EP2610393A1 - Appareil domestique pour sécher le linge doté d'une unité de buse de vapeur - Google Patents

Appareil domestique pour sécher le linge doté d'une unité de buse de vapeur Download PDF

Info

Publication number
EP2610393A1
EP2610393A1 EP12199322.4A EP12199322A EP2610393A1 EP 2610393 A1 EP2610393 A1 EP 2610393A1 EP 12199322 A EP12199322 A EP 12199322A EP 2610393 A1 EP2610393 A1 EP 2610393A1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
steam
nozzle
laundry
back wall
conduit
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.)
Withdrawn
Application number
EP12199322.4A
Other languages
German (de)
English (en)
Inventor
Michele Bisaro
Paolo Ros
Daniele Solerio
Alessandro Vian
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Electrolux Home Products Corp NV
Original Assignee
Electrolux Home Products Corp NV
Priority date (The priority date 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 date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Electrolux Home Products Corp NV filed Critical Electrolux Home Products Corp NV
Priority to EP12199322.4A priority Critical patent/EP2610393A1/fr
Publication of EP2610393A1 publication Critical patent/EP2610393A1/fr
Withdrawn legal-status Critical Current

Links

Images

Classifications

    • 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 
    • D—TEXTILES; PAPER
    • D06—TREATMENT OF TEXTILES OR THE LIKE; LAUNDERING; FLEXIBLE MATERIALS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • D06F—LAUNDERING, DRYING, IRONING, PRESSING OR FOLDING TEXTILE ARTICLES
    • D06F58/00—Domestic laundry dryers
    • D06F58/20—General details of domestic laundry dryers 
    • D06F58/203—Laundry conditioning arrangements
    • 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
    • D06F58/20—General details of domestic laundry dryers 
    • D06F58/24—Condensing arrangements

