Laundry treatment cabinet with steam generator

Abstract

The invention relates to a laundry treatment cabinet (1), comprising - a case (2); - at least an interior space (3) for receiving laundry (9) with an access opening (4) that can be closed by means of a door (5) and an inlet opening (81) for letting in process air (P) and an outlet opening (82) for letting out process air (P); - a heat pump unit (8) for generating process air (P) or conveying process air (P) through the interior (3), which is installed in the base area of ​​the cabinet (1), below the interior (3), - a control unit (18, uC) for activating and deactivating the unit (8) for generating the process air (P). The first pipe (95), which supplies the process air (P) to the interior (3), has an approximately rectangular cross-section (SQ) in the vertical section and lies flat behind the rear wall of the (32) interior (3), wherein the air inlet (81) and wherein the steam generator (88) comprises a steam pipe (89) whose opening (51) for releasing steam (S) is arranged on the top of the first pipe (95).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a laundry treatment cabinet comprising - a housing; - at least one interior space for accommodating laundry with an access opening closable by a door and an inlet opening for admitting process air and an outlet opening for discharging process air; - a unit for generating process air or conveying process air through the interior, which is mounted in the floor area of ​​the cabinet, below the interior, with - a module housing comprising a channel section in which a heat exchanger arrangement with a condenser as a heating device and an evaporator as a condensing device is arranged; - a compressor with connecting lines to the heat exchanger arrangement; - a fan for conveying process air through the duct section with the heat exchanger arrangement, furthermore comprehensive - a first pipe for connecting the duct section to the air inlet and a second pipe for connecting the duct section to the air outlet of the interior; - a control device for activating and deactivating the unit for generating the process air.

[0002] WO 2020 / 046015 A1 discloses a laundry treatment cabinet with a device for generating process air and a steam generator. The steam is introduced into the interior via a nozzle.

[0003] The invention is therefore based on the object of providing a laundry treatment cabinet which provides improved and needs-based treatment of the laundry in a simple manner.

[0004] According to the invention, at least this object is achieved by a laundry treatment cabinet having the features of claim 1. Advantageous embodiments and further developments of the invention emerge from the dependent claims.

[0005] The advantages achievable with the invention are that the process air can be conditioned as needed in a simple manner. In particular, the treatment cabinet proposed here can reliably and effectively dry, iron, and evenly apply a treatment agent to the laundry items to be treated. The particular advantage here is that the laundry items are conditioned during treatment with the process air, so that conditioning does not require any additional treatment time. For this purpose, the laundry treatment cabinet comprises a steam generator in the cabinet to admit steam into the interior, which in turn can act on the laundry. The steam treatment can serve to refresh and / or reduce creasing. The activity of the steam generator is preferably controlled by the control device. The steam can preferably be introduced directly into the interior via the steam pipe.According to the invention, the first pipe has an approximately rectangular cross-section in the vertical section and lies flat behind the rear wall of the interior or treatment room, wherein the steam generator comprises a steam pipe or a steam hose, the opening for discharging steam and the air inlet of which are arranged on the upper side of the first pipe.

[0006] Preferably, the first pipe is designed and arranged such that it extends from the underside of the interior space approximately vertically along the rear of the interior space to a height of one-quarter to seven-eighths of the full height of the interior space, with the inlet to the interior space or treatment chamber located in the upper region of the first pipe. This allows the process air to be admitted at a mid-height of the interior space, ensuring rapid and even exposure of the laundry items to the conditioned process air.

[0007] In a preferred embodiment, the end of the steam pipe is provided with a nozzle or is shaped as a nozzle. The nozzle is arranged in the region of the inlet opening such that the outlet opening of the nozzle is in the same plane as the inlet opening for the process air on the first pipe. The advantage of this arrangement is that the interior of the first pipe is used exclusively for the process air and is free from steam exposure. Furthermore, with this arrangement the process air and the steam are blown into the treatment chamber in the same direction so that the steam is entrained by the passing process air from the nozzle to the interior of the treatment chamber. Preferably, the nozzle is equipped with a separator which serves to separate particles and liquid droplets. The separator is equipped with the nozzle as an integral component.

[0008] In a suitable further development, the separator comprises a cylindrical or truncated cone-shaped hollow body in order to form a cyclone for the steam admitted into the hollow body.

[0009] To ensure reliable operation of the cyclone and to keep the steam, along with its contained particles and water droplets, rotating, the steam inlet into the hollow body is positioned tangentially in the shell in the upper half. This provides a fluid-tight connection between the steam pipe and the nozzle body and ensures reliable separation through rotation of the steam within the hollow body.

