EP2388368A1 - Laundry appliance comprising a steam generator - Google Patents
Laundry appliance comprising a steam generator Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- EP2388368A1 EP2388368A1 EP10163020A EP10163020A EP2388368A1 EP 2388368 A1 EP2388368 A1 EP 2388368A1 EP 10163020 A EP10163020 A EP 10163020A EP 10163020 A EP10163020 A EP 10163020A EP 2388368 A1 EP2388368 A1 EP 2388368A1
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- EP
- European Patent Office
- Prior art keywords
- hose
- water
- steam generator
- aeration
- laundry appliance
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
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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
Definitions
- the invention relates to a laundry appliance comprising a steam generator, wherein the steam generator comprises a water tank that is fluidically connected to a filling hose and a de-aeration hose, wherein the filling hose comprises a lower end that is connected to the steam generator and an upper end that is intended to be filled with water, and wherein the de-aeration hose comprises a lower end that is connected to the steam generator and an upper end that is fluidically connected to air.
- U. S. Patent 3,180,037 relates to a laundry appliance embodied as a clothes dryer comprising a means for dispersing a fabric treating material into said hot air in said flow passage substantially at said surface to effect a concurrent drying and treatment of fabrics in said chamber.
- U. S. Patent 3,242,584 relates to a laundry appliance embodied as a domestic clothes drying device providing the combination of a rotatable drum for tumbling damp fabric, means for producing superheated steam, means for passing a predetermined amount of said superheated steam interiorly of said drum for vaporizing the liquid contained in the fabric tumbled by said drum, means for circulating air through said drum for extracting steam and vaporized liquid therefrom, and means for heating the air circulating through said drum for providing a final drying cycle supplementing that produced by said superheated steam.
- U. S. Patent 4,207,683 relates to a laundry dryer having a touch-up spray for removal of wrinkles from clothing and fabrics and permanent press clothing, in particular without removing possibly present factory set creases.
- the dryer may include a water heating unit for spraying water of a selected temperature or steam. The steam is applied to remove undesired wrinkles or odours from the laundry being treated and thus provides refreshment to the laundry. Accordingly, this dryer may be designated to be a "refresher dryer". It should be remarked that such nomination is not reserved to an appliance which is designed merely to dry laundry besides the refreshing function; instead, it will also be applied to a washer/dryer with a refreshing function.
- DE 34 08 136 A1 relates to a tumble dryer comprising a venturi-type mixing tube which is fed with steam via a gas feeding pipe and water via an inlet.
- a venturi-type mixing tube water is atomized due to the effect of the steam coming out of a nozzle, whereby a mist consisting of steam and water with extremely fine droplets is created.
- This mixture is sprayed into an inside of a drum as a mist cloud.
- textile material can be moistened and subsequently dried.
- EP 1 275 767 A1 relates to a laundry appliance embodied as a clothes dryer or washer/dryer that treats laundry by introducing steam into a tub after the drainage of water to reduce creases.
- Steam treatment water is held in the tub at a temperature of at least 40 °C and at most 70 °C.
- EP 1 655 408 A1 relates to a device to generate steam in a laundry appliance which is a washing machine, said device comprising a main body and means of heating the main body, wherein a flow channel is defined in the main body such that water flowing through the flow channel is heated and converted to steam.
- the object of the invention is achieved by a laundry appliance comprising a steam generator, wherein
- This steam generator has the advantage that, since the highest point of the de-aeration hose is located higher than the upper end of the filling hose, a spill-over of the water tank can readily be avoided. Thus, when the steam generator is filled, then water will be visible to a user at the upper end of the filling hose. In this case the de-aeration hose is still not filled up to the top such that no spill-over of water from the de-aeration hose occurs. Also, because of the upside-down U-shaped section of the de-aeration hose, there is no possibility to accidentally fill the steam generator with water being introduced into the upper end of the de-aeration hose (e.g. coming from a condensate container shell). Both measures support a low-maintenance and safe operation.
- a tip of the 'U' corresponds to the highest point of the de-aeration hose. This achieves a particular safe prevention of accidentally filling the steam generator via the de-aeration hose. Also, a presence of water remains within the de-aeration hose that may house germs or the like can be prevented easily.
- the upper end of the de-aeration hose is connected to an overfall hose. This further reduces the possibility of water entering the de-aeration hose from its upper end since the overfall hose quickly guides water flowing through it (e.g. from the condensate container shell) into a bottom section of the laundry appliance or directly into a drain. A filling of the overfall hose with water is highly unlikely.
- an upper end of the overfall hose is connected to a condensate container shell.
- the overfall hose can thus prevent a spilling of water from the condensate container shell which might else harm operation or cause extra maintenance of the laundry appliance.
- the lower end of the de-aeration hose and / or of the filling hose is connected to the steam generator by a rubber connector. This enables a leak-proof, cost-effective and thermally robust connection.
- the upper end of the filling hose is connected to an inlet funnel.
- the inlet funnel facilitates filling the filling hose by a user, e.g. with distilled water, and provides an easy means to detect a full filling hose or water level.
- the de-aeration hose is a corrugated hose at least in sections. This facilitates a compact and versatile design avoiding the danger of fatigue cracks in or buckling of the de-aeration hose.
- the U-shaped section of the de-aeration hose is not a corrugated section. This ensures a safe seat of the U-shaped section, e.g. a conformal support, by preventing slipping from the support.
- the highest point of the de-aeration hose is located at least 2 cm, in particular at least 5 cm, higher than the upper end of the filling hose. This prevents a water flow into the overfall hose even if the laundry appliance is set up obliquely.
- the level B is at least 2 cm higher than level A plus a (lowest) height of the inlet funnel such that a user may also fill the inlet funnel without an adverse effect. This improves detection of a water level, in particular when filling up the water tank.
- the highest point of the de-aeration hose is at least about 5 cm higher than the upper end of the filling hose plus/and the (lowest) height of the inlet funnel.
- Fig.1 shows a refresher dryer 1 that is a clothes dryer that incorporates a clothes or laundry refreshing and de-wrinkling function applying steam to the clothes.
