WO2007004173A1 - Dispositif et systeme de traitement d'articles textiles - Google Patents

Dispositif et systeme de traitement d'articles textiles Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2007004173A1
WO2007004173A1 PCT/IB2006/052206 IB2006052206W WO2007004173A1 WO 2007004173 A1 WO2007004173 A1 WO 2007004173A1 IB 2006052206 W IB2006052206 W IB 2006052206W WO 2007004173 A1 WO2007004173 A1 WO 2007004173A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
energy
benefit composition
fabric article
fabric
control unit
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/IB2006/052206
Other languages
English (en)
Inventor
Paul Amaat Raymond Gerard France
Christopher Lawrence Smith
Geoffrey Luther Oberhaus
Original Assignee
The Procter & Gamble Company
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by The Procter & Gamble Company filed Critical The Procter & Gamble Company
Priority to EP06765970A priority Critical patent/EP1907619A1/fr
Priority to CA002608954A priority patent/CA2608954A1/fr
Publication of WO2007004173A1 publication Critical patent/WO2007004173A1/fr

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Classifications

    • 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
    • D06F39/00—Details of washing machines not specific to a single type of machines covered by groups D06F9/00 - D06F27/00 
    • D06F39/02—Devices for adding soap or other washing agents
    • D06F39/024—Devices for adding soap or other washing agents mounted on the agitator or the rotating drum; Free body dispensers
    • 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 
    • D06F58/203—Laundry conditioning arrangements
    • 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
    • D06F58/44—Control of operational steps, e.g. for optimisation or improvement of operational steps depending on the condition of the laundry of conditioning or finishing, e.g. for smoothing or removing creases
    • 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
    • D06F2103/28—Air properties
    • D06F2103/32—Temperature
    • 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
    • D06F2103/28—Air properties
    • D06F2103/34—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
    • D06F2105/00—Systems or parameters controlled or affected by the control systems of washing machines, washer-dryers or laundry dryers
    • D06F2105/38—Conditioning or finishing, e.g. control of perfume injection
    • 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
    • D06F33/00—Control of operations performed in washing machines or washer-dryers 
    • D06F33/50—Control of washer-dryers characterised by the purpose or target of the control
    • D06F33/52—Control of the operational steps, e.g. optimisation or improvement of operational steps depending on the condition of the laundry
    • D06F33/57—Control of the operational steps, e.g. optimisation or improvement of operational steps depending on the condition of the laundry of metering of detergents or additives

