Laundry dryer with removable condenser

Abstract

 Laundry dryer (1) comprising a casing (2) containing a rotatable drum (3) for holding the laundry (4) to be dried, and a drying air circuit (5) for conveying a drying air flow towards the inside of the drum (3), from the drum (3) to a removable condenser (8) contained in a seat (6) provided in said laundry dryer (1), and again into said drum (3). One or more movable elements (25) are provided, associated to the condenser (8), movable between an active position, in which the one or more movable elements (25) are able to engage stopping means (29), provided on the laundry dryer (1), for avoiding or limiting the insertion of the condenser (8) into the seat (6), and an idle position, in which the one or more movable elements (25) allow a free insertion of the condenser (8) into the seat (6), the one or more movable elements (25) being arranged to be displaced in the active position by the gravity force when the condenser (8) is oriented in a prefixed wrong position.

Description

[0001] The present invention refers to a laundry dryer with a removable condenser.

[0002] Nowadays they are known laundry dryers comprising a casing, including an outer casing and a loading/unloading door, in which a drying air circuit is defined, adapted to cause heated drying air to circulate through a rotating drum in which the laundry can be loaded, so as to remove the moisture from the latter.

[0003] In particular they are known condenser-type drying machines in which the drying air circuit is provided with an air-cooled condenser, i.e. an air/air heat exchanger, adapted to remove moisture from the hot moisture-laden drying air exiting the drum.

[0004] The condenser is usually placed into a suitable seat, obtained in the base of the laundry dryer, which constitutes a part of the drying air circuit.

[0005] While passing through the condenser, the hot and moisture-laden drying air exchanges heat with a stream of cooling air taken in from the outside ambient, without mixing with this stream of cooling air; due to this heat exchange, the drying air decreases its temperature, and therefore the moisture contained in it condensates in the condenser, and is removed from the latter by suitable known draining means, such as a pump.

[0006] Then, the dehydrated drying air exiting the condenser is sent back into the drum, upon having been duly heated up again by heating means, so as to remove additional moisture from the clothes contained in the drum.

[0007] At the same time the stream of cooling air traversing the condenser, heated up by the heat exchange with the hot and moisture-laden drying air, is let out into the outside ambient.

[0008] Usually the above mentioned air-cooled condenser comprises a metallic main body, substantially parallelepiped shaped, in which there are a series of longitudinal channels and a series of transversal channels, which are reciprocally positioned in such a way that each longitudinal channel is contiguous to a transversal channel, whit a thermal conductive wall separating each pair of contiguous channels, so that a heat exchange is possible between the latter; furthermore the longitudinal channels are arranged in such a way that they aren't fluidly connected (that is they are fluidly separated) to the transversal channel when the condenser is positioned into the seat obtained in the base of the laundry dryer.

[0009] Typically, the stream of hot moisture-laden drying air exiting the drum is circulated through the longitudinal channels, and the stream of cooling air, taken in from the outside ambient, is circulated through the transversal channels, in such a way that a heat-exchange takes place between the two streams of air, without a mixing of the latter; therefore, while the cooling air increases its temperature, the hot moisture-laden drying air decreases its temperature, and the moisture contained in the drying air condenses on the surface of the walls of the longitudinal channels.

[0010] These condensers of known type also comprise a frontal frame, fixed to one end of the main body, protruding laterally from the latter, and provided with a sealing member; the conformation of the frontal frame and of the sealing member is such that they can fit in with the access opening of the seat adapted to contain the condenser.

[0011] The condenser can be temporarily removed from the seat in order to clean it from lint, fibres, etc. which can be contained in the drying air after its contact with the laundry, and which can deposit on the condenser, with the risk of clogging it.

[0012] A handle is usually provided on the frontal end of the condenser to facilitate its extraction from the seat.

[0013] A laundry dryer of the above mentioned type is illustrated, for example, in EP 1 548 178, which discloses a drum-type laundry dryer including a base, a condenser receiving unit formed in the base, and a condenser inserted in the condenser receiving unit, and provided with an insertion member. The condenser comprises a handle ring, formed on a front centre of the condenser, adapted for allowing the user to easily remove the condenser.

[0014] Another laundry dryer of the above mentioned type is also illustrated in WO 2007/077093, which discloses a dryer comprising a detachable condenser and a handle, attached to the condenser, so as to allow taking out the condenser by using the handle.

