EP3245326B1 - Condenser dryer and method for the operation thereof - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a condensation dryer and a method for its operation. In particular, the present invention relates to a condensation dryer designed as a dryer or a washer-dryer with an internal cleaning of a heat exchanger arranged within a process air duct.

A condensation dryer, whose operation is based on the condensation of moisture vaporized by means of warm process air from the laundry, requires no exhaust hose. In a condensation dryer (hereinafter also abbreviated to "dryer"), air (so-called process air) is passed through a blower via a heat source into a drum containing a wet laundry as a drying chamber. In the drum are moist, to be dried items of laundry. The hot air absorbs moisture from the laundry to be dried. After passing through the drum, the now moist process air is directed into a heat exchanger, which is usually preceded by a lint filter. In this heat exchanger (for example air-to-air heat exchanger or heat sink of a heat pump), the moist process air is cooled so that the water contained in the moist process air condenses. The condensed water (condensate) is then typically collected in a suitable container, and the cooled and dried air is returned to the heat source and then to the drum.

From the process air lint contained in the laundry items to be dried, which are small floatable tissue particles are entrained in the passage through the drying chamber. Larger lint are retained in a lint filter. However, some of the finely divided fluff passes through the lint filter and deposits behind it in the process air duct. The deposit of fluff is particularly pronounced in the heat exchanger, where, due to the cooling of the moist, warm process air, condensate is present and the lint is moistened, so that it sticks down. The flakes deposited on the heat exchanger constitute a hindrance to the process air flowing through the heat exchanger and impair the heat exchange, so that the efficiency of the condensation dryer decreases and its susceptibility to interference can increase.

Often, the heat exchangers, in particular air-to-air heat exchangers, removable, so that they can be removed from the condensation dryer for cleaning and after removal of adhering lint, for example by rinsing with a rinsing fluid such as water, can be used again in the dryer. However, this is not necessarily possible if a heat sink of a heat pump is used as the heat exchanger. The components of a heat pump are usually firmly connected to each other and not reversible removed from the condensation dryer. This applies, for example, to the components of a compressor heat pump, since these are combined in a completely closed and not readily separable circuit for a refrigerant. This also applies to the components of a thermoelectric heat pump, which forms a compact and hardly separable unit, including the Peltier elements, in which the Peltier effect, which causes the pumping of heat. For other heat pumps, such as absorption heat pumps and heat pumps, which use a regenerative gas cycle, this may also apply.

For a heat exchanger of a condensation dryer cleaning is thus associated with a considerable effort for the user. However, if a timely cleaning of the heat exchanger is omitted, it may lead to a deterioration of the performance of the condensation dryer or even a failure up to a failure of the condensation dryer, so that a repair may be required. There are therefore measures for an internal cleaning of a dryer, in particular an internal cleaning of a heat exchanger known, wherein the cleaning condensate used in the condensate is often used for cleaning.

The US2013 / 255331A1 such as WO2013 / 144763A2 disclose a condensation dryer with a drying chamber for articles to be dried and a process air duct in which a heat source for heating the process air, a heat exchanger for cooling the process air after passing through the drying chamber and a blower for the transport of the process air. Furthermore, a condensed water tank is described, which is connected via a first line with a water accelerator, for example, a Druckspülbehälter. The Druckspülbehälter in turn is connected by a second line with the purging device for the heat exchanger. The pressure flushing container, also called water accelerator, serves to increase the discharge energy and thus the flushing power of the emerging at the flushing condensate. According to one embodiment, the condensed water in Druckspülbehälter be pressurized, for example by means of an influx of pressurized process air with pressure.

The DE 10 2008 054 693 A1 describes a condensation dryer with a drying chamber for objects to be dried, a process air duct in which a heat source for heating the process air, a heat exchanger for cooling the process air after passing through the drying chamber and a blower for conveying the process air, a washing container and a control device wherein the rinsing container is provided with a connection to a water supply and comprises a lower container opening, and a cleaning line between the heat exchanger and rinsing container is arranged. According to the DE 10 2008 054 693 becomes
then, when a cleaning of the heat exchanger is required, arranged at the lower container opening closure part opened very quickly, so that the rinsing liquid contained in the washing is delivered gushing through the downpipe-like design cleaning line to the heat exchanger.

