WO2017036553A1

WO2017036553A1 - Laundry machine with improved steam-use efficiency

Info

Publication number: WO2017036553A1
Application number: PCT/EP2015/070241
Authority: WO
Inventors: Ersin BEDIR; Can Sar; Onur ERCAN; Ahmet METIN; Mustafa CENGIZ
Original assignee: Arcelik Anonim Sirketi
Priority date: 2015-09-04
Filing date: 2015-09-04
Publication date: 2017-03-09

Abstract

The present invention relates to a laundry machine (1) comprising: a steam injection apparatus (3) which includes: an inlet port (4) for receiving pressurized steam, an outlet port (5) for discharging the pressurized steam into the laundry drum and a drain port (6) for draining the condensate, a receptacle for collecting the drained condensate, one or more serially connected drain tubes (7a, 7b, 7c) for conveying the condensate from the drain port (6) to the receptacle and a steam generation unit (8) for generating and supplying the steam injection apparatus (3) with the pressurized steam.

Description

LAUNDRY MACHINE WITH IMPROVED STEAM-USE EFFICIENCY

The present invention relates to a laundry machine, in particular to a laundry dryer or a laundry washer-dryer. The present invention more particularly relates to a laundry machine which has a steam injection facility for the treatment of the laundry with steam.

Laundry machines such as laundry dryers and laundry washer-dryers are commonly known in the art. A laundry machine is commonly provided with a steam injection facility which treats the laundry with steam. The steam removes the wrinkles and the creases from the laundry. Moreover, steam has a sanitizing effect and also removes unpleasant odors. The steam injection facility generally comprises a steam generation unit which generates and supplies pressurized steam to a steam injection apparatus that injects the steam directly into the drum. As the steam supplied to the steam injection apparatus is likely to undergo condensation prior to the injection thereof, the steam injection apparatus also comprises a drain port for draining the condensate through a drain tube into a receptacle inside the appliance. Thereby, the laundry can be prevented from becoming wet and receiving damages due to the hot condensate. There are also incidents where the steam generation unit generates a water/steam mixture, instead of pure steam. In such incidents, the steam injection apparatus also drains the water together with the condensate through the drain port.

WO2015078512 A1 discloses a laundry machine which has a steam injection facility.

A common problem with the prior art laundry machines is that part of the pressurized steam inside the steam injection apparatus may also leak through the drain outlet. In such incidents, the laundry cannot be effectively treated with steam and develops relatively resistant wrinkles and creases until termination of the drying process. Moreover, in such incidents, the laundry cannot be sufficiently sanitized and it might happen that laundry smells unpleasantly. In such incidents, the customer satisfaction easily decreases.

An objective of the present invention is to provide a laundry machine which overcomes the aforementioned problems of the prior art in a cost-effective way and which enables an improved steam use-efficiency and an improved sanitizing performance and an improved drying performance.

This objective has been achieved by the laundry machine as defined in claim 1. Further achievements have been attained by the subject-matters respectively defined in the dependent claims.

The laundry machine of the present invention comprises u-shaped trap and a retainer which keeps the u-shaped trap in place. The drain tube conveys the condensate via the u-shaped trap into the receptacle. The u-shaped trap collects the condensate and prevents passage of the steam.

A major advantageous effect of the present invention is that the pressurized steam can be prevented by virtue of the trap from leaking through the drain port to the outside. Thereby, the use-efficiency of the steam can be increased and the clothes can be effectively sanitized and accurately dried to the target dryness level. Thereby, also the operation time of the appliance can be prevented from prolonging and thus the energy consumption can be comparatively reduced. Another major advantageous effect of the present invention is that the trap can be securely held in place by virtue of the retainer. Thereby, the trap can be protected against the excessive mechanical stress exerted by the pressurized steam, and thus a proper functioning thereof can be ensured. For instance, the trap can be prevented from dislocating or deforming.

In an embodiment, the trap is made from a hard material. For instance durable hard plastic or metal may be used. This embodiment is particularly advantageous as the trap can be effectively prevented from deforming and kinking under the excessive mechanical stress exerted by the pressurized steam. Thereby, the condensate can be smoothly drained into the receptacle while the steam is effectively blocked, and thus a proper functioning of the trap can be reliably ensured. In another embodiment, at least one one drain tube is made from a hard material and includes a u-shaped integral section that forms the trap.

In other alternative embodiments, two other flexible/hard drain tubes are connected to the opposing ends of the trap. This embodiment is particularly advantageous as the trap can be easily installed during the assembly process.