- the refresher dryer 1 is shown without housing.
- the refresher dryer 1 is embodied as a tumble dryer comprising a rotatable drum 2 which holds the clothes to be dried and which may be operated by being rotated in reversing rotational directions.
- the drum 2 can be loaded and unloaded through an opening 3.
- the opening 3 is typically closed by a door (not shown).
- the operation of a tumble dryer 1 as such is well known.
- the refresher dryer 1 comprises a steam generator 4 which is located at a bottom of the refresher dryer 1 and mounted on top of a cover 39 of a heat exchanger 40. Of the steam generator 4, a front side F (see also fig.2 ) is visible.
- the steam generator 4 is used to generate steam from water.
- the water preferably distilled water
- the water is supplied to the steam generator 4 via a filling hose 6 which comprises a lower end 49 that is connected to a water inlet 19 of the steam generator 4 (as described in greater detail in fig.2 ) and an upper end 50 that is intended to be filled with distillate water via an inlet funnel 51.
- the output generated by the steam generator 4 usually is a mixture of steam and hot water and is led to a steam separator 7.
- the steam separator 7 separates the steam from the hot water.
- the steam is fed into the drum 2 via a hose 8 that leads to a nozzle 9.
- the nozzle 9 opens into the drum 2 and may inject the steam directly onto the laundry to be treated therein.
- the steam injection may comprise an injection of steam and/or a fine mist of water droplets.
- the nozzle 9 may have a shape (e.g. angular shape) that allows orientation of the steam flow.
- the hot water is returned to a T-connector 42 located in a dryer pump reservoir via a flexible hot water return hose.
- the steam separator 7 ensures that only steam with a low or very low liquid content is fed into the drum 2.
- the steam generator 4 further comprises or is connected to a basically straight de-aeration hose 43.
- This de-aeration hose 43 comprises a lower end 52 that is connected to the water tank 10 of the steam generator 4 via a de-aeration outlet 44 (see fig.3 ) by a rubber connector 60 and an upper end 53 is fluidically connected to air by being connected to an upper region of a condensate container shell 5.
- the steam generator 4 further comprises a siphon fixation 47 for holding or fixing a siphon 48.
- Fig.2 shows the steam generator 4 in greater detail by showing an elevated view onto a rear side B of the steam generator 4.
- the rear side B of the steam generator 4 borders on the drum 2 and faces to the inside of the refresher dryer 1 of Fig.1 .
- the front side F of the steam generator 4 is shown in Fig.1 .
- the steam generator 4 comprises a water tank 10 for a base that is covered by an upper part 11 of a tank body of the water tank 10.
- a water level of the water tank 10 is measured by a water level sensor 12 that is implemented as a combined reed water level sensor 12a and float water level sensor 12b.
- the water level sensor 12 is placed inside the water tank 10.
- the water tank 10 is filled with water via the water inlet 19 that is connected to the filling hose 6 as shown in fig.1 .
- the water level sensor 12 may be used to control the function of the steam generator 4 as well as the function of drying components of the refresher dryer 1; in this case the water tank 10 also acts as a water tank for the drying components.
- a heater 13 is mounted to heat water and subsequently produce steam, usually mixed with the hot water.
- the heater 13 comprises an aluminum housing and is supported on support columns 21. Further, the support columns 21 each hold a respective silicone holder 23 laterally mounted to the heater 13.
- This holding or supporting arrangement of the heater 13 has the advantage that vibrations from or to the heater 13 are suppressed and that a thermal flow from the heater 13 is at least partially blocked by the silicone holders 23.
- the heater 13 is not arranged horizontally but is angled relative to the horizontal in order to achieve an improved de-calcification.
- the mixture of steam and hot water generated within the heater 13 is led out of the heater 13 and fed to the steam separator 7 by a steam outlet pipe 15 or hose.
- a temperature of the heater 13 is monitored by a NTC (negative temperature coefficient) sensor 16 that is mounted on top / on an upper part of the heater 13.
- the NTC sensor 16 may be regarded as part of the heater 13.
- the heater 13 also comprises or is connected to a safety switch 17 by which the heater 13 may be switched off to prevent overheating.
- the water is supplied from the water tank 10 to the heater 13 by a water pump 14 which is implemented as a solenoid-driven vibration pump.
- the solenoid pump 14 is supported by a pair of screwed rubber holders 18. This reduces the propagation of vibration and thus reduces the overall noise of the steam generator. The suppression of the vibration propagation also enhances the life time of the steam generator 4.
- Fig.3 shows an exploded view of the steam generator 4 viewing its front side F.
- the water tank 10 comprises a tank body 20, which is covered by the upper part 11.
- the upper part 11 comprises the water inlet 19 for connection with the lower end 49 of the filling hose 6 and the de-aeration outlet 44 for connection with the lower end 52 of the de-aeration hose 43.
- the tank body 20 comprises a water outlet 45 that can be connected to a water inlet of the water pump 14 via a water pipe 46.
- a metal insert 25 that acts as a barrier against fire in the unlikely case of a melting of the heater 13.
- the bottom of the tank body 20 also holds the siphon fixation 47.
- the upper surface of the water tank 10 further comprises the support columns 21 for supporting the heater 13.
- the support columns 21 each comprise an upper recess 22 for supporting the respective silicone holder 23.
- Each silicone holder 23 is in turn laterally mounted to the heater 13, in particular fitted onto a respective mounting column 24.
- This holding arrangement of the heater 13 has the advantage that vibrations from or to the heater 13 are suppressed and that a thermal flow from the heater 13 is at least partially blocked by the silicone holders 23.
- Water is supplied into the heater 13 via a water inlet connection 27, is guided within the heater 13 by a water tube 38 and can then leave the heater 13 as steam or a mixture of hot water and steam by a steam outlet connection 28.
- the water tube 38 can be heated up by a heating element or heating elements (not visible) of the heater 13.
- the water tube 38 is located on a top surface of the heater 13.
- the water inlet connection 27 is connected to a pressure outlet 29 of the water pump 14 by a connection hose 30.