Furthermore, the describes WO 2012/005533 A2 a clothes dryer comprising a heat exchanger for condensing air discharged from a drum to remove moisture from the air, a collector for collecting condensed water generated in the heat exchanger, a first pump for pumping the condensed water from the collector to a water tank and a discharge unit for selectively discharging the condensed water from the water tank for washing the heat exchanger by means of the condensed water.

In the prior art clothes dryers mentioned above, however, the cleaning effect is limited by the fact that the potential energy of the water stored above the heat exchanger is limited and therefore the pressure resulting from the case is also limited.

The object of the present invention was therefore to provide a condensation dryer in which a heat exchanger arranged in the process air duct can be cleaned in a simple and effective manner.

The solution of this object is achieved according to this invention by a condensation dryer of the corresponding independent claim and the method of the corresponding independent claim. Preferred embodiments of the condensation dryer according to the invention are set forth in corresponding dependent claims. Preferred embodiments of the condensation dryer according to the invention correspond to preferred embodiments of the method according to the invention and vice versa, although this is not explicitly stated herein.

The invention thus relates to a condensation dryer with a drying chamber for objects to be dried, a process air duct in which a heat source (eg an electric heater or a heat pump) for heating the process air, a heat exchanger for cooling the process air after passing through the drying chamber and a blower for conveying the process air, a Druckspülbehälter, a condensate tank, a rinsing device for the heat exchanger and a control device, wherein the Druckspülbehälter connected by a first line to the condensate tank is and is connected by a second line to the rinsing device for the heat exchanger, wherein in the first conduit in the direction from the condensate tank to the Druckspülbehälter a liquid pump and a check valve, preferably in this order, are arranged, and wherein in the second conduit Valve is arranged, wherein the Druckspülbehälter is partially filled with condensed water and partly with a compressible medium, wherein the compressible medium can be pressurized, and wherein the pressure for compressing the kompressib len medium is built up by means of the liquid pump. The compressible medium is preferably in a space above the condensed water.

Due to the inventive design of Druckspülbehälters there is the advantage that in the Druckspülbehälter a pressure can be built up and maintained in a simple manner through which the condensation, which is located as flushing liquid in the Druckspülbehälter, delivered with a high pressure on the heat exchanger to be cleaned can be. Furthermore, short bursts of condensed water from the flushing device can be delivered by a quick opening and closing of the valve, which is arranged in the line from Druckspülbehälter to purging. As a result, a cleaning action for the heat exchanger which is improved in comparison to the flushing devices of the prior art can be obtained with a comparatively small amount of equipment. In addition, it is possible to set different levels of pressure - for example, depending on the degree of soiling or according to a given program (for example, after a few "normal" cleaning cycles, a stronger or especially heavy cleaning).

The increase of the pressure in the Druckspülbehälter can be done in various ways. According to the invention, condensate can be pumped into the Druckspülbehälter by means of the pump, which is arranged in the line from the condensate tank to the Druckspülbehälter until the compressible medium is compressed so much that it has sufficient for a flushing pressure.

This pressure is generally 0.5 bar to 10 bar, preferably 2 bar to 6 bar. This has the additional advantage that the pump can promote against an increasing pressure level without being damaged, which would be the case if the pump would promote against a valve without the presence of the compressible medium. It may also be e.g. Different pressures are used for different cleaning programs (either cyclical or different, depending on the drying program / type of textile, for example).

According to an advantageous embodiment of the present invention, the Druckspülbehälter in a region in which the compressible medium is present, a third line which is connected to a compressor, with which the compressible medium can be pressurized.

With the compressor provided in this embodiment, on the one hand, the pressure level in the Druckspülbehälter be brought to a suitable value, when the arranged in the line from the condensate tank to the Druckspülbehälter pump is not designed so that it provides sufficient for an effective flushing pressure. On the other hand, the compressor can also be used to further increase the pressure level in the Druckspülbehälter with a sufficient design of arranged in the line from the condensate tank to the Druckspülbehälter pump, so as to further improve the cleaning effect.

According to a further advantageous embodiment of the present invention, the Druckspülbehälter in a region in which the compressible medium is present, a third line which is connected to a vent valve.

The vent valve serves to allow the subsequent flow of air into the Druckspülbehälter, for example, if air escapes from the container over time or process-related (eg by dissolving a portion of the air in the rinse water or through the seals). This is to ensure that there is always the intended minimum amount of air in the container to achieve the desired pressure level.

