EP3618681B1 - A household appliance comprising a heat pump - Google Patents

A household appliance comprising a heat pump Download PDF

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Publication number
EP3618681B1
EP3618681B1 EP18718438.7A EP18718438A EP3618681B1 EP 3618681 B1 EP3618681 B1 EP 3618681B1 EP 18718438 A EP18718438 A EP 18718438A EP 3618681 B1 EP3618681 B1 EP 3618681B1
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EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
refrigerant
electric heater
household appliance
condenser
drying
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Active
Application number
EP18718438.7A
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
Other versions
EP3618681A1 (en
Inventor
Mehmet Inan
Bora Abdik
Fatih OZDEMIR
Selcuk KARAGOZ
Guven Ertas
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Arcelik AS
Original Assignee
Arcelik AS
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Filing date
Publication date
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Publication of EP3618681A1 publication Critical patent/EP3618681A1/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP3618681B1 publication Critical patent/EP3618681B1/en
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Classifications

    • D—TEXTILES; PAPER
    • D06—TREATMENT OF TEXTILES OR THE LIKE; LAUNDERING; FLEXIBLE MATERIALS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • D06F—LAUNDERING, DRYING, IRONING, PRESSING OR FOLDING TEXTILE ARTICLES
    • D06F58/00—Domestic laundry dryers
    • D06F58/20—General details of domestic laundry dryers 
    • D06F58/206—Heat pump arrangements
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F28—HEAT EXCHANGE IN GENERAL
    • F28D—HEAT-EXCHANGE APPARATUS, NOT PROVIDED FOR IN ANOTHER SUBCLASS, IN WHICH THE HEAT-EXCHANGE MEDIA DO NOT COME INTO DIRECT CONTACT
    • F28D1/00—Heat-exchange apparatus having stationary conduit assemblies for one heat-exchange medium only, the media being in contact with different sides of the conduit wall, in which the other heat-exchange medium is a large body of fluid, e.g. domestic or motor car radiators
    • F28D1/02—Heat-exchange apparatus having stationary conduit assemblies for one heat-exchange medium only, the media being in contact with different sides of the conduit wall, in which the other heat-exchange medium is a large body of fluid, e.g. domestic or motor car radiators with heat-exchange conduits immersed in the body of fluid
    • F28D1/04—Heat-exchange apparatus having stationary conduit assemblies for one heat-exchange medium only, the media being in contact with different sides of the conduit wall, in which the other heat-exchange medium is a large body of fluid, e.g. domestic or motor car radiators with heat-exchange conduits immersed in the body of fluid with tubular conduits
    • F28D1/047—Heat-exchange apparatus having stationary conduit assemblies for one heat-exchange medium only, the media being in contact with different sides of the conduit wall, in which the other heat-exchange medium is a large body of fluid, e.g. domestic or motor car radiators with heat-exchange conduits immersed in the body of fluid with tubular conduits the conduits being bent, e.g. in a serpentine or zig-zag
    • F28D1/0477—Heat-exchange apparatus having stationary conduit assemblies for one heat-exchange medium only, the media being in contact with different sides of the conduit wall, in which the other heat-exchange medium is a large body of fluid, e.g. domestic or motor car radiators with heat-exchange conduits immersed in the body of fluid with tubular conduits the conduits being bent, e.g. in a serpentine or zig-zag the conduits being bent in a serpentine or zig-zag
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F28—HEAT EXCHANGE IN GENERAL
    • F28D—HEAT-EXCHANGE APPARATUS, NOT PROVIDED FOR IN ANOTHER SUBCLASS, IN WHICH THE HEAT-EXCHANGE MEDIA DO NOT COME INTO DIRECT CONTACT
    • F28D1/00—Heat-exchange apparatus having stationary conduit assemblies for one heat-exchange medium only, the media being in contact with different sides of the conduit wall, in which the other heat-exchange medium is a large body of fluid, e.g. domestic or motor car radiators
    • F28D1/02—Heat-exchange apparatus having stationary conduit assemblies for one heat-exchange medium only, the media being in contact with different sides of the conduit wall, in which the other heat-exchange medium is a large body of fluid, e.g. domestic or motor car radiators with heat-exchange conduits immersed in the body of fluid
    • F28D1/04—Heat-exchange apparatus having stationary conduit assemblies for one heat-exchange medium only, the media being in contact with different sides of the conduit wall, in which the other heat-exchange medium is a large body of fluid, e.g. domestic or motor car radiators with heat-exchange conduits immersed in the body of fluid with tubular conduits
