Laundry dryer

Abstract

A laundry dryer (2) has a casing (3), a laundry storing compartment (18) arranged within the casing (3) for receiving laundry (19) to be dried by passing process air through the laundry storing compartment, a heat exchanger (10) for dehumidifying the process air after passing the laundry storing compartment (18), and a removable condensate reservoir (28) for storing condensed water formed at the heat exchanger (10). The reservoir (28) has a reservoir outlet for draining condensate liquid stored therein and a closing element for closing the reservoir outlet when the condensate reservoir is extracted from a reservoir compartment (30). The reservoir compartment (30) is associated to the casing (3) for receiving and housing the removable condensate reservoir (28), wherein the removable condensate reservoir (28) can be extracted from and inserted into the reservoir compartment (30). A supply line (32) for cleaning a component of the dryer and including a supply line inlet fluidly connected to the reservoir outlet (29) when the removable condensate reservoir (28) is inserted in the reservoir compartment (30), a supply line outlet for delivering condensed water to the component to be cleaned, and a pump (44) for conveying condensed water from the supply line inlet to the supply line outlet. A coupling arrangement associated to the reservoir outlet (29) and/or the supply line inlet and adapted to actuate the closing element. The coupling arrangement is adapted to maintain the closing element in an open state when the condensate reservoir (28) is inserted into the reservoir compartment (30), such that condensate liquid can freely flow from the reservoir outlet to the supply line (32); and wherein the a portion of the supply line (32) is located above a maximum condensate liquid level of the condensate reservoir (28).

Claims

1. Laundry dryer comprising: a casing, a laundry storing compartment arranged within the casing for receiving laundry to be dried by passing process air through the laundry storing compartment, a heat exchanger for dehumidifying the process air after passing the laundry storing compartment, a removable condensate reservoir for storing condensed water formed at the heat exchanger, a drain pump to pump the condensed water formed at the heat exchanger to the removable condensate reservoir through a drain line, the removable condensate reservoir having a reservoir outlet for draining condensate liquid stored therein and a closing element for closing the reservoir outlet when the removable condensate reservoir is extracted from a reservoir compartment; the reservoir compartment is associated to the casing for receiving and housing the removable condensate reservoir, wherein the removable condensate reservoir can be extracted from and inserted into the reservoir compartment; a supply line for cleaning a component of the dryer, the supply line being provided from a supply line inlet fluidly connected to the reservoir outlet when the removable condensate reservoir is inserted in the reservoir compartment, to a supply line outlet for delivering the condensed water to the component, a rinsing or flushing pump for conveying the condensed water from the supply line inlet to the supply line outlet; a coupling arrangement associated to the reservoir outlet and/or the supply line inlet and adapted to actuate the closing element; wherein the coupling arrangement is adapted to maintain the closing element in an open state when the removable condensate reservoir is inserted into the reservoir compartment, such that condensate liquid can freely flow from the reservoir outlet to the supply line; and wherein a portion of the supply line is located above a maximum condensate liquid level of the removable condensate reservoir.

2. Laundry dryer according to claim 1, wherein the reservoir compartment comprises or forms the supply line inlet.

3. Laundry dryer according to claim 1, wherein the reservoir compartment comprises a drain to convey condensed water back to a sump adapted to collect the condensed water formed at the heat exchanger, or wherein the reservoir compartment is not adapted to permanently or temporarily store liquid drained or spilled from the removable condensate reservoir.

4. Laundry dryer according to claim 1, wherein the coupling arrangement is associated to the reservoir compartment.

5. Laundry dryer according to claim 1, wherein the supply line comprises a siphon having a rising portion, a communication portion and a descending portion, and wherein the rinsing or flushing pump is arranged upstream or downstream the communication portion.

6. Laundry dryer according to claim 1, wherein the rinsing or flushing pump is arranged at an upper section of the dryer, or wherein the reservoir compartment comprises a supporting structure for the rinsing or flushing pump of the supply line.

7. Laundry dryer according to claim 5, wherein the rinsing or flushing pump or the siphon of the supply line is arranged at the backside of a rear wall or a rear frame of the casing, or wherein the rinsing or flushing pump is arranged outside the casing, or wherein the supply line extends at least partly at the backside of the rear wall of the casing.

8. Laundry dryer according to claim 5, wherein the communication portion of the supply line is arranged higher than a maximum liquid level of the removable condensate reservoir or is guided over the rinsing or flushing pump or over and adjacent to the removable condensate reservoir.

9. Laundry dryer according to claim 1, wherein the rinsing or flushing pump is arranged in a lower section of the dryer or at or on a cover shell in a base section of the dryer.

