EP3008237A1

EP3008237A1 - Laundry treatment apparatus having a condensate tank and method of condensate collecting and draining

Info

Publication number: EP3008237A1
Application number: EP13728191.1A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Nicola Reid; Giuseppe Rossi
Original assignee: Electrolux Appliances AB
Current assignee: Electrolux Appliances AB
Priority date: 2013-06-11
Filing date: 2013-06-11
Publication date: 2016-04-20
Anticipated expiration: 2033-06-11
Also published as: AU2013392441A1; EP3008237B1; WO2014198303A1; CN105308233A; CN105308233B

Abstract

The invention relates to a laundry dryer (2) and a method of collecting and draining condensate in a laundry dryer (2). The dryer (2) comprises an apparatus cabinet (48) and a removable condensate tank (40) adapted to be inserted into and extracted from the apparatus cabinet (48). The removable condensate tank (40) comprises a tank casing, a tank opening in the tank casing for passing condensate therethrough, and a filter element adapted to filter the condensate passing through the tank opening from lint. A mounting arrangement is arranged for holding the filter element at or in the tank casing in a filter position. The filter element has the filter position and an inactive position, wherein in the filter position the filter element is positioned relative to the tank opening such that the condensate exiting the tank casing is filtered. In the inactive position the filter element is positioned relative to the tank opening such that the condensate entering or exiting through the tank opening is not filtered. In a state, where the condensate tank (40) is fully inserted in the apparatus cabinet (48), the filter element is removed from the filter position and/or is in the inactive position relative to the tank opening.

Description

5 LAUNDRY TREATMENT APPARATUS HAVING A CONDENSATE TANK AND METHOD OF CONDENSATE COLLECTING AND DRAINING

o The invention relates to a laundry treatment apparatus, in particular to a condenser dryer, the laundry treatment apparatus comprising an apparatus cabinet and a removable condensate tank having a tank opening and a filter element adapted to filter the condensate passing through the tank opening from lint. Furthermore, the invention relates to a method of collecting and draining condensate in a laundry treatment apparatus comprising a

5 removable condensate tank having a tank opening and a filter element adapted to filter the condensate passing through the tank opening from lint.

WO 2011/064161 Al discloses a clothes dryer comprising a removable condensate collector having a condensate inlet, a condensate outlet and a condensate filter disposed o between the condensate inlet and the condensate outlet at a distance from the condensate inlet. The condensate flowing into the removable condensate collector is filtered from lint by passing the filter. Thus, lint and other particles like cotton fibers and hair is collected at the filter's inlet side directed towards the condensate inlet of the condensate collector. The filter can be removed from the condensate collector to clean the filter from the collected 5 lint and particles. The filter can be cleaned from lint and particles by removing manually the condensate collector from the dryer cabinet and discharging the condensate from the condensate collector by passing its condensate inlet.

It is an object of the invention to provide a laundry treatment apparatus and a method of 0 collecting and draining condensate in a laundry treatment apparatus allowing an efficient filtering of the condensate from lint.

The invention is defined in the independent claims 1 and 25. Particular embodiments are set out in the dependent claims.

5

According to the independent claim 1, a laundry treatment apparatus (denotable in brief "apparatus"), in particular a condenser dryer, comprises an apparatus cabinet and a removable condensate tank adapted to be inserted into and extracted from the apparatus cabinet. This removable tank comprises a tank casing, a tank opening in the tank casing for passing condensate therethrough, and a filter element adapted to filter the condensate from lint when the condensate passes through the tank opening. Furthermore, a mounting arrangement is available at the removable condensate tank for holding the filter element at or in the tank casing in a filter position.

The filter element has at least two positions - the mentioned filter position and an inactive position, wherein

- in the filter position the filter element is positioned relative to the tank opening such that the condensate exiting the tank casing is filtered,

- in the inactive position the filter element is positioned relative to the tank opening such that the condensate entering or exiting through the tank opening is not filtered, and

- in a state, where the removable condensate tank is fully inserted in the apparatus cabinet, the filter element is removed from the filter position and/or is in the inactive position relative to the tank opening.

The mounting arrangement is capable to hold the filter element in a stable filter position. Preferably the mounting arrangement allows changing the filter element' s position between the filter position and the inactive position. The mounting arrangement may have a locking and unlocking of the filter element in its positions.

Preferably at least one sealing element is attached to the tank casing and/or to the filter element such that the tank casing is watertight when filtering the condensate when it is drained through the tank opening.

The filter element does not have a filter function with respect to the condensate passing through the tank opening when the removable condensate tank is in a fully inserted state within the apparatus cabinet. This means that the condensate will not be filtered when passing (particularly entering) through the tank opening or through a tank inlet opening during operation of the laundry treatment apparatus. Rather, the condensate tank has to be removed from its fully inserted state to give the filter position of the filter element free, e.g. to enable that the filter element is manually or automatically positioned in its filter position. The filter element does not filter the condensate when entering the tank opening during the apparatus operation but it filters the condensate when exiting the tank opening during a state outside the insertion state (particularly during discharging the condensate tank by the user). In this manner, lint and dirt are collected on the inner side of the filter element (it is withheld in the condensate tank) and the condensate exiting the tank opening is cleaned from lint and dirt. Thus, it is ensured that lint particles cannot bypass the filter element and contaminate the exiting/discharging water.

