JP5537369B2 - Removal device and drying processing device - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a removing device for removing lint generated from clothing and a drying processing device for drying clothing.

  A drying processing apparatus such as a dryer for drying clothes or a washing dryer having a washing function in addition to a drying function typically supplies dry air into a drum in which the clothes are accommodated to dry the clothes. The lint separated from the clothing is circulated in the housing together with dry air.

  In the circulation path of the dry air, a dehumidifying device that dehumidifies the dry air, a heating device that heats the dry air, and a blower that causes the flow of the dry air are disposed. If the above-mentioned lint adheres to the dehumidifying device, the heating device, or the blower, the drying function is deteriorated and the drying processing device is broken. Therefore, in general, a filter device for removing lint is disposed in the circulation path of dry air in addition to the above-described dehumidifying device, heating device, and / or blowing device (for example, Patent Document 1). reference).

  FIG. 18 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the filter device disclosed in Patent Document 1. The filter device disclosed in Patent Document 1 will be described with reference to FIG.

  A filter device 900 disclosed in Patent Document 1 includes a semi-cylindrical filter cylinder 920 disposed across a pipe line 912 that defines a circulation path of dry air in a housing 911 of a washing / drying machine 910, and A recovery cylinder 921 connected to one end of the filter cylinder 920. The filter device 900 further includes a coil member 922 disposed in the filter cylinder 920 and a motor 923 attached to the other end of the filter cylinder 920. The motor 923 rotates the coil member 922 within the filter cylinder 920. During this time, the coil member 922 is in sliding contact with the inner surface of the filter cylinder 920. As a result, the lint L captured by the filter cylinder 920 is scraped off from the inner surface of the filter cylinder 920. Thereafter, the lint L is sent out toward the collection cylinder 921 by the coil member 922.

  The washing / drying machine 910 includes an outer cylinder 931 that surrounds the collection cylinder 921, a bottom wall 913 of the outer cylinder 931, and a sub-pipe 914 that connects the pipe 912. The bottom portion 924 of the recovery cylinder 921 includes an annular cylinder 925 that protrudes downward. The annular tube 925 is inserted into the sub pipe 914. Thus, the secondary pipe line 914 is connected to the outer cylinder 931.

  The collection cylinder 921 includes a sub filter 926. The secondary filter 926 that covers the opening of the bottom 924 defined by the annular cylinder 925 allows dry air that has flowed from the filter cylinder 920 into the recovery cylinder 921 to return to the pipeline 912 through the secondary pipe 914. , Prevent the passage of Lint L.

JP 2008-6045 A

  According to the structure described in connection with FIG. 18, the deposition of lint L on the secondary filter 926 prevents dry air circulation through the secondary line 914. As a result, most of the dry air flowing through the conduit 912 tends to flow across the filter cylinder 920.

  The lint L separated from the inner surface of the filter cylinder 920 by the coil member 922 easily adheres to the inner wall of the filter cylinder 920 again due to a change in the flow of dry air caused by the clogging of the sub filter 926. Accordingly, the amount of dry air that crosses the filter cylinder 920 is also reduced.

  An object of this invention is to provide the removal apparatus and drying processing apparatus which can maintain the suitable flow volume of dry air over a comparatively long period of time.

  The removal apparatus for removing lint from dry air for drying clothing according to one aspect of the present invention includes a first introduction port through which the dry air is introduced and a discharge port through which the dry air is discharged. A housing, a filter element that captures lint in the dry air flowing in a first direction from the first inlet to the outlet, a rotating shaft that rotates within the housing, and the filter element are cleaned. A cleaning mechanism, and the cleaning mechanism includes a brush element that is slidably contacted with the filter element as the rotating shaft rotates, and the housing is in a second direction different from the first direction. The brush element includes an inner wall surface defining an extending internal space, the brush element being in sliding contact with the filter element disposed along the discharge port, a first edge holding the brush part, and the first Before extending in two directions A holding piece having a second edge that is connected to the rotating shaft, characterized in that it comprises a.

  According to the above configuration, dry air for drying clothes is introduced into the housing from the first introduction port, and then discharged from the discharge port. The filter element disposed along the discharge port captures lint in the dry air flowing in the first direction from the first introduction port toward the discharge port. Thus, lint is removed from the dry air. The inner wall surface of the housing defines an internal space extending in a second direction different from the first direction. The rotating shaft that rotates within the housing extends in the second direction in the same manner as the internal space. A second edge of a holding piece that holds a brush portion that is slidably contacted with the filter element is connected to the rotating shaft. The brush portion held by the first edge of the holding piece is brought into sliding contact with the filter element by the rotation of the rotary shaft. As a result, the lint captured by the filter element is scraped off. Further, the dry air flowing in the first direction is blocked by the holding piece according to the position of the holding piece which is changed by the rotation of the rotating shaft. Part of the dry air blocked by the holding piece is urged in the second direction. Therefore, the lint scraped off by the brush portion is caused to flow in the second direction. As a result, the reattachment of lint to the filter element is suitably suppressed. Thus, the removal device can maintain an appropriate flow rate of dry air for a relatively long period of time.

  The said structure WHEREIN: It is preferable that the said holding piece is formed longer than a said 1st inlet in the said 2nd direction.

  According to the said structure, according to the position of the holding piece which changes with rotation of a rotating shaft, the holding piece can interrupt | block the dry air which flows into a 1st direction entirely. Part of the dry air blocked by the holding piece is urged in the second direction. Therefore, the lint scraped off by the brush portion is caused to flow in the second direction. As a result, the reattachment of lint to the filter element is suitably suppressed. Thus, the removal device can maintain an appropriate flow rate of dry air for a relatively long period of time.

  In the above configuration, the first edge includes a first protrusion protruding toward the first filter part and a second protrusion adjacent to the first protrusion, and the brush part is the first protrusion. And a first brush bundle held by the second protrusion, and a second brush bundle disposed between the first protrusion and the second protrusion, wherein the first brush bundle It is preferable that the length is shorter than the second brush bundle.

  According to the above configuration, the first brush bundle held by the first protrusion and the second protrusion is shorter than the second brush bundle disposed between the first protrusion and the second protrusion. Therefore, the first brush bundle is brought into sliding contact with the filter element with a stronger force than the second brush bundle. Thus, lint that adheres relatively strongly to the filter element is preferably peeled away from the filter element. The second brush bundle suitably assists the removal of the lint peeled off by the first brush bundle. Accordingly, lint is properly removed from the filter element. The second brush bundle interposed between the first brush bundles contributes to a reduction in torque required for the rotation of the rotary shaft. Therefore, the rotating shaft is rotated using relatively low power.

  In the above configuration, the housing includes a positioning element that defines a rotation range of the brush element as the rotating shaft rotates, and the holding piece extends between the first edge and the second edge. When the first surface abuts on the positioning element, the holding piece includes a first surface along the flow of the dry air in the first direction. Preferably, when the second surface comes into contact with the positioning element, the holding piece assumes a second posture that resists the flow of the dry air in the first direction.

