EP3074564A1 - Steam laundry dryer and method for operating the same - Google Patents

Steam laundry dryer and method for operating the same

Info

Publication number
EP3074564A1
EP3074564A1 EP13801515.1A EP13801515A EP3074564A1 EP 3074564 A1 EP3074564 A1 EP 3074564A1 EP 13801515 A EP13801515 A EP 13801515A EP 3074564 A1 EP3074564 A1 EP 3074564A1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
steam
port
level
water
laundry dryer
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Granted
Application number
EP13801515.1A
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
Other versions
EP3074564B1 (en
Inventor
Onur ERCAN
Murat Goktas
Onur Ozdemir
Can Sar
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.)
Arcelik AS
Original Assignee
Arcelik AS
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 Arcelik AS filed Critical Arcelik AS
Publication of EP3074564A1 publication Critical patent/EP3074564A1/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP3074564B1 publication Critical patent/EP3074564B1/en
Not-in-force legal-status Critical Current
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical

Links

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
    • D06F58/20—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
    • D06F58/30—Drying processes 

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a steam laundry dryer and a method for operating the same.
  • the present invention particularly relates to a water tank which feeds a steam generator and a method of replenishing the water tank.
  • the clothes are dried either by hanging them on a clothesline or alternatively by placing them into a laundry dryer which dehumidifies the clothes by treating them with heat.
  • the clothes In both cases the clothes generally develop wrinkles and creases as they are eventually dried.
  • the formation of wrinkles depend on several factors, including the material of the cloth and the physical conditions governing the drying process, such as heat and water as well as any strain acting on the clothes. It is common practice to utilize heat and steam to remove the wrinkles and the creases from the clothes. Therefore, irons are generally provided with steam injection facilities to smooth out the wrinkles and the creases. The customer will usually need to do some ironing work to smooth out the wrinkles and creases developed during the drying.
  • laundry dryers have been provided with steam injection facilities to remove the wrinkles and the creases by applying steam to the clothes.
  • the steam application is not particularly limited to removal of wrinkles and creases.
  • steam has a sanitizing effect.
  • steam can effectively remove odors. Therefore, in a laundry dryer, steam can be reasonably applied at any stage of the drying process to achieve the aforementioned effects.
  • a conventional steam laundry dryer (1 ⁇ ) comprises a drum (2 ⁇ ) for receiving clothes, a motor (3 ⁇ ) for rotating the drum (2 ⁇ ), a water/steam separator (4 ⁇ ) having a steam injection port (4a ⁇ ), a water outlet port (4b ⁇ ) and a water/steam inlet port (4c ⁇ ), the steam injection port (4a ⁇ ) being arranged to open into the drum (2 ⁇ ), a steam generator (5 ⁇ ) having a discharge port (6 ⁇ ) for supplying pressurized water/steam to the water/steam inlet port (4c ⁇ ) and an intake port (7 ⁇ ) for receiving water, the discharge port (6 ⁇ ) being fluidly connected to the water/steam inlet port (4c ⁇ ) via a first conduit (8 ⁇ ), a water tank (9 ⁇ ) having a feed port (10 ⁇ ) for feeding water into the steam generator (5 ⁇ ) and a replenishment port (11 ⁇ ) for filling the water tank (9 ⁇ ) with water, the feed port (10 ⁇ ) being fluidly
  • the water column above the discharge port (6 ⁇ ) is pushed into the water/steam separator (4 ⁇ ).
  • the water/steam separator (4 ⁇ ) prevents the inflowing water from being conveyed into the drum (2 ⁇ ) and drains it into a reservoir (20 ⁇ ) via the water outlet port (4b ⁇ ) and a conduit (21 ⁇ ).
  • the initially generated steam is injected into the drum (2 ⁇ ) not until before all of the water standing above the steam generator (5 ⁇ ), i.e., the water above level H1 ⁇ has been drained off by means of the water/steam separator (4 ⁇ ).
  • the clothes in the drum (2 ⁇ ) are prevented from becoming excessively wet.
  • a drawback of the above conventional steam laundry dryer (1 ⁇ ) is that a manufacturing and an assembly of the water/phase separator (4 ⁇ ) and the conduit (21 ⁇ ) increase the overall costs.
  • Another drawback of this conventional steam laundry dryer (1 ⁇ ) is that the steam supply into the drum (3 ⁇ ) is delayed because of the water standing above the level H1 ⁇ . Therefore, a total duration of the operation cycle must be prolonged to compensate for the delay and to supply the requisite amount of steam into the drum (2 ⁇ ).
