Siphon module for a household appliance

Abstract

A siphon module (10) for a household appliance, the siphon module (10) comprising a first siphon-type element (40) configured to be integrated in a first circuit, a first inlet (60) configured to be fluidly connected to the first siphon-type element (40), a first outlet (70) configured to be fluidly connected to the first siphon-type element (40), a second siphon-type element (50) configured to be integrated in a second circuit, a second inlet (80) configured to be fluidly connected to the second siphon-type element (50), and a second outlet (90) configured to be fluidly connected to the second siphon-type element (50).

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to a siphon module, in particular for a household appliance, more particularly for a dryer, a washer 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 siphon 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 household appliance comprising a siphon module and a use of a siphon module in a household appliance.TECHNICAL BACKGROUND

[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 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. The dryer further comprises a siphon-like element located in the pump conduit and / or in the overflow conduit. 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] The siphon-like elements in the prior art are made of hoses. To achieve the desired and necessary shape of such hoses to provide a siphon within a hose, the hoses have to be treated by additional processes, such as for example thermoforming processes, which is very time consuming, very complicated and very expensive.

[0004] Further, the complete distances from a condensate collecting vessel to a condensate tank of a pump conduit and of an overflow conduit have to be covered by hoses or systems of hoses. Such hoses have to be assembled and mounted within the household appliance with multiple clamps. Such hoses have to be fixed within the household appliance due to their flexibility. Therefore, additional features such as for example clamps or guiding elements are necessary. Such hoses are also a risk of malfunctioning such as breaking or tearing.

[0005] In such a household appliance in the prior art 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.

[0006] 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.

[0007] Therefore, the more variable parts are present and have to be assembled, the more errors and the higher risk is present.

[0008] 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.

[0009] 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

[0010] It is an object of the present invention to remedy these disadvantages, in particular to simplify a dryer or washer-dryer.

[0011] These objects are achieved by a siphon module of claim 1, a household appliance according to claim 10 and a use of a siphon module in a household appliance of claim 11. Preferred embodiments are disclosed in the dependent claims and presented in the description.SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0012] The present invention can provide, for example, improved drying performance, easier and / or faster assembly processes and / or reduced cost of production.

[0013] The present invention optimises multiple guiding systems, multiple handling systems and / or multiple management systems by integration of a siphon module. Hereby, multiple separate parts and multiple functions of said separate parts of said various guiding systems, various handling systems and / or various management systems can be combined into one siphon module, leading to fewer parts and, in particular, only one part, more particularly only one part for all siphon-type elements.

[0014] The guiding systems, handling systems and / or management systems and the included siphon module disclosed herein may be suitable for fluids, in particular gases and / or liquids, more particularly water-containing fluids, most particularly water.

[0015] According to an embodiment, the present invention relates to a siphon module, for example for a household appliance. A siphon module can comprise a first siphon-type element configured to be integrated in a first circuit, a first inlet configured to be fluidly connected to the first siphon-type element, a first outlet configured to be fluidly connected to the first siphon-type element, a second siphon-type element configured to be integrated in a second circuit, a second inlet configured to be fluidly connected to the second siphon-type element, and a second outlet configured to be fluidly connected to the second siphon-type element.

[0016] The present invention can relate to a system based on direct pump flushing of one or more elements, such as for example a heat exchanger. Flushing is in particular implemented for cleaning one or more elements, such as for example a heat exchanger, for example for removing fluff

[0017] During a 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 pump through a system consisting of at least one valve or only one valve or at most one valve, at least one routing / distribution components suitable for fluid, preferably 2 to 10, more preferably 4 to 8, such as for example a channel, a pipe and a siphon module based on a signal from fluid level electrodes. The time for the pumping can be based on a signal from fluid level electrodes.

[0018] 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 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.

[0019] The present invention can also relate to a system based on gravity flushing of one or more elements, such as for example of heat exchangers and direct pump flushing of one or more further elements, such as for example of heat exchangers.

