A stacking apparatus

Abstract

The present invention relates to a stacking apparatus (1) used for stacking on top of each other a laundry dryer (2) having a drum (4) wherein the laundry to be dried is placed, a condenser (5) which provides the dehumidification of the drying 5 air, a tank (6) wherein the condensate formed in the condenser (5) is collected and a tank outlet (7) which is provided on the tank (6) and which enables the condensate collected in the tank (6) to be discharged, and a washing machine (3) having a tub (8) wherein the washing process is performed and at least one water inlet (9) through which the washing is taken to delivered transferred to the tub (8); 10 the stacking apparatus (1) comprising a body (10), at least one connection member (11) which is provided on the body (10) and which is connected to the laundry dryer (2), and at least one fixing member (12) which is provided on the body (10) and which is connected to the washing machine (3).

Description

[0001] A STACKING APPARATUS

[0002] The present invention relates to a stacking apparatus for stacking two laundry treatment appliances, in particular a laundry dryer and a washing machine, on top of each other.

[0003] The effects of global warming and climate changes are felt more and more every day. Today, with the technological developments, the rapid increase in the world population and the acceleration of industrialization, water consumption is increasing uncontrollably. In order to reduce water consumption, regulations are put into effect in various sectors. One of these sectors is the white goods sector. Today, white goods are used in every home and various structures and systems are designed to reduce water consumption. In particular, there are various embodiments to reduce the water consumption of washing machines. In one of said embodiments, when the washing machine and the laundry dryer are used together, the condensate water formed in the laundry dryer is stored in a tank and sent to the washing machine as washing water. Thus, less mains water is used in the washing machine. If the laundry dryer and the washing machine are installed side by side, a large floor area is occupied. Therefore, the laundry dryer and the washing machine are usually fixed on top of each other by means of the stacking apparatus. When the laundry is positioned on the washing machine by means of a stacking apparatus, the condensate water stored in the tank can be sent to the washing machine by gravity via a transmission line, without the need for any water transmission member. However, in this case, operating the laundry dryer many times and not operating the washing machine causes the tank to fill with the condensate. Moreover, the volume of the tank on the laundry dryer cannot be increased due to volume constraints. When the washing machine is not operated, the condensate water stored in the tank is discharged to the outside such that the condensate water does not overflow from the tank. This results in wasting a large amount of water. Moreover, in case the condensate water cannot be discharged to the outside, the user manually empties the tank. However, it is very difficult for the user to access the tank when the laundry dryer is placed on the washing machine. This causes user dissatisfaction. Therefore, there is a need for a configuration which is both easy to use and which enables more condensate water to be accumulated when the laundry dryer and the washing machine are fixed on top of each other by means of the stacking apparatus.

[0004] The state of the art European Patent Application No. EP2511413 discloses a laundry dryer which is placed on the washing machine and a reservoir which is disposed in the washing machine and wherein the condensate generated in the laundry dryer is temporarily stored. The condensate accumulated in the reservoir is directed into the tub by means of a pump. However, this embodiment is a costly solution method due to the use of an additional pump. Moreover, it is very difficult to place the reservoir in the washing machine due to the volume constraints in the washing machine.

[0005] In the state of the art European Patent Application No. EP2436820, a stacking apparatus is disclosed, which enables a laundry treatment appliance to be fixed onto another laundry treatment appliance.

[0006] In the state of the art European Patent Application No. EP2436820, a stacking apparatus is disclosed, which enables a first household appliance and a second household appliance to be stacked on top of each other and which has a drawer structure for putting laundry.

[0007] The aim of the present invention is the realization of a stacking apparatus which provides the effective use of the washing machine and the laundry dryer, which are stacked on top of each other.

