SYSTEM FOR SIMULTANEOUSLY HEATING AND DEHUMIDIFYING A ROOM

DESCRIPTION

The present patent application for industrial invention relates to a system for heating and dehumidifying a room.

In particular, the aim of the present invention is to devise a system that allows for dehumidifying a room without cooling the same room, that is to say, a system that allows for simultaneously heating and dehumidifying a room.

Currently, most houses, including new houses in energy class “A”, are not provided with proper air recirculation. Consequently, being a sealed space, they are invariably impaired by problems related with the formation of mold - resulting in the generation of mites and dust that are very harmful to the health of the people living in the house - and with the blackening of the walls that require continuous painting.

Generally speaking, in order to dehumidify a room, conventional air conditioners are used in dehumidification mode, reducing the temperature of the room by approximately 2° or 3°C.

In addition to the problem caused by humidity, today's houses, especially those located in cold places, are impaired by another problem related with the heating of bathrooms. In fact, even if the houses are provided with thermal insulation, which limits the dispersion of the heat from the inside to the outside of the house, they still need to be provided with heating systems to heat the indoor space, and especially the bathrooms.

In addition, the heating of bathrooms is related with the temperature of the bedroom where low temperatures are set. During the night, sometimes the heating is turned off.

Generally speaking, the following is used to heat the indoor space, and especially the bathrooms of a house or a building:

- electric heaters and fan heaters with an average consumption of 2000 Watts;

- convectors, electric tower radiators with an average consumption of 1300 Watts;

- air conditioners with a heat pump in heating mode.

US2011 100043A1 discloses a ventilating air-conditioning system suitable for being installed in a roof space of a bathroom. The ventilating air-conditioning system is preferably designed to operate in combination with a conventional air conditioner. The ventilating air-conditioning system comprises a main body having a first chamber (defined as supply air path) and a second chamber (defined as exhaust air path).

The ventilating air-conditioning system comprises a heat pump comprising a first heat exchanger disposed in the first chamber, a second heat exchanger disposed in the second chamber, a compressor, an expansion mechanism and valves that allow for inverting the flow of the heat transfer fluid inside the heat pump in such a way that the first and the second heat exchangers can respectively operate as evaporator and as condenser and vice versa.

The first heat exchanger divides the first chamber in a first zone and in a second zone.

The second heat exchanger divides the second chamber in a first zone and a second zone.

The main body comprises:

- an inlet that provides communication between the first zone of the first chamber with the outdoor space (outside of the building) by means of a supply tube,

- an outlet that provides direct communication between the second zone of the first chamber with the indoor space;

- an inlet opening that provides communication between said second zone of the second chamber with the indoor space;

- an exhaust outlet disposed in said first zone of the second chamber that discharges air in the outdoor space (outside of the building) by means of an exhaust tube;

- a supply fan that conveys the air towards the outlet; and

- an exhaust fan that conveys the air towards the exhaust outlet.

The two chambers communicate by means of an interconnection opening disposed between the first two zones, wherein a flow adjustment valve is installed to mix the two flows that are conveyed in the two paths.

Another opening is provided between the two chambers, which is disposed between the two first zones, wherein a flow path changing valve is installed to change the paths and go from a supply/exhaust state, wherein the two chambers or paths are set at a cooling/heating mode, wherein the inlet is in communication with the outlet, whereas the inlet opening is in communication with the outlet opening. Therefore, in the cooling/heating mode, the outdoor space is completely separated from the indoor space. The system described in US201 1100043A1 is impaired by several drawbacks.

Firstly, the system can simultaneously heat and dehumidify a room only when it is in the supply/exhaust mode. In such a configuration, the air coming from outside enters the first chamber, passes through the first heat exchanger (acting as a condenser) and then is introduced into the room. The humid air of the room enters the second chamber, passes through the second heat exchanger (acting as an evaporator) and is discharged outside the room.

If the temperature outside the room is extremely low, the heat pump is unable to make the first heat exchanger (acting as a condenser) reach a sufficient temperature in order to properly heat the air that touches the first heat exchanger and is introduced into the room. Such an inefficiency makes it impossible to use the system in extremely cold places where the outdoor temperature is very low. In order to use the system in cold places, the system needs auxiliary heating means that additionally heat the air before it is introduced into the room or that act on the heat transfer fluid, increasing its temperature before going to the condenser.

The provision of the auxiliary heating means makes the system extremely expensive and complex to implement.

The system is also afflicted by a problem that is especially encountered when the system operates in the heating mode and it is extremely cold outside.

In such a case, in fact, the second heat exchanger acts as an evaporator and is touched by the cold air coming from outside that enters through the inlet. Frost is generated by the cold air on the outer surface of the second evaporator. In order to defrost the second evaporator it is necessary to block the fans and switch the valves of the heat pump so as to invert the flow of the heat transfer fluid inside the heat pump.

Therefore, the valve assembly is an essential element of the US201 1100043A1 ventilating air-conditioning system. The provision of the valve assembly and the inversion of the flow to defrost the evaporator originate several drawbacks.

Firstly, the presence of the valve assembly increases the complexity and the cost of the system.

Secondly, the presence of the valve assembly and of the tubes reduces the efficiency of the system due to the higher losses.

Thirdly, every time the heat transfer fluid is inverted, annoying noises similar to ticking are heard, which originate from the expansion or contraction of the material used to make the components of the heat pump due to the instantaneous temperature variation of the heat transfer fluid that flows inside said components.

