EP2582872B1 - Collecting tank for condensed water for a condensation-type dryer, condensation-type dryer and process for using a condensation-type dryer - Google Patents

Description

The invention relates to a condensate container for a condensation laundry drying apparatus, wherein the condensate container has a condensate inlet and a condensate outlet, between which at least one sieve is arranged, and a first container portion and a second container portion, which are separated by a partition wall.

Such a condensate tank is apparent from the EP 2 138 627 A1 ,

The DE 10 2007 052 835 A1 describes a method and a device for cleaning a component, in particular an evaporator of a condenser device, and laundry or tumble dryer with such a device. For cleaning a arranged within a process air cycle of a washer or dryer component, in particular an evaporator of a condenser, condensate, which is obtained in the process air cycle from the dryer of wet laundry and collected in a condensate tray, to a provided above the evaporator or to a rinsing chamber of this and a serving as a storage chamber overflow area collecting container led and delivered by sudden opening of the washing compartment or the rinsing chamber on the outlet side as a surge of water to the relevant component, and / or it is discharged under pressure tap water to the relevant component.

The DE 10 2008 032 800 A1 describes a device for cleaning a component, in particular an evaporator of a capacitor device. The device is equipped with a arranged within a process air cycle of a washing or tumble dryer to be cleaned component, in particular an evaporator of a condenser device, and with a condensate tray, in which in the process air cycle by drying wet laundry resulting condensate trappable, from this to a rinsing container provided above the evaporator hinleitbar and can be discharged therefrom from an outlet opening to the component to be cleaned, wherein the rinsing container has a closure part for selectively opening and closing the outlet opening and an actuator for actuating the closure part, wherein the closure part a sealing head for closing having the outlet opening which is connected to a rotatably mounted on the first container first lever arm.

In these devices for cleaning a component contained in the condensate foreign bodies, especially lint, but also hair, etc., deposited in an existing on the washing filter element, so when cleaning the component to be cleaned, in particular an evaporator of a heat pump, only clean, lint-free Condensate is used. The retained in the filter element lint, etc. are at a manual emptying of the washing in z. B. rinsed out of the wire again in a sink. However, if the condensate is automatically pumped directly out of the unit, the condensate container no longer needs to be removed from the unit. As a result, the sieve would not be cleaned and clogged.

EP 2 138 627 A1 relates to a dryer comprising a drying chamber for receiving articles to be dried, a process air duct for carrying process air over the articles to receive moisture therefrom, a heat sink disposed in the process air duct for condensing the moisture from the process air as a condensate, a condensate collection device for collecting of the condensate comprising a condensate container. The condensate container has an insert which is permeable to the condensate and extends through an opening in the condensate container for transferring the condensate to and from the condensate container, the insert having a first filter for filtering particles from the condensate Saving the condensate in the condensate tank has.

DE 10 2007 049 060 A1 relates to a method for operating a rinsing liquid device in a domestic appliance for the care of laundry, in which the condensate generated during a care process is collected as rinsing liquid in a rinsing and operating phase specific for removing lint from a heat exchanger of a heat pump of the domestic appliance is passed through this wherein, depending on a specific type of connection of the rinsing liquid device through the heat exchanger guided rinsing liquid for liquid disposal is automatically directed into a collection of rinsing liquid or in an external sewer system. DE 10 2007 049 060 A1 also relates to a rinsing liquid device.

For cleaning a arranged within a process air cycle of a washer or dryer component, in particular an evaporator of a capacitor device is in DE 10 2007 052 835 A1 Condensate water, which is obtained in the process air cycle from the dryer of wet laundry and collected in a condensate water tank, led to a above the evaporator rinsing or to a rinsing chamber of this and serving as a storage chamber overflow collecting container and opened by sudden opening of the rinsing container or the rinsing chamber discharged on the outlet side as a surge of water to the relevant component, and / or it is discharged pressurized water power to the relevant component.

It is the object of the present invention to at least partially overcome the disadvantages of the cited prior art and, in particular, to provide a possibility for cleaning a screen of a condensate container not intended for removal or not removable of a condensation clothes dryer.

