DRUM-TYPE WASHING AND DRYING MACHINE

Abstract

 A drum-type washing and drying machine according to the present invention includes: water tub (2) which has opening (7) in a front side of housing (1); drum (4); motor (10); air flow passage (16); heat pump device (17); and air blower (24). Heat pump device (17) is disposed in a lower portion of the inside of housing (1), and air blower (24) has fan accommodating portion (24e) and air exhaust portion (24f). Air blower (24) is connected in a communicating manner to heat pump device (17), and upper portion (24c) of fan accommodating portion (24e) is positioned above lower end portion (2a) of water tub rear portion (2c). Due to such a configuration , water tub (2) is disposed at a lower portion of the drum-type washing and drying machine so that both the miniaturization of housing (1) and the favorable drying performance can be realized simultaneously.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present invention relates to a drum-type washing and drying machine which performs washing and drying of clothing or the like.

BACKGROUND ART

[0002] Conventionally, in this type of drum-type washing and drying machine, a drying device includes a heat pump device. There has been disclosed a drum-type washing and drying machine having a configuration where a heat pump device is taken out rearward from the inside of a housing for maintenance of the heat pump device (see PTL 1, for example).

[0003] However, in the case of the drum-type washing and drying machine described in PTL 1, the heat pump device is taken out rearward and hence, usually, it is necessary to move the housing disposed close to a wall of a room or the like away from a place where the drum-type washing and drying machine is installed. Accordingly, such a drum-type washing and drying machine has a drawback that the maintenance of the heat pump device is difficult.

[0004] To overcome such a drawback, there has been proposed a drum-type washing and drying machine having a configuration where a heat pump device can be taken out frontward (see PTL 2, for example).

[0005] Hereinafter, the conventional drum-type washing and drying machine described in PTL 2 will be described with reference to FIG. 8.

[0006] FIG. 8 is a partially cut-away, cross-sectional view of a main part showing the configuration of the conventional drum-type washing and drying machine.

[0007] As shown in FIG. 8, the conventional drum-type washing and drying machine is configured such that heat pump unit 53 and fan 54 are disposed in forward and backward directions (directions indicated by arrows in the figure) at a position below lower end portion 57 of water tub 52 disposed in the inside of body 51. To enable the takeout of heat pump unit 53 frontward from inside of body 51, evaporator 55 is disposed on a front side of body 51, and condenser 56 is disposed behind evaporator 55. Fan 54 is disposed behind condenser 56.

[0008] Hereinafter, a clothing drying operation by the conventional drum-type washing and drying machine will be simply described.

[0009] Firstly, drying air (hereinafter, abbreviated as "air") supplied by fan 54 flows upward through air supply duct 58 disposed behind water tub 52 and is supplied to the inside of water tub 52. The air supplied to the inside of water tub 52 takes moisture from clothing in the inside of water tub 52 and then becomes wet, and the air in a wet state flows downward through air exhaust duct 59 disposed in front of water tub 52 and is supplied to heat pump unit 53. The wet air supplied to heat pump unit 53 is dehumidified by being cooled by evaporator 55 of heat pump unit 53, and then becomes low-temperature dry air. The low-temperature dry air is heated by condenser 56 of heat pump unit 53 and then becomes dry warm air.

[0010] Then, the dry warm air is supplied to the inside of water tub 52 again. In this manner, air circulates water tub 52 and heat pump unit 53, and dries clothing.

[0011] However, in the configuration of the conventional drum-type washing and drying machine described above, the structure including heat pump unit 53 and fan 54 is disposed below lower end portion 57 of water tub rear portion 52a as a whole and hence, there exists a drawback that the position of water tub 52 becomes high.

[0012] Further, when clothing in the inside of drum 60 is non-uniformly distributed, in a spin-drying step, there arises a phenomenon where water tub 52, which is resiliently supported by a damper (not shown) from below, rotates and swings along with the rotation of drum 60 at a high speed. Accordingly, it is necessary to prevent water tub 52 from coming into contact with heat pump unit 53 disposed below water tub 52 by ensuring a predetermined space between water tub 52 and heat pump unit 53. This structure further raises the position of water tub 52 thus giving rise to a drawback that vibrations are increased.

[0013] To decrease such vibrations, it is necessary to lower the height of body 51 by lowering the position of water tub 52 thus miniaturizing body 51. For this end, it is necessary to lower the height of the whole structure including heat pump unit 53 and fan 54.

[0014] However, when the height of the whole structure including heat pump unit 53 and fan 54 is lowered, it becomes difficult to maintain heat exchange efficiency of heat pump unit 53 and air supply performance of fan 54. That is, blades of fan 54 become small and hence, an amount of supply air becomes small whereby the air supply performance of fan 54 cannot be ensured. Further, the moisture in clothing is removed by air supplied from fan 54 and hence, when an amount of supply air is small, an amount of moisture removed from clothing per unit of time becomes small. As a result, a moisture removal time becomes extended thus lowering drying performance. Accordingly, the conventional drum-type washing and drying machine has a drawback that it is impossible to simultaneously realize the miniaturization of the drum-type washing and drying machine which is obtained by lowering the height of body 51 through lowering of the position of water tub 52 to decrease vibrations, and the acquisition of the favorable drying performance.

Citation List

Patent Literatures

[0015] 

PTL 1: Unexamined Japanese Patent Publication No. 2007-135960

PTL 2: Unexamined Japanese Patent Publication No. 2009-279059

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0016] To overcome the above-mentioned drawbacks, a drum-type washing and drying machine according to the present invention includes: a water tub which has an opening in a front side of a housing; a drum which is disposed in an inside of the water tub; a motor which drives the drum; an air flow passage which is connected to the water tub; a heat pump device which includes an evaporator and a condenser which are connected to a compressor by way of a pipe passage, the evaporator and the condenser being disposed in an inside of the air flow passage; and an air blower which supplies drying air into the inside of the water tub through the air flow passage. The heat pump device is disposed in a lower part of an inside of the housing, the air blower has a fan accommodating portion for accommodating a fan and an air exhaust portion which is integrally formed with the fan accommodating portion, and discharges air, and the air blower is configured such that the air blower is connected in a communicating manner to the heat pump device by way of a duct which is disposed on a back side of the heat pump device and extends to a front side of the heat pump device, and that an upper portion of the fan accommodating portion is positioned above a lower end portion of a water tub rear portion.

