US20150322610A1 - Front load laundry washing machine with incorporated drying system - Google Patents
Front load laundry washing machine with incorporated drying system Download PDFInfo
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- US20150322610A1 US20150322610A1 US14/647,556 US201314647556A US2015322610A1 US 20150322610 A1 US20150322610 A1 US 20150322610A1 US 201314647556 A US201314647556 A US 201314647556A US 2015322610 A1 US2015322610 A1 US 2015322610A1
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- Prior art keywords
- condensation
- machine according
- air
- washing
- drum
- Prior art date
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- 238000001035 drying Methods 0.000 title claims abstract description 38
- 238000010412 laundry washing Methods 0.000 title claims description 9
- 238000005406 washing Methods 0.000 claims abstract description 42
- 238000010438 heat treatment Methods 0.000 claims abstract description 23
- 238000009833 condensation Methods 0.000 claims abstract description 21
- 230000005494 condensation Effects 0.000 claims abstract description 21
- XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N water Substances O XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 claims abstract description 15
- 238000001914 filtration Methods 0.000 claims description 8
- 238000001816 cooling Methods 0.000 claims description 5
- 239000003599 detergent Substances 0.000 claims description 4
- 230000006835 compression Effects 0.000 claims description 3
- 238000007906 compression Methods 0.000 claims description 3
- 238000001704 evaporation Methods 0.000 claims description 3
- 230000008020 evaporation Effects 0.000 claims description 2
- 238000003475 lamination Methods 0.000 claims description 2
- 238000001514 detection method Methods 0.000 claims 1
- 230000005484 gravity Effects 0.000 claims 1
- 230000008901 benefit Effects 0.000 abstract description 3
- 239000012535 impurity Substances 0.000 abstract 1
- 238000009423 ventilation Methods 0.000 description 6
- 238000011144 upstream manufacturing Methods 0.000 description 3
- 238000007689 inspection Methods 0.000 description 2
- 230000009471 action Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000008859 change Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000007791 dehumidification Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000006185 dispersion Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000000428 dust Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000005265 energy consumption Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000012530 fluid Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000011521 glass Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000006698 induction Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000007788 liquid Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000005461 lubrication Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000005259 measurement Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000004033 plastic Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000008569 process Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000009467 reduction Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000004753 textile Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000012780 transparent material Substances 0.000 description 1
Images
Classifications
-
- D—TEXTILES; PAPER
- D06—TREATMENT OF TEXTILES OR THE LIKE; LAUNDERING; FLEXIBLE MATERIALS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- D06F—LAUNDERING, DRYING, IRONING, PRESSING OR FOLDING TEXTILE ARTICLES
- D06F25/00—Washing machines with receptacles, e.g. perforated, having a rotary movement, e.g. oscillatory movement, the receptacle serving both for washing and for centrifugally separating water from the laundry and having further drying means, e.g. using hot air
-
- D—TEXTILES; PAPER
- D06—TREATMENT OF TEXTILES OR THE LIKE; LAUNDERING; FLEXIBLE MATERIALS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- D06F—LAUNDERING, DRYING, IRONING, PRESSING OR FOLDING TEXTILE ARTICLES
- D06F37/00—Details specific to washing machines covered by groups D06F21/00 - D06F25/00
- D06F37/26—Casings; Tubs
- D06F37/265—Counterweights mounted to the tub; Mountings therefor
-
- D—TEXTILES; PAPER
- D06—TREATMENT OF TEXTILES OR THE LIKE; LAUNDERING; FLEXIBLE MATERIALS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- D06F—LAUNDERING, DRYING, IRONING, PRESSING OR FOLDING TEXTILE ARTICLES
- D06F37/00—Details specific to washing machines covered by groups D06F21/00 - D06F25/00
- D06F37/26—Casings; Tubs
- D06F37/267—Tubs specially adapted for mounting thereto components or devices not provided for in preceding subgroups
-
- D—TEXTILES; PAPER
- D06—TREATMENT OF TEXTILES OR THE LIKE; LAUNDERING; FLEXIBLE MATERIALS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- D06F—LAUNDERING, DRYING, IRONING, PRESSING OR FOLDING TEXTILE ARTICLES
- D06F58/00—Domestic laundry dryers
- D06F58/02—Domestic laundry dryers having dryer drums rotating about a horizontal axis
-
- D—TEXTILES; PAPER
- D06—TREATMENT OF TEXTILES OR THE LIKE; LAUNDERING; FLEXIBLE MATERIALS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- D06F—LAUNDERING, DRYING, IRONING, PRESSING OR FOLDING TEXTILE ARTICLES
- D06F58/00—Domestic laundry dryers
- D06F58/20—General details of domestic laundry dryers
- D06F58/206—Heat pump arrangements
-
- D—TEXTILES; PAPER
- D06—TREATMENT OF TEXTILES OR THE LIKE; LAUNDERING; FLEXIBLE MATERIALS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- D06F—LAUNDERING, DRYING, IRONING, PRESSING OR FOLDING TEXTILE ARTICLES
- D06F58/00—Domestic laundry dryers
- D06F58/20—General details of domestic laundry dryers
- D06F58/22—Lint collecting arrangements
-
- D06F2058/2816—
-
- D—TEXTILES; PAPER
