EP4663842A1

EP4663842A1 - Diffuser element, assembly, and tumble dryer

Info

Publication number: EP4663842A1
Application number: EP24181098.5A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Michal Definski; Marcin Baran
Original assignee: BSH Hausgeraete GmbH
Current assignee: BSH Hausgeraete GmbH
Priority date: 2024-06-10
Filing date: 2024-06-10
Publication date: 2025-12-17
Also published as: CN121110329A

Abstract

Diffuser element (10) designed to be connected to a heat exchanger (11) of a tumble dryer, comprising: at least one inlet opening (12) designed to receive water; at least one outlet opening (13) designed to discharge the water; wherein the inlet opening (12) and the outlet opening (13) are fluid-connected and wherein the inlet opening (12) is larger than the outlet opening (13).

Description

The present invention relates to a diffuser element designed to be connected to a heat exchanger and an assembly and a tumble dryer with such a diffuser element.
During a drying process of a tumble dryer, air is guided through channels and a process area in the tumble dryer. First, the air is heated in a condenser. The air is then fed into the process area, for example, a drum, where the air absorbs water from laundry placed inside the process area. Then, the air is guided to an evaporator, where the absorbed water condenses. The cycle is then repeated. During the drying process, small laundry particles may also be absorbed and transported by the air. These particles are also known as fluff. These particles may be transported to the heat exchangers where the particles or fluff may clog the heat exchangers. This reduces the efficiency of heat exchange process, which would result in a longer drying time. However, the particles have to be removed from the heat exchangers.
In view of this, it is found that a further need exists to provide a better means to clean a heat exchanger, in particular, to apply water to clean the heat exchanger.
Therefore, it is an object of the present invention to provide a diffuser element. It is a further object of the present invention to provide an assembly and a tumble dryer. These and other objects, which become apparent upon reading the following description, are solved by the subject matter of the independent claims. The dependent claims refer to preferred embodiments of the invention
According to an aspect of the present invention, a diffuser element is provided designed to be connected to a heat exchanger of a tumble dryer, comprising: at least one inlet opening designed to receive water; at least one outlet opening designed to discharge the water; wherein the inlet opening and the outlet opening are fluid-connected and wherein the inlet opening is larger than the outlet opening.
The diffuser element is designed to be connected, preferably to be detachable connected, to the heat exchanger. Preferably the diffuser element is positioned such that the outlet opening is directed at the heat exchanger. The diffuser element is designed to diffuse or distribute water to clean the heat exchanger from particles, in particular fluff. The diffuser element may be designed to apply water to a surface of the heat exchanger. The heat exchanger may be part of a heat pump, a tumble dryer, an assembly for a tumble dryer, or a similar device.
The diffuser element comprises an inlet opening and an outlet opening, which are connected such that a fluid, preferably water, may enter the diffuser element through the inlet opening and leave the diffuser element through the outlet opening. In other words, the inlet opening is designed to receive water, and the outlet opening is designed to discharge water. The inlet opening and the outlet opening may be designed as orifices. To receive water from a water source, the diffuser element may be positioned in an installed state in a path of a fluid, in particular water.
The inlet opening is larger than the outlet opening. For example, the inlet opening may be broader than the outlet opening. The inlet opening may comprise a geometry with a larger opening. The inlet opening may have a larger entrance area and/or entry surface than the outlet opening. In other words, the inlet opening may comprise a larger flow cross-section than the outlet opening. The larger inlet opening allows water to enter the diffuser element more easily. The smaller outlet opening allows to direct the water to an area to be cleaned.
The diffuser element may be part of a self-cleaning system of a tumble dryer. During a drying process in the tumble dryer, an airflow is guided through a process room. During the drying process, evaporated water and particles, also known as fluff, are collected and transported with the airflow. The particles accumulated on the heat exchanger, in particular on a surface facing the airflow. The water is used for cleaning, for example flushing, the heat exchangers to get rid of the accumulated particles.
