EP2227583B1 - Cleaning device for a component loaded with lint in a household appliance, and method for cleaning a component loaded with lint - Google Patents

Description

The invention relates to a cleaning device for a component loaded with lint in a domestic appliance for the care of laundry items, which cleaning apparatus has a rinsing device with which rinsing liquid can be conducted to the component for removing the lint. Furthermore, the invention relates to a domestic appliance with such a cleaning device and a method for cleaning a lint-loaded component of a domestic appliance for the care of laundry, wherein rinsing liquid is passed with a rinsing device to the component.

From the U.S. Patent 3,293,890 goes out a cleaning device for a lint filter in a washing machine, in which washing liquor for washing laundry is passed through a arranged in a T-shaped branch pipe lint filter. Even when pumping the wash liquor flows through the pipe branching, but not through the lint filter but past it and thus takes with the lint loaded on the filter. The flow of the wash liquor through the manifold is determined by an arrangement of corresponding valves.

From the WO 2007/093468 A1 a device for cleaning a component within a process air cycle of a household laundry drier is known. The component is a heat exchanger which is associated with a heat pump of a dryer. During operation of the dryer, lint conveyed in the process air cycle, which are torn from the laundry items to be dried, can be filtered through a sieve. However, lint will get through the sieve and can get to a heat exchanger, where they accumulate. To remove these lint from the heat exchanger, a brush may be provided. It can also be provided that the heat exchanger is rinsed with a cleaning liquid. As a cleaning liquid, the condensate of the working medium evaporator or the condensation device of the dryer can be used.

The EP 669 487 A1 discloses a cleaning device for a component, which has a rinsing device, with the rinsing liquid to the component for removing the lint is conductive. The rinsing device has a spray nozzle with a cross-sectional constriction, due to which a back pressure is built up in the flowing rinsing liquid.

In the DE 37 38 031 C2 a cleaning device for the heat exchanger of a clothes dryer is shown. The cleaning device is equipped with spray nozzles, which are each arranged spatially above the plates to be washed of the heat exchanger.

In these devices, however, it may happen that the component is only relatively non-uniformly rinsed and thereby the lint remain at least partially attached to the component further.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a cleaning device and a domestic appliance with such a cleaning device and a method for cleaning a lint-loaded component, in which the lint removal can be improved and in particular the rinsing liquid provided for removal can be distributed more uniformly on the component.

This object is achieved by a cleaning device, a household appliance and a method which has the features of the respective independent patent claim. Preferred embodiments of the invention are described in corresponding dependent claims, the objects of these claims also in the context of the invention are combined with each other, as far as technically possible. Each preferred embodiment of the cleaning device according to the invention corresponds to a preferred development of the domestic appliance according to the invention and the method according to the invention and vice versa, even if not particularly pointed out in individual cases.

A cleaning device according to the invention for a component loaded with fluff in a domestic appliance for the care of laundry items, which cleaning device has a flushing device, with which flushing liquid to the component for removing the lint is conductive, has a flow element, which is arranged above the component and an internal shape has due to a back pressure in the flow element flowing through the rinsing fluid can be built up within the flow element.

This embodiment of the flushing device makes it possible to uniformly load the points of the component to be cleaned so that the lint is removed at many points of the component with the same effect or the same efficiency.

According to the invention, the flow element has an elongated part, which has an opening for liquid outlet on the side facing the component. These specific shaping of a part of the flow element enables the targeted supply of liquid over the entire width of the component, so that here too a uniform supply of liquid in connection with the ram pressure generation of the rinsing liquid can be granted in the flow element.

According to the invention, the flow element for establishing a dynamic pressure has a cross-section which comprises at least one constriction. By such a constriction or taper of the inner dimension of the flow element, the back pressure generation and thus the most uniform liquid outflow from the flow element can be ensured over the entire width of the opening. In addition, can be ensured by such a specific embodiment of the flow element also relatively easily the ram pressure generation.

Preferably, the flow element is configured such that it has an inner dimension before and after the constriction which is greater than the inner dimension at the constriction. The elongate part of the flow element is thus preferably designed similar to an hourglass shape.

In addition to a particularly preferred generation of dynamic pressure, this design also allows a sufficient amount of liquid to flow out of the opening of the flow element and, on the other hand, a sufficient flow rate for flushing out the lint can be achieved.

Preferably, the constriction extends over the length, in particular over the entire length of the elongate part of the flow element.

It can be provided that the constriction is symmetrical in cross section. Likewise, however, it can also be provided that the constriction is designed asymmetrically in cross section.

According to the invention, the opening formed on the side facing the component extends in the elongate part of the flow element over the length, in particular over the entire length of this part. Preferably, the opening is thus slit-like or slit-like.

