Patent Description:
In conventional laundry devices, such as dryers or wash-dryers, wet laundry is introduced into a laundry drum. During the drying process the liquid content of the wet laundry has to be reduced for example by removing liquid from the laundry.

However, in conventional laundry devices, such as dryers or wash-dryers, such liquid removal elements often require complex elements and devices, which require an increased installation space within the laundry device, which are expensive, and which reduce the installation space within the laundry device.

In <CIT> a vented dryer with a fan is disclosed.

In <CIT> a tumble dryer with a condenser is disclosed.

In <CIT> a door assembly of a laundry treating appliance is disclosed.

In <CIT> a laundry dryer with a condenser is disclosed.

It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a laundry device, in particular a dryer or wash-dryer, which allows for an efficient reduction of the liquid content of wet laundry during a drying process.

This object is achieved by way of the features of the independent patent claim.

Advantageous developments are the subject matter of the dependent claims, the description, and the appended figures.

The present invention is based on the finding that the above object can be achieved by a condensing surface of the door of the laundry device, wherein said condensing surface is actively cooled by an active cooling element of the laundry device, and wherein said actively cooled condensing surface faces the interior of the laundry device. Therefore, when heated air is directed towards the wet laundry received in the laundry drum, said heated air can absorb liquid from the wet laundry, in order to obtain heated air with an increased humidity. The liquid of said heated air with an increased humidity can condense at the actively cooled condensing surface of the door, wherein said condensed liquid in particular can be forwarded for example to a liquid container of the laundry device. Consequently, the liquid of the wet laundry received in the laundry drum of the laundry device can be efficiently removed from the laundry, thereby allowing for an efficient drying process.

The laundry device according to the present invention in particular refers to a laundry device which is adapted to dry laundry, in particular by thereby removing or at least significantly reducing the amount of water attached to the laundry. In particular the laundry device according to the present disclosure is a dryer, which is adapted to dry laundry. In particular the laundry device according to the present invention is a wash-dryer, which is adapted to wash laundry and to dry laundry.

According to an aspect, the present invention relates to a laundry device, comprising a housing, which delimits an interior space of the laundry device, and which comprises a door opening, a laundry drum, which is arranged in the interior space of the laundry device, and which is adapted to receivewet laundry, and a door, which is adapted to close the door opening, wherein the door comprises a projecting section, which projects through the door opening into the interior space of the laundry device in a closed state of the door, wherein the projecting section comprises a condensing surface, which faces towards the interior space of the laundry device, an active cooling element, which is arranged in the door, and which is adapted to actively cool the condensing surface, and a ventilation and heating unit, which is adapted to heat air and to direct a flow of the heated air through the wet laundry received in the laundry drum, in order to obtain heated air with an increased humidity, which in turn is directed towards the condensing surface, so that liquid from the heated air with an increased humidity condenses at the condensing surface.

As a result of the actively cooled condensing surface of the door, liquid can be efficiently removed from the circulating flow of heated air within the interior space of the laundry device by condensation. The condensed liquid can then be transferred from the condensation surface, for example by flowing down the condensation surface due to the force of gravity, so that the condensed liquid can subsequently flow to a laundry container of the laundry device and/or the condensed liquid can be subsequently conducted out of the laundry device.

Since the condensing surface is already part of the door, which is mandatory in conventional laundry devices for accessing the interior space of the laundry device, no additional liquid removal elements have to be introduced into the laundry device according to the present invention thereby simplifying the overall design of the laundry device, which allows for an increased interior space of the laundry device and also for a significant cost reduction.

In particular, the condensing surface and the projecting section are formed as one piece. In particular, the condensing surface and the projecting section are formed from a thermally conducting material, in particular from steel.

However, to achieve an efficient condensation effect, the condensing surface has to be actively cooled by the active cooling element. The active cooling element is positioned in the door of the laundry device and allows for an active removal of heat from the condensing surface of the door towards an exterior space of the laundry device. To allow for such active cooling, the active cooling element in particular is thermally connected to the condensing surface, or is thermally connected to the projecting section of the door, wherein said projecting section of the door in turn is thermally connected to the condensing surface.

In particular, the active cooling element does not extend into the interior of the laundry device.

