Fluid dispensing module for household appliance

Abstract

A drying machine comprises a roller and a process air system, and the process air system comprises an air blower; a condenser; a base module (110); a condensate container; an overflow container; a pump; and a dispensing module, the dispensing module comprising: at least one valve interface (10) configured to be able to connect the dispensing module to a multi-way valve (100); at least one diffuser configured to be able to flush the at least one heat exchanger; and at least two channels (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6), each channel being configured to be able to fluidly connect the at least one valve interface (10) with the at least one diffuser, or being configured to be able to fluidly connect the at least one valve interface (10) with a condensate container or a discharge pipe, or configured to fluidly connect an overflow system with the condensate container.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a dispensing module, particularly for household appliances, and more particularly for dryers, washing machines, and / or washer-dryer combos, most particularly including dryers or washer-dryer combos with, for example, heat pumps having a heat exchanger cleaning function. The dispensing module is suitable for fluids, particularly gases and / or liquids, more particularly aqueous fluids, and most particularly water. The invention also relates to a clothes dryer and a method of using the dispensing module. Background Technology

[0002] Document EP 4 219 823 A1 discloses a condenser clothes dryer having a drum rotatably mounted in a housing, a fan for generating a process airflow intended to flow through the drum and through a condenser unit, the condenser unit including a collection container for collecting condensate accumulated during the drying process, and further including a condenser tank connected to the collection container by means of a pipeline, the condenser tank being arranged in a trough connected to the collection container by means of a drain pipe. The condensate collected in the collection container is typically pumped to the condenser tank. The condenser tank is arranged in a trough, the trough containing a drain pipe leading to the collection container. This allows condensate leaking from the condenser tank to be discharged into the collection container. However, the process airflow is connected to the environment via the drain pipe, causing indoor air to be drawn into the already dried process air.

[0003] In this type of dryer, multiple hoses and clamps are connected to and from multiple water control systems and / or multiple water management systems. Consequently, multiple valves are also required. One possible example of such a system includes a valve connected via three hoses, which must be individually secured using associated clamps. Furthermore, an outlet is positioned on top of a filter. This exemplary system comprises at least nine individual components, including different but similar types of hoses and different but similar types of clamps. This exemplary system also relates to only one water control system, where multiple systems are required in a household appliance (e.g., a dryer or washer-dryer combo). Therefore, within a household appliance, each required control system and / or management system uses multiple, for example, nine, individual components.

[0004] Therefore, the existing technology requires multiple components, such as multiple hoses, clamps, and valves that connect to and are linked from multiple operating systems and / or multiple management systems. These hoses, clamps, and valves occupy space in the device and / or appliance and require careful and correct assembly, which is complex, time-consuming, and a source of error. Hoses, clamps, and valves come in various shapes and structures and have different physical properties. For various systems, various hoses, clamps, and valves with different, slightly different, or fairly similar physical properties (e.g., strength, durability, or flexibility) are used. Thus, these hoses and / or clamps and / or valves can have similar appearances and / or external features. This creates a risk of error when incorrect hoses and / or clamps and / or valves are installed in the wrong system and / or the wrong location in the multiple operating systems and / or multiple management systems, and / or installed in the reverse manner in one of the systems and / or locations. This risk always exists when multiple components must be assembled, even if they have different appearances. This risk increases dramatically with each additional component that needs to be assembled. Therefore, the more variable parts there are that must be assembled, the more errors there are and the higher the risk.

[0005] Errors during assembly may result in, for example, loosening of hoses and / or clamps and / or valves, or breakage of hoses and / or clamps and / or valves and / or other components of the system and / or device and / or appliance. This may partially or completely damage the appliance and / or endanger the environment surrounding the appliance.

[0006] The drawback of such solutions lies in the use of multiple parts and / or components with numerous connections, requiring significant effort in manipulation, quality control, and assembly. Multiple interfaces between fluid-guided components also increase the risk of misassembly and leakage. To prevent such errors in existing technologies, enhanced control during assembly is necessary, requiring the installation of additional equipment (e.g., robot vision) or the implementation of additional quality control processes, both of which increase the cost and time required to produce household appliances. Using multiple parts also results in higher material costs compared to achieving all required functions with fewer parts or even a single part. Furthermore, assemblies consisting of multiple components require more assembly space. Summary of the Invention

[0007] One object of the present invention is to overcome these disadvantages, particularly to simplify the assembly of dryers or washer-dryer combos.