Definitions

  • the invention relates to a laundry dryer having a steam generation unit and a nozzle unit for supplying steam into a laundry treatment compartment for steam treatment.
  • EP 1 887 127 A1 discloses laundry treating machines having means for applying a steam treatment to laundry.
  • the steam is directed inside a rotatable drum containing the laundry to be treated.
  • Such steam treatment is used for removing odours from laundry or for relaxing and removing wrinkles from clothes.
  • WO 2004/059070 A1 teaches a laundry dryer with a laundry storing compartment defined by a cylindrical rotatable drum, a loading opening at the front end of the drum and a drum back wall at the rear end.
  • This laundry dryer contains a processing unit having an evaporator for generating steam in order to remove odours from the laundry disposed in the drum.
  • the steam is injected into the laundry storing compartment by an outlet of the process air channel fluidly connected to the laundry storing compartment at its rear end.
  • the processing unit and its evaporator are arranged outside the laundry storing compartment adjacent to the mentioned outlet of the process air channel.
  • a laundry dryer comprises a laundry storing compartment for receiving the laundry to be treated.
  • the laundry storing compartment includes a circumferential wall defined by a rotatable drum and a compartment back wall.
  • the dryer also comprises a front wall with a front loading opening for loading laundry into the laundry storing compartment.
  • the compartment back wall is arranged opposite to the loading opening.
  • the dryer comprises a rear frame which includes the compartment back wall and comprises a rear wall forming at least a portion of a back cover of the dryer.
  • a rear channel is arranged for guiding process air at the backside of the laundry storing compartment into this compartment.
  • the rear channel is defined by the compartment back wall and the rear wall and is able to pass process air through the compartment back wall into the laundry storing compartment.
  • the compartment back wall is perforated by a plurality of back wall openings designed for passing said process air.
  • the dryer comprises a steam generation unit (in short 'steamer') for generating steam for laundry steam treatment and a nozzle unit having one or a plurality of nozzle outlets for injecting steam generated in the steam generation unit into the laundry storing compartment.
  • the nozzle unit comprises several elements. These elements are
  • the nozzle unit (or portions thereof) is also able to be arranged at the backside of the compartment back wall.
  • the complete construction of the nozzle unit is arranged at the backside of the compartment back wall thus avoiding any direct contact between the laundry in the laundry storing compartment and parts of the nozzle unit and consequently avoiding any potential drawbacks of the nozzle unit's performance (e.g. by laundry fluff at the nozzle outlets).
  • the at least one steam guiding portion has a span extending or substantially extending along the depth of the rear channel between the rear wall and the backside of the compartment back wall. This may assist in avoiding any direct contact between the laundry in the laundry storing compartment and parts of the nozzle unit. Furthermore, steam guiding portion's extension along the complete depth of the rear channel allows a direct fluid connection between a nozzle outlet or several nozzle outlets and the compartment back wall. This design avoids potential loss of the steam performance by a steam share flowing potentially into the rear channel (where it may condense) instead of guiding the steam straight into the laundry storing compartment.
  • the nozzle unit has only a single nozzle outlet thus supporting a simple and space-saving construction of the nozzle unit and its steam guiding portion.
  • the base portion of the nozzle unit By mounting the base portion of the nozzle unit at the back side of the rear wall, an alternative or additional mounting of the nozzle unit at the back side and/or front side of the compartment back wall can be avoided completely.
  • undesirable covering of some of the plurality of back wall openings in the compartment back wall by the base portion can be surely avoided and even more back wall openings can be made in the compartment back wall if desired.
  • the other mentioned nozzle unit portions are preferably arranged at the back side of the rear wall. This arrangement allows a rear channel geometry independent from considering a space for arranging these other nozzle unit portions within the rear channel.
  • this construction of the nozzle unit and avoidance of arranging said parts within the hollow space of the rear channel supports efficient guiding and passing process air into the laundry storing compartment. Also during dryer assembly or for service the base portion of the nozzle unit can be inspected without opening the rear channel (for example for checking the steam sealing or conduit connections).
  • the nozzle unit is at least partially arranged preferably at the external side of the dryer cabinet. This arrangement of the nozzle unit supports a space-saving design of the cabinet.
  • rear side is the side opposite to the front of the dryer when the dryer is in operation orientation or position.
  • front side is the side seen when standing in front of the dryer and looking towards the back side.
  • the rear wall is forming a back cover of the dryer cabinet.
  • the dryer cabinet is formed by sidewalls (left and right), a front wall, a rear wall and a top cover of the dryer.
  • the steam generating unit may be any steam generating unit, like a boiler-type steam generator or preferably a flow-through steam generator that transforms the supplied liquid into steam with a rate corresponding to the liquid supply rate.
  • the steam generator is preferably arranged in the cabinet of the dryer, more preferably is arranged at a lower region of the dryer, e.g. below the laundry storing compartment and/or at a basement cover shell - for example of a heat pump system dryer.
  • the dryer may be any type of dryer, like an exhaust type dryer that exhausts the drying air to the outside of the dryer body after the process air has passed the laundry storing compartment.
  • the dryer is a condenser type in which the processing air is (substantially or the most time) circulated in a closed loop and the humidity from the laundry is condensed at a process air heat exchanger or condenser and collected in at least one condensate collection tank.
  • the condenser type dryer may use ambient or outside air for heat exchanging or may use a heat pump system.
  • the nozzle outlet or each of the nozzle outlets is/are arranged between the compartment back wall and the rear wall inside the rear channel such that steam ejected from the nozzle outlet is passing firstly or substantially through at least one back wall opening of the compartment back wall before entering the laundry storing compartment.
  • Such arrangement of the nozzle outlet(s) permits a nozzle unit design without any functional portion extending into the laundry storing compartment. This design supports avoiding any potential direct contact between the laundry in the laundry storing compartment and parts of the nozzle unit.
  • the nozzle outlet or each of the nozzle outlets of the nozzle unit is/are arranged at the compartment back wall or within the laundry storing compartment such that steam ejected from one or each nozzle outlet directly enters the laundry storing compartment.
  • This design supports efficient steam performance thereby avoiding steam share flowing potentially directly into the rear channel instead of directly into the laundry storing compartment.
  • At least two (e.g. two, three or more) elements or parts of the nozzle unit are formed preferably as a single-piece or monolithic piece or single-molded part.
  • said at least two elements are selected from the following listing of elements:
  • the aforementioned single-piece or monolithic piece or single-molded design of at least two parts of the nozzle unit allows a simple mounting of the whole nozzle unit.
  • the nozzle outlet(s) and the steam guiding portion(s) are exclusively mounted by mounting the nozzle base portion thus reducing mounting efforts and mounting time.
  • the whole nozzle unit is provided as a single-piece at the backside of the dryer (e.g. at the (backside of the) rear wall or at the rear channel) thus permitting a simple mounting and easy servicing.
  • the nozzle unit is provided preferably as an injection molded part.
  • at least two of the listed elements can be provided each as injection molded parts which are joined or bonded together (e.g.
  • the joined or bonded parts support water and steam proof surfaces of the nozzle unit thus ensuring constant steam performance of the nozzle unit.