10. Laundry dryer according to claim 1, wherein the removable condensate reservoir comprises a first compartment for storing liquid and a second compartment for storing liquid, wherein the reservoir outlet is arranged at the first compartment.

11. Laundry dryer according to claim 10, wherein the first and second compartment are separated by a separation wall having a liquid passage arranged below the maximum liquid level of the first and/or second compartment, or wherein the first and second compartments are connected by the liquid passage arranged below the maximum liquid level of the first and/or second compartment.

12. Laundry dryer according to claim 11, wherein a ratio of maximum flow rates through the supply line to a maximum flow rate through the liquid passage is at least 2, 4, 6, 10 or 20, or wherein a cross section area of the liquid passage is less than 2, 1.5, 1, 0.5, 0.25 or 0.1 cm.sup.2.

13. Laundry dryer according to claim 11, wherein a fluff filter is arranged at the liquid passage for filtering fluff from liquid passing the liquid passage between the first and/or second compartments.

14. Laundry dryer according to claim 1, wherein the supply line fluidly connects a stationary inlet of the supply line to an inlet of the rinsing or flushing pump.

15. Laundry dryer according to claim 5, wherein the rinsing or flushing pump is adapted to pump air from an emptied or nearly emptied removable condensate reservoir into the supply line, such that air can collect in the communication portion of the supply line and interrupt the flow of liquid by eliminating a siphon-effect.

16. Laundry dryer according to claim 5, wherein the supply line has an air inlet in the rising portion, descending portion or communication portion.

17. Laundry dryer according to claim 1, wherein a filter element is arranged at a condensate inlet of the removable condensate reservoir to filter fluff when liquid is supplied into the removable condensate reservoir, or wherein a filter element is arranged at the reservoir outlet for filtering fluff from the liquid exiting the removable condensate reservoir.

18. Laundry dryer according to claim 1, wherein the coupling arrangement comprises a filter element which is removably positioned in a liquid flow path, such when the removable condensate reservoir is inserted in the reservoir compartment the coupling arrangement opens the closing element and positions the filter element in the opened liquid flow path.

19. Laundry dryer according to claim 1, wherein one or more filter elements for filtering liquid are provided according to one or more of the following: is arranged at an inlet of the removable condensate reservoir, is arranged at an outlet of the removable condensate reservoir, is arranged within the interior of the removable condensate reservoir, is positioned in the supply line, is arranged at or associated to the rinsing or flushing pump, is arranged in a rinsing or condensate liquid path at a base unit of the dryer, is arranged at or associated to the drain pump, is positioned in the drain line fluidly connecting the outlet of the drain pump to the removable condensate reservoir, and is integrated with, arranged at or associated to the component.

20. Laundry dryer according to claim 5, wherein one or more filter elements for filtering liquid is positioned between the siphon and an outlet or nozzle for draining or spraying rinsing liquid to the component.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

(1) Reference is made in detail to preferred embodiments of the invention, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying figures, which show:

(2) FIG. 1 a schematic view of a laundry dryer having a heat pump system,

(3) FIG. 2 a schematic block diagram of components of the laundry dryer of FIG. 1,

(4) FIG. 3 a schematic view of a cleaning system of the laundry dryer according to FIG. 1,

(5) FIG. 4 a front view of a laundry dryer,

(6) FIGS. 5a-b perspective rear views of the dryer of FIG. 3 with partially removed casing,

(7) FIGS. 6a-c a side view and sectional side views of the dryer of FIG. 3,

(8) FIG. 7 a top view of the dryer of FIG. 3,

(9) FIG. 8 a rear view of the dryer of FIG. 3,

(10) FIG. 9 a perspective top view of a reservoir compartment with inserted reservoir of the dryer of FIG. 3,

(11) FIGS. 10a-b sectional top views of a section of the condensate reservoir and reservoir compartment of FIG. 9,

(12) FIGS. 11a-b sectional side views of a section of the condensate reservoir and reservoir compartment of FIG. 9,

(13) FIGS. 12a-b a side view and a sectional side view of the reservoir and reservoir compartment of FIG. 9,

(14) FIG. 13a a rear view of the reservoir compartment of FIG. 9,

(15) FIG. 13b a rear view of the condensate reservoir,

(16) FIG. 13c a sectional front view of the reservoir compartment,

(17) FIG. 14a-b a sectional side view and detail of the reservoir and reservoir compartment of FIG. 9 showing a drain outlet of the compartment,

(18) FIGS. 15a-c a side view, a perspective view and a rear view of the dryer of FIG. 3 illustrating the arrangement of a drain pipe of the reservoir compartment,

