A laundry treatment appliance with a ventilation assembly

Abstract

The laundry treatment appliance (1) according to the invention comprises a ventilation assembly (2) designed as a siphon causing the air flow is directed first upwards and then downwards towards the drum (13). The desired air flow is achieved with the positioning of the inlet (21), the housing and the air supply conduit. The ventilation assembly (2) comprises: • - an inlet (21) for leading ambient air into the interior of the laundry treatment appliance,• - a housing (22) fluidly connected to the inlet (21) to receive the incoming air, wherein the housing (22) is at least partly located above the inlet so that air flow is first upwards, • - an air supply conduit (24), fluidly connecting the housing and the wash chamber, wherein the air supply conduit may be connected to the gasket (14) or to the tub (12), and wherein the air supply conduit (24) allows downwards air movement, • - a ventilating device (26) positioned within the housing (22) for promoting the flow of the air, • - an outlet (28), comprising at least one opening in fluid communication with the ambient environment outside the cabinet (11),• - an exhaust air conduit (27), fluidly connecting the wash chamber with the outlet (28) for guiding the air flow from wash chamber outside the cabinet.

Description

[0001] A LAUNDRY TREATMENT APPLIANCE WITH A VENTILATION ASSEMBLY

[0002] Field of the invention

[0003] The invention relates to the field of laundry treatment appliances, more specifically to washing machines. The present invention relates to a laundry treatment appliance with a ventilation assembly.

[0004] Background of the invention and the technical problem

[0005] Laundry treatment devices such as washing or a washing-drying machines are used to wash clothing items using water and a laundry detergent, which may be in liquid, powder, or dehydrated sheet form. When a washing cycle ends, a certain amount of moisture remains in the interior of the washing machine. In particular, the washing machine tub and drum remain wet and warm, which is favours growth and reproduction of microorganisms present in the washing machine tub and drum due to transfer from dirty laundry, or due to contaminated detergent and / or fabric softener. Conditions during washing cycles cause death of these microorganisms, wherein the resulting disintegrated microbial cells causes bad odour and mustiness, which is transferred to laundry, especially if using short-wash, low-temperature programmes. Consequently, such laundry has unpleasant smell after having been washed.

[0006] Drying the tub and drum after a washing cycle considerably reduces the growth and reproduction of microorganisms. Drying may be achieved by guiding a forced air flow through the tub and drum. This is achieved by installing a ventilation system into a washing machine. Known ventilation systems have been designed in different manners, however, all currently known solutions have disadvantages, mostly in terms of long ventilating / drying cycles and complex designs, which increases the costs of washing machines provided with such functions.Therefore, the technical problem addressed by the present invention is design of a laundry treatment applicance with a ventilation system that will ensure efficient air flow through the laundry treatment applicance, fast removal of moisture remaining in the laundry treatment applicance after a completed washing cycle, while at the same time preventing steam from escaping from the interior of the laundry treatment applicance during washing cycles at high temperatures. It is also desired that the ventilation assembly does not require any major structural changes to the laundry treatment applicance components, in particular of the tub, the drum, and / or the housing.

[0007] Prior art

[0008] Patent application WO2024261588 describes an older solution of the applicant, wherein a front-load washing machine is provided with a ventilation system for ensuring airflow through a washing machine tub. Said ventilation system comprises a ventilation pipe and a radial fan, which pumps air from the interior of the washing machine and forces the air through dedicated pipes towards an outlet opening in the bottom of the tub. The air exits via the detergent dosing container into the surroundings of the washing machine. The construction of this solution is demanding and it does not allow optimal air flow through the drum, which consequently leads to very long drying or ventilating cycles. This solution differs from the present invention in that the air used by the ventilation system has a different source and is led through the washing machine in a different manner.

