DE102007062836A1 - Method for disposing of a condensate in a domestic appliance for the care of laundry items - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a method for disposing of a condensate in a household appliance (1) for the care of laundry items, in which condensate accumulating during operation of the domestic appliance (1) is collected in a collecting container (21), the filling level of which in the collecting container (21). collected condensate is monitored and when a level threshold is exceeded, a signal is generated as an indication to perform a Kondensatentsorgungsvorgangs. The invention further relates to a method for disposing of a condensate in a household appliance (1) for the care of laundry, in which condensate accumulating during operation of the domestic appliance (1) is collected in a collecting container (21), wherein the filling level of the container in the collecting container (21 ) condensate is monitored and when a level threshold is exceeded, a condensate removal process is started.

Description

The The invention relates to a method for disposing of a condensate in a domestic appliance for the care of laundry items, in particular a tumble dryer, in which during operation of the Household appliance accumulating condensate in a collection is collected.

In general, a tumble dryer is operated as a vented dryer or as a condensation dryer. An exhaust air dryer passes heated air once through the laundry items to be dried in the drum and discharges these moisture laden air through an exhaust hose from the exhaust air dryer and out of the room in which it is installed. A condensation dryer whose operation is based on the condensation of moisture evaporated from the laundry by means of warm process air does not require an exhaust hose and allows energy recovery from the heated process air, for example by using a heat pump. However, with such a condensation dryer it is generally necessary to collect the accumulated condensate and either to pump it off or to dispose of it by manually emptying collection containers. From the DE 40 23 000 C2 is a clothes dryer with a heat pump circuit is known in which a supply air opening is arranged in the process air duct between the condenser and the evaporator, which is closable with a controllable closure device.

at An exhaust air dryer, in contrast, generally after passage through a laundry drum by moisture laden air out of the dryer. Opposite a condensation dryer An exhaust air dryer can be simpler and therefore cheaper. An exhaust air dryer extracts air during operation its environment and uses it directly to dry. Such Ambient air is usually relatively dry with a relative humidity of significantly less than 100%, and therefore can absorb a lot of moisture. In comparison, the circulating process air in a condensation dryer in the Usually only at 100% relative humidity at the lowest, in the process air cycle dehumidifying temperature, which is their receptivity for moisture from the objects to be dried limited and thus the drying process a certain limitation imposed.

Even in an exhaust air dryer heat recovery is basically possible, however, any such heat recovery implies a cooling of the exhaust air, whereby condensate can precipitate out of the exhaust air and must be disposed of. From the DE 30 00 865 A1 is a clothes dryer designed as exhaust air dryer with heat recovery. The tumble dryer comprises a drum accommodating and moving the laundry into which a supply air stream heated by a heating element flows, while the moist hot air is conducted as exhaust air via an outlet. In the supply air flow, a heat exchanger is arranged in front of the heating element, which is flowed through by the moist hot exhaust air from the container.

at a waste air dryer with heat recovery flows usually ambient air (of eg 20 ° C and 60% relative Humidity; so-called supply air) in the heat exchanger surface an air-to-air heat exchanger and is there under cooling the recovered from the drying chamber or the drum warm Process air heated up. Depending on the cooling capacity or the heat exchange creates condensate, which is collected in a container or pumped out. The amount of condensate is a Dimension for the votes in the heat exchanger Heat energy and thus a measure of the Improvement of energy efficiency.

It It is an object of the present invention to provide a method in which a condensate accumulated in a domestic appliance can be disposed of easily and reliably and high operational safety of the household appliance when collecting the condensate guaranteed becomes.

These The object is achieved by methods having the features of claim 1 or 13, solved.

One The first aspect of the invention relates to a method for disposal a condensate in a domestic appliance for the care of laundry, in the accumulating during operation of the household appliance condensate collected in a collection container. The level the condensate collected in the sump is monitored and when a level threshold is exceeded a signal is indicative of performing a condensate removal operation generated. By this configuration, a required condensate disposal be reliably detected and performed, the Operation of the household appliance safely done and accumulating too much condensate in terms of reliability avoided become.

Preferably the filling level in the collecting tank becomes continuous monitored during operation of the household appliance. This can overfill the sump be avoided.

