EP3470568B1 - Dryer with a safety device for protection against damage as a result of shock and method for the operation of the same - Google Patents

Description

The invention relates to a dryer comprising a housing, a drum rotatably mounted within the housing about a first axis for receiving items of laundry, the drum being in contact with at least two roller devices during operation of the dryer, and a securing device for protection against damage in the event of impacts on the dryer. The invention also includes a method for operating this dryer.

Clothes dryers, referred to herein as dryers, have a drum for holding items of laundry. This drum moves during the execution of a laundry treatment program and is therefore rotatably mounted about an axis, preferably about an essentially horizontally mounted axis of rotation. Generally, the drum runs on wheels or rollers (referred to herein as "rollers") on which it is rotatably supported. The drum is usually driven by a belt drive. The drum can have an integrated back wall, which thus rotates when the drum rotates, or a standing back wall. A drum axis of rotation can be mounted in an integrated rear wall, so that in the case of the integrated rear wall, two rollers that are in contact with the front end of the drum are often sufficient. However, four roles are sometimes used. In the case of a standing rear wall, four rollers are generally used.

When a dryer is being transported, impacts on the dryer can cause the rollers, which generally support the drum in a front region, to produce impressions in the outer peripheral drum shell, in particular in the region in which the drum rests on the rollers. Such damage to the drum can lead to incorrect operation of the drum when a drying program is being carried out, in particular due to the fact that the drum can be subjected to greater noise pollution.

Protection of a dryer drum during transport has therefore already been dealt with.

The publication EP 2 773 806 B1 describes a tumble dryer with a transport security element. In particular, a tumble dryer is described comprising a housing body, a drum that rotates about the horizontal axis and is placed in the articles to be dried, a plurality of rollers on which the drum sits and which support the drum by moving through the movement of the Rotate the drum around its own axis during the drying process and a frame on which the rollers are rotatably attached. The transport safety element has a first position in which it is not in contact with the drum and a second position in which it is in contact with the drum by being moved. The transport safety element ensures that the contact between the drum and the rollers is interrupted. In one embodiment of the tumble dryer, the transport safety element comprises a shaft which extends from the housing body to the drum, a rest element which is arranged at the end of the shaft which faces the drum and which is in contact with the drum when the transport safety element is in the second position, and a head, which is arranged at the lower end of the shaft and allows rotation of the shaft.

The publication EP 3 124 671 A1 describes a tumble dryer with a laundry drum, which is equipped with a transport lock that is configured so that it can protect the drum against damage that can occur during transportation of the dryer. The clothes dryer comprises a housing, a drum rotatably mounted in this housing; a transport device connected to the housing and configured to be moved between an activated position in which the transport device engages the drum and a deactivated position in which the transport device does not engage the drum. The drum includes a first area with a first thickness and a second area with a second thickness that is less than the first thickness. In addition, when the transport device is in the deactivated position, it engages in a radially outer part of the first region of the drum.

A common feature of the known embodiments of a dryer with a transport lock is that the drum is lifted by the transport lock at a point of the drum remote from the roll in order to decouple it from the rolls. However, this leads to constructive restrictions, and sometimes the distance or setting up a transport lock by a user of the dryer is difficult. In addition, it must be ensured that the drum is raised sufficiently so that it cannot come into contact with the rollers and the drum if damage occurs.

Against this background, it was an object of the present invention to provide a dryer with a drum rotatably mounted in a housing and an improved transport lock. The transport lock should preferably be as simple as possible to use and reusable.

This object is achieved according to this invention by a dryer and a method for operating a dryer with the features of the respective independent claims. Preferred embodiments of the dryer according to the invention are listed in dependent claims, preferred embodiments of the dryer according to the invention corresponding to preferred embodiments of the method according to the invention, even if this is not expressly stated herein.

The invention thus relates to a dryer with a dryer, comprising a housing, a drum rotatably mounted within the housing about a first axis for receiving items of laundry, the drum being in contact with at least two roller devices during operation of the dryer, and a securing device to protect against damage in the event of impacts on the dryer, the securing device being designed to be in contact with the roller device at least in a transport state of the dryer.

Since a dryer according to the invention has at least two roller devices, either a safety device is generally assigned to each roller device, or a safety device is connected to a plurality of roller devices. For reasons of simplification, the following describes the case in which a securing device is in contact with a roller device.