[0020] A siphon module as disclosed herein can be a part of a household appliance and / or for use in a household appliance. A siphon module as disclosed herein comprises at least one siphon-type element. A "siphon-type element" is in particular a part of a fluid conduit, where liquid collects and thereby prevents gases from passing through, while allowing the liquid flow to pass through. Siphon-type elements, also called siphons or traps, are often formed by U-shaped portions of pipe designed to trap liquid or gas to prevent unwanted flow. A siphon-type element may have several purposes and / or functions such as, for example, blocking gases and / or smells, decoupling systems, separating systems, isolating systems, reducing leakage. As such having one or more siphon-type elements in a household appliance may be useful, preferable and / or necessary. More specifically, a siphon-type element may reduce leakage into specific parts of systems such as guiding systems, handling systems and / or management systems, for example within a household appliance, by isolating and / or separating different pressures in different parts of a system from each other. For example, a siphon-type element could reduce leakage into a heat exchanger portion with underpressure within a dryer or a washer-dryer, for example by isolating the heat exchanger portion from atmospheric pressure in the rest of the respective system. For example, a fluid container being part of said system has atmospheric pressure and can be isolated from a heat exchanger portion that has underpressure through a siphon-type element. For example, a siphon-type element could reduce leakage into an external portion that is not part of guiding systems, handling systems and / or management systems, for example within a household appliance, such as for example a drum portion of a dryer or washer-dryer.

[0021] A siphon-type element can be a siphon-type channel. This preferable embodiment can have the function to direct and / or transport fluid from one position to another position within a system and / or within a household appliance.

[0022] A siphon module as disclosed herein does not consist of or include any type of hoses or any type of hose-like elements. Such elements used in the prior art are flexible and / or bendable at room temperature, for example a hose, used for example in a household appliance. Flexible and / or bendable could be understood in a way that such an element can easily amend its form and can easily be bent by a force an average person can apply. Flexible and / or bendable could be understood in a way that such an element would be substantially straight by the force of gravity. In order to function as a siphon-type element, such an element such as for example a hose has to be treated by special manufacturing processes such as for example by thermoforming processes to achieve the necessary stiffness and / or stability. Such processes are complicated, time consuming, energy consuming and expensive. Therefore, a siphon module as disclosed herein does not consist of or include such elements that are normally flexible and / or bendable enough at room temperature with an amount of force an average person can provide. Necessary stiffness and / or stability should be understood in a way that such an element can withstand the force of gravity and / or a force an average person can apply against amending the form and / or position of said element.

[0023] The size and / or shape of a siphon module is not particularly limited, but is preferably adjusted to the respective space in a respective household appliance. The height of a siphon module may be preferably between 20 mm and 300 mm, more preferably between 40 mm and 200 mm, most preferably between 60 mm and 120 mm. The width of a siphon module may be preferably between 10 mm and 200 mm, more preferably between 20 mm and 160 mm, most preferably between 30 mm and 80 mm. The depth of a siphon module may be preferably between 10 mm and 200 mm, more preferably between 20 mm and 160 mm, most preferably between 30 mm and 80 mm. The cross-sectional shape of a siphon module is not particularly limited, but may preferably be elliptic or pear-shaped in order to provide an adequate flow of a fluid through a siphon module.

[0024] A siphon module can comprise at least one or at least two siphon-type elements, preferably 3 to 10, more preferably 4 to 8, most preferably 5 to 6. A siphon-type element can be a siphon-type channel or any other system to route, guide and / or distribute a fluid and that can achieve the function of any type of siphon. The terms siphon-type element and siphon-type channel should be understood broadly in the sense that such an element or channel is suitable to guide a fluid from one point to another point, while providing a siphon-type function. A siphon-type element is not limited to any specific shape or design and may be at least substantially tubular as such a form is easy to manufacture and suitable to guide a fluid. The cross section of a siphon-type element is preferably constant over the length of the siphon-type element as such a shape is easy to manufacture, but may also be variable over its length as such a variation can adapt the siphon module to the environment where it is used. The cross section may have the shape of at least substantially a circle, an ellipse, a rectangular shape, a square shape or a variable undefined and / or irregular shape, or similarly shaped or differently shaped. Each of these shapes is useful in different surroundings, for example in a household appliance and the siphon module can be adapted accordingly to fulfil the geometrical requirements.

[0025] The siphon-type element can have an at least substantially cuboid shape while possibly being bent or curved, which could simplify the production and / or simplify the implementation of the siphon-type element into a siphon module depending on the available space in a siphon module and / or a household appliance. Within the cuboid shaped siphon-type element, two or more sections of the fluid conduit formed in the syphon-type element can be arranged side-by-side.