Finally, it is worth noting that the operation of the system in defrost mode requires time and energy that could be advantageously used to operate the system in operating mode. The longer it takes to defrost the evaporator, the higher the waste will be. Considering that, during the heating phase, the evaporator is frequently touched by the cold air coming from the outside, being consequently frosted, the system will need to repeatedly set itself to the defrost mode. So, it appears evident that the system is completely inappropriate to be used in cold places where the outside temperature is below 0° C for long periods of the year.

CN1 10506972A discloses a tobacco leaf baking device.

The system comprises a boxed frame comprising a dehumidification chamber and a heating chamber disposed downstream the dehumidification chamber.

The system comprises a heat pump comprising an evaporator disposed in the dehumidification chamber, a condenser disposed in the heating chamber, a compressor, a laminating unit and a valve assembly to invert the flow of the heat transfer fluid inside the heat pump.

The boxed frame comprises inlets with valves, channels and electric fans that allow for:

- sucking in the air from the drying chamber, conveying the air first in the dehumidification chamber in such a way to dehumidify the air, then conveying the air in the heating chamber in such a way to heat the air, and finally reintroducing the air in the drying chamber, or

- sucking in the air from the drying chamber, conveying the air directly in the heating chamber in such a way to heat the air, and finally reintroducing the air in the drying chamber.

Also in such a case, when frost is generated in the evaporator, in order to defrost said evaporator, it will be necessary to block the fans and invert the flow of the heat transfer fluid inside the heat pump.

Therefore, the system described in CN1 10506972A requires the presence of the valve assembly, and therefore has the same problems as the ventilating air conditioning system described in US201 1100043A1 arising from the presence of the valve assembly. In addition, the system described in CN1 10506972A has an auxiliary electric heater disposed in the heating chamber, which can be activated when the condenser is unable to properly heat the air passing through it.

The present invention has been conceived following to a careful observation of the aforementioned problems, with the aim of disclosing a heating/dehumidification system that can operate simultaneously as a dehumidifier and as a heater.

Otherwise said, the purpose of the present invention is to devise a heating/dehumidification system which allows for

- dehumidifying a room without cooling the room; or

- heating and dehumidifying said room simultaneously.

A further purpose of the present invention to devise a heating/dehumidification system wherein, the defrosting of an evaporator of a heat pump of the heating/dehumidification system does not require to invert the flow of the heat transfer fluid inside the heat pump.

An additional purpose of the present invention is to devise a heating/dehumidification system that is inexpensive and energy-efficient.

Another purpose is to devise a heating/dehumidification system that is particularly suitable for being associated with garments or clothes supporting devices for drying said garments or clothes.

These purposes are achieved in accordance with the invention with the features listed in the appended independent claim 1 .

Advantageous embodiments appear from the dependent claims.

The heating/dehumidification system according to the invention is defined by claim 1.

For the sake of clarity, the description of the heating/dehumidification system according to the invention is continued with reference to the appended drawings, which are for illustrative and non-limiting purposes only, wherein:

Fig. 1 is a schematic view of the heating/dehumidification system according to the invention;

Figs. 2 and 3 are schematic views of the heating/dehumidification system in two operating modes; in Figs. 2 and 3, the airflow that flows in the heating/dehumidification system is indicated schematically by arrows;

Fig. 4 is a schematic view of an assembly comprising the heating/dehumidification system of Fig. 1 and a clothes drying rack; Figs. 5, 6, 7 and 8 are axonometric views of the clothes drying rack of Fig. 4 in four different arrangements;

Fig. 8A is a view of the clothes drying rack of Fig. 8 covered by an ornamental curtain;

Figs. 9 and 10 are schematic views of an assembly comprising a heating/dehumidification system and a drying-ironing device; in said Figs. 9 and 10 the heating/dehumidification system is shown in two different embodiments in order to be associated with the drying-dehumidification device;

Figs. 11 and 11 A are a view of the drying-ironing device without conveyors; in said Figs. 11 and 11 A a clothes drying rack of support means for drying-ironing device is shown in an idle position and in an operating position, respectively;

Fig. 11 B is a sectional view of the drying-ironing device of Fig. 11 taken along a plane passing through the axis of rotation of the electric fans of the drying-ironing device;

Fig. 12 is a view of the drying-ironing device in a version with two outlets with two conveyors mounted;

Fig. 12A is a view of the drying-ironing device in a version with four outlets with four conveyors mounted;

Fig. 13 is an axonometric view of the drying-ironing device shown in Fig. 12, wherein garments are hung on the conveyors;

Fig. 13A is an axonometric view of the drying-ironing device shown in Fig. 12A, wherein garments are hung on the conveyors;

Fig. 13B is an axonometric view of a clamp suitable for being applied to an exit section of a garment;

Figs. 14, 15, 16 and 17 are four axonometric views of four different types of conveyors;

Fig. 18 is an axonometric view of the conveyor of Fig. 12, wherein the arrows show the movement of the boxed structure along the two lateral uprights.

Fig. 19 is a flow chart illustrating the connection between sensors, a control unit, partitions and electric fans of the assembly.

With reference to Figures 1 to 3, a heating/dehumidification system according to the invention, collectively referred to as (RD), is described.

The heating/dehumidification system (RD) is suitable for being installed in a room (LC) of a house or of a building. The heating/dehumidification system comprises a boxed frame (T) comprising a first chamber (F1 ) and a second chamber (F2).

The heating/dehumidification (FID) system comprises a heat pump comprising components suitable for being crossed by a heat transfer fluid and disposed in the boxed frame (T). The components of said heat pump are a condenser (C) arranged in said first chamber (F1 ), an evaporator (E) arranged in said second chamber (F2), a laminating unit (L) arranged in said second chamber (F2) and a compressor (S) arranged in said first chamber (F1 ).