In a preferred embodiment of the dryer according to the invention, the securing device comprises what is also referred to here as a transport securing device can be an engagement element which is designed to be inserted between the drum and at least one of the rollers of the roller device and thereby to effect a decoupling of the roller and drum.

According to the invention, a dryer is preferred in which the engagement element is rotatably mounted about a third axis. The third axis is preferably parallel to the first axis.

In a preferred embodiment of the dryer, the securing device has an operating element which allows a user of the dryer to rotate the engagement element about the third axis such that the engagement element engages between a roller and the drum. As long as this purpose is achieved, the control element is not restricted. For example, it can be an engagement element that is direct, i.e. without a tool, can be operated by a user. An example of this would be a rotary knob that is preferably knurled for a better grip. In particular, a lever would also be possible. However, it can also be provided that a user must use a tool that engages in the operating element. The arrangement of the control element can be any. However, the control element is advantageously arranged on the rear wall.

According to the invention, a dryer is preferred in which the engagement element has a first curvature, so that it can slide between the roller and the drum when rotated about the third axis. In general, the drum in particular is raised slightly.

In addition, a dryer is preferred in which the engagement element has a contact surface with a second curvature which is opposite to the first curvature. Here, “opposite” means in particular that the sign of the curvature is different; the actual amount of curvature can vary. In this embodiment, it is preferred that the second curvature has a radius of curvature that corresponds to the outer radius of the drum. The contact surface is thus adapted to the outer surface of the drum, so that there is a particularly large, optimally designed contact surface.

In a particularly preferred embodiment of the dryer according to the invention, the engagement element has a bulge at the end facing away from the third axis of rotation. This enables a particularly favorable insertion of the engagement element between the drum and the roller of the roller device. Here, the inner surfaces of the bulge can be suitably beveled, so that the insertion of the engagement element is additionally supported.

Various materials can be used for the engagement element, e.g. Metals or plastics. If the term "plastic" is used here, it includes not only the actual polymers, but also additives which can be useful for improving the properties of the engagement element, for example plasticizers or fillers such as glass fibers. In this sense, the engagement element preferably consists of plastic. The engaging element is then preferably formed in one piece. The plastic is preferably glass fiber reinforced polyamide or glass fiber reinforced polypropylene. In addition, the securing device can advantageously consist of a plastic and in particular can be formed in one piece from the plastic.

The thickness of the contact part having the contact surface is preferably in the range from 2 to 3 mm.

In a preferred embodiment, the dryer has an optical and / or acoustic display device which can indicate to a user of the dryer whether a safety device is active or not. In addition, the optical and / or acoustic display device can give the user of the dryer the display of e.g. Enable operating parameters and / or an expected duration of the drying process.

According to the invention, it is also preferred that a still active transport lock, that is to say a still active safety device, which in particular has an engagement element, can be determined in the dryer. For example, the measurement of the torque of the drive motor of the drum could be an active one Belay device can be determined. This fact could then be displayed to a user on the display device.

In an alternative embodiment of the dryer according to the invention, the securing device contains two springs on which a second axis of the roller device is mounted. The two springs are generally located on the second axis on opposite sides of the roller, generally at the same distance from the roller. In this embodiment, the axis of the roller device is thus resiliently mounted, the spring being designed such that the deflection takes place only under high forces which correspond to an impact on the dryer. On the other hand, the springs are designed so that there is no deflection even in normal drying operation with a full load.

In this embodiment of the dryer, the roller device and the two springs are preferably located in a roller housing, which has an opening on an engagement surface facing the drum, which enables direct contact between the roller and the drum.

In a preferred embodiment of the dryer, the engagement surface serves as a stopper if, due to an impact on the dryer, the drum presses on the second axis of the roller device mounted on springs and thereby compresses the springs. The engaging surface preferably has a curvature which corresponds to the curvature of the outer surface of the drum. The radii of curvature are preferably identical.