[0008] These objectives are achieved by the distribution model according to claim 1, the dryer according to claim 9, and the method according to claim 10. Preferred embodiments are disclosed in the dependent claims and are presented in the specification.

[0009] This invention optimizes multiple guidance systems, multiple control systems, and / or multiple management systems by integrating at least one valve interface and multiple routing / distribution components (e.g., channels) into fewer components within a distribution module, particularly into a single component. This includes optimization of the guidance systems, control systems, and / or management systems. Consequently, multiple independent components of the various guidance systems, control systems, and / or management systems, along with the multiple functions of these independent components, are combined into a single distribution module, resulting in fewer components, particularly a single component.

[0010] The guidance system, manipulation system and / or management system can be applied to fluids, particularly gases and / or liquids, more particularly water-containing fluids, and most particularly water.

[0011] According to a first aspect, the present invention relates to a dispensing module for a household appliance, particularly for a dryer, washing machine, and / or washer-dryer combo, the dispensing module comprising: at least one valve port configured to connect the dispensing module to a multi-way valve; at least one diffuser configured to flush at least one heat exchanger; and at least two channels, each channel configured to fluidly connect the at least one valve port to the at least one diffuser, or to fluidly connect the at least one valve port to a condensate container or drain pipe, or to fluidly connect an overflow system to the condensate container, wherein the at least one valve port is a manifold configured to fluidly connect a base module configured to collect fluid to each of the at least two channels, and wherein, after the dispensing module is manufactured, the dispensing module comprises a component integrating more than one channel.

[0012] The present invention may relate to a system based on direct pump flushing of one or more components (e.g., components of a heat exchanger).

[0013] During the drying cycle, fluid removed from the garment (e.g., aqueous fluid, such as water) can be collected in the base module and periodically pumped to a condensate container by a system consisting of at least one valve, or only one valve, or at most one valve, at least one, two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight, nine, ten, or more than ten routing / distribution components (e.g., channels integrated in the distribution module), pipes, and a siphon module, based on a signal from a level electrode. Because the system uses a simple condensate container without a solenoid valve capable of releasing fluid back to the base module, the minimum required fluid volume for rinsing is maintained in the base module. This is achieved by performing periodic pumping cycles during the drying cycle, removing only a minimum amount of fluid from the base module. Rinsing of one or more components (e.g., a heat exchanger, which may be a first heat exchanger, which may be a condenser or evaporator) can be performed at predetermined times during the drying cycle by pumping fluid and directing it through valves to a system including routing / distribution components (e.g., channels) and at least one diffuser. The at least one diffuser is located at one end of the routing / distribution component to be configured to distribute fluid from the routing / distribution component (e.g., a channel) to the element to be flushed (e.g., one or more heat exchangers). The other end of the corresponding routing component is located at the at least one valve interface. Thus, fluid from the base module can be provided at one end of the routing / distribution component (e.g., a channel) through the at least one valve interface and reach the other end of the routing / distribution component (e.g., a channel).

[0014] At the other end of the routing / distribution component (e.g., a channel), there may be at least one diffuser, condensate container, or discharge pipe.

[0015] In some cases, due to the size of the one or more components, two, three, four, or more than four diffusers may be required to achieve proper and / or sufficient fluid distribution in designated areas (e.g., heat exchangers or, for example, the front surface) of the respective one or more components, and flushing may be performed in a predetermined sequence. Airflow may be stopped during flushing. Flushing of one or more additional components (e.g., a second heat exchanger) may be performed by a pump at a predetermined time or during a separate drying time and directed by a valve to a system comprising at least one or more routing components and at least one diffuser. Due to the size of the one or more additional components (which may be a second heat exchanger), two, three, four, or more than four diffusers may be required to achieve proper and / or sufficient fluid distribution in designated areas (e.g., the front surface and, for example, the front surface of a heat exchanger) of the respective one or more additional components, and flushing may be performed in a predetermined sequence. Airflow may be stopped.

