Patent Application
20160083894
The invention relates to a laundry dryer comprising means for cleaning a component of the dryer.
DE 10 2008 054 832 A1 discloses a laundry dryer comprising a device for cleaning a heat exchanger or process air filter arranged in a process air circuit of the dryer. Condensate generated at the heat exchanger during a drying operation of the dryer is collected in a first container from where it is fed to a liquid filter device to filter fluff from the collected liquid. The filtered liquid is collected in a second condensate container. The second container comprises a solenoid valve which is opened to convey the collected condensate by means of gravity to the heat exchanger for cleaning the heat exchanger surface, i.e. to wash off fluff.
It is an object of the invention to provide a dryer comprising an improved cleaning means.
The invention is defined in claim 1. Particular embodiments are set out in the dependent claims.
According to claim 1, a laundry dryer, preferably a condensate type dryer, a cabinet dryer or a vented dryer, more preferably a heat-pump tumble dryer, is provided comprising a casing, wherein the casing may also be denoted as a housing which is essentially the outer apparatus body. A laundry storing compartment, for example a drum, is arranged within the casing for receiving laundry to be dried by passing process air through the laundry storing compartment. The dryer further comprises a heat exchanger for dehumidifying the process air after passing the laundry storing compartment and a removable condensate reservoir for storing condensed water formed at the heat exchanger.
The removable condensate reservoir comprises a reservoir outlet for draining condensate liquid stored therein and a closing element for closing the reservoir outlet when the condensate reservoir is extracted from a reservoir compartment. The reservoir compartment is associated to the casing for receiving and housing the removable condensate reservoir, wherein the removable condensate reservoir can be extracted from and inserted into the reservoir compartment. Preferably the condensate reservoir is formed as drawer. The closing element is always—i.e. permanently—open when the condensate reservoir is inserted in its operation position (fully inserted) in the reservoir compartment. In particular the closing element is not adapted to close when the condensate reservoir is inserted into the compartment.
A supply line for cleaning a component of the dryer is provided which includes a supply line inlet fluidly connected to the reservoir outlet when the removable condensate reservoir is inserted in the reservoir compartment. Preferably the inlet of the supply line comprises a stationary inlet, wherein the stationary inlet is an opening stationary (fixedly) arranged within the body of the dryer which (in normal operation) is adapted to receive all liquid flowing out of the reservoir outlet. The supply line comprises a supply line outlet for delivering condensed water to the component to be cleaned. The component to be cleaned is for example and/or a or the heat exchanger or a filter element of the dryer. Preferably the filter element is an air filter for filtering fluff from the process air and/or the filter element is arranged upstream the heat exchanger in a process air channel. A pump is adapted to convey condensed water from the supply line inlet to the supply line outlet.
A coupling arrangement is associated to the reservoir outlet and/or the supply line inlet and is adapted to actuate the closing element. The coupling arrangement is adapted to maintain the closing element in an open state when the condensate reservoir is inserted into the reservoir compartment, such that condensate liquid can freely flow from the reservoir outlet to the supply line. For example the closing element may be a self-closing valve and/or the coupling arrangement may comprise a self-closing valve.
A portion of the supply line is located above a maximum condensate liquid level of the condensate reservoir, e.g. a siphon-structure is used such that an unintentional draining of the condensate reservoir by means of gravity is prevented. In particular a rising portion, a communication portion and a descending portion of the supply line forms a siphon. The supply line and the reservoir form communicating ‘pipes’, wherein the liquid in the supply line can only rise as high as the maximum reservoir liquid level. Consequently by means of the hydrostatic pressure of the condensate reservoir alone, liquid cannot pass the portion of the supply line which is higher than the maximum reservoir liquid level (e.g. the communicating portion). Thus additional pressure has to be applied for starting a rinsing or flushing operation.
Preferably the siphon effect is started with the start of the pump and is ended when the pump is stopped and when air enters inside the pump body and passes into the siphon. The siphon or the rising/descending/highest point etc. relates to positional relations when the dryer is oriented in a state for user operation. At the highest point of the flow path in the siphon, the lowest liquid flow path level is higher than the maximum level in liquid reservoir, such that at all times the desired siphon effect can be maintained. In particular a maximum liquid level in the liquid reservoir is a level where no further liquid can be stored (in normal operation) or where an overflow is provided in the reservoir such that additional liquid supplied to reservoir instantaneously escapes the reservoir. For example, during a rinsing operation liquid passes through the supply line, wherein a nozzle or an outlet which supplies the liquid to the apparatus component to be rinsed may be arranged at an end or extension of the descending portion or at the pump outlet or at a line connected to the pump outlet.