5

Filtering the condensate when pouring out/discharging the liquid of the removable condensate tank is particular useful in such cases where the laundry treatment apparatus has a self-cleaning function or cycle. In this case the condensate from the condensate tank or another liquid storing tank is used for flushing a component of the apparatus with the o liquid to remove fluff and/or contaminants from the component. The component may be a heat exchanger or an air filter. The flushing liquid has then a high ratio or content of fluff and/or contaminants and is pumped into the condensate tank. Such contaminated water needs specific filtering before use in steam ironing or other uses of softened or deionized water. But also without self-cleaning function the condensate may be contaminated by lint5 (fluff) and for using the condensate external to the apparatus as softened water (e.g. steam ironing) such filtering is generally useful.

Particularly, the removable condensate tank has at least one additional tank opening, e.g. a second outlet opening and/or a second inlet opening in order to implement additional o technical functions with respect to the condensate tank. For example, a second outlet opening is available at the tank casing to drain collected condensate for flushing or cleaning processes.

In a preferred embodiment, in the filter position the filter element is positioned relative to 5 the tank opening such that the condensate exiting the tank casing is flowing through the tank opening and thereby filtered.

Preferably a facile change between the filter position and the inactive position of the filter element is provided by disposing the filter element to cover the tank opening in the filter 0 position, and/or by disposing the filter element at a distance to the tank opening in the inactive position such that the condensate is passing (i.e. entering or exiting) the tank opening non-cleaned.

In an embodiment the apparatus comprises actuating means which are capable to position5 the filter element in the filter position when the condensate tank is removed or extracted from the apparatus cabinet. This allows an automatic and user-optimized position controlling of the filter element. Preferably the actuating means moves the filter element to the inactive position when the condensate tank is inserted or pushed into the apparatus cabinet. Thus, also the position change from the filter position to the inactive position is made user-optimized in an automatically manner.

5 Particularly, the mounting arrangement is constituted to make a movable and permanent connection of the filter element at or in the tank casing. For example, the mounting arrangement is adapted to allow a movement or change between the filter position and the inactive position in a sliding, rotatable, turning (e.g. screw-like), pivotable, hinged, tilting or swinging manner. The movements of the filter element can be made manually or o automatically. Particularly, an automatic movement is generated during extracting or

inserting the tank casing from or to the apparatus cabinet.

Preferably the mounting arrangement comprises one or more specific supporting elements (e.g. guiding means, hinge-like elements) in order to implement the movements of the filter 5 element between the filter position and the inactive position.

In a preferred embodiment the movement direction of the filter element is parallel to the removing direction of the tank casing and/or parallel to the plane of the tank opening. This movement of the filter element can be implemented by using the movement of the tank o casing when it is inserted to or extracted from the apparatus cabinet. For this purpose it is necessary only to provide a facile force transmission at the apparatus cabinet and/or at the tank casing such that a movement of the tank casing caused by the user is generating automatically the desired corresponding movement of the filter element. 5 In another preferred embodiment the movement direction of the filter element is

perpendicular to the removing direction of the tank casing and/or perpendicular to the plane of the tank opening.

In another preferred embodiment the filter element is not connected permanently at or in 0 the tank casing but it is connected in the filter position detachable at or in the tank casing.

Particularly the filter element is connected removably by the mounting arrangement. Thus, the filter element is provided as a separate part, e.g. as an accessory which could be easily substituted by another part in case of mechanical damage. 5 Particularly, the detachable connection is constituted as a bayonet coupling or screw

coupling. These connection designs offer a user-optimized detachable mounting of the filter element at or in the tank casing. Other preferred detachable connections contain clip elements, pin elements, hook and loop elements, suction elements or other specific locking elements.

Preferably the filter element detachably connectable to the tank casing is stored as a

5 separate part in a storage space (e.g. a recess, hollow space, slot, support) provided in/at on the tank casing or in/the apparatus cabinet. Thus, the filter element can be safely stored reducing the likelihood of becoming lost or misplaced when it is in its detachable arrangement. This storage space allows the stored filter element to be immediately ready for use. For example, the storage space is arranged beside a tank handle of the removable o condensate tank.

In a preferred embodiment the tank opening is constituted as a condensate inlet during the operation mode of the condensate tank. Therefore, the condensate inlet can be used in an additional function as an outlet when it is desired to filter the condensate collected in the5 tank casing. Thus, filtering the condensate can be achieved by providing only one tank opening in the tank casing.

Alternatively, the tank casing has preferably at least two tank openings. In this regard, one tank opening is constituted as the condensate inlet during the operation mode of the o condensate tank and another tank opening is constituted as a condensate outlet during the operation mode of the condensate tank. Providing this tank casing design it is possible to cover the condensate outlet by the filter element in the filter position and to provide the condensate filtering via the condensate outlet. 5 Particularly, the filter element is disposed to cover the condensate outlet also in the

inactive position. This means that the filter element is positioned relative to the condensate inlet such that the condensate entering or exiting through the condensate inlet is not filtered by the filter element. Using this arrangement, the filter position and the inactive position are identical and no movement of the filter element is necessary relative to the tank casing. 0 Rather, the filter element could remain in its filter position even during the operation mode of the condensate tank (i.e. during operation of the apparatus). Detaching the filter element from the condensate outlet is necessary only for cleaning the filter element itself.

In a preferred design embodiment the filter element comprises a circular shape in cross5 section. Along a center axis at least some cross section planes comprise a circular shape.

