U.S. patent application number 14/374664 was filed with the patent office on 2015-02-05 for laundry treating machine.
This patent application is currently assigned to ELECTROLUX HOME PRODUCTS CORPORATION N.V.. The applicant listed for this patent is Electrolux Home Products Corporation N.V.. Invention is credited to Mirko Cenedese, Walter Cerrato, Marco Lorenzi.
Application Number | 20150033806 14/374664 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 47630281 |
Filed Date | 2015-02-05 |
United States Patent
Application |
20150033806 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Cerrato; Walter ; et
al. |
February 5, 2015 |
Laundry Treating Machine
Abstract
The present invention relates to a laundry treating machine (1)
comprising a casing (10), a rotatable laundry container (7)
suitable for receiving the laundry to be treated and one or more
peripheral units (F1, H1, T1, SW1, SW2, S1, 11, Ml, M2, P1) which
enable the treatment to be carried out. The laundry treating
machine (1) comprises a control unit (20; 120; 220) comprising a
printed circuit board (21; 121; 221) with electric and/or
electronic devices (22) mounted thereon. The control unit (20; 120;
220) comprises a control and communication section (31) for
communicating with a user interface (11), a motor driving section
(32; 132) for setting and varying the speed of at least a motor
and/or a high power loads section (28) comprising switching devices
suitable for controlling at least one heater device (H1, R1, R2)
and a power section (24) for supplying power to at least one of
said sections (28, 31, 32; 132).
Inventors: |
Cerrato; Walter; (Porcia,
IT) ; Cenedese; Mirko; (Porcia, IT) ; Lorenzi;
Marco; (Porcia, IT) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Electrolux Home Products Corporation N.V. |
Brussels |
|
BE |
|
|
Assignee: |
ELECTROLUX HOME PRODUCTS
CORPORATION N.V.
Brussels
BE
|
Family ID: |
47630281 |
Appl. No.: |
14/374664 |
Filed: |
January 22, 2013 |
PCT Filed: |
January 22, 2013 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/EP2013/051135 |
371 Date: |
July 25, 2014 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
68/5C ; 68/12.03;
68/12.05; 68/12.16 |
Current CPC
Class: |
D06F 58/30 20200201;
D06F 33/00 20130101; D06F 34/28 20200201 |
Class at
Publication: |
68/5.C ;
68/12.16; 68/12.03; 68/12.05 |
International
Class: |
D06F 33/02 20060101
D06F033/02; D06F 58/28 20060101 D06F058/28; D06F 39/00 20060101
D06F039/00 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Jan 27, 2012 |
EP |
12152839.2 |
Claims
1. A laundry treating machine (1) comprising; a casing (10); a
rotatable laundry container (7) suitable for receiving the laundry
to be treated; one or more peripheral units (F1, H1, T1, SW1, SW2,
S1, 11, M1, M2, P1) which enable said treatment to be carried out;
characterized in that it comprises a control unit (20; 120; 220)
comprising a printed circuit board (21; 121; 221) with electric
and/or electronic devices (22) mounted thereon, said control unit
(20; 120; 220) comprising: a control and communication section (31)
for communicating with a user interface (11); a motor driving
section (32; 132) for setting and varying the speed of at least a
motor and/or a high power loads section (28) comprising switching
devices suitable for controlling at least one heater device (H1,
R1, R2); and a power section (24) for supplying power to at least
one of said sections (28, 31, 32; 132).
2. A machine (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that said
motor driving section (32; 132) comprises devices suitable for
controlling an electric motor (M1; M2), preferably said devices
(22) comprise an inverter.
3. A machine (1) according to any preceding claim, characterized in
that said control unit (20; 120; 220) further comprises a low power
loads section (27) for controlling low power loads (F1; P1).
4. A machine (1) according to claim 3, characterized in that said
low power loads comprise a fan (F1) or a pump (P1).
5. A machine (1) according to any preceding claim, characterized in
that said motor driving section (32; 132) drives an electrical
motor (M1) for rotating said laundry container (7).
