Classifications

• • D—TEXTILES; PAPER
  • D06—TREATMENT OF TEXTILES OR THE LIKE; LAUNDERING; FLEXIBLE MATERIALS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
  • D06F—LAUNDERING, DRYING, IRONING, PRESSING OR FOLDING TEXTILE ARTICLES
  • D06F39/00—Details of washing machines not specific to a single type of machines covered by groups D06F9/00 - D06F27/00 
  • D06F39/40—Steam generating arrangements
• • D—TEXTILES; PAPER
  • D06—TREATMENT OF TEXTILES OR THE LIKE; LAUNDERING; FLEXIBLE MATERIALS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
  • D06F—LAUNDERING, DRYING, IRONING, PRESSING OR FOLDING TEXTILE ARTICLES
  • D06F58/00—Domestic laundry dryers
  • D06F58/20—General details of domestic laundry dryers 
  • D06F58/203—Laundry conditioning arrangements
• • D—TEXTILES; PAPER
  • D06—TREATMENT OF TEXTILES OR THE LIKE; LAUNDERING; FLEXIBLE MATERIALS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
  • D06F—LAUNDERING, DRYING, IRONING, PRESSING OR FOLDING TEXTILE ARTICLES
  • D06F2103/00—Parameters monitored or detected for the control of domestic laundry washing machines, washer-dryers or laundry dryers
  • D06F2103/60—Parameters monitored or detected for the control of domestic laundry washing machines, washer-dryers or laundry dryers related to auxiliary conditioning or finishing agents, e.g. filling level of perfume tanks
  • D06F2103/62—Parameters monitored or detected for the control of domestic laundry washing machines, washer-dryers or laundry dryers related to auxiliary conditioning or finishing agents, e.g. filling level of perfume tanks related to systems for water or steam used for conditioning or finishing
• • D—TEXTILES; PAPER
  • D06—TREATMENT OF TEXTILES OR THE LIKE; LAUNDERING; FLEXIBLE MATERIALS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
  • D06F—LAUNDERING, DRYING, IRONING, PRESSING OR FOLDING TEXTILE ARTICLES
  • D06F2105/00—Systems or parameters controlled or affected by the control systems of washing machines, washer-dryers or laundry dryers
  • D06F2105/58—Indications or alarms to the control system or to the user
• • D—TEXTILES; PAPER
  • D06—TREATMENT OF TEXTILES OR THE LIKE; LAUNDERING; FLEXIBLE MATERIALS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
  • D06F—LAUNDERING, DRYING, IRONING, PRESSING OR FOLDING TEXTILE ARTICLES
  • D06F34/00—Details of control systems for washing machines, washer-dryers or laundry dryers
  • D06F34/14—Arrangements for detecting or measuring specific parameters
  • D06F34/20—Parameters relating to constructional components, e.g. door sensors
• • D—TEXTILES; PAPER
  • D06—TREATMENT OF TEXTILES OR THE LIKE; LAUNDERING; FLEXIBLE MATERIALS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
  • D06F—LAUNDERING, DRYING, IRONING, PRESSING OR FOLDING TEXTILE ARTICLES
  • D06F34/00—Details of control systems for washing machines, washer-dryers or laundry dryers
  • D06F34/28—Arrangements for program selection, e.g. control panels therefor; Arrangements for indicating program parameters, e.g. the selected program or its progress
  • D06F34/32—Arrangements for program selection, e.g. control panels therefor; Arrangements for indicating program parameters, e.g. the selected program or its progress characterised by graphical features, e.g. touchscreens
• • D—TEXTILES; PAPER
  • D06—TREATMENT OF TEXTILES OR THE LIKE; LAUNDERING; FLEXIBLE MATERIALS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
  • D06F—LAUNDERING, DRYING, IRONING, PRESSING OR FOLDING TEXTILE ARTICLES
  • D06F39/00—Details of washing machines not specific to a single type of machines covered by groups D06F9/00 - D06F27/00 
  • D06F39/10—Filtering arrangements