In contrast to DE 10 2008 054 832 A1, the above described laundry dryer supplies liquid or condensate to a component to be cleaned by means of a pump. I.e. the flow of the supplied liquid, e.g. the volume flow rate or water pressure, can be easily adjusted. In particular throughout a flushing or rinsing operation a stable flow of liquid is maintained due to the pump operation. For example the content of the condensate reservoir may be discharged at a flow rate which is higher than a flow rate generated using gravity only. I.e. due to the higher flow rate the components is cleaned efficiently. Thus the claimed laundry dryer provides an improved cleaning means for cleaning a component of the dryer.
Preferably the reservoir compartment comprises or forms the supply line inlet, in particular the supply line inlet, is arranged at the reservoir compartment. For example the supply line inlet is arranged at a housing wall of the reservoir compartment, wherein the supply line inlet and a housing wall of the reservoir compartment may form a single piece construction. The supply line inlet may be a wall opening or may be a stub or pipe socket, e.g. extending from a wall and/or extending into the reservoir outlet when the reservoir is in its inserted position. The reservoir outlet may be a reservoir wall opening or may be a stub e.g. extending from the reservoir wall into the supply line inlet or stationary inlet of the supply line when the reservoir is in its inserted position. Preferably the supply line comprises an inlet or stationary inlet at a rear wall of the reservoir compartment and/or the reservoir outlet is arranged at a rear wall of the condensate reservoir. When a drawer-like reservoir is provided having an outlet at a rear portion thereof, the reservoir outlet may be inserted or coupled to a supply line inlet by the inserting movement of the reservoir into the reservoir compartment. Thereby a convenient and easy to handle coupling of the reservoir (outlet) to the supply line (inlet) is provided. More preferably a sealing element or a sealing arrangement is arranged between the reservoir outlet and the stationary supply line inlet to provide a leak-proof connection.
According to a preferred embodiment the reservoir compartment comprises a drain to convey condensed water back to a sump adapted to collect the condensed water formed at the heat exchanger. Additionally or alternatively the reservoir compartment is not adapted to permanently or temporarily store liquid drained or spilled from the condensate reservoir. For example when liquid is spilled into the reservoir compartment, the spilled liquid is immediately drained to the sump, e.g. via a (permanently open) opening connecting the reservoir compartment to the sump. Thereby a risk of liquid overflowing the reservoir compartment is prevented in a convenient and easy way.
Preferably the coupling arrangement is associated to the reservoir compartment. E.g. the coupling arrangement is formed at the reservoir compartment, e.g. the coupling arrangement and the reservoir compartment are formed in one piece or are attached to each other. Preferably the coupling arrangement remains in the dryer when the condensate reservoir is removed, e.g. for emptying, such that the coupling arrangement is protected and additionally the weight of the (extracted) reservoir is reduced, whereby the extractable reservoir is easy to handle for a user.
Preferably the liquid pump is arranged upstream or downstream relative to the communication portion. For example, if the pump has liquid/air sucking capability, it can also be placed downstream from the communication portion, i.e. downstream from the siphon. In this embodiment, initially the pump is located in the part of the supply line (descending portion) which contains air, i.e. no liquid. Thus at the beginning of a rinsing operation the pump would suck air from the supply line until liquid from the reservoir reaches the pump, which is then pumped towards the component to be cleaned. In the alternative, when the pump is arranged upstream the communication portion, the pump is located in the part of the supply line (rising portion) which contains liquid. When the pump starts operating it immediately sucks liquid from the reservoir, e.g. until the reservoir is empty. Then the pump also sucks air from the empty container, which effectively terminates the siphon effect as soon as the communication portion is filled with air, i.e. contains no liquid, as described above. Then the rinsing operation is finished or terminated and the pumping system is again in the initial state, where the reservoir may be filled again with condensate while the siphon-effect prevents that the reservoir is unintentionally drained.
Preferably the pump is arranged at an upper section of the apparatus. Additionally or alternatively the reservoir compartment comprises a supporting structure for the pump of the supply line. For example the pump may be arranged inside or outside the reservoir compartment, wherein a supporting structure may be arranged inside or outside the reservoir compartment. This results in advantageous short connection lines as the lines do not have to be guided a far distance downward to the pump and then upward to the siphon. Alternatively the pump may be positioned behind the condensate reservoir, at a lateral side of the reservoir or below the reservoir. For example in a space below the reservoir in a niche between the casing and the laundry compartment.