• das Verfahren zur Sicherung des Trockners für einen Transport den Schritt (a) umfasst, in welchem das Eingriffselement zwischen der Trommel und mindestens einer Rolle eingeführt wird und damit eine Entkoppelung von Trommel und Rolle bewirkt, und
• das Verfahren zur Entsicherung des Trockners vor seiner Inbetriebnahme den Schritt (b) umfasst, in welchem das Eingriffselement zwischen der Trommel und mindestens einer Rolle entfernt wird und damit einen direkten Kontakt zwischen Trommel und Rolle bewirkt.

The invention also relates to a method for securing a dryer for transport or for unlocking a dryer before it is put into operation, the dryer comprising a housing, a drum rotatably mounted within the housing about a first axis of rotation for receiving items of laundry, the drum during Operation of the dryer is in contact with at least two roller devices, and comprises a securing device for protection against damage in the event of impacts on the dryer, the securing device being designed to be in contact with the roller device at least in a transport state of the dryer, such that the securing device comprises an engagement element which is configured to be inserted between the drum and at least one of the rollers of the roller device and thereby to effect a decoupling of roller and drum, wherein

• the method for securing the dryer for transport comprises step (a), in which the engaging element is inserted between the drum and at least one roller and thus decouples the drum and roller, and
• the method for unlocking the dryer before it is started up comprises step (b), in which the engagement element between the drum and at least one roller is removed and thus brings about direct contact between the drum and roller.

The invention has numerous advantages. Thus, the invention provides a dryer whose sensitive components with regard to maximum loads, e.g. in a transport test, must not be designed to be more stable. There is generally a lower risk of transport damage and due to the damping ultimately made, there is less noise. In addition, the dryer according to the invention can also be transported several times, so that multiple moves are possible.

• Fig. 1 zeigt eine perspektivische Ansicht der erfindungswesentlichen Teile eines herkömmlichen Trockners. Fig. 1 (a) zeigt eine Trommel mit zwei dazu gehörigen Rollenvorrichtungen. Fig. 1 (b) zeigt einen Eindruckstelle, d.h. Delle, an der Kontaktstelle zwischen Trommel und Rolle, welche aufgrund eines Stoßes auf den Trockner entstanden ist.
• Fig. 2 zeigt vergrößerte Ausschnitte einer ersten Ausführungsform eines erfindungsgemäßen Trockners mit einer Sicherungsvorrichtung, die ein Eingriffselement aufweist, vor einem Einführen zwischen der Trommel und einer Rolle. Fig. 2 (a) zeigt eine Seitenansicht und Fig. 2 (b) eine perspektivische Ansicht.
• Fig. 3 zeigt vergrößerte Ausschnitte einer ersten Ausführungsform eines erfindungsgemäßen Trockners mit einer Sicherungsvorrichtung, die ein Eingriffselement aufweist, nach einem Einführen zwischen der Trommel und einer Rolle. Fig. 3 (a) zeigt eine Seitenansicht und Fig. 3 (b) eine perspektivische Ansicht.
• Fig. 4 zeigt nochmals vergrößerte Ausschnitte einer ersten Ausführungsform eines erfindungsgemäßen Trockners mit einer Sicherungsvorrichtung, die ein Eingriffselement aufweist, nach einem Einführen zwischen der Trommel und einer Rolle. Fig. 4 (a) zeigt eine perspektivische Ansicht und Fig. 4 (b) eine Seitenansicht auf die Trommel des Trockners, d.h. in Richtung der Rolle.
• Fig. 5 zeigt eine Vorderansicht einer Trommel gemäß einer zweiten Ausführungsform der Erfindung, bei welcher die Drehachsen von zwei Rollenvorrichtungen (zweite Drehachsen) auf jeweils zwei Federn gelagert sind.
• Fig. 6 zeigt für die Trommel gemäß einer zweiten Ausführungsform eines erfindungsgemäßen Trockners die Anordnung der beiden auf jeweils zwei Federn gelagerten Rollenvorrichtungen in einem Rollengehäuse während eines Betriebszustands des Trockners. Fig. 6 (a) und Fig. 6 (b) zeigen Draufsichten auf die linke Rollenvorrichtung bzw. die rechte Rollenvorrichtung.
• Fig. 7 zeigt ebenfalls für die Trommel gemäß einer zweiten Ausführungsform eines erfindungsgemäßen Trockners die Anordnung einer auf zwei Federn gelagerten Rollenvorrichtung in einem Rollengehäuse während eines Betriebszustands des Trockners. Fig. 7 (a) zeigt eine Ansicht in Richtung der zweiten Drehachse, d.h. der Drehachse der Rolle. Fig. 7 (b) zeigt eine Ansicht in Richtung der Rolle.
• Fig. 8 zeigt für die Trommel gemäß einer zweiten Ausführungsform eines erfindungsgemäßen Trockners die Anordnung einer auf zwei Federn gelagerten Rollenvorrichtung in einem Rollengehäuse während eines Transportzustands des Trockners. Fig. 8 (a) zeigt eine Ansicht in Richtung der zweiten Drehachse, d.h. der Drehachse der Rolle. Fig. 8 (b) zeigt eine Ansicht in Richtung der Rolle.