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

The object is achieved by a condensate container for a condensation laundry drying apparatus, wherein the condensate container has a condensate inlet and a condensate outlet, between which at least one sieve is arranged, and a first container portion and a second container portion, which are separated by a partition, and wherein the condensate inlet is formed as an overflow and the overflow at least one overflow channel from the condensate inlet to an edge of the condensate tank , the condensate container has at least one optionally closable connection channel between the first container region and the second container region, and an upper edge of the dividing wall is higher than the overflow channel.

According to the invention, the condensate container has a first container region and a second container region which are separated from one another by a dividing wall whose upper edge is higher than the overflow channel. This embodiment has the advantage that it is visible or can not be removed both with a condensation clothes dryer (with closed connection channel, so that the condensate tank only uses the first tank area, because the partition wall is higher than the overflow channel), as well as with a condensation clothes dryer is where the condensate container is intended for removal (with the connection channel open, so that the condensate container uses both portions of the container) (dual usability).

Because the condensate inlet is designed as an overflow, condensate overflowing condensate (condensed water or condensed water) can flow off in a targeted manner. This prevents the condensate container from being covered over a large area with the condensate when the condensate inlet is overflowed and, if necessary, from being contaminated by foreign objects (lint, hair, etc.). The overflow can also be used, in particular, to drain foreign bodies, which are released from the screen by deliberate or intentional overflowing of the condensate and then flushed out of the condensate container. It is exploited that when a filling of the condensate container, the foreign body are trapped in the at least one sieve, in the overflow, however, a water turbulence and a backflow of the condensate can occur, which solve the foreign matter from the sieve. The dissolved foreign bodies can then be washed out with the overflowing condensate from the condensate tank. The overflow can thus be used for targeted cleaning of the screen in a particular not intended for removal or not removable condensate tank. The overflow is easy and inexpensive to implement in the production.

It is an embodiment that the condensate inlet has an overflow edge on a side edge of the condensate container as the overflow channel and is surrounded adjacent thereto by a guide wall which projects upwards from the overflow edge. This embodiment has the advantage that the overflow channel can be configured particularly simply, namely essentially only by the overflow edge. The condensate inlet can directly adjoin the side edge of the condensate tank. In particular, a side wall of the condensate container may constitute a boundary wall of the condensate inlet. The overflow edge may then represent the (top) edge of the sidewall or a portion thereof. Due to the higher guide wall, which may be formed in particular in an upper wall, top or ceiling of the condensate tank, overflow outside the overflow channel is prevented. In particular, it can be prevented that condensate contaminated with foreign bodies can deposit on the top side of the condensate container. The guide wall is advantageously interrupted only by the overflow channel, in particular the overflow edge.

It is a development that the condensate inlet has a recess formed on an upper side or a lid of the condensate container or is defined by such. The recess may be open at the edge, for example. The overflow channel can be formed in particular on or through the open section (with). Alternatively, the recess can be closed on the edge or circumferentially (surrounded by material). The overflow channel can in this case be formed, for example, by a channel-like depression, which leads, for example, to the edge of the condensate container or to a discharge opening in the condensate container.

It is still an embodiment that the at least one sieve is arranged on the condensate inlet. As a result, the sieve can be particularly effectively exposed to turbulence of the charged condensate, possibly even be exposed directly, so that the foreign body can be particularly easily detached from the sieve. Dissolution of the foreign bodies is assisted by going substantially directly to the condensate inlet, e.g. by simply floating up.

It is also an embodiment that the at least one sieve has a cup-shaped sieve element which can be inserted through the condensate inlet into the condensate container. The at least one sieve (for example a sieve with one or more sieve regions held by a common frame) can thus be arranged in a particularly simple manner directly on the condensate inlet. The cup-like shape ensures that the condensate does not spill or spurt out of the condensate container when the condensate container is not completely filled.

Alternatively, at least one sieve may be present within the condensate container at some distance from the condensate inlet, e.g. designed as a laterally open screen, which is arranged in a flow channel of the condensate container.

The sieve can be removed from the condensate tank or permanently installed in the condensate tank.

It is also an embodiment that the at least one connecting channel comprises a recess in the partition wall, wherein the recess by means of an insertable from outside closure element, in particular a plug-in plug, can be closed. As a result, a change between removable and non-removable use is particularly simple without a tool feasible, even in and by an end user. The unit costs can be correspondingly be lowered. Instead of a plug, for example, a slider or a flap can be used.