[0017] Due to such a configuration, the heat pump device and the air blower can be accommodated in the inside of the housing in a compact manner. Further, vibrations generated at the time of spin-drying can be suppressed by lowering the position of the water tub and, at the same time, a drum-type washing and drying machine can be miniaturized by lowering the height of the housing. Still further, it is possible to realize the drum-type washing and drying machine having favorable drying performance by the enhancement of heat exchange efficiency of the heat pump device and the supply of a large amount of air from the air blower.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0018] 

FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of a main part of a drum-type washing and drying machine according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention as viewed from a lateral side.

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the main part of the drum-type washing and drying machine as viewed from a front side.

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the main part of the drum-type washing and drying machine as viewed from a rear side.

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the main part of the drum-type washing and drying machine as viewed from an upper side.

FIG. 5 is a partially cut-away, cross-sectional view of the main part of the drum-type washing and drying machine as viewed from a lateral side.

FIG. 6 is a schematic view of the system of a heat pump device of the drum-type washing and drying machine.

FIG. 7A is a cross-sectional view of a main part for illustrating an operation of removing the heat pump device of the drum-type washing and drying machine.

FIG. 7B is a cross-sectional view of the main part for illustrating an operation of removing the heat pump device of the drum-type washing and drying machine.

FIG. 7C is a cross-sectional view of a main part for illustrating an operation of removing the heat pump device of the drum-type washing and drying machine.

FIG. 8 is a partially cut-away, cross-sectional view of the main part of a conventional drum-type washing and drying machine.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENT

[0019] Hereinafter, the exemplary embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. The present invention is not limited by the exemplary embodiment.

EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENT

[0020] Hereinafter, a drum-type washing and drying machine according to the exemplary embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 6.

[0021] FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of a main part of a drum-type washing and drying machine according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention as viewed from a lateral side. FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the main part of the drum-type washing and drying machine as viewed from a front side. FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the main part of the drum-type washing and drying machine as viewed from a rear side. FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the main part of the drum-type washing and drying machine as viewed from an upper side. FIG. 5 is a partially cut-away, cross-sectional view of the main part of the drum-type washing and drying machine as viewed from a lateral side. FIG. 6 is a schematic view of the system of a heat pump device of the drum-type washing and drying machine. The lateral side, the upper side, the frontward, and the rearward of the drum-type washing and drying machine mean the directions indicated by arrows in FIGS. 1 to 6.

[0022] As shown in FIGS. 1 to 6, the drum-type washing and drying machine of this exemplary embodiment is configured such that at least water tub 2, drum 4, air flow passage 16, heat pump device 17, air blower 24 and the like are accommodated in the inside of housing 1.

[0023] Housing 1 includes at least rear surface 1a, front surface 1b, right wall 1c and left wall 1d which form side walls, upper surface 1e and the like. Housing 1 forms an outer ward of the drum-type washing and drying machine. In the inside of housing 1, there is disposed water tub 2 having an approximately cylindrical shape (including a cylindrical shape) which includes opening 7 in a front side of housing 1, and stores washing water therein.

[0024] Water tub 2 is supported in the inside of housing 1 such that water tub 2 is resiliently supported by a pair of left and right dampers 5 (see FIG. 2 or FIG. 3) from below, and is suspended from above by a pair of left and right springs 6 (see FIG. 1 or FIG. 3). Here, water tub 2 is disposed in a frontwardly and upwardly inclined manner such that a water tub 2 side where an opening 7 formed in a front surface of water tub 2 is disposed is higher than other portions of water tub 2.

[0025] Drum 4 has a bottomed cylindrical shape, and is disposed in the inside of water tub 2 such that drum 4 is rotatable about rotary shaft 3 extending in the forward and backward directions. A large number of through holes 12 which are communicated with the inside of water tub 2 are formed on peripheral side surface of drum 4, and a plurality of baffles 13 which project inward are formed on the peripheral side surface of drum 4.

[0026] On an outer surface side of water tub rear portion 2c of water tub 2, bearing 8 which rotatably supports rotary shaft 3 of drum 4 and pulley 9 are disposed. A drive force of motor 10 which is fixedly mounted on a lower portion of the outer periphery of water tub 2 is transmitted to drum 4 connected to rotary shaft 3 by way of belt 11 and pulley 9 thus rotating drum 4. Here, motor 10 is mounted such that rotary shaft 10a of motor 10 is disposed parallel to rotary shaft 3 of drum 4 and close to water tub rear portion 2c of water tub 2. To be more specific, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 4, motor 10 is disposed at a position obliquely downward from the outer periphery of water tub 2 on a left side of vertical line L which passes rotary shaft 3 of drum 4 as viewed from a front side of the drum-type washing and drying machine, and in a lower portion of the inside of housing 1 on a rear surface 1a side.

[0027] As shown in FIG. 3, air supply opening 14 for introducing drying air (hereinafter, abbreviated as "air") is formed in water tub rear portion 2c of water tub 2 and, as shown in FIG. 1, air exhaust opening 15 for discharging air is formed in an upper front portion of water tub 2. Air flow passage 16 through which air flows is connected to air supply opening 14 and air exhaust opening 15 in a communicating manner.

[0028] As shown in FIG. 6, heat pump device 17 includes compressor 18, condenser 19, expansion device 20, and evaporator 21 which are connected to each other by pipe passage 22 such that a refrigerant circulates therethrough. Compressor 18 compresses the refrigerant. Condenser 19 radiates heat of the refrigerant compressed by compressor 18 so that air circulating in air flow passage 16 is heated. Expansion device 20 includes, for example, a capillary tube or a valve, and reduces a pressure of the high-pressure refrigerant. Evaporator 21 takes heat from the surrounding by the refrigerant which becomes a low pressure due to the reduction of pressure by expansion device 20 thus cooling air circulating in air flow passage 16. Evaporator 21 and condenser 19 of heat pump device 17 are disposed in the inside of air flow passage 16. A heat pump cycle is realized by allowing the refrigerant which flows in pipe passage 22 of heat pump device 17 to flow in a circulating manner in the direction indicated by an arrow A in FIG. 6.