[0009] Patent US11208755B2 discloses an automatic washing machine for treating laundry comprising a cabinet having an interior and an exterior, a treating chamber within the cabinet for receiving laundry to be treated, a water inlet for supplying water to the treating chamber, a humidity reduction device arranged to rotate about an axis to draw air from the exterior of the cabinet to the treating chamber, a sensor for determining the presence of laundry in the treating chamber and a controller operably coupled to the sensor, the humidity reduction device, and water inlet. The controller is configured to instruct, during at least one humidity reduction cycle and in response to the sensor indicating a lack of laundry in the treating chamber, activation of the humidity reductiondevice to draw air from the exterior into the treating chamber. The humidity reduction device can be a fan, an evaporator, a condenser, an air cooler and / or a heat source arranged to dehumidify the air within the treating chamber by venting and / or supplying air from the exterior of the treating chamber to the interior of the treating chamber, or may dehumidify the air within the treating chamber by heating air in the treating chamber. The humidity reduction device can be installed in the dispensing conduit for drawing air from the exterior of the treating chamber, including exterior of the laundry treating appliance, through the treatment dispenser and into the treating chamber. The treatment dispenser may be open to the ambient air surrounding the laundry treating appliance such that the humidity reduction device may draw in or exhaust air from the treating chamber through the treatment dispenser. Alternatively, the humidity reduction device may be located within a child safety vent that may exhaust to a rear side of the laundry treating appliance, to front or back location of the tub or the treating chamber. These constructions and positions differ from the present invention. A disadvantage of this solution is also in that the ventilation system can only operate when the sensor sense the laundry is not present in the drum. If the laundry is kept in the machine for too long, it may already acquire unpleasant odour due to the present moisture and possibly microbial activity.

[0010] Patent US9689100B2 discloses a solution, which uses external ambient air to ventilate the interior of the washing machine. A fan fluidly coupled to the dispenser conduit and the vent tube such that ambient air is drawn, for a predetermined time, from the exterior of the washing machine, passed along a ventilation flow path. Two paths are defined in this document, wherein the first predetermined direction comprises the air being drawn through the dispenser, then passed through the dispenser conduit, then through the tub, and then exhausted through the vent tube. The second possibility comprises drawing air through the vent tube, then passing the air through the tub, then through the dispenser conduit, and then exhausting through the dispenser. Both air flow pathways differ from the present invention. A disadvantage of this system through the detergent dispenser allows the steam to exit the interior of the washing machine during high-temperature washing cycles.Patent application CN114250604A describes a device for leading air into a washing machine, wherein this device has a driven mechanism for selective opening and closing of the air supply into the device throught the inlet opening provided on the front panel of the washing machine. This solution is complex and consequently expensive.

[0011] Patent DE102016118334B3 discloses a washing machine arranged to perform ventilation of the washing machine after a finished washing cycle, wherein the air flow is controlled. For this purpose, the washing machine is provided with an air supply duct, which is connected to a tub and / or a drum, and a control device which is designed to control a flow of air in the washing machine, such that the air through the air supply duct, the drum and / or the tub, through a line and through a detergent drawer and through the detergent drawer opening provided in the detergent drawer is guided in this or the reverse order. The connection of the line connecting the tub with the detergent drawer is not designed in a syphon manner. A disadvantage of this solution is in that steam, which may be generated during laundry washing at high temperatures, can exit the washing machine through the dettergent drawer.

[0012] Description of the solution to the technical problem

[0013] The invention addresses the technical problem and solves the disadvantages of known solutions. The laundry treatment applicance with an assembly for ventilation of the interior of the laundry treatment applicance according to the invention enables faster and more efficient removal of moisture after a completed operation cycle, such as a washing or washing-drying cycle. The technical problem is solved as defined in independent claims, wherein preferred embodiments are defined in dependent claims.

[0014] Common appliances for laundry treatment, such as washing machines and washingdrying machines, comprise:

[0015] - a cabinet comprising a panel defining an opening for introduction of laundry, i.e. the articles to be washed or treated,

[0016] - a tub positioned within the cabinet,- a drum, which is preferably a wash drum in front-loading machines ora wash basket in top-loaders, wherein said drum is rotatably mounted within the tub and defining a wash chamber for receiving laundry,

[0017] - a door rotatably mounted to the cabinet or the tub for providing selective access to the wash chamber through the opening, and

[0018] - a gasket for sealing the tub against the door, when the door is in a closed position, - water inlet for supplying water to the wash chamber,

[0019] - a detergent dispenser arranged to receive and convey a liquid or powder agent for treating the laundry to be washed, wherein the detergent dispenser is connected with the tub with a dispenser conduit,

[0020] - a discharge system for discharging liquids from the tub and from the laundry treatment applicance,

[0021] - a motor for rotating the drum,

[0022] - a control panel with a control device for controlling the operation of the laundry treatment appliance, wherein the control panel is attached to the cabinet.