[0016] On the other hand, one diffuser may be sufficient to flush more than one element, such as two, three, four or more elements.

[0017] The at least one valve interface allows the distribution module to be connected to a multi-way valve. This can be achieved using any mounting device known in the art.

[0018] The at least one valve interface may be a manifold and can be fluidly connected to each of the at least one or two routing / distribution components (e.g., channels) respectively, to a base module configured to collect fluid. This can be achieved with the aid of a multi-port valve. The at least one valve interface according to the invention is characterized by being configured to allow at least two settings, such that at least one or two routing / distribution components can be fluidly connected individually according to the settings, and the at least one valve interface can be switched between the at least two settings to fluidly connect to the at least two routing components.

[0019] This invention may relate to gravity-based flushing systems for directing fluid to or from one or more elements, such as elements of a heat exchanger, which may be, for example, one or more evaporators and / or one or more condensers, flushed, for example, by means of an airflow, at least one of the heat exchangers. The features and elements described above also apply herein and will therefore not be repeated.

[0020] During the drying cycle, fluids removed from the clothing, such as aqueous fluids like water, can be collected in the base module and periodically pumped to a condensate container by a condensate pump via a system including at least one valve and at least one pipe. The pumping time can be based on a signal from a level electrode.

[0021] Flushing can be performed at predetermined intervals of the drying cycle by releasing fluid from the condensate container to one or more elements, such as heat exchangers (which may be a first heat exchanger and / or a pre-heat exchanger), when the airflow stops. This can be achieved by opening a valve, which may be a solenoid valve, that opens a baffle in the condensate container, allowing fluid to flow through a system including at least one additional conduit and a diffuser to the one or more elements, such as the heat exchanger (which may be a first heat exchanger). To flush one or more additional elements, such as a second heat exchanger (which may be a post-heat exchanger), fluid can be released when the airflow is on. Air flowing through the heat pump system carries fluid from the one or more elements to the one or more additional elements, for example, from the first heat exchanger to the second heat exchanger.

[0022] This invention can relate to systems based on gravity flushing of one or more elements (e.g., elements of a heat exchanger) and / or direct pump flushing of one or more additional elements (e.g., elements of a heat exchanger). The features and elements described above also apply herein and will therefore not be repeated.

[0023] During the drying cycle, fluids removed from the clothing, such as aqueous fluids like water, can be collected in the base module and periodically pumped to a condensate container by a condensate pump via a system including at least one valve and at least one pipe. The pumping time can be based on a signal from a level electrode.

[0024] Flushing of one or more components (e.g., components of a heat exchanger that may be a first heat exchanger and / or a preheater heat exchanger) can be performed at predetermined times during the drying cycle by releasing fluid from the condensate container when the airflow stops. This can be achieved by opening a valve, which may be a solenoid valve, that opens a baffle in the condensate container, allowing fluid to flow through a system including at least one additional conduit (possibly including a downpipe) and at least one seal (possibly two separate seals in the top and / or bottom regions), and a diffuser to the front of the one or more components (e.g., the heat exchanger). Flushing of one or more additional components (e.g., a second heat exchanger) can be performed at predetermined times. The airflow can be stopped, and fluid can be pumped through a system including at least one valve, at least one conduit, and at least one diffuser to the front of the one or more additional components (e.g., the second heat exchanger).

[0025] The allocation module may include at least one or two routing / allocation components, particularly one, two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight, nine, ten, or more than ten routing / allocation components. The routing / allocation components may be channels or any other technically feasible system for guiding and / or distributing fluids.

[0026] The possible material for the dispensing module is any material suitable for the conditions in the corresponding device and / or household appliance. The corresponding material must be fluid-tight.

[0027] Possible preferred materials are all moldable, preferably injection moldable materials.