[0015] Typically, in the known laundry dryer provided of a removable condenser, the longitudinal axis of the main body of the condenser is slightly inclined with respect to the plane on which the frontal frame lies, in such a way that when the condenser is correctly placed into the seat, the rear end of the main body, which is placed inside the seat, is positioned at a height lower than the frontal end of the main body; this ensures that, when the condenser is correctly positioned into the seat, the walls of the longitudinal channels are inclined in such a way that the moisture which has condensed on these walls could flow on the latter towards suitable collecting means, such as a drip-tray, placed inside the outer casing of the laundry dryer.

[0016] These laundry dryers of known type have however a drawback; in fact if, after its removal from the seat (for example for its cleaning), the condenser is repositioned in the latter oriented in a wrong position, for example in a position in which the rear end of the main body is placed at a height superior than its frontal end, the resulting inclination of the longitudinal channels opposes to the flow of the condensed moisture towards the collecting means, with the risk of clogging the condenser, and/or of malfunctioning of the laundry dryer.

[0017] Moreover, if the condenser is oriented in such a wrong position, there is the possibility that the sealing member of the frontal frame doesn't fit correctly the access opening of the seat, with the risk that the drying air mix with the cooling air, causing a malfunctioning of the laundry dryer.

[0018] In order to partially solve this problem, they are known laundry dryers provided with a removable condenser which frontal frame comprises one or more juts protruding from one of its horizontal sides. The seat and the condenser are designed in such a way that if the condenser is oriented in a prefixed wrong position (e.g. the above indicated wrong position), the juts engage the border of the access opening of the seat, and the condenser can't therefore be totally inserted into the seat; on the contrary, if the condenser is oriented in the correct position, the juts don't engage the border of the access opening of the seat, and the condenser can be totally inserted into the latter.

[0019] This solution has however a drawback; in fact the juts can't be to high, because otherwise they could engage the border of the access opening of the seat also if the condenser is oriented in the correct position, with the risk to impede or to limit the insertion of the condenser into the seat also if it is in the correct position. On the other hand, if the juts aren't high enough, thanks to the mechanical tolerance between the seat and the condenser, there is the possibility to force the juts to trespass the border of the access opening of the seat even if the condenser is in the wrong position, with the risk that the condenser can be inserted into the seat in this wrong position, and that the user, not noticing the wrong positioning of the condenser, could activate the laundry dryer in this condition.

[0020] The aim of the present invention is therefore to obtain a laundry dryer with a removable condenser, in which, if the condenser is oriented in a prefixed wrong position, its insertion into its seat provided in the laundry dryer would be avoided or limited, but without obstructing the insertion of this condenser into the seat if it is oriented in a prefixed correct position.

[0021] Within this aim, another object of the present invention is to obtain a laundry dryer with a removable condenser which can be easily inserted in its seat if it is oriented in a prefixed correct position.

[0022] It is therefore an object of the present invention to solve the above-noted problems, thereby doing away with the drawbacks of the cited prior art.

[0023] The Applicant has found that by providing the removable condenser of a laundry dryer of one or more movable elements arranged to be displaced by the gravity force, when the condenser is rotated in a prefixed wrong position, in an active position in which they are able to engage stopping means provided on the laundry dryer, for avoiding or limiting the insertion of the condenser into the seat, it is possible to avoid that the condenser would be inserted into the seat in the prefixed wrong position, without obstructing the insertion of this condenser when it is oriented in the prefixed correct position.

[0024] In particular, the above-mentioned aim and objects, as well as others that will become better apparent hereinafter, are achieved by a laundry dryer comprising a casing containing a rotatable drum for holding the laundry to be dried, and a drying air circuit for conveying a drying air flow towards the inside of the drum, from the drum to a removable condenser contained in a seat provided in the laundry dryer, and again into the drum; one or more movable elements are provided, associated to the condenser, movable between an active position, in which the one or more movable elements are able to engage stopping means, provided on the laundry dryer, for avoiding or limiting the insertion of the condenser into the seat, and an idle position, in which the one or more movable elements allow a free insertion of the condenser into the seat, the one or more movable elements being arranged to be displaced in the active position by the gravity force when the condenser is oriented in a prefixed wrong position.

[0025] Advantageously, at least one movable element is slidably associated to a housing provided in or at the condenser or in or at a further element associated to the condenser.

[0026] In a first embodiment the condenser comprises a main body and a frontal frame, and the housing is provided in or at the frontal frame or in the main body.

[0027] In a further embodiment the condenser comprises a handle and the housing is provided in or at the handle.

[0028] Advantageously the full extraction of the movable element from the housing is avoided by retaining means.

[0029] Preferably the retaining means comprise an annular relief, radially protruding from the lateral surface of the movable element, so as to engage the access edge of the housing in the active position, thus impeding the full extraction of the movable element from the housing.