(19) FIG. 16a-b a perspective rear view and detail of a dryer according to a further embodiment, and

(20) FIGS. 17a-d perspective views and sectional side views of an alternative coupling arrangement for a condensate reservoir.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXAMPLE EMBODIMENTS

(21) FIG. 1 depicts in a schematic representation a laundry dryer 2 which in this embodiment is a heat pump tumble dryer. The tumble dryer 2 comprises a heat pump system 4, including in a closed refrigerant loop 6 in this order of refrigerant flow B: a first heat exchanger 10 acting as evaporator for evaporating the refrigerant R and cooling process air A, a compressor 14, a second heat exchanger 12 acting as condenser for cooling the refrigerant R and heating the process air, and an expansion device 16 from where the refrigerant R is returned to the first heat exchanger 10. Together with the refrigerant pipes connecting the components of the heat pump system 4 in series, the heat pump system 4 forms a refrigerant loop 6 through which the refrigerant R is circulated by the compressor 14 as indicated by arrow B. If the refrigerant R in the heat pump system 4 is operated in the transcritical or totally supercritical state, the first and second heat exchanger 10, 12 can act as gas heater and gas cooler, respectively.

(22) The expansion device 16 is a controllable valve that operates under the control of a control unit 9 (FIG. 2) of the dryer to adapt the flow resistance for the refrigerant R in dependency of operating states of the heat pump system 4. Alternatively the expansion device may be a fixed cross-section valve or capillary tube.

(23) The process air flow A within the treatment apparatus 2 is guided through a compartment 18 of the treatment apparatus 2, i.e. through a compartment 18 for receiving articles to be treated, e.g. a drum 18, which may be rotated by means of a drum motor 17. The articles to be treated are textiles, laundry 19, clothes, shoes or the like. In the embodiments described here these are preferably textiles, laundry or clothes. The process air flow is indicated by arrows A in FIG. 1 and is driven by a process air blower 8 or fan. The process air channel 20 guides the process air flow A outside the drum 18 and includes different sections, including the section forming the battery channel 20a in which the first and second heat exchangers 10, 12 are arranged. The process air exiting the second heat exchanger 12 flows into a rear channel 20b in which the process air blower 8 is arranged. The air conveyed by blower 8 is guided upward in a rising channel 20c to the backside of the drum 18. The air exiting the drum 18 through the drum outlet (which is the loading opening of the drum) is filtered by a fluff filter 22 arranged close to the drum outlet in or at the channel 20.

(24) When the heat pump system 4 is operating, the first heat exchanger 10 transfers heat from process air A to the refrigerant R. By cooling the process air to lower temperatures, humidity from the process air condenses at the first heat exchanger 10, is collected there and drained to a condensate collector 26, which is preferably arranged below the heat exchangers 10, 12. The process air which is cooled and dehumidified after passing the first heat exchanger 10 passes subsequently through the second heat exchanger 12 where heat is transferred from the refrigerant R to the process air. The process air is sucked from exchanger 12 by the blower 8 and is driven into the drum 18 where it heats up the laundry 19 and receives the humidity therefrom. The process air exits the drum 18 and is guided in front channel 20d back to the first heat exchanger 10. The main components of the heat pump system 4 are arranged in a base section 5 or basement of the dryer 2.

(25) A cooling air blower 24 or fan unit controlled by the control unit 9 of the dryer 2 may be arranged close to the compressor 14 to remove heat from the compressor 14, i.e. from the heat pump system 4, during a drying operation. The cooling air flow, which is an ambient air flow in the embodiments, is actively driven by the cooling air blower 24 and is taking heat from (the surface of) the compressor 14. By transferring heat from the compressor 14, during a normal operation mode of the heat pump system 4 (following to its warm-up phase), thermodynamic balance is achieved between the closed loops of the process air loop and refrigerant loop 6.

(26) As schematically shown in FIG. 1 and in more detail in FIG. 3, during dryer operation condensate is collected in the condensate collector 26 or basement tank below the heat exchangers 10, 12. By means of a drain pump 42 and drain pipe 41 collected condensate is pumped to a condensate reservoir 28, which is arranged drawer-like in a reservoir compartment 30 at an upper portion of the dryer casing 3. A front 27 or front panel of the reservoir drawer 28 is shown in FIG. 4 having a handle for user inserting and pulling-out operation. The reservoir 28 comprises an outlet 29 which is fluidly connected to a supply line 32 or inlet of the supply line 32 when the reservoir 28 is inserted into the reservoir compartment 30. In particular the reservoir comprises a closing element 48 or valve, which is adapted to be opened by an actuating element 54 of the reservoir compartment 30 when the reservoir 28 is inserted into the compartment 30. When the reservoir 28 is inserted in its operating position within the compartment 30, the reservoir outlet 29 is permanently open. Additionally or alternatively the actuating element or part thereof may be provided at the reservoir 28. In FIG. 3 the outlet 29 and closing element 48 are exemplary depicted at a bottom or base of the reservoir 28. Alternatively the outlet 29 may be arranged at a rear portion of the reservoir 28.