[0010] In a practical development, the hollow body includes a drain opening on the underside for removing the collected particles and liquid residues. A nozzle is formed on the hollow body forming the cyclone at the drain opening, to which a pipe or hose is connected to direct the collected material or liquid to a wastewater tank. The wastewater tank also serves to collect the condensate produced during the drying process.

[0011] In an overall advantageous embodiment of the laundry treatment cabinet, the hollow body with the nozzle is mounted at the inlet in such a way that the hollow body is positioned substantially vertically, or vertically, so that the circular cross-sectional area extends approximately horizontally. This creates a cyclone with a vertical axis of rotation within the hollow body, with the particles being propelled to the inside of the casing by centrifugal force. There, they fall to the floor or the floor-side drain opening due to gravity.

[0012] Overall, all position and direction information refers to the normal operating position of the laundry treatment cabinet.

[0013] The unit is located in the floor area of ​​the cabinet, below the interior. This means that the process air is drawn into the interior from below and extracted, while a circulation of process air is provided within the interior, flowing through the entire interior or at least reaching almost the entire interior. This allows the process air to reach the laundry located inside and dry or condition it accordingly, for example, with steam or a treatment agent.

[0014] Preferably, the control device is further configured to activate and deactivate the steam generator. For this purpose, the control device can be designed and programmed to activate and deactivate the steam generator based on a predetermined time sequence. This means that the activation times for the steam generator are specified based on a predetermined schedule, so that the steam generator is only active at specific times.

[0015] In another, generally practical design, the first pipe has a roughly rectangular cross-section in its vertical section and lies flat behind the rear wall of the interior. This provides a space-saving arrangement for the first pipe because it is located flat between the rear wall of the interior and the outer edge of the device housing.

[0016] In a preferred embodiment, the first tube is designed such that the rectangular cross-section extends with its longitudinal side into an area of ​​the interior space that corresponds approximately 50% to 100% of the width of the interior space. Thus, a large portion of the width of the interior space is utilized to provide the cross-section for the first tube.

[0017] In a further embodiment, the first tube is designed such that the short side of the rectangular cross-section has a length in the range of 2 cm to 12 cm, preferably 3 cm to 8 cm.

[0018] In an overall practical embodiment, the air inlet is arranged at a vertical and horizontal distance from the air outlet, preferably in the rear area of ​​the interior, with the air outlet being arranged in the front area or in the central area on the underside of the interior. Due to the aforementioned spaced arrangement of the openings for the process air, it is ensured that the process air flow reaches the interior and the textiles located therein completely and at least almost homogeneously. A so-called fluidic short circuit, in which the process air flow entering the interior is diverted directly to a nearby outlet without reaching the laundry items, is avoided or prevented.

[0019] Overall, all position and direction information refers to the normal operating position of the laundry treatment cabinet.

[0020] An embodiment of the invention is shown purely schematically in the drawings and is described in more detail below. Fig. 1: a laundry treatment cabinet with a view into the interior in a perspective front view; Fig. 2: an example of a sketched, sectioned side view of the laundry treatment cabinet; Fig. 3: the steam generator with nozzle module and control in a schematic view; Fig. 4: a sectional view of the nozzle modules in installed state and Fig. 5, Fig. 6: the nozzle module schematically in different views.

[0021] Fig. 1 shows a laundry treatment cabinet 1 with the door 5 open, viewed diagonally from above, in which the interior 3 is visible. In this example, the laundry treatment cabinet 1 is a drying cabinet comprising a housing 2, in the interior 3 of which there are means 91 for hanging laundry 9. The laundry treatment cabinet 1 comprises, inside the housing 2, a heat pump unit 8 for providing and conveying the process air, which is admitted into the interior 3 through the inlet opening 81 and conveyed from the interior 3 to the unit 8 through the outlet opening 82. In this example, the unit 8 is arranged in the lower region 22 of the housing 2. The front side of the door 5 is opaque in this illustration, but it can be transparent so that it can be seen in the closed position.The laundry treatment cabinet further comprises a control device 18, which preferably comprises a microcontroller uC with an associated memory MEM in order to control or activate and deactivate the unit 8 according to the program stored in the memory MEM (. Fig. 3).

[0022] The channel 95 or the first tube 95 is flat and has an approximately rectangular cross-section SQ.

[0023] In a preferred embodiment, the laundry treatment cabinet 1 further comprises, in the upper region of the appliance 1, a device 40 for air circulation in the interior 3.

