Fluid distribution module for a household appliance

Abstract

A dryer comprising a drum and a process air system, which includes a blower, a condenser, a base module (110), a condensate container, a condensate container, a pump, and a distribution module comprising at least one valve interface (10) configured to connect the distribution module to a multiway 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 interface (10) with the at least one diffuser, or configured to fluidly connect the at least one valve interface (10) with a condensate container or a drain, or configured to fluidly connect an overflow system with the condensate container.

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a distribution module, in particular for a household appliance, more particularly for a dryer, a washer and / or a washer-dryer, most particularly a dryer or a washer-dryer comprising a heat pump for example with a heat exchanger cleaning function. The distribution module is suitable for fluids, in particular gases and / or liquids, more particularly water-containing fluids, most particularly water. The invention also relates to a clothes drier and to a method for using a distribution module.Background art

[0002] Document EP 4 219 823 A1 discloses a condensation laundry dryer having a drum rotatably mounted in a housing, a fan for generating a process air stream intended to flow through the drum as well as over a condensation device comprising a collecting vessel for collecting condensed water accumulating during the drying process, and in addition a condensate tank connected to the collecting vessel by means of a line, the condensate tank being arranged in a trough connected to the collecting vessel by means of a drain. The condensate collected in the collecting vessel is usually conveyed to the condensate tank by means of a pump. The condensate tank is located in a trough which contains a drain to the collecting vessel. This allows condensate leaking from the condensate tank to be discharged into the collecting vessel. However, the process air flow is connected to the environment via the drain so that room air is drawn into the already dry process air.

[0003] In such a dryer multiple hoses and multiple clamps are connected from and to the multiple water handling systems and / or multiple water management systems. Hereby, multiple valves are required as well. A possible example of one such system includes a valve connected through three hoses that have to be secured individually with correlated clamps. In addition, outlets are placed over the top of the filter. This exemplary system comprises at least nine separate parts, including different but similar types of hoses and different but similar types of clamps. This exemplary system further is only related to one water handling system, whereby several systems are required in a household appliance, such as for example a dryer or washer-dryer.

[0004] Thus, multiple, for example, nine separate parts are used for each required handling system and / or management system within one household appliance.

[0005] Therefore, the multiple parts required in the prior art are, for example, multiple hoses, multiple clamps and multiple valves to connect from and to the multiple handling systems and / or the multiple management systems. These hoses, clamps and valves take up space in the device and / or appliance and need to be carefully and correctly assembled, which is complicated, takes time and is a source for errors. Hoses, clamps and valves come in various shapes and structures with different physical properties. For the various systems, various hoses, various clamps and various valves with different, slightly different or rather similar physical features such as strength, durability or flexibility are used. Hereby, these hoses and / or clamps and / or valves can have a similar appearance and / or exterior. This leads to the risk of error when the wrong hoses and / or clamps and / or valves are installed with the wrong of the multiple handling systems and / or multiple management systems and / or at a wrong position and / or in a reversed manner within one of said systems and / or positions. Such risks are always present when multiple parts have to be assembled, even when they have different appearances. Such risk is drastically increased by every additional part that needs to be assembled. Therefore, the more variable parts are present and have to be assembled, the more errors and the higher risk is present.

[0006] An error in assembling can result, for example, in loosening of hoses and / or clamps and / or valves or in breakage of hoses and / or clamps and / or valves and / or other parts of the systems and / or devices and / or appliances. This can partially or completely destroy the appliance and / or harm the surroundings of the appliance.

[0007] Disadvantages of such solutions are that multiple parts and / or components with multiple connections are used, which require high effort regarding handling, quality control and assembly. Having multiple interfaces between fluid guiding parts also increases the risk of wrong assembly and leakage. To prevent such errors in the prior art, it is necessary to increase control during the assembly process, which requires installation of additional equipment such as Robot Vision or use of additional quality control processes, which both increase the costs and the time necessary for production of a household appliance. Using multiple parts also causes higher material cost in comparison to using less parts or even a single part fulfilling all required functions. Additionally, assembly consisting of multiple components requires more assembly space.Object of the invention

[0008] It is an object of the present invention to remedy these disadvantages, in particular to simplify the assembly of a dryer of washer-dryer.