6. A machine (1) according to any preceding claim, characterized in
that said motor driving section (32; 132) drives an electrical
motor (M2) of a heat pump compressor (HP).
7. A machine (1) according to any preceding claim, characterized in
that said high power loads section (28) suitable for controlling at
least one heater device (H1, R1, R2) controls a water heater.
8. A machine (1) according to any preceding claim, characterized in
that said high power loads section (28) suitable for controlling at
least one heater device (H1, R1, R2) controls an air heater.
9. A machine (1) according to claim 8, characterized in that said
high power loads section (28) suitable for controlling at least one
heater device (H1, R1, R2) controls a second air heater.
10. A machine (1) according to any preceding claim, characterized
in that said high power loads section (28) suitable for controlling
at least one heater device (H1, R1, R2) controls an electrical
heater of a steamer unit for producing steam which is conveyable
into said rotatable laundry container (7).
11. A machine (1) according to claim 10, characterized in that said
low power loads section (27) for controlling low power loads (F1;
P1) controls a water supply valve and/or a water pump of said
steamer unit.
12. A machine (1) according to any preceding claim, characterized
in that said control unit (20; 120; 220) further comprises a sensor
section (29) for controlling at least a temperature sensor (T1)
and/or at least a liquid level sensor.
13. A machine (1) according to any preceding claim, characterized
in that said switching devices comprises electromagnetic or
solid-state relays.
14. A machine (1) according to any preceding claim, characterized
in that said control unit (20; 120; 220) further comprises a
humidity sensor control section (30) suitable to detect the degree
of humidity and/or of the dryness of said laundry in said container
(7) in a laundry drying machine or in a combined laundry washing
and drying machine.
15. A machine (1) according to any preceding claim, characterized
in that said control and communication section (31) comprises
devices suitable for the communication of power and/or data signals
with at least one of the other sections (25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30,
32; 132).
16. A machine (1) according to any preceding claim, characterized
in that said power section (24) comprises an input line section
(25) connectable to a mains supply and suitable to reduce and/or
rectify the voltage of said main supply.
17. A machine (1) according to claim 16, characterized in that said
power section (24) further comprises a power supply section (26)
connected to said input line section (25) and suitable to set the
voltage to pre-determined values.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention concerns the technical field of
laundry treating machines, such as laundry washing machines,
laundry drying machines or combined washing and drying laundry
machines.
[0002] In particular, the present invention refers to laundry
drying machines.
BACKGROUND ART
[0003] Nowadays the use of laundry treating machines capable of
carrying out a washing and/or drying process on laundry is
widespread.
[0004] Laundry treating machines generally comprise an external
casing provided with a laundry container where the laundry to be
treated is placed.
[0005] A loading/unloading door ensures access to the container for
the insertion and removal of the laundry.
[0006] Laundry washing machines, for example, comprise an external
casing provided with a washing tub which contains a rotatable
perforated drum where the laundry to be washed is placed.
[0007] The drum is usually rotated by an electric motor which
transmits the rotating motion to the drum, for example by means of
a belt/pulley system.
[0008] Laundry washing machines typically comprise a detergent
supply unit and a water inlet circuit for the introduction of water
and washing/rinsing products (i.e. detergent, softener, etc.) into
the tub.
[0009] Known laundry washing machines are also provided with water
draining devices that may operate both during the initial phases of
the washing cycle and at the end of the same to drain the dirty
water.
[0010] Heating means are provided in order to heat the liquid,
namely water or water with detergent, inside the tub. Heating means
typically comprise electrical heaters, such as a resistor, placed
at the bottom of the tub and suited to come into contact with the
liquid present on the bottom of the tub. When the heating means are
activated the temperature of liquid in which they are immersed
increases.
[0011] Analogously laundry drying machines, or dryers, generally
comprise an external casing provided with a rotatable drum where
the laundry to be dried is placed.
[0012] The drum is usually rotated by an electric motor which
transmits the rotating motion to the drum, for example by means of
a belt/pulley system.
