EP3450614B1 - Sèche-linge comportant un système de capteur d'humidité - Google Patents

Sèche-linge comportant un système de capteur d'humidité Download PDF

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Publication number
EP3450614B1
EP3450614B1 EP17189497.5A EP17189497A EP3450614B1 EP 3450614 B1 EP3450614 B1 EP 3450614B1 EP 17189497 A EP17189497 A EP 17189497A EP 3450614 B1 EP3450614 B1 EP 3450614B1
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EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
electrode
seat
dryer
appendix
plate
Prior art date
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Application number
EP17189497.5A
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German (de)
English (en)
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EP3450614A1 (fr
Inventor
Alessandro Vian
Alberto Quaroni
Stefano Zandona'
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Electrolux Appliances AB
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Electrolux Appliances AB
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Priority to EP17189497.5A priority Critical patent/EP3450614B1/fr
Publication of EP3450614A1 publication Critical patent/EP3450614A1/fr
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    • D—TEXTILES; PAPER
    • D06—TREATMENT OF TEXTILES OR THE LIKE; LAUNDERING; FLEXIBLE MATERIALS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • D06F—LAUNDERING, DRYING, IRONING, PRESSING OR FOLDING TEXTILE ARTICLES
    • D06F34/00—Details of control systems for washing machines, washer-dryers or laundry dryers
    • D06F34/14—Arrangements for detecting or measuring specific parameters
    • D06F34/18—Condition of the laundry, e.g. nature or weight
    • D—TEXTILES; PAPER
    • D06—TREATMENT OF TEXTILES OR THE LIKE; LAUNDERING; FLEXIBLE MATERIALS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • D06F—LAUNDERING, DRYING, IRONING, PRESSING OR FOLDING TEXTILE ARTICLES
    • D06F2103/00—Parameters monitored or detected for the control of domestic laundry washing machines, washer-dryers or laundry dryers
    • D06F2103/02—Characteristics of laundry or load
    • D06F2103/08—Humidity
    • D—TEXTILES; PAPER
    • D06—TREATMENT OF TEXTILES OR THE LIKE; LAUNDERING; FLEXIBLE MATERIALS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • D06F—LAUNDERING, DRYING, IRONING, PRESSING OR FOLDING TEXTILE ARTICLES
    • D06F2103/00—Parameters monitored or detected for the control of domestic laundry washing machines, washer-dryers or laundry dryers
    • D06F2103/02—Characteristics of laundry or load
    • D06F2103/08—Humidity
    • D06F2103/10—Humidity expressed as capacitance or resistance
    • D—TEXTILES; PAPER
    • D06—TREATMENT OF TEXTILES OR THE LIKE; LAUNDERING; FLEXIBLE MATERIALS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • D06F—LAUNDERING, DRYING, IRONING, PRESSING OR FOLDING TEXTILE ARTICLES
    • D06F58/00—Domestic laundry dryers
    • D06F58/20—General details of domestic laundry dryers 
    • D—TEXTILES; PAPER
    • D06—TREATMENT OF TEXTILES OR THE LIKE; LAUNDERING; FLEXIBLE MATERIALS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • D06F—LAUNDERING, DRYING, IRONING, PRESSING OR FOLDING TEXTILE ARTICLES
    • D06F58/00—Domestic laundry dryers
    • D06F58/32—Control of operations performed in domestic laundry dryers 
    • D06F58/34—Control of operations performed in domestic laundry dryers  characterised by the purpose or target of the control
    • D06F58/36—Control of operational steps, e.g. for optimisation or improvement of operational steps depending on the condition of the laundry
    • D06F58/38—Control of operational steps, e.g. for optimisation or improvement of operational steps depending on the condition of the laundry of drying, e.g. to achieve the target humidity

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a dryer with a moisture sensor system.
  • Tumble dryers and other domestic appliances generally include a moisture sensor in order to obtain information about the actual moisture of the laundry in the drum or of the air exiting the latter. This information is used for controlling the tumble dryer, e.g. for stopping the drying cycle when the detected moisture of the laundry is below a prefixed value.
  • the moisture sensor may comprise one or more electrodes which are located in a position which allows contact with the laundry, so that the humidity of the laundry can be detected.
  • the electrodes are located facing the drum so that the contact with the laundry is possible.
  • the electrodes are connected to suitable wirings so that electrical signals can be sent from the electrodes to a control unit of the laundry where the information regarding the humidity of the laundry can be derived from the electrical signals themselves.
  • the necessary wirings above described are preferably not in contact with the laundry, due to the water presence. This in turn means that there is an aperture in the moisture sensor fluidly connecting a drum inner volume where the laundry is located and a separated volume where the wirings are positioned, so that the electrodes can be connected to the wirings in a safe manner.
  • EP2458075 in the name of the same Applicant discloses a tumble dryer comprising: a laundry drum for loading/unloading the laundry; a humidity sensor system comprising at least one support for two or more electrodes, electrically insulated one another and positioned in such a way that the electrodes are placed into or face the internal of the laundry drum, so as to contact the laundry loaded into the latter, the electrodes being electrically connected or connectable to a detection circuit and/or a control unit of the tumble dryer.