[0026] The siphon-type element can have an at least substantially ellipsoid shape, which could improve the implementation of the siphon module in a household appliance depending on the available space therein.

[0027] The siphon-type element can have an irregular shape, which could improve the implementation of the siphon module in the household appliance depending on the available space therein. This could also maximise the fluid capacity of the siphon-type element in view of the available space in the household appliance.

[0028] "At least substantially" or "substantially" herein is to be understood in that there can be a deviation from said shapes (or other features) by up to 20 percent, in the case of said shape in a direction substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal direction. A siphon-type element may have a diameter or inner width between 1 mm and 100 mm, preferably between 2 mm and 30 mm, more preferred between 5 mm and 20 mm.

[0029] In case there is more than one siphon-type element, said elements are numbered as first, second, third, fourth and so on herein. This numbering is arbitrary and merely for the distinction of the elements within the current disclosure.

[0030] Within the disclosure, a first siphon-type element could refer to a pump siphon-type element, preferably within a pump circuit. Within the disclosure, a second siphon-type element could refer to an overflow siphon-type element, preferably within an overflow circuit.

[0031] Possible materials of the siphon module are materials that are suitable for the conditions in a respective device and / or household appliance. The respective materials have to be fluid-tight, in particular regarding gases and / or liquids, more particularly regarding water-containing fluids, most particularly regarding water. The respective materials have to have the necessary stiffness and / or stability within a temperature range between 0° C and 100° C, wherein the siphon module should not be substantially bendable and / or substantially deformable by a force as applicable by an average person. Possibly preferable materials are materials that can be moulded, more preferably injection moulded. This provides the possibility to easily and cost effective produce a siphon module as disclosed herein. The material is preferably plastic or rubber, in particular a thermoplastic resin.

[0032] An inlet is configured to be fluidly connected to a siphon-type element. Preferably, an inlet is connected to one end or one end portion of a siphon-type element. An end or an end portion relates to a portion comprising preferably less than 30%, more preferred less than 20%, most preferred less than 10% of the siphon-type element.

[0033] An outlet is configured to be fluidly connected to a siphon-type element. Preferably, an outlet is connected to one end or one end portion of a siphon-type element. An end or an end portion relates to a portion comprising preferably less than 30%, more preferred less than 20%, most preferred less than 10% of the siphon-type element.

[0034] A first inlet and / or a first outlet may be fluidly connected to a first siphon-type element. A second inlet and / or a second outlet may be fluidly connected to a second siphon-type element.

[0035] A siphon module may be placed at a back panel and / or assembled into a back panel of a household appliance. A part of a siphon module, for example an inlet and / or an outlet, may stick out of a back panel of a household appliance. This functionality allows that a person can easily assembly an outer feature, such as for example an outer hose, from the outside of the household appliance. A siphon module can be mounted to a rear panel of a household appliance. A siphon can be mounted and / or positioned at a sufficient distance from other components of a household appliance, such as for example rotating components, for example a drum of a dryer or washer-dryer, or components that should not come in contact with fluids. This may improve the stability, durability and longevity of respective systems and a respective household appliance.

[0036] There may be at least one inlet and / or at least one outlet connected to one siphon-type element. It may be preferable to have more than one inlet and / or more than one outlet fluidly connected to a siphon-type element in order to receive or distribute fluid from or to a desired location. If there is more than one inlet connected to a siphon-type element, the inlets may be located at different positions of the siphon-type element. If there is more than one outlet connected to a siphon-type element, the outlets may be located at different positions of the siphon-type element.

[0037] A first circuit and / or a second circuit may be an example of the herein mentioned guiding systems, handling systems and / or management systems.

[0038] Guiding systems, handling systems and / or management systems can be one or more systems, preferably 2 to 6, more preferably 3 to 4, 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 one or more systems, preferably 2 to 6, more preferably 3 to 4, 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 a fluid.

[0039] As a result, in the present disclosure, 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 disclosure 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.