In particular, the active cooling element comprises an additional ventilation unit, which is adapted to direct a flow of air towards the projecting section of the door, in order to cool the projecting section and the condensing surface of the projecting section.

In particular, the active cooling element comprises a thermally conductive element, which is in physical contact with the projecting section and the condensing surface of the projecting section in order to conduct heat from the condensing surface through the projecting section and through the thermally conductive element away from the interior of the laundry device, in particular to an exterior of the laundry device, for example to a heat sink.

The flow of heated air within the laundry device is provided by a ventillation and heating unit of the laundry device. The ventillation and heating unit directs the flow of heated air, in particular dry, heated air through the wet laundry, which is received in the laundry drum, so that the heated air takes up moisture from the wet laundry, and so that subsequently heated air with increased humidity is obtained.

Said heated air with increased humidity is then directed by the flow of the ventillation and heating unit of towards the condensing surface, so that liquid from the heated air with increased humidity condenses at the condensing surface, which results in that a heated air with reduced humidity is obtained. Said heated air with reduced humidity is then conducted back to the ventillation and heating unit of the laundry device to close the ventillation cycle.

According to an embodiment, the door comprises an external section, which faces away from the projecting section, wherein the external section and the projecting section delimit an interior space of the door, wherein the active cooling element is at least partially arranged in the interior space of the door.

As a result, by arranging the active cooling element in the interior space of the door, the active cooling element is in an optimal position to actively cool the condensing surface of the projecting section.

In particular, the external section of the door faces towards an exterior space of the laundry device. In particular, the external section of the door is at least partially formed by a glass frame of the door.

According to an embodiment, the external section comprises a plurality of air exchange openings, which are adapted to allow for an air exchange between the interior space of the door and an exterior space of the laundry device.

As a result, the plurality of air exchange openings allow for an efficient heat dissipation from the interior space of the door to the exterior space of the laundry device.

In particular, air from the exterior space of the laundry device can enter the interior space of the door through a first plurality of air openings formed in the external section. In particular, air from the interior space of the door can exit the interior space of the door through a second plurality of air openings formed in the external section to the exterior space of the laundry device.

According to an embodiment, the active cooling element comprises an additional ventilator, which is arranged in the door, in particular in the interior space of the door, and which is adapted to direct a flow of air towards the projecting section of the door, in order to actively cool the condensing surface.

As a result, by the flow of air, which is directed by the additional ventilator towards the projecting section, heat from the condensing surface of the projecting section can be efficiently dissipated.

In particular, the additional ventilator is adapted to suck in air from an exterior space of the laundry device, through a first plurality of air exchange openings in the door into the interior space of the door, and direct said flow of air towards the projecting section of the door, in order to absorb heat from the condensing surface of the projecting section, and to obtain heated air, wherein said heated air is directed from the interior space of the door through a second plurality of air exchange openings in the door to the exterior space of the laundry device.

According to an embodiment, the active cooling elementcomprises a thermally conductive element, which is arranged in the door, in particular in the interior space of the door, and which is in contact with the projecting section of the door, in order to actively cool the condensing surface.

As a result, the thermally conductive element as an alternative to the additional ventilator or in addition to the additional ventilator allows for an efficient heat dissipation from the condensing surface.

In particular, said thermally conductive element extends from an exterior space of the laundry device through the interior space of the door to the projecting section of the door, which allows for an efficient removal of heat from the condensing surface, when said thermally conductive element for example is attached to a heat sink.

According to an embodiment, a heat-dissipating element is arranged in the door, in particular in the interior space of the door, wherein the heat-dissipating element is connected to the projecting section in a thermally conducting manner, in order to cool the condensing surface, and wherein the active cooling element in particular is adapted to actively cool the heat-dissipating element and therefore cool the condensing surface.

As a result, by the thermal contact to the projecting section, the heat-dissipating element allows for an efficient heat removal from the condensing surface of the projecting surface, in particular when the active cooling element actively cools the heat-dissipating element.

In particular, the heat-dissipating element comprises a plurality of fins, which increase the heat-dissipating surface of the heat-dissipating element. In particular, the heat-dissipating element is made from aluminum. In particular, the heat-dissipating element is connected with the projecting section in a materially bonded manner, in particular by a thermally conductive epoxy material.

