DESC:FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present disclosure relates generally to apparatus for washing and drying of articles, and particularly, the present disclosure relates to a dryer system in apparatus for at least one of washing and drying articles.

BACKGROUND

Dryer systems are known to be used in apparatus for at least one of washing and drying of articles. The dryer systems use air circulation for drying the laundry therein, and the air is required to be maintained at a predetermined temperature for the same.

Conventionally, the air circulation cycle in the dryer system starts from a fan assembly, downstream to which a heater is located for heating the air from the fan assembly. The heated air is then blown into a drum for drying the clothes inside the drum. Moisture-filled air after drying the clothes is then passed through a condensation duct, wherein the moisture and air are separated. The moisture is drained out through a drain pump and a water outlet, and the dry air is sucked up by the fan assembly, thereby restarting the cycle.

However, in such conventional dryers, the temperature profile of the heater keeps fluctuating, as the air gets overheated due to continuous circulation. The temperature profile refers to a change in the temperature of the heater with time. As the air becomes saturated with moisture while being continuously recirculated, the heater is required to be first switched ON to heat the moist air. Due to temperature rise, the heater has to be again switched OFF to maintain the required temperature, or else, the dryer system components may be damaged due to elevated temperatures. The heater requires more time to heat the moist air and requires switching on and switching off the heater at predetermined time intervals, which causes fluctuation in the temperature profile of the heater. Further, in such a scenario, the heater would work for longer durations than normal durations, thereby increasing power consumption, and heating up and damaging the components around the heater. Moreover, the rate of removal of moisture falls down substantially with time, thereby decreasing the overall efficiency of the dryer system.

To decrease the power consumption, eliminate excessive heating around the heater, and increase the efficiency of the dryer system, the moisture content of the air is required to be regulated. Further, the temperature profile of the heater is required to be maintained continuously, as the air is required to be maintained at a predetermined temperature for drying the clothes.

SUMMARY
This summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts, in a simplified format, that are further described in the detailed description of the invention. This summary is neither intended to identify key or essential inventive concepts of the invention nor intended for determining the scope of the invention.

The present disclosure relates to a dryer system including a heater adapted to heat incoming air to a predetermined temperature to heat up the incoming air. A drum is located downstream to the heater and adapted to dry articles of the drum with an inflow of heated air, the heated air is adapted to dry the articles and acquire moisture content thereafter. An air outlet unit is positioned into the drum and is adapted to vent out a first portion of moist air from the drum. A primary condensation unit is located downstream of the drum and adapted to condense moisture from a second portion of the moist air to dry up the second portion of the moist air. An air inlet is positioned at a top of the primary condensation unit. The air inlet is adapted to intromit atmospheric air into the dryer system, and the atmospheric air is adapted to mix with the dry air.

The present disclosure further relates to an apparatus for at least one of washing and drying of articles therein, the apparatus including an input module adapted to receive at least one input from an operator. The at least one input is indicative of a predetermined mode of operation of the dryer system. The apparatus further includes a dryer system including a heater adapted to heat incoming air to a predetermined temperature to heat up the incoming air. A drum is located downstream to the heater and adapted to dry articles of the drum with an inflow of heated air, the heated air is adapted to dry the articles and acquire moisture content thereafter. An air outlet unit is positioned into the drum and is adapted to vent out a first portion of moist air from the drum. A primary condensation unit is located downstream to the drum and adapted to condense moisture from a second portion of the moist air to dry up the second portion of the moist air. An air inlet is positioned at a top of the primary condensation unit. The air inlet is adapted to intromit atmospheric air into the dryer system, and the atmospheric air is adapted to mix with the dry air.

The moist air in the drum disclosed herein is continuously vented out of the dryer system, thereby preventing the air from getting saturated with moisture over time. The vented dryer, therefore, helps in increasing the rate of moisture removal. The increase in the rate of moisture removal becomes the reason for the non-fluctuation of the temperature profiles of the heater, as the moisture content in the air does not get saturated. The heater, therefore, functions at a constant temperature profile for a lesser duration of time. Further, when atmospheric air enters the dryer system, overall temperature of the air being circulated reduces. Hence, the heater is not required to be switched on and switched off at different intervals, as the duration of the airflow cycle reduces substantially, thereby heating the air to the required temperature within one cycle and maintaining a constant temperature. Maximum efficiency may be achieved in a dryer system with a primary condensation unit having a bigger-sized air inlet.

To further clarify advantages and features of the present invention, a more particular description of the invention will be rendered by reference to specific embodiments thereof, which is illustrated in the appended drawings. It is appreciated that these drawings depict only typical embodiments of the invention and are therefore not to be considered limiting of its scope. The invention will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present invention will become better understood when the following detailed description is read with reference to the accompanying drawings in which like characters represent like parts throughout the drawings, wherein:

Figure 1a illustrates a perspective view of an internal structure of the dryer system with a front panel of an apparatus at least one of washing and drying of articles, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;
Figure 1b illustrates a side view of the internal structure of the dryer system, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;
Figure 2 illustrates a sectional view of the dryer system cut along section X-X as depicted in Figure 1a, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;
Figure 3 illustrates a direction of airflow in the dryer system including the secondary condensation unit, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;
Figure 4a illustrates a detailed diagram of the secondary condensation unit, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;
Figure 4b illustrates a Y-shaped secondary condensation unit, and a straight secondary condensation unit, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;
Figure 4c illustrates different views of a funnel-shaped secondary condensation unit, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;
Figure 5 illustrates a schematic diagram of a primary condensation unit in the dryer system including a flap with a motor, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;
Figure 6a illustrates an exploded view of an air inlet along a section B-B as depicted in Figure 5, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;
Figure 6b illustrates a sectional view depicting an open position of the air inlet, the air inlet cut along the section B-B, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;
Figure 6c illustrates a detailed sectional view of the air inlet depicting an open position thereof, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; and
Figure 7 illustrates a block diagram depicting functioning of the dryer system with help of the control unit, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Further, skilled artisans will appreciate that elements in the drawings are illustrated for simplicity and may not have necessarily been drawn to scale. Furthermore, in terms of the construction of the device, one or more components of the device may have been represented in the drawings by conventional symbols, and the drawings may show only those specific details that are pertinent to understanding the embodiments of the present invention so as not to obscure the drawings with details that will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art having benefit of the description herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF FIGURES

For the purpose of promoting an understanding of the principles of the invention, reference will now be made to the embodiment illustrated in the drawings and specific language will be used to describe the same. It will nevertheless be understood that no limitation of the scope of the invention is thereby intended, such alterations and further modifications in the illustrated system, and such further applications of the principles of the invention as illustrated therein being contemplated as would normally occur to one skilled in the art to which the invention relates. Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skilled in the art to which this invention belongs. The system, methods, and examples provided herein are illustrative only and not intended to be limiting.