[0008] The stacking apparatus realized in order to attain the aim of the present invention, explicated in the first claim and the respective claims thereof, is used for stacking on top of each other a laundry dryer having a drum wherein the laundry to be dried is placed, a condenser which provides the dehumidification of the drying air, a tank wherein the condensate water formed in the condenser is collected and a tank outlet which is provided on the tank and which enables the condensate water collected in the tank to be discharged, and a washing machine having a tub wherein the washing process is performed and at least one water inlet through which the washing is taken to delivered transferred to the tub; the stacking apparatus comprising a body, at least one connection member which is provided on the body and which is connected to the laundry dryer, at least one fixing member which is provided on the body, and which is connected to the washing machine, an inlet port which is suitable for being connected to the tank outlet in fluid communication by means of a first hose and through which the condensate water is taken, a reservoir wherein the condensate water passing through the inlet port is taken, and an outlet port which is suitable for being connected to the water inlet in fluid communication by means of a second hose and through which the condensate water collected in the reservoir is discharged to be sent to the water inlet. Thus, a larger volume of condensate water is accumulated both by fixing the laundry dryer and the washing machine on top of each other and by delivering the condensate water to the reservoir in the stacking apparatus in addition to the tank in the laundry dryer. Consequently, a significant amount of water saving is achieved by preventing the discharge of the condensate water through the discharge line when the washing machine is not operated.

[0009] In an embodiment of the present invention, the stacking apparatus comprises at least one rail which is provided on the body and a drawer whereon the reservoir is placed and which has at least one slide attached to the rail so as to be pushed towards or out of the body by sliding on the rail. Thus, the user’s access to the reservoir is further facilitated.

[0010] In another embodiment of the present invention, the stacking apparatus comprises a handle which is provided on the drawer and which is suitable to be grasped by hand. Thus, the user can easily open and close the drawer by means of the handle in order to reach the condensate water collected in the reservoir.

[0011] In another embodiment of the present invention, the stacking apparatus comprises at least one claw which is provided on the reservoir and at least one opening which is provided on the drawer and which receives the claws so as to enable the reservoir to be connected to the drawer. Thus, the reservoir is fixed onto the drawer in the correct position. Moreover, the reservoir is prevented from moving on the drawer when the drawer is pulled out of the body or pushed towards the body. In another embodiment of the present invention, there is a control valve which is attached to the inlet port, which enables the condensate water to be delivered through the first hose to the reservoir when the drawer is in the body, and which cuts off the condensate water flow through the first hose to the reservoir when the drawer is taken out of the body. Thus, when the user removes the reservoir from the body for different purposes, spilling of condensate into the body is prevented. Consequently, customer satisfaction is increased.

[0012] In another embodiment of the present invention, there is a stopper valve which is attached to the outlet port, which enables the condensate water to be delivered from the reservoir to the second hose when the drawer is in the body, and which cuts off the condensate water flow from the reservoir to the second hose when the drawer is taken out of the body. Thus, when the user removes the reservoir from the body for different purposes, spilling of condensate water collected in the reservoir is prevented from spilling outside.

[0013] In another embodiment of the present invention, there is a pump which is connected to the outlet port. Thus, the condensate water is delivered to the second hose under pressure through the outlet port, and fibers, etc. remaining in the second hose or the water inlet are enabled to be swept away.

[0014] In another embodiment of the present invention, there is at least one filter which is provided on the outlet port and which performs the filtration of the condensate water delivered through the outlet port to the second hose. Thus, lint or fiber-like substances in the condensate water sent to the tub after being collected in the reservoir are filtered. Consequently, water saving is provided without compromising the quality of laundry washing.

[0015] In another embodiment of the present invention, the stacking apparatus comprises a step which is provided on the reservoir. The step is positioned at the back of the reservoir and enables the water accumulation volume at the back of the reservoir to be increased. Thus, the center of gravity of the reservoir is shifted towards the back, preventing the drawer from falling to the ground when the user pulls the drawer out of the body. Moreover, by means of shifting the center of gravity of the stacking apparatus towards the back, the laundry dryer and the washing machine can be stacked on top of each other more securely. Thus, the laundry dryer is prevented from falling off the stacking apparatus due to vibrations.

[0016] By means of the present invention, an easy-to-use stacking apparatus is realized, which enables a laundry dryer and a washing machine to be stacked on top of each other and which enables the condensate water generated in the laundry dryer to be collected to be used in the washing machine.