[0023] The ventilation assembly may be installed in any type of laundry treatment appliances. The essence of the invention is that the ventilation assembly is designed as a siphon causing the air flow upwards and then downwards towards the drum. The desired air flow is achieved with the positioning of the inlet, the housing and the air supply conduit as described below.

[0024] The ventilation assembly installed in the laundry treatment applicance according to the invention comprises:

[0025] - an inlet for leading ambient air (i.e. external air surrounding the laundry treatment applicance) into the interior of the laundry treatment applicance, wherein said inlet comprises at least one opening,

[0026] - a housing fluidly connected to the inlet to receive the incoming air, said housing being designed in the shape of siphon to prevent the steam generated during laundry washing at high temperatures, to exit the laundry treatment applicance through the inlet, wherein the housing is at least partly located above the inlet so that air flow is first upwards,- an air supply conduit, fluidly connecting the housing and the wash chamber, wherein the air supply conduit may be connected to the gasket or to the tub, and wherein the air supply conduit allows downwards air movement,

[0027] - a ventilating device positioned within the housing for promoting the flow of the air, and a power source to ensure operation of the ventilating device, wherein the power source is optionally arranged in the housing,

[0028] - an outlet, comprising at least one opening in fluid communication with the ambient environment outside the cabinet, wherein the outlet may be positioned next to the inlet,

[0029] - an exhaust air conduit, fluidly connecting the wash chamber with the outlet for guiding the air flow from wash chamber outside the cabinet.

[0030] The control device is further configured to control operation of the ventilating device according to the programs for ventilating the interior of the laundry treatment appliance. After a ventilation program ends, the ventilating device is turned off and air flow is no longer forced through the ventilation assembly, the drum and the tub.

[0031] According to a further embodiment of the laundry treatment appliance the inlet is arranged on the control panel, preferably in area near the opening for introduction of laundry to ensure the shortest possible air flow path of ambient air into the washing chamber. However, the inlet may be arranged on other positions on the cabinet, either at sides of the laundry treatment applicance or the back side of the laundry treatment applicance. In these embodiments, air supply conduit(s) have to be suitably installed to allow the same airflow as described above. Since the operation is most efficient when the inlet is provided on the control panel, the embodiment with the inlet installed on the control panel is preferred.

[0032] According to a further embodiment of the laundry treatment applicance the outlet is arranged on the control panel, preferably in area near the opening for introduction of articles to be washed to ensure the shortest possible air flow path of vented air from washing chamber back to the ambient environment. According to a further possible embodiment of the laundry treatment applicance the outlet is arranged next to the inlet.However, the outlet may be arranged on other positions on the cabinet and not only on the control panel.

[0033] A possible embodiment of the outlet is a plate with at least one opening connected to the exhaust air conduit. The outlet may be positioned next to the inlet or separately from the inlet. In the preferred embodiment the inlet and the outlet are formed as one uniform piece with separate parts for the at least one inlet opening and for the at least one outlet opening. Both parts can be divided with a plate or a similar dividing element.

[0034] The ventilating device may be any air-moving or airflow-facilitating device or arrangement capable of producing the required airflow within the laundry treatment appliance. In particular embodiments, the ventilating device may be a fan or a mechanical blower or a passive ventilation system. In case the ventilating device is a fan, it may be an axial or a radial fan, wherein the axial fan is preferred as it enables more efficient ventilation due to higher ambient air uptake.

[0035] The housing may be made in one piece or may comprise several assembly parts. The housing comprises a syphon, as the housing with the ventilating device is installed at least partly higher than the inlet, so that the air flow is first upwards. The housing is also installed higher that the detergent dispenser, particularly the detergent dispenser outlet. The housing is connected to the air supply conduit leading air towards the drum, thus the air flow is downwards. The air supply conduit can be a straight pipe, a curved a pipe, a flexible pipe or any other suitable element allowing air flow. In possible embodiments, the air supply conduit comprises a first vertical section and a second vertical section with a curved middle section to allow better fit into the interior of the laundry treatment appliance. According to a further embodiment of the laundry treatment appliance, the housing comprises a curved elbow section that is connected to the air supply conduit. Seals may be placed between individual parts of the housing and between the curved elbow section and the air supply conduit. According to a further embodiment of the laundry treatment appliance the air supply conduit is provided with an attachment for installation to the gasket. A seal may also be provided between the air supply conduit and the attachment.The gasket or the tub is provided with at least one opening into which the air supply conduit is connected. In case the gasket is provided with several openings for air supply, the air supply conduit is suitably divided into several branches or is provided with an attachment arranged to divide air flow towards the openings in the gasket. In case the air supply conduit is connected to the tub, the air for drying the drum and the gasket can enter the drum through the openings provided in the drum, which during washing cycles allow entry of washing liquid. The incoming air can also enter through the openings between the drum and the tub.