According to an embodiment, the ventilation and heating unit is arranged in an air channel of the laundry device, wherein the air channel is delimited by the housing, wherein the air channel is connected to an air insertion section of the liquid container, and wherein the air channel is connected to an air exhaustion section of the liquid container, in order to direct the flow of heated air through the air insertion section into the laundry drum, and in order return humidity-reduced air after condensation through the air exhaustion section back to the air channel.

As a result, both connections of the air channel effectively close the air cycle during the drying process of the laundry device.

According to an embodiment, the laundry drum comprises a plurality of drum holes, in particular at a close vincinity to the air insertion section of the liquid container, to allow for an efficient flow of heated air into the laundry drum.

As a result, heated air which is conducted by the ventilation and heating unit, in particular through the air channel, can enter the laundry drum through said plurality of drum holes in order to allow for an efficient drying of the laundry.

According to an embodiment, the laundry device comprises a flow regulator, which is in particular arranged at the air insertion section of the liquid container and/or at the plurality of drum holes of the laundry drum, and wherein said flow regulator allows for an efficient distribution of heated air within the laundry drum.

As a result, the flow regulator allows for efficient optimization of the flow of air, which is directed towards the wet laundry received in the laundry drum, so that an efficient drying is achieved in respect to all parts of the laundry.

According to an embodiment, a separating plate is arranged at a side of the condensing surface, which faces towards the laundry drum, wherein in particular the condensed liquid is collected in a collecting region between the condensing surface and the separating plate.

As a result, the separating plate prevents a contact of laundry within the laundry drum with the condensing surface.

In particular, the separating plate is arranged at a distance from the condensing surface, and wherein the condensing surface and the separating plate delimit the collecting region.

In particular, the separating plate comprises a plurality of holes, which ensure that the air flow within the interior of the laundry device is not interrupted.

According to an embodiment, a condensing channel is formed at the condensing surface, wherein said condensing channel is adapted to conduct condensed liquid away from the condensing surface, preferably into a liquid container of the laundry device.

As a result, the condensing channel allows for a directed removal of the condensed liquid from the condensing surface.

According to an embodiment, the laundry device comprises a liquid container, which is arranged in the interior space of the laundry device, wherein the laundry drum is positioned in the liquid container, wherein the condensing surface in particular is arranged vertically above a bottom part of the liquid container and wherein condensed liquid flows from the condensing surface into the liquid container by the force of gravity.

As a result, the liquid container serves as a reservoir of the condensed liquid, which flows from the condensing surface.

According to an embodiment, the condensing surface is formed to direct the condensed liquid towards an opening between the housing and the laundry drum.

As a result, it can be prevented that the condensed surface enters a machine compartment of the laundry device.

According to an embodiment, the opening is connected to a liquid container by a fluid channel, so that condensed liquid can flow from the condensing surface through the opening and through the fluid channel into the liquid container of the laundry device.

As a result, the fluid channel allows for an efficient flow of the condensed liquid into the liquid container.

According to an embodiment, the condensing surface is formed from a thermally conductive material, preferably a metal.

As a result, an effective condensation of liquid at the condensing surface can be ensured.

Further examples of the principles and techniques of that disclosure are explained in greater detail with reference to the appended drawings, in which:.

<FIG> shows a schematic representation of a laundry device according to an embodiment.

The laundry <NUM> device, which is only schematically shown in <FIG>, comprises a housing <NUM>, which delimits an interior space <NUM> of the laundry device <NUM> from an exterior space <NUM> of the laundry device <NUM>. The laundry device <NUM> further comprises a door opening <NUM> through which a user of the laundry device <NUM> can introduce laundry into the interior space <NUM> of the laundry device <NUM>, in particular into to a schematically shown laundry drum <NUM>, which is arranged in the interior space <NUM> of the laundry device <NUM>.

During a laundry treatment process, the laundry, which is received in the laundry drum <NUM> is treated and afterwards the treated laundry can be taken out by the user from the laundry drum <NUM> and through the door opening <NUM>.

The laundry device <NUM> further comprises a door <NUM>, which is adapted to close the door opening <NUM>, so that in the closed state of the door <NUM> an efficient treatment of laundry during the laundry treatment process can be ensured. On the other side, the door <NUM> can be opened, so that the user of the laundry device <NUM> can access the interior space <NUM> of the laundry device <NUM> through the door opening <NUM> to insert laundry into the interior space <NUM> or to take out laundry from the interior space <NUM>.

