Patent ID: 12188170

The components in the figures are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon illustrating the principles described herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present illustrated embodiments reside primarily in combinations of method steps and apparatus components related to a convection-blocking seal that prevents direct recirculation of exhaust air into a condensing airflow path. Accordingly, the apparatus components and method steps have been represented, where appropriate, by conventional symbols in the drawings, showing only those specific details that are pertinent to understanding the embodiments of the present disclosure so as not to obscure the disclosure with details that will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of the description herein. Further, like numerals in the description and drawings represent like elements.

For purposes of description herein, the terms “upper,” “lower,” “right,” “left,” “rear,” “front,” “vertical,” “horizontal,” and derivatives thereof shall relate to the disclosure as oriented inFIG.1. Unless stated otherwise, the term “front” shall refer to the surface of the element closer to an intended viewer, and the term “rear” shall refer to the surface of the element further from the intended viewer. However, it is to be understood that the disclosure may assume various alternative orientations, except where expressly specified to the contrary. It is also to be understood that the specific devices and processes illustrated in the attached drawings, and described in the following specification are simply exemplary embodiments of the inventive concepts defined in the appended claims. Hence, specific dimensions and other physical characteristics relating to the embodiments disclosed herein are not to be considered as limiting, unless the claims expressly state otherwise.

The terms “including,” “comprises,” “comprising,” or any other variation thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements does not include only those elements but may include other elements not expressly listed or inherent to such process, method, article, or apparatus. An element proceeded by “comprises a . . . ” does not, without more constraints, preclude the existence of additional identical elements in the process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises the element.

Referring toFIGS.1-7, reference numeral10generally refers to an appliance, typically a condensing laundry appliance that includes an internal primary airflow path12that delivers process air to a drum14for dehumidifying articles of clothing within the drum14. The condensing laundry appliance10also includes a condensing airflow path16that extends from an inlet18positioned on an exterior20of a cabinet22for the appliance10to an outlet24positioned within a separate section of the cabinet22. Accordingly, the condensing appliance10includes an open-loop condensing airflow path16that extends through the heat exchanger (not shown) within the appliance10.

According to various aspects of the device, the appliance10includes a cabinet22with a processing chamber operably disposed therein. The processing chamber is typically in the form of a rotating drum14that is positioned within a tub30. A blower32delivers process air through the primary airflow path12. The primary airflow path12includes the processing chamber and a heat exchange mechanism. The condensing airflow path16includes the inlet18that is positioned within a front panel34of the cabinet22. An outlet24of the condensing airflow path16is positioned within a bottom panel36of the cabinet22, commonly referred to as the basement38. A condensing blower40is included within the appliance10and moves condensing air42from the inlet18, through the heat exchange mechanism and to the outlet24. An airflow seal44extends downward from a front edge46of the cabinet22. The airflow seal44separates a low-pressure region48that is positioned proximate the inlet18from a high-pressure region50that is located proximate the outlet24. The airflow seal44operates to block convection between the outlet24and the inlet18. This convection is typically in the form of air within the high-pressure region50tending to move toward the low-pressure region48proximate the front of the appliance10. Stated another way, the airflow seal44is positioned to block airflow from short cutting directly from the outlet24to the inlet18.

The condensing appliance10includes the open-loop condensing airflow path16that draws fresh ambient air60from around the cabinet22into the inlet18and moves this ambient air60through the heat exchange mechanism and then through the outlet24. The primary airflow path12for the delivery of process air is heated and delivered to the processing chamber for removing moisture from the articles to be dried. The heated and moisture-laden air from the processing chamber is then delivered to the heat exchange mechanism. Within the heat exchange mechanism, ambient air60within the condensing airflow path16operates as condensing air42that lowers the temperature of the process air. In this manner, the process air lowers in temperature and is at least partially dehumidified and cooled. This process air is then recycled through a heater and back into the drum14to continue the dehumidification process of the articles within the drum14. The condensing air42receives heat74from the process air and is moved to the outlet24.

In order to maximize operation of the heat exchange mechanism, ambient air60drawn into the inlet18typically has a temperature generally similar to that of the surrounding atmosphere of the appliance10. Conversely, exhaust air70leaving the outlet24of the condensing airflow path16typically has an elevated temperature as a result of receiving heat74from the heated and moisture-laden process air within the heat exchange mechanism. The airflow seal44positioned along a front edge46of the cabinet22provides a convection barrier150that prevents the heated exhaust air70from the outlet24for returning directly to the inlet18for the condensing airflow path16(shown in dashed line inFIG.2). In this manner, the airflow seal44causes the exhaust air70to follow a circuitous route72along the outside of the laundry appliance10before being able to re-enter the condensing airflow path16through the inlet18. Through this circuitous route72, heat74within the exhaust air70is able to dissipate within the air surrounding the cabinet22. Accordingly, any exhaust air70that may re-enter the inlet18has had an opportunity to cool to a temperature at or near the ambient atmosphere.