    • F28D1/053—Heat-exchange apparatus having stationary conduit assemblies for one heat-exchange medium only, the media being in contact with different sides of the conduit wall, in which the other heat-exchange medium is a large body of fluid, e.g. domestic or motor car radiators with heat-exchange conduits immersed in the body of fluid with tubular conduits the conduits being straight
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F28—HEAT EXCHANGE IN GENERAL
    • F28D—HEAT-EXCHANGE APPARATUS, NOT PROVIDED FOR IN ANOTHER SUBCLASS, IN WHICH THE HEAT-EXCHANGE MEDIA DO NOT COME INTO DIRECT CONTACT
    • F28D7/00—Heat-exchange apparatus having stationary tubular conduit assemblies for both heat-exchange media, the media being in contact with different sides of a conduit wall
    • F28D7/10—Heat-exchange apparatus having stationary tubular conduit assemblies for both heat-exchange media, the media being in contact with different sides of a conduit wall the conduits being arranged one within the other, e.g. concentrically
    • F28D7/106—Heat-exchange apparatus having stationary tubular conduit assemblies for both heat-exchange media, the media being in contact with different sides of a conduit wall the conduits being arranged one within the other, e.g. concentrically consisting of two coaxial conduits or modules of two coaxial conduits
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F28—HEAT EXCHANGE IN GENERAL
    • F28D—HEAT-EXCHANGE APPARATUS, NOT PROVIDED FOR IN ANOTHER SUBCLASS, IN WHICH THE HEAT-EXCHANGE MEDIA DO NOT COME INTO DIRECT CONTACT
    • F28D7/00—Heat-exchange apparatus having stationary tubular conduit assemblies for both heat-exchange media, the media being in contact with different sides of a conduit wall
    • F28D7/10—Heat-exchange apparatus having stationary tubular conduit assemblies for both heat-exchange media, the media being in contact with different sides of a conduit wall the conduits being arranged one within the other, e.g. concentrically
    • F28D7/14—Heat-exchange apparatus having stationary tubular conduit assemblies for both heat-exchange media, the media being in contact with different sides of a conduit wall the conduits being arranged one within the other, e.g. concentrically both tubes being bent
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F28—HEAT EXCHANGE IN GENERAL
    • F28F—DETAILS OF HEAT-EXCHANGE AND HEAT-TRANSFER APPARATUS, OF GENERAL APPLICATION
    • F28F1/00—Tubular elements; Assemblies of tubular elements
    • F28F1/10—Tubular elements and assemblies thereof with means for increasing heat-transfer area, e.g. with fins, with projections, with recesses
    • F28F1/12—Tubular elements and assemblies thereof with means for increasing heat-transfer area, e.g. with fins, with projections, with recesses the means being only outside the tubular element
    • F28F1/24—Tubular elements and assemblies thereof with means for increasing heat-transfer area, e.g. with fins, with projections, with recesses the means being only outside the tubular element and extending transversely
    • F28F1/32—Tubular elements and assemblies thereof with means for increasing heat-transfer area, e.g. with fins, with projections, with recesses the means being only outside the tubular element and extending transversely the means having portions engaging further tubular elements
    • F28F1/325—Fins with openings
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47L—DOMESTIC WASHING OR CLEANING; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47L15/00—Washing or rinsing machines for crockery or tableware
    • A47L15/42—Details
    • A47L15/48—Drying arrangements
    • A47L15/483—Drying arrangements by using condensers
    • D—TEXTILES; PAPER
    • D06—TREATMENT OF TEXTILES OR THE LIKE; LAUNDERING; FLEXIBLE MATERIALS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • D06F—LAUNDERING, DRYING, IRONING, PRESSING OR FOLDING TEXTILE ARTICLES
    • D06F25/00—Washing machines with receptacles, e.g. perforated, having a rotary movement, e.g. oscillatory movement, the receptacle serving both for washing and for centrifugally separating water from the laundry and having further drying means, e.g. using hot air 
    • D—TEXTILES; PAPER
    • D06—TREATMENT OF TEXTILES OR THE LIKE; LAUNDERING; FLEXIBLE MATERIALS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • D06F—LAUNDERING, DRYING, IRONING, PRESSING OR FOLDING TEXTILE ARTICLES
    • D06F37/00—Details specific to washing machines covered by groups D06F21/00 - D06F25/00
    • D06F37/42—Safety arrangements, e.g. for stopping rotation of the receptacle upon opening of the casing door