[0036] Similarly, the gasket or the tub are provided with at least one opening into which the exhaust air conduit is connected.

[0037] The combinations of installing the air supply conduit and the exhaust air conduit are several, including:

[0038] - the air supply conduit and the exhaust air conduit are connected to the gasket, - the air supply conduit is connected to the gasket and the exhaust air conduit is connected to the tub,

[0039] - the air supply conduit and the exhaust air conduit are connected to the tub, and - the air supply conduit is connected to the tub and the exhaust air conduit is connected to the gasket.

[0040] In preferred embodiments the air supply conduit is connected to the gasket and the exhaust air conduit is connected to the tub, as this option has smallest loses and most efficient air supply directly into the drum. In addition, the gasket is dried, which is particularly desired.

[0041] The ventilation assembly operates in the following manner. After the washing cycle is finished, a forced air flow is created through the tub and the drum with activation of the ventilation assembly. Activation of the ventilation assembly may be automatic and completely controlled by the appliance controller or activation can be manually triggered by a user. By activation of ventilating device the ambient air is drawn, for a predetermined time, from the exterior of the laundry treatment applicance through the inlet, wherein the air is then forced through a syphon-shaped housing and the air supply conduit to at least one opening in the gasket or in the tub. Through at least oneopening in the gasket or in the tub, the air enters the drum, where the air circulates and continues to flow through at least one air outlet opening provided in the gasket or in at least one wall of the tub via the exhaust air conduit, wherein the air finally exits the laundry treatment appliance through at least one opening in the outlet. Since the housing of the ventilation assembly is syphon-shaped, the steam generated during washing cycles at higher temperatures (for example at 90°) cannot escape through the inlet. The syphon shaped housing also prevents the steam from condensing. In possible embodiments the predetermined time for operation of the ventilating device is set to at least 1 hour, most preferably for at least two hours.

[0042] During ventilation phase the drum may be rotated continously or periodically, which further improves the efficiency of the ventilation and moisture removal. For example, the drum may be periodically rotated during the ventilation phase in several cycles of rotation for 5 seconds ON and 120 seconds OFF. Ventilation process may be carried out regardless of whether the laundry is present in the drum or not.

[0043] The forced air flow generated by the ventilation assembly completely or at least significantly dries the tub, the inner surface of the door as well as the gasket and the drum and thus prevents the formation of microorganisms. The forced air flow also prevents the laundry from becoming stuffy if the laundry is left in the wash chamber after the wash cycle in case that users do not immediately remove it.

[0044] The laundry treatment appliance with the ventilation assembly according to the present invention may be any type of washing machine, including but not limited to the frontload washing machine and the top-load washing machine.

[0045] A method of ventilating the laundry treatment appliance provided with the ventilation assembly, wherein the method comprises the following steps:

[0046] a) completing an operation cycle, such as a washing cycle,

[0047] b) starting the ventilation process by actuating the ventilation assembly, wherein the power source controlled by the control device actuates the ventilating device, whereini. the ambient air is drawn from the exterior of the laundry treatment appliance through the inlet due to operation of ventilating device, wherein the air is then forced through a syphon-shaped housing and the ventilation conduit to at least one opening in the gasket or in the tub,

[0048] ii. the air enters the drum through the gasket or / and through the tub, iii. the air circulates in the drum

[0049] iv. the air leaves the drum or the wash basket through at least one opening provided in the gasket or in at least one wall of the tub via the exhaust air conduit, wherein the air finally exits the laundry treatment appliance through at least one opening in the outlet,

[0050] c) Optionally rotating the drum for a pre-defined period, optionally in several cycles of rotation.

[0051] In steps ii) and / or iv) the air from the tub may enter the drum or the air may leave the drum and enter into the tub, respectively, through the openings provided in the drum, which during washing cycles ensure flow of washing liquid from the tub into the drum.