  According to the said structure, a positioning element prescribes | regulates the surrounding range of the brush element accompanying rotation of a rotating shaft. The holding piece includes a first surface extending between the first edge and the second edge, and a second surface opposite to the first surface. When the first surface comes into contact with the positioning element, the holding piece assumes a first posture along the flow of dry air in the first direction. As a result, the dry air introduced from the first inlet is directed to the outlet without being blocked by the brush element. When the second surface comes into contact with the positioning element, the holding piece assumes a second posture that resists the flow of dry air in the first direction. Dry air introduced from the first inlet is blocked by the brush element and is urged in the second direction. Therefore, the lint scraped off by the brush portion is caused to flow in the second direction. As a result, the reattachment of lint to the filter element is suitably suppressed. Thus, the removal device can maintain an appropriate flow rate of dry air for a relatively long period of time.

  The said structure WHEREIN: It is preferable that the said discharge port is formed longer than a said 1st inlet in the said 2nd direction.

  According to the above configuration, in the second direction, the discharge port is formed longer than the first introduction port. By the dry air urged in the second direction, the lint in the dry air is dispersed in the second direction. Therefore, clogging of the filter element disposed along the discharge port is preferably suppressed. Thus, the removal device can maintain an appropriate flow rate of dry air for a relatively long period of time.

  The said structure WHEREIN: The 2nd inlet port into which the cooling air lower temperature than the said dry air is introduce | transduced is formed in the said housing | casing, The said housing | casing is the 1st chamber where the said dry air flows through the said interior space. And a partition plate that partitions into a second chamber through which the cooling air flows, the partition plate including an outer edge connected to the inner wall surface and an inner edge forming an opening through which the rotating shaft is inserted. The second chamber preferably communicates with the first chamber through the opening.

  According to the said structure, the 2nd inlet in which cooling air lower temperature than dry air is introduce | transduced is formed in a housing | casing. The housing includes a partition plate that partitions the internal space into a first chamber in which dry air flows and a second chamber in which cooling air flows. The second chamber communicates with the first chamber through an opening formed by the inner edge of the partition plate. The dynamic pressure generated by the flow of dry air in the first chamber causes a pressure drop in the second chamber through the opening. As a result, the cooling air flows into the second chamber through the second inlet. Thus, introduction of cooling air for improving the drying efficiency of the clothes is preferably achieved.

  In the above configuration, the removing device is disposed in a main housing in which the clothing is accommodated, the second introduction port is communicated with the outside of the main housing, and the cooling air is external air outside the main housing. It is preferable to contain.

  According to the said structure, a removal apparatus is arrange | positioned in the main housing | casing in which clothing is accommodated. The second introduction port communicates with the outside of the main housing. The cooling air includes external air outside the main housing. Thus, introduction of external air for improving the drying efficiency of the clothes is preferably achieved.

  In the above configuration, the discharge port is for discharging the dry air in the first chamber to the outside of the housing and for discharging the external air in the second chamber to the outside of the housing. The filter element includes a first filter portion covering the first discharge port, and a second filter portion covering the second discharge port, and the brush element includes It is preferable that the first discharge port is formed to be longer than the first introduction port in sliding contact with the first filter unit and in the second direction.

  According to the above configuration, the discharge port includes the first discharge port for discharging the dry air in the first chamber to the outside of the housing and the second exhaust port for discharging external air in the second chamber to the outside of the housing. Including exit. The filter element includes a first filter part that covers the first outlet and a second filter part that covers the second outlet. The brush element is in sliding contact with the first filter part. In the second direction, the first discharge port is formed longer than the first introduction port. By the dry air urged in the second direction, the lint in the dry air is dispersed in the second direction. Therefore, clogging of the first filter portion covering the first discharge port is suitably suppressed. Thus, the removal device can maintain an appropriate flow rate of dry air for a relatively long period of time.

  The said structure WHEREIN: It is preferable that the said rotating shaft contains the cyclic | annular protrusion part which has the periphery along the said inner edge, and this cyclic | annular protrusion part is adjacent to the said opening part.

  According to the said structure, the cyclic | annular protrusion part which has the periphery along an inner edge is adjacent to an opening part. Therefore, entry of lint urged in the second direction into the second chamber is preferably suppressed. Since the introduction of the external air is appropriately maintained, a decrease in the drying efficiency due to the removing device is suitably suppressed.

  In the above configuration, the housing includes a first housing wall in which the first introduction port and the second introduction port are formed, and a second housing wall in which the discharge port is formed. It is preferable that the housing wall is pivotably attached to the first housing wall.

  According to the above configuration, the housing includes the first housing wall in which the first introduction port and the second introduction port are formed, and the second housing wall in which the discharge port is formed. Since the second housing wall is pivotably attached to the first housing wall, the lint accumulated in the housing is easily removed.

  In the above-described configuration, an opening / closing mechanism that opens and closes the second introduction port in conjunction with the rotation of the rotating shaft is further provided, and the opening / closing mechanism opens the closing position that closes the second introduction port and the introduction port. A valve element including a plug portion that is displaced between an open position and a cam piece connected to the rotating shaft, the cam piece being configured to move the plug portion with the rotation of the rotating shaft. It is preferable to displace between the closed position and the open position.

  According to the above configuration, the opening / closing mechanism that opens and closes the second introduction port in conjunction with the rotation of the rotary shaft is displaced between a closed position that closes the second introduction port and an open position that opens the introduction port. A valve element including a plug portion and a cam piece connected to the rotating shaft are included. The cam piece displaces the plug portion between the closed position and the open position as the rotary shaft rotates. Thus, outside air introduction is appropriately performed.

  In the above configuration, the valve element includes a base portion attached to the housing, and a hinge portion formed between the base portion and the plug portion, and the plug portion in contact with the cam piece includes: The plug part, which is pivoted upward around the hinge part, displaced to the open position and released from contact with the cam piece, pivots downward around the hinge part due to its own weight, and is moved to the closed position. It is preferable to displace.

  According to the said structure, a valve element contains the base part attached to a housing | casing, and the hinge part formed between the base part and the plug part. The plug part in contact with the cam piece rotates upward around the hinge part and is displaced to the open position. The plug part released from the contact with the cam piece rotates downward around the hinge part by its own weight and is displaced to the closed position. Thus, opening and closing of the second introduction port is achieved by a relatively simplified structure.

  A drying apparatus according to another aspect of the present invention includes a main housing for housing clothing, and a circulation mechanism that circulates dry air for drying the clothing in the main housing, wherein the circulation The mechanism includes a removal device that removes lint from the dry air, and the removal device includes a housing formed with a first introduction port through which the dry air is introduced and a discharge port through which the dry air is discharged. A filter element that captures lint in the dry air flowing in a first direction from the first inlet to the outlet, a rotating shaft that rotates within the housing, and a cleaning mechanism that cleans the filter element The cleaning mechanism includes a brush element that is slidably contacted with the filter element as the rotating shaft rotates, and the housing extends in a second direction different from the first direction. The inner wall surface that prescribes The brush element includes a brush portion that is slidably contacted with the filter element, a first edge that holds the brush portion, and a holding piece that has a second edge connected to the rotating shaft extending in the second direction. , Including.