[0009] These objects are achieved by a distribution model of claim 1, a dryer according to claim 9 and a method of claim 10. Preferred embodiments are disclosed in the dependent claims and presented in the description.Summary

[0010] The invention optimises multiple guiding systems, multiple handling systems and / or multiple management systems by integration of at least one valve interface and several routing / distribution components such as, for example, channels into fewer parts, in particular into only one part, within a distribution module. This includes the optimisation of guiding systems, handling systems and / or management systems. Hereby, multiple separate parts and multiple functions of said separate parts of said various guiding systems, various handling systems and / or various management systems are combined into one distribution module, leading to fewer parts and, in particular, only one part.

[0011] The guiding systems, handling systems and / or management systems can be suitable for fluids, in particular gases and / or liquids, more particularly water-containing fluids, most particularly water.

[0012] According to a first aspect, the present invention relates to a distribution module for a household appliance, in particular for a dryer, a washer and / or a washer-dryer, comprising at least one valve interface configured to connect the distribution module to a multiway 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 interface with the at least one diffuser, or configured to fluidly connect the at least one valve interface with a condensate container or a drain, or configured to fluidly connect an overflow system with the condensate container, wherein the at least one valve interface 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 production of the distribution module, the distribution module consists of one part integrating more than one channel.

[0013] The present invention can relate to a system based on direct pump flushing of one or more elements, such as for example of heat exchangers.

[0014] During the drying cycle, a fluid, such as for example a water-containing fluid such as for example water, removed from the laundry can be collected in a base module and can be regularly pumped to a condensate container by a pump through 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 routing / distribution components suitable for fluid, such as for example a channel, integrated in the distribution module, a pipe and a siphon module based on a signal from fluid level electrodes. Because this system uses a simple condensate container without a solenoid valve enabling to release fluid back to the base module, a minimum required volume of fluid for flushing is kept in the base module. This is enabled by performing regular pumping cycles during the drying cycle removing only a minimal amount of fluid from the base module. Flushing of one or more elements such as for example a heat exchanger, which could be a first heat exchanger, which could be a condenser or an evaporator, can be performed at defined times in the drying cycle by pumping of fluid by the pump and routed by the valve to the system of the routing / distribution components, such as for example channels, and at least one diffuser. The at least one diffuser is located at one end of a routing / distribution component in order to be configured to distribute the fluid from the routing / distribution components, such as for example channels, to the elements to be flushed, such as for example one or more heat exchangers. The other end of said respective routing components is located at the at least one valve interface. Thereby, fluid from the base module can be provided through the at least one valve interface at one end of the routing / distribution components, such as for example channels, and the routing / distribution components, such as for example channels, to the other end of the routing / distribution components, such as for example channels.

[0015] At the other end of the routing / distribution components, such as for example channels, there may be at least one diffuser or a condensate container or a drain.

[0016] In some instances, due to the size of the one or more element two, three, four or more diffusers may be required to achieve proper and / or sufficient fluid distribution at a specified area of the respective one or more element, for example a heat exchanger or for example a front surface, and flushing can be performed in a predetermined sequence. Airflow can be stopped during flushing. Flushing of the one or more further elements, such as for example a second heat exchanger, may be performed at a predetermined time or at an individual time of drying by the pump and routed by the valve to the system of at least one or at least two routing components and at least one diffuser. Due to the size of the one or more other elements, which could be a second heat exchanger, two, three, four or more diffusers may be required to achieve proper and / or sufficient fluid distribution at a specified area of the respective one or more further element, for example a front surface and for example a front surface of a heat exchanger, and flushing may be performed in a predetermined sequence. Hereby, airflow can be stopped.

[0017] On the other hand, one diffuser may be sufficient to flush more than one element, for example two, three, four or more elements.

[0018] The at least one valve interface can connect the distribution module to a multiway valve. This can be achieved by any fixing means known in the art.

[0019] The at least one valve interface can be a manifold and can fluidly connect a base module configured to collect fluid to each of the at least one or two routing / distribution components, such as for example channels, individually. This can possibly be achieved with the help of a multiway valve. The at least one valve interface according to the present invention has the features that it is configured to allow for at least two settings so that at least one or two routing / distribution components can be fluidly connected individually depending on the setting and that it is possible to switch between the at least two settings to fluidly connect to said at least two routing components.

[0020] The present invention can relate to a system based on gravity flushing to guide a fluid to or from one or more elements, such as for example of heat exchangers, which can be for example one or more evaporators and / or one or more condensers, for example with aid of airflow to flush at least one of the heat exchangers. The features and elements as described above also apply here and are, therefore, not repeated.