Preferably, the signal provides an indication to a user that the user is to perform a condensate removal operation after completing a care process of the laundry items start. The information by means of the signal is thus designed so that a user of the domestic appliance is also informed during the execution of the care process that a condensate disposal should take place, which is indicated by the signal that this condensate disposal should be performed after completion of the ongoing care process and dispose of this condensate or a corresponding disposal process to be started after completion of the care process. The user is thus informed in time when such a condensate removal process should be started, so that even during the care process there is still a time margin for starting. Since the condensate removal process is subject to specific requirements in particular, it is particularly advantageous that this is performed only after completion of a care process, and the care process is not affected thereby.

Preferably is generated as an indication of an optical and / or acoustic signal. As a result, a user can clearly see a corresponding display or Message.

Especially it proves to be preferable, if as condensate removal process a heating process of the condensate is performed. This can the disposal of the condensate, which is in the sump accumulates, be particularly effectively ensured.

Preferably In the annealing process, heated and dry air is transferred the surface of the collected condensate in the sump passed, collecting condensate from the sump and transported away. This procedure can be especially a lot of condensate is absorbed and transported away by the air.

The the condensate receiving air is preferably over the Exhaust vent led out of the household appliance.

Especially it proves to be preferable if the collecting container with a parallel to a main channel in which a heat exchange device of Household appliance arranged or coupled to the main channel is coupled, sub-channel is coupled, and the air at least proportionately, in particular completely through the secondary channel is directed. It can thus virtually bypass the heat exchange device of the household appliance, through which the domestic appliance flowing process air according to the process air flow is fundamentally guided through the main channel. By a Such arrangement of the collecting container in a bypass arrangement to the main channel, the disposal of the condensate through the baking process be shortened again. Especially such Shortening achieved in such an arrangement be that 100% of the heated air over the secondary channel is passed through the sump. This can be special be achieved in that the main channel completely is closed while this passage through the Side channel should be made. This complete closure the main channel can be done for example by a flap.

Preferably the baking process is only at one of laundry carried out empty drum. This can be guaranteed be that the airflow is relatively dry and not through yet existing residual moisture in the laundry with Moisture is loaded.

Preferably the baking process by means of a heater of the household appliance or by means of the heating device and a heat exchange device, in particular a heat pump, the domestic appliance carried out. Through this procedure, the through the collecting tank led air especially dry and be provided heated, creating a particularly effective and manifold intake of condensate through this air flow is possible. In addition, these components are in the household appliance preferably anyway available and for other functionalities are provided, so that in this regard These components can be assigned a further function. By This multifunctionality of these components can also the introduction of further components for the realization of said Function can be avoided, and provided a component-minimized home appliance become.

Preferably Process air is transferred during operation of the household appliance a process air passage through a drum for receiving of moisture from the laundry and after the Exit from the drum through an exhaust opening from the Household appliance passed. In particular, in the process air after flowing out of the drum of the household appliance contained Moisture through the heat exchange device from the process air withdrawn and collected as condensate in the sump.

Just when the household appliance is designed as a vented dryer and has a heat pump, which may be designed as a Peltier heat pump or compressor heat pump, condensate is created in the evaporator of the heat pump. This condensate can be fed back under normal conditions by a nebulizer, in particular an ultrasonic nebulizer, and with low energy consumption of the exhaust air. Thus, there is no further maintenance activity for the User of the household appliance. However, it may happen that in unfavorable installation conditions of the household appliance relatively long exhaust ducts or many bends must be used, causing low temperatures on the exhaust pipe or unfavorable wind constellations (wind pushes in exhaust duct) at the blower lead to the generated fog very strong on the walls condenses the exhaust pipe and the water runs back into the dryer. In order to avoid this, the procedure according to the invention can be used particularly advantageously with the method for disposing of a condensate. In particular, the condensate is thus proportionally formed in that the condensate collected in the collecting container is expelled in a mist-like manner through the exhaust opening with the discharged process air and condenses again in a subsequent exhaust pipe and runs back into the sump. Precisely because of this, a fill level indicator for a required disposal of the condensate in a vented dryer with heat pump can thus be ensured in good time. In particular, in connection with the baking process, the returning condensate can be effectively disposed of.

One Another aspect of the invention relates to a method for disposal a condensate in a domestic appliance for the care of laundry, in the accumulating during operation of the household appliance condensate collected in a collection container. The level the condensate collected in the sump is monitored and when a level threshold is exceeded a condensate removal process is started. An improved Disposal of the condensate can be achieved.