[0029] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 4, heat pump device 17 is accommodated in the inside of casing 23 which constitutes a part of air flow passage 16. Casing 23 includes inlet opening 23a through which air flows into casing 23 from an upper side, and outlet opening 23b through which air which passes evaporator 21 and condenser 19 flows out rearward from casing 23. Inlet opening 23a of casing 23 is connected to air exhaust duct 16a which constitutes air flow passage 16 in a communicating manner, and is connected to air exhaust opening 15 formed in an upper front portion of water tub 2. On the other hand, outlet opening 23b of casing 23 is detachably connected to air blower 24 in a communicating manner by way of duct 16b which constitutes air flow passage 16. Here, as shown in FIG. 4, rear end portion 16ba of duct 16b is fixedly mounted on air supply side 24d of air blower 24, and front end portion 16bb of duct 16b is detachably connected to outlet opening 23b of casing 23 by way of a fixing jig (not shown) or by insertion, for example. Hereinafter, there may be a case where the description is made by using heat pump device 17 accommodated in casing 23 in the same context as casing 23.

[0030] As shown in FIGS. 2 and 4, heat pump device 17 is disposed in a lower space formed between housing 1 at a position closer to right wall 1c of housing 1 than to left wall 1d of housing 1, for example. Preferably, heat pump device 17 is disposed at the position on the right side of vertical line L which passes rotary shaft 3 of drum 4 as viewed from a front side which is a front surface 1b of housing 1. Here, evaporator 21 and condenser 19 of heat pump device 17 are disposed close to right wall 1c which constitutes one side wall of housing 1 such that air flows rearward in heat pump device 17. That is, motor 10 which is positioned on the left side of vertical line L which passes rotary shaft 3 of drum 4 and heat pump device 17 which is positioned on the right side of vertical line L are disposed in a spaced-apart manner from each other on the side of left wall 1d which is the side wall of housing 1 and on the side of right wall 1c which is also the side wall of housing 1 respectively.

[0031] As shown in FIGS. 3 and 5, air blower 24 includes at least fan accommodating portion 24e having an approximately cylindrical shape (including a cylindrical shape), air exhaust portion 24f, fan 24a and the like. Air exhaust portion 24f is integrally formed with fan accommodating portion 24e. Fan 24a is accommodated in the inside of fan accommodating portion 24e.

[0032] Air blower 24 is disposed at the position on a side where right wall 1c which constitutes one of side walls of housing 1 in which heat pump device 17 is disposed is disposed. To be more specific, air blower 24 is disposed on a back surface of heat pump device 17 (on a side where rear surface 1a of housing 1 is disposed) in a state where the axial direction of rotary shaft 24b of fan 24a is directed toward heat pump device 17. Here, as shown in FIG. 3, air blower 24 is disposed such that upper portion 24c of fan accommodating portion 24e in a diametrical direction is positioned above lower end portion 2a of water tub rear portion 2c of water tub 2 by approximately H.

[0033] As shown in FIG. 5, air exhaust portion 24f of air blower 24 is connected in a communicating manner to one end of air supply duct 16c which constitutes air flow passage 16, and the other end of air supply duct 16c is connected to air supply opening 14 formed in water tub rear portion 2c of water tub 2. Air supply duct 16c is formed in an arcuate shape along an outer periphery of pulley 9 on a rear surface of water tub rear portion 2c of water tub 2, for example. Air supplied from air blower 24 is supplied to the inside of water tub 2 from air supply opening 14 through air supply duct 16c in the direction indicated by an arrow in the figure.

[0034] Outlet opening 23b of casing 23 which accommodates heat pump device 17 extends frontward from air blower 24, and is detachably connected in a communicating manner to air supply side 24d of air blower 24 by way of duct 16b having a cross-sectional shape thereof formed into a flattened shape, for example. As shown in FIG. 5, outlet opening 23b of casing 23 and front end portion 16bb of duct 16b are connected to each other at a position in front of lower end portion 2a of water tub rear portion 2c of water tub 2 (the side of front surface 1b of housing 1). Due to such a configuration, casing 23 which accommodates heat pump device 17 mounted in housing 1 can be taken out from front surface 1b of housing 1. Further, by forming the cross-sectional shape of duct 16b into a flattened shape, it is possible to set the position of water tub 2 at a low level while ensuring a cross-sectional area of the air flow passage. As a result, housing 1 can be miniaturized.

[0035] Although the description has been made with respect to the case where heat pump device 17 is disposed in an approximately horizontal posture (including a horizontal posture), the mounting of heat pump device 17 is not limited to such a posture. For example, heat pump device 17 may be mounted in a front-side high posture such that a side of heat pump device 17 where inlet opening 23a of casing 23 is disposed, that is, a side of heat pump device 17 where heat pump device 17 is connected to air exhaust duct 16a of air flow passage 16 becomes higher than other portions of heat pump device 17. Due to such a configuration, a distance of air exhaust duct 16a from air exhaust opening 15 of water tub 2 to inlet opening 23a of heat pump device 17 can be shortened. It is preferable to mount compressor 18 of heat pump device 17 in an erected manner approximately vertically (including vertically). In this case, compressor 18 can be operated in a more stable manner.

[0036] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 6, dry filter 25 is disposed on air exhaust duct 16a of air flow passage 16 in the vicinity of air exhaust opening 15 of water tub 2. Due to such a configuration, lint such as waste threads contained in air which flows into air exhaust duct 16a from air exhaust opening 15 can be caught. To be more specific, dry filter 25 is detachably disposed in an upper part in housing 1, and is mounted such that dry filter 25 can be taken out from an upper surface 1e side of housing 1.

[0037] Further, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 4, washing water in water tub 2 can be discharged to the outside of the washing and drying machine through drain passage 27 which is connected in a communicating manner to drain opening 26 formed in the vicinity of a bottom portion of water tub 2. Here, drain filter 28 which collects a foreign material from washing water is disposed in the midst of drain passage 27. To be more specific, drain filter 28 is detachably mounted on a front portion in the inside of housing 1 in front of motor 10, and drain filter 28 is mounted in a detachable manner from a side of housing 1 where front surface 1b is disposed.