[0013] Dryers typically comprise an air circuit. Air circulating
means and heating means are provided in the air circuit for
circulating and heating drying air, respectively.
[0014] In the condenser type dryers, condensing means are further
provided in the air circuit for removing moisture from drying air
passing through articles to be treated thereby allowing said air to
be recirculated cyclically within the air circuit.
[0015] In known condenser type laundry dryers, said means for
condensing moisture removed by articles are configured in many
different ways. For example the condensing moisture means may
comprise an air-air heat exchanger.
[0016] Other type of dryers belonging to the art may comprise a
heat pump which both dehumidifies and heats the air. The heat pump
typically comprises a closed circuit formed by an evaporator, a
condenser, a compressor and expansion means.
[0017] In the cited laundry treating machines the various parts of
the machine are opportunely connected with electrical wires which
ensure transmission of power and/or data signals.
[0018] The wires connect, therefore, the various peripheral units,
such as the drum motor, the heat pump, the electrical heaters, the
valves and the sensors (temperature sensors, humidity sensors,
pressure sensors, etc.).
[0019] Each peripheral unit is then usually provided with an own
control electric or electronic device indispensable for its
functioning.
[0020] However, the laundry treating machines above described
belonging to the known art pose some drawbacks.
[0021] A first drawback posed by this known technique is
constituted by the complexity deriving from the wiring connections
between the peripheral units.
[0022] Another drawback posed by this known technique is
constituted by the fact that the wiring connections is
cumbersome.
[0023] A further drawback posed by this known technique is
constituted by the electromagnetic interference caused by the
wiring connections between the peripheral units.
[0024] Analogously, another drawback is constituted by the fact
that signals between the peripheral units may be corrupted by
interference produced by other components, such as motors,
electrovalves, relay, etc.
[0025] Interference tends to be more troublesome with the
increasing of the numbers of peripheral units.
[0026] The main object of the present invention is therefore to
overcome said drawbacks.
[0027] In particular, it is one object of the present invention to
provide a laundry treating machine with a system operating the
peripheral units which has a reduced constructional complexity with
respect to the systems of known type.
[0028] Another object of the present invention is to provide a
laundry treating machine wherein assembly has a lower complexity
with respect to the laundry treating machines of known type.
[0029] A further object of the present invention is to provide a
laundry treating machine with reduced production costs with respect
to the laundry treating machines of known type.
[0030] Another object of the present invention is to provide a
laundry treating machine with reduced electromagnetic emission with
respect to the laundry treating machines of known type.
[0031] A further object of the present invention is to provide a
laundry treating machine with increased immunity with respect to
external electromagnetic disturbance.
DISCLOSURE OF INVENTION
[0032] The applicant has found that by providing a laundry treating
machine comprising a laundry container suitable for receiving the
laundry to be treated, one or more peripheral units which enable
said treatment to be carried out, wherein the machine further
comprises a single control unit for controlling of one or more of
the peripheral units it is possible to obtain a reduced
constructional complexity of the machine itself.
[0033] The present invention relates therefore, in a first aspect
thereof, to a laundry treating machine comprising; [0034] a casing;
[0035] a rotatable laundry container suitable for receiving the
laundry to be treated; [0036] one or more peripheral units which
enable said treatment to be carried out; wherein the machine
comprises a control unit comprising a printed circuit board with
electric and/or electronic devices mounted thereon, said control
unit comprising: [0037] a control and communication section for
communicating with a user interface; [0038] a motor driving section
for setting and varying the speed of at least a motor and/or a high
power loads section comprising switching devices suitable for
controlling at least one heater device; and [0039] a power section
for supplying power to at least one of said sections.
[0040] Preferably the motor driving section comprises devices
suitable for controlling an electric motor.
[0041] Advantageously the devices suitable for controlling an
electric motor comprise an inverter.
[0042] Preferably the control unit further comprises a low power
loads section for controlling low power loads.
[0043] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the low power
loads comprise a fan or a pump.
[0044] Opportunely, the motor driving section drives an electrical
motor for rotating the laundry container.
