see FIG. 6A). Further, the main body 21a is rotated in the W1 direction about the fulcrum O1 by the rotation mechanism 21c. Further, as shown in the lower diagram of FIG. 5, the main body 21a is configured to rotate in the direction of the arrow W2 about the fulcrum O2.

With this configuration, by rotating the main body 21a in the direction of arrow W2 in the state shown in the lower diagram of FIG. 5, the opening 21b can be directed to the right in the figure and to the left in the figure. Furthermore, by rotating the opening 21b in the state shown in the upper diagram of FIG. 5 by 45 degrees in the W1 direction and 90 degrees in the W2 direction, the opening 21b can be directed diagonally to the right or to the left. I can do it. That is, in this embodiment, the opening 21b of the external exhaust port 21 can be oriented in at least two directions. Note that the effects of the present invention can be sufficiently obtained even if the rotation is made possible only in the W1 direction or only in the W2 direction.

As shown in FIG. 6A, the external exhaust port 21 is located behind the intake port 11, and the opening 21b faces upward. In this way, the orientation of the opening 21b is set so as not to face the intake port 11 side. Thereby, it is possible to suppress the highly humid air discharged from the external exhaust port 21 from being sucked in from the air intake port 11. Furthermore, by oriented the opening 21b upward, even if the wall of the washing machine storage space is located behind the washer/dryer 1A, it is possible to prevent high-humidity air from directly hitting the wall.

As shown in FIG. 6B, the opening 21b of the external exhaust port 21 faces to the right. In this way, the orientation of the opening 21b is set so as not to face the intake port 11 side. Thereby, it is possible to suppress the highly humid air discharged from the external exhaust port 21 from being sucked in from the air intake port 11. Further, by oriented the opening 21b to the right, even if the wall of the washing machine storage space is located on the back or left side of the washer/dryer 1A, it is possible to prevent high humidity air from directly hitting the wall.

As shown in FIG. 6C, the opening 21b of the external exhaust port 21 faces diagonally forward to the left. By making the opening 21b diagonally forward to the left, even if the wall of the washing machine storage area is located on the back or right side of the washer/dryer 1A, it is possible to prevent high-humidity air from directly hitting the wall.

7A is a cross-sectional view showing the flow of air intake and exhaust when the external exhaust port is facing upward, FIG. 7B is a cross-sectional view showing the flow of air intake and exhaust when the external exhaust port is facing backward, and FIG. 7C is a cross-sectional view showing the flow of air intake and exhaust when the external exhaust port is facing backward. , is a cross-sectional view showing the flow of intake and exhaust air when the external exhaust port faces forward. Note that the flow of wind (air) is indicated by dashed arrows.
As shown in FIG. 7A, when the exhaust switching valve 31 is opened, outside air (air) is taken in from the intake port 11 and flows toward the blower 5a. Then, the wind flowing out into the circulation air passage 5d rises in the circulation air passage 5d, passes through the air passage hose 5e, and is discharged upward in the vertical direction from the external exhaust port 21. In this way, by oriented the external exhaust port 21 upward, it is possible to prevent high-humidity air from being blown directly onto the walls surrounding the washing machine storage area, thereby preventing discoloration of the walls and the growth of mold. can be suppressed.

As shown in FIG. 7B, when the external exhaust port 21 faces rearward, the air that has ascended through the circulation air passage 5d is redirected and discharged rearward. As shown in FIG. 7C, when the external exhaust port 21 faces forward, the air that has ascended through the circulation air passage 5d is redirected and discharged forward.

In this way, when the high-humidity tank air is exhausted into the room where the washer/dryer is installed, the user can select and adjust the direction of exhaust air as desired, so it can be adjusted depending on the installation environment and usage conditions of the washer/dryer 1A. It is possible to provide a washer/dryer 1A that does not impair user convenience.

8 to 10 are modified views of the external exhaust port. Note that the rotation mechanism 21c is configured similarly to the first embodiment. Note that the external exhaust ports 21A to 21C shown below are merely examples, and are not limited to this embodiment.
The external exhaust port 21A shown in FIG. 8 is configured by forming a plurality (for example, three) of rectangular openings 21d on the equator side of the main body 21a. The openings 21d are located along a part of the periphery of the main body 21a in the circumferential direction. Further, the external exhaust port 21A is also configured to rotate in the W1 direction about the fulcrum O1 shown in the upper diagram of FIG. 8, similarly to FIG. Thereby, the external exhaust port 21A (opening 21d) can be directed forward, backward, to the left, or to the right.