[0030] In a further embodiment the condenser comprises a main body and a frontal frame, and at least one movable element is rotatably associated to the frontal frame, or to the main body.

[0031] In another embodiment the condenser comprises a handle, and at least one movable element is rotatably associated to this handle.

[0032] Opportunely, at least one movable element is displaced by the gravity force into a seat, provided respectively in the condenser or in a further element, when the condenser is in the prefixed correct position.

[0033] In a preferred embodiment the stopping means comprise one or more lugs, protruding from the casing, and/or from the base, and/or from a further component connected to the casing and/or to the base, this one or more lugs being adapted, during the insertion of the condenser into the seat, to engage at least one of the one or more movable elements if the condenser is in the prefixed wrong position, so as to avoid or limiting the insertion of the condenser into the seat.

[0034] Opportunely the casing comprises an opening adapted to allow the insertion of the condenser into the seat, and closable by a door arranged in such a way that when it is fully opened it lies in a substantially horizontal plane, under the opening; the one or more lugs protrude from the inner surface of the door which is oriented, when the latter is closed, towards the seat.

[0035] Advantageously the stopping means comprise the lower horizontal side of the opening, the one or more movable elements being adapted to engage the lower horizontal side during the insertion of the condenser into the seat if the condenser is oriented in the prefixed wrong position.

[0036] Opportunely the stopping means comprise the lower horizontal side of the access opening of the seat, the one or more movable elements being adapted to engage the lower horizontal side during the insertion of the condenser into the seat if the condenser is oriented in the prefixed wrong position.

[0037] In a further aspect thereof, the present invention concern a condenser, particularly for a laundry dryer, comprising one or more movable elements movable between an active position and an idle position, and arranged to be displaced in the active position by the gravity force when the condenser is oriented in a prefixed wrong position.

[0038] Features and advantages of the present invention will anyway be more readily understood from the description that is given below by way of nonlimiting example with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figure 1 schematically illustrates, in a lateral view partially sectioned, and in which some components haven't been represented, a laundry dryer according to the invention;

Figure 2 schematically illustrates, in view analogous to the previous one, a laundry dryer according to the invention during the insertion of a condenser oriented in a prefixed wrong position;

Figure 3 schematically illustrates, in a perspective view partially sectioned, in which some components haven't been represented, a laundry dryer according to the invention with the condenser correctly inserted into the seat;

Figure 4 schematically illustrates, in a view analogous to the previous one, a laundry dryer according to the invention after the removal of the condenser;

Figure 5 illustrates, in a perspective view, a condenser of a laundry dryer according to the invention, oriented in a prefixed wrong position;

Figure 6 illustrates, in a perspective view, a condenser of a laundry dryer according to the invention, oriented in a prefixed correct position;

Figure 7 illustrates, in a perspective view, a detail of a laundry dryer according to the invention, with the condenser oriented in a prefixed wrong position;

Figure 8 illustrates, in a lateral view partially sectioned, a detail of the condenser of a laundry dryer according to the invention oriented in a prefixed correct position;

Figure 9 illustrates, in a view analogous to the previous one, a detail of the condenser of a laundry dryer according to the invention, oriented in a prefixed wrong position;

Figure 10 schematically illustrates, in a lateral view partially sectioned, another embodiment of a condenser of a laundry dryer according to the invention;

Figure 11 schematically illustrates, in a frontal view, another embodiment of a condenser of a laundry dryer according to the invention, oriented in a prefixed correct position;

Figure 12 schematically illustrates, in a frontal view, the condenser of Figure 11 oriented in a prefixed wrong position.

[0039] In Figures 1, 2, 3 and 4 is schematically illustrated a laundry dryer 1 comprising a casing 2, including an outer casing 2a and a loading/unloading door 2b, which contains a rotatable drum 3 for holding the laundry 4 to be dried.

[0040] The laundry dryer 1 comprises a drying air circuit, schematically indicated in Figure 1 with the arrows numbered 5, for conveying a drying air flow towards the inside of the drum 3, from the drum 3 to a seat 6, preferably obtained in the base 7 of the laundry dryer 1 and containing a removable condenser 8 adapted to remove the moisture from the drying air, and again into the drum 3, after being heated up by an heating device, comprising, for example, an electric heater 9.

[0041] The drying air is circulated through the drying air circuit 5 by a suitable air circulation device, such as a fan or a pump, not illustrated in the enclosed Figures.