[0038] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, drain pump 33 which discharges a dehumidified water which is generated by evaporator 21 is disposed on a bottom portion of casing 23 of heat pump device 17. Drain pump 33 is connected in a communicating manner to drain pipe 34 which is connected to drain passage 27, and discharges the dehumidified water which is generated by evaporator 21 to the outside of the washing and drying machine from drain passage 27 through drain pipe 34.

[0039] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 5, on bottom portion 1g of housing 1, base frame 35 having approximately quadrangular shape (including a quadrangular shape) and having front portion 35a, recessed portion 35b and rear portion 35c, for example, is disposed. Base frame 35 supports the housing 1 in such a manner that bottom portions 1g of four surfaces including front surface 1b, rear surface 1a, right wall 1c and left wall 1d which constitute housing 1 are fixed to base frame 35. Lower ends of dampers 5 which resiliently support water tub 2 from below are fixedly disposed on base frame 35. Heat pump device 17 is disposed on front portion 35a of base frame 35, and drain pump 33 disposed below heat pump device 17 is accommodated in a space defined by recessed portion 35b of base frame 35. As shown in FIG. 4, compressor 18 of heat pump device 17 is disposed on a front side of evaporator 21 which faces front surface 1b of housing 1, that is, on a side where inlet opening 23a through which air flows into casing 23. Here, compressor 18 of heat pump device 17 is disposed on front portion 35a of base frame 35 in the vicinity of right wall 1c of housing 1. Further, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 5, air blower 24 is disposed on rear portion 35c of base frame 35. Due to such a configuration, compressor 18 and air blower 24 are disposed on a front portion and a rear portion of base frame 35 respectively thus ensuring a balance in weight.

[0040] Further, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 5, door 29 which opens or closes opening 7 of water tub 2 is disposed on front surface 1b of housing 1, and takeout opening 1f through which heat pump device 17 is taken out is formed below door 29 on the side of front surface 1b of housing 1. Takeout opening 1f is covered by detachable cover 30 from the side of front surface 1b of housing 1. Cover 30 is detachably mounted on housing 1 by screws 31. By mounting cover 30 on takeout opening 1f formed in front surface 1b of housing 1, pressing portion 32 which projects toward heat pump device 17 in a facing manner pushes a front surface of casing 23 of heat pump device 17 rearward. Accordingly, outlet opening 23b of casing 23 of heat pump device 17 is inserted into front end portion 16bb of duct 16b. As a result, heat pump device 17 can be detachably held in a state where duct 16b and heat pump device 17 are connected to each other.

[0041] Hereinafter, a method of removing the heat pump device according to this exemplary embodiment is specifically described with reference to FIGS. 7A to 7C.

[0042] FIGS. 7A to 7C are cross-sectional views of a main part for illustrating an operation of removing the heat pump device of the drum-type washing and drying machine.

[0043] Firstly, as shown in FIG. 7A, usually, casing 23 which accommodates evaporator 21 and condenser 19 of heat pump device 17 is pushed, from front surface 1b of housing 1, by pressing portion 32 of cover 30 mounted on base frame 35 by screws 31. Accordingly, casing 23 is accommodated in housing 1 in a lower part of housing 1 and above base frame 35 in a state where outlet opening 23b of casing 23 is inserted into and connected to front end portion 16bb of duct 16b of air flow passage 16.

[0044] Next, when heat pump device 17 is removed from the inside of housing 1, as shown in FIG. 7B, screws 31 are removed from base frame 35, and cover 30 is removed from front surface 1b of housing 1. Accordingly, pushing of casing 23 of heat pump device 17 by pressing portion 32 of cover 30 is released.

[0045] Then, firstly, air exhaust duct 16a is taken out from inlet opening 23a of casing 23.

[0046] Thereafter, as shown in FIG. 7C, in a state where front side 23c of casing 23 (heat pump device 17) disposed on base frame 35 is lifted upward, casing 23 is pulled out frontward. Here, outlet opening 23b of casing 23 inserted into front end portion 16bb of duct 16b is separated from duct 16b. On the other hand, duct 16b remains in the inside of housing 1 in a state where duct 16b is held by air blower 24. Accordingly, casing 23 of heat pump device 17 can be taken out frontward through takeout opening 1f.

[0047] On the other hand, the accommodation of heat pump device 17 into the inside of housing 1 is performed by operations reverse to the above-mentioned operations.

[0048] That is, firstly, outlet opening 23b of casing 23 is inserted into and connected to front end portion 16bb of duct 16b which opens toward the front side in the approximately horizontal state (including horizontal state).

[0049] Next, casing 23 is disposed on base frame 35 and below water tub 2, and air exhaust duct 16a is connected to inlet opening 23a of casing 23. Here, drain pump 33 is accommodated in the space formed in recessed portion 35b of base frame 35. Accordingly, it is possible to accommodate drain pump 33 below heat pump device 17 in a compact manner. Accordingly, heat pump device 17 can be taken out without moving housing 1 which constitutes drum-type washing and drying machine from an installation place. As a result, a maintenance operation of heat pump device 17 can be performed easily in a narrow place.

[0050] Further, as shown in FIG. 1, water tub 2 is formed into a bottomed cylindrical shape coaxially with rotary shaft 3 of drum 4, and is disposed in a frontwardly and upwardly inclined manner. Here, water tub 2 is disposed in an inclined manner such that lower end portion 2a of water tub rear portion 2c of water tub 2 is positioned ahead of upper end portion 2b of water tub rear portion 2c of water tub 2. Due to such a configuration, it is possible to ensure a space for mounting air blower 24 between rear surface 1a of housing 1 and water tub rear portion 2c of water tub 2.

[0051] Still further, as shown in FIG. 1, control part 36 is disposed on a front upper side within upper surface 1e of housing 1, and controls, for example, compressor 18 of heat pump device 17, motor 10 which rotatably drives drum 4, and air blower 24 which supplies air. Accordingly, control part 36 sequentially controls respective steps including washing, rinsing, spin-drying and drying.

[0052] The drum-type washing and drying machine according to this exemplary embodiment has the above-mentioned configuration.