Further, the external exhaust port 21B shown in FIG. 9 is configured by forming a plurality (for example, five) circular openings 21e on one side of the main body 21a. In the opening 21e, three openings are formed in the lower stage, and two openings are formed in the upper stage. Thereby, the external exhaust port 21B (opening 21e) can be directed forward, backward, to the left, or to the right. From the upper opening, air can be discharged diagonally forward and upward, diagonally backward and upward, diagonally leftward and upwardly, and diagonally rightward and upwardly.

Further, the external exhaust port 21C shown in FIG. 10 is configured by forming one rectangular opening 21f extending in the circumferential direction on the equator side of the main body 21a. Thereby, the external exhaust port 21C (opening 21f) can be directed forward, backward, to the left, or to the right.

In this way, by forming the openings 21d to 21f on one surface side (for example, within a 90 degree range) of the main body 21a and providing a rotation mechanism for rotating the openings 21d to 21f in the W1 direction about the fulcrum O1, the openings 21d to 21f can be directed forward, backward, left or right.

The washer/dryer 1A of the first embodiment configured as described above includes a box 2, an outer tank 3 provided in the box 2 for storing water, and a washing dryer 1A provided in the outer tank 3 for storing water (washing clothes, etc.). a rotatable drum 4 capable of accommodating objects), a blower 5a for supplying air into the outer tank 3 and the inside of the drum 4, an outlet 5c for supplying air into the drum 4, an outer tank 3 and the blower. 5a, a dehumidifying means (cooling water supply section 9) provided in the circulating air path 5d for supplying air, and a heating means (heater 5b) for heating the dehumidified air. an air passage filter 6 (lint collecting filter) provided between the outer tank 3 and the blower 5a, and an air intake port 11 connected to the circulation air passage 5d for sucking air outside the outer tank 3; An external exhaust port 21 provided in the box body 2 and connected to the circulation air path 5d is provided, and the direction or position of the external exhaust port 21 can be changed arbitrarily. According to this, for example, if you want to place a laundry basket behind the upper surface of the washer/dryer 1A, the direction of the exhaust air can be shifted away from the laundry basket so that high-humidity air can reach the laundry basket and the clothes left in the basket. Prevent from being hit. In addition, if there is not enough distance between the back of the washer/dryer 1A and the wall due to the installation environment of the washer/dryer 1A, you can change the direction of the exhaust from the back of the washer/dryer 1A to the top of the back or to the side of the back. This prevents direct contact with high-humidity air, which in turn prevents discoloration of walls and the growth of mold. In addition, it is possible to shorten drying time, reduce power consumption, or reduce the load on the compressor of the heat pump unit.

For example, in the first embodiment, the external exhaust port 21 has a convex main body 21a in which an opening 21b is formed, and the main body 21a is configured such that the direction of the opening 21b can be changed in at least two directions. It is rotatably provided in the box body 2. According to this, the user can arbitrarily change the direction of the exhaust gas simply by rotating the main body, and the operation for changing the direction of the exhaust gas becomes easy.

(Second embodiment)
FIGS. 11A to 11C are cross-sectional views showing the air intake and exhaust section of the washer/dryer according to the second embodiment. FIG. 12 is a configuration diagram showing a washer/dryer according to the second embodiment. Note that the same configurations as those in the first embodiment are given the same reference numerals and redundant explanations are omitted (the same applies to the third embodiment and subsequent embodiments).
As shown in FIG. 11A, in the washer/dryer 1B of the second embodiment, a flexible air passage member 41 is connected to the external exhaust port, and the air passage member 41 extends from the top cover 2d (outer wall) of the box body 2. is configured to do so. The flexible air path member 41 is formed into a tubular shape using an elastic member such as rubber, and by bending the tubular portion of the air path member 41, the open end 41a can be turned in any direction. is now possible. Further, by bending the tubular portion of the air passage member 41, the open end portion 41a can be moved to an arbitrary position. Note that the air passage member 41 is not limited to being made of an elastic material such as rubber, but may have a bellows shape.

FIG. 11A shows a state in which the air passage member 41 is bent toward the rear, with the open end 41a facing toward the rear. Thereby, the air that has passed through the exhaust port 21s flows along the curve of the air path member 41, and is discharged from the open end 41a toward the rear of the washer/dryer 1B.

FIG. 11B shows a state in which the air passage member 41 is bent forward and the open end 41a is directed forward. As a result, the air that has passed through the exhaust port 21s flows along the curve of the air path member 41 and is discharged from the open end 41a toward the front of the washer/dryer 1B.