It can be provided that the bottleneck is formed over the length of the flow element with the same dimensions. However, it can also be provided that these dimensions of the constriction, viewed in the longitudinal direction of the flow element, vary at least once and have different dimensions.

Preferably, the flow element comprises at least one element for positioning and / or holding the flow element on the component loaded with lint. As a result, the reliable attachment and permanent positioning of the flow element can be ensured.

In particular, the element for positioning and / or holding the flow element is arranged on the component on the elongated part of the flow element, in particular integrally formed on this.

Preferably, a member for positioning and / or holding the flow member is disposed on a side of the elongate member of the flow member facing the member and extends downwardly therefrom. Thereby, a particularly simple attachment by plugging or pushing on the component can be made possible. In addition, this embodiment also prevents the lateral displaceability or the lateral displacement of the flow element relative to the component.

Such a configuration also allows a particularly simple reversibly releasable attachment of the flow element to the component, so that it can be easily pushed and plugged and can be easily removed during disassembly.

Preferably, the flow element comprises at least two members for positioning and / or holding it, which are arranged at the opposite ends of the elongate part of the flow element and extend downwardly parallel to each other. By such a configuration, the fixation and mechanically stable attachment can be further improved.

Preferably, the flow element has a connecting piece for a supply line of the rinsing liquid, which is arranged in particular on a side facing away from the component of the elongated part of the flow element. For such a configuration, a simple connection of the flow element can be made possible with a supply line, which moreover allows the supply of the rinsing liquid particularly low and on the other hand does not hinder the build-up of the dynamic pressure on the one hand and the inflow of the rinsing liquid into the component on the other hand.

In particular, the flow element is integrally formed. In this context, it proves to be preferable if the flow element is designed as a one-piece injection-molded part. As a result, a fast and inexpensive to be manufactured component can be created, which can also be formed very weight-saving beyond.

Another aspect of the invention relates to a domestic appliance with a cleaning device according to the invention or an advantageous embodiment thereof.

In the household appliance according to the invention for the care of laundry items with a cleaning device for a lint-loaded component in the domestic appliance, which cleaning device has a flushing device with which flushing liquid to the component for removing the lint is conductive, the flushing device has a flow element which is arranged above the component is and has an internal shape, due to which a back pressure in the flow element flowing through the rinsing fluid is buildable within the flow element.

The household appliance according to the invention for the care of items of laundry is designed in particular as a tumble dryer. Preferably, the clothes dryer comprises a heat pump, which has a heat exchanger, which serves as an evaporator of a working fluid in the heat pump circuit, and comprises a further heat exchanger, which serves as a condenser of a working fluid in the heat pump circuit.

The loaded with fluff component is in particular a heat exchanger.

In the inventive method for cleaning a lint-laden component of a domestic appliance for the care of laundry, wherein rinsing liquid is passed with a rinsing device to the component for removing the lint, in a rinsing device associated flow element by the internal shaping of a back pressure in the rinsing liquid within constructed of the flow element.

It can thereby be achieved that a uniform loading of the component with the rinsing liquid at different areas can be made possible, whereby the more efficient and uniform removal of the lint can be made possible.

Advantageous embodiments of the cleaning device according to the invention are to be regarded as advantageous embodiments of the method according to the invention.

• Fig. 1 eine schematische Schnittdarstellung eines Strömungselements einer erfindungsgemäßen Reinigungsvorrichtung;
• Fig. 2 eine weitere Schnittdarstellung eines ersten Ausführungsbeispiels eines Strömungselements einer erfindungsgemäßen Reinigungsvorrichtung gemäß Fig. 1; und
• Fig. 3 eine Schnittdarstellung des Strömungselements einer erfindungsgemäßen Reinigungsvorrichtung gemäß einem weiteren Ausführungsbeispiel.

Embodiments of the invention are explained in more detail below with reference to schematic drawings. Show it:

• Fig. 1 a schematic sectional view of a flow element of a cleaning device according to the invention;
• Fig. 2 a further sectional view of a first embodiment of a flow element of a cleaning device according to the invention according to Fig. 1 ; and
• Fig. 3 a sectional view of the flow element of a cleaning device according to the invention according to a further embodiment.

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

In Fig. 1 an embodiment of a flow element 2 is shown in a longitudinal sectional view, which is associated with a cleaning device 1. The cleaning device 1 is arranged in a tumble dryer and comprises a flushing device, which is associated with the flow element 2. In this cleaning device 1 lint are removed in a formed as a heat exchanger 7 component of the tumble dryer by flushing fluid is passed through the flushing device and the flow element 2 and then passed through the heat exchanger 7.