According to a further advantageous embodiment of the present invention, a movable piston is arranged in the Druckspülbehälter between the condensed water and the compressible medium, which takes over the compression of the compressible medium instead of the pump by being actively moved in the direction of the compressible medium.

The arranged in the Druckspülbehälter movable piston has the advantage that instead of a large pump only a smaller, usually cheaper pump is needed, which only fill the container, but does not have to pressurize. Such a pump, for example, for the filling of the condensate tank anyway available. Also can be dispensed with a compressor, so depending on the configuration, an actively moving piston can be a useful alternative.

According to a further advantageous embodiment of the present invention, an elastic membrane is arranged in the Druckspülbehälter between the condensed water and the compressible medium. The elastic membrane, which rests on the condensed water level in the Druckspülbehälter, is raised when pumping condensation in the Druckspülbehälter in the direction of the compressible medium with. The elastic membrane may be formed of elastomers, particularly suitable elastic polymers, such as natural and synthetic rubber. The elastomers can also be coated. In a preferred embodiment, the membrane on the edge of a bellows, for example, of injected polymer, on. The membrane is preferably sealed against the compressible medium so that substantially no compressible medium can escape over its lifetime. The compressible medium can be air, but also another medium, since it usually does not have to be refilled. Thus, a vent valve or refill valve can be omitted and corresponding process steps for refilling the compressible medium or the air.

According to a further advantageous embodiment of the present invention, an elastic bubble containing the compressible medium is arranged in the pressure flushing container in the space above the condensed water. The elastic bladder, which in particular contains air as a compressible medium, is compressed when pumping condensed water into the pressure flushing container. The elastic bladder may be off Elastomers or suitable elastic polymers may be formed, such as natural and synthetic rubber. The elastomers can be coated.

According to further advantageous embodiments of the present invention, the compressible medium is selected from the group consisting of a gas, in particular air, a compressible solid and at least one compression spring.

In the simplest form, the compressible medium is air present in the space above the condensed water in the pressure-flushing vessel.

However, instead of the air, a compressible solid may occupy the space above the condensed water in the pressure washing tank. As a compressible solid in particular a polymeric foam material is used, in whose pores is air. When pumping condensed water into the Druckspülbehälter the polymeric foam material and thus also the air contained in the pores of the polymeric foam material is compressed. The compressed polymeric foam material then exerts a pressure on the condensate present in the Druckspülbehälter, which can then be used for rinsing.

In connection with the embodiment in which a movable piston is arranged in the Druckspülbehälter between the condensed water and the compressible medium, the compressible medium may also comprise at least one compression spring. When the movable piston is moved by the condensed water in the direction of the at least one compression spring, when the condensed water is pressurized by a pressure increasing device, for example, the liquid pump, a compressor, a piston or a moving cylinder as an actuator, the at least one compression spring compressed together with the air also present, so that in addition to the increased air pressure stored in the compression spring mechanical energy is present, which further increases the pressure on the condensate present behind the piston.

According to a further advantageous embodiment of the present invention, the first line and the second line via a common fourth line with the Pressure wash tank connected. As a result, only one line must be led to the container and connected to this. It can lead a line directly from the pump to the flushing device, so connect the pump and the flushing directly.

According to a further advantageous embodiment of the present invention, the volume of Druckspülbehälters be changed. In particular, by reducing the volume of the Druckspülbehälters with the condensate and compressible medium therein, the pressure of the compressible medium is increased. Such a reduction in volume is preferably achieved by a piston which displaces the condensed water in the pressure-flushing container in the direction of the compressible medium. The piston thus serves to compress the medium.

According to a further advantageous embodiment of the present invention, the flushing device has a plurality of nozzles. The nozzles in the purging device can be arranged in an arbitrary matrix, wherein the nozzles can all be operated simultaneously or in groups in a staggered manner. The rinsing device can also be designed to be movable, so that the largest possible area of the heat exchanger is achieved by the rinsing jets of the rinsing device. The rinse submission may include a mechanism for temporarily opening the individual nozzles. In an advantageous embodiment, the purging device can have at least one rotating roller for this purpose. In particular, two rollers or cylinders rotating relative to one another can be provided, wherein the nozzles or openings can be opened and closed by a rotation. The nozzles can in principle be arranged in an arbitrary matrix.