The center axis of the circular shaped filter element is arranged perpendicular relative to the cross section plane of the tank opening. For example, the filter element has a cylinder- like shape and the center axis arranged perpendicular is able to support a user-optimized mounting and handling of the filter element relative to the tank casing.

In another embodiment the filter element comprises a disc-like shape or a plate-like shape thus allowing a space-saving design of the filter element.

In further embodiments the filter element comprises a cylindrical and/or a conical and/or a funnel and/or another specific shape. At least two of said shapes can be combined in sections with regard to the filter element. Particularly, the filter element has a spout-like outlet region. Said shapes can facilitate a precise condensate drainage/dosage when the condensate to be filtered is exiting the tank casing.

Preferably the filter element is designed such that it comprises a liquid filter channel guiding the condensate exiting the tank casing from a channel inlet to a channel outlet. Both, the channel inlet and the channel outlet are part of the liquid filter channel. The channel inlet is fluidly connectable to the tank opening and the channel outlet is arranged at a distance from the channel inlet for exiting the filtered condensate in the filter position. For changing to the filter function, a liquid filter is arranged in the liquid filter channel. Preferably the filter element comprises two flow channels wherein the liquid filter channel is a first flow channel. The second flow channel is free of a filtering function. The filter element is adapted to pass the condensate through the first flow channel when the condensate is exiting the tank casing, and/or to pass the condensate through the second flow channel when the condensate is entering the tank casing. This filter element design allows a clear separation between an unfiltered entering of the condensate and a filtered exiting of the condensate with regard to the tank casing. In order to ensure this separation the filter element is preferably designed such that the first flow channel is blocked or non- accessible in the inactive position and the second flow channel is blocked or non- accessible in the filter position. In a preferred embodiment the filter element comprises at least two element parts which are movable to each other at least in the filter position. Moving the two parts relative to each other it is possible to change the effective exit cross section at the channel outlet. Thus, the exiting condensate flow is easily controllable (e.g. reducing or increasing the flow rate) in the filter position.

Preferably one movable element part of the filter element comprises a wall having (or constituting) the liquid filter. This liquid filter is designed and adapted such that in a first position the liquid filter is arranged completely in the liquid filter channel between the channel inlet and the channel outlet. This means that in the first position the effective exit cross section at the channel outlet is provided only by the channel outlet itself. Due to their moveability the movable element part and its liquid filter can be arranged in a second

5 position where the liquid filter is arranged at least partly beyond (or adjacent) the liquid filter channel such that the liquid filter is increasing the effective exit cross section at the channel outlet for exiting the filtered condensate in the filter position. In other words, in the second position the effective exit cross section consists of the channel outlet itself and the liquid filter fraction beyond the liquid filter channel. Preferably the moveability o between the element parts is designed such that different second positions are possible in order to change the effective exit cross section at the channel outlet. Particularly, the value of the effective exit cross section can be changed continuously.

In a preferred embodiment the liquid filter is designed mesh-like and is arranged parallel or5 at an acute angle relative to the plane of the tank opening in the filter position.

Alternatively, a mesh-like liquid filter is arranged perpendicular relative to the plane of the tank opening in the filter position.

The invention is also defined in an independent method claim. Particular embodiments are o set out in the dependent claims. The advantages mentioned with regard to claim 1 are also applicable with regard to the method claim. Elements or features of the apparatus are individually or in an arbitrary sub-combination or all together applicable in the method and vice versa. Particularly, the method is suitable for collecting and draining condensate in a laundry treatment apparatus as set out above.

5

According to the method claim, a laundry treatment apparatus comprises an apparatus cabinet having therein a receptacle for receiving a removable condensate tank which can be removed from the receptacle and can be inserted therein. The removable condensate tank has a tank opening for passing condensate therethrough. Furthermore, the apparatus 0 comprises a filter element adapted to filter the condensate passing through the tank

opening. The method of collecting and draining condensate in such an apparatus includes the following features:

- removing the removable condensate tank from the receptacle and thereby pulling the removable condensate tank out of the apparatus cabinet,

5 - positioning the filter element at or on or in the tank opening such that the condensate exiting the tank opening passes a liquid filter of the filter element, - draining condensate out of the removable condensate tank through the liquid filter of the filter element,

- removing the filter element from the tank opening and/or positioning the filter element in an inactive position,

- inserting the removable condensate tank into the receptacle and thereby pushing the removable condensate tank into the apparatus cabinet, and

- supplying condensate into the removable condensate tank through the tank opening when the removable condensate tank is inserted, wherein due to the removing of the filter element and/or due to its inactive position the condensate is not filtered by the filter element when the condensate passes the tank opening.

In a preferred embodiment the positioning of the filter element at or on or in the tank opening is performed either manually by a user or automatically at the time of removing the removable condensate tank from the receptacle.

In a further preferred embodiment the removing of the filter element from the tank opening is performed either manually by a user or automatically at the time of inserting the removable condensate tank into the receptacle.

Manual positioning and/or removing of the filter element can be advantageous if the filter element has a complex design while a simple filter element design allows easily a user- optimized and time-saving automatic positioning and/or removing of the filter element during removing or inserting the removable condensate tank.