Using the airflow seal44, ambient air60entering the inlet18for the condensing airflow path16has a temperature that is at or very similar to the environment surrounding the cabinet22for the appliance10. This configuration serves to maintain efficiency of the condensing airflow path16and the heat exchange mechanism within the appliance10. Typically, the heat exchange mechanism in a condensing dryer is an air-to-air heat exchanger. Within this air-to-air heat exchanger, process air passes within close proximity of the condensing air42and the difference in temperature of the process air and the condensing air42generates a thermal transfer that cools the process air, and at the same time, increases the temperature of the condensing air42within the heat exchange mechanism.

Referring again toFIGS.1-7, the airflow seal44that is attached to the cabinet22along the front edge46extends from the underside80of the cabinet22and to the floor surface82that supports the cabinet22. Accordingly, the airflow seal44can define a continuous barrier along the front edge46that does not allow air to pass under the airflow seal44. The exhaust air70leaving the outlet24for the condensing airflow path16must travel around the airflow seal44in order to have an opportunity to return to the inlet18. Again, this elongated or circuitous route72of the exhaust air70allows time for the heat74within the exhaust air70to dissipate within the surrounding environment. Typically, the airflow seal44extends along an entirety of the front edge46of the front panel34for the cabinet22. In certain aspects of the device, the airflow seal44can extend along a majority of the front edge46of the front panel34. In either instance, the airflow seal44extends substantially the entire width90, or the entire width90, of the appliance10and extends to the floor surface82to create the convection barrier150.

As exemplified inFIGS.3,5and6, the airflow seal44can be an elastomeric member that extends downward from either the front panel34or a portion of the basement38for the appliance10. In either instance, the airflow seal44is positioned parallel with, and adjacent to, the front panel34so that the convection barrier150is positioned at or near the front edge46of the appliance10. The elastomeric seal can be configured to be longer than the feet100that support the cabinet22in the basement38. In this manner, adjustments to the feet100of the appliance10during installation and use do not affect the engagement of the airflow seal44with the floor surface82. Stated another way, where the feet100of the appliance10are adjusted to elevate the cabinet22, the airflow seal44can have a height102greater than that of the feet100such that the airflow seal44maintains the engagement with the floor surface82after various adjustments are complete. It is also contemplated that the airflow seal44can be in the form of a semi-permeable material that extends from the front edge46of appliance10to the floor surface82. Where a semi-permeable membrane is utilized, small portions of the exhaust air70may permeate through the airflow seal44. A majority of the exhaust air70is directed to the circuitous route72.

Referring again toFIGS.3,5and6, the airflow seal44having the form of an elastomeric flap116can be attached to the underside80of the appliance10through various clasps, hooks, or other similar mechanical fasteners. The elastomeric flap116of the airflow seal44can also be attached via screws, and other similar fasteners. Over time, the elastomeric flap116may tend to crack, become dry, or lose certain amounts of elasticity. It is contemplated that the fasteners can be disengaged for replacement of the airflow seal44over time. It may also be useful to separate the airflow seal44from the bottom of the appliance10for periodic cleaning of the airflow seal44.

Referring toFIG.7, it is contemplated that the elastomeric seal can be engaged with a channel110defined within the basement38for the appliance10. In this manner, the airflow seal44can slidably engage and be fastened within a receiving channel110formed within the basement38. Through this engagement, the airflow seal44can be installed, removed, replaced, and otherwise be manipulated for various use and maintenance activities.

Referring now toFIGS.2and4, the airflow seal44can be in the form of a block120that is attached to a bottom panel36of a cabinet22. As discussed above, this bottom panel36can be in the form of a basement38of the appliance10. It is also contemplated that the bottom panel36can be in the form of a lower edge130of the outer walls132of the cabinet22. These outer walls132can include the front panel34, the side panels134and the rear panel of the cabinet22.

Referring again toFIGS.2and4, the airflow seal44that takes the form of a block120can extend at least partially along lower edges130of the side panels134for the cabinet22. It is also contemplated that the airflow seal44can extend around substantially all of the lower edge130of the cabinet22. In such a configuration, the airflow seal44can include an opening140that defines an airflow outlet142that is positioned proximate the outlet24for the condensing airflow path16. Through this configuration, the circuitous route72of the exhaust air70that may travel from the outlet24back to the inlet18of the condensing airflow path16can be more specifically defined. Accordingly, where the airflow seal44extends around a majority of the perimeter of the lower edge130for the appliance10, the airflow seal44can define at least a portion of an exhaust airflow outlet142for the condensing airflow path16.