[0021] During the drying cycle, a fluid, such as for example a water-containing fluid such as for example water, removed from laundry can be collected in a base module and can be regularly pumped to a condensate container by a condensate pump through a system of at least one valve and at least one pipe. The time for the pumping can be based on a signal from fluid level electrodes.

[0022] Flushing can be performed at a defined time of the drying cycle by releasing of fluid from the condensate container with stopped airflow, to one or more elements such as for example a heat exchanger, which could be a first and / or front heat exchanger. This can be achieved by switching on of a valve, which can be a solenoid valve, which opens a flap in the condensate container which allows fluid to flow through a system of at least one additional pipe and a diffuser to the one or more elements such as for example a heat exchanger, which could be a first heat exchanger. In order to flush one or more further elements such as for example a second heat exchanger, which could be a rear heat exchanger, fluid could be released with a switched-on airflow. Air flowing through the heat pump system carries over the fluid from the one or more elements to the one or more further elements, for example from the first heat exchanger to the second heat exchanger.

[0023] The present invention can relate to a system based on gravity flushing of one or more elements, such as for example of heat exchangers and / or direct pump flushing of one or more further elements, such as for example of heat exchangers. The features and elements as described above also apply here and are, therefore, not repeated.

[0024] During the drying cycle, a fluid, such as for example a water-containing fluid such as for example water, removed from laundry can be collected in a base module and can be regularly pumped to a condensate container by a condensate pump through a system of at least one valve and at least one pipe. The time for the pumping can be based on a signal from fluid level electrodes.

[0025] Flushing of one or more elements, such as for example of a heat exchanger, which could be a first and / or front heat exchanger, can be performed at a defined time in the drying cycle by releasing of fluid from the condensate container with stopped airflow. This can be achieved by switching on of a valve, which can be a solenoid valve, which opens a flap in the condensate container which allows fluid to flow through a system of at least one additional pipe, possibly including a downpipe and at least one seal, possibly two separate seals, at the top region and / or the bottom region respectively, and a diffuser to the front of the one or more elements, such as for example a heat exchanger. Flushing of one or more further elements, such as for example a second heat exchanger, can be performed at a predetermined time. Airflow can be stopped and fluid can be pumped to the front of the one or more further elements, such as for example the second heat exchanger, by a pump through a system of at least one valve, at least one pipe and at least one diffuser.

[0026] The distribution module can comprise at least one or two routing / distribution components, in particular one, two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight nine, ten or more routing / distribution components. The routing / distribution component can be a channel or any other system to route and / or distribute a fluid as technically possible.

[0027] Possible materials of the distribution module are any materials that are suitable for the conditions in a respective device and / or household appliance. The respective material has to be fluid-tight.

[0028] Possible preferable materials are all materials that can be moulded, preferably injection moulded.

[0029] Guiding systems, handling systems and / or management systems can be, for example, one, two, three, four, five, six or more systems that guide a fluid to or from one or more elements, such as for example heat exchangers, such as for example or from one or more evaporators away and / or to or from one or more condensers away. Guiding systems, handling systems and / or management systems can be, for example, one, two, three, four, five, six or more systems that guide a fluid to or from one or more overflow systems away and / or to or from one or more condensate containers away. Guiding systems, handling systems and / or management systems can be any system within a household appliance in relation to any fluid.

[0030] As a result, in the present invention the number of the required assembly parts, assembly time and assembly space that is used in the household appliance are decreased and the required assembly effort is decreased compared to the prior art. Further, fewer parts in the present invention lead to a decrease in material costs, a decrease in component handling effort and a decrease in quality control efforts compared to the prior art.

[0031] In a preferred embodiment, the distribution module cannot be disassembled, in particular not in a non-destructive way.

[0032] It is advantageous that the distribution module is one fixedly, preferably integrally, connected part that cannot be disassembled into several individual parts. This simplifies the production of the respective household appliance and reduces the necessary maintenance and risk of disassembling during use of the distribution module.

[0033] In a further preferred embodiment, the distribution module further comprises fixing means to connect the at least one valve interface to the multiway valve.

[0034] The fixing means may be any suitable means that can safely connect the multiway valve to the at least one valve interface such as for example screws or bolts. Thereby, a permanent connection can be achieved. The fixing means may achieve a detachable and / or removable connection, so that the distribution module and the multiway valve can be separated and possibly reattached. It is also possible to attach a different multiway valve.

[0035] In a further preferred embodiment, the distribution module further comprises sealing means configured to fluid-tightly connect the at least two channels to the multiway valve.