The condenser (C) divides the first chamber (F1 ) into a first zone (F11 ) and a second zone (F12).

The evaporator (E) divides the second chamber (F2) into a first zone (F21 ) and a second zone (F22).

With reference to Fig. 1 , the arrows show the direction of the heat transfer fluid inside the components of the heat pump.

Firstly, the heat transfer fluid is compressed by the compressor (S), increasing its temperature and its pressure.

From the compressor (S), the heat transfer fluid is sent to the condenser (C), from which it exits at liquid state, and is then sent to the laminating unit (L) to decrease the temperature and the pressure of the heat transfer fluid at liquid state. Then the heat transfer fluid is conveyed towards the evaporator. The heat transfer fluid passes through the evaporator, absorbs heat and evaporates, returning to gaseous state.

In such a passage the evaporator (E) absorbs the heat from the surrounding space and yields the heat to the heat transfer fluid.

Therefore, when the air touches an external surface of the conduits of the evaporator (E), the air yields heat to the evaporator and is cooled down.

The heat transfer fluid that comes out of the evaporator (E) is then recycled towards the compressor (S) to start a new cycle.

With reference to Fig. 1 , the boxed frame (T) includes:

- a first inlet (e11 ) that puts the first zone (F1 1 ) of the first chamber (F1 ) directly in communication with the room (LC);

- a second inlet (e12) that puts the second zone (F12) of the first chamber (F1 ) directly in communication with the room (LC);

- a third inlet (e22) that puts the second zone (F22) of the second chamber (F2) directly in communication with the room (LC); and - an exhaust outlet (s2) disposed in said first zone (F21 ) of the second chamber (F2); an exhaust tube (TS) is connected in said exhaust outlet (s2) in order to discharge the air passing through the exhaust outlet (s2) outside the room (LC).

Moreover, said boxed frame (T) may comprise an auxiliary inlet (e21 ) that puts the first zone (F21 ) of the second chamber (F2) directly in communication with the room (LC).

It should be noted that the wording “puts directly in communication” refers to an inlet that puts the chamber and the room directly in communication without the interposition of other chambers.

Advantageously, at each inlet (e11 , e12, e21 , e22) and at the exhaust outlet (s2) a movable partition (p4, p5, p9, p10) is provided, which is suitable for moving between an opening position, wherein the inlet or the exhaust outlet (s2) is open, and in a closing position, wherein the inlet (e1 1 , e12, e21 , e22) or the exhaust outlet (s2) is closed.

Preferably, the heating/dehumidification (RD) system comprises condensation draining/collecting means (G1 , G2) suitably configured to drain or collect the condensation that is generated on the evaporator (E).

The condensation draining/collecting means consist of a draining channel (G1 ) that discharges the condensation outside the room (LC) and/or a removable tank (G2) wherein the condensation precipitates.

With reference to Fig. 1 , the heating/dehumidification system (RD) further comprises:

- a first electric fan (V1 ) arranged in said first chamber (F1 ) and configured in such a way as to generate an airflow inside the first chamber (F1 ) that crosses the condenser (C) going from the first zone (F11 ) towards the second zone (F12) of the first chamber (F1 );

- a second electric fan (V4) arranged in said second chamber (F2) and configured in such a way as to generate an airflow inside the second chamber (F2) that crosses the evaporator (E) going from the second zone (F22) towards the first zone (F21 ) of the second chamber (F2).

Still with reference to Fig. 1 , the boxed frame (T) of the heating/dehumidification system (RD) comprises at least one interconnection opening (n1 , n2) that puts the first chamber (F1 ) and the second chamber (F2) in communication. In particular, the boxed frame (T) comprises two interconnection openings (n1 , n2), namely a first interconnection opening (n1 ) and a second interconnection opening (n2). A movable partition (p7, p8) is disposed on each interconnection opening (n1 , n2) and is suitable for being moved between an opening position, wherein the interconnection opening (n1 , n2) is open, and a closing position, wherein the interconnection opening (n1 , n2) is closed.

The first interconnection opening (n1 ) is disposed between the first zone (F11 ) of the first chamber (F1 ) and the first zone (F21 ) of the second chamber (F2).

The second interconnection opening (n2) is disposed between the second zone (F12) of the first chamber (F1 ) and the second zone (F22) of the second chamber (F2).

By opening the first interconnection opening (n1 ) it is possible to mix the airflows that pass through the chambers (F1 , F2) in such a way as to regulate the air that is reintroduced into the room (LC).

By opening the second interconnection opening (n2) it is possible to defrost the evaporator (E).

These functions, however, will become clearer following to the description of the operating modes of the heating/dehumidification system, which will be illustrated below.

The heating/dehumidification system (RD) comprises a control unit (H) configured to activate or deactivate the electric fans (V1 , V4).

The movable partitions are automatically moved by means of automatic drive means controlled by the control unit (H).

With reference to Figs. 2 and 3, two settings of the heating/dehumidification system (RD) according to the present invention are described below.

In Fig. 2, the operating mode of the heating/dehumidification (RD) system is shown.

In the first chamber (F1 ), the partition (p5) associated with the first inlet (e11 ) is kept open, similarly the partition (p9) associated with the second inlet (e12) is kept open, whereas the partition (p8) associated with the second interconnection opening (n2) is kept closed.