[0045] In a further preferred embodiment of the invention, the
motor driving section drives an electrical motor of a heat pump
compressor.
[0046] Preferably the heat pump is suitable to heat air.
[0047] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the high power
loads section suitable for controlling at least one heater device
controls a water heater.
[0048] In a further preferred embodiment of the invention, the high
power loads section suitable for controlling at least one heater
device controls an air heater.
[0049] Advantageously, the high power loads section suitable for
controlling at least one heater device controls a second air
heater.
[0050] Preferably the high power loads section suitable for
controlling at least one heater device controls an electrical
heater of a steamer unit for producing steam which is conveyable
into the rotatable laundry container.
[0051] Opportunely the low power loads section for controlling low
power loads controls a water supply valve and/or a water pump of
the steamer unit.
[0052] Preferably the water pump of the steamer unit comprises a
water pumping motor.
[0053] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the control unit
further comprises a sensor section for controlling at least a
temperature sensor and/or at least a liquid level sensor.
[0054] Advantageously the switching devices comprises
electromagnetic or solid-state relays.
[0055] Preferably the control unit further comprises a humidity
sensor control section suitable to detect the degree of humidity
and/or of the dryness of the laundry in the container in a laundry
drying machine or in a combined laundry washing and drying
machine.
[0056] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the control and
communication section comprises devices suitable for the
communication of power and/or data signals with at least one of the
other sections.
[0057] Preferably the control unit comprises a single printed
circuit board.
[0058] In a further preferred embodiment of the invention, the
printed circuit board comprises one or more empty seats suitable
for receiving further devices for controlling one or more further
peripheral units.
[0059] Advantageously the power section comprises an input line
section connectable to a mains supply and suitable to reduce and/or
rectify the voltage of the main supply.
[0060] Preferably the power section further comprises a power
supply section connected to the input line section and suitable to
set the voltage to predetermined values. Preferably the control
unit further comprises a protective cover.
[0061] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the control unit
is a removable unit.
[0062] Opportunely the control unit comprises snap-in fastener
means.
[0063] Preferably the snap-in fastener means further comprise
electrical connectors.
[0064] Preferably the peripheral units comprise one or more units
selected from a group comprising: a motor, an electric motor, a
fan, an electric resistance, a pump, a switch, a sensor, a
temperature sensor, a level sensor, a humidity sensor, an interface
unit, a selector, a display, a valve, an electrovalve.
[0065] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the machine is a
laundry drying machine.
[0066] In another embodiment of the invention, the machine is a
combined laundry washing and drying machine.
[0067] In a further embodiment of the invention, the machine is a
laundry washing machine.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0068] Further characteristics and advantages of the present
invention will be highlighted in greater detail in the following
detailed description of some of its preferred embodiments, provided
with reference to the enclosed drawings. In the drawings,
corresponding characteristics and/or components are identified by
the same reference numbers. In particular:
[0069] FIG. 1 shows an isometric view of a dryer machine with the
upper side removed according to a first embodiment of the
invention;
[0070] FIG. 2 shows a plan upper view of the dryer machine of FIG.
1;
[0071] FIG. 3 shows a partially exploded view of the dryer machine
of FIG. 1;
[0072] FIG. 4 shows a schematic view of a control unit of the dryer
machine of FIG. 1;
[0073] FIG. 5 shows a schematic view of connections between the
control unit of
[0074] FIG. 4 and other parts of the dryer machine;
[0075] FIG. 6 shows a further embodiment of FIG. 4;
[0076] FIG. 7 shows a schematic view of connections between the
control unit of FIG. 6 and other parts of a dryer machine;
[0077] FIG. 8 shows a further embodiment of FIG. 4;
[0078] FIG. 9 shows a schematic view of connections between the
control unit of FIG. 8 and other parts of a dryer.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0079] The present invention has proved to be particularly
successful when applied to a laundry drying machines, preferably a
front load type laundry drying machine. It should in any case be
underlined that the present invention is not limited to this type
of application. On the contrary, the present invention can be
usefully applied to all the laundry treating machines, such as a
laundry washing machine or a combined laundry washing and drying
machine.