According to a further advantageous embodiment of the present invention, the purging device is designed as a diffuser or comprises a diffuser.

The invention also relates to a method of operating a condensation dryer as described above, the method comprising the steps of: compressing the compressible medium to increase the pressure in the pressure-flushing container, and opening and closing the valve one or more times . in such a way that a condensed water impact or a plurality of condensed water surges is released onto the heat exchanger by the rinsing device.

In the method according to the invention, the compression of the compressible medium, so that the pressure in the Druckspülbehälter is increased, takes place, as has been explained above, ie, by pumping the condensed water in the Druckspülbehälter and / or by the use of a compressor, or by reducing the volume of the Druckspülbehälters. Furthermore, by single or multiple opening and closing of the valve, such that a condensate water surge or a plurality of condensed water surges is discharged through the flushing device to the heat exchanger, the heat exchanger freed of adhering impurities.

The valve can be a force-controlled valve which opens abruptly when the pressure inside the Druckspülbehälterters reaches the desired value, and closes again when a desired pressure threshold is exceeded. A force-controlled valve only allows the discharge of a single condensed water surge from the purging device when the pressure inside the Druckspülbehälterters reaches the desired value. If further pressure continues to build up, a suitable opening of the valve can be achieved by a suitable choice of the parameters. This in particular, as long as the pressure generating device works. So it can be achieved a functionality as a timed valve.

Furthermore, the valve can be a time-controlled valve with which any opening and closing times can be set. With this type of valve, it is possible to discharge a plurality of condensed water bursts in quick succession through the rinsing device to the heat exchanger, whereby the cleaning effect can be further improved.

• Fig. 1 zeigt einen senkrechten Schnitt durch einen Kondensationstrockner, der als Ablufttrockner ausgestaltet ist.
• Fig. 2 zeigt einen senkrechten Schnitt durch einen Kondensationstrockner, der als Umlufttrockner ausgestaltet ist.
• Fig. 3 zeigt einen senkrechten Schnitt durch eine Druckspülbehälteranordnung gemäß einer Ausführungsform, die in dem Kondensationstrockner gemäß der Fig. 1 und der Fig. 2 eingesetzt werden kann.
• Fig. 4 zeigt einen senkrechten Schnitt durch eine Druckspülbehälteranordnung gemäß einer alternativen Ausführungsform, die in dem Kondensationstrockner gemäß der Fig. 1 und der Fig. 2 eingesetzt werden kann.
• Fig. 5 zeigt einen senkrechten Schnitt durch eine Druckspülbehälteranordnung gemäß einer alternativen Ausführungsform, die in dem Kondensationstrockner gemäß der Fig. 1 und der Fig. 2 eingesetzt werden kann.
• Fig. 6 zeigt einen senkrechten Schnitt durch eine Druckspülbehälteranordnung gemäß einer alternativen Ausführungsform, die in dem Kondensationstrockner gemäß der Fig. 1 und der Fig. 2 eingesetzt werden kann.
• Fig. 7 zeigt einen senkrechten Schnitt durch eine Druckspülbehälteranordnung gemäß einer alternativen Ausführungsform, die in dem Kondensationstrockner gemäß der Fig. 1 und der Fig. 2 eingesetzt werden kann.
• Fig. 8 zeigt einen senkrechten Schnitt durch eine Druckspülbehälteranordnung gemäß einer alternativen Ausführungsform, die in dem Kondensationstrockner gemäß der Fig. 1 und der Fig. 2 eingesetzt werden kann.
• Fig. 9 zeigt einen senkrechten Schnitt durch eine Druckspülbehälteranordnung gemäß einer alternativen Ausführungsform, die in dem Kondensationstrockner gemäß der Fig. 1 und der Fig. 2 eingesetzt werden kann.
• Fig. 10 zeigt einen senkrechten Schnitt durch eine Druckspülbehälteranordnung gemäß einer alternativen Ausführungsform, die in dem Kondensationstrockner gemäß der Fig. 1 und der Fig. 2 eingesetzt werden kann.
• Fig. 11 zeigt eine Ausführungsform einer elastischen Membran zum Einsatz in einem Druckbehälter zwischen dem kompressiblen Medium und dem Kondenswasser.

Further details of the invention will become apparent from the following description of non-limiting embodiments of the condensation dryer according to the invention and a method for operating this condensation dryer.