In an embodiment, the inlet opening comprises two inclined planes directed towards each other. The inclined planes may have a constant gradient or an alternating gradient. The inclined planes may comprise a curvature, in particular in the area of the inlet opening. The inclined planes may have an identical geometry or different geometries. The inclined planes are arranged opposite to each other. In a cross-section, the inclined planes may form a funnel shape or a V-shape. The inclined planes may merge from the inlet opening into the outlet opening. The inclined planes allow for an easy way to provide a larger inlet opening than the outlet opening.
In an embodiment, the diffuser element comprises a first connection structure, wherein the first connection structure is designed to interact with a second connection structure of a heat exchanger. The first connection structure may be a pin and the second connection structure may be a corresponding receptacle. For example, the first connection structure and the second connection structure may form a snap-in or latching connection. The first connection structure and the second connection structure may be preferably detachable connectable. In that way, the diffuser element may be removed for maintenance purposes, for example.
In an embodiment, the diffuser element comprises at least one supporting structure. The supporting structure may protrude away from the diffuser element. The supporting structure may be designed as a protrusion. The supporting structure may be designed to lie on a heat exchanger, preferably a further heat exchanger arranged next to the heat exchanger. The supporting structure may have a tongue-like and/or wing-like geometry. The supporting structure is preferably designed to prevent a tipping or shifting of the diffuser element in an installed state. That way, a stable positioning of the diffuser element for cleaning a heat exchanger is possible.
In an embodiment, the outlet opening comprises a slit. In other words, the outlet opening is formed as a slit. The inlet opening may also be formed as a slit, wherein the slit of the inlet opening is broader than the slit of the outlet opening. The slit of the inlet opening may narrow to the slit of the outlet opening. The length of the slit may preferably correspond a geometry of the heat exchanger, for example, the length of a side of the heat exchanger facing the airflow.
In an embodiment, the diffuser element is made of a polymer material, for example, polypropylene and/or polyethylene. Other suited materials, for example, metals, may also be possible. The material may further comprise additives, for example, talk. The diffuser element may be produced by injection molding.
In a further aspect of the present invention, an assembly is provided comprising at least one heat exchanger and a diffuser element according to one of the previous embodiments, wherein the diffuser element is connected to the heat exchanger such that the diffuser element is assigned to the heat exchanger. That means the diffuser element is assigned to clean the heat exchanger. In an embodiment, the heat exchanger is arranged downstream of a further heat exchanger.
In an embodiment, the heat exchanger is a condenser and the further heat exchanger is an evaporator. The evaporator and the condenser may be part of a heat pump. The diffuser element may be connected to the condenser. The diffuser element is preferably connected to the condenser by means of a first connection structure and a second connection structure, wherein the first connection structure is arranged at the diffuser element and the second connection structure is arranged at the condenser. The diffuser element may comprise the support structure. The support structure may be designed such that the diffuser element is supported on the further heat exchanger while being connected to the heat exchanger.
In an embodiment, the condenser and the evaporator are placed in a base module, wherein a lid element is arranged above the evaporator and the condenser. The lid may comprise at least one water channel, which is connected to a pump. The pump may be used to pump water, which was collected from the drying process to the diffuser element and/or the further diffuser element. The at least one conduit to transport water to the diffuser element. The lid element may comprise a further conduit, which is connected to the further diffuser element. The lid element may be connected to the evaporator.
In an embodiment, the diffuser element is designed to be arranged in a flow direction of air upstream of the heat exchanger, in particular of the condenser. Most particles or fluff accumulates at the entrance of the condenser. As a result, the particles or fluff accumulating on the condenser may be cleaned by water discharged from the diffuser element.
In an embodiment, the outlet opening is arranged above an edge of the heat exchanger. The outlet opening may be arranged on the heat exchanger in such a way that the outlet opening encloses a virtual plane in which the surface to be cleaned is lying. The surface to be cleaned may be preferably a surface of the heat exchanger facing an airflow. The outlet opening may be a slit and the virtual plane extends through the slit. In other words, the virtual plane extends substantially centrally through the outlet opening. The virtual plane may be a mirror plane of the diffuser element. A centerline of the outlet opening has to be positioned directly over the surface to be cleaned of the heat exchanger. In that way, effective water delivery and fluff removal are provided and the risk of clogging of the gap with fluff or particles is minimized.
