DE102010031268A1 - Laundry drying apparatus has air intake duct for guiding of air from outer side into laundry treatment room, where air discharge channel is guided outside from laundry treatment room - Google Patents

Abstract

The laundry drying apparatus (1) has an air intake duct (3) for guiding of air from the outer side into a laundry treatment room (2). An air discharge channel (4) is guided outside from the laundry treatment room. A closure element (5) is provided in the air intake duct, where another closure element (6) is equipped in the air discharge channel. The closure elements are designed to proceed with an interruption in drying operation from an open position to a closed position. An independent claim is also included for a method for operating a laundry drying machine.

Description

The invention relates to a laundry drying apparatus having an air supply channel leading from the outside to a laundry treatment room and an air discharge channel leading outward from the laundry treatment room. The invention further relates to a method for operating such a laundry drying device.

Out WO 2006/052152 A1 For example, there is known a method of reducing a risk of a fire developing or spreading in a laundry drying apparatus, as well as a laundry drying apparatus performing this method. The apparatus comprises a sensor means capable of detecting an abnormal fault condition indicative of a fire or a fire hazard in a laundry drum. In response, a controller goes into a fire containment cycle in which the laundry drum is moved at a rotational speed such as during drying. However, this is disadvantageous in that the rotation of the drum, in particular for well-combustible laundry items (made of synthetic material, etc.) by the circulation of the fire even be reinforced.

Out EP 1 386 997 A1 a cover plate assembly for a tumble dryer is known, comprising a cover which is mountable on a side plate of a housing; a fire protection panel mountable between the side panel and the cover to prevent the propagation of a fire bursting in the housing to an outside when the fire protection panel is mounted; and a housing bracket for securing the fire protection panel to the side panel, the cover and the fire protection panel configured to be separately mounted to the side panel of the housing; and the housing holder is adapted to attach only the fire protection plate to the side plate. The disadvantage here is that although the spread of the fire to the outside is prevented, the fire itself is not contained.

In KR 10 2009 00010491 A and KR 10 2009 00 8933 A a fire resistant door for a tumble dryer is described. Again, the fire is not contained.

It is the object of the present invention to at least partially overcome at least one of the disadvantages of the cited prior art and, in particular, to provide a laundry drying apparatus which is capable of easily generating an emerging or already formed fire or fire, in particular in a laundry treatment room of the laundry drying appliance suppress.

This object is achieved according to the features of the independent claims. Preferred embodiments are in particular the dependent claims and the description of removable.

The object is achieved by a laundry drying apparatus having an air supply channel leading from the outside to a laundry treatment space and an air discharge channel leading outward from the laundry treatment space, wherein at least one first closure element is present in the air supply channel and at least one second closure element is present in the air discharge channel and the closure elements are provided are set to proceed with an interruption of a drying operation from an open position to a closed position.

Thus, such a laundry drying device has no circulating, closed process air circuit, but typically sucks through the air supply duct ambient air from the outside, heated them, allows the heated air to flow through the laundry to be dried laundry room and passes the warm and then evaporated by the laundry Water humid air through the air discharge channel to the outside (exhaust air dryer). By the present in both the air supply channel and in the air discharge channel closure element, the supply of oxygen-rich fresh air can be effectively interrupted in the case of a developing or already erupted brand in the laundry dryer, and the fire so suffocated. Experiments have shown that an erupted fire can be smothered in this way within about two minutes without destroying the clothes dryer.

The interruption of the drying operation can be achieved for example by damaging the laundry drying device or specifically due to fire detection. The interruption of the drying operation may in particular include interrupting a fan for generating an air flow in the air ducts. Closing may occur following and based on the interruption. The closing can also be done at the beginning of the interruption and in particular generate the interruption.

In each case a plurality of first closure elements and / or a plurality of second closure elements may be present in an air channel (air supply channel and / or air discharge channel), which improves a seal. The provision of only one Closure element in an air duct results in a particularly simple and inexpensive solution.