[0017] The stacking apparatus realized in order to attain the aim of the present invention is illustrated in the attached figures, where:

[0018] Figure 1- the schematic view of the stacking apparatus as placed between a laundry dryer and a washing machine related to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0019] Figure 2- is the perspective view showing the connection between the first hose and the inlet port, the connection between the second hose and the outlet port, the connection member attached to the laundry dryer and the fixing member attached to the washing machine related to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0020] Figure 3- is the sideways view showing the rail, the slide and the drawer related to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0021] Figure 4- is the view of the stacking apparatus on the washing machine before the laundry dryer is placed related to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0022] Figure 5- is the partial view of the stacking apparatus related to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0023] Figure 6- the schematic view of the stacking apparatus as placed between a laundry dryer and a washing machine related to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0024] Figure 7- the schematic view of the stacking apparatus as placed between a laundry dryer and a washing machine related to another embodiment of the present invention. Figure 8- the schematic view of the stacking apparatus as placed between a laundry dryer and a washing machine related to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0025] The elements illustrated in the figures are numbered as follows:

[0026] 1- Stacking apparatus

[0027] 2- Laundry dryer

[0028] 3- Washing machine

[0029] 4- Drum

[0030] 5- Condenser

[0031] 6- Tank

[0032] 7- Tank outlet

[0033] 8- Tub

[0034] 9- Water inlet

[0035] 10- Body

[0036] 11- Connection member

[0037] 12- Fixing member

[0038] 13- First hose

[0039] 14- Inlet port

[0040] 15- Reservoir

[0041] 16- Second hose

[0042] 17- Outlet port

[0043] 18- Rail

[0044] 19- Slide

[0045] 20- Drawer

[0046] 21- Handle 22- Claw

[0047] 23- Opening

[0048] 24- Control valve

[0049] 25- Stopper valve

[0050] 26- Pump

[0051] 27- Filter

[0052] 28- Step

[0053] The stacking apparatus (1) is used for stacking on top of each other a laundry dryer (2) having a drum (4) wherein the laundry to be dried is placed, a condenser (5) which provides the dehumidification of the drying air, a tank (6) wherein the condensate water formed in the condenser (5) is collected and a tank outlet (7) which is provided on the tank (6) and which enables the condensate water collected in the tank (6) to be discharged, and a washing machine (3) having a tub (8) wherein the washing process is performed and at least one water inlet (9) through which the washing is taken to delivered transferred to the tub (8); the stacking apparatus (1) comprising a body (10), at least one connection member (11) which is provided on the body (10) and which is connected to the laundry dryer (2), and at least one fixing member (12) which is provided on the body (10) and which is connected to the washing machine (3). The stacking apparatus (1) is placed between the laundry dryer (2) and the washing machine (3), which is a laundry washing machine or a laundry washing and drying machine. The structural connection of the washing machine (3) and the laundry dryer (2) is realized by means of the connection member (11) and the fixing member (12) which are provided on the stacking apparatus (1).

[0054] The stacking apparatus (1) of the present invention comprises at least one inlet port (14) which is suitable for being connected to the tank outlet (7) by means of a first hose (13) and through which the condensate water is taken, at least one reservoir (15) wherein the condensate water taken through the inlet port (14) is collected, and at least one outlet port (17) which is suitable for being connected to the water inlet (9) by means of a second hose (16) and through which the condensate water in the reservoir (15) is discharged to be supplied to the water inlet (9). After the wet laundry is placed in the drum (4), the laundry dryer (2) is operated. The condensate water generated in the condenser (5) is first sent to the tank (6). One end of the first hose (13) is connected to the tank outlet (7) and the other end to the inlet port (14). The condensate water sent to the tank (6) passes through the tank outlet (7) to be directed towards the inlet port (17) by the effect of gravity through the first hose (13) connected to the tank outlet (7). The condensate water passing through the inlet port (17) is collected in the reservoir (15). The inlet port (17) is preferred to be positioned at the upper part of the reservoir (15). Thus, the condensate water in the tank (6) is transferred to the reservoir (15) via the first hose (13) in the shortest manner possible, minimizing the pressure loss caused by the flow of the condensate water in the first hose (13). One end of the second hose (16) is connected to the outlet port (17) and the other end to the water inlet (9). When the washing machine (3) is operated, the water inlet (9) opens. Thus, the condensate water collected in the reservoir (15) is transferred to the water inlet (9) by means of the second hose (16) by passing through the outlet port (17) to be sent to the tub (8). The outlet port (17) is preferred to be positioned at the base of the reservoir (15). Thus, the transfer of the condensate water to the water inlet (9) is realized by making optimum use of gravity. By means of the reservoir (15), when the laundry dryer (2) is operated many times but the washing machine (3) is not operated, the condensate water collected in the tank (6) is prevented from being discharged and wasted. By placing the reservoir (15) in the stacking apparatus (1), it is provided that the unused volume in the stacking apparatus (1) is used efficiently. Moreover, the reservoir (15) is prevented from being seen by the user from the outside. Thus, the user's perception of quality is increased by providing products with a more aesthetic appearance.

