[0001] The invention relates to a domestic appliance, especially to a dryer for textiles
or a washing machine.
[0002] Domestic appliances are well known in the state of the art. It is known to wash and
to dry textiles by them. Dryers usually use a condensation process or a wet exhausting
air process.
[0003] It has been found that the quality of the treatment of textiles can be improved by
using steam which is applied to the textiles in the domestic appliance. By doing so
unwanted odours can be removed. For this purpose water steam, particularly hot or
superheated water steam is fed into the drum which contains the textiles. For this
the domestic appliance needs to have a steam unit.
[0004] A problem is that the steam unit needs to be supplied by fresh water which has to
be free from lime and other contaminations. Normally, 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.
[0005] Therefore, it is an object of the present invention to propose 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.
[0006] This object is achieved by a domestic appliance according to claim 1. Preferred embodiments
are mentioned in the dependent claims.
[0007] 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.
[0008] With this concept it is possible to supply always fresh water without any contamination.
Therefore, the steam treatment can be carried out with best quality so that the result
of the treatment process is optimized.
[0009] Preferably, the water reservoir is locatable in a reception slot in the domestic
appliance.
[0010] The water reservoir can be arranged preferably in an upper region or in the lower
region within the domestic appliance.
[0011] According to a preferred embodiment of the invention the domestic appliance is a
dryer, especially a dryer of the condensation type which has a condensate reservoir.
In this case the water reservoir and the condensate reservoir can be arranged in the
dryer at different locations. Alternatively 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.
[0012] 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.
[0013] Furthermore, 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.
[0014] 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. Preferably the filling device is provided with a filter element to clean
the water that is filled into the water reservoir.
[0015] Furthermore, 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.
[0016] 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.
[0017] Preferably 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. Additionally
it is possible that 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.
[0018] To make sure that the steam production process is only activated if sufficient water
is in the water reservoir, 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.
[0019] To maintain an optimum water quality in the water reservoir a preferred embodiment
is characterized in that the water reservoir has a coating with an antibacterial effect.
[0020] For easy handling of the water reservoir and especially for filling and emptying
it, 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.
[0021] Furthermore an outlet tube for fluids contained inside the water reservoir can be
provided at the water reservoir. With 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.
[0022] According to the invention 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.
[0023] Preferably, the water reservoir is located in an upper or lower interspace in the
domestic appliance.
[0024] It has preferably a storage and a filter function for clean, not contaminated water,
especially distilled water.
[0025] In the drawings different embodiments of the invention are depicted.
- 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, and
- FIG 7
- shows the filling device for the water reservoir, provided in the dryer shown in FIG
6.
[0026] In 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.
Here, 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.
[0027] To improve the quality of the treatment of the 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. For this 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. Therefore 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.
[0028] In the depicted embodiment of the invention the water reservoir 3 and the condensate
reservoir 8 are arranged side by side, i. e. adjacent to another. Here, even a hydraulic
connection 9 is supplied so that water from the condensate reservoir 8 can be transferred
to the water reservoir 3. To make sure that the water which is forwarded to the water
reservoir 3 from the condensate reservoir 8 is sufficiently clean a - not depicted
- filter element is positioned in the hydraulic connection 9.
[0029] As can be seen from FIG 2 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.
[0030] To survey the water level 13 in the water reservoir 3 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. Here 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.
[0031] In the depicted embodiment the means for displaying 14 are arranged in the front
of the water reservoir 3 itself.
[0032] A recessed grip 17 is arranged in the front of the water reservoir 3 to facilitate
the handling of the water reservoir 3.
[0033] 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.
[0034] 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.
[0035] 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. For
example a vacuum lifting pad can be arranged for this transfer of water.
[0036] 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.
[0037] If 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.
[0038] 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.
[0039] 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. Here, 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.
[0040] To improve the quality of the treatment of the textiles a steam process is carried
out in the dryer 1. Steam, i. e. hot or superheated steam, is applied to the textiles
in the drum 16 of the dryer 1. For this a modular steam unit 2 is arranged within
the dryer 1 for the production of the 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.