  • the support comprises at least two seat or channels for receiving the electrodes; each seat or channel comprises at least one retaining element adapted for retaining a respective electrode into the seat or channel.
  • JP S61 41696 U disclose humidity sensor system comprising at least one support for two or more electrodes, electrically insulated one another and positioned in such a way that the electrodes are placed into or face the internal of the laundry drum, so as to contact the laundry loaded into the latter, the electrodes being electrically connected or connectable to a detection circuit and/or a control unit of the tumble dryer and the electrodes comprise appendixes, situated at the ends in longitudinal direction, and being perpendicular to a surface of the electrode.
  • the support comprises at least two seats or channels for receiving the electrodes; each seat or channel includes a first and a second aperture suitable for insertion of the appendixes, the apertures are substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the seats or channels.
  • US5940986A in the name of the same Applicant, discloses a vent cover assembly of a tumble dryer comprising a pair of heat stacked elongated or bar-shaped moisture sensor electrodes facing toward the interior of the dryer.
  • the electrodes (or moisture sensors) have a body portion with a pair of appendixes or ends extend perpendicularly away from the body portion.
  • the vent cover assembly comprises at least two seats or channels for receiving the electrodes; each seat or channel includes a first and a second aperture suitable for insertion of the appendixes, the apertures are substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the seats or channels.
  • the invention relates to a dryer comprising:
  • the dryer of the invention can be either a “single” drying machine or a “combined” washer-dryer machine, therefore including any appliance having laundry drying function. Further, it may be a front-loading dryer, which means that a laundry chamber in which the laundry is located has an axis which is positioned in a horizontal manner or slightly tilted with respect to the horizontal plane, or a top laundry dryer, where the axis of the laundry chamber is substantially vertical.
  • the laundry dryer is a front loading laundry dryer.
  • the dryer includes a drum where laundry is located or removed.
  • the drum is apt to rotate around its axis.
  • the drum for example may have the shape of a cylinder, having at least an open end.
  • the drum is part of a process air circuit, in particular a closed-loop circuit in case of a condensed dryer or an open circuit in case of a vented dryer, which in both cases includes a process air conduit for channeling a stream of air to dry the load.
  • the process air circuit is connected with its two opposite ends to the drum. More specifically, hot dry air is fed into the drying chamber, flowing over the laundry, and the resulting humid (and to a lower temperature cooled down) air exits the same.
  • a humidity removal element such as a heat exchanger.
  • the humid air is fed to an evaporator of a heat pump system, where the moist process air is further cooled down and the humidity present therein condenses.
  • the resulting cool dry air is then heated up before re-entering again in the drying chamber by means of a hot drying air generator, which can be for example a condenser of the heat pump system, and the whole loop is repeated till the end of the drying cycle.
  • a hot drying air generator which can be for example a condenser of the heat pump system, and the whole loop is repeated till the end of the drying cycle.
  • an air-air type heat exchanger may be used. Such heat exchanger receives ambient air as cooling fluid to cool down and remove humidity from humid air stream passing therethrough.
  • the hot drying air generator may comprise an electrical or gas powered heating device.
  • a vented dryer ambient air is taken into the dryer via an inlet duct, such air is heated up by a hot drying air generator, such as condenser of the heat pump system and/or an electrical or gas powered heating device, before entering the drum. Heated air flowing through and on humid laundry contained in the drum, removes humidity from laundry. Humid air stream exiting the drum may be optionally dehumidified by an evaporator of a heat pump system, or an air-air type heat exchanger as explained above, before being exhausted outside the dryer.
  • a hot drying air generator such as condenser of the heat pump system and/or an electrical or gas powered heating device
  • the process air conduit to channel the flow of drying air preferably includes an air passage that brings such drying air from the hot drying air generator to the inside of the drum from its rear end, i.e. through its back wall.
  • air is fed from the front of the drum and flows in direction of the rear of the drum.
  • the dryer furthermore preferably includes a casing comprising preferably a basement, a front wall and a rear wall.
  • the front or top wall is advantageously provided with a through opening, at which a door is mounted to access the drum in order to locate or remove the laundry.
  • the front wall includes a front bulkhead which is preferably made of a plastic, i.e. polymeric, material, for example as an integral, i.e. single, unitary piece.
  • a front part of the drum is rotatably coupled to the front bulkhead.
  • the through opening for accessing the drum is preferably provided.
  • the front bulkhead is then preferably covered by a cover which extends around the through opening and defines the external front surface of the front wall of casing.
  • the front wall may comprise a front top control panel to command the functioning of the machine by the user.
  • the basement rests on a floor and its vertical distance from the floor may be advantageously adjusted through regulating feet provided on the lower surface of the basement facing the floor.
  • the rear wall of the casing may also include a rear bulkhead.
  • the rear bulkhead may form part of the air process circuit that brings process air to (or from) the drum.
  • the casing defines the boundary between the internal or inner side of the dryer and the external side of the dryer.
  • the laundry further includes a moisture sensor system to detect the moisture or humidity of the laundry located in the drum.
  • the dryer also includes a central control unit in signal connection to the moisture sensor system, so that the control unit receives and elaborates the signals sent by the moisture sensor system to determine the moisture value of the laundry.
