Method for freshening clothes without additional hardware

Abstract

The invention relates to a method for freshening laundry in a tub of a household appliance, in which at least one heat source for heating process air is heated to a predetermined temperature, in which water is applied directly or indirectly to the heated at least one heat source in order to at least increase the humidity of the process air in a process air channel, and in which water is applied directly or indirectly to the heated at least one heat source in order to at least increase the humidity of the process air in the process air channel. By controlling the process air fan, process air is moved within the process air passage from the heat source to the cartridge. The invention further relates to a domestic appliance.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to a method for refreshing laundry in a drum of a household appliance, and to a household appliance. Background Art

[0002] Laundry freshening in a tumble dryer is typically achieved by introducing moisture into the clothes in the drum and then drying them. This process refreshes previously worn clothing by partially removing any body odor. Furthermore, by performing this freshening cycle, the aroma of the laundry detergent used during the wash cycle becomes more noticeable. Another benefit is that wrinkles on clothing are partially removed during this cycle.

[0003] Typically, moisture is introduced as hot steam from a separate steam generator or as a cold water spray. These solutions require additional hardware to the tumble dryer to collect the water from the reservoir, convert it into steam or spray, and deliver it to the clothes in the drum. This additional hardware is more expensive to implement and therefore typically increases the overall dryer manufacturing cost. Furthermore, the need for separate control of the additional hardware increases the complexity of the appliance. Summary of the Invention

[0004] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a method and a household appliance, which can realize a low-cost technical solution for the clothes refreshing function.

[0005] This problem is solved by a method according to claim 1 and a domestic appliance with the features of claim 10. Advantageous embodiments are listed in the dependent claims.

[0006] According to one aspect of the present invention, a method for refreshing laundry in the drum of a household appliance is provided. In one method step, at least one heat source for heating process air is heated to a predetermined temperature. This predetermined temperature can be set in advance to evaporate or vaporize water. The temperature of the heat source can be set, for example, to 70°C.

[0007] In another method step, water is applied directly or indirectly to the at least one heated heat source in order to at least increase the humidity of the process air in the process air channel. Depending on the appliance, the water can be applied to the heat source before and / or after a predetermined temperature level is reached.

[0008] By controlling the process air fan, process air is moved from the heat source to the drum within the process air passage. Thus, the controller can activate and / or regulate the process air fan to move moisture-rich process air into the drum and onto the laundry within the drum. The process air fan can be constantly on, or can be turned on after at least a portion of the water has evaporated into the process air passage.

[0009] Often in household appliances, such as tumble dryers, the heat source is designed as a condenser, which is used to reheat the drying air before it is directed to the drum. During this operation, the temperature on the fins of the heat source reaches, for example, 70°C. The time it takes to reach this temperature level can be shortened if there is no air flow in the process air duct of the appliance, at least for a certain period of time.

[0010] Depending on the application, the process air fan may be run at a low RPM, and by activating the process air fan, the RPM may be set to a higher level in order to move the process air at a higher velocity.

[0011] According to another aspect of the present invention, a household appliance is provided. The appliance according to the present invention is configured to perform the method according to the present invention. The household appliance may be, in particular, a laundry care appliance, in particular a tumble dryer or a washer-dryer (i.e., a combined washing machine and tumble dryer). The appliance may include a drum for accommodating laundry and a process air channel. The process air channel connects at least a heat source to the drum, forming a circuit. At least one process air fan may be used to move process air within the process air channel.

[0012] In this appliance, a cooling source can be positioned ahead of the heat source in the direction of process air flow to condense moisture extracted from the laundry. The cooled process air can then be supplied to the heat source, heating the process air and directing it into the drum. This heat source can be a heat exchanger in the condenser of a heat pump, while the cooling source can be an evaporator in the heat pump.

[0013] The condenser is configured to condense the coolant fluid to generate heat, which can be used to heat process air and evaporate water for refreshing clothes.

[0014] The evaporator can be used to evaporate the coolant of the heat pump, thereby extracting heat from the process air.

[0015] By providing this method, additional hardware can be omitted because the heat source already present in the appliance can be used to generate high humidity process air for refreshing laundry. Thus, the cost and complexity of the appliance, in particular in the form of a tumble dryer or washer-dryer, can be reduced.

[0016] According to one embodiment, water is applied to at least one heated heat source via an integrated device for cleaning the heat source, and / or water is applied to at least one cold source of the appliance via an integrated device for cleaning the cold source. If the appliance is equipped with a condenser flushing function, the method for refreshing laundry according to the present invention can be implemented with minimal cost and modification effort. Thus, a self-cleaning system for the condenser and / or evaporator, acting as both a heat source and a cold source, can be utilized to apply water to increase the humidity of the process air.