- D06—TREATMENT OF TEXTILES OR THE LIKE; LAUNDERING; FLEXIBLE MATERIALS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- D06F—LAUNDERING, DRYING, IRONING, PRESSING OR FOLDING TEXTILE ARTICLES
- D06F2103/00—Parameters monitored or detected for the control of domestic laundry washing machines, washer-dryers or laundry dryers
- D06F2103/28—Air properties
- D06F2103/34—Humidity
-
- D—TEXTILES; PAPER
- D06—TREATMENT OF TEXTILES OR THE LIKE; LAUNDERING; FLEXIBLE MATERIALS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- D06F—LAUNDERING, DRYING, IRONING, PRESSING OR FOLDING TEXTILE ARTICLES
- D06F2103/00—Parameters monitored or detected for the control of domestic laundry washing machines, washer-dryers or laundry dryers
- D06F2103/50—Parameters monitored or detected for the control of domestic laundry washing machines, washer-dryers or laundry dryers related to heat pumps, e.g. pressure or flow rate
-
- D—TEXTILES; PAPER
- D06—TREATMENT OF TEXTILES OR THE LIKE; LAUNDERING; FLEXIBLE MATERIALS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- D06F—LAUNDERING, DRYING, IRONING, PRESSING OR FOLDING TEXTILE ARTICLES
- D06F2105/00—Systems or parameters controlled or affected by the control systems of washing machines, washer-dryers or laundry dryers
- D06F2105/26—Heat pumps
-
- D—TEXTILES; PAPER
- D06—TREATMENT OF TEXTILES OR THE LIKE; LAUNDERING; FLEXIBLE MATERIALS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- D06F—LAUNDERING, DRYING, IRONING, PRESSING OR FOLDING TEXTILE ARTICLES
- D06F58/00—Domestic laundry dryers
- D06F58/20—General details of domestic laundry dryers
-
- D—TEXTILES; PAPER
- D06—TREATMENT OF TEXTILES OR THE LIKE; LAUNDERING; FLEXIBLE MATERIALS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- D06F—LAUNDERING, DRYING, IRONING, PRESSING OR FOLDING TEXTILE ARTICLES
- D06F58/00—Domestic laundry dryers
- D06F58/20—General details of domestic laundry dryers
- D06F58/24—Condensing arrangements
-
- D—TEXTILES; PAPER
- D06—TREATMENT OF TEXTILES OR THE LIKE; LAUNDERING; FLEXIBLE MATERIALS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- D06F—LAUNDERING, DRYING, IRONING, PRESSING OR FOLDING TEXTILE ARTICLES
- D06F58/00—Domestic laundry dryers
- D06F58/32—Control of operations performed in domestic laundry dryers
- D06F58/34—Control of operations performed in domestic laundry dryers characterised by the purpose or target of the control
- D06F58/36—Control of operational steps, e.g. for optimisation or improvement of operational steps depending on the condition of the laundry
- D06F58/38—Control of operational steps, e.g. for optimisation or improvement of operational steps depending on the condition of the laundry of drying, e.g. to achieve the target humidity
Definitions
- the invention can be applied in the front load laundry washing machine industry preferably for domestic use, in particular it refers to a front load washing machine which besides washing is also capable of drying the laundry; in other words the action of drying the laundry is not provided with separate devices, but it is provided by the machine which performs the washing.
- the machine incorporates—therein—an advantageous drying system, described hereinafter.
- front load laundry washing machines for domestic use, comprising a door adapted to close the loading opening of a rotary drum in a washing tub; the laundry to be washed is introduced into the drum through the door.
- the door usually comprises a transparent inspection hole which allows the user an inner view of the rotary drum and the laundry introduced thereinto.
- Washer/dryer machines are also known.
- a washer/dryer machine is a domestic appliance which combines the washing cycle to the drying one.
- the washing cycle is identical to that of the washing machines, while the drying one is characterized in that:
- a patent document EP2270276 is known, which describes a laundry washer/dryer appliance that combines the features of a washing machine with those of a dryer.
- a laundry drying appliance comprising a cabinet having a top, a rotating drum accommodated within a tub housed in the cabinet, and a laundry drying air circulation system for circulating drying air.
- the drying air circulation system of EP2270276 comprises a drying air return duct through which drying air coming from drum flows, the drying air return duct having an outlet, and a drying air delivery duct through which the drying air is sent back to the drum, the drying air delivery duct having an inlet.
- the top forms a ready-to-mount moisture condensing module ready to be mounted to the cabinet for dehydrating drying air used to dry laundry within the drying drum of the laundry drying appliance.
- a non-linear air path for the drying air is defined in the base element by means of a series of walls.
- moisten-laden drying air coming from the drum and the tub through the return air duct, and entering into the top through the opening is initially caused to flow essentially parallel to the left side of the top, from the rear to the front, and to pass through an air defluff filter that is removably accommodated within a respective filter seat formed in the base element.
- the drying air passes through a moisture condenser comprising an air-air heat exchanger, so as to be cooled down and release moisture in the form of condense water.
- drying recirculation system is considered to be an add-on to the detriment of the standardisation of the dimensions of a standard machine; in the case in question, i.e. the invention, the system is not to the detriment of the dimensions given that it is contained in the standard measurements.
- EP2339063 and EP2436818 describe a drying machine with a housing provided with an internal space for accommodating various devices such as the rotating drum, the water tank and a heat pump device.