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a fabric article treating device for use with a fabric article drying appliance, and more specifically to a unique fabric article treating device for dispensing a benefit composition employing a self-contained housing and reservoir.
  • Fabric article treating methods and/or apparatus have been evolving over the past twenty years. An ongoing need exists to develop a fabric article treating method and/or apparatus, especially an in-home fabric article treating method and/or apparatus, that improves/enhances the deposition of fabric article actives or benefit agents on the fabric articles being treated as compared to the currently existing deposition methods and/or apparatus.
  • various dosing devices have been utilized to distribute a benefit agent onto fabric articles.
  • One example of such a device is a fabric softener ball, wherein the ball contains a reservoir holding a certain amount of the benefit agent to be dispensed onto the fabric articles while in a fabric article drying appliance.
  • the present invention is directed to fabric article treating devices and fabric article treating systems. More particularly, the invention is directed to fabric article treating devices which are capable of operating in a high temperature environment, such as a fabric article drying appliance, and contain the ability to dispense the benefit compositions at the optimum time to the fabric articles in the fabric article drying appliance.
  • One embodiment of the present invention is a fabric article treating device.
  • the device comprises: a housing with at least one reservoir configured to contain benefit composition; an energy harvesting system, wherein the energy harvesting system is adapted to convert mechanical or thermal energy into electrical energy; an energy storing device, wherein the energy storing device is adapted to store electrical energy from the energy harvesting system; a fluid handling system, wherein the fluid handling system is adapted to transport benefit composition from the reservoir to fabric in a fabric article drying appliance; and a control unit, wherein the control unit is adapted to control dispensing of benefit composition from the device.
  • the device comprises: a housing with at least one reservoir configured to contain benefit composition; an energy storing device comprising a capacitor; a fluid handling system, wherein the fluid handling system is adapted to transport benefit composition from the reservoir to fabric in a fabric article drying appliance; and a control unit, wherein the control unit is adapted to control dispensing of benefit composition from the device.
  • Yet another embodiment of the present invention is method for treating a fabric article comprising delivering a benefit composition from the fabric article treating device of claim 1.
  • the method comprises drying the fabric article in a fabric article drying appliance.
  • a benefit composition is delivered from the fabric article treating device to the fabric article.
  • electrical energy is harvested from mechanical or thermal energy and stored in the energy storing device.
  • Figure 1 is a schematic illustration of an exemplary fabric article treating device according to a first embodiment of the present invention
  • Figure 2 is a schematic illustration of an exemplary fabric article treating device according to a second embodiment of the present invention.
  • Figure 3 is a schematic illustration of an exemplary fabric article treating device according to a third embodiment of the present invention.
  • Figure 4 is a schematic illustration of an exemplary fabric article treating device according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.
  • compositions and methods/processes of the present invention can comprise, consist of, and consist essentially of the essential elements and limitations of the invention described herein, as well as any of the additional or optional ingredients, components, steps, or limitations described herein.
  • fabric article treating system means a fabric article treating device which may be discrete in relation to the fabric article drying appliance and/or a portion of it may be integrated into the fabric article drying appliance.
  • Fabric article or “fabric” as used herein means any article that is customarily cleaned in a conventional laundry process or in a dry cleaning process.
  • the term encompasses articles of fabric including, but not limited to, clothing, linen, drapery, clothing accessories, leather, floor coverings, sheets, towels, rags, canvas, polymer structures, and the like.
  • the term also encompasses other items made in whole or in part of fabric material, such as tote bags, furniture covers, tarpons, shoes, and the like.
  • the term "benefit composition” refers to a composition used to deliver a benefit to a fabric or article.
  • materials and mixtures thereof which can comprise the benefit composition include: water, softening agents, crispening agents, perfume, water/stain repellents, refreshing agents, antistatic agents, antimicrobic agents, durable press agents, wrinkle resistance agents, odor resistance agents, abrasion resistance agents, solvents and combinations thereof.
  • the benefit composition may comprise a liquid, a powder, a suspension, or a gas product, and/or a combination of such.
  • the benefit composition includes a preservative.