[0040] One possible guiding system, handling system and / or management system may be a pump system or a pump circuit. A pump system or a pump circuit may be an example of a first circuit. Condensate fluid can be stored in a base module. Condensate fluid can be transferred from a base module to a fluid container by a pump. Condensate fluid can be sucked by a pump and can be transferred by one or more hoses, and / or one or more channels and / or one or more syphon-type elements to a fluid container. Fluid can be pumped from other areas of the household appliance, for example from a heat exchanger area, where underpressure may occur and / or may be present. In a condensate container atmospheric pressure may be present. Each time a pump is switched on, a siphon-type element in a pump circuit may be filled with fluid causing a pump circuit to be isolated from atmospheric pressure.

[0041] One possible guiding system, handling system and / or management system may be an overflow system or an overflow circuit. An overflow system or an overflow circuit may be an example of a second circuit. In case when a fluid container is full the excess fluid may overflow a fluid container and may enter one or more hoses, and / or one or more channels and / or one or more siphon-type elements to a base module.

[0042] A pump circuit and an overflow circuit are two examples of possible guiding systems, handling systems and / or management systems. A pump circuit may be a fluid system within a household appliance and a siphon-type element within such a pump circuit may allow said circuit to be isolated from atmospherics pressure. A pump circuit may be a closed system in which fluid circulates through a pump. Further, a siphon-type element may stabilise a pump operation, may reduce the risk of leakage of said system and may improve the efficiency and stability of the processes, for example within a household appliance. An overflow circuit may be a fluid system within a household appliance and a siphon-type element within such a pump circuit may allow said circuit to prevent pressure losses within a household appliance and may enhance the stability of processes within a household appliance such as drying of clothes and fluid flow. An overflow circuit may be implemented in a household appliance so as to operate next to or in parallel to a pump circuit, either independently or in fluid connection from a pump circuit, for example through a bypass, in order to provide additional stabilising to the system or systems. A siphon-type element within an overflow circuit may have a supportive function in isolating said circuit from atmospheric pressure. A siphon-type element within an overflow circuit may allow fluid to flow freely within said system while maintaining isolation from atmospheric pressure, which may help to reduce pressure losses throughout the system.

[0043] In such systems, there may be one or more regions with atmospheric pressure and one or more regions with underpressure. To separate those regions with different pressure in a household appliance and improve a process in a household appliance, such as for example a drying process in a dryer, a siphon module may be introduced. A siphon module may integrate one, two or more siphons-type elements, such as for example a pump siphon and an overflow siphon, into one siphon module or into one part. A siphon module may be configured to be a fluid tight component. To a siphon module, at least one pump and at least one hose may be connected to transfer the fluid farther.

[0044] Each time a pump is switched on, a siphon may be filled with a fluid causing a system such as for example a pump circuit to be isolated from atmospheric pressure.

[0045] According to an embodiment of the present invention, after production of the siphon module, the first and second siphon-type elements can be comprised in one single part.

[0046] 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 and / or additional parts and / or features such as additional hoses, tubes, pipes, clamps and / or valves and the present invention reduces the number of such additional features.

[0047] This can be achieved when a first siphon-type element and a second siphon-type element may be comprised in one single part. Then, only one single part has to be attached and connected instead of multiple parts. Further, repair or replacement of such a single part is easier and faster.

[0048] Further, there may be more than two siphon-type elements implemented in a siphon module as disclosed herein. These more than two siphon-type elements can be comprised in one single part, reducing the number of parts even further. In other words, the number of siphon-type elements comprised in one single part is not limited to a specific number and can be adapted as necessary to the requirements of the respective household appliance in the siphon module as disclosed herein. The number of siphon-type elements is preferably 2 to 8, more preferably 3 to 6, most preferably 4 to 5.

[0049] According to an embodiment of the present invention, after production of the siphon module, the siphon module can be configured that the siphon module cannot be disassembled, in particular not in a non-destructive way.

[0050] Such a siphon 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.

[0051] If the siphon module consists of several parts these parts may be connected together in a way that they cannot be separated and / or disassembled from each other without the siphon module being destroyed. For example, the several parts can be joined together by welding, or by a form-fit connection, in particular a snap-fit connection.

[0052] It is advantageous that a siphon module is one, 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 disassembly during use of the siphon module.

[0053] It is further possible to provide an integral single-part siphon module by means known in the art, for example by 3D printing. Thereby, a siphon module of one single part can be provided. Hereby, the need for attaching several elements together, for example, by welding is overcome. Such a siphon module cannot be disassembled and cannot get loose during use in a household appliance, minimising the maintenance and risk of failure of the device.