- the machine comprises an air ventilation circulatory system flue which communicates the water tank and the heat pump device.
- the circulatory ventilation flue includes an upstream ventilation flue extending upward from the exhaust outlet, and a downstream ventilation flue connected to the bottom wall of the water tank.
- the washing and drying machine further comprises a filter disposed between the upstream ventilation flue and the heat pump device.
- the filter connected to the upstream ventilation flue removes lint (dust components) in the dry air.
- An object of the present invention is to overcome the aforementioned drawbacks by providing the art with a front load washing machine with incorporated drying system, with a heat pump, still maintaining the advantage of performing the washing and the drying within the dimensions i.e. the standard overall size for the machines in question.
- a laundry washing machine comprising, besides the washing system, a drying system with a dehumidification cycle circuit adapted to condensate the moist air extracted from the washing tub and subsequently reintroduced thereinto but heated by the very circuit.
- Said condensation and heating are performed by special exchangers arranged centrally and above the washing tub and connected thereto through a series of mouthpieces or fittings, respectively for delivery and return, and ventilator means for the circulation of air.
- the machine also comprises counterweights for reducing the vibrations that occur following the high speed rotation of the basket; said counterweights being arranged at the sides of exchanger means.
- FIGS. 1 and 2 illustrate the core of the machine, i.e. the washing tub with the air recirculation system and the heating and condensation thereof
- FIG. 3 illustrates the upper portion of the laundry washing machine with the detail on the condensate water collection container, arranged beneath the relative exchanger (the cooling one) and ventilator means which suction air from the washing tub through special channels,
- FIG. 4 the rear of the machine in question, with the suctioning channels and relative ducts or ports for connection with the tub; the figures clearly show the arrangement of two counterweights arranged laterally with respect to the exchanger groups
- FIG. 5 illustrates, still seen from the top of the machine, with exchangers arranged centrally and counterweights at the sides, a system for the recirculation through fans arranged at the front part of the machine; it should also be observed that the detergent container at the rear part is arranged to leave space for said ventilator means,
- FIG. 6 illustrates a median section of the washing machine in question with the two exchangers arranged in series, a filtering means for filtering the air suctioned from the tub and recirculation ducts, arranged so as to establish a linear path for the suctioned air at the rear part from the drum and reintroduced from the front part.
- a front load washing machine for domestic use serving as a laundry washer/dryer, according to the present invention is indicated in its entirety with 1 .
- the machine 1 comprises a cabinet 2 within which there is arranged a washing tub 3 in a known manner.
- a drum In the latter there is rotated, around a horizontal or substantially horizontal axis X, a drum also of the known type and in particular perforated.
- the laundry to be washed is placed in the drum 4 through a loading opening 5 associated to a front part of the cabinet 2 .
- the drum 4 is closed at the rear part by a bottom wall while at the centre, i.e. at the aforementioned axis X, it is supported by a shaft 6 connected/driven in rotation by an electric motor 7 , of known type, usually mounted outside the tub 3 and connected thereto through a belts and pulleys system.
- the axis X of the drum is horizontal, but the latter may also be slightly inclined, raised towards the front part of the cabinet so as to allow an easier loading of the laundry into the drum 4 by a user.
- the loading opening is closed through a door, not illustrated, comprising an inspection hole made of transparent material, glass or plastic.
- the previously described machine 1 combined with the washing system, comprises a drying system which provides for:
- Said groups 10 and 11 (condensation and heating) are thus exchangers adapted to exchange heat between the air in recirculation and the gas contained in the compressor.
- the exchangers are arranged over the washing tub and connected to the latter through a series of mouthpieces 12 , 13 , or fittings and suctioning 14 and re-introduction 15 channels which connect said groups to corresponding openings on the tub.
- the flow is separated into two channels 14 , thus joined for passing into the exchangers, and thus once again separated in the two reintroduction channels 15 .
- This allows reducing the overall dimensions required by the ducts 14 , 15 , while the problem regarding overall dimensions of the upper linear exchangers is resolved by the movement of the masses or counterweights, as described hereinafter.
- the drying system performs the operation of a heat pump which, as known, is made up of a circuit sealed from the internal, in which a gas performs an entire thermodynamic cycle or Carnot cycle, which practically consists in an almost adiabatic compression (with practically constant volume) in the hermetic volumetric compressor.
- the driving electric motor which could for example be an inverter electric motor, and the compressor are incorporated in a single hermetic container, entirely heat sealed, so as to reduce heat dispersions towards the external; obviously, the hermetic container also contains the oil for the lubrication of the compressor.
- the gas increases in terms of pressure and temperature with an increase of the enthalpy content thereof; in the second step the gas traverses an exchanger, in this case that of the heating group, in which it is at contact with the air in recirculation from the washing tub through the fans, transferring the stored air thereto in the two previous steps.
- the gas, traversing an expansion valve is subjected to a “lamination” process and an ensuing reduction of pressure and thus a temperature drop. This change of state from gas to liquid is used in the evaporation (fourth step) where the gas is at very low temperatures, such to allow it to absorb heat (in the condensation group) from the external energy carrier vector fluid, i.e.
- the air is suctioned from the drum and conveyed on both exchangers through a tangential fan.