(27) As schematically shown in FIG. 3, a rinsing or flushing pump 44 which is controlled by the control unit 9 is adapted to pump condensate via the supply line 32 from the reservoir 28 to the first heat exchanger 10 or optionally to a filter element 40 (FIG. 1) upstream the first heat exchanger 10 to rinse or wash the respective component. By means of the supplied liquid collected fluff is washed off a (front) surface of the heat exchanger 10 or the filter element 40.

(28) The rinsed off fluff and rinsing liquid is collected in the condensate collector 26 arranged below the heat exchangers 10, 12. Controlled by the control unit 9 a drain pump 42 pumps the collected liquid via a drain pipe 41 back to the reservoir 28. For example a liquid level sensor (not depicted) may be provided which is adapted to provide a signal to the control unit when a threshold value of a liquid level in the collector 26 is reached, then the control unit 9 may activate the drain pump 42.

(29) To remove fluff from the liquid, one or more fluff filter(s) 70a-e or filter elements may be provided (FIG. 3). For example a fluff filter 70a may be arranged at an inlet of the reservoir 28, such that only filtered liquid enters the reservoir 28. Additionally or alternatively a fluff filter 70b may be arranged at the reservoir outlet 29, such that fluff is filtered from the liquid before the liquid passes the flushing pump 44. A fluff filter 70c may be arranged at any portion of the supply line 32, wherein it is advantageous to place the fluff filter 70c such that it is conveniently accessible from a front or top portion of the dryer casing 3 for cleaning. Further, a fluff filter 70d or 70e may be arranged upstream the drain pump 42, e.g. in the collector 26, such that liquid is filtered before it enters the drain pump 42, which improves the performance of the pump 42.

(30) As schematically depicted in FIG. 3, the supply line 32 comprises a siphon formed by a rising portion 34, a communicating portion 36 and a descending portion 38. In the following an exemplary rinsing or cleaning operation is described.

(31) When the dryer 2 starts operating condensate is generated at the first heat exchanger 10 as described above. The condensed liquid is collected in the condensate collector 26 and subsequently pumped by means of drain pump 42 and drain pipe 41 into the reservoir 28.

(32) For example the drain pump 42 may be operated in dependency of a signal of a liquid level sensor arranged in the condensate collector 26 as described above. E.g. the drain pump 42 may be repeatedly switched on and off in dependency of the water level in the collector 26.

(33) The reservoir 28 comprises a first compartment 62 (rinsing or flushing volume) and a second compartment 64 (retaining volume) which are divided by a separation wall 66 comprising small liquid passages 68a-c (FIG. 13c). The liquid from the collector 26 is supplied to the first compartment 62. The reservoir inlet or the outlet of the drain pipe 41 is arranged such that liquid is fed into the first compartment 62. When not operated the flushing pump 44 allows liquid to freely flow through the pump 44 in a forward or in a reverse conveying direction when the pump is switched-off. As the reservoir outlet 29 is permanently open, the supply line 32 is filled up until the liquid level in the supply line 32 (comprising the rising portion 34) corresponds to the liquid level in the first compartment 62. I.e. the supply line 32 and reservoir 28 form communicating pipes in this way. As the supply line 32, in particular the communicating portion 36 thereof, is arranged higher than the maximum liquid level of the reservoir 28, the siphon structure of the supply line 32 prevents that the reservoir 28 is unintentionally emptied, i.e. it is prevented that a rinsing operation starts unintentionally when the pump is not operated.

(34) When the liquid level in the first compartment 62 exceeds the height of the separation wall 66, liquid flows over the separation wall 66 and fills the second compartment 64. Additionally liquid flows via liquid passages 68a-c from the first compartment 62 to the second compartment 64 with a lower flow rate as compared to an overflow rate over the separation wall and/or the conveyance flow rate of pump 44.