[0041] 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.
[0042] 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.
[0043] As can be seen from FIG 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.
[0044] 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.
[0045] 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.
[0046] It can be seen in FIG 4 and FIG 5 that 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.
[0047] To implement 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) .
[0048] 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. In FIG 6 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.
[0049] FIG 7 shows the above mentioned filling device 11 in detail. It can be seen that
the filling device 11 comprises a movable filling baffle 23. Furthermore in FIG 7
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.
Reference Numerals
[0050]
- 1
- Dryer
- 2
- Steam unit
- 3
- Water reservoir
- 4
- Water
- 5
- Reception slot
- 6
- Upper region
- 7
- Lower region
- 8
- Condensate reservoir
- 9
- Hydraulic connection
- 10
- Venting element
- 11
- Filling device
- 12
- Sensor device
- 13
- Water level
- 14
- Means for displaying
- 15
- Control panel
- 16
- Drum, treatment area
- 17
- Recessed grip
- 18
- Side region
- 19
- Outlet nozzle
- 20
- Door
- 21
- Front Panel
- 22
- Side panel
- 23
- Filling baffle
- 24
- Filter element
1. Domestic appliance (1) for textiles, especially home dryer or washing machine,
wherein the domestic appliance is a dryer of the condensation type having a condensate
reservoir (8), wherein the domestic appliance is equipped with a steam unit (2) for
applying water steam, especially hot or superheated steam, to the textiles and
wherein a water reservoir (3) is located in or at the domestic appliance (1) for receiving
water (4) for the steam unit (2), characterized in that
the water reservoir (3) comprises a filling device (11) for filling water into the
reservoir (3).
2. Domestic appliance according to claim 1, wherein the water reservoir (3) is a separate
water reservoir for keeping the water for the steam unit (2).
3. Domestic appliance according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the water reservoir (3) is equipped
with a sensor device for detecting the water level in the water reservoir.
4. Domestic appliance according to at least one of claims 1-3, wherein the water reservoir
(3) is arranged in an upper region (6) or in a lower region (7) within the domestic
appliance (1).
5. Domestic appliance according to at least one of claims 1-4, wherein the water reservoir
(3) is arranged in a side region (18) within the domestic appliance (1).
6. Domestic appliance according to at least one of claims 1-5, wherein the water reservoir
(3) and the condensate reservoir (8) are arranged in the dryer (1) at different locations.
7. Domestic appliance according to at least one of claims 1-6, wherein the water reservoir
(3) and the condensate reservoir (8) are arranged adjacently.
8. Domestic appliance according to at least one of claims 1-7, wherein the water reservoir
(3) and the condensate reservoir (8) are hydraulically connected (9).
9. Domestic appliance according to at least one of claims 1-8, wherein a filter element
is arranged between the water reservoir (3) and the condensate reservoir (8).
10. Domestic appliance according to at least one of claims 1-9, wherein the water reservoir
(3) has a venting element (10) which is in fluidic connection with the condensate
reservoir (8) or with the reception slot (5) for the condensate reservoir (8).
11. Domestic appliance according to at least one of claims 1-10, wherein the filling device
(11) is provided with a filter element (24).
12. Domestic appliance according to at least one of claims 1-11, wherein the condensate
reservoir (8)is arranged as part of a drawer that can be removed from the dryer to
empty the condensate reservoir (8).
13. Domestic appliance according to at least one of claims 1-12, wherein the steam unit
(2) is arranged in a side region (18) of the dryer (1), between a drum (16) and a
side panel (22) of the dryer (1).
14. Domestic appliance according to at least one of claims 13, wherein the steam unit
(2) is located in an upper region or in a lower region of the dryer (1).
15. Domestic appliance according to at least one of claims 1-14, wherein the water reservoir
(3) is arranged in a side and upper region (18, 6) of the dryer (1) close to a side
panel (22) of the dryer (1) and between the side panel (22) and the condensate reservoir
(8).