[0080] With reference to FIG. 1 a laundry drying machine 1
according to a first embodiment of the invention is described.
[0081] The laundry drying machine 1, hereinafter referred to as
dryer 1, comprises a casing 10 formed by two couples of upright
side walls 2a-2d arranged perpendicularly one another, respectively
on the dryer rear and front part, and on the lateral side thereof.
An upper wall, not illustrated, and a bottom wall 4 close the ends
of the box-like structure formed by the upright side walls 2a-2d
joined together. In FIG. 1 the upper side wall has been removed for
showing some of the dryer parts accommodated within casing 10.
[0082] A laundry container comprising a rotatably drum 7 is
provided within the casing 10. A front door 8, pivotally coupled to
the front upright side wall 2a, is provided for allowing access to
the drum interior region to place laundry to be dried therein.
[0083] The drum 7 is advantageously rotated by an electric motor
M1, not shown, which transmits the rotating motion to the drum 7.
In a preferred embodiment, the electric motor M1 transmits the
rotating motion to the drum by means of a belt/pulley system.
[0084] In different embodiments the motor transmits directly the
rotating motion to the drum. For example, in a laundry washing
machine or in a combined laundry washing and drying machine where
the drum is placed inside a washing tub, the electric motor may be
arranged so as to have the stator connected to the washing tub and
the rotor connected to the drum.
[0085] The dryer 1 is connectable to a mains supply, typically 220
Volts AC, by means of a power cord with a suitable plug, not
illustrated
[0086] The dryer 1 comprises an air circulating system adapted to
circulate a flow of drying air into the drum 7. The air circulating
system preferably comprises a fan F1, not illustrated, which blows
a flow of drying air through the drum 7 and the laundry placed
therein.
[0087] The fan F1 preferably comprises an electrical motor
connectable to the mains supply, wherein the electrical input power
of the motor is preferably less than 50 Watt, more preferably 30
Watt.
[0088] The air circulating system preferably comprises a heating
device H1, not illustrated, adapted to heat up the air flow at a
location upstream of the drum 7.
[0089] Preferably the heating device H1 comprises an electric
heating element R1, such as an electrical resistance, arranged
upstream of the drum 7 along the air flow.
[0090] The electric resistance R1 is preferably connectable to the
mains supply and preferably has a dissipated power value about 2
kWatt.
[0091] The dryer 1, then, advantageously comprises a temperature
sensor T1 for the control of the temperature inside the drum 7
and/or the control of the temperature of the laundry placed
therein.
[0092] The dryer 1 is advantageously of the condenser type and
comprises condensing means arranged downstream of the drum 7 for
cooling and dehumidifying the moist air coming from the drum 7.
[0093] Preferably, condensing means are in the form of an air-air
cross-flow type heat exchanger which is preferably provided on the
bottom portion of the dryer 1. Condensation water formed in the
condensing means is advantageously collected in a sump at the
bottom of the dryer, not illustrated, and conveyed to an
extractable moisture tank 9 located at the upper portion of the
dryer 1.
[0094] The moisture tank 9 is preferably in the form of a drawer
slidably arranged on said upper portion of the dryer 1 so that it
can be easily and periodically emptied by a user.
[0095] A pump P1, not illustrated, opportunely pumps the
condensation water from the sump to the tank 9.
[0096] The pump P1 preferably comprises an electrical motor
connectable to the mains supply. The electrical input power of the
motor is preferably less than 100 Watt, more preferably 50
Watt.
[0097] The dryer 1 preferably comprises a humidity sensor S1 that
detects the moisture level of the laundry. The moisture level
detected represents a useful parameter which may be used to
determine the duration of the drying cycle.
[0098] Furthermore, the dryer 1 preferably comprises a door switch
SW1 which detects the closed position of the door 8.
