CN114763668A - Clothes dryer provided with steam generator - Google Patents
Clothes dryer provided with steam generator Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- CN114763668A CN114763668A CN202210042637.1A CN202210042637A CN114763668A CN 114763668 A CN114763668 A CN 114763668A CN 202210042637 A CN202210042637 A CN 202210042637A CN 114763668 A CN114763668 A CN 114763668A
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- liquid
- receiving element
- loading unit
- laundry
- filter
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- 239000007788 liquid Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 406
- 238000010438 heat treatment Methods 0.000 claims abstract description 51
- 238000001035 drying Methods 0.000 claims abstract description 19
- 238000011144 upstream manufacturing Methods 0.000 claims abstract description 8
- 238000005086 pumping Methods 0.000 claims description 15
- 239000012530 fluid Substances 0.000 claims description 14
- 238000001914 filtration Methods 0.000 claims description 5
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 claims description 5
- 238000007789 sealing Methods 0.000 claims description 5
- 230000008878 coupling Effects 0.000 claims description 3
- 238000010168 coupling process Methods 0.000 claims description 3
- 238000005859 coupling reaction Methods 0.000 claims description 3
- 238000007599 discharging Methods 0.000 claims description 3
- 230000001419 dependent effect Effects 0.000 claims 1
- 238000002360 preparation method Methods 0.000 claims 1
- XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N water Substances O XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 10
- 238000004140 cleaning Methods 0.000 description 7
- 239000003507 refrigerant Substances 0.000 description 5
- 238000005406 washing Methods 0.000 description 5
- 239000000654 additive Substances 0.000 description 4
- 238000009833 condensation Methods 0.000 description 3
- 230000005494 condensation Effects 0.000 description 3
- 230000000694 effects Effects 0.000 description 3
- 230000002093 peripheral effect Effects 0.000 description 3
- 230000004308 accommodation Effects 0.000 description 2
- 239000003599 detergent Substances 0.000 description 2
- 238000010412 laundry washing Methods 0.000 description 2
- 230000008569 process Effects 0.000 description 2
- 238000000926 separation method Methods 0.000 description 2
- 230000000996 additive effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000009835 boiling Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000000284 extract Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000003205 fragrance Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000005484 gravity Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000010808 liquid waste Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000012423 maintenance Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000004519 manufacturing process Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000007246 mechanism Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000012986 modification Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000004048 modification Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000002304 perfume Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000011012 sanitization Methods 0.000 description 1
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Classifications
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- D—TEXTILES; PAPER
- D06—TREATMENT OF TEXTILES OR THE LIKE; LAUNDERING; FLEXIBLE MATERIALS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- D06F—LAUNDERING, DRYING, IRONING, PRESSING OR FOLDING TEXTILE ARTICLES
- D06F58/00—Domestic laundry dryers
- D06F58/20—General details of domestic laundry dryers
- D06F58/203—Laundry conditioning arrangements
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- D—TEXTILES; PAPER
- D06—TREATMENT OF TEXTILES OR THE LIKE; LAUNDERING; FLEXIBLE MATERIALS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- D06F—LAUNDERING, DRYING, IRONING, PRESSING OR FOLDING TEXTILE ARTICLES
- D06F58/00—Domestic laundry dryers
- D06F58/02—Domestic laundry dryers having dryer drums rotating about a horizontal axis
-
- D—TEXTILES; PAPER
- D06—TREATMENT OF TEXTILES OR THE LIKE; LAUNDERING; FLEXIBLE MATERIALS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- D06F—LAUNDERING, DRYING, IRONING, PRESSING OR FOLDING TEXTILE ARTICLES
- D06F58/00—Domestic laundry dryers
- D06F58/20—General details of domestic laundry dryers
-
- D—TEXTILES; PAPER
- D06—TREATMENT OF TEXTILES OR THE LIKE; LAUNDERING; FLEXIBLE MATERIALS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- D06F—LAUNDERING, DRYING, IRONING, PRESSING OR FOLDING TEXTILE ARTICLES
- D06F58/00—Domestic laundry dryers
- D06F58/20—General details of domestic laundry dryers
- D06F58/22—Lint collecting arrangements
-
- D—TEXTILES; PAPER
- D06—TREATMENT OF TEXTILES OR THE LIKE; LAUNDERING; FLEXIBLE MATERIALS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- D06F—LAUNDERING, DRYING, IRONING, PRESSING OR FOLDING TEXTILE ARTICLES
- D06F58/00—Domestic laundry dryers
- D06F58/20—General details of domestic laundry dryers
- D06F58/24—Condensing arrangements
Landscapes
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Textile Engineering (AREA)
- Detail Structures Of Washing Machines And Dryers (AREA)
- Detergent Compositions (AREA)
- Accessory Of Washing/Drying Machine, Commercial Washing/Drying Machine, Other Washing/Drying Machine (AREA)
Abstract
The present invention relates to a laundry dryer, comprising: a cabinet; a laundry treatment compartment; a drying system, comprising: an air duct; an air moving device; an air heating device; a steam generator, comprising: a main liquid reservoir; and a liquid heating device generating heat to heat liquid in the main liquid reservoir to generate steam for delivery to the laundry treatment compartment; a liquid loading unit comprising: a liquid receiving element having an outlet opening; and a filter arranged upstream of the outlet opening, wherein the liquid loading unit comprises a lid which is movable relative to the liquid receiving element between a closed position in which the lid at least partially overlaps the filter, thereby preventing a user from accessing the latter, and an open position allowing a user to access the filter, wherein the liquid loading unit comprises a liquid loading opening, thereby allowing liquid to be manually loaded in the liquid receiving element, even when the lid is in the closed position.
Description
Technical Field
The present invention relates to a laundry dryer provided with a steam generator.
Background
Known laundry dryers, such as tumble dryers or washer-dryers (i.e. laundry apparatuses that can wash and dry laundry), generally comprise a casing or containment portion containing a laundry treatment compartment in which laundry to be treated can be loaded.
In tumble dryers and washer-dryers, the laundry treatment compartment is typically a rotatable drum housed inside a casing and rotatable with respect to a rotation axis, which may be substantially horizontal or slightly inclined (in so-called "horizontal axis" laundry dryers), or substantially vertical (in so-called "horizontal axis" laundry dryers), with respect to the horizontal surface on which the laundry drying mechanism is caused to be located.
In known tumble dryers, the drum is typically rotatably supported in the housing by a roller, which is pivoted to a support structure that is stationary relative to the housing.
In known washer-dryers, the casing also houses a washing tub, which is suspended to the casing, usually by means of a spring and a pourer, the drum being rotatably contained in the washing tub.
In other known laundry dryers, the laundry treatment compartment is stationary with respect to the casing; in this case, a laundry dryer, commonly referred to as a "drying cabinet", is a heated cabinet in which laundry may be hung to be dried.