[0036] The sealing means may be any suitable means that can fluid-tightly connect an element such as a multiway valve to the at least two channels of the distribution module, respectively.

[0037] In a further preferred embodiment, the distribution module comprises at most one valve interface.

[0038] In order to reduce the number of parts within a household appliance, it is preferable to require only one valve interface that can fluidly connect any required elements such as for example a base module to all respective required channels. Hereby, additional valve interfaces and additional valves, hoses, pipes and clamps can be avoided and are not necessary.

[0039] In a further preferred embodiment, the distribution module does not comprise any hoses, tubes, pipes, clamps and / or any other channels that comprise elements that can be mounted and / or fixed and disassembled.

[0040] In order to reduce the number of parts within a household appliance, it is preferable to require as few parts as possible. Therefore, it is preferable to avoid any unnecessary parts such as additional hoses, tubes, pipes, clamps or valves and the present invention eliminates such additional features.

[0041] In a further preferred embodiment, the distribution module is a distribution module suitable to distribute a fluid, for example a gas and / or a liquid, for example water.

[0042] As described above, the distribution module is preferably suitable for all fluids. The material or materials of the respective distribution module can be chosen accordingly to fit the necessary requirements of the respective fluid. Such materials are generally known in the art.

[0043] In a further preferred embodiment, the distribution module consists of two injection moulded components that are connected together so that they cannot be disassembled, in particular not in a non-destructive way, wherein the connection can be achieved for example by welding.

[0044] One preferable possibility to provide a distribution module according to the present invention is by using injection moulding. Hereby, it is possible to provide two injection moulded components by using injection moulding methods as known in the art each representing one half of the distribution module of the present invention. These two components can then be connected by any suitable method known in the art, such as for example welding.

[0045] This is a well-known and well-established possibility to produce devices such as a distribution module of the present invention. Therefore, the production process is very well controllable leading to devices of the necessary quality and durability while being cost effective.

[0046] Thereby, a distribution module of one single part can be provided. Such a distribution module cannot be disassembled and cannot get loose or detached during use in a household appliance, minimising the maintenance and risk of failure of the device.

[0047] In a further preferred embodiment, the distribution module consists of only one integral part that cannot be disassembled, in particular not in a non-destructive way.

[0048] It is further possible to provide an integral single-part distribution module by means known in the art, for example by 3D printing. Thereby, a distribution module of one single part can be provided. Hereby, the need for attaching several elements together, for example, by welding is overcome. Such a distribution module cannot be disassembled and cannot get loose during use in a household appliance, minimising the maintenance and risk of failure of the device.

[0049] In a further preferred embodiment, the distribution module is part of a kit comprising said distribution module as described above and a multiway valve connected to the distribution module.

[0050] The features and advantages as described above can be achieved by providing a kit comprising a distribution module of the present invention and a suitable multiway valve that is connected to the distribution module. The multiway valve can be connected to the valve interface of the distribution module and has a number of multiple settings corresponding to the number of channels of the distribution module. Further, the multiway valve has another feature of being configured to connect to an additional element such as, for example, a base module.

[0051] Generally, the present invention can be used in household appliances such as, for example, a dryer, a washer and / or a washer-dryer. This could be, for example, a device as described above regarding the prior art document EP 4 219 823 A1 or any other household appliance.

[0052] In a further preferred embodiment, the distribution module is integrated into a dryer comprising a drum for receiving laundry to be dried, a process air system for passing process air through the drum, a condenser for condensing moisture from the process air coming 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 to the base module for pumping fluid contained in the base module to the condensate container, a multiway valve, and a distribution module as described above.

[0053] Such a dryer achieves the advantages of the present invention as the use of the distribution module of the present invention implements the improvements of the present invention as described herein. Thus, fewer parts can be used in such a dryer. The number of hoses, pipes, clamps and valves is reduced as several of the guiding systems, handling systems and / or management systems can share the elements of the distribution module of the present invention.

[0054] Further, the present invention can be used in a household appliance comprising a device for drying laundry. Such a device could comprise at least one process air system, at least one heat pump that is thermally coupled to the process air system, at least one condensate tray, at least one condensate container, at least one condensate pump for pumping of a fluid from the condensate tray, at least one flushing device connected to the condensate container for flushing an evaporator of the heat pump, at least one flushing valve connected between the condensate container and the flushing device, at least one valve unit connected between the condensate pump and the condensate container, at least one flushing unit connected to the valve unit for flushing a condenser of the heat pump and at least one electronic control unit for controlling the condensate pump, the flushing valve and the valve unit, wherein the valve unit is designed such that in a first switching position it connects the condensate pump to the condensate container and in a second switching position it connects the condensate pump to the flushing unit, and wherein the control electronics are set up to control the condensate pump, the flushing valve and the valve unit in such a way that before the valve unit is switched to the second switching position and the condensate pump is activated, the flushing valve is opened with the condensate pump deactivated for a predetermined period of time, which ends before the valve unit is switched to the second switching position and the condensate pump is activated.

