EP3162949B1

EP3162949B1 - Support element adapted to connect a drying system of a household appliance configured to perform at least a drying cycle, and household appliance comprising such a support element

Info

Publication number: EP3162949B1
Application number: EP15192264.8A
Authority: EP
Inventors: William PAOLINI
Original assignee: Whirlpool EMEA SpA
Current assignee: Whirlpool EMEA SpA
Priority date: 2015-10-30
Filing date: 2015-10-30
Publication date: 2018-05-02
Anticipated expiration: 2035-10-30
Also published as: EP3162949A1

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention refers to a support element for a household appliance adapted to perform at least a drying cycle, such as a washing/drying machine or a drying machine.
The present invention also refers to a household appliance adapted to perform at least a drying cycle, such as a washing/drying machine or a drying machine provided with said support element.

PRIOR ART

Drying machines and washing/drying machines comprise a rotating drum in which the items to be dried are placed. The drum is rotatably mounted in a tub. To perform the drying through a recirculation line, the air is extracted from the tub, treated and reintroduced therein. The recirculation line includes:

a condenser that causes the condensation of the moisture contained in the air extracted from the tub (such moisture is transferred to the air by the linen whilst it is drying);
a blowing unit that moves the air along the recirculation line; the blowing unit typically comprises a fan (or impeller) and a casing, in which the fan is rotatably mounted;
an element that heats the air before it is reintroduced into the tub.

The casing is usually made of metal, such as for example stainless steel or aluminum.
By contrast, the tub is usually made of plastic material.
The Applicant noted that the casing of the blowing unit reaches high temperatures in working conditions, given to the flow of hot air that passes therethrough.
Accordingly, heat might be transferred from the casing to the tub (which, as said, is made of plastic material), thereby locally melting or, in general terms, damaging the tub itself.
Document EP 2 597 185 A1 discloses a washing and drying machine according to the preamble of claim 1. The disclosed washing machine known from this document comprises: a washing tub containing a rotatable drum; a hot air duct for carrying hot air into the tub, said hot air duct comprising one or more fixing regions connected to said tub via a spacing element made of thermal insulating material; the spacing element comprises two parts fixed one another and to a respective fixing region, on opposite sides of the fixing region.
Document DE 10 2005 018045 A1 discloses a drum type washing machine combined with a dryer. The washing machine includes: a cylindrical plastic tub having a hot air inlet formed at a front upper portion thereof and a hot air outlet formed at a rear lower portion thereof; a drum rotatably installed inside the tub; a drying duct provided with a heater and a blower fan that are mounted on an inner air passage of the drying duct and fixed to an upper predetermined portion of an outer circumference of the tub; a condensation duct for removing moisture contained in hot air exhausted through the hot air outlet of the tub; and a heat shield interposed between the tub and the drying duct, for shielding heat of the drying duct from being transferred directly to the tub.
Document US 2005/138973 A1 discloses a washing machine with drying function. The washing machine with drying function comprises a heater duct having a heater and a blowing fan mounted therein. The heater duct communicates with a condensing duct. A connection duct communicates with the heater duct and a tub for guiding air having passed through the heater duct into the tub.
Document US 2014/047869 A1 discloses a drum washing machine and a control method thereof. The drum washing machine includes a cabinet, a tub including a first tub part and a second tub part, a drum, an inlet provided at one side of the second tub part and supplying condensed water, and at least one flow path provided on one surface from among the inner surfaces of the second tub part opposite the drum and guiding flow of the condensed water to increase a contact area between the condensed water supplied from the inlet and the second tub part.
Document EP 2 886 708 A1 discloses a washer-dryer comprising a tub and a drum housed inside the tub in such a manner that the drum is rotatable with respect to the tub, the tub and the drum adapted for washing a laundry, an air circuit, adapted to circulate an air flow through the tub for drying the laundry, and a heat pump, adapted to exchange heat with the air flow, the heat pump including at least one compressor, at least one condenser and at least one evaporator. At least one of the compressor, the evaporator and the condenser is fixed to the tub.
Document US 2005/278971 A1 discloses a clothing dryer including: a housing; an exhaust pipe; a first fixing bracket disposed at the exhaust pipe; and a second fixing bracket disposed at the bottom of the housing, the first fixing bracket being fitable in the second fixing bracket. The exhaust pipe is fixed without using an additional fixing member, whereby assembly and disassembly of the clothing dryer are accomplished.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is an object of the present invention to provide a household appliance adapted to perform at least a drying cycle wherein the risk of melting or damages due to heat transfer from the casing of the blowing unit to the plastic structure of the tub is significantly decreased.
This and further objects are substantially achieved by a support element and by a household appliance as described in the appended claims.
The basic idea of the present invention is to realize a support element made of thermally insulating material, by means of which the blowing unit is mounted on the external surface of the tub, said support element being substantially made in one piece.
According to one aspect, the invention refers to a support element adapted to connect a drying system of a household appliance configured to perform at least a drying cycle to a tub of said household appliance, said support element being made of a thermally insulating material, wherein said support element comprises:

a base portion adapted to be fitted on said tub;
a constraint portion adapted to grasp an engaging portion of said drying system, said constraint portion comprising:
- an upper part;
- a lower part;
- said upper part and lower part being mutually spaced apart to form a housing for said engaging portion;
- said constraint portion further comprising a connection part connecting said upper part and lower part,
- said upper part, lower part and connection part being made in one piece.

Preferably the housing formed by said upper part and lower part is a slot wherein the engaging portion is adapted to be inserted.
Preferably said slot has a first section substantially extending according to a first plane and a second section substantially extending according to a second plane, said first plane having a different tilt than said second plane.
Preferably said upper part is provided with a protrusion and said engaging portion is provided with a cavity, said protrusion being adapted to be inserted into said cavity.
Preferably the engagement between said protrusion and said cavity prevents a displacement of said engaging portion in a direction substantially transverse relative to a direction according to which said engaging portion is inserted in / removed from said housing.
Preferably said base portion has a shape that is substantially complementary to a shape of a respective stem protruding from said tub on which said base portion is adapted to be mounted.
Preferably said base portion has a plurality of legs and said respective stem has a plurality of grooves, said legs being adapted to be inserted in said grooves.
Preferably said support element comprises fixing means adapted to fix, preferably to crimp, said engaging portion into said housing.
Preferably said fixing means comprises:

a first hole formed in said upper part;
a second hole formed in said lower part;
a fixing element inserted in said first hole and second hole and acting on said upper part and lower part so that said engaging portion is crimped between said upper part and second part.

Preferably said fixing means is also adapted to fix said support element to said tub.
Preferably said fixing element is adapted to engage the portion of tub on which said support element is mounted, preferably said respective stem.
According to a further aspect, the invention refers to a household appliance adapted to perform at least a drying cycle, said appliance comprising:

a tub in which a drum is rotatably mounted;
a drying system, having an inlet for receiving wet air from said tub and an outlet for providing dried air to be reinserted into said tub, said drying system comprising one or more engaging portions connected to said tub;
one or more of said supporting elements arranged to connect said one or more engaging portions to said tub.

Preferably said drying system comprises at least a blowing unit, adapted to promote a flow of air in said drying system, said engaging portions being formed at said blowing unit.
Preferably said drying system further comprises a condenser adapted to receive a flow of wet air from said tub and to make it condense and obtain dried air.
Preferably said appliance further comprises a connection conduit adapted to guide the flow of dried air to said tub, said blowing unit being interposed between said condenser and said connection conduit.
Preferably said blowing unit comprises:

a casing;
an impeller rotatably mounted into said casing so as to promote said flow of air;
wherein said casing comprises, and is preferably made of, two semi-shells, said semi-shells being made of metal, preferably of sheet-metal.

Preferably said engaging portion is part of a perimetral flange of said casing.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Some examples of preferred and advantageous embodiments are described for purely illustrative and non limiting purposes, with reference to the attached drawings, in which:

figure 1 shows a block diagram of a household appliance according to the invention;
figure 2 shows a perspective view of a portion of the household appliance of figure 1;
figure 3 shows a top view of the portion shown in figure 2;
figures 4-6 show perspective views of details of the portion of figure 2;
figure 7 shows a partial sectional view according to plane Z-Z of figure 3;
figures 8a-8b schematically show a plant view of details of figure 2;
figure 9 shows a sectional view according to plane X-X of figure 7.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