[0028] The guiding, manipulating, and / or managing system can be, for example, one, two, three, four, five, six, or more than six systems that guide fluid to or from one or more components, such as guiding fluid to or from a heat exchanger, such as guiding fluid to or from one or more evaporators, and / or guiding fluid to or from one or more condensers. The guiding, manipulating, and / or managing system can be, for example, one, two, three, four, five, six, or more than six systems that guide fluid to or from one or more overflow systems, and / or guide fluid to or from one or more condensate containers. The guiding, manipulating, and / or managing system can be any system within a household appliance that relates to any fluid.

[0029] Therefore, in this invention, compared with the prior art, the number of assembly parts required, the assembly time, and the assembly space used in household appliances are all reduced, and the amount of assembly work required is also reduced. Furthermore, compared with the prior art, the fewer parts in this invention result in lower material costs, less component manipulation work, and less quality control work.

[0030] In a preferred embodiment, the distribution module cannot be disassembled, particularly not in a non-destructive manner.

[0031] Advantageously, the dispensing module is a fixed, preferably integrally connected component that cannot be disassembled into several separate parts. This simplifies the production of the corresponding household appliance and reduces the maintenance and disassembly risks required during the use of the dispensing module.

[0032] In another preferred embodiment, the distribution module further includes a fixing device for connecting the at least one valve interface to the multi-way valve.

[0033] The securing device can be any suitable means, such as screws or bolts, capable of securely connecting the multi-way valve to the at least one valve port. This allows for a permanent connection. The securing device can also provide a detachable and / or removable connection, allowing the dispensing module and the multi-way valve to be separated and potentially reattached. Different multi-way valves can also be attached.

[0034] In another preferred embodiment, the dispensing module further includes a sealing device configured to fluidly and sealably connect the at least two channels to the multi-way valve.

[0035] The sealing device can be any suitable device capable of fluid-tightly connecting an element, such as a multi-way valve, to the at least two channels of the dispensing module, respectively.

[0036] In another preferred embodiment, the distribution module includes at most one valve interface.

[0037] To reduce the number of components within household appliances, it is preferable to have only one valve port that can fluidly connect any required components (such as base modules) to all the corresponding necessary channels. This eliminates the need for additional valve ports, as well as additional valves, hoses, pipes, and clamps.

[0038] In another preferred embodiment, the dispensing module does not include any hoses, conduits, pipes, clamps, and / or any other channels, which include elements capable of being installed and / or secured and disassembled.

[0039] To reduce the number of parts in household appliances, it is preferable to have as few parts as possible. Therefore, it is preferable to avoid any unnecessary parts, such as additional hoses, conduits, pipes, clamps, or valves, and the present invention eliminates such additional features.

[0040] In another preferred embodiment, the dispensing module is a dispensing module adapted to dispense fluids, such as gases and / or liquids, such as water.

[0041] As described above, the dispensing module is preferably suitable for all fluids. One or more materials for the respective dispensing module can be selected accordingly to meet the specific requirements of the fluid. Such materials are generally known in the art.

[0042] In another preferred embodiment, the dispensing module comprises two injection-molded components connected together such that the two injection-molded components cannot be disassembled, particularly not in a non-destructive manner, wherein the connection can be achieved, for example, by welding.

[0043] A preferred method for providing the dispensing module according to the invention is by using injection molding. Thus, two injection-molded components, each representing half of the dispensing module according to the invention, can be provided using injection molding methods known in the art. The two components can then be joined by any suitable method known in the art (e.g., welding).

[0044] This is a well-known and well-established possibility for producing devices such as the dispensing module according to the invention. Therefore, the production process is highly controllable, resulting in devices with the necessary quality and durability, while also being cost-effective.

[0045] Therefore, a dispensing module with a single component can be provided. This dispensing module cannot be disassembled and will not loosen or detach during use in household appliances, thereby minimizing the risk of device maintenance and failure.

[0046] In another preferred embodiment, the distribution module consists of only one integral component that cannot be disassembled, and in particular, cannot be disassembled in a non-destructive manner.

[0047] A single-component dispensing module can also be provided by means known in the art, such as 3D printing. This allows for the provision of a dispensing module with a single component. This overcomes the need to attach several components together, for example, by welding. Such a dispensing module is non-disassembly and will not loosen during use in household appliances, thereby minimizing the risk of device maintenance and failure.

