EP2604746A1 - Laundry-drying machine - Google Patents
Laundry-drying machine Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- EP2604746A1 EP2604746A1 EP12196670.9A EP12196670A EP2604746A1 EP 2604746 A1 EP2604746 A1 EP 2604746A1 EP 12196670 A EP12196670 A EP 12196670A EP 2604746 A1 EP2604746 A1 EP 2604746A1
- Authority
- EP
- European Patent Office
- Prior art keywords
- drum
- air
- laundry
- agitation member
- wall
- 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.)
- Granted
Links
- 238000001035 drying Methods 0.000 title claims abstract description 78
- 238000013019 agitation Methods 0.000 claims abstract description 74
- 238000010438 heat treatment Methods 0.000 claims abstract description 33
- 238000004891 communication Methods 0.000 claims abstract description 24
- 239000012530 fluid Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 20
- 230000002093 peripheral effect Effects 0.000 claims description 61
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 claims description 8
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 claims description 4
- 239000004033 plastic Substances 0.000 claims description 4
- 238000009792 diffusion process Methods 0.000 description 11
- 239000006185 dispersion Substances 0.000 description 10
- 230000009467 reduction Effects 0.000 description 6
- 238000009423 ventilation Methods 0.000 description 6
- 238000009833 condensation Methods 0.000 description 5
- 230000005494 condensation Effects 0.000 description 5
- 229920006395 saturated elastomer Polymers 0.000 description 4
- 230000009471 action Effects 0.000 description 3
- 230000001464 adherent effect Effects 0.000 description 3
- 230000000694 effects Effects 0.000 description 3
- 238000012423 maintenance Methods 0.000 description 3
- 238000007789 sealing Methods 0.000 description 3
- 241000239290 Araneae Species 0.000 description 2
- 230000005540 biological transmission Effects 0.000 description 2
- 229910052739 hydrogen Inorganic materials 0.000 description 2
- 239000002991 molded plastic Substances 0.000 description 2
- 238000005096 rolling process Methods 0.000 description 2
- 238000012360 testing method Methods 0.000 description 2
- 238000009827 uniform distribution Methods 0.000 description 2
- 210000002268 wool Anatomy 0.000 description 2
- 238000003491 array Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000010276 construction Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000011161 development Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000009434 installation Methods 0.000 description 1
- 125000006850 spacer group Chemical group 0.000 description 1
- 238000011144 upstream manufacturing Methods 0.000 description 1
Images
Classifications
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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
-
- 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
- D06F58/02—Domestic laundry dryers having dryer drums rotating about a horizontal axis
-
- 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
- D06F58/02—Domestic laundry dryers having dryer drums rotating about a horizontal axis
- D06F58/04—Details
Definitions
- the present invention relates to a laundry-drying machine, of the type indicated in the preamble of Claim 1.
- Laundry-drying machines typically comprise a substantially parallelepipedal cabinet, housed in which in a rotatable way is a drum, driven by an electric motor so as to turn about a substantially horizontal axis.
- the front of the drum has an opening that is accessible via a door hinged to the front wall of the cabinet in order to enable loading and unloading of the laundry to be dried.
- the access door is hinged to the upper part of the cabinet and the cylindrical wall of the drum is in turn provided with a door.
- laundry-agitation members or paddles associated to the peripheral wall of the drum itself.
- the machine has a system for conveying a flow of drying air, including at least one duct operatively associated to which are a fan and air-heating means.
- the fan is operative for forcing the air into the drum, via a delivery branch of the system, after the air itself has been heated by the heating means, for example comprising an electrical resistance.
- the hot air traverses the inside of the drum and is saturated with the humidity yielded by the laundry articles contained therein, said articles being thus progressively dried.
- the system for conveying the air is provided in such a way that the fan sucks fresh air into the cabinet of the machine and/or from the environment where the laundry dryer is installed and then forces the heated air into the drum; the moist air leaving the drum is then expelled from the appliance.
- the system for conveying the air is substantially of a closed-circuit type: in this case, the moist air leaving the drum passes in a suction branch of the circuit, upstream of the fan, along which there is a condenser designed to subtract humidity from the air, said dehumidified air being then again heated and re-introduced into the drum via the delivery branch of the circuit.
- the hot drying air is introduced into the drum substantially axially, through its rear wall, purposely provided with an inlet constituted by an array of holes.
- the duct that conveys the heated air downstream of the fan is shaped in such a way that at least its terminal portion forms a chamber, within which the air diffuses and then penetrates into the drum through the aforesaid array of holes.
- This chamber has in general an at least approximately circular profile so as to circumscribe a region of diffusion of the air that substantially faces the array of holes.
- a filter is provided accessible to the user of the machine, having the function of withholding the fluff released by the garments during treatment and entrained by the forced flow of air.
- At least one paddle has an internal cavity, delimited at the rear by the rear wall of the drum.
- the array of holes of the rear wall of the drum has some dedicated holes, which are set in a position corresponding to the cavity of the paddle: in this way, during rotation of the drum, the dedicated holes cyclically face the diffusion chamber that constitutes the terminal part of the air duct.
- a part of the flow of drying air can thus penetrate into the cavity of the paddle, which is provided with outlets that make it possible to orient the drying air towards the central area of the drum.
- the remaining part of the flow of drying air penetrates, instead, axially into the drum, through the other holes of the array provided in the end wall.
- the object of the present invention is consequently to provide a laundry-drying machine of the type indicated at the start having a circuit for conveying the drying air that will present an enhanced efficiency, and will be simple to produce, inexpensive, and reliable.
- a laundry-drying machine comprising a drum rotatable about a substantially horizontal axis and having a rear wall, a front wall and a substantially cylindrical peripheral wall, which extends between the front and rear walls, the drum having at least one inlet for the air and at least one outlet for the air, the machine further comprising a fan and air-heating means, wherein the drum is designed to be traversed by hot air, forced by means of the fan and heated via the heating means before being introduced into the drum through said at least one inlet, the fan and the heating means being operatively associated to an air-conveying duct having a delivery section, which is in fluid communication with said at least one inlet, and a suction section, which is in fluid communication with said at least one outlet, wherein inside the drum at least one laundry-agitation member is provided, associated to the cylindrical wall, the at least one agitation member having a cavity, configured for receiving at least part of the hot air introduced into the drum, and one
- the machine according to the above said first embodiment of the invention is characterized in that outside the drum a directing device is mounted, connected in rotation to the structure of the drum, which is operatively coupled to the delivery section of the duct and is configured for directing at least part of the air coming from the duct to said at least one passageway, and hence to the cavity of the corresponding agitation member.
- the delivery section of the duct comprises a stationary end chamber
- the directing device has at least one first body portion that is operatively interposed between the end chamber and the rear wall of the drum, and the at least one first body portion has at least one inlet opening for hot air, which faces inside the end chamber.
- the at least one first body portion is preferably generally parallel to the rear wall of the drum to define a respective stretch of radial path for air.
- the at least one passageway comprises an opening in the peripheral wall of the drum.
- the directing device has at least one second body portion substantially parallel to the peripheral wall of the drum, to define a corresponding stretch of axial path for the hot air, an area of the peripheral wall of the drum in which the passageway is located being interposed between the second body portion and the corresponding agitation member.
- the at least one first body portion has preferably a respective cavity for passage of the hot air.
- the at least one second body portion has a respective cavity for passage of the hot air, which is in fluid communication with the cavity of the first body portion.
- the end chamber has a peripheral wall having a front edge and the directing device has a surface bearing on which said front edge abuts with interposition of sliding seal means.
- the drum has preferably a plurality of agitation members
- the directing device has a plurality of first body portions and the first body portions extend radially with respect to said axis.
- the first body portions are connected together by arch-shaped walls, the first body portions and the arch-shaped walls defining the above said surface.
- the directing device has a plurality of second body portions, between each second body portion and a corresponding agitation member there being interposed an area of the peripheral wall of the drum in which a respective passageway is located.
- the at least one passageway preferably comprises an opening in the rear wall of the drum, an area of the rear wall of the drum in which the passageway is located being interposed between the first body portion and the corresponding agitation member.
- the at least one first body portion and/or the at least one second body portion has preferably an open box structure, to delimit with the rear wall or the peripheral wall of the drum, respectively, a corresponding stretch of path for the hot air.
- the at least one inlet for the air comprises preferably at least one further passageway for the hot air, which includes one or one or more respective through openings in the rear wall of the drum.
- the directing device defines, between the delivery section of the duct and the rear wall of the drum at least one sub-chamber, said one or more through openings of said further passageway being in a position corresponding to the at least one sub-chamber.
- a laundry-drying machine comprising a drum rotatable about a substantially horizontal axis and having a rear wall, a front wall, and a substantially cylindrical peripheral wall, which extends between the front and rear walls, the rear wall having an inlet for the air and the front wall having an outlet for the air, the machine further comprising a fan and air-heating means, wherein the drum is designed to be traversed by hot air, forced by the fan and heated by the heating means before being introduced into the drum at said inlet, the fan and the heating means being operatively associated to an air-conveying duct having a delivery section, which is in fluid communication with said inlet, and a suction section, which is in fluid communication with said outlet, wherein inside the drum at least one laundry-agitation member is provided, which is associated to the peripheral wall, the at least one agitation member having a cavity, configured for receiving at least part of the hot air introduced into the drum, and one or more passages for diffusing
- the machine according to the above said second embodiment of the invention is characterized in that inside the drum a baffle device is mounted, configured for directing in a radial direction at least part of the flow of air introduced into the drum, to the inside of the cavity of the at least one agitation member.
- the baffle device comprises a baffle including a first wall generally facing the rear wall of the drum and at a distance therefrom, the baffle having, at a peripheral edge of the first wall, a passageway for connection with the cavity of the agitation member.
- the baffle has at least one radial guide cavity for directing the air to the connection passageway.
- the at least one radial cavity of the baffle is delimited laterally by a pair of second walls that extend from the first wall towards the rear wall of the drum.
- the first wall of the baffle has, in a central area thereof, one or more through holes, the section of passage of the one or more through holes being smaller than the section of passage of the inlet of the air of the rear wall of the drum.
- the above said inlet of the air comprises preferably a plurality of through holes of the rear wall of the drum.
- the machine according to the second embodiment preferably comprises a plurality of said agitation members, the baffle device being configured for conveying at least part of the flow of air to the cavity of each agitation member.
- the first wall of the baffle has a plurality of said radial cavities, each for directing air to a respective said connection passageway.
- the first wall of the baffle has a generally circular shape and/or comprises a plurality of radial stretches, each including a respective radial cavity.
- the baffle may be advantageously made of a single piece with the agitation member or agitation members.
- the baffle and the agitation member, or each agitation member may be made of plastic material.
- a laundry-drying machine comprising a drum having a rear wall, a front wall and a substantially cylindrical peripheral wall, at least the peripheral wall being rotatable about a substantially horizontal axis, the rear wall having an air inlet, the front wall having an air outlet, and the peripheral wall being substantially unperforated, the machine further comprising a fan and air-heating means, wherein the drum is designed to be traversed by hot air, forced by the fan and heated by the heating means before being introduced into the drum at said inlet, the fan and the heating means being operatively associated to an air-conveying duct having a delivery section, which is in fluid communication with said inlet, and a suction section, which is in fluid communication with said outlet, wherein inside the drum at least one laundry-agitation member is provided, fixed to the peripheral wall, the at least one agitation member having a cavity with one or more air inlet passages and one or more air outlet passages.
- the machine according to the above said third embodiment of the invention is characterized in that the one or more inlet passages and the one or more outlet passages of the agitation member are prearranged in such a way that, in at least one angular position assumed by the agitation member during rotation of the peripheral wall of the drum, at least part of the hot air forced into the drum penetrates the cavity of the agitation member after it has passed through part of the laundry.
- the one or more inlet passages are generally directed towards the inside of the drum and the one or more outlet passages are generally directed towards the outside of the drum at the air outlet thereof.
- the at least one agitation member has a body with an upper face and a front face, the one or more inlet passages being provided in the upper face and the one or more outlet passages being provided in the front face.
- at least one upper portion of the front face of the at least one agitation member faces said air outlet of the drum, in said upper portion there being defined a plurality of said outlet passages.
- at least one lower portion of the front face of the at least one agitation member faces the front wall of the drum, said lower portion being substantially free of outlet passages.
- the air outlet of the drum comprises a mouth for loading and unloading laundry, the machine being a front-loading machine, and at the mouth of the drum an entrance of the aforesaid suction section is provided.
- said entrance comprises a housing for a filter.
- the entrance or housing has a front, at least part of the front facing the front face of the agitation member.
- said air inlet of the drum comprises a plurality of through holes of the rear wall of the drum.
- the upper face of the at least one agitation member has an asymmetrical profile.
- the machine comprises preferably a plurality of said agitation members.
- said part of the flow of hot air passes in the cavity of the agitation member when the latter is at a region of lower dead centre of the rotation of the drum.
- said part of the flow of hot air leaving the cavity of the agitation member is directed towards an air filter.
- references to "an embodiment” or “one embodiment” in the framework of the present description is meant to indicate that a particular configuration, structure, or characteristic described in relation to the embodiment is comprised in at least one embodiment.
- phrases such as “in an embodiment” or “in one embodiment” and the like that may be present in various points of the present description do not necessarily all refer to one and the same embodiment.
- the details, configurations, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any adequate way in one or more embodiments.
- the references used in what follows are provided only for convenience and do not define the sphere of protection or the scope of the embodiments.
- a laundry-drying machine designated as a whole by 1 is a laundry-drying machine according to the present invention, which is assumed as being of the closed-circuit condensation type.
- the machine 1 has a load-bearing structure, including a cabinet 2 provided with a front door 3.
- Designated by 4 is a user interface or control panel, forming part of a control system of the machine 1, the interface 4 enabling selection of the drying programs and the possible associated options.
- a laundry drum 5 Rotatably mounted inside the cabinet 2 is a laundry drum 5, having a generally cylindrical shape and mounted for turning about a substantially horizontal axis A.
- Inside the cabinet 2 means are provided, of any known type, for supporting the drum 5 in a rotatable way, as well as motor means, which are designed to cause rotation of the drum 5 in an r.p.m. range for example comprised between 0 and approximately 250 r.p.m., preferably between 0 and approximately 150 r.p.m.
