Technical Field

The present invention relates to a connecting apparatus for stacking washing devices and drying devices on top of each other.

Background of the Invention

A washing device, e.g. a washing machine, is used to wash and clean textile products by a washing liquid, such as water and a washing agent (e.g. a detergent, a softener). A washing device generally comprises at least one body; at least one tub in the body; and a drum provided in the tub for rotating. Here, items to be washed are positioned in the drum. When the drum is rotated, said items are rubbed against each other or against the protrusions in the drum, so that the stains thereon are cleaned. Some amount of the washing liquid used in the washing process may remain on the washed items after completion of the washing process. For this reason, the items must be dried following a washing process. According to conventional applications, a drying process is achieved by hanging the washed items and drying them with ambient air. However, such a process takes a long time and is a challenging task for a user. To solve this problem, drying devices have been developed in the known art. Similar to a washing device, a drying device comprises at least one body; at least one tub in the body; and a drum provided in the tub for rotating. Here, the items placed in the drum are dried by circulating hot air inside the drum.

In cases where a washing device and a dryer device are used together, the amount of space available to the user decreases, especially when said devices are positioned side by side. This may negatively affect the user, especially in places with a limited space. To prevent such an undesirable situation, washing devices and drying devices can be stacked on top of each other. According to such applications, a connecting apparatus is used between the washing device and drying device for connecting these two devices together. However, connecting apparatuses provided in the known state of the art only allow two devices to be connected to each other, incapable of meeting different user needs. Therefore, a more improved connecting apparatus is required.

Brief Description of the Invention

The present invention discloses a connecting apparatus for stacking at least one washing device and at least one drying device on top of each other. Said connecting apparatus comprises at least one body which is suitable for being connected to at least one washing device on at least one side thereof, and to at least one drying device on at least another side thereof; at least one apparatus reservoir provided in the body, which is suitable for storing a liquid.

Thanks to the connecting apparatus according to the present invention, a washing device and a drying device can be safely stacked on top of each other. Thanks to the apparatus reservoir provided in the connecting apparatus, the water obtained in the drying device by condensation is stored for use in the washing device. In this way, both water and the heat energy stored therein are used efficiently.

Object of the Invention

An object of the present invention is to provide a connecting apparatus for stacking a washing device and a drying device on top of each other.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a connecting apparatus capable of storing water.

A further object of the present invention is to provide a practical and reliable connecting apparatus.

Description of the Drawings

Exemplary embodiments of the connecting apparatus according to the present invention are illustrated in the attached drawings, in which: Figure 1 is a perspective view of the connecting apparatus according to the invention.

Figure 2 is a side view of the connecting apparatus according to the invention in use.

Figure 3 is an exploded view of the connecting apparatus according to the invention in use.

All the parts illustrated in figures are individually assigned a reference numeral and the corresponding terms of these numbers are listed below:

Connecting apparatus (A)

Washing device (Y)

Drying device (K)

Dryer reservoir (K1)

Body (1)

Apparatus reservoir (2)

Upper plate (2a)

Drawer (3)

First rail element (4)

Second rail element (5)

Mounting element (6)

Mounting cover (6a)

Description of the Invention

A washing device and a drying device used for washing and drying textile products, e.g. laundry, occupy a relatively large area. These devices may be stacked on top of each other to reduce the occupied space. Here, said devices are connected to each other by means of a connecting apparatus to prevent the devices from moving relative to each other during operation. For this reason, the present invention discloses a connecting apparatus for stacking a washing device and a drying device on top of each other.

The connecting apparatus (A) according to the present invention, which is illustrated in Figures 1-3, comprises at least one body (1) which is suitable for being connected to at least one washing device (Y) on at least one side thereof, and to at least one drying device (K) on at least another side thereof; at least one apparatus reservoir (2) provided in the body (1), which is suitable for storing a liquid.