  • An objective of the present invention is to provide a steam laundry dryer and a method of operating a steam laundry dryer which overcomes the aforementioned drawbacks of the prior art and which has a simplified construction that enables the clothes to be effectively and reliably treated with steam.
  • the water tank has a discharge opening for draining excess water from the water tank.
  • the discharge opening of the water tank and the discharge port of the steam generator are arranged at a same level H1.
  • the controller is adapted to drain the excess water which stands above the level H1 via the discharge opening by controlling an opening/closing means prior to activating the steam generator.
  • the motor is activated so as to aerate and shuffle the clothes inside the drum.
  • the excess water which stands above the level H1 is gradually drained via the discharge opening by opening the opening/closing means.
  • the opening/closing means is closed and the steam generator is activated.
  • the steam delivered by the steam generator is supplied to the steam injection port which directs the pressurized stream onto the clothes inside the drum.
  • the steam laundry dryer has a water reservoir for collecting excess water which is drained from the water tank via the discharge opening.
  • the steam laundry dryer is provided with a pump for draining off the water reservoir.
  • the opening/closing means is configured by the pump or a solenoid valve.
  • the solenoid valve is arranged along a conduit which fluidly connects the discharge opening with the water reservoir. The pump or the solenoid valve is activated at a predetermined point in time of the cycle for a predetermined duration to drain off the excess water column standing above the steam generator.
  • the necessity to use a water/phase separator has been obviated. Instead a single steam injection port can be utilized. Thereby, the assembly of the steam laundry dryer has been simplified. By virtue of the discharge opening provided in the water tank any excess water can drained off. Thereby, the steam generator is enabled to supply steam into the drum from a beginning of its activation. By the present invention, the steam supply performance has been expedited and the duration of the drying cycle has been further reduced.
  • Figure 1 – is a schematic view of a conventional steam laundry dryer
  • Figure 2 – is a schematic view of a laundry dryer according to an embodiment of the present invention.
  • the steam laundry dryer (1) comprises: a drum (2) for receiving clothes; a motor (3) for rotating the drum (2), a steam injection port (4) which opens into the drum (2), a steam generator (5) which has a discharge port (6) for supplying pressurized steam to the steam injection port (4), and an intake port (7) for receiving water, wherein the discharge port (6) is fluidly connected to the steam injection port (4) via a first conduit (8), a water tank (9) which has a feed port (10) for feeding water into the steam generator (5), and a replenishment port (11) for filling the water tank (9) with water, wherein the feed port (10) is fluidly connected to said intake port (7) via a second conduit (12), and wherein the replenishment port (11) is fluidly connected to the water tank (9) via a third conduit (13) and a controller (14) for operating the motor (3) and the steam generator (5) (Fig. 2).
  • the water tank (9) has a discharge opening (15) for draining excess water from the water tank (9) (Fig. 2).
  • the discharge opening (15) of the water tank (9) and the discharge port (6) of the steam generator (5) are arranged at a same first level H1 (Fig. 2).
  • the controller (14) is adapted to drain the excess water which stands above the first level H1 via the discharge opening (15) by controlling an opening/closing means prior to activating the steam generator (5) (Fig. 2).
  • the steam generator (5) is not immediately activated after the steam laundry dryer (1) is put into operation.
  • the excess water standing above the first level H1 is gradually drained via the discharge opening (15) by controlling the opening/closing means.
  • the opening/closing means is kept open for the predetermined time, and subsequently closed. As the excess water has been drained off, the steam laundry dryer (1) is now ready to generate and supply steam.
  • the steam injection port (4) is supplied with pressurized steam by the steam generator (5) from the beginning of its activation. Thereby, the need for a water/steam separator (4 ⁇ ) on a downstream side of the steam generator (5) is obviated. In conjunction therewith, the conduit (21 ⁇ ) and any other components for fixing the same become completely superfluous. Thereby, the manufacturing process and the assembly process of the steam laundry dryer (1) has been substantially simplified.
