Laundry dryer provided with a steam generator

Abstract

This invention relates to a clothes dryer, comprising: a cabinet; a clothes handling compartment; a drying system including: an air duct; an air movement device; an air heating device; a steam generator including: a main liquid reservoir; and a liquid heating device that generates heat to heat the liquid in the main liquid reservoir to generate steam to be delivered to the clothes handling compartment; and a liquid loading unit including: a liquid receiving element having an outlet opening; and a filter disposed upstream of the outlet opening, wherein the liquid loading unit includes a lid movable relative to the liquid receiving element between a closed position and an open position, wherein in the closed position the lid at least partially overlaps the filter to prevent a user from touching the latter, and in the open position a user is allowed to touch the filter, wherein the liquid loading unit includes a liquid loading opening to allow manual loading of liquid into the liquid receiving element, even when the lid is in the closed position.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a clothes dryer equipped with a steam generator. Background Technology

[0002] Known clothes dryers, such as tumble dryers or washer-dryers (i.e., clothing equipment that can wash and dry clothes), typically include a housing or containment that includes a clothes handling compartment in which clothes to be handled can be loaded.

[0003] In drum dryers and washer-dryers, the garment handling compartment is typically a rotatable drum housed inside a housing and capable of rotating relative to an axis of rotation. This axis of rotation can cause the horizontal surface in which the dryer is located to be generally horizontal or slightly inclined (in so-called "horizontal axis" dryers) or generally vertical (in so-called "horizontal axis" dryers).

[0004] In known drum dryers, the drum is typically supported in a rotatable manner within the shell by rollers that pivot to a support structure that is stationary relative to the shell.

[0005] In known washer-dryers, the housing also houses the washing tub, which is typically suspended from the housing by springs and a tilter, with the drum contained within the washing tub in a rotatable manner.

[0006] In other known clothes dryers, the clothes handling compartment is stationary relative to the housing; in this case, the clothes dryer, often referred to as a "drying cabinet," is a heated cabinet in which clothes can be hung for drying.

[0007] Known clothes dryers also include a drying system comprising: an air duct that passes through and includes a clothes handling compartment; an air movement device (typically a fan or blower) that generates an airflow through the air duct during operation; and an air heating device (e.g., an electric heater, a heat pump system, a gas burner) that is at least partially located within the air duct to heat the airflow before it passes through the clothes handling compartment.

[0008] In some known clothes dryers, the air ducts are arranged in such a way that the airflow is discharged to the outside environment after passing through the clothes handling compartment, and optionally, at least partially removed from moisture in a condenser (e.g., an air heat exchanger).

[0009] In other known clothes dryers, air ducts are arranged to circulate airflow through the clothes handling compartment; in this case, the moisture-containing air leaving the clothes handling compartment is dehydrated in a moisture condenser, and then the airflow is reheated by an air heater before being pumped back into the clothes handling compartment.

[0010] Some known clothes dryers also include a steam generator, which allows steam to be generated and released within the internal volume of the clothes handling compartment so as to come into contact with the clothes contained in the clothes handling compartment and apply one or more beneficial effects on the clothes (such as disinfection and / or anti-crease effects).

[0011] It is emphasized that, in this application, the term "steam" refers to: water or a liquid containing water mixed with one or more additives (such as flavorings) that transforms into a gas or water vapor when boiled.

[0012] A steam generator typically includes: a main liquid reservoir in which a liquid (i.e., water or water mixed with one or more additives) may be contained; and a liquid heating device that is operable to generate heat to heat the liquid in order to generate steam, which is delivered to the garment processing compartment via a steam delivery pipe that fluidly connects the steam generator to the garment processing compartment.

[0013] In some known clothes dryers, the main liquid reservoir is a water heater housed in a shell outside the clothes handling compartment. The water heater can hold and heat the liquid, and the liquid heating device is an electric heater arranged in the water heater to heat the liquid and generate steam. The steam is driven towards and released into the internal volume of the clothes handling compartment via a steam delivery pipe.

[0014] In other known clothes dryers, the liquid heating device is located outside the main liquid reservoir and is arranged to heat the liquid after it leaves the main liquid reservoir; for example, the liquid heating device may be an electric heater placed in a pipeline that fluidly connects the main liquid reservoir to the clothes handling compartment in order to heat the liquid leaving the main liquid reservoir and passing through such a pipeline and convert the liquid into steam, which is then released into the clothes handling compartment.

[0015] In some known clothes dryers, liquid to be converted into steam is loaded into a main liquid reservoir via a liquid loading unit, which includes: a liquid receiving element having an outlet opening fluidly connected to the main liquid reservoir; and a filter disposed upstream of or at the outlet opening to filter the liquid flowing out of the liquid receiving element via the outlet opening.

[0016] This known solution is illustrated in International Patent Application No. WO2014 / 075848, which discloses a washing machine and / or clothes dryer comprising: a body; a steam generator located within the body and generating steam to be delivered to the washing tub; a receiving section located inside or near the steam generator, wherein liquid accumulates for use in the steam generator; an opening arranged on the body, wherein a condenser, detergent dispenser, etc., are disposed; a funnel located within the body, through which liquid enters the opening and is delivered; and a hose that provides liquid in the funnel for transfer to the receiving section. In this known solution, a lid is placed on the funnel, the lid having an open position and a closed position. When the user moves the lid from the closed position to the open position, the lid extends from the funnel toward the opening, such that when the user pours liquid onto the lid, the liquid is delivered to the funnel by means of the lid. The known solution includes: a filter housing removably mounted in the funnel; and a filter located at the base of the filter housing for filtering liquids delivered to the hose through the filter housing. The filter, cover, and filter housing can be moved together in a combined manner. The filter housing, placed in the funnel, can be removed by the user from the funnel and cleaned when necessary.

[0017] However, this known solution has drawbacks; in practice, to load liquid, the user must bring the cap into the open position, which can be uncomfortable and may take some time to execute.

[0018] Additionally, if the lid is not properly closed after the liquid has been loaded, there is a risk that components placed in the opening—through which the liquid can enter the funnel (i.e., the condenser or detergent dispenser of a washing machine and / or clothes dryer) may hit the lid when inserted into the opening, potentially damaging the lid and / or the components. Summary of the Invention

[0019] Therefore, the object of the present invention is to provide a clothes dryer equipped with a steam generator, which simplifies the manual loading of liquid to be converted into steam into such a steam generator compared to the cited prior art.