The laundry device <NUM> according to the present disclosure in particular refers to a laundry device <NUM>, which is adapted to dry wet laundry, in particular by removing or at least significantly reducing the amount of water attached to the wet laundry. In particular the laundry device <NUM> according to the present disclosure is a dryer, which is adapted to dry laundry. In particular the laundry device <NUM> according to the present disclosure is a wash-dryer, which is adapted to wash laundry and to dry laundry.

For further details in respect to the laundry device <NUM> further reference to <FIG> and <FIG> ist provided.

<FIG> shows a schematic representation of a laundry device with an active cooling element according to an embodiment.

In <FIG> a cross-section through the laundry device <NUM> is shown. The laundry device <NUM> shown in <FIG> is a wash-dryer, which is adapted to wash laundry <NUM> and to dry laundry <NUM>. However, it is within the scope of the embodiment that the laundry device <NUM> shown in <FIG> is a dryer, which is only adapted to dry laundry <NUM> and is not adapted to wash laundry <NUM>.

The laundry device <NUM> comprises a housing <NUM>, which delimits an interior space <NUM> of the laundry device <NUM> from an exterior space <NUM> of the laundry device <NUM>. In the interior space <NUM> a laundry drum <NUM> is positioned, wherein said laundry drum <NUM> is adapted to receive laundry <NUM>. Said laundry device <NUM> further comprises a drive shaft <NUM> through which said laundry drum <NUM> can be rotated during the drying process.

The laundry drum <NUM> is arranged in a liquid container <NUM> of the laundry device <NUM>, wherein said liquid container <NUM> is adapted to receive any liquid, which is extracted from the laundry <NUM> during the drying process. Since the laundry device <NUM> is a wash-dryer the liquid container <NUM> is also adapted to receive any washing liquid, which is supplied to the laundry <NUM> during a washing process. Any water inlets to and water outlets from the liquid container <NUM> are not shown in <FIG>.

In <FIG> also the door <NUM> of the laundry device <NUM> is shown in a closed state of the door <NUM>, wherein the door <NUM> closes a door opening <NUM> of the housing <NUM>. As can be derived from <FIG> the door <NUM> comprises a projecting section <NUM>, which projects through the door opening <NUM> into the interior <NUM> of the laundry device <NUM>. The door <NUM> further comprises an external section <NUM>, which faces away from the projecting section <NUM>, wherein in particular the external section <NUM> is at least partially formed by a glass frame of the door <NUM>. The external section <NUM> and the projecting section <NUM> of the door <NUM> delimit an interior space <NUM> of the door <NUM>.

Further in <FIG> a ventilation and heating unit <NUM> of the laundry device <NUM> is shown, wherein said ventilation and heating unit <NUM> in particular is positioned in an air channel <NUM> of the laundry device <NUM>, wherein said airchannel <NUM> is delimited by the housing <NUM> of the laundry device <NUM>.

The air channel <NUM> is connected to an air inserting section <NUM> of the liquid container <NUM>, and the air channel <NUM> is connected to an air exhaustion section <NUM> of the liquid container <NUM>.

The ventilation and heating unit <NUM> comprises a heater <NUM>-<NUM>, which is adapted to heat the air within the air channel <NUM>, and comprises a ventilator <NUM>-<NUM>, which is adapted to create a flow of the heated air within the air channel <NUM>.

As can be derived from the arrows depicted in <FIG>, the heated air is directed by the ventilation and heating unit <NUM> from the air channel <NUM> and through the air inserting section <NUM> of the liquid container <NUM> and further into the laundry drum <NUM>, so that the heated air comes into contact with the wet laundry <NUM> received in the laundry drum <NUM>. Due to the low humidity of the heated air entering the laundry drum <NUM>, the heated air can uptake humidity of the wet laundry <NUM> during the drying process, so that a heated air with an increased humidity is obtained. Said air flow from the ventilation and heating unit <NUM> towards the laundry <NUM> is designated in <FIG> by a first air flow part <NUM>.

The heated air with increased humidity is then directed towards a condensing surface <NUM> of the door <NUM>, wherein said condensing section is positioned at the projecting section <NUM> of the door <NUM>. Due to the reduced temperature of the condensing surface <NUM>, liquid condenses at the condensing surface <NUM> from the heated air with increased humidity, so that humidity-reduced air is obtained.