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a heat pump household appliance wherein the drying process is realized.
  • the drying process is realized by passing the drying air over the items placed in the drying chamber.
  • heat pump drying systems are preferred as the latter generally consumes less energy than the drying systems wherein electric heaters are used for heating the drying air.
  • the heat pump comprises a compressor and an evaporator that provide the circulation of the refrigerant by pressurizing the same, and a condenser.
  • the evaporator in the heat pump collects the moisture in the drying air and the condenser functions as the heater by enabling the drying air to be heated.
  • the aim of the present invention is the realization of a heat pump household appliance wherein the drying air is efFectively heated without adversely affecting the flow rate thereof.
  • a heat pump household appliance wherein the drying process is realized, and comprises a drying chamber wherein the items to be dried are placed; an air duct that enables the drying air to be circulated; an evaporator for retaining the moisture in the drying air circulated in the air duct; a condenser that enables the drying air to be heated, and a compressor that enables the refrigerant to be sucked and pumped.
  • the compressor, the condenser and the evaporator are fluidly connected to each other via delivery pipes.
  • the refrigerant that is pressurized and heated in the compressor is transferred to the condenser by means of a delivery pipe and passed through the refrigerant tubes of the condenser.
  • the refrigerant increases the temperature of the surfaces of the condenser in contact with the drying air and thus, the drying air is heated by the condenser.
  • the pressure and temperature of the refrigerant leaving the condenser is decreased and the refrigerant is enabled to absorb heat from the drying air while passing through the evaporator.
  • the drying air leaves its moisture on the evaporator.
  • the refrigerant leaving the evaporator is transferred back to the compressor by means of a delivery pipe and this cycle is repeated throughout the drying process.
  • the household appliance of the present invention comprises at least one tube-shaped electric heater that is arranged on and wound around the delivery pipe extending between the compressor and the condenser or that is placed in the refrigerant tube of the condenser so as to enable the refrigerant to be heated to
  • the electric heater is produced as a narrow and long tube.
  • the electric heater extends in the refrigerant tube of the condenser or on the delivery pipes outside the air duct so as not to create resistance against the drying air flowing in the air duct.
  • the electric heater enables the amount of the heat transferred by the refrigerant to the surface of the condenser to be increased.
  • the drying air can be efFectively heated without any flow rate loss and without the need for increasing the temperature of the electric heater to higher values.
  • the time spent at the beginning of the drying process for the heat pump system to quickly reach the thermal equilibrium and operate with maximum efficiency is saved, and the hot drying air is enabled to be delivered onto the laundry in the drying chamber at a higher speed.
  • the electric heater extends along the entire length of the refrigerant tube.
  • the tube-shaped electric heater has a length almost equal to that of the refrigerant tube and is placed in the refrigerant tube so as to extend in the refrigerant tube.
  • the electric heater is attached onto at least one delivery pipe.
  • the tube-shaped electric heater is simply placed on the outer surface of the delivery pipe and the refrigerant passed through the delivery pipe is enabled to be heated.
  • the ease of assembly is provided and the electric heater can be integrated to all conventional heat pump systems with different volumes and structural characteristics.
  • the electric heater is wound around the delivery pipe.
  • the total length of the tube-shaped electric heater is increased and a sufficient amount of heat can be transferred to the refrigerant especially in smaller heat pump systems.
  • the efficiency of the heat pump is increased by heating the refrigerant.
  • the drying air can be efFectively heated without placing a heater reaching high temperatures into the air duct. Consequently, safety hazards that may be caused by the overheating of the heater and the pressure loss that may occur in the drying air while being passed over the heater are prevented in a simple and cost-effective manner.
  • the household appliance (1) comprises a body (2); a drying chamber (3) arranged in the body (2) and wherein the drying process is realized; an air duct (4) that is connected to the drying chamber (3) and that enables the drying air to be circulated, and a heat pump (11) that has a compressor (5) enabling the refrigerant to be sucked and pumped, an evaporator (6) enabling the moisture in the drying air in the air duct (4) to be removed, a condenser (7) enabling the dehumidified drying air to be heated, with at least one serpentine shaped refrigerant tube (9) through which the refrigerant is circulated, and delivery pipes (8) through which the refrigerant is circulated and that enables the compressor (5), the evaporator (6) and the condenser (7) to be fluidly connected to each other.
  • the refrigerant leaving the compressor (5) with increased pressure and temperature reaches the condenser (7) via the delivery pipe (8) and enables the surface temperature of the condenser (7) to be increased while passing through the refrigerant tube (9) of the condenser (7).