- one or more of the programs that can be selected and started by a user via the interface 4 include at least one step of satellization of the load, i.e., a step in the course of which the r.p.m. of the drum 5 is equal or a little greater than the minimum r.p.m. that enables the laundry to remain adherent to the walls of the drum so as to reduce the stresses on the garments.
- the aforesaid means include a rear shaft 6, coaxial to the axis A and associated to an electric motor 7, as well as a pair of front wheels, one of which is designated by 8.
- the shaft 6 is carried by a corresponding hub (not illustrated) associated to the load-bearing structure that also supports the motor 7.
- the wheels 8 are provided with corresponding supports (not illustrated) associated to the load-bearing structure of the machine in order to turn about respective axes parallel to the axis A.
- the means for supporting the drum 5 and driving it in rotation may differ from the ones exemplified, according to any known technique, and comprise, for example, two pairs of bottom wheels, for supporting the drum 5 in a front area and a rear area, and a motor mounted underneath the drum, with an associated transmission belt fitted on the peripheral wall of the drum.
- the drum 5 has a structure that comprises a rear wall 9, to which the shaft 6 is rendered fixed, a substantially cylindrical peripheral wall 10, and a front wall 11.
- the rear wall 9 has an array of through holes 9a. In an embodiment not illustrated, and unlike the known art, the rear wall 9 is, instead, without holes.
- the cylindrical wall 10 is prevalently unperforated, apart from the presence of one or more localized openings provided according to one embodiment of the invention that, as will emerge hereinafter, constitute part of an inlet for the hot drying air into the drum.
- the front wall 11 is generally flange-shaped so as to present a central opening (not indicated) for access to the inside of the drum 5 and moreover functioning as outlet for the air from the drum itself.
- the peripheral area of the front wall 11 is moreover shaped so as to define a guide 11a for engagement and rolling of the wheels 8.
- the door 3 of the machine 1 is mounted in a position corresponding to a front opening (not indicated) provided in the front wall of the cabinet 2, said opening being substantially coaxial to the central opening of the front wall 11 of the drum 5 and coaxial to the axis A.
- the machine 1 comprises ventilation means, designed to generate a forced flow of air, and heating means, which are designed to heat the air of the forced flow.
- the ventilation means include a substantially closed path for the air, defined inside the cabinet.
- the aforesaid path includes a duct, designated as a whole by 12: in Figure 2 , the arrows F1 indicate the flow along the aforesaid duct.
- the ventilation means moreover comprise a fan 13 that is operative along the duct 12.
- annular conveying and sealing member of a conception in itself known, which is mounted on the load-bearing structure and extends between the front opening of the cabinet 2 and the front opening of the drum, defined in the front wall 11.
- annular-seal sliding means 15 are provided, for example made of a material such as felt, associated to the aforesaid cylindrical part of the member 14.
- a lower area of the member 14 comprises passageways, for example in the form of holes 14a, which basically provide the mouth of a suction section of the drying circuit.
- a removable filter 16 for withholding fluff is mounted in a known way.
- a condenser device 17 Provided along the aforesaid suction section of the drying circuit, designated by 12a, is a condenser device 17, of a conception in itself known and, downstream of this, means 18 for heating the drying air.
- the heating means 18 may include one or more electrical resistances, which are also set downstream of the fan 13.
- the machine may include a heat pump that fulfils both functions of heating and functions of condensation of the drying air, all according to the known art.
- the delivery section of the circuit designated by 12b, which terminates with a stationary diffusion chamber 12c, substantially bell-shaped or dome-shaped.
- the drive shaft 6 of the drum 5, or the corresponding hub extends through the duct 12 and the chamber 12c, with interposition of corresponding seal means aimed at preventing any dispersion of the flow of hot air.
- each paddle 20 has an internal cavity 21, which, as will be seen hereinafter, is configured for receiving at least part of the flow of hot air forced into the drum 5, as well as one or more passages 22 for diffusing the hot air from the cavity 21 towards the central area of the drum 5, as indicated by the arrows F2 in Figure 2 .
- the paddles have a substantially open boxlike structure, with the corresponding cavity that is delimited laterally and at the front by a peripheral wall 20', the front edge of which bears upon the internal surface of the peripheral wall 10 of the drum, with possible interposition of a gasket.
- the paddles 20 have a rear portion 20a having a generally restricted cross section, to which there corresponds a restricted portion of the corresponding internal cavity 21, and a front portion 20b having a wider cross section, to which there corresponds a wider portion of the corresponding cavity 21.
- the front portion 20b includes a dome-shaped part.
- the passages 22 are provided only in the front portion 20b of the paddles 20, even though not excluded is the presence of passages 22 also in the rear portion 20a.
- the inlet for the hot air into the drum 5 comprises, in addition to the holes 9a of the rear wall 9, at least one passageway in a position corresponding to at least one paddle 20, in fluid communication with the cavity of the latter.
- a directing device mounted on the outside of the drum 5 is a directing device, fixed in rotation with respect to the structure of the drum itself, which is operatively coupled to the duct 12 and is configured for conveying at least part of the hot air coming from said duct as far as the aforesaid passageway, and then the cavity 21 of the corresponding paddle 20.
- the aforesaid passageway is located in the cylindrical wall 10 of the drum in an area corresponding to a respective paddle 20.
- a passageway designated by 10a in Figures 2 and 5 , may comprise one or more through openings of the wall 10.
- the dimensions of the passageway 10a are such that it is located in an area of the wall 10 that is circumscribed by the peripheral wall 20' of the corresponding paddle, on the inside of the drum 5.
- the aforesaid directing device designated as a whole by 25, has at least one first body portion 26 that is operatively set between the end chamber 12c of the duct 12 and the rear wall 9 of the drum 5, where the body portion 26 has at least one inlet opening 27 for the hot drying air, which faces the inside of the end chamber 12c.
- the directing device 25 includes three body portions 26, which extend radially with respect to the axis A.
- the angular distance between these portions 26, defined hereinafter as “radial portions”, substantially corresponds to that of the paddles 20: consequently, in the example considered, the radial portions 26 are spaced at approximately 120° apart.
- each radial portion 26 extend generally parallel to the rear wall 9 of the drum 5 to define a corresponding stretch of radial path for the drying air.
- each radial portion 26 has a respective cavity, designated by 26a, for passage of the drying air, onto which the openings 27 open.
- the radial portions 26 have an open boxlike structure, for delimiting with the rear wall 9 of the drum 5 a corresponding stretch of path for the drying air.
- the front surface of the body of the device 25 bears upon the rear wall 9 of the drum 5, with possible interposition of seal means.
- the cavity 26a has a relatively contained depth - in the region of 1 - 2 cm - so as not to require a significant reduction of the size of the drum, without, however, determining significant losses of charge and/or pressure of the flow of air.
- the end chamber 12c has a generally circular profile defined by a substantially cylindrical peripheral wall (not indicated). Between the front edge of said peripheral wall and the rear surface of the directing device annular-seal sliding means 12d ( Figure 2 ) are provided, aimed at preventing any dispersion of the flow of hot air. Also said means may for example be made of a material such as felt. Given that, in the case exemplified, the part of the body of the directing device 25 set between the chamber 12c and the rear wall 9 of the drum 5 includes radial portions 26, the latter are connected together by walls having a development of an arc of circumference, designated by 28 in Figure 3 . Said arch-like walls 28 hence define, together with respective stretches of the radial portions 26, the annular surface with respect to which the seal means 12d operate.
- the directing device 25 then includes at least one second body portion, which is substantially parallel to the peripheral wall 10 of the drum 5 to define a corresponding stretch of axial path for the drying air.
- at least one second body portion which is substantially parallel to the peripheral wall 10 of the drum 5 to define a corresponding stretch of axial path for the drying air.
- three of the aforesaid second portions are provided, hereinafter defined as "axial portions", designated by 29.
- the axial portions 29 depart substantially orthogonal from the distal end of the radial portions 26 and have an arched profile, conformable to the peripheral wall 10 of the drum 5.
- the axial portions 29 bear in fact upon the outside of the wall 10 of the drum 5 to delimit therewith the aforesaid stretch of axial path for the hot air, and in such a way that an area of the peripheral wall 10 in which a corresponding passageway 10a is located is set between a respective axial portion 29 and a corresponding paddle 20, as may be clearly seen for example in Figure 5 .
- the axial portions 29 have a respective cavity 29a ( Figures 3 and 5 ) for passage of the hot drying air, each of which is in communication with the cavity 26a of the corresponding radial portion 26.
- the axial portions 29 have an open boxlike structure in order to delimit, with the peripheral wall 10 of the drum 5, the corresponding stretch of path for the drying air.
- the cavities 29a have a relatively contained depth, in the region of 1 - 2 cm so as to limit the overall dimensions thereof without, however, determining any significant losses of charge and/or pressure of the flow of air.
- the radial portions 26 have respective bottom stretches 30, preferably massive, basically having structural functions, which converge in a central part 31 provided with a through hole 31a for the shaft 6 of the drum 5.
- the inlet openings 27 of the directing device 25 face the inside of the end chamber 12c of the delivery section 12b of the circuit of the forced air ( Figure 2 ), with the cavities 26a of the radial portions 26 that communicate directly with the cavities 29a of the radial portions 29 and then, via the passageways 10a of the peripheral wall 11 of the drum 5, with the cavities 21 of the paddles 20.
- the drum 5 is equipped with a plurality of paddles 20, with the device 25 configured for enabling the drying air to reach the internal cavity of each of said paddles.
- the drum could have a single hollow paddle 20, with the device 25 shaped accordingly.
- the body of the device 25 has a substantially spider shape, in its part operatively set between the chamber 12c and the rear wall 9 of the drum 5, but it will be appreciated that said part could have an as a whole circular shape, it remaining understood that at least one radial cavity 26a with the corresponding inlet opening 27 is present therein.
- the part of the device 25 that embraces the peripheral wall 10 of the drum could have a substantially cylindrical shape, it remaining understood that at least one axial cavity 29a is present therein, in communication with a radial cavity 26a and in a position corresponding to a corresponding passageway 10a.
- the device 25 is made of a single piece, for example of moulded plastic material, which can be obtained in a simple and inexpensive way. Said single piece can be readily fixed on the outside of the drum 5 with modalities that are evident to a person skilled in the art, for example via screws that secure the structure of the device 25 to the rear wall 9 and/or to the peripheral wall 10 of the drum. Fixing of the device 25 may also be obtained at least in part by snap-action engagement means or the like, in part defined in the plastic piece.
- the hot air is forced by the fan 13 into the delivery section 12b of the circuit and penetrates into the chamber 12c. From here, a part of the flow of hot air penetrates substantially axially inside the drum 5, through the openings 9a of its rear wall 9. It will be appreciated, in this regard, that the openings 9a (the position of which is also represented with a dashed line in Figure 5 ) are positioned in the areas delimited between the massive portions 30 and the arched walls 30 of the device 25, which provide a sort of sub-chambers directly facing the chamber 12c of the delivery section. Another part of the hot drying air penetrates, instead, through the inlet openings 27, into the cavities 26a of the radial portions 26.
- the respective parts of flow traverse the cavities 26a, in a radial direction with respect to the axis A, until they reach the cavities 29a of the axial portions 29, performing an - even minimal - axial path, and then reach the inside of the cavities 21 of the paddles 20 via the passageways 10a: the hot air is then diffused towards the central area of the drum 5 through the holes 22, as exemplified by the arrows F2 of Figure 2 . After it has lapped the laundry, the air now saturated with humidity exits from the drum 5 through the opening of its front wall 11, as indicated by the arrows F3 of Figure 2 , and then penetrates into the suction section 12a of the circuit, passing through the filter 16.
- the air in the suction section 12a is dehumidified by the condenser device 17 and then again heated by the heating means 18, to go back into circulation. Consequently, in the preferred solution according to the invention, at least part of the flow of the hot drying air is divided, on the outside of the drum 5, into a plurality of partial flows, which are directed into different regions of the space containing the laundry to be dried.
- the width and the length of the radial portions 26 must be understood as purely an example.
- the radial portions 26 are shaped with cavities 26a that develop more in length, towards the central part 31.
- the openings 27 for inlet of the air can be shifted accordingly towards the centre, in the proximity of or in a position corresponding to the part 31.
- the arched walls 28 can have a smaller radius, as in the example illustrated in Figure 6 .
- the diffusion chamber 12c of the delivery section 12b of the circuit can have a diameter, and hence a volume, that is decidedly smaller as compared to the solution provided in DE-A-19623959 , a fact that enables a further increase in the containment of any dispersion of heat and the minimization of the charge losses.
- the surface of seal with respect to the means 12d which have a decidedly smaller diameter, may be possibly provided via the central part 31, as far as which the radial cavities 26a provided with the openings 27 extend.
- the device 25 is made of a single piece, but it will be appreciated that its various functional and structural parts could be configured as distinct components operatively coupled together so as to guarantee a sufficient seal to the flow of air.
- one or more passageways 10a are provided, instead of on the peripheral wall 10, in the proximity of, or in a position corresponding to, the outer edge of the rear wall 9 of the drum 5.
- the cavity 21 of the corresponding paddle 20, delimited laterally by a peripheral wall 20 is open at the rear, i.e., in a position corresponding to the wall 9, so as to be set facing the corresponding passageway 10a.
- seal means also between the rear edge of the paddle 20 and the rear wall 9 there may be provided seal means.
- the drum 5 has a rear wall 9, with respect to which the shaft 6 is rendered fixed, a substantially cylindrical peripheral wall 10, and a front wall 11.
- the rear wall 9 has, in a central region thereof that surrounds the area of fixing of the shaft 6, an inlet for a flow of hot drying air, preferably constituted by an array of through holes, one of which is designated by 9a'.
- the cylindrical wall 10 is, instead, unperforated, and the front wall 11 is generally flange-shaped so as to present a central opening (not indicated) for access to the inside of the drum 5 that moreover functions as outlet for the air from the drum itself
- the peripheral area of the front wall 11 is moreover shaped so as to define a guide 11a, for engagement and rolling of the wheels 8.
- the door 3 of the machine 1 is mounted at a front opening (not indicated) provided in the front wall of the cabinet 2, said opening being substantially coaxial to the central opening of the front wall 11 of the drum 5 and coaxial to the axis A.
- the machine 1 comprises ventilation means, designed to generate a forced flow of air, and heating means, which are designed to heat the air of the forced flow.