The known laundry dryer also comprises a drying system comprising: an air duct passing through and including a laundry treating compartment; an air moving device (typically a fan or blower) which, when operated, generates an air flow through the air duct; an air heating device (e.g. an electric heater, a heat pump system, a gas burner) is positioned at least partially within the air duct to heat the air flow before it passes through the laundry treatment compartment.
In some known laundry dryers, the air duct is arranged in such a way that: so that after the air flow, after passing through the laundry treatment compartment, is discharged to the external environment, optionally after at least partial removal of moisture in a condensation device (e.g. an air heat exchanger).
In other known laundry dryers, the air duct is arranged in such a way as to circulate the air flow through the laundry treatment compartment; in this case, the moisture-laden air leaving the laundry treatment compartment is dehumidified in the moisture condensing device, and then the air stream is reheated by the air heating device before being pumped again into the laundry treatment compartment.
Some known laundry dryers also comprise a steam generator, allowing steam to be generated and released inside the internal volume of the laundry treatment compartment, so as to come into contact with and exert one or more advantageous effects (such as a sanitizing effect and/or an anti-crease effect, etc.) on the laundry contained in the laundry treatment compartment.
It is emphasized that in the present application, the word "steam" means: water or a liquid containing water mixed with one or more additives (e.g., a fragrance) changes to a gas or vapor when boiling.
The steam generator generally includes: a main liquid reservoir in which a liquid (i.e. water or water mixed with one or more additives) can be loaded; and a liquid heating device operable to generate heat to heat the liquid so as to produce steam, which is conveyed to the laundry treating compartment via a steam conveying conduit fluidly connecting the steam generator to the laundry treating compartment.
In some known laundry dryers, the main liquid reservoir is a water heater housed within a casing external to the laundry treatment compartment, in which a liquid can be loaded and heated, and the liquid heating device is an electric heater arranged in the water heater to heat such liquid and generate steam which is driven towards and released into the internal volume of the laundry treatment compartment via a steam delivery duct.
In other known laundry dryers, the liquid heating means is external to the primary liquid reservoir and the liquid heating means is arranged to heat the liquid after it leaves the primary liquid reservoir; for example, the liquid heating means may be an electric heater placed within a line fluidly connecting the main liquid reservoir to the laundry treatment compartment for heating liquid leaving the main liquid reservoir and passing through such line and converting the liquid into steam, which is released into the laundry treatment compartment.
In some known laundry dryers, the liquid to be converted into steam is loaded into the primary liquid reservoir via a liquid loading unit comprising: a liquid receiving element having an outlet opening fluidly connected to the main liquid reservoir; and a filter arranged upstream or at the outlet opening for filtering liquid flowing out of the liquid receiving element via the outlet opening.
Such a known solution is shown in international patent application n.wo2014/075848, which discloses a laundry washing and/or laundry drying machine comprising: a body; a steam generator located in the body and generating steam to be delivered into the washing tub; a receiving portion located inside or near the steam generator and wherein the liquid accumulates for use in the steam generator; an opening disposed on the body, and in which a condensation tank, a detergent dispenser, etc. are placed; a funnel in the body by means of which the opening is accessed and into which the liquid is delivered; and a hose providing liquid in the funnel to be transferred to the receiving portion. In this known solution, a lid is placed on the funnel, the lid having an open position and a closed position. When the user brings the lid from the closed position to the open position, the lid extends from the funnel towards the opening such that when the user pours liquid onto the lid, liquid is delivered to the funnel by means of the lid. This known solution comprises: a filter housing detachably mounted in the funnel; and a filter at the base of the filter housing for filtering liquid delivered to the hose by passing through the filter housing. The filter, the cover and the filter housing may move together in a combined manner. The filter housing placed in the funnel can be removed from the funnel by the user and cleaned when required.
However, this known solution has drawbacks; in fact, in order to load the liquid, the user must bring the cover into the open position, which may be uncomfortable and may require a certain execution time.
In addition, if the lid is not correctly closed after loading with liquid, there is the following risk: components to be placed in the opening through which the funnel may be accessed (i.e. the condensation tank or the detergent dispenser of the washing machine and/or laundry dryer) may hit the lid when inserted into the opening, with the risk of damaging the lid and/or the components.
Disclosure of Invention
It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a laundry dryer provided with a steam generator which simplifies the manual loading of the liquid to be converted into steam into such a steam generator with respect to the cited prior art.
Within this aim, a further object of the present invention is to obtain a laundry dryer provided with a steam generator in which the risk of possible damage caused by the operation for manually loading into such a steam generator the liquid to be converted into steam is low.
The applicant has found that, in order to manually load liquid into the steam generator, the loading process is easy and quick by using a liquid loading unit provided with a filter and a lid that can be selectively closed/opened to respectively prevent/allow access to such filter, and provided with one or more liquid loading openings allowing to manually load liquid in the liquid receiving element, even when the lid is closed.
In particular, the above mentioned aim and objects are solved by a laundry dryer comprising:
-a housing;
-a laundry treatment compartment mounted within the casing, in which laundry to be treated can be loaded;
-a drying system comprising: an air duct passing through and including a laundry treating compartment; an air moving device that, when operated, generates an air flow through the air duct; an air heating device positioned at least partially within the air duct to heat the air flow before the air passes through the laundry treatment compartment;
-a steam generator comprising: a main liquid reservoir in which liquid can be loaded; and a liquid heating device operable to generate heat to heat liquid contained in and/or from the main liquid reservoir so as to generate steam which is delivered to the laundry treatment compartment via a steam delivery conduit fluidly connecting the steam generator to the laundry treatment compartment;
-a liquid loading unit comprising: a liquid receiving element having an outlet opening fluidly connected or connectable to the primary liquid reservoir; and a filter arranged upstream of or at the outlet opening for filtering liquid flowing out of the liquid receiving element via the outlet opening,
Wherein the liquid loading unit comprises a lid which is movable relative to the liquid receiving element between a closed position in which the lid at least partially overlaps the filter, thereby preventing access to the filter by a user, and an open position allowing access to the filter by a user,
wherein the liquid loading unit comprises one or more liquid loading openings allowing manual loading of liquid in the liquid receiving element even when the lid is in the closed position.
In an advantageous embodiment, the filter is associated in a removable manner with the liquid receiving element.
It is emphasized that "touching" the filter must be interpreted as approaching the filter in the following way: this approach is suitable for completely cleaning the filter, and/or for gripping the filter so that the filter can be removed with the filter removed, in order to clean or replace the filter.
In the same way, the expression "preventing the user from touching" the filter must be interpreted as avoiding that the user can access the filter in such a way that: cleaning the filter completely, or gripping such a filter, enables the filter to be removed with the filter removable, in order to clean or replace the filter.
In particular, according to the invention, the expression "touching the filter" does not cover touching the filter slightly, nor only a small part of the filter.