[0054] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the siphon module may comprise a bypass configured to fluidly connect a first siphon-type element and a second siphon-type element.

[0055] A bypass fluidly connecting a first siphon-type element and a second siphon-type element provides a fluid communication between said elements. Thus, when one element is filled with fluid then the other element may also be filled with said fluid.

[0056] In case there are more than two siphon-type elements there may be a bypass between two siphon-type elements, respectively, or between further siphon-type elements. There may be a bypass from each siphon-type element to each other siphon-type element. There may be a bypass from more than one siphon-type element to more than one other siphon-type element. This may provide further possibilities to distribute a fluid. This may provide further possibilities to decouple systems, separate systems, isolate systems, and / or reduce leakage. For example, a system may be isolated from atmospheric pressure.

[0057] A bypass may be configured to control the flow of fluid in one direction, the other direction or in both directions between two siphon-type elements. A bypass may be an opening or a valve, for example, a one-way valve or a two-way valve.

[0058] The size and / or position of may affect how fast and when the fluid communication between two siphon-type elements can be achieved. The cross section of a bypass may have the shape of at least substantially a circle, an ellipse, a rectangular shape, a square shape or a variable undefined and / or irregular shape, or similarly shaped or differently shaped. The minimal diameter or length and / or width of a bypass may be preferably between 1 mm and 20 mm, more preferably between 2 mm and 16 mm, most preferably between 4 mm and 10 mm.

[0059] When a siphon-type element has more than one bypass to one or more other siphon-type elements, the positions of said more than one bypass may vary and affect which other siphon-type element is in fluid communication at what level of fluid in a siphon-type element. Hereby, it is possible to control, which system is isolated at which time during operation of a device such as a household appliance.

[0060] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the first and second siphon-type elements may be formed in two moulded components, in particular 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.

[0061] One preferable possibility to provide a siphon module according to the present invention is by using moulding, in particular injection moulding. Hereby, it is possible to provide, for example, two moulded components by using moulding methods as known in the art each representing one part of the siphon module of the present invention. These, for example, two components can then be connected by any suitable method known in the art, such as for example welding. Due to fewer parts a fluid-tight connection can be easily achieved. There may also be more than two moulding components, preferably 3 to 8, more preferably 4 to 6. Due to easier shaped moulds the production process of more than two moulding components may be easier.

[0062] Moulding and injection moulding are well-known and well-established possibilities to produce devices such as a siphon module of the present invention. Therefore, the production process is very well controllable leading to devices of the necessary quality and durability while being time and cost effective.

[0063] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the siphon module may further comprise a housing and a cover configured to be fluid-tightly connected to the housing, wherein the housing and / or the cover may comprise the first siphon-type element and / or the second siphon-type element.

[0064] Such a configuration with a housing and a cover is very simple to produce and easy and fast to assemble. A housing and a cover may be fluid-tightly connected together by welding, which is an easy and well-controlled possibility for such a connection.

[0065] The first siphon-type element and / or the second siphon-type element may be comprised only in a housing or only in a cover or partly in both a housing and a cover.

[0066] According to an embodiment of the present invention, both the first siphon-type element and the second siphon-type element may be formed by the housing or by the cover, or at least one of the first and second siphon-type elements may be formed by the housing and the cover together. In this embodiment, the housing and the cover are preferably injection-moulded parts.

[0067] For a simple and flexible production of a siphon module it is possible that a first and / or second siphon-type element may be formed substantially by a housing. Hereby, a cover may be substantially plate-shaped, which simplifies the production process of a siphon module.

[0068] For a simple and flexible production of a siphon module it is possible that a first and / or second siphon-type element may be formed substantially by a cover. Hereby, a housing may be substantially plate-shaped, which simplifies the production process of a siphon module.

[0069] For a simple and flexible production of a siphon module it is possible that a first and / or a second siphon-type element may be formed by a housing and a cover. Hereby, the elements can be implemented at least partially in a housing and at least partially in a cover, which simplifies the production process of a siphon module.

[0070] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the siphon module may be substantially plate-shaped, and the first and second siphon-type elements may be arranged along a main extension of the plate. Preferably, the first and second siphon-type elements are arranged side-by-side.