The laundry drying apparatus may in particular be a tumble dryer or washer-dryer, especially an exhaust air dryer.

It is an embodiment that the at least one first closure element and / or the at least one second closure element has or have a closure element which is adapted to be held in the open position by means of an air flow generated by the drying operation in the associated air channel. Such a closure element is in a switched-off drying operation, therefore, when a fan is switched off, go into the closed position. This embodiment has the advantage that its basic position or rest position is the closed position and it automatically transitions into the closed position in the event of a fault or targeted shutdown of the drying operation and thus of the air flow. This increases security against fire. In addition, this configuration can be designed simple and inexpensive and get along with a few parts.

It is yet another embodiment that at least one of the closure elements (i.e., at least one closure element from the group comprising the at least one first closure element and / or the at least one second closure element) is urged into its closed position by its own weight. This embodiment has the advantage that it is particularly simple and inexpensive and manages with few parts without a return element. It is also very robust and durable.

It is a further embodiment that at least one of the closure elements is urged (pulled or pressed) into its closed position by means of at least one elastic element, in particular spring element. This ensures that the closure element returns to the closed position with an interruption of the air flow, essentially independently of an opening direction of the closing element. It can therefore also be used closure elements which do not close under their own weight, z. B. downwardly opening flaps.

In particular, a flap rotatably installed in the air duct can be articulated to the air duct by means of at least one (tension and / or pressure) spring. By the air flow, the flap can be moved against the spring force in the direction of an open position, while in a demolition of the air flow, the at least one spring forces the flap back into the closed position (retracts or pushes back).

It is also an embodiment that at least one of the closure elements is designed as a motor-driven closure element, which is switchable by means of at least one motor between its open position and its closed position. This has the advantage that the time of switching between the two positions can be selected selectively and largely independent of environmental conditions (demolition of the air flow, etc.) is selectable. Thus, the motor-driven closure element can close the associated air duct even with the fan still running. The closure element can also be switched to a defined point of a predetermined fire suppression sequence, also several times. The motor may be an electromechanically driven, hydraulically driven, piezoelectrically driven, etc. motor. The motor can produce a rotary movement or a linear movement.

The engine may in particular be functionally controllable by a control unit, wherein the control unit is preferably also configured to control the drying operation. As a result, the engine can be operated particularly easily and tuned to a fire suppression process. For example, motor-driven closure elements can be closed at the behest of the control unit before the control unit shuts off the fan. Also, the at least one motor-driven closure element can be used by the control unit for purposes other than fire suppression, for. B. for controlling an air flow during a normal drying operation.

It is a design suitable for particularly effective prevention or suppression of a fire that the control unit is coupled to a fire alarm, wherein the fire alarm is arranged and arranged to detect a fire or a developing fire of the clothes dryer. The control unit is further configured to move the at least one motor-driven closure element into its closed position upon detecting a fire or a developing fire. As a result, in particular, a first developing fire and / or an already broken fire can be effectively suppressed, in which the drying process has not yet been interrupted or broken by damage to components of the laundry dryer.

The fire detection means may comprise a temperature sensor, by means of which, for example, an excessive temperature of the laundry can be detected. This allows a particularly early detection of a still developing fire or fire.

The fire alarm may alternatively or additionally include a smoke detector. The smoke detector enables a reliable detection of a fire or smoldering fire with a low false alarm rate.

In a further development, at least one of the closure elements may be an automatically closing fire damper. Due to the automatic closing a drying operation can be interrupted.

The nature of the closure element is basically not limited and can, for. B. include a valve or a slider. It is a particularly compact, robust, inexpensive and low-maintenance development that at least one of the closure elements is designed as a flap.

It is a particularly compact and easy to assemble configuration that at least one of the closure elements is arranged on a fan of the laundry dryer. As a result, this closure element does not need to be installed separately as a separate element in the air duct. The at least one closure element can be arranged on a suction side of the blower and / or on a pressure side of the blower.