- the ventilation means include a substantially closed path for the air, defined inside the cabinet.
- the aforesaid path includes a duct, designated as a whole by 12, which sets the opening of the front wall 11 of the drum 5 in communication with the inlet represented by the holes 9a' of the rear wall 9: in Figure 8 , the arrows F1 indicate the flow along the aforesaid duct.
- the ventilation means moreover comprise a fan 13 that is operative along the duct 12.
- annular conveying and sealing member of a conception in itself known, which is mounted on the load-bearing structure and extends between the front opening of the cabinet 2 and the front opening of the drum, defined in the front wall 11.
- annular-seal sliding means 15 are provided, for example made of a material such as felt, associated to the aforesaid cylindrical part of the member 14.
- a lower area of the member 14 comprises passageways, for example in the form of holes 14a, which basically provide the mouth of a suction section of the drying circuit.
- a removable filter 16 for withholding fluff is mounted in a known way.
- a condenser device 17 Provided along the aforesaid suction section of the drying circuit, designated by 12a, is a condenser device 17, of a conception in itself known and, downstream of this, means 18 for heating the drying air.
- the heating means 18 may include one or more electrical resistances, which are also set downstream of the fan 13.
- the machine may include a heat pump that fulfils both functions of heating and functions of condensation of the drying air, all according to the known art.
- the delivery section of the circuit designated by 12b, which terminates with a stationary diffusion chamber 12c, having a generally circular profile defined by a cylindrical wall.
- annular-seal sliding means are provided (not represented) aimed at preventing any dispersion of the flow of drying air.
- said means may for example be made of a material such as felt.
- the drive shaft 6 of the drum 5, or the corresponding hub extends through the duct 12 and the chamber 12c, with interposition of corresponding seal means aimed at preventing any dispersion of the flow of drying air.
- the drum 5 has inside it three paddles, two of which are designated by 20 in Figure 8 .
- the three paddles 20 axially extend in a direction generally parallel to the axis A and are set up against the internal surface of the cylindrical wall 10 of the drum 5, spaced at approximately 120° apart.
- Each paddle 20 has a cavity 21 that, as will be seen hereinafter, is configured for receiving at least part of the flow of hot air forced into the drum 5, as well as one or more passages 22 for diffusing the hot air from the cavity 21 towards the central area of the drum 5, as indicated by the arrows F2 in Figure 8 .
- the paddles have a substantially open boxlike structure, with the corresponding cavity that is delimited laterally and at the front by a peripheral wall 20', the front edge of which bears upon the internal surface of the cylindrical wall 10 of the drum, with possible interposition of a gasket.
- the paddles 20 have a rear portion 20a having a generally restricted cross section, to which there corresponds a restricted portion of the corresponding cavity 21, and a front portion 20b having a wider cross section, to which there corresponds a wider portion of the corresponding cavity 21.
- the front portion 20b includes a dome-shaped part.
- the passages 22 are provided only in the front portion 20b of the paddles 20, even though not excluded is the presence of passages 22 also in the rear portion 20a (see, for example, Figure 11 , where some passages 22 are exemplified also in the portion 20a).
- a baffle device mounted inside the drum 5 is a baffle device, configured for conveying at least part of the flow of air introduced into the drum 5 in a radial direction with respect to the axis A, to the cavity 21 of at least one agitation member or paddle 20.
- the aforesaid baffle device comprises a baffle, designated as a whole by 25', fixed in rotation with respect to the structure of the drum 5.
- the baffle 25' includes a first wall 26' generally facing, or parallel to, the rear wall 9 of the drum 5 and at a distance therefrom.
- the distance between the two walls 9 and 26' is relatively contained (in the region of 1 - 2 cm) so as not to reduce excessively the useful space inside the drum 5 without, however, determining any significant losses of charge and/or pressure in the flow of air entering the drum 5.
- the baffle 25' then has a passageway 27' ( Figure 11 ) for connection with the cavity 21 of a corresponding paddle 20, said passageway being defined at the peripheral edge of the wall 26'.
- the cavity 21 of the paddles is open at the rear end, at the passageway 27'.
- defined between the walls 9 and 26' is a relatively thin chamber, in which part of the hot drying air can diffuse radially (as indicated by the arrows F3 of Figure 8 ) until it reaches, through the passageways 27', the internal cavities 21 of the paddles 20, and then exits towards the central area of the drum 5 through the passages 22 of the members 20 themselves, as indicated by the arrows F2.
- the baffle 25' has at least one radial cavity, for directing the air to a respective connection passageway 27'.
- the losses of charge and/or pressure of the flow of air can be contained, when this flows radially inside the drum, between the walls 9 and 26'.
- Such an embodiment is exemplified in Figure 12 , where the aforesaid cavity is designated by 28'.
- Said cavity 28' is delimited at the front by the wall 26' and laterally by a pair of second walls 29' that extend towards the rear wall 9 of the drum, starting from the rear surface of the wall 26'.
- the walls 29' bear upon the rear wall 9 of the drum, with possible interposition of a gasket.
- the baffle 25' has three radial cavities 28', delimited laterally by respective pairs of walls 29'.
- the walls 29' preferably have connection stretches 30' in order to circumscribe a central cavity 31' which is initially reached by the flow of hot drying air introduced into the drum 5 through the holes 9a' of the rear wall 9.
- the wall 26' of the baffle 25' may be unperforated or else have, as in the embodiments exemplified, one or more through holes 32 in a central region thereof: with particular reference to Figure 12 , said central area is preferably circumscribed by the connection stretches of the walls 29', i.e., is at the cavity 31'. In this way, part of the flow of hot air that penetrates through the holes 9a' of the rear wall 9 can be directed into the drum also in a generally axial direction, as exemplified by the arrows F4 of Figure 8 , through the holes 32.
- one or more through holes may be provided in the wall 26' at the radial cavities 28'.
- the holes 32 generally face the holes 9a', which are set in the region circumscribed by the diffusion chamber 12c.
- the section of passage of the holes 32 is smaller than the section of passage of the holes 9a' (or of the holes 9a' as a whole) in order to ensure that part of the flow in any case traverses the radial cavities 28'.
- a further sub-cavity defined by a cylindrical wall projecting from the wall 26', with the holes 32 provided only at said sub-cavity.
- the drum 5 is equipped with a plurality of paddles 20, with the baffle 25' configured for enabling hot air to reach the cavity 21 of each of said paddles, via corresponding radial cavities 28'.
- the drum could have a single hollow paddle 20, with the baffle 25' shaped accordingly.
- the wall 26' of the baffle 25' has a generally circular shape, but said shape must be deemed merely an example.
- a different embodiment is illustrated in Figure 13 , where the reference numbers of the previous figures 8-12 are used to indicate elements that are technically equivalent to the ones already described above.
- the wall 26' of the baffle 25' is substantially spider shaped; i.e., it comprises a plurality of radial stretches, each including the respective radial cavity 28'.
- the baffle 25' is made of a single piece with the paddles 20, for example made of moulded plastic material, which can be obtained in a simple and inexpensive way.
- Said single piece can be fixed inside the drum 5 with modalities that appear evident to a person skilled in the art, for example via screws that secure the paddles 20 to the peripheral wall 10 of the drum and/or screws that secure the wall 26' of the baffle 25' to the rear wall 9 of the drum, with possible interposition of spacer bushings.
- Fixing between the aforesaid single piece and the drum can be obtained also at least in part by snap-action engagement means or the like, in part defined in the plastic piece.
- the installation of the baffle 25' and of the associated paddles 20 is carried out prior to completion of the drum 5, i.e., prior to fixing of the front wall 11 and/or rear wall 9 to the cylindrical wall 10.
- Operation of the machine 1, as regards circulation of the air, is very simple.
- the hot air is forced by the fan 13 into the delivery section 12b of the circuit and penetrates into the chamber 12c. From here, the flow of hot air penetrates, through the holes 9a', into the drum 5: part of the flow proceeds axially (arrows F4) towards the centre of the drum itself, whereas part of the flow proceeds radially along the cavities 28' of the baffle 25', until it reaches the inside of the paddles 20, from where then the hot air is diffused towards the central area of the drum 5 through the holes 22.
- the air now saturated with humidity exits from the drum 5 through the opening of its front wall 11, as indicated by the arrows F5 of Figure 8 , and then penetrates into the suction section 12a of the circuit, passing through the filter 16.
- the air in the suction section 12a is dehumidified by the condenser device 17 and then again heated by the heating means 18 to go back into circulation.
- the flow of the hot air is divided, inside the drum 5, into a plurality of partial flows F2, F4, which are directed in different regions of the space containing the laundry to be dried.
- all the paddles are designed to be simultaneously traversed by flows of drying air. This in particular guarantees an efficient drying action in conditions of satellization of the garments, i.e., when these remain adherent to the internal surface of the drum during its rotation; for example, said condition is generated during cycles of drying of wool or delicate garments.
- the diffusion chamber 12c of the machine 1 can have a decidedly smaller volume as compared to the solution provided in DE-A-19623959 , which enables containment of any dispersion of heat.
- the fact that the flow of the heated air is divided into partial flows that pass in the drum 5 through reduced sections of passage also enables maintenance of a good pressure of outflow of the hot air towards the laundry, with reduced or absent losses of speed (unlike what occurs in the prior solution cited, in which the terminal diffusion chamber of the delivery section of the system, having necessarily to be of large dimensions, has the effect of causing a reduction of the speed of the hot air flow and turbulence).
- the paddles 20 are made of a single piece with the baffle 25', but it will be appreciated that the components in question could be configured as distinct components operatively coupled together so as to guarantee a sufficient seal to the flow of air.
- FIG 14 with 11a' is designated a central mouth for loading and unloading of laundry, which moreover function as outlet for the air from the drum itself; as in the previous embodiments, the duct 12 sets the mouth 11a' of the front wall 11 of the drum 5 in communication with the inlet represented by holes 9a" of the rear wall 9 thereof: in Figure 14 , the arrows F1 indicate the flow along the aforesaid duct. Also in this case, at least a lower area of the conveying member 14 is provided with passageways, for example in the form of holes 15a, which basically provide the entrance of a suction section of the drying circuit.
- said holes 15a are defined at a housing for a removable filter 16, for withholding fluff.
- the drum 5 fixed inside the drum 5 is at least one laundry-agitation member or paddle: in the embodiment exemplified, the drum 5 has inside it three paddles, two of which are designated by 20 in Figure 14 .
- the three paddles 20 axially extend in a direction generally parallel to the axis A and are set up against the internal surface of the cylindrical wall 10 of the drum 5, spaced at approximately 120° apart.
- Each paddle 20 has a cavity 21, designed to receive at least part of the flow of hot air forced into the drum 5, as well as one or more inlet passages for the air and one or more outlet passages for the air.
- the one or more inlet passages - designated by 22' also in Figure 15 - and the one or more outlet passages - designated by 23 also in Figure 15 - of at least one paddle 20 are prearranged in such a way that, in at least one angular position assumed by the paddle itself during rotation of the peripheral wall 10, at least part of the hot air forced into the drum 5 penetrates into the cavity 21 of the paddle after it has passed through part of the laundry.
- the one or more inlet passages 22' face the inside of the drum 5, and the one or more outlet passages 23 face, instead, the outside of the drum 5, towards the air outlet represented by the mouth 11a' of the front wall 11 of the drum 5.
- the paddles 20 have a substantially boxlike structure to define the corresponding cavities 21.
- the body of the paddles 20 has an upper face 20a' and a front face 20b', with a plurality of inlet passages 22' in the upper face 20a' and a plurality of outlet passages 23 in the front face 20b'.
- defined at least in an upper portion of the front face 20b' of the paddle 20 is a plurality of the outlet passages 23, with said upper portion that faces the mouth 11a'. Instead, a lower portion of the front face 20b' itself faces a corresponding region of the front wall 11 of the drum 5, and in said lower portion the outlet passages 23 are not strictly necessary.
- the entrance of the suction section of the drying circuit 12a is located, which, in the non-limiting example considered herein, is basically constituted by a housing 115 for the filter 16.
- a housing 115 for the filter 16 At least one part of the body that defines the housing 15 faces the front face 20b' of the paddle 20 - in particular the portion of said face that directly faces the mouth 11a' - and has the holes 15a for passage of the air.
- the array of holes 15a preferably extends for an arched stretch of the housing 115 and/or of the member 14 around a region of bottom dead centre of rotation of the drum, said region being indicatively comprised between -30° and +30° from the bottom dead centre.
- the housing 115 has a top face 15' and a front face 15", both provided with corresponding arrays of holes 15a.
- the holes 15a of the face 15" face the front face 20b' of the paddle 20, and hence the corresponding outlet passages 23.
- the lower face of the body of the paddles 20 is preferably generally curved, in a way conformable to the curvature of the peripheral wall 10 of the drum 5.
- at least the upper face 20a' of the paddles 20 has an asymmetrical profile in such a way that the paddle is as a whole (with reference to Figure 15 ) generally thinned out on the left and convex on the right. More in particular, from Figure 15 it may be noted how the upper face 20a' presents on the right a portion H which is basically shaped like a concave vault, with concavity facing downwards, and on the left a generally thinned-out portion T.
- Said profile is as a whole aerodynamic in relation to the preferential direction of rotation of the drum 5 of the machine, which here is assumed to turn prevalently in a clockwise direction.
- the arrangement of the portions H and T will be opposite to the one represented in Figure 15 .
- the upper face 20a' of the paddle then has, in the case exemplified, also a generally rear portion R, which degrades towards the rear of the paddle itself, starting from the portions T and H.
- the drum 5 is equipped with a plurality of paddles 20, but obviously the drum could have a single hollow paddle 20. Also the shape illustrated of the paddles, even though currently is deemed preferential, may differ, it remaining understood that the inlet passages 22' and the outlet passages 23 are present, facing respectively the inside and the outside - through the mouth 11a' - of the space containing the laundry defined by the drum 5.
- Operation of the machine 1, as regards circulation of the air, is very simple.
- the drum 5 is set in rotation, with the paddles 20 fixed with respect thereto that fulfil the classic function of agitation of the laundry.
- the hot air is forced by the fan 13 in the delivery section 12b of the circuit and penetrates into the chamber 12c. From here, the flow of hot air passes through the holes 9a" and diffuses into the drum 5. In this way, the hot air impinges upon the laundry to remove moisture therefrom.