Definitions

• the invention relates to a domestic appliance, especially to a dryer for textiles or a washing machine.
• a problem is that the steam unit needs to be supplied by fresh water- which has to be free from lime and other contaminations.
• the condense water from the condensation in a dryer can not be used because it contains foreign matters and dirt which is cumulated during the condensation process in the condensate reservoir. If such water would be used dirt and other foreign matters would be brought again into the textile, which is not desirable.
• a domestic appliance especially a home dryer or a washing machine, which has the possibility to treat the textiles with hot steam without any charge of dirt or any other foreign matter or contamination in the supply water for the steam unit.
• a domestic appliance according to claim 1.
• the invention is characterized in that the domestic appliance is equipped with a steam unit for applying water steam, especially hot or superheated steam, to the textiles and that a water reservoir is located in or at the domestic appliance for receiving water for the steam unit.
• the water reservoir is locatable in a reception slot in the domestic appliance.
• the water reservoir can be arranged preferably in an upper region or in the lower region within the domestic appliance.
• the domestic appliance is a dryer, especially a dryer of the condensation type which has a condensate reservoir.
• the water reservoir and the condensate reservoir can be arranged in the dryer at different locations.
• the water reservoir and the condensate reservoir can be arranged adjacently. It is even possible that the water reservoir is arranged within the condensate reservoir, i. e. integrated within the condensate reservoir .
• the water reservoir and the condensate reservoir can be hydraulically connected. In this case it is possible that a filter element is arranged between the water reservoir and the condensate reservoir.
• the water reservoir can have a venting element which is in fluidic connection with the condensate reservoir or with the reception slot for the condensate reservoir.
• the water reservoir can have a filling device.
• This filling device can be located in the front region of the appliance when the water reservoir is inserted in the domestic appliance.
• the filling device is provided with a filter element to clean the water that is filled into the water reservoir.
• the appliance can contain an additional reserve tank that is hydraulically connected with the water reservoir.
• the reserve tank can be a separate unit or it can be part of the water reservoir.
• the water reservoir can be equipped with a sensor device for detecting the water level in the water reservoir.
• the domestic appliance can have means for displaying the level in the water reservoir detected by the sensor device.
• the means for displaying can be integrated in the control panel of the domestic appliance. They can also be integrated in a front region of the water reservoir, i. e. in the water reservoir itself.
• An alternative embodiment is characterized in that the means for displaying are integrated in the bottom region of the domestic appliance.
• the water level in the water reservoir is displayed by means for displaying which are hydraulically connected to the water reservoir, for example an at least partly transparent device placed in the front region of the water reservoir.
• the water level in this device can be seen from outside through the transparent part of the device.
• This water level corresponds to the water level in the water reservoir.
• the mentioned means for displaying can directly placed in the front panel of the appliance. It is also possible to place them in the frame of a drawer, e.g. a condensate reservoir drawer, or in the frame of a door of the appliance. In this case the means for displaying are covered by the drawer panel when the drawer is closed or by the door when the door is closed, but can be seen when the drawer or the door are open.
• a window is integrated into the drawer panel or the door in front of the means for displaying to allow checking of the water level even if the drawer or the door is closed.
• the means for displaying or the at least partly transparent device can be the filling device mentioned above.
• a preferred embodiment of the domestic appliance has means for preventing the activation of the steam unit if the sensor device detects a water level in the water reservoir which is below a defined minimum level .
• a preferred embodiment is characterized in that the water reservoir has a coating with an antibacterial effect.
• the water reservoir can be held in the domestic appliance by quick releasing means. This is also helpful in the production process of the appliance and in case of service, for example when the water reservoir hast to be changed or cleaned.
• an outlet tube for fluids contained inside the water reservoir can be provided at the water reservoir.
• this outlet tube it is possible to empty the water reservoir. Additionally it can be used to clean the water reservoir by directing cleaning fluid through the water reservoir, for example by filling the cleaning fluid into the filling device and by removing it through the outlet tube.
• the domestic appliance has an additional hot steam or superheated steam functionality.
• the water for the steam unit is kept in a separate water reservoir.
• the water reservoir is usable in a modular manner, i. e. it is possible to retrofit it in existing domestic appliances. It can be mounted very quickly by using quick release means for carrying it .
• the water reservoir is located in an upper or lower interspace in the domestic appliance.
• It has preferably a storage and a filter function for clean, not contaminated water, especially distilled water.
• FIG 1 shows an example of a home dryer according to the invention in a front elevation
• FIG 2 shows in three-dimensional view a water reservoir, especially suitable for the home dryer shown in FIG 1,
• FIG 3 shows a different example of a dryer according to the invention in a front elevation
• FIG 4 shows another example of a water reservoir useable in domestic appliances according to the invention, especially in the home dryer shown in FIG 5,
• FIG 5 shows another example of a home dryer according to the invention
• FIG 6 shows yet another example of a home dryer according to the invention.
• FIG 7 shows the filling device for the water reservoir, provided in the dryer shown in FIG 6.
• FIG 1 a home dryer 1 for drying textiles is shown wherein the drying of the textiles occurs in a well known manner.
• the textiles (not depicted) are placed in a drum 16.
• the dryer 1 is designed as a dryer of the condensation type.
• I. e. is has a condensate reservoir 8 in which water is collected which is extracted from the wet textiles.
• a hot or superheated steam process is carried out in the dryer 1.
• I. e. hot or superheated steam is applied to the textiles in the drum 16 of the dryer.
• a steam unit 2 is arranged within the dryer 1 for the production of hot steam. To produce steam the steam unit 2 needs water. This must be as clean and contamination-free as possible.
• a separate water reservoir 3 is arranged in the dryer 1 which can be removed from the dryer 1. Not depicted quick releasing means are supplied to hold the water reservoir 3 in position during use.