[0048] In another preferred embodiment, the dispensing module is part of a kit that includes the dispensing module as described above and a multi-way valve connected to the dispensing module.

[0049] The features and advantages described above can be achieved by providing a kit including a dispensing module according to the invention and a suitable multi-way valve connected to the dispensing module. The multi-way valve is capable of connecting to the valve interface of the dispensing module and has various configurations corresponding to the number of channels in the dispensing module. Furthermore, the multi-way valve has another feature: it is configured to connect to additional components, such as a base module.

[0050] In general, the present invention can be used in household appliances, such as dryers, washing machines, and / or washer-dryer combos. For example, this can be the device described above with respect to prior art document EP 4 219 823 A1 or any other household appliance.

[0051] In another preferred embodiment, the distribution module is integrated into a dryer including a drum for receiving clothes to be dried, a process air system for passing process air through the drum, a condenser for condensing moisture in the process air from the drum, a base module configured to collect fluid, a condensate container for receiving fluid transferred from the base module, an overflow container in which the condensate container is placed, a pump associated with the base module for pumping fluid contained in the base module to the condensate container, a multi-way valve, and the distribution module as described above.

[0052] This dryer achieves the advantages of the present invention because the improvements described herein are realized using the dispensing module according to the invention. Therefore, fewer components can be used in this dryer. Since multiple guiding systems, operating systems, and / or management systems can share elements of the dispensing module according to the invention, the number of hoses, pipes, clamps, and valves is reduced.

[0053] Furthermore, the present invention can be used in household appliances including devices for drying clothes. Such devices may include: at least one process air system; at least one heat pump thermally coupled to said process air system; at least one condensate tray; at least one condensate container; at least one condensate pump for pumping fluid from said condensate tray; at least one flushing device connected to said condensate container for flushing the evaporator of said heat pump; at least one flushing valve connected between said condensate container and said flushing device; at least one valve unit connected between said condensate pump and said condensate container; at least one flushing unit connected to said valve unit for flushing the condenser of said heat pump; and at least one [unclear - possibly a device for controlling said condensate pump, said flushing valve, and said valve unit]. One less electronic control unit, wherein the valve unit is designed such that in a first switching position, the valve unit connects the condensate pump to the condensate container, and in a second switching position, the valve unit connects the condensate pump to the flushing unit, and wherein the control electronics are configured to control the condensate pump, the flushing valve, and the valve unit in such a way that, before the valve unit switches to the second switching position and the condensate pump is activated, the flushing valve remains open for a predetermined period of time when the condensate pump is deactivated, the predetermined period of time ending before the valve unit switches to the second switching position and the condensate pump is activated.

[0054] Appliances such as dryers may include a heat pump circuit comprising a refrigerant passage for circulating a refrigerant, a condenser as a heat source, an evaporator as a heat sink, an expansion device for expanding the refrigerant, and a compressor for driving and compressing the refrigerant, wherein the refrigerant circulates sequentially through the compressor, the condenser, the expansion device, and the evaporator, wherein the evaporator is the condenser. The condenser is used to heat the process airflow before it enters the drum, which serves as the drying chamber, and the evaporator is used to cool the airflow after it leaves the drying chamber.

[0055] The dryer can be a dryer itself or a washer-dryer combo, which combines the functions of washing clothes and drying clothes.

[0056] Furthermore, various alternative appliances with different and / or fewer elements are known. This invention is applicable to any appliance known in the prior art. Therefore, the general characteristics of such appliances will not be repeated here.

[0057] One possible example of a household appliance could be a device for drying clothes. This is one example of an appliance in which the dispensing module according to the invention can be used. The discussion of such appliances does not limit the possible applications and appliances in which the dispensing module according to the invention can be used.

[0058] Furthermore, several elements in the apparatus described herein are optional for the apparatus. Therefore, various combinations of necessary elements and multiple optional elements are disclosed, wherein those skilled in the art will understand which combinations are possible.

[0059] The device may have a housing containing a closed process air system with a drying chamber for accommodating the clothes to be dried. The process air system may include a process air blower, which can be activated by the device's electronic control unit to perform the drying process.