Said humidity-reduced air is then directed through the air exhaustion section <NUM> of the liquid container <NUM> back into the air channel <NUM> and further to the ventilation and heating unit <NUM>, which is adapted to heat the humidity-reduced air again, thereby closing the aircycle. Said air flow towards from the condensing surface <NUM> through the air exhaustion section <NUM> back to the ventilation and heating unit <NUM> is designated in <FIG> by a second air flow part <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG>, the liquid, which condenses at the condensing surface <NUM> flows down the condensing surface <NUM> due to the force of gravity and is directed through a opening <NUM> between the housing <NUM> and the laundry drum <NUM>, so that the condensed liquid is received within the liquid container <NUM>. The flow of condensed liquid is designated in <FIG> by a liquid flow <NUM>.

To allow for an efficient condensation of liquid at the condensing surface <NUM>, the condensing surface <NUM> has to be actively cooled. To achieve this, the laundry device <NUM> comprises an active cooling device <NUM>, which is adapted to actively cool the condensing surface <NUM>.

In the embodiment shown in <FIG>, the active cooling device <NUM> comprises an additional ventilator <NUM>-<NUM>, which is adapted to direct a flow of air towards the condensing surface <NUM>. In particular, the additional ventilator <NUM>-<NUM> is arranged in the interior space <NUM> of the door <NUM>, In particular, the door <NUM>, in particular the external section <NUM> of door <NUM> comprises a plurality of air exchange openings <NUM>, which allow for an efficient air exchange between the interior space <NUM> of the door <NUM> and the exterior space <NUM> of the laundry device <NUM>.

In particular, the additional ventilator <NUM>-<NUM> is adapted to suck in air through a first plurality of air exchange openings <NUM>-<NUM> into the interior space <NUM> of the door <NUM> in order to direct the air towards the projecting section <NUM> of the door <NUM>, in particular to the cooling surface <NUM> of the projecting section <NUM>, wherein said cooling surface <NUM> faces towards the interior space <NUM> of the door <NUM>.

Since the material of the projecting section <NUM> of the door <NUM>, wherein said projecting section <NUM> comprises the condensing surface <NUM>, in particular comprises an efficient thermal conductivity since it is in particular formed from metal, such as steel, the directed flow of air is adapted to cool both the projecting section <NUM> as well as the condensing surface <NUM> which is arranged on the side of door <NUM>, which faces towards the interior space <NUM> of the laundry device <NUM>.

In particular, a condensing channel, which is not shown in <FIG> might be formed at the condensing surface <NUM>, which is adapted to conduct condensed liquid away from the condensing surface <NUM>, preferably into the liquid container <NUM> of the laundry device <NUM>.

In particular, at least a part of the projecting section <NUM> comprising the condensing surface <NUM> is formed from stainless steel, which comprises an efficient thermal conductivity of about <NUM> W/mK, which is corrosion resistant, which allows for an sealing function, which allows for efficient laundry <NUM> fiber protecting properties and which is a cost-effective material.

Even if not shown in <FIG>, the active cooling element <NUM> can comprise a thermally conductive element, which is in thermally conductive contact with the condensing surface <NUM>, in order to cool the condensing surface <NUM>. In particular, said thermally conductive element might extend from an exterior space <NUM> of the laundry device <NUM> through the interior space <NUM> of the door <NUM> to the projecting section <NUM> of the door <NUM>, which allows for an efficient removal of heat from the condensing surface <NUM>, when said thermally conductive element for example is attached to a heat sink.

By cooling the projecting section <NUM> as well as the condensing surface <NUM>, the cool ambient air is heated up, and the heated-up air is directed from the interior space <NUM> of the door <NUM> back to the exterior space <NUM> the laundry device <NUM> through a second plurality of air exchange openings <NUM>-<NUM> thereby closing the air cycle.

As can be derived from <FIG>, the door <NUM> optionally comprises a heat-dissipating element <NUM>, which is positioned in the interior space <NUM> of the door <NUM> and which is connected to the condensing surface <NUM> in a thermally conductive manner, in order to allow for an efficient cooling of the condensing surface <NUM>. The heat-dissipating element <NUM> in particular is attached to the cooling surface <NUM> of the projecting section <NUM> of the door <NUM>.