• the dryer 1 has a reception slot 5 in which not only the water reservoir 3 but also the condensate reservoir 8 is arranged.
• the water reservoir 3 is arranged in the upper region 6 of the dryer. Is would also be possible to locate it in another region of the dryer 1 , e . g. in the lower region 7.
• the water reservoir 3 and the condensate reservoir 8 are arranged side by side, i. e. adjacent to another.
• a hydraulic connection 9 is supplied so that water from the condensate reservoir 8 can be transferred to the water reservoir 3.
• a - not depicted - filter element is positioned in the hydraulic connection 9.
• the water reservoir 3 has a filling device 11 for filling in water 4 into the water reservoir 3. Furthermore, the water reservoir 3 has a venting element 10.
• a sensor device 12 is arranged in the water reservoir 3. By this element the water level 13 is detected and the detected signal is forwarded e. g. to the control panel 15 of the dryer 1.
• means for displaying 14 can be located to show the user of the dryer 1 when the water level 13 drops below a minimum level . In the depicted embodiment the means for displaying 14 are arranged in the front of the water reservoir 3 itself.
• a recessed grip 17 is arranged in the front of the water reservoir 3 to facilitate the handling of the water reservoir 3.
• the water reservoir 3 allows the storage and the supply of clean and decontaminated water 4 for the steam production. Filling and de-filling of the water reservoir 3 is facilitated by the fact that the water reservoir 3 is arranged in the dryer 1 by use of quick release means .
• the venting element 10 makes sure that no water can leak into the dryer 1. Also a reserve tank can be employed (not depicted) so that an alert can be given out to the user if the water level 13 drops below a certain limit. In spite of this the steam production can continue.
• the reserve tank can be an additional device or component or it can be integrated within the water reservoir 3. It is possible that a part of the volume of the water reservoir 3 is defined as reserve tank volume. Furthermore the condensate reservoir 8 can be used as reserve tank.
• the opening of the reserve tank can e. g. be done by an actuating element which is controlled by the control unit of the dryer.
• the transfer of water from the reserve tank to the water reservoir can be controlled electrically and/or hydraulically.
• a vacuum lifting pad can be arranged for this transfer of water.
• the filling tube 11 Due to the width or diameter of the filling tube 11 it can be made possible in an easy manner to clean the inner of the water reservoir 3. Alternatively it is possible to dismantle the water reservoir 3 for cleaning purposes .
• the arrangement or allocation of the water reservoir 3 is made by modular containing element (slots etc.) it is possible to use the water reservoir 3 in different applications, e. g. in a washing machine and in a dryer. If an antibacterial coating is used in the inner of the water reservoir 3 it can be made sure that not algae will appear. This is especially reasonable if usual tap water is used.
• FIG 3 shows a different example of a home dryer 1 according to the invention. Again the drying of the textiles occurs in a well known manner.
• the textiles (not depicted) are placed in a drum 16, which is generally a treatment area.
• the drum 16 is closed by a door 20.
• the dryer 1 is designed as a dryer of the condensation type. I. e. is has a condensate reservoir 8 in which water is collected which is extracted from the wet textiles .
• a steam process is carried out in the dryer 1.
• Steam i. e. hot or superheated steam
• a water reservoir 3 to supply the steam unit is placed in a side region 18 of the dryer 1, in an upper region 6, close to a side panel 22 of the dryer 1 and between the side panel 22 and the condensate reservoir 8.
• the water reservoir 3 allows the storage and the supply of clean and decontaminated water for the steam production. As shown in FIG 3, it is designed in that way that it becomes very small to use a free space between the condensate reservoir 8 and the side panel 2. Furthermore the design of the water reservoir 3 could be adapted to the form of the drum 16 (not depicted) , if the water reservoir 3 uses a space between the drum 16 and the side panel 22.
• the condensate reservoir 8 is arranged as part of a drawer (not depicted) that could be removed from the dryer 1 to empty it .
• a front panel 21 of this drawer can be seen in FIG 3.
• This front panel 21 additionally covers at least a part of the water reservoir 3.
• the steam unit 2 is arranged in the left part, i. e. in the side region 18, of the dryer in a lower region 7, especially between the drum 16 and the side panel 22 of the dryer 1. It is also possible to locate the steam unit 2 in an upper region 6 of the- appliance 1.
• FIG 4 shows another example of a water reservoir 3 useable in domestic appliances 1 according to the invention, especially in the home dryer 1 shown in FIG 5.
• This water reservoir 3 is provided with a filling device 11 to fill water into the water reservoir 3.
• FIG 5 shows another example of a home dryer 1 according to the invention.
• the side panel is removed, therefore the arrangement of the water reservoir 3 shown in FIG 4 in the dryer 1 can be seen.
• the home dryer 1 has means 14 for displaying the water level in the water reservoir 3. These means 14 are integrated in the filling device 11 which is hydraulically connected with the water reservoir 3.
• the means 14 for displaying the filling devise 11 is at least at its front made of transparent material . Therefore the water level in the filling device 11, which corresponds to the water level in the water reservoir 3 , can be seen through this transparent material .
• the means 14 for displaying are placed in the front of the water reservoir 3. It is also possible to place them in the frame of a drawer, e.g. a condensate reservoir drawer. In this case the means for displaying are covered by a drawer panel 21 (see FIG 5) when the drawer is closed, but can be seen when the drawer is open. Additionally it is possible that a window is integrated into the drawer panel 21 in front of the means 14 for displaying to allow checking of the water level even if the drawer is closed (not shown in FIG 5, see FIG 3) .
• FIG 6 shows yet another example of a home dryer 1 according to the invention.
• the side panel is removed, therefore the arrangement of the water reservoir 3 in the dryer 1 can be seen. It is arranged behind a steam unit 2 in an lower side region of the dryer 1.
• a door 20 of the dryer 1 is open and therefore it is possible to see that a filling device 11 for filling water into the water reservoir 3 is arranged in the door frame of the dryer 1. This filling device 11 is hydraulically connected with the water reservoir 11.
• FIG 7 shows the above mentioned filling device 11 in detail.
• the filling device 11 comprises a movable filling baffle 23.
• a filter element 24, for example a sieve is placed in front of the filling baffle 23.
• This filter element 24 is designed to be arranged inside the filling baffle 23 to clean the water filled into the water reservoir 3 through the filling baffle 23, for example by removing contaminants like dirt particles.