  • the pressure and the temperature of the refrigerant exiting the condenser (7) are decreased and thus, the refrigerant passed over the evaporator (6) absorbs heat from the drying air and enables the drying air to be condensed.
  • the refrigerant leaving the evaporator (6) is sent back to the compressor (5) by means of the delivery pipe (8) and this cycle in the heat pump (11) is repeated throughout the drying process.
  • the household appliance (1) of the present invention comprises at least one tube-shaped electric heater (10) that is placed on the delivery pipe (8) and/or in the refrigerant tube (9) so as to enable the refrigerant to be heated.
  • the electric heater (10) is of resistance type, comprising an electric cable (12) that heats up over which electric current is passed and a heater tube (13) through which the electric cable (12) is passed.
  • the electric heater (10) is attached to the delivery pipe (8) outside the air duct (4) or arranged in the refrigerant tube (9) of the condenser (7) so as to enable the refrigerant in the heat pump (11) to be heated without contacting the drying air that flows in the air duct (4).
  • the electric heater (10) is operated intermittently during the drying process so as to enable the temperature of the refrigerant to be kept at high levels.
  • the surface temperature of the condenser (7) is increased by means of the refrigerant heated by the electric heater (10) and the temperature of the drying air passed over the condenser (7) is enabled to quickly and effectively reach high levels. Consequently, the drying air is enabled to be heated in the air duct (4) without any flow rate loss and passed over the laundry in the drying chamber (3) at high speed. Thus, the drying performance is improved.
  • the electric heater (10) extends in the refrigerant tube (9) almost along the entire length of the refrigerant tube (9).
  • the electric heater (10) has a serpentine form that matches the refrigerant tube (9) of the condenser (7) and extends along the entire length the refrigerant tube (9) immersed in the refrigerant.
  • the ends of the electric heater (10) are positioned outside the refrigerant tube (9) so as to provide electrical connection.
  • the electric heater (10) extends along the entire length of the refrigerant tube (9), the volume occupied by the electric heater (10) in the refrigerant tube (9) is increased and thus, the amount of refrigerant circulated in the heat pump (11) is decreased in proportion to the volume occupied by the electric heater (10) in the refrigerant tube (9).
  • This embodiment is advantageous in cases where the amount of refrigerant in the heat pump (11) must be kept below a certain level in line with safety standards and enables the amount of the refrigerant to be decreased and the refrigerant to be heated in an efficient and effective manner.
  • the electric heater (10) extends on the outer surface of the delivery pipe (8).
  • the delivery pipes (8) are produced from metals such as copper and aluminum or metal alloys with high thermal conductivity.
  • the electric heater (10) is helically wound around the delivery pipe (8).
  • the tube-shaped electric heater (10) is wound around the outer surface of the delivery pipe (8) so as to surround the delivery pipe (8).
  • the contact surface between the electric heater (10) and the delivery pipe (8) as well as the amount of heat transferred to the refrigerant is increased.
  • the refrigerant is enabled to be heated quickly and effectively.
  • the electric heater (10) is arranged on the delivery pipe (8) that extends between the compressor (5) and the condenser (7).
  • the electric heater (10) is wound around the delivery pipe (8) that enables the refrigerant pumped by the compressor (5) to be transferred to the condenser (7).
  • the refrigerant is enabled to reach high temperatures before entering the refrigerant tube (9) of the condenser (7) and the amount of heat transferred by the refrigerant to the surface of the condenser (7) is effectively increased.
  • This embodiment is advantageous in that the electric heater (10) is easily arranged.
  • the electric heater (10) is arranged on the delivery pipe (8) that extends between the evaporator (6) and the compressor (5).
  • the electric heater (10) is wound around the delivery pipe (8) that enables the refrigerant passed over the evaporator (6) to be transferred to the compressor (5).
  • the temperature of the refrigerator starts to increase just after leaving the evaporator (6) and the maximum temperature value the refrigerant circulated in the heat pump (11) reaches is increased. Consequently, the efficiency of the heat pump (11) is further improved.
  • the outer surface of the electric heater (10) is covered with a fireproof material.
  • the heater tube (13) of the electric heater (10) is covered with a fireproof material.
  • the refrigerant tube (9) is produced from copper.
  • the surface of the condenser (7) is efFectively heated.
  • the household appliance (1) is a laundry drying machine and/or a laundry washing/drying machine.
  • the household appliance (1) is a dishwasher.
  • the drying air is enabled to be heated without being subject to an additional flow resistance in the air duct (4) and the drying air is enabled to be heated by the condenser (7) starting from the beginning of the drying process by quickly increasing the temperature of the refrigerant.
  • the drying performance of the household appliance (1) is improved in a simple and cost-effective manner.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Thermal Sciences (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Textile Engineering (AREA)
  • Geometry (AREA)
  • Detail Structures Of Washing Machines And Dryers (AREA)
  • Drying Of Solid Materials (AREA)