Further details of the invention result from the following description of exemplary embodiments for a dryer according to the invention and a method for operating this dryer. Reference is made to the Figures 1 to 8 .

• Fig. 1 shows a perspective view of the essential parts of the invention of a conventional dryer. Fig. 1 (a) shows a drum with two associated roller devices. Fig. 1 (b) shows an indentation point, ie dent, at the contact point between the drum and roller, which has arisen due to an impact on the dryer.
• Fig. 2 shows enlarged sections of a first embodiment of a dryer according to the invention with a securing device which has an engagement element before insertion between the drum and a roller. Fig. 2 (a) shows a side view and Fig. 2 (b) a perspective view.
• Fig. 3 shows enlarged sections of a first embodiment of a dryer according to the invention with a securing device which has an engagement element after insertion between the drum and a roller. Fig. 3 (a) shows a side view and Fig. 3 (b) a perspective view.
• Fig. 4 shows again enlarged sections of a first embodiment of a dryer according to the invention with a securing device which has an engagement element after an insertion between the drum and a roller. Fig. 4 (a) shows a perspective view and Fig. 4 (b) a side view of the drum of the dryer, ie in the direction of the roll.
• Fig. 5 shows a front view of a drum according to a second embodiment of the invention, in which the axes of rotation of two roller devices (second axes of rotation) are each mounted on two springs.
• Fig. 6 shows for the drum according to a second embodiment of a dryer according to the invention the arrangement of the two roller devices mounted on two springs in each case in a roller housing during an operating state of the dryer. 6 (a) and 6 (b) show top views of the left roller device and the right roller device.
• Fig. 7 also shows for the drum according to a second embodiment of a dryer according to the invention the arrangement of a roller device mounted on two springs in a roller housing during an operating state of the dryer. Fig. 7 (a) shows a view in the direction of the second axis of rotation, ie the axis of rotation of the roller. Fig. 7 (b) shows a view in the direction of the roll.
• Fig. 8 shows for the drum according to a second embodiment of a dryer according to the invention the arrangement of a roller device mounted on two springs in a roller housing during a transport state of the dryer. Fig. 8 (a) shows a view in the direction of the second axis of rotation, ie the axis of rotation of the roller. Fig. 8 (b) shows a view in the direction of the roll.

Fig. 1 shows a perspective view of the essential parts of the invention of a conventional dryer, in which drum and roller device are rigidly arranged .. Fig. 1 (a) shows a drum 1 with two associated roller devices 2, the roller devices 2 each having a roller 6 and a second axis of rotation 7. Fig. 1 (b) shows an indentation point 22, ie dent, at the contact point between drum 1 and roller 6, which has arisen due to an impact on the dryer.

Fig. 2 shows enlarged sections of a first embodiment of a dryer according to the invention with a securing device 4, which has an engagement element 5, before insertion between the drum 1 and a roller 6. Fig. 2 (a) shows a side view and Fig. 2 (b) a perspective view.

The engagement element 5 is designed to be inserted between the drum 1 and the roller 6 of a roller device 2 shown here and thereby to cause the roller 6 and the drum 1 to be decoupled. The roller device 2 comprises the roller 6 and a second axis 7. The engagement element 5 is rotatably mounted about a third axis of rotation 13, the third axis of rotation 13 being parallel to a first axis of rotation, not shown here, the axis of rotation of the drum 3.