  According to the above configuration, the circulation mechanism circulates dry air in the main housing and dries clothing in the main housing. The circulation mechanism includes a removal device that removes lint from the dry air. Dry air is introduced into the housing from the first inlet and then discharged from the outlet. The filter element disposed along the discharge port captures lint in the dry air flowing in the first direction from the first introduction port toward the discharge port. Thus, lint is removed from the dry air. The inner wall surface of the housing defines an internal space extending in a second direction different from the first direction. The rotating shaft that rotates within the housing extends in the second direction in the same manner as the internal space. A second edge of a holding piece that holds a brush portion that is slidably contacted with the filter element is connected to the rotating shaft. The brush portion held by the first edge of the holding piece is brought into sliding contact with the filter element by the rotation of the rotary shaft. As a result, the lint captured by the filter element is scraped off. Further, the dry air flowing in the first direction is blocked by the holding piece according to the position of the holding piece which is changed by the rotation of the rotating shaft. Part of the dry air blocked by the holding piece is urged in the second direction. Therefore, the lint scraped off by the brush portion is caused to flow in the second direction. As a result, the reattachment of lint to the filter element is suitably suppressed. Thus, the drying processing apparatus can maintain an appropriate flow rate of the drying air for a relatively long period of time.

  As described above, the removal apparatus and the drying processing apparatus according to the present invention can maintain an appropriate flow rate of dry air for a relatively long period of time.

1 is a schematic perspective view of a washing / drying machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the washing / drying machine shown in FIG. 1. It is a back sectional view showing roughly the internal structure of the washing and drying machine shown in FIG. It is a schematic diagram which shows roughly the circulation mechanism of the washing-drying machine shown by FIG. It is an expansion perspective view of the top wall of the washing / drying machine shown in FIG. It is a figure which shows schematically the external air introduction mechanism of the washing-drying machine shown by FIG. It is sectional drawing of the external air introduction mechanism in alignment with the AA line shown by FIG. It is a top view which shows roughly the cover mechanism of the external air introduction mechanism shown by FIG. FIG. 9 is a schematic bottom view of the cover mechanism shown in FIG. 8. FIG. 7 is a schematic plan view of the filter device of the outside air introduction mechanism shown in FIG. 6. It is a schematic sectional drawing of the filter apparatus which follows the BB line shown by FIG. It is a schematic sectional drawing of the filter apparatus which follows the CC line shown by FIG. It is a schematic diagram which illustrates roughly the flow of the external air in the main housing | casing of the washing / drying machine shown by FIG. It is sectional drawing which shows roughly operation | movement of the cleaning mechanism of the filter apparatus shown by FIG. It is sectional drawing which shows roughly operation | movement of the cleaning mechanism of the filter apparatus shown by FIG. It is sectional drawing which shows schematically the rotating shaft of the filter apparatus shown by FIG. It is sectional drawing which shows roughly the opening / closing operation | movement of the housing | casing of the filter apparatus shown by FIG. It is sectional drawing which shows the conventional filter apparatus roughly.

  Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Note that terms used in the following description, such as “up”, “down”, “left”, “right” and the like, are merely for the purpose of clarifying the explanation and do not limit the present invention. Not what you want.

(Washing dryer overall configuration)
FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view of a washing / drying machine exemplified as a drying processing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. In the present embodiment, a laundry dryer having both a washing function and a drying function is exemplified as the drying processing apparatus. Alternatively, a dryer that does not have a washing function may be used as the drying processing apparatus.

  The washing / drying machine 100 includes a main housing 200 and a door body 300. The main housing 200 is formed in a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape. The main housing 200 is disposed between the front wall 210 standing up and down, the back wall 220 opposite to the front wall 210, and between the front wall 210 and the back wall 220 and up and down. Left wall 230 and right wall 240, top wall 250 forming the upper surface of main housing 200, and bottom wall 260 forming the lower surface of main housing 200.

  The front wall 210 includes a lower wall 211 disposed below, a main wall 212 disposed above the lower wall 211, and an upper wall 213 disposed above the main wall 212. The main wall 212 and the upper wall 213 are inclined while being curved so as to approach the back wall 220 as it goes upward.

  The main wall 212 includes an annular concave surface 214 that forms a concave region that is substantially complementary to the substantially disk-shaped door body 300. The concave surface 214 surrounds the inlet 215 that passes through the approximate center of the main wall 212. The input port 215 communicates with a washing / drying tank (described later) housed in the main housing 200. The user can put clothes in and out of the main casing 200 through the insertion port 215 (clothes and similar items). In the present embodiment, the outer surface of the front wall 210 is exemplified as the input surface.

  The washer / dryer 100 includes a hinge structure 330 that rotatably connects the door body 300 to the main housing 200. The hinge structure 330 allows the door body 300 to rotate between a closed position where the input port 215 is closed and an open position where the input port 215 is opened. The door body 300 rotated to the closed position is accommodated in a concave region surrounded by the concave surface 214. In addition, the door body 300 shown in FIG. 1 exists in an open position.

  FIG. 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the washing / drying machine 100 having the door body 300 in the closed position. The arrangement, shape and structure of the elements in the main housing 200 shown in FIG. 2 should not be construed as limiting. The arrangement, shape, and structure of elements in the main housing 200 may be appropriately determined according to the design and function of the drying processing apparatus. The overall structure of the washing / drying machine 100 will be further described with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2.

  As shown in FIG. 2, a processing apparatus 400 that performs a drying process is constructed in the main casing 200. In the present embodiment, the processing apparatus 400 executes processes necessary for washing and drying the clothing C such as a washing process, a rinsing process, and a dehydrating process in addition to the drying process. Alternatively, if a dryer without a washing function is used as the drying processing device, the processing device may perform only the drying process.

  The processing apparatus 400 includes the above-described washing / drying tank 410. The washing / drying tank 410 includes a cylindrical water tank 420 having a bottom and a bottom end supported in a swingable manner inside the main casing 200, and a rotating drum 440 having a cylindrical shape having a bottom and a bottom end rotatably supported in the water tank 420. including. The processing apparatus 400 includes a suspension 490 that elastically supports the washing / drying tank 410. The suspension 490 connected to the bottom wall 260 of the main housing 200 appropriately absorbs vibrations generated during various processes such as the above-described drying process, washing process, rinsing process, and dehydrating process. The processing apparatus 400 further includes a motor 430 that rotates the rotating drum 440. The motor 430 is attached to the bottom outer surface of the water tank 420. The motor 430 rotates the rotating drum 440 during various processes such as a drying process, a washing process, a rinsing process, and a dehydrating process. The opening of the water tank 420 is formed by a substantially cylindrical tube opening 421 that protrudes toward the door 300 at the closed position. A substantially cylindrical sealing member 422 is fitted into the tube opening 421. In the present embodiment, the clothing C put in through the insertion port 215 of the main housing 200 is accommodated in the rotating drum 440.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the door body 300 includes a transparent window portion 310 having a substantially one-end trapezoidal cone shape and a substantially disc-shaped support frame 320 that supports the window portion 310. As shown in FIG. 2, when the door body 300 is disposed at the closed position, the window 310 is inserted into the insertion port 215 formed in the main housing 200, and the seal member 422 attached to the water tank 420. Pressure contacted. Thus, a watertight seal structure is formed between the water tank 420 and the window portion 310. While the door 300 is in the closed position, the user can visually recognize the clothes C in the washing / drying tub 410 through the transparent window 310.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the water tank 420 is formed with a discharge port 423 for discharging the washing liquid and an inlet 424 through which the washing liquid flows. The washing liquid used for washing is circulated between the outlet 423 and the inlet 424. The washing / drying machine 100 includes a pipe line 425 that defines a circulation path of the washing liquid between the discharge port 423 and the inflow port 424. The pipe line 425 includes an upstream pipe line 426 and a downstream pipe line 427. One end of the upstream conduit 426 is connected to the discharge port 423. The other end of the upstream conduit 426 is connected to the bottom wall 260 of the main housing 200. One end of the downstream pipe 427 is connected to a middle part of the upstream pipe 426. The other end of the downstream pipe 427 is connected to the inflow port 424.