The first electric fan (V1 ) is activated in such a way as to suck in the air from the first inlet (e11 ) and forcedly convey it towards the second inlet (e12). Therefore, the air enters the first zone (F1 1 ) of the first chamber (F1 ), passes through the condenser (C), goes into the second zone (F12) of the first chamber (F1 ) and is reintroduced into the room (LC) through the second inlet (e12). During the path from the first inlet (e11 ) to the second inlet (e12), the air meets the condenser (C) and heats up. More precisely, the air touches the external surface of the conduit of the condenser (C) and absorbs heat. Therefore the air that comes out of the second inlet (e12) is heated.

In the second chamber (F2), both the partition (p10) associated with the third inlet (e22) and the partition (p4) associated with the exhaust outlet (s2) are kept open. The second electric fan (V4) is activated in such a way as to suck in the air from the third inlet (e22) and forcedly convey it into the exhaust tube (TS) in order to discharge this air outside the room (LC). Therefore, the air enters the second zone (F22) of the second chamber (F2), passes through the evaporator (E), goes into the first zone (F21 ) of the second chamber (F2) and is discharged through the exhaust outlet (s2).

During the path from the third inlet (e22) to the exhaust outlet (s2), the air meets the evaporator (E), is cooled down and releases water vapor. Therefore, once it has passed through the evaporator (E), the air is dehumidified and cooled.

The heating/dehumidification system can also be equipped with a temperature sensor (z1 ) installed in the first chamber (F1 ) to detect the temperature of the air coming out of the second inlet (e12), and with an additional external temperature sensor (z3) installed in the room (LC) to detect the temperature in the room (LC).

The two temperature sensors (z1 , z3) are operatively connected to the control unit (H) to send temperature signals.

The temperature can be adjusted by opening or closing the partition (p7) associated with the first interconnection opening (n1 ).

In such a way, the cold dehumidified air present in the first zone (F21 ) of the second chamber (F2) flows into the first zone (F11 ) of the first chamber (F1 ), mixing with the air that is already present in the first zone (F1 1 ) of the first chamber (F1 ), cooling it down and therefore regulating the temperature of the air that comes out of the second inlet (e12) and is reintroduced into the room (LC).

If the temperature of the room (LC) measured by the additional external temperature sensor (z3) is too high, it is possible to open the partition (p6) associated with the auxiliary inlet (e21 ) in such a way that the cold dehumidified air is returned to the room (LC).

In the case where ice is formed on the evaporator (E), the control unit (H) automatically sets the heating/dehumidification system (RD) to defrost mode by means of a sensor installed on the evaporator, as shown in Fig. 3.

Such a mode provides for - closing the partitions (p9, pt 0 and p7) associated with the second inlet (e12), with the third inlet (e22) and with the first interconnection opening (n1 );

- opening the partitions (p5, p4, and p8) associated with the first inlet (e11 ), with the exhaust outlet (s2), and with the second interconnecting opening (n2); and

- keeping the second electric fan (V4) activated.

In such a configuration, therefore, the air is sucked in from the room (LC) through the first inlet (e11 ) of the boxed frame (T) and enters the first zone (F11 ) of the first chamber (F1 ); then the air passes through the condenser (C) where it is heated, and flows into the second zone (F12) of the first chamber (F1 ); then the air passes through the second interconnection opening (n2) in such a way to pass into the second zone (F22) of the second chamber (F2); successively, it passes through the evaporator (E) in order to defrost it and is finally discharged into the exhaust tube (TS), passing through the second exhaust outlet (s2).

Therefore, as it can be understood, because of the particular position of the second interconnection opening (n2) that puts the two second zones (F12, F22) of the two chambers (F2) into communication, it is not necessary to invert the flow of the heat transfer fluid that circulates inside the heat pump in order to defrost the evaporator (E).

Therefore, the heat transfer fluid can always circulate in the same direction.

The heating/dehumidification system can be used not only to heat and dehumidify a room, but also in association with a clothes supporting device (100, 200) in order to dry clothes, thus defining a clothes drying system.

Figs. 4 to 8A show a first clothes supporting device defined herein as a clothes drying rack (100).

Figs. 9 to 18 show a second clothes supporting device defined hereafter as drying/ironing device (200).

The clothes drying rack (100) shown in Figs. 4-8 is suitable for being disposed in the same room (LC) where said heating/dehumidification system (RD) is installed.

With reference to Fig. 5, the clothes drying rack (100) comprises a supporting frame (1 ) comprising two crosspieces (11 ) parallel to each other and a plurality of strings (2) parallel to each other and connected to said crosspieces (11 ). The clothes to be dried are suitable for being hung on the strings (2).

Advantageously, the clothes drying rack (100) is suitable for being installed on a masonry wall of the room (LC) and, therefore, the supporting frame (1 ) comprises two uprights (10) which are suitable for being fixed to said masonry wall of the room (LC) and support the crosspieces (11 ) in projecting position. The peculiarity of the clothes drying rack (100) is that it comprises two electric fans (3), each one of them being arranged under one of the two crosspieces (11 ), which forcedly convey the air under the plurality of strings (2). In particular, each electric fan (3) forcedly conveys the air towards the other electric fan (3).

It should be noted that, even if in the appended figures the clothes drying rack (100) is equipped with two electro-fans (3), in order to achieve the objectives pursued by the present invention, nothing would change if the clothes drying rack (100) were equipped with a single electric fan (3) that forcedly conveys the air under the plurality of strings (2).

Both electric fans (3) are suitable for being activated/deactivated by said control unit (H) of the heating/dehumidification system (RD).

Preferably, the two electric fans (3) have misaligned axes of rotation.

The two electric fans (3) that forcedly convey the air under the strings (2) of the clothes drying rack allow for considerably speeding up the drying of the clothes.