It can be provided that the condensate removal process by the device starts automatically. Even if no User on the device or any previously performed notice by means of a signal was not registered, can thereby overflow of the collecting container can be avoided. Especially preferred it turns out, if this condensate disposal process after the Completion of a care process of the laundry items started, in particular automatically, is started. In terms of on the processes of the nursing process on the one hand and the Condensate disposal process on the other hand, it can be a lateral Stringing together allows both processes each can be optimally done.

Preferably For example, a bake process is performed as a condensate removal operation. In particular, in the baking process, heated and dry Air over the surface of the collected condensate directed into the sump, through which condensate taken from the sump and discharged becomes. The condensate absorbing air is over the Exhaust vent led out of the household appliance. Especially is the sump with a to a main channel, in the heat exchange device is arranged, laid Side channel coupled, and the air is at least proportionately, in particular completely, passed through the side channel. The baking process is preferably only at one of laundry items carried out empty drum.

Further advantageous embodiments of the second aspect of the invention are specified in the dependent claims.

advantageous Embodiments of the first aspect of the invention are as advantageous embodiments of the second aspect of the invention and vice versa.

embodiments The invention will be described in more detail below with reference to schematic drawings explained. Show it:

1 a schematic representation of an embodiment of a dryer with heat recovery, which is designed for carrying out the method according to the invention; and

2 a schematic representation of a second embodiment of a dryer with which the inventive method can be performed.

In The figures are the same or functionally identical elements with the provided the same reference numerals.

In 1 is shown as a sketch of a household appliance for the care of laundry, which as an exhaust air dryer 1 is trained. The dryer 1 has a process air duct 2 as well as a drum 3 on which one about an axis 4 is rotatable. Process air is achieved by means of a blower 5 via a heating device 6 through the drum 3 and a lint filter 7 guided. The process air is through a supply air opening 8th retracted and through an exhaust port 9 ejected. In the supply air opening 8th Air comes directly from an environment of the dryer 1 , At the exhaust opening 9 connected is an exhaust hose 10 with which the exhaust air from the dryer 1 away and from a room in which he is placed, is discharged. In addition, a heat exchange device 11 . 12 available. In her or the corresponding inlet channel is the through the air inlet 8th retracted process air heat from that of the drum 3 and the lint filter 7 transferred outflow process air. After passing through the drum 3 This cools down the moist, warm process air. The heater 6 supplied Process air, on the other hand, is preheated. The of the heater 6 Fully heated process air is introduced into the drum 3 passed, comes there with the laundry to be dried in contact and then flows to the lint filter 7 , Then the process air flow branches. A main part enters the main channel, which passes through the heat exchanger 11 . 12 leads, and there gives off heat to freshly drawn supply air, which is the inlet channel of the heat exchange device 11 . 12 flows through. As mentioned, the amount of heat transferred must be based on a concrete specification regarding the energy balance of the dryer 1 and does not necessarily have to correspond to the full amount of heat available in the main channel. One of the deduced cognitions is that not the full one, the drum 3 entströmende process air flow must be used for heat exchange. Therefore, it is possible to use a part of the process air flow to dispose of condensate, which is generated during the cooling of the process air in the main channel. This is a side channel 13 provided in which a corresponding part of the process air to the heat exchange device 11 . 12 is initiated over. Condensate, which accumulates in the main channel, passes through a corresponding channel 14 to the side channel 13 ,

For the transport of the condensate is expediently a natural gradient, which by appropriate construction of the main channel and an arrangement of the secondary channel 13 can be formed under the main channel, exploited. The first branch 15 in the process air duct 2 in which the process air flow into a first process air flow to the main channel and a second process air flow to the secondary channel 13 divides and at the side channel 13 is branched off from the main channel, is dimensioned so that the second process air flow comprises about 30% of the total available process air. In the side channel 13 the second process air stream absorbs evaporating condensate and combines at the second branch 16 at the side of the canal 13 returns to the main channel, again with the first process air stream. In the side channel 13 is a vaporizer 17 arranged in the form of a Ultraschallverneblers. A special advantage of the nebulizer 17 lies in the fact that with him the condensate can be distributed in the process air, without the process air must meet specific thermodynamic requirements, in particular a certain elevated temperature and a certain reduced relative humidity must be able to evaporate condensate present as liquid and so. The removal of the condensate takes place as a mist, ie as a dispersion of liquid in gas.