[0024] Fig. Figure 2 shows the laundry treatment cabinet 1 in a schematic sectional view with the door 5 closed during operation. Located in the base area 22 of the housing 2 is the heat pump unit 8 for generating the process air P. The unit 8 comprises a heat pump circuit with a cooling heat exchanger 86 (evaporator), a heating heat exchanger 84 (condenser), and a compressor 85 to pump the refrigerant contained in the heat pump circuit through the individual components. The process air blower 87 generates the air flow of the process air P, which passes through the outlet 82 to the cooling heat exchanger 86 and is dehumidified there. The dry, cool air then reaches the heating heat exchanger 84, from which it leaves again heated. Further downstream is the process air blower 87, which pumps the now dried and heated process air through the inlet 81 into the interior 3.The fan 87 can also be placed between the two heat exchangers 86 and 84 or upstream of the first heat exchanger 86. It can also be seen that the inlet 81 is arranged in the rear wall 32 of the interior space 3. The outlet 82 is located away from the inlet 81 and in the floor 31, close to the door 5 or the access opening 4. This creates an air flow P that reaches the entire interior space 3.

[0025] In an advantageous further development, the laundry treatment cabinet 1 comprises a steam generator 88. This can also be activated and deactivated by means of the control device 18 in order to supply steam to the interior 3 or to the process air P. In the outlined embodiment, a steam pipe 89 is provided, which conducts the steam S from the steam generator 88 into the interior 3 and terminates therein. The steam S admitted into the interior is entrained into the interior 3 with the process air blown out of the process air outlet and distributed there, so that the laundry items contained therein are evenly exposed to steam.

[0026] In the upper area of ​​the housing 2, above the interior space 3, there is an air circulation device 40. This device comprises a duct 44 and a fan 45 for conveying the air F from the interior space 3 through the duct 44. The fan 45 is switched on and off by the control device 18, depending on programmed or user-set specifications. The air F passes through the outlet 42 to the duct 44, with the treated air F being blown through the inlet 41 from the duct 44 into the interior space 3. In the example outlined, the air F is blown into or through the clothes hangers 91 to the laundry items 9 hung thereon. A filter element 43 is arranged at the outlet 42 to separate lint from the air flow F of the circulation.

[0027] In the rear, lower area of ​​the interior 3, the first pipe 95 extends, which is arranged flat behind the rear wall 32. This pipe 95 is provided with a device 50 for process air treatment to discharge ionized fluid or plasma in a metered manner within the first pipe 95. The first pipe 95 provides the connecting channel between the base channel 80 containing the heat exchangers 84, 86 and the inlet 81.

[0028] Fig. 3 shows in detail the installation location for the nozzle 90 designed as a module. The module 90 is located in the pipe section of the first pipe 95, which lies flat against the rear wall of the interior 3.

[0029] Fig. 3 further shows the steam generator 88, in which steam S can be or is generated from stored or supplied water. By means of the steam pipe 89, the steam S is admitted to the nozzle 90 and from the nozzle outlet 51 into the interior 3. The end or nozzle outlet 51 is arranged in a plane of the outlet openings 81 for the process air P. A drain line 55 is connected to the underside of the nozzle module 90, which opens into the wastewater tank 54 and drains away condensate D collected in the nozzle module 90.

[0030] Fig. 3 also schematically shows the control device 18. The control device 18 has a microcontroller uC and a memory MEM that interacts with the microcontroller uC and stores the programs and parameters for controlling the actuators, such as the fans 51, 87 and / or heat pump 85 in the laundry treatment cabinet 1. Furthermore, the control device 18 is configured to activate and deactivate the steam generator 88. The operating device 19 is connected to the control device 18 or the microcontroller uC via the data line 17. Using the operating device 19, the user can make inputs for parameterizing and setting the treatment process, including the activation times for the steam generator 88.

[0031] Fig. Figure 4 shows the cutaway portion of the first tube 95, which extends in the lower portion along the rear wall of the interior space 3. It can be seen that the nozzle module 90 with its steam outlet opening 51 is in the same plane as the openings of the process air inlet 81.

[0032] Fig. 5 shows schematically in a side view the nozzle 90 with cylindrical body 99 and the nozzle outlet 51.

[0033] Steam flows through the steam inlet opening 53 into the cylindrical body 99 of the nozzle 90 and is forced into a circular path. Condensed water droplets and particles D moving in the steam S are pushed outward by centrifugal forces and land on the housing wall of the cylindrical body 99. There they flow downward and drip out of the nozzle module 90 via the outlet opening 52.