[0020] Within this objective, another objective of the present invention is to obtain a clothes dryer equipped with a steam generator, wherein the risk of potential damage caused by the operation of manually loading liquid to be converted into steam into such a steam generator is low.

[0021] The applicant has discovered that, in order to manually load liquid into a steam generator, the loading process is easy and quick by using a liquid loading unit equipped with a filter and a cover that can be selectively closed / opened to accordingly prevent / allow access to the filter, and the liquid loading unit is provided with one or more liquid loading openings, thereby allowing liquid to be manually loaded into the liquid receiving element, even when the cover is closed.

[0022] Specifically, the above-mentioned objectives and goals are achieved by a clothes dryer, which includes:

[0023] - Casing;

[0024] - A garment processing compartment installed inside the housing, where garments to be processed can be loaded;

[0025] - A drying system comprising: an air duct that passes through and includes a garment handling compartment; an air movement device that generates an airflow through the air duct during operation; and an air heating device that is at least partially located within the air duct to heat the airflow before it passes through the garment handling compartment.

[0026] - A steam generator comprising: a main liquid reservoir in which liquid may be contained; and a liquid heating device operable to generate heat to heat liquid contained in and / or from the main liquid reservoir in order to generate steam, which is delivered to the garment processing compartment via a steam delivery pipe fluidly connecting the steam generator to the garment processing compartment.

[0027] - A liquid loading unit, comprising: a liquid receiving element having an outlet opening fluidly connected to or capable of being fluidly connected to a main liquid reservoir; and a filter disposed upstream of or at the outlet opening to filter liquid flowing out of the liquid receiving element via the outlet opening.

[0028] The liquid loading unit includes a lid movable relative to the liquid receiving element between a closed position and an open position. In the closed position, the lid at least partially overlaps the filter to prevent the user from touching the filter, while the open position allows the user to touch the filter.

[0029] The liquid loading unit includes one or more liquid loading openings, allowing liquid to be manually loaded into the liquid receiving element, even when the cap is in the closed position.

[0030] In an advantageous implementation, the filter is associated with the liquid receiving element in a removable manner.

[0031] It is important to emphasize that “touching” the filter must be interpreted as approaching the filter in a manner suitable for thoroughly cleaning the filter, and / or suitable for gripping the filter so that it can be removed if it is removable, in order to clean or replace the filter.

[0032] Similarly, the statement “preventing user access” to a filter must be interpreted as preventing a user from approaching the filter in such a way as to completely clean the filter or to grasp the filter so that it can be removed for cleaning or replacement if it is removable.

[0033] In particular, according to the present invention, the expression "touched filter" does not cover either a slightly touched filter or only a small portion of a touched filter.

[0034] In an advantageous embodiment, one or more liquid loading openings include a first liquid loading opening disposed at the liquid receiving element and fluidly connected to an outlet opening via a fluid path that bypasses a cover and passes through a filter.

[0035] In an advantageous embodiment, a first liquid loading opening is disposed in a liquid receiving element.

[0036] Preferably, the liquid receiving element is box-shaped and hollow.

[0037] In an advantageous embodiment, the liquid receiving element includes a hopper having an outlet opening and a first liquid loading opening, wherein the outlet opening and the first liquid loading opening are fluidly connected to each other.

[0038] In an advantageous embodiment, the first liquid loading opening and the outlet opening are fluidly connected to each other via a connecting pipe that is at least partially disposed in the hopper.

[0039] In another advantageous embodiment, the first liquid loading opening and the outlet opening are defined by two portions of the same orifice provided in the liquid receiving element; preferably, in this advantageous embodiment, the first liquid loading opening, the outlet opening and the filter are reciprocally positioned such that when the cap is in the closed position, the cap at least partially overlaps with the filter and defines the first loading opening to prevent the user from accessing the filter through the first loading orifice.

[0040] In a preferred embodiment, the filter overlaps with the outlet opening such that the filter and the outlet opening are aligned with each other, while the first liquid loading opening is misaligned relative to the filter and the outlet opening.

[0041] In another advantageous embodiment, the size of the first liquid loading opening is so small that the user cannot insert his finger far enough into the first liquid loading opening to reach the filter.

[0042] In another advantageous embodiment, a separation element is present between the first liquid loading opening and the filter, the separation element being inserted between the first liquid loading opening and the filter to prevent the user from touching the filter.

[0043] In another advantageous embodiment, the liquid loading unit includes a plurality of liquid loading openings, including one or more second liquid loading openings disposed in the lid, wherein when the lid is in the closed position, liquid can pass through the lid, be loaded into the liquid receiving element via the one or more second liquid loading openings, and proceed to the outlet opening.

[0044] In an advantageous embodiment, the clothes dryer includes a box-shaped seating portion accessible from the outside of the housing (preferably from the front side), the box-shaped seating portion being adapted to receive drawers in a removable manner, and including a refractory portion fluidly connected to a main liquid reservoir in its bottom region, and the liquid loading unit being at least partially housed in the refractory portion in a permanent or removable manner.

[0045] In an advantageous embodiment, the clothes dryer includes a sealing element disposed in a housing or in a portion of a liquid loading unit located or potentially located in the housing, for insertion between the housing and the portion to achieve a watertight connection.

[0046] In an advantageous embodiment, the garment drying apparatus includes a moisture condensation device located at least partially within an air duct downstream of the garment handling compartment to condense and remove moisture contained in the airflow. The moisture condensation device is fluidly connected to a condensate container that receives condensate removed from the airflow by the moisture condensation device.

[0047] Advantageously, the clothes dryer includes a pumping system that fluidly connects a condensate container to a liquid loading unit. The pumping system includes a pump that draws liquid from the condensate container and pumps the liquid via a pipeline system having a condensate outlet located at the liquid loading unit to the liquid loading unit and / or a liquid collection reservoir of the clothes dryer, the liquid collection reservoir being fluidly connected to or capable of being fluidly connected to the pipeline system.