- the water inlet connection 27 and the pressure outlet 29 are aligned horizontally and facing each other; this ensures a direct / linear connection that acts against a possible pressure drop at the heater 13 and that also prevents the hose 30 from coming off.
- the steam outlet connection 28 is connected to the steam outlet pipe 15.
- the heater 13 is angled relative to the horizontal with the end comprising the connections 27, 28 being placed lower than the opposite end in order to achieve an improved de-calcification.
- a metal insert 25 with soft edges, e.g. round edges.
- the soft edges prevent damage to electrical connections, e.g. damage to an insulation of an electrical cable.
- the heater 13 is grounded electrically via the metal insert 25 and from the metal insert 25 further to a dryer frame 33 shown in Fig.1 .
- the metal insert 25 may act as a barrier against fire in the unlikely case of a melting of the heater 13.
- the NTC sensor 16 On top of the heater 13 the NTC sensor 16 is mounted. Electrical terminals 26 of a heating element of the heater 13 are located at the same side as the water inlet and outlet.
- the safety switch 17 uses a duo pack comprising a bi-metal element and a fuse to prevent overheating of the heater 13. In case that the safety switch 17 detects an overheating condition, it switches off the heater 13. Threshold temperatures where a switching action will occur are presently set at 190°C for the bi-metal element which is reversible, and 260°C for the fuse which is irreversible. Thereby, the safety switch 17 will turn off the heater 13 reversibly in case of a minor malfunction which produces a temperature rise of minor criticality, and it will turn off the heater 13 irreversibly (that is, irreversibly except by action of a skilled service technician) upon a temperature rise of major criticality.
- the safety switch 17 may be located near the heating element(s), or the heating element(s) may at least partially be inserted into the safety switch 17.
- the steam outlet pipe 15 and the connection hose 30 are placed above and may be borne on a micanite safety insert 31.
- the safety insert 31 provides a leakage protection. Furthermore, the safety insert 31 prevents electrical connections from getting in contact with water that may be leaking or condensing at the or between the water pump 14 and the heater 13.
- the use of micanite or mica provides for a high dielectric strength, excellent chemical stability, and high resistance to excess heat. Also, the plate-like micanite safety insert 31 is light-transmissive such that is does not inhibit a view onto elements located below it.
- the steam generator 4 further comprises a single connection housing 32 for all electrical connections / internal wiring 41.
- the connection housing 32 may be produced, e.g. by AMP Inc. All electrical connections lead into the connection housing 32.
- the electrical connections / internal wiring 41 include an earth connection line 34 and an electrical connection 35 being connected to a temperature protector 36 of the water pump 14.
- the temperature protector 36 is mounted on the water pump 14.
- the connection housing 32 may be connected to a cover 37 of the steam generator 4 by clamping.
- the steam generator 4 is in large parts covered by a plastic cover 37.
- the plastic cover 37 can be clamped onto the tank 10 without the need for screws or other additional fixing elements to provide easy assembly.
- the plastic cover 37 can be made of a flame retardant material, like a V0 material, to ensure standards for safety regulations.
- Fig.4 shows an oblique view of a cut-out of a laundry appliance 54 according to another embodiment.
- Fig.5 shows an enlarged cut-out of the laundry appliance 54.
- the laundry appliance 54 is similar to the laundry appliance 1 except that the de-aeration hose 55 is formed differently.
- the de-aeration hose 55 still comprises the lower end 52 that is connected to the steam generator 4 via the de-aeration outlet 44 and an upper end 56 that is fluidically connected to air.
- the upper end 56 of the de-aeration hose 55 is connected to an overfall hose 58.
- An upper end of the overfall hose 58 is connected to the condensate container shell 5 while its lower end may be connected to a bottom part of the laundry appliance 54 or a drain.
- the overfall hose 58 may thus prevent filling up and spilling of the condensate container shell 5.
- Connecting the upper end 56 of the de-aeration hose 55 to the overfall hose 58 gives the advantage that a flow of water from into the de-aeration hose 55 is unlikely.
- the de-aeration hose 55 now comprises an upside-down U-shaped section 57, a tip 59 of which corresponds to the highest point of the de-aeration hose 55.
- water from the overfall hose 58 would have to travel upwards first if it would enter the de-aeration hose 55 which ensures that there is no spilling of water through the de-aeration hose 55 into the water tank 10.
- the tip 59 of the U-shaped section 57 is located higher (on a level B) within the laundry appliance 54 than the upper end 50 of the filling hose 6 (which is on a lower level A).
- water will also not spill out of the de-aeration hose 55 into the overfall hose 58 which prevents an unintentional waste of water and, if a user does not realize that the filling hose 6 is filled, a flooding of the laundry appliance 54. Rather, a user can detect a filled filling hose 6 by seeing the (preferably distilled) water being near or coming out of the upper end 50.
- the level B is at least 2 cm higher than level A to prevent a water flow into the overfall hose 58 even if the laundry appliance 54 is set up obliquely.
- the level B is at least 5 cm higher than level A.
- the level B is at least 2 cm higher than level A plus a (lowest) height of the inlet funnel 51 such that a user may also fill the inlet funnel 51 without an adverse effect. This improves detection of a water level, in particular when filling up the water tank 10.
- level B is at least about 2 cm to 5 cm higher than the level A plus the height of the inlet funnel 51.
- the de-aeration hose 55 To shape and mount the de-aeration hose 55 easily without introducing mechanically overstressed or compressed regions, it is embodied as a corrugated hose at least in sections.
- the corrugated sections are shown graphically.
- the U-shaped section 57 of the de-aeration hose 55 on the other hand, is not a corrugated section to certainly maintain its U-shape and to prevent slipping from its support.
- the de-aeration hose 55 and / or the filling hose 6 may be made of plastic and / or of metal, e.g. stainless steel (being a pipe at least in parts).