The pump or the siphon of the supply line may be arranged at the backside of a rear wall or rear frame of the apparatus. Additionally or alternatively the pump may be arranged outside the casing. In particular the supply line may extend at least partly at the backside of a rear wall of the casing. With respect to the normal operation orientation of the dryer the backside or rear wall of the dryer is arranged opposite to a front side of the dryer where a loading opening and/or input panel may be formed. Generally in the casing of a household appliance only little free space is available. By arranging one or more components outside the casing or at a backside of a rear wall/frame, more space is available for the components for cleaning, e.g. for the supply line and flushing pump.
Preferred the communication portion of the supply line is arranged close to or is guided over the pump and/or over and adjacent to the condensate reservoir, hence a space-saving arrangement of the supply line is provided.
Preferably the pump is arranged in a lower section of the apparatus or at or on a cover shell in a base section of the apparatus. Usually more space is available in a bottom section of a dryer, in particular below a drum. For example the pump may be positioned below a center plane running through the laundry compartment and/or may be positioned on or at a battery unit or may be attached to a battery unit arranged in the case of the dryer. For example a battery unit provides a portion of a process air channel and houses amongst others the heat exchanger of the dryer. This pump arrangement is advantageous when liquid is leaking from the pump, e.g. due to a malfunction of the pump. I.e. as most electronic components are arranged in upper section of apparatus, these components are safe from damage by leakage water.
According to a preferred embodiment the condensate reservoir comprises a first compartment for storing liquid and a second compartment for storing liquid, wherein the reservoir outlet is arranged at the first compartment. The term ‘arranged at’ comprises for example forming a wall opening in a wall of the first compartment. Preferably both compartments are arranged within the condensate reservoir and are thus extractable together from reservoir compartment. A preferred ratio of storing volumes of the second to the first compartment is less than 1, preferably less than 0.8, 0.6, 0.4 or 0.2. I.e. the storing volume of the first compartment is larger than storing volume of the second compartment, such that most of the liquid stored in the reservoir may be used for a rinsing operation. For example the first compartment has a storing volume of 3.5 liters and the second compartment a storing volume of 2 liters. In this example the dryer component like for example the heat exchanger may be flushed in one rinse operation (at most) with 3.5 liters of liquid.
Preferably the first and second compartments are separated by a separation wall having a liquid passage arranged below the maximum liquid level of the first and/or second compartment. For example the separation wall comprises one or more through holes or slits or any other opening(s). Alternatively the first and second compartments are connected by a liquid passage arranged below the maximum liquid level of the first and/or second compartment. In particular the passage is not an overflow-only passage, i.e. liquid passes the passage not only in case a maximum water level of the first/second compartment is exceeded. The passage allows liquid to flow even if one or both compartments are not completely full: via the passage the liquid levels of the first/second compartments may be leveled out. For example if the first compartment is emptied by a first flushing, liquid from the second compartment (slowly) flows to the first compartment and is therefore available for a second flushing. Preferably the opening of the passage at the second compartment is at a lower liquid level in relation to the maximum liquid storage level, more preferably the opening of the passage is at or close to the minimum level in the second compartment. For example a liquid passage in form of a channel may be arranged below the first and/or second compartment. Thus it is provided that a maximum amount of liquid may be transferred via the passage from the second compartment to the first compartment for an effective flushing.
The ratio of maximum flow rates through the supply line to the maximum flow rate through the liquid passage may be at least 2, 4, 6, 10 or 20, and additionally or alternatively the cross section area of the liquid passage may be less than 2, 1.5, 1, 0.5, 0.25 or 0.1 cm2. I.e. the liquid passage is sufficiently small to allow only a low liquid flow rate (from the second to the first compartment and vice versa), which prevents that second compartment is rapidly or completely emptied during a flushing operation.
Preferably a fluff filter is arranged at the liquid passage for filtering fluff from liquid passing the liquid passage between the compartments. This is particularly useful for retaining fluff in the second compartment when condensate is first supplied to the second compartment and then flows filtered into the first compartment.