The heat-dissipating element <NUM> in particular comprises a plurality of fins, which thereby increase the heat-dissipating surface of the heat-dissipating element <NUM>. In particular, the heat-dissipating element <NUM> is made from aluminum. In particular, the heat-dissipating element <NUM> is connected with the cooling surface <NUM> in a materially bonded manner, in particular by a thermally conductive epoxy material.

The additional ventilation unit <NUM>-<NUM> in particular is adapted to direct the flow of air towards the heat-dissipating element <NUM> in order to allow for an efficient cooling of the condensing surface <NUM>.

Summarizing, the laundry device <NUM> according to <FIG> allows for a door-integrated active cooling element <NUM> for cooling a condensing surface <NUM> of the door <NUM> to allow for an efficient liquid removal from heated air with an increased humidity within the laundry device <NUM>.

The laundry device <NUM> according to <FIG> allows for maximizing the space utilization of the laundry device <NUM> due to said simplification of liquid removal. Further, the structural impact to the laundry drum <NUM> is minimized. The condensing surface <NUM> is easily accessible for cleaning, since the door <NUM> only has to be opened to access the condensing surface <NUM>. Comparing with conventional wash-dryers the thermal impact on the gasket is reduced.

The laundry device <NUM> shown in <FIG> is essentially identical to the laundry device <NUM> shown in <FIG> except for the following differences.

The laundry device <NUM> shown in <FIG> comprises an optional separating plate <NUM>, which is arranged at a side of the condensing surface <NUM>, which faces towards the laundry drum <NUM>. Therefore, a collecting region <NUM> is delimited from the condensing surface <NUM> and the separating plate <NUM>, so that liquid, which condenses at the condensing surface <NUM> of the door <NUM> is retained in the collecting region <NUM>.

In particular, a condensing channel, which is not shown in <FIG> might be formed at the condensing surface <NUM>, which condensing channel is adapted to conduct condensed liquid away from the condensing surface <NUM>, preferably into the liquid container <NUM> of the laundry device <NUM>.

The laundry device <NUM> shown in <FIG> comprises an optional plurality of drum holes <NUM>, which are formed in the laundry drum <NUM>, in particular at a close vincinity to the air insertion section <NUM> of the liquid container <NUM> to allow for an efficient flow of heated air from the air channel <NUM> through the insertion section <NUM> of the liquid container <NUM> and through the drum holes <NUM> of the laundry drum <NUM> into the laundry drum <NUM>.

The laundry device <NUM> shown in <FIG> comprises an optional flow regulator <NUM>, which is in particular arranged at the air insertion section <NUM> of the liquid container <NUM> and/or at the plurality of drum holes <NUM> of laundry drum <NUM>, and wherein said flow regulator <NUM> allows for an efficient distribution of heated air within the laundry drum <NUM>.

Claim 1:
Laundry device (<NUM>), comprising:
a housing (<NUM>), which delimits an interior space (<NUM>) of the laundry device (<NUM>), and which comprises a door opening (<NUM>),
a laundry drum (<NUM>), which is arranged in the interior space (<NUM>) of the laundry device (<NUM>), and which is adapted to receive wet laundry (<NUM>), and
a door (<NUM>), which is adapted to close the door opening (<NUM>), wherein the door (<NUM>) comprises a projecting section (<NUM>), which projects through the door opening (<NUM>) into the interior space (<NUM>) of the laundry device (<NUM>) in a closed state of the door (<NUM>), wherein the projecting section (<NUM>) comprises a condensing surface (<NUM>), which faces towards the interior space (<NUM>) of the laundry device (<NUM>), wherein the condensing surface (<NUM>) is positioned at the projecting section (<NUM>) of the door (<NUM>),
an active cooling element (<NUM>, <NUM>-<NUM>), which is arranged in the door (<NUM>), and which is adapted to actively cool the condensing surface (<NUM>), and
a ventilation and heating unit (<NUM>), which is adapted to heat air and to direct a flow of the heated air through the wet laundry (<NUM>) received in the laundry drum (<NUM>), in order to obtain heated air with an increased humidity, which in turn is directed towards the condensing surface (<NUM>), so that liquid from the heated air with an increased humidity condenses at the condensing surface (<NUM>).