Reference is made in detail to preferred embodiments of the invention, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying figures which show:

Fig. 1 a schematic view of a laundry treatment apparatus,

Fig. 2 a perspective view of the laundry treatment apparatus,

Fig. 3a a perspective view of an embodiment of the removable condensate tank with a filter element positioned in its inactive position,

Fig. 3b the removable condensate tank according to Fig. 3a with the filter element in its filter position, Fig. 4a a perspective view of a further embodiment of the removable condensate tank with a filter element positioned in its inactive position,

Fig. 4b the removable condensate tank according to Fig. 4a with the filter element in its filter position,

Fig. 5a a perspective view of a further embodiment of the removable condensate tank with a filter element positioned in its inactive position,

Fig. 5b the removable condensate tank according to Fig. 5a with the filter element in its filter position,

Fig. 6 an enlarged sectional side view of the filter element according to Fig. 5a and Fig.

5b,

Fig. 7 an enlarged perspective view of the filter element according to Fig. 5a and Fig.

5b,

Fig. 8a a cross sectional view of the condensate tank shown in Fig. 5a with a section plane perpendicular to the tank axis and through the tank opening,

Fig. 8b a cross sectional view of the condensate tank shown in Fig. 5b with a section plane perpendicular to the tank axis and through the tank opening,

Fig. 9 a perspective view of a further embodiment of the removable condensate tank adapted for supporting a detachable filter element,

Fig.10a a perspective partial view of the condensate tank according to Fig. 9, carrying a detachable filter element in a first embodiment,

Fig.10b a cross sectional view of the condensate tank according to the section line X-X in Fig. 10a,

Fig.11a a perspective partial view of the condensate tank according to Fig. 9, carrying a detachable filter element in a further embodiment, Fig.1 lb a cross sectional view of the condensate tank according to the section line XI-XI in Fig. 11a,

Fig.12a a perspective partial view of the condensate tank according to Fig. 9, carrying a detachable filter element in a further embodiment,

Fig.12b a cross sectional view of the condensate tank according to the section line XII-XII in Fig. 12a, with the liquid filter in a first position during the filter position,

Fig.12c the cross sectional view of the condensate tank according to the section line XII- XII in Fig. 12a, with the liquid filter in a second position during the filter position,

Fig.13a a perspective view of a further embodiment of the removable condensate tank having a condensate inlet and a condensate outlet covered by a detachable filter element, and

Fig.13b the removable condensate tank according to Fig. 13a with the filter element

detached from the condensate outlet.

Fig. 1 shows a schematically depicted laundry dryer 2 which in this embodiment is a heat pump tumble dryer. 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. Together with the refrigerant pipes connecting the components of the heat pump system 4 in series, the heat pump system forms the refrigerant loop 6 through which the refrigerant is circulated by the compressor 14 as indicated by arrow B .

The process air flow within the treatment apparatus 2 is guided through a compartment 18 of the dryer 2, i.e. through a compartment for storing 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 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 of the drum) 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 collecting device 30.

The condensate collecting device 30 is connected via a drain pipe 32, a drain pump 36 and a tank pipe to a removable condensate tank 40 (denotable in brief "tank 40")· The collected condensate can be pumped from the collecting device 30 to the removable condensate tank 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 removable condensate tank 40 can be extracted from and inserted into a tank compartment 42. This tank compartment 42 is denotable also as a "receptacle". The extraction and insertion of the tank 40 occurs along a moving direction 44 running essentially perpendicular to the plane of a front cover 46 of the cabinet 48 of the dryer 2.

Fig. 2 shows a perspective view of the dryer 2. The outer appearance of the depicted dryer 2 is defined by a top cover 50, a left cover 52, a right cover not visible, a rear cover or rear wall not visible and the front cover 46. The front cover 46 has a loading door 54 for opening the drum 18 and a front top panel 56. The front top panel 56 frames a tank cover 58 of the removable condensate tank 40, wherein here the tank 40 is completely pushed into the tank compartment 42 (which is not visible in Fig. 2) located at the upper part of the dryer 2. The right portion of the front top panel 56 contains an input section 60 (input panel) wherein here the details of this input section 60 are not shown (like indicators, a display, switches etc.). The tank cover 58 has a handle section 62 for removing the tank 40 by a user. The operation of the dryer is controlled by a control unit not shown.

On the base of Fig. 3a and Fig. 3b and representative also for other embodiments, there will be described some basic properties of the removable condensate tank 40. The tank 40 has a tank casing 64 and a tank opening 66 for passing condensate therethrough. A filter element 68 is adapted to filter the condensate from lint and other particles when the condensate is passing through the tank opening 66. The filter element 68 has in principle a filter position and an inactive position. In the inactive position the filter element 68 is positioned relative to the tank opening 66 such that the condensate entering or exiting through the tank opening 66 is not filtered (e.g. according to Fig. 3a). In the filter position the filter element 68 is positioned relative to the tank opening 66 such that the condensate exiting the tank casing 64 during manual condensate draining is filtered (e.g. according to Fig. 3b).