[0060] Furthermore, the device may be a dryer with a heat pump, and may include a heat pump thermally coupled to the process air system, which may be designed as a compressor heat pump. The heat pump may have a condenser capable of heating process air flowing in the process air system, an evaporator capable of cooling and dehumidifying process air leaving the drying chamber, a compressor, an expansion unit, and one or more refrigerant lines connecting these components of the heat pump to each other, thereby forming a refrigerant circuit for the heat pump.

[0061] The device may include a condensate tray, a condensate container, and a condensate pump. The condensate tray may be positioned below the condenser and / or evaporator. The condensate pump pumps liquid contained in the condensate tray into the condensate container. The condensate pump may be located at a condensate line. Furthermore, the device may include a flushing device connected to the condensate container for flushing the evaporator, and a flushing valve connected between the condensate container and the flushing device.

[0062] Furthermore, the device may have a valve unit possibly connected between the condensate pump and the condensate container, and a flushing unit possibly connected to the valve unit for flushing the condenser. The valve unit may be designed such that it connects the condensate pump to the condensate container in a first switching position and connects the condensate pump to the flushing unit in a second switching position.

[0063] The electronic control unit can be designed to control the condensate pump, flush valve, and / or valve unit. Specifically, the electronic control unit can be configured to control the condensate pump, flush valve, and / or valve unit in such a way that, before the valve unit is switched to a second switching position and the condensate pump is activated, the flush valve remains open for a predetermined period of time while the condensate pump is deactivated, and this predetermined period of time ends before the valve unit is switched to the second switching position and the condensate pump is activated.

[0064] The electronic control unit can be configured to open the flushing valve when the clothes to be dried reach a predetermined dryness level. Alternatively or additionally, the electronic control unit can be configured to determine the filling state of the condensate container based on the successful activation of the condensate pump, and switch the valve unit to a second switching position only when the filling state is greater than or equal to a predetermined minimum filling state value.

[0065] In another preferred embodiment, a method is provided for using a distribution module as described herein, wherein the distribution module, after production, consists of only one component that cannot be disassembled non-destructively. The method includes the steps of: fluid-sealing the distribution module to a multi-port valve having a fixing device and a sealing device; fluid-sealing the base module to the distribution module; providing a pump configured to pump fluid from the base module to the distribution module; and performing at least one of the following steps: pumping fluid from the base module through a valve interface via the multi-port valve to at least one channel connecting the valve interface to at least one heat exchanger via the pump at a predetermined time in a drying cycle, thereby flushing the at least one heat exchanger; and / or pumping fluid from the base module through a valve interface via the multi-port valve to at least one channel connecting the valve interface to a condensate container via the pump; and / or using at least one channel to regulate overflow fluid by connecting the at least one channel to the condensate container and / or an external drain pipe.

[0066] In this context, embodiments of the apparatus may correspond to embodiments of the kit, dryer, and / or method, and vice versa, even if not explicitly mentioned below. Attached Figure Description

[0067] Useful, non-limiting embodiments of the invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Similar elements or features are indicated by the same reference numerals. In the drawings: Figure 1 A schematic top view of an allocation module according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown; Figure 2 A schematic perspective view of an allocation module according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown; and Figure 3 A schematic perspective view of the valve interface of a distribution module according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown. Detailed Implementation

[0068] Figure 1 and Figure 2 A schematic top view and a perspective view of a distribution module based on a direct pump flushing of first and second heat exchangers according to an embodiment of the present invention are shown.

[0069] During the drying cycle, water removed from the clothing is collected in the base module and, based on a signal from a level electrode, periodically pumped to a condensate container by a condensate pump via a system consisting of valve 100, pipes, a siphon module, and fluid channels 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6 integrated in the distribution module. Because the system uses a simple condensate container without a solenoid valve capable of releasing fluid back to the base module, the minimum required fluid volume for rinsing is maintained in the base module. This is achieved by performing short pumping cycles during the drying cycle, removing only a minimal amount of water. During the drying cycle, rinsing of the pre-heat exchanger is performed by pumping fluid at predetermined intervals and directing it via valve 100 to a system including channels 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6 and a diffuser. Due to the size of the heat exchanger, two diffusers are required to achieve proper water distribution at the front surface of the respective heat exchanger, and rinsing is performed in a predetermined sequence, which is consistent with... Figure 1 and Figure 2 The left and right sides of the distribution module are related. Airflow stops during flushing. Flushing of the second heat exchanger is performed at predetermined or flexible times or intervals, such as every 25, 50, or 75 hours, by pump drying and directing water through valve 100 to the system including channels 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 and diffusers. Due to the size of the heat exchangers, two diffusers are required to achieve proper water distribution at the front surface of the respective heat exchangers, and flushing is performed sequentially. Thus, airflow stops.