- the hot air that has taken up humidity from the laundry then exits from the drum 5 through the mouth 11a', at the entrance of the suction section 12a, here represented by the housing 115.
- the paddles 20 - at least as regards the upper part of the their front faces 20b' - cyclically face the mouth 11a', and more in particular the front of the housing 115, provided with the passages 15a.
- the paddle is in a position corresponding to the aforesaid region of bottom dead centre of rotation of the drum 5, and on its upper face at least part of the load of laundry impinges.
- the air saturated with humidity then penetrates in the housing 115, through the corresponding passages 15a, is filtered through the filter 16, as indicated by the arrows F4 of Figure 14 , and then proceeds into the suction section 12a.
- the air in the suction section 12a is dehumidified by the condenser device 17 and then again heated by the heating means 18 so that it goes back into circulation.
- part of the hot air that traverses the drum 5 will reach the suction section 12a without passing in the paddles 20.
- Part of the hot air may also be induced to penetrate into the paddles 20 different from the one that is currently in the region of bottom dead centre; said air may in any case exit from the corresponding cavities during rotation, in particular through the corresponding outlet passages 23 temporarily facing the conveying and sealing member 14.
- the diffusion chamber 12c of the machine 1 according to the invention can have a decidedly smaller volume as compared to the solution provided in DE-A-19623959 , which enables containment of the dispersion of heat.
- this enables reduced or absent losses of speed of the hot air towards the laundry (unlike what occurs in the prior solution cited, in which the terminal diffusion chamber of the delivery branch of the system must necessarily be of large dimensions with the effect of causing a reduction of the speed of the flow of hot air).
- the suction section 12a of the drying circuit comprises a housing 115 for the filter 16, but it will be appreciated that such a filter could be provided elsewhere along the circuit: in this case, the element 115 previously defined as "housing" will only have functions of inlet for the moist air leaving the drum in the suction section 12a.
- At least some of the holes 9a" provided in the rear wall 9 of the drum 5 can be provided for orienting a corresponding part of the forced flow downwards, i.e., towards the region of bottom dead centre, in order to increase further the efficiency of the machine.
- Said holes may, for example, comprise an outermost annular series of holes 9a of the array.
- FIG. 14-16 may be used also in the case of drying machines, the drum of which is prevalently constituted by an unperforated cylindrical wall (with possible front and rear flanges each having a central opening), and in which the supporting structure of a drum 1 of this sort comprising a front baffle and a rear baffle, which in turn comprise respective cylindrical walls that project inside the cylindrical wall (or inside the aforesaid central openings of the two end flanges), with interposition of sliding seal means.
- the front and/or rear of the space for containment of the laundry is delimited by a stationary wall of the structure of the machine, represented by the corresponding baffle.
- driving of the drum can be provided with a transmission belt fitted on the peripheral wall of the drum.
- the invention affords significant advantages in terms of efficiency as compared to the prior art mentioned in the introductory part of the present description, in terms of reduction of drying times, of containment of any dispersion of heat, of maintenance of the outflow pressure without significant losses of speed and concentration of the useful energy.
- advantages also the simplicity and low cost of the solution proposed are to be mentioned.
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Abstract
Description
- The present invention relates to a laundry-drying machine, of the type indicated in the preamble of
Claim 1. - Laundry-drying machines typically comprise a substantially parallelepipedal cabinet, housed in which in a rotatable way is a drum, driven by an electric motor so as to turn about a substantially horizontal axis. The front of the drum has an opening that is accessible via a door hinged to the front wall of the cabinet in order to enable loading and unloading of the laundry to be dried. In some solutions, the access door is hinged to the upper part of the cabinet and the cylindrical wall of the drum is in turn provided with a door. Usually provided inside the drum are laundry-agitation members or paddles, associated to the peripheral wall of the drum itself.
- The machine has a system for conveying a flow of drying air, including at least one duct operatively associated to which are a fan and air-heating means. The fan is operative for forcing the air into the drum, via a delivery branch of the system, after the air itself has been heated by the heating means, for example comprising an electrical resistance. The hot air traverses the inside of the drum and is saturated with the humidity yielded by the laundry articles contained therein, said articles being thus progressively dried. In evacuation machines, the system for conveying the air is provided in such a way that the fan sucks fresh air into the cabinet of the machine and/or from the environment where the laundry dryer is installed and then forces the heated air into the drum; the moist air leaving the drum is then expelled from the appliance. In condensation machines, the system for conveying the air is substantially of a closed-circuit type: in this case, the moist air leaving the drum passes in a suction branch of the circuit, upstream of the fan, along which there is a condenser designed to subtract humidity from the air, said dehumidified air being then again heated and re-introduced into the drum via the delivery branch of the circuit.
- In dryers according to the prior art, the hot drying air is introduced into the drum substantially axially, through its rear wall, purposely provided with an inlet constituted by an array of holes. The duct that conveys the heated air downstream of the fan is shaped in such a way that at least its terminal portion forms a chamber, within which the air diffuses and then penetrates into the drum through the aforesaid array of holes. This chamber has in general an at least approximately circular profile so as to circumscribe a region of diffusion of the air that substantially faces the array of holes.
- The moist air exits from the drum through its front wall, which is provided with a central outlet, used - in the case of front-loading machines - also for loading and unloading the laundry. Along the circuit, usually downstream of the outlet of the drum, a filter is provided accessible to the user of the machine, having the function of withholding the fluff released by the garments during treatment and entrained by the forced flow of air.
- In order to improve the quality of the drying treatment, it has been proposed to exploit the paddles inside the drum in order to diffuse the drying air on the laundry also in a radial direction with respect to the axis of rotation of the drum. A solution of this type is known from
DE-A-19623959 , on which the preamble ofClaim 1 is based. - In said solution, at least one paddle has an internal cavity, delimited at the rear by the rear wall of the drum. The array of holes of the rear wall of the drum has some dedicated holes, which are set in a position corresponding to the cavity of the paddle: in this way, during rotation of the drum, the dedicated holes cyclically face the diffusion chamber that constitutes the terminal part of the air duct. A part of the flow of drying air can thus penetrate into the cavity of the paddle, which is provided with outlets that make it possible to orient the drying air towards the central area of the drum. The remaining part of the flow of drying air penetrates, instead, axially into the drum, through the other holes of the array provided in the end wall.
- From practical tests, the Applicant has ascertained that the solution according to the prior document cited presents a low efficiency. The object of the present invention is consequently to provide a laundry-drying machine of the type indicated at the start having a circuit for conveying the drying air that will present an enhanced efficiency, and will be simple to produce, inexpensive, and reliable.
- According to the present invention, said object is achieved by a laundry-drying machine having the characteristics forming the subject of the attached claims. The attached claims form an integral part of the technical teaching provided herein in relation to the invention.
- In accordance with a first embodiment of the invention, there is provided a laundry-drying machine, comprising a drum rotatable about a substantially horizontal axis and having a rear wall, a front wall and a substantially cylindrical peripheral wall, which extends between the front and rear walls, the drum having at least one inlet for the air and at least one outlet for the air, the machine further comprising a fan and air-heating means,
wherein the drum is designed to be traversed by hot air, forced by means of the fan and heated via the heating means before being introduced into the drum through said at least one inlet, the fan and the heating means being operatively associated to an air-conveying duct having a delivery section, which is in fluid communication with said at least one inlet, and a suction section, which is in fluid communication with said at least one outlet,
wherein inside the drum at least one laundry-agitation member is provided, associated to the cylindrical wall, the at least one agitation member having a cavity, configured for receiving at least part of the hot air introduced into the drum, and one or more passages for diffusing the hot air from the internal cavity towards a central area of the drum, wherein said at least one inlet for the air comprises at least one passageway in a position corresponding to the at least one agitation member and in fluid communication with the cavity thereof. - The machine according to the above said first embodiment of the invention is characterized in that outside the drum a directing device is mounted, connected in rotation to the structure of the drum, which is operatively coupled to the delivery section of the duct and is configured for directing at least part of the air coming from the duct to said at least one passageway, and hence to the cavity of the corresponding agitation member.
- Preferably, the delivery section of the duct comprises a stationary end chamber, the directing device has at least one first body portion that is operatively interposed between the end chamber and the rear wall of the drum, and the at least one first body portion has at least one inlet opening for hot air, which faces inside the end chamber.
- The at least one first body portion is preferably generally parallel to the rear wall of the drum to define a respective stretch of radial path for air.
- In one embodiment, the at least one passageway comprises an opening in the peripheral wall of the drum.
- Preferably, the directing device has at least one second body portion substantially parallel to the peripheral wall of the drum, to define a corresponding stretch of axial path for the hot air, an area of the peripheral wall of the drum in which the passageway is located being interposed between the second body portion and the corresponding agitation member.
- The at least one first body portion has preferably a respective cavity for passage of the hot air. Preferably, the at least one second body portion has a respective cavity for passage of the hot air, which is in fluid communication with the cavity of the first body portion.
- In one embodiment, the end chamber has a peripheral wall having a front edge and the directing device has a surface bearing on which said front edge abuts with interposition of sliding seal means.
- The drum has preferably a plurality of agitation members, the directing device has a plurality of first body portions and the first body portions extend radially with respect to said axis. Preferably, the first body portions are connected together by arch-shaped walls, the first body portions and the arch-shaped walls defining the above said surface.
- In one embodiment, the directing device has a plurality of second body portions, between each second body portion and a corresponding agitation member there being interposed an area of the peripheral wall of the drum in which a respective passageway is located.
- The at least one passageway preferably comprises an opening in the rear wall of the drum, an area of the rear wall of the drum in which the passageway is located being interposed between the first body portion and the corresponding agitation member.
- The at least one first body portion and/or the at least one second body portion has preferably an open box structure, to delimit with the rear wall or the peripheral wall of the drum, respectively, a corresponding stretch of path for the hot air.
- The at least one inlet for the air comprises preferably at least one further passageway for the hot air, which includes one or one or more respective through openings in the rear wall of the drum. Preferably, the directing device defines, between the delivery section of the duct and the rear wall of the drum at least one sub-chamber, said one or more through openings of said further passageway being in a position corresponding to the at least one sub-chamber.
- In accordance with a second embodiment of the invention, there is provided a laundry-drying machine, comprising a drum rotatable about a substantially horizontal axis and having a rear wall, a front wall, and a substantially cylindrical peripheral wall, which extends between the front and rear walls, the rear wall having an inlet for the air and the front wall having an outlet for the air, the machine further comprising a fan and air-heating means,
wherein the drum is designed to be traversed by hot air, forced by the fan and heated by the heating means before being introduced into the drum at said inlet, the fan and the heating means being operatively associated to an air-conveying duct having a delivery section, which is in fluid communication with said inlet, and a suction section, which is in fluid communication with said outlet,
wherein inside the drum at least one laundry-agitation member is provided, which is associated to the peripheral wall, the at least one agitation member having a cavity, configured for receiving at least part of the hot air introduced into the drum, and one or more passages for diffusing the hot air from the cavity towards a central area of the drum. - The machine according to the above said second embodiment of the invention is characterized in that inside the drum a baffle device is mounted, configured for directing in a radial direction at least part of the flow of air introduced into the drum, to the inside of the cavity of the at least one agitation member.
- Preferably the baffle device comprises a baffle including a first wall generally facing the rear wall of the drum and at a distance therefrom, the baffle having, at a peripheral edge of the first wall, a passageway for connection with the cavity of the agitation member. Preferably, the baffle has at least one radial guide cavity for directing the air to the connection passageway. Always preferably, the at least one radial cavity of the baffle is delimited laterally by a pair of second walls that extend from the first wall towards the rear wall of the drum.
- In one embodiment, the first wall of the baffle has, in a central area thereof, one or more through holes, the section of passage of the one or more through holes being smaller than the section of passage of the inlet of the air of the rear wall of the drum.
- The above said inlet of the air comprises preferably a plurality of through holes of the rear wall of the drum.
- The machine according to the second embodiment preferably comprises a plurality of said agitation members, the baffle device being configured for conveying at least part of the flow of air to the cavity of each agitation member. In such a case, very preferably, the first wall of the baffle has a plurality of said radial cavities, each for directing air to a respective said connection passageway.
- Preferably, the first wall of the baffle has a generally circular shape and/or comprises a plurality of radial stretches, each including a respective radial cavity.
- The baffle may be advantageously made of a single piece with the agitation member or agitation members.
- The baffle and the agitation member, or each agitation member, may be made of plastic material.
- In accordance with a third embodiment of the invention, there is provided a laundry-drying machine, comprising a drum having a rear wall, a front wall and a substantially cylindrical peripheral wall, at least the peripheral wall being rotatable about a substantially horizontal axis, the rear wall having an air inlet, the front wall having an air outlet, and the peripheral wall being substantially unperforated, the machine further comprising a fan and air-heating means,
wherein the drum is designed to be traversed by hot air, forced by the fan and heated by the heating means before being introduced into the drum at said inlet, the fan and the heating means being operatively associated to an air-conveying duct having a delivery section, which is in fluid communication with said inlet, and a suction section, which is in fluid communication with said outlet,
wherein inside the drum at least one laundry-agitation member is provided, fixed to the peripheral wall, the at least one agitation member having a cavity with one or more air inlet passages and one or more air outlet passages. - The machine according to the above said third embodiment of the invention is characterized in that the one or more inlet passages and the one or more outlet passages of the agitation member are prearranged in such a way that, in at least one angular position assumed by the agitation member during rotation of the peripheral wall of the drum, at least part of the hot air forced into the drum penetrates the cavity of the agitation member after it has passed through part of the laundry.
- Preferably, the one or more inlet passages are generally directed towards the inside of the drum and the one or more outlet passages are generally directed towards the outside of the drum at the air outlet thereof.
- Very preferably, the at least one agitation member has a body with an upper face and a front face, the one or more inlet passages being provided in the upper face and the one or more outlet passages being provided in the front face. In one such embodiment, preferably, at least one upper portion of the front face of the at least one agitation member faces said air outlet of the drum, in said upper portion there being defined a plurality of said outlet passages. Very preferably, at least one lower portion of the front face of the at least one agitation member faces the front wall of the drum, said lower portion being substantially free of outlet passages.