This mist-like process air is delivered via the secondary channel 13 and the exhaust port 9 in the exhaust hose 10 directed. Especially when the dryer 1 is unfavorably positioned and relatively long exhaust ducts 10 or many bows are formed in this regard, low temperatures on the exhaust pipe or unfavorable wind constellations at the blower can cause the generated fog-like process air flow very strong on the walls of the exhaust hose 10 condensed and the water back into the dryer 1 running. In particular, it can then go back to the secondary channel 13 and also in the side channel 13 arranged collecting container 21 in which also over the gutter 14 incoming condensate is collected, run back.

In 2 a second embodiment is shown, but the components of the dryer 1 above the blower 5 and the lint filter 7 not shown, since they comply with the components 1 correspond.

The essential difference from the embodiment according to 1 is that the heat exchange device 11 . 12 not in a simple countercurrent or crossflow heat exchanger 11 . 12 exists, but is formed by an evaporator 11 and a liquefier 12 , and a heat pump 11 . 12 . 18 . 19 . 20 which also has a compressor 18 , a throttle 19 and a pipe system 20 for a circulating and cyclically vaporizing, compressing, liquefying and relaxing refrigerant. The main channel and the secondary channel 13 work like the dryer 1 of the embodiment according to 1 However, the heat pump allows 11 . 12 . 18 . 19 . 20 a free adjustment of the temperature level in the main channel 11 and in the entrance channel 12 , thus offering further options for optimizing the energy balance of the dryer 1 ,

Although both embodiments are explained with an exhaust air dryer and an open process air guide, it can be provided that the process air at least partially circulating in the dryer 1 can be performed.

In the 2 explained heat pump can be designed as a compressor heat pump or as a Peltier heat pump. For a dryer equipped with such a heat pump 1 the cooling of the warm, moisture-laden process air takes place essentially in the evaporator 11 the heat pump where the heat transferred is used to vaporize a refrigerant used in the heat pump cycle. The refrigerant of the heat pump evaporated due to the heating is supplied via the compressor 18 the liquefier 12 supplied to the heat pump, where due to the condensation of the gaseous refrigerant heat is released, which is used to heat the process air. The refrigerant circulates in a closed circuit in which it flows from the liquefier siger 12 over the throttle 19 back to the evaporator 11 arrives.

In both versions it is provided that the dryer 1 designed to carry out procedures for the disposal of a condensate. The level of the in the sump 21 collected condensate is monitored and when a level threshold is exceeded, a preferably acoustic signal is generated as an indication for performing a Kondensatentsorgungsvorgangs. The level in the collection container 21 is continuously monitored, the signal being an indication to a user of the dryer 1 to that end, to start by the user a condensate disposal process after the completion of a care process of the laundry items.

In this connection, in the condensate removal process, a bakeout program or a bakeout process is started in which by means of the heat exchange arrangement 11 . 12 according to the execution in 1 or with the heat pump 11 . 12 . 18 . 19 . 20 according to the execution in 2 in conjunction with the heater 6 , which incidentally also in the execution according to 2 , as mentioned, is present condensate from the sump 21 is disposed of.

It can also be provided that the heating program only with the heater 6 is carried out. In the condensate removal process, the bake process is performed so that warm and relatively dry air is passed through the condensate sump 21 is passed and can be absorbed by this air large amounts of condensate and conveyed out of the device. Preferably, the heating step is supported or shortened by the fact that the heated air flow completely and thus 100% through the secondary channel 13 is directed. This can be done by a flap which closes the main channel in this baking process.

Basically, it is advantageous if the sump 21 is dimensioned so that the condensate of at least two consecutive drying processes under unfavorable boundary conditions in the bottom group of the dryer 1 Takes place.

It can also be provided that in the 1 and 2 explained dryer 1 are provided for carrying out a method in which for disposing of a condensate, the level of the in the collecting container 21 condensate is monitored and a condensate removal process is started when a level threshold is exceeded. In this context it can be provided that the methods are designed so that the condensate removal process is started by the device itself and started automatically. Here, too, it is preferably provided that the condensate removal process is started after the completion of a drying process of the laundry items, and a bakeout process already explained above is carried out as the condensate removal process.

QUOTES INCLUDE IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list The documents listed by the applicant have been automated generated and is solely for better information recorded by the reader. The list is not part of the German Patent or utility model application. The DPMA takes over no liability for any errors or omissions.