[0071] In order to be easily managed and easily positioned within a system and / or a household appliance it is advantageous that the siphon module may be substantially plate-shaped. The shape and / or size is hereby not limited and may be adapted to the requirements of a system and / or a household appliance.

[0072] The first siphon-type element and the second siphon-type element may be arranged next to each other, or in other words side-by-side to achieve a plate-shaped siphon module. This configuration is preferable for an easy production process and / or easy handling of the respective siphon module.

[0073] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the first and second siphon-type elements may be formed in a part made in one piece that cannot be disassembled, in particular not in a non-destructive way.

[0074] As described herein it is preferable to provide a single-part siphon module. It is particularly preferable to comprise a first siphon-type element, a second siphon-type element and any further possible siphon-type element in one piece, preferably produced integrally, that cannot be disassembled. Such a siphon module cannot get loose or detached during use in a household appliance, minimising the maintenance and risk of failure of the device.

[0075] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the first inlet may be configured to be connected to one end of the first siphon-type element.

[0076] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the first outlet may be configured to be connected to another end of the first siphon-type element.

[0077] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the second inlet may be configured to be connected to one end of the second siphon-type element.

[0078] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the second outlet may be configured to be connected to another end of the second siphon-type element.

[0079] An end or an end portion relates to a portion comprising preferably less than 30%, more preferred less than 20%, most preferred less than 10% of a siphon-type element.

[0080] A siphon module may comprise at least one fixing means and / or at least one holding means through which a siphon module can be fixed or attached within a household appliance to an element within a household appliance. At least one fixing means and / or at least one holding means may be implemented in a siphon module, for example within a housing and / or within a cover. The position of at least one fixing means and / or at least one holding means may depend on the area and other elements available within a household appliance where a siphon module should be used.

[0081] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a household appliance, in particular a dryer or a washer-dryer, may comprise 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 fluid container for receiving fluid transferred from the base module, an overflow container in which the fluid container is placed, a pump associated to the base module for pumping fluid contained in the base module to the condensate container, and a siphon module as described herein.

[0082] 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.

[0083] Such a dryer or washer-dryer achieves the advantages of the present invention as the use of a siphon module of the present invention implements the improvements of the present invention as described herein. Thus, for example, fewer parts can be used in such a dryer or washer-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 siphon module of the present invention.

[0084] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a siphon module may be used in a household appliance, wherein the siphon module, after production of the siphon module, may consist of only one part that cannot be disassembled in a non-destructive way. The use of the siphon module may comprise the steps of connecting a base module fluid-tightly to the siphon module, connecting a fluid container fluid-tightly to the siphon module, and performing at least one of the following steps of: pumping a fluid from the base module by a pump to a first siphon-type element of the siphon module and possibly further through the siphon module to the fluid container, and / or using the siphon module to regulate overflow fluid from the fluid container by connecting a second siphon-type element of said siphon module to the fluid container and to the base module, and / or using a bypass, comprised in the siphon module, configured to fluidly connect the first siphon-type element and the second siphon-type element, wherein, after production of the siphon module, the first and second siphon-type elements are comprised in one single part.

[0085] 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.

[0086] The dryer can be a dryer as such or a washer-dryer which combines the function of washing laundry with the function of drying.

[0087] 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.

[0088] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a method for using a siphon module that, after production of the siphon module, may consist of only one part that cannot be disassembled in a non-destructive way, may comprise the steps of connecting a base module fluid-tightly to the siphon module, connecting a fluid container fluid-tightly to the siphon module, and performing at least one of the following steps of pumping a fluid from the base module by a pump to a first siphon-type element of the siphon module and possibly further through the siphon module to the fluid container, and / or using the siphon module to regulate overflow fluid from the fluid container by connecting a second siphon-type element of said siphon module to the fluid container and to the base module, and / or using a bypass, comprised in the siphon module, configured to fluidly connect the first siphon-type element and the second siphon-type element, wherein, after production of the siphon module, the first and second siphon-type elements are comprised in one single part.

[0089] A possible example for a household appliance may be a device for drying laundry. This is an example for an appliance where a siphon 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 a siphon module of the present invention can be used.

[0090] 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.

[0091] 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.

[0092] 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.

[0093] 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.

[0094] 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.