(35) In another embodiment (not shown), the separation wall 66, which is aligned vertically in the above embodiment, may be replaced by a separation wall that is oriented horizontally, is oriented inclined or is oriented partially vertical, inclined and/or horizontal. Note: All orientation relate to the operational positioning of the laundry dryer. Thus the first and second compartments may not necessarily be arranged side by side but can be arranged above each other or partially side by side and partially above each other. In any case the one or more liquid passages 68a-c are provided at a lower part of the separation wall such that a controlled low flow rate of liquid can flow from the second to the first compartment in case of liquid level difference. An overflow between the first and second compartment may also be provided. If the condensate flowing into the condensate reservoir is first supplied to the second compartment, it can flow to the first compartment through the liquid passage(s) (and possibly via the overflow therebetween). The above and below respectively applies to such another embodiment.

(36) To start a rinsing operation, e.g. after a predetermined operation time of a drying program has elapsed or after the end of a drying cycle, the flushing pump 44 is activated via the control unit 9. The flushing pump 44 pumps liquid from the reservoir 28 via the supply line 32 to an outlet of the supply line, in particular to a flushing duct 58 which comprises a nozzle 57 arranged such that e.g. the heat exchanger 10 front surface is rinsed by the supplied liquid. The supply line 32 may be attached to the duct 58 and nozzle 57 such that the supply line 32 is fluidly connected to the duct 58 and nozzle. Alternatively the outlet of the supply line may be arranged such that supplied liquid is directly supplied to the component of the dryer 2 to be cleaned.

(37) When the first compartment 62 is empty, i.e. all liquid stored therein has been supplied to the component to be cleaned, and the flushing pump 44 continues to operate, the pump 44 starts to pump air from the empty compartment 62 into the supply line 32 until the air reaches the communicating portion 36, whereby the siphon-effect is eliminated. Depending on pump operation conditions and when pump 44 is stopped, liquid draining in the descending portion 38 results in air entering through nozzle 57 or outlet which rises to the communicating portion 36 thereby also interrupting the siphon effect. The supply line 32 or the liquid supply system is again in its initial condition, where liquid can be supplied into the first compartment (from the condensate collector 26 or the second compartment 64) while the communicating portion 36 arranged above the highest reservoir liquid level prevents an unintentional emptying of the reservoir 28.

(38) The rinsing liquid with the washed off fluff is collected in the condensate collector 26 after the rinsing operation. For removing the (dirty) liquid from the dryer 2, the collected liquid may be pumped via drain pump 42 back into the first compartment, basically as described above. The user may extract the reservoir 28 from the reservoir compartment 30 to empty the reservoir 28.

(39) When a user extracts or pulls out the reservoir 28, the reservoir outlet 29 is closed by the closing element 48 or valve, such that the collected liquid is retained in the reservoir 28. Alternatively an additional drain outlet (not depicted) is fluidly connected via a valve to the drain pipe 41, whereby the collected dirty rinsing liquid may be directly drained from the dryer 2 by means of the drain pump 42.

(40) The reservoir compartment 30 comprises an outlet 31 such that when liquid spills during removal of the reservoir 20 or when the reservoir 28 is overflowing, liquid enters the reservoir compartment 30 and is drained through outlet 31. The outlet 31 is connected via a drain pipe 46 to the condensate collector 26. The outlet 31 is permanently open and spilled liquid is immediately discharged to the condensate collector 26.

(41) As described above, liquid from the second compartment 64 may flow to the first compartment 62 via the liquid passage 68a-c. The liquid passage 68a-c is arranged close to a base or bottom of the reservoir 28. When the liquid level of the second compartment 64 is low, it is provided that liquid flows with a low flow rate towards the (empty) first compartment 62 until the liquid levels in first and second compartment 62, 64 are leveled out. The cross-section of the liquid passage 68a-c is small, such that during emptying the first compartment 62 by means of the flushing pump 44 little or almost no liquid flows from the second compartment 64 to the first compartment 62. However, after a pause period following to a first pump/flushing operation, for example a second rinsing operation may be executed, wherein the liquid slowly flown from the second compartment 64 to the first compartment 62 may be used as rinsing liquid as described above.

(42) In the following different embodiments of a laundry dryer are described. Elements and features corresponding to the above schematically depicted dryer 2 of FIGS. 1 to 3 are marked with corresponding reference signs. Unless otherwise mentioned, the elements, features and functions of the below described embodiments correspond to the above described elements, features and functions.

(43) FIG. 4 shows a front view of a dryer 2 comprising an input panel 7 for user input and an outer casing 3 or housing having a loading door 15 for loading laundry to be dried into the drum 18 arranged in the casing 3. FIGS. 5a-b show perspective rear views of the dryer of FIG. 3, wherein the top and side portions of the casing 3 are removed to show the arrangement of dryer components.