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- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Textile Engineering (AREA)
- Accessory Of Washing/Drying Machine, Commercial Washing/Drying Machine, Other Washing/Drying Machine (AREA)
- Detail Structures Of Washing Machines And Dryers (AREA)
Abstract
The laundry appliance (54) comprises a steam generator (4), wherein the steam generator (4) comprises a water tank (10) that is fluidically connected to a filling hose (6) and a de-aeration hose (43); wherein the filling hose comprises a lower end (49) that is connected to the steam generator (4) and an upper end (50) that is intended to be filled with water; wherein the de-aeration hose (43) comprises a lower end that is connected to the steam generator (4) and an upper end that is fluidically connected to air; wherein a highest point of the de-aeration hose (43) is located higher than the upper end (50) of the filling hose (6); and wherein the de-aeration hose (43) comprises at least an upside-down U-shaped section (57).
Description
- The invention relates to a laundry appliance comprising a steam generator, wherein the steam generator comprises a water tank that is fluidically connected to a filling hose and a de-aeration hose, wherein the filling hose comprises a lower end that is connected to the steam generator and an upper end that is intended to be filled with water, and wherein the de-aeration hose comprises a lower end that is connected to the steam generator and an upper end that is fluidically connected to air.
-
U. S. Patent 3,180,037 relates to a laundry appliance embodied as a clothes dryer comprising a means for dispersing a fabric treating material into said hot air in said flow passage substantially at said surface to effect a concurrent drying and treatment of fabrics in said chamber. -
U. S. Patent 3,242,584 relates to a laundry appliance embodied as a domestic clothes drying device providing the combination of a rotatable drum for tumbling damp fabric, means for producing superheated steam, means for passing a predetermined amount of said superheated steam interiorly of said drum for vaporizing the liquid contained in the fabric tumbled by said drum, means for circulating air through said drum for extracting steam and vaporized liquid therefrom, and means for heating the air circulating through said drum for providing a final drying cycle supplementing that produced by said superheated steam. -
U. S. Patent 4,207,683 relates to a laundry dryer having a touch-up spray for removal of wrinkles from clothing and fabrics and permanent press clothing, in particular without removing possibly present factory set creases. The dryer may include a water heating unit for spraying water of a selected temperature or steam. The steam is applied to remove undesired wrinkles or odours from the laundry being treated and thus provides refreshment to the laundry. Accordingly, this dryer may be designated to be a "refresher dryer". It should be remarked that such nomination is not reserved to an appliance which is designed merely to dry laundry besides the refreshing function; instead, it will also be applied to a washer/dryer with a refreshing function. -
DE 34 08 136 A1 -
EP 1 275 767 A1 -
EP 1 655 408 A1 - It is an object of the present invention to provide a particularly maintenance-friendly and safe operation of a steam generator for a laundry appliance, in particular a refresher dryer.
- The object is achieved according to the features of the independent claim. Preferred embodiments can be derived, inter alia, from the dependent claims as well as from the following specification.
- The object of the invention is achieved by a laundry appliance comprising a steam generator, wherein
- the steam generator comprises a water tank that is fluidically connected to a filling hose and a de-aeration hose; wherein
- the filling hose comprises a lower end that is connected to the steam generator and an upper end that is intended to be filled with water; wherein
- the de-aeration hose comprises a lower end that is connected to the steam generator and an upper end that is fluidically connected to air; wherein
- a highest point of the de-aeration hose is located higher than the upper end of the filling hose; and wherein
- the de-aeration hose comprises at least an upside-down U-shaped section.
- This steam generator has the advantage that, since the highest point of the de-aeration hose is located higher than the upper end of the filling hose, a spill-over of the water tank can readily be avoided. Thus, when the steam generator is filled, then water will be visible to a user at the upper end of the filling hose. In this case the de-aeration hose is still not filled up to the top such that no spill-over of water from the de-aeration hose occurs. Also, because of the upside-down U-shaped section of the de-aeration hose, there is no possibility to accidentally fill the steam generator with water being introduced into the upper end of the de-aeration hose (e.g. coming from a condensate container shell). Both measures support a low-maintenance and safe operation.
- It is an embodiment that a tip of the 'U' corresponds to the highest point of the de-aeration hose. This achieves a particular safe prevention of accidentally filling the steam generator via the de-aeration hose. Also, a presence of water remains within the de-aeration hose that may house germs or the like can be prevented easily.
- It is another embodiment that the upper end of the de-aeration hose is connected to an overfall hose. This further reduces the possibility of water entering the de-aeration hose from its upper end since the overfall hose quickly guides water flowing through it (e.g. from the condensate container shell) into a bottom section of the laundry appliance or directly into a drain. A filling of the overfall hose with water is highly unlikely.
- It is yet another embodiment that an upper end of the overfall hose is connected to a condensate container shell. The overfall hose can thus prevent a spilling of water from the condensate container shell which might else harm operation or cause extra maintenance of the laundry appliance.
- It is still another embodiment that the lower end of the de-aeration hose and / or of the filling hose is connected to the steam generator by a rubber connector. This enables a leak-proof, cost-effective and thermally robust connection.
- It is also an embodiment that the upper end of the filling hose is connected to an inlet funnel. The inlet funnel facilitates filling the filling hose by a user, e.g. with distilled water, and provides an easy means to detect a full filling hose or water level.
- It is even another embodiment that the de-aeration hose is a corrugated hose at least in sections. This facilitates a compact and versatile design avoiding the danger of fatigue cracks in or buckling of the de-aeration hose.
- It is yet another embodiment that the U-shaped section of the de-aeration hose is not a corrugated section. This ensures a safe seat of the U-shaped section, e.g. a conformal support, by preventing slipping from the support.
- It is a further embodiment that the highest point of the de-aeration hose is located at least 2 cm, in particular at least 5 cm, higher than the upper end of the filling hose. This prevents a water flow into the overfall hose even if the laundry appliance is set up obliquely. Preferably, the level B is at least 2 cm higher than level A plus a (lowest) height of the inlet funnel such that a user may also fill the inlet funnel without an adverse effect. This improves detection of a water level, in particular when filling up the water tank. Preferably, the highest point of the de-aeration hose is at least about 5 cm higher than the upper end of the filling hose plus/and the (lowest) height of the inlet funnel.