[0052] The invention reduces the time needed for drying the interior of the laundry treatment appliance or at least significant removal of moisture due to shorter air circulation path and thus lower air flow losses during drying of the laundry treatment appliance. Additionally, the invention enables the use of an axial fan, which provides a greater air flow than a radial fan or other similar ventilating device in known solutions. In addition, it is important to note that the syphon construction of the ventilation assembly prevents steam from exiting through the inlet of ambient air during high-temperature washing cycles. At the same time the ventilation assembly according to the invention is not so complex in terms of construction and does not require any major structural changes to existing standard components of the laundry treatment applicance, in particular to the tub, the drum, and / or the housing, which means it is also a very economical solution.

[0053] Brief description of drawings

[0054] The invention will be described in further detail based on examples and figures, which show:Figure 1 An exemplary embodiment of the laundry treatment applicance designed according to the invention, wherein the laundry treatment applicance is a front-loading washing machine and the ventilation assembly is provided at the front side of the laundry treatment applicance

[0055] Figure 2 The ventilation assembly according to a possible embodiment Figure 3 A schematic representation of the ventilation assembly in crosssection

[0056] Figure 4 A schematic representation of air flow when the ventilation assembly is in operation

[0057] Figure 5 Comparison of efficiency of the present invention compared to the older solution of the applicant disclosed in patent application WO2024261588

[0058] Detailed description of the invention

[0059] Figure 1 shows an exemplary embodiment of the laundry treatment applicance designed as a front-loading washing machine 1 and the ventilation assembly 2 is provided at the front side of the laundry treatment applicance. As shown in figure 1 , the front-loading washing machine 1 comprises:

[0060] - a cabinet 11 comprising a front panel (not shown) defining an opening 11a for introduction of laundry, i.e. the articles to be washed or treated,

[0061] - a tub 12 positioned within the cabinet 11 ,

[0062] - a drum 13 rotatably mounted within the tub and defining a wash chamber for receiving laundry,

[0063] - a detergent dispenser 16 arranged to receive and convey a liquid or powder agent for treating the laundry to be washed, wherein the detergent dispenser 16 is connected with the tub with a dispenser conduit 17,

[0064] - a door (not shown in figure 1 , but visible in figure 3) rotatably mounted to the cabinet for providing selective access to the wash chamber through the opening 11a, and- a gasket 14 for sealing the tub against the door, when the door is in a closed position.

[0065] Partly shown is a control panel 15 with a control device for controlling the operation of the washing machine 1 , wherein the control panel 15 is attached to the cabinet 11. The ventilation assembly 2 is mounted on the control panel 15, i.e. behind the control panel 15 forming the interior of the washing machine 1.

[0066] Not shown in figure 1 are the following components of the front-loading washing machine:

[0067] - water inlet for supplying water to the wash chamber,

[0068] - a discharge system for discharging liquids from the tub and from the laundry treatment applicance,

[0069] - a motor for rotating the drum.

[0070] The ventilation assembly 2 is also visible in figure 1 as well as in figure 2 showing a possible embodiment of the ventilation assembly, which comprises:

[0071] - the inlet 21 for leading ambient air into the interior of the washing machine 1, wherein said inlet 21 comprises at least one opening and the inlet 21 is arranged on the control panel 15, preferably in area near the opening 11a for introduction of laundry to ensure the shortest possible air flow path of ambient air into the washing chamber,

[0072] - the housing 22 fluidly connected to the inlet 21 to receive the incoming air, said housing 22 being designed in the shape of siphon to prevent the steam generated during laundry washing at high temperatures, to exit the washing machine through the inlet, wherein the housing 22 is at least partly located above the inlet 21 so that air flow is first upwards, and wherein the housing also comprises a curved elbow section 23 arranged to connect the housing 22 to the air supply conduit 24, wherein said curved elbow section 23 is optionally provided with seals,

[0073] - the air supply conduit 24, fluidly connecting the housing 22 and the wash chamber, wherein

[0074] the air supply conduit is connected to the housing 22 via curved elbow section 23 on the housing 22

[0075] the air supply conduit 24 is connected to the gasket 14,the air supply conduit 24 allows downwards air movement, and

[0076] the air supply conduit 24 comprises a first vertical section and a second vertical section with a curved middle section to allow better fit into the interior of the washing machine 1 ,