- the air is thus cooled by a few degrees centigrade (thus causing the condensation of the water contained therein) and sent to the other exchanger, while the gas absorbs the heat thereof evaporating once again and returning to the compressor to recover the described cycle.
- the machine comprises—at the upper part—the heat exchanger groups of the heat pump cycle actuated by the heat pump, while the latter is positioned at the lower part and adjacent to the drum driving motor 7 .
- a container 17 for collecting the condensate water comprises a series of grooves which divert the collected water towards at least one discharge point where—under gravity—the water flows to the lower part and it is then discharged by the pump of the laundry washing machine.
- the ventilator means are housed in the front portion of the cabinet, i.e. between the cabinet 2 and the heating group, creating an air circulation which rises at the rear part from the basket, traverses both the cooling (at the rear part) and the heating (at the front part) exchanger, then it descends again through the front channels and it is re-introduced into the tub.
- FIGS. 4 and 5 there is shown the portion at the rear part of the machine and particularly the suctioning channels and relative connection ducts or ports with the washing tub.
- the figure clearly shows the arrangement of two upper counterweights 18 , now arranged laterally to provide space for the exchanger groups.
- the counterweights are shaped so as to be able to adapt to the new arrangement. The aforementioned allows preserving stability during centrifuge and simultaneously limiting the overall size of the machine.
- the present invention provides for positioning a series of exchangers, between the heat pump cycle and the air within the machine, at the upper part and in central position on the machine and arrange the counterweights for the vibrations on the sides.
- the present invention provides for a system for the recirculation, condensation and heating of the air through a series of ventilator means at the front part of the machine.
- both the detergents container and the filter are accessible from the upper plane which shall be partly tiltable to allow said access.
- Said container arranged below the plane and adapted to contain the detergent, is arranged at the rear part so as to clear suitable space occupied by the aforementioned ventilator means.
- Said exchangers are arranged in series and comprise at least one filtering means 19 at the inlet with the function of filtering the air suctioned from the tub, through the rear suctioning ducts, keeping the condensation and heating groups clean of any residues of textile fibres could be contained in the suctioned air.
- the filtering means is in axis with said exchangers and it is arranged before the airflow—which rises at the rear part from the drum—is intercepted by the exchanger 10 .
- the aforementioned drying system could also be applied to rotary baskets with induction motor.
Abstract
Front load washing machine with incorporated drying system, with heat pump, still maintaining the advantage of performing the washing and drying within the size i.e. the standard overall size for the machines in question. Besides the washing system, the machine includes a drying system with a heat pump circuit adapted to condense the air extracted from the washing tub and subsequently reintroduced there into but heated by the heat pump circuit. The condensation and heating steps are actuated by special exchangers arranged centrally and above the washing tub and connected thereto through a series of mouthpieces or fittings, respectively for delivery and return, and front ventilator elements for the circulation of air and provided with an intermediate filter for collecting impurities. A collection tub diverts the condensate water towards the pump of the machine.
Description
- The invention can be applied in the front load laundry washing machine industry preferably for domestic use, in particular it refers to a front load washing machine which besides washing is also capable of drying the laundry; in other words the action of drying the laundry is not provided with separate devices, but it is provided by the machine which performs the washing. Actually, the machine incorporates—therein—an advantageous drying system, described hereinafter.
- There are known front load laundry washing machines for domestic use, comprising a door adapted to close the loading opening of a rotary drum in a washing tub; the laundry to be washed is introduced into the drum through the door. The door usually comprises a transparent inspection hole which allows the user an inner view of the rotary drum and the laundry introduced thereinto.
- Washer/dryer machines are also known.
- A washer/dryer machine is a domestic appliance which combines the washing cycle to the drying one.
- The washing cycle is identical to that of the washing machines, while the drying one is characterized in that:
-
- hot air, produced by a heat pump or by an electrical resistor, is conveyed to the drum by means of a fan;
- moisture, released into the surrounding environment or, after being recovered from a condenser, is sent to the discharge by means of a pump.
- The drawbacks of the current washer/dryer appliances lie in the fact that:
-
- in case of machines provided with a heat pump for producing hot air, the dimensions of the machines are too large, exceeding the standard overall size of normal front load laundry washing machines; in addition, being placed on the ground the heat pump requires an additional container and a supplementary pump for sending the condensate into the tub of the washing machine,
- in case of machines provided with a heating system with air produced by the electrical resistor, energy consumptions are very high and this aspect has a considerable impact on the annual energy spending.
- A patent document EP2270276 is known, which describes a laundry washer/dryer appliance that combines the features of a washing machine with those of a dryer. There is provided a laundry drying appliance comprising a cabinet having a top, a rotating drum accommodated within a tub housed in the cabinet, and a laundry drying air circulation system for circulating drying air.
- The drying air circulation system of EP2270276 comprises a drying air return duct through which drying air coming from drum flows, the drying air return duct having an outlet, and a drying air delivery duct through which the drying air is sent back to the drum, the drying air delivery duct having an inlet. The top forms a ready-to-mount moisture condensing module ready to be mounted to the cabinet for dehydrating drying air used to dry laundry within the drying drum of the laundry drying appliance.