- In the following description which in particular refers to the figures of the attached drawing, a preferred embodiment of the invention is schematically described in greater detail.
- Fig.1
- shows an oblique view onto a laundry appliance comprising a steam generator;
- Fig.2
- shows an oblique view onto the steam generator of the laundry appliance of
Fig.1 ; - Fig.3
- shows an exploded view of the steam generator;
- Fig.4
- shows an oblique view onto a cut-out of a laundry appliance according to another embodiment; and
- Fig.5
- shows an enlarged cut-out of the laundry appliance according the another embodiment.
-
Fig.1 shows arefresher dryer 1 that is a clothes dryer that incorporates a clothes or laundry refreshing and de-wrinkling function applying steam to the clothes. Therefresher dryer 1 is shown without housing. In particular, therefresher dryer 1 is embodied as a tumble dryer comprising arotatable drum 2 which holds the clothes to be dried and which may be operated by being rotated in reversing rotational directions. Thedrum 2 can be loaded and unloaded through anopening 3. Theopening 3 is typically closed by a door (not shown). The operation of atumble dryer 1 as such is well known. - To implement the refreshing function, the
refresher dryer 1 comprises asteam generator 4 which is located at a bottom of therefresher dryer 1 and mounted on top of acover 39 of aheat exchanger 40. Of thesteam generator 4, a front side F (see alsofig.2 ) is visible. Thesteam generator 4 is used to generate steam from water. The water (preferably distilled water) is supplied to thesteam generator 4 via a fillinghose 6 which comprises alower end 49 that is connected to awater inlet 19 of the steam generator 4 (as described in greater detail infig.2 ) and anupper end 50 that is intended to be filled with distillate water via aninlet funnel 51. - The output generated by the
steam generator 4 usually is a mixture of steam and hot water and is led to asteam separator 7. Thesteam separator 7 separates the steam from the hot water. The steam is fed into thedrum 2 via ahose 8 that leads to anozzle 9. Thenozzle 9 opens into thedrum 2 and may inject the steam directly onto the laundry to be treated therein. The steam injection may comprise an injection of steam and/or a fine mist of water droplets. To this end, thenozzle 9 may have a shape (e.g. angular shape) that allows orientation of the steam flow. The hot water is returned to a T-connector 42 located in a dryer pump reservoir via a flexible hot water return hose. Thus, thesteam separator 7 ensures that only steam with a low or very low liquid content is fed into thedrum 2. - The
steam generator 4 further comprises or is connected to a basicallystraight de-aeration hose 43. Thisde-aeration hose 43 comprises alower end 52 that is connected to thewater tank 10 of thesteam generator 4 via a de-aeration outlet 44 (seefig.3 ) by a rubber connector 60 and anupper end 53 is fluidically connected to air by being connected to an upper region of acondensate container shell 5. - The
steam generator 4 further comprises a siphonfixation 47 for holding or fixing a siphon 48. -
Fig.2 shows thesteam generator 4 in greater detail by showing an elevated view onto a rear side B of thesteam generator 4. The rear side B of thesteam generator 4 borders on thedrum 2 and faces to the inside of therefresher dryer 1 ofFig.1 . The front side F of thesteam generator 4 is shown inFig.1 . - The
steam generator 4 comprises awater tank 10 for a base that is covered by anupper part 11 of a tank body of thewater tank 10. A water level of thewater tank 10 is measured by awater level sensor 12 that is implemented as a combined reed water level sensor 12a and float water level sensor 12b. Thewater level sensor 12 is placed inside thewater tank 10. Thewater tank 10 is filled with water via thewater inlet 19 that is connected to the fillinghose 6 as shown infig.1 . Thewater level sensor 12 may be used to control the function of thesteam generator 4 as well as the function of drying components of therefresher dryer 1; in this case thewater tank 10 also acts as a water tank for the drying components. - On top of the
upper part 11 of the water tank 10 aheater 13 is mounted to heat water and subsequently produce steam, usually mixed with the hot water. Theheater 13 comprises an aluminum housing and is supported onsupport columns 21. Further, thesupport columns 21 each hold arespective silicone holder 23 laterally mounted to theheater 13. This holding or supporting arrangement of theheater 13 has the advantage that vibrations from or to theheater 13 are suppressed and that a thermal flow from theheater 13 is at least partially blocked by thesilicone holders 23. Theheater 13 is not arranged horizontally but is angled relative to the horizontal in order to achieve an improved de-calcification. - The mixture of steam and hot water generated within the
heater 13 is led out of theheater 13 and fed to thesteam separator 7 by asteam outlet pipe 15 or hose. A temperature of theheater 13 is monitored by a NTC (negative temperature coefficient)sensor 16 that is mounted on top / on an upper part of theheater 13. TheNTC sensor 16 may be regarded as part of theheater 13. - The
heater 13 also comprises or is connected to asafety switch 17 by which theheater 13 may be switched off to prevent overheating. - The water is supplied from the
water tank 10 to theheater 13 by awater pump 14 which is implemented as a solenoid-driven vibration pump. Thesolenoid pump 14 is supported by a pair of screwedrubber holders 18. This reduces the propagation of vibration and thus reduces the overall noise of the steam generator. The suppression of the vibration propagation also enhances the life time of thesteam generator 4. -
Fig.3 shows an exploded view of thesteam generator 4 viewing its front side F. Thewater tank 10 comprises atank body 20, which is covered by theupper part 11. Theupper part 11 comprises thewater inlet 19 for connection with thelower end 49 of the fillinghose 6 and thede-aeration outlet 44 for connection with thelower end 52 of thede-aeration hose 43. Thetank body 20 comprises awater outlet 45 that can be connected to a water inlet of thewater pump 14 via awater pipe 46. At a bottom of thetank body 20 there is placed ametal insert 25 that acts as a barrier against fire in the unlikely case of a melting of theheater 13. The bottom of thetank body 20 also holds the siphonfixation 47. - The upper surface of the
water tank 10 further comprises thesupport columns 21 for supporting theheater 13. To this end, thesupport columns 21 each comprise anupper recess 22 for supporting therespective silicone holder 23. Eachsilicone holder 23 is in turn laterally mounted to theheater 13, in particular fitted onto arespective mounting column 24. This holding arrangement of theheater 13 has the advantage that vibrations from or to theheater 13 are suppressed and that a thermal flow from theheater 13 is at least partially blocked by thesilicone holders 23. - Water is supplied into the