In an advantageous embodiment, the one or more liquid loading openings comprise a first liquid loading opening provided at the liquid receiving element and fluidly connected to the outlet opening via a fluid path, the fluid path bypassing the lid and passing through the filter.
In an advantageous embodiment, the first liquid loading opening is provided in the liquid receiving element.
Preferably, the liquid receiving element is box-shaped and hollow.
In an advantageous embodiment, the liquid receiving element comprises a hopper in which the outlet opening and the first liquid loading opening are provided, wherein the outlet opening and the first liquid loading opening are fluidly connected to each other.
In an advantageous embodiment, the first liquid loading opening and the outlet opening are fluidly connected to each other via a connecting conduit at least partially provided in the hopper.
In another advantageous embodiment, the first liquid loading opening and the outlet opening are defined by two portions of the same orifice provided in the liquid receiving element; preferably, in this advantageous embodiment, the first liquid loading opening, the outlet opening and the filter are reciprocally positioned so that, when the cover is in the closed position, the cover at least partially overlaps the filter and delimits the first loading opening to prevent a user from accessing the filter via the first loading aperture.
In a preferred embodiment, the filter overlaps the outlet opening such that the filter and the outlet opening are aligned with each other and the first liquid loading opening is misaligned with respect to the filter and the outlet opening.
In another advantageous embodiment, the size of the first liquid loading opening is so small that a user cannot insert a finger far enough inside such first liquid loading opening to reach the filter.
In another advantageous embodiment, between the first liquid loading opening and the filter there is a separation element interposed between such first liquid loading opening and the filter to prevent the user from reaching the filter.
In a further advantageous embodiment, the liquid loading unit comprises a plurality of liquid loading openings, including one or more second liquid loading openings provided in the lid, through which liquid can be loaded in the liquid receiving element and to the outlet opening when the lid is in the closed position.
In an advantageous embodiment, the laundry dryer comprises a box-like seat accessible from the outside of the casing (preferably from the front side), which is suitable for removably receiving a drawer and comprises, in its bottom region, a housing fluidly connected to the main liquid reservoir, and the liquid loading unit is housed at least partially in the housing in a permanent or removable manner.
In an advantageous embodiment, the laundry dryer comprises a sealing element arranged in the containment or in a portion of the liquid loading unit located or positionable in the containment, so as to be interposed between the containment and the portion for achieving a watertight coupling thereof.
In an advantageous embodiment, the laundry drying apparatus comprises a moisture condensing device positioned at least partially within the air duct downstream of the laundry treatment compartment so as to condense and remove moisture contained in the air flow, the moisture condensing device being fluidly connected to a condensate container receiving condensate removed from the air flow by the moisture condensing device.
Advantageously, the laundry dryer comprises a pumping system fluidly connecting the condensate container to the liquid loading unit, the pumping system comprising a pump that draws liquid from the condensate container and pumps the liquid via a line system having a condensate outlet provided at the liquid loading unit to the liquid loading unit and/or a liquid collection reservoir of the laundry dryer, the liquid collection reservoir being fluidly connected or fluidly connectable to the line system.
Advantageously, a laundry dryer comprising a pumping system fluidly connecting the condensate container to the liquid loading unit, the pumping system comprising a pump that draws liquid from the condensate container and pumps the liquid to the liquid loading unit and/or a liquid collection reservoir of the laundry dryer via a line system having a condensate outlet provided at the liquid loading unit, the liquid collection reservoir being fluidly connected or fluidly connectable to the line system can be made to comprise:
-a housing;
-a laundry treatment compartment mounted within the casing, in which laundry to be treated can be loaded;
-a drying system comprising: an air duct passing through and including a laundry treating compartment; an air moving device that, when operated, generates an air flow through the air duct; an air heating device positioned at least partially within the air duct to heat the air flow before passing through the laundry treatment compartment;
-a steam generator comprising: a main liquid reservoir in which liquid can be loaded; and a liquid heating device operable to generate heat to heat liquid contained in and/or from the main liquid reservoir so as to generate steam that is delivered to the garment treatment compartment via a steam delivery conduit fluidly connecting the steam generator to the garment treatment compartment;
-a liquid loading unit comprising a liquid receiving element having an outlet opening fluidly connected or connectable to the main liquid reservoir.
Preferably, the condensate outlet is provided at the liquid loading unit upstream of the filter.
In an advantageous embodiment, the line system comprises a first valve operable to selectively direct liquid drawn by the pump from the condensate container to the liquid collection reservoir and/or the liquid loading unit.
In a further advantageous embodiment, instead of the first valve, a line branching connection is used to split or drive the main liquid flow provided by the pump into a plurality of flows each having a predetermined flow rate.
In an advantageous embodiment, the liquid loading unit comprises an overflow opening for discharging liquid contained in the liquid loading unit and exceeding a pre-fixed level to the outside of the liquid loading unit, in order to prevent backflow of the liquid through the one or more liquid loading openings.
Preferably, the overflow opening is comprised in the lid and/or the liquid receiving element, or the overflow opening is defined by a gap between the lid and the liquid receiving element.
Preferably, the overflow opening is fluidly connected to the condensate container such that liquid flowing out of the overflow opening drains into the condensate container.
More preferably, the overflow opening is fluidly connected to the condensate container by an overflow reservoir, which receives liquid flowing out of the overflow opening and is fluidly connected to the condensate container, so as to drain liquid received from the overflow opening to the latter.
In an advantageous embodiment, the overflow reservoir may advantageously be defined by a portion of the bottom region of the box-like seat.
In an advantageous embodiment, the overflow opening is positioned at a pre-fixed level which prevents liquid from flowing back from the liquid loading unit to the condensate outlet of the pipeline system.
In an advantageous embodiment, the liquid heating device comprises one or more electric heaters housed within the main liquid reservoir for heating the liquid contained therein and generating steam which is driven towards and released into the interior volume of the laundry treatment compartment via the steam delivery duct.
In another advantageous embodiment, the liquid heating means is external to the main liquid reservoir and is arranged such that the liquid is heated after it leaves the main liquid reservoir.
In this case, preferably, the liquid heating apparatus may include: a heating conduit fluidly connecting the primary liquid reservoir to the vapor delivery conduit; and one or more electric heaters contained in such heating conduit, which heat the liquid flowing out of the main liquid reservoir and received by the heating conduit, so as to convert such liquid into steam before it reaches the steam delivery conduit, which steam is released into the laundry treatment compartment via the steam delivery conduit.
In an advantageous embodiment, the laundry dryer comprises a drain duct selectively fluidly connecting the main reservoir to the outside of the laundry dryer, so as to allow draining of the liquid contained in the main reservoir to the outside of the laundry dryer.
In an advantageous embodiment, the discharge conduit is advantageously fluidly connected to the main liquid reservoir by a second valve that selectively directs liquid from the main liquid reservoir to the heating conduit and/or the discharge conduit.