- As it is shown in FIG. 5 of EP2270276, a non-linear air path for the drying air is defined in the base element by means of a series of walls. In particular, moisten-laden drying air coming from the drum and the tub through the return air duct, and entering into the top through the opening, is initially caused to flow essentially parallel to the left side of the top, from the rear to the front, and to pass through an air defluff filter that is removably accommodated within a respective filter seat formed in the base element. Upon exiting the defluff filter, the drying air passes through a moisture condenser comprising an air-air heat exchanger, so as to be cooled down and release moisture in the form of condense water. This means that a non-linear air flow occurs in this prior art document.
- In addition, in the aforementioned patent the drying recirculation system is considered to be an add-on to the detriment of the standardisation of the dimensions of a standard machine; in the case in question, i.e. the invention, the system is not to the detriment of the dimensions given that it is contained in the standard measurements.
- Other documents are EP2339063 and EP2436818; both describe a drying machine with a housing provided with an internal space for accommodating various devices such as the rotating drum, the water tank and a heat pump device.
- The heat pump device and most of the various elements, which form a circulatory path of the dry air between the heat pump device and the rotating drum are disposed in the upper space. As shown in FIG. 1 of EP2339063 document, the machine comprises an air ventilation circulatory system flue which communicates the water tank and the heat pump device. The circulatory ventilation flue includes an upstream ventilation flue extending upward from the exhaust outlet, and a downstream ventilation flue connected to the bottom wall of the water tank.
- The washing and drying machine further comprises a filter disposed between the upstream ventilation flue and the heat pump device. The filter connected to the upstream ventilation flue removes lint (dust components) in the dry air.
- Substantially, the same flue is provided in the machine of the EP2436818 document.
- In the latter two prior art documents, the solution necessarily provides for positioning the axis of the drum, in the machine, inclined to facilitate the introduction of the drying group while in our patent this is not required.
- An object of the present invention is to overcome the aforementioned drawbacks by providing the art with a front load washing machine with incorporated drying system, with a heat pump, still maintaining the advantage of performing the washing and the drying within the dimensions i.e. the standard overall size for the machines in question.
- The aforementioned is obtained through a laundry washing machine comprising, besides the washing system, a drying system with a dehumidification cycle circuit adapted to condensate the moist air extracted from the washing tub and subsequently reintroduced thereinto but heated by the very circuit.
- Said condensation and heating are performed by special exchangers arranged centrally and above the washing tub and connected thereto through a series of mouthpieces or fittings, respectively for delivery and return, and ventilator means for the circulation of air. The machine also comprises counterweights for reducing the vibrations that occur following the high speed rotation of the basket; said counterweights being arranged at the sides of exchanger means.
- The aforementioned allows maintaining proportions and dimensions suitable to the required standards.
- These objects and advantages are attained by the front load laundry washing machine with incorporated drying system, subject of the present invention, which is characterised according to the provisions provided for under the claims below.
- This and other characteristics shall be more apparent from the following description of illustrated embodiments, provided solely by way of exemplifying and non-limiting example in the attached drawings, wherein;
-
FIGS. 1 and 2 : illustrate the core of the machine, i.e. the washing tub with the air recirculation system and the heating and condensation thereof -
FIG. 3 : illustrates the upper portion of the laundry washing machine with the detail on the condensate water collection container, arranged beneath the relative exchanger (the cooling one) and ventilator means which suction air from the washing tub through special channels, -
FIG. 4 : the rear of the machine in question, with the suctioning channels and relative ducts or ports for connection with the tub; the figures clearly show the arrangement of two counterweights arranged laterally with respect to the exchanger groups -
FIG. 5 : illustrates, still seen from the top of the machine, with exchangers arranged centrally and counterweights at the sides, a system for the recirculation through fans arranged at the front part of the machine; it should also be observed that the detergent container at the rear part is arranged to leave space for said ventilator means, -
FIG. 6 : illustrates a median section of the washing machine in question with the two exchangers arranged in series, a filtering means for filtering the air suctioned from the tub and recirculation ducts, arranged so as to establish a linear path for the suctioned air at the rear part from the drum and reintroduced from the front part. - With particular reference to the attached figures, a front load washing machine for domestic use, serving as a laundry washer/dryer, according to the present invention is indicated in its entirety with 1.
- The machine 1 comprises a
cabinet 2 within which there is arranged awashing tub 3 in a known manner. - In the latter there is rotated, around a horizontal or substantially horizontal axis X, a drum also of the known type and in particular perforated.
- The laundry to be washed is placed in the drum 4 through a
loading opening 5 associated to a front part of thecabinet 2. The drum 4 is closed at the rear part by a bottom wall while at the centre, i.e. at the aforementioned axis X, it is supported by ashaft 6 connected/driven in rotation by anelectric motor 7, of known type, usually mounted outside thetub 3 and connected thereto through a belts and pulleys system. - The axis X of the drum is horizontal, but the latter may also be slightly inclined, raised towards the front part of the cabinet so as to allow an easier loading of the laundry into the drum 4 by a user.
- The loading opening is closed through a door, not illustrated, comprising an inspection hole made of transparent material, glass or plastic.
- The previously described machine 1, combined with the washing system, comprises a drying system which provides for:
-
- a. At least one vertical or horizontal
rotary compressor 8, for the compression—with substantially constant volume—of a gas which, once compressed, traverses theducts 9 and reaches - b. At least one
condensation group 10 in which the gas is at contact with the air drawn from the washing tub, transferring the stored heat, c. At least onegroup 11 for heating the air previously deprived of the condensate water.