For example, the term “some” as used herein may be understood as “none” or “one” or “more than one” or “all.” Therefore, the terms “none,” “one,” “more than one,” “more than one, but not all” or “all” would fall under the definition of “some.” It should be appreciated by a person skilled in the art that the terminology and structure employed herein is for describing, teaching, and illuminating some embodiments and their specific features and elements and therefore, should not be construed to limit, restrict or reduce the spirit and scope of the present disclosure in any way.

For example, any terms used herein such as, “includes,” “comprises,” “has,” “consists,” and similar grammatical variants do not specify an exact limitation or restriction, and certainly do not exclude the possible addition of one or more features or elements, unless otherwise stated. Further, such terms must not be taken to exclude the possible removal of one or more of the listed features and elements, unless otherwise stated, for example, by using the limiting language including, but not limited to, “must comprise” or “needs to include.”

Whether or not a certain feature or element was limited to being used only once, it may still be referred to as “one or more features” or “one or more elements” or “at least one feature” or “at least one element.” Furthermore, the use of the terms “one or more” or “at least one” feature or element do not preclude there being none of that feature or element, unless otherwise specified by limiting language including, but not limited to, “there needs to be one or more…” or “one or more elements is required.”

Unless otherwise defined, all terms and especially any technical and/or scientific terms, used herein may be taken to have the same meaning as commonly understood by a person ordinarily skilled in the art.

Reference is made herein to some “embodiments.” It should be understood that an embodiment is an example of a possible implementation of any features and/or elements of the present disclosure. Some embodiments have been described for the purpose of explaining one or more of the potential ways in which the specific features and/or elements of the proposed disclosure fulfil the requirements of uniqueness, utility, and non-obviousness.

Use of the phrases and/or terms including, but not limited to, “a first embodiment,” “a further embodiment,” “an alternate embodiment,” “one embodiment,” “an embodiment,” “multiple embodiments,” “some embodiments,” “other embodiments,” “further embodiment”, “furthermore embodiment”, “additional embodiment” or other variants thereof do not necessarily refer to the same embodiments. Unless otherwise specified, one or more particular features and/or elements described in connection with one or more embodiments may be found in one embodiment, or may be found in more than one embodiment, or may be found in all embodiments, or may be found in no embodiments. Although one or more features and/or elements may be described herein in the context of only a single embodiment, or in the context of more than one embodiment, or in the context of all embodiments, the features and/or elements may instead be provided separately or in any appropriate combination or not at all. Conversely, any features and/or elements described in the context of separate embodiments may alternatively be realized as existing together in the context of a single embodiment.

Any particular and all details set forth herein are used in the context of some embodiments and therefore should not necessarily be taken as limiting factors to the proposed disclosure.

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

The present invention relates to an apparatus for at least one of washing and drying of articles, the apparatus including a dryer system. In one example, the apparatus may include, but is not limited to, a washing machine, and a standalone drying machine. The dryer system disclosed herein focuses on increasing the rate of moisture removal from the air being circulated. Further, the dryer system focuses on reducing power consumption by decreasing the duration of working of the heater, thereby increasing an overall efficiency of the dryer system.

Figures 1a to 2 disclose a dryer system 100. Specifically, Figures 1a and1b depict different views of the dryer system 100, and the airflow cycle inside the dryer system 100. Specifically, Figure 1a illustrates a perspective view of an internal structure of the dryer system 100 with a front panel 150 of an apparatus for at least one of washing and drying of articles, and Figure 1b illustrates a side view of the internal structure of the dryer system 100. Specifically, . Specifically, Figure 2 illustrates a sectional view of the dryer system 100 cut along a section X-X as depicted in Figure 1a.

Constructional aspects of the dryer system 100 shall now be explained in detail with reference to Figures 1a to 2. The dryer system 100 includes a heater 112, the drum 110, a primary condensation unit 114, and an air inlet 108. In one embodiment, the heater 112 may be located at a top side of the dryer system 100. The drum 110 may be located downstream to the heater 112, and the primary condensation unit 114 may be located downstream to the drum 110, and the air inlet 108 may be positioned at a top of the primary condensation unit 114.

Functional aspects of the dryer system 100 will now be explained in detail. In one embodiment, the air inlet 108 present in the primary condensation unit 114 is adapted to intromit atmospheric air 138 into the dryer system 100. The primary condensation unit 114 may be mounted at a back panel of the dryer system 100. Once intromitted into the dryer system 100, the atmospheric air 138 is adapted to mix with a dry air incoming from the primary condensation unit 114. The incoming the dry air via the primary condensation unit 114 will be explained in detail in upcoming sections.

In one embodiment, the fan assembly 120 is provided downstream to the primary condensation unit 114. The fan assembly 120 is adapted to create the suction pressure to intromit the atmospheric air 138 into the drum 110 of the dryer system 100. The fan assembly 120 is further adapted to propel the incoming air towards the heater 112 mounted on a front panel of the dryer system 100, due to the suction pressure. The incoming air comprises a mixture of the condensed air 152 and the atmospheric air 138. The heater 112 is mounted downstream to the fan assembly 120, such that the fan assembly 120 is located upstream of the heater 112 and downstream of the primary condensation unit 114. The heater 112 is adapted to heat up the incoming air to a predetermined temperature to obtain heated air.