In Fig. 3a and Fig. 3b the filter element 68 has a cap-like or dish-like design. This filter element 68 carries a flat, mesh-like liquid filter 70 and is movable and permanently connected to the tank casing 64 by a hinge 76. This hinge 76 can be denoted as a supporting element and allows a pivoting movement of the filter element 68 between an inactive position (Fig. 3a) and a filter position (Fig. 3b). For filtering the exiting condensate the filter element 68 will be tilted or pivoted by the hinge 76 until it is positioned in its filter position. The filter element 68 is held detachable in its filter position by using a clip element 78 arranged at the filter element 68. This clip element 68 corresponds with a latching cavity 80 arranged at the tank casing 64. The hinge 76, the clip element 78 and the latching cavity 80 are part of a mounting arrangement to hold the filter element 68 in the filter position and to provide its movable and permanent connection to the tank casing 64. In Fig. 4a and Fig. 4b the filter element 68 has a flat plate-like design and contains a flat, mesh-like and circular liquid filter 70. The mounting arrangement comprises a guiding frame 82 as a kind of supporting element for guiding a movement of the filter element 68 between its inactive position (Fig. 4a) and its filter position (Fig. 4b). In this regard, the movement direction 84 is parallel to the moving direction 44 of the tank casing 64 and parallel to the plane of the tank opening 66. Preferably, the cabinet 48 and/or the tank compartment 42 carries actuating means (not explicitly shown here) to position the filter element 68 automatically in the filter position when the tank 40 is removed or extracted from the cabinet 48. This actuating means can also support moving the filter element 68 automatically to its inactive position when the tank 40 is inserted or pushed into the tank compartment 42. Alternatively to the automatic movement of the filter element 68 between the filter and inactive position by the actuating means, the linear movement may also be performed by the user manually when (here: after) the tank is extracted from the tank casing 42. According to the embodiment in Fig. 5a and Fig. 5b, the filter element 68 has a cylinderlike outer shape. In the inactive position, the filter element 68 is arranged mainly inside the tank casing 64 (Fig. 5a). If it is desired to filter the collected condensate, the filter element 68 can be extracted manually by the user (Fig. 5b). In this regard, the movement direction 84 is perpendicular to the removing direction 44 of the tank casing 64 and perpendicular to the plane of the tank opening 66. In general, the filter element 68 comprises a liquid filter channel 86 having a channel inlet 88 fluidly connected to the tank opening 66 and a channel outlet 90 arranged at a distance from the channel inlet 88 for exiting the filtered condensate. The liquid filter 70 is arranged within the liquid filter channel 86 and has a mesh-like cylindrical shape.

In contrast to some other embodiments (Fig. 3, Fig. 10, Fig. 11, Fig. 12) the filter element 68 according to Fig. 5 comprises not only the liquid filter channel 86 (= first flow channel) but comprises a second flow channel 92 which is free of filtering function (Fig. 6, Fig. 7). The flow paths of the unfiltered inflow and the filtered outflow are indicated in the cross- section of Fig. 6 by the arrows. This filter element 68 is adapted to pass the condensate through the first flow channel 86 when the condensate is exiting the tank casing 64 and is adapted to pass the condensate through the second flow channel 92 when the condensate is entering the tank casing 64. The design of the filter element 68, the tank opening 66, the tank compartment 42 and/or the cabinet 48 is such that in the inactive position (i.e. during fully inserting the tank casing 64 into the tank compartment 42) the first flow channel 86 is blocked and non-accessible by the water entering the tank. Thus, condensate cannot enter the tank casing 64 by flowing through the first flow channel 86. Rather, condensate can enter the tank casing 64 only by the second flow channel 92 (Fig. 8a). However in the filter position (Fig. 8b), the second flow channel is automatically non-accessible when the user turns the extracted tank casing 64 for exiting/draining out the condensate from the tank casing 64 and thereby filtering the condensate.

In the embodiment of Fig. 9 the tank casing 64 carries bayonet coupling elements 94 surrounding the tank opening 66 in order to effect a bayonet coupling with different embodiments of a filter element 68 (Fig. 10. Fig: 11, Fig. 12). For this purpose, the respective filter elements 68 have corresponding coupling elements 96 in the region of their channel inlet 88. Due to the bayonet coupling, the filter element 68 is detachably connected to the tank casing 64 in the filter position (Fig. 10. Fig. 11, Fig. 12) and can be detached from the tank casing 64 to achieve the inactive position. The filter element 68 can then be stored as a separate part in a specific storage space (not explicitly shown here) at/in the tank casing 64 or at/in the cabinet 48.

For example, the detachable filter element 68 has a conic shape (Fig. 10), a funnel-like shape (Fig. 11) or a "teapot"-like shape (Fig. 12). Several of the above embodiments of the filter element 68 comprise at least in one cross section plane a circular shape. The center axis 98 of this circular shape is arranged in the most embodiments perpendicular relative to the cross section plane of the tank opening 66 (Fig. 3 - Fig. 10, Fig. 12, Fig. 13). In the filter position, the flat mesh-like liquid filter 70 can be arranged in different positions relative to the tank opening 66 or the tank opening 72. Preferably, the liquid filter 70 is arranged parallel to the plane of the tank opening 66 (Fig. 3, Fig. 4, Fig. 10) or parallel to the plane of the tank opening 72 (Fig. 13a). Alternatively, the liquid filter 70 is arranged at an acute angle relative to the plane of the tank opening 66 (Fig. 11) or perpendicular relative to the plane of the tank opening 66 (Fig. 5 - Fig. 8, Fig. 12).