[0095] 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.

[0096] 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.

[0097] In this context, embodiments of the device may correspond to embodiments of a siphon module, a dryer, a washer-dryer, a use of a siphon module and / or method, and vice versa, even if this is not explicitly referred to herein. As such, an explicit repetition is omitted.SHORT DECRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0098] Useful non-limiting embodiments of the invention are now described with reference to the Figs. Similar elements or features are designated with the same reference signs. In the Figs.: Fig. 1shows a schematic plan view of a siphon module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; Fig. 2shows a schematic oblique view of a siphon module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; and Fig. 3shows a schematic oblique view of a partial household appliance into which a siphon module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure can be implemented. DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

[0099] Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 show an exemplary specific implementation of the present disclosure. Hereby, the figures also show features that are not essential to the present disclosure and that are not essential to the respective embodiment. For example, a bypass 100, a housing 20, a cover 30, fixing means 110, and / or holding means 110 are not essential for the present disclosure, not essential for any embodiment described herein and not essential for any specific implementation shown in the figures.

[0100] Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 show an exemplary siphon module 10 as a possibility how the present disclosure can be implemented to possibly be used in a device such as for example a household appliance. A siphon module 10 may comprise a housing 20 and a cover 30. A siphon module 10 may comprise a first siphon-type element 40 (not visible in Fig. 2) and a second siphon-type element 50 (not visible in Fig. 2). A first siphon-type element 40 may be fluidly connected to a first inlet 60 (not visible in Fig. 1) and a first outlet 70 through which a first siphon-type element 40 may be integrated into a first circuit. A second siphon-type element 50 may be fluidly connected to a second inlet 80 and a second outlet 90 through which a second siphon-type element 50 may be integrated into a second circuit.

[0101] A first siphon-type element 40 may be implemented as a channel within the exemplary implementation. A second siphon-type element 50 may be implemented as a channel within the exemplary implementation.

[0102] A siphon module 10 may comprise a bypass 100 (not visible in Fig. 2) so that a first siphon-type element 40 may be fluidly connected to a second siphon-type element 50.

[0103] A siphon module 10 may comprise at least one fixing means 110 and / or at least one holding means 110 through which a siphon module 10 can be fixed or attached within a household appliance to an element within a household appliance. In Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 at least one fixing means 110 and / or at least one holding means 110 are implemented in a siphon module 10 within a cover 30.

[0104] A siphon module 10 can be used within a household appliance. Thereby, condensate fluid may be stored in a base module. Fluid may be transfered from a base module to a fluid container by a pump. Fluid may be sucked by a pump and may be transfered by one or more hoses and / or one or more elements and a first siphon-type element as part of a siphone module 10 of the present disclosure to a fluid container. In case when a fluid container may be full the excess of a fluid may overflow a fluid container and may flow into one or more hoses and / or one or more elements and a second siphon-type element into a base module. Fluid may be pumped from an area, such as for example a heat exchanger part, of the household appliance where underpressure may occur. In a fluid container there may be atmospheric preassure.

[0105] To separate areas of different pressure and to improve the drying process a siphon module of the present disclosure is implemented. A siphon module according to the present disclosure integrates at least two siphon-type elements into one part. A siphon module may comprise or consist of two parts, namely a housing 20 and a cover 30, which may be comprised of a plastic material and / or may be welded together to achieve a fluid-tight siphon module component. To a siphon module one or more hoses may be connected to transfer the fluid farther.

[0106] When a pump (not shown) is switched on, a first siphon-type element 40 may be filled with a fluid causing a first circuit to be isolated from atmospheric pressure. A first siphon-type element 40 may refer to a pump siphon-type element. A first circuit may refer to a pump circuit. A second siphon-type element 50 may also be filled with fluid when a pump (not shown) is switched on due to a bypass 100 between a first siphon-type element 40 and a second siphon-type element 50 causing the second circuit to be isolated from atmospheric pressure. A second siphon-type element 50 may refer to an overflow siphon-type element. A second circuit may refer to an overflow circuit.

[0107] Fig. 3 shows a schematic oblique view of a partial household appliance into which a siphon module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is implemented. For example, a drum of a household appliance is omitted in the figure for clarity reasons. Fig. 3 shows two examples of guiding systems, handling system and / or management systems into which an exemplary siphon module is integrated in. Fig. 3 shows a first circuit, which could be a pump circuit and a second circuit, which could be an overflow circuit.