The rinsing liquid is in particular a condensate collected in the tumble dryer, which accumulates during operation of the tumble dryer. The heat exchanger 7 may preferably be associated with a heat pump of the tumble dryer.

The flow element 2 is above the in Fig. 1 arranged only symbolically and dashed heat exchanger 7 shown. In particular, it is provided that the flow element 2 is placed or attached directly to the heat exchanger 7.

The flow element 2 of the flushing device is formed in one piece and comprises an elongated part 3 and a connection piece 4 connected to the elongate part 3. The connecting piece 4 extends in accordance with the embodiment Fig. 1 on the side facing away from the heat exchanger 7 side of the flow element 2 obliquely inclined above. At the connecting piece 4, a supply line for the rinsing liquid S can be connected.

In the interior of the flow element 2 flow aids 5 are arranged, through which the rinsing liquid S from the connecting piece 4 fluidly optimized in the elongated part 3 is passed.

The oblong part 3 has, on its underside facing away from the connection piece 4 and facing the heat exchanger 7, an opening 6 through which the flushing liquid emerges from the flow element 2 in the direction of the heat exchanger 7. The opening 6 extends substantially over the entire length or width b (extension in the x direction), with the length of the elongated part 3 being dimensioned in the x direction in this regard. The opening 6 is thus formed in a slot-like or slit-like manner.

Elements 8 and 9 for positioning and / or holding the flow element 2 on the heat exchanger 7 are formed on the elongated part 3. The elements 8 and 9 are formed at opposite ends 10 and 11 of the elongate member 3 and extend substantially parallel to each other down toward the heat exchanger 7. In the vertical direction (y-direction), the elements 8 and 9 are downwardly longer formed as the elongated member 3, so that they attack the outside of the heat exchanger 7 and the flow element 2 can thus be pushed onto the heat exchanger 7 or plugged and this position can be held by the elements 8 and 9.

The flow element 2 and in particular the elongate part 3 are formed and shaped in the interior such that they are designed to build up a back pressure of the rinsing liquid S in the flow element 2.

For this purpose, the elongated part 3 according to the cross-sectional view along the section line AA in Fig. 1 a bottleneck 12 on, as in Fig. 2 is shown. In the cross-sectional view according to Fig. 2 the elongated part 3 has a configuration which is symmetrical to the vertical axis B, so that the constriction 12 is formed by a curvature on both sides of the inner wall of the elongate part 3. The elongated part 3 is in cross section above and below the constriction 12 with a larger internal dimension formed so that the cross-sectional shape of the elongate member 3 is designed similar to an hourglass.

Through the constriction 12 is in the vertical direction above an upper chamber 13 in the elongated part 3 and a lower chamber 14 below the constriction 12 is formed. As a result of this dimensioning, the formation of the dynamic pressure in the flow element 2 can preferably be generated, so that as uniform a flow of flushing liquid S as possible over the entire length b can be achieved via the opening 6 with a flow rate of the flushing liquid S that is as uniform as possible. Thereby, a uniform loading of the fins of the heat exchanger 7 with the rinsing liquid S can be achieved, which in this respect also the uniform and efficient removal of the lint over its entire width (x-direction) can be made possible.

By the in Fig. 1 shown exemplary flow aids 5, the liquid distribution in the width direction of the heat exchanger 7 can be improved.

Due to the constriction 12 in the elongated part 3 thus the water distribution over the entire length or width b is made possible uniform.

It can be provided that the constriction or constriction 12 of the flow cross-section over the entire length or width b has the same dimensions and the same shapes. However, it can also be provided that these dimensions and / or shapes of the constriction 12 varies over the length or width b considered. Depending on the requirements of the water distribution over the width b, the shape and the extent of the constriction 12 can be increased or decreased.

In Fig. 3 a further embodiment of a flow element 2 'of the cleaning device 1 is shown, wherein in this illustration a cross-section analogous to the representation in FIG Fig. 2 is shown. In this embodiment, the elongate member 3 'in cross-section at the bottleneck 12' on an asymmetrical configuration to the axis B. This is achieved in that an outer wall 15 of the elongate part 3 'is not a has inwardly or only slightly inwardly bulging shape. On the other hand, the opposite inner wall 16 of the elongate member 3 'at least one indentation in the direction of the outer wall 15, which is present or is greater than a possible indentation of the outer wall 15 in the direction of the inner wall 16. Again, the bottleneck 12 'arranged so that above an upper chamber 13' and below a lower chamber 14 'is formed. In cross-section, the elongated part 3 'both above and below the constriction 12' has a greater internal dimension than at this constriction 12 '.

About the opening 6 ', the rinsing liquid S is introduced into the heat exchanger 7 again. Via the connecting piece 4 ', the flow element 2' is connected to a feed line for the rinsing liquid S.