In another embodiment, during the assembly process the trap is releasably clamped between a mounting plate and the retainer that is detachably attached to the mounting plate. The mounting plate is disposed onto the main body of the appliance. This embodiment is particularly advantageous as the trap can be securely kept in place.

In other alternative embodiments, the retainer and the mounting plate are detachably attached through a form-fitting connection and/or a force-fitting connection. These embodiments are particularly advantageous as the retainer can be easily aligned with the mounting plate and releasably attached to the same by the assembly operator.

In another embodiment, both the retainer and the mounting plate each has a u-shaped recess that form-fittingly engages with the respective side of the trap. This embodiment is particularly advantageous as the recesses improve the clamping connection.

In another embodiment, the mounting plate releasably supports the steam generating unit, namely the tank, the pump, the steam generator, the feeding tubes, and the electrical terminals. This embodiment is particularly advantageous as the assembly operator can easily install the aforementioned individual components of the steam generation unit onto the mounting plate, and subsequently attach the mounting plate to the main body of the appliance. Thereby, the assembly process can be expedited by virtue of the modular construction.

In another embodiment, the electrical components of the steam generation unit, in particular the steam generator and the pump are concealed by a protective cover which is detachably attachable to the mounting plate. This embodiment is particularly advantageous as the electrical components can be more effectively protected.

In other alternative embodiments, the mounting plate and the protective cover are detachably attachable through a form-fitting connection and/or a force-fitting connection.

These embodiments are particularly advantageous as the protective cover can be easily aligned with the mounting plate and releasably attached to the same by the assembly operator.

In another embodiment, the steam generator and the pump are each kept in place through a respective individual holder that is detachably attachable to the mounting plate. In another embodiment, the holder for the steam generator is made from metal.

In another embodiment, the retainer for the trap is moulded from plastic material in one piece. In other alternative embodiments, the retainer is provided integrally with or separately from the trap.

In another embodiment, the mounting plate is also moulded from plastic material in one piece.

Additional features and additional advantageous effects of the laundry machine of the present invention will become more apparent with the detailed description of the embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

Figure 1 - is a schematic partial perspective view of a laundry machine according to an embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 2 – is another schematic partial perspective view of the laundry machine according to an embodiment of the present invention, wherein the protective cover has been removed;

Figure 3 – is a schematic partial perspective exploded view of the laundry machine according to an embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 4 – is a schematic partial perspective enlarged view of the detail A of Fig. 3;

Figure 5 – is another schematic partial perspective view of the laundry machine according to an embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 6 – is a schematic partial top view of the laundry machine according to an embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 7 – is a schematic perspective view of the steam injection apparatus used in the laundry machine according to an embodiment of the present invention.

The reference signs appearing on the drawings relate to the following technical features.

Laundry machine
Main body
Apparatus
Inlet port
Outlet port
Drain port

7a. Drain tube

7b. Drain tube

7c. Drain tube
8. Steam generation unit

9. Trap

10. Retainer

10a. Recess

10b. Key
10c. Screw tab
10d. Sleeve
10e. Cross-beam

11. U-shaped section

12. Inlet

13. Outlet

14. Mounting plate

14a. Recess

14b. Slot
14c. Screw hole

14d. Snap-in hook

14e. Projection

15. Cover

15a. Snap-in slot

16. Steam generator

17. Tank

18. Pump

19. Holder

20a. Clip

20b. Clip
20c. Clip

21. Tube

22. Opening

23. Tube

24. Opening

25. Tube

26. Tube

27. Tube

The laundry machine (1), in particular a laundry dryer or a laundry washer-dryer comprises a main body (2), a drum (not shown) for receiving the laundry to be dried, a steam injection apparatus (3) which includes: an inlet port (4) for receiving pressurized steam, an outlet port (5) for discharging the pressurized steam into the drum and a drain port (6) for draining the condensate, a receptacle (not shown) for collecting the drained condensate, one or more serially connected drain tubes (7a, 7b, 7c) for conveying the condensate from the drain port (6) to the receptacle, a steam generation unit (8) for generating and supplying the steam injection apparatus (3) with the pressurized steam. The steam generating unit (8) comprises: a steam generator (16) for generating the pressurized steam, a replenishable tank (17) for storing water and a pump (18) for conveying the water from the tank (17) to the steam generator (16).

The laundry machine (1) of the present invention comprises a u-shaped trap (9) which is adapted to collect the condensate and to prevent passage of the steam, wherein said one or more drain tubes (7a, 7b, 7c) are adapted to convey the condensate via the trap (9) and a retainer (10) which is adapted to keep the trap (9) in place.