(44) The reservoir compartment 30 is arranged at a top portion of the dryer 2, wherein the extractable reservoir 28 is inserted into the compartment 30. At the rear of the compartment 30 the supply line 32 can be seen which runs from the reservoir 28 or compartment 30 down to the flushing pump 44. From the flushing pump 44 the rising portion 34 of the supply line is guided back up. The communicating portion 36 of the supply line is arranged above a highest liquid level of the reservoir 28 as described above and is formed in a space-saving manner as a flat pipe. The descending portion 38 of the supply line 32 is guided downwards towards the flushing duct 58 which is arranged on top of the battery channel 20a which houses the first and second heat exchanger 10, 12.

(45) The drain pump 42 is arranged at a bottom rear portion of the base section 5 of the dryer. The drain pump 42 pumps liquid from the condensate collector 26 (FIGS. 6b-c) to the reservoir 28 as described above.

(46) FIGS. 6a-c show a side view and sectional side views of the dryer of FIG. 3. FIG. 6a shows a side view of the dryer 2, wherein the side cover or casing 3 is removed. FIGS. 6b and 6c show sectional side views of the dryer 2. FIG. 6b shows a sectional side view in the plane of the reservoir outlet 29 and FIG. 6c a sectional side view in a plane of the descending portion 38 of the supply line 32.

(47) When the reservoir 28 is inserted, the reservoir outlet 29 (i.e. the closing element 48) is permanently opened as described above. In particular the coupling arrangement 54 comprises an actuating element in form of a protruding bolt or pin which opens the closing element 48 by pushing it open when inserting the reservoir 28 into the reservoir compartment 30.

(48) As shown in FIG. 6c, the descending portion 38 of the supply line 32 opens into the flushing duct 58 which is arranged on top of the battery channel 20a. The duct 58 comprises a nozzle 57, i.e. the supply line outlet, which is arranged above a front surface of the first heat exchanger 10. I.e. when liquid is supplied through the supply line 32, the front surface of the heat exchanger 10 is rinsed or washed as described above.

(49) The condensate collector 26 is arranged below the heat exchangers 10, 12 and extends to the back or rear of the dryer 2 where the drain pump 42 is arranged, which pumps the collected liquid back into the reservoir 28 as described above.

(50) FIG. 7 shows a top view and FIG. 8 a rear view of the dryer 2 of FIG. 3. In FIG. 8 the flow direction of the conveyed liquids during a rinsing operation are indicated by arrows. As shown in FIG. 7, the collector drain pipe 41 opens into the reservoir inlet which is arranged on top of the reservoir 28. The portion of the collector drain pipe 41 running across the rear of the dryer 2 has been omitted for clarity.

(51) FIG. 9 shows a perspective top view of the reservoir and reservoir compartment 30 of the dryer 2 of FIG. 3. In this embodiment portions of the supply line 32 are arranged at the rear of the compartment 30 in a space-saving manner. In particular the communication portion 36 is formed in one piece with a portion of the rising and descending portions 34, 38, wherein each end comprises a connecting socket or pipe socket for attaching thereto a (flexible) hose which forms the remaining part of the supply line 32.

(52) FIG. 10a shows a sectional top view of a portion of the condensate reservoir 28 and FIG. 10b shows a sectional top view of a portion of the reservoir 28 inserted into the reservoir compartment 30. In FIG. 10a the closing element 48 is closed as the reservoir 28 is removed from the compartment 30, i.e. the closing element 48 provides that collected liquid in the reservoir 28 is safely retained. The closing element 48 comprises a spring-biased lever 50 which pushes the closing element 48 against the inner wall of the reservoir 28.

(53) FIG. 10b shows the reservoir 28 when completely inserted in the reservoir compartment 30, i.e. the reservoir 28 is in its operating position. The coupling arrangement 54, here the protruding pin pushes the closing element 48 into the reservoir 28 such that the reservoir outlet 29 is opened and the reservoir 28 is fluidly connected to the supply line 32.

(54) Corresponding to FIGS. 10a-b, FIGS. 11a-b show sectional side views of the removable condensate reservoir 28 (FIG. 11a) and of the reservoir 28 inserted into the reservoir compartment 30 (FIG. 11b). In FIG. 11a an elastic sealing element 52 of the closing element 48 can be seen which abuts at a sealing surface of the reservoir 28 to provide a leak-proof seal when the reservoir 28 is pulled out of the compartment 30. In FIGS. 11a-b an elastic sealing element 53 is present which is provided to prevent leakage of water when the removable reservoir is in communication with the supply line housing 32.