  • the central control unit therefore has the function of a moisture detection circuit, receiving electric or electronic signals from the moisture sensor system and outputting a moisture value of the laundry.
  • connection between the electrodes and the central control unit is made via suitable wirings and connectors known in the art.
  • the moisture sensor system comprises a support defining a first and a second seat and a first and a second electrode housed at least partially in the first and second seat, respectively.
  • the two sensors are spaced apart one another and they are positioned so that the laundry can come into contact with them during the normal functioning of the dryer.
  • the seats and thus the electrodes in the support can be mounted facing the inner volume of the drum so that, during drum rotation, the laundry can come into contact with the electrodes during tumbling.
  • the calculation or evaluation of the moisture present in the laundry based on the signals coming from the electrodes can be performed according to any method or algorithm.
  • electrical impedance can be measured between the two electrodes.
  • An impedance can be measured when a circuit formed by the two electrodes which are not in contact to each other is "closed" by a piece of laundry. Variations of this impedance may give a measure of the humidity present in the laundry.
  • the calculation is performed by the central control unit.
  • the dryer can be controlled, for example terminating the drying cycle if the moisture detected is below a given threshold.
  • the performed dryer control depending on the detected humidity of the laundry can be of any type known in the art.
  • Each electrode defines a first and a second end, which are axially opposed one to the other.
  • each electrode has an elongated shape and a longitudinal axis can be defined as a line or axis connecting the first and the second end. The distance between the first and the second end along this longitudinal axis is preferably the major dimension of the electrode.
  • the electrode is preferably curved and it has the shape of a parenthesis. In addition, it is preferably substantially flat, so that its thickness is its minor dimension.
  • each electrode defines a first and a second opposite surface, separated by a side surface defining the thickness of the electrode, wherein the first surface faces the inner volume of the laundry drum, that is, it is the surface that may come into contact with the laundry, and the second surface faces the support, e.g. the seat where it is inserted.
  • each seat In order to position the electrodes in the support and to make the connection with the suitable wirings, each seat includes a first and a second aperture. In these apertures, the first and second ends of the electrode are inserted at least in part, so that the electrode is positioned in the seat for most of its part and remains there due to the mechanical coupling between the seats and the ends of the electrode, while a minor part of the electrode, e.g. a portion of its ends, are located behind the seat. The location behind the seat allows connection with the wirings
  • This mechanical coupling seat/electrode is formed by a first appendix realized in at least one of the electrodes, and preferably in both the first and the second electrodes, which couples with a seat wall.
  • the first appendix protrudes from the second surface of the electrode, which is the surface facing the support and the seat where the electrode is positioned.
  • the first appendix includes a first and a second plate-like element, advantageously connected to each other, which lie on a first and a second plane, respectively.
  • the first and second planes may be parallel to each other, they may be inclined with respect to each other or they may coincide, that is, both first and second plate-like elements lie on the same plane.
  • each first and second plate-like element has a direction of extension, and these two directions of extension form an angle therebetween.
  • An angle between the two direction of extensions can be defined also when the two elements lie on the same plane, for example the two plate-like elements may form a planar L shape, where each element is an arm of the L.
  • that the first and second plate-like elements form an angle therebetween means that an angle can be defined between their two different directions of extension, one direction defined for each plate-like element.
  • the direction of extension is defined as an axis along the geometrical extension of the plate-like element which lies on the same plane defined by the plate-element, that is, the direction of extension of the first plate-like element lies on the first plane and the direction of extension of the second plate-like element lies on the second plane.
  • both planes, the first and the second, are perpendicular to the second surface of the electrode.
  • the second surface defines an infinite number of planes perpendicular to itself, thus the orientation of the first and second plane can be arbitrary.
  • the first plate-like element is attached with a first end to the electrode - for example to the second surface of the same - and extends therefrom along the first direction of extension.
  • the second plate-like element is attached to a second free end of the first plate-like element and extends therefrom along the second direction of extension, forming an angle with the first.
  • the first and/or second plate-like element are/is inserted at least for a part into the first aperture formed in the corresponding seat in the support. Being the planes on which the first and second plate-like element lying perpendicular to the second surface of the electrode, which is positioned substantially parallel to a bottom wall of the seat, this allows the realization of a small aperture for the insertion of the electrode's end.
  • the first and second elements are plate-like and therefore they are rather "thin” by definition. The fact that they face the seat with their side, having a small thickness, allows the realization of a "thin" aperture in the seat, so that fluff and lint flowing in the drum which faces the support are hindered in entering it.
  • the dryer may include, alternatively or in combination, one or more of the following features.
  • the first aperture of the first and/or second seat includes a slit aperture in which the first appendix is at least partially inserted.
  • the geometry of the first appendix having a first and a second plate-like elements lying on planes both perpendicular to the second surface of the electrode allows the realization of a "thin” slit-like aperture for the insertion of the first and/or second plate-like element.
  • each of the first and the second plate-like elements defines a length and width on the first and second plane and a thickness in a direction perpendicular to the first and second plane, respectively, and wherein the slit aperture has a dimension in one direction which is longer than the thickness and shorter than the width and the length of the first and second plate-like element.