• Fig. 1 shows a vertical section through a condensation dryer, which is designed as a vented dryer.
• Fig. 2 shows a vertical section through a condensation dryer, which is designed as a circulating air dryer.
• Fig. 3 shows a vertical section through a Druckspülbehälteranordnung according to an embodiment of the condensation dryer according to the Fig. 1 and the Fig. 2 can be used.
• Fig. 4 shows a vertical section through a Druckspülbehälteranordnung according to an alternative embodiment, which in the condensation dryer according to the Fig. 1 and the Fig. 2 can be used.
• Fig. 5 shows a vertical section through a Druckspülbehälteranordnung according to an alternative embodiment, which in the condensation dryer according to the Fig. 1 and the Fig. 2 can be used.
• Fig. 6 shows a vertical section through a Druckspülbehälteranordnung according to an alternative embodiment, which in the condensation dryer according to the Fig. 1 and the Fig. 2 can be used.
• Fig. 7 shows a vertical section through a Druckspülbehälteranordnung according to an alternative embodiment, which in the condensation dryer according to the Fig. 1 and the Fig. 2 can be used.
• Fig. 8 shows a vertical section through a Druckspülbehälteranordnung according to an alternative embodiment, which in the condensation dryer according to the Fig. 1 and the Fig. 2 can be used.
• Fig. 9 shows a vertical section through a Druckspülbehälteranordnung according to an alternative embodiment, which in the condensation dryer according to the Fig. 1 and the Fig. 2 can be used.
• Fig. 10 shows a vertical section through a Druckspülbehälteranordnung according to an alternative embodiment, which in the condensation dryer according to the Fig. 1 and the Fig. 2 can be used.
• Fig. 11 shows an embodiment of an elastic membrane for use in a pressure vessel between the compressible medium and the condensed water.

The in Fig. 1 shown dryer 1 has a drum rotatable about a horizontal axis as a drying chamber 2. Supply air is guided in the process air duct 3 by means of a blower 6 from the supply air inlet 24 via an air-air heat exchanger 5 and an electric heat source 4 through the drum 2. In this case, air heated by the electric heat source 4 is directed from the rear, ie, from the side of the drum 2 opposite a door 25, through the perforated bottom into the drum 2.

After exiting the drum 2, the laden with moisture process air is passed in a called exhaust duct portion of the process air duct 3 via the air-air heat exchanger 5 to an exhaust outlet 26. In this case, the process air flows through the filling opening of the drum 2 to a lint filter within a door 25 closing the filling opening. Subsequently, the process air flow in the door 25 is deflected downwards and passed on to the air-to-air heat exchanger 5. As a result of cooling, the moisture absorbed by the process air from the items of laundry condenses there and is collected in a condensation water container 8.

The Fig. 2 shows a vertical section through a dryer, which is designed as a circulating air dryer. In this embodiment, therefore, a supply air passage and an exhaust duct are missing. In contrast to the embodiment of Fig. 1 the cooling of the warm, moisture-laden process air from the drum 2 in the air-air heat exchanger 5 by heat exchange with cooling air in a cooling air channel 27. In the cooling air duct 27 is a cooling fan 28, the cooling air from a cooling air inlet 29 through the air-air Heat exchanger 5 through conveyed to the cooling air outlet 30.

When in the Fig. 2 As shown embodiment, the cleaning of the air-to-air heat exchanger 5 by the Druckspülbehälteranordnung, as stated above is. The for the Fig. 2 not separately explained parts of the condensation dryer thus correspond to those in the Fig. 1 described parts and their functions.

It should be noted that the heat exchanger 5 is not simply to be understood as an air-to-air heat exchanger 5, but as a representative of a heat exchanger 5, which is part of a heat pump, in particular a heat sink. For the presently relevant cleaning function and the tendency to fouling of the heat exchanger 5, however, it does not matter significantly, what happens with the heat that takes the heat exchanger 5 of the flowing process air. In particular, it does not matter if this heat ultimately leaves the dryer, as in the conventional condensation dryer, or if it is recovered in some way and returns to the drying process.

The air-air heat exchanger 5 is cleaned regularly, for example, during or after each drying. Alternatively, it is also conceivable to clean the air-air heat exchanger 5 at a determined cleaning requirement, which is determined for example by a counter that counts the number of drying operations.