Landscapes

• Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
• Textile Engineering (AREA)
• Detail Structures Of Washing Machines And Dryers (AREA)
• Accessory Of Washing/Drying Machine, Commercial Washing/Drying Machine, Other Washing/Drying Machine (AREA)
• Cookers (AREA)
• Thermally Insulated Containers For Foods (AREA)
• Drying Of Solid Materials (AREA)

Priority Applications (1)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Publications (1)

Family

ID=37310599

Family Applications (1)

Country Status (6)

Cited By (3)

Families Citing this family (20)

Citations (5)

Family Cites Families (6)

• 2006
  • 2006-06-01 EP EP10179245A patent/EP2312048B1/en not_active Revoked
  • 2006-06-01 PL PL06011419T patent/PL1862584T3/pl unknown
  • 2006-06-01 EP EP10179175A patent/EP2317004B1/en active Active
  • 2006-06-01 EP EP10179203A patent/EP2317005B1/en active Active
  • 2006-06-01 AT AT06011419T patent/ATE525512T1/de not_active IP Right Cessation
  • 2006-06-01 EP EP18157402.1A patent/EP3354790B1/en active Active
  • 2006-06-01 EP EP10179143.2A patent/EP2314756B1/en not_active Revoked
  • 2006-06-01 EP EP10179149A patent/EP2317003B1/en active Active
  • 2006-06-01 EP EP06011419A patent/EP1862584B1/en not_active Revoked
  • 2006-06-01 EP EP14165571.2A patent/EP2781645B1/en active Active
  • 2006-06-01 ES ES06011419T patent/ES2375457T3/es active Active
• 2007
  • 2007-06-01 RU RU2008152070/12A patent/RU2471028C2/ru not_active IP Right Cessation
  • 2007-06-01 WO PCT/EP2007/004856 patent/WO2007137860A1/en active Application Filing
• 2011
  • 2011-07-18 RU RU2011129768/12A patent/RU2011129768A/ru not_active Application Discontinuation
  • 2011-07-18 RU RU2011129770/12A patent/RU2011129770A/ru not_active Application Discontinuation
  • 2011-07-18 RU RU2011129772/12A patent/RU2011129772A/ru not_active Application Discontinuation
• 2012
  • 2012-10-04 RU RU2012142342/12A patent/RU2012142342A/ru not_active Application Discontinuation

Patent Citations (5)

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