[0055] An appliance such as a dryer can contain a heat pump circuit comprising a refrigerant channel 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, the refrigerant circulating sequentially through the compressor, the condenser, the expansion device and the evaporator, wherein the evaporator is the condensing device. The condenser serves to heat the process air flow prior to entering the drum as drying chamber, and the evaporator serves to cool the air flow after leaving the drying chamber.

[0056] The dryer can be a dryer as such or a washer-dryer which combines the function of washing laundry with the function of drying.

[0057] In addition, various alternative appliances are known with different and / or less elements. The present invention is suitable to be used in any appliance known in the prior art. As such, the general features of such an appliance are not repeated herein.

[0058] A possible example for a household appliance may be a device for drying laundry. This is an example for an appliance where the distribution module of the present invention could be used in. The discussion of such an appliance is not limiting to the possible applications and appliances wherein the distribution module of the present invention can be used.

[0059] Further, several elements in the device as described herein are optional for said device. Thus, a variety of combinations of necessary elements with multiple optional elements are disclosed, where it is understandable for the skilled person, which combinations are possible.

[0060] The device may have a device housing in which a closed process air system is arranged with a drying chamber which accommodates the laundry to be dried. The process air system may have a process air blower, which can be activated by an electronic control unit of the device to carry out a drying process.

[0061] Furthermore, the device may be a dryer with a heat pump and may comprise 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 that can heat the process air flowing in the process air system, an evaporator that can cool and dehumidify the process air leaving the drying chamber, a compressor, an expansion unit and one or more refrigerant lines that connect these components of the heat pump to one another, thereby forming a refrigerant circuit of the heat pump.

[0062] The device may have a condensate tray that may be arranged below the condenser and / or the evaporator, a condensate container, a condensate pump for pumping a liquid contained in the condensate tray into the condensate container. The condensate pump may be arranged at a condensate line. In addition, the device may have 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.

[0063] In addition, 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 the condensate pump to the flushing unit in a second switching position.

[0064] The electronic control unit may be designed to control the condensate pump, the flushing valve and / or the valve unit. In particular, the electronic control unit may be set up to control the condensate pump, the flushing valve and / or the valve unit in such a way that before the valve unit is switched to the second switching position and the condensate pump is activated, the flushing valve is opened with the condensate pump deactivated for a predetermined period of time, which ends before the valve unit is switched to the second switching position and the condensate pump is activated.

[0065] The electronic control unit can be set up to open the flushing valve when the laundry to be dried reaches a predetermined degree of dryness. Alternatively, or in addition, the electronic control unit can be set up to determine a fill state of the condensate container from a successful activation of the condensate pump and to switch the valve unit to the second switching position only when the fill state is greater than or equal to a predetermined minimum fill state value.

[0066] In a further preferred embodiment, a method for using a distribution module as described herein is provided comprising that, after production of the distribution module, consists of only one part that cannot be disassembled in a non-destructive way, comprising the steps of connecting the distribution module fluid-tightly to a multiway valve with fixing means and sealing means, connecting a base module fluid-tightly 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 of flushing at least one heat exchanger at a defined time in the drying cycle by pumping a fluid by the pump from the base module through a valve interface by means of the multiway valve to at least one channel that connects the valve interface to the at least one heat exchanger, and / or pumping a fluid from the base module by the pump through the valve interface by means of the multiway valve to at least one channel that connects the valve interface to a condensate container, and / or using at least one channel to regulate overflow fluid by connecting said at least one channel to the condensate container and / or an external drain.

[0067] In this context, embodiments of the device may correspond to embodiments of the kit, dryer and / or method, and vice versa, even if this is not explicitly referred to in the following.Short description of figures

[0068] Useful non-limiting embodiments of the invention are now described with reference to the Fig.s. Similar elements or features are designated with the same reference signs. In the Fig.s: Fig. 1shows a schematic plan view of a distribution module according to an embodiment of the invention; Fig. 2shows a schematic oblique view of a distribution module according to an embodiment of the invention; and Fig. 3shows a schematic oblique view of a valve interface of a distribution module according to an embodiment of the invention. Description of Figures

[0069] Fig. 1 and 2 show a schematic plan and oblique view of a distribution module according to an embodiment of the invention based on direct pump flushing of a first and a second heat exchanger.