[0077] and wherein the air supply conduit may further comprise an attachment 25 for installation of the air supply conduit 24 to the gasket 14, wherein a seal may also be provided between the air supply conduit 24 and the attachment 25,

[0078] - a ventilating device 26 (not visible in figure 2, but in figure 3) designed as a fan, for example an axial fan or a radial fan, which is positioned within the housing 22 for promoting the flow of the air, and a power source to ensure operation of the ventilating device, wherein the power source is optionally arranged in the housing 22,

[0079] - an outlet 28, comprising at least one opening in fluid communication with the ambient environment outside the cabinet 11 , wherein the outlet 28 is arranged next to the inlet 21 on the control panel 15, preferably in area near the opening 11a for introduction of articles to be treated to ensure the shortest possible air flow path of vented air from washing chamber back to the ambient environment,

[0080] - an exhaust air conduit 27 connected to the tub 12 and fluidly connecting the wash chamber with the outlet 28 for guiding the air flow from wash chamber outside the cabinet 11.

[0081] The control device is further configured to control operation of the ventilating device in agreement with the programs for ventilating the interior of the laundry treatment appliance. After a ventilation program ends, the ventilating device is turned off and air flow is no longer forced through the ventilation assembly, the drum and the tub.

[0082] According to an exemplary embodiment and as visible in figure 2, the inlet 21 and the outlet 28 are formed as one uniform piece with separate parts for the at least one inlet opening and for the at least one outlet opening. Both parts can be divided with a plate or a similar dividing element. The inlet and the outlet so designed are a part of the control panel and can be covered with a mesh, grid or fence-like structure allowing air flow.Figure 3 shows a cross-section of the ventilation assembly depicting the arrangement of the ventilation assembly 2 components, which allows the desired operation. Namely, the inlet 21 is provided below the housing 22, which causes that the air flow is first directed upwards, and after passing through the housing the air flow is directed downwards along the air supply conduit 24 towards the drum 13, thus imitating an upside down letter U, i.e. a syphon arrangment that prevents the steam from exiting through the inlet 21.

[0083] A schematic representation of air flow is shown in figure 4. A forced air flow is created through the tub 12 and the drum 13 with activation of the ventilation assembly 2. By activation of the fan the ambient air is drawn, from the exterior of the washing machine 1 through the inlet 21 , wherein the air is then forced through a syphon-shaped housing 22 and the air supply conduit 24 to at least one opening in the gasket 14. Through at least one opening in the gasket 14, the air enters the drum 13, where the air circulates and continues to flow through at least one air outlet opening provided in the at least one wall of the tub via the exhaust air conduit 27, wherein the air finally exits the washing machine 1 through at least one opening in the outlet 28. The forced air flow generated by the ventilation assembly 2 completely or at least significantly dries the tub, the inner surface of the door as well as the gasket and the drum and thus prevents the formation of microorganisms.

[0084] During ventilation phase the drum may be rotated continously or periodically, which further improves the efficiency of the ventilation and moisture removal. For example, the drum may be periodically rotated during the ventilation phase in several cycles of rotation for 5 seconds ON and 120 seconds OFF. Ventilation process may be carried out regardless of whether the laundry is present in the drum or not.

[0085] Examples

[0086] Example 1: Comparative test of the present invention and the older solution of the applicant disclosed in WO2024261588The solution according to WO2024261588 was based on air supply through water, which lead to an increase in the intial moisture at the beginning of the drying / ventilation process. However, significant differences are visible from the figure 5, as the present invention leads to an immediate drop of humidity, which is consistent and most significant in the first two hours of drying. Further ventilation, for example for additional 6 hours leads only to an approximately 5 to 7% reduction in humidity. Therefore, the invention can reach a satisfying level of moisture in two hours. In comparison, the previous solution by the applicant led to not change in the level of humidity (the upper curve on figure 5) and the gap between both values is depicted with the arrow. Even after an 8-hour ventilation program the previous solution did not reach the humidity level enabled by the present invention. It is thus important to note that the time needed for efficient drying or ventilation is reduced from 8 to 2 hours, which is a 75% improvement. The invention is consequently more efficient and needs less power to reach a lower humidity level.