Preferably the supply line fluidly connects the stationary inlet of the supply line to the pump inlet. A fluid connection is provided when the pump is not positioned directly at the stationary inlet. In particular, when the pump is positioned directly at the reservoir outlet, the connection section between the reservoir outlet and the pump inlet is the ‘supply line’ for the purposes of understanding the invention. It is understood that the fluid connection between the reservoir outlet and the pump inlet does not have to be physically defined as a separate element. For example the reservoir outlet and/or the coupling arrangement may form the pump inlet or may form part of the pump inlet. Additionally or alternatively a pump wheel or pump vanes may partially penetrate into the coupling arrangement and/or the reservoir outlet.
The pump allows air to pass through the pump body from the emptied or nearly emptied liquid container into the supply line, such that air accumulates in the communication portion of the supply line and interrupts the liquid flow by eliminating the siphon-effect as described above.
The supply line may have an air inlet in the rising portion, descending portion or communication portion. In other words an air inlet may be formed at the siphon. The air inlet may be formed like a Venturi nozzle for sucking in air when liquid is passing and/or the air inlet is with respect to the surrounding air at a highest point of the siphon, such that no water leaks out. Thus, when a pumping activity is interrupted, air enters into siphon and efficiently eliminates the siphon-effect.
To provide clean liquid for each rinsing or flushing of the dryer component at least one filter element may be provided. Preferably a filter element is arranged at a condensate inlet of the condensate reservoir to filter fluff when liquid is supplied into the condensate reservoir. For example when a filter element is arranged at the condensate inlet the fluff collects at an outer surface of the filter element, such that the fluff can be easily removed, e.g. washed off below running water. In particular in this case it may not be necessary to remove the filter element from the reservoir for cleaning. Additionally or alternatively a filter element is arranged at the reservoir outlet for filtering fluff from the liquid exiting the condensate reservoir through an outlet of the condensate reservoir at the time when the condensate reservoir is inserted in the reservoir compartment and when a component flushing cycle is performed. For example the filter element is attached to the condensate reservoir such that it is removable from the reservoir compartment together with the condensate reservoir. Subsequently the filter element may be detached from the condensate reservoir to be cleaned by a user.
According to an embodiment the coupling arrangement comprises the filter element which is removably positioned in the liquid flow path, such when the condensate reservoir is inserted in the reservoir compartment the coupling arrangement opens the closing element and positions the filter element in the opened flow path. Alternatively the condensate reservoir comprises a removable filter element and the coupling arrangement comprises a stopping element which prevents opening of the closing element when the condensate reservoir is inserted in the reservoir compartment and the filter element is not positioned at its resting position at the condensate reservoir. I.e. it is effectively prevented that unfiltered liquid enters the supply line.
Preferably one or more filter elements for filtering the rinsing or condensate liquid are provided according to one or more of the following, i.e. one (or more) filter element(s): is arranged at an inlet of the condensate reservoir, is arranged at an outlet of the condensate reservoir, is arranged within the interior of the condensate reservoir, is positioned in the supply line, is arranged at or associated to the pump, is arranged in a rinsing or condensate liquid path at a base unit of the apparatus, is arranged at or associated to a drain pump, wherein the drain pump is adapted to pump rinsing or condensate liquid to the condensate reservoir, is positioned in a drain line fluidly connecting the outlet of the or a drain pump to the condensate reservoir, is positioned between the siphon and an outlet or nozzle for draining or spraying the rinsing liquid to the component to be rinsed, and is integrated with, arranged at or associated to the component to be rinsed. In particular the one or more filter elements are arranged such that each filter element is conveniently accessible for a user, e.g. for cleaning. E.g. the filter element(s) are accessible by extracting the condensate reservoir as described above or by arranging the filter element(s) at or close to a front of the dryer, in particular at an upper portion of the dryer, where the filter element(s) may be easily accessible via a lid arranged at the dryer casing.
Reference is made in detail to preferred embodiments of the invention, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying figures, which show:
a-b perspective rear views of the dryer of
a-c a side view and sectional side views of the dryer of
a-b sectional top views of a section of the condensate reservoir and reservoir compartment of
a-b sectional side views of a section of the condensate reservoir and reservoir compartment of
a-b a side view and a sectional side view of the reservoir and reservoir compartment of
a a rear view of the reservoir compartment of
b a rear view of the condensate reservoir,
c a sectional front view of the reservoir compartment,
a-b a sectional side view and detail of the reservoir and reservoir compartment of
a-c a side view, a perspective view and a rear view of the dryer of
a-b a perspective rear view and detail of a dryer according to a further embodiment, and
a-c perspective views and sectional side views of an alternative coupling arrangement for a condensate reservoir.
