(19)
(11) EP 3 835 478 B1

(12) EUROPEAN PATENT SPECIFICATION

(45) Mention of the grant of the patent:
07.02.2024 Bulletin 2024/06

(21) Application number: 20210338.8

(22) Date of filing: 27.11.2020
(51) International Patent Classification (IPC): 
D06F 58/22(2006.01)
D06F 58/20(2006.01)
D06F 58/24(2006.01)
F24F 13/22(2006.01)
(52) Cooperative Patent Classification (CPC):
D06F 58/22; D06F 58/24; D06F 58/206; D06F 58/20

(54)

A LAUNDRY DRYER

WÄSCHETROCKNER

SÈCHE-LINGE


(84) Designated Contracting States:
AL AT BE BG CH CY CZ DE DK EE ES FI FR GB GR HR HU IE IS IT LI LT LU LV MC MK MT NL NO PL PT RO RS SE SI SK SM TR

(30) Priority: 12.12.2019 TR 201920081

(43) Date of publication of application:
16.06.2021 Bulletin 2021/24

(73) Proprietor: Arçelik Anonim Sirketi
34445 Istanbul (TR)

(72) Inventors:
  • SELCUK, Cem
    34950 Istanbul (TR)
  • SAR, Can
    34950 Istanbul (TR)
  • ACIL, Aykun
    34445 Istanbul (TR)
  • ERTAS, Guven
    34950 Istanbul (TR)


(56) References cited: : 
EP-A1- 3 263 759
WO-A1-2014/177176
EP-A1- 3 366 827
KR-A- 20120 110 505
   
       
    Note: Within nine months from the publication of the mention of the grant of the European patent, any person may give notice to the European Patent Office of opposition to the European patent granted. Notice of opposition shall be filed in a written reasoned statement. It shall not be deemed to have been filed until the opposition fee has been paid. (Art. 99(1) European Patent Convention).


    Description


    [0001] The present invention relates to a laundry dryer wherein the fiber, lint and dust accumulating on components such as heat exchanger, filter, etc. are removed.

    [0002] While the laundry is being dried in the laundry dryer, fiber, lint and dust break off from the laundry particularly due to mechanical effects. In state of the art laundry dryers, most of these particles are collected by means of one or more than one filter provided in the laundry dryer. Thus, said particles are prevented from accumulating on components such as heat exchanger, etc. The water, which is evaporated from the laundry and condensed in the heat exchanger during the drying cycle, is collected in a tank in the laundry dryer.

    [0003] In the state of the art, the use of the water collected in the tank for the cleaning of components such as the filter, the heat exchanger, etc. is disclosed. In these embodiments, the water received from the tank collects the undesired particles on the components being cleaned and continues its circulation.

    [0004] Fiber, lint and dust are removed by washing components such as filter, heat exchanger, etc. These particles removed should be transferred to the tank together with water. During this process, while the water containing particles therein is sucked by the discharge pump and pumped into the discharge channel, the particles in the water may accumulate at the narrow sections of the discharge channel and at the suction port of the discharge pump. In this case, the outlet of the discharge pump gets clogged. When a pipe with a larger diameter is used at the outlet of the discharge pump, the fiber, lint and dust can be transferred to the tank together with water without causing clogging. However, when the discharge pump stops operating, the water remaining between the tank and the discharge pump moves in the reverse direction into the discharge channel with the effect of gravity. When a hose with a small diameter is used in order to decrease the amount of water which moves in the reverse direction, the outlet of the discharge pump is clogged.

    [0005] In the state of the art, there are various embodiments for facilitating the discharge of fiber, lint and dust accumulating on components such as filter, heat exchanger, etc. after the washing of these components.

    [0006] In the state of the art International Patent Applications No. WO2012146533 and WO2012146534, a dryer is disclosed, comprising a discharge channel which is disposed between the evaporator and the condenser and which enables the condensate received from the evaporator to be transferred to the discharge pump so as to be discharged.

    [0007] In state of the art embodiments wherein the discharge channel is used, the discharge channel is filled with fiber, lint and dust over time, and thus, the water flow from the discharge channel towards the tank cannot be performed efficiently, and the discharge channel may even get clogged completely.

    [0008] In the state of the art German Patent Application No. DE102008054832, a dryer is disclosed, comprising a hose enabling the water accumulated in the discharge channel to be received and transferred into the tank.

    [0009] A dryer with the features of the preamble of claim 1 is known from KR 2012 0110505 A.

    [0010] The aim of the present invention is the realization of a laundry dryer wherein the discharge channel is prevented from getting clogged and the water is transferred into the tank.