The clothes drying rack (100) comprises translation means interposed between each crosspiece (11 ) and its corresponding upright (10) and configured in such a way that the crosspieces (11 ) can slide up-and-down along the uprights (10) between a raised position (shown in Fig. 5) and a lowered position (shown in Fig. 6).

Preferably, said translation is performed by means of automatic drive means (such as, for example, linear motors) which allow said crosspieces (11 ) to translate along the uprights (10).

Each crosspiece (11 ) and each upright (10) comprise hinge means to let the crosspiece (11 ) rotate about an axis (X) so as to be disposed in an operating position, wherein said crosspieces (11 ) are substantially orthogonal to said uprights (10), and in an idle position, wherein said crosspieces (11 ) are substantially parallel to said uprights (10).

In the embodiment shown in the appended figures, said hinge means comprise:

- a pin provided at one end of the crosspiece (1 1 ) that slides along the upright

(10) during the up-and-down movement of the crosspiece (11 ) between the raised position and the lowered position; and

- a hole (1 Of) provided at a lower end (10a) of the upright (10) wherein the pin is inserted, when the crosspiece (11 ) is in its lowered position, letting the crosspiece

(1 1 ) rotate relative to its corresponding upright. Said clothes drying rack (100) further comprises a support (30) for each electric fan (3) which is rotatably connected by means of hinge means to the crosspiece (11 ), in such a way that each electric fan (3) can be disposed between:

- a first position, wherein said electric fan (3) lies on a plane substantially orthogonal to the plane wherein said strings (2) lie, and

- a second position, wherein said electric fan (3) lies on a plane substantially parallel to the plane wherein said strings (2) lie.

Thus, the clothes drying rack (100) is of foldable type.

With reference to Figs. 5 to 8, following is a description of the way in which the clothes drying rack (100) can be handled.

Starting from Fig. 5, wherein the crosspieces (11 ) are in the raised position, firstly, the two crosspieces (11 ) are lowered, disposing them in lowered position, as shown in Fig. 6.

When the crosspieces (11 ) are disposed in the lowered position, the pins are fitted into the respective holes (10a), thus letting each crosspiece (1 1 ) rotate relative its upright about the axis (X).

Now the supports (30) of the electric fans (3) are raised in such a way as to move the electric fans (3) from the first position to the second position, as shown in Fig. 7.

Then the crosspieces (11 ) are rotated around the axis (X) in such a way as to be disposed in idle position, as shown in Fig. 8.

Once the crosspieces (11 ) are disposed in idle position, the clothes drying rack (100) can be covered with an ornamental curtain (TO) that is artistically decorated according to the interior decoration of the room (LC), as shown in Fig. 8A.

Therefore, with reference to Fig. 4, it appears evident that, by activating the electric fans (3) of the clothes drying rack (100) and setting the heating/dehumidification system to the operating mode, the drying of the clothes is extremely fast and, moreover, a high humidity is not generated inside the room (LC).

Referring to Figs. 9 and 10, when the heating/dehumidification system is associated with the drying-ironing device (200), said heating/dehumidification system is provided with an integrative element. The integrative element is a connecting tube (TC) that fluidly connects the first chamber (F1 ) with an inner chamber (50) of a boxed structure (5) of the drying-ironing device (200).

Depending on where the connection tube (TC) is installed, two alternative embodiments of the integrated heating/dehumidification system (RD) are possible. With reference to Fig. 9, in the first embodiment of the integrated heating/dehumidification system (RD), the connection tube (TC) is connected directly to the second inlet (e12) of the boxed frame (T).

In such an embodiment, in order to convey the hot air towards the drying/ironing device (200), it will be necessary to set the heating/dehumidification system in the operating mode. The rotation of the first electric fan (V1 ) causes the air to enter the first chamber (F1 ), passing through the first inlet (e11 ), and then exit from the first chamber (F1 ), passing through the second inlet (e12), in such a way to flow into the connection tube (TC) and travel towards the drying-ironing device (200).

With reference to Fig. 10, in the second embodiment of the integrated heating system (RD), the connection tube (TC) is connected to a delivery inlet (s1 ) provided in correspondence of the first zone (F11 ) of the first chamber (F1 ). In such a case, a third electric fan (V3) is provided in correspondence of the delivery inlet (s1 ) and is configured in such a way as to generate an airflow that sucks in the air from the first chamber (F1 ) and forcedly conveys the air towards the connection tube (TC). A mobile partition (p3) is provided in the delivery inlet (s1 ) and is suitable for being moved between a closing position and an opening position.

In such an embodiment, the use of the heating/dehumidification system associated with the drying-ironing device (200) provides for:

- opening the second inlet (e12);

- opening the exhaust outlet (s2);

- closing the first inlet (e11 );

- activating the third electric fan (V3),

- deactivating the first electro-fan (V1 );

- opening the third inlet (e22) and opening the exhaust outlet (s2).

Therefore, in the first chamber (F1 ), the air enters through the second inlet (e12), then passes through the condenser (C) and finally flows into the connection tube (TC) so as to travel towards the drying-ironing device (200).

Instead, in the second chamber (F2), the air enters through the third inlet (e22), then passes through the evaporator (E) and finally flows into the exhaust tube (TS) to be discharged outside the room (LC).

Also in this case it is possible to regulate the first interconnection opening (n1 ) in such a way that part of the air in the second chamber (F2) flows into the first chamber (F1 ) in order to regulate the temperature of the air that flows towards the connection tube (TC) and therefore towards the drying-ironing device (200). It should be noted that the same result can be obtained without necessarily using the third fan (V3), but simply providing that the first fan (V1 ) is a bi-directional fan capable of inverting its rotation and generating an airflow that is conveyed towards the connection tube (TC).