[0017] According to another embodiment, the heat source is formed as a condenser. Water can be sprinkled or sprayed onto the front surface and / or the interior of the heat source formed as the condenser. The same procedure can also be applied to at least one heat sink. Furthermore, in another embodiment, the heat sink is formed as an evaporator, wherein the condenser is located behind the evaporator in the process air channel in the direction of flow of the process air, and water is applied directly or indirectly to the condenser and the evaporator. Thus, the heat pump configuration of the household appliance can be used to refresh laundry in the drum.

[0018] In another embodiment, water is applied to the process air before it reaches the heat source, indirectly applying the water to the heat source and / or heat sink. The airflow within the process air channel can thus carry a water spray or mist toward the heat source. This approach allows for the placement of nozzles or diffusers spaced from the heat source, providing greater design freedom. Furthermore, by varying the airflow, for example by controlling the speed of the process air fan, the amount of water carried to the heat source can be controlled. Consequently, the humidity level within the process air channel can be precisely configured.

[0019] According to another embodiment, the water is applied to the heat source and / or heat sink via at least one nozzle or at least one diffuser. This measure allows for precise distribution of the water along the surface area of the heat source and / or heat sink.

[0020] In another embodiment, water is applied to the heat source and / or heat sink by directing it into the process air channel, so that the heat source and / or heat sink are at least partially immersed in the water. The heat source and / or heat sink can thus directly exchange heat with the water and increase the humidity of the process air through evaporation or vaporization. This measure can be implemented in a technically simplified manner.

[0021] In another embodiment, the amount of water applied to the heat source and / or heat sink is controlled by controlling the speed of the appliance's pump and / or the aperture of at least one valve of the appliance. This measure allows for precise control of the amount of water applied. Consequently, the humidity level within the process air channel can also be precisely configured.

[0022] According to another embodiment, water is drawn from the appliance's water tank or from a water source connected to the appliance. This allows for flexible water management for refreshing clothes. After refreshing the clothes (which can be performed as a program in the appliance), the clothes are dried again. In this case, the water can condense and collect in the water tank or be drained from the appliance. This embodiment is particularly important in washer-dryers.

[0023] In another embodiment, water is applied to one of the multiple heat sources and / or one of the multiple cold sources at a time; alternatively, water is applied to all of the multiple heat sources and / or cold sources simultaneously. Thus, even with limited water availability and / or reduced energy consumption, clothes can be refreshed efficiently. Furthermore, because the application of water lowers the surface temperature of the heat sources, water can be applied alternately to different heat sources. Thus, after applying water to a first heat source for a short period of time, water can be applied to at least one additional heat source, thereby raising the temperature of the first heat source again. Consequently, the efficiency and / or speed of clothes refreshing can be improved.

[0024] The advantages and features described above in relation to the method also apply analogously to the household appliance, and vice versa. The various features or aspects of the present invention can be combined with each other and have the advantages described herein. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0025] Hereinafter, the present invention will be described in detail by way of advantageous embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0026] Figure 1 FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a household appliance illustrating a method for refreshing clothes according to an embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0027] In the drawings, identical or corresponding elements are labeled with the same reference numerals. Values or features, such as numerical values, shapes, components, their positions, and the manner in which they are connected, are shown for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to be limiting. For clarity and to enhance legibility, different scales are sometimes used in the drawings.

[0028] Figure 1 1 is a schematic diagram of a household appliance 100 illustrating a method for refreshing laundry 200 according to one embodiment. The appliance 100 is formed as a tumble dryer in the example shown and is configured to be able to perform the method for refreshing laundry 200 in a drum 110 of the appliance 100.

[0029] The appliance 100 includes a process air channel 120 outside the cartridge 110. The process air channel 120 connects at least one heat source 11 with the cartridge 110 and forms a circuit. In the example shown, the process air channel 120 also connects the cold source 12 with the cartridge 110 and the heat source 11.

[0030] At least one process air fan 13 may be utilized to move process air within the process air passage 120 .

[0031] The heat source 11 is arranged behind the heat sink 12 in the direction of movement of the process air in the air channel 120 (indicated by the arrow). To dry the clothes 200 in the drum 110, the heat source 11 is heated. Therefore, the process air is also heated and conveyed into the drum 110 via the process air channel 120. The heated process air can absorb moisture from the clothes 200. By operating the process air fan 13, the moist process air is conveyed from the drum 110 to the heat sink 12, which cools the moist process air, thereby condensing the moisture and drying the process air. After drying the process air, it is heated again by the heat source 11 and conveyed into the drum 110.

[0032] In the example shown, the heat source 11 is formed as a heat exchanger of a condenser of a heat pump. The cold source 12 is formed as an evaporator of a heat pump of the appliance 100.

[0033] The condenser 11 is configured to condense the coolant fluid to generate heat, which can be used to heat the process air and evaporate water for refreshing the laundry 200 .

[0034] The evaporator 12 is configured to evaporate the coolant of the heat pump, thereby extracting heat from the process air.