In an embodiment, the laundry machine (1) is provided as a laundry dryer.

In another embodiment, at least one one drain tube (7b) is made from a hard material and includes a u-shaped section (11) that forms the trap (9).

In other alternative embodiments, two other drain tubes (7a, 7c) are each made from a flexible material or a hard material. In these embodiments, the first flexible/hard drain tube (7a) is connected between the drain port (6) and the inlet (12) of the trap (9). In addition, the second flexible/hard drain tube (7c) is connected between the outlet (13) of the trap (9) and the receptacle.

In another embodiment, the laundry machine (1) comprises: a mounting plate (14) which is disposed onto the main body (2). In this embodiment, the retainer (10) is detachably attachable to the mounting plate (14). In addition, in the attached state, the trap (9) is clamped between the retainer (10) and the mounting plate (14).

In another embodiment, the retainer (10) comprises a recess (10a) which is adapted to form-fittingly engage with the trap (9) from above and the mounting plate (14) comprises a counterpart recess (14a) which is adapted to form-fittingly engage with the trap (9) from below. In this embodiment, both recesses (10a, 14a) curvilinearly extend along the flow direction of the u-shaped trap (9), and also have an arc-shaped cross-section that intersects the trap (9) normally to the flow direction.

In another embodiment, the laundry machine (1) comprises one or more form-fitting connections (10b, 14b) which are each adapted to detachably attach the retainer (10) to the mounting plate (14).

In another embodiment, the form-fitting connection (10b, 14b) includes: two keys (10b) which are disposed onto the retainer (10) and two counterpart slots (14b) which are disposed onto the mounting plate (14). The keys (10b) and the counterpart slots (14b) are aligned in the vertical direction.

In another embodiment, the laundry machine (1) comprises one or more force-fitting connections (10c, 14c) which are each adapted to detachably attach the retainer (11) to the mounting plate (14).

In another embodiment, the force-fitting connection (10c, 14c) includes one screw tab (10c) which is disposed onto the retainer (10) and one screw hole (14c) which is disposed onto the mounting plate (14). The screw (not shown) is received in the vertical direction.

In another embodiment, the retainer (10) includes two sleeves (10d) which receive the arms of the trap (9) respectively. In this embodiment, the sleeves (10d) are connected by a cross-beam (10e).

In another embodiment, the mounting plate (14) is further adapted to releasably support the steam generating unit (8). In this embodiment, the mounting plate (14) is detachably attachable to the main body (2).

In another embodiment, the laundry machine (1) comprises a protective cover (15) which is detachably attachable to the mounting plate (14). In this embodiment, the protective cover (15) is adapted to conceal the steam generator (16) and the pump (18) of the steam generating unit (8).

In another embodiment, the mounting plate (14) includes a plurality of snap-in hooks (14d) and projections (14e) whereas the protective cover (15) has a plurality of counterpart slots (15a) which receive the snap-in hooks (14d) and the projections (14e).

In another embodiment, the laundry machine (1) comprises a holder (19) which is adapted to keep the steam generator (16) in place. In this embodiment, the holder (19) is detachably attachable to the mounting plate (14).

In another embodiment, the holder (19) is made from metal.

In another embodiment, the retainer (10), including the recess (10a), the keys (10b), the screw tab (10c), the sleeves (10d), and the crossbeam (10e) are provided as a single piece made from plastic material.

In another embodiment, the mounting plate (14), including the recess (14a), the two slots (14b), the screw hole (14c), the snap-in hooks (14d), and the projections (14e) are provided as a single piece made from plastic material.

In another embodiment, the laundry machine (1) comprises: a plurality of clips (20a) for securing at least one drain tube (7c). In this embodiment, the clips (20a) are disposed onto the protective cover (15).

In another embodiment, the tank (17) also includes clips (20b) for securing at least one drain tube (7c).

In another embodiment, the steam generator (16) is connected to the inlet port (4) of the steam injection apparatus (3) by means of a steam conveying tube (21).

In another embodiment, the tank (17) has a replenishment opening (22) for receiving water. The replenishment opening (22) is connected with a replenishment tube (23). In this embodiment, the tank (17) also has an aeration opening (24). The aeration opening (24) is connected with an aeration tube (25).

In another embodiment, the protective cover (15) includes clips (20c) for securing the replenishment tube (23).

In another embodiment, the tank (17) and the pump (18) are connected through a feeding tube (26).