[0042] Advantageously, on the outer casing 2a of the laundry dryer 1 it is obtained an opening 10, adapted to allow the insertion of the condenser 8 into the seat 6.

[0043] The opening 10 is opportunely closable by a door 11, preferably rectangular shaped, hinged at the outer casing 2a or at the base 7, advantageously in such a way that when this door 11 is fully opened, as illustrated in Figures 2, 3, 4 and 7, it lies in a substantially horizontal plane, under the opening 10.

[0044] Opportunely the condenser 8 comprises a main body 12, preferably metallic and substantially parallelepiped, in which a series of longitudinal channels 13 and a series of transversal channels 14 are obtained; these channels are designed and reciprocally positioned in such a way that when the condenser 8 is oriented in a prefixed correct position (or "working position"), as represented in Figure 1, and it is inserted into the seat 6, the longitudinal channels 13 aren't fluidly connected (that is they are fluidly separated) to the transversal channel 14.

[0045] Moreover each longitudinal channel 13 is contiguous to a transversal channel 14, with a thermal conductive wall 15 separating each pair of contiguous channels, so that a heat exchange is possible between the latter.

[0046] In the embodiments illustrated in the enclosed Figures, the longitudinal edges of the longitudinal channels 13 are sealed, preferably by clinching, in such a way that a stream of air can traverse these longitudinal channels 13 only in a direction which is longitudinal to the condenser 8; as well, the transversal edges of the transversal channels 14 are sealed, so that a stream of air can traverse these transversal channels 14 only in a direction which is transversal to the condenser 8.

[0047] When the condenser 8 is in the above mentioned prefixed correct position, and it is fully inserted into the seat 6 (that is moved towards the inside of the seat 6 until it can't proceed any more), a stream of hot moisture-laden drying air exiting the drum 3 can be circulated through the longitudinal channels 13, and a stream of cooling air, schematically indicated in Figure 1 with the reference number 16, taken in from the outside ambient, can be circulated through the transversal channels 14, in such a way that a heat-exchange takes place (via the thermal conductive walls 15) between the two streams of air, without a mixing of the latter.

[0048] Therefore, while the cooling air increases its temperature, the hot moisture-laden drying air decreases its temperature, and the moisture contained in the drying air condenses on the surface of the thermal conductive walls 15 internal to the longitudinal channels 13.

[0049] The circulation of the drying air and of the cooling air are obtained by suitable circulating means, such as two fans not illustrated in the enclosed figures.

[0050] As will be better explained in the following, the longitudinal channels 13 are obtained in such a way that when the condenser 8 is oriented in the above mentioned prefixed correct position, illustrated for example in Figures 1, 3, 6, 8, 10, 11, and it is fully inserted into the seat 6 (that is moved towards the inside of the seat 6 until it can't proceed any more), the resulting inclination of the longitudinal channels 13 ensures that the condensed moisture is drained towards collecting means provided in the laundry drying machine 1.

[0051] On the contrary, if the condenser 8 would be inserted into the seat 6 while it is oriented in a prefixed wrong position ("not-working position"), illustrated for example in figured 2, 5, 7 9, 12, in which it is rotated, respect to the above mentioned prefixed correct position, of about 180° around its longitudinal axis 20, the resulting inclination of the longitudinal channels 13 would oppose to the flow of the condensed moisture towards the collecting means.

[0052] In the embodiment illustrated in the enclosed Figures, the above mentioned collecting means advantageously comprise a drip-tray 17, from which the condensed moisture can be evacuated by a suitable device, not illustrated, comprising, for example, a draining pump; in another embodiment, the condensed moisture collected into the drip-tray 17 can be let evaporate spontaneously.

[0053] The condenser 8 comprises a frontal frame 18, fixed to the frontal end 12a of the main body 12, protruding laterally from the latter, and preferably provided with a first sealing member 19; the conformation of the frontal frame 18 and of the first sealing member 19 is such that they can fit in with the access opening 6a of the seat 6 when the condenser 8 is oriented in a prefixed correct position and it is fully inserted into the seat 6.

[0054] Advantageously the condenser 8 comprises a second sealing member 31, fixed to the rear end 12b of the main body 12 and adapted, when the condenser 8 is oriented in the prefixed correct position, and it is fully inserted into the seat 6, to fit in with an exit opening 6b of the seat 6, from which the drying air exiting the condenser 8 goes towards the heating device 9.

[0055] Therefore, when the condenser 8 is in the prefixed correct position, and it is fully inserted into the seat 8, thanks to the correct coupling (i.e. fitting) of the first and of the second sealing members respectively with the access opening 6a and the exit opening 6b of the seat 6, the stream of hot moisture-laden drying air exiting the drum 3 traversing the longitudinal channels 13 doesn't mix with the stream of cooling air circulated through the transversal channels 14.