- a. At least one vertical or horizontal
- Said
groups 10 and 11 (condensation and heating) are thus exchangers adapted to exchange heat between the air in recirculation and the gas contained in the compressor. - The exchangers are arranged over the washing tub and connected to the latter through a series of
mouthpieces re-introduction 15 channels which connect said groups to corresponding openings on the tub. - Precisely, as illustrated in the figures, the flow is separated into two
channels 14, thus joined for passing into the exchangers, and thus once again separated in the tworeintroduction channels 15. This allows reducing the overall dimensions required by theducts - One or more means 16 for the circulation of air from the washing tub to the condensation and heating groups and the return thereof; said means being fans.
- Substantially, the drying system performs the operation of a heat pump which, as known, is made up of a circuit sealed from the internal, in which a gas performs an entire thermodynamic cycle or Carnot cycle, which practically consists in an almost adiabatic compression (with practically constant volume) in the hermetic volumetric compressor. The driving electric motor, which could for example be an inverter electric motor, and the compressor are incorporated in a single hermetic container, entirely heat sealed, so as to reduce heat dispersions towards the external; obviously, the hermetic container also contains the oil for the lubrication of the compressor. In the first cycle step, called compression, the gas increases in terms of pressure and temperature with an increase of the enthalpy content thereof; in the second step the gas traverses an exchanger, in this case that of the heating group, in which it is at contact with the air in recirculation from the washing tub through the fans, transferring the stored air thereto in the two previous steps. In the third step of the thermodynamic cycle, the gas, traversing an expansion valve is subjected to a “lamination” process and an ensuing reduction of pressure and thus a temperature drop. This change of state from gas to liquid is used in the evaporation (fourth step) where the gas is at very low temperatures, such to allow it to absorb heat (in the condensation group) from the external energy carrier vector fluid, i.e. moist air. The air is suctioned from the drum and conveyed on both exchangers through a tangential fan. The air is thus cooled by a few degrees centigrade (thus causing the condensation of the water contained therein) and sent to the other exchanger, while the gas absorbs the heat thereof evaporating once again and returning to the compressor to recover the described cycle.
- With reference to the aforementioned
FIGS. 1 to 6 , it should be observed that all the components are arranged in acabinet 2 having standard size; in order to allow that both the driving components required for the washing step and those required for performing the drying are comprised within said standard size; the machine comprises—at the upper part—the heat exchanger groups of the heat pump cycle actuated by the heat pump, while the latter is positioned at the lower part and adjacent to thedrum driving motor 7. - Below the relative exchanger (i.e. the cooling one) there is arranged a
container 17 for collecting the condensate water: the latter comprises a series of grooves which divert the collected water towards at least one discharge point where—under gravity—the water flows to the lower part and it is then discharged by the pump of the laundry washing machine. - The ventilator means are housed in the front portion of the cabinet, i.e. between the
cabinet 2 and the heating group, creating an air circulation which rises at the rear part from the basket, traverses both the cooling (at the rear part) and the heating (at the front part) exchanger, then it descends again through the front channels and it is re-introduced into the tub. - Actually and with particular reference to
FIGS. 4 and 5 , there is shown the portion at the rear part of the machine and particularly the suctioning channels and relative connection ducts or ports with the washing tub. - In addition, the figure clearly shows the arrangement of two
upper counterweights 18, now arranged laterally to provide space for the exchanger groups. The counterweights are shaped so as to be able to adapt to the new arrangement. The aforementioned allows preserving stability during centrifuge and simultaneously limiting the overall size of the machine. - Thus, the present invention provides for positioning a series of exchangers, between the heat pump cycle and the air within the machine, at the upper part and in central position on the machine and arrange the counterweights for the vibrations on the sides.
- Still, the present invention provides for a system for the recirculation, condensation and heating of the air through a series of ventilator means at the front part of the machine.
- As observed from the drawings, both the detergents container and the filter are accessible from the upper plane which shall be partly tiltable to allow said access. Said container, arranged below the plane and adapted to contain the detergent, is arranged at the rear part so as to clear suitable space occupied by the aforementioned ventilator means.
- Lastly, with particular reference to
FIG. 6 , there is observed a median section of the washing machine in question; the drum is thus indicated as the rotary axis thereof; at the upper part, there is shown a tub for collecting condensate water whereas the exchangers are shown further higher. - Said exchangers are arranged in series and comprise at least one filtering means 19 at the inlet with the function of filtering the air suctioned from the tub, through the rear suctioning ducts, keeping the condensation and heating groups clean of any residues of textile fibres could be contained in the suctioned air.
- The filtering means, as shown in
FIG. 6 , is in axis with said exchangers and it is arranged before the airflow—which rises at the rear part from the drum—is intercepted by theexchanger 10. - The aforementioned drying system could also be applied to rotary baskets with induction motor.
- In the description, reference was made to an inverter electric motor for driving the compressor but it is clear that a constant speed electric motor may also be applied.