In another embodiment, the pump (18) and the steam generator (16) are connected through another feeding tube (27).

A major advantageous effect of the present invention is that the pressurized steam can be prevented by virtue of the trap (9) from leaking through the drain port (6) to the outside. Thereby, the use-efficiency of the steam can be increased and the clothes can be effectively sanitized and accurately dried to the desired/selected target dryness level. Thereby, also the operation time of the appliance (1) can be prevented from prolonging and thus the energy consumption can be comparatively reduced. Another major advantageous effect of the present invention is that the trap (9) can be securely held in place by virtue of the retainer (10). Thereby, the trap (9) can be protected against the excessive mechanical stress exerted by the pressurized steam, and thus a proper functioning thereof can be ensured. For instance, the trap (9) can be prevented from dislocating or deforming. Other advantageous effects of the present inventions can be taken from the above-described particular embodiments.

Claims

A laundry machine (1) in particular a laundry dryer or a laundry washer-dryer comprising a main body (2), a drum for receiving the laundry to be dried, a steam injection apparatus (3) which includes an inlet port (4) for receiving pressurized steam, an outlet port (5) for discharging the pressurized steam into the drum and a drain port (6) for draining the condensate, a receptacle for collecting the drained condensate, one or more serially connected drain tubes (7a, 7b, 7c) for conveying the condensate from the drain port (6) to the receptacle and a steam generation unit (8) for generating and supplying the steam injection apparatus (3) with the pressurized steam, characterized in that a u-shaped trap (9) which is adapted to collect the condensate and to prevent passage of the steam, wherein said one or more drain tubes (7a, 7b, 7c) are adapted to convey the condensate via the trap (9) and a retainer (10) which is adapted to keep the trap (9) in place.
The laundry machine (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that at least one one drain tube (7b) is made from a hard material and includes a u-shaped section (11) that forms the trap (9).
The laundry machine (1) according to claim 2, characterized in that two other drain tubes (7a, 7c) are each made from a flexible material or a hard material, wherein the first flexible/hard drain tube (7a) is connected between the drain port (6) and the inlet (12) of the trap (9), and wherein the second flexible/hard drain tube (7c) is connected between the outlet (13) of the trap (9) and the receptacle.
The laundry machine (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that a mounting plate (14) which is disposed onto the main body (2), wherein the retainer (10) is detachably attachable to the mounting plate (14), and wherein in the attached state the trap (9) is clamped between the retainer (10) and the mounting plate (14).
The laundry machine (1) according to claim 4, characterized in that the retainer (10) comprises a recess (10a) which is adapted to form-fittingly engage with the trap (9) from above and the mounting plate (14) comprises a counterpart recess (14a) which is adapted to form-fittingly engage with the trap (9) from below, wherein both recesses (10a,14a) curvilinearly extend along the flow direction of the u-shaped trap (9), and have an arc-shaped cross-section that intersects the trap (9) normally to the flow direction.
The laundry machine (1) according to claim 5, characterized in that a form-fitting connection (10b,14b) which is adapted to detachably attach the retainer (10) to the mounting plate (14).
The laundry machine (1) according to claim 5 or 6, characterized in that a force-fitting connection (10c, 14c) which is adapted to detachably attach the retainer (10) to the mounting plate (14).
The laundry machine (1) according to claim 7, characterized in that the mounting plate (14) is further adapted to releasably support the steam generating unit (8), wherein the mounting plate (14) is detachably attachable to the main body (2).
The laundry machine (1) according to claim 8, characterized in that a protective cover (15) which is detachably attachable to the mounting plate (14), wherein the steam generating unit (8) comprises: a steam generator (16) for generating the pressurized steam, a replenishable tank (17) for storing water and a pump (18) for conveying the water from the tank (17) to the steam generator (16), wherein the protective cover (15) is adapted to conceal the steam generator (16) and the pump (18).
The laundry machine (1) according to claim 9, characterized in that a holder (19) which is adapted to keep the steam generator (16) in place, wherein the holder (19) is detachably attachable to the mounting plate (14).
The laundry machine (1) according to claim 10, characterized in that

the holder (19) is made from metal.
The laundry machine (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the retainer (10) comprises a single piece made from plastic material.
The laundry machine (1) according to claim 4, characterized in that the mounting plate (14) comprises a single piece made from plastic material.
The laundry machine (1) according to claim 9, characterized in that one or more clips (20a) for securing one or more drain tubes (7a, 7c), wherein one or more clips (20a) are disposed onto the protective cover (15).