[0056] On the contrary, if the condenser would be oriented in the above mentioned prefixed wrong position, and it would be inserted into the seat 6, the first and the second sealing member couldn't correctly fit in with respectively the access opening 6a and the exit opening 6b of the seat 6, with the risk that the drying air mix with the cooling air, causing a malfunctioning of the laundry dryer 1; as it will be cleared in the following, the present invention allows avoiding this eventuality by avoiding or limiting the insertion of the condenser 8 into the seat 6 if the condenser 8 is oriented in the prefixed wrong position.

[0057] In the embodiment illustrated in Figures 1 to 9, the longitudinal axis 20 of the main body 12 is advantageously inclined, with respect to the plane 21 on which the frontal frame 18 lies, in such a way that when the condenser 8 is positioned, with respect to the seat 6, in the above mentioned prefixed correct position, and it is fully inserted into the seat 6, the rear end 12b of the main body 12, which is oriented towards the inside of the seat 6, is positioned at a lower height than the outwards-oriented front end 12a of the main body 12; in this embodiment the longitudinal axis of the longitudinal channels 13 is substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis 20 of the main body 12, and therefore, when the condenser 8 is oriented in the prefixed correct position, and it is fully inserted into the seat 6, the thermal conductive walls 15 of the longitudinal channels 13 are inclined in such a way that the moisture which has condensed on these walls could flow on the latter, cause the gravity, towards the drip-tray 17.

[0058] In another embodiment, schematically illustrated in Figure 10, the longitudinal axis 20 of the main body 12 is substantially perpendicular to the plane 21 on which the frontal frame 18 lies; in this case the longitudinal axis of the longitudinal channels 13 is inclined with respect to the longitudinal axis 20 of the main body 12, in such a way that when the condenser 8 is positioned, with respect to the seat 6, in the prefixed correct position, and it is fully inserted into the seat 6, the rear end 13b of the longitudinal channels 13, which is oriented towards the inside of the seat 6, is positioned at a height lower than the outward-facing frontal end 13a of the longitudinal channel 13, ensuring the draining of the moisture towards the drip tray 17.

[0059] Advantageously the condenser 8 comprises a handle 22, preferably protruding from the frontal frame 18, for removing the condenser 8 from the seat 6 and for re-inserting the condenser 8 into the latter, for example after its cleaning.

[0060] In the embodiment illustrated in the enclosed Figures, the handle 22 advantageously comprises two arms 23a, 23b, preferably triangular shaped, protruding from the parallel sides of the frontal frame 18 which, when the condenser 8 is placed into the seat 6, are substantially horizontally positioned; the two arms 23a and 23b support a grasping element 24, preferably cylindrical.

[0061] Advantageously, one or more movable elements 25, which will be described in the following, are associated to the handle 22 (but, in a further embodiment, they can be associated also to de condenser 8); these one or more movable elements 25 are movable between an active position, illustrated for instance in Figures 2, 5, 7 and 9, in which said one or more movable elements 25 are able to engage (i.e. to get in contact with, or to interact with) stopping means, which will be described in the following, provided on the laundry dryer 1, for avoiding or limiting the insertion of the condenser 8 into the seat 6, and an idle position, in which these one or more movable elements 25 allow a free (that is without impediments or obstructions) insertion of the condenser 8 into the seat 6.

[0062] Advantageously, as will be better explained in the following, these one or more movable elements 25 are arranged to be displaced (or moved) in the above mentioned active position by the gravity force when the condenser 8 is oriented in a prefixed wrong position; advantageously the one or more movable elements 25 are also arranged to be displaced (or moved) in the above mentioned idle position by the gravity force when the condenser 8 is oriented in a prefixed correct position.

[0063] In the embodiment illustrated in the enclosed Figures, the prefixed wrong position, illustrated for example in Figures 2, 5, 7, 9 and 12, is a position in which the rear end 13b of the longitudinal channels 13 is positioned at a height superior than the frontal end 13a of the longitudinal channel 13, so that, if the condenser 8 would be inserted into the seat 6 in this prefixed wrong position, the resulting inclination of the longitudinal channels 13 opposed to the flow of the condensed moisture towards the collecting means, and the first and the second sealing member of the condenser 8 didn't correctly fit in with respectively the access opening 6a and the exit opening 6b of the seat 6, with the risk that the drying air mix with the cooling air, causing a malfunctioning of the laundry dryer 1.