  • the slit aperture is preferably "thin", in other words it has one dimension which is relatively much smaller than the others, and in particular it smaller than the length and the width of the plate-like elements. In order to allow entrance of the first and/or second plate-like elements in the slit aperture, the latter has to have a width longer than the thickness of the first and/or second plate-like element.
  • Each of the first and second seats defines a first and a second seat end, the first seat end including the first aperture and the second seat end including the second aperture.
  • the geometrical form of the seats preferably is similar to the geometrical form of the electrodes.
  • the ends of the electrodes are positioned at the ends of the seat, where the apertures are formed.
  • the seats are thus elongated and slightly curved.
  • the slit aperture extends in a direction substantially connecting the first to the second seat end.
  • the slit aperture extends along this line.
  • the electrode inserted therein therefore may perform position adjustment movements along this line. Further, this direction of extension of the seats preferably substantially coincides with the longitudinal axis of the electrodes.
  • the first appendix is at least partially inserted in a connector to connect the first and/or second electrode to the moisture detection circuit.
  • a moisture detection circuit that may measure the resistance or impedance between the two electrodes
  • the latter need to be connected via wirings to an electronic circuit and/or to the central control unit.
  • suitable connectors known in the art are used.
  • the electrical coupling is created inserting the first appendix for a portion thereof inside the connector so that a mechanical contact is made.
  • the first appendix is realized in metal.
  • the second plate-like element of the first appendix is at least partially inserted in the connector.
  • the first plate-like element extends from the electrode in a first direction, which is perpendicular to the second surface.
  • the second direction of extension of the second element is angled with respect to it and thus it cannot be perpendicular to the second surface.
  • the second surface of the electrode faces the support and thus the bottom wall of the seat where the apertures are formed.
  • the direction of insertion into the connector is thus angled with respect to the bottom wall, minimizing the space needed for the connection presence (there is much more space available in a direction parallel to the bottom wall that in the direction perpendicular to it).
  • the second electrode end of the first and/or second electrode includes a second appendix extending substantially parallel to the second surface of the first and/or second electrode, the second appendix being at least partially inserted in the second aperture.
  • Both ends of the electrodes are inserted in respective apertures.
  • the second end includes a second appendix, preferably also plate-like, which can be inserted in the second aperture.
  • the first appendix has an L-shape, formed by the first and the second plate-like elements.
  • An L shape does not mean that the first and second planes are parallel or they coincide. Indeed the first and the second plate-like elements can be angled in more than one direction.
  • the first and the second planes are parallel to each other. More preferably, the first and second planes are the same plane.
  • the first and/or second seat includes a bottom wall having a first side and a second side opposite to the first side, the first side facing the second surface of the first and/or second electrode, and wherein the first appendix partially faces the second side of the wall.
  • the second plate-like element is positioned at least partially facing the second side of the wall.
  • the portion inserted in the aperture preferably includes the second plate-like element which is then inserted in the connector.
  • the first and/or the second seat includes a retaining member to retain the first and/or second electrode into the first and/or second seat, respectively.
  • This retaining member may be positioned on an edge of the seat. It may include a small flap or a snap-in element. It is used to maintain the electrode within the seat in addition to the presence of the mechanical coupling given by the insertion of the ends of the electrodes in the apertures of the seats. More than one retaining member may be present as well.
  • said first and second electrode and said respective first and second seat have an elongated shape defining a longitudinal axis.
  • the longitudinal axis may be defined as the line connecting the first and the second end of the electrode.
  • each seat has a longitudinal axis defined as the line connecting its first and second end (or the first and the second aperture).
  • the longitudinal axis of the electrode coincides with the longitudinal axis of the seat.
  • the first and/or the second plane forms an angle comprised between 0° and 25° with the longitudinal axis of the electrode.
  • the longitudinal axis of the electrode lies on its second surface.
  • the first and the second planes are perpendicular to the second surface and form each an angle comprised between 0° and 25° with this axis.
  • the angle formed by the first plane may be equal or different than the angle formed by the second plane.
  • each of the first and/or second electrode is moveable within its respective first and/or second seat about a predetermined length. More preferably, the movement is along a longitudinal axis of the first and/or second electrode.
  • the dimensions of the first and second ends of the electrode and of the first and second apertures are preferably such that the insertion is relatively easy and relatively small movements are possible to properly position the electrodes.
  • Fig. 1 illustrates a sectional side view of a dryer 10 including a moisture sensor system 100 according to the present invention.
  • the dryer 10 advantageously comprises a casing 12 having a front wall 26 with a loading/unloading opening 17.
  • the opening 17 could be positioned in another part of the casing as well.
  • This opening 17 is closable by a door 16.
  • a laundry drum 14 is rotatably arranged inside the casing 12.
  • the rotatable drum 14 defines an inner volume to contain laundry.
  • the drum 14 defines an open front side facing the door 16 which is advantageously sealed by a gasket 28 fixed preferably to the front wall 26.
  • the gasket may be fixed to a flange or bulkhead which is associated to the casing 12.