[0108] In a first circuit, a pump 140 may pump a fluid from a base module 160 through a siphon module 10 to a fluid container 120. A heat exchanger area 170 (details not shown) may be comprised in said system but this is not necessary. Hereby, at least one hose 130 may connect the respective elements with each other. Further, in a second circuit, fluid can be transported from a fluid container 120 through a siphon module 10 to a base module 160. A heat exchanger area 170 (details not shown) may be comprised in said system but this is not necessary. Each system may further comprise at least one valve 150 (details not shown) to fluidly connect the respective elements with each other. More details are described above.REFERECE NUMBERALS:

[0109] 10Siphon module 20Housing 30Cover 40First siphon-type element / channel 50Second siphon-type element / channel 60First inlet 70First outlet 80Second inlet 90Second outlet 100Bypass 110Fixing means / holding means 120Fluid container 130Hose(s) 140Pump 150Valve 160Base module 170Heat exchanger area

Claims

1. A siphon module (10) for a household appliance, the siphon module comprising: a first siphon-type element (40) configured to be integrated in a first circuit, a first inlet (60) configured to be fluidly connected to the first siphon-type element (40), a first outlet (70) configured to be fluidly connected to the first siphon-type element (40), a second siphon-type element (50) configured to be integrated in a second circuit, a second inlet (80) configured to be fluidly connected to the second siphon-type element (50), and a second outlet (90) configured to be fluidly connected to the second siphon-type element (50).

2. The siphon module (10) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein, after production of the siphon module (10), the first and second siphon-type elements (40, 50) are comprised in one single part.

3. The siphon module (10) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein, after production of the siphon module (10), the siphon module (10) cannot be disassembled, in particular not in a non-destructive way.

4. The siphon module (10) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the siphon module (10) further comprises a bypass (100) configured to fluidly connect the first siphon-type element (40) and the second siphon-type element (50).

5. The siphon module (10) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the first and second siphon-type elements (40, 50) are formed in two moulded components, in particular 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.

6. The siphon module (10) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the siphon module (10) further comprises a housing (20), and a cover (30) configured to be fluid-tightly connected to the housing (20), wherein the housing (20) and / or the cover (30) comprise the first siphon-type element (40) and / or the second siphon-type element (50).

7. The siphon module (10) according to claim 6, wherein both the first siphon-type element (40) and the second siphon-type element (50) are formed by the housing (20) or by the cover (30), or wherein at least one of the first and second siphon-type elements (40, 50) is formed by the housing (20) and the cover (30) together.

8. The siphon module (10) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the siphon module (10) is substantially plate-shaped, and wherein the first and second siphon-type elements (40, 50) are arranged along a main extension of the plate.

9. The siphon module (10) according to any of the preceding claims 1 to 4, wherein the first and second siphon-type elements (40, 50) are formed in a part made in one piece that cannot be disassembled, in particular not in a non-destructive way.

10. A household appliance, in particular a dryer or a washer-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 fluid container for receiving fluid transferred from the base module, an overflow container in which the fluid container is placed, a pump associated to the base module for pumping fluid contained in the base module to the condensate container, and a siphon module (10) according to any of the preceding claims.

11. Use of a siphon module (10) of any of the claims 1 to 9 in a household appliance, wherein the siphon module (10), after production of the siphon module (10), consists of only one part that cannot be disassembled in a non-destructive way, the use comprising the steps of: connecting a base module (160) fluid-tightly to the siphon module (10), connecting a fluid container (120) fluid-tightly to the siphon module (10), and performing at least one of the following steps of: pumping a fluid from a base module (160) by a pump (140) to a first siphon-type element (40) of the siphon module (10) and possibly further through the siphon module (10) to the fluid container (120), and / or using the siphon module (10) to regulate overflow fluid from the fluid container (120) by connecting a second siphon-type element (50) of said siphon module (10) to the fluid container (120) and to the base module (160), and / or using a bypass (100), comprised in the siphon module (10), configured to fluidly connect the first siphon-type element (40) and the second siphon-type element (50), wherein, after production of the siphon module (10), the first and second siphon-type elements (40, 50) are comprised in one single part.

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