  The washing / drying machine 100 includes a circulation pump 428 that causes the washing liquid to circulate between the discharge port 423 and the inflow port 424, and a discharge valve 429 that controls the discharge of the washing liquid to the outside of the main housing 200. . Both the circulation pump 428 and the discharge valve 429 are attached to the upstream line 426. Circulation pump 428 is disposed upstream of the connection between upstream line 426 and downstream line 427. The discharge valve 429 is disposed downstream of the circulation pump 428. While the washing / drying machine 100 is executing a process (for example, a washing process or an rinsing process) that requires a predetermined amount of water stored in the washing / drying tank 410, the discharge valve 429 is closed. During this time, the circulation pump 428 operates as necessary to cause the washing liquid to circulate between the discharge port 423 and the inflow port 424. On the other hand, when the washing / drying machine 100 performs a process (for example, a dehydration process or a drying process) that does not require water storage in the washing / drying tank 410, the discharge valve 429 is opened. As a result, the washing liquid in the washing / drying tank 410 is discharged from the bottom wall 260 to the outside of the main housing 200 through the upstream conduit 426.

  FIG. 3 is a rear view schematically showing the internal structure of the washing / drying machine 100. Note that the back wall 220 of the main housing 200 shown in FIG. 2 is removed from the washing and drying machine 100 shown in FIG. The overall structure of the washing / drying machine 100 will be further described with reference to FIGS. 2 and 3.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the washing / drying machine 100 includes a circulation mechanism 600 that circulates dry air for drying the clothes C accommodated in the rotary drum 440. An exhaust port 601 is formed in the peripheral wall of the water tank 420. A circulation mechanism 600 that circulates dry air in the main housing 200 includes a first pipe line 610 extending from the exhaust port 601 at a substantially right angle to the peripheral wall of the water tank 420. The first pipe line 610 includes an extension pipe part 611 extending substantially at right angles to the peripheral wall of the water tank 420, and an introduction pipe part 612 extending in a substantially horizontal direction along the inner surface of the top wall 250 of the main housing 200. including.

  The circulation mechanism 600 includes a filter device 700 disposed so as to cross the introduction pipe portion 612. The dry air is blown onto the clothing C in the rotary drum 440 before flowing into the exhaust port 601. As a result, the dry air dries the clothing C, while containing lint (lint) separated from the clothing C. As will be described later, the filter device 700 is formed so as to remove lint from the dry air flowing along the introduction pipe portion 612. In the present embodiment, the filter device 700 is exemplified as a removal device.

  The circulation mechanism 600 includes a second duct 620 having an upper end connected to the first duct 610 and a blower 621 attached to the upper end of the second duct 620. The second pipeline 620 extends vertically. The blower 621 includes a blade portion 622 disposed in the second pipeline 620 and a motor 623 attached outside the second pipeline 620. The motor 623 rotates the blade portion 622. As a result, the dry air in the rotary drum 440 is drawn into the first conduit 610 through the exhaust port 601. Thereafter, the dry air is sent out toward the lower end portion of the second pipe line 620.

  As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the lower end of the second pipe 620 has a larger volume than the upper end. Second pipe 620 includes a heat exchange pipe 639 disposed in the lower part of the internal space of main housing 200. The heat exchange conduit 639 extends to the left and right along the back wall 220. The circulation mechanism 600 includes a heat pump 630 disposed in the heat exchange line 639.

  FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of the heat pump 630. The overall structure of the washing / drying machine 100 will be further described with reference to FIGS.

  As shown in FIG. 4, the heat pump 630 includes a circulation pipe 631. The refrigerant flows through the circulation pipe 631. A compressor 632 that compresses the refrigerant is disposed in the middle of the circulation pipe 631 that draws a closed loop.

  The circulation pipe 631 through which the refrigerant sent out from the compressor 632 flows protrudes into the second pipe 620 and forms a radiator 633. The radiator 633 that radiates the heat of the refrigerant heated by the compression by the compressor 632 includes a circulation pipe 631 meandering in the second conduit 620 and fins 638 attached to the circulation pipe 631. The dry air sent from the washing / drying bath 410 to the second pipe 620 through the first pipe 610 by the blower 621 is heated by the radiator 633.

  The heat pump 630 includes a decompressor 634 that decompresses the refrigerant whose pressure has been increased by the compressor 632. The refrigerant that has passed through the radiator 633 is cooled at the same time as being decompressed by the decompressor 634.

  The circulation pipe 631 through which the refrigerant that has passed through the decompressor 634 flows again projects into the second duct 620 and forms a heat absorber 635 between the blower 621 and the radiator 633. The heat absorber 635 that absorbs heat using the refrigerant cooled by the decompression by the decompressor 634 includes a circulation pipe 631 meandering in the second pipe 620 and fins 636 attached to the circulation pipe 631. The dry air sent from the washing / drying tank 410 through the first pipe 610 to the second pipe 620 by the blower 621 is absorbed by the heat absorber 635. As a result, the dry air is dehumidified.

  As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the circulation mechanism 600 includes a switching valve 640 connected to the downstream end of the heat exchange pipe 639, and a third pipe 641 connected from the switching valve 640 to the bottom of the water tank 420. , And a fourth conduit 642 extending from the switching valve 640 toward the top wall 250. The switching valve 640 is formed so as to open one of the third pipe 641 and the fourth pipe 642 and close the other.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the end of the fourth pipe line 642 forms an opening 644 on the top wall 250. Therefore, when the switching valve 640 opens the flow path to the fourth pipe line 642, the dry air is discharged out of the main housing 200.

  An intake port 643 into which dry air flowing along the third pipe line 641 is introduced is formed at the bottom of the water tank 420. Therefore, when the switching valve 640 opens the flow path to the third pipe 641, the dry air is introduced into the water tank 420. Thereafter, the dry air flows into the rotary drum 440 and dries the clothing C.

(Outside air introduction mechanism)
An outside air introduction mechanism for cooling the heat pump 630 will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2.

  In this embodiment, in order to maintain the heat exchange efficiency of the heat pump 630 described above, outside air outside the main housing 200 is introduced into the main housing 200 as cooling air. The principle described below can be applied to the introduction of another gas set at a lower temperature than the dry air in order to cool the heat pump 630.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the outside air introduction mechanism 150 includes the above-described filter device 700 and a cover mechanism 800 disposed above the filter device 700. As shown in FIG. 1, the cover mechanism 800 is attached to the top wall 250 of the main housing 200.