[0055] In an embodiment of the present invention, the stacking apparatus (1) comprises at least one rail (18) which is provided on the body (10) and a drawer (20) whereon the reservoir (15) is placed and which has at least one slide (19) attached to the rail (18) so as to be moved by sliding on the rail (18). The slides (19) provided on the drawer (20) are slidably fitted onto the rails (18) provided on the body (10) of the stacking apparatus (1). Thus, the drawer (20) can be moved into the body (10) or out of the body (10) by the user. In case the condensate water collected in the reservoir (15) is desired to be used by the user for different purposes, the drawer (20) is pulled out of the body (10), enabling the user to access the reservoir (15). Moreover, the user can easily access the reservoir (15) due to the position of the stacking apparatus (1). Thus, a more ergonomic use is provided for the user.

[0056] In another embodiment of the present invention, the stacking apparatus (1) comprises a handle (21) which is provided on the drawer (20). The user is enabled to easily move the drawer (20) by means of the handle (21).

[0057] In another embodiment of the present invention, the stacking apparatus (1) comprises at least one claw (22) which is provided on the reservoir (15) and at least one opening (23) which is provided on the drawer (20), which receives the claws (22) and which enables the reservoir (15) to be fixed to the drawer (20). The reservoir (15) is positioned on the drawer (20) such that the claws (22) are aligned with the opening (23). Then, the reservoir (15) is pushed over the drawer (20) such that the claws (22) pass through the opening (23). The claws (22) having a flexible locking structure are passed through the opening (23) and fitted into the opening (23). Thus, the reservoir (15) is fixed to the drawer (20).

[0058] In another embodiment of the present invention, the stacking apparatus (1) comprises a control valve (24) which is attached to the inlet port (14), which enables the fluid to be delivered through the first hose (13) to the reservoir (15) when the drawer (20) is in the body (10), and which cuts off the fluid flow through the first hose (13) to the reservoir (15) when the drawer (20) is taken out of the body (10). When the drawer (20) is pulled out of the body (10) and the reservoir (15) is taken out, the control valve (24) connected to the inlet port (14) provides that the condensate water reaching the inlet port (14) through the first hose (13) does not spill into the body (10). When the reservoir (15) is placed into the drawer (20), the passage of the condensate water through the first hose (13) to the reservoir (15) is provided by the control valve (24). When the reservoir (15) is taken out of the drawer (20), the control valve (24) does not allow the condensate water to pass through the inlet port (14). Thus, the transfer of the condensate water to the reservoir (15) is controlled in a cost-effective manner depending on whether the reservoir (15) is placed on the drawer (20).

[0059] In another embodiment of the present invention, the stacking apparatus (1) comprises a stopper valve (25) which is attached to the outlet 17), which enables the fluid flow to the second hose (16) from the reservoir (15) when the drawer (20) is in the body (10), and which cuts off the fluid flow to the second hose (16) from the reservoir (15) when the drawer (20) is taken out of the body (10). Thus, when the reservoir (15) is taken out of the drawer (20), the condensate water collected in the reservoir (15) is prevented from spilling into the second hose (16) or to the outside. Thus, customer satisfaction is increased at the optimum level.

[0060] In another embodiment of the present invention, the stacking apparatus (1) comprises at least one pump (26) which is provided on the outlet port (17). Thus, the dynamic pressure of the condensate water, which passes through the outlet port (17) to be delivered to the water inlet (9) through the second hose (16) by the effect of gravity, is increased. The washing performance of the washing machine (3) is increased by means of the pressurized condensate water delivered to the tub (8).