In another advantageous embodiment, instead of the second valve, a line branch connector is used to separate or drive liquid from the main liquid reservoir towards the heating conduit and/or the discharge conduit.
In an advantageous embodiment, the cover is hinged to the liquid receiving element so as to be moved by rotation from the closed position to the open position and vice versa, or the cover is slidably connected to the liquid receiving element so as to be moved by sliding on the liquid receiving element from the closed position to the open position and vice versa.
In an advantageous embodiment, the one or more second liquid loading openings have an elongated shape.
In an advantageous embodiment, the lid is substantially U-shaped in plan view so as to define two parallel arms connected by a cross-member, and the two parallel arms are arranged to accommodate the first liquid loading opening between the two parallel arms when the lid is in the closed position.
Preferably, the one or more second liquid loading openings provided in the cover are arranged on one or both of the two parallel arms and/or on a cross-beam of the cover.
Another aspect of the present invention relates to a method of loading liquid to be converted into steam in a laundry dryer according to the present invention, the method comprising the steps of: the liquid to be converted into steam is loaded in the liquid loading unit of the laundry dryer via one or more of the one or more liquid loading openings of the liquid loading unit when the lid is in the closed position.
Drawings
Further advantages and features of the laundry washing machine according to the present invention will become clear from the following detailed description, provided purely by way of non-limiting example, in which:
fig. 1 is a perspective view of a laundry dryer according to the present invention;
fig. 2 is a perspective view of the laundry dryer of fig. 1 with a drawer removed;
FIG. 3 is an enlarged detail of FIG. 2;
FIG. 4 is a schematic view of some components of a clothes dryer according to the present invention;
fig. 5 is a schematic cross-sectional view of some components of a laundry dryer according to the present invention;
fig. 6 is a perspective view of a detail of the liquid loading unit installed in the laundry dryer according to the present invention;
FIG. 7 is a front view of the liquid loading unit of FIG. 6;
FIG. 8 is a cross-section operating according to section VII-VII of FIG. 7;
fig. 9 is a perspective view of the liquid loading unit of the laundry dryer according to the present invention, as seen from below, wherein the filter is not shown;
fig. 10 is a perspective view from above of the liquid loading unit of the laundry dryer according to the present invention, with the lid in the closed position;
FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the liquid loading unit of FIG. 10 from above with the lid in a closed position;
In the drawings, like parts are denoted by like reference numerals.
Detailed Description
In the figures, a laundry dryer according to the present invention is identified by reference numeral 1.
Advantageously, laundry dryer 1 illustrated in the accompanying drawings is a drum dryer of the "horizontal axis type"; it is clear, however, that the invention can also be applied, without any substantial modifications, to drum dryers of the "vertical axis" type, to washer-dryers of both the "horizontal axis" type and the "vertical axis" type, and also to "drying cabinets".
Laundry dryer 1 (which is a tumble dryer, washer-dryer or drying cabinet) comprises a casing 2, which casing 2 is preferably parallelepiped, configured to be positioned on a horizontal surface 3, for example the floor of a building, preferably by means of suitable feet 4, advantageously one or more of the feet 4 may have an adjustable height in order to adapt to a horizontal surface 3, the flatness of which may be imperfect.
Advantageously, if, as in the advantageous example of the figures, laundry dryer 1 is a tumble dryer, laundry treatment compartment 5 is a drum 50, which drum 50 preferably contains one or more lifters 51, said one or more lifters 51 being rotatably housed within casing 2 and preferably rotatably supported by roller 7, roller 7 being advantageously pivoted to a supporting structure 8 that is stationary with respect to casing 2.
If the laundry dryer 1 is a washer-dryer, not shown, the casing 2 also houses a washing tub, not shown, which is preferably suspended inside the casing 2 by means of a spring and a pourer, also not shown, in which the drum 50 is rotatably contained.
If the laundry dryer 1 is a drying cabinet, not shown, the laundry treatment compartment 5 is simply a hollow compartment defined within the cabinet 2, preferably provided with a clothes hanger bar or hook, neither of which is shown, for hanging the laundry.
In an advantageous embodiment, for example, one illustrated in the accompanying figures, in which laundry dryer 1 is a tumble dryer and laundry treatment compartment 5 is a drum 50, air duct 10 advantageously comprises such a drum 50 (which drum 50 is preferably arranged to be crossed by air flow 12 from its rear side 50a to its front side 50b), and a plurality of air ducts 52, one or more of which air ducts 52 are preferably at least partially comprised in supporting structure 8 and/or loading/unloading door 6, and are fluidly connected to drum 50 for supplying air flow 12 inside drum 50 and receiving air flow 12 leaving drum 50.
In an advantageous embodiment, for example as in the embodiment illustrated in the figures, the air duct 10 is arranged to circulate an air flow 12 through the laundry treating compartment 5; in this case, the moisture-laden air stream 12 leaving the laundry treatment compartment 5 is dehumidified in the moisture condensing means 14 and then reheated by the air heating means 13 before being pumped again into the laundry treatment compartment 5.
In this case, preferably, the drying system 9 may also advantageously comprise a lint filter 15, which lint filter 15 is arranged in the air duct 10 downstream of the laundry treatment compartment 5, to capture lint or fluff released from the laundry and carried out of the laundry treatment compartment 5 by the air flow 12.
In a further advantageous embodiment, not illustrated, the air duct 10 is arranged so that the air flow 12 is discharged to the external environment after passing through the laundry treatment compartment 5 instead of being circulated, optionally after removing moisture at least partly in the moisture condensing means 14.
Preferably, the moisture condensing means 14 is a heat exchanger arranged to flow the air stream 12 therethrough and for causing heat exchange between such air stream 12 passing through the heat exchanger and a cold fluid (e.g. cold air or refrigerant) so as to cool down the air stream 12 and condense moisture contained in the air stream 12.
Advantageously, the moisture condensing means 14 is fluidly connected to a condensate container 140, the condensate container 140 receiving condensate removed from the air stream 12 by the moisture condensing means 14; for example, the condensate container 140 may be a tray 141 positioned below the moisture condensing means 14 in order to collect condensed moisture droplets falling by gravity from the latter.
In an advantageous embodiment, not shown, the air heating device 13 is or comprises one or more electric heaters, not shown, positioned at least partially inside the air duct 10, so as to heat the air flow 12 passing over the air duct 10.
In another advantageous embodiment, as in the embodiment illustrated in the figures, the heating device 13 and the moisture condensing device 14 are part of a heat pump system 16, the heat pump system 16 advantageously comprising a compressor, not illustrated, an expansion valve, also not illustrated, two heat exchangers 17a, 17b (one heat exchanger operating as a condenser and the other as an evaporator), and a conduit, not illustrated, fluidly connecting such elements in a closed circuit; the refrigerant flows through the compressor, the condenser 17a, the expansion valve, and the evaporator 17b and through pipes connecting these elements to each other. The refrigerant gives off heat to the air stream 12 by means of the condenser 17a, which is thus the heating device 13, and extracts heat and humidity from the air stream 12 by means of the evaporator 17b, which is thus the moisture condensing device 14. The compressor converts electromechanical energy into thermal energy by compressing refrigerant in a refrigerant circuit.