[0034] The steam S moves in circular orbits ( Fig. 6) upwards and then exits the nozzle module 90 or the cyclone-forming cylindrical body 99 from the steam outlet opening 51 and then enters the treatment chamber 3.

[0035] Fig. Figure 6 shows the nozzle module 90 in a schematic top view. This illustrates the circular movement of the steam S within the cylindrical body 99. QUOTES CONTAINED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents submitted by the applicant was generated automatically and is included solely for the convenience of the reader. This list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] WO 2020 / 046015 A1

[0002]

Claims

[1] Laundry treatment cabinet (1), comprising - a housing (2); - at least one interior space (3) for receiving laundry (9) with an access opening (4) that can be closed by means of a door (5) and an inlet opening (81) for admitting process air (P) and an outlet opening (82) for discharging process air (P); - an aggregate (8) for generating process air (P) or conveying process air (P) through the interior (3), which is mounted in the floor area of ​​the cabinet (1), below the interior (3), with - a module housing (80) comprising a channel section (83) in which a heat exchanger arrangement with a condenser (84) as a heating device and an evaporator (86) as a condensing device is arranged; - a compressor (85) with connecting lines to the heat exchanger arrangement (84, 86); - a fan (87) for conveying process air (P) through the duct section (83) with the heat exchanger arrangement (84, 86), further comprising - a first pipe (95) for connecting the duct section (83) to the air inlet (81) and a second pipe (96) for connecting the duct section (83) to the air outlet (82) of the interior space (3); - a control device (18, uC) for activating and deactivating the unit (8) for generating the process air (P), furthermore comprehensive a steam generator (88) designed to admit steam (S) directly into the interior (3) characterized by , that the first pipe (95) has an approximately rectangular cross-section (SQ) in the vertical section and lies flat behind the rear wall of the (32) interior space (3), wherein the air inlet (81) and wherein the steam generator (88) comprises a steam pipe (89), the opening (51) of which for discharging steam (S) is arranged on the upper side of the first pipe (95). [2] Laundry treatment cabinet (1) according to claim 1, wherein the steam outlet (51) comprises a nozzle (90) with a separator (99). [3] Laundry treatment cabinet (1) according to claim 2, wherein the nozzle (90) is arranged in the region of the inlet opening (81) such that the outlet opening (51) of the nozzle (90) is located in a plane of the inlet opening (81) for the process air (P) on the first pipe (95). [4] Laundry treatment cabinet (1) according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the separator (99) comprises a cylindrical or frustoconical hollow body (99) to form a cyclone for the steam (S) admitted into the hollow body (99). [5] Laundry treatment cabinet (1) according to claim 4, wherein the steam inlet (53) into the hollow body (99) is arranged tangentially in the casing in the lower half. [6] Laundry treatment cabinet (1) according to claim 4 or 5, wherein the hollow body (99) comprises a drain opening (52) on the underside for discharging the collected liquid residues (D). [7] Laundry treatment cabinet (1) according to one of claims 2 to 6, wherein the nozzle module (90) or the hollow body (99) with the steam outlet (51) is attached to the inlet (81) in such a way that the hollow body (99) is substantially vertical or vertical, so that the circular cross-sectional area extends approximately horizontally or horizontally. [8] Laundry treatment cabinet (1) according to one of claims 1 to 7, comprising a collecting container (54) for collecting the condensate from the process air, wherein the drain opening (52) of the nozzle module (90) is connected to the collecting container (54) by means of a line (55). [9] Laundry treatment cabinet (1) according to one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the control device (18, uC) is further configured to activate and deactivate the steam generator (88). [10] Laundry treatment cabinet (1) according to one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the first tube (95) is designed such that the rectangular cross-section (SQ) extends with its longitudinal side in a region of the interior space (3) which corresponds approximately to 50% to 100% of the width of the interior space (3). [11] Laundry treatment cabinet (1) according to claim 1 or 10, wherein the first tube (95) is designed such that the short side of the rectangular cross-section (SQ) has a length with a dimension in the range of 2 cm to 12 cm, preferably 3 cm to 8 cm. [12] Laundry treatment cabinet (1) according to one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the air inlet (81) is arranged at a vertical and horizontal distance from the air outlet (82), preferably in the rear region of the interior space (3), wherein the air outlet (82) is arranged in the front region or in the central region in the floor (31) of the interior space (3).

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