  • the steam injection port (4) is arranged at a second level H2 such that the clothes in the drum (2) can be subjected to steam from the above.
  • the replenishment port (11) is arranged at a third level H3.
  • the third level H3 is chosen so as not to exceed the second level H2. Thereby, the water column rising in the first conduit (8) during the replenishment is prevented from spilling over the steam injection port (4) which is open to the atmosphere.
  • the third level H3 and the second level H2 are set to be higher than the first level H1 (Fig. 2).
  • the third level H3 equals the second level H2 (Fig. 2).
  • the replenishment port (11) is arranged at a highest level which allows, for example, a customer to easily replenish the water tank (9).
  • the present invention is not limited to this configuration.
  • the second level H2 is higher than third level H3.
  • a bottom (16) of the water tank (9) is arranged at a fourth level H4.
  • the intake port (7) of the steam generator (5) is arranged at a fifth level H5.
  • the fourth level H4 is higher than the fifth level H5 and lower than the first level H1 (Fig. 2). Thereby, the water can be efficiently fed into the steam generator (5).
  • the steam laundry dryer (1) further comprises a lime container (17) for collecting lime.
  • the second conduit (12) is configured to fluidly connect the feed port (10) to the intake port (7) via the lime container (17).
  • a bottom (18) of the lime container (17) is arranged at a sixth level H6 which is lower than a fifth level H5 where the the intake port (7) is positioned (Fig. 2). Thereby, the lime which is formed in the steam generator (5) can accumulate in the lime container (17).
  • the lime container (17) has an openable/closable discharge outlet (19) for draining the water inside the lime container (17).
  • the openable/closable discharge outlet (19) is configured as a cap (not shown).
  • the lime container (17) can be manually drained off before maintenance so as to completely evacuate the water tank (9), the steam generator (5), and the first to third conduits (8; 12; 13).
  • the steam laundry dryer (1) has a water reservoir (20) for collecting excess water drained from the water tank (9) via the discharge opening (15).
  • the discharge opening (15) is fluidly connected to the water reservoir (20) via a fourth conduit (21).
  • a pump (not shown) is provided to drain off the water reservoir (20).
  • the opening/closing means is configured by either the same pump or by a solenoid valve (22) which is arranged along the fourth conduit (21) (Fig. 2).
  • controller (14) is further adapted to operate the pump so as to drain the water reservoir (20).
  • the replenishment port (11) is configured to allow manual filling of the water tank (9) with water (Fig. 2).
  • the control method for operating the steam laundry dryer (1) comprises: a step of draining excess water which stands above the first level H1 via the discharge opening (15); and a step of generating and supplying pressurized steam to the steam injection port (4) after termination of the draining step.
  • control method further comprises: a step of rotating the drum (2) so as to aerate and shuffle the clothes.
  • the rotation step and the draining step are initiated concurrently.
  • the clothes are not subjected to steam during the initial aeration. Therefore, the draining step can be performed as the clothes are initially aerated.
  • the rotation step is initiated a predetermined duration before initiating the steam generating/supplying step. This duration is chosen such that the draining step can be completed prior to activation of the steam generator (5).
  • the steam injection port (4) immediately receives a pure burst of steam.
  • the steam application is not delayed as in the conventional technique where the excess water above the level H1 ⁇ is initially drained via the water/steam separator (4 ⁇ ) by the action of the steam generator (5 ⁇ ). Moreover, an unnecessary prolongation of the drying cycle is prevented.
  • the program according to the present invention comprises computer-readable codes for causing a steam laundry dryer (1) to execute the above-described method steps.
  • the overall configuration of the steam laundry dryer (1) has been simplified as the use of a water/steam separator (4 ⁇ ) is obviated.
  • the steam laundry dryer (1) of the present invention can be more easily manufactured and assembled.
  • the steam generation and steam supply performance has been further improved.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Textile Engineering (AREA)
  • Detail Structures Of Washing Machines And Dryers (AREA)