Regarding the embodiment according to Fig. 12, the filter element 68 comprises two element parts - a first filter part 100 having the coupling elements 96 and a slidable cap 102 as a second filter part. The cap 102 is arranged within the hollow space of the first filter part 100 and is slidable along the direction of the center axis 98. The cap 102 is carrying a cylindrical mesh-like liquid filter whose cylinder axis essentially coincides with the center axis 98. For implementing the sliding movement, the cap 102 can be pulled or pushed by urging a handle bar 104. Moving the cap 102, the effective exit cross section for exiting the filtered condensate at the channel outlet 90 can be changed. In a first position (Fig. 12b) the liquid filter 70 is arranged completely in the liquid filter channel 86 between the channel inlet 88 and the channel outlet 90 of the filter element 68. In a second position (Fig. 12c), i.e. after removing or sliding the cap 102, an upper filter part 106 of the liquid filter 70 is arranged beyond the liquid filter channel 86 such that it is increasing the effective exit cross section for exiting the filtered condensate in the filter position. The effective exit cross section consists of the channel outlet 90 and the upper filter part 106.

Thus, the effective exit cross section can be varied (increased or reduced) continuously by sliding the cap 102 away from the tank opening 66 (Fig. 12c) or towards the tank opening 66. Consequently, the flow of the filtered condensate can be varied according to the decision of the user. The filter cap 102 can be completely removed from the active filtering position if the condensate is not required to be filtered but the convenience of having the pouring spout-like form of the channel outlet 90 remains for carefully disposing the condensate from the condensate tank. Detaching the slidable cap 102 from the main filter element 68 facilitates easier cleaning i.e. removing filtered particles from the filter surface. In an alternative embodiment of the previous embodiment (not shown), the filter 70 can be opened or closed with respect to the channel outlet 90 by rotating the filter 70, e.g. by using the handle bar 104. For example the cylindrical part extending from the bottom side of the - here rotatable - cap 192 has a closed cylindrical portion (e.g. over 180° of the cylinder wall) and a mesh-like cylindrical portion (e.g. over 180° of the cylinder wall) and by rotating the cap 192 one of the portions can be positioned relative to channel outlet 90 such as to close it or to provide a filtering passage.

As already mentioned, the filter element 68 has an inactive position (Fig. 3a, Fig. 4a, Fig. 5a, Fig. 8a, Fig. 13a) and a filter position (Fig. 3b, Fig. 4b, Fig. 5b, Fig. 8b, Fig. 10a - Fig. 12c, Fig. 13a). In the filter position the filter element 68 is positioned relative to the tank opening 66 such that the condensate exiting the tank casing 64 is filtered. Apart from the embodiment according to Fig. 13a, the exiting condensate is filtered when exiting the tank casing 64 through the tank opening 66 serving as a condensate inlet during the operation mode of the tank 40. For this purpose, the filter element 68 is disposed to cover the tank opening 66 (Fig. 3b, Fig. 4b, Fig. 5b, Fig. 8b, Fig. 10a - Fig. 12c). In the embodiment according to Fig. 13a, the exiting condensate is filtered when exiting the tank casing 64 through a second tank opening 72 serving as a condensate outlet during the operation mode of the tank 40. In this regard, the filter element 68 is disposed to detachably cover the second tank opening 72 or condensate outlet in the filter position. In the inactive position the filter element 68 is positioned relative to the tank opening 66 such that the condensate entering or exiting through the tank opening 66 is not filtered. In the inactive position the filter element 68 is arranged at a distance to the tank opening 66 such that the condensate is passing through the tank opening 66 non-cleaned or unfiltered. By providing these filter position and inactive position it is ensured that the condensate is not filtered when entering the tank 40 but when exiting of or draining out of the tank casing 64 in a state, where the tank 40 is extracted from the tank compartment 42. In a state, where tank 40 is fully inserted in the tank compartment 42 (Fig. 1, Fig. 2), the filter element 68 is removed from the filter position and is in its inactive position (Fig. 3a, Fig. 4a, Fig. 5a, Fig. 8a), or can remain in the former filter position and is nevertheless in the inactive position (Fig. 13a).

In some embodiments the filter element 68 is connected movable and permanently at the tank casing 64 (Fig. 3a - Fig. 8b). In other embodiments, the filter element 68 is connected detachable at the tank casing 64 (Fig. 9 - Fig. 13b).

The method of collecting condensate in the tank 40, exiting (denotable also as draining out) condensate of the tank 40 and filtering the exiting condensate occurs as follows: For filtering and exiting the collected condensate the tank 40 is removed along the moving direction 44 from the tank compartment 42 and thereby it is pulled out of the cabinet 48. The filter element 68 is positioned at or on or in the tank opening 66 (Fig. 3b, Fig. 4b, Fig. 5b, Fig. 8b, Fig. 10a - Fig. 12c) such that the condensate is exiting the tank opening 66 and is passing the liquid filter 70 of the filter element 68. Thereby the condensate is drained out of the tank 40 through the liquid filter 70. After draining out the condensate, the filter element 68 is removed from the tank opening 66 and positioned in the inactive position. The inactive position can be achieved by simply detaching the filter element 68 from the tank casing 64 (Fig. 9 - Fig. 12c) or by removing the filter element 68 to another position at or in or on the tank casing 64 (Fig. 3a - Fig. 8b).

After returning the filter element 68 into the inactive position, the tank 40 is re-inserted into the tank compartment 42 and thereby pushed along the moving direction 44 into the cabinet 48 of the dryer 2. When the tank 40 is fully inserted in the tank compartment 42 condensate can be supplied into the tank 40 through the tank opening 66 wherein due to the filter element 68 positioned in the inactive position, the condensate is not filtered by the filter element 68 when the condensate is passing the tank opening 66.