[0053] Hereinafter, operations and functions of the drum-type washing and drying machine of this exemplary embodiment in respective steps are described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 6.

[0054] Firstly, the operation and function in washing step are described.

[0055] A user opens door 29, and puts laundry such as clothing into the inside of drum 4 through opening 7. Then, the user closes door 29, and selects a desired operation program by pushing an operation button (not shown) so that a washing step operation is started.

[0056] Here, control part 36 drives motor 10 after determining that door 29 is closed. Then, control part 36 determines an amount of clothing put into drum 4 based on load information of motor 10 corresponding to the rotation of drum 4.

[0057] Then, control part 36 starts storing of water into water tub 2 by releasing a water supply valve (not shown). When a predetermined amount of water is supplied corresponding to the determined amount of clothing, the water supply is stopped. Then, control part 36 rotates drum 4 for a predetermined time in accordance with a predetermined program by controlling the rotation of motor 10, for example, by repeating the normal rotation and reverse rotation of motor 10.

[0058] Due to such an operation, clothing C in drum 4 is lifted in the rotational direction of drum 4 by baffles 13, and falls from above in drum 4 so that dirt is removed by a so-called beating washing action.

[0059] Thereafter, the washing step is finished when a predetermined time elapses, and a rinsing step is performed.

[0060] In the rinsing step, a rinsing operation is performed by the water discharge, the water supply, the driving of motor 10 and the like.

[0061] To be more specific, firstly, motor 10 is driven for a predetermined time in a state where water tub 2 is filled with water thus performing rinsing where detergent components and dirt components sticking to clothing C are moved into water which is not dirty thus removing dirt. Thereafter, when a predetermined time elapses, a first-time rinsing operation is finished.

[0062] After repeating the above-mentioned rinsing operation twice, water in water tub 2 is discharged so that the rinsing step is finished, and a spin-drying step is performed.

[0063] In the spin-drying step, control part 36 rotates drum 4 at a high speed (for example, 1400 rpm) for a predetermined time by driving motor 10. Along with the increase of a rotational speed of drum 4, a centrifugal force applied to clothing C is increased, so that clothing C sticks to an inner peripheral surfaces of drum 4. Accordingly, moisture contained in clothing C is removed from clothing C by a centrifugal force, and is moved to the inside of water tub 2 through through-holes 12 formed in drum 4. Moisture moved to the inside of water tub 2 is discharged to the outside of the washing and drying machine through drain opening 26 by way of drain passage 27. In such an operation, when clothing C in drum 4 is non-uniformly distributed, there may arise a phenomenon where water tub 2 which is resiliently supported by dumper 5 from below rotates and swings along with the rotation of drum 4 at a high speed. In this exemplary embodiment, however, heat pump device 17 is disposed close to right wall 1c which is the side wall of housing 1 and hence, heat pump device 17 and water tub 2 can be disposed in a spaced-apart manner from each other. Further, by arranging air blower 24 behind heat pump device 17, upper portion 24c of fan accommodating portion 24e of air blower 24 can be disposed above lower end portion 2a of water tub rear portion 2c of water tub 2. Accordingly, a large-sized fan can be used as fan 24a of air blower 24.

[0064] Then, when a predetermined time elapses, the spin drying step is finished and a drying step is performed.

[0065] In the drying step, when a drying operation is started, control part 36 rotates drum 4 by rotating motor 10, and rotates air blower 24. Due to such an operation, the flow of air which circulates in the direction indicated by an arrow B shown in FIG. 2 is generated.

[0066] Air is, firstly, supplied to the inside of drum 4 through air supply opening 14 formed in water tub rear portion 2c of water tub 2 from air supply duct 16c of air flow passage 16. Here, drum 4 is rotatably driven by motor 10 by way of belt 11, and clothing C is brought into contact with supplied air in a state where clothing C is stirred in drum 4.

[0067] Air which is brought into contact with clothing C in drum 4 becomes wet air by taking moisture from clothing C. Thereafter, the wet air is discharged through air exhaust opening 15 formed in a front upper portion of water tub 2, and passes through dry filter 25 disposed in exhaust duct 16a of air passage 16. Then, a foreign material such as lint is removed from air by dry filter 25 and, thereafter, air is introduced into evaporator 21 of heat pump device 17 through exhaust duct 16a.

[0068] Then, when compressor 18 of heat pump device 17 is operated, a refrigerant in pipe passage 22 is compressed by compressor 18, and the refrigerant of high pressure circulates condenser 19, expansion device 20 and evaporator 21 through pipe passage 22. Here, heat is radiated from the refrigerant in a high pressure state in condenser 19, and the refrigerant in a high pressure state is brought into a low pressure state by the reduction of pressure in expansion device 20. In condenser 19, heat is absorbed by the refrigerant in a low pressure state due to the reduction of pressure in expansion device 20. Accordingly, air which circulates in air flow passage 16 by air blower 24 is heated by heat radiated from evaporator 19, and becomes warm air.

[0069] Next, by driving air blower 24, the warm air passes air supply duct 16c again and is supplied to the inside of drum 4 through air supply opening 14. Warm air becomes wet air by taking moisture from clothing C when the warm air passes through clothing C. Thereafter, a foreign material such as lint is removed from the wet air when the wet air passes through dry filter 25 from air exhaust opening 15, and wet air is introduced into evaporator 21 of heat pump device 17 through exhaust duct 16a. When the wet air passes through evaporator 21 of heat pump device 17, sensible heat and latent heat are taken from the wet air so that the wet air is dehumidified. That is, wet air is separated into dry air and a dehumidified water. The dry air becomes warm air by being heated by condenser 19, and the warm air is again supplied to the inside of drum 4 by air blower 24. On the other hand, the dehumidified water generated in evaporator 21 of heat pump device 17 is discharged to the outside of the washing and drying machine through drain pipe 34 and drain passage 27 by drain pump 33 disposed on a lower portion of heat pump device 17.