[0061] In another embodiment of the present invention, the stacking apparatus (1) comprises at least one filter (27) which is provided on the outlet port (17) and which provides the filtration of the condensate water passing through the outlet port (17). The filter (27) placed at the outlet port (17) provides that the fibers in the condensate water collected in the reservoir (15) are retained. Thus, the washing performance of the washing machine (3) is increased by removing the fibers from the condensate water delivered to the tub (8). The filter (27) is preferred to be placed at the outlet port (17) after the pump (26). Thus, the condensate water with increased pressure is passed through the filter (27), enabling more fibers to be retained by the filter (27). Moreover, the fibers are prevented from blocking the filter (27) and the flow of the condensate water.

[0062] In another embodiment of the present invention, the stacking apparatus (1) comprises a step (28) which is provided on the reservoir (15). By means of said step (28), the volume between the middle part of the reservoir (15) and the back of the reservoir (15) becomes larger than the volume between the middle part of the reservoir (15) and the inlet port (14). Thus, while the reservoir (15) is being filled with the condensate water, an air gap is created inside the reservoir (15), enabling the condensate water to flow more smoothly through the outlet port (17). By means of the present invention, a stacking apparatus (1) is realized, providing ergonomic use and aesthetic appearance, suitable for multiple uses, wherein water waste is reduced.

Claims

CLAIMS A stacking apparatus (1) used for stacking on top of each other a laundry dryer (2) having a drum (4) wherein the laundry to be dried is placed, a condenser (5) which provides the dehumidification of the drying air, a tank (6) wherein the condensate water formed in the condenser (5) is collected and a tank outlet (7) which is provided on the tank (6) and which enables the condensate collected in the tank (6) to be discharged, and a washing machine (3) having a tub (8) wherein the washing process is performed and at least one water inlet (9) through which the washing is taken to delivered transferred to the tub (8); the stacking apparatus (1) comprising a body (10), at least one connection member (11) which is provided on the body (10) and which is connected to the laundry dryer (2), and at least one fixing member (12) which is provided on the body (10) and which is connected to the washing machine (3), characterized by at least one inlet port (14) which is suitable for being connected to the tank outlet (7) by means of a first hose (13) and through which the condensate water is taken, at least one reservoir (15) wherein the condensate water taken through the inlet port (14) is collected, and at least one outlet port (17) which is suitable for being connected to the water inlet (9) by means of a second hose (16) and through which the condensate water in the reservoir (15) is discharged to be supplied to the water inlet (9). A stacking apparatus (1) as in Claim 1, characterized by at least one rail (18) which is provided on the body (10) and a drawer (20) whereon the reservoir (15) is placed and which has at least one slide (19) attached to the rail (18) so as to be moved by sliding on the rail (18). A stacking apparatus (1) as in Claim 2, characterized by a handle (21) which is provided on the drawer (20).

4. A stacking apparatus (1) as in Claim 2 or 3, characterized by at least one claw (22) which is provided on the reservoir (15) and at least one opening (23) which is provided on the drawer (20), which receives the claw (22) and which enables the reservoir (15) to be fixed to the drawer (20).

5. A stacking apparatus (1) as in any one of Claims 2 to 4, characterized by a control valve (24) which is attached to the inlet port (14), which enables the fluid to be delivered through the first hose (13) to the reservoir (15) when the drawer (20) is in the body (10), and which cuts off the fluid flow through the first hose (13) to the reservoir (15) when the drawer (20) is taken out of the body (10).

6. A stacking apparatus (1) as in any one of Claims 2 to 5, characterized by a stopper valve (25) which is attached to the outlet port (17), which enables the fluid flow to the second hose (16) from the reservoir (15) when the drawer (20) is in the body (10), and which cuts off the fluid flow to the second hose (16) from the reservoir (15) when the drawer (20) is taken out of the body (10).

7. A stacking apparatus (1) as in any one of the above claims, characterized by at least one pump (26) which is provided on the outlet port (17).

8. A stacking apparatus (1) as in any one of the above claims, characterized by at least one filter (27) which is provided on the outlet port (17) and which provides the filtration of the condensate passing through the outlet port (17).

9. A stacking apparatus (1) as in any one of the above claims, characterized by a step (28) which is provided on the reservoir (15).

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