  FIG. 5 is an enlarged perspective view of the top wall 250. The outside air introduction mechanism 150 is further described with reference to FIGS. 1, 2, and 5.

  The top wall 250 is formed with an outlet 251 opening in a substantially rectangular shape. The outlet 251 is formed to allow the filter device 700 to be taken in and out of the main housing 200. As will be described later, the cover mechanism 800 is connected to the filter device 700. Therefore, the user can take out the filter device 700 out of the main housing 200 by removing the cover mechanism 800 from the outlet 251. Further, the user connects the cover mechanism 800 to the filter device 700 and attaches the cover mechanism 800 to the outlet 251 so that the filter device 700 is disposed at an appropriate position in the main housing 200 in which the clothing C is accommodated. be able to. In the present embodiment, the outer surface of the top wall 250 is exemplified as the extraction surface.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the cover mechanism 800 includes a cover plate 810 having an outer surface 813 that is complementary to the outlet 251, and a lever plate 820 that is rotatably attached to the cover plate 810. The cover plate 810 appropriately closes the outlet 251. Therefore, leakage of mechanical sound and flow sound generated in the main housing 200 is appropriately suppressed. As will be described later, a suction port for introducing external air into the main housing 200 is formed between the cover plate 810 and the lever plate 820. In addition, the filter device 700 is formed with an introduction port formed so as to communicate with the suction port. External air taken into the main housing 200 through the inlet of the filter device 700 is used for cooling the heat pump 630 described above. In the present embodiment, the cover mechanism 800 is exemplified as a cover element. Further, the outer surface 813 of the cover plate 810 is exemplified as the first outer surface.

  FIG. 6 is a front view of the outside air introduction mechanism 150. FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of the outside air introduction mechanism 150 taken along line AA shown in FIG. FIG. 8 is a plan view of the cover plate 810. The suction port formed between the cover plate 810 and the lever plate 820 will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 and 6 to 8.

  As shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, the cover plate 810 of the cover mechanism 800 is attached to the upper part of the filter device 700. As shown in FIG. 8, the cover plate 810 includes a mounting edge 812 that forms a mounting opening 811 that is complementary to the lever plate 820. In the present embodiment, the attachment edge 812 draws a substantially rectangular closed loop. As shown in FIG. 1, the lever plate 820 is attached so as to close the attachment port 811.

  As shown in FIG. 7, the lever plate 820 includes a base edge 821 located on the back side of the washing / drying machine 100, a tip edge 822 located on the opposite side (that is, the front side) of the base edge 821, And an outer surface 823 extending between the edge 821 and the tip edge 822. In the present embodiment, the outer surface 823 of the lever plate 820 is exemplified as the second outer surface. The base edge 821 is along the rotation axis of the lever plate 820.

  The lever plate 820 rotates up and down around the rotation axis in the vicinity of the base end edge 821. Therefore, the user can hold down the cover plate 810 by pushing down the lever plate 820. The leading edge 822 is located below the attachment edge 812 (that is, inside the main housing 200).

  The outer surface 823 of the lever plate 820 includes a base surface 824 extending in the front direction from the base end edge 821 along the outer surface 813 of the cover plate 810, and a curved inclined surface 825 extending inclined from the front end edge 822 toward the base surface 824. Including. A space formed between the inclined surface 825 and the mounting edge 812 is used as a suction port 830 for sucking outside air. The suction port 830 opens in the opposite direction to the front wall 210 (that is, toward the back wall 220). The suction port 830 opened obliquely upward mainly defines the transmission direction of the sound generated in the main housing 200 in the back direction, so that sound transmission to a user working near the front wall 210 is preferable. It is suppressed.

  As shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, the mounting edge 812 includes a raised edge 814 raised upward. The raised edge 814 is located above the leading edge 822 of the lever plate 820. The raised edge 814 suitably prevents, for example, water that has dripped from the laundry placed on the top wall 250 by the user from flowing into the suction port 830.

  FIG. 9 is a bottom view of the cover mechanism 800. The rotation of the lever plate 820 will be described with reference to FIGS. 7 and 9.

  The lever plate 820 includes a first shaft piece 826 and a second shaft piece 827 disposed in the vicinity of the base end edge 821. The first shaft piece 826 and the second shaft piece 827 protrude downward from the bottom surface of the lever plate 820. The first shaft piece 826 includes a substantially cylindrical first shaft 828. The second shaft piece 827 includes a substantially cylindrical second shaft 829 that is shorter than the first shaft 828. The first shaft 828 and the second shaft 829 extend along the proximal edge 821.

  The cover plate 810 includes a mounting wall 815 extending so as to draw a substantially rectangular loop. The mounting wall 815 protrudes downward from the bottom surface of the cover plate 810. The mounting wall 815 includes a first bearing piece 816 that rotatably supports the first shaft 828 and a second bearing piece 817 that rotatably supports the second shaft 829. The first bearing piece 816 and the second bearing piece 817 protrude in the front direction from the inner surface of the mounting wall 815 adjacent to the base end edge 821 of the lever plate 820. Thus, the lever plate 820 is rotatably attached to the cover plate 810. The first shaft 828 and the second shaft 829 aligned along the base end edge 821 of the lever plate 820 define the rotation axis of the lever plate 820.

  The cover mechanism 800 includes a torsion coil spring 840 that surrounds the first shaft 828. One end of the torsion coil spring 840 is connected to the bottom surface of the cover plate 810. The other end of the torsion coil spring 840 is connected to the bottom surface of the lever plate 820. Thus, the torsion coil spring 840 biases the lever plate 820 so as to push the tip edge 822 of the lever plate 820 upward. In the present embodiment, the torsion coil spring 840 is exemplified as an urging mechanism.

  The lever plate 820 includes a substantially U-shaped positioning piece 891. The positioning piece 891 forms a tip edge 822 and a part of a side edge of the lever plate 820. The positioning piece 891 partially overlaps the cover plate 810. Thus, the positioning piece 891 appropriately restricts the upward rotation of the lever plate 820 due to the biasing of the torsion coil spring 840.

  FIG. 10 is a plan view of the filter device 700. The connection between the cover mechanism 800 and the filter device 700 will be described with reference to FIGS. 1, 2, 6, 7, 9, and 10.

  As shown in FIGS. 6, 7, and 10, the filter device 700 includes a housing 710. The housing 710 is formed with an introduction port 711 for introducing air. The inlet 711 includes a first inlet 712 through which dry air is introduced and a second inlet 725 described later. The external air sucked from the suction port 830 is introduced into the second introduction port 725. A discharge port 713 is formed in the housing 710 so as to face the first introduction port 712. A support portion 714 having a right-angle lattice shape is formed at the discharge port 713. A filter mesh 720 (see FIG. 7) is attached along the support portion 714.

  The introduction pipe portion 612 described with reference to FIG. 2 includes an upstream pipe portion 613 disposed upstream of the filter device 700 and a downstream tube portion 614 disposed downstream of the filter device 700. The upstream pipe portion 613 is connected to the first introduction port 712 described above. Dry air in the upstream pipe portion 613 is introduced into the housing 710 through the first introduction port 712. Thereafter, the dry air is discharged from a discharge port 713 formed to face the first introduction port 712. As the dry air passes through the outlet 713, the filter mesh 720 traps the dry air. As a result, the filter mesh 720 can preferably capture lint contained in the dry air. The discharge port 713 is connected to the downstream pipe portion 614. Therefore, the dry air that has been subjected to the lint removal process is sent to the heat pump 630. In the present embodiment, the filter mesh 720 is exemplified as a filter element. Further, the flow direction of the dry air from the first introduction port 712 toward the discharge port 713 (that is, the direction from the front wall 210 to the back wall 220) is exemplified as the first direction.