Abstract

The present invention relates to a steann laundry dryer (1) which comprises a drum (2), a drum motor (3), a steam injection port (4) which opens into the drum (2), a steam generator (5) which has a discharge port (6) for supplying pressurized steam to the steam injection port (4) and an intake port (7) for receiving water, the discharge port (6) being fluidly connected to the steam injection port (4) via a first conduit (8), a water tank (9) which has a feed port (10) for feeding the steam generator (5), and a replenishment port (11) for filling the water tank (9), the feed port (10) being fluidly connected to said intake port (7) via a second conduit (12), and the replenishment port (11) being fluidly connected to the water tank (9) via a third conduit (13) and a controller (14) for operating the motor (3) and the steam generator (5).

Description

    STEAM LAUNDRY DRYER AND METHOD FOR OPERATING THE SAME
  • The present invention relates to a steam laundry dryer and a method for operating the same. The present invention particularly relates to a water tank which feeds a steam generator and a method of replenishing the water tank.
  • After termination of a washing course, the clothes are dried either by hanging them on a clothesline or alternatively by placing them into a laundry dryer which dehumidifies the clothes by treating them with heat. In both cases the clothes generally develop wrinkles and creases as they are eventually dried. The formation of wrinkles depend on several factors, including the material of the cloth and the physical conditions governing the drying process, such as heat and water as well as any strain acting on the clothes. It is common practice to utilize heat and steam to remove the wrinkles and the creases from the clothes. Therefore, irons are generally provided with steam injection facilities to smooth out the wrinkles and the creases. The customer will usually need to do some ironing work to smooth out the wrinkles and creases developed during the drying.
  • To reduce the workload on the customers, laundry dryers have been provided with steam injection facilities to remove the wrinkles and the creases by applying steam to the clothes. Nevertheless, the steam application is not particularly limited to removal of wrinkles and creases. In general, steam has a sanitizing effect. For instance, steam can effectively remove odors. Therefore, in a laundry dryer, steam can be reasonably applied at any stage of the drying process to achieve the aforementioned effects.
  • A conventional steam laundry dryer (1´) comprises a drum (2´) for receiving clothes, a motor (3´) for rotating the drum (2´), a water/steam separator (4´) having a steam injection port (4a´), a water outlet port (4b´) and a water/steam inlet port (4c´), the steam injection port (4a´) being arranged to open into the drum (2´), a steam generator (5´) having a discharge port (6´) for supplying pressurized water/steam to the water/steam inlet port (4c´) and an intake port (7´) for receiving water, the discharge port (6´) being fluidly connected to the water/steam inlet port (4c´) via a first conduit (8´), a water tank (9´) having a feed port (10´) for feeding water into the steam generator (5´) and a replenishment port (11´) for filling the water tank (9´) with water, the feed port (10´) being fluidly connected to said intake port (7´) via a second conduit (12´) and the replenishment port (11´) being fluidly connected to the water tank (9´) via a third conduit (13´) and a controller (14´) for operating the motor (3´) and the steam generator (5´) (Fig. 1).
  • When the water tank (9´) is replenished, the water column within the first conduit (8´) and the water column within third conduit (13´) both rise up to a level H2´ as both the discharge port (6´) and the intake port (7´) are in fluid communication with the atmosphere via the water tank (9´). The above conventional steam laundry dryer (1´) is controlled such that with the commencement of the first minute, the motor (3´) is activated so as to aerate and shuffle the clothes inside the drum (2´). During the first minute the steam generator (5´) is, however, not activated. With the commencement of the second minute the steam generator (5´) is also activated. When the steam generator (5´) is activated, the water column above the discharge port (6´) is pushed into the water/steam separator (4´). The water/steam separator (4´) prevents the inflowing water from being conveyed into the drum (2´) and drains it into a reservoir (20´) via the water outlet port (4b´) and a conduit (21´). Hence, the initially generated steam is injected into the drum (2´) not until before all of the water standing above the steam generator (5´), i.e., the water above level H1´ has been drained off by means of the water/steam separator (4´). Thereby, the clothes in the drum (2´) are prevented from becoming excessively wet.
  • However, a drawback of the above conventional steam laundry dryer (1´) is that a manufacturing and an assembly of the water/phase separator (4´) and the conduit (21´) increase the overall costs. Another drawback of this conventional steam laundry dryer (1´) is that the steam supply into the drum (3´) is delayed because of the water standing above the level H1´. Therefore, a total duration of the operation cycle must be prolonged to compensate for the delay and to supply the requisite amount of steam into the drum (2´).
  • An objective of the present invention is to provide a steam laundry dryer and a method of operating a steam laundry dryer which overcomes the aforementioned drawbacks of the prior art and which has a simplified construction that enables the clothes to be effectively and reliably treated with steam.