With reference to Figs. 11 to 18, the drying-ironing device (200) is illustrated.

The drying-ironing device (200) comprises a supporting frame, preferably comprising two uprights (80) suitable for being fixed to a masonry wall of the room (LC).

The drying-ironing device (200) comprises a boxed structure (5) supported by the supporting frame. In particular, said boxed structure (5) is supported in projecting position by the two lateral uprights (80).

With reference to Fig. 1 1 and 11 B, the boxed structure (5) comprises an inner chamber (50), at least one inlet opening (511 , 512) for the introduction of air into the inner chamber (50), and one or more lower outlet openings (52) for the ejection of air from the inner chamber (50), the latter being downwardly facing.

In particular, said boxed structure (5) comprises an upper inlet opening (511 ) and one or more lateral inlet openings (512).

The upper inlet opening (511 ) is connected to the connection tube (TC) which puts the inner chamber (50) of the boxed structure (5) in fluid communication with the first chamber (F1 ) of the boxed frame (T) of the heating/dehumidification system (RD).

Partitions (5f) are provided on each lateral inlet opening (512) of the boxed structure that are automatically opened in case of a depression inside the inner chamber (50). The lateral inlet openings (512) of the boxed structure (5) are suitable for being crossed by the air coming from the room (LC) towards the inner chamber (50).

The drying-ironing device (200) further includes one or more electric fans (VL) disposed in the inner chamber (50) and suitable for forcedly conveying the air from the inner chamber (50) towards the lower outlet openings (52).

The drying-ironing device (200) also includes garment supporting means (Ml), which are arranged under said boxed structure (5) and where garments (W) are suitable for being hung.

Referring to Figs. 12, 12A, 13, 13A, the garment supporting means (Ml) comprise a conveyor (60a, 60b, 60c, 60d) for each lower outlet opening (52).

In the embodiment shown in Figs. 12 and 12A, the drying-ironing device (200) comprises two conveyors (60a, 60b), whereas in the embodiment shown in Figs. 13 and 13A, the drying-ironing device (200) comprises four conveyors (60a, 60b, 60c, 60d).

A first type of conveyor (60a) (shown in Fig. 14) has been devised by the applicant to support a pair of trousers.

A second type of conveyor (60b) (shown in Fig. 15) has been devised to support a shirt.

A third type of conveyor (60c) (shown in Fig. 16) have been devised to support sweaters or the like.

A fourth type of conveyor (60d) (shown in Fig. 17) has been devised to support delicate garments.

Each conveyor (60a, 60b, 60c, 60d) comprises a tube (61 ) having a vertical central axis (Y).

Each conveyor (60a, 60b, 60c, 60d) comprises an inlet opening (61 a) in communication with the lower outlet opening (52) of the boxed structure (5), and an outlet opening (61 b).

The first type and the second type of conveyor (60a, 60b) comprise fixing means (62) that are disposed around the tube (61 ) and are configured in such a way to fix an entry section of the garment (W).

The term “entry section” indicates the upper opening of a pair of trousers that is suitable for embracing a user's waist, or the opening of a collar of a shirt or of a sweater suitable for embracing a user's neck.

The fixing means (62) comprise an adjustable collar (621 ) disposed around the tube (61 ). The adjustable collar (621 ) is configured in such a way to increase and decrease its width so as to be adjusted and fixed to the entry section of the garment (W).

To adjust the width of the adjustable collar (621 ), the conveyor (60a, 60b) may comprise an adjustment lever (622) connected by means of suitable means to the adjustable collar (621 ) in such a way that a movement of the adjustment lever (622) corresponds to a reduction or to an expansion of the adjustable collar (621 ).

Preferably, holes (f6) in communication with the inside of the tube (61 ) are provided on the adjustable collar (621 ) and are suitable for ejecting the air.

With reference to Fig. 14, the first type of conveyor (60a) comprises a single tube (61 ) which has a substantially elliptical cross-section and which is suitable for being embraced by the waistband of a pair of trousers or the like. With reference to Fig. 15, on the other hand, the conveyor (60b) of the second type comprises two auxiliary tubes (63) that protrude externally from the tube (61 ) in a symmetrical manner with respect to a plane passing through the central axis (Y) of the tube (61 ).

Each auxiliary tube (63) comprises an end outlet (63) for the ejection of the air.

The two auxiliary tubes (63) substantially define two lateral shoulders where the shoulders of the shirt or of the garment hanging from the conveyor (60a, 60b) are rested.

With reference to Fig. 16, the third type of conveyor (60c), which is suitable for simultaneously drying and ironing sweaters of the like, is similar to the one for shirts (Fig. 15) but is not provided with said fixing means.

Moreover, the central tube (61 ) of the third type of conveyor (60c) comprises two tubes that can be attached to each other, namely an upper coupling tube (61 1 a) attached to the boxed structure (5) and a lower support tube (611 b) from which the two auxiliary tubes (63) branch off. The lower support tube (61 1 b) can be connected to the upper coupling tube (61 1 a) by means of a bayonet coupling (or similar) and fixed in position by means of a lever or alternative means. When the lower support tube (611 b) is detached from the upper coupling tube (61 1 a), it is possible to insert a sweater or a similar item to be dried-ironed. Again with reference to Fig. 16, preferably, holes (k) are provided on the lower support tube (611 b) and on the auxiliary tubes (63) holes (k) for the ejection of the air.

Referring to Fig. 17, in the fourth type conveyor (60d), just like in the conveyor of the third type, the central tube (61 ) comprises an upper coupling tube (612a) and a lower tube (612b) that can be coupled to each other.