[0099] A user control interface 11 is preferably arranged on the
top of the casing 10. The user control interface 11 is preferably
accessible to the user for the selection of the drying program and
insertion of other parameters, for example the load in terms of
weight of the laundry to be dried, the type of fabric of the load,
the degree of dryness, etc. The user control interface 11
preferably displays machine working conditions, such as the
remaining time, alarm signals, etc. For this purpose the user
control interface preferably comprises a rotatable selector 12 and
a display 13.
[0100] In different embodiments, for example in a laundry washing
machine or in a combined laundry washing and drying machine, the
user may selects and inserts other types of parameters, for example
the washing temperature, the spinning speed, etc.
[0101] According to the invention, a control unit 20 is arranged
inside the casing 10 at the top portion thereof.
[0102] The control unit 20 is advantageously connected to the
various parts of the dryer 1, or peripheral units, in order to
ensure its operation.
[0103] The control unit 20 comprises a printed circuit board 21
that supports the electric and/or electronic devices 22 which
assure functioning of the peripheral units and of the dryer 1, as
will be better explained hereinafter.
[0104] The control unit 20 also preferably comprises a cover 23
which protects the electric and/or electronic devices 22.
[0105] The control unit 20 is advantageously laterally arranged
inside the casing 10 close to an upright side wall 2a, the right
one with reference to FIG. 1. The control unit 20 is preferably
placed inside the casing 10 and above the drum 7 or the washing tub
through snap-in fastener means.
[0106] More preferably electrical connectors are associated to said
snap-in fastener means allowing therefore both the mechanical and
the electrical connection.
[0107] FIG. 4 shows a schematic view of the control unit 20
according to the invention wherein blocks represent different
sections 24-32 of the control unit 20. Each section 24-32 comprises
suitable electric and/or electronic devices 22.
[0108] FIG. 5 shows the control unit 20 of the dryer 1 connected to
various peripheral units M1, F1, H1, T1, P1, S1, SW1, 11.
[0109] The control unit 20 preferably comprises a power section 24,
indicated with a dashed line in FIG. 4, a low power loads section
27, a high power loads section 28, a machine sensors section 29, a
humidity sensor control section 30 and a control and communication
section 31.
[0110] The power section 24 preferably comprises an input line
section 25 and a power supply section 26.
[0111] The input line section 25 comprises devices suitable for
lowering and/or rectifying the voltage from the mains supply to
which the dryer 1 is connected.
[0112] Devices of this section may comprise, for example,
transformers rectifiers, filters, etc.
[0113] The power supply section 26 is connected to the input line
section 25 and furnishes the proper supply voltage to other
sections of the control unit 20. Devices of this section may
comprise, for example, linear regulators.
[0114] In different embodiments the input line section 25 and/or
the power supply section 26 may be connected to energy storage
devices such as batteries, fuel cells, solar cell, etc.
[0115] The low power loads section 27 preferably comprises devices
suitable for controlling low power loads, such as the fan F1 or the
pump P1.
[0116] The expression "low power loads" may be generally referred
to loads wherein the power dissipation is preferably less than 100
Watt.
[0117] The low power loads and section 27 preferably comprises
switching devices suitable for controlling, for example switch on
and/or switch off, the motors of the fan F1 and/or of the pump
P1.
[0118] In different embodiments, this section 27 may control and
drive other components. For example this section 27 may control
electrovalves or may control and drive the pumps which are disposed
in the water inlet circuit and/or in the water outlet circuit of a
laundry washing machine.
[0119] Further, this section 27 may advantageously control a
steamer in laundry treating machines where a steamer unit is
provided. In fact a steamer unit may be provided in laundry washing
machine in order to increases the washing temperature of the
laundry and/or to assist cleaning of the laundry. A steamer unit
may be provided in a dryer in order to soften and refresh laundry
during the drying treatment. The steamer unit can be any type of
device that converts the liquid to steam.
[0120] A first type of steamer unit can be a tank-type steam
generator that stores a volume of liquid and heats the volume of
liquid to convert the liquid to steam. The steamer unit preferably
comprises an electrical heater, preferably an electrical
resistance, which is immersed in a minimum quantity of water of
said tank for the production of steam.