Referring again toFIGS.1-7, the condensing appliance10includes the cabinet22with the processing chamber operably disposed therein. A recirculating airflow path, typically in a form of the primary airflow path12for moving the process air, is disposed within the cabinet22and extends through the processing chamber and a dehumidification area, typically in the form of a heat exchange mechanism. The condensing airflow path16directs condensing air42from the inlet18disposed within a front panel34of the cabinet22, through the heat exchange mechanism, and to the outlet24disposed within the bottom panel36of the cabinet22. The airflow seal44extends downward from the front edge46of the cabinet22and to a position below the supporting feet100for the cabinet22. The airflow seal44defines the convection barrier150that separates the high-pressure region50proximate the outlet24from the low-pressure area48proximate the inlet18. Through this configuration, the convection barrier150prevents or at least slows the natural process of convection between the high-pressure region50and the low-pressure region48. As discussed above, by preventing this direct path between the high-pressure region50and the low-pressure region48, heat74is able to be dissipated from the exhaust air70leaving the outlet24.

Referring again toFIGS.1-7, an airflow system for the condensing appliance10includes the primary airflow path12that moves process air between the heat exchange mechanism and the processing chamber. Typically, this primary airflow path12is a closed-loop system that circulates within the cabinet22for the appliance10. The airflow system for the appliance10also includes the condensing airflow path16that is an open-loop airflow path extending from the inlet18, through the heat exchange mechanism, and to the outlet24.

Referring again toFIGS.1-7, the airflow system for the condensing appliance10includes the outer cabinet22having the recirculating or closed-loop primary airflow path12contained therein. The condensing airflow path16is in thermal communication with the recirculating airflow path at the heat exchange mechanism. The condensing airflow path16extends from the inlet18located proximate the front panel34of the appliance10to an outlet24located proximate the bottom panel36of the appliance10. The inlet18defines the low-pressure region48within an area in front of the front panel34of the cabinet22. The outlet24defines the high-pressure region50from an area beneath the cabinet22. The convection barrier150is positioned along the front edge46of the cabinet22and is attached to the cabinet22along the lower front edge46. The convection barrier150divides the high-pressure region50and the low-pressure region48and blocks convection therebetween. Accordingly, the exhaust air70leaving the outlet24is not permitted to extend directly to the inlet18. Rather, this exhaust air70must travel through a circuitous route72so that heat74can dissipate from the exhaust air70before it potentially returns into the inlet18and back into the condensing airflow path16.

According to various aspects of the device, the airflow seal44can be incorporated within the basement38of the appliance10via the supporting feet100. In such an embodiment, the supporting feet100can extend through a portion of the material of the airflow seal44.

Referring again toFIGS.1-7, the airflow seal44can be in the form of an elastomeric flap116. In addition, the airflow seal44can include an insulation block120that can be made up of a fibrous batting or foam-type material. In such an embodiment, the airflow seal44can take the form of the block120that extends along the front edge46of the appliance10, as well as at least a portion of the side edges of the appliance10. It is also contemplated that the elastomeric flap116of the airflow seal44can also extend around at least a portion of the perimeter of the appliance10between the lower edge130of the appliance10and the floor surface82. These configurations of the airflow seal44can be used to direct the exhaust air70into a particular circuitous route72or exhausting region next to or behind the appliance10.

According to the various aspects of the device, the airflow seal44can be utilized within any one of various laundry appliances10that include an open-loop airflow path. The use of the airflow seal44can prevent the short circuiting or direct movement of exhaust air70from the outlet24to the inlet18. As discussed above, this short circuiting or direct movement of the exhaust air70may affect the efficiency of the appliance10. The use of the airflow seal44can prevent this short circuiting and prevent heated exhaust air70from entering into the inlet18for the appliance10.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a drying appliance includes a cabinet with a processing chamber operably disposed therein. A blower delivers process air through an airflow path. The airflow path includes the processing chamber. A condensing airflow path has an inlet positioned within a front panel of the cabinet and an outlet positioned within a bottom panel of the cabinet. A condensing blower moves condensing air from the inlet to the outlet. An airflow seal extends downward from a front edge of the cabinet. The airflow seal separates a low-pressure region proximate the inlet from a high-pressure region proximate the outlet to block convection between the outlet and the inlet.

According to another aspect, the airflow seal is configured to engage a floor surface below the cabinet.

According to yet another aspect, the airflow seal extends along an entirety of the front edge of the front panel.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the airflow seal is an elastomeric flap.