In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, the connecting apparatus (A) is used for stacking a washing device (Y) and a drying device (K) on top of each other. The body (1) is positioned on an upper part of the washing device (Y) and is fixed to the upper part of the washing device (Y) by means of a fastener, such as a screw. The drying device (K), on the other hand, is positioned on said body (1) such that it is connected to the body (1) from a lower part, preferably using fasteners. Thus, a reliable connection is provided between the washing device (Y) and the drying device (K). Here, the apparatus reservoir (2) of the connecting apparatus (A) is used, for example, to store the water condensed in the drying device (K) during the drying process. During the operation of the drying devices (K), water contained in the dried items is heated and evaporated. Since evaporation of water negatively affects the drying performance, it is cooled and condensed in a heat exchanger. Since the water caused by condensation is stored in the apparatus reservoir (2) of the connecting apparatus (A), this water can be used in the next washing process of the washing (Y) device. In this way, the amount of water supplied from the mains for the washing process is reduced, thereby using the water more efficiently. Here, a temperature of the water condensed in the drying device (K) is also relatively high. Thanks to the use of such a high temperature water in the washing device (Y), the amount of energy consumed for heating the water during a washing process is also reduced. Therefore, thanks to the connecting apparatus (A) of the present invention, energy efficiency is provided.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the connecting apparatus (A) comprises at least one upper plate (2a) provided on the apparatus reservoir (2). Said upper plate (2a) serves as a cover for the apparatus reservoir (2). Thus, for example, the apparatus reservoir (2) can be accessed for cleaning if required, while preventing foreign substances from reaching the apparatus reservoir (2) when access to the apparatus reservoir (2) is not required.

In another preferred embodiment of the invention, the connecting apparatus (A) comprises at least one drawer (3) suitable for moving relative to the body (1). In this embodiment, the apparatus reservoir (2) is preferably connected to the drawer (3). Here, when the drawer (3) extends out of the body (1), for example by a sliding movement, the apparatus reservoir (2) can also extend out of the body (1). Thus, for example, when the water stored in the apparatus reservoir (2) is desired to be discharged, the apparatus reservoir (1) can be easily moved out. In this embodiment, in order to provide the sliding movement, the connecting apparatus (A) comprises at least a first rail element (4) connected to the body (1); and at least a second rail element (5), with at least one side connected to the drawer (3), and at least another side to the first rail element (4), wherein the second rail element (5) is suitable for linear movement relative to the first rail element (4). Thanks to the first rail element (4) and the second rail element (5), the drawer (3) can be moved reliably relative to the body (1).

In a further preferred embodiment of the invention, the connecting apparatus (A) comprises at least one mounting element (6), with at least one side connected to the body

(1), and at least another side suitable for connection to a wall. Said mounting element (6) prevents the washing device (Y) and/or drying device (K) from moving during operation. Here, the mounting element (6) comprises at least one mounting cover (6a) suitable for being fixed to a wall. Here, the mounting cover (6a) is removed from the mounting element (6) and fixed to a wall, and then the mounting element (6) is attached to the mounting cover (6a). Thus, the mounting element (6) is connected to the wall in a practical manner.

In another preferred embodiment of the invention, the connecting apparatus (A) comprises at least one filtering element for filtering the water in the apparatus reservoir (2). Thus, foreign substances, such as microfibers, in the water contained in the apparatus reservoir

(2) are filtered, so that cleaner water is used in the washing device (Y).

In another preferred embodiment of the invention, the connecting apparatus (A) comprises at least one mains inlet for connecting the apparatus reservoir (2) to at least one water mains. In this embodiment, for example, while the water in the apparatus reservoir (2) is sent to the washing device (Y), water is received from the mains inlet. Therefore, the apparatus reservoir (2) can be cleaned with mains water. In another preferred embodiment of the invention, the apparatus reservoir (2) comprises at least one anti-bacterial material. Said anti-bacterial material may be the raw material of the apparatus reservoir (2) or it may be a coating on the apparatus reservoir (2). Thus, the formation of microorganisms is prevented due to the water remaining in the apparatus reservoir (2).