The expansion device 16 is a controllable valve that operates under the control of a control unit 9 (
The process air flow A within the treatment apparatus 2 is guided through a compartment 18 of the treatment apparatus 2, i.e. through a compartment 18 for receiving articles to be treated, e.g. a drum 18, which may be rotated by means of a drum motor 17. The articles to be treated are textiles, laundry 19, clothes, shoes or the like. In the embodiments described here these are preferably textiles, laundry or clothes. The process air flow is indicated by arrows A in
When the heat pump system 4 is operating, the first heat exchanger 10 transfers heat from process air A to the refrigerant R. By cooling the process air to lower temperatures, humidity from the process air condenses at the first heat exchanger 10, is collected there and drained to a condensate collector 26, which is preferably arranged below the heat exchangers 10, 12. The process air which is cooled and dehumidified after passing the first heat exchanger 10 passes subsequently through the second heat exchanger 12 where heat is transferred from the refrigerant R to the process air. The process air is sucked from exchanger 12 by the blower 8 and is driven into the drum 18 where it heats up the laundry 19 and receives the humidity therefrom. The process air exits the drum 18 and is guided in front channel 20d back to the first heat exchanger 10. The main components of the heat pump system 4 are arranged in a base section 5 or basement of the dryer 2.
A cooling air blower 24 or fan unit controlled by the control unit 9 of the dryer 2 may be arranged close to the compressor 14 to remove heat from the compressor 14, i.e. from the heat pump system 4, during a drying operation. The cooling air flow, which is an ambient air flow in the embodiments, is actively driven by the cooling air blower 24 and is taking heat from (the surface of) the compressor 14. By transferring heat from the compressor 14, during a normal operation mode of the heat pump system 4 (following to its warm-up phase), thermodynamic balance is achieved between the closed loops of the process air loop and refrigerant loop 6.
As schematically shown in
As schematically shown in
The rinsed off fluff and rinsing liquid is collected in the condensate collector 26 arranged below the heat exchangers 10, 12. Controlled by the control unit 9 a drain pump 42 pumps the collected liquid via a drain pipe 41 back to the reservoir 28. For example a liquid level sensor (not depicted) may be provided which is adapted to provide a signal to the control unit when a threshold value of a liquid level in the collector 26 is reached, then the control unit 9 may activate the drain pump 42.
To remove fluff from the liquid, one or more fluff filter(s) 70a-e or filter elements may be provided (
As schematically depicted in
When the dryer 2 starts operating condensate is generated at the first heat exchanger 10 as described above. The condensed liquid is collected in the condensate collector 26 and subsequently pumped by means of drain pump 42 and drain pipe 41 into the reservoir 28.
For example the drain pump 42 may be operated in dependency of a signal of a liquid level sensor arranged in the condensate collector 26 as described above. E.g. the drain pump 42 may be repeatedly switched on and off in dependency of the water level in the collector 26.
The reservoir 28 comprises a first compartment 62 (rinsing or flushing volume) and a second compartment 64 (retaining volume) which are divided by a separation wall 66 comprising small liquid passages 68a-c (
When the liquid level in the first compartment 62 exceeds the height of the separation wall 66, liquid flows over the separation wall 66 and fills the second compartment 64. Additionally liquid flows via liquid passages 68a-c from the first compartment 62 to the second compartment 64 with a lower flow rate as compared to an overflow rate over the separation wall and/or the conveyance flow rate of pump 44.
In another embodiment (not shown), the separation wall 66, which is aligned vertically in the above embodiment, may be replaced by a separation wall that is oriented horizontally, is oriented inclined or is oriented partially vertical, inclined and/or horizontal. Note: All orientation relate to the operational positioning of the laundry dryer. Thus the first and second compartments may not necessarily be arranged side by side but can be arranged above each other or partially side by side and partially above each other. In any case the one or more liquid passages 68a-c are provided at a lower part of the separation wall such that a controlled low flow rate of liquid can flow from the second to the first compartment in case of liquid level difference. An overflow between the first and second compartment may also be provided. If the condensate flowing into the condensate reservoir is first supplied to the second compartment, it can flow to the first compartment through the liquid passage(s) (and possibly via the overflow therebetween). The above and below respectively applies to such another embodiment.