Claims

Patent claims1. A laundry treatment appliance comprising:- a cabinet comprising a panel defining an opening for introduction of laundry, i.e.the articles to be washed or treated,- a tub positioned within the cabinet,- a drum rotatably mounted within the tub and defining a wash chamber for receiving laundry,- a door rotatably mounted to the cabinet or the tub for providing selective access to the wash chamber through the opening, and- a gasket for sealing the tub against the door, when the door is in a closed position,- a control panel comprising a control device for controlling the operation of the laundry treatment appliance,wherein the laundry treatment appliance further comprises a ventilation assembly designed as a siphon causing the air flow is directed first upwards and then downwards towards the drum, and wherein the ventilation assembly comprises: - an inlet for leading ambient air into the interior of the laundry treatment applicance, wherein said inlet comprises at least one opening,- a housing fluidly connected to the inlet to receive the incoming air, wherein the housing is at least partly located above the inlet so that airflow initially directed upwards,- an air supply conduit, fluidly connecting the housing and the wash chamber, wherein the air supply conduit may be connected to the gasket or to the tub, any of which are provided with at least one opening into which the air supply conduit is connected, and wherein the air supply conduit is arranged to allow air movement downwards in the direction of the drum,- a ventilating device positioned within the housing for promoting the flow of the air, and a power source to ensure operation of the ventilating device,- an outlet, comprising at least one opening in fluid communication with the ambient environment outside the cabinet,- an exhaust air conduit, fluidly connecting the wash chamber with the outlet for guiding the air flow from the wash chamber outside the cabinet, wherein the gasket or the tub are provided with at least one opening into which the exhaust air conduit is connected.

2. The laundry treatment appliance according to claim 1 , wherein the control device is further configured to control operation of the ventilating device according to programs for ventilating the interior of the laundry treatment appliance, and wherein the activation of the ventilation assembly may be automatic or manually triggered by a user.

3. The laundry treatment appliance according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the inlet is arranged on the control panel, preferably in area near the opening for introduction of laundry to ensure the shortest possible air flow path of ambient air into the washing chamber.

4. The laundry treatment appliance according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the outlet is arranged on the control panel, preferably in area near the opening for introduction of laundry to ensure the shortest possible air flow path of vented air from washing chamber back to the ambient environment.

5. The laundry treatment appliance according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the outlet is positioned next to the inlet.

6. The laundry treatment appliance according to the preceding claim, wherein the inlet and the outlet are formed as one uniform piece with separate parts for the at least one inlet opening and for the at least one outlet opening, and wherein both parts are divided with a plate or a similar dividing element.

7. The laundry treatment appliance according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the ventilating device is an axial fan.

8. The laundry treatment appliance according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the power source is arranged in the housing.

9. The laundry treatment appliance according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the housing is made in one piece or comprises several parts.

10. The laundry treatment appliance according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the housing comprises a curved elbow section that is connected to the air supply conduit, and wherein seals may be placed between individual parts of the housing and between the curved elbow section and the air supply conduit.

11. The laundry treatment appliance according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the air supply conduit is provided with an attachment for installation to the gasket, and wherein a seal may also be provided between the air supply conduit and the attachment.

12. The laundry treatment appliance according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the gasket is provided with several openings for air supply and the air supply conduit is suitably divided into several branches or is provided with an attachment arranged to divide air flow towards the openings in the gasket.

13. The laundry treatment appliance according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the ventilation assembly (2) is mounted on the control panel (15).

14. The laundry treatment appliance according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the laundry treatment appliance is any type of washing machine, for example a front-load washing machine or a top-load washing machine.

15. The laundry treatment appliance according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the predetermined time for operation of the ventilating device is set to at least 1 hour.

16. A method of ventilating a laundry treatment appliance provided with the ventilation assembly, wherein the method comprises the following steps:a) completing a washing cycle,b) starting the ventilation process by actuating the ventilation assembly, wherein the power source controlled by the control device actuates the ventilating device, whereini. the ambient air is drawn from the exterior of the laundry treatment appliance through the inlet due to operation of ventilating device, wherein the air is then forced through a syphon-shaped housing and the ventilation conduit to at least one opening in the gasket or in the tub,ii. the air enters the drum through the gasket or / and through the tub, iii. the air circulates in the drum,iv. the air leaves the drum through at least one opening provided in the gasket or in at least one wall of the tub via the exhaust air conduit, wherein the air finally exits the laundry treatment appliance through at least one opening in the outlet.

17. The method according to the preceding claim, wherein the method further comprises step:c) rotating the drum for a pre-defined period, optionally in several cycles of rotation.

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