The heated air 154 is then blown into the drum 110 through the holes 110-1 present in walls of the drum 110, with help of a blower 106 located downstream to the heater 112. The drum 110 is adapted to dry articles therein with an inflow of the heated air 154. The heated air 154 is adapted to dry the articles and acquire moisture content thereafter to obtain moist air 156. An impeller 102 drives a first portion of the moist air 156-1 towards an air outlet unit 118 located at a top side of the drum 110, as depicted in Figure 3. Specifically, Figure 3 illustrates a direction of airflow in the dryer system 100 including a secondary condensation unit 134. The air outlet unit 118 is adapted to vent out the first portion of moist air 156-1 from the drum 110.

In one embodiment, the air outlet unit 118 may have an opening towards an exterior of the dryer system 100. In such a scenario, the first portion of the moist air 156-1 may be expelled directly into the atmosphere. A second portion of the moist air 156-2 is intromitted into the primary condensation unit 114 with help of the impeller 102 (as shown in Figure 1a).. The primary condensation unit 114 is adapted to condense moisture from the second portion of the moist air 156-2 to dry up the second portion of the moist air 156-2. The moisture in the second portion of the moist air 156-2 is condensed into water, and the condensed water is expelled out through a drainage unit 116, thereby producing the condensed air 152. The drainage unit 116 is coupled to the drum 110, which is adapted to drain out water from the drum 110, and the condensed moisture from the primary condensation unit 114. The condensed air 152 then moves towards the air inlet 108 in the primary condensation unit 114, where the atmospheric air 138 mixes with the incoming condensed air 152, and flows towards the heater 112, as mentioned above.

In one embodiment, the air outlet unit 118 and the drainage unit 116 may be connected to a secondary condensation unit 134, as depicted in Figures 3 to 4c. Specifically, Specifically, Figure 4a illustrates a detailed diagram of the secondary condensation unit 134. Specifically, part (a) of Figure 4b illustrates a Y-shaped secondary condensation unit 234, and part (b) of Figure 4b illustrates a straight secondary condensation unit 334. Specifically, part (a) of Figure 4c illustrates a top view of a funnel-shaped secondary condensation unit 434, and part (b) of Figure 4c illustrates a front view of the funnel-shaped secondary condensation unit 434.

Once the drying of articles in the drum 110 is completed, the first portion of the moist air 156-1 is pushed into the air outlet unit 118, which is further connected to the secondary condensation unit 134. The condensed moisture from the second portion of the moist air is intromitted into the drainage unit 116, which is also connected to the secondary condensation unit 134 parallelly to the air outlet unit 118, as depicted in Figure 4a. The secondary condensation unit 134 includes an inlet for the drainage unit 116 and an inlet for the air outlet unit 118. The secondary condensation unit 134 is adapted to receive an outlet end of the drainage unit 116 and an outlet end of the air outlet unit 118 in the inlet of the drainage unit 116 and the inlet for the air outlet unit 118, respectively.

The condensed moisture and water from the drum 110 are passed into the secondary condensation unit 134 through the drainage unit 116 in form of drainage water 116A. When the first portion of the moist air 156-1 passes through the secondary condensation unit 134, the secondary condensation unit 134 is adapted to condense moisture from the first portion of the moist air 156-1, once the first portion of the moist air 156-1 comes in contact with the water 116A flowing through the secondary condensation unit 134. The condensed moisture of the first portion of the moist air 156-1 mixes with the water 116A flowing through the secondary condensation unit 134 and is drained out through the drainpipe 136 as wastewater 136A.

In one example, the secondary condensation unit 134 may include a Y-shaped secondary condensation unit 234, as depicted in part (a) of Figure 4b Specifically, Part (a) of Figure 4b depicts a Y-shaped secondary condensation unit 234 having the drainage unit 116, the air outlet unit 118, and the drainage pipe 136 connected therewith. In such a scenario, the drainage unit 116 may be connected to a first arm 244-1 of the Y-shaped secondary condensation unit 234, the air outlet unit 118 may be connected to a second arm 244-2 of the Y-shaped secondary condensation unit 234, and the drainpipe 136 may be connected to a third arm 244-3 of the Y-shaped secondary condensation unit 234.

In another example, the secondary condensation unit 134 may include a straight secondary condensation unit 334, as depicted in part (b) of Figure 4b. In such a scenario, the drainage unit 116 may be connected to an upper arm 344-1 of the straight secondary condensation unit 334, the air outlet unit 118 may be connected to a lower arm 344-2 of the straight secondary condensation unit 334, and the drainpipe 136 may be connected to an opening 344-3 in the straight secondary condensation unit 334.

In yet another example, the secondary condensation unit 134 may be funnel-shaped as depicted in parts (a) and (b) of Figure 4c. In such a scenario, the water from the drainage unit 116 and the moist air from the air outlet unit 118 may directly be intromitted into the drainpipe 136 via a funnel 444-1 of the funnel-shaped secondary condensation unit 434. The drainpipe 136 may be connected to an arm 444-2 of the funnel-shaped secondary condensation unit 434. It is to be understood that Figures 4(b) and 4(c) depict only examples of constructional aspects of the secondary condensation unit 134, 234, 334, 434, and do not limit the scope of such constructional aspects thereof.

Once moisture is removed from the moist air 156 after drying of articles in the drum 110, the condensed air 152 rises into the primary condensation unit 114, with help of the impeller 102. Constructional and functional details of the primary condensation unit 114 will now be explained in detail with reference to Figures 5-6c. Specifically, Figure 5 illustrates a schematic diagram of a primary condensation unit 114 in the dryer system 100 with including a flap 128 with a motor 146. Specifically, Figure 6a illustrates an exploded view of an air inlet 108 along a section B-B as depicted in Figure 5. Specifically, Figure 6b illustrates a sectional view depicting an open position of the air inlet 108, the air inlet 108 cut along the section B-B. Specifically, Figure 6c illustrates a detailed sectional view of the air inlet 108 depicting the open position thereof.