  • the base portion of the nozzle unit is mounted as a single-piece element at the backside of the dryer cabinet or at the backside of the rear wall and the at least one steam guiding portion is extending from the base portion through a nozzle port into the rear channel where the one nozzle outlet or the plurality of nozzle outlets are arranged.
  • the nozzle port can provide an efficient mounting aid when mounting the nozzle unit.
  • the nozzle port is formed in the rear wall. This supports a stable arrangement of the nozzle unit at the rear wall.
  • the compartment back wall is stationary and the rotatable drum of the laundry storing compartment is rotatably coupled to the stationary compartment back wall.
  • the steam generation unit is arranged in a bottom section or a base section of the dryer. These sections having already existing hollow spaces can receive or accommodate the steam generation unit without any additional space requirement.
  • the steam generation unit is arranged below the laundry storing compartment and/or on an upper shell of the base section.
  • the steam conduit fluidly connecting the nozzle unit to the steam generation unit is passing through a conduit port formed in the rear wall which forms at least a portion of the back cover of the dryer. This passing occurs such that a portion of the steam conduit extends from the conduit port to the connection portion of the nozzle unit.
  • This specific course and guiding of the steam conduit allows arranging and guiding a steam conduit portion external to the dryer cabinet, i.e. outside the cabinet of the dryer. Such an arrangement of the steam conduit portion facilitates additionally the mounting efforts and servicing regarding the fluid gateway between the connection portion of the nozzle unit and the steam conduit portion.
  • the steam conduit is the only conduit connected to the nozzle unit at the backside of the rear wall. This keeps conduit guidance between the nozzle unit and the steam generation unit very simple and supports an easy servicing of these parts.
  • the steam conduit is designed to supply steam from the steam generation unit to the nozzle unit and simultaneously to drain condensed liquid from the nozzle unit to the steam generation unit. This means that two separate conduits (one conduit for steam and another conduit for condensed liquid) are avoided. Rather, the steam conduit has a double function (supplying steam and draining condensed liquid).
  • the provided single nozzle outlet or the plurality of nozzle outlets each is associated to a predefined one of the plurality of back wall openings perforating the compartment back wall.
  • the single nozzle outlet or each one of the nozzle outlets is designed to direct a steam flow exiting this nozzle outlet directly to its associated back wall opening or through its associated wall opening.
  • at least one, some or all of the back wall openings associated or assigned to a single nozzle outlet, respectively, are already existing at the compartment back wall and thereby designed as air openings for passing air from the rear channel into the laundry storing compartment.
  • a standard dryer design can be used for a machine model containing steam supply without any modification in the design of the compartment back wall.
  • process air passes through (all of) the back wall opening during drying operation.
  • the predefined association of nozzle outlets to air openings in the compartment back wall respectively makes a clear allocation (or also 'association'): at least one air opening is allocated to steam injection into the laundry storing compartment and the other air openings are allocated to the process air passing into the laundry storing compartment. This allocation supports an efficient performance of the dryer when the process air flow and the steam injection are operating at the same time.
  • the aforementioned allocation is supported by abutting the at least one nozzle outlet against a rear side region at the associated back wall opening or against the rim of the respective associated back wall opening.
  • said abutting occurs such that a sealing is formed between the nozzle outlet(s) and the compartment back wall.
  • a front surface portion of the nozzle outlet or the nozzle outlets is formed such that it is mating (e.g. like a negative relief) to a rear surface portion or rim surface portion of the respective associated back wall opening of the compartment back wall.
  • a chamber outlet of a or the base portion each of the chamber outlets or at least a portion of the chamber outlets is associated with one of the steam guiding portions for guiding the steam from the nozzle unit base portion to the nozzle outlet.
  • the steam guiding portion or at least a portion of the steam guiding portion is formed such that it is extending or passing from the back region of the rear channel or from the rear side of the rear wall through the rear channel to the nozzle outlet.
  • the nozzle unit base portion may include a separation chamber or at least a manifold.
  • the nozzle unit comprises a separation chamber designed for separating steam and water.
  • This chamber has a steam inlet in fluid connection with the steam generation unit and one or more chamber outlets in fluid connection with the one or more nozzle outlets.
  • the separation chamber is integrated space-saving within the base portion of the nozzle unit.
  • the at least one chamber outlet also denotable as steam outlet
  • the natural rising of the steam can be used for a simple steam guiding within the nozzle unit.
  • a flow axis direction of the steam inlet and a flow axis direction of a nozzle conduit (e.g. formed by the steam guiding portion) providing the steam from the separation chamber to the nozzle outlet are inclined to each other or are perpendicular to each other.
  • Such inclined or perpendicular arrangement may alternatively occur between the flow axis directions of the steam inlet and several nozzle conduits providing the steam from the separation chamber to the respective nozzle outlets.
  • Said inclined or perpendicular arrangement of flow axis allows an efficient assistance in separating steam and water.
  • a chamber (e.g. the separation chamber) of the nozzle unit is formed of two or more chamber forming parts and wherein these parts are integrally fixed or connected, joined or bonded to each other.
  • these parts are welded (e.g. ultrasonic-welding) together.
  • a non-removable connection of these parts to each other may be such that these parts can be separated only by destruction.
  • the chamber forming parts can be made of any plastic material.
  • at least one of the separation chambers contained in the nozzle unit's base portion is mounted at the backside of the rear wall.
  • a conduit connector or stub of the nozzle unit may be mounted at the backside of the rear wall. This conduit connector or stub is part of the nozzle unit's connection portion and used for fluidly connecting the conduit to the base portion.
  • the steam inlet is arranged at a lower or bottom section of the separation chamber and the conduit fluidly connecting the steam generation unit and the separation chamber is designed or formed as a draining conduit for draining water from the separation chamber towards the steam generation unit.
  • the conduit is arranged at the dryer usually as a rising conduit with respect to the steam flow, particularly as a monotonically or constant rising conduit.
  • the rising of conduit's design provides simultaneously a descending conduit (down pipe) with respect to the draining water.
  • connection portion of the nozzle unit comprises a connector section or a conduit connector or a conduit stub for a simple mounting the steam conduit thereto.
  • this connector section/conduit connector/conduit stub has a fluid or flow axis oriented parallel or substantially parallel to the back side surface of the rear wall.
  • the connected steam conduit is able to run parallel to the compartment back wall and/or the rear wall surface. This allows a space-saving arrangement of parts at the backside of the rear wall by using reduced depth dimension.
  • the nozzle unit comprises a mounting socket for mounting the nozzle unit on or at the backside of the rear wall.
  • This mounting socket is preferably provided by a flange of the nozzle unit's base portion.
  • a sealing element is arranged between the backside of the rear wall and the base portion or the mounting socket of the nozzle unit. This arrangement of a sealing element offers an efficient sealing against potential escape of process air out of the rear channel.
  • a cross section area of the one or more nozzle outlets corresponds to the cross section area of the associated back wall opening.