    [0011] The dryer realized in order to attain the aim of the present invention, explicated in the first claim and the respective claims thereof, comprises a discharge channel with a flat bottom; a receptacle; a transfer member which connects the discharge channel to the receptacle, which is connected to the discharge channel at one end and to the receptacle at the other end so as to enable the fluid coming from the discharge channel to be transferred to the receptacle; and at least one protrusion which is provided on the bottom of the discharge channel at predetermined intervals so as to form grooves between the wall of the channel and the protrusion through which the water can flow. Thus, the protrusion divides the bottom into at least two partitions. Thus, the water which accumulates in the discharge channel is enabled to be directed more effectively towards the transfer member and consequently, to the receptacle. The water is enabled to leave the discharge channel at the same amount entering the discharge channel, and a homogeneous flow is provided in the discharge channel by means of the structure formed with the use of the protrusions, and alternative flow paths are created against any possible clogging.

    [0012] In the embodiment of the present invention, at least two parallel lines of protrusions are provided on the bottom so as to be separated from each other for a certain distance in the horizontal direction. Intermediate discharge channels are formed between each two protrusions on the same line. Thus, the water which accumulates in the discharge channel is enabled to be directed more effectively towards the transfer member and consequently, to the receptacle. Consequently, the water is enabled to leave the discharge channel at the same amount entering the discharge channel. Moreover, a homogeneous flow is provided in the discharge channel by means of the structure formed using the protrusions and alternative flow routes paths are created against any possible clogging.

    [0013] In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the dryer comprises a plurality of protrusions arranged at predetermined distances on four parallel lines, forming intermediate discharge gaps.

    [0014] In another embodiment of the present invention, the dryer comprises at least one protrusion which extends throughout the base in a parallel manner, and at least one opening on the protrusion, joining with the base. In this embodiment, the openings formed on the protrusion function as intermediate discharge channels.

    [0015] By means of the present invention, the water which accumulates in the discharge channel is enabled to be directed more effectively towards the transfer member and consequently, to the receptacle. The water is enabled to leave the discharge channel at the same amount entering the discharge channel, and a homogeneous flow is provided in the discharge channel by means of the structure formed with the use of the protrusions, and alternative flow paths are created against any possible clogging.

    [0016] The dryer realized in order to attain the aim of the present invention is illustrated in the attached figures, where:

    Figure 1 - is the perspective view of a discharge channel, a transfer member and protrusions.

    Figure 2 - is the top view of the discharge channel, the transfer member and the protrusions.



    [0017] The elements illustrated in the figures are numbered as follows:
    1. 1. Dryer
    2. 2. Body
    3. 3. Receptacle
    4. 4. Discharge channel
    5. 5. Transfer member
    6. 6. Protrusion
    7. 7. Intermediate discharge channel


    [0018] The dryer (1) comprises a body (2); a drum wherein the laundry to be dried is placed; an air circulation duct which enable the drying air to be sent to the laundry in the drum; at least one heat exchanger which is provided on the air circulation duct and which enables the temperature of the drying air to be changed; at least one filter which retains fiber, lint and dust in the drying air; a tank wherein the condensate is collected; a discharge channel (4) which has a flat bottom and wherein the water mixed with the fiber, lint and dust draining from the filter and the heat exchanger washed by the water taken from the tank is collected; a receptacle (3); a transfer member (5) which is connected to the discharge channel (4) at one end and connected to the receptacle (3) at the other end and which connects the discharge channel (4) and the receptacle (3) to each other so as to enable the fluid coming from the discharge channel (4) to be transferred to the receptacle (5); and at least one protrusion (6) which is provided on the bottom of the discharge channel (4) so as to be separated from each other by a certain distance, and which forms grooves between the wall of the discharge channel (4) and the protrusion (6), through which the water can flow. Thereby, the protrusion (6) divides the bottom into at least two partitions. Thus, the water which accumulates in the discharge channel (4) is enabled to be directed more effectively towards the transfer member (5) and consequently, to the receptacle (3). The water is enabled to leave the discharge channel (4) at the same amount entering the discharge channel (4), and a homogeneous flow is provided in the discharge channel (4) by means of the structure formed with the use of the protrusions (6), and alternative flow paths are created against any possible clogging.

    [0019] In the laundry dryer (1) of the present invention, the water taken from the tank is directed onto components such as the filter, the heat exchanger, etc. The water which drains from the washed components and flows into the discharge channel (4) and which is mixed with fiber, lint and dust is transferred back to the tank.