[0121] In a preferred embodiment, the water is preferably conveyed
into the tank through a water supply pipe from an external water
supply by means of a controlled water supply valve. In this case,
the low power loads section 27 preferably controls and drives such
water supply valve.
[0122] In a further embodiment the water may be preferably conveyed
into the tank by means of a water pumping motor connected to an
external water supply. The water pumping motor preferably comprises
an electrical motor connectable to the mains supply. The electrical
input power of the motor is preferably less than 100 Watt, more
preferably 50 Watt.
[0123] In this specific case, the low power loads section 27
preferably controls and drives the water pumping motor.
[0124] A second type of steamer unit can be an in-line steamer
unit. The in-line steamer unit converts the liquid to steam as the
liquid flows through the steam unit itself. The steamer unit in
this case preferably comprises an electrical heater, more
preferably an electrical resistance, which heats the water flowing
in a duct. The water is conveyed into the duct by means of a water
pumping motor which suck water from a tank. The water pumping motor
preferably comprises an electrical motor connectable to the mains
supply. The electrical input power of the motor is preferably less
than 100 Watt, more preferably 50 Watt.
[0125] In this case, the low power loads section 27 preferably
controls and drives the water pumping motor.
[0126] In a further embodiment the in-line steamer unit can be
connected directly to the water mains via a valve and the low power
loads section 27 preferably controls and drives said valve.
[0127] Devices of this section 27 may comprise, for example,
electronic components like solid-state relays (TRIAC, ACS, etc.),
optical isolators, transistors, capacitors, resistors, etc.
[0128] The high power loads section 28 preferably comprises devices
suitable for controlling high power loads, such as the heater H1.
The heater H1 preferably comprises an electrical resistance R1, as
said before.
[0129] The expression "high power loads" may be generally referred
to loads wherein the power dissipation is preferably higher than
100 Watt.
[0130] The high power loads section 28 preferably comprises high
power switching devices suitable for controlling, for example
switch on and/or switch off, the electrical resistance R1.
[0131] In different embodiments, the heater H1 may comprises a
second electrical resistance R2 in order to better control the air
temperature of the drying air flow. In this case, the high power
loads section 28 preferably controls, i.e. switches on and/or
switches off, the second resistance R2 too.
[0132] The second electric resistance R2 is preferably connectable
to the mains supply and preferably has a dissipated power value
about 600 Watt.
[0133] In further embodiments other high power switches may be
provided.
[0134] For example in case of a laundry treating machine having a
steamer unit, as mentioned above, this section 28 may switch on
and/or switch off the electrical resistance of the steamer unit
itself.
[0135] The electric resistance of a steamer unit is preferably
connectable to the mains supply and preferably has a dissipated
power value about 2 kWatt.
[0136] In a further embodiment, for example in a laundry washing
machine, the high power loads section may comprise a switch which
activates and deactivates the heater which heats the washing water,
the heater being typically an electrical resistance. The electric
resistance of such water heating unit is preferably connectable to
the mains supply and preferably has a dissipated power value about
2 kWatt.
[0137] If the laundry washing machine is also provided with a
steamer unit then this section 28 advantageously controls also the
electrical resistance of the steamer unit itself.
[0138] Devices of this section 28 may comprise, for example,
electromagnetic or solid-state relays, transistors, etc.
[0139] The machine sensors section 29 preferably comprises devices
suitable for detecting and elaborating signals coming from sensors
of the dryer 1, such as the temperature sensor T1 and the door
switch SW1.
[0140] In different embodiments, this section 29 may detect and
elaborate other signals, such as a signal coming from a water level
sensor placed inside the sump which collects the moisture, or a
signal coming from a water level sensor placed inside the washing
tub in a laundry washing machine or a signal coming from a lint
filter monitoring sensor in a dryer.
[0141] The sensors section 29 is preferably powered by the power
supply section 26.