- In one embodiment, the air outlet of the drum comprises a mouth for loading and unloading laundry, the machine being a front-loading machine, and at the mouth of the drum an entrance of the aforesaid suction section is provided. Preferably, said entrance comprises a housing for a filter. Very preferably, the entrance or housing has a front, at least part of the front facing the front face of the agitation member.
- Preferably, said air inlet of the drum comprises a plurality of through holes of the rear wall of the drum.
- Preferably, the upper face of the at least one agitation member has an asymmetrical profile.
- The machine comprises preferably a plurality of said agitation members.
- In accordance with the above said third embodiment of the invention there is also provided a method for drying laundry in a laundry-drying machine, comprising a laundry drum with a peripheral wall to which at least one laundry-agitation member is fixed, comprising the steps of
- setting in rotation at least the peripheral wall of the drum, with the at least one agitation member that causes a tumbling of the laundry inside the drum;
- forcing a flow of hot air into the drum through a rear wall thereof, in such a way that hot air impinges upon the laundry to remove humidity therefrom; and
- expelling hot air that has taken up humidity from the laundry through a front wall of the drum,
- Preferably, said part of the flow of hot air passes in the cavity of the agitation member when the latter is at a region of lower dead centre of the rotation of the drum.
- Very preferably said part of the flow of hot air leaving the cavity of the agitation member is directed towards an air filter.
- Further purposes, characteristics, and advantages of the invention will emerge clearly from the ensuing detailed description, with reference to the attached drawings, which are provided purely by way of non-limiting example and in which:
-
Figure 1 is a schematic perspective view of a laundry-drying machine according to the above said first embodiment of the invention; -
Figure 2 is a schematic cross section, at a larger scale, of the machine ofFigure 1 ; -
Figure 3 is a schematic perspective view, substantially according to thearrow 3 ofFigure 2 , of a directing device of the machine; -
Figure 4 is a schematic cross section, according to the line IV-IV ofFigure 2 , at a larger scale; -
Figure 5 is a schematic cross section, according to the line V-V ofFigure 2 , at a larger scale, with a rear wall of a drum of the machine represented only partially; -
Figure 6 is a schematic cross section similar to the one ofFigure 5 , corresponding to a first variant of the first embodiment of the invention; -
Figure 7 is a schematic cross section similar to the one ofFigure 2 , corresponding to a second variant of the first embodiment of the invention; -
Figure 8 is a schematic cross section, similar to the one offigure 2 , of a machine according to the above said second embodiment of the invention; -
Figures 9 and 10 are schematic cross sections, according to the lines III-III and IV-IV ofFigure 8 ; -
Figure 11 is a schematic perspective view, according to the arrow V ofFigure 8 , of a component of the machine offigure 8 ; -
Figure 12 is a schematic perspective view of a component similar to that ofFigure 11 , in a possible variant; -
Figure 13 is a schematic perspective view of a component similar to that ofFigures 11 and12 , in a further possible variant; -
Figure 14 is a schematic cross section, similar to the one offigure 2 , of a machine according to the above said third embodiment of the invention; -
Figure 15 is a schematic perspective view of a laundry-agitation member of the machine ofFigure 14 ; and -
Figure 16 is a schematic perspective view of a portion of the machine ofFigure 14 . - Reference to "an embodiment" or "one embodiment" in the framework of the present description is meant to indicate that a particular configuration, structure, or characteristic described in relation to the embodiment is comprised in at least one embodiment. Hence, phrases such as "in an embodiment" or "in one embodiment" and the like that may be present in various points of the present description do not necessarily all refer to one and the same embodiment. In addition, the details, configurations, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any adequate way in one or more embodiments. The references used in what follows are provided only for convenience and do not define the sphere of protection or the scope of the embodiments.
- It is moreover pointed out that in the sequel of the present description only the elements useful for an understanding of the invention will be described, it being taken for granted that the machine forming the subject of the invention comprises all the other elements in themselves known for normal operation of a laundry dryer.
- With particular reference to
Figures 1 and2 , designated as a whole by 1 is a laundry-drying machine according to the present invention, which is assumed as being of the closed-circuit condensation type. Themachine 1 has a load-bearing structure, including acabinet 2 provided with afront door 3. Designated by 4 is a user interface or control panel, forming part of a control system of themachine 1, the interface 4 enabling selection of the drying programs and the possible associated options. - Rotatably mounted inside the
cabinet 2 is alaundry drum 5, having a generally cylindrical shape and mounted for turning about a substantially horizontal axis A. Inside thecabinet 2 means are provided, of any known type, for supporting thedrum 5 in a rotatable way, as well as motor means, which are designed to cause rotation of thedrum 5 in an r.p.m. range for example comprised between 0 and approximately 250 r.p.m., preferably between 0 and approximately 150 r.p.m. In a preferred embodiment, one or more of the programs that can be selected and started by a user via the interface 4 include at least one step of satellization of the load, i.e., a step in the course of which the r.p.m. of thedrum 5 is equal or a little greater than the minimum r.p.m. that enables the laundry to remain adherent to the walls of the drum so as to reduce the stresses on the garments. - In the example illustrated, the aforesaid means include a
rear shaft 6, coaxial to the axis A and associated to anelectric motor 7, as well as a pair of front wheels, one of which is designated by 8. Theshaft 6 is carried by a corresponding hub (not illustrated) associated to the load-bearing structure that also supports themotor 7. Thewheels 8 are provided with corresponding supports (not illustrated) associated to the load-bearing structure of the machine in order to turn about respective axes parallel to the axis A. It should be noted that, in embodiments not represented, the means for supporting thedrum 5 and driving it in rotation may differ from the ones exemplified, according to any known technique, and comprise, for example, two pairs of bottom wheels, for supporting thedrum 5 in a front area and a rear area, and a motor mounted underneath the drum, with an associated transmission belt fitted on the peripheral wall of the drum. - The
drum 5 has a structure that comprises arear wall 9, to which theshaft 6 is rendered fixed, a substantially cylindricalperipheral wall 10, and afront wall 11. Therear wall 9 has an array of throughholes 9a. In an embodiment not illustrated, and unlike the known art, therear wall 9 is, instead, without holes. Thecylindrical wall 10 is prevalently unperforated, apart from the presence of one or more localized openings provided according to one embodiment of the invention that, as will emerge hereinafter, constitute part of an inlet for the hot drying air into the drum. Thefront wall 11 is generally flange-shaped so as to present a central opening (not indicated) for access to the inside of thedrum 5 and moreover functioning as outlet for the air from the drum itself. The peripheral area of thefront wall 11 is moreover shaped so as to define aguide 11a for engagement and rolling of thewheels 8. Thedoor 3 of themachine 1 is mounted in a position corresponding to a front opening (not indicated) provided in the front wall of thecabinet 2, said opening being substantially coaxial to the central opening of thefront wall 11 of thedrum 5 and coaxial to the axis A. - The
machine 1 comprises ventilation means, designed to generate a forced flow of air, and heating means, which are designed to heat the air of the forced flow. In the example of embodiment illustrated, the ventilation means include a substantially closed path for the air, defined inside the cabinet. The aforesaid path includes a duct, designated as a whole by 12: inFigure 2 , the arrows F1 indicate the flow along the aforesaid duct. The ventilation means moreover comprise afan 13 that is operative along theduct 12. - Designated by 14 is an annular conveying and sealing member, of a conception in itself known, which is mounted on the load-bearing structure and extends between the front opening of the
cabinet 2 and the front opening of the drum, defined in thefront wall 11. In order to prevent any dispersion of the flow of hot air, between a cylindrical part of themember 14 and a respective cylindrical part of thewall 11 annular-seal sliding means 15 are provided, for example made of a material such as felt, associated to the aforesaid cylindrical part of themember 14. - A lower area of the
member 14 comprises passageways, for example in the form ofholes 14a, which basically provide the mouth of a suction section of the drying circuit. Advantageously, in said area aremovable filter 16 for withholding fluff is mounted in a known way. - Provided along the aforesaid suction section of the drying circuit, designated by 12a, is a
condenser device 17, of a conception in itself known and, downstream of this, means 18 for heating the drying air. The heating means 18 may include one or more electrical resistances, which are also set downstream of thefan 13. In one embodiment, the machine may include a heat pump that fulfils both functions of heating and functions of condensation of the drying air, all according to the known art. - Set downstream of the
fan 13 is the delivery section of the circuit, designated by 12b, which terminates with astationary diffusion chamber 12c, substantially bell-shaped or dome-shaped. In the embodiment illustrated, thedrive shaft 6 of thedrum 5, or the corresponding hub, extends through theduct 12 and thechamber 12c, with interposition of corresponding seal means aimed at preventing any dispersion of the flow of hot air. - Provided inside the
drum 5 is at least one laundry-agitation member or paddle: in the embodiment exemplified, thedrum 5 has inside it three paddles, two of which are designated by 20 inFigure 2 . The threepaddles 20 axially extend in a direction generally parallel to the axis A and are set up against the internal surface of theperipheral wall 10 of thedrum 5, spaced at approximately 120° apart. As may be seen also inFigure 4 , eachpaddle 20 has aninternal cavity 21, which, as will be seen hereinafter, is configured for receiving at least part of the flow of hot air forced into thedrum 5, as well as one ormore passages 22 for diffusing the hot air from thecavity 21 towards the central area of thedrum 5, as indicated by the arrows F2 inFigure 2 . The paddles have a substantially open boxlike structure, with the corresponding cavity that is delimited laterally and at the front by a peripheral wall 20', the front edge of which bears upon the internal surface of theperipheral wall 10 of the drum, with possible interposition of a gasket. - In the embodiment exemplified, the
paddles 20 have arear portion 20a having a generally restricted cross section, to which there corresponds a restricted portion of the correspondinginternal cavity 21, and afront portion 20b having a wider cross section, to which there corresponds a wider portion of the correspondingcavity 21. In the example, thefront portion 20b includes a dome-shaped part. It should be noted that the shape of themembers 20 must be understood as merely an example and that, in the practical embodiment of the invention, said shape may differ from the one illustrated in the figures, for example including rounded edges and/or a substantially constant cross section. - Preferably, the
passages 22 are provided only in thefront portion 20b of thepaddles 20, even though not excluded is the presence ofpassages 22 also in therear portion 20a. - In the embodiment exemplified, the inlet for the hot air into the
drum 5 comprises, in addition to theholes 9a of therear wall 9, at least one passageway in a position corresponding to at least onepaddle 20, in fluid communication with the cavity of the latter. - According to a characteristic of the first embodiment of the invention, mounted on the outside of the
drum 5 is a directing device, fixed in rotation with respect to the structure of the drum itself, which is operatively coupled to theduct 12 and is configured for conveying at least part of the hot air coming from said duct as far as the aforesaid passageway, and then thecavity 21 of thecorresponding paddle 20. - In a preferred embodiment, such as the one illustrated in the figures, the aforesaid passageway is located in the
cylindrical wall 10 of the drum in an area corresponding to arespective paddle 20. Such a passageway, designated by 10a inFigures 2 and5 , may comprise one or more through openings of thewall 10. The dimensions of thepassageway 10a are such that it is located in an area of thewall 10 that is circumscribed by the peripheral wall 20' of the corresponding paddle, on the inside of thedrum 5. - With reference also to
Figure 3 , the aforesaid directing device, designated as a whole by 25, has at least onefirst body portion 26 that is operatively set between theend chamber 12c of theduct 12 and therear wall 9 of thedrum 5, where thebody portion 26 has at least oneinlet opening 27 for the hot drying air, which faces the inside of theend chamber 12c. - In the embodiment illustrated, the directing
device 25 includes threebody portions 26, which extend radially with respect to the axis A. The angular distance between theseportions 26, defined hereinafter as "radial portions", substantially corresponds to that of the paddles 20: consequently, in the example considered, theradial portions 26 are spaced at approximately 120° apart. - The
radial portions 26 extend generally parallel to therear wall 9 of thedrum 5 to define a corresponding stretch of radial path for the drying air. For said purpose, eachradial portion 26 has a respective cavity, designated by 26a, for passage of the drying air, onto which theopenings 27 open. In the embodiment illustrated, for this purpose, theradial portions 26 have an open boxlike structure, for delimiting with therear wall 9 of the drum 5 a corresponding stretch of path for the drying air. For this purpose, the front surface of the body of thedevice 25 bears upon therear wall 9 of thedrum 5, with possible interposition of seal means. - The
cavity 26a has a relatively contained depth - in the region of 1 - 2 cm - so as not to require a significant reduction of the size of the drum, without, however, determining significant losses of charge and/or pressure of the flow of air. - The
end chamber 12c has a generally circular profile defined by a substantially cylindrical peripheral wall (not indicated). Between the front edge of said peripheral wall and the rear surface of the directing device annular-seal sliding means 12d (Figure 2 ) are provided, aimed at preventing any dispersion of the flow of hot air. Also said means may for example be made of a material such as felt. Given that, in the case exemplified, the part of the body of the directingdevice 25 set between thechamber 12c and therear wall 9 of thedrum 5 includesradial portions 26, the latter are connected together by walls having a development of an arc of circumference, designated by 28 inFigure 3 . Said arch-like walls 28 hence define, together with respective stretches of theradial portions 26, the annular surface with respect to which the seal means 12d operate. - In the preferred embodiment illustrated, the directing
device 25 then includes at least one second body portion, which is substantially parallel to theperipheral wall 10 of thedrum 5 to define a corresponding stretch of axial path for the drying air. In the case exemplified, three of the aforesaid second portions are provided, hereinafter defined as "axial portions", designated by 29. - The
axial portions 29 depart substantially orthogonal from the distal end of theradial portions 26 and have an arched profile, conformable to theperipheral wall 10 of thedrum 5. Theaxial portions 29 bear in fact upon the outside of thewall 10 of thedrum 5 to delimit therewith the aforesaid stretch of axial path for the hot air, and in such a way that an area of theperipheral wall 10 in which acorresponding passageway 10a is located is set between a respectiveaxial portion 29 and acorresponding paddle 20, as may be clearly seen for example inFigure 5 . - In the example illustrated, the
axial portions 29 have arespective cavity 29a (Figures 3 and5 ) for passage of the hot drying air, each of which is in communication with thecavity 26a of the correspondingradial portion 26. For this purpose, once again with reference to the embodiment illustrated, also theaxial portions 29 have an open boxlike structure in order to delimit, with theperipheral wall 10 of thedrum 5, the corresponding stretch of path for the drying air. Also thecavities 29a have a relatively contained depth, in the region of 1 - 2 cm so as to limit the overall dimensions thereof without, however, determining any significant losses of charge and/or pressure of the flow of air. - Once again with reference to the non-limiting example of embodiment illustrated in