At the in Fig. 2 Embodiment of a dryer according to the invention shown, the securing device 4 has an operating element 8, which is designed here as a knurled wheel, which allows a user of the dryer to rotate the engaging element 5 about the third axis 13 by rotating the operating element 8 such that the engaging element 5 engages between roller 6 and drum 1. In addition to the control element 8 there is a display 19 for the switched-on state of the safety device 4 and a display 20 for the switched-off state of the safety device 4. On the control element 8 there is a pointer 21 for the states of the safety device 4.

This in Fig. 2 shown engagement element 5 has a first curvature 9 so that it can slide between roller 6 and drum 1 when rotated about the third axis 13. In addition, the engagement element 5 has a contact surface 10 with a second curvature 11, which is opposite to the first curvature 9. Here is the second curvature 11 adapted to the drum 1 in that the second curvature 11 has a radius of curvature that corresponds to the outer radius of the drum 1. In addition, the engagement element 5 has a bulge 12 at the end facing away from the third axis of rotation 13, which bulge facilitates the insertion of the engagement element 5 between the drum 1 and the roller 6.

The engagement element 5 consists of plastic, which is either glass-fiber reinforced polyamide or glass fiber-reinforced polypropylene. The thickness of the contact part 14 having the contact surface 10 is 2.5 mm here.

Fig. 3 shows enlarged sections of a first embodiment of a dryer according to the invention with a securing device 4, which has an engagement element 5, after insertion between the drum 1 and a roller 6. Fig. 3 (a) shows a side view and Fig. 3 (b) a perspective view. The same reference numerals have in Fig. 3 the same meaning as in Fig. 2 .

Fig. 4 shows again enlarged sections of a first embodiment of a dryer according to the invention with a securing device 4, which has an engagement element 5, after insertion between the drum 1 and a roller 6. Fig. 4 (a) shows a perspective view and Fig. 4 (b) a side view of the drum of the dryer, ie in the direction of the roll. The same reference numerals have in Fig. 4 the same meaning as in Fig. 2 .

Fig. 5 shows a front view of a drum 1 according to a second embodiment of the invention, in which the axes of rotation 7 of two roller devices 2 (second axes of rotation) are each mounted on two springs 15. 3 means the first axis of rotation, the axis of rotation of the drum 1. 16 means a roller housing, in each of which a roller device 2, two springs 15 and the second axis of rotation 7 of the respective roller 6 mounted on the springs 15 are arranged.

Fig. 6 shows for the drum 1 according to a second embodiment of a dryer according to the invention the arrangement of the two roller devices 2 mounted on two springs 15 in a roller housing 16 during an operating state of the dryer. 6 (a) and 6 (b) show top views of the left Roller device or the right roller device. 18 means an opening in an engagement surface 17 of roller housing 16. Otherwise, the same reference numerals in FIG Fig. 6 the same meaning as in Fig. 5 .

Fig. 7 also shows for the drum 1 according to a second embodiment of a dryer according to the invention the arrangement of a roller device 2 mounted on two springs 15 in a roller housing 16 during an operating state of the dryer. The roller 6 protrudes from the opening 18 so that the roller housing 16 does not touch the drum 1. Fig. 7 (a) shows a view in the direction of the second axis of rotation, ie the axis of rotation of the roller. Fig. 7 (b) shows a view in the direction of the roll. Otherwise have the same reference numerals in Fig. 7 the same meaning as in Fig. 5 or. Fig. 6 .

Fig. 8 shows for the drum 1 according to a second embodiment of a dryer according to the invention the arrangement of a roller device 2 mounted on two springs 15 in a roller housing 16 during a transport state of the dryer. The roller 6 is shifted here due to an impact on the dryer in the direction of the springs 15. As a result, the drum 1 comes into contact with the roller housing 16, which thus acts as a stopper. Fig. 8 (a) shows a view in the direction of the second axis of rotation, ie the axis of rotation of the roller. Fig. 8 (b) shows a view in the direction of the roll. Otherwise have the same reference numerals in Fig. 8 the same meaning as in the aforementioned figures.