In the accompanying drawings, 1 indicates a household appliance adapted to perform at least a drying cycle.
The appliance 1 can be a drying machine, adapted to dry linen and/or clothes previously washed by a different machine.
The appliance 1 can also be a washer-drier, namely a machine capable of both washing and drying linen and/or clothes. In this case, the appliance 1 is also adapted to perform at least a washing cycle.
The appliance 1 (figure 1) comprises a drum 2 which can rotate and which is intended to house the items to be dried.
The appliance 1 comprises a tub 3, in which the drum 2 is rotatably mounted.
Advantageously the appliance 1 comprises a drying system 10 which has an inlet 10a for receiving wet air from the tub 3 and an outlet 10b for providing dried air to be inserted back into the tub 3. This allows the air rich in moisture (following contact with the items to be dried contained in the drum 2 placed in the tub 3) to be taken and reintroduced into the same tub 3 after being dried and heated.
Preferably the appliance 1 further comprises a connection conduit 6 adapted to guide the flow of dried air from the outlet 10b of the drying system 10 to the tub 3.
Preferably, the connection conduit 6 is associated to an annular shaped gasket 7, arranged around the loading opening 7a of the tub 3 and provided with a passage to let the dried air reach the inside of the same tub 3.
In a preferred embodiment, the connection conduit 6 is made of an elastomeric material, e.g. the same material as the annular gasket 7.
In a preferred embodiment, the connection conduit 6 and the annular gasket 7 are made in one piece.
The drying system 10 comprises a condenser 4 that receives a gaseous fluid containing particles of vapor from said tub 3 and that causes at least partial condensation thereof.
Preferably the inlet 10a of the drying system 10 coincides with the inlet of the condenser 4. The operation of the condenser 4 are per se known and will not be disclosed in further detail.
The drying system 10 preferably comprises a filter (not shown), associated with the inlet of the condenser 4, so as to intercept fluff and avoid propagation thereof in the subsequent components of the drying system 10.
The drying system 10 comprises a blowing unit 5, arranged downstream of said condenser 4 according to the direction of the air, i.e. the air coming from the tub 3 flows through the condenser 4 first, and then it flows through the blowing unit 5.
Preferably, the blowing unit 5 is interposed between the condenser 4 and the connection conduit 6.
Preferably the blowing unit 5 (figures 1, 2, 4) comprises casing 51 and an impeller 59 rotatably mounted into said casing 51 so as to promote the flow of air.
The impeller 59 is preferably driven in rotation by a respective motor 52' (figure 2).
Advantageously the casing 51 comprises a scroll 511 which surrounds the impeller 59 and a conduit 512 which extends from said scroll 511. Preferably the scroll 511 is interposed between the condenser 4 and the conduit 512. Advantageously the conduit 512 houses a heating element, e.g. an electrical element, for heating the air before it flows into said connection conduit 6 and is fed back into the tub 3.
Preferably the blowing unit 5 is of the centrifugal type.
The casing 51 preferably comprises, and is in particular can be made of, a first semi-shell 52 and a second semi-shell 53.
Preferably the first semi-shell 52 defines an upper portion of the casing 51 whereas the second semi-shell 53 defines a lower portion of the same casing 51.
In a preferred embodiment, the semi-shells 52, 53 are made of metal, preferably of sheet metal.
The sheet metal of the first semi-shell 53 is preferably steel. In particular it is a type of steel for moulding. By way of non-limiting example the sheet metal can be aluminum- or zinc- coated or electro-galvanized. In a particular embodiment the sheet metal may be aluminum.
Preferably the sheet metal of the first semi-shell 52 has a thickness of less than 1 millimeter, in particular less than 0.8 mm. The reduced thickness of the sheet metal allows a light structure to be created but which can at the same time provide maximum resistance to strain.
The structural features of the first semi-shell 52 may also be employed for the second semi-shell 53.