  • the gasket 28 encloses the loading/unloading opening of the dryer 10; advantageously the frontal edge of the laundry drum 14 is in contact to and slides on the gasket 28, so as to guarantee a rotatable airtight connection between the laundry drum 14 and the gasket 28.
  • the dryer 10 is arranged in such a way that an air stream 18 may circulate between the laundry drum 14 and an air stream channel 20, which are connected to each other.
  • the air stream channel 20 extends preferably below and behind the laundry drum 14; advantageously the front wall 26 is comprised in the air stream channel 20, for example defining an inlet for the air stream channel.
  • a heat exchanger or a heat pump including a condenser and an evaporator is preferably arranged within the air stream channel 20, for example below the laundry drum 14.
  • the air stream 18, advantageously heated before entering the laundry drum 14, circulates through the laundry drum 14 and the air stream channel 20, so as to remove the moisture from the laundry loaded into the laundry drum 14.
  • a heat exchanger or the evaporator of the heat pump 22 may cool down the air stream 18 exiting from the laundry drum 14 and removes moisture from the air stream 18.
  • the air stream 18 is heated up again within the air stream channel 20, for example by an electric heater or the condenser of the heat pump system. Then, the air stream 18 is introduced into the laundry drum 14 again.
  • the air stream 18 circulates within a closed loop.
  • the present invention may be applied to a vented dryer, wherein the hot and humid air stream 18 exiting the laundry drum 14 is blown to the environment without recirculation.
  • the dryer 10 further comprises a moisture sensor system 100.
  • the system 100 includes a support 24 for two or more electrodes 30, electrically insulated one another, which is positioned in such a way that the electrodes 30 are placed into or faces the inner volume of the laundry drum 14, so as to contact the laundry loaded into the latter.
  • the electrodes 30 are identical to each other.
  • the support 24 is attached at a lower portion of the front wall 26.
  • the support 24 is arranged internally or in proximity to laundry drum 14, preferably but not necessarily in correspondence to the inlet of the air stream channel 20.
  • the support 24 may be obtained in a single piece construction with the front wall 26 (i.e. it may be part of the front wall 26, for example part of the bulkhead); alternatively, the support 24 and the front wall 26 may be advantageously obtained as completely separate components, and they may be associated one another after their manufacture.
  • Fig. 2 illustrates a very schematic sectional side view of the moisture sensor system 100 according to the present invention.
  • the support 24 may be advantageously attached at the lower portion of the front wall 26.
  • the support 24 may be also defined as the part of the front wall 26 to which the electrodes 30 are associated, and therefore they are not proper distinguished components as in the enclosed figures.
  • the moisture sensor system 100 also includes two (or more) electrodes 30 which are advantageously attached at the support 24
  • the support 24 is preferably made of an electrically insulating material, so that the two electrodes 30 are electrically insulated from each other.
  • support 24 is made of plastic material.
  • the electrodes 30 are provided for detecting the moisture of the laundry loaded into the laundry drum 14; when a piece of laundry touches both the electrodes, the electrical impedance between the electrodes changes, and can be detected by a suitable detection circuit to which the electrodes are electrically connected, as detailed below.
  • the detection circuit detects the moisture of the laundry as a function of the electrical impedance (or of a quantity related to the impedance) between the electrodes 30.
  • the electrodes 30 advantageously have a predetermined distance from each other.
  • FIGs. 3 and 4 illustrate perspective rear views of the front wall 26, in this case of a bulkhead 26a is part of the front wall 26, of the dryer 10 including the moisture sensor system 100 according to the present invention.
  • the support 24 of the electrodes 30 is fitted in a rear surface of the bulkhead 26a, for example in a seat 37 of the same.
  • the support 24 is preferably attached at a lower portion of the bulkhead 26a, close to opening 17, for example by screws (not depicted in the drawings). In view of that, the support 24 preferably comprises corresponding screw holes 36.
  • a light source 34 may preferably be arranged at an upper portion of the front wall 26 (see figure 4 ).
  • the light source 34 is provided for illuminating the inner volume of the laundry drum 14.
  • the support 24 comprises two seat or channels 32, having preferably an elongated shape, for receiving the respective two electrodes 30.
  • the number of seats is preferably equal to the number of electrodes.
  • Each channel 32 is substantially complementary in shape to at least part of the respective electrode 30.
  • the seat or channel 32 - as the electrodes - are identical to each other and are positioned one on top of the other.
  • the electrodes 30 as well as the channels 32 are preferably curved, having the shape of a parenthesis.
  • the electrodes 30, as well as the seat or channel 32 are elongated, having a predominant dimension, being better detailed below.
  • each electrode 30 defines a thickness, which is relatively "thin" compared to the other dimensions of the electrode.
  • FIGs. 5 and 6 illustrate perspective views of the support 24 of the moisture sensor system 100 according to the present invention; in the mentioned figures, the electrodes 30 are not shown to better display the details of the support 24 itself.
  • Figure 5 shows the support as visible from the inner volume of the drum, while figure 6 shows an inner surface of the support 24 which is normally not visible because it is attached to the bulkhead 24a.
  • the seats 32 are visible in figure 5 and they are spaced apart one another and extend substantially parallel to one another, one on top of the other.