[0048] Advantageously, a clothes dryer—which includes a pumping system fluidly connecting a condensate container to a liquid loading unit, the pumping system including a pump that draws liquid from the condensate container and pumps the liquid via a piping system having a condensate outlet located at the liquid loading unit to the liquid loading unit and / or a liquid collection reservoir of the clothes dryer, the liquid collection reservoir being fluidly connected to or capable of being fluidly connected to the piping system—can be configured to include:

[0049] - Casing;

[0050] - A garment processing compartment installed inside the housing, where garments to be processed can be loaded;

[0051] - A drying system comprising: an air duct that passes through and includes a garment handling compartment; an air movement device that generates an airflow through the air duct during operation; and an air heating device that is at least partially located within the air duct to heat the airflow before it passes through the garment handling compartment.

[0052] - A steam generator comprising: a main liquid reservoir in which liquid may be contained; and a liquid heating device operable to generate heat to heat liquid contained in and / or from the main liquid reservoir in order to generate steam, which is delivered to the garment processing compartment via a steam delivery pipe fluidly connecting the steam generator to the garment processing compartment.

[0053] - A liquid loading unit, which includes a liquid receiving element having an outlet opening that is fluidly connected to or capable of being fluidly connected to a main liquid reservoir.

[0054] Preferably, the condensate outlet is located at the liquid loading unit upstream of the filter.

[0055] In an advantageous embodiment, the pipeline system includes a first valve operable to selectively direct liquid drawn from a condensate container by a pump to a liquid collection reservoir and / or a liquid loading unit.

[0056] In another advantageous embodiment, instead of the first valve, the line branch connector is used to split or drive the main fluid flow supplied by the pump into multiple flows, each with a predetermined flow rate.

[0057] In an advantageous embodiment, the liquid loading unit includes an overflow opening for discharging liquid contained in the liquid loading unit and exceeding a pre-fixed level to the outside of the liquid loading unit, so as to prevent the liquid from flowing back through one or more liquid loading openings.

[0058] Preferably, the overflow opening is included in the cap and / or the liquid receiving element, or the overflow opening is defined by the gap between the cap and the liquid receiving element.

[0059] Preferably, the overflow opening is fluidly connected to the condensate container, so that liquid flowing out of the overflow opening is discharged into the condensate container.

[0060] More preferably, the overflow opening is fluidly connected to the condensate container via an overflow reservoir, the overflow reservoir receiving liquid flowing out of the overflow opening and fluidly connected to the condensate container so as to discharge the liquid received from the overflow opening to the latter.

[0061] In an advantageous embodiment, the overflow reservoir may be advantageously defined by a portion of the bottom region of the box-shaped seat.

[0062] In an advantageous embodiment, the overflow opening is positioned at a pre-fixed level that prevents liquid from flowing back from the liquid loading unit to the condensate outlet of the pipeline system.

[0063] In an advantageous embodiment, the liquid heating device includes one or more electric heaters housed within a main liquid reservoir for heating the liquid contained therein and generating steam, which is driven toward and released into the internal volume of the garment processing compartment via a steam delivery pipe.

[0064] In another advantageous embodiment, the liquid heating device is located outside the main liquid reservoir and is arranged such that the liquid is heated after it leaves the main liquid reservoir.

[0065] In this case, preferably, the liquid heating device may include: a heating pipe that fluidly connects the main liquid reservoir to a steam delivery pipe; and one or more electric heaters contained in such heating pipes that heat the liquid flowing out of the main liquid reservoir and received by the heating pipes, thereby converting the liquid into steam before it reaches the steam delivery pipes, which is then released into the garment processing compartment via the steam delivery pipes.

[0066] In an advantageous embodiment, the clothes dryer includes a discharge pipe that selectively fluidly connects the main reservoir to the outside of the clothes dryer to allow liquid contained in the main reservoir to be discharged to the outside of the clothes dryer.

[0067] In an advantageous embodiment, the discharge pipe is advantageously fluidly connected to the main liquid reservoir via a second valve, which selectively directs the liquid from the main liquid reservoir to the heating pipe and / or the discharge pipe.

[0068] In another advantageous embodiment, instead of a second valve, a line branch connector is used to separate or drive the liquid from the future autonomous liquid reservoir toward the heating conduit and / or the discharge conduit.

[0069] In an advantageous embodiment, the lid is hinged to the liquid receiving element so as to move from a closed position to an open position by rotation, and vice versa; or the lid is slidably connected to the liquid receiving element so as to move from a closed position to an open position by sliding on the liquid receiving element, and vice versa.

[0070] In an advantageous embodiment, one or more second liquid loading openings have an elongated shape.

[0071] In an advantageous embodiment, the lid is generally U-shaped in plan view to define two parallel arms connected by a crossbeam, and the two parallel arms are arranged to accommodate a first liquid loading opening between the two parallel arms when the lid is in the closed position.

[0072] Preferably, one or more second liquid loading openings are provided on one or both of the two parallel arms and / or on the crossbeam of the lid.

[0073] Another aspect of the invention relates to a method for loading liquid to be converted into steam into a clothes dryer according to the invention, the method comprising the steps of loading the liquid to be converted into steam into a liquid loading unit of the clothes dryer via one or more of one or more liquid loading openings of the liquid loading unit when the lid is in the closed position. Attached Figure Description

[0074] Other advantages and features of the washing machine according to the invention will become clear from the following detailed description provided only by way of non-limiting example, in the accompanying drawings:

[0075] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of a clothes dryer according to the present invention;

[0076] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A 3D view of a clothes dryer, with drawers removed;

[0077] Figure 3 yes Figure 2 Magnified details;

[0078] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of some components of a clothes dryer according to the present invention;

[0079] Figure 5 This is a schematic cross-sectional view of some components of the clothes dryer according to the present invention;

[0080] Figure 6 This is a perspective view showing details of the liquid loading unit installed in a clothes dryer according to the present invention;

[0081] Figure 7 yes Figure 6 A front view of the liquid loading unit;

[0082] Figure 8 It is based on Figure 7 The cross section of operation VII-VII;

[0083] Figure 9 This is a perspective view from below of the liquid loading unit of a clothes dryer according to the present invention, wherein the filter is not shown;

[0084] Figure 10 This is a perspective view from above of the liquid loading unit of a clothes dryer according to the present invention, wherein the lid is in the closed position;

[0085] Figure 11 yes Figure 10 A perspective view of the liquid loading unit from above, with the lid in the closed position;

[0086] In the figure, the same parts are indicated by the same reference numerals. Detailed Implementation

[0087] In the accompanying drawings, the clothes dryer according to the invention is identified by reference numeral 1.