It has turned out to be a particularly preferred embodiment that the at least one first closure element comprises or comprises a closure element urged into its closed position by its own weight and the at least one second closure element has a closure element urged into its closed position by means of at least one elastic element or a motor-driven closure element or includes.

It is still another configuration that the first shutter member is disposed behind (downstream with respect to the air flow) a heater for heating air flowing to the laundry treatment space. Thus, an influx of warm air, which could particularly fire a fire, are particularly effectively prevented in the laundry treatment room, even with the fan running.

The object is also achieved by a method for operating a laundry drying apparatus having an air supply channel leading from outside to a laundry treatment room and an air discharge channel leading outward from the laundry treatment room, the air supply channel and the air discharge channel being closed when a drying operation is deactivated. The method gives the same advantage as the laundry drying apparatus described above and can be configured in an analogous manner.

In the following figures, the invention will be described schematically with reference to exemplary embodiments. In this case, the same or equivalent elements may be provided with the same reference numerals for clarity.

1 shows a sectional side view of an inventive laundry drying device;

2 shows a sectional side view of a section of an air supply duct of the laundry drying apparatus according to the invention with a first closure element arranged therein;

3 shows a sectional side view of a section of an air discharge channel of the laundry drying apparatus according to the invention with a second closure element arranged therein;

4 shows a sectional side view of a section of an air discharge channel of the laundry drying apparatus according to the invention with a further arranged therein second closure element.

1 shows a sectional side view of a trained as an exhaust air dryer tumble dryer 1 , The laundry drying apparatus has a laundry treatment room in the form of a rotatable laundry drum 2 for holding laundry to be dried (not shown). The laundry drum 2 is hydraulic with an outside to the laundry drum 2 leading air supply channel 3 as well as with one of the laundry drum 2 leading to the outside air discharge channel 4 connected. In the air supply duct 3 is a first closure element (fitting) 5 present, and in the air discharge channel 4 is a second closure element (fitting) 6 is available. Before (ie, upstream of an air flow direction) the first shutter member 5 located in or on the air supply duct 3 a heater 7 for heating the one in it in the air supply duct 3 passing air. The air flow through the air supply duct 3 , the laundry drum 2 and the air discharge channel 4 is by means of a in the air discharge channel 4 existing blower 8th generated.

During a drying operation is from the outside into the air supply duct 3 sucked (cold) ambient air through the heater 7 heated and then through the first closure element 5 through the laundry drum 2 directed. The warm air heats the laundry to be dried (see Fig.) So that water vapor evaporates. The now moist and warm air is in the air discharge channel 4 sucked in and through the blower 8th and further through the second shutter member 6 transported to the outside.

The closure elements 5 . 6 may be used to prevent the emergence or spread of a fire, e.g. B. the laundry in the laundry drum 2 , to be closed, that is, to go from an open position to a closed position. As a result, an air supply to the fire is interrupted and smothered the flames or embers.

The clothes dryer 1 has a control unit 9 on which the clothes dryer 1 controls and performs the associated programs, in particular for performing at least one drying operation.

In a dashed line variant, the second closure element 6 as by an electric motor 10 designed drivable. The electric motor 10 is by means of the control unit 9 controlled (eg for its activation / deactivation, setting of a drive direction, etc.). The control unit 9 is in this variant also with a fire alarm 11 , z. As a temperature sensor or a smoke detector coupled. An emerging or incipient fire can be caused by the fire alarm 11 be detected or sensed (eg by exceeding a temperature threshold or by a smoke), whereupon the control unit 9 the electric motor 10 controls so that this second closure element 6 moved in its closed position. This will be the air discharge channel 4 interrupted. The control unit 9 can also switch off the fan in case of fire, and simultaneously with the closing of the second closure element 6 or postponed. A closure of the first closure element 5 can also by the control unit 9 controlled, or the first closure element 5 can close automatically, z. B. by a lack of air flow in the air supply channel 3 when the blower is switched off 8th ,