  • Each channel or seat 32 includes a first and a second end 32a, 32b and it advantageously comprises a first opening or aperture 48 at its first end 32a and a second opening or aperture 50 at its second end 32b.
  • the reference numbers are positioned only in correspondence of one of the two seats 32, such as the first seat, being the numbering identical in the second one.
  • each channel or seat 32 defines a bottom wall 32c, one side of which faces the electrode 30 when the latter is inserted in the seat.
  • the apertures 48, 50 are formed in the bottom wall 32c of each seat.
  • Each bottom wall 32c has a first side 33a and a second side 33b opposite to the first side.
  • the first side 33a of the wall 32c faces the second surface 154 of the respective electrode 30.
  • the second surface 33b faces the remaining of the bulkhead 26a, or seat 37.
  • a free volume may be defined, to connect the electrodes to suitable wirings, as detailed below.
  • the second sides 33b of the bottom walls 32c of the two channels or seats 32 merge in a single surface of the support 24.
  • the two bottom walls of the two seats are geometrically one the continuation of the other (second surfaces 33b of the walls 32c are a single flat surface).
  • each seat or channel 32 preferably further comprises a retaining element 62 adapted for retaining the respective electrode 30 into the seat or channel 32.
  • the retaining element 62 may be placed at a longitudinal side or edge of the channel 32, preferably, but not necessarily, at a lower longitudinal side.
  • the retaining element 62 preferably projects towards the internal part of the channel 32.
  • Each of the two electrodes 30 defines a first and a second electrode end 148, 150 axially opposite one to the other, and a first and a second opposite surface 152, 154.
  • the first surface 152 (better visible in figure 7 ) faces the inner volume of the laundry drum 14 to be contacted by the laundry loaded therein when the drum 14 rotates.
  • the second surface 154 (better visible in figure 8 ) faces the support 24, in particular first side 33a of bottom wall 32c.
  • Each electrode 30 defines a longitudinal axis X which is defined as an axis connecting the first and the second end 148, 150, as visible in figure 7 .
  • the electrodes have their major dimension - or length - along the longitudinal axis X.
  • the first and second electrode ends 148, 150 are, respectively, at least partially inserted into the first and second openings or apertures 48, 50, respectively, of each channel or seat 32.
  • FIG. 9 and 10 show the electrodes 30 inserted into the seats 32 of the support 24 and the ends 148, 150 of each electrode 30 partially inserted in the respective apertures 48, 50 formed in the bottom wall 32c.
  • Figures 9 and 10 are substantially equivalent to figures 5 and 6 , where the support 24 is shown without the electrodes 30.
  • the two electrodes 30 are electrically connected to the moisture detection circuit (mentioned above) to form the moisture sensor system 100.
  • the first end 148 of the electrode 30 comprises a first appendix 149 at least partially inserted into the first aperture 48 of the respective seat 30.
  • the first end 148 of the electrode 30 is adapted to be coupled to suitable electric connectors for electrically connecting the electrode 30 to the moisture detection circuit.
  • the moisture detection unit may include a control unit 200 of the dryer 10, schematically depicted in figure 1 as a rectangle.
  • the first appendix 149 comprises a first and a second plate-like element 149a, 149b which lie in a first P1 and a second plane P2, respectively.
  • the first and the second planes P1, P2 are both substantially perpendicular to the second surface 154 of the electrode 30.
  • the first appendix 149 is better visible in figures 11 and 12 which represent enlarged views of the encircled detail of figure 10 in two different mounting conditions.
  • the first plate-like element 149a is preferably substantially rectangular, and it extends along a first direction of extension L1 perpendicular to the second surface 154 of the electrode 30. It is connected with a first end 161a to the electrode 30 and with a second end 161b to the second plate-like element 149b.
  • the second plate-like element 149b which is also preferably substantially rectangular, extends along a second direction L2 starting from a first end 162a connected to the second end 161b of the first plate-like element 149a and terminating with a second free end 162b.
  • the extension of the second plate-like element is directed from the second end 161b of the first plate-like element 149a towards the second end 150 of the electrode 30.
  • the first and second directions of extension L1 and L2 of the first and the second plate-like elements 149a, 149b form an angle between each other. This angle in the present embodiment is of about 90°. Further, in the shown embodiment (in particular see Figs. 11 and 12 ), the first and second planes P1 and P2 are the same plane. Further, this common plane is also substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis X. In this way, the second direction of extension L2 is substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis X of the electrode 30, so that second plate-like element 149b and electrode 30 run substantially parallel for a given interval.
  • first and the second planes are incident to each other.
  • first and/or the second plane forms an angle comprised between 0° and 25° with the longitudinal axis X.
  • the first appendix 149 has an L-shape formed by the first and the second plate-like element 149a, 149b which correspond to the arms of the "L".
  • the first aperture 48 of the seats 30 includes a slit aperture 49 in which the first appendix 149 is at least partially inserted.
  • the dimension of the slit aperture 49 is such that introduction of at least a portion of the first and second plate-like element is advantageously possible, that is, it is preferably at least as long as the combined lengths of the first and second plate-like elements 149a, 149b along the longitudinal axis X and its width is preferably at least equal to the thickness of the first and second plate-like elements.