  • Various preservatives which help maintain one or more properties of the benefit composition are generally known in the art and are suitable for use herein.
  • One exemplary preservative is Dantoguard PlusTM (dimethylol-5,5-dimethlyhydantoin) commercially available from Lonza (Fairfield, New Jersey, USA).
  • FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary fabric article treating device 5 according to one embodiment of the present invention.
  • the fabric article treating device 5 comprises a housing 15, wherein the housing comprises at least one reservoir 20 for containing a benefit composition, an energy harvesting system 70, wherein the energy harvesting system 70 is adapted to convert mechanical or thermal energy into electrical energy; and an energy storing device 25, wherein the energy storing device 25 is adapted to store electrical energy from the energy harvesting system 70.
  • the device 5 further comprises a fluid handling system 50, wherein the fluid handling system is adapted to transport the benefit composition from the reservoir 20 to the laundry in the appliance.
  • the device also comprises a control unit 30, wherein the control unit is adapted to control dispensing of benefit composition from the device. For example, in one exemplary embodiment, the controller determines the optimum conditions at which to dispense benefit composition from the device. In another embodiment, the controller further activates the fluid handling system to begin dispensing the benefit composition.
  • the device further comprises one or more sensors 40 in electrical communication with the control unit 30.
  • One exemplary sensor comprises a temperature sensor, which is adapted to determine the temperature of the air within the fabric article drying appliance.
  • Another exemplary sensor comprises a humidity sensor, which is adapted to detect the humidity in the air in the fabric article drying appliance.
  • the energy harvesting system 70 comprises an electro- active polymer in electrical communication with the energy storing device 25, wherein the electro-active polymer is adapted to convert mechanical energy into electrical energy.
  • United States Patent Application Publication US2004/0008853 discloses various electro-active polymer devices which can be utilized in the present invention. The transformation between electrical and mechanical energy for the energy harvesting system is based on one or more active areas of the electro-active polymer. Electro-active polymers are capable of converting mechanical energy into electrical energy and vice versa. In some cases, an electro-active polymer may change electrical properties (for example, capacitance and resistance) with changing mechanical strain.
  • Materials suitable for uses in electro-active polymers in the energy harvesting system of the present invention may include any substantially insulating polymer or rubber (or combinations thereof) that deforms in response to a electrostatic force or whose deformation results in a change in electrical field.
  • Exemplary electro-active polymers include those disclosed in U.S. Patent Application Publication US2004/0008853.
  • Other exemplary materials suitable for use as electro- active polymers include silicone elastomers, acrylic elastomers such as VHB4910 acrylic elastomer as produced by 3M Corp. of St.
  • Polymers comprising silicone and acrylic moieties may include copolymers comprising silicone and acrylic moieties, polymer blends comprising a silicone elastomer and an acrylic elastomer, for example.
  • Materials used as an electro-active polymer may be selected based on one or more material properties such as high electrical breakdown strains, a low modulus of elasticity (for large or small deformations), a high dielectric constant, etc.
  • electrodes attached to the polymer should also deflect without compromising mechanical or electrical performance.
  • the electrodes are attached to the polymer to receive electrical energy from the polymer and transport the electrical energy to the energy harvesting system.
  • electrodes suitable for use with the present invention may be of any shape or material provided that they are able to supply a suitable voltage to, or receive a suitable voltage from, an electro-active polymer. The voltage may be either constant or varying over time.
  • the electrodes adhere to the surface of a polymer. Electrodes adhering to the polymer in one exemplary embodiment are compliant and conform to the changing shape of the polymer.
  • the present invention may include compliant electrodes that conform to the shape of an electro- active polymer to which they are attached.
  • certain electrode materials may work particularly well with certain polymers, and may not work well for others.
  • the energy harvesting system 70 further comprises an accentuation device.
  • the accentuation device is adapted to enhance the amount of mechanical energy that is applied to the electro-active polymer.
  • various devices can be utilized to enhance the amount of mechanical energy that is applied to the electro-active polymer.
  • the accentuation device may comprise one or more stainless-steel balls which are adapted to move about in the housing and to enhance the amount of mechanical energy that is applied to the electro-active polymer.