The in the Fig. 3 Druckspülbehälteranordnung shown has a Druckspülbehälter 7, a condensate tank 8, which is designed as a trough and condensate 16 contains, and a purging device 9. Below the rinsing device 9, a heat exchanger 5 (eg an air-air heat exchanger or alternatively a refrigerant-air heat exchanger in a heat pump dryer) is arranged. The Druckspülbehälter 7 is filled in the lower region with condensate 16. In the upper region, on the one hand, an elastic bubble 17a may be arranged (variant A), which is filled with air as a compressible medium 17. As indicated by the double arrows in the Fig. 3 is indicated, the elastic bladder 17a is more or less compressed depending on the level of condensed water in the Druckspülbehälter 7, so that the pressure of the compressible medium 17 is more or less high. On the other hand, in an alternative pressure vessel 7, which is also in the Fig. 3 is shown (variant B), an elastic membrane 22 between the compressible medium 17 and the condensate 16 may be arranged, which bulges when filling the Druckspülbehälters 7 with condensate 16 upwards, as shown by the dashed line. A line 11 (first line) dips into the condensation in the condensate tank 8 and leads via a further line 23 (fourth line) to the bottom of Druckspülbehälters 7. In the direction from the condensate tank 8 to the Druckspülbehälter 7, a pump 13 and a spring-loaded check valve 14 in this order in the conduit 11 are arranged. Further, a line 12 (second line), which is also connected to the line 23, from the Druckspülbehälter 7 to the rinsing device 9, wherein in the conduit 12, a valve 15 is arranged, which in this embodiment is a controlled shut-off valve is. Although this in the Fig. 3 is not shown, the Druckspülbehälter 7 may further comprise an overflow line with a check valve to protect the pump 13 when the check valve 15 blocks. This applies accordingly to the other embodiments shown here.

In a determined by the control device 10 cleaning the pump 13 is turned on and the pump 13 promotes against the check valve 14 and against the pressure of the compressible medium 17 condensate 16 in the Druckspülbehälter 7. When the pressure of the compressible medium 17 has reached a predetermined pressure, the pump 13 is turned off by the controller 10. By the check valve 14, the pressure in the Druckspülbehälter 7 is maintained. Thereafter, the valve 15 is opened and closed by the controller 10 at predetermined short time intervals (for example, every 0.1 to 2 seconds), so that a part of the condensed water 16 contained in the pressure washing tank 7 is discharged to the heat exchanger 5 in beats. After dropping the pressure in the Druckspülbehälter 7 to a predetermined level at which no more effective cleaning is expected, the valve 15 is closed again permanently. In this way, a very effective cleaning of the heat exchanger 5.

The in the Fig. 4 Druckspülbehälteranordnung shown substantially corresponds to that in the Fig. 3 shown Druckspülbehälteranordnung, so that only the differences to Fig. 3 be explained. The Druckspülbehälter 7 also contains condensed water 16 and a compressible medium 17 (air), but there is no elastic membrane or bubble. Further, the line 11 leads directly to one side of the Druckspülbehälters 7 and opens into these at the height of the compressible medium, and the line 12 goes directly from one side in the lower part of the Druckspülbehälters 7 from (without common line 23, as in the Fig. 3 shown). Finally, at the top of Druckspülbehälters 7, a line 18 (third line) is arranged, which is connected to a controlled vent valve 20. The vent valve 20 is opened when the water level is to be lowered further after the flushing, so that air can flow through the vent valve 20 into the Druckspülbehälter 7. In this way, a predetermined minimum pressure level can be ensured in Druckspülbehälter 7. The operation of Druckspülbehälteranordnung otherwise takes place in the appropriate manner, as is the case for in the Fig. 3 Druckspülbehälteranordnung shown has been described.

The in the Fig. 5 Druckspülbehälteranordnung shown substantially corresponds to that in the Fig. 4 shown Druckspülbehälteranordnung, so that only the differences to Fig. 4 be explained. According to the Fig. 5 is in the line 12 instead of a controlled shut-off valve 15, as shown in the Fig. 4 is shown, either a spring-loaded (variant A) or a controlled (variant B) check valve 15 is arranged. The spring-loaded or controlled check valve 15 is configured to open at a predetermined pressure. The valve opening is thus regulated by a pressure build-up. The operation of Druckspülbehälteranordnung otherwise takes place in the appropriate manner, as is the case for in the Fig. 3 Druckspülbehälteranordnung shown has been described.