It is still an embodiment that the recess has an opening in an upper side of the condensate container, wherein the opening is lower than the overflow channel.

The condensation drying machine is set up for receiving or accommodating the condensate container as described above and can be in particular a complementary device for this purpose. The condensate container may be integrally connected to the condensation laundry dryer, arranged as a separately manufactured but permanently installed (non-removable) component in the condensation laundry dryer, or removable by a user in the condensation laundry dryer be arranged. The overflowing from the condensate tank condensate is collected by the collecting element and thus not distributed uncontrollably inside the condensation clothes dryer.

In particular, the component to be cleaned may be a component arranged within a process air cycle of a laundry or tumble dryer, e.g. an evaporator of a condenser device or arranged in a process air duct, in particular obliquely standing, lint filter.

It is advantageous for a controlled discharge of the overflowed condensate configuration that a drain hose is attached to the collecting element.

The drain hose can be used to dispose of the overflowed condensate from the condensation clothes dryer and, for example, to a sink or a trap.

It is a development that the drain hose is designed as a user-releasable drain hose. The drain hose may be, for example, a flexible rubber hose. In particular, the drain hose is located, for the most part or completely outside of the condensation clothes dryer, allowing easy connection and replacement.

It is still a further development that the drain hose connects to a lying on a rear wall of the condensation clothes drying device lowest point of the receiving space. Thus, a substantially complete emptying of the receiving space is made possible. In addition, the drain hose is so easily stowed outside a typical field of view.

Alternatively or additionally, drain hose may be formed as a return hose to the sump, so that the condensate is available for further rinsing operations.

The return hose is used in particular when the condensate tank is to be emptied manually.

It is also an embodiment that a conveyable condensate volume of the collecting container is greater than a condensate receiving volume of the condensate container. As a result, overflow of the condensate container can be reliably achieved, at least in the case of a full collecting container.

The condensation dryer may be a washer-dryer or a tumble dryer. The tumble dryer may be, for example, a conventional condensation tumble dryer and / or a condensation tumble dryer with a heat pump. It may be a particularly advantageous embodiment that the condensate discharged from the condensation water tank serves as a rinsing liquid for an evaporator of the heat pump, as can be deposited on the cooling fins or fins of the evaporator very easily fluff, etc., thereby reducing the effectiveness of the heat pump.

• Vorhalten von Kondensat in dem Kondensatbehälter vor einem Trocknungsvorgang;
• Sammeln, während eines Trocknungsvorgangs, von mittels der Kondensationseinheit erzeugtem Kondensat in dem Sammelbehälter;
• Einlaufenlassen, während mindestens einer Reinigungsphase des Trocknungsvorgangs, von zum Abreinigen des zu reinigenden Bauteils aus dem Kondensatbehälter abgelassenen Kondensats in den Sammelbehälter,
• Befördern, nach dem Einlaufenlassen, des gesamten abpumpbaren Kondensats des Sammelbehälters zu dem Kondensatbehälter.

Generally, the condensation drying apparatus may have a basic construction as in DE 10 2007 052835 A1 or DE 10 2008 032 800 A1 exhibit. Thus, the condensate tank a basic structure and function as a in DE 10 2007 052835 A1 or DE 10 2008 032 800 A1 Have described washing container. The collection can, for example, the condensate water tank DE 10 2007 052835 A1 or DE 10 2008 032 800 A1 correspond. The method comprises at least the following steps:

• Holding condensate in the condensate container prior to a drying process;
• Collecting, during a drying process, condensate generated by the condensing unit in the collecting container;
• Running in, during at least one cleaning phase of the drying process, of condensate discharged from the condensate container for cleaning the component to be cleaned, into the collecting container,
• Carrying, after running, the entire pumpable condensate condensate of the reservoir to the condensate tank.

This embodiment has the advantage that the flushing of the foreign body from the condensate tank already works in the first filling of the condensate tank. Because by the running in the already partially filled with the ("fresh") condensate collecting tank is supplemented by the previously held in the condensate tank ("old") condensate, whereby such a large amount of condensate from the sump pumpable back to the condensate tank that ensures overflow can be.