  The housing 710 includes a first housing wall 715 in which a first introduction port 712 is formed, and a second housing wall 716 in which a discharge port 713 is formed. The first housing wall 715 includes a connection wall 717 having a substantially U-shaped cross section used for connection with the cover mechanism 800. As shown in FIG. 7, a space R <b> 1 for turning the lever plate 820 is formed between the connection wall 717 curved downward and the flat cover plate 810.

  As shown in FIG. 7, the connection wall 717 includes a protrusion 718 protruding upward. The protrusion 718 is formed along the edge on the back side of the connection wall 717. A mounting wall 815 of the cover plate 810 disposed so as to cover the connection wall 717 is adjacent to the protrusion 718. The mounting wall 815 and the protrusion 718 are connected using an appropriate fixing tool such as a screw or a screw. In the present embodiment, the attachment wall 815 is exemplified as the connection portion.

  FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of the filter device 700 along the line BB shown in FIG. The introduction of external air into the housing 710 will be described with reference to FIGS. 1, 7, 10, and 11.

  As described with reference to FIG. 7, a space is formed between the substantially flat cover plate 810 and the connection wall 717 curved downward. As shown in FIGS. 10 and 11, the first housing wall 715 includes a partition wall 719 extending in the first direction. The partition wall 719 partially divides the space between the cover plate 810 and the connection wall 717 into a space R1 in which the lever plate 820 is rotated and a space R2 into which external air flows. The space R <b> 2 communicates with the suction port 830 through a gap between the upper edge of the partition wall 719 and the cover plate 810.

  The connection wall 717 that defines the space R2 is formed with a second introduction port 725 that opens in a substantially rectangular shape. A space between the suction port 830 and the second introduction port 725 (that is, a space between the cover plate 810 and the connection wall 717) is partially partitioned by a partition wall 719 protruding upward from the upper surface of the connection wall 717. It is done. The partition wall 719 suitably suppresses the inflow of the liquid that has flowed down from the suction port 830 onto the connection wall 717 to the second introduction port 725.

  As shown in FIGS. 10 and 11, the filter device 700 includes an opening / closing mechanism 730 that opens and closes the second introduction port 725. The opening / closing mechanism 730 includes a valve piece 735. The valve piece 735 includes a base portion 731 that is fitted into an opening formed adjacent to the second introduction port 725, a closed position that closes the second introduction port 725, and an open position that opens the second introduction port 725. And a plug portion 732 that is displaced between them, and a thin portion 733 formed between the base portion 731 and the plug portion 732. In this embodiment, the valve piece 735 is illustrated as a valve element. In FIG. 11, the plug portion 732 in the open position is drawn with a dotted line. The base portion 731 formed in a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape is fixedly attached to the connection wall 717. The plug portion 732 formed in a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape partially protrudes into the internal space of the housing 710 through the second introduction port 725. The plug part 732 rotates around the thin part 733 between an open position and a closed position. While the plug portion 732 is in the open position, external air flows into the housing 710 through the suction port 830 and the second introduction port 725 communicating with the outside of the main housing 200. In this embodiment, the thin part 733 is illustrated as a hinge part.

  FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view of the filter device 700 along the line CC shown in FIG. The opening / closing mechanism 730 will be described with reference to FIGS. 7, 11, and 12.

  As shown in FIG. 12, the inner wall surface 726 of the housing 710 forms a substantially cylindrical internal space. An internal space formed by the inner wall surface 726 extends in a second direction substantially orthogonal to the first direction. The housing 710 includes an annular partition plate 729 that partitions an internal space extending in the second direction into a first chamber 727 and a second chamber 728. The first chamber 727 communicates with the first introduction port 712. Accordingly, dry air flows in the first chamber 727. As shown in FIG. 11, the second chamber 728 communicates with the second introduction port 725. Therefore, outside air flows in the second chamber 728 while the plug portion 732 is in the open position.

  Filter device 700 includes a rotating shaft 740 that rotates within housing 710. The first housing wall 715 includes a first side wall 736 and a second side wall 737 that extend between the first introduction port 712 and the discharge port 713. A gear 738 is attached to the outer surface of the first side wall 736. The gear 738 includes a gear shaft 739 that is inserted through a through hole formed in the first side wall 736. The gear shaft 739 is inserted into a recess formed at one end of the rotating shaft 740. Appropriate fasteners such as screws and screws are threaded along the longitudinal axes of the gear shaft 739 and the rotating shaft 740. Thus, gear 738 and rotating shaft 740 are properly connected. The gear 738 is connected to a motor or other suitable drive source. Due to the transmission of the driving force to the gear 738, the rotating shaft 740 is appropriately rotated within the housing 710. The second side wall 737 includes a boss 741 that is inserted into a recess formed at the other end of the rotating shaft 740. The boss 741 supports the rotary shaft 740 in a rotatable manner.

  The opening / closing mechanism 730 includes a cam piece 745 protruding from the peripheral surface of the rotating shaft 740 in the second chamber 728. The cam piece 745 that rotates together with the rotating shaft 740 is formed so as to come into contact with the plug portion 732 that exists in the closed position. The plug portion 732 that is in contact with the cam piece 745 is pushed upward. Thus, the plug portion 732 rotates upward around the thin portion 733 and is displaced to the open position. Thereafter, the plug portion 732 released from contact with the cam piece 745 rotates downward around the hinge portion by its own weight and is displaced to the closed position. Thus, the opening / closing mechanism 730 can open and close the second introduction port 725 in conjunction with the rotation of the rotating shaft 740.

  Partition plate 729 includes an outer edge 746 connected to inner wall surface 726 of housing 710 and an inner edge 747 that forms an opening through which rotating shaft 740 is inserted. The rotating shaft 740 crosses the opening formed by the inner edge 747. An annular gap is formed between the inner edge 747 and the rotating shaft 740 for communicating the first chamber 727 and the second chamber 728.

  The flow of dry air flowing from the first inlet 712 toward the outlet 713 causes the second chamber 728 to have a negative pressure. As a result, when the plug portion 732 is pushed up by the cam piece 745, external air flows into the second chamber 728 from the suction port 830.

  As shown in FIG. 12, the discharge port 713 includes a first discharge port 748 for discharging dry air that has flowed into the first chamber 727 from the first introduction port 712 and the inside of the second chamber 728. And a second discharge port 749 for discharging the external air flowing into the outside of the housing 710. Further, the filter mesh 720 includes a first filter portion 751 (see FIG. 7) that covers the first discharge port 748 and a second filter portion 752 (see FIG. 11) that covers the second discharge port 749. The first filter unit 751 is used for trapping dry air flowing from the first introduction port 712 and removing lint contained in the dry air. The second filter unit 752 is used for trapping the external air flowing in from the second introduction port 725 and removing foreign matters (for example, dust) contained in the external air.

  FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram schematically showing the flow of external air in the main housing 200. The cooling of the heat pump 630 will be described with reference to FIG.

  As described above, the external air flows into the main housing 200 through the suction port 830. Thereafter, the air flows into the second chamber 728 formed in the housing 710 of the filter device 700 through the second introduction port 725. Then, it is discharged from the second discharge port 749. The second discharge port 749 communicates with the internal space of the main housing 200 outside the circulation path defined by the first conduit 610, the second conduit 620, and the third conduit 641. Accordingly, the external air appropriately cools the heat pump 630 from outside the circulation mechanism 600. Thus, the heat exchange rate of the heat pump 630 is properly maintained.

  The dry air that has flowed into the first chamber 727 from the first inlet 712 flows into the second conduit 620 through the first outlet 748. Thus, the dry air is circulated in the main housing 200 by the circulation mechanism 600.

(Cleaning mechanism)
A cleaning mechanism for cleaning the first filter unit 751 that has captured lint in the dry air will be described with reference to FIGS. 7 and 12.

  The filter device 700 includes a cleaning mechanism 760 for cleaning the first filter portion 751 that has captured lint in the dry air. The cleaning mechanism 760 includes a substantially flat brush plate 761. The brush plate 761 rotates with the brush portion 762 that is slidably contacted with the first filter portion 751 (see FIG. 7) and the first edge 763 that holds the brush portion 762 in accordance with the rotation of the rotating shaft 740 extending in the second direction. A substantially rectangular plate-shaped holding piece 765 including a second edge 764 connected to the shaft 740. In the present embodiment, the brush plate 761 is exemplified as a brush element.

  As shown in FIG. 12, the first edge 763 includes a protruding portion 766 that is connected along the second direction. The protruding portion 766 protrudes toward the first filter portion 751 (see FIG. 7). In the present embodiment, the protrusion 766 formed second from the left in FIG. 12 is exemplified as the first protrusion 766a. Moreover, the protrusion part 766 formed adjacent to the 1st protrusion part 766a is illustrated as the 2nd protrusion part 766b. The selection of the first projecting portion 766a is intended to clarify the explanation. Therefore, the other protrusion 766 may be exemplified as the first protrusion 766a. Further, the protrusion 766 formed adjacent to the protrusion 766 selected as the first protrusion 766a may be exemplified as the second protrusion 766b.

  The brush portion 762 includes a first brush bundle 767 held by the first protruding portion 766a and the second protruding portion 766b, and a second brush held by a recess between the first protruding portion 766a and the second protruding portion 766b. Bundle 768. The first brush bundle 767 is shorter than the second brush bundle 768. Accordingly, the first brush bundle 767 is in sliding contact with the first filter portion 751 with a stronger force than the second brush bundle 768.

  14 and 15 show the rotation of the brush plate 761 around the rotating shaft 740. 14A and 15A are schematic cross-sectional views showing a filter device 700 including a brush plate 761 disposed at a reference position substantially parallel to the first direction. FIG. 14B is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a filter device 700 including a brush plate 761 that is circulated downward from a reference position. FIG. 15B is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a filter device 700 including a brush plate 761 that is circulated upward from a reference position. The operation of the cleaning mechanism 760 will be described with reference to FIGS. 12, 14, and 15.

  As shown in FIG. 14A and FIG. 15A, the brush plate 761 at the reference position is along the first direction, so the holding piece 765 hardly interferes with the flow of dry air in the first direction. As shown in FIGS. 14B and 15B, the rotary shaft 740 has a first rotation direction in which the brush plate 761 circulates downward from the reference position and a second rotation direction in which the brush plate 761 circulates upward from the reference position. Rotate in the direction of rotation.

  The holding piece 765 includes a first surface 771 and a second surface 772 opposite to the first surface 771 extending between the first edge 763 and the second edge 764. When the brush plate 761 is at the reference position, the first surface 771 is positioned below the second surface 772.

  The housing 710 includes a first pin 773 and a second pin 774 that protrude from the inner wall surface 726. The first pin 773 is formed below the second pin 774. As shown in FIG. 14B, when the rotary shaft 740 rotates in the first rotation direction, the first surface 771 comes into contact with the first pin 773. Thus, the first pin 773 defines the rotation range of the brush plate 761 accompanying the rotation of the rotating shaft 740 in the first rotation direction. As shown in FIG. 15B, when the rotation shaft 740 rotates in the first rotation direction, the second surface 772 comes into contact with the second pin 774. Thus, the second pin 774 defines the rotation range of the brush plate 761 accompanying the rotation of the rotating shaft 740 in the second rotation direction. In the present embodiment, the first pin 773 and the second pin 774 are exemplified as positioning elements.

  The first pin 773 stops the rotation of the brush plate 761 accompanying the rotation of the rotating shaft 740 in the first rotation direction after the cam piece 745 comes into contact with the plug portion 732. While the first surface 771 of the holding piece 765 is in contact with the first pin 773, the plug portion 732 is held in the open position.

  As shown in FIG. 12, the first discharge port 748 is formed longer than the first introduction port 712 in the second direction. While the first surface 771 of the holding piece 765 is in contact with the first pin 773, the brush plate 761 is in a posture along the first direction. Accordingly, the holding piece 765 hardly interferes with the flow of dry air introduced from the first introduction port 712. As a result, most of the dry air introduced from the first introduction port 712 flows in the first direction, and the flow of dry air toward the second chamber 728 (that is, the flow of dry air in the second direction) hardly occurs. . In the present embodiment, the posture of the brush plate 761 while the first surface 771 of the holding piece 765 is in contact with the first pin 773 is exemplified as the first posture.

  Thereafter, when the rotating shaft 740 rotates so that the brush plate 761 moves toward the second pin 774, the plug portion 732 is displaced to the closed position by its own weight. When the rotating shaft 740 rotates to a position where the brush plate 761 extends downward, the flow of dry air in the first direction flowing in from the first introduction port 712 is largely hindered by the holding piece 765. As a result, a flow of dry air in the second direction is generated.

  Further, when the rotating shaft 740 rotates so that the brush plate 761 is directed toward the second pin 774, the brush portion 762 moves upward while being in sliding contact with the first filter portion 751. As a result, the lint adhering to the first filter portion 751 is scraped off suitably. The lint scraped off by the brush portion 762 is pushed away toward the partition plate 729 by the flow of dry air in the second direction that gradually decreases as the brush plate 761 approaches the reference position.

  When the brush plate 761 circulates from the reference position toward the second pin 774, the flow of dry air toward the second direction gradually increases. The second pin 774 comes into contact with the second surface 772 of the holding piece 765 before the cam piece 745 comes into contact with the plug portion 732 in the closed position. While in contact with the second surface 772 of the holding piece 765, the holding piece 765 maintains a posture against the flow of dry air in the first direction. In the present embodiment, the posture of the brush plate 761 while the second surface 772 of the holding piece 765 is in contact with the second pin 774 is exemplified as the second posture.

  FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional view of the filter device 700 along the longitudinal axis of the rotating shaft 740. The rotating shaft 740 will be described with reference to FIG.