According to another aspect, the airflow seal is a block that is attached to a bottom panel of the cabinet.

According to yet another aspect, the airflow seal extends at least partially along lower side edges of the cabinet.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the airflow seal extends around a lower edge of the cabinet and defines an airflow outlet for directing condensing air from the outlet to an area proximate a rear panel of the cabinet.

According to another aspect, a condensing dryer includes a cabinet with a processing chamber operably disposed therein. A recirculating airflow path is disposed within the cabinet and extends through the processing chamber and a dehumidification area. A condensing airflow path directs condensing air from an inlet disposed within a front panel of the cabinet, through the dehumidification area and to an outlet disposed within a bottom panel of the cabinet. An airflow seal extends downward from a front edge of the cabinet and to a position below supporting feet of the cabinet. The airflow seal defines a convection barrier that separates a high-pressure region proximate the outlet from a low-pressure region proximate the inlet.

According to yet another aspect, the airflow seal is configured to engage a floor surface below the cabinet.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the airflow seal extends along an entirety of the front edge of the front panel.

According to another aspect, the airflow seal is an elastomeric flap.

According to yet another aspect, the airflow seal is a block that is attached to a bottom wall of the cabinet and extends at least partially along lower side edges of the cabinet.

According to another aspect, the airflow seal extends around a lower edge of the cabinet and defines an airflow outlet for directing condensing air from the outlet to an area proximate a rear panel of the cabinet.

According to yet another aspect, an airflow system for a laundry appliance includes an outer cabinet having a recirculating airflow path contained therein. A condensing airflow path is in thermal communication with the recirculating airflow path and extends from an inlet proximate a front panel of the outer cabinet to an outlet proximate a bottom panel of the outer cabinet. The inlet defines a low-pressure region within an area in front of the front panel of the outer cabinet and the outlet defines a high-pressure region within an area beneath the outer cabinet. A convection barrier is attached to the cabinet along a lower front edge. The convection barrier blocks convection between the low-pressure region and the high-pressure region.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the inlet is positioned within the front panel of the cabinet and the outlet is positioned within the bottom panel.

According to yet another aspect, the convection barrier is an airflow seal is configured to engage a floor surface below the cabinet.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the airflow seal extends along an entirety of the front edge of the front panel.

According to another aspect, the airflow seal is an elastomeric flap.

According to yet another aspect, the airflow seal is a block that is attached to a bottom wall of the cabinet.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the airflow seal extends around a lower edge of the cabinet and defines an airflow outlet for directing condensing air from the outlet to an area proximate a rear panel of the cabinet.

It will be understood by one having ordinary skill in the art that construction of the described disclosure and other components is not limited to any specific material. Other exemplary embodiments of the disclosure disclosed herein may be formed from a wide variety of materials, unless described otherwise herein.

For purposes of this disclosure, the term “coupled” (in all of its forms, couple, coupling, coupled, etc.) generally means the joining of two components (electrical or mechanical) directly or indirectly to one another. Such joining may be stationary in nature or movable in nature. Such joining may be achieved with the two components (electrical or mechanical) and any additional intermediate members being integrally formed as a single unitary body with one another or with the two components. Such joining may be permanent in nature or may be removable or releasable in nature unless otherwise stated.

It is also important to note that the construction and arrangement of the elements of the disclosure as shown in the exemplary embodiments is illustrative only. Although only a few embodiments of the present innovations have been described in detail in this disclosure, those skilled in the art who review this disclosure will readily appreciate that many modifications are possible (e.g., variations in sizes, dimensions, structures, shapes and proportions of the various elements, values of parameters, mounting arrangements, use of materials, colors, orientations, etc.) without materially departing from the novel teachings and advantages of the subject matter recited. For example, elements shown as integrally formed may be constructed of multiple parts or elements shown as multiple parts may be integrally formed, the operation of the interfaces may be reversed or otherwise varied, the length or width 90 of the structures and/or members or connector or other elements of the system may be varied, the nature or number of adjustment positions provided between the elements may be varied. It should be noted that the elements and/or assemblies of the system may be constructed from any of a wide variety of materials that provide sufficient strength or durability, in any of a wide variety of colors, textures, and combinations. Accordingly, all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the present innovations. Other substitutions, modifications, changes, and omissions may be made in the design, operating conditions, and arrangement of the desired and other exemplary embodiments without departing from the spirit of the present innovations.

It will be understood that any described processes or steps within described processes may be combined with other disclosed processes or steps to form structures within the scope of the present disclosure. The exemplary structures and processes disclosed herein are for illustrative purposes and are not to be construed as limiting.