  • the width of the slit aperture 49 is in a direction substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis X. The first and second plate-like elements thus are inserted in the slit 49 in order to attach the electrode 30 to the corresponding seat 32.
  • the L-shape of it determines that the first appendix partially "embraces" the bottom wall 32c of the seat 32.
  • a portion of the first appendix 149 partially faces the second side 33b of the wall 32c (see Figs. 11-12 ).
  • the second plate-like element 149b is positioned at least partially facing the second side 33b of the bottom wall 32c and also parallel to the same.
  • the moisture detection circuit includes one or more connectors 180 to connect the electrode to the central unit 200.
  • the second plate-like element 149b is inserted at least partially in one of the connectors 180.
  • the insertion of the second plate-like element 149b into the connector 180 takes place along the second extension direction L2.
  • Each of the two electrodes 30 is moveable within its respective seat 32 about a predetermined length (in Figs. 11 and 12 are shown two different positions of the electrode 30) along the longitudinal axis X.
  • the movement is possible due to the fact that the length of the aperture 48 or slit 49 is a bit longer than the combined length along the longitudinal axis of the first and second plate-like elements 149a, 149b.
  • the second electrode end 150 of the electrode 30 includes a second appendix 151.
  • the second appendix 151 is also plate-like and it lies on a plane substantially parallel to the second surface 154 of the electrode 30.
  • the second appendix 151 is at least partially inserted in the second aperture 50. Movement of the electrode 30 along the longitudinal axis X implies a bigger or smaller insertion of the second appendix 151 in the aperture 50.
  • the second end 150 may advantageously comprise a hole 151a which is provided for receiving a pin 39 (see Fig. 6 ) formed on the support, in particular on its inner surface, to hold the second end 150.
  • Figs. 9-12 illustrate perspective views of the support 24 and the electrode 30 of the moisture sensor system according to the present invention in different stages of mounting.
  • a first step (not visible) the second end 150 of the electrode 30 is inserted into the second opening 50 of the channel 32 of the support 24, at least partially.
  • Figs. 9-11 show a second step of insertion the electrode 30 into the seat 32, wherein the first appendix 149 of the first end 148 of the electrode 30 is inserted into the first opening 48 of the channel 32.
  • the electrode 30 can adjust its position along the longitudinal axis X, shifting along the longitudinal axis (see the difference between figures 11 and 12 in the position of the first appendix 149 along the longitudinal axis X) and thus engaging the second plate-like element 149b with the bottom wall 32c.
  • Fig.12 illustrates that the first plate-like element 149a of the appendix 149 faces a portion of the second side 33b of the wall 32c, so that the electrode 30 is in its final mounting condition, wherein the first end 148 of the electrode 30 is inserted in the first opening 48 of the channel 32 and at the same time the second end 150 of the electrode 30 is inserted in the second opening 50 of the channel 32.
  • the retaining elements 62 effect the fixation of the electrodes 30 within the channels 32.
  • the second plate-like element 149b is inserted in connector 180 in the same movement, so as to obtain an electrical connection.
  • the moisture sensor system may be also applied to other domestic appliances like washer-drier or a spinner-washer.

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Textile Engineering (AREA)
  • Control Of Washing Machine And Dryer (AREA)

Claims (12)

  1. Sèche-linge (10), comprenant :
    ∘ un tambour rotatif (14) définissant un volume intérieur destiné à contenir du linge ;
    ∘ un système capteur d'humidité (100) comprenant un support (24) destiné à recevoir une première et une deuxième électrode (30) respectivement dans un premier et dans un deuxième siège (32), espacés l'un par rapport à l'autre, chacune desdites première et deuxième électrode (30) définissant une première et une deuxième extrémité d'électrode (148, 150) et des première et deuxième surface opposée (152, 154), la première surface (152) étant tournée vers le volume intérieur dudit tambour à linge (14) de manière à ce que le linge qui y est chargé vienne à son contact lors de la rotation du tambour (14), et la deuxième surface (154) étant tournée vers ledit support (24), lesdites première et deuxième électrode (30) étant connectées électriquement à un circuit de détection d'humidité (200) ;
    ∘ chacun des premier et deuxième siège (32) comportant une première et une deuxième ouverture (48, 50) dans lesquelles sont respectivement au moins partiellement introduites les première et deuxième extrémité d'électrode (148, 150) ;
    ∘ chacun des premier et deuxième siège (32) définit une première et une deuxième extrémité de siège (32a, 32b), la première extrémité de siège (32a) comportant la première ouverture (48) et la deuxième extrémité de siège (32b) comportant la deuxième ouverture (50) ;
    ∘ la première extrémité (148) de la première et/ou de la deuxième électrode (30) comprend un premier appendice (149) introduit dans la première ouverture (48) du premier et/ou du deuxième siège (32), le premier appendice (149) comprenant un premier (149a) et un deuxième élément lamellaire (149b) s'étendant respectivement dans un premier (P1) et dans un deuxième plan (P2), le premier (149a) et le deuxième élément lamellaire (149b) formant entre eux un angle, et le premier et le deuxième plan (P1, P2) étant tous deux sensiblement perpendiculaires à la deuxième surface (154) de la première et/ou de la deuxième électrode (30) ;
    ∘ la première ouverture (48) du premier et/ou du deuxième siège (32) comporte une ouverture en fente (49) dans laquelle est au moins partiellement introduit le premier appendice (149) ;
    caractérisé en ce que l'ouverture en fente (49) s'étend dans une direction (X) connectant sensiblement la première à la deuxième extrémité de siège (32a, 32b).