The lower tube (612b) end in a diffuser plate (67) which lies on a plane orthogonal to the central axis (Y) and comprises lower exit holes (ff) for the ejection of the air.

Still with reference to Fig. 17, the conveyor (60d) further comprises a lower supporting plate (68) which is disposed in parallel position under the diffuser plate (67) and is connected to the diffuser plate (67) by means of connecting rods (6ac). A delicate garment to be dried-iron is suitable for being rested on the lower support plate (68). Advantageously, holes (68f) are provided on the lower support plate (68) holes (68f) for the passage of the air.

Preferably, each conveyor (60a, 60b, 60c, 60d) is removably connected to the boxed structure (5). Otherwise said, the boxed structure (5) comprises coupling means (55) arranged around the lower outlet opening (52), whereas the conveyor (60a, 60b, 60c, 60d) comprises coupling means (65), which are arranged around the inlet opening (61 a) and are suitably configured to be coupled with the coupling means (55) of the boxed structure (5). Thus, the conveyors (60a, 60b, 60c, 60d) may be interchangeable with each other.

In the preferred embodiment, said coupling means (55, 65) of the boxed structure (5) and of the conveyor (60) are of bayonet type.

In particular, said coupling means (55, 65) of bayonet type comprise:

- pegs with an enlarged head that protrude inferiorly from the boxed structure (5); and

- keyhole-like slots formed around the inlet opening (61 a) for the insertion of said pegs.

In particular, the slots comprise an enlarged portion having suitable dimensions to allow the free penetration of the enlarged head of the peg and a narrow longitudinal portion where the enlarged head of a peg is fitted.

Therefore, in order to couple the conveyor (60a, 60b, 60c, 60d) to the boxed structure (5), it is necessary to push the conveyor towards the boxed structure (5), making sure that the enlarged heads completely penetrate the enlarged portions of the slots. Then the conveyor must be rotated in such a way that the slots slide with respect to the pegs and the enlarged heads are positioned in correspondence with the narrow longitudinal portion of the slots, thus keeping the conveyor (60a, 60b, 60c, 60d) coupled to the boxed structure (5).

However, the conveyor (60a, 60b, 60c, 60d) may be coupled with the boxed structure (5) by means of other types of bayonet couplings or by means of other types of coupling systems such as, for example, coupling systems with levers, clips, magnetic means and the like.

Preferably, with reference to Fig. 18, the drying-ironing device (200) comprises translation means interposed between the boxed structure (5) and the two lateral uprights (80). The translation means are configured in such a way that the boxed structure (5) can slide up and down along the lateral uprights (80) between a raised position and a lowered position.

Preferably, said translation is performed by means of automatic drive means (such as, for example, linear motors) which allow said boxed structure (5) to translate along the lateral uprights (80). In order to follow the up-and-down movement of the boxed structure (5), the connection tube (TC) comprises at least one end section (TC1 ) suitable for having a variable length depending on the position of the boxed structure (5) along the lateral uprights (80). In particular, said end section (TC1 ) consists in a bellows tube.

Preferably, the drying-ironing device (200) is associated with clamps (PZ), each of them being suitable for being applied to an exit section of the garment (W) in such a way as to clamp and close the exit section of the garment (W).

It should be noted that the term “exit section” indicates, for instance, the opening of a sleeve of a shirt or the lower opening of the shirt suitable for embracing a user’s waist or the lower openings of a pair of trousers suitable for embracing a user’s ankles.

With reference to Fig. 13B, each clamp (PZ) comprises two levers hinged to each other, each one of them comprising two operating surfaces (PZ1 ) that cooperate with each other so as to clamp the portion of garment (W) interposed between them.

Advantageously, in order to completely clamp the exit section of the garment (W), the operating surfaces (PZ1 ) have a length greater than 8 cm.

Referring now to Figs. 11 and 11 B, in the preferred embodiment of the invention, the garment supporting means (Ml) of the drying-ironing device (200) further comprise a clothes drying rack (9) to be used particularly when the conveyors (60) are uncoupled from the boxed structure (5).

The clothes drying rack (9) comprises two crosspieces (91 ) parallel to each other and a plurality of strings (92) parallel to each other, which are connected to the two crosspieces (91 ) and where garments or clothes are suitable for being hung.

The crosspieces (91 ) are supported in projecting position by said two lateral uprights (80). Translation means are provided between the crosspieces (91 ) and the lateral uprights (80) in such a way that the crosspieces (91 ) can slide up and down along the lateral uprights (80) between a lowered position (not shown in the appended figures), wherein the clothes drying rack (9) is in distal position relative to the boxed structure (5), and a raised position (shown in Fig. 11 A), wherein the clothes drying rack (9) is in proximal position relative to the boxed structure (5).

Also in such a case, said translation is preferably performed by means of automatic drive means (such as, for example, linear motors) that allow said crosspieces (91 ) to be translated along the uprights (80).

Each crosspiece (91 ) and each upright (80) further comprise hinge means that allow the crosspiece (91 ) to rotate about a horizontal axis (X) so as to assume an operating position, wherein said crosspieces (91 ) are substantially orthogonal to said uprights (80), and an idle position, wherein said crosspieces (91 ) are substantially parallel to said uprights (80).

In the embodiment shown in the appended figures, said hinge means comprise:

- a pin (not visible in the appended figures) formed on one end of the crosspiece (91 ) that slides along the upright (80) during the up-and-down movement of the crosspiece (91 ) between the raised position and the lowered position; and

- a hole (80f) provided at a lower end (80a) of the upright (80) wherein the pin is inserted, when the crosspiece (91 ) is in its lowered position, allowing the crosspiece (91 ) to rotate with respect to the upright.