  • This objective has been achieved by the steam laundry dryer according to the present invention as defined in claim 1, and the method of operating a steam laundry dryer according to the present invention as defined in claim 12. Further achievements have been attained by the subject-matters respectively defined in the dependent claims.
  • In the steam laundry dryer according to the present invention, the water tank has a discharge opening for draining excess water from the water tank. The discharge opening of the water tank and the discharge port of the steam generator are arranged at a same level H1. In the steam laundry dryer according to the present invention, the controller is adapted to drain the excess water which stands above the level H1 via the discharge opening by controlling an opening/closing means prior to activating the steam generator.
  • In an embodiment, as the steam laundry dryer is put into operation and with the commencement of the first minute, the motor is activated so as to aerate and shuffle the clothes inside the drum. During the first minute the excess water which stands above the level H1 is gradually drained via the discharge opening by opening the opening/closing means. After elapse of a predetermined duration, the excess water is completely drained off, subsequently the opening/closing means is closed and the steam generator is activated. The steam delivered by the steam generator is supplied to the steam injection port which directs the pressurized stream onto the clothes inside the drum.
  • In another embodiment, the steam laundry dryer has a water reservoir for collecting excess water which is drained from the water tank via the discharge opening. In this embodiment, the steam laundry dryer is provided with a pump for draining off the water reservoir.
  • In another embodiment, the opening/closing means is configured by the pump or a solenoid valve. In this embodiment, the solenoid valve is arranged along a conduit which fluidly connects the discharge opening with the water reservoir. The pump or the solenoid valve is activated at a predetermined point in time of the cycle for a predetermined duration to drain off the excess water column standing above the steam generator.
  • By the present invention the necessity to use a water/phase separator has been obviated. Instead a single steam injection port can be utilized. Thereby, the assembly of the steam laundry dryer has been simplified. By virtue of the discharge opening provided in the water tank any excess water can drained off. Thereby, the steam generator is enabled to supply steam into the drum from a beginning of its activation. By the present invention, the steam supply performance has been expedited and the duration of the drying cycle has been further reduced.
  • Additional advantages of the steam laundry dryer according to the present invention and the method of operating the steam laundry dryer according to the present invention will become apparent with the detailed description of the embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:
  • Figure 1 – is a schematic view of a conventional steam laundry dryer;
  • Figure 2 – is a schematic view of a laundry dryer according to an embodiment of the present invention.
  • The reference signs appearing on the drawings relate to the following technical features.
    1. Steam laundry dryer
    2. Drum
    3. Motor
    4. Steam injection port
  • 4´. Water/steam separator
  • 4a´. Steam injection port
  • 4b´. Water outlet port
  • 4c´. Water/steam inlet port
    5. Steam generator
    6. Discharge port
    7. Intake port
    8. First conduit
    9. Water tank
    10. Feed port
    11. Replenishment port
    12. Second conduit
    13. Third conduit
    14. Controller
    15. Discharge opening
    16. Bottom
    17. Lime container
    18. Bottom
    19. Discharge outlet
    20. Water reservoir
    21. Fourth conduit
    22. Solenoid valve
  • The steam laundry dryer (1) comprises: a drum (2) for receiving clothes; a motor (3) for rotating the drum (2), a steam injection port (4) which opens into the drum (2), a steam generator (5) which has a discharge port (6) for supplying pressurized steam to the steam injection port (4), and an intake port (7) for receiving water, wherein the discharge port (6) is fluidly connected to the steam injection port (4) via a first conduit (8), a water tank (9) which has a feed port (10) for feeding water into the steam generator (5), and a replenishment port (11) for filling the water tank (9) with water, wherein the feed port (10) is fluidly connected to said intake port (7) via a second conduit (12), and wherein the replenishment port (11) is fluidly connected to the water tank (9) via a third conduit (13) and a controller (14) for operating the motor (3) and the steam generator (5) (Fig. 2).
  • In the steam laundry dryer (1) according to the present invention, the water tank (9) has a discharge opening (15) for draining excess water from the water tank (9) (Fig. 2). The discharge opening (15) of the water tank (9) and the discharge port (6) of the steam generator (5) are arranged at a same first level H1 (Fig. 2). The controller (14) is adapted to drain the excess water which stands above the first level H1 via the discharge opening (15) by controlling an opening/closing means prior to activating the steam generator (5) (Fig. 2).
