Laundry dryer machine

Abstract

 The present invention concerns a laundry dryer machine comprising a rotary drum that has a laundry drying cavity, a loading/unloading opening for access to said drying cavity, a door (22) for closing/opening said loading/unloading opening, means for extracting water from the laundry contained in the drying cavity, a collection container (18) defining an inner volume in which the water extracted from the laundry is received, said collection container (18) being adapted to be removably mounted to said door (22), said door comprising a seat (30, 31) for engagingly receiving an engagement portion (24) of the container when the latter is mounted to the door. Said seat extends vertically along less than half the vertical extension of the collection container (18).

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a laundry dryer machine having a novel condensed water collection container, adapted to be mounted to the machine closing door.

[0002] It is known in the art to provide laundry dryer machines with a framework that contains a tumbling drum for receiving the laundry to be dried.

[0003] A machine of this type is disclosed in European Patent Application EP0789105.

[0004] According to this prior art, the drum can be accessed through a front opening of the machine, that is adapted to be closed by a front door. The machine comprises heating means for heating a drying air, a condenser for extracting moisture from the drying air and a fan for circulating the drying air through the drum, the heating means and the condenser.

[0005] The water condensed in the condenser is collected in a collection container, that can be removed from the machine for condensate discharge. This container is mounted to the inner side of the machine closing door and is received in a pocket formed on such door for almost the whole of its vertical extension. This involves the use of a rather bulky door structure, as well as particular materials.

[0006] Furthermore, the container is separated from the interior of the drum by a wall of the container receiving seat, which acts as a barrier against heat transfer from the container to the drum cavity. This prevents satisfactory recovery of the residual heat in the condensed water, and transfer thereof to the air in the drying cavity.

[0007] One object of the present invention is to obviate the above drawback by providing a machine that has a container adapted to be fitted to the door without requiring the door to have a bulky seat, thereby increasing the useful space in the drying cavity.

[0008] A further object of the invention is to provide a laundry dryer machine that is equipped with a condensed water collection container adapted to be quickly and easily fitted to / removed from the machine closing door.

[0009] Another object of the invention is to provide a laundry dryer machine in which the residual heat of the condensed water in the collection container may be satisfactorily released to the air in the drum.

[0010] A further object of the invention is to provide a laundry dryer machine in which the condensed water collection container may be safely and reliably fitted to the door, even by a careless user. Yet another object of the invention is to provide a machine that has a simple and inexpensive structure, with lower material consumption.

[0011] In response to the above objects, a laundry dryer machine was provided, according to the invention, comprising a rotary drum that has a laundry drying cavity, a loading/unloading opening for access to said drying cavity, a door for closing/opening said loading/unloading opening, means for extracting water from the laundry contained in the drying cavity, a collection container defining an internal volume in which the water extracted from the laundry is received, said connection container being adapted to be removably mounted to said door, said door comprising a first seat for engagingly receiving an engagement portion (24) of the container when the latter is mounted to the door, characterized in that said first seat extends vertically along less than half the vertical extension of the collection container.

[0012] For a clearer explanation of the innovation principles of the present invention and its advantages as compared the prior art, a possible embodiment implementing such principles will be described hereinafter, with the help of the accompanying drawings. In the drawings:

• Figure 1 shows a diagrammatic perspective view of a laundry dryer of the invention, with the main internal components of the machine exposed,
• Figure 2 is a front view of the machine closing door and the condensed water collection container,
• Figure 3 is a side view of the collection container,
• Figure 4 is a sectional side view of the door with the collection container fitted thereto,
• Figures 5 and 6 show different positions of the container and the door in a first alternative embodiment of the invention,
• Figures 7 and 8 show two different views of the container and the door in a second alternative embodiment of the invention,
• Figures 9 and 10 show two different views of the container and the door in a third alternative embodiment of the invention.

[0013] Figure 1 is a diagrammatic view of a laundry dryer machine 11 of the invention, for instance intended for domestic use.

[0014] The machine comprises a framework 12 that forms an outer casing in which a rotary drum 13, having a substantially horizontal axis, is contained. The drum 13 has a drying cavity for receiving the laundry to be dried, and may be rotated by known motor means.

[0015] According to per-se known arrangements, the machine 11 also comprises means for extracting moisture from the laundry in the drum. Such means include heating means 14 for heating a drying air (e.g. an electrical resistor), a condenser 16 for extracting moisture from the drying air and means 15 for successively circulating air through the drum 13, the condenser 16 and the heating means 14 (e.g. a fan 15).