FIG. 11C shows a state in which the air passage member 41 is bent diagonally to the rear, with the open end 41a facing diagonally to the rear. As a result, the air that has passed through the exhaust port 21s flows along the curve of the air path member 41 and is discharged from the open end 41a toward the diagonal rear side of the washer/dryer 1B.

FIG. 12 shows a usage pattern in which the washer/dryer 1B is installed in an environment in which an outer wall E is located on the back of the washer/dryer 1B to partition indoors and outdoors, and a window W that can be opened and closed is provided on the outer wall E. It shows.

A flexible air passage member 41 is connected to the exhaust port 21s formed in the box body 2. Moreover, the air path member 41 has a length that allows the open end portion 41a to extend through the window W to the outdoors.

As described above, in the second embodiment, the external exhaust port 21 has a flexible air passage member 41, and the air passage member 41 extends from the top cover 2d of the box body 2. Further, the open end portion 41a of the air passage member 41 can be changed to an arbitrary position and direction. As a result, the external exhaust port 21 extends from the box body 2 and includes the air passage member 41 that can be flexibly deformed, giving the user more freedom in selecting the position and direction of the exhaust. For example, if there is a window W leading to the outdoors on the back of the washer/dryer 1B, the extended external exhaust port 21 can be taken out through the window W to the outdoors. As an effect, the high-humidity exhaust gas can be exhausted outside the room instead of inside the room, so that the inside of the room does not become high-humidity, and a larger amount of exhaust gas can be exhausted. As a result, shortening of drying time and energy saving can be expected, and when a heat pump unit is used, safe operation of the heat pump device can be ensured.

(Third embodiment)
FIG. 13 is a configuration diagram showing the inside of a washer/dryer according to the third embodiment.
As shown in FIG. 13, a washer/dryer 1C according to the third embodiment includes an exhaust switching valve 31A configured to be able to adjust the intake and exhaust amount in place of the exhaust switching valve 31 according to the first embodiment. ing. The exhaust gas switching valve 31A is a valve that can adjust the intake amount from the intake port 11 and the exhaust amount from the external exhaust port 21. That is, by adjusting the opening/closing degree (opening degree) of the exhaust switching valve 31A, air can be taken in from the intake port 11 and exhausted from the external exhaust port 21. As a result, a part of the air passing through the circulation air passage 5d flows toward the intake port 11 and circulates, and the other part is discharged to the outside of the machine from the external exhaust port 21. Such partial exhaust operation makes it possible to accelerate drying by exhausting the tank while suppressing a drop in temperature inside the tank.

In this way, in the third embodiment, by making the exhaust gas switching valve 31A adjustable in the intake and exhaust amount, it is possible to obtain the optimal intake and exhaust amount depending on the drying state of the clothes and the temperature and humidity state of the surrounding environment.

(Fourth embodiment)
FIG. 14 is a configuration diagram showing the inside of a washer/dryer according to the fourth embodiment.
As shown in FIG. 14, the washer/dryer 1D of the fourth embodiment has a flexible air passage member 41 connected to the external exhaust port 21, and the air passage member 41 is connected to the top cover 2d of the box body 2 ( It extends from the outer wall). Further, the air passage member 41 is provided in an environment where the washer/dryer 1D is installed (washing machine installation environment), and is connected to an outdoor exhaust port 51 formed in the outer wall E. This outdoor exhaust port 51 communicates with the outdoors. By configuring the air passage member 41 with a bendable flexible material or bendable shape in this way, vibrations during operation can be absorbed.

This makes it possible to perform a drying operation with a more suppressed influence on the indoor environment (preventing the installation environment from becoming highly humid) than when the exhaust port (open end 41a) is provided through the window W. Moreover, since there is no air inflow from the window W as shown in FIG. 12, a more comfortable installation environment can be maintained. In addition, by increasing the cross-sectional area of the outdoor exhaust port 51, more air can be exhausted, which can further shorten drying time and save energy. It is possible to secure driving.

(Fifth embodiment)
FIG. 15 is a configuration diagram showing the inside of the washer/dryer according to the fifth embodiment. FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing the operation during drying operation in the washer/dryer of the fifth embodiment.
As shown in FIG. 15, the washer/dryer 1E of the fifth embodiment is provided between the exhaust switching valve 31, the external exhaust port 21 of the circulation air path 5d, and the intake port 11 to detect the temperature of the air. and a control device 55 to which the temperature sensor 56 and the exhaust switching valve 31 are connected.