In an embodiment, the diffuser element extends in a direction parallel to the edge of the heat exchanger. Preferably the diffuser element extends along the entire edge of the heat exchanger, in particular the condenser. That way, the diffuser element can apply or discharge water on the edge and an adjoining surface or area that is to be cleaned.
In an embodiment, the further heat exchanger is connected to a lid element, wherein the lid element comprises a further diffusor element and wherein the lid element is connected to the further heat exchanger such that the further diffuser element is assigned to the further heat exchanger. The further diffuser element may be integrated into the lid.
In an embodiment, the diffuser element is connected to the heat exchanger such that the outlet opening is positioned in the same plane as the surface to be cleaned and/or the further diffuser element is connected to the further heat exchanger such the outlet opening is positioned in the same plane as the surface to be cleaned. That means that the outlet opening of the diffuser element and/or the further diffuser element may be aligned with a plane and/or an edge of the heat exchanger and/or the further heat exchanger.
In a further aspect of the present invention, a tumble dryer is provided with a diffuser element according to any one of the previous embodiments and/or an assembly according to one of the previous embodiments.
According to a further aspect of the present invention a method is provided in which a tumble dryer is operated using the above described diffuser element. In other words, in the method, the water which is used to flush an evaporator and/or a condenser, is guided by the diffuser element.
Furthermore, the invention is directed to a use of the above diffusor element in a tumble dryer.
Accursing to an embodiment of the present invention a diffuser element for a tumble dryer is provided. In such tumble dryer an evaporator is flushed by front diffuser which is integrated in Lid. Generally, gravity is used to pour water from condensate container which is placed much above exchangers. The condenser is flushed by back diffuser and water which is delivered to the diffuser by pump. Water is pumped from base module. Back diffuser is attached to the condenser before Lid is attached. A back diffuser is used as a separate part to cover tolerances of manufacturing of single component and whole assembly process. The new self-cleaning operation which is partially described in the following do not use gravity and both exchangers are flushed by water which accumulates in base module and is delivered to the exchangers by pump. Self-cleaning system flushes both heat exchangers. Evaporator and Condenser are placed in base module. Water distribution module covers the exchangers. Water distribution module comprises water channels, front diffusers and back diffusers. Through channel and diffuser the water is guided to the exact place above exchanger. On the top of water distribution module a multiway valve is provided which moves the water to the desired channel. In self-cleaning it is important that the middle of diffuser gap is directly above of front of exchanger. The requirement is valid for both front and back diffusers. According to the tolerances of manufacturing of single components and also because of possible misalignments during assembly it may not be possible to have perfect alignment of diffuser above exchanger in both cases front and back. The water distribution module is positioned on evaporator. To ensure that the metal plate in evaporator fits between ribs in water distribution module. The distance X between front of evaporator and metal plate is very small that is why positioning of diffuser gap will be also very good. This kind of positioning of elements leads to the situation that back diffuser may not be above condenser. To solve the problem and ensure proper flushing properties the internal diffuser which is connected to the condenser is used. Internal diffuser has positioning element on left and right side. Those element are clipped to the cut outs in condenser. Cut outs are very close to the front of condenser. That is why good positioning of internal diffuser gap above condenser is also ensured. The internal diffuser has inclined faces which guide the water to the condenser. This inclination geometry covers the tolerances of manufacturing and possible misalignment between back diffuser and condenser position. In a further embodiment, without internal diffuser the whole new self-cleaning system could not work.
Features or embodiments of the present invention could be combined so as to create new embodiments. The configurations and effects described in connection with the features or embodiments also apply mutatis mutandis to the new embodiments. Effects and configurations described in connection with the device apply mutatis mutandis to the method and vice versa.
In the following, the present disclosure is described exemplarily with reference to the enclosed figures, in which