[0070] To be more specific, wet air which takes moisture from clothing C and is discharged from air exhaust opening 15 passes through exhaust duct 16a which is positioned in front of water tub 2, and extends downward from above water tub 2 along right wall 1c of housing 1. Air which passes through exhaust duct 16a flows into the inside of casing 23 through inlet opening 23a positioned in the vicinity of front surface 1b in housing 1. Air which flows into the inside of casing 23 flows toward a rear surface 1a side from a front surface 1b side in housing 1, and passes through evaporator 21 and condenser 19 of heat pump device 17. Thereafter, air which reaches air blower 24 disposed in the vicinity of rear surface 1a in housing 1 passes through air supply duct 16c extending upward behind water tub 2, and is introduced into water tub 2 through air supply opening 14.

[0071] That is, air discharged through air exhaust opening 15 flows rearward through heat pump device 17 disposed below water tub 2, and reaches air blower 24 on a right wall 1c side in housing 1.

[0072] In this exemplary embodiment, air blower 24 is disposed behind heat pump device 17. Air blower 24 is connected in a communicating manner to heat pump device 17 by way of duct 16b extending frontward from air blower 24. Further, upper portion 24c of air blower 24 is configured to be positioned above lower end portion 2a of water tub rear portion 2c of water tub 2.

[0073] Accordingly, heat pump device 17 and air blower 24 can be disposed at a lower portion in the inside of housing 1 in a compact manner. As a result, the position of water tub 2 can be lowered and hence, vibrations generated at the time of spin drying can be suppressed and, at the same time, the height of housing 1 can be lowered and hence, housing 1 can be miniaturized.

[0074] In this exemplary embodiment, motor 10 which rotatably drives drum 4 is disposed at the lower portion of water tub 2 on a left wall 1d side in housing 1, and heat pump device 17 is disposed in a space defined between a right wall 1c side in housing 1 and water tub 2. That is, motor 10 and heat pump device 17 are disposed in a broad space formed between water tub 2 having a cylindrical shape and right wall 1c and left wall 1d of housing 1 in a spaced-apart manner on left and right sides of vertical line L shown in FIG. 2. Due to such a configuration, water tub 2 is disposed such that the position of water tub 2 is lowered downward in the inside of housing 1. As a result, the position of center of gravity of water tub 2 is lowered thus decreasing a phenomenon where water tub 2 rotates and swings along with the rotation of drum 4 due to large vibrations generated when a laundry in drum 4 is distributed non-uniformly. Further, by lowering the position of water tub 2, the height of housing 1 can be lowered. As a result, housing 1 can be militarized so that the compact drum-type washing and drying machine can be realized.

[0075] Further, in this exemplary embodiment, compressor 18 of heat pump device 17 is disposed on a front side of evaporator 21, and compressor 18 is disposed on front portion 35a of base frame 35. Air blower 24 is disposed on rear portion 35c of base frame 35. Due to such a configuration, compressor 18 and air blower 24 can be disposed in front of and behind the base frame 35 thus ensuring a balance in weight.

[0076] Further, in this exemplary embodiment, as shown in FIG. 4, with respect to the positions of motor 10 and compressor 18 of heat pump device 17 both having a large weight, motor 10 and compressor 18 are disposed at diagonal positions from each other at the lower portion in housing 1. Due to such a configuration, the uniformity of balance in weight of the drum-type washing and drying machine can be enhanced and hence, operability of the installation of the drum-type washing and drying machine can be enhanced and, at the same time, the stability of the drum-type washing and drying machine can be enhanced by suppressing vibrations at the time of performing a washing and drying operation.

[0077] Further, in this exemplary embodiment, air blower 24 is disposed behind heat pump device 17, and air blower 24 is disposed such that the axial direction of rotary shaft 24b of fan 24a is directed toward heat pump device 17. Due to such a configuration, a space is formed between and below water tub rear portion 2c of frontwardly and upwardly inclined water tub 2 and the rear surface 1a of housing 1. Accordingly, upper portion 24c of fan accommodating portion 24e in the diametrical direction can be disposed above lower end portion 2a of water tub rear portion 2c of water tub 2. As a result, large-diameter air blower 24 can be disposed in a limited space in housing 1 in a compact manner, and air supply ability can be enhanced thus enhancing drying performance.

[0078] Further, in this exemplary embodiment, takeout opening 1f is formed in front surface 1b of housing 1. Due to such a configuration, heat pump device 17 can be removed from or installed in the housing 1 through takeout opening 1f formed in front surface 1b of housing 1 without moving housing 1 from an installation place. As a result, the maintenance operation of heat pump device 17 can be performed easily.

[0079] In this exemplary embodiment, the description has been made with respect to the example where heat pump device 17 and blower 24 are disposed on a right wall 1c side and motor 10 is disposed on a left wall 1d side as viewed from a front side of housing 1. However, the present invention is not limited to such an example. For example, motor 10 may be disposed on a right wall 1c side and heat pump device 17 and air blower 24 may be disposed on a left wall 1d side as viewed from a front side of housing 1. Such a configuration can also acquire the similar advantageous effects.

[0080] Further, in this exemplary embodiment, the description has been made with respect to the example where duct 16b which constitutes a part of air flow passage 16 is formed into a flattened shape. However, the present invention is not limited to such an example. Particularly, when duct 16b is disposed closer to side wall 1c of housing 1, duct 16b may be formed into a cylindrical shape, for example. Due to such a configuration, outlet opening 23b of casing 23 and front end portion 16bb of duct 16b can be easily connected to each other and, at the same time, the space between water tub 2 and housing 1 can be effectively utilized.

[0081] As has been described above, the drum-type washing and drying machine according to the present invention includes: the water tub which has the opening in the front side of the housing; the drum which is disposed in the inside of the water tub; the motor which drives the drum; the air flow passage which is connected to the water tub; the heat pump device which includes the evaporator and the condenser which are connected to the compressor by way of the pipe passage, the evaporator and the condenser being disposed in the inside of the air flow passage; and the air blower which supplies drying air into the inside of the water tub through the air flow passage. The heat pump device is disposed at the lower part of the inside of the housing, the air blower has the fan accommodating portion for accommodating the fan and the air exhaust portion which is integrally formed with the fan accommodating portion, and discharges air, and the air blower is configured such that the air blower is connected in a communicating manner to the heat pump device by way of the duct which is disposed on the back surface side of the heat pump device and extends to the front side of the heat pump device, and that the upper portion of the fan accommodating portion is positioned above the lower end portion of the water tub rear portion.