Description

  • The present invention relates to a heat pump household appliance wherein the drying process is realized.
  • In household appliances such as dishwashers, laundry washing machines and laundry washing/drying machines, the drying process is realized by passing the drying air over the items placed in the drying chamber. In this type of household appliances, heat pump drying systems are preferred as the latter generally consumes less energy than the drying systems wherein electric heaters are used for heating the drying air. The heat pump comprises a compressor and an evaporator that provide the circulation of the refrigerant by pressurizing the same, and a condenser. The evaporator in the heat pump collects the moisture in the drying air and the condenser functions as the heater by enabling the drying air to be heated. However, the heat pump drying systems heat up slower than the drying systems wherein electric heaters are used, thus causing the drying process to take more time and failing to reach high temperature values required for hygiene. In the state of the art, embodiments for increasing the drying performance of the heat pump drying systems wherein the condenser size is increased or an additional condenser is added to the heat pump system are known. However, considering the systemic difficulties resulting from the limited space in the body and the need for increasing the volume of the heat pump, these solutions cause difficulties in implementation and significantly increase the production costs.
  • In the state of the art International Patent Application No. WO2008119608 , a dryer is disclosed, wherein the heat pump system is supported by means of an additional heater arranged in the air duct. Thus, it is disclosed that the drying process is performed at higher temperatures and in a shorter period of time.
  • In the state of the art European patent application No. EP2006437A a laundry dryer is disclosed with an electric heater in the heat pump circuit between the evaporator and condenser.
  • In the state of the art European patent application No. EP2149767A a clothes drying machine with a heat pump device is disclosed, comprising an electric heater adapted to transfer thermal energy to a refrigerant medium between an evaporator and a compressor.
  • The aim of the present invention is the realization of a heat pump household appliance wherein the drying air is efFectively heated without adversely affecting the flow rate thereof.
  • The household appliance realized in order to attain the aim of the present invention is defined in the independent claim with the preferred embodiments defined in the dependent claims thereof. In particular, a heat pump household appliance wherein the drying process is realized, and comprises a drying chamber wherein the items to be dried are placed; an air duct that enables the drying air to be circulated; an evaporator for retaining the moisture in the drying air circulated in the air duct; a condenser that enables the drying air to be heated, and a compressor that enables the refrigerant to be sucked and pumped. The compressor, the condenser and the evaporator are fluidly connected to each other via delivery pipes. In the refrigerant cycle realized in the heat pump, the refrigerant that is pressurized and heated in the compressor is transferred to the condenser by means of a delivery pipe and passed through the refrigerant tubes of the condenser. As a result of the increase in the condensation temperature, the refrigerant increases the temperature of the surfaces of the condenser in contact with the drying air and thus, the drying air is heated by the condenser. The pressure and temperature of the refrigerant leaving the condenser is decreased and the refrigerant is enabled to absorb heat from the drying air while passing through the evaporator. Thus, the drying air leaves its moisture on the evaporator. The refrigerant leaving the evaporator is transferred back to the compressor by means of a delivery pipe and this cycle is repeated throughout the drying process.
  • The household appliance of the present invention comprises at least one tube-shaped electric heater that is arranged on and wound around the delivery pipe extending between the compressor and the condenser or that is placed in the refrigerant tube of the condenser so as to enable the refrigerant to be heated to
  • increase the temperature of the refrigerant circulated in the heat pump. The electric heater is produced as a narrow and long tube. The electric heater extends in the refrigerant tube of the condenser or on the delivery pipes outside the air duct so as not to create resistance against the drying air flowing in the air duct. By heating the refrigerant circulated in the heat pump, the electric heater enables the amount of the heat transferred by the refrigerant to the surface of the condenser to be increased. Thus, the drying air can be efFectively heated without any flow rate loss and without the need for increasing the temperature of the electric heater to higher values. Moreover, by heating the refrigerant by means of the electric heater, the time spent at the beginning of the drying process for the heat pump system to quickly reach the thermal equilibrium and operate with maximum efficiency is saved, and the hot drying air is enabled to be delivered onto the laundry in the drying chamber at a higher speed.