Reference numerals

1

drum

2nd

Roller device

3rd

First axis of rotation; Axis of rotation of the drum

4th

Safety device

5

Engaging element

6

role

7

Second axis of rotation; Axis of rotation of the roller

8th

Control element

9

First curvature

10th

Touch area

11

Second curve

12th

bulge

13

Third axis of rotation; Axis of rotation of the engaging element

14

Touch part

15

feather

16

Roller housing

17th

Engagement surface (of the roller housing)

18th

Opening (in engagement surface of the roller housing)

19th

Indicator for the switched-on state of the safety device

20

Indicator for the switched off (opened) state of the safety device

21st

Safety device status pointer

22

Impression point (dent) in a drum at the contact point between drum and roller

Claims (14)

1. Dryer, comprising a housing, a drum (1) mounted rotatably about a first axis of rotation (3) within the housing for receiving items of laundry, wherein during operation of the dryer the drum (1) is in contact with at least two roller devices (2), and a safety device (4) for protection against damage as a result of shock on the dryer,
   characterised in that the safety device (4) is designed to be in contact with the roller device (2) at least in one transport state of the dryer and the safety device (4) comprises an engaging element (5) which is designed to be introduced between the drum (1) and at least one of the rollers (6) of the roller device (2) and as a result to effect a decoupling of the roller (6) and drum (1).
2. Dryer according to claim 1, characterised in that the engaging element (5) is mounted rotatably about a third axis (13).
3. Dryer according to claim 2, characterised in that the third axis (13) is parallel to the first axis (3).
4. Dryer according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterised in that the safety device (4) has an operating element (8) which permits a user of the dryer to rotate the engaging element (5) about the third axis (13) so that the engaging element (5) engages between a roller (6) and the drum (1).
5. Dryer according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterised in that the engaging element (5) has a first curvature (9) so that it can slide between the roller (6) and the drum (1) when rotated about the third axis (13).
6. Dryer according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterised in that the engaging element (5) has a contact surface (10) with a second curvature (11), which opposes the first curvature (9).
7. Dryer according to claim 6, characterised in that the second curvature (11) has a circle of curvature radius which corresponds to the outer radius of the drum (1).
8. Dryer according to one of claims 2 to 7, characterised in that the engaging element (5) has a bulge (12) facing away from the third axis of rotation (13).
9. Dryer according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterised in that the engaging element (5) consists of plastic.
10. Dryer according to claim 9, characterised in that the plastic is glass fibre-reinforced polyamide or glass fibre-reinforced polypropylene.
11. Dryer according to one of claims 7 to 11, characterised in that the thickness of the contact part (14) having the contact surface (10) lies in the range of 2 to 3mm.
12. Method for safeguarding a dryer for transportation or for removing the safeguarding of a dryer before its commissioning, wherein the dryer comprises a housing, a drum (1) mounted rotatably about a first axis of rotation (3) within the housing for receiving items of laundry, wherein during operation of the dryer the drum (1) is in contact with at least two roller devices (2) and comprises a safety device (4) for protection against damage as a result of shock on the dryer, wherein the safety device (4) is designed to be in contact with the roller device (2) at least in one transport state of the dryer so that the safety device (4) comprises an engaging element (5) which is designed to be introduced between the drum (1) and at least one of the rollers (6) of the roller device (2) and as a result effect a decoupling of the roller (6) and drum (1), wherein

    - the method for safeguarding the dryer for transportation comprises the step (a), in which the engaging element (5) is introduced between the drum (1) and at least one roller (6) and thus effects a decoupling of the drum (1) and roller (6), and

    - the method for removing the safeguarding of the dryer before its commissioning comprises the step (b), in which the engaging element (5) between the drum (1) and at least one roller (6) is removed and thus effects a direct contact between the drum (1) and roller (6).
13. Dryer, comprising a housing, a drum (1) mounted rotatably about a first axis of rotation (3) within the housing for receiving items of laundry, wherein during operation of the dryer the drum (1) is in contact with at least two roller devices (2) and a safety device (4) for protecting against damage as a result of shock on the dryer,
    characterised in that the safety device (4) is designed to be in contact with the roller device (2) at least in one transport state of the dryer and the safety device (4) contains two springs (15), on which a second axis (7) of the roller device (2) is supported.
14. Dryer according to claim 13, characterised in that the roller device (2) and the two springs (15) are located in a roller housing (16), which has an opening (18) on an engaging surface (17) facing the drum (1) which enables direct contact between the roller (6) and the drum (1).

Images