    [0020] In the embodiment of the present invention, at least two parallel lines of protrusions (6) are provided on the bottom, so as to be separated from each other by a certain distance in the horizontal direction. Intermediate discharge channels (7) are formed between each two protrusions (6) on the same line. Thus, the water which accumulates in the discharge channel (4) is enabled to be directed more effectively towards the transfer member (5) and consequently, to the receptacle (3). Thereby, the water is enabled to leave the discharge channel (4) at the same amount entering the discharge channel (4). Furthermore, a homogeneous flow is provided in the discharge channel (4) by means of the structure formed with the use of the protrusions (6), and alternative flow paths are created against any possible clogging.

    [0021] In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the dryer (1) comprises a plurality of protrusions (6) arranged at predetermined distances on four parallel lines, forming the intermediate discharge channels (7).

    [0022] In the present invention, the dryer (1) comprises at least two protrusions (6) which extend along the base in a parallel manner and at least one opening on the protrusion (6), joining with the base. In this embodiment, the openings formed on the protrusion (6) function as intermediate discharge channels (7).

    [0023] In an embodiment of the present invention, the dryer (1) comprises a water line which functions as the transfer member (5).

    [0024] In another embodiment of the present invention, the dryer (1) comprises a hose which functions as the transfer member (5).

    [0025] By means of the present invention, the water which accumulates in the discharge channel (4) is enabled to be directed more effectively towards the transfer member (5) and consequently, to the receptacle (3). The water is enabled to leave the discharge channel (4) at the same amount entering the discharge channel (4), and a homogeneous flow is provided in the discharge channel (4) by means of the structure formed with the use of the protrusions (6), and alternative flow paths are created against any possible clogging.


    Claims

    1. A dryer (1) comprising a body (2); a drum wherein the laundry to be dried is placed; an air circulation duct which enable the drying air to be sent to the laundry in the drum; at least one heat exchanger which is provided on the air circulation duct and which enables the temperature of the drying air to be changed; at least one filter which retains fiber, lint and dust in the drying air; a tank wherein the condensate is collected; a discharge channel (4) which has a flat bottom and wherein the water mixed with the fiber, lint and dust draining from the filter and the heat exchanger washed by the water taken from the tank is collected; a receptacle (3); a transfer member (5) which is connected to the discharge channel (4) at one end and connected to the receptacle (3) at the other end and which connects the discharge channel (4) and the receptacle (3) to each other so as to enable the fluid coming from the discharge channel (4) to be transferred to the receptacle (3); and at least two protrusions (6) provided on the bottom of the discharge channel (4) so as to be separated from each other by a certain distance, and which form grooves between the wall of the discharge channel (4) and the protrusions (6), through which the water can flow; characterized by at least one opening provided on the protrusions (6), wherein said opening joins with the bottom of the discharge channel (4).
     
    2. A dryer (1) as in Claim 1, characterized by the protrusion (6) which divides the bottom of the discharge channel (4) into at least two partitions.
     
    3. A dryer (1) as in Claim 1 and 2, characterized by at least two parallel lines of protrusions (6) which are provided on the bottom of the discharge channel (4), so as to be separated from each other by a certain distance in the horizontal direction.
     
    4. A dryer (1) as in any one of the above claims, characterized by intermediate discharge channels (7) which are formed between each two protrusions (6) on the same line.
     
    5. A dryer (1) as in Claim 4, characterized by a plurality of protrusions (6) arranged at predetermined distances on four parallel lines, forming the intermediate discharge channels (7).
     


    Ansprüche

    1. Ein Trockner (1) umfasst einen Körper (2); eine Trommel, in der die zu trocknende Wäsche platziert wird; einen Luftzirkulationskanal, der es ermöglicht, die Trocknungsluft zur Wäsche in der Trommel zu leiten; mindestens einen am Luftzirkulationskanal vorgesehenen Wärmetauscher, der eine Temperaturänderung der Trocknungsluft ermöglicht; mindestens einen Filter, der Fasern, Flusen und Staub in der Trocknungsluft zurückhält; einen Tank, in dem das Kondensat gesammelt wird; einen Abflusskanal (4), der einen flachen Boden hat und in dem das mit den Fasern, Flusen und Staub vermischte Wasser, das aus dem Filter und dem Wärmetauscher abläuft und durch das aus dem Tank entnommene Wasser gewaschen wird, gesammelt wird; ein Aufnahmebehälter (3); ein Übertragungselement (5), das an einem Ende mit dem Abflusskanal (4) und am anderen Ende mit dem Aufnahmebehälter (3) verbunden ist und das so den Abflusskanal (4) und den Aufnahmebehälter (3) miteinander verbindet um zu ermöglichen, dass die aus dem Abflusskanal (4) kommende Flüssigkeit in den Aufnahmebehälter (3) geleitet wird; und mindestens zwei Vorsprünge (6), die am Boden des Abflusskanals (4) so vorgesehen sind, dass sie durch einen bestimmten Abstand voneinander getrennt sind, und die Rillen zwischen der Wand des Abflusskanals (4) und den Vorsprüngen (6) bilden, durch die das Wasser fließen kann; gekennzeichnet ist es dadurch, dass mindestens eine Öffnung, die an den Vorsprüngen (6) vorgesehen ist, wobei die Öffnung mit dem Boden des Abflusskanals (4) verbunden ist.
     