The primary condensation unit 114 includes a condenser inlet 148, and the air inlet 108. The air inlet 108 further includes an opening 122 through a wall 114-1 of the primary condensation unit 114, a wire mesh 124, a rubber seal 126, a flap 128, a spring 130, and at least one fastener 132. The wire mesh 124 fits into the opening 122 from the external side of the primary condensation unit 114 and is adapted to filter impurities from the atmospheric air 138 while the atmospheric air 138 enters into the dryer system 100. The rubber seal 126 is fixed along the periphery of the opening 122 and is adapted to tightly seal a flap 128 in the closed position with the opening 122.

In one example, the flap 128 may be attached to a circumference of the air inlet 108 by but is not limited to, a hinge. The flap 128 is adapted to open inwards in the primary condensation unit 114 for the intromission of the atmospheric air 138 into the dryer system 100. Due to a suction created by the fan assembly 120, the flap 128 is pulled inwards to an open condition. Opening 122 the flap 128 lets the atmospheric air 138 into the dryer system 100. The flap 128 is adapted to close the air inlet 108 once a predetermined amount of atmospheric air 138 is intromitted into the dryer system 100. Once the predetermined amount of air is intromitted into the dryer system 100, the RPM of the fan assembly 120 may be lowered, thereby lowering the suction pressure, and causing the flap 128 to close. The opening 122 and closing of the flap 128 are aided by means of the spring 130 fastened to the flap 128 with help of the at least one fastener 132.

Referring again to Figure 5, in one embodiment, the opening and closing of the flap may be facilitated by a motor 146. In one example, the motor 146 may include but is not limited to, a servo motor.

In one embodiment, RPM of the fan assembly 120 and working of the motor 146 may be controlled by a control unit. The control unit 502 may be coupled to a plurality of sensors 506-1, 506-2, 506-3, 506-4, 506-5, an input module 504, and a communication module 508, as depicted in Figure 7. Specifically, Figure 7 illustrates a block diagram 500 depicting functioning of the dryer system 100 with help of the control unit 502.

In one embodiment, the control unit 502 may be adapted to operate the dryer system 100 based on the plurality of operating parameters received by the control unit 502 from the plurality of sensors 506-1, 506-2, 506-3, 506-4, 506-5. The plurality of sensors 506-1, 506-2, 506-3, 506-4, 506-5 may be adapted to sense a plurality of operating parameters of the dryer system 100. The plurality of sensors 506-1, 506-2, 506-3, 506-4, 506-5 may be positioned in at least one location in the dryer system 100, depending on the function of each of the sensor 506-1, 506-2, 506-3, 506-4, 506-5. In one exemplary embodiment, the plurality of operating parameters may include but are not limited to, at least one of an ambient temperature around the dryer system 100, an ambient humidity around the dryer system 100, an internal temperature of the dryer system 100, an internal humidity of the dryer system 100, and a temperature of water incoming into the dryer system 100, a temperature of the water being drained out from the dryer system 100.

In one embodiment, the control unit 502 may further be adapted to operate the dryer system 100 based on at least one input received by the control unit 502 from the input module 504. The input module 504 may be provided in communication with the control unit 502. The input module 504 may be adapted to receive at least one input from an operator via the input module 504, wherein the at least one input is indicative of a predetermined mode of operation of the dryer system 100. The communication module 508 may be in communication with the control unit 502. The communication module 508 may be adapted to share and process data with remotely connected devices (not shown).

In one embodiment, the control unit 502 may be adapted to operate the dryer system 100 based on a trained machine learning model 510. The trained machine learning model 510 may be adapted to function based on the plurality of operating parameters and the at least one input received by the control unit 502 from the input module 504. In one embodiment, the control unit 502 may be adapted to control a plurality of functions 512, 514, 516, 518, 520, 522 associated with optimizing drying cycle in the dryer system 100. In one example, the plurality of functions 512, 514, 516, 518, 520, 522 may include but are not limited to, a degree of opening and closing of the flap 128 of the air inlet 108 for optimizing the amount of the atmospheric air 138 being intromitted into the dryer system 100, optimizing a degree of opening and closing of the flap 128 by controlling the motor 146, a flow rate of water in the dryer system 100, an RPM of the fan assembly 120, and an RPM of the drum 110.

By optimizing the drying cycle of the dryer system 100, temperature profile of the heater 112 can be maintained. The temperature profiles of the heater 112 in the dryer system 100 do not fluctuate unlike in conventional dryer systems. The moist air is continuously vented out of the dryer system 100, thereby preventing the air from getting saturated with moisture over time. The vented dryer system 100, therefore, helps in increasing the rate of moisture removal.

The reason for the non-fluctuation of the temperature profiles of the heater 112 is that the moisture content in the air does not get saturated, which makes the heater 112 function at a constant temperature profile for a lesser duration of time. The heater 112 is not required to be switched on and switched off at different intervals, as the duration of the airflow cycle reduces substantially, thereby heating the air to the required temperature within one cycle. The maximum efficiency is achieved in the dryer system 100 with a primary condensation unit 114 having a bigger-sized air inlet 108.

The moist air in the drum 110 disclosed herein, is continuously vented out of the dryer system 100, thereby preventing the air from getting saturated with moisture over time. The vented dryer, therefore, helps in increasing the rate of moisture removal. The increase in rate of moisture removal becomes the reason for the non-fluctuation of the temperature profiles of the heater 112, as the moisture content in the air does not get saturated. The heater 112, therefore, functions at a constant temperature profile for a lesser duration of time.

The heater 112 is not required to be switched on and switched off at different intervals, as the duration of the airflow cycle reduces substantially, thereby heating the air to the required temperature within one cycle. Maximum efficiency may be achieved in a dryer system 100 with a primary condensation unit 114 having a bigger-sized air inlet 108. Also, the secondary condensation unit 134 helps in conveniently condensing and draining the moisture from the air directly into the drain, without making the surrounding air moist. The apparatus may therefore be installed even indoors, as the surrounding air won’t be affected due to moisture.

While specific language has been used to describe the present disclosure, any limitations arising on account thereto, are not intended. As would be apparent to a person in the art, various working modifications may be made to the method in order to implement the inventive concept as taught herein. The drawings and the foregoing description give examples of embodiments. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that one or more of the described elements may well be combined into a single functional element. Alternatively, certain elements may be split into multiple functional elements. Elements from one embodiment may be added to another embodiment.
,CLAIMS:FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present disclosure relates generally to apparatus for washing and drying of articles, and particularly, the present disclosure relates to a dryer system in apparatus for at least one of washing and drying articles.