  • In an embodiment of the present invention, the electric heater extends along the entire length of the refrigerant tube. In this embodiment, the tube-shaped electric heater has a length almost equal to that of the refrigerant tube and is placed in the refrigerant tube so as to extend in the refrigerant tube. Thus, by providing direct contact between the electric heater and the refrigerant, the electric heater is enabled to transfer all its heat to the refrigerant and to the refrigerant tube through which the refrigerant is circulated. Consequently, heat losses are prevented by efFectively increasing the surface temperature of the condenser.
  • In another embodiment of the present invention, the electric heater is attached onto at least one delivery pipe. In this embodiment, the tube-shaped electric heater is simply placed on the outer surface of the delivery pipe and the refrigerant passed through the delivery pipe is enabled to be heated. Thus, the ease of assembly is provided and the electric heater can be integrated to all conventional heat pump systems with different volumes and structural characteristics.
  • In another embodiment of the present invention, the electric heater is wound around the delivery pipe. Thus, the total length of the tube-shaped electric heater is increased and a sufficient amount of heat can be transferred to the refrigerant especially in smaller heat pump systems.
  • By means of the present invention, the efficiency of the heat pump is increased by heating the refrigerant. Thus, the drying air can be efFectively heated without placing a heater reaching high temperatures into the air duct. Consequently, safety hazards that may be caused by the overheating of the heater and the pressure loss that may occur in the drying air while being passed over the heater are prevented in a simple and cost-effective manner.
  • Thereby, the safety of the household appliance is improved and the drying process is enabled to be realized quickly and efficiently.
  • The household appliance realized in order to attain the aim of the present invention is illustrated in the attached figures, where:
    • Figure 1- is the schematic view of the household appliance related to an embodiment of the present invention.
    • Figure 2 - is the partial view of the household appliance related to an embodiment of the present invention.
    • Figure 3 - is the view of the delivery pipe and the electric heater related to an embodiment of the present invention.
    • Figure 4a - is the view of the condenser and the electric heater related to another embodiment of the present invention.
    • Figure 4b - is the view of the refrigerant tube and the electric heater related to another embodiment of the present invention.
    • Figure 5a - is the cross-sectional view of the condenser and the electric heater related to another embodiment of the present invention.
    • Figure 5b - is the enlarged view of the detail A in Figure 5a.
  • The elements illustrated in the figures are numbered as follows:
    1. 1. Household appliance
    2. 2. Body
    3. 3. Drying chamber
    4. 4. Air duct
    5. 5. Compressor
    6. 6. Evaporator
    7. 7. Condenser
    8. 8. Delivery pipe
    9. 9. Refrigerant tube
    10. 10. Electric heater
    11. 11. Heat pump
    12. 12. Power cable
    13. 13. Heater tube
  • The household appliance (1) comprises a body (2); a drying chamber (3) arranged in the body (2) and wherein the drying process is realized; an air duct (4) that is connected to the drying chamber (3) and that enables the drying air to be circulated, and a heat pump (11) that has a compressor (5) enabling the refrigerant to be sucked and pumped, an evaporator (6) enabling the moisture in the drying air in the air duct (4) to be removed, a condenser (7) enabling the dehumidified drying air to be heated, with at least one serpentine shaped refrigerant tube (9) through which the refrigerant is circulated, and delivery pipes (8) through which the refrigerant is circulated and that enables the compressor (5), the evaporator (6) and the condenser (7) to be fluidly connected to each other. In the cycle performed in the heat pump (11), the refrigerant leaving the compressor (5) with increased pressure and temperature reaches the condenser (7) via the delivery pipe (8) and enables the surface temperature of the condenser (7) to be increased while passing through the refrigerant tube (9) of the condenser (7). The pressure and the temperature of the refrigerant exiting the condenser (7) are decreased and thus, the refrigerant passed over the evaporator (6) absorbs heat from the drying air and enables the drying air to be condensed. The refrigerant leaving the evaporator (6) is sent back to the compressor (5) by means of the delivery pipe (8) and this cycle in the heat pump (11) is repeated throughout the drying process.
  • The household appliance (1) of the present invention comprises at least one tube-shaped electric heater (10) that is placed on the delivery pipe (8) and/or in the refrigerant tube (9) so as to enable the refrigerant to be heated. The electric heater (10) is of resistance type, comprising an electric cable (12) that heats up over which electric current is passed and a heater tube (13) through which the electric cable (12) is passed. The electric heater (10) is attached to the delivery pipe (8) outside the air duct (4) or arranged in the refrigerant tube (9) of the condenser (7) so as to enable the refrigerant in the heat pump (11) to be heated without contacting the drying air that flows in the air duct (4). The electric heater (10) is operated intermittently during the drying process so as to enable the temperature of the refrigerant to be kept at high levels. Thus, the surface temperature of the condenser (7) is increased by means of the refrigerant heated by the electric heater (10) and the temperature of the drying air passed over the condenser (7) is enabled to quickly and effectively reach high levels. Consequently, the drying air is enabled to be heated in the air duct (4) without any flow rate loss and passed over the laundry in the drying chamber (3) at high speed. Thus, the drying performance is improved.