  • the fabric article treating device is placed in the fabric article drying appliance with fabric articles to be dried. During the drying cycle, the fabric article treating device may be tumbled throughout the fabric article appliance device.
  • the fabric article treating device comprise one or more accentuation devices in addition to the electro- active polymer.
  • the accentuation device increases the mechanical force applied to the electro-active polymer.
  • Other exemplary accentuation devices include, but are not limited to, mini-hammers, beads, pellets, balls, and the like.
  • the energy harvesting system comprises a thermoelectric generator in electrical communication with the energy storing device.
  • the thermoelectric generator is adapted to convert thermal energy into electrical energy.
  • a thermoelectric generator converts heat directly into electricity with no moving parts. As heat moves from the hot air through the thermoelectric module, it causes electrical current to flow.
  • Low power thermoelectric generators work based on the thermoelectric principal and convert thermal energy directly into electrical energy. They can be utilized wherever a temperature difference can be established, and provide a self-sufficient energy source.
  • One exemplary thermoelectric generator utilizes thin film technology. Exemplary thermoelectric generators which may be utilized in the present invention are available from Thin Film Thermoelectric Generator Systems GmbH, of Hale, Germany.
  • the ratio of heat flow to current for a particular material is known as the Peltier coefficient. Its value is closely related to another intrinsic property, the Seebeck coefficient.
  • Thomson (Lord Calvin) established a relationship between the Seebeck and Peltier coefficients and predicted the third thermoelectric effect, the Thomson Effect. This effect relates to the heating or cooling in a single homogeneous conductor when a current passes along it in the presence of a temperature gradient.
  • thermoelectrics When a thermal gradient, T, is applied to a solid, it will be accompanied by an electric field, V, in the opposite direction; this is known as the Seebeck effect.
  • the ratio V/T is defined as the Seebeck coefficient (S), and it is expressed in volts per degree Kelvin, or more often microvolts per degree Kelvin ⁇ V/K.
  • S Seebeck coefficient
  • the metals best suited for thermoelectric applications have maximum Seebeck coefficients of about 10 ⁇ V/K or less, giving generating efficiencies of 1% which are uneconomical as a source of electric power, but enough to be used for temperature sensing, as thermocouples.
  • Metal thermocouples which generate tens of microvolts per degree temperature difference, are very familiar temperature controlling sensors in domestic refrigerators and central heating systems. Over the past few years, there has been renewed interest in the field of thermoelectrics accompanied by the development of synthetic semiconductors that possess Seebeck coefficients of hundreds of microvolts and provide a useful amount of electrical power.
  • thermoelectric generator is a heat engine which utilizes the electrons in the thermoelements as the working fluid rather than a gas or vapor.
  • a thermogenerator (TEG) consists of a p-type and ra-type piece of thermoelectric material which generates electric current upon exposure to a temperature difference. These pieces are arranged electrically in series and thermally in parallel. By means of combining a p-type and ra-type semiconductor, voltage and therefore electrical power are generated. Because the thermopower, S, has the opposite sign for p-type and ra-type materials, contributions from both pieces are added to nearly double the generator voltage as that of a single element.
  • thermogenerators include low power thermogenerators commercially available from Hi-Z Technology, Inc. of San Diego, California under the model name HZ-2 Thermoelectric Module.
  • the energy storage device 25 comprises a capacitor.
  • a capacitor has two terminals and it is adapted to store electrons. Inside the capacitor, the terminals are connected to two metal plates separated by a dielectric.
  • the dielectric can be air, paper, plastic or other material that does not conduct electricity and keeps the plates from touching each other.
  • the plate on the capacitor that attaches to the negative terminal of the energy harvesting system accepts electrons that are generated by the energy harvesting system 70, alternatively, the plate on the capacitor that attaches to the positive terminal of the energy harvesting system 70 loses electrons.
  • the energy storing device 25 comprises a high temperature battery.
  • a high temperature battery has been constructed to be able to adapt to extended temperature ranges and harsh operating conditions.
  • High temperature batteries may comprise lithium.
  • Exemplary high temperature batteries include Model Nos. BR1225A, BR1632A, BR2330A, and BR2477A from Panasonic Corporation of North America (Elgin, Illinois). These exemplary high temperature batteries have a wide operation temperature range from -40 0 C to approximately 125°C.
  • the fluid handling system 50 comprises a pump 50 and a nozzle 60, wherein the pump 50 is adapted to discharge the benefit composition to the laundry through the nozzle 60 and wherein the pump 50 is in electrical communication with the energy storing device 25 and the control unit.