  • the ratio of said area of the nozzle outlet and said area of the associated back wall opening is one of the following ranges:
  • the one or more nozzle outlets are assigned to respective back wall openings which are arranged according to at least one of the following positions:
  • This positioning of the back wall openings allows steam supply into the laundry storing compartment in a region where the laundry is passing or is passing close to during tumbling and being spaced of the top of the compartment. Consequently, this positioning offers an improved steam distribution in the laundry storing compartment and over different passing pieces of laundry.
  • the laundry dryer is a condensation type dryer or a heat pump type dryer.
  • the rear channel is a portion of the closed loop drying air circuit.
  • a detangling body may be provided which is designed to provide a detangling function or to reduce tangling of the laundry stored in the laundry storing compartment during rotation of the drum.
  • This detangling body is projecting from the compartment back wall and extending into the laundry storing compartment. Preferably, it is cone-shaped extending with its tapered end into the laundry storing compartment.
  • a condensation-type laundry dryer comprises
  • the branching element and/or the piping between the pump unit to the drain tank and/or the steamer tank is designed in such a manner that it is possible to reduce the amount of liquid directed to the steamer tank and to prevent the liquid contained inside the pipe from returning to the drain pump housing, when the drain pump stops working.
  • the laundry dryer is provided with
  • the term 'flow resistance' includes the flow resistance due to physical/technical properties and elements along the flow path and the flow resistance caused by rising courses of pipe sections. Both types of flow resistance are relevant for the pumping power of the pump unit to convey the liquid/water.
  • the backflow-preventing member can be arranged at any position between the pump unit and the drain tank and/or between the pump unit and the steamer tank.
  • the piping is designed such that the backflow-preventing member is arranged in the pump unit and/or in the drain tank unit and/or in the steamer tank unit.
  • the backflow-preventing member is a one-way valve preventing backflow of liquid towards the pump unit.
  • the backflow-preventing member is arranged in the branching element.
  • the backflow-preventing member is arranged in the branch of the branching element where the liquid flows towards the steamer tank conduit.
  • the backflow-preventing member is arranged in a section of the steamer tank conduit. This arrangement is made preferably close to or at the branching element.
  • the backflow-preventing member comprises a valve seat at a valve passage and a valve member adapted to cooperate with the valve seat.
  • the valve member is movable and has a position in which the valve member and valve seat cooperate to close the valve passage.
  • valve member is actuated by liquid pressure exerted by liquid pressurized by the pump unit to open the valve passage. Additionally or alternatively the valve member can be actuated by liquid pressure and/or liquid flow exerted by liquid flowing from the steamer tank conduit or from the drain tank conduit towards the pump unit to close the valve passage.
  • the backflow-preventing member comprises a stopping element for restricting the opening path of a or the valve member when the liquid is flowing in the forward direction of the one-way backflow-preventing member.
  • a position of the valve member at the stopping element defines the fully open position of the valve member.
  • the stopping element is preferably designed to restrict the opening path of the valve member and to provide a clearance passage for the liquid flow bypassing the valve member in its open position.
  • the backflow-preventing member provides a backflow-prevention and simultaneously comprises means or is designed to provide means for reducing liquid flow to the steamer tank.
  • the backflow-preventing member is designed additionally to provide a liquid flow restricting element.
  • the backflow-preventing member has a double function preventing a backflow of liquid from the steamer tank towards the pump unit and simultaneously restricting the liquid flow towards the steamer tank. This double function is possible by a simple layout thus facilitating manufacturing and mounting of the branching element and/or the piping.
  • the branching element comprises a liquid flow restricting element adapted to reduce the liquid flow into the steamer tank conduit as compared to the liquid flow into the drain tank conduit.
  • This reduction of liquid flow to the steamer tank can be also achieved by a steamer tank conduit having a flow resistance between the branching element and the steamer tank which is higher than the flow resistance of the drain tank conduit between the branching element and the drain tank.
  • the flow restricting element of the branching element provides a reduced liquid flow cross section towards the steamer tank conduit with respect to the liquid flow cross section towards the drain tank conduit.
  • an orifice is arranged in the branch providing the fluid connection to the steamer tank conduit having a diameter or cross section area that is less than the diameter or cross section area of the branch providing the fluid connection to the drain tank conduit.
  • the branching element is arranged at an upper region within the cabinet of the dryer.
  • the branching element is arranged in a height level within the dryer which is at least 3/4, 4/5, or 5/6 of the total height of the dryer.
  • the branching element is a T-junction.
  • the highest point of the steamer tank conduit has a height level which is at least 3/4, 4/5, 5/6, at the same height or higher than the height level of the highest point of the drain tank conduit.
  • the conduit laying between the branching element and the steamer tank is designed such that its connection length between the branching element and the steamer tank is minimized or essentially minimized with respect to the connection line provided by the conduit between the pump unit and the drain tank.
  • This geometry permits a course of the steam conduit which provides the shortest path from a steamer tank inlet and the course of the conduit from the pump unit outlet to the drain tank inlet.
  • the branching element, or the relation of the flow characteristics between the steamer tank conduit and the drain tank conduit, or the branching element and the relation of the flow characteristics between the steamer tank conduit and the drain tank conduit are designed such that the ratio of fluid flow rate between the fluid flowing to the steamer tank and the fluid flowing to the drain tank is or is less than 1/8, 1/5, 1/4, 1/3 or 1/2.
  • branching element in the conduits for passing the condensate by pumping activity of the pump unit from the condensate collector to the steamer tank or removable tank can be combined in any embodiment with the nozzle unit and any embodiment thereof.
  • Fig. 1 shows a schematically depicted laundry dryer 2.
  • the dryer 2 comprises a heat pump system 4, including a closed refrigerant loop 6 which comprises in the following order of refrigerant flow B: a first heat exchanger 10 acting as evaporator for evaporating the refrigerant and cooling process air, a compressor 14, a second heat exchanger 12 acting as condenser for cooling the refrigerant and heating the process air, and an expansion device 16 from where the refrigerant is returned to the first heat exchanger 10.
  • the heat pump system 4 forms the refrigerant loop 6 through which the refrigerant is circulated by the compressor 14 as indicated by arrow B.
  • the process air flow A within the dryer 2 is guided through a laundry storing compartment 17 of the dryer 2, i.e. through a compartment for receiving articles to be treated, e.g. a drum 18.
  • the articles to be treated are textiles, laundry 19, clothes, shoes or the like.
  • the process air flow is indicated by arrows A in Fig. 1 and is driven by a process air blower 8.
  • the process air channel 20 guides the process air flow A outside the drum 18 and includes different sections, including the section forming the battery channel 20a in which the first and second heat exchangers 10, 12 are arranged.
  • the process air exiting the second heat exchanger 12 flows into a rear channel 20b in which the process air blower 8 is arranged.
  • the air conveyed by blower 8 is guided upward in a rising channel 20c to the backside of the drum 18.
  • the air exiting the drum 18 through the drum outlet (which is the loading opening 53 of the drum 18) is filtered by a fluff filter 22 arranged close to the drum outlet in or at the channel 20.