2 shows a section in side view of a section of the air supply duct 3 of the clothes dryer 1 with a possible first closure element disposed therein 5 , In the air supply duct 3 Here, air L flows from left to right, as indicated by the arrows. The closure element 5 lies in the form of a side of a wall 12 of the air supply channel 3 rotatable hinged flap 13 in front. Is by the blower 8th creates a flow of air, lifts the flap 13 from her tight seat 14 and goes over into the opening position shown. In the open position is the air supply channel 3 open. The flap 13 is so shaped and so light that it lifts off by the flow of air L. If the air flow is interrupted, z. When the blower 8th In case of fire is turned off, the flap 13 by their own weight on the Dichtsicht 14 back and closes the air supply duct 3 (Closed position). As a result, no oxygen-rich fresh air through the air supply channel 3 in the laundry drum 2 reach.

In the embodiment shown, the flap 13 air flow behind the heater 7 attached, leaving the flap 3 in their on the Dichtsicht 14 Seated closed position also has a thermal barrier between the heater 7 and the laundry drum 2 represents and prevents thermal coupling between them.

3 shows a sectional view in side view of a section of the air discharge channel 4 of the clothes dryer 1 with a possible second closure element disposed therein 6 . 6a , The second closure element 6a has one on a shaft 15 in the air discharge channel 4 rotatably mounted flap 16 on (as indicated by the simple arrows). In a closed position, the flap closes 16 the flow cross-section of the air discharge channel 4 , in the open position (as shown), the flow cross section can be fully or partially released. In the closed position, the flap sits 16 on a circumferential wall of the air discharge duct 4 existing sealing seat 17 on.

The rotational position of the flap 16 will be over the shaft 15 adjusted, with the shaft 15 again through the in 1 shown engine 10 is driven, which in turn by the control unit 9 is controlled. The flap 16 Thus, it can also be closed when an air flow is present, that is against a pressure of the flowing air L. This embodiment is particularly versatile, especially at an early stage of fire formation.

4 shows a sectional view in side view of a section of the air discharge channel 4 of the clothes dryer 1 with another possible second closure element arranged therein 6 . 6b , The second closure element 6b is similar to the second closure element 6a with the flap 16 trained, but these now on a (not externally driven) axis 18 is rotatably mounted. Also the second closure element 6b sets in its closed position to a circumferential on a wall of the air discharge channel 4 existing sealing seat 17 on.

In contrast to the closure element 6a is an edge of the flap 16 via a tension spring 19 with the wall of the air discharge channel 4 connected. The tension spring 19 pull the flap 16 in the closed position. A transition from the closed position to the (shown) open position is due to the pressure of the blower 8th blown air L causes which the flap 16 against the spring 19 imprints. For this is a position of the second closure element 6b on the pressure side and near the blower 8th advantageous. With collapse of the air flow (eg in the case of a blower switched off in the event of a fire 8th ) turns the tension spring 19 the flap 16 back to the closed position. This embodiment is particularly simple, low maintenance and inexpensive feasible.

The second closure elements 6a and 6b can also in the blower 8th be installed or a part of the fan 8th represent. This results in a particularly compact, easy to install and effective embodiment.

Of course, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments shown.

Thus, several closure elements (of the same or different type) may be present in an air duct or in both air ducts.

Also, the first closure element may be a closure element of another kind, for. B. a motor-driven or air pressure / spring-operated closure element.

In addition, the second closure element may be a closure element of another kind, for. B. also an air pressure / weight operated closure element.