  • Dispensing of the benefit composition can be achieved using any suitable spraying device such as a hydraulic nozzle, sonic nebulizer, pressure swirl atomizers, high pressure fog nozzles or the like to deliver target particle size.
  • suitable nozzles include nozzles commercially available from Spray Systems, Inc. of Pomona, California under the Model Nos. 850, 1050, 1250, 1450, and 1650.
  • Another suitable example of the nozzle is a pressure swirl atomizing nozzle made by Seaquist Perfect Dispensing, of Cary, Illinois under Model No. DU-3813.
  • the fluid handling system 50 comprises a valve 90 and transfer medium 80, wherein the valve is in electrical communication with the energy storing device 25 and the control unit 30, and wherein the valve 90 is adapted to dispense the benefit composition to the laundry through the transfer medium 80 without utilizing a pump.
  • the transfer medium 80 in one exemplary embodiment comprises one or more porous members which allow the benefit composition to permeate out away from the transfer medium to the fabric articles in the laundry device.
  • Exemplary transfer mediums comprise a semi -permeable membrane, a wicking layer or a soft foam structure.
  • any type of transfer medium may be utilized which allows the benefit composition to pass through the transfer medium to be dispensed to the fabric articles in the fabric article drying device.
  • the energy harvesting system 70 comprises a piezo device which is in electrical communication with the energy storing device.
  • the piezo device is adapted to convert mechanical energy into electrical energy and store the electrical energy in the energy storing device.
  • One exemplary piezo device is commercially available from PAR Technologies, LLC, located in Hampton, Virginia.
  • the device further comprises one or more sensors 40 in electrical communication with the control unit 30.
  • the sensors 40 are adapted to provide information relating to conditions in the appliance to the control unit 30 to help aid the control unit 30 to determine when the optimum conditions exist to dispense the benefit composition to the fabric articles in the fabric article drying appliance.
  • sensors include a motion sensor, a humidity sensor, and/or a temperature sensor.
  • a humidity sensor in communication with the control unit may be used to control the amount of composition being dispensed from the device and also may be utilized to determine the proper environmental conditions during an operational cycle in which the dispensing event should take place.
  • the humidity sensor may also be used to maintain a specific humidity by controlling the dispensing of the benefit composition such that optimum de- wrinkling and/or other benefits are achieved.
  • Many different types of humidity sensors could be used in conjunction with the present invention, including variable conductivity sensors.
  • One such sensor is manufactured by Honeywell, of Freeport, Illinois under the Model No. HIH-3610-001, although any of the HIH-3610 series may be used.
  • Another exemplary sensor that may be utilized in the present invention is a temperature sensor.
  • One exemplary temperature sensor outputs an analog or digital signal along the electrical conductor that leads back to the control unit.
  • the control unit may comprise instructions that determine when the optimum time is to dispense the benefit composition to the fabric articles in the drying appliance.
  • the housing 15 comprises a second reservoir for containing an additional benefit composition.
  • the additional benefit composition may have the same or different composition from the first benefit composition.
  • the additional benefit composition may contain aroma finishing agents, such as fragrances and other actives that are applied late in the operational drying cycle, whereas the other benefit composition may comprise softening or crispening agents which are applied earlier in the operational drying cycle.
  • the fabric article treating device 105 comprises a housing 15 which is adapted to contain a reservoir 20, an energy storing device 25 a logic control system 30, one or more sensors 40 and a fluid handling system 50 (pump).
  • the reservoir 20 is adapted to contain a benefit composition.
  • the fluid handling system 50 is adapted to transport the benefit composition from the reservoir to fabric articles in the fabric article drying appliance.
  • the control unit is adapted to determine an optimum time in which to dispense the benefit composition to the laundry through the fluid handling system.
  • the energy storing device may comprise a rechargeable energy device, or a non-rechargeable energy device. Exemplary energy storing devices comprise high temperature batteries and capacitors.
  • the device 105 may further comprise a charging terminal 108.
  • the charging terminal is in electrical communication with the energy storing device and is adapted to receive electrical current from an outside source of the device 105 and transfer that electrical energy to the energy storing device 25.
  • a power cord may plug into the charging terminal 108 of the device 105.
  • the charging terminal 108 may comprise inductive charging technology and the energy storing device may be charged inductively without a direct physical connection between the charging terminals and an external power source.