The positioning and the removing of the filter element 68 at or on or in the tank opening 66 is performed manually by a user (Fig. 3a, Fig. 3b, Fig. 5a - Fig. 12c) or automatically at the time of removing the tank 40 from the tank compartment 42 (inactive position to filter position) and at the time of inserting the tank 40 into the tank compartment 42 (Fig. 4a, Fig. 4b) (filter position to inactive position). In the embodiment according to Figs. 13a and 13b there is no need for positioning and removing the filter element 68 when changing between the filter position and the inactive position. Rather, the filter element 68 can remain detachably mounted in its position according to Fig. 13a during collecting condensate into the tank 40 and during exiting condensate of the tank 40 and thereby filtering it. This mounting position of the filter element 68 represents its filter position and simultaneously its inactive position in relationship with the tank opening 66 serving as a condensate inlet during the operation mode of the tank 40. This means that the filter element 68 is disposed to cover the second tank opening 68 or condensate outlet in the filter position and also in the inactive position. Only for cleaning the filter element 68 itself it is necessary to detach it from the tank casing 64 (Fig. 13b). In the mounting position according to Fig. 13a, the filter element 68 is mounted by using bayonet coupling means 99. The construction of this means 99 is preferably in principle similar or identical to the bayonet coupling elements 94 and corresponding coupling elements 96. In dryer types, which do not require condensate supply from the removable condensate tank 40 during dryer operation, the channel outlet 90 of filter element 68 is closed by a cap (not shown) such that the condensate can not drain out when the tank 40 is inserted in the tank compartment 42. Alternatively the filter element 68 is removed from the second tank opening 72 and the second tank opening 72 is closed by a cap when no filtering is required. Correspondingly for filtering, the closing cap is removed and -if not already positioned at the opening 72, the filter element 68 is positioned in its filtering position.

Reference Numeral List

2 dryer 56 front top panel

5 4 heat pump system 58 tank cover

6 refrigerant loop 60 input section

8 blower 35 62 handle section

10 first heat exchanger 64 tank casing

12 second heat exchanger 66 tank opening

10 14 compressor 68 filter element

16 expansion device 70 liquid filter

18 drum 40 72 second tank opening

19 laundry 76 hinge

20 process air channel 78 clip element

15 20a battery channel 80 latching cavity

20b rear channel 82 guiding frame

20c rising channel 45 84 movement direction

20d front channel 86 liquid filter channel

22 filter element 88 channel inlet

20 30 condensate collecting device 90 channel outlet

32 drain pipe 92 second flow channel

34 tank pipe 50 94 bayonet coupling element

36 drain pump 96 corresponding coupling element

40 removable condensate tank 98 center axis

25 42 tank compartment 99 bayonet coupling means

44 moving direction 100 first filter part

46 front cover 55 102 slidable cap

48 cabinet 104 handle bar

50 top cover 106 upper filter part

30 52 left cover A process air flow

54 loading door B refrigerant flow

Claims

5 Claims:

0 1. Laundry treatment apparatus, in particular a condenser dryer (2), comprising a apparatus cabinet (48) and a removable condensate tank (40) adapted to be inserted into and extracted from the apparatus cabinet (48), the removable condensate tank (40) comprising:

a tank casing (64),

5 a tank opening (66) in the tank casing (64) for passing condensate therethrough, a filter element (68) adapted to filter the condensate passing through the tank opening (66) from lint,

a mounting arrangement (76, 78, 80, 82, 94, 96, 99) for holding the filter element

(68) at or in the tank casing (64) in a filter position,

o characterized in that

the filter element (68) has the filter position and an inactive position, wherein in the filter position the filter element (68) is positioned relative to the tank opening (66) such that the condensate exiting the tank casing (64) is filtered,

wherein in the inactive position the filter element (68) is positioned relative to the 5 tank opening (66) such that the condensate entering or exiting through the tank opening

(66) is not filtered, and

wherein in a state, where the condensate tank (40) is fully inserted in the apparatus cabinet (48), the filter element (68) is removed from the filter position and/or is in the inactive position relative to the tank opening (66).

2. Apparatus according to claim 1, wherein in the filter position the filter element (68) is positioned relative to the tank opening (66) such that the condensate exiting the tank casing through the tank opening (66) is filtered. 5 3. Apparatus according to claim 1 or 2,

wherein in the filter position the filter element (68) is disposed to cover the tank opening (66), and wherein in the inactive position the filter element (68) is disposed at a distance to the tank opening (66) such that the condensate is passing through the tank opening (66) non-cleaned.

5 4. Apparatus according to any of the preceding claims, further comprising an

actuating means, wherein the actuating means positions the filter element (68) in the filter position when the condensate tank (40) is removed or extracted from the apparatus cabinet (48). 0 5. Apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the actuating means moves the filter element (68) to the inactive position when the condensate tank (40) is inserted or pushed into the apparatus cabinet (48).

6. Apparatus according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the filter element (68)5 is connected movably and permanently at or in the tank casing (64) by the mounting

arrangement (76, 82).

7. Apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the mounting arrangement comprises one or more supporting elements (76, 82) such that the filter element is movable between the o filter position and the inactive position.

8. Apparatus according to claim 6 or 7, wherein the movement direction (84) of the filter element (68) is parallel to the removing direction (44) of the tank casing (64) and/or parallel to the tank opening (66).

5

9. Apparatus according to claim 6 or 7, wherein the movement direction (84) of the filter element (68) is perpendicular to the removing direction (44) of the tank casing (64) and/or perpendicular to the tank opening (66). 0 10. Apparatus according to any of the preceding claims 1 - 5, wherein in the filter position the filter element (68) is detachably connected at or in the tank casing (64), or is connected removably by the mounting arrangement (94, 96, 99).