[0016] The machine also has a tray 17 downstream from the condenser 16 for condensate collection, advantageously proximate the bottom of the machine. A pump 19 is also provided for conveying condensed water from the tray 17 to a collection container 18 that can be removed from the machine. The pump 19 causes the condensed water to flow through the conduit 20 to the nozzle 21 located above the container 18.

[0017] The collection container 18 is removably mounted to a door 22 which is designed to close/open a loading/unloading opening for access to the drying cavity of the drum 13.

[0018] The loading/unloading opening is formed in the framework 12, from a vertical front wall of the machine, and its position corresponds to an open portion of the cavity of the drum 13, for loading/unloading.

[0019] The container has a hollow body 28, in which the condensed water receiving volume is defined.

[0020] Figures 2 to 4 show a first embodiment of the container 18 and the door 22 upon which the container may be mounted. Advantageously, the container 18 may be mounted to the inner side of the door 22, to face toward the drying cavity of the drum 13, when the door 22 is in the closed position.

[0021] The door 22 has seats 30, 31 adapted to receive respective engagement portions of the container 18 for securing the container to the door.

[0022] According to the invention, the door 22 has at least one seat 30, 31, whose vertical extension is shorter than half the vertical extension of the container 18, when the latter is mounted to the door 22.

[0023] Preferably, the door 22 has a first seat 30 adapted to engagingly receive an engagement portion 24 of the container 18 and a second seat 31, separated from the first seat 30, adapted to receive a second engagement portion 26 of the container 18, when the container 18 is mounted to the door. The presence of two distinct, separate seats for receiving two engagement portions of the container provides a firm fixation, without requiring a bulky seat in the door to receive most of the container, as was the case in the prior art.

[0024] Advantageously, the second seat 31 is placed at a level higher than the first seat 30.

[0025] Preferably, the upper engagement portion 26 includes a concavity 26a for engagement of an edge of the corresponding engagement seat 31, when the container is mounted to the door 22.

[0026] Preferably, the first seat 30 is placed at a lower level than the inner volume of the container 18, when the latter is mounted to the door 22. Likewise, the second seat 31 is advantageously placed at a higher level than the inner volume of the container 18, when the latter is mounted to the door 22. This particular structure affords a specially firm and stable fixation of the container to the door.

[0027] According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the door 22 has a clear porthole and a frame 23 mounted to the periphery of the porthole. The frame 23 is hinged to the framework 12 of the machine, for the door to be opened/closed. Advantageously, the first seat 30 and the second seat 31 are formed in the frame 23.

[0028] Preferably, the first seat 30 has a vertical extension of less than 20% the vertical extension of the inner volume of the container. Likewise, the second seat 31 may also have an extension of less than 20% the vertical extension of the inner volume of the container. This affords optimized utilization of the inner space of the machine, and reduces the space required by the engagement means between the container and the door, thereby maximizing the capacity of the container 18 and the drying cavity.

[0029] Preferably, the first engagement portion 24 is formed with a flat wall that projects downwards from the body 28 of the container 18. The second engagement portion 26 is formed with a hook that projects upwards from the body 28 of the container.

[0030] As shown in Figure 2, the engagement portions 24, 26 have a width of at least 15% the width of the container 18. Nevertheless, the engagement portions 24, 26 preferably do not extend for more than 50% the width of the container 18. According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the first seat 30 can be accessed by the corresponding engagement portion 24 through an upward facing opening of the seat 30. Likewise, the second seat 31 can be accessed by the corresponding engagement portion 26 through an upward facing opening of the seat 30. Therefore, the seats 30, 31 can be accessed by the corresponding engaging portions by means of a downward movement of the container, not necessarily in the vertical direction.

[0031] The collection container 18 has a hole 32 in the upper portion of the body 28, for receiving the condensed water delivered from the nozzle 21.

[0032] Advantageously, the container 18 has a handle 25 for easier mounting and removal of the container 18 to and from the door 22. Preferably, the handle 25 is formed at the upper end of the body 28 that forms the hollow inner volume of the container. Advantageously, the body 28 extends to a height that approximately corresponds to the height of the inner profile of the frame 23. The body 28 preferably extends across the frame 23, when the container is mounted to the door. This affords a larger capacity of the collection container.

[0033] The framework 12 forms the opening that is designed to be closed by the door 22. Particularly, a gasket 33, 34 is placed at the edge of the opening formed by the framework portions 12a, 12b (see Fig. 4), for sealing the drying cavity of the machine.

[0034] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the container 18 has a peripheral flange that surrounds the body 28 within which the condensate collection volume is formed. The engagement portions 24 and 26 extend from the flange.