Also in Fig. 3 it can be seen that the flow element 2 'is arranged above the heat exchanger 7, and in particular directly on this releasably secured.

In the exemplary embodiments shown, the opening 6 or 6 'has a wide (expansion in the z-direction, which is perpendicular to the plane of the figure in FIG Fig. 1 extends), which is greater than the internal dimension in this spatial direction of the constriction 12 and 12 '. It can also be provided that the internal dimension of the opening 6 or 6 'is viewed in this spatial direction, which is perpendicular to the x-direction in FIG Fig. 1 extends, equal to the internal dimension of the bottleneck 12 or 12 ', is.

An exact position of the flow element 2 or 2 'to the depth of the heat exchanger 7 can be achieved by laterally mounted elements 8 and 9, which preferably engage via the refrigerant tubes of the heat exchanger 7. In this case, the flow element 2 or 2 'in the front region of the heat exchanger 7 is arranged, because here attach preferably the lint. In the rear region of the heat exchanger 7, the lint is removed by the accumulation of condensate during the drying process. By the flow element 2 or 2 ', the heat exchanger 7 can be uniformly flowed over the component width of the rinsing liquid.

Claims (13)

1. Household appliance for laundry care having a cleaning device for a component (7) loaded with lint in a household appliance, wherein the cleaning device has a rinsing unit, by means of which rinsing fluid (S) can be conducted to the component (7) to remove the lint,

   - wherein the rinsing unit has a flow element (2, 2'), which is disposed above the component (7) and has an inner moulding, on account of which a dynamic pressure can build up in the rinsing fluid (S) within the flow element (2, 2') and flowing through said flow element (2, 2');

   - wherein the flow element (2, 2') has an elongated part (3, 3') which has an opening (6, 6') for the egress of fluid on the side facing the component (7) and the flow element for building up the dynamic pressure has a cross-section which comprises at least one narrow point (12, 12'),
   characterised in that

   - the elongated part (3, 3') extends in its length (b) over the entire width of the component (7); and

   - the opening (6, 6') in the elongated part (3, 3') of the flow element (2, 2') embodied on the side facing the component (7) extends over the length (b) of this elongated part (3, 3').
2. Household appliance according to claim 1, characterised in that at least before the narrow point (12, 12') the flow element (2, 2') has an interior dimension that is larger than the interior dimension at the narrow point (12, 12').
3. Household appliance according to claim 1, characterised in that the narrow point (12, 12') extends over the length (b) of the elongated part (3, 3') of the flow element (2, 2').
4. Household appliance according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterised in that the narrow point (12, 12') is configured as symmetrical in cross section.
5. Household appliance according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterised in that the narrow point (12, 12') is configured as asymmetrical in cross section.
6. Household appliance according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the flow element (2, 2') has at least one element (8, 9) to position and/or hold the flow element (2, 2') on the component (7).
7. Household appliance according to claim 6, characterised in that the element (8, 9) is disposed on the elongated part (3, 3') of the flow element (2, 2'), in particular is disposed as a single piece.
8. Household appliance according to claim 6 or 7, characterised in that an element (8, 9) is disposed on a side of the elongated part (3, 3') of the flow element (2, 2') facing the component (7) and extends downward.
9. Household appliance according to one of claims 6 to 8, characterised in that two elements (8, 9) are disposed on the opposing ends (10, 11) of the elongated part (3, 3') of the flow element (2, 2') and extend downward parallel to one another.
10. Household appliance according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the flow element (2, 2') has a connector (4, 4') for a supply line for the rinsing fluid (S), which is disposed in particular on a side of the elongated part (3, 3') of the flow element (2, 2') facing away from the component (7).
11. Household appliance according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the flow element (2, 2') is configured as a single piece, in particular as a single-piece injection moulded part.
12. Household appliance according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the component (7) is a heat exchanger.
13. Method for cleaning a component (7) loaded with lint in a household appliance for laundry care, wherein

    - rinsing fluid (S) is conducted to the component (7) for lint removal with a rinsing unit,

    - in an elongated part (3, 3') of a flow element (2, 2') assigned to the rinsing unit, the rinsing fluid (S) escapes through an opening (6, 6') which is disposed on the side facing the component (7), and

    - in the flow element (2, 2'), the inner moulding of which has a cross-section, which comprises at least one narrow point (12, 12'), a dynamic pressure is built up in the rinsing liquid (S) within the flow element (2, 2');
    characterised in that

    - the elongated part (3, 3') extends in its length (b) over the entire width of the component (7); and

    - the opening (6, 6') in the elongated part (3, 3') of the flow element (2, 2') embodied on the side facing the component (7) extends over the length (b) of this elongated part (3, 3').

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