The control device 55 controls opening/closing of the exhaust switching valve 31, ON/OFF of the blower 5a, and ON/OFF of the heater 5b. Further, the control device 55 acquires temperature information inside the tank detected by the temperature sensor 56.

As shown in FIG. 16, when the drying operation is started, the control device 55 closes the exhaust switching valve (step S10). Then, the control device 55 turns on the blower 5a and the heater 5b.

Then, the control device 55 determines whether the temperature of the temperature sensor 56 has reached a predetermined temperature (predetermined value) (a predetermined temperature or higher) (step S30), and if the temperature has reached the predetermined temperature, the exhaust switching The valve 31 is opened (step S40). As a result, the air passage connecting the circulating air passage 5d with the blower 5a is closed (the state shown in FIG. 4), and the highly humid air in the outer tank 3 is discharged to the outside of the machine from the external exhaust port 21.

Note that the predetermined temperature is, for example, 40°C. Note that if the temperature of the temperature sensor 56 is less than the predetermined temperature, the process of step S30 is repeated. Furthermore, if the temperature does not rise to a predetermined level or higher even after a predetermined period of time has elapsed, the drying operation is terminated as an error process, or the operation is switched to a dehumidification method using cooling water while keeping the exhaust switching valve closed.

By the way, in drying operation, there is a preheating period until evaporation from damp clothes is accelerated, so it is effective to encourage the temperature of the clothes to rise during this period. In other words, if the air heated by the heater is immediately exhausted outside the machine by fully opening the exhaust switching valve 31 as shown in Figure 4, it will take time for the preheating period, so the initial stage of drying will be as shown in Figure 2. As such, it is desirable to fully close the exhaust gas switching valve 31 to raise the temperature inside the tank and the clothes without exhausting the air. After that, a temperature sensor 56 installed inside the tank determines whether a predetermined temperature has been reached. If the temperature has reached a predetermined temperature, the exhaust switching valve 31 is opened as shown in FIG. Exhaust. This makes it possible to perform an effective preheating period and exhaust gas, which can lead to greater energy savings and time savings.

In addition, in the fifth embodiment, the case where the intake and exhaust timing is controlled by opening and closing the exhaust switching valve 31 has been described as an example, but the exhaust switching valve 31A (see FIG. 13) is used to The amount may be controlled. Further, in the fifth embodiment, the case where the temperature sensor 56 is used has been described as an example, but the opening/closing control of the exhaust switching valve 31 may be controlled using a humidity sensor, and the intake/exhaust amount by the exhaust switching valve 31A may be controlled. May be controlled.

(Sixth embodiment)
FIG. 17 is a configuration diagram showing the inside of a washer/dryer according to the sixth embodiment.
As shown in FIG. 17, the washer/dryer 1F of the sixth embodiment has an outside tank exhaust port 61 that exhausts the highly humid air inside the drum 4 to the outside of the outer tank 3. That is, the circulation air passage 5d is not provided with the above-mentioned external exhaust port. Further, the outside exhaust port 61 is provided with a filter 61a for collecting lint.

In the sixth embodiment, by providing the filter 61a, it is possible to prevent lint from being discharged outside the machine and outdoors.

(Seventh embodiment)
FIG. 18 is a configuration diagram showing the inside of the washer/dryer according to the seventh embodiment. FIG. 19 is a front view showing the inside of the washer/dryer according to the seventh embodiment.
As shown in FIGS. 18 and 19, the washer/dryer 1G of the seventh embodiment has an external tank exhaust port 61 for exhausting the high-humidity air in the drum 4 to the outside of the outer tank 3, and a It includes an external exhaust port 21D and an exhaust air passage 71 that connects the external tank exhaust port 61 and the external exhaust port 21D. The outer tank exhaust port 61 is configured to extend upward from the outer tank 3. The external exhaust port 21D is provided at the top (top cover 2d) of the washer/dryer 1F. The exhaust air passage 71 is formed in a bellows shape to absorb vibrations of the outer tank 3.

In the seventh embodiment, since the positions of the intake port 11 and the external exhaust port 21D can be further separated, it is possible to suppress the risk of the high-humidity air discharged from the external exhaust port 21D being taken in again from the intake port 11. can. In addition, in the seventh embodiment, by connecting the external tank exhaust port 61 and the external exhaust port 21D with an air path (exhaust air path 71), it is possible to prevent high humidity air from filling the inside of the aircraft, and to ensure that high-humidity air flows out of the aircraft. Since the air can be exhausted, for example, steel plate members inside the machine can be prevented from corroding.