The laundry dryer 1 further comprises a steam generator 18, the steam generator 18 comprising a main liquid reservoir 19 in which liquid may be loaded, and a liquid heating device 20, the liquid heating device 20 being operable for generating heat to heat the liquid contained in the main liquid reservoir 19 and/or from the main liquid reservoir 19, so as to generate steam, which steam is conveyed to the laundry treatment compartment 5 via a steam conveying duct 21, the steam conveying duct 21 fluidly connecting the steam generator 18 to the laundry treatment compartment 5.
In an advantageous embodiment, not shown, the liquid heating device 20 comprises one or more electric heaters housed within the main liquid reservoir 19 for heating the liquid contained in the main liquid reservoir 19 and generating steam which is driven towards and released into the inner volume of the laundry treatment compartment 5 via a steam delivery duct 21.
In another advantageous embodiment, for example as in the embodiment illustrated in the figures, the liquid heating means 20 is external to the main liquid reservoir 19 and it is arranged to heat the liquid after it leaves the main liquid reservoir 19.
For example, as in the advantageous embodiment illustrated in fig. 4, the liquid heating device 20 may comprise: a heating conduit 200, the heating conduit 200 fluidly connecting the primary liquid reservoir 19 to the vapour delivery conduit 21; and one or more electric heaters, not shown, included in such a heating duct 200; the one or more electric heaters heat the liquid flowing out of the main liquid reservoir 19 and received by the heating duct 200, so as to convert such liquid into steam before it reaches the steam delivery duct 21, which liquid is released in the form of steam via the steam delivery duct 21 to the laundry treatment compartment 5.
Advantageously, the steam delivery duct 21 releases steam into the laundry treatment compartment 5 via the nozzle 22.
According to the present invention, laundry dryer 1 comprises a liquid loading unit 23, by which liquid (e.g. water, or water mixed with additives, e.g. perfume) can be manually loaded into main liquid reservoir 19; the liquid loading unit 23 includes: a liquid receiving element 24, the liquid receiving element 24 having an outlet opening 25, the outlet opening 25 being fluidly connected to the main liquid reservoir 19 or being fluidly connectable to the main liquid reservoir 19; and a filter 26, the filter 26 preferably being removable, but not necessarily removable, the filter 26 being arranged upstream of the outlet opening 25 or at the outlet opening 25 for filtering liquid flowing out of the liquid receiving element 24 via the outlet opening 25.
Preferably, the liquid receiving element 24 is box-like shaped and hollow.
The liquid loading unit 23 comprises a lid 27, which lid 27 is movable with respect to the liquid receiving element 24 between a closed position (as illustrated for example in fig. 2, 3, 4, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10), in which the lid 27 at least partially overlaps the filter 26, preventing the user from accessing the filter 26, and an open position (as illustrated in fig. 10), allowing the user to access the filter 26.
It is emphasized that the expression "touching" the filter must be interpreted as approaching the filter 26 in such a way that: this way is suitable for completely cleaning the filter 26 and/or for gripping the filter so that the filter 26 can be removed in case the filter 26 is removable, in order to clean or replace the filter 26.
In the same way, the expression "preventing the user from touching" the filter 26 must be interpreted as avoiding that the user can access the filter 26 in such a way that: cleaning the filter 26 entirely, or gripping such a filter 26, enables removal of the filter 26, if the filter 26 is removable, in order to clean or replace the filter 26.
In an advantageous embodiment, as in the embodiment illustrated in the figures, the lid 27 is hinged to the liquid receiving element 24 so as to move by rotation from the closed position to the open position and vice versa; preferably, as in the embodiment illustrated in the accompanying drawings, the cover 27 is substantially U-shaped in plan view so as to define two parallel arms 270a, 270b, which two parallel arms 270a, 270b are connected at their first ends by a cross-member 271 (preferably square or rectangular in plan view) and are hinged at their second ends to the liquid receiving element 24.
In a further advantageous embodiment, not illustrated, the cover 27 is slidably connected to the liquid receiving element 23 so as to be moved from the closed position to the open position and vice versa by sliding on the liquid receiving element 24.
According to the present invention, the liquid loading unit 23 comprises one or more liquid loading openings, allowing manual loading of liquid in the liquid receiving element 24, even when the lid 27 is in the closed position.
Advantageously, as for example in the advantageous embodiment illustrated in the figures, the one or more liquid loading openings comprise a first liquid loading opening 28, which first liquid loading opening 28 is provided at the liquid receiving element 24 and is fluidly connected to the outlet opening 25 via a fluid path 29, which fluid path 29 bypasses the lid 27 and passes through the filter 26.
Preferably, the first liquid loading opening 28 is provided in the liquid receiving element 24.
In an advantageous embodiment, as in the embodiment illustrated in the accompanying drawings, the liquid receiving element 24 comprises a hopper 30, this hopper 30 being preferably rectangular or square in plan view, said outlet opening 25 and said first liquid loading opening 28 being provided in the hopper 30.
Advantageously, the outlet opening 25 and the first liquid loading opening 28 are preferably fluidly connected to each other via a connecting conduit 290 provided at least partially at the hopper 30; advantageously, the connecting conduit 290 is the fluid path 29 or is part of the fluid path 29, the fluid path 29 fluidly connecting the first liquid loading opening 28 to the outlet opening 25.
In an advantageous embodiment, as in the embodiment illustrated in the figures, the first liquid loading opening 28 is delimited by a peripheral frame 28a, which peripheral frame 28a projects substantially perpendicularly to the hopper 30 and has an opening 280, which opening 280 fluidly connects the first liquid opening 28 to the connecting duct 290.
In an advantageous embodiment, as in the embodiment illustrated in the figures, in which the lid 27 is substantially U-shaped and is hinged to the liquid receiving element 24 at the second end of its parallel arms 270a, 270b, the first liquid loading opening 28 is preferably, but not necessarily, arranged so as to be positioned between the two parallel arms 270a, 270b of the lid 27 when the lid 27 is in the closed position.
In another advantageous embodiment, not illustrated, the first liquid loading opening 28 and the outlet opening 25 are defined by two portions of the same orifice provided in the liquid receiving element 24; preferably, in this advantageous embodiment, the first liquid loading opening 28, the outlet opening 25 and the filter 26 are reciprocally positioned so that, when the lid 27 is in the closed position, the lid 27 at least partially overlaps the filter 26 and delimits the first loading opening 28 to prevent a user from accessing the filter 26 via the first loading aperture 28.