[0088] Advantageously, the clothes dryer 1 illustrated in the accompanying drawings is a "horizontal axis type" drum dryer; however, it is clear that the invention can also be applied to "vertical axis" type drum dryers, washing machine-dryers of both "horizontal axis" and "vertical axis" types, and "drying cabinets" without any substantial modifications.

[0089] Clothes dryer 1 (which is a tumble dryer, washer-dryer or drying cabinet) includes a housing 2, which is preferably a parallelepiped and configured to be positioned on a horizontal surface 3, such as the floor of a building, preferably by suitable legs 4. Advantageously, one or more of the legs 4 may have an adjustable height to accommodate the horizontal surface 3, which may not be perfectly flat.

[0090] The clothes dryer 1 includes a clothes handling compartment 5 installed within a housing 2, in which clothes to be handled (not shown) can be advantageously loaded via an access opening (also not shown) obtained in the housing 2 and selectively closed by a loading / unloading door 6, which is preferably hinged to the housing 2.

[0091] Advantageously, as in the advantageous example in the figures, the clothes dryer 1 is a tumble dryer, and the clothes handling compartment 5 is a drum 50, which preferably includes one or more lifters 51 rotatably housed within the housing 2 and preferably rotatably supported by rollers 7, which advantageously pivot to a support structure 8 stationary relative to the housing 2.

[0092] If the clothes dryer 1 is a washer-dryer (not shown), the housing 2 also houses a washing tub (not shown), which is preferably suspended inside the housing 2 by a spring and a tilter (also not shown), and the drum 50 is rotatably contained in the washing tub.

[0093] If the clothes dryer 1 is a drying cabinet (not shown), the clothes handling compartment 5 is simply a hollow compartment defined within the cabinet 2, which is preferably provided with clothes racks or hooks (not shown) for hanging clothes.

[0094] The clothes dryer 1 advantageously includes a drying system 9, which includes: an air duct 10 that passes through and includes a clothes handling compartment 5; and an air movement device 11, such as a fan or blower 110, which generates an airflow 12 through the air duct 10 during operation. Figure 4 and Figure 5 (Illustrated schematically with arrows); an air heating device 13, which is at least partially located within the air duct 10, to heat the airflow 12 before it passes through the clothing processing compartment 5.

[0095] In an advantageous embodiment, for example, as shown in the accompanying drawings, the clothes dryer 1 is a tumble dryer, and the clothes handling compartment 5 is a drum 50. The air duct 10 advantageously includes such a drum 50 (which is preferably arranged such that an airflow 12 extends from its rear side 50a to its front side 50b), and a plurality of air ducts 52, one or more of which are preferably at least partially included in the support structure 8 and / or the loading / unloading door 6, and are fluidly connected to the drum 50 to supply the airflow 12 within the drum 50 and to receive the airflow 12 exiting the drum 50.

[0096] In an advantageous embodiment, such as the one illustrated in the figures, the air duct 10 is arranged to circulate the airflow 12 through the garment processing compartment 5; in this case, the moisture-containing airflow 12 leaving the garment processing compartment 5 is dehydrated in the moisture condenser 14 and then reheated by the air heater 13 before being pumped back into the garment processing compartment 5.

[0097] In this case, preferably, the drying system 9 may also advantageously include a lint filter 15 arranged in the air duct 10 downstream of the garment handling compartment 5 to capture lint or fluff released from the garment and carried out of the garment handling compartment 5 by the airflow 12.

[0098] In another advantageous embodiment not shown, the air duct 10 is arranged such that the airflow 12 is exhausted to the external environment after passing through the clothing handling compartment 5 rather than being circulated, and optionally after moisture has been removed at least partially in the moisture condensation device 14.

[0099] Preferably, the moisture condensation device 14 is a heat exchanger arranged to allow airflow 12 to flow through it and to induce heat exchange between the airflow 12 passing through the heat exchanger and a cold fluid (e.g., cold air or refrigerant) so as to cool down the airflow 12 and condense the moisture contained in the airflow 12.

[0100] Advantageously, the moisture condensation device 14 is fluidly connected to the condensate container 140, which receives the condensate removed from the airflow 12 by the moisture condensation device 14; for example, the condensate container 140 may be a tray 141 positioned below the moisture condensation device 14 to collect condensate droplets falling from the latter by gravity.

[0101] In an advantageous embodiment not shown, the air heating device 13 is or includes one or more electric heaters not shown, which are at least partially located within the air duct 10 to heat the airflow 12 passing through the air duct 10.

[0102] In another advantageous embodiment, as illustrated in the figures, the heating device 13 and the moisture condensation device 14 are part of a heat pump system 16, which advantageously includes a compressor (not shown), an expansion valve (also not shown), two heat exchangers 17a and 17b (one operating as a condenser and the other as an evaporator), and piping (not shown) fluidly connecting such elements in a closed loop; refrigerant flows through the compressor, condenser 17a, expansion valve, and evaporator 17b and through the piping connecting these elements to each other. The refrigerant releases heat to the airflow 12 by means of the condenser 17a, which is therefore the heating device 13, and extracts heat and humidity from the airflow 12 by means of the evaporator 17b, which is therefore the moisture condensation device 14. The compressor converts electromechanical energy into thermal energy by compressing the refrigerant in the refrigerant loop.

[0103] The clothes dryer 1 also includes a steam generator 18, which includes a main liquid reservoir 19 in which liquid can be contained, and a liquid heating device 20, which is operable to generate heat to heat the liquid contained in and / or from the main liquid reservoir 19 in order to generate steam, which is delivered to the clothes handling compartment 5 via a steam delivery pipe 21, which fluidly connects the steam generator 18 to the clothes handling compartment 5.

[0104] In an advantageous embodiment not shown, the liquid heating device 20 includes one or more electric heaters housed within the main liquid reservoir 19 for heating the liquid contained in the main liquid reservoir 19 and generating steam, which is driven toward and released into the internal volume of the garment processing compartment 5 via a steam delivery pipe 21.

[0105] In another advantageous embodiment, such as the one illustrated in the figures, the liquid heating device 20 is located outside the main liquid reservoir 19 and is arranged to heat the liquid after it leaves the main liquid reservoir 19.