(55) FIGS. 12a-b show a side view and a sectional side view of the reservoir compartment 30 with inserted condensate reservoir 28. In FIG. 12b the first and second compartments 62, 64 are shown with the separating wall 66 between them. The separating wall 66 comprises the liquid passage 68a-c in form of several pinholes (FIG. 13c) close to the bottom of the reservoir 28. Further a filter element 70a is arranged at the inlet of the reservoir 28, i.e. at the outlet of the collector drain pipe 41. Thus liquid is filtered before being collected in the reservoir 28. The filter element 70a which is associated to the reservoir 28 can be easily cleaned when the reservoir 28 is extracted from or pulled out of the compartment 30.

(56) FIGS. 13a-c show a rear view and sectional views of the reservoir 28 and reservoir compartment 30. FIG. 13a shows a rear view of the compartment with the supply line 32 arrangement attached thereto. In FIG. 13b the supply line 32 arrangement is omitted, such that the position of the inserted reservoir 28 can be seen. FIG. 13c is a sectional front view which shows the separating wall 66 and the pinholes forming the liquid passage 68a-c between the first and second compartment 62, 64 as described above.

(57) FIGS. 14a-b show a sectional side view and detail of the reservoir 28 and reservoir compartment 30 in the plane of the outlet 31 of the compartment 30. It can be seen that the outlet 31 is formed as a pipe socket at the lowest portion of the compartment 30 which is permanently open. I.e. it is provided that any spilled liquid is immediately drained from the compartment 30 via outlet 31 and drain pipe 46 into the condensate collector 26 as described above.

(58) FIGS. 15a-c show a side view, a perspective view and a rear view of the dryer 2 of FIG. 3, wherein the supply line 32 is omitted to illustrate the arrangement of the drain pipe 46 connecting the compartment 30 to the condensate collector 26. The compartment drain pipe 46 is connecting the reservoir compartment outlet 31 (FIG. 14b) to the condensate collector 26, wherein the drain pipe 46 is guided vertically or essentially vertically downwards from the outlet 31 towards the condensate collector 26. I.e. liquid is guided by means of gravity in the shortest (and fastest) possible way into the collector 26, wherein due to the vertically arranged drain pipe 46 and therefore high flow rates the risk of clogging the drain pipe 46 is reduced.

(59) FIGS. 16a-b show a perspective rear view and a detail of a dryer 2 according to a further embodiment. Unless otherwise mentioned, elements, features and functions of the dryer 2 correspond the elements, features and functions of the dryer 2 described above.

(60) In contrast to the above described dryer 2, the dryer 2 of FIG. 16 comprises a flushing pump 44 which is arranged behind the backside or rear of the compartment 30. In particular the outlet 29 of the reservoir 30 is directly connected to the flushing pump 44 with a minimum of supply line 32 or pipe inbetween. In this embodiment the supply line 32 is considerably shorter than in the embodiment above. Due to shorter supply line 32 or pipes the pressure drop during the operation of the flushing pump 44 is reduced. Further, less liquid remains in the dryer after a drying cycle, as the rising portion 34 of the supply line 32 is much shorter than in the above embodiment. The flushing pump 44 is supported by a supporting structure 74 which is arranged here at the rear side wall or region of the reservoir compartment 30.

(61) FIGS. 17a-d show perspective views and sectional side views of an alternative coupling arrangement 54 for a condensate reservoir 28. The condensate reservoir 28 and its coupling to the supply line 32 as described in the following may be implemented in any of above described embodiments of dryers 2, 2. In FIGS. 17a-d the reservoir compartment for housing the reservoir 28 is not depicted. Unless otherwise mentioned the elements, features and components of the above described reservoir 28 and compartment 30 may be implemented in the below described embodiment of the reservoir 28. For example the reservoir inlet or compartment outlet 31 may be implemented in the below described reservoir 28 and corresponding compartment.

(62) FIG. 17a shows a perspective view of a detail of the reservoir 28 with a closing element or valve 48 in a closed state and FIG. 17b shows a sectional view of the detail. The valve 48 comprises a (stationary) valve body 82 which is connected or fixed to the reservoir 28 or main body of the reservoir 28, wherein locking hooks 98a-b are provided which are formed integrally with the valve body 82. Within the valve body 82, in particular in a body pipe section 94 of the valve body 82, a moveable valve element 80 is guided. The valve element 80 comprises an element pipe section 96 which is guided by the valve body 82, i.e. the body pipe section 94 of the valve body 82. An outer surface of the element pipe section 96 is guided on or slides along an inner surface of the body pipe section 94, e.g. when the valve element 80 is pushed into the valve body 82 when inserting the reservoir 28 into the compartment 30. The valve element 80 comprises a hollow profile portion, in particular a hollow profile end portion which faces into the reservoir 28. The hollow profile portion comprises four passages 92a-c (only three visible in FIG. 17b) through which the reservoir 28 is filled and emptied, i.e. through which the condensate flows when the reservoir 28 is inserted in the dryer 2, 2 and the condensate is discharged after extracting the reservoir 28 from the dryer 2, 2.