heater 13 via awater inlet connection 27, is guided within theheater 13 by awater tube 38 and can then leave theheater 13 as steam or a mixture of hot water and steam by a steam outlet connection 28. Thewater tube 38 can be heated up by a heating element or heating elements (not visible) of theheater 13. Thewater tube 38 is located on a top surface of theheater 13. Thewater inlet connection 27 is connected to apressure outlet 29 of thewater pump 14 by aconnection hose 30. Thewater inlet connection 27 and thepressure outlet 29 are aligned horizontally and facing each other; this ensures a direct / linear connection that acts against a possible pressure drop at theheater 13 and that also prevents thehose 30 from coming off. The steam outlet connection 28 is connected to thesteam outlet pipe 15. Theheater 13 is angled relative to the horizontal with the end comprising theconnections 27, 28 being placed lower than the opposite end in order to achieve an improved de-calcification. - Between the
upper part 11 of thewater tank 10 and theheater 13 there is inserted ametal insert 25 with soft edges, e.g. round edges. The soft edges prevent damage to electrical connections, e.g. damage to an insulation of an electrical cable. Theheater 13 is grounded electrically via themetal insert 25 and from themetal insert 25 further to adryer frame 33 shown inFig.1 . Themetal insert 25 may act as a barrier against fire in the unlikely case of a melting of theheater 13. - On top of the
heater 13 theNTC sensor 16 is mounted.Electrical terminals 26 of a heating element of theheater 13 are located at the same side as the water inlet and outlet. - At the bottom of the
heater 13 thesafety switch 17 is located. Thesafety switch 17 uses a duo pack comprising a bi-metal element and a fuse to prevent overheating of theheater 13. In case that thesafety switch 17 detects an overheating condition, it switches off theheater 13. Threshold temperatures where a switching action will occur are presently set at 190°C for the bi-metal element which is reversible, and 260°C for the fuse which is irreversible. Thereby, thesafety switch 17 will turn off theheater 13 reversibly in case of a minor malfunction which produces a temperature rise of minor criticality, and it will turn off theheater 13 irreversibly (that is, irreversibly except by action of a skilled service technician) upon a temperature rise of major criticality. It is understood that problems of less criticality include problems caused by temporary clogs of and water bubbles in the water hoses leading to theheater 13 which may be expected to disappear by themselves and do not require attention by a skilled service technician. Accordingly, it is understood to be a sufficient measure to interrupt the action of theheater 13 only reversibly upon encountering such problems. Thesafety switch 17 may be located near the heating element(s), or the heating element(s) may at least partially be inserted into thesafety switch 17. - The
steam outlet pipe 15 and theconnection hose 30 are placed above and may be borne on amicanite safety insert 31. Thesafety insert 31 provides a leakage protection. Furthermore, thesafety insert 31 prevents electrical connections from getting in contact with water that may be leaking or condensing at the or between thewater pump 14 and theheater 13. The use of micanite or mica provides for a high dielectric strength, excellent chemical stability, and high resistance to excess heat. Also, the plate-likemicanite safety insert 31 is light-transmissive such that is does not inhibit a view onto elements located below it. - The
steam generator 4 further comprises asingle connection housing 32 for all electrical connections /internal wiring 41. Theconnection housing 32 may be produced, e.g. by AMP Inc. All electrical connections lead into theconnection housing 32. The electrical connections /internal wiring 41 include anearth connection line 34 and anelectrical connection 35 being connected to atemperature protector 36 of thewater pump 14. Thetemperature protector 36 is mounted on thewater pump 14. Theconnection housing 32 may be connected to acover 37 of thesteam generator 4 by clamping. - The
steam generator 4 is in large parts covered by aplastic cover 37. Theplastic cover 37 can be clamped onto thetank 10 without the need for screws or other additional fixing elements to provide easy assembly. Theplastic cover 37 can be made of a flame retardant material, like a V0 material, to ensure standards for safety regulations. -
Fig.4 shows an oblique view of a cut-out of alaundry appliance 54 according to another embodiment.Fig.5 shows an enlarged cut-out of thelaundry appliance 54. Thelaundry appliance 54 is similar to thelaundry appliance 1 except that thede-aeration hose 55 is formed differently. Thede-aeration hose 55 still comprises thelower end 52 that is connected to thesteam generator 4 via thede-aeration outlet 44 and anupper end 56 that is fluidically connected to air. - The
upper end 56 of thede-aeration hose 55 is connected to anoverfall hose 58. An upper end of theoverfall hose 58 is connected to thecondensate container shell 5 while its lower end may be connected to a bottom part of thelaundry appliance 54 or a drain. Theoverfall hose 58 may thus prevent filling up and spilling of thecondensate container shell 5. Connecting theupper end 56 of thede-aeration hose 55 to theoverfall hose 58 gives the advantage that a flow of water from into thede-aeration hose 55 is unlikely. This advantage is emphasized by the fact that thede-aeration hose 55 now comprises an upside-downU-shaped section 57, atip 59 of which corresponds to the highest point of thede-aeration hose 55. Thus, water from theoverfall hose 58 would have to travel upwards first if it would enter thede-aeration hose 55 which ensures that there is no spilling of water through thede-aeration hose 55 into thewater tank 10. - In particular, the
tip 59 of theU-shaped section 57 is located higher (on a level B) within thelaundry appliance 54 than theupper end 50 of the filling hose 6 (which is on a lower level A). Thus, by virtue of the principle of communicating vessels, water will also not spill out of thede-aeration hose 55 into theoverfall hose 58 which prevents an unintentional waste of water and, if a user does not realize that the fillinghose 6 is filled, a flooding of thelaundry appliance 54. Rather, a user can detect a filled fillinghose 6 by seeing the (preferably distilled) water being near or coming out of theupper end 50. Preferably, the level B is at least 2 cm higher than level A to prevent a water flow into theoverfall hose 58 even if thelaundry appliance 54 is set up obliquely. Preferably, the level B is at least 5 cm higher than level A. Preferably, the level B is at least 2 cm higher than level A plus a (lowest) height of theinlet funnel 51 such that a user may also fill theinlet funnel 51 without an adverse effect. This improves detection of a water level, in particular when filling up thewater tank 10. Preferably, level B is at least about 2 cm to 5 cm higher than the level A plus the height of theinlet funnel 51. - To shape and mount the
de-aeration hose 55 easily without introducing mechanically overstressed or compressed regions, it is embodied as a corrugated hose at least in sections. The corrugated sections are shown graphically. TheU-shaped section 57 of thede-aeration hose 55, on the other hand, is not a corrugated section to certainly maintain its U-shape and to prevent slipping from its support. Thede-aeration hose 55 and / or the fillinghose 6 may be made of plastic and / or of metal, e.g. stainless steel (being a pipe at least in parts). - Of course, the invention is not limited to the present embodiment.