[0106] For example, with in Figure 4 As in the advantageous embodiment illustrated, the liquid heating device 20 may include: a heating conduit 200 that fluidly connects the main liquid reservoir 19 to the steam delivery conduit 21; and one or more electric heaters (not shown) contained in such heating conduit 200; the one or more electric heaters heating the liquid flowing out of the main liquid reservoir 19 and received by the heating conduit 200, thereby converting the liquid into steam before it reaches the steam delivery conduit 21, which releases the liquid as steam into the garment processing compartment 5 via the steam delivery conduit 21.

[0107] Advantageously, the steam delivery pipe 21 releases steam into the garment processing compartment 5 via the nozzle 22.

[0108] According to the present invention, the clothes dryer 1 includes a liquid loading unit 23 through which liquid (e.g., water, or water mixed with additives, such as fragrances) can be manually loaded into a main liquid reservoir 19; the liquid loading unit 23 includes: a liquid receiving element 24 having an outlet opening 25 fluidly connected to or capable of being fluidly connected to the main liquid reservoir 19; and a filter 26, which is preferably removable but not necessarily removable, and is disposed upstream of or at the outlet opening 25 to filter the liquid flowing out of the liquid receiving element 24 via the outlet opening 25.

[0109] Preferably, the liquid receiving element 24 is box-shaped and hollow.

[0110] Liquid loading unit 23 includes a cover 27 that is configurable in a closed position relative to liquid receiving element 24 (e.g., at...). Figure 2 , Figure 3 , Figure 4 , Figure 6 , Figure 7 , Figure 8 , Figure 9 , Figure 10 (as shown in the diagram) and the opening position (as shown in) Figure 10 The cover 27 moves between the two positions (as shown in the diagram). In the closed position, the cover 27 at least partially overlaps the filter 26, thereby preventing the user from touching the filter 26. In the open position, the user can touch the filter 26.

[0111] It is emphasized that the expression “touching” the filter must be interpreted as approaching the filter 26 in such a manner that it is suitable for completely cleaning the filter 26 and / or suitable for gripping the filter so that it can be removed if the filter 26 is removable, in order to clean or replace the filter 26.

[0112] Similarly, the statement “preventing user access” to filter 26 must be interpreted as preventing a user from approaching filter 26 in such a way as to completely clean filter 26 or to grasp filter 26 such that it can be removed if filter 26 is removable in order to clean or replace filter 26.

[0113] In an advantageous embodiment, as illustrated in the figures, the cover 27 is hinged to the liquid receiving element 24 so as to move from a closed position to an open position by rotation and vice versa; preferably, as illustrated in the figures, the cover 27 is generally U-shaped in plan view to define two parallel arms 270a, 270b, which are connected at their first ends by a crossbeam 271 (preferably square or rectangular in plan view) and hinged to the liquid receiving element 24 at their second ends.

[0114] In another advantageous embodiment not shown, the cover 27 is slidably connected to the liquid receiving element 23 so as to move from a closed position to an open position and vice versa by sliding on the liquid receiving element 24.

[0115] According to the invention, the liquid loading unit 23 includes one or more liquid loading openings, thereby allowing liquid to be manually loaded into the liquid receiving element 24, even when the cap 27 is in the closed position.

[0116] Advantageously, as illustrated in the advantageous embodiment shown in the accompanying drawings, one or more liquid loading openings include a first liquid loading opening 28 disposed at the liquid receiving element 24 and fluidly connected to the outlet opening 25 via a fluid path 29 that bypasses the cover 27 and passes through the filter 26.

[0117] Preferably, the first liquid loading opening 28 is disposed in the liquid receiving element 24.

[0118] In an advantageous embodiment, as illustrated in the accompanying drawings, the liquid receiving element 24 includes a hopper 30, which is preferably rectangular or square in plan view, and the outlet opening 25 and the first liquid loading opening 28 are provided in the hopper 30.

[0119] Advantageously, the outlet opening 25 and the first liquid loading opening 28 are preferably fluidly connected to each other via a connecting pipe 290 at least partially disposed at the hopper 30; advantageously, the connecting pipe 290 is a fluid path 29 or a part of a fluid path 29 that fluidly connects the first liquid loading opening 28 to the outlet opening 25.

[0120] In an advantageous embodiment, as illustrated in the accompanying drawings, the first liquid loading opening 28 is defined by a peripheral frame 28a that protrudes substantially perpendicularly to the hopper 30 and has an opening 280 that fluidly connects the first liquid opening 28 to the connecting pipe 290.

[0121] In an advantageous embodiment, as illustrated in the accompanying drawings, the cover 27 is generally U-shaped and hinged to the liquid receiving element 24 at the second ends of its parallel arms 270a, 270b. The first liquid loading opening 28 is preferably, but not necessarily, arranged such that it is positioned between the two parallel arms 270a, 270b of the cover 27 when the cover 27 is in the closed position.

[0122] In another advantageous embodiment not shown, the first liquid loading opening 28 and the outlet opening 25 are defined by two portions of the same orifice provided in the liquid receiving element 24; preferably, in this advantageous embodiment, the first liquid loading opening 28, the outlet opening 25, and the filter 26 are reciprocally positioned such that when the cap 27 is in the closed position, the cap 27 at least partially overlaps with the filter 26 and defines the first loading opening 28 to prevent the user from accessing the filter 26 through the first loading orifice 28.

[0123] In another advantageous embodiment, the filter 26 overlaps with the outlet opening 25 such that the filter 26 and the outlet opening 25 are aligned with each other, while the first liquid loading opening 25 is misaligned relative to the filter 26 and the outlet opening 25; this misalignment prevents the user from touching or approaching the filter 26 in a manner suitable for complete cleaning and / or gripping the filter 26 when the cap 27 is in the closed position.

[0124] In another advantageous embodiment, the first liquid loading opening 28 is so small that a user cannot insert his or her fingers far enough into the first liquid loading opening 28 to reach the filter. This prevents the user from touching or approaching the filter 26 in a manner suitable for complete cleaning and / or gripping the filter 26 when the cap 27 is in the closed position.