[0082] Due to such a configuration, the heat pump device and the air blower can be accommodated in the inside of the housing in a compact manner. Further, vibrations generated at the time of spin-drying can be suppressed by lowering the position of the water tub and, at the same time, a drum-type washing and drying machine can be miniaturized by lowering the height of the housing. Still further, it is possible to realize the drum-type washing and drying machine having favorable drying performance due to the enhancement of heat exchange efficiency of the heat pump device and the supply of a large amount of air by the air blower.

[0083] Further, according to the drum-type washing and drying machine of the present invention, the water tub is disposed in an inclined manner such that the lower end portion of the water tub rear portion is positioned ahead of the upper end portion of the water tub rear portion. Due to such a configuration, the space for mounting the air blower can be ensured between the rear surface of the housing and the water tub rear portion. As a result, the thickness of the drum type washing and drying machine can be decreased by decreasing the depth of the housing and hence, the mountability of the air blower in a limited space can be enhanced.

[0084] Further, according to the drum-type washing and drying machine of the present invention, the compressor of the heat pump device is disposed on a front side of the evaporator which faces the front surface of the housing. Due to such a configuration, the compressor having a large height can be disposed in the space at the corner portion formed by the front wall and two sides of side walls. As a result, the height of the housing can be lowered. Further, in taking out the heat pump device from the front side of the housing, it is possible to avoid the interference between the heat pump device and other parts disposed in the inside of the housing. Accordingly, the operability at the time of taking out the heat pump device can be enhanced.

[0085] Further, according to the drum-type washing and drying machine of the present invention, the evaporator and the condenser of the heat pump device are disposed close to the side wall of the housing.

[0086] Due to such a configuration, the heat pump device can be disposed in the space defined by the water tub and the side wall of the housing close to either one of the right wall and left wall of the housing. As a result, the water tub can be disposed at the lower position and hence, the height of the housing can be decreased.

[0087] Further, according to the drum-type washing and drying machine of the present invention, the heat pump device and the duct are connected to each other at a position closer to the front surface side of the housing than the lower end portion of the water tub rear portion, and the cross-sectional shape of the duct shows a flattened shape.

[0088] Due to such a configuration, operability at the time of removing the heat pump device from the duct can be enhanced. Further, the arrangement position of the water tub can be lowered and, at the same time, a cross-sectional area of an air flow passage of the duct can be increased. As a result, a sufficient amount of supply air to the inside of the air flow passage can be ensured and hence, drying performance can be enhanced.

[0089] Further, according to the drum-type washing and drying machine of the present invention, the takeout opening for taking out the heat pump device is formed in the front surface of the housing.

[0090] Due to such a configuration, the heat pump device can be taken out through the takeout opening formed in the front surface of the housing without moving the housing from the installation place. As a result, the maintenance operation of the heat pump device can be performed more easily.

[0091] Further, according to the drum-type washing and drying machine of the present invention, the takeout opening through which the heat pump device is taken out and the detachable cover which covers the takeout opening are disposed in the lower side of the front side of the housing. The pressing portion, which holds the heat pump device and the duct into a connection state at the time of mounting the cover, is disposed to the cover.

[0092] Due to such a configuration, the displacement (deviation) of the heat pump device caused by vibrations of the drum at the time of spin-drying can be suppressed.

[0093] Further, according to the drum-type washing and drying machine of the present invention, the heat pump device is disposed such that the front side of the heat pump device which faces the front surface of the housing is higher than other portions of the heat pump device.

[0094] Due to such a configuration, the distance between the air exhaust opening and the heat pump device can be further shortened.

[0095] Further, according to the drum-type washing and drying machine of the present invention, the base frame is disposed on the bottom portion of the housing, and the heat pump device is disposed on the front side of the base frame.

[0096] Due to such a configuration, the heat pump device can be taken out or inserted into the housing from the front side through the takeout opening formed in the housing without cutting away a front portion of the base frame. As a result, ruggedness of the washing and drying machine can be ensured without weakening a mechanical strength of the base frame.

[0097] Further, according to the drum-type washing and drying machine of the present invention, the base frame is disposed on the bottom portion of the housing, the compressor of the heat pump device is disposed on a front side of the base frame, and the compressor of the heat pump device is disposed on the rear side of the base frame.

[0098] Due to such a configuration, at the time of performing a drying operation by driving the compressor of the heat pump device and the air blower, it is possible to more uniformly distribute a balance in weight applied to the base frame in the forward and backward directions.

[0099] Further, according to the drum-type washing and drying machine of the present invention, the base frame having the recessed portion is disposed on the bottom portion of the housing, the heat pump device includes the drain pump which discharges a dehumidified water below the evaporator, and the drain pump is accommodated in a space of the recessed portion formed in the base frame. Due to such a configuration, the drain pump can be accommodated below the heat pump device in a compact manner.

INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY

[0100] The present invention is usefully applicable to a technical field such as a drum-type washing and drying machine which is requested to satisfy the miniaturization of a housing and the enhancement of drying performance.

REFERENCE MARKS IN THE DRAWINGS

[0101] 

1

housing

1a

rear surface

1b

front surface

1c

right wall (side wall)

1d

left wall

1e

upper surface

1f

takeout opening

1g

bottom portion

2, 52

water tub

2a, 57

lower end portion

2b

upper end portion

2c, 52a

water tub rear portion

3, 10a, 24b

rotary shaft

4, 60

drum

5

damper

7

opening

8

bearing

9

pulley

10

motor

11

belt

12

through holes

13

baffle

14

air supply opening

15

air exhaust opening

16

air flow passage

16a, 59

air exhaust duct

16b

duct

16ba

rear end portion

16bb

front end portion

16c, 58

air supply duct

17

heat pump device

18

compressor

19, 56

condenser

20

expansion device

21, 55

evaporator

22

pipe passage

23

casing

23a

inlet opening

23b

outlet opening

23c

front side

24

air blower

24a, 54

fan

24c

upper portion

24d

air supply side

24e

fan accommodating portion

24f

air exhaust portion

25

dry filter

26

drain opening

27

drain passage

28

drain filter

29

door

30

cover

32

pressing portion

33

drain pump

34

drain pipe

35

base frame

35a

front portion

35b

recessed portion

35c

rear portion

36

control part

51

body

53

heat pump unit

Claims

1. A drum-type washing and drying machine comprising:

a water tub which has an opening in a front side of a housing;