[0035] The appliance 100 includes a self-cleaning system for the condenser 11 and / or the evaporator 12. Such a system includes at least one water outlet 21, 22 for applying water to the condenser 11 and / or the evaporator 12. This feature allows lint and other contaminants to be removed from the surfaces of the heat exchanger of the condenser 11 and / or the surfaces of the evaporator 12.

[0036] The appliance 100 comprises a water tank 130 arranged in a base module of the appliance 100, which can be filled automatically or manually to perform a self-cleaning program. A water pump 140 is positioned within the water tank 130. The water pump 140 is configured to pump water from the water tank 130 to the water outlets 21, 22.

[0037] In the example shown, water outlets 21, 22 are located above the heat exchanger of the condenser 11 and the evaporator 12. The method according to the invention utilizes this self-cleaning system to perform a refreshing program for the laundry 200. The water outlets 21, 22 are formed as diffusers so that the condenser 11 and the evaporator 12 are evenly covered with water.

[0038] The amount of water sprayed can be configured by controlling the water pump 140. The water pump 140 can be designed as a BLDC pump capable of precisely adjusting the RPM.

[0039] To use the self-cleaning system to refresh laundry 200, perform the following steps:

[0040] In one method step, the heat source 12 for heating the process air is heated to a predetermined temperature. The heat source 12 can be heated to an exemplary temperature of 70°C.

[0041] In another method step, water is applied directly or indirectly to the at least one heated heat source 11 to at least increase the humidity of the process air in the process air channel 120. Water can also be supplied to the heat sink 12 to increase the overall humidity level in the process air channel 120. The water is applied through the water outlets 21, 22 described above. The water is applied to the heat source 11 and the heat sink 12 after reaching a predetermined temperature level.

[0042] While the condenser 11 remains hot, the evaporator 12 cools. If water is flushed onto the condenser 11 to increase humidity, the humid air passes through the laundry 200 only once before the moisture condenses on the evaporator 12. To prevent this from happening and to ensure that the process air retains humidity even after passing through the evaporator 12, the evaporator 12 is flushed with water at least occasionally during the process.

[0043] By controlling the process air fan 13, process air moves from the heat source 11 to the cold source 12 in the process air channel 120. Therefore, the controller (not shown) can activate and / or regulate the process air fan 13 to move the moisture-rich process air into the drum 110 and to the clothes 200 in the drum 110.

[0044] The contact of the warm and moist process air with the laundry 200 causes the laundry 200 to be refreshed. At the end of the refreshing program, the moisture is condensed and the laundry 200 is dried again.

[0045] Reference Signs List

[0046] 100 – Electrical appliances

[0047] 110–tube

[0048] 120 – Process air channel

[0049] 130 – Water Tank

[0050] 140 – Water Pump

[0051] 11 – Heat Source / Condenser

[0052] 12 – Cold source / evaporator

[0053] 13 – Process Air Fan

[0054] 21-Water outlet of condenser

[0055] 22 – Evaporator water outlet

Claims

1. A method for refreshing clothes (200) in a drum (110) of a household appliance (100), wherein: At least one heat source (11) for heating process air is heated to a predetermined temperature, wherein water is directly or indirectly applied to the heated at least one heat source (11) to at least increase the humidity of the process air in a process air passage (120), and wherein the process air is moved from the heat source (11) to the cartridge (110) in the process air passage (120) by controlling a process air fan (13).

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein Water is applied to at least one heated heat source (11) by means of an integrated device for cleaning a heat source (11), and / or water is applied to at least one cold source (12) of an appliance (100) by means of an integrated device for cleaning a cold source (12).

3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The heat source (11) is formed as a condenser and the heat sink (12) is formed as an evaporator, the condenser being located downstream of the evaporator in the flow direction of the process air in the process air channel (120), wherein water is applied directly or indirectly to the condenser and the evaporator.

4. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein Water is applied to the process air before the process air reaches the heat source (11) so that the water is indirectly applied to the heat source (11) and / or the heat sink (12).

5. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein Water is applied to the heat source (11) and / or the cold source (12) through at least one water outlet (21, 22) formed as a nozzle or a diffuser.

6. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein Water is applied to the heat source (11) and / or the heat sink (12) by directing the water into the process air channel (120) such that the heat source (11) and / or the heat sink (12) are at least partially immersed in the water.

7. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein The amount of water applied to the heat source (11) and / or the cold source (12) is controlled by controlling the speed of a pump (140) of the appliance and / or by controlling the aperture of at least one valve of the appliance (100).

8. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein Water is drawn from a water tank (130) of the appliance (100) or a water source connected to the appliance (100).

9. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein Water is applied to one heat source among the plurality of heat sources (11) and / or one cold source among the plurality of cold sources (12) at a time; or water is applied to all the plurality of heat sources (11) and / or cold sources (12) simultaneously.

10. A household appliance (100) configured to perform the method according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

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