  • the optional fluff filter 22 is arranged in a front channel 20d forming another section of channel 20 which is arranged behind and adjacent the front cover of the dryer 2.
  • the condensate formed at the first heat exchanger 10 is collected and guided to the condensate collector 30.
  • the condensate collector 30 is connected via a drain conduit 46, a drain pump 36 and a drawer pipe 50 to an extractable condensate drawer 40. I.e. the collected condensate can be pumped from the collector 30 to the drawer 40 which is arranged at an upper portion of the dryer 2 from where it can be comfortably withdrawn and emptied by a user.
  • the dryer 2 comprises a control unit 51 for controlling and monitoring the overall operation of the dryer 2.
  • the control unit 51 receives a temperature signal from a temperature sensor 41 which is arranged at the outlet of the second heat exchanger 12 (condenser) and which is indicative of the refrigerant temperature at this position.
  • the control unit 51 also controls the drain pump 36. Additionally, the control unit 51 is able to control other parts of the dryer 2.
  • Fig. 2 shows a front perspective view of a partially disassembled condenser dryer that uses a heat pump system 4.
  • the outer appearance of the depicted dryer 2 is defined by a top cover 56, a left cover or wall 58, a front cover 60 having a loading opening 10 and a front top panel 62.
  • the front top panel 62 frames a drawer cover 64 of the condensate drawer 40, wherein here the drawer 40 has a condensate container that is completely pushed in a drawer compartment located at the upper part of the dryer 2.
  • the right portion of the front top panel 62 forms an input section 66 wherein here the details of the input section 66 are not shown (like indicators, a display, switches and so on).
  • the loading opening 54 is surrounded by a loading frame 68 which is formed in the front cover 60.
  • a filter compartment/process air channel 20 is arranged which is adapted to receive the fluff filter 22 and which is formed in a front frame 70.
  • the drum 18 is arranged at the back side of the loading opening 54 in the front frame 70.
  • the drum 18 is a rotating drum cylinder that is extending between the back side of the front frame 70 and the front side of a rear frame 72 ( Fig. 4 , Fig. 5 ).
  • the open rear end of cylindrical rotatable drum 18 is closed by a compartment back wall 74 ( Fig. 3 ) which is mounted at the rear frame 72 ( Fig. 5 ).
  • Back wall 74 is preferably provided as a separate element to the rear frame 72, formed for example from a metal plate.
  • the compartment back wall 74 is disposed stationary, whereas the rotatable drum 18 is rotatably coupled to the compartment back wall 74.
  • the rotation axis of the drum 18 is horizontal, however, the rotation axis may be inclined with respect to the horizontal axis or may be even vertical with some modifications to the shown embodiment, however without the requirement to modify other groups of the dryer 2.
  • a window panel 76 is inserted into a front cover window opening 78 ( Fig. 3 , Fig. 4 ).
  • the window opening 78 and the window panel 76 allow visual inspection into the inside of the dryer outer body to check the liquid level of a liquid reservoir, particularly a steamer (liquid storing) tank 140 (see more detail below).
  • the condensate drawer 40 has a drawer handle 82 at the drawer cover 64 to be gripped by the user for pushing the condensate drawer 40 in or pulling it out of the condensate drawer compartment 37 that is extending into the interior of the dryer 2 ( Fig. 18 , Fig. 19 ).
  • Fig. 3 gives a view onto the compartment back wall 74 which has a plurality of back wall openings 84 through which processing air A enters the laundry storing compartment 17 from the back side or rear side of the drum 18.
  • a cone 86 is arranged which is extending into the laundry storing compartment 17 (preferably with a tapered end) and has in this embodiment laundry detangling function.
  • the nozzle unit 88 comprises a base portion 96 mounted at the back side of the rear wall 94. For its mounting the base portion is perforated by mounting holes 96 interacting with mounting screws 98 or the like ( Fig. 7 , Fig. 8 ).
  • a steam guiding portion 102 is fluidly connecting the base portion 96 to the nozzle outlet 92.
  • the steam guiding portion 102 is extending from the base portion 96 into the rear channel 20b, 20c such that it spans substantially just the distance between the rear wall 94 and the compartment back wall 74 (i.e. the depth of the rear channel 20b, 20c), whereas the nozzle outlet 92 is in contact with a respective back wall opening 84 at the back side of the compartment back wall 74.
  • the nozzle unit 88 comprises a connection portion 104 which is adapted to connect a steam conduit 106 which fluidly connects the steam generation unit 90 to the nozzle unit 88 ( Fig. 10 , Fig. 13 , Fig. 15 ).
  • the nozzle outlet 92 is arranged at the back side at the compartment back wall 74 in such a manner that steam ejected from the nozzle outlet 92 passes through a respective back wall opening 84 before entering the laundry storing compartment 17 ( Fig. 7 ).
  • the nozzle unit 88 is formed as a single-piece or monolithic piece or single-molded part. These elements are the base portion 96, a separation chamber 108 contained in the base portion 96 for separating the supplied steam and water, the nozzle outlet 92, the steam guiding portion 102, the connection portion 104 and a substantially plan mounting socket 110 for mounting the nozzle unit 88.
  • the water that is separated in the separation chamber may be formed by condensing the supplied steam - for example in the starting phase of steam supply when the steam conduit and nozzle unit are at low temperature as compared to the steam temperature.
  • the whole nozzle unit 88 is mountable only by mounting the mounting socket 110 via the mounting holes 98 and some screws 100.
  • the separation chamber 108 defined by the inner geometry of the base portion 96 is closed by a chamber cover 112. Both parts 96 and 112 are joined together by a welding joint 114 (e.g. ultrasonic welding) such that these parts are integrally fixed and connected to each other in an inseparable monolithic manner. Consequently, the separation chamber 108 is water and steam proof.
  • a welding joint 114 e.g. ultrasonic welding
  • the mounting socket 110 is part of the base section and mounted at the back side of the rear wall 94.
  • the rear wall 94 is perforated by a nozzle port 116 thus allowing the steam guiding portion 102 to extend from the base portion 96 through this nozzle port 116 into the rear channel 20b, 20c.
  • a flat sealing element 101 clamped between the back side of the rear wall 94 and the mounting socket 110 ( Fig. 7 , Fig. 10 ).
  • the steam generation unit 90 is arranged in a base section 118 of the dryer 2.
  • the steam conduit 106 is passing through a conduit port 120 contained in a bottom section of the rear frame 72 which is forming a portion of the back cover of the dryer 2 in this embodiment.
  • the extension of the steam conduit 106 is such that a portion 122 of the steam conduit 106 extends at the back side of the rear frame 72 and the rear wall 94 from the conduit port 120 to the connection section 104 of the nozzle unit 88 ( Fig. 15 ).
  • the nozzle unit 88 and the steam conduit 106 are designed such that steam is supplied from the steam generation unit 90 to the nozzle unit 88 and condensed liquid (water) is drained from the nozzle unit 88 to the steam generation unit 90.
  • the separation chamber 108 has a steam inlet 124 in fluid connection towards the steam generation unit 90 and a chamber outlet 126 in fluid connection towards the nozzle outlet 92 ( Fig. 10 , Fig. 14 ).
  • the chamber outlet 126 is in fluid communication with the steam guiding portion 102 for guiding the steam from the separation chamber 108 to the nozzle outlet 92.
  • the connection portion 104 comprises a conduit stub 128 for mounting the steam conduit 106, particularly its steam conduit portion 122, thereto ( Fig. 9 ).
  • the steam inlet 124 is arranged at a lower section of the separation chamber 108, whereas the chamber outlet 126 is arranged at an upper section of the separation chamber 108.
  • the steam conduit portion 122 is descending from the connection portion 104 and the steam inlet 124 towards the steam generation unit 90 thus forming a draining conduit for draining water from the separation chamber 108 towards the steam generation unit 90.
  • the flow axis direction of the steam inlet 124 (or the allocated connection portion 104) and the flow axis direction of the steam guiding portion 102 are perpendicular to each other. In other embodiments, these flow axes are inclined to each other in an angle different from 90°.
  • the nozzle unit 88 comprises a single nozzle outlet 92 which is associated to one predefined back wall opening 84 ( Fig. 7 , Fig. 14 ).