The in the Fig. 6 Druckspülbehälteranordnung shown substantially corresponds to that in the Fig. 4 shown Druckspülbehälteranordnung, so that only the differences to Fig. 4 be explained. According to the Fig. 6 the Druckspülbehälter 7 no vent valve 20, however, as in the Fig. 3 an elastic membrane 22 is disposed between the compressible medium 17 and the condensed water 16, which bulges when filling the Druckspülbehälters 7 with condensate 16 upwards, as shown by the dashed line. The operation of Druckspülbehälteranordnung otherwise takes place in the appropriate manner, as is the case for in the Fig. 3 Druckspülbehälteranordnung shown has been described.

The in the Fig. 7 Druckspülbehälteranordnung shown substantially corresponds to that in the Fig. 6 shown Druckspülbehälteranordnung, so that only the differences to Fig. 6 be explained. According to the Fig. 6 has the Druckspülbehälter 7 at the top a line 18 (third line) connected to a compressor 19. As has been explained above, the compressor 19 can be used to on the one hand to bring the pressure level in the Druckspülbehälter 7 to a suitable value when the arranged in the line 11 from the condensate tank 8 to the Druckspülbehälter 7 pump 13 is not designed in that it provides sufficient pressure for effective flushing. On the other hand, the compressor 19 can also be used to further increase the pressure level in the Druckspülbehälter 7 with a sufficient design of arranged in the line 11 from the condensate tank 8 to the Druckspülbehälter 7 pump 13, so as to further improve the cleaning effect. The operation of Druckspülbehälteranordnung otherwise takes place in the appropriate manner, as is the case for in the Fig. 3 Druckspülbehälteranordnung shown has been described.

The in the Fig. 8 Druckspülbehälteranordnung shown substantially corresponds to that in the Fig. 7 shown Druckspülbehälteranordnung, so that only the differences to Fig. 7 be explained. According to the Fig. 8 the flushing device 9 is designed as a diffuser. A diffuser has other flow and pressure conditions and is usually less quickly, for example due to dirt, lime etc. as nozzles. The operation of Druckspülbehälteranordnung otherwise takes place in the appropriate manner, as is the case for in the Fig. 3 Druckspülbehälteranordnung shown has been described.

The in the Fig. 9 Druckspülbehälteranordnung shown substantially corresponds to that in the Fig. 4 shown Druckspülbehälteranordnung, so that only the differences to Fig. 4 be explained. According to the Fig. 9 the purging device 9 is designed as a rotating roller with introduced nozzles. The purging device 9 is essentially a cylinder into which openings (nozzles), for example linearly, are introduced. Inside, a second cylinder is mounted with a circumferential slot over the length. If this inner cylinder is rotated, it releases all the nozzles once in a cycle and then closes them again shortly thereafter. Inside the cylinder introduced water is thus splashed through the nozzles. With this arrangement, the available water can be concentrated on a few nozzles, which allows them an increased volume flow, without having to use a larger overall pump. The operation of Druckspülbehälteranordnung otherwise takes place in the corresponding Way, as is the case in the Fig. 3 Druckspülbehälteranordnung shown has been described.

The in the Fig. 10 Druckspülbehälteranordnung shown substantially corresponds to that in the Fig. 4 shown Druckspülbehälteranordnung, so that only the differences to Fig. 4 be explained. According to the Fig. 10 the Druckspülbehälter 7 is designed such that between the condensate 16 and the compressible medium 17 in the Druckspülbehälter 7, a movable piston 21 is arranged. The driven piston 21 is used to compress the compressible medium 17. In this case, the volume of the Druckspülbehälters 7 by moving (pushing or pushing out) of the movable piston 21 is increased or decreased. By reducing the volume of Druckspülbehälters 7 with the condensate therein 16 and compressible medium 17, the pressure of the compressible medium 17 is increased. This insertion of the piston 21 and the resulting increase in pressure of the compressible medium 17 may be carried out additionally or alternatively to the pumping of the condensate 16 in the Druckspülbehälter 17. The operation of Druckspülbehälteranordnung otherwise takes place in the appropriate manner, as is the case for in the Fig. 3 Druckspülbehälteranordnung shown has been described.