BACKGROUND

Dryer systems are known to be used in apparatus for at least one of washing and drying of articles. The dryer systems use air circulation for drying the laundry therein, and the air is required to be maintained at a predetermined temperature for the same.

Conventionally, the air circulation cycle in the dryer system starts from a fan assembly, downstream to which a heater is located for heating the air from the fan assembly. The heated air is then blown into a drum for drying the clothes inside the drum. Moisture-filled air after drying the clothes is then passed through a condensation duct, wherein the moisture and air are separated. The moisture is drained out through a drain pump and a water outlet, and the dry air is sucked up by the fan assembly, thereby restarting the cycle.

However, in such conventional dryers, the temperature profile of the heater keeps fluctuating, as the air gets overheated due to continuous circulation. The temperature profile refers to a change in the temperature of the heater with time. As the air becomes saturated with moisture while being continuously recirculated, the heater is required to be first switched ON to heat the moist air. Due to temperature rise, the heater has to be again switched OFF to maintain the required temperature, or else, the dryer system components may be damaged due to elevated temperatures. The heater requires more time to heat the moist air and requires switching on and switching off the heater at predetermined time intervals, which causes fluctuation in the temperature profile of the heater. Further, in such a scenario, the heater would work for longer durations than normal durations, thereby increasing power consumption, and heating up and damaging the components around the heater. Moreover, the rate of removal of moisture falls down substantially with time, thereby decreasing the overall efficiency of the dryer system.

To decrease the power consumption, eliminate excessive heating around the heater, and increase the efficiency of the dryer system, the moisture content of the air is required to be regulated. Further, the temperature profile of the heater is required to be maintained continuously, as the air is required to be maintained at a predetermined temperature for drying the clothes.

SUMMARY
This summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts, in a simplified format, that are further described in the detailed description of the invention. This summary is neither intended to identify key or essential inventive concepts of the invention nor intended for determining the scope of the invention.

The present disclosure relates to a dryer system including a heater adapted to heat incoming air to a predetermined temperature to heat up the incoming air. A drum is located downstream to the heater and adapted to dry articles of the drum with an inflow of heated air, the heated air is adapted to dry the articles and acquire moisture content thereafter. An air outlet unit is positioned into the drum and is adapted to vent out a first portion of moist air from the drum. A primary condensation unit is located downstream of the drum and adapted to condense moisture from a second portion of the moist air to dry up the second portion of the moist air. An air inlet is positioned at a top of the primary condensation unit. The air inlet is adapted to intromit atmospheric air into the dryer system, and the atmospheric air is adapted to mix with the dry air.

The present disclosure further relates to an apparatus for at least one of washing and drying of articles therein, the apparatus including an input module adapted to receive at least one input from an operator. The at least one input is indicative of a predetermined mode of operation of the dryer system. The apparatus further includes a dryer system including a heater adapted to heat incoming air to a predetermined temperature to heat up the incoming air. A drum is located downstream to the heater and adapted to dry articles of the drum with an inflow of heated air, the heated air is adapted to dry the articles and acquire moisture content thereafter. An air outlet unit is positioned into the drum and is adapted to vent out a first portion of moist air from the drum. A primary condensation unit is located downstream to the drum and adapted to condense moisture from a second portion of the moist air to dry up the second portion of the moist air. An air inlet is positioned at a top of the primary condensation unit. The air inlet is adapted to intromit atmospheric air into the dryer system, and the atmospheric air is adapted to mix with the dry air.

The moist air in the drum disclosed herein is continuously vented out of the dryer system, thereby preventing the air from getting saturated with moisture over time. The vented dryer, therefore, helps in increasing the rate of moisture removal. The increase in the rate of moisture removal becomes the reason for the non-fluctuation of the temperature profiles of the heater, as the moisture content in the air does not get saturated. The heater, therefore, functions at a constant temperature profile for a lesser duration of time. Further, when atmospheric air enters the dryer system, overall temperature of the air being circulated reduces. Hence, the heater is not required to be switched on and switched off at different intervals, as the duration of the airflow cycle reduces substantially, thereby heating the air to the required temperature within one cycle and maintaining a constant temperature. Maximum efficiency may be achieved in a dryer system with a primary condensation unit having a bigger-sized air inlet.

To further clarify advantages and features of the present invention, a more particular description of the invention will be rendered by reference to specific embodiments thereof, which is illustrated in the appended drawings. It is appreciated that these drawings depict only typical embodiments of the invention and are therefore not to be considered limiting of its scope. The invention will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present invention will become better understood when the following detailed description is read with reference to the accompanying drawings in which like characters represent like parts throughout the drawings, wherein:

Figure 1a illustrates a perspective view of an internal structure of the dryer system with a front panel of an apparatus at least one of washing and drying of articles, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;
Figure 1b illustrates a side view of the internal structure of the dryer system, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;
Figure 2 illustrates a sectional view of the dryer system cut along section X-X as depicted in Figure 1a, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;
Figure 3 illustrates a direction of airflow in the dryer system including the secondary condensation unit, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;
Figure 4a illustrates a detailed diagram of the secondary condensation unit, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;
Figure 4b illustrates a Y-shaped secondary condensation unit, and a straight secondary condensation unit, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;
Figure 4c illustrates different views of a funnel-shaped secondary condensation unit, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;
Figure 5 illustrates a schematic diagram of a primary condensation unit in the dryer system including a flap with a motor, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;
Figure 6a illustrates an exploded view of an air inlet along a section B-B as depicted in Figure 5, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;
Figure 6b illustrates a sectional view depicting an open position of the air inlet, the air inlet cut along the section B-B, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;
Figure 6c illustrates a detailed sectional view of the air inlet depicting an open position thereof, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; and
Figure 7 illustrates a block diagram depicting functioning of the dryer system with help of the control unit, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Further, skilled artisans will appreciate that elements in the drawings are illustrated for simplicity and may not have necessarily been drawn to scale. Furthermore, in terms of the construction of the device, one or more components of the device may have been represented in the drawings by conventional symbols, and the drawings may show only those specific details that are pertinent to understanding the embodiments of the present invention so as not to obscure the drawings with details that will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art having benefit of the description herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF FIGURES

For the purpose of promoting an understanding of the principles of the invention, reference will now be made to the embodiment illustrated in the drawings and specific language will be used to describe the same. It will nevertheless be understood that no limitation of the scope of the invention is thereby intended, such alterations and further modifications in the illustrated system, and such further applications of the principles of the invention as illustrated therein being contemplated as would normally occur to one skilled in the art to which the invention relates. Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skilled in the art to which this invention belongs. The system, methods, and examples provided herein are illustrative only and not intended to be limiting.