  • As the water tank (9) is replenished, the water columns within the first conduit (8) and the third conduit (13) rise up since both the discharge port (6) and the intake port (7) are in fluid communication with the atmosphere via the water tank (9). According to the present invention the steam generator (5) is not immediately activated after the steam laundry dryer (1) is put into operation. In particular, at a predetermined point of time during the operation, the excess water standing above the first level H1 is gradually drained via the discharge opening (15) by controlling the opening/closing means. The opening/closing means is kept open for the predetermined time, and subsequently closed. As the excess water has been drained off, the steam laundry dryer (1) is now ready to generate and supply steam. The steam injection port (4) is supplied with pressurized steam by the steam generator (5) from the beginning of its activation. Thereby, the need for a water/steam separator (4´) on a downstream side of the steam generator (5) is obviated. In conjunction therewith, the conduit (21´) and any other components for fixing the same become completely superfluous. Thereby, the manufacturing process and the assembly process of the steam laundry dryer (1) has been substantially simplified.
  • In an embodiment, the steam injection port (4) is arranged at a second level H2 such that the clothes in the drum (2) can be subjected to steam from the above. In this embodiment, the replenishment port (11) is arranged at a third level H3. The third level H3 is chosen so as not to exceed the second level H2. Thereby, the water column rising in the first conduit (8) during the replenishment is prevented from spilling over the steam injection port (4) which is open to the atmosphere. The third level H3 and the second level H2 are set to be higher than the first level H1 (Fig. 2).
  • In another embodiment, the third level H3 equals the second level H2 (Fig. 2). Thereby, the replenishment port (11) is arranged at a highest level which allows, for example, a customer to easily replenish the water tank (9). However, the present invention is not limited to this configuration. In an alternative embodiment (not shown), the second level H2 is higher than third level H3.
  • In another embodiment, a bottom (16) of the water tank (9) is arranged at a fourth level H4. In this embodiment, the intake port (7) of the steam generator (5) is arranged at a fifth level H5. The fourth level H4 is higher than the fifth level H5 and lower than the first level H1 (Fig. 2). Thereby, the water can be efficiently fed into the steam generator (5).
  • In another embodiment, the steam laundry dryer (1) further comprises a lime container (17) for collecting lime. In this embodiment, the second conduit (12) is configured to fluidly connect the feed port (10) to the intake port (7) via the lime container (17). A bottom (18) of the lime container (17) is arranged at a sixth level H6 which is lower than a fifth level H5 where the the intake port (7) is positioned (Fig. 2). Thereby, the lime which is formed in the steam generator (5) can accumulate in the lime container (17).
  • In another embodiment, the lime container (17) has an openable/closable discharge outlet (19) for draining the water inside the lime container (17).
  • In another embodiment, the openable/closable discharge outlet (19) is configured as a cap (not shown). Thereby, the lime container (17) can be manually drained off before maintenance so as to completely evacuate the water tank (9), the steam generator (5), and the first to third conduits (8; 12; 13).
  • In another embodiment, the steam laundry dryer (1) has a water reservoir (20) for collecting excess water drained from the water tank (9) via the discharge opening (15). The discharge opening (15) is fluidly connected to the water reservoir (20) via a fourth conduit (21). A pump (not shown) is provided to drain off the water reservoir (20). The opening/closing means is configured by either the same pump or by a solenoid valve (22) which is arranged along the fourth conduit (21) (Fig. 2).
  • In another embodiment, the controller (14) is further adapted to operate the pump so as to drain the water reservoir (20).
  • In another embodiment, the replenishment port (11) is configured to allow manual filling of the water tank (9) with water (Fig. 2).
  • The control method for operating the steam laundry dryer (1) according to the present invention comprises: a step of draining excess water which stands above the first level H1 via the discharge opening (15); and a step of generating and supplying pressurized steam to the steam injection port (4) after termination of the draining step.
  • In another embodiment, the control method further comprises: a step of rotating the drum (2) so as to aerate and shuffle the clothes. The rotation step and the draining step are initiated concurrently. The clothes are not subjected to steam during the initial aeration. Therefore, the draining step can be performed as the clothes are initially aerated.
  • In another embodiment, the rotation step is initiated a predetermined duration before initiating the steam generating/supplying step. This duration is chosen such that the draining step can be completed prior to activation of the steam generator (5). As the steam generating/supplying step is initiated, the steam injection port (4) immediately receives a pure burst of steam. In the present invention, the steam application is not delayed as in the conventional technique where the excess water above the level H1´ is initially drained via the water/steam separator (4´) by the action of the steam generator (5´). Moreover, an unnecessary prolongation of the drying cycle is prevented.
  • The program according to the present invention comprises computer-readable codes for causing a steam laundry dryer (1) to execute the above-described method steps.
  • By the present invention, the overall configuration of the steam laundry dryer (1) has been simplified as the use of a water/steam separator (4´) is obviated. The steam laundry dryer (1) of the present invention can be more easily manufactured and assembled. By the present invention, the steam generation and steam supply performance has been further improved.