In another preferred embodiment of the invention, the connecting apparatus (A) comprises at least one foreign substance sensor provided in the apparatus reservoir (2). The foreign substance sensor may be a chemical sensor, or a material changing color depending on the foreign substances in the apparatus reservoir (2). In these embodiments, microorganism formation in the water stored in the apparatus reservoir (2) is detected, so that the users are informed.

In another preferred embodiment of the invention, the connecting apparatus (A) comprises at least one energy converter that converts the heat energy of the water stored in the apparatus reservoir (2) into electrical energy. For example, thanks to the energy converter in a Peltier structure, electrical energy is obtained through the temperature of the water stored in the apparatus reservoir (2). The electrical energy obtained can be stored in a battery or used in a warning unit such as a light. Such an electrical energy can also be transferred to the washing device (Y) and/or the drying device (K). This ensures more efficient use of energy.

The present invention also discloses a washing and drying system comprising said connecting apparatus (A). Said washing and drying system comprises at least one washing device (Y); and at least one drying device (K) stacked on the washing device (Y), with the connecting apparatus (A) remaining therebetween. Here, the washing and drying system further comprises at least a first transmission line which is connected to the drying device (K) on at least one side and to the apparatus reservoir (2) on at least another side, for transmitting the water condensed in the drying device (K) to the apparatus reservoir (2); at least a second transmission line connected to the apparatus reservoir (2) on at least one side, communicated to at least one component of the washing device (Y) on at least another side, and transmitting the water stored in the apparatus reservoir (2) to the washing device (Y). Here, the first transmission line may be connected to a condensation chamber provided in the drying device (K), or it may be connected to a dryer reservoir (K1) provided in the drying device (K). In a preferred embodiment, at least one side of the second transmission line communicates to a plurality of components of the washing device (Y) (for example, detergent tank, water inlet, drain). In this embodiment, the washing and drying system comprises at least one valve and/or pump to control the transmission of water received from the apparatus reservoir (2) to different components. Thus, the water received from the apparatus reservoir (2) is sent to different parts of the washing device (Y) as required. In another preferred embodiment, the washing and drying system comprises at least one sensor to detect an amount (level) of water contained in the apparatus reservoir (2). In this embodiment, the sensor is connected to the washing device (Y) and/or the drying device (K), and sends the detected water level to said devices. Thus, for example, when the apparatus reservoir (2) is full, transmission of water from the drying device (K) to the apparatus reservoir (2) can be stopped. Here, in addition, for example, when the apparatus reservoir (2) is fully loaded, a warning (e.g. a visual or audible warning) may be provided to the users via the washing device (Y) and/or drying device (K). Since the washing device (Y) is informed about the amount of water in the apparatus reservoir (2), decisions can be made whether or not to receive water from the mains by the washing device (Y), and if so, the amount of water that must be received from the mains. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the washing and drying system comprises at least one connection sensor for detecting whether the connecting apparatus (A) is connected to the washing device (Y) and/or the drying device (K). Said connection sensor is preferably connected to a control unit of the washing device (Y) and/or the drying device (K). Here, when it is detected that the connecting apparatus (A) is connected to the washing device (Y) and/or drying device (K), the operation of the washing device (Y) and/or drying device (K) is controlled accordingly. For example, operation of the drying device (K) is controlled such that more amount of water is stored in the dryer reservoir (K1), while operation of the washing device (Y) is controlled such that the water in the apparatus reservoir (2) is received first, and if such an amount of water is inadequate, water is received from the mains. The connection sensor may be a switch (e.g. a micro switch) provided in a slot with a fastener element, such as a screw, inserted therein, or it may be a magnetic sensor (such as a reed switch) for detecting a magnetic element in the washing device (Y) and/or drying device (K).

Thanks to the connecting apparatus (A) according to the present invention, a washing device (Y) and a drying device (K) can be safely stacked on top of each other. Thanks to the apparatus reservoir (2) provided in the connecting apparatus (A), the water obtained in the drying device (K) by condensation is stored for use in the washing device (Y). In this way, both water and the heat energy stored therein are used efficiently.