  • FIG. 4 One exemplary embodiment is depicted in Figure 4, in where the device 105 can be placed in an inductive charging base 115 which is adapted to charge the energy storing device 105 without a direct physical connection between the charging terminal and the charging base. This embodiment minimizes the potential for electrical shock or other hazardous issues regarding electricity since the device may be utilized in close proximity to water.
  • the housing 15 comprises a sealable opening 10, wherein the opening 10 is adapted to allow the user to fill the reservoir 20 with a benefit composition.
  • the reservoir 20 is removable from the device 105. In this embodiment, the reservoir may be refilled, or the user can just insert new reservoirs containing benefit compositions into the device 105.
  • the device 5 further comprises a docking station 115, wherein the docking station 115 is adapted to hold at least a portion of the housing and to recharge the energy storage device 25.
  • the docking station 115 may be adapted to refill the reservoir 20 when depleted of the benefit composition.
  • the device 5 may comprise a logic control unit 30.
  • the controller may be a microcontroller.
  • a suitable microcontroller is manufactured by Microchip, of Chandler, Arizona under the Part No. PIC16LS876-04/P. However, other microcontrollers made by different manufacturers could also easily be used.
  • the microcontroller includes on-board random access memory (RAM), and on-board read only memory (ROM), which comprises electrically programmable nonvolatile memory elements, as well as on-board input and output lines for analog and digital signals.
  • RAM random access memory
  • ROM read only memory
  • the controller may also be used with a crystal clock oscillator, although an RC circuit could be used instead of a clock circuit, if desired.
  • the clock circuit provides timing of the clock as necessary to operate the controller.
  • the controller comprises a port that can be interfaced to an optional programming interface using a communication link, such as an RS-232 communication link. This port allows the user to alter the program information of the controller, such as dispensing options, etc.
  • the controller can be any type of microprocessor or microcontroller circuit commercially available, either with or without on-board RAM, ROM or digital and analog input/output (I/O).
  • a sequential processor may be used to control the fabric article treating device 5, or alternatively, a parallel processor architecture or logic state machine architecture could be used.
  • the controller 30 may be integrated into an Application Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC) containing many other logic elements that could be used for various functions, as desired, such functions being optional dependent upon the model of the fabric article treating devices that will be sold to a consumer.
  • ASIC Application Specific Integrated Circuit
  • the manufacturer need only program the ASIC or the on-board RAM of the controller according to the special parameters of that particular model, while using the same hardware for each of the units.
  • discreet digital logic could be used instead of any type of microprocessor or microcontroller unit, or analog control circuitry could be used along with voltage comparators and analog timers, to control the timing events and to make decisions based on input levels in the various sensors that are provided with the fabric article treating device.
  • the present invention can be readily used in other types of fabric article drying appliances, and is not limited solely to clothes “dryers”.
  • the terms “dryer” or “drying apparatus” or “fabric article drying appliance” include apparatuses that may or may not perform a true drying function, but may involve treating fabric without attempting to literally dry the fabric itself.
  • the term “dryer” or “drying apparatus” or “fabric article drying appliance” may include a “dry cleaning” process or apparatus, which may or may not literally involve the step of drying.
  • fabric article drying appliance as used herein, also refers to any fabric treating apparatus that utilizes moving air directly upon one or more fabric articles, a non-limiting example of which includes a clothes dryer and modifications thereof.
  • Such apparatuses include both domestic and commercial drying units used in dwellings, laundromats, hotels, and/or industrial settings.
  • some drying appliances include a drying chamber (or "drum") that does not literally move or rotate while the drying appliance is applied to the drying cycle.
  • Some such dryers use moving air that passes through the drying chamber, and the chamber does not move while the drying cycle occurs.
  • Such an example dryer has a door or other type of access cover that allows a person to insert the clothing to be dried into the chamber. In many cases, the person hangs the clothes on some type of upper rod within the drying chamber. Once that has been done, the door or access cover is closed, and the dryer can begin its drying function.
  • Dispensing of a benefit composition can take place within such a unit, however, care should be taken to ensure that the benefit composition becomes well dispensed within the drying chamber, so that certain fabric items do not receive a very large concentration of the benefit composition while other fabric articles receive very little of the benefit composition.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Textile Engineering (AREA)
  • Drying Of Solid Materials (AREA)