[0035] When the collection container is to be mounted to the door, the lower engagement portion 24 is first inserted into its seat 30, and then the upper hook 26 is inserted 26 into the upper seat 31. Thus, the container is firmly secured to the door, that may be closed for operation of the machine.

[0036] After the drying cycle, the collection container will be more or less filled with condensate, and may be removed from the door for discharge. The container may be easily held using the upper handle, and be lifted by removing the engagement portions from their seats. Once the container has been emptied, it may be mounted to the door, as mentioned above.

[0037] Figures 5-6 show an alternative embodiment of the invention. The parts in these figures that correspond to parts described above are referenced by same numerals, increased by 100.

[0038] This alternative embodiment differs from the one of Figures 2-4 in the provision of cam means which are designed to lift the container 118 as the door 122 is being closed, if, before closing the door 122, the lower engagement portion 124 is only engaged in its seat, as shown in Figure 5.

[0039] In the embodiment of Figures 4-5, the cam means include a cam 140 integral with the framework 112 of the machine. Advantageously, the cam 140 is fixed to a framework portion 112b that forms the lower part of the edge of the access opening to the drying cavity of the drum.

[0040] The lifting movement imparted by the cam 140 to the container 118 allows the engagement portion 126 to be raised to a sufficient height for engagement in the corresponding seat 131 formed in the door 122.

[0041] The container 118 has a conveniently inclined profile formed on the body 128, that cooperates with the cam 140 when the door 122 is moved in a closing direction to lift the container.

[0042] Once the door 122 has reached the closed position, the cam 140 engages in a concavity 141 formed on the container 118, thereby allowing the latter to fall down and hook onto the door 112 by corresponding locking portions.

[0043] The provision of the cam means ensures proper and firm engagement of the container on the door, even when the user has carelessly mounted the container in an improper manner, with the lower engagement portion only engaged in its seat. In fact, the container is automatically brought to the proper position, when the door 122 is closed to start the drying process.

[0044] Figures 7 and 8 show a third embodiment of the invention, in which the parts that correspond to those of the first embodiment are referenced by same numerals, increased by 200.

[0045] In this case, the container 218 is mounted to the outer side of the door 222, and always has two engagement portions 226 and 224 adapted for engagement in corresponding seats 231 and 230.

[0046] The door 222 has a hole 250 to allow the container 218 to be filled with water from the nozzle 221 in the machine. The container 218 is filled through the hole 232, which is located over the hole 250 of the door when the container is mounted to the door.

[0047] The container 218 also has a second hole 260 that communicates with a corresponding hole in the wall of the door 222, when the container is mounted to the door 222. The hole 260 acts as an overflow hole, and drains water from the container as soon as it reaches a given level.

[0048] A presence sensor is advantageously provided in this embodiment, for checking that the collection container is appropriately fitted to the door. If no collection container is present, the operation of the machine is inhibited.

[0049] Figures 9-10 show a further variant of the invention. The parts in these figures that correspond to parts of the first embodiment are referenced by same numerals, increased by 300. This embodiment differs from the previous ones in that it has the cam means formed on the door 322 and the upper engagement portion 326 of the container 318.

[0050] Particularly, the portion 326 has an upward tongue 326a, which is adapted to cooperate with a surface of the door frame 323 to push the container upwards and allow engagement of the portion 326 in its seat 331 when the door 322 is closed, if the container 318 is mounted to the door with the lower engagement portion 324 only engaged in its seat 330 (see Figure 9). The portion 326 might also be elastic, for snap engagement in its seat, when the door 322 is closed.

[0051] Advantageously, the collection container in the various embodiments may be clear, for the operation of the machine and its load to be monitored through the door porthole.

[0052] In the various embodiments, the machine has special control means for controlling the various parts. These control means are formed in accordance with known arrangements and will not be further described herein.

[0053] In the various embodiments of the invention, overflow ports and conduits may be provided in the condensate collection containers.

[0054] The above clearly shows that the objects of the present invention have been fulfilled.

[0055] Particularly, a laundry dryer machine has been provided, in which the collection container may be mounted to the port, without requiring a bulky seat in the door. This has increased the available space in the machine and the collection container. Furthermore, the machine has a simple and inexpensive structure, without requiring high material consumption.

[0056] Due to the particular structure of the engagement portions and the corresponding seats for locking the container to the door, the inner wall of the container may be exposed toward the drying cavity, thereby facilitating heat exchange between condensed water (which is relatively warm) and air in the drying chamber. This affords satisfactory energy savings.

[0057] Furthermore, proper fixation of the container to the door is reliably ensured by the cam means, even when the user carelessly inserts one of the two engagement portions only in its seat.