[0064] As mentioned above, in the embodiments illustrated in the enclosed Figures, this prefixed wrong position corresponds to a position in which the condenser 8 is rotated, respect to the above mentioned prefixed correct position, of about 180° around its longitudinal axis 20.

[0065] In the embodiment illustrated in Figures 1 to 10, the movable element 25 is substantially cylindrical (but it can have any shape, according to the specific needs, for example patallelepipedal, or prismatic, or conic, or pyramidal), and it is slidably associated to a suitable housing 26 obtained, for example, axially to the grasping element 24 of the handle 22, and interesting also the arm 23a; advantageously the movable element 25 can freely slide from the idle position, illustrated for example in figure 8, in which it is substantially fully contained in the housing 26, to the active position, illustrated for example in Figure 9, in which a prefixed part of this movable element 25 protrudes from the housing 26.

[0066] Advantageously, the full extraction (i.e. the removal) of the movable element 25 from the housing 26 is avoided by retaining means, which can advantageously comprise an annular relief 27, radially protruding preferably from an inner region the lateral surface of the movable element 25, so as to engage the access edge of the housing 26 in the active position, thus impeding the full extraction of the movable element 25 from the housing 26.

[0067] In a further embodiment, not illustrated, the housing to which the movable element 25 is slidably associated can be provided in or at the frontal frame 18, or in or at the main body 12, or in or at a further element (e.g. an appendage, a further handle, an air stream guide, etc.), not illustrated, fixed to the frontal frame 18 and/or to the main body 12.

[0068] In another embodiment, illustrated for example in Figures 11 and 12, one movable element 25 (but there can be also a plurality of analogous movable elements) is rotatably associated to the condenser 8; in this case the movable element 25 is rotatably associated to the frontal frame 18 of the condenser 8, but, in a further embodiment, not illustrated, it could be as well rotatably associated to the main body 12, or also to a further element (e.g. the handle 22) associated to the condenser 8.

[0069] Advantageously the movable element 25 can freely rotate with respect to the condenser 8 or to the further element to which it is associated.

[0070] As illustrated in Figure 11, when the condenser 8 is positioned in a prefixed correct position, the movable element 25 is displaced (i.e. moved), by the gravity force, in the above mentioned idle position; in the embodiment illustrated in Figure 11, in the idle position the movable element 25 is positioned inside a suitable seat (or hollow) 28 obtained in the frontal frame 18, and isn't therefore able to engage the stopping means, thus allowing the free insertion of the condenser 8 into the seat 6.

[0071] Advantageously, if the movable element 25 is associated to the main body 12, or to a further element (e.g. the handle 22) associated to the condenser 8, the seat 28 would be provided respectively in the main body 12 or in the further element.

[0072] In the embodiment of Figures 11 and 12, when, as in Figure 12, the condenser 8 is positioned in a prefixed wrong position, that is it is rotated, respect to the above mentioned right position, of about 180° around its longitudinal axis 20, the movable element 25 is rotated (or moved), by the gravity force, outwards the seat 28, until reaching the active position, in which it protrudes from the frontal frame 18, thus being able to engage the stopping means for avoiding or limiting the insertion of the condenser 8 into the seat 6.

[0073] Advantageously, as previously mentioned, to the condenser 8 (and/or to a further element associated to the condenser, for example the handle 22) could be associated a plurality of movable elements 25, slidable and/or rotatatable, for example analogous to the ones previously illustrated.

[0074] Advantageously, the one or more movable elements 25 can be associated in proximity to the frontal end 12a of the condenser 8, or in proximity to the rear end 12b of the condenser 8, or in proximity to an inner region of the main body 12, or, as in the embodiments illustrated in the enclosed Figures, to a further element associated to the condenser 8, for example the handle 22.

[0075] Depending on the position of the movable element 25 (or elements, if there are more than one movable elements) respect to the condenser 8 and to the stopping means, the introduction of the condenser 8 into the seat 6 can be fully avoided, or only limited. In any case, when the condenser 8 is in the prefixed wrong position, the one or more movable elements 25 impede or limit the insertion of the condenser 8 into the seat 6, and therefore the condenser 8 is positioned at least partially externally to the seat 6, in such a way that the user can recognize that the condenser 8 is in a wrong (i.e. "not-working") position with respect to the seat 6.