  • the nozzle unit 88 comprises a plurality of nozzle outlets 92 and each one of these nozzle outlets 92 is assigned to a predefined one of a plurality of back wall openings 84.
  • the nozzle outlet 92 is designed to direct a steam flow exiting this nozzle outlet 92 directly through its associated back wall opening 84 into the laundry storing compartment 17.
  • the nozzle outlet 92 abuts with its front surface portion 132 against an opening rim 130 of the respective associated back wall opening 84 such as to form a sealing between the nozzle outlet 92 and the compartment back wall 74.
  • the nozzle outlet 92 is arranged such that its inner cross section area is centrally aligned to the cross section area of the associated wall opening 84.
  • a first horizontal plane 134 running through the center of the laundry storing compartment 17 is defined and a second horizontal plane 136 running through the highest point of the laundry storing compartment 17 is defined.
  • the distance between these two planes 134, 136 defines a vertical range 138.
  • the one nozzle outlet 92 or a plurality of nozzle outlets 92 is assigned to respective back wall openings 84.
  • the assigned back wall opening(s) 84 is/are arranged in the upper third or in the upper fourth or in the upper fifth of the range 138.
  • the condensation-type laundry dryer 2 comprises in principle the elements and parts shown in Fig. 1 .
  • a drain tank i.e. condensate drawer 40
  • a steam generation unit 90 for generating the steam
  • a steamer tank 140 for storing liquid to be supplied to the steam generation unit 90 for generating the steam
  • a pump unit i.e. drain pump 36
  • a branching element 142 is provided. This element 142 is made for branching a pump unit conduit 144 into a steamer tank unit 146 and into a drain tank unit 148 ( Fig. 20 ).
  • the pump unit conduit 144 is connecting the branching element 142 to the pump unit 36.
  • the steamer tank conduit 146 is connecting the branching element 142 to the steamer tank 140.
  • the drain tank conduit is connecting the branching element 142 to the drain tank 40.
  • the conduits 144, 146, 148 form a piping 150 for conveying the condensate to different destinations in the dryer.
  • the branching element 142 comprises a backflow-preventing member 152 preventing a backflow of liquid from the steamer tank 140 towards the pump unit 36.
  • the backflow-preventing member 152 shown in Fig. 23 is a one-way valve arranged in the branching element 142. Furthermore, the backflow-preventing member 152 is arranged in the branch 154 of the branching element 142 where the liquid flows towards the steamer tank conduit 146.
  • the member 152 comprises a valve seat 156 at a valve passage 158 and a valve member 160 which is adapted to cooperate with the valve seat 156.
  • the movable valve member 160 is constituted by a ball or sphere and is urged against the valve seat 156 when the pump unit 36 is not activated and subsequently liquid tends to flow back from the line 146 towards the steamer tank 140 towards the branching element 142 and towards the pump unit 36. If this is the case, the valve member 160 and the valve seat 156 cooperate to close the valve passage 158, i.e. the valve member 160 is in a close position ( Fig. 24 ). Then the liquid in the branch between the backflow-preventing member 152 and the upper hydraulic point of the steamer tank conduit 146.
  • valve passage 158 will be opened, i.e. the valve member 160 is in an open position ( Fig. 23, Fig. 25 ).
  • a stopping element 162 for restricting the opening path of the valve member 160 when the liquid is flowing into the forward direction 164 of the one-way backflow-preventing member 152.
  • the stopping element 162 is designed to provide a clearance passage 166 for the liquid flow which bypasses the valve member 160 in its open position ( Fig. 25 ).
  • the backflow-preventing member 152 provides additionally a liquid flow restriction.
  • the liquid flow restriction function of the branching element 142 is adapted to reduce the liquid flow into the steamer tank conduit 146 in comparison to the liquid flow into the drain tank conduit 148. Due to the valve member 160 in its open position according to Fig. 25 the flow resistance between the branching element 142 and the steamer tank 140 is higher than the flow resistance of the drain tank conduit 148 between the branching element 142 and the drain tank 40.
  • the valve member 160 and the stopping element 162 a liquid flow restricting element of the branching element 142 by providing a reduced liquid flow cross section towards the steamer tank conduit 146 in comparison to the liquid flow cross section towards the drain tank conduit 148.
  • the liquid flow cross section towards the steamer tank conduit 146 is defined particularly by the clearance passage 166 and an orifice 168 arranged in the axial end region of the branch 154 and having a diameter or cross section area that is less than the inner diameter 170 or cross section area of the branch 154 providing the fluid connection to the drain tank conduit 148.
  • the branching element 142 is arranged in a region of the base section 118 of the dryer 2 (see also Fig. 18 ). In further embodiments the branching element 142 is arranged at an upper region 172 of the cabinet of the dryer 2 ( Fig. 28 - Fig. 31 ). In this regard, the branching element 142 is preferably arranged in a height level within the dryer which is at least 3/4 or 4/5 or 5/6 of the total height of the dryer 2. As seen from Fig. 22 - Fig. 25 , the branching element 142 is made as a T-junction.
  • the highest point 174 of the steamer tank conduit 146 has a height level which is lower than the highest point 176 of the drain tank conduit 148.
  • the height level of the steamer tank conduit 146 is at least 3/4 or 4/5 or 5/6 of the height level of the drain tank conduit 148.
  • the highest point 174 of the steamer tank conduit 146 has the same height or is even higher than the highest point 176 of the drain tank unit 148.
  • conduit 146 arranged between the branching element 142 and the steamer tank 140 is designed such that its connection length between the branching element 142 and the steamer tank 140 is minimized with respect to the connection line provided by the conduit 144, 148 between the pump unit 36 and the drain tank 40.
  • a second piping 184 for supplying the condensate to the steamer tank 140 and removable tank 40 is provided.
  • the steam generation unit 88 is arranged in the region of the base section 118 of the dryer 2.
  • the steam generation unit 88 is supplied with liquid to generate steam in order to convey this steam to the nozzle unit 90, as described above.
  • the liquid is supplied to the steam generation unit from the steamer tank 140 via a connection conduit 178 ( Fig. 28 - Fig. 31 ).
  • Fig. 34 - Fig. 37 show a branching element 142 in a second piping 184 having a design different to the design of the piping 150 according to Fig. 20 - Fig. 25 .
  • the branching element 142 according to Fig. 34 - Fig. 37 does not have a backflow-preventing function but only a liquid flow reducing function such that a flow resistance between the branching element 142 and the steamer tank 140 is higher than a flow resistance of the drain tank conduit 148 between the branching element 142 and the drain tank 40.
  • This liquid flow reduction towards the steamer tank 140 occurs by a conduit passage 180 in the branch 154 having locally a smaller diameter 182 than the inner diameter 170 in the branching element 142 towards the drain tank conduit 148 and towards the drain pump 36.
  • the reason for reducing the flow rate of condensate pumped by the pump unit 36 towards the steamer tank 140 as compared to the higher flow rate pumped towards the condensate drawer 40 (drain tank) is the expectation that only a lower portion of the condensate is needed for steam treatment of the laundry. Thus most part of the condensate formed in a laundry drying cycle will normally not be required for steam treatment.
  • the steamer tank 140 is provided with an overflow conduit 190 shown in Fig. 30 by which excess water that can not be stored by the steamer tank 140 is flowing back to the condensate collector 30. From there it is pumped upward to tanks 40 and 140 again. By reducing the ratio of the flow rate to steamer tank 140 an excessive activation of the pump 36 can be avoided.
  • a backflow prevention member (compare 152) and/or a flow restriction element (compare 166 or 170) can be provided at the branching element 142.
  • the backflow prevention member can be provided at any position between the branching element 142 and the outlet of the pumping unit 36.
  • the flow restriction element can be provided at any position between the branching element and the inlet to the steamer tank 140 of the steamer tank conduit 146.