Claims (15)

  1. A steam laundry dryer (1) comprising a drum (2) for receiving clothes, a motor (3) for rotating the drum (2), a steam injection port (4) which opens into the drum (2), a steam generator (5) which has a discharge port (6) for supplying pressurized steam to the steam injection port (4) and an intake port (7) for receiving water, wherein the discharge port (6) is fluidly connected to the steam injection port (4) via a first conduit (8), a water tank (9) which has a feed port (10) for feeding water into the steam generator (5), and a replenishment port (11) for filling the water tank (9) with water, wherein the feed port (10) is fluidly connected to said intake port (7) via a second conduit (12), and wherein the replenishment port (11) is fluidly connected to the water tank (9) via a third conduit (13), a controller (14) for operating the motor (3) and the steam generator (5), characterized in that
    - the water tank (9) has a discharge opening (15) for draining excess water from the water tank (9), wherein the discharge opening (15) of the water tank (9) and the discharge port (6) of the steam generator (5) are arranged at a same first level H1 and
    - the controller (14) is adapted to drain the excess water which stands above the first level H1 via the discharge opening (15) by controlling an opening/closing means prior to activating the steam generator (5).
  2. The steam laundry dryer (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the steam injection port (4) is arranged at a second level H2; and the replenishment port (11) is arranged at a third level H3, wherein the third level H3 is not higher than the second level H2, and wherein the third level H3 and the second level H2 are higher than the first level H1.
  3. The steam laundry dryer (1) according to claim 2, characterized in that the third level H3 equals the second level H2.
  4. The steam laundry dryer (1) according to claim 2, characterized in that the second level H2 is higher than third level H3.
  5. The steam laundry dryer (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that a bottom (16) of the water tank (9) is arranged at a fourth level H4; and the intake port (7) of the steam generator (5) is arranged at a fifth level H5, wherein the fourth level H4 is higher than fifth level H5 and lower than the first level H1.
  6. The steam laundry dryer (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that a lime container (17) for collecting lime, wherein the second conduit (12) is configured to fluidly connect the feed port (10) to the intake port (7) via the lime container (17), wherein a bottom (18) of the lime container (17) is arranged at sixth level H6 which is lower than the intake port (7) at a fourth level H5.
  7. The steam laundry dryer (1) according to claim 6, characterized in that the lime container (17) has an openable/closable discharge outlet (19) for draining the water inside the lime container (17).
  8. The steam laundry dryer (1) according to claim 7, characterized in that the openable/closable discharge outlet (19) is configured as a cap.
  9. The steam laundry dryer (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that
    a water reservoir (20) for collecting excess water drained from the water tank (9) via the discharge opening (15), wherein the discharge opening (15) is fluidly connected to the water reservoir (20) via a fourth conduit (21),
    a pump for draining off the water reservoir (20), wherein the opening/closing means is configured by said pump or a solenoid valve (22) arranged along the fourth conduit (21).
  10. The steam laundry dryer (1) according to claim 9, characterized in that the controller (14) is further adapted to operate the pump so as to drain the water reservoir (20).
  11. The steam laundry dryer (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that the replenishment port (11) is configured to allow manual filling of the water tank (9) with water.
  12. A control method for operating a steam laundry dryer (1) comprising a drum (2) for receiving clothes, a motor (3) for rotating the drum (2), a steam injection port (4) which opens into the drum (2), a steam generator (5) which has a discharge port (6) for supplying pressurized steam to the steam injection port (4), and an intake port (7) for receiving water, the discharge port (6) being fluidly connected to the steam injection port (4) via a first conduit (8), a water tank (9) which has a feed port (10) for feeding water into the steam generator (5), a replenishment port (11) for filling the water tank (9) with water, and an openable/closable discharge opening (15) for draining water from the water tank (9), the feed port (10) being fluidly connected to said intake port (7) via a second conduit (12), the replenishment port (11) being fluidly connected to the water tank (9) via a third conduit (13), and the discharge opening (15) of the water tank (9) and the discharge port (6) of the steam generator (5) being arranged at a same first level H1,
    the control method being characterized by comprising the steps of:
    - draining excess water which stands above the first level H1 via the discharge opening (15) and
    - generating and supplying pressurized steam to the steam injection port (4) after termination of the draining step.
  13. The control method according to claim 12, characterized by further comprising a step of rotating the drum (2) so as to aerate the clothes, wherein the rotation step and the draining step are initiated concurrently.
  14. The control method according to claim 13, characterized in that the rotation step is initiated a predetermined duration before initiating the steam generating/supplying step.
  15. A program comprising computer-readable codes for causing a steam laundry dryer (1) to execute the method steps defined in any one of claims 12 to 14.
EP13801515.1A 2013-11-29 2013-11-29 Steam laundry dryer and method for operating the same Not-in-force EP3074564B1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
PCT/EP2013/075091 WO2015078515A1 (en) 2013-11-29 2013-11-29 Steam laundry dryer and method for operating the same