[0076] In the embodiment disclosed in Figures 1 to 9, one movable element 25 is associated to the handle 22, and the stopping means, which will be described in the following, are associated to the door 11 in such a way that if the condenser 8 is oriented in the prefixed wrong position, and it is inserted into the seat 6, the movable element 25, protruding from the handle 22, engages the stopping means provided on the door 11, limiting the insertion of the condenser 8 into the seat 6, and also impeding, as illustrated in Figure 7, the closure of the door 11, such that the user is aware that the condenser is in the prefixed wrong position.

[0077] Advantageously, in the embodiments illustrated in the enclosed figures, the stopping means comprise a lug 29, protruding from the inner surface 11a of the door 11 which is oriented, when the latter is closed, towards the seat 6; opportunely the lug 29 is arranged in such a way that, during the insertion of the condenser 8 into the seat 6, if the condenser 8 is oriented in the above mentioned prefixed wrong position, and therefore the movable element 25 is displaced by the gravity force in the active position, this movable element 25 engages the lug 29, avoiding or limiting the insertion of the condenser 8 into the seat 6.

[0078] Obviously in a further embodiment, not illustrated, in which a plurality of movable elements 25 is associated to the condenser 8, there can be a plurality of lugs, each one adapted to engage one or more movable elements.

[0079] In another embodiment, not illustrated, the stopping means can comprise the lower horizontal side of the opening 10, or the lower horizontal side of the access opening 6a of the seat 6, or also one or more further lugs or protrusions, not illustrated, associated to the outer casing 2a, or to the base 7, or to the door 11, in such a way to engage the movable elements 25 during the insertion of the condenser 8 into the seat 6, if the condenser 6 is in the prefixed wrong position.

[0080] More generally, the stopping means can comprise each kind of element, associated to the casing 2, or to the base 7, directly or with the interposition of a further component (for example the door 11, as in the embodiment illustrated in Figures 1 to 4), adapted, during the insertion of the condenser 8 into the seat 6, to engage one or more movable elements 25 if the condenser 8 is in a prefixed wrong position, so as to avoid or to interrupt the movement of the condenser 8 towards the inside of the seat 6.

[0081] Advantageously the condenser 8 comprises fixing means adapted to secure it to the base 7 of the laundry dryer 1 when it is oriented in the prefixed correct position and it is fully inserted into the seat 6; in the embodiment illustrated in the enclosed Figures, the fixing means comprise one or more rotating lever 30a, 30b, preferably hinged to the frontal frame 18, adapted to engage, when the condenser 8 is in the prefixed correct position, and it is fully inserted into the seat 6, one or more corresponding suitable wings, not illustrated, provided in the base 7.

[0082] The use of the laundry dryer 1 according to the invention is the following: with reference to figure 1, in order to remove the condenser 8 from the seat 6, for example to clean the condenser 8, the door 11 has to be opened and, after disabling the fixing means, the condenser 8 can be extracted from the seat 6 by grabbing the handle 22 and pulling it outwards.

[0083] At the moment of repositioning the condenser 8, if the user mistakes its orientation, and try to insert it into the seat 6 while the condenser 8 is oriented in a prefixed wrong position, as schematically represented in Figure 2, the movable member 25 is displaced (i.e. moved) by the gravity force in the active position, and therefore it engages the stopping means, avoiding or limiting the insertion of the condenser 8 into the seat 6.

[0084] The condenser 8 is therefore positioned at least partially externally to the seat 6, so that the user can recognize that it is oriented in the prefixed wrong position.

[0085] To correctly insert the condenser 8 into the seat 6, it is necessary to rotate it until reaching the prefixed correct position; in the prefixed correct position the movable element 25 is displaced by the gravity force in the idle position, and therefore it doesn't engage the stopping means, allowing the condenser 8 to be freely (that is without impediments or obstructions) inserted into the seat 6.

[0086] Obviously the prefixed correct position in which the condenser 8 can be freely inserted into the seat 6, and the prefixed wrong position in which the insertion of the condenser 8 into the seat 6 is avoided or limited, can be properly chosen, by a suitable reciprocal positioning of the movable elements 25 on the condenser 8 and of the stopping means on the laundry dryer 1, in such a way to satisfy different requirements, for example the alignment, in the prefixed correct position, of the longitudinal channels 13 of the condenser 8 to other suitable channels, not represented, obtained in the base 7.

[0087] It is seen therefore how the invention has achieved the proposed aim and objects, there being provided a laundry dryer with a removable condenser in which, thanks to the presence of the one or more movable elements arranged to be displaced by the gravity force in a position adapted to engage stopping means, provided on the laundry dryer, for avoiding or limiting the insertion of the condenser into the seat when the condenser is oriented in a prefixed wrong position, it is eliminated the risk of erroneously inserting the condenser into the seat in a wrong position.