[0070] Figure 3 An example of at least one valve interface of a distribution module according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown, which includes an exemplary fixing device 8 and an exemplary sealing device 7.

[0071] The fixing device 8 is implemented as a thread, configured to receive a corresponding screw to connect the dispensing module to the valve. The sealing device 7 is implemented as an O-ring 7, configured to seal each opening from the valve interface to each channel.

[0072] List of reference numerals

Claims

1. A distribution module for household appliances, particularly for dryers, washing machines, and / or washer-dryer combos, comprising: At least one valve port (10) is configured to connect the dispensing module to a multi-way valve (100). At least one diffuser configured to flush at least one heat exchanger, and At least two channels (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6), each channel • Configured to fluidly connect the at least one valve port (10) to the at least one diffuser, or • Configured to fluidly connect the at least one valve port (10) to a condensate container or a drain pipe, or • Configured to fluidly connect the overflow system to the condensate container, Wherein, the at least one valve port (10) is a manifold configured to fluidly connect a base module (110) for collecting fluid to each of the at least two channels (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6), and After the distribution module is produced, the distribution module is composed of a component that integrates at least two channels (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6).

2. The allocation module according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, After production, the distribution module cannot be disassembled, especially not in a non-destructive manner.

3. The allocation module according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The allocation module further includes: The fixing device (8) is configured to connect the at least one valve port (10) to the multi-way valve (100).

4. The allocation module according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The allocation module further includes: A sealing device (7) is configured to fluid-tightly connect the at least two channels (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6) to a multi-way valve (100).

5. The allocation module according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The distribution module includes at most one valve port (10).

6. The allocation module according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The distribution module does not include any hoses, conduits, pipes, clamps, and / or any other channels, which include elements that can be installed and / or secured and disassembled.

7. The allocation module according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The dispensing module is a dispensing module suitable for dispensing fluids, such as gases and / or liquids, such as water.

8. The allocation module according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The dispensing module consists of two injection-molded components connected together such that the two injection-molded components cannot be disassembled, especially not in a non-destructive manner, wherein the connection can be achieved, for example, by welding.

9. A clothes dryer, comprising: A roller, used to receive clothes to be dried. A process air system for passing process air through the rollers. A condenser, used to condense moisture in the process air from the drum. The base module is configured to collect fluid. A condensate container for receiving fluid transferred from the base module. An overflow container, wherein the condensate container is placed within the overflow container. A pump, associated with the base module, is used to pump fluid contained in the base module to the condensate container. Multi-way valve (100), and The allocation module according to any one of the preceding claims.

10. A method for using a distribution module, wherein, after the distribution module is manufactured, the distribution module consists of only one component that cannot be disassembled in a non-destructive manner, the method comprising the steps of: The distribution module is fluid-tightly connected to a multi-way valve (100) having a fixing device (8) and a sealing device (7). A base module (110) is fluid-sealed to the distribution module, and a pump is provided, the pump being configured to pump fluid from the base module to the distribution module. Perform at least one of the following steps: • During a predetermined time in the drying cycle, fluid is pumped from the base module (110) through the valve port (10) to at least one channel (1, 2, 3, 4) that connects the valve port (10) to at least one heat exchanger, thereby flushing the at least one heat exchanger, and / or • Fluid is pumped from the base module (110) through the valve port (10) to at least one channel (5) connecting the valve port (10) to the condensate container, and / or • Use at least one channel (6) to regulate the overflow fluid by connecting the at least one channel (6) to the condensate container and / or external discharge pipe.

Images