Preferably, the first and the second semi-shell 52, 53 are connected to each other by a seaming. The seaming allows a fast and cheap connection to be obtained, potentially even without the need to use additional interposed gaskets (which would certainly be necessary if, for example, the two semi-shells were connected through threaded connections).
Preferably the casing 51 is provided with a perimetral flange 54, for example formed by said seaming.
An example of how a two semi-shell casing can be made is disclosed in European patent application EP 2 725 131 A1 , in the name of the same Applicant.
The structure of the casing 51 according of the present invention can be the same as the casing disclosed in said European patent application, except for the engaging portions that will be disclosed in the following.
The drying system 10 is externally mounted on the tub 3.
In particular, the drying system 10 has one or more engaging portions 55 connected to the tub 3.
More in detail, the drying system 10 is at least partly mounted on the tub 3 and supported through said engaging portion(s) 55.
In a preferred embodiment, the one or more engaging portions are part of the blowing unit 5, and in particular of the casing 51.
Preferably, the engaging portions 55 are formed on the perimetral flange 54 of the casing 51.
In the example shown in the attached drawings, three engaging portions 55 are shown. See, for example, figure 3.
Preferably, each engaging portion 55 has a substantially flat shape.
Preferably, each engaging portion 55 (figure 9) has a cavity 55a, such as a hole, a slot, a groove, etc., which is used for connection with the tub 3, as will be disclosed in more detail hereinafter.
According to the invention, one or more supporting elements 100 are provided in order to connect the drying system 10, and in particular the blowing unit 5, with the tub 3.
In a preferred embodiment, a plurality of support elements 100 is provided; in the example shown in the attached drawings, three support elements 100 are employed - one for each engaging portion 55. See, for example, figures 3 and 6.
In the following, one support element will be disclosed in detail. The disclosure can be applied to each support element 100.
Advantageously, the support element is made of thermally insulating material, so as to thermally insulate the blowing unit 5 from the tub 3 and preventing the latter to be damaged by the heat emitted by the blowing unit 5.
The support element 100 (figure 5) comprises a base portion 110 adapted to be fitted on the tub 3.
In particular, the base portion 110 of the support element 100 is adapted to be fitted on a respective stem 31 extending from the outer surface of the tub 3, preferably in a substantially vertical direction.
Preferably the base portion 110 has a shape that is substantially complementary to the shape of the respective stem 31.
For example, the respective stem 31 can be provided with a plurality of grooves 31a-31d, delimited by a plurality of ribs 32a-32d (figure 8a, 8b). The base portion 110 can thus comprise a plurality of legs 110a-110d adapted to be inserted in said grooves 31a-31d.
Preferably, the grooves 31a-31d and legs 110a-110d are arranged in such a way as to define a unique connection shape between the base portion 110 and the respective stem 31. Accordingly, when a plurality of support elements 100 are mounted each on a respective stem 31, is it not possible to properly engage a certain support element 100 with a wrong stem 31; in other terms, it is not possible to mount a support element 100 in the wrong position, i.e. a position other than the correct position in which such support element 100 is supposed to be mounted, the correct position being identified by the properly shaped stem 31.
Figure 8b schematically shows a cross-section view, according to a substantially horizontal plane, in which the stem 31, the ribs 32a-32d and the legs 110a-110d are shown.
It has to be noted that figures 8a-8b are schematic views provided merely by way of example; in the preferred embodiment, the shape in plant view of the stem 31 is substantially circular, and the inner surface of the legs 110a-110d is suitably shaped so as to follow the curved profile of the outer surface of the stem 31.
The support element 100 further comprises a constraint portion 120 adapted to grasp an engaging portion 55 of the drying system 10. As said, the engagement portion 55 can be part of the blowing unit 5, and in particular of the casing 51. Preferably, the engaging portion 55 is part of the perimetral flange 54 of the casing 51.
Advantageously the constraint portion 120 comprises:

an upper part 121;
a lower part 122.

The upper part 121 and lower part 122 are mutually spaced apart to form a housing 130 for the engaging portion 55.
The constraint portion 120 further comprises a connection part 123 connecting the upper part 121 and lower part 122. According to the invention, the upper part 121, lower part 122 and connection part 123 are made in one piece.
Accordingly, a simple and reliable way to connect the tub 3 with the drying system 10, and in particular the blowing unit 5, can be obtained.
Preferably, the base portion 110, and in particular the aforementioned legs 110a-110d, extends downward from the lower part 122 of the constraint portion 120.
Preferably the base portion 110 and the constraint portion 120 are made in one piece.
For example, the base portion 110 and constraint portion 120 can be made of a plastic material, such as polyamide reinforced with glass fibers.
In a preferred embodiment, the housing 130 formed by the upper part 121 and lower part 122 is a slot 130a wherein the engaging portion 55 is adapted to be inserted. As said, the engaging portion 55 has preferably a substantially flat shape, which can thus be suitably inserted in the slot 130a.
Preferably the slot 130a has a first section 131 substantially extending according to a first plane and a second section 132 substantially extending according to a second plane; the first plane has a different tilt than the second plane.
Preferably the first section 131 is the part of the slot 130a through which the engaging portion 55 passes when inserted in the slot 130a, then the engaging portion 55 reaches the second section 132.
Preferably, the second plane is substantially horizontal.
Preferably, the inclination of the first plane can be different in different supporting elements, in particular depending on the specific spot on the tub 3 at which each supporting element has to be mounted.
For example, figure 6 shows three supporting elements 100 arranged in positions corresponding to actual spots on the external surface of the tub 3 (although the tub is not shown in figure 6 for the sake of simplicity), which are also visible in figures 2-3.
In supporting elements 100 denoted with "HIGH", the first section 131 is tilted downwards moving away from the second section 132, whereas in the supporting element 100 denoted with "LOW" the first section 131 is tilted upwards moving away from the second section 132. These geometric features allow to suitably obtain the tilted arrangement of the blowing unit 5. In fact, as schematically shown in figures 2 and 7, the plane according to which the blowing unit 5 mainly extends, defined for example by the plane on which the perimetral flange 54 lies, is not horizontally arranged, but is tilted relative to a horizontal plane.
In practical terms, the supporting elements 100 denoted with "HIGH" are mounted in a higher position than the supporting element 100 denoted with "LOW".
Preferably, one or more supporting elements 100, in particular the supporting elements denoted with "HIGH", are located in respective recessed formed in the counterweight 8 mounted next to the blowing unit 5 (figures 2, 3).
Preferably the upper part 121 of the supporting element 100 is provided with a protrusion 121a substantially extending inside the housing 130.
The protrusion 121 is adapted to be inserted in a corresponding cavity 55a provided in the engaging portion 55.
In particular, the shape of the cavity 55a can be substantially complementary to the shape of the protrusion 121a.
For example, the protrusion 121a can have a substantially parallelepiped shape, and the cavity 55a can have a substantially rectangular cross section.
Advantageously, the engagement between the protrusion 121a and the cavity 55a prevents longitudinal displacements of the engaging portion 55, i.e. of the blowing unit 5. In particular, displacements are prevented in a direction substantially transverse relative to a direction according to which the engaging portion 55 is inserted in / removed from the housing 130. In other terms, displacements of the engaging portion 55 are prevented in a direction substantially parallel to the direction of the air flow in the drying system 100, in particular parallel to the direction of the air flow in the conduit 512 of the blowing unit 5.
Preferably, the lower part 122 of the constraint portion 120 is provided with a support block 122a.
When the blowing unit 5 is engaged to the support element 100, the portion of the casing 51 immediately under the engaging portion 55 can lean against the support block 122a, in particular against the upper surface of the support block 122a.
Advantageously, the support element 100 has a dual function: it both supports at least a part of the drying system 10, in particular the casing 51 of the blowing unit 5, and it provides thermal insulation between the tub 3 and the relevant part of the drying system 10 (the casing 51 of the blowing unit 5).
In particular, the support element/s 100 is/are so dimensioned as to avoid contact between the casing 51 and the tub 3; in other terms, the support element/s 100 keeps/keep the casing 51 at a determined distance from the outer surface of the tub 3, in order to minimize heat transfer from the casing 51 to the tub 3.
Preferably, the support element 100 comprises fixing means 140 (figure 7) adapted to fix, preferably to crimp, the engaging portion 55 into the housing 130.
In particular, the fixing means 140 operates so as to bring and keep the upper part 121 and the lower part 122 close to each other. Accordingly, the engaging portion 55 is constrained between the upper part 121 and the lower part 122, i.e. in the housing 130.
In more detail, the fixing means 140 preferably comprises:

a first hole 141 formed in the upper part 121;
a second hole 142 formed in the lower part 122;
a fixing element 143 inserted in the first hole 141 and second hole 142.

The fixing element 143 operates as disclosed hereabove, in order to make the upper part 121 and lower part 122 crimp the engaging portion 55.
Preferably, the first hole 141 and the second hole 142 are threaded through holes.
Preferably the fixing element 143 is a screw, adapted to be screwed into said threaded through holes.
In a preferred embodiment, the fixing means 140 is also adapted to fix the support element 100 to the tub 3, in particular to the respective stem 31.
Preferably, the fixing element 143 is adapted to engage the portion of tub 3 on which the support element 100 is mounted, namely the respective stem 31.
In practical terms, the top of the stem 31 can be provided with a threaded hole, into which the fixing element 143 can be screwed in order to complete the mounting of the blowing unit 5 on the tub 3.
In operation, after the items to be dried are arranged into the drum 2, the latter is rotated according to preset program(s) and the drying system 10 is operated so as to withdraw wet air from the tub 3 through inlet 10a and provide dried hot air at the outlet 10b. In particular, the wet air flowing through the inlet 10a is first condensed by condenser 4; then the air passes through the blowing unit 5: the impeller 59 first, and then the conduit 512. In the conduit 512 the air is also heated. The dried and heated air is then fed back into the tub 3 through the connection conduit 6.