Note that the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, but includes various modifications, and may be constructed by appropriately selecting and combining the first to seventh embodiments. For example, in the first embodiment, a case has been described in which the exhaust switching valve 31 that can be opened and closed is provided, but a configuration in which the exhaust switching valve 31 is not provided may be used. In other words, this can be achieved by providing a flow path structure in which part of the air flowing through the circulation air passage 5d is circulated by flowing toward the intake port 11 side, and the other part of the air is discharged from the external exhaust port 21. I can do it.

1A, 1B, 1C, 1D, 1E, 1F, 1G Washer/dryer 2 Box 2d Top cover 3 Outer tank 4 Drum (inner tank)
5a Blower 5b Heater (heating means, dehumidification heating means)
5c Air outlet 5d Circulating air passage 5e Air passage hose 6 Air passage filter (lint collection filter)
7 Drainage channel 7a Internal drainage channel 7b Waterway filter 7c Drainage valve 7d Drainage hose 8 Circulation pump 9 Cooling water supply section (dehumidification means, dehumidification heating means)
11 Intake port 21 Exhaust port 21a

Main body

21b, 21d, 21e, 21f Opening 21c Rotating mechanism 31 Exhaust switching valve 31A Exhaust switching valve (valve that can adjust the amount of intake and exhaust)
41 Air path member 41a Open end 51 Outdoor exhaust port 55 Control device 56 Temperature sensor (sensor)
61 Exhaust port outside the tank 61a Filter (lint collection filter)
71 Exhaust air duct E External wall W Window

Claims

The box body and
an outer tank provided within the box body for storing water;
a rotatable inner tank provided in the outer tank and capable of accommodating laundry;
a blower for supplying air into the outer tank and the inner tank;
an outlet for supplying air into the inner tank;
a circulation air path connecting the outer tank and the blower;
a dehumidifying and heating means provided in the circulating air passage for dehumidifying and heating the air;
a lint collecting filter provided between the outer tank and the blower;
an intake port that is connected to the circulation air path and takes in air from outside the outer tank;
an external exhaust port provided in the box body and connected to the circulation air path;
A washer/dryer characterized in that the direction or position of the external exhaust port can be changed arbitrarily.
The external exhaust port has a convex body with an opening formed therein,
The washer/dryer according to claim 1, wherein the main body is rotatably provided in the box so that the direction of the opening can be changed in at least two directions.
The external exhaust port has a flexible air passage member, and the air passage member extends from an outer wall of the box body,
The washer/dryer according to claim 1, wherein the open end of the air path member can be moved to any desired position and direction.
The box body and
an outer tank provided within the box body for storing water;
a rotatable inner tank provided in the outer tank and capable of accommodating laundry;
a blower for supplying air into the outer tank and the inner tank;
an outlet for supplying air into the inner tank;
a circulation air path connecting the outer tank and the blower;
a dehumidifying and heating means provided in the circulating air passage for dehumidifying and heating the air;
a lint collecting filter provided between the outer tank and the blower;
an intake port that is connected to the circulation air path and takes in air from outside the outer tank;
an external exhaust port provided in the box body and connected to the circulation air path;
The external exhaust port has a flexible air path member, and the air path member extends from the outer wall of the box and is connected to an outdoor exhaust port provided in the washing machine installation environment. Washing and drying machine.
The washer/dryer according to any one of claims 1 to 4, further comprising a valve in the circulation air path that opens and closes the external exhaust port.
The washer/dryer according to claim 5, wherein the valve is configured to be able to adjust the amount of intake and exhaust.
comprising a sensor that detects the temperature or humidity in the circulating air path,
The washer/dryer according to claim 5, wherein the valve is opened and closed when the temperature or humidity of the sensor reaches a predetermined value.
The box body and
an outer tank provided within the box body for storing water;
a rotatable inner tank provided in the outer tank and capable of accommodating laundry;
a blower for supplying air into the outer tank and the inner tank;
an outlet for supplying air into the inner tank;
a circulation air path connecting the outer tank and the blower;
a dehumidifying and heating means provided in the circulating air passage for dehumidifying and heating the air;
an intake port that is connected to the circulation air path and takes in air from outside the outer tank;
an external tank exhaust port that exhausts high-humidity air in the inner tank to the outside of the outer tank,
A washer/dryer characterized in that the outside exhaust port is provided with a lint collecting filter.
an external exhaust port provided in the box body;
The washer/dryer according to claim 8, further comprising an exhaust air path connecting the external exhaust port and the external exhaust port.