  • In an embodiment of the present invention, the electric heater (10) extends in the refrigerant tube (9) almost along the entire length of the refrigerant tube (9). In this embodiment, the electric heater (10) has a serpentine form that matches the refrigerant tube (9) of the condenser (7) and extends along the entire length the refrigerant tube (9) immersed in the refrigerant. The ends of the electric heater (10) are positioned outside the refrigerant tube (9) so as to provide electrical connection. As the electric heater (10) extends along the entire length of the refrigerant tube (9), the volume occupied by the electric heater (10) in the refrigerant tube (9) is increased and thus, the amount of refrigerant circulated in the heat pump (11) is decreased in proportion to the volume occupied by the electric heater (10) in the refrigerant tube (9). This embodiment is advantageous in cases where the amount of refrigerant in the heat pump (11) must be kept below a certain level in line with safety standards and enables the amount of the refrigerant to be decreased and the refrigerant to be heated in an efficient and effective manner.
  • In another embodiment of the present invention, the electric heater (10) extends on the outer surface of the delivery pipe (8). The delivery pipes (8) are produced from metals such as copper and aluminum or metal alloys with high thermal conductivity. By arranging the electric heater (10) on the outer surface of the delivery pipe (8), a homogeneous heat distribution is provided throughout the delivery pipe (8) and the temperature of the refrigerant circulated in the heat pump (11) is maintained throughout the cycle.
  • In an embodiment of the present invention, the electric heater (10) is helically wound around the delivery pipe (8). The tube-shaped electric heater (10) is wound around the outer surface of the delivery pipe (8) so as to surround the delivery pipe (8). By means of the winding shape of the electric heater (10), the contact surface between the electric heater (10) and the delivery pipe (8) as well as the amount of heat transferred to the refrigerant is increased. Thus, the refrigerant is enabled to be heated quickly and effectively.
  • In another embodiment of the present invention, the electric heater (10) is arranged on the delivery pipe (8) that extends between the compressor (5) and the condenser (7). The electric heater (10) is wound around the delivery pipe (8) that enables the refrigerant pumped by the compressor (5) to be transferred to the condenser (7). Thus, the refrigerant is enabled to reach high temperatures before entering the refrigerant tube (9) of the condenser (7) and the amount of heat transferred by the refrigerant to the surface of the condenser (7) is effectively increased. This embodiment is advantageous in that the electric heater (10) is easily arranged.
  • In an embodiment which does not form part of the present invention, the electric heater (10) is arranged on the delivery pipe (8) that extends between the evaporator (6) and the compressor (5). In this embodiment, the electric heater (10) is wound around the delivery pipe (8) that enables the refrigerant passed over the evaporator (6) to be transferred to the compressor (5). Thus, the temperature of the refrigerator starts to increase just after leaving the evaporator (6) and the maximum temperature value the refrigerant circulated in the heat pump (11) reaches is increased. Consequently, the efficiency of the heat pump (11) is further improved.
  • In another embodiment of the present invention, the outer surface of the electric heater (10) is covered with a fireproof material. The heater tube (13) of the electric heater (10) is covered with a fireproof material. This embodiment is especially advantageous in that the electric heater (10) can be safely placed in the refrigerant tube (9) in cases when the refrigerant is highly inflammable. Thus, the safety of the household appliance (1) is improved when the electric heater (10) is in direct contact with the refrigerant.
  • In another embodiment of the present invention, the refrigerant tube (9) is produced from copper. By means of the refrigerant tube (9) produced from copper with high thermal conductivity, the surface of the condenser (7) is efFectively heated.
  • In another embodiment of the present invention, the household appliance (1) is a laundry drying machine and/or a laundry washing/drying machine.
  • In another embodiment of the present invention, the household appliance (1) is a dishwasher.
  • By means of the present invention, by placing the electric heater (10) to the tubes (8, 9) through which the refrigerant is circulated such that the electric heater (10) does not contact the drying air, the drying air is enabled to be heated without being subject to an additional flow resistance in the air duct (4) and the drying air is enabled to be heated by the condenser (7) starting from the beginning of the drying process by quickly increasing the temperature of the refrigerant. Furthermore, by means of the present invention, as the need for sparing additional space for placing the electric heater (10) and changing the mold is eliminated, the drying performance of the household appliance (1) is improved in a simple and cost-effective manner. Thus, a household appliance (1) is realized wherein the drying process is quickly and effectively performed and the energy consumption is decreased.