In another advantageous embodiment, the filter 26 overlaps the outlet opening 25, so that the filter 26 and the outlet opening 25 are aligned with each other, while the first liquid loading opening 25 is misaligned with respect to the filter 26 and the outlet opening 25; this misalignment is such that when the lid 27 is in the closed position, a user is prevented from reaching or accessing the filter 26 in a manner suitable for completely cleaning and/or gripping the filter 26.
In another advantageous embodiment, the size of the first liquid loading opening 28 is so small that the user cannot insert a finger far enough inside such first liquid loading opening 28 to reach the filter, which prevents the user from reaching or approaching the filter 26 in a manner suitable for completely cleaning and/or gripping the filter 26 when the lid 27 is in the closed-time position.
In another advantageous embodiment, between the first liquid loading opening 28 and the filter 25 there is a separation element, not shown, interposed between such first liquid loading opening 28 and the filter 26, for preventing the user from reaching or approaching the filter 26 in a manner suitable for completely cleaning and/or gripping the filter 26 when the lid 27 is in the intermediate closed position.
In an advantageous embodiment, the liquid loading unit 23 comprises, in addition or alternatively to (as in the advantageous embodiment illustrated in the figures) the first liquid loading opening 28, one or more second liquid loading openings 31 provided in the cover 27, through which cover 27, when the cover 27 is in the closed position, fluid can be loaded in the liquid receiving element 23 and to the outlet opening 25 via the one or more second liquid loading openings 31.
Preferably, the second liquid loading opening 31 has an elongated shape.
In an advantageous embodiment, as in the embodiment illustrated in the figures, in which the lid 27 is substantially U-shaped and is hinged at the second end of its parallel arms 270a, 270b to the liquid receiving element 24, one or more second liquid loading openings 31 are arranged on one or both of the two parallel arms 270a, 270b and/or on the cross-beam 271 of the lid 27.
In an advantageous embodiment, as in the embodiment illustrated in the figures, laundry dryer 1 comprises a box-like seat 32, seat 32 being accessible from outside casing 2, preferably from a front side 33, seat 32 being suitable for removably housing a drawer 34.
In an advantageous embodiment, the box-like seat 32 comprises, in its bottom region 320, a housing 35 fluidly connected to the main liquid reservoir 19, the liquid loading unit 23 being housed at least partially in a permanent or removable manner in the housing 35. Advantageously, the bottom of the containment portion 35 is funnel-shaped and is provided with a first discharge opening 35a, this first discharge opening 35a being fluidly connected to the main liquid reservoir 19.
Preferably, sealing element 36 is arranged in receptacle 35 or in a portion 240 (preferably of liquid receiving element 24) of loading unit 23, which portion 240 is or can be located in receptacle 35, so as to be interposed between receptacle 36 and portion 240 to achieve a watertight coupling thereof.
In an advantageous embodiment, for example as in the embodiment illustrated in the figures, a fluid path 29, which fluid path 29 fluidly connects the first liquid loading opening 28 to the outlet opening 25, bypasses the lid 27 and passes through the filter 26, is defined in part by the liquid receiving element 24 and in part by a portion of the bottom region 320 of the box-like seat 32 corresponding to the accommodation 35, in which accommodation 35 the liquid loading unit 23 is at least partially accommodated in a permanent or removable manner.
In an advantageous embodiment, for example as in the embodiment illustrated in the figures, laundry dryer 1 comprises a pumping system 37, which pumping system 37 fluidly connects condensate container 140 to liquid loading unit 23; the pumping system 37 advantageously comprises a pump 38, which pump 38 draws liquid from a condensate container 140 and pumps it to the liquid loading unit 23 via a line system 39 having a condensate outlet 40 provided at the liquid loading unit 23 and/or to a liquid collecting reservoir 41 of the laundry dryer 1, which liquid collecting reservoir 41 is fluidly connected or connectable to the line system 39.
Advantageously, as in the embodiment illustrated in the figures, the condensate outlet 40 is provided at the liquid loading unit 23 upstream of the filter 26, so that the liquid from the pumping system 37 is filtered before exiting the outlet opening 25 and going to the main liquid reservoir 19.
Advantageously, the condensate outlet 40 of the line system 39 enters the liquid loading unit 23 via an opening 40a, the opening 40a preferably being obtained in the lid 27 or in the liquid receiving element 23, or partly in the lid 27 and partly in the liquid receiving element 23.
In an advantageous embodiment, the line system 39 comprises a first valve 42, which first valve 42 is operable to selectively direct liquid sucked by the pump 38 from the condensate container 140 to the liquid collection reservoir 41 and/or the liquid loading unit 23.
In another advantageous embodiment, instead of the first valve 42, a line branch connector is used to separate or drive the liquid sucked in by the pump 38 from the condensate container 140 to the liquid collection reservoir 41 and/or the liquid loading unit 23.
Preferably, as in the advantageous embodiment illustrated in the figures, the liquid collection reservoir 41 is mounted in the drawer 34 so as to be housed in a removable manner in the box-like seat 32, which allows such liquid collection reservoir 41 to be removed and emptied when required.
In an advantageous embodiment, as in the embodiment illustrated in the figures, liquid loading unit 23 comprises an overflow opening 43 for discharging the liquid contained within liquid loading unit 23 and exceeding a pre-fixed level to the outside of liquid loading unit 23, in order to prevent backflow of this liquid through said one or more liquid loading openings 28, 31.
Advantageously, such a pre-fixed level, with respect to the horizontal surface 3 on which the laundry dryer 1 is positioned, for example the floor of a building, is lower than the level of the inlet of said one or more liquid loading openings 28, 31.
Advantageously, the overflow opening 43 is comprised in the lid 27 and/or in the liquid receiving element 24 or it is defined by a gap between the lid 27 and the liquid receiving element 28.
Advantageously, the overflow opening 43 is fluidly connected to the condensate container 140 such that liquid flowing out of the overflow opening 43 drains to the condensate container 140.
Preferably, the overflow opening 43 is fluidly connected to the condensate container 140 by an overflow reservoir 44, the overflow reservoir 44 receiving liquid flowing out of the overflow opening 43 and being fluidly connected to the condensate container 140, so as to drain liquid received from the liquid overflow opening 43 to the latter.
In an advantageous embodiment, as in the embodiment illustrated in the figures, the overflow reservoir 44 is advantageously defined by a portion 321 of the bottom region 320 of the box-like seat 32; preferably, such a portion 321 is funnel-shaped and is provided at its bottom with a second discharge opening 321a, which second discharge opening 321a is fluidly connected to the condensate container 140.
In an advantageous embodiment, as in the embodiment illustrated in the figures, the overflow opening 43 is positioned at a pre-fixed level that prevents liquid from flowing back from the liquid loading unit 23 to the condensate outlet 40 of the line system 39.
Advantageously, such a pre-fixed level, relative to the horizontal surface 3 on which the laundry dryer 1 is positioned, for example the floor of a building, is lower than the condensate outlet 40 of the line system 39.