Figure 3 , theradial portions 26 have respective bottom stretches 30, preferably massive, basically having structural functions, which converge in acentral part 31 provided with a throughhole 31a for theshaft 6 of thedrum 5. - From what has been described previously, it will be appreciated that the
inlet openings 27 of the directingdevice 25 face the inside of theend chamber 12c of thedelivery section 12b of the circuit of the forced air (Figure 2 ), with thecavities 26a of theradial portions 26 that communicate directly with thecavities 29a of theradial portions 29 and then, via thepassageways 10a of theperipheral wall 11 of thedrum 5, with thecavities 21 of thepaddles 20. - In the examples of embodiment provided, the
drum 5 is equipped with a plurality ofpaddles 20, with thedevice 25 configured for enabling the drying air to reach the internal cavity of each of said paddles. Obviously, the drum could have a singlehollow paddle 20, with thedevice 25 shaped accordingly. - In the examples of embodiment provided, the body of the
device 25 has a substantially spider shape, in its part operatively set between thechamber 12c and therear wall 9 of thedrum 5, but it will be appreciated that said part could have an as a whole circular shape, it remaining understood that at least oneradial cavity 26a with the corresponding inlet opening 27 is present therein. Likewise, also the part of thedevice 25 that embraces theperipheral wall 10 of the drum could have a substantially cylindrical shape, it remaining understood that at least oneaxial cavity 29a is present therein, in communication with aradial cavity 26a and in a position corresponding to acorresponding passageway 10a. - In the embodiment at the moment deemed preferential, the
device 25 is made of a single piece, for example of moulded plastic material, which can be obtained in a simple and inexpensive way. Said single piece can be readily fixed on the outside of thedrum 5 with modalities that are evident to a person skilled in the art, for example via screws that secure the structure of thedevice 25 to therear wall 9 and/or to theperipheral wall 10 of the drum. Fixing of thedevice 25 may also be obtained at least in part by snap-action engagement means or the like, in part defined in the plastic piece. - Operation of the
machine 1, as regards circulation of the air, is very simple. The hot air is forced by thefan 13 into thedelivery section 12b of the circuit and penetrates into thechamber 12c. From here, a part of the flow of hot air penetrates substantially axially inside thedrum 5, through theopenings 9a of itsrear wall 9. It will be appreciated, in this regard, that theopenings 9a (the position of which is also represented with a dashed line inFigure 5 ) are positioned in the areas delimited between themassive portions 30 and thearched walls 30 of thedevice 25, which provide a sort of sub-chambers directly facing thechamber 12c of the delivery section. Another part of the hot drying air penetrates, instead, through theinlet openings 27, into thecavities 26a of theradial portions 26. The respective parts of flow traverse thecavities 26a, in a radial direction with respect to the axis A, until they reach thecavities 29a of theaxial portions 29, performing an - even minimal - axial path, and then reach the inside of thecavities 21 of thepaddles 20 via thepassageways 10a: the hot air is then diffused towards the central area of thedrum 5 through theholes 22, as exemplified by the arrows F2 ofFigure 2 . After it has lapped the laundry, the air now saturated with humidity exits from thedrum 5 through the opening of itsfront wall 11, as indicated by the arrows F3 ofFigure 2 , and then penetrates into thesuction section 12a of the circuit, passing through thefilter 16. The air in thesuction section 12a is dehumidified by thecondenser device 17 and then again heated by the heating means 18, to go back into circulation. Consequently, in the preferred solution according to the invention, at least part of the flow of the hot drying air is divided, on the outside of thedrum 5, into a plurality of partial flows, which are directed into different regions of the space containing the laundry to be dried. - This enables a more uniform distribution of the current of hot air inside the
drum 5, improving the efficiency of the drying process. - In
DE-A-19623959 the introduction of hot air into the drum in a radial direction takes place through the cavities of just the paddle that comes to be set facing the dedicated holes of the rear wall of the drum, i.e., the paddle that, during the motion of rotation of the drum, each time occupies the lowest position. UnlikeDE-A-19623959 , according to the invention, all the paddles are designed to be simultaneously traversed by flows of drying air. This in particular guarantees an efficient drying action in conditions of satellization of the garments, i.e., when these remain adherent to the internal surface of the drum during its rotation; for example, said condition is generated during cycles of drying of wool or delicate garments. - It is once again pointed out that in the embodiment represented in the figures (see by way of reference
Figure 3 ) the width and the length of theradial portions 26 must be understood as purely an example. In a particularly advantageous embodiment as the one illustrated inFigure 6 , theradial portions 26 are shaped withcavities 26a that develop more in length, towards thecentral part 31. In this way, theopenings 27 for inlet of the air can be shifted accordingly towards the centre, in the proximity of or in a position corresponding to thepart 31. In this way, moreover, thearched walls 28 can have a smaller radius, as in the example illustrated inFigure 6 . - As may be appreciated, with such an arrangement, the
diffusion chamber 12c of thedelivery section 12b of the circuit (Figure 2 ) can have a diameter, and hence a volume, that is decidedly smaller as compared to the solution provided inDE-A-19623959 , a fact that enables a further increase in the containment of any dispersion of heat and the minimization of the charge losses. In a further variant in this sense, the surface of seal with respect to themeans 12d, which have a decidedly smaller diameter, may be possibly provided via thecentral part 31, as far as which theradial cavities 26a provided with theopenings 27 extend. The fact that the flow of the heated air is divided into partial flows that pass through reduced sections of passage also enables maintenance of a good outflow pressure of the hot air towards the laundry, with reduced or absent losses of speed (unlike what occurs in the prior solution cited, in which the terminal diffusion chamber of the delivery section of the system, having necessarily to be of large dimensions, has the effect of causing a reduction of the speed of the hot air flow and turbulence). - In the preferred embodiment the
device 25 is made of a single piece, but it will be appreciated that its various functional and structural parts could be configured as distinct components operatively coupled together so as to guarantee a sufficient seal to the flow of air. - In a possible variant embodiment, one or
more passageways 10a are provided, instead of on theperipheral wall 10, in the proximity of, or in a position corresponding to, the outer edge of therear wall 9 of thedrum 5. In such an embodiment, exemplified inFigure 7 , thecavity 21 of thecorresponding paddle 20, delimited laterally by aperipheral wall 20", is open at the rear, i.e., in a position corresponding to thewall 9, so as to be set facing the correspondingpassageway 10a. In this case, also between the rear edge of thepaddle 20 and therear wall 9 there may be provided seal means. It will be appreciated that in said embodiment, which is functionally similar to the one described previously, it is not necessary to envisage theaxial portions 29 of the directingdevice 25. - In
figures 8-11 there is shown the above said second embodiment of the invention. In said figures the same reference numerals of the preceding figures are used, to indicate elements that are technically equivalent to those previously described. - Also in this case, the
drum 5 has arear wall 9, with respect to which theshaft 6 is rendered fixed, a substantially cylindricalperipheral wall 10, and afront wall 11. Therear wall 9 has, in a central region thereof that surrounds the area of fixing of theshaft 6, an inlet for a flow of hot drying air, preferably constituted by an array of through holes, one of which is designated by 9a'. Thecylindrical wall 10 is, instead, unperforated, and thefront wall 11 is generally flange-shaped so as to present a central opening (not indicated) for access to the inside of thedrum 5 that moreover functions as outlet for the air from the drum itself The peripheral area of thefront wall 11 is moreover shaped so as to define aguide 11a, for engagement and rolling of thewheels 8. Thedoor 3 of themachine 1 is mounted at a front opening (not indicated) provided in the front wall of thecabinet 2, said opening being substantially coaxial to the central opening of thefront wall 11 of thedrum 5 and coaxial to the axis A. - The
machine 1 comprises ventilation means, designed to generate a forced flow of air, and heating means, which are designed to heat the air of the forced flow. In the example of embodiment illustrated, the ventilation means include a substantially closed path for the air, defined inside the cabinet. The aforesaid path includes a duct, designated as a whole by 12, which sets the opening of thefront wall 11 of thedrum 5 in communication with the inlet represented by theholes 9a' of the rear wall 9: inFigure 8 , the arrows F1 indicate the flow along the aforesaid duct. The ventilation means moreover comprise afan 13 that is operative along theduct 12. - Designated by 14 is an annular conveying and sealing member, of a conception in itself known, which is mounted on the load-bearing structure and extends between the front opening of the
cabinet 2 and the front opening of the drum, defined in thefront wall 11. In order to prevent any dispersion of the flow of hot air, between a cylindrical part of themember 14 and a respective cylindrical part of thewall 11 annular-seal sliding means 15 are provided, for example made of a material such as felt, associated to the aforesaid cylindrical part of themember 14. - A lower area of the
member 14 comprises passageways, for example in the form ofholes 14a, which basically provide the mouth of a suction section of the drying circuit. Advantageously, in said area aremovable filter 16 for withholding fluff is mounted in a known way. - Provided along the aforesaid suction section of the drying circuit, designated by 12a, is a
condenser device 17, of a conception in itself known and, downstream of this, means 18 for heating the drying air. The heating means 18 may include one or more electrical resistances, which are also set downstream of thefan 13. In one embodiment, the machine may include a heat pump that fulfils both functions of heating and functions of condensation of the drying air, all according to the known art. - Set downstream of the
fan 13 is the delivery section of the circuit, designated by 12b, which terminates with astationary diffusion chamber 12c, having a generally circular profile defined by a cylindrical wall. Between the front edge of said cylindrical wall and the surface of therear wall 9 of the drum annular-seal sliding means are provided (not represented) aimed at preventing any dispersion of the flow of drying air. Also said means may for example be made of a material such as felt. In the embodiment illustrated, thedrive shaft 6 of thedrum 5, or the corresponding hub, extends through theduct 12 and thechamber 12c, with interposition of corresponding seal means aimed at preventing any dispersion of the flow of drying air. - Provided inside the
drum 5 is at least one laundry-agitation member or paddle: in the embodiment exemplified, thedrum 5 has inside it three paddles, two of which are designated by 20 inFigure 8 . The threepaddles 20 axially extend in a direction generally parallel to the axis A and are set up against the internal surface of thecylindrical wall 10 of thedrum 5, spaced at approximately 120° apart. Eachpaddle 20 has acavity 21 that, as will be seen hereinafter, is configured for receiving at least part of the flow of hot air forced into thedrum 5, as well as one ormore passages 22 for diffusing the hot air from thecavity 21 towards the central area of thedrum 5, as indicated by the arrows F2 inFigure 8 . The paddles have a substantially open boxlike structure, with the corresponding cavity that is delimited laterally and at the front by a peripheral wall 20', the front edge of which bears upon the internal surface of thecylindrical wall 10 of the drum, with possible interposition of a gasket. - In the embodiment exemplified, and as may be seen also in
Figures 9 and 10 , thepaddles 20 have arear portion 20a having a generally restricted cross section, to which there corresponds a restricted portion of the correspondingcavity 21, and afront portion 20b having a wider cross section, to which there corresponds a wider portion of the correspondingcavity 21. In the example, thefront portion 20b includes a dome-shaped part. It should be noted that the shape of themembers 20 must be understood as merely an example and that, in the practical embodiment of the invention, said shape may differ from the one illustrated infigures 8-11 , for example including rounded edges and/or a substantially constant cross section. - Preferably, the
passages 22 are provided only in thefront portion 20b of thepaddles 20, even though not excluded is the presence ofpassages 22 also in therear portion 20a (see, for example,Figure 11 , where somepassages 22 are exemplified also in theportion 20a). - According to the main characteristic of the second embodiment of the invention of
figures 8-11 , mounted inside thedrum 5 is a baffle device, configured for conveying at least part of the flow of air introduced into thedrum 5 in a radial direction with respect to the axis A, to thecavity 21 of at least one agitation member orpaddle 20. - With reference also to
Figure 11 , the aforesaid baffle device comprises a baffle, designated as a whole by 25', fixed in rotation with respect to the structure of thedrum 5. The baffle 25' includes a first wall 26' generally facing, or parallel to, therear wall 9 of thedrum 5 and at a distance therefrom. The distance between the twowalls 9 and 26' is relatively contained (in the region of 1 - 2 cm) so as not to reduce excessively the useful space inside thedrum 5 without, however, determining any significant losses of charge and/or pressure in the flow of air entering thedrum 5. The baffle 25' then has a passageway 27' (Figure 11 ) for connection with thecavity 21 of acorresponding paddle 20, said passageway being defined at the peripheral edge of the wall 26'. In the embodiment illustrated, thecavity 21 of the paddles is open at the rear end, at the passageway 27'. - As may be appreciated, with the arrangement described, defined between the
walls 9 and 26' is a relatively thin chamber, in which part of the hot drying air can diffuse radially (as indicated by the arrows F3 ofFigure 8 ) until it reaches, through the passageways 27', theinternal cavities 21 of thepaddles 20, and then exits towards the central area of thedrum 5 through thepassages 22 of themembers 20 themselves, as indicated by the arrows F2. - In an embodiment at the moment deemed preferential, the baffle 25' has at least one radial cavity, for directing the air to a respective connection passageway 27'. In this way, the losses of charge and/or pressure of the flow of air can be contained, when this flows radially inside the drum, between the
walls 9 and 26'. Such an embodiment is exemplified inFigure 12 , where the aforesaid cavity is designated by 28'. Saidcavity 28' is delimited at the front by the wall 26' and laterally by a pair of second walls 29' that extend towards therear wall 9 of the drum, starting from the rear surface of the wall 26'. Preferably, the walls 29' bear upon therear wall 9 of the drum, with possible interposition of a gasket. - In the example of
Figure 12 , given the presence of threepaddles 20, the baffle 25' has threeradial cavities 28', delimited laterally by respective pairs of walls 29'. At the opposite end with respect to the passageways 27', the walls 29' preferably have connection stretches 30' in order to circumscribe a central cavity 31' which is initially reached by the flow of hot drying air introduced into thedrum 5 through theholes 9a' of therear wall 9. - The wall 26' of the baffle 25' may be unperforated or else have, as in the embodiments exemplified, one or more through
holes 32 in a central region thereof: with particular reference toFigure 12 , said central area is preferably circumscribed by the connection stretches of the walls 29', i.e., is at the cavity 31'. In this way, part of the flow of hot air that penetrates through theholes 9a' of therear wall 9 can be directed into the drum also in a generally axial direction, as exemplified by the arrows F4 ofFigure 8 , through theholes 32. In addition or as an alternative, one or more through holes may be provided in the wall 26' at theradial cavities 28'. - It will be appreciated that the