[0125] In another advantageous embodiment, there is a separation element (not shown) between the first liquid loading opening 28 and the filter 25, which is inserted between the first liquid loading opening 28 and the filter 26 to prevent the user from touching or approaching the filter 26 in a manner suitable for complete cleaning and / or gripping the filter 26 when the cover 27 is in the neutral closed position.

[0126] In an advantageous embodiment, in contrast to (as in the advantageous embodiment illustrated in the figures) the first liquid loading opening 28, the liquid loading unit 23 includes one or more second liquid loading openings 31 disposed on the cover 27, through which fluid can be loaded into the liquid receiving element 23 and proceed to the outlet opening 25 via the one or more second liquid loading openings 31 when the cover 27 is in the closed position.

[0127] Preferably, the second liquid loading opening 31 has an elongated shape.

[0128] In an advantageous embodiment, as illustrated in the accompanying drawings, the cover 27 is generally U-shaped and hinged to the liquid receiving element 24 at the second ends of its parallel arms 270a, 270b, with one or more second liquid loading openings 31 arranged on one or both of the two parallel arms 270a, 270b and / or on the crossbeam 271 of the cover 27.

[0129] In an advantageous embodiment, as illustrated in the accompanying drawings, the clothes dryer 1 includes a box-shaped seating portion 32 accessible from the outside of the housing 2, preferably from the front side portion 33, the seating portion 32 being adapted to removably accommodate a drawer 34.

[0130] In an advantageous embodiment, the box-shaped seating portion 32 includes a receiving portion 35 fluidly connected to the main liquid reservoir 19 in its bottom region 320, in which the liquid loading unit 23 is at least partially housed, either permanently or removably. Advantageously, the bottom of the receiving portion 35 is funnel-shaped and is provided with a first discharge opening 35a fluidly connected to the main liquid reservoir 19.

[0131] Preferably, the sealing element 36 is arranged in the receiving portion 35 or in a portion 240 of the loading unit 23 (preferably the liquid receiving element 24) – which is located or may be located in the receiving portion 35 – to be inserted between the receiving portion 36 and the portion 240 to achieve a watertight connection.

[0132] In an advantageous embodiment, such as the one illustrated in the figures, a fluid path 29—which fluidly connects the first liquid loading opening 28 to the outlet opening 25, bypasses the cap 27 and passes through the filter 26—is partially defined in the liquid receiving element 24 and partially defined by the portion of the bottom region 320 of the box-shaped seat 32 corresponding to the receiving portion 35, in which the liquid loading unit 23 is at least partially housed permanently or removably.

[0133] In an advantageous embodiment, such as the one illustrated in the accompanying drawings, the clothes dryer 1 includes a pumping system 37 that fluidly connects the condensate container 140 to the liquid loading unit 23; the pumping system 37 advantageously includes a pump 38 that draws liquid from the condensate container 140 and pumps it to the liquid loading unit 23 via a pipeline system 39 having a condensate outlet 40 disposed at the liquid loading unit 23, and / or to a liquid collection reservoir 41 of the clothes dryer 1, which is fluidly connected to or can be fluidly connected to the pipeline system 39.

[0134] Advantageously, as in the embodiment illustrated in the accompanying drawings, the condensate outlet 40 is located at the liquid loading unit 23 upstream of the filter 26, such that the liquid from the pumping system 37 is filtered before leaving the outlet opening 25 and going to the main liquid reservoir 19.

[0135] Advantageously, the condensate outlet 40 of the pipeline system 39 enters the liquid loading unit 23 via an opening 40a, which is preferably obtained in the cover 27 or in the liquid receiving element 23, or partially in the cover 27 and partially in the liquid receiving element 23.

[0136] In an advantageous embodiment, the pipeline system 39 includes a first valve 42 operable to selectively direct liquid drawn from the condensate container 140 by the pump 38 to the liquid collection reservoir 41 and / or the liquid loading unit 23.

[0137] In another advantageous embodiment, instead of the first valve 42, a line branch connector is used to separate or drive the liquid drawn from the condensate container 140 by the pump 38 to the liquid collection reservoir 41 and / or the liquid loading unit 23.

[0138] Preferably, as in the advantageous embodiment illustrated in the accompanying drawings, the liquid collection reservoir 41 is mounted in the drawer 34 so as to be removably housed in the box-shaped seat 32, which allows the liquid collection reservoir 41 to be removed and emptied when needed.

[0139] In an advantageous embodiment, as illustrated in the accompanying drawings, the liquid loading unit 23 includes an overflow opening 43 for discharging liquid contained within the liquid loading unit 23 and exceeding a pre-fixed level to the outside of the liquid loading unit 23, so as to prevent the liquid from flowing back through the one or more liquid loading openings 28, 31.

[0140] Advantageously, this pre-fixed level—relative to the horizontal surface 3 where the clothes dryer 1 is positioned, such as the floor of a building—is lower than the level of the inlet of the one or more liquid loading openings 28, 31.

[0141] Advantageously, the overflow opening 43 is included in the cover 27 and / or the liquid receiving element 24, or it is defined by the gap between the cover 27 and the liquid receiving element 28.

[0142] Advantageously, the overflow opening 43 is fluidly connected to the condensate container 140, so that liquid flowing out of the overflow opening 43 is discharged into the condensate container 140.

[0143] Preferably, the overflow opening 43 is fluidly connected to the condensate container 140 via an overflow reservoir 44, which receives liquid flowing out of the overflow opening 43 and is fluidly connected to the condensate container 140 so that the liquid received from the liquid overflow opening 43 can be discharged to the latter.

[0144] In an advantageous embodiment, as illustrated in the accompanying drawings, the overflow reservoir 44 is advantageously defined by a portion 321 of the bottom region 320 of the box-shaped seat 32; preferably, this portion 321 is funnel-shaped and has a second discharge opening 321a at its bottom, which is fluidly connected to the condensate container 140.

[0145] In an advantageous embodiment, as illustrated in the figures, the overflow opening 43 is positioned at a pre-fixed level that prevents liquid from flowing back from the liquid loading unit 23 to the condensate outlet 40 of the pipeline system 39.

[0146] Advantageously, this pre-fixed level—relative to the horizontal surface 3 where the clothes dryer 1 is positioned, such as the floor of a building—is lower than the condensate outlet 40 of the piping system 39.