[0058] The above description of an embodiment that implements the novel principles of the present invention is obviously provided as an example of these novel principles and shall be considered without limitation to the inventive scope disclosed herein.

Claims

1. A laundry dryer machine comprising a rotary drum that has a laundry drying cavity, a loading/unloading opening for access to said drying cavity, a door (22) for closing/opening said loading/unloading opening, means for extracting water from the laundry contained in the drying cavity, a collection container (18) defining an inner volume in which the water extracted from the laundry is received, said collection container (18) being adapted to be removably mounted to said door (22), said door comprising a first seat (30, 31) for engagingly receiving an engagement portion (24, 26) of the container when the latter is mounted to the door, characterized in that said first seat extends vertically along less than half the vertical extension of the collection container (18).

2. A machine as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that said door (22) has a second seat (30, 31) separated from said first seat (30, 31), which is adapted to receive a second engagement portion (26) of the container (18) when the latter is mounted to the door (22).

3. A machine as claimed in one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that one of said engagement portions (26) has a concavity (26a) which receives an edge of the corresponding seat (31) when the container is mounted to the door.

4. A machine as claimed in one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that the door (20) comprises a clear porthole (29) and a frame (23) mounted at the periphery of the porthole, said seats (30, 31) being formed in said frame (23).

5. A machine as claimed in one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that said first seat (30) is placed at a lower level than said inner volume of the container (18), when the container (18) is mounted to the door (22).

6. A machine as claimed in one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that said second seat (31) is placed at a higher level than said inner volume of the container (18), when the container (18) is mounted to the door (22).

7. A machine as claimed in one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that, said first seat (30) and/or said second seat (31) have a vertical extension of less than 20% the vertical extension of said inner volume of the container (18).

8. A machine as claimed in one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises cam means (140) which are designed to lift the container (118) as the door (122) is being closed if, before closing the door, the lower engagement portion (124) only is engaged in its seat (130), and not the second engagement portion (126).

9. A machine as claimed in claim 8, characterized in that said cam means (140) include a cam (140) integral with the framework (112) of the machine.

10. A machine as claimed in claim 8, characterized in that said cam means include a cam (326a) formed at one end of the second engagement portion (326) of the container (318).

11. A machine as claimed in one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first engagement portion (24) consists of a flat wall that projects downwards from said inner volume of the container (18).

12. A machine as claimed in one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first and/or second seats (30, 41) define spaces that can be accessed from the corresponding engagement portion (24, 26) of the container by a downward movement.

13. A machine as claimed in one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that the container (218) is mounted to the outer side of the door (222) to remain outside the machine when the door is closed and the container is mounted to the door.

Amended claims

Amended claims in accordance with Rule 137(2) EPC.

1. A laundry dryer machine comprising a rotary drum that has a laundry drying cavity, a loading/unloading opening for access to said drying cavity, a door (122) for closing/opening said loading/unloading opening, means for extracting water from the laundry contained in the drying cavity, a collection container (118) defining an inner volume in which the water extracted from the laundry is received, said collection container (118) being adapted to be removably mounted to said door (122), said door comprising a first seat (130) for engagingly receiving a first engagement portion (124) of the container when the latter is mounted to the door, a second seat (131) separated from said first seat (130), which is adapted to receive a second engagement portion (126) of the container (118) when the latter is mounted to the door (122), said first and second seats extends vertically along less than half the vertical extension of the collection container (118) one of said engagement portions (126) having a concavity which receives an edge of the corresponding second seat (131) when the container is mounted to the door, said door (122) comprising a clear porthole (129) and a frame (123) mounted at the periphery of the porthole, said first and second seats being formed in said frame (123), said first seat (130) being placed at a lower level than said inner volume of the container (118), when the container is mounted to the door (122), and said second seat (131) being placed at a higher level than said inner volume of the container (118), when the container is mounted to the door (122), characterized in that it comprises cam means (140) which are designed to lift the container (118) as the door (122) is being closed if, before closing the door, the lower engagement portion (124) only is engaged in its seat (130), and not the second engagement portion (126).

2. A machine as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that said cam means (140) include a cam (140) integral with the framework (112) of the machine.

3. A machine as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that said cam means include a cam (326a) formed at one end of the second engagement portion (326) of the container (318).

4. A machine as claimed in one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first engagement portion (124) consists of a flat wall that projects downwards from said inner volume of the container (118).

5. A machine as claimed in one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that the container (218) is mounted to the outer side of the door (222) to remain outside the machine when the door is closed and the container is mounted to the door.

6. A machine as claimed in one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that, said first seat (130) and/or said second seat (131) have a vertical extension of less than 20% the vertical extension of said inner volume of the container (118).

Drawing