holes 32 generally face theholes 9a', which are set in the region circumscribed by thediffusion chamber 12c. Preferably, the section of passage of the holes 32 (or of theholes 32 as a whole) is smaller than the section of passage of theholes 9a' (or of theholes 9a' as a whole) in order to ensure that part of the flow in any case traverses theradial cavities 28'. For this purpose it is also possible to envisage, within the cavity 31' of the baffle 25', a further sub-cavity defined by a cylindrical wall projecting from the wall 26', with theholes 32 provided only at said sub-cavity. - In the examples of embodiment provided, the
drum 5 is equipped with a plurality ofpaddles 20, with the baffle 25' configured for enabling hot air to reach thecavity 21 of each of said paddles, via correspondingradial cavities 28'. Obviously, the drum could have a singlehollow paddle 20, with the baffle 25' shaped accordingly. - In the examples of embodiment of
Figures 11-12 , the wall 26' of the baffle 25' has a generally circular shape, but said shape must be deemed merely an example. A different embodiment is illustrated inFigure 13 , where the reference numbers of the previousfigures 8-12 are used to indicate elements that are technically equivalent to the ones already described above. In said embodiment, the wall 26' of the baffle 25' is substantially spider shaped; i.e., it comprises a plurality of radial stretches, each including the respectiveradial cavity 28'. - In the embodiment at the moment deemed preferential, the baffle 25' is made of a single piece with the
paddles 20, for example made of moulded plastic material, which can be obtained in a simple and inexpensive way. Said single piece can be fixed inside thedrum 5 with modalities that appear evident to a person skilled in the art, for example via screws that secure thepaddles 20 to theperipheral wall 10 of the drum and/or screws that secure the wall 26' of the baffle 25' to therear wall 9 of the drum, with possible interposition of spacer bushings. Fixing between the aforesaid single piece and the drum can be obtained also at least in part by snap-action engagement means or the like, in part defined in the plastic piece. Of course, the installation of the baffle 25' and of the associated paddles 20 is carried out prior to completion of thedrum 5, i.e., prior to fixing of thefront wall 11 and/orrear wall 9 to thecylindrical wall 10. - Operation of the
machine 1, as regards circulation of the air, is very simple. The hot air is forced by thefan 13 into thedelivery section 12b of the circuit and penetrates into thechamber 12c. From here, the flow of hot air penetrates, through theholes 9a', into the drum 5: part of the flow proceeds axially (arrows F4) towards the centre of the drum itself, whereas part of the flow proceeds radially along thecavities 28' of the baffle 25', until it reaches the inside of thepaddles 20, from where then the hot air is diffused towards the central area of thedrum 5 through theholes 22. After it has lapped the laundry, the air now saturated with humidity exits from thedrum 5 through the opening of itsfront wall 11, as indicated by the arrows F5 ofFigure 8 , and then penetrates into thesuction section 12a of the circuit, passing through thefilter 16. The air in thesuction section 12a is dehumidified by thecondenser device 17 and then again heated by the heating means 18 to go back into circulation. - Hence, in the preferred solution, the flow of the hot air is divided, inside the
drum 5, into a plurality of partial flows F2, F4, which are directed in different regions of the space containing the laundry to be dried. - This enables a more uniform distribution of the current of hot air inside the
drum 5, improving the efficiency of the drying process. - Unlike
DE-A-19623959 , also in the embodiments offigures 8-13 , all the paddles are designed to be simultaneously traversed by flows of drying air. This in particular guarantees an efficient drying action in conditions of satellization of the garments, i.e., when these remain adherent to the internal surface of the drum during its rotation; for example, said condition is generated during cycles of drying of wool or delicate garments. - The
diffusion chamber 12c of themachine 1 according to the embodiments of the invention offigures 8-13 can have a decidedly smaller volume as compared to the solution provided inDE-A-19623959 , which enables containment of any dispersion of heat. The fact that the flow of the heated air is divided into partial flows that pass in thedrum 5 through reduced sections of passage also enables maintenance of a good pressure of outflow of the hot air towards the laundry, with reduced or absent losses of speed (unlike what occurs in the prior solution cited, in which the terminal diffusion chamber of the delivery section of the system, having necessarily to be of large dimensions, has the effect of causing a reduction of the speed of the hot air flow and turbulence). - In the preferred embodiment the
paddles 20 are made of a single piece with the baffle 25', but it will be appreciated that the components in question could be configured as distinct components operatively coupled together so as to guarantee a sufficient seal to the flow of air. - In
figures 14-16 there is shown the above said third embodiment of the invention. In said figures the same reference numerals of the preceding figures are used, to indicate elements that are technically equivalent to the one previously described. - With respect to the similar
figures 2 and8 , infigure 14 with 11a' is designated a central mouth for loading and unloading of laundry, which moreover function as outlet for the air from the drum itself; as in the previous embodiments, theduct 12 sets themouth 11a' of thefront wall 11 of thedrum 5 in communication with the inlet represented byholes 9a" of therear wall 9 thereof: inFigure 14 , the arrows F1 indicate the flow along the aforesaid duct. Also in this case, at least a lower area of the conveyingmember 14 is provided with passageways, for example in the form ofholes 15a, which basically provide the entrance of a suction section of the drying circuit. Advantageously, saidholes 15a are defined at a housing for aremovable filter 16, for withholding fluff. - In this embodiment, fixed inside the
drum 5 is at least one laundry-agitation member or paddle: in the embodiment exemplified, thedrum 5 has inside it three paddles, two of which are designated by 20 inFigure 14 . The threepaddles 20 axially extend in a direction generally parallel to the axis A and are set up against the internal surface of thecylindrical wall 10 of thedrum 5, spaced at approximately 120° apart. Eachpaddle 20 has acavity 21, designed to receive at least part of the flow of hot air forced into thedrum 5, as well as one or more inlet passages for the air and one or more outlet passages for the air. - As will emerge more clearly hereinafter, according to the third embodiment of the invention of
figures 14-16 , the one or more inlet passages - designated by 22' also inFigure 15 - and the one or more outlet passages - designated by 23 also inFigure 15 - of at least onepaddle 20 are prearranged in such a way that, in at least one angular position assumed by the paddle itself during rotation of theperipheral wall 10, at least part of the hot air forced into thedrum 5 penetrates into thecavity 21 of the paddle after it has passed through part of the laundry. - For this purpose, in a preferred embodiment, the one or more inlet passages 22' face the inside of the
drum 5, and the one ormore outlet passages 23 face, instead, the outside of thedrum 5, towards the air outlet represented by themouth 11a' of thefront wall 11 of thedrum 5. - The
paddles 20 have a substantially boxlike structure to define the correspondingcavities 21. In the embodiment exemplified, and as may be seen in particular inFigure 15 , the body of thepaddles 20 has anupper face 20a' and afront face 20b', with a plurality of inlet passages 22' in theupper face 20a' and a plurality ofoutlet passages 23 in thefront face 20b'. - In a preferred embodiment, and as emerges in particular from
Figure 15 , defined at least in an upper portion of thefront face 20b' of thepaddle 20 is a plurality of theoutlet passages 23, with said upper portion that faces themouth 11a'. Instead, a lower portion of thefront face 20b' itself faces a corresponding region of thefront wall 11 of thedrum 5, and in said lower portion theoutlet passages 23 are not strictly necessary. - As mentioned previously, at the
mouth 11a' of the drum, the entrance of the suction section of the dryingcircuit 12a is located, which, in the non-limiting example considered herein, is basically constituted by ahousing 115 for thefilter 16. As may be appreciated in particular inFigures 14 and16 , at least one part of the body that defines thehousing 15 faces thefront face 20b' of the paddle 20 - in particular the portion of said face that directly faces themouth 11a' - and has theholes 15a for passage of the air. - The array of
holes 15a preferably extends for an arched stretch of thehousing 115 and/or of themember 14 around a region of bottom dead centre of rotation of the drum, said region being indicatively comprised between -30° and +30° from the bottom dead centre. - In the embodiment exemplified, the
housing 115 has a top face 15' and afront face 15", both provided with corresponding arrays ofholes 15a. As may be appreciated fromFigure 16 , at least theholes 15a of theface 15" face thefront face 20b' of thepaddle 20, and hence thecorresponding outlet passages 23. - The lower face of the body of the
paddles 20 is preferably generally curved, in a way conformable to the curvature of theperipheral wall 10 of thedrum 5. Instead, in the preferred embodiment of the invention, at least theupper face 20a' of thepaddles 20 has an asymmetrical profile in such a way that the paddle is as a whole (with reference toFigure 15 ) generally thinned out on the left and convex on the right. More in particular, fromFigure 15 it may be noted how theupper face 20a' presents on the right a portion H which is basically shaped like a concave vault, with concavity facing downwards, and on the left a generally thinned-out portion T. Said profile is as a whole aerodynamic in relation to the preferential direction of rotation of thedrum 5 of the machine, which here is assumed to turn prevalently in a clockwise direction. Of course, in the case of prevalent rotation in a counterclockwise direction, the arrangement of the portions H and T will be opposite to the one represented inFigure 15 . Theupper face 20a' of the paddle then has, in the case exemplified, also a generally rear portion R, which degrades towards the rear of the paddle itself, starting from the portions T and H. - It should be noted that in
Figures 15 and 16 only some of the inlet passages 22' have been represented, but in the practical embodiment of the invention the entireupper face 20a' may present a more or less homogeneous array of passages 22', in the various portions H, T and R (see, for example,Figure 14 ). - In the examples of embodiment provided, the
drum 5 is equipped with a plurality ofpaddles 20, but obviously the drum could have a singlehollow paddle 20. Also the shape illustrated of the paddles, even though currently is deemed preferential, may differ, it remaining understood that the inlet passages 22' and theoutlet passages 23 are present, facing respectively the inside and the outside - through themouth 11a' - of the space containing the laundry defined by thedrum 5. - Operation of the
machine 1, as regards circulation of the air, is very simple. Thedrum 5 is set in rotation, with thepaddles 20 fixed with respect thereto that fulfil the classic function of agitation of the laundry. The hot air is forced by thefan 13 in thedelivery section 12b of the circuit and penetrates into thechamber 12c. From here, the flow of hot air passes through theholes 9a" and diffuses into thedrum 5. In this way, the hot air impinges upon the laundry to remove moisture therefrom. The hot air that has taken up humidity from the laundry then exits from thedrum 5 through themouth 11a', at the entrance of thesuction section 12a, here represented by thehousing 115. - It will thus be appreciated that, during rotation of the
drum 5, the paddles 20 - at least as regards the upper part of the their front faces 20b' - cyclically face themouth 11a', and more in particular the front of thehousing 115, provided with thepassages 15a. In said situation, the paddle is in a position corresponding to the aforesaid region of bottom dead centre of rotation of thedrum 5, and on its upper face at least part of the load of laundry impinges. In this way, part of the forced hot air tends to traverse said laundry - as indicated by the arrows F3 ofFigure 14 - subtracting moisture therefrom, and then penetrates inside thecavity 21 of the paddle, through the inlet passages 22'; the air charged with moisture subtracted from the laundry then tends to exit at the front from thecavity 21 through the outlet passages 23 - as indicated by the arrows F4 ofFigure 14 - favoured thereby by the action of suction exerted by means of thesection 12a of theduct 12. - The air saturated with humidity then penetrates in the
housing 115, through thecorresponding passages 15a, is filtered through thefilter 16, as indicated by the arrows F4 ofFigure 14 , and then proceeds into thesuction section 12a. The air in thesuction section 12a is dehumidified by thecondenser device 17 and then again heated by the heating means 18 so that it goes back into circulation. - Of course, part of the hot air that traverses the
drum 5 will reach thesuction section 12a without passing in thepaddles 20. Part of the hot air may also be induced to penetrate into thepaddles 20 different from the one that is currently in the region of bottom dead centre; said air may in any case exit from the corresponding cavities during rotation, in particular through thecorresponding outlet passages 23 temporarily facing the conveying and sealingmember 14. - As may be readily understood, in the solution according to the embodiment of
figures 14-16 , in at least one angular position assumed by apaddle 20 during rotation of theperipheral wall 10, at least part of the hot air forced into thedrum 5 penetrates into thecavity 21 only after it has traversed part of the laundry. Practical tests conducted by the Applicant have made it possible to ascertain that this methodology enables an efficient subtraction of humidity from the load of laundry, with advantages in terms of reduction of the drying times. - In addition to this, the
diffusion chamber 12c of themachine 1 according to the invention can have a decidedly smaller volume as compared to the solution provided inDE-A-19623959 , which enables containment of the dispersion of heat. In addition, this enables reduced or absent losses of speed of the hot air towards the laundry (unlike what occurs in the prior solution cited, in which the terminal diffusion chamber of the delivery branch of the system must necessarily be of large dimensions with the effect of causing a reduction of the speed of the flow of hot air). - In the preferred embodiment, the
suction section 12a of the drying circuit comprises ahousing 115 for thefilter 16, but it will be appreciated that such a filter could be provided elsewhere along the circuit: in this case, theelement 115 previously defined as "housing" will only have functions of inlet for the moist air leaving the drum in thesuction section 12a. - In a possible embodiment, at least some of the
holes 9a" provided in therear wall 9 of thedrum 5 can be provided for orienting a corresponding part of the forced flow downwards, i.e., towards the region of bottom dead centre, in order to increase further the efficiency of the machine. Said holes may, for example, comprise an outermost annular series ofholes 9a of the array. - It should be pointed out that the solution of
figures 14-16 may be used also in the case of drying machines, the drum of which is prevalently constituted by an unperforated cylindrical wall (with possible front and rear flanges each having a central opening), and in which the supporting structure of adrum 1 of this sort comprising a front baffle and a rear baffle, which in turn comprise respective cylindrical walls that project inside the cylindrical wall (or inside the aforesaid central openings of the two end flanges), with interposition of sliding seal means. In such a machine, hence, the front and/or rear of the space for containment of the laundry is delimited by a stationary wall of the structure of the machine, represented by the corresponding baffle. In such a type of machine, driving of the drum can be provided with a transmission belt fitted on the peripheral wall of the drum. - From the above description the characteristics of the present invention emerge clearly. The invention affords significant advantages in terms of efficiency as compared to the prior art mentioned in the introductory part of the present description, in terms of reduction of drying times, of containment of any dispersion of heat, of maintenance of the outflow pressure without significant losses of speed and concentration of the useful energy. Among the advantages, also the simplicity and low cost of the solution proposed are to be mentioned.