Claims (14)
1. Front load washing machine (1), serving as a laundry washer/dryer, of the type comprising a cabinet (2) for containing a washing tub (3) within which there is present, free to rotate through driving means (7), a laundry holder drum (4); of the type comprising, combined with the washing system, a heat pump drying system comprising:
a. At least one rotary compressor (8), for the compression, with practically constant volume, of a gas which, once compressed, traverses
b. At least one heating group (10) in which the gas is at contact with the air drawn from the washing tub, transferring the stored air thereto, and, after lamination, the gas traverses
c. At least one condensation group (11);
characterized in that said condensation and heating groups are arranged at the upper part with respect to the washing tub and connected to said washing tub through a series of mouthpieces and/or fittings respectively for delivery and return,
d. At least one inspectionable filter (19) and integrated in the condensation/heating groups (10, 11) and before the condensation group;
e. Suctioning and re-introduction channels (14, 15) which connect said groups to corresponding openings on the drum (4),
f. One or more ventilator means (16) for the circulation of air from within the washing drum (4) to the condensation and heating groups and return; said ventilator means adapted to establish an air circulation which, from the basket, rises at the rear part, traverses both the rear cooling exchanger and the front heating exchanger, and then re-descend through the front channels, where it is re-introduced into the drum.
2. Machine according to claim 1 , characterized in that said condensation and heating groups (10, 11) are arranged centrally.
3. Machine according to claim 1 , characterized in that laterally with respect to said condensation and heating groups (10, 11) there are housed some upper counterweights (18) and shaped so as to be able to adapt to the new arrangement provided for.
4. Machine according to claim 1 , characterized in that said condensation and heating groups (10, 11) each comprise at least one heat exchanger, the first for cooling and condensing the moist air suctioned from the tub, the second for the heating the air thus condensed.
5. Machine according to claim 1 , characterized in that the channels for collecting the condensate water (17) are arranged below at least the condensation/evaporation group (10); a series of grooves divert the condensate water collecting it towards at least one discharge point where, due to gravity, the water drops in the lower part and it is then discharged by the pump of the laundry washing machine.
6. Machine according to claim 1 , characterized in that said rotary compressor comprises a motor inverter suitable to adapt the number of rotations of the compressor to the humidity present in the basket; said moisture being detected by a moisture detection electronic sensor.
7. Machine according to claim 1 , characterized in that said suctioning and re-introduction channels (14, 15) are connected to the internal of the drum through one or more respective connection openings or ports (12, 13) obtained in the washing tub.
8. Machine according to claim 1 , characterized in that several means for the circulation of air from inside the washing tub are arranged at the front.
9. Machine according to claim 1 , characterized in that it further comprises an at least partly tiltable upper plane so as to allow access to a detergent container, arranged on the area at the rear part of the top cover of the washer.
10. Machine according to claim 1 , characterized in that the condensation and heating groups comprise exchangers arranged in series with at least one filtering means present at the inlet of said exchangers for filtering the air suctioned from the tub and inspectionable from an opening of the top cover.
11. Machine according to claim 1 , characterized in that all components are arranged in a cabinet having standard size.
12. Machine according to claim 1 , characterized in that it comprises ducts (14, 15) which separate the airflow from and towards the basket; the flow is separated into two channels 14, thus joined for passing in the exchangers, and thus once again separated in the two re-introduction channels 15.
13. Machine according to claim 1 , characterized in that the filtering means (19) is in axis with said exchangers, it is arranged before the airflow—which rises at the rear part from the drum—is intercepted by the exchanger.
14. Machine according to claim 2 , characterized in that laterally with respect to said condensation and heating groups (10, 11) there are housed some upper counterweights (18) and shaped so as to be able to adapt to the new arrangement provided for.
Applications Claiming Priority (3)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
IT000082A ITPR20120082A1 (en) | 2012-11-27 | 2012-11-27 | WASHING MACHINE WITH FRONTAL LOADING WITH INCORPORATED DRYING SYSTEM |
ITPR2012A000082 | 2012-11-27 | ||
PCT/IB2013/060423 WO2014083503A2 (en) | 2012-11-27 | 2013-11-26 | Front load laundry washing machine with incorporated drying system |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
US20150322610A1 true US20150322610A1 (en) | 2015-11-12 |
Family
ID=47633301
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US14/647,556 Abandoned US20150322610A1 (en) | 2012-11-27 | 2013-11-26 | Front load laundry washing machine with incorporated drying system |
Country Status (4)
Country | Link |
---|---|