    2. Ein Trockner (1), wie in Anspruch 1 aufgeführt, ist dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass der Vorsprung (6) den Boden des Abflusskanals (4) in mindestens zwei Trennwände unterteilt.
     
    3. Ein Trockner (1), wie in Anspruch 1 und 2 aufgeführt, ist dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass mindestens zwei parallele Reihen von Vorsprüngen (6) am Boden des Abflusskanals (4) vorgesehen sind, so dass sie in horizontaler Richtung um einen bestimmten Abstand voneinander getrennt sind.
     
    4. Ein Trockner (1), wie in einem der vorherigen Ansprüchen aufgeführt, ist dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass Zwischenableitungskanäle (7) zwischen jeweils zwei Vorsprüngen (6) auf derselben Linie ausgebildet sind.
     
    5. Ein Trockner (1), wie in Anspruch 4 aufgeführt, ist dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass eine Vielzahl von Vorsprüngen (6) in vorgegebenen Abständen auf vier parallelen Linien angeordnet sind und die dazwischen liegenden Ableitungskanäle (7) bilden.
     


    Revendications

    1. Un séchoir (1) comprenant un corps (2) ; un tambour dans lequel est placé le linge à sécher ; un conduit de circulation d'air qui permet d'envoyer l'air de séchage au linge dans le tambour ; au moins un échangeur de chaleur qui est prévu sur le conduit de circulation d'air et qui permet de modifier la température de l'air de séchage ; au moins un filtre qui retient les fibres, les peluches et les poussières dans l'air de séchage ; un réservoir dans lequel le condensat est recueilli ; un canal d'évacuation (4) à fond plat dans lequel l'eau mélangée aux fibres, aux peluches et aux poussières s'écoulant du filtre et de l'échangeur de chaleur, lavée par l'eau prélevée dans le réservoir, est recueillie ; un réceptacle (3) ; un élément de transfert (5) qui est relié au canal d'évacuation (4) à une extrémité et au récipient (3) à l'autre extrémité et qui relie le canal d'évacuation (4) et le récipient (3) l'un à l'autre de manière à permettre le transfert du fluide provenant du canal d'évacuation (4) vers le récipient (3) ; et au moins deux protubérances (6) prévues sur le fond du canal d'évacuation (4) de manière à être séparées l'une de l'autre par une certaine distance, et qui forment des rainures entre la paroi du canal d'évacuation (4) et les protubérances (6), à travers lesquelles l'eau peut s'écouler ; caractérisé par au moins une ouverture prévue sur les protubérances (6), dans laquelle cette ouverture rejoint le fond du canal d'évacuation (4).
     
    2. Un séchoir (1) selon la déclaration 1, caractérisé par la saillie (6) qui divise le fond du canal d'évacuation (4) en au moins deux cloisons.
     
    3. Un séchoir (1) selon les déclarations 1 et 2, caractérisé par au moins deux lignes parallèles de protubérances (6) qui sont prévues sur le fond du canal d'évacuation (4), de manière à être séparées l'une de l'autre par une certaine distance dans la direction horizontale.
     
    4. Un séchoir (1) selon l'une quelconque des déclarations précédentes, caractérisé par des canaux d'évacuation intermédiaires (7) qui sont formés entre chaque deux protubérances (6) sur une même ligne.
     
    5. Un séchoir (1) selon la déclaration 4, caractérisé par une pluralité de protubérances (6) disposées à des distances prédéterminées sur quatre lignes parallèles, formant les canaux d'évacuation intermédiaires (7).
     




    Drawing











    Cited references

    REFERENCES CITED IN THE DESCRIPTION



    This list of references cited by the applicant is for the reader's convenience only. It does not form part of the European patent document. Even though great care has been taken in compiling the references, errors or omissions cannot be excluded and the EPO disclaims all liability in this regard.

    Patent documents cited in the description