For example, the term “some” as used herein may be understood as “none” or “one” or “more than one” or “all.” Therefore, the terms “none,” “one,” “more than one,” “more than one, but not all” or “all” would fall under the definition of “some.” It should be appreciated by a person skilled in the art that the terminology and structure employed herein is for describing, teaching, and illuminating some embodiments and their specific features and elements and therefore, should not be construed to limit, restrict or reduce the spirit and scope of the present disclosure in any way.

For example, any terms used herein such as, “includes,” “comprises,” “has,” “consists,” and similar grammatical variants do not specify an exact limitation or restriction, and certainly do not exclude the possible addition of one or more features or elements, unless otherwise stated. Further, such terms must not be taken to exclude the possible removal of one or more of the listed features and elements, unless otherwise stated, for example, by using the limiting language including, but not limited to, “must comprise” or “needs to include.”

Whether or not a certain feature or element was limited to being used only once, it may still be referred to as “one or more features” or “one or more elements” or “at least one feature” or “at least one element.” Furthermore, the use of the terms “one or more” or “at least one” feature or element do not preclude there being none of that feature or element, unless otherwise specified by limiting language including, but not limited to, “there needs to be one or more…” or “one or more elements is required.”

Unless otherwise defined, all terms and especially any technical and/or scientific terms, used herein may be taken to have the same meaning as commonly understood by a person ordinarily skilled in the art.

Reference is made herein to some “embodiments.” It should be understood that an embodiment is an example of a possible implementation of any features and/or elements of the present disclosure. Some embodiments have been described for the purpose of explaining one or more of the potential ways in which the specific features and/or elements of the proposed disclosure fulfil the requirements of uniqueness, utility, and non-obviousness.

Use of the phrases and/or terms including, but not limited to, “a first embodiment,” “a further embodiment,” “an alternate embodiment,” “one embodiment,” “an embodiment,” “multiple embodiments,” “some embodiments,” “other embodiments,” “further embodiment”, “furthermore embodiment”, “additional embodiment” or other variants thereof do not necessarily refer to the same embodiments. Unless otherwise specified, one or more particular features and/or elements described in connection with one or more embodiments may be found in one embodiment, or may be found in more than one embodiment, or may be found in all embodiments, or may be found in no embodiments. Although one or more features and/or elements may be described herein in the context of only a single embodiment, or in the context of more than one embodiment, or in the context of all embodiments, the features and/or elements may instead be provided separately or in any appropriate combination or not at all. Conversely, any features and/or elements described in the context of separate embodiments may alternatively be realized as existing together in the context of a single embodiment.

Any particular and all details set forth herein are used in the context of some embodiments and therefore should not necessarily be taken as limiting factors to the proposed disclosure.

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

The present invention relates to an apparatus for at least one of washing and drying of articles, the apparatus including a dryer system. In one example, the apparatus may include, but is not limited to, a washing machine, and a standalone drying machine. The dryer system disclosed herein focuses on increasing the rate of moisture removal from the air being circulated. Further, the dryer system focuses on reducing power consumption by decreasing the duration of working of the heater, thereby increasing an overall efficiency of the dryer system.

Figures 1a to 2 disclose a dryer system 100. Specifically, Figures 1a and1b depict different views of the dryer system 100, and the airflow cycle inside the dryer system 100. Specifically, Figure 1a illustrates a perspective view of an internal structure of the dryer system 100 with a front panel 150 of an apparatus for at least one of washing and drying of articles, and Figure 1b illustrates a side view of the internal structure of the dryer system 100. Specifically, . Specifically, Figure 2 illustrates a sectional view of the dryer system 100 cut along a section X-X as depicted in Figure 1a.

Constructional aspects of the dryer system 100 shall now be explained in detail with reference to Figures 1a to 2. The dryer system 100 includes a heater 112, the drum 110, a primary condensation unit 114, and an air inlet 108. In one embodiment, the heater 112 may be located at a top side of the dryer system 100. The drum 110 may be located downstream to the heater 112, and the primary condensation unit 114 may be located downstream to the drum 110, and the air inlet 108 may be positioned at a top of the primary condensation unit 114.

Functional aspects of the dryer system 100 will now be explained in detail. In one embodiment, the air inlet 108 present in the primary condensation unit 114 is adapted to intromit atmospheric air 138 into the dryer system 100. The primary condensation unit 114 may be mounted at a back panel of the dryer system 100. Once intromitted into the dryer system 100, the atmospheric air 138 is adapted to mix with a dry air incoming from the primary condensation unit 114. The incoming the dry air via the primary condensation unit 114 will be explained in detail in upcoming sections.

In one embodiment, the fan assembly 120 is provided downstream to the primary condensation unit 114. The fan assembly 120 is adapted to create the suction pressure to intromit the atmospheric air 138 into the drum 110 of the dryer system 100. The fan assembly 120 is further adapted to propel the incoming air towards the heater 112 mounted on a front panel of the dryer system 100, due to the suction pressure. The incoming air comprises a mixture of the condensed air 152 and the atmospheric air 138. The heater 112 is mounted downstream to the fan assembly 120, such that the fan assembly 120 is located upstream of the heater 112 and downstream of the primary condensation unit 114. The heater 112 is adapted to heat up the incoming air to a predetermined temperature to obtain heated air.