In an advantageous embodiment, as in the embodiment illustrated in the accompanying figures, laundry dryer 1 comprises a drain duct 45, which drain duct 45 selectively fluidly connects primary reservoir 19 to the outside of laundry dryer 1, so as to allow liquid contained in primary reservoir 19 to be selectively drained outside laundry dryer 1.
In an advantageous embodiment, as in the embodiment illustrated in the figures, in which the liquid heating device 20 is external to the primary liquid reservoir 19 and comprises a heating conduit 200 fluidly connecting the primary liquid reservoir 19 to the vapour delivery conduit 21, and one or more electric heaters, not illustrated, contained in such a heating conduit 200, the discharge conduit 45 may advantageously be fluidly connected to the primary liquid reservoir 19, preferably by means of a second valve 46, the second valve 46 selectively directing liquid from the primary liquid reservoir 19 to the heating conduit 200 and/or the discharge conduit 46.
In another advantageous embodiment, instead of the second valve 46, a line branch connector is used to separate or drive liquid from the main liquid reservoir 19 towards the heating conduit 200 and/or to the discharge conduit 45.
The function of the laundry dryer 1 according to the present invention is described as follows.
In order to manually load a liquid, such as water or water mixed with an additive, in the main liquid reservoir 19 of the steam generator 18, a user needs to simply pour such liquid into one or more of the one or more liquid loading openings 28, 31 of the liquid loading unit 23 without opening the lid 27.
The lid 27 must be opened only to access the filter 26, for example to clean the filter 26 or to remove the filter 26 if the filter 26 is removable, in order to perform maintenance or replacement of the filter 26.
In an advantageous embodiment provided with a first liquid loading opening and a second liquid loading opening, if a user spills some liquid onto the lid 27 while trying to pour a poured liquid, e.g. just pouring liquid in the first liquid loading opening 28, the second loading opening 31 allows the spilled liquid to enter the liquid receiving element 24 and pass through the outlet opening 25 to the main liquid reservoir 19, so that such spilled liquid is not wasted.
During the drying process, if laundry dryer 1 is provided with moisture condensing means 14, the latter remove moisture from air flow 12 leaving laundry treatment compartment 5; such moisture is collected in the condensate container 140, from which condensate container 140 is sent to the liquid loading unit 23 and optionally to the liquid collection reservoir 41 by the pumping system 37. Moisture is sent from the liquid loading unit 23 to the primary liquid reservoir 19 where it can be used to produce steam in the primary liquid reservoir 19.
The filter 26 of the liquid loading unit 23 ensures that the liquid supplied to the primary liquid reservoir 19 is free of dirt, and in particular free of lint or fluff, which may be present in the air stream 12 and released in the condensed moisture collected in the condensate container 140.
In an advantageous embodiment in which the liquid loading unit 23 is housed in the housing 35, the drawer 34 must be removed from the box-like seat 22 before liquid can be loaded in the liquid loading unit 23. Unlike the cited prior art, since the loading of the liquid in the liquid loading unit 23 can be done with the lid 27 in the closed position, the risk of the drawer 34 being inserted into the box-like seat 32 with the lid 27 in the open position and therefore the risk of damaging the lid 27 and/or the drawer is low.
It can thus be seen how the present invention achieves the proposed objects and aims, since the liquid loading process is easy and fast, since the liquid can be loaded in the liquid loading unit without opening the lid.
Furthermore, the advantageous embodiment of providing both the first and second liquid loading openings allows to reduce liquid waste, since liquid spilled on the lid while being manually poured on the first liquid loading opening can enter the liquid loading element via the second loading opening and go to the outlet opening.
In addition, in an advantageous embodiment in which the liquid loading unit is accommodated in a receptacle obtained in the box-like seat, wherein the drawer can be received in a removable manner, the possibility of loading the liquid without opening the lid allows to reduce the risk of introducing the drawer into the box-like seat with the lid in the open position and therefore of damaging the lid and/or the drawer.
Furthermore, the advantageous embodiment in which the laundry dryer is provided with a moisture condensing means and condensed moisture is sent to the liquid loading unit by means of a pumping system, which condensed moisture is sent from the liquid loading unit through a filter to the primary liquid reservoir, allows to reduce the liquid consumption for the production of steam and at the same time ensures that the liquid supplied to the primary liquid reservoir is free from dirt, in particular free from lint and fluff, which could damage the steam generator.
Reference numerals
1 clothes drying machine
2 casing
3 horizontal surface
4 support leg
5 laundry treatment compartment
6 Loading/unloading door
7 roller
8 supporting structure
9 drying system
10 air duct
11 air moving device
12 air flow
13 air heating device
14 moisture condensing equipment
15 lint filter
16 heat pump system
17a, 17b Heat exchanger (condenser, evaporator)
18 steam generator
19 main liquid reservoir
20 liquid heating device
21 steam delivery pipe
22 nozzle
23 liquid loading unit
24 liquid receiving element
25 outlet opening
26 Filter
27 cover
28 first liquid Loading opening
28a peripheral frame
29 fluid path
30 hopper
31 second liquid loading opening
32-box-shaped seat part
33 front side part
34 drawer
35 accommodating part
35a first discharge opening
36 sealing element
37 pumping system
38 pump
39 pipeline system
40 condensate outlet
40a opening
41 liquid collecting reservoir
42 first valve
43 overflow opening
44 overflow reservoir
45 discharge conduit
46 second valve
50 roller
50a back side
50b front surface
51 lifter
52 air duct
110 fan or blower
140 condensate container
141 tray
200 heating pipeline
270a, 270b arm
271 Cross member
290 connecting pipes
320 bottom region
321a second discharge opening
Claims (15)
1. Laundry dryer (1) comprising:
-a housing (2);
-a laundry treatment compartment (5), said laundry treatment compartment (5) being mounted inside said casing (2), laundry to be treated being loadable in said laundry treatment compartment (5);
-a drying system (9), the drying system (9) comprising: an air duct (10), said air duct (10) passing through and comprising said laundry treatment compartment (5); an air moving device (11), the air moving device (11) generating an air flow (12) through the air duct (10) when in operation; an air heating device (13), said air heating device (13) being positioned at least partially within said air duct (10) so as to heat said air flow (12) before said air flow (12) passes through said laundry treatment compartment (5);
-a steam generator (18), the steam generator (18) comprising: a main liquid reservoir (19) in which liquid can be loaded; and a liquid heating device (20), the liquid heating device (20) being operable to generate heat to heat liquid contained in and/or from the main liquid reservoir (19) so as to generate steam, the steam being delivered to the laundry treatment compartment (5) via a steam delivery duct (21), the steam delivery duct (21) fluidly connecting the steam generator (6) to the laundry treatment compartment (5);
-a liquid loading unit (23), the liquid loading unit (23) comprising: a liquid receiving element (24), the liquid receiving element (24) having an outlet opening (25) fluidly connected or fluidly connectable to the main liquid reservoir (19); and a filter (26), the filter (26) being arranged upstream of the outlet opening (25) or at the outlet opening (25) for filtering liquid flowing out of the liquid receiving element (24) via the outlet opening (25),
wherein the liquid loading unit (23) comprises a lid (27), the lid (27) being movable relative to the liquid receiving element (24) between a closed position, in which the lid (27) at least partially overlaps the filter (26) preventing a user from accessing the filter (26), and an open position, in which the user is allowed to access the filter (26),
it is characterized in that the preparation method is characterized in that,
the liquid loading unit (23) comprises one or more liquid loading openings (28, 31) allowing manual loading of liquid in the liquid receiving element (24), even when the lid (27) is in the closed position.