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Textile Engineering (AREA)
  • Detail Structures Of Washing Machines And Dryers (AREA)
EP12199322.4A 2011-12-28 2012-12-24 Appareil domestique pour sécher le linge doté d'une unité de buse de vapeur Withdrawn EP2610393A1 (fr)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
EP12199322.4A EP2610393A1 (fr) 2011-12-28 2012-12-24 Appareil domestique pour sécher le linge doté d'une unité de buse de vapeur

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
EP11195958.1A EP2610392A1 (fr) 2011-12-28 2011-12-28 Appareil domestique pour sécher le linge doté d'une unité de buse de vapeur
EP12199322.4A EP2610393A1 (fr) 2011-12-28 2012-12-24 Appareil domestique pour sécher le linge doté d'une unité de buse de vapeur

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP2610393A1 true EP2610393A1 (fr) 2013-07-03

Family

ID=47358560

Family Applications (3)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP11195958.1A Withdrawn EP2610392A1 (fr) 2011-12-28 2011-12-28 Appareil domestique pour sécher le linge doté d'une unité de buse de vapeur
EP12199322.4A Withdrawn EP2610393A1 (fr) 2011-12-28 2012-12-24 Appareil domestique pour sécher le linge doté d'une unité de buse de vapeur
EP12199323.2A Active EP2610394B1 (fr) 2011-12-28 2012-12-24 Appareil domestique de séchage du linge doté d'une unité de buse à vapeur

Family Applications Before (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP11195958.1A Withdrawn EP2610392A1 (fr) 2011-12-28 2011-12-28 Appareil domestique pour sécher le linge doté d'une unité de buse de vapeur

Family Applications After (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP12199323.2A Active EP2610394B1 (fr) 2011-12-28 2012-12-24 Appareil domestique de séchage du linge doté d'une unité de buse à vapeur

Country Status (1)

Country Link
EP (3) EP2610392A1 (fr)

Families Citing this family (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
CN104342897B (zh) * 2013-08-08 2016-11-23 苏州三星电子有限公司 一种干衣机蒸汽喷头的安装结构以及干衣机
WO2015078512A1 (fr) * 2013-11-29 2015-06-04 Arcelik Anonim Sirketi Appareil d'injection de vapeur destiné à être utilisé dans un sèche-linge vapeur et sèche-linge vapeur mettant en œuvre ledit appareil
US10299656B2 (en) 2016-11-09 2019-05-28 Electrolux Home Products, Inc. Vent outlet for appliance having adjustable kickplate
DE102018215122A1 (de) * 2018-09-06 2020-03-12 Meiko Maschinenbau Gmbh & Co. Kg Reinigungsvorrichtung zur Reinigung von Reinigungsgut und Verfahren zur Herstellung einer Reinigungsvorrichtung