a drum which is disposed in an inside of the water tub;

a motor which drives the drum;

an air flow passage which is connected to the water tub;

a heat pump device which includes an evaporator and a condenser which are connected to a compressor by way of a pipe passage, the evaporator and the condenser being disposed in the air flow passage; and

an air blower which supplies drying air into the water tub through the air flow passage,

wherein the heat pump device is disposed in a lower part of an inside of the housing,

the air blower has a fan accommodating portion for accommodating a fan and an air exhaust portion which is integrally formed with the fan accommodating portion and discharges air, and

the air blower is configured such that the air blower is connected in a communicating manner to the heat pump device by way of a duct which is disposed on a back side of the heat pump device and extends to a front side of the heat pump device, and that an upper portion of the fan accommodating portion is positioned above a lower end portion of a water tub rear portion.

2. The drum-type washing and drying machine according to claim 1, wherein the water tub is disposed in an inclined manner such that a lower end portion of the water tub rear portion is positioned ahead of an upper end portion of the water tub rear portion.

3. The drum-type washing and drying machine according to claim 1, wherein the compressor is disposed on a front side of the evaporator which faces a front surface of the housing.

4. The drum-type washing and drying machine according to claim 1, wherein the evaporator and the condenser are disposed close to a side wall of the housing.

5. The drum-type washing and drying machine according to claim 1, wherein the heat pump device and the duct are connected to each other at a position closer to a front surface side of the housing than a lower end portion of the water tub rear portion, and a cross-sectional shape of the duct shows a flattened shape.

6. The drum-type washing and drying machine according to claim 1, wherein a takeout opening through which the heat pump device is taken out is formed in a front surface of the housing.

7. The drum-type washing and drying machine according to claim 6, wherein the takeout opening is disposed at a lower portion on a front surface side of the housing,
a detachable cover which covers the takeout opening is disposed on the housing, and
a pressing portion, which holds the heat pump device and the duct into a connection state at the time of mounting the cover, is disposed to the cover.

8. The drum-type washing and drying machine according to claim 1, wherein the heat pump device is disposed such that a front side of the heat pump device which faces a front surface of the housing is higher than other portions of the heat pump device.

9. The drum-type washing and drying machine according to claim 1, wherein a base frame is disposed on a bottom portion of the housing, and the heat pump device is disposed on a front side of the base frame.

10. The drum-type washing and drying machine according to claim 1, wherein a base frame is disposed on a bottom portion of the housing, the compressor is disposed on a front side of the base frame, and the air blower is disposed on a rear side of the base frame.

11. The drum-type washing and drying machine according to claim 1, wherein a base frame having a recessed portion is disposed on a bottom portion of the housing,
the heat pump device includes a drain pump which discharges a dehumidified water below the evaporator, and
the drain pump is accommodated in a space of the recessed portion formed in the base frame.

Amended claims

Amended claims under Art. 19.1 PCT

1. A drum-type washing and drying machine comprising:

a water tub which has an opening in a front side of a housing;

a drum which is disposed in an inside of the water tub;

a motor which drives the drum;

an air flow passage which is connected to the water tub;

a heat pump device which includes an evaporator and a condenser which are connected to a compressor by way of a pipe passage, the evaporator and the condenser being disposed in the air flow passage; and

an air blower which supplies drying air into the water tub through the air flow passage,

wherein the heat pump device is disposed in a lower part of an inside of the housing in a state where the heat pump device is accommodated in a casing which constitutes a part of the air flow passage,

the air blower has a fan accommodating portion for accommodating a fan and an air exhaust portion which is integrally formed with the fan accommodating portion and discharges air, and

the air blower is configured such that the air blower is connected in a communicating manner to the heat pump device by way of a duct which is disposed on a back side of the heat pump device and extends to a front side of the heat pump device, that an upper portion of the fan accommodating portion is positioned above a lower end portion of a water tub rear portion, and that an axial direction of a rotary shaft of the fan is directed toward a front of the housing.

2. The drum-type washing and drying machine according to claim 1, wherein the water tub is disposed in an inclined manner such that a lower end portion of the water tub rear portion is positioned ahead of an upper end portion of the water tub rear portion.

3. The drum-type washing and drying machine according to claim 1, wherein the compressor is disposed on a front side of the evaporator which faces a front surface of the housing.

4. The drum-type washing and drying machine according to claim 1, wherein the evaporator and the condenser are disposed close to a side wall of the housing.

5. The drum-type washing and drying machine according to claim 1, wherein the heat pump device and the duct are connected to each other at a position closer to a front surface side of the housing than a lower end portion of the water tub rear portion, and a cross-sectional shape of the duct shows a flattened shape.

6. The drum-type washing and drying machine according to claim 1, wherein a takeout opening through which the heat pump device is taken out is formed in a front surface of the housing.

7. The drum-type washing and drying machine according to claim 6, wherein the takeout opening is disposed at a lower portion on a front surface side of the housing,
a detachable cover which covers the takeout opening is disposed on the housing, and
a pressing portion, which holds the heat pump device and the duct into a connection state at the time of mounting the cover, is disposed to the cover.

8. The drum-type washing and drying machine according to claim 1, wherein the heat pump device is disposed such that a front side of the heat pump device which faces a front surface of the housing is higher than other portions of the heat pump device.

9. The drum-type washing and drying machine according to claim 1, wherein a base frame is disposed on a bottom portion of the housing, and the heat pump device is disposed on a front side of the base frame.

10. The drum-type washing and drying machine according to claim 1, wherein a base frame is disposed on a bottom portion of the housing, the compressor is disposed on a front side of the base frame, and the air blower is disposed on a rear side of the base frame.

11. The drum-type washing and drying machine according to claim 1, wherein a base frame having a recessed portion is disposed on a bottom portion of the housing,
the heat pump device includes a drain pump which discharges dehumidified water below the evaporator, and
the drain pump is accommodated in a space of the recessed portion formed in the base frame.

Drawing