The heated air 154 is then blown into the drum 110 through the holes 110-1 present in walls of the drum 110, with help of a blower 106 located downstream to the heater 112. The drum 110 is adapted to dry articles therein with an inflow of the heated air 154. The heated air 154 is adapted to dry the articles and acquire moisture content thereafter to obtain moist air 156. An impeller 102 drives a first portion of the moist air 156-1 towards an air outlet unit 118 located at a top side of the drum 110, as depicted in Figure 3. Specifically, Figure 3 illustrates a direction of airflow in the dryer system 100 including a secondary condensation unit 134. The air outlet unit 118 is adapted to vent out the first portion of moist air 156-1 from the drum 110.

In one embodiment, the air outlet unit 118 may have an opening towards an exterior of the dryer system 100. In such a scenario, the first portion of the moist air 156-1 may be expelled directly into the atmosphere. A second portion of the moist air 156-2 is intromitted into the primary condensation unit 114 with help of the impeller 102 (as shown in Figure 1a).. The primary condensation unit 114 is adapted to condense moisture from the second portion of the moist air 156-2 to dry up the second portion of the moist air 156-2. The moisture in the second portion of the moist air 156-2 is condensed into water, and the condensed water is expelled out through a drainage unit 116, thereby producing the condensed air 152. The drainage unit 116 is coupled to the drum 110, which is adapted to drain out water from the drum 110, and the condensed moisture from the primary condensation unit 114. The condensed air 152 then moves towards the air inlet 108 in the primary condensation unit 114, where the atmospheric air 138 mixes with the incoming condensed air 152, and flows towards the heater 112, as mentioned above.

In one embodiment, the air outlet unit 118 and the drainage unit 116 may be connected to a secondary condensation unit 134, as depicted in Figures 3 to 4c. Specifically, Specifically, Figure 4a illustrates a detailed diagram of the secondary condensation unit 134. Specifically, part (a) of Figure 4b illustrates a Y-shaped secondary condensation unit 234, and part (b) of Figure 4b illustrates a straight secondary condensation unit 334. Specifically, part (a) of Figure 4c illustrates a top view of a funnel-shaped secondary condensation unit 434, and part (b) of Figure 4c illustrates a front view of the funnel-shaped secondary condensation unit 434.

Once the drying of articles in the drum 110 is completed, the first portion of the moist air 156-1 is pushed into the air outlet unit 118, which is further connected to the secondary condensation unit 134. The condensed moisture from the second portion of the moist air is intromitted into the drainage unit 116, which is also connected to the secondary condensation unit 134 parallelly to the air outlet unit 118, as depicted in Figure 4a. The secondary condensation unit 134 includes an inlet for the drainage unit 116 and an inlet for the air outlet unit 118. The secondary condensation unit 134 is adapted to receive an outlet end of the drainage unit 116 and an outlet end of the air outlet unit 118 in the inlet of the drainage unit 116 and the inlet for the air outlet unit 118, respectively.

The condensed moisture and water from the drum 110 are passed into the secondary condensation unit 134 through the drainage unit 116 in form of drainage water 116A. When the first portion of the moist air 156-1 passes through the secondary condensation unit 134, the secondary condensation unit 134 is adapted to condense moisture from the first portion of the moist air 156-1, once the first portion of the moist air 156-1 comes in contact with the water 116A flowing through the secondary condensation unit 134. The condensed moisture of the first portion of the moist air 156-1 mixes with the water 116A flowing through the secondary condensation unit 134 and is drained out through the drainpipe 136 as wastewater 136A.

In one example, the secondary condensation unit 134 may include a Y-shaped secondary condensation unit 234, as depicted in part (a) of Figure 4b Specifically, Part (a) of Figure 4b depicts a Y-shaped secondary condensation unit 234 having the drainage unit 116, the air outlet unit 118, and the drainage pipe 136 connected therewith. In such a scenario, the drainage unit 116 may be connected to a first arm 244-1 of the Y-shaped secondary condensation unit 234, the air outlet unit 118 may be connected to a second arm 244-2 of the Y-shaped secondary condensation unit 234, and the drainpipe 136 may be connected to a third arm 244-3 of the Y-shaped secondary condensation unit 234.

In another example, the secondary condensation unit 134 may include a straight secondary condensation unit 334, as depicted in part (b) of Figure 4b. In such a scenario, the drainage unit 116 may be connected to an upper arm 344-1 of the straight secondary condensation unit 334, the air outlet unit 118 may be connected to a lower arm 344-2 of the straight secondary condensation unit 334, and the drainpipe 136 may be connected to an opening 344-3 in the straight secondary condensation unit 334.

In yet another example, the secondary condensation unit 134 may be funnel-shaped as depicted in parts (a) and (b) of Figure 4c. In such a scenario, the water from the drainage unit 116 and the moist air from the air outlet unit 118 may directly be intromitted into the drainpipe 136 via a funnel 444-1 of the funnel-shaped secondary condensation unit 434. The drainpipe 136 may be connected to an arm 444-2 of the funnel-shaped secondary condensation unit 434. It is to be understood that Figures 4(b) and 4(c) depict only examples of constructional aspects of the secondary condensation unit 134, 234, 334, 434, and do not limit the scope of such constructional aspects thereof.

Once moisture is removed from the moist air 156 after drying of articles in the drum 110, the condensed air 152 rises into the primary condensation unit 114, with help of the impeller 102. Constructional and functional details of the primary condensation unit 114 will now be explained in detail with reference to Figures 5-6c. Specifically, Figure 5 illustrates a schematic diagram of a primary condensation unit 114 in the dryer system 100 with including a flap 128 with a motor 146. Specifically, Figure 6a illustrates an exploded view of an air inlet 108 along a section B-B as depicted in Figure 5. Specifically, Figure 6b illustrates a sectional view depicting an open position of the air inlet 108, the air inlet 108 cut along the section B-B. Specifically, Figure 6c illustrates a detailed sectional view of the air inlet 108 depicting the open position thereof.