2. Laundry dryer (1) according to claim 1, wherein said one or more liquid loading openings (28, 31) comprise a first liquid loading opening (28), said first liquid loading opening (28) being provided at said liquid receiving element (24) and being fluidly connected to said outlet opening (25) via a fluid path (29), said fluid path (29) bypassing said lid (27) and passing through said filter (26).
3. Laundry dryer (1) according to claim 2, wherein said first liquid loading opening (28) is provided in said liquid receiving element (24).
4. Laundry dryer (1) according to claim 2 or 3, wherein said liquid receiving element (24) comprises a hopper (30), in said hopper (30) said outlet opening (25) and said first liquid loading opening (28) being provided, wherein said outlet opening (25) and said first liquid loading opening (28) are fluidly connected to each other.
5. The laundry dryer (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, wherein said liquid loading unit (23) comprises a plurality of liquid loading openings (28, 31), said plurality of liquid loading openings (28, 31) comprising one or more second liquid loading openings (31) provided in said cover (27), through which cover (27) liquid can be loaded in said liquid receiving element (24) and to said outlet opening (25) via said one or more second liquid loading openings (31) when said cover (27) is in said closed position.
6. Laundry dryer (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, wherein said laundry dryer (1) comprises a box-like seat (32), said box-like seat (32) being accessible from the outside of said casing (2) and said box-like seat (32) being suitable for removably receiving a drawer (320), said box-like seat (32) comprising a housing (35) in a bottom region (320) of said box-like seat (32), said housing (35) being fluidly connected to said main liquid reservoir (19), and said liquid loading unit (23) being housed at least partially in a permanent or removable manner in said housing (35).
7. Laundry dryer (1) according to claim 6, comprising a sealing element (36), said sealing element (36) being arranged in said containment (35) or in a portion (240) of said liquid loading unit (23) positioned or positionable in said containment (35), so as to be interposed between said containment (35) and said portion (240) to achieve a watertight coupling thereof.
8. The laundry dryer (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, comprising a moisture condensing device (14), said moisture condensing device (14) being positioned at least partially within said air duct (10) downstream of said laundry treatment compartment (5) so as to condense and remove moisture contained in said air flow (12), said moisture condensing device (14) being fluidly connected to a condensate container (16), said condensate container (16) receiving condensate removed from said air flow (12) by said moisture condensing device (14).
9. Laundry dryer (1) according to claim 8, comprising a pumping system (37), said pumping system (37) fluidly connecting said condensate container (140) to said liquid loading unit (23), said pumping system (37) comprising a pump (38), said pump (38) sucking liquid from said condensate container (140) and pumping said liquid to said liquid loading unit (23) via a line system (39) having a condensate outlet (40) provided at said liquid loading unit (23) and/or to a liquid collection reservoir (41) of said laundry dryer (1), said liquid collection reservoir (41) being fluidly connected or fluidly connectable to said line system (39).
10. The laundry dryer (1) according to claim 9, wherein said condensate outlet (40) is provided at said liquid loading unit (23) upstream of said filter (26).
11. The laundry dryer (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, wherein said liquid loading unit (23) comprises an overflow opening (43) for discharging the liquid contained in said liquid loading unit (23) and exceeding a pre-fixed level to the outside of said liquid loading unit (23) so as to prevent the backflow of said liquid through said one or more liquid loading openings (28, 31).
12. Laundry dryer (1) according to claim 11, wherein said overflow opening (43) is comprised in said cover (27) and/or in said liquid receiving element (24), or said overflow opening (43) is defined by a gap between said cover (27) and said liquid receiving element (24).
13. The laundry dryer (1) according to claim 11 or 12 when dependent on claim 8 or on claim 8, wherein said overflow opening (43) is fluidly connected to said condensate container (140) such that liquid flowing out of said overflow opening (43) drains to said condensate container (140).
14. Laundry dryer (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, wherein said cover (27) is hinged to said liquid receiving element (24) so as to be moved by rotation from said closed position to said open position and vice versa, or said cover (27) is slidably connected to said liquid receiving element (24) so as to be moved by sliding on said liquid receiving element (24) from said closed position to said open position and vice versa.
15. Method for loading a liquid to be converted into steam in a laundry dryer (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, comprising the steps of: loading liquid to be converted into steam in the liquid loading unit (23) of the laundry dryer (1) via one or more of the one or more liquid loading openings (28, 31) of the liquid loading unit (23) while the lid (27) is in the closed position.
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| EP21151487.2 | 2021-01-14 | ||
| EP21151487.2A EP4029980A1 (en) | 2021-01-14 | 2021-01-14 | A laundry dryer provided with a steam generator |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CN114763668A true CN114763668A (en) | 2022-07-19 |
Family
ID=74183076
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CN202210042637.1A Pending CN114763668A (en) | 2021-01-14 | 2022-01-14 | Clothes dryer provided with steam generator |
Country Status (3)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| EP (1) | EP4029980A1 (en) |
| CN (1) | CN114763668A (en) |
| AU (1) | AU2021266298A1 (en) |
Family Cites Families (4)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| KR101203840B1 (en) * | 2006-12-14 | 2012-11-21 | 엘지전자 주식회사 | laundry device and control method of the same |
| ES2606358T3 (en) | 2012-11-13 | 2017-03-23 | Arçelik Anonim Sirketi | A washing machine and / or clothes dryer with a steam generator |
| KR102043197B1 (en) * | 2013-02-28 | 2019-11-11 | 엘지전자 주식회사 | Laundry Treating Apparatus |
| WO2016085428A1 (en) * | 2014-11-28 | 2016-06-02 | Arcelik Anonim Sirketi | A laundry dryer |
-
2021
- 2021-01-14 EP EP21151487.2A patent/EP4029980A1/en active Pending
- 2021-11-11 AU AU2021266298A patent/AU2021266298A1/en active Pending
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2022
- 2022-01-14 CN CN202210042637.1A patent/CN114763668A/en active Pending
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| EP4029980A1 (en) | 2022-07-20 |
| AU2021266298A1 (en) | 2022-07-28 |
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