US (1) | US20150322610A1 (en) |
EP (1) | EP2925924B1 (en) |
IT (1) | ITPR20120082A1 (en) |
WO (1) | WO2014083503A2 (en) |
Cited By (5)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20180119330A1 (en) * | 2015-04-29 | 2018-05-03 | Whirlpool Emea S.P.A. | Machine for washing and drying laundry |
EP3467184A1 (en) * | 2017-10-09 | 2019-04-10 | Whirlpool Corporation | Machine for drying laundry, in particular washer-dryer, equipped with a heat pump system |
US10988894B2 (en) | 2016-01-05 | 2021-04-27 | Lg Electronics Inc. | Clothes treatment apparatus having heat pump module |
DE102015209113B4 (en) * | 2014-05-30 | 2021-06-10 | Hangzhou Sanhua Research Institute Co., Ltd. | DRYING SYSTEM AND USING THE DRYING SYSTEM IN A LAUNDRY DRYER |
US11186943B2 (en) | 2017-10-09 | 2021-11-30 | Whirlpool Corporation | Filter configured for being used in a machine for drying laundry and machine for drying laundry equipped with such a filter |
Families Citing this family (5)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
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CN105696290B (en) * | 2014-11-25 | 2019-06-14 | 杭州三花研究院有限公司 | A kind of clothes drying device |
EP3178985A1 (en) * | 2015-12-07 | 2017-06-14 | Wuxi Little Swan Co. Ltd. | Washing-drying machine |
WO2017174766A1 (en) * | 2016-04-08 | 2017-10-12 | Arcelik Anonim Sirketi | A heat pump laundry washing and/or drying machine |
WO2017206231A1 (en) * | 2016-05-31 | 2017-12-07 | 无锡小天鹅股份有限公司 | Heat pump installation box and heat pump clothes dryer or heat pump integrated washer dryer |
US20170342636A1 (en) * | 2016-05-31 | 2017-11-30 | Wuxi Little Swan Co., Ltd. | Heat pump module for laundry treatment device and laundry treatment device |
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US20110036556A1 (en) * | 2009-08-12 | 2011-02-17 | Electrolux Home Products Corporation N.V. | Tumble Dryer with a Heat Pump System and a Method for Controlling a Heat Pump System for a Tumble Dryer |
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DE2429078A1 (en) * | 1974-03-20 | 1976-01-08 | Hugo Werner Geschka | Clothes drier with horizontal-axis rotary perforated drum - preventing air from circulating around drum, without causing creases |
DE10245281A1 (en) * | 2002-09-27 | 2004-04-08 | Electrolux Home Products Corporation N.V. | Domestic washing machine for domestic laundry has a washer casing sealed with a top cover plate, a caustic solution container, a dispenser and a reservoir to store washing agents for multiple washes |
PL2957671T3 (en) * | 2009-06-29 | 2019-03-29 | Electrolux Home Products Corporation N.V. | Appliance for drying laundry |
EP2336419B1 (en) * | 2009-11-18 | 2012-12-05 | Panasonic Corporation | Clothes dryer |
JP5031815B2 (en) * | 2009-12-28 | 2012-09-26 | パナソニック株式会社 | Washing and drying machine |
EP2385163B1 (en) * | 2010-05-03 | 2016-10-05 | Electrolux Home Products Corporation N.V. | A laundry machine with an integrated heat pump system |
EP2415928A3 (en) * | 2010-08-06 | 2015-09-02 | Panasonic Corporation | Dehumidifying-warming apparatus and clothes dryer using the same |
JP2012075601A (en) * | 2010-09-30 | 2012-04-19 | Panasonic Corp | Washing and drying apparatus |
KR101745890B1 (en) * | 2010-12-20 | 2017-06-20 | 삼성전자주식회사 | Washing machine |
-
2012
- 2012-11-27 IT IT000082A patent/ITPR20120082A1/en unknown
-
2013
- 2013-11-26 US US14/647,556 patent/US20150322610A1/en not_active Abandoned
- 2013-11-26 WO PCT/IB2013/060423 patent/WO2014083503A2/en active Application Filing
- 2013-11-26 EP EP13848141.1A patent/EP2925924B1/en not_active Not-in-force
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US4112590A (en) * | 1975-07-02 | 1978-09-12 | August Lepper, Maschinen- Und Apparatebau Gmbh | Combined drum washer and drying arrangement |
US20110036556A1 (en) * | 2009-08-12 | 2011-02-17 | Electrolux Home Products Corporation N.V. | Tumble Dryer with a Heat Pump System and a Method for Controlling a Heat Pump System for a Tumble Dryer |
Cited By (6)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
DE102015209113B4 (en) * | 2014-05-30 | 2021-06-10 | Hangzhou Sanhua Research Institute Co., Ltd. | DRYING SYSTEM AND USING THE DRYING SYSTEM IN A LAUNDRY DRYER |
US20180119330A1 (en) * | 2015-04-29 | 2018-05-03 | Whirlpool Emea S.P.A. | Machine for washing and drying laundry |
US10988894B2 (en) | 2016-01-05 | 2021-04-27 | Lg Electronics Inc. | Clothes treatment apparatus having heat pump module |
EP3467184A1 (en) * | 2017-10-09 | 2019-04-10 | Whirlpool Corporation | Machine for drying laundry, in particular washer-dryer, equipped with a heat pump system |
US11186943B2 (en) | 2017-10-09 | 2021-11-30 | Whirlpool Corporation | Filter configured for being used in a machine for drying laundry and machine for drying laundry equipped with such a filter |
US11761141B2 (en) | 2017-10-09 | 2023-09-19 | Whirlpool Corporation | Filter configured for being used in a machine for drying laundry and machine for drying laundry equipped with such a filter |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
EP2925924A2 (en) | 2015-10-07 |
EP2925924B1 (en) | 2017-02-01 |
WO2014083503A3 (en) | 2014-07-31 |
ITPR20120082A1 (en) | 2014-05-28 |
WO2014083503A2 (en) | 2014-06-05 |
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Owner name: MECCANICA GENERALE S.R.L., ITALY Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNORS:GARLATTI, WALTER EMILIO;BACELLI, GIANFRANCO;GIARDINIERI, SIMONE;AND OTHERS;REEL/FRAME:036141/0135 Effective date: 20150619 |
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