(63) The valve 48 comprises several gaskets 90a-c in form of O-rings. Gasket 90c is arranged on the moveable valve element 80 and provides a tight sealing between a first sealing surface 84 (FIG. 17d) of the valve body 82 and a second sealing surface 86 of the valve element 80. A spring element 88 (FIG. 17c) provides that the valve element 80 and the valve body 82, i.e. the respective sealing surfaces 84, 86, are pressed tightly together when the reservoir 28 is extracted from the dryer 2, 2 or reservoir compartment, such that the valve is in the closed state and stored condensate cannot be spilled accidentally.

(64) FIG. 17c shows a cross-sectional side view of the reservoir 28 before coupling the reservoir 28 to a coupling arrangement 54 attached to the supply line 32 or supply line inlet 56. The spring element 88 pushes the valve element 80, i.e. the second sealing surface 86, against the first sealing surface 84 of the valve body 82, such that the valve 48 is in the closed state. The (open) end of the moveable valve element 80 facing the outside of the reservoir 28 has a maximum outlet diameter d. When actuating the valve 48, the valve element 80 is pushed along the valve axis into the (stationary) part of the valve 48, i.e. the valve body 82. An actuation length of the valve element 80, i.e. the length the valve element 80 that has to be moved from the closed valve state to the (completely) open valve state, is in the range of 5 mm to 15 mm. In particular the valve 48 is (completely) open when the complete cross-section of all passages 92a-c is exposed to the inner volume of the reservoir 28.

(65) FIG. 17d shows a cross-sectional side view of the reservoir 28 after coupling the reservoir 28 to the coupling arrangement 54 arranged at the supply line inlet 56, i.e. after fully inserting the reservoir 28 in its compartment. The valve 48 is actuated, i.e. the valve element 80 is pushed into the valve body 82 such that the passages 92a-c are exposed to the interior of the reservoir 28, i.e. the valve is in the open state. In particular the actuation length of the valve element 80 is selected such that at the end of the actuation movement the passages 92a-c are fully exposed.

(66) In particular the sum of the cross-sections of all passages 92a-c is equal to or approximately equal to the cross-section of the maximum axial opening of the valve element 80. Thus a free flow of water through the valve 48 during discharging the reservoir 28 is provided. The water flow through the valve 48 is not or is essentially not constricted. For manually draining the reservoir 28, the reservoir 28 is extracted from its compartment, whereby the valve 48 is closed. Then the valve 48 may be opened by pushing it by hand or by pushing it against a surface, such that the collected liquid may be drained through the opened valve 48. By providing several passages 92a-c through the valve element profile section the counter-flow of air during discharging the reservoir 28 is facilitated, whereby the discharging time for the reservoir 28 is reduced.

(67) TABLE-US-00001 Reference Numeral List 2, 2 heat pump tumble dryer 3 casing/housing 4 heat pump system 5 base section 6 refrigerant loop 7 input panel 8 blower 9 control unit 10 first heat exchanger (evaporator) 12 second heat exchanger (condenser) 14 compressor 15 loading door 16 expansion device 17 drum motor 18 drum (laundry compartment) 19 laundry 20 process air channel 20a battery channel 20b rear channel 20c rising channel 20d front channel 22 fluff filter 24 cooling air blower unit 26 condensate collector/basement tank 27 condensate reservoir front 28, 28 condensate reservoir/drawer 29 reservoir outlet 30 reservoir compartment 31 reservoir compartment outlet/pipe socket 32, 32 supply line 34, 34 rising portion 36 communicating portion 38 descending portion 40 filter element 41 drain pipe (condensate collector) 42 drain pump 44, 44 rinsing/flushing pump 46 drain pipe (reservoir compartment) 48, 48 closing element/valve 50 spring lever 52 elastic sealing element 53 elastic sealing element on removable reservoir 54, 54 coupling arrangement/actuating element 56 supply line inlet/stub 57 supply line outlet/nozzle 58 flushing duct 60 rear wall/rear frame 62 first compartment 64 second compartment 66 separation wall 68a-c liquid passage/pin hole 70a-e filter element 74 supporting structure (flushing pump) 80 movable valve element 82 valve body 84 first sealing surface 86 second sealing surface 88 spring element 90a-c gasket 92a-c passage 94 body pipe section 96 element pipe section 98a-b locking hook A process air flow B refrigerant flow R refrigerant