The primary condensation unit 114 includes a condenser inlet 148, and the air inlet 108. The air inlet 108 further includes an opening 122 through a wall 114-1 of the primary condensation unit 114, a wire mesh 124, a rubber seal 126, a flap 128, a spring 130, and at least one fastener 132. The wire mesh 124 fits into the opening 122 from the external side of the primary condensation unit 114 and is adapted to filter impurities from the atmospheric air 138 while the atmospheric air 138 enters into the dryer system 100. The rubber seal 126 is fixed along the periphery of the opening 122 and is adapted to tightly seal a flap 128 in the closed position with the opening 122.

In one example, the flap 128 may be attached to a circumference of the air inlet 108 by but is not limited to, a hinge. The flap 128 is adapted to open inwards in the primary condensation unit 114 for the intromission of the atmospheric air 138 into the dryer system 100. Due to a suction created by the fan assembly 120, the flap 128 is pulled inwards to an open condition. Opening 122 the flap 128 lets the atmospheric air 138 into the dryer system 100. The flap 128 is adapted to close the air inlet 108 once a predetermined amount of atmospheric air 138 is intromitted into the dryer system 100. Once the predetermined amount of air is intromitted into the dryer system 100, the RPM of the fan assembly 120 may be lowered, thereby lowering the suction pressure, and causing the flap 128 to close. The opening 122 and closing of the flap 128 are aided by means of the spring 130 fastened to the flap 128 with help of the at least one fastener 132.

Referring again to Figure 5, in one embodiment, the opening and closing of the flap may be facilitated by a motor 146. In one example, the motor 146 may include but is not limited to, a servo motor.

In one embodiment, RPM of the fan assembly 120 and working of the motor 146 may be controlled by a control unit. The control unit 502 may be coupled to a plurality of sensors 506-1, 506-2, 506-3, 506-4, 506-5, an input module 504, and a communication module 508, as depicted in Figure 7. Specifically, Figure 7 illustrates a block diagram 500 depicting functioning of the dryer system 100 with help of the control unit 502.

In one embodiment, the control unit 502 may be adapted to operate the dryer system 100 based on the plurality of operating parameters received by the control unit 502 from the plurality of sensors 506-1, 506-2, 506-3, 506-4, 506-5. The plurality of sensors 506-1, 506-2, 506-3, 506-4, 506-5 may be adapted to sense a plurality of operating parameters of the dryer system 100. The plurality of sensors 506-1, 506-2, 506-3, 506-4, 506-5 may be positioned in at least one location in the dryer system 100, depending on the function of each of the sensor 506-1, 506-2, 506-3, 506-4, 506-5. In one exemplary embodiment, the plurality of operating parameters may include but are not limited to, at least one of an ambient temperature around the dryer system 100, an ambient humidity around the dryer system 100, an internal temperature of the dryer system 100, an internal humidity of the dryer system 100, and a temperature of water incoming into the dryer system 100, a temperature of the water being drained out from the dryer system 100.

In one embodiment, the control unit 502 may further be adapted to operate the dryer system 100 based on at least one input received by the control unit 502 from the input module 504. The input module 504 may be provided in communication with the control unit 502. The input module 504 may be adapted to receive at least one input from an operator via the input module 504, wherein the at least one input is indicative of a predetermined mode of operation of the dryer system 100. The communication module 508 may be in communication with the control unit 502. The communication module 508 may be adapted to share and process data with remotely connected devices (not shown).

In one embodiment, the control unit 502 may be adapted to operate the dryer system 100 based on a trained machine learning model 510. The trained machine learning model 510 may be adapted to function based on the plurality of operating parameters and the at least one input received by the control unit 502 from the input module 504. In one embodiment, the control unit 502 may be adapted to control a plurality of functions 512, 514, 516, 518, 520, 522 associated with optimizing drying cycle in the dryer system 100. In one example, the plurality of functions 512, 514, 516, 518, 520, 522 may include but are not limited to, a degree of opening and closing of the flap 128 of the air inlet 108 for optimizing the amount of the atmospheric air 138 being intromitted into the dryer system 100, optimizing a degree of opening and closing of the flap 128 by controlling the motor 146, a flow rate of water in the dryer system 100, an RPM of the fan assembly 120, and an RPM of the drum 110.

By optimizing the drying cycle of the dryer system 100, temperature profile of the heater 112 can be maintained. The temperature profiles of the heater 112 in the dryer system 100 do not fluctuate unlike in conventional dryer systems. The moist air is continuously vented out of the dryer system 100, thereby preventing the air from getting saturated with moisture over time. The vented dryer system 100, therefore, helps in increasing the rate of moisture removal.

The reason for the non-fluctuation of the temperature profiles of the heater 112 is that the moisture content in the air does not get saturated, which makes the heater 112 function at a constant temperature profile for a lesser duration of time. The heater 112 is not required to be switched on and switched off at different intervals, as the duration of the airflow cycle reduces substantially, thereby heating the air to the required temperature within one cycle. The maximum efficiency is achieved in the dryer system 100 with a primary condensation unit 114 having a bigger-sized air inlet 108.

The moist air in the drum 110 disclosed herein, is continuously vented out of the dryer system 100, thereby preventing the air from getting saturated with moisture over time. The vented dryer, therefore, helps in increasing the rate of moisture removal. The increase in rate of moisture removal becomes the reason for the non-fluctuation of the temperature profiles of the heater 112, as the moisture content in the air does not get saturated. The heater 112, therefore, functions at a constant temperature profile for a lesser duration of time.

The heater 112 is not required to be switched on and switched off at different intervals, as the duration of the airflow cycle reduces substantially, thereby heating the air to the required temperature within one cycle. Maximum efficiency may be achieved in a dryer system 100 with a primary condensation unit 114 having a bigger-sized air inlet 108. Also, the secondary condensation unit 134 helps in conveniently condensing and draining the moisture from the air directly into the drain, without making the surrounding air moist. The apparatus may therefore be installed even indoors, as the surrounding air won’t be affected due to moisture.

While specific language has been used to describe the present disclosure, any limitations arising on account thereto, are not intended. As would be apparent to a person in the art, various working modifications may be made to the method in order to implement the inventive concept as taught herein. The drawings and the foregoing description give examples of embodiments. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that one or more of the described elements may well be combined into a single functional element. Alternatively, certain elements may be split into multiple functional elements. Elements from one embodiment may be added to another embodiment.