Fig. 1

zeigt in Ansicht von schräg oben einen Ausschnitt aus einem erfindungsgemäßen Kondensatbehälter;

Fig.2

zeigt in einer Draufsicht den Kondensatbehälter aus Fig. 1 mit einem durchscheinenden Deckel; und

Fig.3

zeigt in Ansicht von schräg hinten ein Kondensationswäschetrocknungsgerät.

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

Fig. 1

shows a view from obliquely above a section of a condensate container according to the invention;

Fig.2

shows in a plan view of the condensate tank Fig. 1 with a translucent lid; and

Figure 3

shows in view from obliquely behind a condensation clothes dryer.

Fig. 1 shows a view from obliquely above a section of a condensate tank according to the invention 1. The condensate tank 1 has a bottom shell 2 and a (fixed or removable) attached lid 3 or top. In the condensate tank 1, an upper-side condensate inlet 4 is present. The condensate inlet 4 is defined by a recess 5 in the lid 3. The condensate inlet 4 has an overflow channel 7, which is formed by means of or on an upper edge or edge of a side wall 6 of the bottom shell 2, which is not covered by the cover 3. This free portion of the upper edge of the bottom shell 2 may also be referred to as an overflow edge or as an overflow edge.

The recess 5 is thus not circumferentially surrounded by the cover 3, but is laterally open, said open portion defines the overflow channel 7. Formed by the cover 3 (guide) wall 8 of the recess 5, which adjoins the overflow channel 7, is opposite the overflow channel 7 and the open portion significantly high and thus serves as an overflow protection in the direction of the lid 3. The guide wall 8 is formed vertically upright here. The guide wall 8 has a substantially circular sector-shaped or elongated circular sector shape in plan view, as well as in Fig.2 shown. Through the overflow channel 7 is achieved that from the condensate inlet 4 overflowing or back-flowing condensate does not run on the lid 3, but falls through the overflow channel 7 on the upper edge of the bottom tray 2 and overflow edge.

At the condensate inlet 4, a sieve 9 is arranged, which extends from the condensate inlet 4 from flat or (here :) cup-shaped into the condensate tank 1. An upper edge 10 of the sieve 9 is at least partially seated on the condensate inlet 4 (the overflow channel 7 can then also be formed by the upper edge 10 of the sieve 9). When condensate is introduced into the condensate inlet 4 in the case of a condensate container 1 that is only partially filled, it flows into the sieve 9 and further into the interior of the condensate container 1, whereby foreign matter, in particular lint or hair, remains on the sieve 9. If the condensate level in the condensate tank 1 rises, the foreign matter floats up. The dissolution of the foreign matter from the sieve 9 is supported by the turbulence of standing in the sieve 9 condensate. If the condensate tank 1 is filled so far that overflows condensate and runs through the overflow channel 7 side, the floating foreign body are flushed out. Thus, the sieve 9 can be cleaned automatically and without a manual emptying of the condensate tank 1.

Fig.2 shows in a plan view of the condensate tank 1 with the now translucent drawn cover 3. The bottom shell 2 is divided by a partition 11 into a first container portion 12 and a second container portion 13, wherein an upper edge 14 of the partition wall 11 is higher than the overflow channel. The condensate inlet 4 leads into the first container area 12.

By means of a recess in the partition wall 11, a connecting channel 15 between the first container portion 12 and the second container portion 13 is formed. Through the connecting channel 15 can (filtered or purified) condensate from the first tank portion 12 into the second tank portion 13 to flow, even if the level is lower than the overflow channel 7. With open connection channel 15 thus the volumes of the first Container area 12 and the second container area 13 ready for filling, with closed connection channel 15, only the first connection region 12th

In the bottom of the bottom tray 2 there is also in the first container portion a condensate drain 16 which is closed by a valve, e.g. having a top cover (o.Fig.) Is closed. The connecting channel 15 preferably extends to the bottom or the lower wall of the bottom shell 2, in order to allow as complete a flow as possible of the condensate from the second container region 13.

The connecting channel 15 can be easily closed by inserting a closure element in the form of a plug-in plug 17 and can be opened again by pulling out the plug 17. The connecting channel 15 can be closed in particular when the condensate container 1 is provided for an automatic cleaning of the sieve 9 by an overflow, since the overflow then already occurs at a comparatively small filling volume. The connecting channel 15 can be opened in particular when the condensate container 1 is provided for a cleaning of the sieve 9 by means of a manual removal and emptying. For safe storage of the plug 17 with the connecting channel 15 open, the plug 17 can be plugged into a storage channel 18 which does not hinder the connecting channel 15.