Figure 1: shows a perspective view of an embodiment of a diffuser element according to the present invention;
Figure 2: shows another perspective view of the diffuser element according to Figure 1;
Figure 3: shows a cross-sectional view of the diffuser element according to Figure 1;
Figure 4: shows a perspective view of an embodiment of an assembly according to the present invention;
Figure 5: shows a detailed view of the assembly according to Figure 4;
Figure 6: shows another detailed view of the assembly according to Figure 4; and
Figure 7: shows another detailed view of the assembly according to Figure 4.

Figure 1, Figure 2, and Figure 3 show different views of a diffuser element 10. The diffuser element 10 extends in a longitudinal direction L. In a plan view, the diffuser element 10 comprises essentially a rectangular geometry.
The diffuser element 10 comprises an inlet opening 12 and an outlet opening 13. The inlet opening 12 and the outlet opening 13 both extend in the longitudinal direction L of the diffuser element 10. The inlet opening 12 and the outlet opening 13 are fluid connected. That means that water may flow through the diffuser element 10 from the inlet opening 12 to the outlet opening 13. The inlet opening 12 merges into the outlet opening 13. The inlet opening 12 is larger than the outlet opening 13. More precisely, the inlet opening 12 is broader than the outlet opening 13. In other words, the inlet opening 12 comprises a broader gap than the outlet opening.
As shown in Figure 1 and Figure 3, the inlet opening 12 is bordered by a rim area 23. The inlet opening 12 comprises two inclined planes 14. The inclined planes 14 are directed towards each other, such that the inlet opening 12 narrows. The inclined planes 14 form essentially a V-shape. The inclined planes 14 extend towards the heat exchanger 11. The outlet opening 13 is arranged at the end of the inclined surfaces 14. The inclined surfaces 14 transition into to parallel planes of the outlet opening 13. The outlet opening 12 is arranged relative to the inlet opening in a direction that is orthogonal to the longitudinal direction of the diffuser element 10. In a cross-section, the inlet opening 12 with the inclined planes 14 and the outlet opening 13 are essentially funnel-shaped.
The diffuser element 10 comprises supporting structures 17. The supporting structures 17 are arranged at a side surface of the diffuser element 10 that extends in the longitudinal direction L. The support structure 17 extends away from the diffuser element 10 in a direction orthogonal to the longitudinal direction L. The support structure 17 comprises a flat and tongue-shaped geometry. The support structure 17 is designed to be a bearing surface in an installed state of the diffuser element 10. For example, the diffuser element may partially rest on a surface by means of the support structure 17.
Figure 2 shows a view from below the diffuser element 10. In other words, Figure 2 shows an underside of the diffuser element 10. The underside of the diffuser element is the side that, in an installed state of the diffuser element 10, faces towards the heat exchanger. On the underside of the diffuser element 10, the diffuser element 10 comprises a free space. The free space extends between each of the side surfaces and the inclined planes 14. In the free space, the diffuser element 10 comprises reinforcing elements 24. The reinforcing elements 24 extend from an inner side of the inclined planes 14 to an inner side of the side surfaces.
Figure 4 shows an assembly comprising a lid element 20, a heat exchanger 11, a further heat exchanger 19, a diffuser element 10, and a base module 25. The shown assembly may be part of a tumble dryer. The heat exchanger 11 may be a condenser and the further heat exchanger 19 may be an evaporator. The two heat exchangers therefore may be part of a heat pump. The heat exchangers are arranged in an airflow.
The evaporator and the condenser are arranged in the base module 25. The base module encloses the two heat exchangers at least partially. The diffuser element 10 is arranged at the condenser. The diffuser element 10 is arranged on an edge facing the evaporator. The diffuser element 10 is arranged upstream of the condenser in the direction of the airflow.
In Figure 5, it is shown that the lid element 20 comprises a further diffuser element 21. The further diffuser element 21 is integrated in the lid element 20. The further diffuser element 21 is arranged such that a surface or area of the evaporator may be cleaned. The further diffuser element 21 is directly connected to a water channel. The lid element 20 is connected to the evaporator. By doing so, the further diffuser element 21 may be arranged such that an outlet opening of the further diffuser element 21 may be arranged exactly above an area to be cleaned off the evaporator. The area to be cleaned is preferably a surface of the evaporator facing the direction of the airflow.
Fig. 6 shows the diffuser element 10 and the condenser just before the diffuser element 10 is installed. The diffuser element 10 may be connected to the condenser by the first connection structure 15 of the diffuser elements and the second connection structure 16 of the condenser. The first connection structure 15 comprises a pin-like protrusion. The second connection structure 16 comprises a plate element 26 extending from the condenser against the direction of the airflow. In other words, the plate element 26 extends towards the evaporator. The second connection structure 16 comprises a corresponding receptacle for the pin-like protrusion. Additionally, the second connection structure comprises a latching element, for partially fixating the pin-like protrusion. In an installed state, the diffuser element 10 is arranged at the condenser such that the outlet opening 13 is positioned above an edge of the condenser. More precisely, the outlet opening 13 is arranged above the condenser in such a way that the edge of the condenser is in the center of the outlet opening 13 in a cross-sectional view.
Figure 7 shows a diffuser element 10 in an installed state. The diffuser element 10 is connected to the condenser. On top of the diffuser element 10 is a lid element 20. The lid element 20 may be connected to an evaporator as shown in Figure 5. Between the lid element 20 and the diffuser element 10 is a sealing element 27. The sealing element 27 rests on the rim area 23 of the diffuser element 10. The lid element 20 comprises a discharge opening 28. The discharge opening 28 is arranged above the inlet opening 12. The discharge opening 28 is connected to a water channel. The discharge opening 28 and the inlet opening are not directly connected to each other. Between the discharge opening and the inlet opening 12 is an empty space. The inlet opening 12 collects the water from the discharge opening 28 and applies the water precisely on the area to be cleaned.
The present disclosure has been described in conjunction with a preferred embodiment as examples as well. However, other variations can be understood and effected by those persons skilled in the art and practicing the claimed invention, from the studies of the drawings, this disclosure, and the claims. In the claims as well as in the description the word "comprising" does not exclude other elements or steps and the indefinite article "a" or "an" does not exclude a plurality. A single element or other unit may fulfill the functions of several entities or items recited in the claims. The mere fact that certain measures are recited in the mutually different dependent claims does not indicate that a combination of these measures cannot be used in an advantageous implementation.