Cited patent literature

• - DE 4023000 C2 [0002]
• - DE 3000865 A1 [0004]

Claims (22)

Method for disposing of a condensate in a domestic appliance ( 1 ) for the care of laundry items, in which during operation of the household appliance ( 1 ) accumulating condensate in a collecting container ( 21 ) is collected, characterized in that the level of the in the collecting container ( 21 ) is monitored and when a level threshold is exceeded, a signal is generated as an indication to perform a Kondensatentsorgungsvorgangs. A method according to claim 1, characterized in that the filling level in the collecting container ( 21 ) is continuously monitored. Method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized that the signal is the hint to a user gives, by the user a condensate disposal process after the Completion of a care process of the laundry items to start. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that as an indication of an optical and / or acoustic Signal is generated. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that as condensate removal process a Baking process is performed. A method according to claim 5, characterized in that in the baking process heated and dry air over the surface of the collected condensate in the collecting container ( 21 ), through which condensate from the collecting container ( 21 ) is recorded. A method according to claim 6, characterized in that the condensate receiving air through the exhaust port of the household appliance ( 1 ). Method according to claim 6 or 7, characterized in that the collecting container ( 21 ) with a parallel to a main channel, in which a heat exchange device ( 11 . 12 ) is arranged side channel ( 13 ), and the air during the Kondensatentsorgungsvorgang at least partially, in particular completely, by the secondary channel ( 13 ). Method according to one of claims 5 to 8, characterized in that the heating process only when a drum is emptied of laundry ( 3 ) is carried out. Method according to one of claims 5 to 9, characterized in that the baking process by means of a heating device ( 6 ) or by means of the heating device ( 6 ) and a heat exchange device ( 11 . 12 ), in particular a heat pump, of the domestic appliance ( 1 ) is carried out. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that process air during operation of the household appliance ( 1 ) via a process air duct ( 2 ) by a drum ( 3 ) for absorbing moisture from the laundry items and after leaving the drum ( 3 ) through an exhaust port ( 9 ) from the household appliance ( 1 ). Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the condensate is proportionally formed by that in the collecting container ( 21 ) collected condensate through the exhaust port ( 9 ) is expelled fog-like with the discharged process air and in an adjoining exhaust duct ( 10 ) condensed again and into the collecting container ( 21 ) runs back. Method for disposing of a condensate in a domestic appliance ( 1 ) for the care of laundry items, in which during operation of the household appliance ( 1 ) accumulating condensate in a collecting container ( 21 ) is collected, characterized in that the level of the in the collecting container ( 21 ) condensate is monitored and when a level threshold is exceeded a condensate removal operation is started. Method according to claim 13, characterized in that that the condensate removal process after completion of a care process of Laundry is started. Method according to claim 13 or 14, characterized in that a heating process is carried out as the condensate removal process. A method according to claim 15, characterized in that in the baking process heated and dry air over the surface of the collected condensate in the collecting container ( 21 ), through which condensate from the collecting container ( 21 ) is recorded. A method according to claim 16, characterized in that the condensate receiving air through the exhaust port ( 9 ) from the household appliance ( 1 ). Method according to claim 16 or 17, characterized in that the collecting container ( 21 ) with a parallel to a main channel, in which a heat exchange device ( 11 . 12 ) arranged is, secondary channel ( 13 ) is coupled, and the air at least partially, in particular completely, by the secondary channel ( 13 ). Method according to one of claims 15 to 18, characterized in that the baking process only when a drum of emptied laundry ( 3 ) is carried out. Method according to one of claims 15 to 19, characterized in that the baking process by means of a heating device ( 6 ) or by means of the heating device ( 6 ) and a heat exchange device ( 11 . 12 ), in particular a heat pump, of the domestic appliance ( 1 ) is carried out. Method according to one of the preceding claims 13 to 20, characterized in that process air during operation of the domestic appliance ( 1 ) via a process air duct ( 2 ) by a drum ( 3 ) for absorbing moisture from the laundry items and after leaving the drum ( 3 ) through an exhaust port ( 9 ) from the household appliance ( 1 ). Method according to one of the preceding claims 13 to 21, characterized in that the condensate is proportionally formed by that in the collecting container ( 21 ) collected condensate through the exhaust port ( 9 ) is expelled fog-like with the discharged process air and in an adjoining exhaust duct ( 10 ) condensed again and into the collecting container ( 21 ) runs back.