Figure 3 shows a view from obliquely behind a condensation clothes dryer 19. A rear wall 20 of the condensation clothes dryer 19 limits, inter alia, a receiving space 21 for the condensate tank 1 in which the condensate tank 1 can be inserted from its front. The receiving space 21 serves as a collecting element for overflowing from the condensate tank 1 condensate.

At a lying on the rear wall 20 lowest point of the receiving space 21, two hoses can optionally be connected from the outside, namely a return hose 22 or a drain hose 23 in the strict sense. The return hose 22 can in particular be connected if the condensate is to be available for further rinsing operations and can be passed, for example, to a collecting container, in particular in a floor assembly. The drain hose 23 may in particular be connected if the overflowed condensate is to be removed on the condensation clothes dryer 19, and may, for example, become a sink or a trap be guided. The drain hose 23 extends at least for the most part, in this case completely, outside the housing of the condensation clothes dryer 19 and can be laid by an end user, for example to the wash basin or the trap. The drain hose 23 is therefore user-manageable or user-portable. The drain hose 23 can be stowed when not in use on the condensation clothes dryer 19, for example, be clamped or rolled up. Thus, the washed fluff can be removed directly from the condensation clothes dryer 19 in an automatic cleaning process, which suppresses, for example, a decomposition smell of deposited lint in the condensation clothes drying apparatus 19.

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

Thus, the condensate tank can also be designed without a removable lid (with an integrated lid). Also, the sieve may not be located in the immediate area of the condensate inlet, but spaced eg within the condensate container from the condensate inlet, eg not below the condensate inlet. Also, for example, the overflow channel may form a section on the upper side, in particular the lid, of the condensate container. The inlet opening may then be laterally completely surrounded by the lid or the top. There are basically other forms of overflow channels conceivable, for example, multiple overflow channels.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1

condensate tank

2

bottom tray

3

cover

4

condensate inlet

5

recess

6

Side wall of the bottom shell

7

Overflow channel

8th

guide wall

9

scree

10

upper edge of the sieve

11

partition wall

12

first container area

13

second container area

14

upper edge of the partition

15

connecting channel

16

condensate drain

17

Plug

18

Storage opening

19

Condensation laundry drying device

20

Rear wall of condensation clothes dryer

21

accommodation space

22

Return hose

23

drain hose

Claims (6)

1. Collecting tank for condensed water (1) for a condensation-type dryer, wherein

   - the collecting tank for condensed water (1) has a condensate inlet (4) and a condensate outlet, between which at least one filter (9) is arranged, and a first tank zone (12) and a second tank zone (13), which are separated from one another by means of a partition wall (11), characterised in that

   - the condensate inlet (4) is embodied as an overflow,

   - the overflow has at least one overflow channel (7) from the condensate inlet (4) to an edge of the collecting tank for condensed water (1),

   - the collecting tank for condensed water (1) has at least one selectively closable connecting channel (15) between the first tank zone (12) and the second tank zone (13), and

   - an upper edge (14) of the partition wall (11) is higher than the overflow channel (7).
2. Collecting tank for condensed water according to claim 1, wherein the condensate inlet has an overflow rim on a side edge (9) of the collecting tank for condensed water (1) as the overflow channel (7) and is surrounded adjacent thereto by a guide wall (8) which is vertical with respect to the overflow channel (7).
3. Collecting tank for condensed water (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one filter (9) is arranged on the condensate inlet (4).
4. Collecting tank for condensed water according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one filter (9) has a flat or cup-shaped filter element, which can be inserted into the collecting tank for condensed water (1) through the condensate inlet (4).
5. Collecting tank for condensed water (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one connecting channel (15) comprises a cut-out in the partition wall (11), wherein the cut-out can be closed by means of a closing element which can be inserted from the outside, in particular insertable plug (17).
6. Collecting tank for condensed water (1) according to claim 5, wherein the cut-out has an opening in an upper side (3) of the collecting tank for condensed water (1), wherein the opening is lower than the overflow channel (7).

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