Fig. 11 shows a membrane 22 with bellows 22a at the edge, for example, of injected polymer. The membrane 22 with the bellows 22a forms a membrane device which, for example, in a pressure vessel 7 according to FIGS. 7 and 8 can be used. The membrane or the membrane device may be made of polymer (for example by injection molding). The bellows 22 a is arranged on the outer edge or an outer edge of the membrane 22. By the preferably circumferential bellows 22a on the outer edge of the membrane 22, a particularly good elasticity is achieved. The bellows 22a is gas-tightly connected to the container wall.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1

condensation dryer

2

Drying chamber, drum

3

Process air duct

4

heat source

5

heat exchangers

6

fan

7

Druckspülbehälter

8th

Water container

9

flushing

10

control device

11

First line

12

Second line

13

liquid pump

14

check valve

15

Valve

16

condensation

17

Compressible medium

17a

Elastic bubble

18

Third line

19

compressor

20

vent valve

21

piston

22

Elastic membrane

22a

bellow

23

Fourth lead

24

inlet air

25

door

26

exhaust air outlet

27

Cooling air duct

28

cooling fan

29

Cooling air inlet

30

Cooling air outlet

Claims (15)

1. Condenser dryer (1) having a drying chamber (2) for objects to be dried, a process air channel (3) in which a heat source (4) for heating the process air, a heat exchanger (5) for cooling the process air after passing through the drying chamber (2) and a fan (6) for conveying the process air are located, a pressure rinse container (7), a condensation water container (8), a rinsing device (9) for the heat exchanger (5) and a control device (10),
   wherein the pressure rinse container (7) is connected to the condensation water container (8) via a first line (11) and to the rinsing device (9) for the heat exchanger (5) via a second line (12),
   wherein a fluid pump (13) is arranged in the first line (11) in the direction from the condensation water container (8) to the pressure rinse container (7), and
   wherein a valve (15) is arranged in the second line (12),
   wherein the pressure rinse container (7) is filled partially with condensed water (16) and partially with a compressible medium (17), wherein pressure can be applied to the compressible medium (17),
   characterised in that furthermore a non-return valve (14) is arranged in the first line (11) in the direction from the condensation water container (8) to the pressure rinse container (7), and the pressure for compressing the compressible medium (17) is built up by means of the fluid pump (13).
2. Condenser dryer according to claim 1, wherein the pressure rinse container (7) has, in a region in which the compressible medium (17) is present, a third line (18) which is connected to a compressor (19), with which pressure can be applied to the compressible medium (17).
3. Condenser dryer (1) according to claim 1, wherein the pressure rinse container (7) has, in a region in which the compressible medium (17) is present, a third line (18) which is connected to a vent valve (20).
4. Condenser dryer (1) according to one of claims 1 to 3, wherein a movable piston (21) is arranged in the pressure rinse container (7) between the condensed water (16) and the compressible medium (17).
5. Condenser dryer (1) according to one of claims 1 to 3, wherein an elastic membrane (22) is arranged in the pressure rinse container (7) between the condensed water (16) and the compressible medium (17).
6. Condenser dryer (1) according to one of claims 1 to 5, wherein an elastic bladder (17a) which contains the compressible medium (17) is arranged in the pressure rinse container (7) in the space above the condensed water (16).
7. Condenser dryer (1) according to one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the compressible medium (17) is air.
8. Condenser dryer (1) according to one of claims 1 to 4 and 6, wherein the compressible medium (17) is a compressible solid.
9. Condenser dryer (1) according to claim 4, wherein the compressible medium (17) comprises at least one compression spring.
10. Condenser dryer (1) according to one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the first line (11) and the second line (12) are connected to the pressure rinse container (7) via a common fourth line (23).
11. Condenser dryer (1) according to one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the volume of the pressure rinse container (7) can be changed.
12. Condenser dryer (1) according to one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the rinsing device (9) has a plurality of nozzles.
13. Condenser dryer (1) according to claim 12, wherein the rinsing device (9) has a rotating roller.
14. Condenser dryer (1) according to one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the rinsing device (9) is designed as a diffuser.
15. Method for operating a condenser dryer (1) according to one of claims 1 to 14, wherein the method comprises the steps of:

    compressing the compressible medium (17) such that the pressure in the pressure rinse container (7) is increased, and

    opening and closing the valve (15) one or more times such that a condensed water surge or a plurality of condensed water surges is emitted to the heat exchanger (5) by the rinsing device (9).

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