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP3074564A1 true EP3074564A1 (en) 2016-10-05
EP3074564B1 EP3074564B1 (en) 2017-09-06

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Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP13801515.1A Not-in-force EP3074564B1 (en) 2013-11-29 2013-11-29 Steam laundry dryer and method for operating the same

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EP (1) EP3074564B1 (en)
WO (1) WO2015078515A1 (en)

Families Citing this family (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
CN115652591B (en) * 2022-11-18 2023-09-08 艾米丁(杭州)互联网科技有限公司 Internet of things laundry control system

Family Cites Families (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
DE10332656A1 (en) * 2003-01-25 2004-07-29 Electrolux Home Products Corporation N.V. Process for treating textiles in a household clothes dryer
EP1862581B2 (en) * 2006-06-01 2020-09-09 Electrolux Home Products Corporation N.V. Method for operating a domestic appliance, especially a home dryer or a washing machine, and domestic appliance
WO2008013426A2 (en) * 2006-07-28 2008-01-31 Lg Electronics Inc. Laundry dryer
EP2325381A1 (en) * 2009-11-19 2011-05-25 BSH Bosch und Siemens Hausgeräte GmbH Steam generator for use in a laundry care appliance, and laundry care appliance
JP4948642B1 (en) * 2010-12-20 2012-06-06 シャープ株式会社 Washing and drying machine

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EP3074564B1 (en) 2017-09-06
WO2015078515A1 (en) 2015-06-04

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