[0088] Moreover, thanks to the fact that the one or more movable elements are arranged in such a way to be displaced by the gravity force in a position adapted not to engage the stopping means when the condenser is oriented in a prefixed correct position, in this latter position the insertion of the condenser into the seat in very easy, and it is not obstructed by the presence of the movable elements.

Claims

1. Laundry dryer (1) comprising a casing (2) containing a rotatable drum (3) for holding the laundry (4) to be dried, and a drying air circuit (5) for conveying a drying air flow towards the inside of the drum (3), from the drum (3) to a removable condenser (8) contained in a seat (6) provided in said laundry dryer (1), and again into said drum (3), characterized in that one or more movable elements (25) are provided, associated to said condenser (8), movable between an active position, in which said one or more movable elements (25) are able to engage stopping means (29), provided on said laundry dryer (1), for avoiding or limiting the insertion of said condenser (8) into said seat (6), and an idle position, in which said one or more movable elements (25) allow a free insertion of said condenser (8) into said seat (6), said one or more movable elements (25) being arranged to be displaced in said active position by the gravity force when said condenser (8) is oriented in a prefixed wrong position.

2. Laundry dryer (1), according to claim 1, characterized in that at least one movable element (25) is slidably associated to a housing (26), provided in or at said condenser (8) or in a further element (22) associated to said condenser (8).

3. Laundry dryer (1), according to claim 2, in which said condenser (8) comprises a main body (12) and a frontal frame, characterized in that said housing (26) is provided in or at said frontal frame (18), or in said main body (12).

4. Laundry dryer (1), according to claim 2, in which said condenser (8) comprises a handle (22), characterized in that said housing (26) is provided in or at said handle (22).

5. Laundry dryer (1), according to claim 3 or 4, characterized in that the full extraction of said movable element (25) from said housing (26) is avoided by retaining means (27).

6. Laundry dryer (1), according to claim 5, characterized in that said retaining means comprise an annular relief (27), radially protruding from the lateral surface of said movable element (25), so as to engage the access edge of said housing (26) in said active position, thus impeding the full extraction of said movable element (25) from said housing (26).

7. Laundry dryer (1), according to claim 1, in which said condenser (8) comprises a main body (12) and a frontal frame (18), characterized in that at least one movable element (25) is rotatably associated to said frontal frame (18), or to said main body (12).

8. Laundry dryer (1), according to claim 1, in which said condenser (8) comprises a handle (22), characterized in that at least one movable element (25) is rotatably associated to said handle (22).

9. Laundry dryer (1), according to claim 7 or 8, characterized in that said at least one movable element (25) is displaced by the gravity force into a seat (28), provided respectively in said condenser (8) or in said further element (22), when said condenser (8) is in said prefixed correct position.

10. Laundry dryer (1), according to one or more of the previous claims, characterized in that said stopping means comprise one or more lugs (29), protruding from said casing (2), and/or from said base (7), and/or from a further component (11) connected to said casing (2) and/or to said base (7), said one or more lugs (29) being adapted, during the insertion of said condenser (8) into said seat (6), to engage at least one of said one or more movable elements (25) if said condenser (8) is in said prefixed wrong position, so as to avoid or limiting the insertion of said condenser (8) into said seat (6).

11. Laundry dryer (1), according to claim 10, in which said casing (2) comprises an opening (10) adapted for allowing the insertion of said condenser (8) into said seat (6), and closable by a door (11) arranged in such a way that when it is fully opened it lies in a substantially horizontal plane, under said opening (10), characterized in that said one or more lugs (29) protrude from the inner surface (11a) of said door (11) which is oriented, when the latter is closed, towards said seat (6).

12. Laundry dryer (1), according to one or more of the previous claims, characterized in that said stopping means comprise the lower horizontal side of said opening (10), said one or more movable elements (25) being adapted to engage said lower horizontal side during the insertion of said condenser (8) into said seat (6) if said condenser (8) is oriented in said prefixed wrong position.

13. Laundry dryer (1), according to one or more of the previous claims, characterized in that said stopping means comprise the lower horizontal side of said access opening (6a) of said seat (6), said one or more movable elements (25) being adapted to engage said lower horizontal side during the insertion of said condenser (8) into said seat (6) if said condenser (8) is oriented in said prefixed wrong position.

14. Condenser (8), particularly for a laundry dryer (1), characterized in that it comprises one or more movable elements (25) movable between an active position and an idle position, and arranged to be displaced in said active position by the gravity force when said condenser (8) is oriented in a prefixed wrong position.

Drawing