Practically speaking, the clothes drying rack (9) of the garment supporting means (Ml) of the drying-ironing device (200) can be moved in the same way as the clothes drying rack (100) shown in Figs. 4, 5, 6 and 7.

So, when the heating/dehumidification system (RD) is used in the operating mode (Fig. 9 or Fig. 10), the hot air (coming from the first chamber (F1 ) of the heating/dehumidification system) that flows towards the inner chamber (50) of the drying/ironing device is directed downwards by the electric fans (VL).

If the conveyors (60a, 60b, 60c, 60d) are attached to the boxed structure (5) and the garments (W) are hung from these conveyors (60), then the air that is ejected from a conveyor (60a, 60b, 60c, 60d) flows inside the garment, inflating it. In particular, such a case occurs for the garments that are supported by the first, second and third types of conveyors and in the case when said clamps (PZ) are applied to the exit sections.

Therefore, while being inflated, the garment (W) gets dried and ironed, eliminating any possible wrinkles.

When the conveyors (60a, 60b, 60c, 60d) are not attached, then the clothes drying rack (9) will be arranged as in Fig. 11 A and the hot air will pass through the garments from the top to them bottom, drying and ironing them..

Advantageously, when the heating/dehumidification system (RD) is associated with a clothes supporting device (100, 200), the heating/dehumidification system (RD) may further comprise a humidity sensor (u) (shown schematically in Fig. 6, 9 and 10) suitable for being installed in the vicinity of the clothes supporting device (100, 200) and configured to detect a humidity concentration in the vicinity of the clothes supporting device (100, 200). The control unit (H) is operatively connected (via wireless or via cable) to the humidity sensor (u) to receive a humidity concentration information. In turn, the control unit (H) comprises a comparator to compare the humidity concentration detected by the humidity sensor (u) with a threshold value stored in the comparator.

When the humidity concentration detected by the humidity sensor (u) is lower than the threshold value stored in the comparator, the control unit (H) deactivates the electric fans (V1 , V3 V4, 3; VL) and stops the system because the low humidity concentration (u) indicates that the clothes are dried.

In addition, the heating/dehumidification system can advantageously comprise a timer (TR) (see Fig. 19) that can be set by a user, which is operatively connected to the control unit (H). Said timer (TR) is configured to send a signal to the control unit (H) to deactivate the electric fans (V1 , V4) and stop the system after the time set by the user has elapsed. The timer (TR) can be programmed for multiple activations and deactivations per day and for different cycles during the seven days of the week.

As a result of the above description, it appears evident that the applicant has achieved the aforesaid goals by means of the heating/dehumidification (RD) system according to the invention.

The provision of the boxed frame (T) with two separate chambers (F1 , F2) - the condenser being disposed in one chamber (F1 ) and the evaporator (E) being disposed in the other chamber (F2) - allows for simultaneously heating and dehumidifying the room, thus making the environment comfortable for the people living in such a space.

In addition, the presence of the first interconnection opening (n1 ), located between the two first zones (F11 , F21 ) of the two chambers (F1 , F2), which can be opened and closed by means of a partition (p7), makes it possible to regulate the temperature of the air that comes out of the boxed frame (T).

Furthermore, the presence of the second interconnection opening (n2), located between the two second zones (F12, F22) of the two chambers (F1 , F2), allows the evaporator to be defrosted without the need to invert the flow of the heat transfer fluid inside the heat pump. In fact, defrosting is not determined by the passage of the hot heat transfer fluid in the evaporator (E) but by the air that enters the inlet (e11 ), passes through the condenser (C), heating up, passes through the second interconnection opening (n2) and finally reaches the evaporator to defrost it.

Therefore, since the system according to the invention is devoid of the valve assembly, when compared to the systems of the prior art, said system: - is less expensive and less complex

- has a better energy yield;

- is not affected by the annoying noises coming from the components of the heat pump that are generated after inverting the flow;

- requires less time and lower consumption to defrost the evaporator.

Moreover, it should be pointed out that the heating/dehumidification system does not use air coming from outside the room (LC) to carry out its functions, but only air coming from inside the room (LC). Therefore, it does not need any preheating system or similar systems to operate. So, the system according to the invention is suitable for being used even in places where for long periods of the year the temperature is below 0 °C.

In addition, it should also be noted that the heating/dehumidification system has a power consumption of about 400 Watts and is therefore much more economical than the conventional heating systems of the prior art, which have a consumption comprised between 1300 Watts and 2000 Watts.

Furthermore, the boxed frame (T) has an extremely small footprint so that it can be installed even in small bathrooms and small rooms.

In addition, the heating/dehumidification system (RD) is versatile and can be used in combination with clothes supporting devices (100, 200) for the rapid drying of clothes and garments.

The use of the heating/dehumidification system (RD) in combination with the clothes supporting device (100, 200) allows for: a) drying the clothes quickly because hot hair is delivered and simultaneously humid air produced by the clothes is sucked in; b) simultaneously drying and ironing the garments (W) (in the case when the clothes supporting device (100, 200) consists of the drying/ironing device); c) considerably speeding up the drying and the ironing of the garments (W) (in the case when the clothes supporting device (100, 200) consists of the drying/ironing device (200)), because after about an hour the garments are dried and ironed and therefore ready to be worn by the user;

Numerous variations and modifications can be made to the present embodiments of the invention, within the reach of a skilled person in the art, falling within the scope of the invention as expressed by the appended claims.