Claims (9)

  1. A household appliance (1) comprising a body (2); a drying chamber (3) arranged in the body (2) and wherein the drying process is realized; an air duct (4) that is connected to the drying chamber (3) and that enables the drying air to be circulated, and a heat pump (11) that has a compressor (5) enabling the refrigerant to be sucked and pumped, an evaporator (6) enabling the moisture in the drying air in the air duct (4) to be removed, a condenser (7) enabling the dehumidified drying air to be heated, with at least one serpentine shaped refrigerant tube (9) through which the refrigerant is circulated, and delivery pipes (8) through which the refrigerant is circulated and that enables the compressor (5), the evaporator (6) and the condenser (7) to be fluidly connected to each other, characterized by at least one tube-shaped electric heater (10) that is arranged on and wound around the delivery pipe (8) extending between the compressor (5) and the condenser (7) or that is placed in the refrigerant tube (9) of the condenser (7) so as to enable the refrigerant to be heated.
  2. A household appliance (1) as in Claim 1, characterized by the electric heater (10) that extends in the refrigerant tube (9) along almost the entire length of the refrigerant tube (9).
  3. A household appliance (1) as in Claim 1, characterized by the electric heater (10) that is helically wound around the delivery pipe (8).
  4. A household appliance (1) as in Claim 3, characterized by the electric heater (10) that is wound directly on the outer surface of the delivery pipe (8).
  5. A household appliance as in any one of the above claims, characterized by the electric heater (10) that is of resistance type and that comprises an electric cable (12) which heats up when electric current passes over and a heater tube (13) through which the electric cable (12) passes.
  6. A household appliance (1) as in any one of the above claims, characterized by the electric heater (10) the outer surface of which is coated with a fireproof material.
  7. A household appliance (1) as in any one of the above claims, characterized by the refrigerant tube (9) that is produced from copper material.
  8. A household appliance (1) as in any one of the above claims, which is a laundry drying machine and/or laundry washing/drying machine.
  9. A household appliance (1) as in any one of Claims 1 to 7, which is a dishwasher.
EP18718438.7A 2017-05-04 2018-04-17 A household appliance comprising a heat pump Active EP3618681B1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
TR2017/06547A TR201706547A2 (en) 2017-05-04 2017-05-04 A HOUSEHOLD DEVICE WITH HEAT PUMP
PCT/EP2018/059772 WO2018202415A1 (en) 2017-05-04 2018-04-17 A household appliance comprising a heat pump

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP3618681A1 EP3618681A1 (en) 2020-03-11
EP3618681B1 true EP3618681B1 (en) 2024-01-03

Family

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Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP18718438.7A Active EP3618681B1 (en) 2017-05-04 2018-04-17 A household appliance comprising a heat pump

Country Status (4)

Country Link
EP (1) EP3618681B1 (en)
PL (1) PL3618681T3 (en)
TR (1) TR201706547A2 (en)
WO (1) WO2018202415A1 (en)

Families Citing this family (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
CN114680768A (en) * 2020-12-30 2022-07-01 广东美的白色家电技术创新中心有限公司 Heat pump type washing equipment

Citations (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP2006437A1 (en) * 2008-08-08 2008-12-24 V-Zug AG Laundry drier with heating in heat pump circuit

Family Cites Families (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
JP2000274842A (en) * 1999-03-26 2000-10-06 Sanyo Electric Co Ltd Refrigerating circuit and refrigerator using it
JP2004144343A (en) * 2002-10-23 2004-05-20 Hitachi Home & Life Solutions Inc Heat exchanger
JP4807042B2 (en) * 2005-11-07 2011-11-02 ダイキン工業株式会社 Refrigerant heating device
DE102007016078A1 (en) 2007-04-03 2008-10-09 BSH Bosch und Siemens Hausgeräte GmbH Hybrid dryer and method of operating such a hybrid dryer
EP2149767A1 (en) * 2008-07-28 2010-02-03 IMAT S.p.A. Heat pump device

Patent Citations (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP2006437A1 (en) * 2008-08-08 2008-12-24 V-Zug AG Laundry drier with heating in heat pump circuit

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
WO2018202415A1 (en) 2018-11-08
TR201706547A2 (en) 2018-11-21
PL3618681T3 (en) 2024-05-20
EP3618681A1 (en) 2020-03-11

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