[0147] In an advantageous embodiment, as illustrated in the accompanying drawings, the clothes dryer 1 includes a discharge conduit 45 that selectively connects the main reservoir 19 to the outside of the clothes dryer 1 to allow selective discharge of liquid contained in the main reservoir 19 to the outside of the clothes dryer 1.

[0148] In an advantageous embodiment, as illustrated in the accompanying drawings, the liquid heating device 20 is located outside the main liquid reservoir 19 and includes a heating pipe 200 that fluidly connects the main liquid reservoir 19 to the steam delivery pipe 21, and one or more electric heaters (not shown) contained in such heating pipe 200. The discharge pipe 45 may preferably be advantageously fluidly connected to the main liquid reservoir 19 via a second valve 46, which selectively directs the liquid from the main liquid reservoir 19 to the heating pipe 200 and / or the discharge pipe 46.

[0149] In another advantageous embodiment, instead of the second valve 46, a line branch connector is used to separate or drive the liquid from the autonomous liquid reservoir 19 toward the heating pipe 200 and / or to the discharge pipe 45 in the future.

[0150] The functions of the clothes dryer 1 according to the present invention are described as follows.

[0151] To manually load liquids, such as water or water mixed with additives, in the main liquid reservoir 19 of the steam generator 18, the user simply pours the liquid into one or more of the liquid loading openings 28, 31 of the liquid loading unit 23 without opening the cover 27.

[0152] The cover 27 must be opened only to access the filter 26, for example, to clean the filter 26 or to remove the filter 26 if it is removable, in order to perform maintenance or replacement of the filter 26.

[0153] In an advantageous embodiment with a first liquid loading opening and a second liquid loading opening, if the user spills some liquid onto the cap 27 while attempting to pour liquid, for example, only into the first liquid loading opening 28, the second loading opening 31 allows the spilled liquid to enter the liquid receiving element 24 and go to the main liquid reservoir 19 through the outlet opening 25, so that such spilled liquid is not wasted.

[0154] During the drying process, if the clothes dryer 1 is equipped with a moisture condensation device 14, the latter removes moisture from the airflow 12 leaving the clothes handling compartment 5; such moisture is collected in a condensate container 140 and is pumped from the condensate container 140 to the liquid loading unit 23 and optionally to the liquid collection reservoir 41 via the pumping system 37. The moisture is then transferred from the liquid loading unit 23 to the main liquid reservoir 19, where it can be used to produce steam.

[0155] The filter 26 of the liquid loading unit 23 ensures that the liquid supplied to the main liquid reservoir 19 is free of dirt and, in particular, free of lint or fluff that may be present in the airflow 12 and released into the condensate collected in the condensate container 140.

[0156] In the advantageous embodiment where the liquid loading unit 23 is housed in the receiving portion 35, the drawer 34 must be removed from the box-shaped seat 22 before liquid can be loaded into the liquid loading unit 23. Unlike the cited prior art, since loading liquid into the liquid loading unit 23 can be done with the lid 27 in the closed position, the risk of the drawer 34 being inserted into the box-shaped seat 32 with the lid 27 in the open position, and thus the risk of damaging the lid 27 and / or the drawer, is low.

[0157] Therefore, it can be seen how the present invention achieves the proposed purpose and objective, because the liquid loading process is easy and fast since liquid can be loaded into the liquid loading unit without opening the lid.

[0158] Furthermore, the advantageous embodiment that provides both a first liquid loading opening and a second liquid loading opening allows for reduced liquid waste, because liquid spilled on the cap while being manually poured into the first liquid loading opening can enter the liquid loading element through the second loading opening and go to the outlet opening.

[0159] In an advantageous embodiment where the liquid loading unit is housed in a receiving portion obtained in a box-shaped seating portion, the drawer can be received in a removable manner, and the possibility of loading liquid without opening the lid reduces the risk of introducing the drawer into the box-shaped seating portion with the lid in the open position and thus the risk of damaging the lid and / or the drawer.

[0160] Furthermore, the following advantageous embodiment—in which the clothes dryer is equipped with a moisture condensation device, and the condensed water is pumped to a liquid loading unit via a pumping system, and the condensed water is then sent from the liquid loading unit through a filter to the main liquid reservoir—allows for a reduction in liquid consumption for steam production, while simultaneously ensuring that the liquid supplied to the main liquid reservoir is free from dirt that could damage the steam generator, and in particular free from lint and fluff.

[0161] Figure Labels

[0162] 1 Clothes dryer

[0163] 2 shells

[0164] 3 horizontal surfaces

[0165] 4 legs

[0166] 5 Clothing processing compartments

[0167] 6 Loading / Unloading Gate

[0168] 7 rollers

[0169] 8 Support Structure

[0170] 9. Drying System

[0171] 10 air ducts

[0172] 11 Air-Moving Devices

[0173] 12 airflow

[0174] 13 Air heating device

[0175] 14 Moisture Condensation Device

[0176] 15 lint filter

[0177] 16 heat pump system

[0178] 17a, 17b Heat Exchangers (Condenser, Evaporator)

[0179] 18 Steam Generator

[0180] 19 Main Liquid Storage Tank

[0181] 20 Liquid heating devices

[0182] 21 Steam transmission pipeline

[0183] 22 nozzles

[0184] 23 Liquid Loading Unit

[0185] 24 Liquid receiving element

[0186] 25 Exit Opening

[0187] 26 filters

[0188] 27 lids

[0189] 28 First liquid loading opening

[0190] 28a peripheral frame

[0191] 29 Fluid Path

[0192] 30 hoppers

[0193] 31 Second liquid loading opening

[0194] 32 box-shaped seating sections

[0195] 33 Front side

[0196] 34 drawers

[0197] 35 Reception Room

[0198] 35a First discharge opening

[0199] 36 sealing elements

[0200] 37 Pumping System

[0201] 38 pumps

[0202] 39 Pipeline System

[0203] 40 Condensate Outlet

[0204] 40a opening

[0205] 41 Liquid Collection and Storage Unit

[0206] 42 First Valve

[0207] 43 Overflow opening

[0208] 44 Overflow Storage

[0209] 45 Discharge Pipe

[0210] 46 Second Valve

[0211] 50 rollers

[0212] 50a rear side

[0213] 50b front

[0214] 51 Lift

[0215] 52 air duct

[0216] 110 fan or blower

[0217] 140 Condensate Container

[0218] 141 pallets

[0219] 200 heating pipes

[0220] 240 parts

[0221] 270a and 270b arms

[0222] 271 crossbeam

[0223] 290 connecting pipe

[0224] 320 bottom area

[0225] Part 321

[0226] 321a Second discharge opening.