  2. Sèche-linge (10) selon la revendication 1, dans lequel chacun du premier (149a) et du deuxième élément lamellaire (149b) définit respectivement une longueur et une largeur sur les premier et deuxième plan et une épaisseur dans une direction perpendiculaire aux premier et deuxième plan, et dans lequel l'ouverture en fente (49) présente une dimension dans une direction qui est plus longue que l'épaisseur et plus courte que la largeur et la longueur du deuxième élément lamellaire (149b).
  3. Sèche-linge (10) selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, dans lequel le premier appendice (149) est au moins partiellement introduit dans un connecteur (180) destiné à connecter la première et/ou la deuxième électrode (30) au circuit de détection d'humidité (200).
  4. Sèche-linge (10) selon la revendication 3, dans lequel le deuxième élément lamellaire (149b) du premier appendice (149) est au moins partiellement introduit dans le connecteur (180).
  5. Sèche-linge (10) selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, dans lequel la deuxième extrémité d'électrode (150) de la première et/ou de la deuxième électrode (30) comporte un deuxième appendice (151) s'étendant sensiblement parallèlement à la deuxième surface (154) de la première et/ou de la deuxième électrode (30), le deuxième appendice (151) étant au moins partiellement introduit dans la deuxième ouverture (50).
  6. Sèche-linge (10) selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, dans lequel le premier appendice (149) présente une forme en L formée par le premier et le deuxième élément lamellaire (149a, 149b).
  7. Sèche-linge (10) selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, dans lequel le premier et le deuxième plan (P1, P2) sont parallèles entre eux.
  8. Sèche-linge (10) selon la revendication 7, dans lequel les premier et deuxième plan constituent le même plan.
  9. Sèche-linge (10) selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, dans lequel le premier et/ou le deuxième siège (32) comporte une paroi (33) présentant un premier côté (33a) et un deuxième côté (33b) opposé au premier côté (33a), le premier côté (33a) étant tourné vers la deuxième surface (154) de la première et/ou de la deuxième électrode (30), et dans lequel le premier appendice (149) est partiellement tourné vers le deuxième côté (33b) de la paroi (33).
  10. Sèche-linge (10) selon la revendication 9, dans lequel le deuxième élément lamellaire (149b) est positionné au moins partiellement tourné vers le deuxième côté (33b) de la paroi (33).
  11. Sèche-linge (10) selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, dans lequel le premier et/ou le deuxième siège (32) comporte un organe de retenue (62) destiné à retenir la première et/ou la deuxième électrode (30) respectivement dans le premier et/ou dans le deuxième siège (32).
  12. Sèche-linge (10) selon une ou plusieurs des revendications précédentes, dans lequel lesdites première et deuxième électrode (30) et lesdits premier et deuxième siège respectif (32) présentent une forme allongée définissant l'axe longitudinal (X), connectant la première et la deuxième extrémité (32a, 32b) des premier et deuxième siège (32), le premier et/ou le deuxième plan (P1, P2) formant un angle compris entre 0° et 25° avec l'axe longitudinal (X) lorsque l'électrode (30) est introduite dans le siège respectif (32).
EP17189497.5A 2017-09-05 2017-09-05 Sèche-linge comportant un système de capteur d'humidité Active EP3450614B1 (fr)

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EP17189497.5A EP3450614B1 (fr) 2017-09-05 2017-09-05 Sèche-linge comportant un système de capteur d'humidité

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Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US11078620B2 (en) 2019-07-17 2021-08-03 Haier Us Appliance Solutions, Inc. Dryer sensor rod with oriented tab
CN113338012A (zh) * 2020-03-03 2021-09-03 青岛海尔滚筒洗衣机有限公司 一种衣物烘干方法
EP4119716A1 (fr) * 2021-07-14 2023-01-18 BSH Hausgeräte GmbH Dispositif d'électrode, son procédé de fabrication et appareil domestique le comportant

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Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
JPS6141696U (ja) * 1984-08-22 1986-03-17 株式会社東芝 乾燥機
US5940986A (en) * 1997-05-16 1999-08-24 White Consolidated Industries, Inc. Heat staked moisture sensor electrodes
KR100587323B1 (ko) * 2003-04-28 2006-06-08 엘지전자 주식회사 자동 건조기의 센서 장착 구조
EP2458275B1 (fr) 2010-11-26 2014-01-01 Ulrich Brunner GmbH Four avec pre-chauffage d'air, en particulier pour la combustion de copeaux de bois
EP2458075B1 (fr) * 2010-11-29 2017-06-28 Electrolux Home Products Corporation N.V. Sèche-linge avec système de capteur d'humidité

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