Reference signs

10: Diffuser element
11: Heat exchanger
12: Inlet opening
13: Outlet opening
14: Inclined planes
15: First connection structure
16: Second connection structure
17: Supporting structure
18: Slit
19: Further heat exchanger
20: Lid element
21: Further diffuser element
22: Edge
23: Rim area
24: Reinforcing elements
25: Base module
26: Plate element
27: Sealing element
28: Discharge opening

Claims

Diffuser element (10) designed to be connected to a heat exchanger (11) of a tumble dryer, comprising:
at least one inlet opening (12) designed to receive water;

at least one outlet opening (13) designed to discharge the water;

wherein the inlet opening (12) and the outlet opening (13) are fluid-connected and wherein the inlet opening (12) is larger than the outlet opening (13).
Diffuser element (10) according to claim 1, wherein the inlet opening (12) comprises two inclined planes (14) directed towards each other.
Diffuser element (10) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the diffuser element (10) comprises a first connection structure (15), wherein the first connection structure (15) is designed to interact with a second connection structure (16) of a heat exchanger (11).
Diffuser element (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the diffuser element (10) comprises at least one supporting structure (17).
Diffuser element (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the outlet opening (13) comprises a slit (18).
Assembly comprising at least one heat exchanger (11) and a diffuser element (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the diffuser element (10) is connected to the heat exchanger (11) such that the diffuser element (10) is assigned to the heat exchanger (11).
Assembly according to claim 6, wherein the assembly comprises a further heat exchanger (19) and a lid element (20), wherein the lid element (20) comprises a further diffusor element (21) and wherein the lid element (20) is connected to the further heat exchanger (19) such that the further diffuser element (21) is assigned to the further heat exchanger (19).
Assembly according to any one of the claims 6 or 7, wherein the outlet opening (13) comprises a slit (18), wherein the slit (18) extends in a direction parallel to an edge (22) of the heat exchanger (11).
Assembly according to claims 6 to 8, wherein the diffuser element (10) is connected to the heat exchanger (11) such that the outlet opening (13) is positioned in the same plane as a surface to be cleaned and/or the further diffuser element (21) is connected to the further heat exchanger (19) such the outlet opening (12) is positioned in the same plane as a surface to be cleaned.
Tumble dryer with a diffuser element (10) according to any of the claims 1 to 5 and/or an assembly according to any of the claims 6 to 9.