  As described above, the inner edge 747 of the partition plate 729 forms an opening that allows the first chamber 727 and the second chamber 728 to communicate with each other. The rotating shaft 740 includes an annular protrusion 775 adjacent to the opening defined by the inner edge 747. The annular protrusion 775 formed to have a size substantially equal to the opening includes a peripheral edge 776 along the inner edge 747 of the partition plate 729. Therefore, the annular protrusion 775 suitably suppresses the lint riding on the flow of dry air in the second direction from entering the second chamber 728 from the first chamber 727. A slight gap is formed between the partition plate 729 and the annular protrusion 775. The communication between the first chamber 727 and the second chamber 728 is maintained by the gap between the partition plate 729 and the annular protrusion 775.

  FIG. 17 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the housing 710 of the filter device 700. FIG. 17A shows the housing 710 in use. FIG. 17B shows the housing 710 at the time of disassembly. The housing 710 is described with reference to FIG.

  The second housing wall 716 is attached to the first housing wall 715 so as to be rotatable. A connection portion 780 between the first housing wall 715 and the second housing wall 716 is provided below the connection wall 717 of the first housing wall 715. The second housing wall 716 includes, for example, a connection plate 781 disposed immediately below the connection wall 717 and a pin 782 protruding from the connection plate 781. The connection wall 717 is formed to hold the pin 782 rotatably. The user can suitably remove the lint accumulated in the housing 710 by rotating the second housing wall 716.

  The present invention is suitably used for a washing machine, a dryer, and a laundry dryer.

100... Washing and drying machine 200... Main casing 600... Circulation mechanism 700. ······ First inlet 713 ································· First housing wall 716 ··········· Second housing wall 720 ······ Filter mesh 725 ······························································································································· Opening / closing mechanism 731 Base 732 Plug 733 Thin part 735 Valve piece 740 Rotating shaft 745... Cam piece 746... Outer edge 747... Inner edge 748. Port 751... First filter portion 752... Second filter portion 760... Cleaning mechanism 761... Brush plate 762. 763... First edge 764... Second edge 765... Holding piece 766 a... First protrusion 766 b. First brush bundle 768 Second brush bundle 771 First surface 772 Second surface 773 First Pin 774 ··· Second pin 775 ··· Ring protrusion 776 ··· Perimeter C ··· Clothing

Claims (12)

A removal device for removing lint from dry air for drying clothes,
A housing formed with a first inlet through which the dry air is introduced and an outlet through which the dry air is discharged;
A filter element for capturing the lint of the dry air flowing from the first inlet port in a first direction toward said discharge port,
A rotating shaft that rotates within the housing;
A cleaning mechanism for cleaning the filter element,
The cleaning mechanism includes a brush element that is slidably contacted with the filter element as the rotating shaft rotates,
The housing includes an inner wall surface that defines an internal space extending in a second direction different from the first direction, and a positioning element that defines a rotation range of the brush element accompanying the rotation of the rotating shaft ,
The brush element is connected with the brush portion to be in sliding contact with the said filter element disposed along said outlet, said rotary shaft extending in the first edge and the second direction for holding the brush portion a holding piece having a second edge, only including,
The holding piece includes a first surface extending between the first edge and the second edge, and a second surface opposite to the first surface;
When the first surface abuts on the positioning element, the holding piece is in a first posture along the flow of the dry air in the first direction,
When the second surface abuts on the positioning element, the holding piece assumes a second posture that resists the flow of the dry air in the first direction .   The removal device according to claim 1, wherein the holding piece is formed longer than the first introduction port in the second direction. The removal apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the discharge port is formed longer than the first introduction port in the second direction . The casing is formed with a second inlet through which cooling air having a temperature lower than that of the dry air is introduced.
The housing includes a partition plate that partitions the internal space into a first chamber in which the dry air flows and a second chamber in which the cooling air flows.
The partition plate includes an outer edge connected to the inner wall surface, and an inner edge forming an opening through which the rotating shaft is inserted,
The removal apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the second chamber communicates with the first chamber through the opening . An opening / closing mechanism for opening / closing the second introduction port in conjunction with the rotation of the rotating shaft;
The opening / closing mechanism includes a valve element including a plug portion that is displaced between a closed position that closes the second introduction port and an open position that opens the second introduction port, and a cam piece connected to the rotating shaft; Including,
The removal device according to claim 4 , wherein the cam piece displaces the plug portion between the closed position and the open position in accordance with the rotation of the rotating shaft . The valve element includes a base attached to the housing, and a hinge part formed between the base and the plug part,
The plug part in contact with the cam piece rotates upward around the hinge part and is displaced to the open position,
6. The removing device according to claim 5 , wherein the plug part released from contact with the cam piece rotates downward around the hinge part by its own weight and is displaced to the closed position . The removal device is disposed in a main housing in which the clothing is accommodated,
The second introduction port communicates with the outside of the main housing,
The removal device according to claim 5 , wherein the cooling air includes external air outside the main housing. The exhaust port includes a first exhaust port for discharging the dry air in the first chamber to the outside of the housing, and a second exhaust gas for discharging the external air in the second chamber to the outside of the housing. An outlet, and
The filter element includes a first filter part that covers the first outlet, and a second filter part that covers the second outlet,
The brush element is in sliding contact with the first filter portion;
The removal apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the first discharge port is formed longer than the first introduction port in the second direction. The rotating shaft includes an annular protrusion having a peripheral edge along the inner edge;
The removing device according to claim 8, wherein the annular protrusion is adjacent to the opening. The housing includes a first housing wall in which the first introduction port and the second introduction port are formed, and a second housing wall in which the discharge port is formed,
The removing device according to claim 5, wherein the second housing wall is rotatably attached to the first housing wall. The first edge includes a first protrusion protruding toward the first filter part, and a second protrusion adjacent to the first protrusion,
The brush portion includes a first brush bundle held by the first protrusion and the second protrusion, a second brush bundle disposed between the first protrusion and the second protrusion, and Including
The removing device according to claim 8 , wherein the first brush bundle is shorter than the second brush bundle . A main housing for housing clothing;
A circulation mechanism for circulating dry air in the main housing for drying the clothing,
The circulation mechanism includes a removal device that removes lint from the dry air;
The removing device flows in a first direction from the first introduction port to the discharge port, and a housing formed with a first introduction port into which the dry air is introduced and a discharge port through which the dry air is discharged. A filter element that captures the lint in the dry air, a rotating shaft that rotates within the housing, and a cleaning mechanism that cleans the filter element,
The cleaning mechanism includes a brush element that is slidably contacted with the filter element as the rotating shaft rotates,
The housing includes an inner wall surface that defines an internal space extending in a second direction different from the first direction, and a positioning element that defines a rotation range of the brush element accompanying the rotation of the rotating shaft,
The brush element includes a brush portion that is slidably contacted with the filter element, and a holding piece having a first edge that holds the brush portion and a second edge that is connected to the rotating shaft extending in the second direction. Including
The holding piece includes a first surface extending between the first edge and the second edge, and a second surface opposite to the first surface;
When the first surface abuts on the positioning element, the holding piece is in a first posture along the flow of the dry air in the first direction,
When the second surface comes into contact with the positioning element, the holding piece assumes a second posture that resists the flow of the dry air in the first direction.

Images