The closure elements can generally be designed and operated in a still different manner than described concretely, z. B. hydraulically driven, designed as a slide, etc.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1

Laundry drying device

2

washing drum

3

Air supply duct

4

Air discharge duct

5

first closure element

6

second closure element

6a

second closure element

6b

second closure element

7

heater

8th

fan

9

control unit

10

electric motor

11

Fire detection means

12

Wall of the air supply channel

13

flap

14

sealing seat

15

wave

16

flap

17

sealing seat

18

axis

19

mainspring

L

air

QUOTES INCLUDE IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list of the documents listed by the applicant has been generated automatically and is included solely for the better information of the reader. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions.

Cited patent literature

• WO 2006/052152 A1 [0002]
• EP 1386997 A1 [0003]
• KR 10200900010491 A [0004]
• KR 102009008933 A [0004]

Claims (14)

Laundry drying machine ( 1 ) with an exterior to a laundry treatment room ( 2 ) leading air supply channel ( 3 ) and one of the laundry treatment room ( 2 ) to the outside leading air discharge channel ( 4 ), - wherein in the air supply channel ( 3 ) at least one first closure element ( 5 ) and in the air discharge channel ( 4 ) at least one second closure element ( 6 ; 6a ; 6b ) and wherein - the closure elements ( 5 . 6 ) are adapted to proceed with an interruption of a drying operation from an open position to a closed position. Laundry drying machine ( 1 ) according to claim 1, wherein the at least one first closure element ( 5 ) and / or the at least one second closure element ( 6 ; 6a ; 6b ) has a closure element which is adapted, by means of a drying operation in the associated air channel ( 3 . 4 ) to be held in the open position. Laundry drying machine ( 1 ) according to claim 2, wherein at least one of the closure elements ( 6b . 16 ) by means of at least one elastic element ( 19 ), in particular spring element, is urged into its closed position. Laundry drying machine ( 1 ) according to one of claims 2 or 3, wherein at least one of the closure elements ( 5 . 13 ) is urged by its own weight in its closed position. Laundry drying machine ( 1 ) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one of the closure elements ( 6a . 16 ) is designed as a motor-driven closure element, which by means of at least one motor ( 10 ) is switchable between its open position and its closed position. Laundry drying machine ( 1 ) according to claim 5, wherein the engine ( 10 ) functionally by a control unit ( 9 ), which is also adapted to control the drying operation. Laundry drying machine ( 1 ) according to claim 6, wherein the control unit ( 9 ) with a fire alarm ( 11 ), the fire alarm ( 11 ) is arranged and arranged to cause a fire or a developing fire of the laundry drying apparatus ( 1 ), and wherein the control unit ( 9 ) is adapted, upon detecting a fire or a developing fire, the at least one motor-driven closure element ( 6a ) to move into its closed position. Laundry drying machine ( 1 ) according to claim 7, wherein the fire alarm means ( 11 ) comprises a temperature sensor. Laundry drying machine ( 1 ) according to one of claims 7 or 8, wherein the fire alarm ( 11 ) comprises a smoke detector. Laundry drying machine ( 1 ) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one of the closure elements ( 5 ; 6 ; 6a ; 6b ) as a flap ( 13 ; 16 ) is configured. Laundry drying machine ( 1 ) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one of the closure elements is arranged on a blower of the laundry drying apparatus. Laundry drying machine ( 1 ) according to claims 3 to 5, wherein the at least one first closure element ( 5 ) a by its own weight in its closed position urged closure element ( 13 ) and the at least one second closure element ( 6 ) by means of at least one elastic element ( 19 ) in its closed position urged closure element ( 6b ) or a motor-driven closure element ( 6a ) having. Laundry drying machine ( 1 ) according to claim 7, wherein the first closure element ( 5 ) behind a heater ( 7 ) for heating to the laundry treatment room ( 2 ) flowing air (L) is arranged. Method for operating a laundry drying device ( 1 ) with an exterior to a laundry treatment room ( 2 ) leading air supply channel ( 3 ) and one of the laundry treatment room ( 2 ) to the outside leading air discharge channel ( 4 ), wherein the air supply channel ( 3 ) and the air discharge channel ( 4 ) when a drying operation is deactivated.

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