To start a rinsing operation, e.g. after a predetermined operation time of a drying program has elapsed or after the end of a drying cycle, the flushing pump 44 is activated via the control unit 9. The flushing pump 44 pumps liquid from the reservoir 28 via the supply line 32 to an outlet of the supply line, in particular to a flushing duct 58 which comprises a nozzle 57 arranged such that e.g. the heat exchanger 10 front surface is rinsed by the supplied liquid. The supply line 32 may be attached to the duct 58 and nozzle 57 such that the supply line 32 is fluidly connected to the duct 58 and nozzle. Alternatively the outlet of the supply line may be arranged such that supplied liquid is directly supplied to the component of the dryer 2 to be cleaned.
When the first compartment 62 is empty, i.e. all liquid stored therein has been supplied to the component to be cleaned, and the flushing pump 44 continues to operate, the pump 44 starts to pump air from the empty compartment 62 into the supply line 32 until the air reaches the communicating portion 36, whereby the siphon-effect is eliminated. Depending on pump operation conditions and when pump 44 is stopped, liquid draining in the descending portion 38 results in air entering through nozzle 57 or outlet which rises to the communicating portion 36 thereby also interrupting the siphon effect. The supply line 32 or the liquid supply system is again in its initial condition, where liquid can be supplied into the first compartment (from the condensate collector 26 or the second compartment 64) while the communicating portion 36 arranged above the highest reservoir liquid level prevents an unintentional emptying of the reservoir 28.
The rinsing liquid with the washed off fluff is collected in the condensate collector 26 after the rinsing operation. For removing the (dirty) liquid from the dryer 2, the collected liquid may be pumped via drain pump 42 back into the first compartment, basically as described above. The user may extract the reservoir 28 from the reservoir compartment 30 to empty the reservoir 28.
When a user extracts or pulls out the reservoir 28, the reservoir outlet 29 is closed by the closing element 48 or valve, such that the collected liquid is retained in the reservoir 28. Alternatively an additional drain outlet (not depicted) is fluidly connected via a valve to the drain pipe 41, whereby the collected dirty rinsing liquid may be directly drained from the dryer 2 by means of the drain pump 42.
The reservoir compartment 30 comprises an outlet 31 such that when liquid spills during removal of the reservoir 20 or when the reservoir 28 is overflowing, liquid enters the reservoir compartment 30 and is drained through outlet 31. The outlet 31 is connected via a drain pipe 46 to the condensate collector 26. The outlet 31 is permanently open and spilled liquid is immediately discharged to the condensate collector 26.
As described above, liquid from the second compartment 64 may flow to the first compartment 62 via the liquid passage 68a-c. The liquid passage 68a-c is arranged close to a base or bottom of the reservoir 28. When the liquid level of the second compartment 64 is low, it is provided that liquid flows with a low flow rate towards the (empty) first compartment 62 until the liquid levels in first and second compartment 62, 64 are leveled out. The cross-section of the liquid passage 68a-c is small, such that during emptying the first compartment 62 by means of the flushing pump 44 little or almost no liquid flows from the second compartment 64 to the first compartment 62. However, after a pause period following to a first pump/flushing operation, for example a second rinsing operation may be executed, wherein the liquid slowly flown from the second compartment 64 to the first compartment 62 may be used as rinsing liquid as described above.
In the following different embodiments of a laundry dryer are described. Elements and features corresponding to the above schematically depicted dryer 2 of
The reservoir compartment 30 is arranged at a top portion of the dryer 2, wherein the extractable reservoir 28 is inserted into the compartment 30. At the rear of the compartment 30 the supply line 32 can be seen which runs from the reservoir 28 or compartment 30 down to the flushing pump 44. From the flushing pump 44 the rising portion 34 of the supply line is guided back up. The communicating portion 36 of the supply line is arranged above a highest liquid level of the reservoir 28 as described above and is formed in a space-saving manner as a flat pipe. The descending portion 38 of the supply line 32 is guided downwards towards the flushing duct 58 which is arranged on top of the battery channel 20a which houses the first and second heat exchanger 10, 12.
The drain pump 42 is arranged at a bottom rear portion of the base section 5 of the dryer. The drain pump 42 pumps liquid from the condensate collector 26 (
a-c show a side view and sectional side views of the dryer of
When the reservoir 28 is inserted, the reservoir outlet 29 (i.e. the closing element 48) is permanently opened as described above. In particular the coupling arrangement 54 comprises an actuating element in form of a protruding bolt or pin which opens the closing element 48 by pushing it open when inserting the reservoir 28 into the reservoir compartment 30.