-
- 1
- refresher dryer
- 2
- drum
- 3
- opening
- 4
- steam generator
- 5
- condensate container shell
- 6
- filling hose
- 7
- steam separator
- 8
- hose
- 9
- nozzle
- 10
- water tank
- 11
- upper part of tank body
- 12
- water level sensor
- 12a
- reed sensor
- 12b
- float sensor
- 13
- heater
- 14
- water pump
- 15
- steam outlet pipe
- 16
- NTC sensor
- 17
- safety switch
- 18
- rubber holder
- 19
- water inlet
- 20
- tank body
- 21
- support column
- 22
- upper recess
- 23
- silicone holder
- 24
- mounting column
- 25
- metal insert
- 26
- electrical terminal
- 27
- water inlet connection
- 28
- steam outlet connection
- 29
- pressure outlet
- 30
- connection hose
- 31
- safety insert
- 32
- housing
- 33
- dryer frame
- 34
- earth connection line
- 35
- electrical connection
- 36
- temperature protector
- 37
- plastic cover
- 38
- water tube
- 39
- cover of heat exchanger
- 40
- heat exchanger
- 41
- internal wiring
- 42
- T-connector
- 43
- de-aeration hose
- 44
- de-aeration outlet
- 45
- water outlet
- 46
- water pipe
- 47
- siphon fixation
- 48
- siphon
- 49
- lower end of the filling hose
- 50
- upper end of the filling hose
- 51
- inlet funnel
- 52
- lower end of the de-aeration hose
- 53
- upper end of the de-aeration hose
- 54
- laundry appliance
- 55
- de-aeration hose
- 56
- upper end of the de-aeration hose
- 57
- U-shaped section of the de-aeration hose
- 58
- overfall hose
- 59
- tip of the U-shaped section
- A
- level A
- B
- level B
- R
- rear side of steam generator
- F
- front side of steam generator
Claims (10)
- A laundry appliance (54) comprising a steam generator (4), wherein- the steam generator (4) comprises a water tank (10) that is fluidically connected to a filling hose (6) and a de-aeration hose (43) ; wherein- the filling hose comprises a lower end (49) that is connected to the steam generator (4) and an upper end (50) that is intended to be filled with water; wherein- the de-aeration hose (43) comprises a lower end that is connected to the steam generator (4) and an upper end that is fluidically connected to air; wherein- a highest point of the de-aeration hose (43) is located higher than the upper end (50) of the filling hose (6); and wherein- the de-aeration hose (43) comprises at least an upside-down U-shaped section (57).
- The laundry appliance (54) according to claim 1, wherein a tip of the U-shaped section (57) corresponds to the highest point of the de-aeration hose (55).
- The laundry appliance (54) according to any of the previous claims, wherein the highest point of the de-aeration hose (43) is located at least 2 cm higher than the upper end (50) of the filling hose (6).
- The laundry appliance (54) according to any of the previous claims, wherein the upper end (56) of the de-aeration hose (55) is connected to an overfall hose (58).
- The laundry appliance (54) according claim 4, wherein an upper end of the overfall hose (58) is connected to a condensate container shell (5).
- The laundry appliance (54) according to any of the previous claims, wherein the lower end (52) of the de-aeration hose (55) is connected to the steam generator (4) by a rubber connector (60).
- The laundry appliance (54) according to any of the previous claims, wherein the upper end (50) of the filling hose (6) is connected to an inlet funnel (51).
- The laundry appliance (54) according to claim 7, wherein the highest point of the de-aeration hose (43) is located at least 2 cm higher than the upper end (50) of the filling hose (6) and the height of the inlet funnel (51).
- The laundry appliance (54) according to any of the previous claims, wherein the de-aeration hose (55) is a corrugated hose at least in sections.
- The laundry appliance (1) according claim 9, wherein the at least one U-shaped section (57) of the de-aeration hose (55) is not a corrugated section.