Abstract

L'invention concerne un dispositif (5) de traitement d'articles textiles servant à distribuer un composition traitante dans un appareil de traitement d'articles textiles. Ce dispositif comprend un boîtier (15) qui contient un réservoir (20), un système (70) de collecte d'énergie, un dispositif (25) de stockage d'énergie, un système (50) de transfert de fluide, et une unité (30) de commande. Le réservoir contient une composition traitante. L'unité de commande est conçue pour commander la distribution de la composition traitante à partir du dispositif, au moyen du système de transfert de fluide. Le système de collecte d'énergie est conçu pour convertir l'énergie mécanique ou thermique en énergie électrique.
PCT/IB2006/052206 2005-06-30 2006-06-30 Dispositif et systeme de traitement d'articles textiles WO2007004173A1 (fr)

Priority Applications (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
EP06765970A EP1907619A1 (fr) 2005-06-30 2006-06-30 Dispositif et systeme de traitement d'articles textiles
CA002608954A CA2608954A1 (fr) 2005-06-30 2006-06-30 Dispositif et systeme de traitement d'articles textiles

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US11/171,100 US20070000068A1 (en) 2005-06-30 2005-06-30 Fabric article treating device and system
US11/171,100 2005-06-30

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO2007004173A1 true WO2007004173A1 (fr) 2007-01-11

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PCT/IB2006/052206 WO2007004173A1 (fr) 2005-06-30 2006-06-30 Dispositif et systeme de traitement d'articles textiles

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US (1) US20070000068A1 (fr)
EP (1) EP1907619A1 (fr)
CA (1) CA2608954A1 (fr)
WO (1) WO2007004173A1 (fr)

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US8461959B2 (en) 2008-10-23 2013-06-11 Whirlpool Corporation Consumable holder with process control apparatus
US8477007B2 (en) 2005-06-09 2013-07-02 Whirlpool Corporation Appliance and a consumable holder in a network
DE102012217975A1 (de) * 2012-10-02 2014-04-03 BSH Bosch und Siemens Hausgeräte GmbH Haushaltsgerät mit einer batterielosen Sensoreinheit und entsprechendes Verfahren
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WO2018202546A1 (fr) * 2017-05-05 2018-11-08 Arcelik Anonim Sirketi Support pour détecter la siccité et machine à laver séchante utilisant le support
WO2018224336A1 (fr) * 2017-06-09 2018-12-13 Arcelik Anonim Sirketi Support et lave-linge et sèche-linge combiné l'utilisant
WO2019037986A1 (fr) * 2017-08-24 2019-02-28 Arcelik Anonim Sirketi Lave-linge / sèche-linge comprenant un support
WO2019037992A1 (fr) * 2017-08-25 2019-02-28 Arcelik Anonim Sirketi Support de détection de siccité et lave-linge/sèche-linge fonctionnant en interaction avec ledit support
WO2019219363A1 (fr) * 2018-05-17 2019-11-21 Arcelik Anonim Sirketi Sèche-linge dans lequel la siccité des pièces de linge est efficacement détectée
WO2021261773A1 (fr) * 2020-06-26 2021-12-30 삼성전자주식회사 Dispositif de détection pour séchoir
WO2022080811A1 (fr) * 2020-10-12 2022-04-21 삼성전자 주식회사 Dispositif de capteur et dispositif électronique d'acquisition d'informations du dispositif de capteur
EP4234792A4 (fr) * 2020-12-08 2024-03-20 Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. Appareil électronique et procédé d'enregistrement de bille de capteur d'un appareil électronique

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