[0070] During the drying cycle, water removed from the laundry is collected in a base module and regularly pumped to a condensate container by a condensate pump through a system consisting of a valve 100, fluid channels 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 integrated in the distribution module, pipes and a siphon module based on a signal from fluid level electrodes. Because this system uses a simple condensate container without a solenoid valve enabling to release fluid back to the base module, a minimum required volume of fluid for flushing is kept in the base module. This is enabled by performing short pumping cycles during the drying cycle removing only a minimal amount of water. Flushing of the front heat exchanger is performed at defined times in the drying cycle by pumping of fluid by the pump and routed by the valve 100 to the system of 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 exchanger and flushing is performed in a predetermined sequence, relating to the left side and the right side of the distribution module in Fig. 1 and 2. Airflow is stopped during flushing. Flushing of the second heat exchanger is performed at a predetermined or flexible time or interval, for example, every 25, 50 or 75 hours of drying the by pump and routed by the valve 100 to the system of channels 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 and diffusers. 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 flushing is performed in a sequence. Hereby, airflow is stopped.

[0071] Fig. 3 shows an example of the at least one valve interface a distribution module according to an embodiment of the invention including exemplary fixing means 8 and exemplary sealing means 7.

[0072] The fixing means 8 are implemented as screw threads configured to receive corresponding screws to connect the distribution module to a valve. The sealing means 7 are implemented as O-rings 7 configured to seal each opening leading from the valve interface to each channel.Reference signs

[0073] 1, 2, 3, 4Channel from valve interface to diffuser 5Channel from valve interface to condensate container or drain 6Channel from overflow system to a condensate container 7Sealing means; O-rings 8Fixing means; screw threads 10Valve interface 100Multiway valve 110Base module

Claims

1. A distribution module for a household appliance, in particular for a dryer, a washer and / or a washer-dryer, comprising: at least one valve interface (10) configured to connect the distribution module to a multiway 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 interface (10) with the at least one diffuser, or configured to fluidly connect the at least one valve interface (10) with a condensate container or a drain, or configured to fluidly connect an overflow system with the condensate container, wherein the at least one valve interface (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 wherein, after production of the distribution module, the distribution module consists of one part integrating the at least two channels (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6).

2. The distribution module according to any of the preceding claims, wherein, after production, the distribution module cannot be disassembled, in particular not in a non-destructive way.

3. The distribution module according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the distribution module further comprises: fixing means (8) configured to connect the at least one valve interface (10) to the multiway valve (100).

4. The distribution module according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the distribution module further comprises: sealing means (7) configured to fluid-tightly connect the at least two channels (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6) to the multiway valve (100).

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

6. The distribution module according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the distribution module does not comprise any hoses, tubes, pipes, clamps and / or any other channels that comprise elements that can be mounted and / or fixed and disassembled.

7. The distribution module according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the distribution module is a distribution module suitable to distribute a fluid, for example a gas and / or a liquid, for example water.

8. The distribution module according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the distribution module consists of two injection moulded components that are connected together so that they cannot be disassembled, in particular not in a non-destructive way, wherein the connection can be achieved for example by welding.

9. A clothes dryer comprising: a drum for receiving laundry to be dried, a process air system for passing process air through the drum, a condenser for condensing moisture from the process air coming 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 to the base module for pumping fluid contained in the base module to the condensate container, a multiway valve (100), and a distribution module according to any of the preceding claims.

10. A method for using a distribution module that, after production of the distribution module, consists of only one part that cannot be disassembled in a non-destructive way, comprising the steps of: connecting the distribution module fluid-tightly to a multiway valve (100) with fixing means (8) and sealing means (7), connecting a base module (110) fluid-tightly 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 of: flushing at least one heat exchanger at a defined time in the drying cycle by pumping a fluid by the pump from the base module (110) through a valve interface (10) to at least one channel (1, 2, 3, 4) that connects the valve interface (10) to the at least one heat exchanger, and / or pumping a fluid from the base module (110) by the pump through the valve interface (10) to at least one channel (5) that connects the valve interface (10) to a condensate container, and / or using at least one channel (6) to regulate overflow fluid by connecting said at least one channel (6) to the condensate container and / or an external drain.

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