Cover for a clothes dryer and assembling method thereof

• US 20050217138A1
• Filed: 11/29/2004
• Published: 10/06/2005
• Est. Priority Date: 12/02/2003
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: DBK David + Baader GmbH
• Original Assignee: DBK David + Baader GmbH
• Inventors: Kohne, Jens, Caspers, Michael
• Granted Patent: US 8,371,040 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 34/603
• CPC Class Codes: D06F 58/20 General details of domestic laundry dryers D06F59/00 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: D06F 58/26 Heating arrangements, e.g. gas heating equipment D06F58/18 takes precedence

Abstract

Embodiments of the invention relate to a cover for a dryer. The dryer is adapted, when in operation, to heat a gas stream. The dryer includes a cover mounted to at least one section of an outer wall of the dryer, in particular a rear wall of the dryer. A passage through which the gas stream can flow is formed, at least sectionwise, by the cover. The cover can include a heating unit having at least one heating element such that the gas stream flows around the heating element when the dryer is in operation.

Claims

1. A cover for a clothes dryer that is operable to heat a gas stream for drying clothes, the cover comprising:

a body forming at least one section of an outer wall of the dryer and forming, at least in part, a passage through which a gas stream can flow; and

at least one heating element coupled to the body such that the gas stream flows around the heating element when the dryer is in operation.

2. The cover according to claim 1, further comprising:

fastening means to attach the cover to the outer wall of the dryer.

3. The cover according to claim 2 wherein the fastening means includes a detent mechanism to secure the cover to the outer wall of the dryer in a desired position.

4. The cover according to claim 2 wherein the fastening means is configured to be detachable from the outer wall of the dryer.

5. The cover according to claim 1, further comprising:

a sealing lip disposed between at least a portion of the cover and the outer wall of the dryer to substantially establish a gas-tight attachment between the cover and the outer wall of the dryer.

6. The cover according to claim 1, further comprising:

a labyrinth seal disposed between at least a portion of the cover and the outer wall of the dryer to substantially establish a gas-tight attachment between the cover and the outer wall of the dryer.

7. The cover according to claim 1 wherein the cover is produced from a heat-insulating material.

8. The cover according to claim 1 wherein the cover is produced from a temperature-resistant material.

9. The cover according to claim 1 wherein the cover is produced from an electrically insulating material.

10. The cover according to claim 1, further comprising:

at least one temperature sensor positioned to sense a temperature of the gas stream.

11. The cover according to claim 1, further comprising:

a heat protection body which at least partially surrounds the at least one heating element.

12. The cover according to claim 11 wherein the heat protection body defines a flow passage through which the gas stream can flow.

13. The cover according to claim 11 wherein the heat protection body is produced from a temperature-resistant material.

14. The cover according to claim 1, further comprising:

at least one contact element in electrical communication with the heating unit and configured to be electrically coupled to a mating contact.

15. The cover according to claim 14 wherein the contact element is adapted as part of a plug-connection.

16. The cover according to claim 14 wherein the contact element is coupled to the cover.

17. The cover according to claim 1 wherein the cover is receptacle-shaped.

18. The cover according to claim 17 wherein at least a portion of the cover is plastic with at least one protective area made from a different material.

19. The cover according to claim 18 wherein the at least one protective area is located in a region of the cover where high temperatures occur when the dryer is in operation.

20. (canceled)

21. A method for assembling a clothes dryer that is operable to heat a gas stream for drying clothes, the method comprising:

attaching a cover to a wall of the dryer, the cover comprising at least one section of an outer wall of the dryer, a passage, and at least one heating element, the heating element coupled to the cover such that the gas stream flows around the heating element when the dryer is in operation; and

connecting the cover to a gas supply of the dryer.

22. The method according to claim 21, further comprising:

releasably attaching the cover to the outer wall of the dryer with fastening means.

23. The method according to claim 22, further comprising:

closing a contact for supplying power to the heating element when the cover is releasably attached to the outer wall of the dryer.

24. The method according claim 21, further comprising:

providing a seal between at least a portion of the cover and the outer wall of the dryer.

25. A clothes dryer operable to heat a gas stream for drying clothes, the clothes dryer comprising:

directing means for directing a gas stream flow over a heating unit, the directing means comprising a cover that forms at least one section of an outer wall of the dryer;

heating means for heating the gas stream as it flows through the directing means, the heating means having at least one heating element, the heating means coupled to the cover such that the gas stream is forced to flow past the heating element when the dryer is in operation; and

gas supply means for supplying the gas stream to the directing means.

26. The clothes dryer of claim 25, further comprising:

attachment means for attaching the directing means to the outer wall of the dryer.