- Of course, without prejudice to the principle of the invention, the details of construction and the embodiments may vary widely as compared to what has been described and illustrated herein, without thereby departing from the scope of the invention itself, as defined by the ensuing claims.
- In the foregoing description reference has been made to a machine of the front-loading type, but it will be appreciated that the idea of solution underlying the invention may be readily applied also to top-loading drying machines. Likewise, the invention has been described with reference to a closed-circuit condensation dryer, but it will be appreciated that the invention may be used also in the case of expulsion dryers.
Claims (15)
- A laundry-drying machine, comprising a drum (5) rotatable about a substantially horizontal axis (A) and having a rear wall (9), a front wall (11) and a substantially cylindrical peripheral wall (10), which extends between the front and rear walls (9, 11), the drum (5) having at least one inlet for the air (9a; 10a) and at least one outlet for the air (14, 14a), the machine (1) further comprising a fan (13) and air-heating means (18),
wherein the drum (5) is designed to be traversed by hot air, forced by means of the fan (13) and heated via the heating means (18) before being introduced into the drum (5) through said at least one inlet (9a, 10a), the fan (13) and the heating means (18) being operatively associated to an air-conveying duct (12) having a delivery section (12b, 12c), which is in fluid communication with said at least one inlet (9a, 10a), and a suction section (12a), which is in fluid communication with said at least one outlet (14, 14a),
wherein inside the drum (5) at least one laundry-agitation member (20) is provided, associated to the cylindrical wall (10), the at least one agitation member (20) having a cavity (21), configured for receiving at least part of the hot air introduced into the drum (5), and one or more passages (22) for diffusing the hot air from the internal cavity (21) towards a central area of the drum (5),
wherein said at least one inlet for the air (9a, 10a) comprises at least one passageway (10a) in a position corresponding to the at least one agitation member (20) and in fluid communication with the cavity (21) thereof,
characterized in that outside the drum (5) a directing device (25) is mounted, connected in rotation to the structure of the drum (5), which is operatively coupled to the delivery section (12b, 12c) of the duct (12) and is configured for directing at least part of the air coming from the duct (12) to said at least one passageway (10a), and hence to the cavity (21) of the corresponding agitation member (20). - The laundry-drying machine according to Claim 1, wherein- the delivery section (12b, 12c) of the duct (12) comprises a stationary end chamber (12c);- the directing device (25) has at least one first body portion (26) that is operatively interposed between the end chamber (12c) and the rear wall (9) of the drum (5); and- the at least one first body portion (26) has at least one inlet opening (27) for hot air, which faces inside the end chamber (12c),where preferably the at least one first body portion (26) is generally parallel to the rear wall (9) of the drum (5) to define a respective stretch of radial path for air.
- The laundry-drying machine according to Claim 1 or Claim 2, wherein the at least one passageway comprises an opening (10a) in the peripheral wall (10) of the drum (5), where in particular the directing device (25) has at least one second body portion (29) substantially parallel to the peripheral wall (10) of the drum (5), to define a corresponding stretch of axial path for the hot air, an area of the peripheral wall (10) of the drum (5) in which the passageway (10a) is located being interposed between the second body portion (29) and the corresponding agitation member (20).
- The laundry-drying machine according to Claim 2 or Claim 3, wherein the at least one first body portion (26) has a respective cavity (26a) for passage of the hot air, where in particular the at least one second body portion (29) has a respective cavity (29a) for passage of the hot air, which is in fluid communication with the cavity (26a) of the first body portion (26).
- The laundry-drying machine according to Claim 2 or Claim 3, wherein the drum (5) has a plurality of agitation members (20), the directing device (25) has a plurality of first body portions (26) and the first body portions (26) extend radially with respect to said axis (A).
- A laundry-drying machine, comprising a drum (5) rotatable about a substantially horizontal axis (A) and having a rear wall (9), a front wall (11), and a substantially cylindrical peripheral wall (10), which extends between the front and rear walls (9, 11), the rear wall (9) having an inlet for the air (9a') and the front wall (11) having an outlet for the air (14, 14a), the machine (1) further comprising a fan (13) and air-heating means (18),
wherein the drum (5) is designed to be traversed by hot air, forced by the fan (13) and heated by the heating means (18) before being introduced into the drum (5) at said inlet (9a'), the fan (13) and the heating means (18) being operatively associated to an air-conveying duct (12) having a delivery section (12b, 12c), which is in fluid communication with said inlet (9a'), and a suction section (12a), which is in fluid communication with said outlet (14, 14a),
wherein inside the drum (5) at least one laundry-agitation member (20) is provided, which is associated to the peripheral wall (10), the at least one agitation member (20) having a cavity (21), configured for receiving at least part of the hot air introduced into the drum (5), and one or more passages (22) for diffusing the hot air from the cavity (21) towards a central area of the drum (5),
characterized in that inside the drum (5) a baffle device (25') is mounted, configured for directing in a radial direction at least part of the flow of air (F3) introduced into the drum (5), to the inside of the cavity (21) of the at least one agitation member (20). - The laundry-drying machine according to Claim 6, wherein the baffle device comprises a baffle (25') including a first wall (26') generally facing the rear wall (9) of the drum (5) and at a distance therefrom, the baffle (25') having, at a peripheral edge of the first wall (26'), a passageway (27') for connection with the cavity (21) of the agitation member (20), where preferably the baffle (25') has at least one radial guide cavity (28') for directing the air to the connection passageway (27), the at least one radial cavity (28') of the baffle (25') being preferably delimited laterally by a pair of second walls (29') that extend from the first wall (26') towards the rear wall (9) of the drum (5).
- The laundry-drying machine according to Claim 7, wherein the first wall (26') of the baffle (25') has, in a central area (31) thereof, one or more through holes (32), the section of passage of the one or more through holes (32) being smaller than the section of passage of the inlet of the air (9a') of the rear wall (9) of the drum (5).
- The laundry-drying machine according to any one of Claims 6 to 8, wherein the first wall (26') of the baffle (25') has a generally circular shape.
- The laundry-drying machine according to any one of Claims 6 to 9, wherein the baffle (25') is made of a single piece with the agitation member (20) or agitation members (20) and/or the baffle (25') and the agitation member (20), or each agitation member (20), are made of plastic material.
- A laundry-drying machine, comprising a drum (5) having a rear wall (9), a front wall (11) and a substantially cylindrical peripheral wall (10), at least the peripheral wall being rotatable about a substantially horizontal axis (A), the rear wall (9) having an air inlet (9a"), the front wall (11) having an air outlet (11a'), and the peripheral wall being substantially unperforated, the machine (1) further comprising a fan (13) and air-heating means (18),
wherein the drum (5) is designed to be traversed by hot air, forced by the fan (13) and heated by the heating means (18) before being introduced into the drum (5) at said inlet (9a"), the fan (13) and the heating means (18) being operatively associated to an air-conveying duct (12) having a delivery section (12b, 12c), which is in fluid communication with said inlet (9a"), and a suction section (12a), which is in fluid communication with said outlet (11a'),
wherein inside the drum (5) at least one laundry-agitation member (20) is provided, fixed to the peripheral wall (10), the at least one agitation member (20) having a cavity (21) with one or more air inlet passages (22') and one or more air outlet passages (23),
characterized in that the one or more inlet passages (22') and the one or more outlet passages (23) of the agitation member (20) are prearranged in such a way that, in at least one angular position assumed by the agitation member (20) during rotation of the peripheral wall (10) of the drum (5), at least part of the hot air forced into the drum (5) penetrates the cavity (21) of the agitation member (20) after it has passed through part of the laundry, where in particular said at least one angular position is a position in which the agitation member (20) is at a region of bottom dead centre of the rotation of the drum (5). - The laundry-drying machine according to Claim 11, wherein the one or more inlet passages (22') are generally directed towards the inside of the drum (5) and the one or more outlet passages (23) are generally directed towards the outside of the drum (5) at the air outlet (11a') thereof, at least one upper portion of the front face (20b') of the at least one agitation member (20) preferably facing said air outlet (11a') of the drum (5), in said upper portion there being defined a plurality of said outlet passages (23), and at least one lower portion of the front face (20a') of the at least one agitation member (20) preferably facing the front wall (11) of the drum (5), said lower portion being substantially free of outlet passages (23).
- The laundry-drying machine according to any Claim 11 or Claim 12, wherein the air outlet of the drum (5) comprises a mouth (11a") for loading and unloading laundry, the machine being a front-loading machine, and wherein at the mouth (11a') of the drum (5) an entrance (115) of the aforesaid suction section (12a) is provided, where preferably said entrance comprises a housing (15) for a filter (16), very preferably the entrance or housing (15) having a front (15"), at least part of the front (15") facing the front face (20b') of the agitation member (20).
- The laundry-drying machine according to any one of the claims 11 to 13, wherein the upper face of the at least one agitation member (20) has an asymmetrical profile.
- A method for drying laundry in a laundry-drying machine (1), comprising a laundry drum (5) with a peripheral wall (10) to which at least one laundry-agitation member (20) is fixed, comprising the steps of- setting in rotation at least the peripheral wall (10) of the drum (5), with the at least one agitation member (20) that causes a tumbling of the laundry inside the drum (5);- forcing a flow of hot air into the drum (5) through a rear wall (9) thereof, in such a way that hot air impinges upon the laundry to remove humidity therefrom; and- expelling hot air that has taken up humidity from the laundry through a front wall (11) of the drum (5),wherein, in at least one angular position assumed by the agitation member (20) during rotation of the peripheral wall (10) of the drum (5), at least part of the hot air forced into the drum (5) penetrates the cavity (21) of the agitation member (20) after it has passed through part of the laundry, where in particular said part of the flow of hot air passes in the cavity (21) of the agitation member (20) when the latter is at a region of lower dead centre of the rotation of the drum (5).
Applications Claiming Priority (3)
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IT001155A ITTO20111155A1 (en) | 2011-12-15 | 2011-12-15 | LINEN DRYER MACHINE |
IT001199A ITTO20111199A1 (en) | 2011-12-23 | 2011-12-23 | LINEN DRYER MACHINE |
IT001201A ITTO20111201A1 (en) | 2011-12-23 | 2011-12-23 | LINEN DRYING MACHINE AND DRYING METHOD |
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EP2604746A1 true EP2604746A1 (en) | 2013-06-19 |
EP2604746B1 EP2604746B1 (en) | 2020-03-11 |
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EP12196670.9A Active EP2604746B1 (en) | 2011-12-15 | 2012-12-12 | Laundry-drying machine |
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CN110714305A (en) * | 2018-06-27 | 2020-01-21 | 东芝生活电器株式会社 | Washing machine |
CN112553847A (en) * | 2020-12-01 | 2021-03-26 | 安徽金帅洗衣机有限公司 | Temperature protection mechanism and clothes dryer |
CN113882128A (en) * | 2020-07-02 | 2022-01-04 | 青岛海尔滚筒洗衣机有限公司 | Heat pump clothes dryer and control method thereof |
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ITUD20120147A1 (en) * | 2012-08-29 | 2014-03-01 | Giovanni Costantino | DEVICE AND DRYING METHOD FOR A DRESSING MACHINE FOR CLOTHING |
US9863085B2 (en) | 2012-12-31 | 2018-01-09 | Lg Electronics Inc. | Laundry machine |
EP3138951A1 (en) * | 2015-09-07 | 2017-03-08 | BSH Hausgeräte GmbH | Assembly and method for feeding process air into a drum of a laundry drier |
CN106498677A (en) * | 2015-09-07 | 2017-03-15 | Bsh家用电器有限公司 | For by process air import dryer for washings washings cylinder in apparatus and method |
CN106498677B (en) * | 2015-09-07 | 2020-08-25 | Bsh家用电器有限公司 | Device and method for introducing process air into a laundry drum of a laundry dryer |
CN108505280A (en) * | 2017-02-24 | 2018-09-07 | 青岛海尔洗衣机有限公司 | A kind of air-dried control method and automatic washing machine |
CN108505280B (en) * | 2017-02-24 | 2022-02-01 | 青岛胶州海尔洗涤电器有限公司 | Air drying program control method and full-automatic washing machine |
CN109402985A (en) * | 2017-08-18 | 2019-03-01 | 青岛海尔滚筒洗衣机有限公司 | Device for clothing processing and clothes processing method |
CN109402984A (en) * | 2017-08-18 | 2019-03-01 | 青岛海尔滚筒洗衣机有限公司 | Device for clothing processing |
CN109402990A (en) * | 2017-08-18 | 2019-03-01 | 青岛海尔滚筒洗衣机有限公司 | Clothes processing method and device for clothing processing |
CN109402984B (en) * | 2017-08-18 | 2022-04-19 | 青岛海尔滚筒洗衣机有限公司 | Clothes treating device |
CN109402990B (en) * | 2017-08-18 | 2022-04-22 | 青岛海尔滚筒洗衣机有限公司 | Clothes processing method and clothes processing device |
WO2019038016A1 (en) * | 2017-08-25 | 2019-02-28 | Arcelik Anonim Sirketi | A laundry drying machine with improved drying performance |
CN110714305A (en) * | 2018-06-27 | 2020-01-21 | 东芝生活电器株式会社 | Washing machine |
CN113882128A (en) * | 2020-07-02 | 2022-01-04 | 青岛海尔滚筒洗衣机有限公司 | Heat pump clothes dryer and control method thereof |
CN113882128B (en) * | 2020-07-02 | 2023-09-29 | 重庆海尔滚筒洗衣机有限公司 | Heat pump clothes dryer and control method thereof |
CN112553847A (en) * | 2020-12-01 | 2021-03-26 | 安徽金帅洗衣机有限公司 | Temperature protection mechanism and clothes dryer |
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