As shown in
The condensate collector 26 is arranged below the heat exchangers 10, 12 and extends to the back or rear of the dryer 2 where the drain pump 42 is arranged, which pumps the collected liquid back into the reservoir 28 as described above.
a shows a sectional top view of a portion of the condensate reservoir 28 and
b shows the reservoir 28 when completely inserted in the reservoir compartment 30, i.e. the reservoir 28 is in its operating position. The coupling arrangement 54, here the protruding pin pushes the closing element 48 into the reservoir 28 such that the reservoir outlet 29 is opened and the reservoir 28 is fluidly connected to the supply line 32.
Corresponding to
a-b show a side view and a sectional side view of the reservoir compartment 30 with inserted condensate reservoir 28. In
a-c show a rear view and sectional views of the reservoir 28 and reservoir compartment 30.
a-b show a sectional side view and detail of the reservoir 28 and reservoir compartment 30 in the plane of the outlet 31 of the compartment 30. It can be seen that the outlet 31 is formed as a pipe socket at the lowest portion of the compartment 30 which is permanently open. I.e. it is provided that any spilled liquid is immediately drained from the compartment 30 via outlet 31 and drain pipe 46 into the condensate collector 26 as described above.
a-c show a side view, a perspective view and a rear view of the dryer 2 of
a-b show a perspective rear view and a detail of a dryer 2′ according to a further embodiment. Unless otherwise mentioned, elements, features and functions of the dryer 2′ correspond the elements, features and functions of the dryer 2 described above.
In contrast to the above described dryer 2, the dryer 2′ of
a-d show perspective views and sectional side views of an alternative coupling arrangement 54′ for a condensate reservoir 28′. The condensate reservoir 28′ and its coupling to the supply line 32 as described in the following may be implemented in any of above described embodiments of dryers 2, 2′. In
a shows a perspective view of a detail of the reservoir 28′ with a closing element or valve 48′ in a closed state and
The valve 48′ comprises several gaskets 90a-c in form of O-rings. Gasket 90c is arranged on the moveable valve element 80 and provides a tight sealing between a first sealing surface 84 (
c shows a cross-sectional side view of the reservoir 28′ before coupling the reservoir 28′ to a coupling arrangement 54′ attached to the supply line 32 or supply line inlet 56. The spring element 88 pushes the valve element 80, i.e. the second sealing surface 86, against the first sealing surface 84 of the valve body 82, such that the valve 48′ is in the closed state. The (open) end of the moveable valve element 80 facing the outside of the reservoir 28′ has a maximum outlet diameter d. When actuating the valve 48′, the valve element 80 is pushed along the valve axis into the (stationary) part of the valve 48′, i.e. the valve body 82. An actuation length of the valve element 80, i.e. the length the valve element 80 that has to be moved from the closed valve state to the (completely) open valve state, is in the range of 5 mm to 15 mm. In particular the valve 48′ is (completely) open when the complete cross-section of all passages 92a-c is exposed to the inner volume of the reservoir 28′.
d shows a cross-sectional side view of the reservoir 28′ after coupling the reservoir 28′ to the coupling arrangement 54′ arranged at the supply line inlet 56, i.e. after fully inserting the reservoir 28′ in its compartment. The valve 48′ is actuated, i.e. the valve element 80 is pushed into the valve body 82 such that the passages 92a-c are exposed to the interior of the reservoir 28′, i.e. the valve is in the open state. In particular the actuation length of the valve element 80 is selected such that at the end of the actuation movement the passages 92a-c are fully exposed.
In particular the sum of the cross-sections of all passages 92a-c is equal to or approximately equal to the cross-section of the maximum axial opening of the valve element 80. Thus a free flow of water through the valve 48′ during discharging the reservoir 28′ is provided. The water flow through the valve 48′ is not or is essentially not constricted. For manually draining the reservoir 28′, the reservoir 28′ is extracted from its compartment, whereby the valve 48′ is closed. Then the valve 48′ may be opened by pushing it by hand or by pushing it against a surface, such that the collected liquid may be drained through the opened valve 48′. By providing several passages 92a-c through the valve element profile section the counter-flow of air during discharging the reservoir 28′ is facilitated, whereby the discharging time for the reservoir 28′ is reduced.
| Filing Document | Filing Date | Country | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| PCT/EP2013/058024 | 4/17/2013 | WO | 00 |