Claims

1. A clothes dryer (1), comprising: - Casing (2); - Clothing processing compartment (5), which is installed inside the housing (2), and the clothing to be processed can be loaded into the clothing processing compartment (5); - A drying system (9) comprising: an air duct (10) that passes through and includes the garment processing compartment (5); an air movement device (11) that generates an airflow (12) through the air duct (10) during operation; and an air heating device (13) that is at least partially located within the air duct (10) to heat the airflow (12) before it passes through the garment processing compartment (5). - A steam generator (18) comprising: a main liquid reservoir (19) in which liquid can be loaded; and a liquid heating device (20) operable to generate heat to heat liquid contained in and / or from the main liquid reservoir (19) to generate steam, the steam being delivered to the garment processing compartment (5) via a steam delivery pipe (21) fluidly connecting the steam generator (18) to the garment processing compartment (5); - A liquid loading unit (23) comprising: a liquid receiving element (24) having an outlet opening (25) fluidly connected to the main liquid reservoir (19); and a filter (26) disposed upstream of or at the outlet opening (25) to filter liquid flowing out of the liquid receiving element (24) via the outlet opening (25). The liquid loading unit (23) includes a cover (27) that is movable relative to the liquid receiving element (24) between a closed position and an open position. In the closed position, the cover (27) overlaps at least partially with the filter (26) to prevent the user from touching the filter (26). In the open position, the user is allowed to touch the filter (26). The liquid loading unit (23) includes one or more liquid loading openings (28, 31), thereby allowing liquid to be manually loaded into the liquid receiving element (24), even when the cap (27) is in the closed position. Its features are, The clothes dryer (1) includes a box-shaped seat (32) accessible from the outside of the housing (2) and adapted to receive a drawer (34) in a removable manner. The box-shaped seat (32) includes a receiving portion (35) in the bottom region (320) of the box-shaped seat (32), the receiving portion (35) being fluidly connected to the main liquid reservoir (19), and the liquid loading unit (23) being at least partially housed in the receiving portion (35) in a permanent or removable manner.

2. The clothes dryer (1) according to claim 1, wherein, The one or more liquid loading openings (28, 31) include a first liquid loading opening (28) which is disposed at the liquid receiving element (24) and fluidly connected to the outlet opening (25) via a fluid path (29) that bypasses the cover (27) and passes through the filter (26).

3. The clothes dryer (1) according to claim 2, wherein, The first liquid loading opening (28) is disposed in the liquid receiving element (24).

4. The clothes dryer (1) according to claim 2 or 3, wherein, The liquid receiving element (24) includes a hopper (30) in which the outlet opening (25) and the first liquid loading opening (28) are provided, wherein the outlet opening (25) and the first liquid loading opening (28) are fluidly connected to each other.

5. The clothes dryer (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, The liquid loading unit (23) includes a plurality of liquid loading openings (28, 31), the plurality of liquid loading openings (28, 31) including one or more second liquid loading openings (31) disposed in the cover (27), when the cover (27) is in the closed position, liquid passes through the cover (27) and is loaded into the liquid receiving element (24) via the one or more second liquid loading openings (31) and goes to the outlet opening (25).

6. The clothes dryer (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, comprising a sealing element (36) arranged in the receiving portion (35) or in a portion (240) of the liquid loading unit (23) configured to be positioned in the receiving portion (35) for insertion between the receiving portion (35) and the portion (240) to achieve a watertight connection.

7. The clothes dryer (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, comprising a moisture condensation device (14) at least partially located within the air duct (10) downstream of the clothes handling compartment (5) to condense and remove moisture contained in the airflow (12), the moisture condensation device (14) being fluidly connected to a condensate container (140) for receiving condensate removed from the airflow (12) by the moisture condensation device (14).

8. The clothes dryer (1) according to claim 7, comprising a pumping system (37) fluidly connecting the condensate container (140) to the liquid loading unit (23), the pumping system (37) comprising a pump (38) that draws liquid from the condensate container (140) and pumps the liquid to the liquid loading unit (23) via a pipeline system (39) having a condensate outlet (40) disposed at the liquid loading unit (23), and / or pumps it to a liquid collection reservoir (41) of the clothes dryer (1), the liquid collection reservoir (41) being fluidly connected to the pipeline system (39).

9. The clothes dryer (1) according to claim 8, wherein, The condensate outlet (40) is located at the liquid loading unit (23) upstream of the filter (26).

10. The clothes dryer (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, The liquid loading unit (23) includes an overflow opening (43) for discharging liquid contained in the liquid loading unit (23) and exceeding a pre-fixed level to the outside of the liquid loading unit (23) in order to prevent the liquid from flowing back through the one or more liquid loading openings (28, 31).

11. The clothes dryer (1) according to claim 10, wherein, The overflow opening (43) is included in the cover (27) and / or the liquid receiving element (24), or the overflow opening (43) is defined by the gap between the cover (27) and the liquid receiving element (24).

12. The clothes dryer (1) according to claim 7, wherein, The liquid loading unit (23) includes an overflow opening (43) for discharging liquid contained in the liquid loading unit (23) and exceeding a pre-fixed level to the outside of the liquid loading unit (23) to prevent the liquid from flowing back through the one or more liquid loading openings (28, 31), and the overflow opening (43) is fluidly connected to the condensate container (140) such that liquid flowing out of the overflow opening (43) is discharged to the condensate container (140).

13. The clothes dryer (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, The cover (27) is hinged to the liquid receiving element (24) so ​​as to move from the closed position to the open position by rotation and vice versa, or the cover (27) is slidably connected to the liquid receiving element (24) so ​​as to move from the closed position to the open position by sliding on the liquid receiving element (24) and vice versa.

14. A method for loading liquid to be converted into steam into a clothes dryer (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 13, the method comprising the steps of first removing the drawer (34) from the box-shaped seat (32), and then, with the lid (27) in the closed position, loading the liquid to be converted into steam into the liquid loading unit (23) of the clothes dryer (1) via one or more of the liquid loading openings (28, 31) of the liquid loading unit (23).

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