Citations (8)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3242584A (en) * 1963-04-29 1966-03-29 Gen Motors Corp Domestic clothes drying appliance
WO2004059070A1 (fr) 2002-12-20 2004-07-15 BSH Bosch und Siemens Hausgeräte GmbH Seche-linge et procede pour eliminer des odeurs de textiles
US20080000098A1 (en) * 2006-02-20 2008-01-03 Choi Chul J Drying machine and method for controlling the same
EP1887127A1 (fr) 2006-08-08 2008-02-13 Electrolux Home Products Corporation N.V. Machine à traiter le linge
WO2008038887A1 (fr) * 2006-09-25 2008-04-03 Lg Electronics Inc. Sèche-linge
EP2042644A1 (fr) * 2007-09-27 2009-04-01 LG Electronics Inc. Sèche-linge
US20100115788A1 (en) * 2005-11-10 2010-05-13 Lg Electronics Inc. Steam Generator and Laundry Dryer Having the Same and Controlling Method Thereof
US20100180465A1 (en) * 2007-07-13 2010-07-22 Electrolux Home Products Corporation N.V. Method of determining clogging of the steam generator tank filter of a home laundry drier, and home laundry drier implementing such a method

Family Cites Families (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3256720A (en) * 1963-08-14 1966-06-21 Ametek Inc Laundry machine
US4207683A (en) 1979-02-01 1980-06-17 Horton Roberta J Clothes dryer
DE4021533A1 (de) * 1990-07-06 1992-01-09 Bauknecht Hausgeraete Trockner oder waschtrockner mit einer waeschetrommel
DE102006061210A1 (de) * 2006-12-22 2008-06-26 BSH Bosch und Siemens Hausgeräte GmbH Trommel für ein Hausgerät zur Pflege von Wäschestücken
US8104191B2 (en) * 2008-07-31 2012-01-31 Electrolux Home Products, Inc. Laundry dryer providing moisture application during tumbling and reduced airflow

Patent Citations (8)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3242584A (en) * 1963-04-29 1966-03-29 Gen Motors Corp Domestic clothes drying appliance
WO2004059070A1 (fr) 2002-12-20 2004-07-15 BSH Bosch und Siemens Hausgeräte GmbH Seche-linge et procede pour eliminer des odeurs de textiles
US20100115788A1 (en) * 2005-11-10 2010-05-13 Lg Electronics Inc. Steam Generator and Laundry Dryer Having the Same and Controlling Method Thereof
US20080000098A1 (en) * 2006-02-20 2008-01-03 Choi Chul J Drying machine and method for controlling the same
EP1887127A1 (fr) 2006-08-08 2008-02-13 Electrolux Home Products Corporation N.V. Machine à traiter le linge
WO2008038887A1 (fr) * 2006-09-25 2008-04-03 Lg Electronics Inc. Sèche-linge
US20100180465A1 (en) * 2007-07-13 2010-07-22 Electrolux Home Products Corporation N.V. Method of determining clogging of the steam generator tank filter of a home laundry drier, and home laundry drier implementing such a method
EP2042644A1 (fr) * 2007-09-27 2009-04-01 LG Electronics Inc. Sèche-linge

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
EP2610392A1 (fr) 2013-07-03
EP2610394A1 (fr) 2013-07-03
EP2610394B1 (fr) 2015-04-15

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
EP2079350B1 (fr) Lave-vaisselle
AU2013390336B2 (en) Laundry dryer and method of operating a laundry dryer
EP1887127B1 (fr) Machine à traiter le linge
EP2471994A1 (fr) Appareil de séchage de linge
CN106400424B (zh) 衣物处理设备
EP2610394B1 (fr) Appareil domestique de séchage du linge doté d'une unité de buse à vapeur
EP2471998B1 (fr) Appareil de séchage de linge
KR20160049941A (ko) 의류처리장치
KR20150025083A (ko) 의류처리장치
EP2677918A1 (fr) Sélecteur de liquide de lavage pour une machine à laver domestique
AU2014414434B2 (en) Laundry treatment apparatus having a heat exchanger and a condensate collector
EP2412861B1 (fr) Machine à laver et sécher le linge
EP2821540B1 (fr) Appareil domestique de séchage du linge doté d'une unité de buse à vapeur
EP2610391B1 (fr) Appareil domestique pour sécher le linge doté d'une unité de buse de vapeur
EP2213781B1 (fr) Appareil de traitement de vêtements
US20150292140A1 (en) Machine adapted to carry out at least one laundry drying cycle
EP2719819A1 (fr) Sèche-linge à pompe thermique
KR20090069756A (ko) 의류처리장치
EP2610399B1 (fr) Appareil domestique pour sécher le linge doté d'un réservoir pour liquides
RU2672030C2 (ru) Стиральная машина
EP2716809B1 (fr) Appareil électroménager pour le lavage et le séchage de linge
CN113186697B (zh) 干衣机
KR20210128261A (ko) 세탁물 건조기
EP3162948B1 (fr) Appareil électroménager adapté à effectuer au moins un cycle de séchage, telle qu'une machine à laver/à sécher ou machine à sécher
EP2610397B1 (fr) Appareil domestique pour sécher le linge doté d'un réservoir pour liquides avec une entrée de remplissage

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
PUAI Public reference made under article 153(3) epc to a published international application that has entered the european phase

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009012

AK Designated contracting states

Kind code of ref document: A1

Designated state(s): AL AT BE BG CH CY CZ DE DK EE ES FI FR GB GR HR HU IE IS IT LI LT LU LV MC MK MT NL NO PL PT RO RS SE SI SK SM TR

AX Request for extension of the european patent

Extension state: BA ME

17P Request for examination filed

Effective date: 20140103

RBV Designated contracting states (corrected)

Designated state(s): AL AT BE BG CH CY CZ DE DK EE ES FI FR GB GR HR HU IE IS IT LI LT LU LV MC MK MT NL NO PL PT RO RS SE SI SK SM TR

STAA Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent

Free format text: STATUS: THE APPLICATION IS DEEMED TO BE WITHDRAWN

18D Application deemed to be withdrawn

Effective date: 20180703