Claims

Support element adapted to connect a drying system (10) of a household appliance (1) configured to perform at least a drying cycle to a tub (3) of said household appliance (1), said support element (100) being made of a thermally insulating material, wherein said support element (100) comprises:
a. a base portion (110) adapted to be fitted on said tub (3);

b. a constraint portion (120) adapted to grasp an engaging portion (55) of said drying system (10), said constraint portion (120) comprising:
i. an upper part (121);

ii. a lower part (122);
and

iii. a connection part (123) connecting said upper part (121) and said lower part (122);

said upper part (121), lower part (122) and connection part (123) being made in one piece;
characterized in that said upper part (121) and said lower part (122) are mutually spaced apart to form a housing (130) for said engaging portion (55) between said upper part (121) and said lower part (122).
Support element according to claim 1 wherein the housing (130) formed by said upper part (121) and lower part (122) is a slot (130a) wherein the engaging portion (55) is adapted to be inserted.
Support element according to claim 2 wherein said slot (130a) has a first section (131) substantially extending according to a first plane and a second section (132) substantially extending according to a second plane, said first plane having a different tilt than said second plane.
Support element according to any one of the preceding claims wherein said upper part (121) is provided with a protrusion (121a) and said engaging portion (55) is provided with a cavity (55a), wherein said protrusion (121a) is adapted to be inserted into said cavity (55a).
Support element according to claim 4 wherein the engagement between said protrusion (121a) and said cavity (55a) prevents a displacement of said engaging portion (55) in a direction substantially transverse relative to a direction according to which said engaging portion (55) is inserted in / removed from said housing (130).
Support element according to any one of the preceding claims wherein said base portion (110) has a shape that is substantially complementary to a shape of a respective stem (31) protruding from said tub (3) on which said base portion (110) is adapted to be mounted.
Support element according to claim 6 wherein said base portion (110) has a plurality of legs (110a-110d) and said respective stem (31) has a plurality of grooves (31a-31d), said legs (110a-110d) being adapted to be inserted in said grooves (31a-31d).
Support element according to any one of the preceding claims wherein said support element (100) comprises fixing means (140) adapted to fix, preferably to crimp, said engaging portion (55) into said housing (130).
Support element according to claim 8 wherein said fixing means (140) comprises:
a. a first hole (141) formed in said upper part (121);

b. a second hole (142) formed in said lower part (122);

c. a fixing element (143) inserted in said first hole (141) and second hole (142) and acting on said upper part (121) and lower part (122) so that said engaging portion (55) is crimped between said upper part (121) and lower part (122).
Support element according to claim 8 or 9 wherein said fixing means (140) is also adapted to fix said support element (100) to said tub (3).
Support element according to claim 9 and 10 wherein said fixing element (143) is adapted to engage the portion of tub (3) on which said support element (100) is mounted, preferably said respective stem (31).
Household appliance adapted to perform at least a drying cycle, said appliance (1) comprising:
a. a tub (3) in which a drum (2) is rotatably mounted;

b. a drying system (10), having an inlet (10a) for receiving wet air from said tub (3) and an outlet (10b) for providing dried air to said tub (3), said drying system (10) comprising one or more engaging portions (55) connected to said tub (3);

c. one or more supporting elements (100) according to any one of the preceding claims arranged to connect said one or more engaging portions (55) to said tub (3).
Household appliance according to claim 12 wherein said drying system (10) comprises at least a blowing unit (5), adapted to promote a flow of air in said drying system (10), said engaging portions (55) being formed at said blowing unit (5).
Household appliance according to claim 13 wherein said drying system (10) further comprises a condenser (4) adapted to receive a flow of wet air from said tub (3) and to make it condense and obtain dried air, said appliance (1) further comprising a connection conduit (6) adapted to guide the flow of dried air to said tub (3), wherein said blowing unit (5) is interposed between said condenser (4) and said connection conduit (6).
Household appliance according to claims 13 or 14 wherein said blowing unit (5) comprises:
a. a casing (51);

b. an impeller (59) rotatably mounted into said casing (51) so as to promote said flow of air;
wherein said casing (51) comprises, and is preferably made of, two semi-shells (52, 53), said semi-shells (52, 53) being made of metal, preferably of sheet metal.
Household appliance according to claim 15 wherein said engaging portion (55) is part of a perimetral flange (54) of said casing (51).