Priority Applications (5)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
EP10163020A EP2388368A1 (en) | 2010-05-17 | 2010-05-17 | Laundry appliance comprising a steam generator |
CN201180022215.8A CN102869827B (en) | 2010-05-17 | 2011-05-05 | Comprise the Laundry appliance of steam generator |
PL11718366T PL2572028T3 (en) | 2010-05-17 | 2011-05-05 | Laundry drier with a steam generator |
EP11718366.5A EP2572028B1 (en) | 2010-05-17 | 2011-05-05 | Laundry drier with a steam generator |
PCT/EP2011/057188 WO2011144453A1 (en) | 2010-05-17 | 2011-05-05 | Laundry appliance comprising a steam generator |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
EP10163020A EP2388368A1 (en) | 2010-05-17 | 2010-05-17 | Laundry appliance comprising a steam generator |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
EP2388368A1 true EP2388368A1 (en) | 2011-11-23 |
Family
ID=42830248
Family Applications (2)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
EP10163020A Withdrawn EP2388368A1 (en) | 2010-05-17 | 2010-05-17 | Laundry appliance comprising a steam generator |
EP11718366.5A Active EP2572028B1 (en) | 2010-05-17 | 2011-05-05 | Laundry drier with a steam generator |
Family Applications After (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
EP11718366.5A Active EP2572028B1 (en) | 2010-05-17 | 2011-05-05 | Laundry drier with a steam generator |
Country Status (4)
Country | Link |
---|---|
EP (2) | EP2388368A1 (en) |
CN (1) | CN102869827B (en) |
PL (1) | PL2572028T3 (en) |
WO (1) | WO2011144453A1 (en) |
Cited By (2)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
WO2014075848A1 (en) * | 2012-11-13 | 2014-05-22 | Arcelik Anonim Sirketi | A laundry washing and/or drying machine with a steam generator |
DE102013102182A1 (en) * | 2013-03-06 | 2014-09-11 | Miele & Cie. Kg | Clothes dryer with a condensation device |
Families Citing this family (3)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
WO2014075897A1 (en) | 2012-11-13 | 2014-05-22 | Arcelik Anonim Sirketi | A laundry washing and/or drying machine |
WO2014075926A1 (en) | 2012-11-13 | 2014-05-22 | Arcelik Anonim Sirketi | A laundry washing and/or drying machine |
CN107761309B (en) * | 2016-08-18 | 2021-07-09 | 青岛海尔洗涤电器有限公司 | Washing machine with steam washing function |
Citations (10)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
GB638019A (en) * | 1946-04-04 | 1950-05-31 | British Thomson Houston Co Ltd | Improvements in and relating to steam irons |
US3159174A (en) * | 1960-05-05 | 1964-12-01 | Hoover Co | Filling and emptying system for washing machine |
US3180037A (en) | 1962-05-07 | 1965-04-27 | Whirlpool Co | Apparatus for bleaching fabrics and the like |
US3242584A (en) | 1963-04-29 | 1966-03-29 | Gen Motors Corp | Domestic clothes drying appliance |
US4207683A (en) | 1979-02-01 | 1980-06-17 | Horton Roberta J | Clothes dryer |
DE3408136A1 (en) | 1984-03-06 | 1985-09-19 | Passat-Maschinenbau Gmbh, 7100 Heilbronn | Process and appliance for the treatment of textiles |
EP1275767A1 (en) | 2001-07-10 | 2003-01-15 | V-Zug AG | Laundry drier or automatic washing machine with steaming device |
EP1655408A1 (en) | 2004-11-05 | 2006-05-10 | Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. | Washing machine |
FR2929961A1 (en) * | 2008-04-09 | 2009-10-16 | Rowenta Werke Gmbh | HOUSEHOLD APPLIANCE COMPRISING A BASE FOR THE PRODUCTION OF STEAM COMPRISING A REMOVABLE TANK |
EP2145998A1 (en) * | 2008-07-17 | 2010-01-20 | LG Electronics Inc. | Method for controlling fragrance spray for clothes dryer |
Family Cites Families (2)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
GB588152A (en) * | 1944-11-15 | 1947-05-15 | Asher Joseph Simons | Improvements in and relating to a combination steam ironing unit |
KR20060040437A (en) * | 2004-11-05 | 2006-05-10 | 삼성전자주식회사 | Washing machine with steam generator |
-
2010
- 2010-05-17 EP EP10163020A patent/EP2388368A1/en not_active Withdrawn
-
2011
- 2011-05-05 EP EP11718366.5A patent/EP2572028B1/en active Active
- 2011-05-05 PL PL11718366T patent/PL2572028T3/en unknown
- 2011-05-05 WO PCT/EP2011/057188 patent/WO2011144453A1/en active Application Filing
- 2011-05-05 CN CN201180022215.8A patent/CN102869827B/en active Active
Patent Citations (10)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
GB638019A (en) * | 1946-04-04 | 1950-05-31 | British Thomson Houston Co Ltd | Improvements in and relating to steam irons |
US3159174A (en) * | 1960-05-05 | 1964-12-01 | Hoover Co | Filling and emptying system for washing machine |
US3180037A (en) | 1962-05-07 | 1965-04-27 | Whirlpool Co | Apparatus for bleaching fabrics and the like |
US3242584A (en) | 1963-04-29 | 1966-03-29 | Gen Motors Corp | Domestic clothes drying appliance |
US4207683A (en) | 1979-02-01 | 1980-06-17 | Horton Roberta J | Clothes dryer |
DE3408136A1 (en) | 1984-03-06 | 1985-09-19 | Passat-Maschinenbau Gmbh, 7100 Heilbronn | Process and appliance for the treatment of textiles |
EP1275767A1 (en) | 2001-07-10 | 2003-01-15 | V-Zug AG | Laundry drier or automatic washing machine with steaming device |
EP1655408A1 (en) | 2004-11-05 | 2006-05-10 | Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. | Washing machine |
FR2929961A1 (en) * | 2008-04-09 | 2009-10-16 | Rowenta Werke Gmbh | HOUSEHOLD APPLIANCE COMPRISING A BASE FOR THE PRODUCTION OF STEAM COMPRISING A REMOVABLE TANK |
EP2145998A1 (en) * | 2008-07-17 | 2010-01-20 | LG Electronics Inc. | Method for controlling fragrance spray for clothes dryer |
Cited By (3)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
WO2014075848A1 (en) * | 2012-11-13 | 2014-05-22 | Arcelik Anonim Sirketi | A laundry washing and/or drying machine with a steam generator |
DE102013102182A1 (en) * | 2013-03-06 | 2014-09-11 | Miele & Cie. Kg | Clothes dryer with a condensation device |
DE102013102182B4 (en) * | 2013-03-06 | 2015-06-11 | Miele & Cie. Kg | Clothes dryer with a condensation device |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
EP2572028B1 (en) | 2015-04-01 |
CN102869827A (en) | 2013-01-09 |
EP2572028A1 (en) | 2013-03-27 |
CN102869827B (en) | 2015-09-30 |
WO2011144453A1 (en) | 2011-11-24 |
PL2572028T3 (en) | 2015-08-31 |
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