11. Apparatus according to claim 10, wherein the detachable connection is a bayonet5 coupling (94, 96, 99) or screw coupling.

12. Apparatus according to claim 10 or 11, wherein it comprises a storage space at or in the tank casing (64), or at or in the apparatus cabinet (48) for storing the detached filter element (68).

5 13. Apparatus according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the tank opening (66) is a condensate inlet during the operation mode of the condensate tank (40).

14. Apparatus according to claim 13, wherein the tank casing (64) has at least two tank openings (66, 72),

o one tank opening (66) is the condensate inlet during the operation mode of the condensate tank (40),

another tank opening (72) is a condensate outlet during the operation mode of the condensate tank (40), and

wherein the filter element (68) is disposed to cover the condensate outlet (72) in the5 filter position.

15. Apparatus according to claim 14, wherein the filter element (68) is disposed to cover the condensate outlet (72) in the inactive position such that the condensate entering or exiting through the condensate inlet (66) is not filtered.

0

16. Apparatus according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the filter element (68) comprises a circular shape in cross section.

17. Apparatus according to claim 16, wherein the center axis (98) of the circular shape 5 is arranged perpendicular relative to the cross section of the tank opening (66, 72).

16. Apparatus according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the filter element (68) comprises a disc-like or plate-like shape. 0 17. Apparatus according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the filter element (68) comprises at least one of the following shapes: a cylindrical shape, a conical shape, funnellike shape.

18. Apparatus according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the filter element (68)5 comprises a liquid filter channel (86)

- having a channel inlet (88) fluidly connectable to the tank opening (68, 72), and - having a channel outlet (90) at a distance from the channel inlet (88) for exiting the filtered condensate in the filter position, and

wherein a liquid filter (70) is arranged in the liquid filter channel (86).

5 19. Apparatus according to claim 18, wherein the filter element (68) comprises the liquid filter channel (86) constituting a first flow channel and comprises a second flow channel (92) free of filtering function, wherein the filter element (68) is adapted to pass the condensate through the first flow channel (86) when the condensate is exiting the tank casing (64) and to pass the condensate through the second flow channel (92) when the o condensate is entering the tank casing (64).

20. Apparatus according to claim 19, wherein the first flow channel (86) is blocked or non-accessible in the inactive position and the second flow channel (92) is blocked or non- accessible in the filter position.

5

21. Apparatus according to claim 18, wherein the filter element (68) comprises at least two element parts (100, 102) which are movable relative to each other in the filter position for changing the effective exit cross section at the channel outlet (90). o 22. Apparatus according to claim 21, wherein one movable element part (102)

comprises a wall having the liquid filter (70) and wherein the liquid filter (70) is adapted to be arranged

- in a first position completely in the liquid filter channel (86) between the channel inlet (88) and the channel outlet (90), and

5 - in a second position at least partly beyond the liquid filter channel (86) such that it is increasing the effective exit cross section at the channel outlet (90) for exiting the filtered condensate in the filter position.

23. Apparatus according to any of the preceding claims 18 - 22, wherein the filter 0 element (68) comprises or is a mesh-like liquid filter (70) arranged parallel or at an acute angle relative to the plane of the tank opening (66, 72) in the filter position.

24. Apparatus according to any of the preceding claims 18 - 22, wherein the filter element (68) comprises or is a mesh-like liquid filter (70) arranged perpendicular relative5 to the plane of the tank opening (66) in the filter position.

25. Method of condensate collecting and condensate draining in a laundry treatment apparatus (2), in particular a laundry treatment apparatus (2) according to any of the previous claims, the apparatus (2) comprising:

an apparatus cabinet (48) having therein a receptacle (42) for receiving a removable 5 condensate tank (40) which can be removed from the receptacle (42) and can be inserted therein, wherein the removable condensate tank (40) has a tank opening (66) for passing condensate therethrough, and

a filter element (68) adapted to filter the condensate passing through the tank opening (66),

0 wherein the method comprises:

removing the removable condensate tank (40) from the receptacle (42) and thereby pulling the removable condensate tank (40) out of the apparatus cabinet (48),

positioning the filter element (68) at, on or in the tank opening (66) such that the condensate exiting the tank opening (66) passes a liquid filter (70) of the filter element5 (68),

draining condensate out of the removable condensate tank (40) through the liquid filter (70) of the filter element (68),

removing the filter element (68) from the tank opening (66) and/or positioning the filter element (68) in an inactive position,

o inserting the removable condensate tank (40) into the receptacle (42) and thereby pushing the removable condensate tank (40) into the apparatus cabinet (48), and

supplying condensate into the removable condensate tank (40) through the tank opening (66) when the removable condensate tank (40) is inserted, wherein due to the removing of the filter element (68) and/or due to its inactive position the condensate is not 5 filtered by the filter element (68) when the condensate passes the tank opening (66).

26. Method according to claim 25, wherein the positioning of the filter element (68) at, on or in the tank opening (66) is performed manually by a user or automatically at the time of removing the removable condensate tank (40) from the receptacle (42).

27. Method according to claim 25 or 26, wherein the removing of the filter element (68) from the tank opening (66) is performed manually by a user or automatically at the time of inserting the removable condensate tank (40) into the receptacle (42).