[0142] Devices of this section 29 may comprise, for example,
transistors, capacitors, resistors, etc.
[0143] The humidity sensor control section 30 preferably comprises
devices suitable to detect and elaborate signals coming from the
humidity sensor S1. Such elaborated signals are preferably used to
determine the dryness of the clothes and therefore the duration of
the drying program.
[0144] In a preferred embodiment the humidity sensor S1 may
comprise elements which are contacted by the tumbling clothes
during a drying operation. Preferably the elements comprise a pair
of electrodes which are provided within the dryer and face toward
the interior of the dryer drum 7 such that clothes being tumbled
and dried will periodically engage and bridge the electrodes. The
sensed resistance between the electrodes is used to determine the
dryness of the clothes.
[0145] A high resistance between the electrodes is indicative of
dry clothes. A low resistance between the electrodes is indicative
of wet clothes. Appropriate control circuitry, including time
delays, make it possible to determine when the clothes have reached
a desired dryness condition.
[0146] In different embodiments any other equivalent sensor device
may be used in order to detect the dryness condition of the
clothes.
[0147] Devices of the humidity sensor control section 30 may
comprise, for example capacitors, resistors, etc. Preferably this
section is electrically insulated from the humidity sensor S1 and
advantageously comprises insulator devices like optical isolators
or transformers.
[0148] In different embodiments where the electrical insulation is
not required for the humidity sensor S1, this humidity sensor
control section 30 may be part of the above described machine
sensors section 29.
[0149] The control and communication section 31 advantageously
communicates with all said sections 24-30 and with the user control
interface 11. The control and communication section 31 preferably
comprises a main microcontroller. This section 31 gets data from
the rotatable selector 12, outputs data for the display 13 and
controls other sections 24-30 during the drying cycle.
[0150] In different embodiments data from the rotatable selector 12
and to the display 13 may be elaborated in an intermediate local
microcontroller which, in turn, communicates with the main
microcontroller.
[0151] The control and communication section 31 is preferably
powered by the power supply section 26.
[0152] According to the invention, the control unit 20 preferably
comprises a motor control section 32. More preferably, the control
unit 20 comprises a drum motor control section 32.
[0153] In different embodiments, the control unit 20 may
alternatively comprise a compressor motor control section,
preferably a compressor motor of a heat pump unit, as described
later in the description.
[0154] The motor control section 32 preferably comprises an
inverter motor control so that the speed of the drum electric motor
M1 may be controlled.
[0155] Therefore, the motor control section 32 advantageously sets
and controls the speed of the drum 7 during the drying cycle.
[0156] The motor control section 32 is preferably powered by the
input line section 25.
[0157] In particular the inverter motor control is connected to a
direct current (DC) source provided by a rectifier section of the
input line section 25.
[0158] Devices of the motor control section 32 may comprise, for
example, oscillators, IGBT, MosFet, drivers, logic control units,
sensors for temperature protection and current limiting, etc.
[0159] In further embodiments, said devices may be integrated into
a single embedded device.
[0160] Advantageously, the control unit 20 of the invention with
its sections 24-32 incorporates almost all the electric and/or the
electronic devices 22 indispensable for the dryer functioning.
[0161] The quantity of wiring connections between the devices 22
and the peripheral units 24-32 are therefore widely reduced with
respects to the known dryers, and more in general to the known
laundry treating machines.
[0162] Reduction of the wiring connections causes also a reduction
of electromagnetic emissions and, at the same time, increases
immunity with respect external electromagnetic disturbance.
[0163] More, the provision of such a control unit 20 with a
preferably single printed circuit board 21 allows positioning of
the electric and/or electronic devices 22 with an efficient layout
in order to reduce the overall dimensions of the control unit 20
and, eventually, of the machine.
[0164] Furthermore, the provision of such a control unit 20 with
almost all the devices of the machine mounted thereon helps
detection and repairing of failures when they occur.
[0165] With reference to FIGS. 6 and 7 a further construction
variant of a control unit 120 is described.
[0166] This control unit 120 differs from the control unit 20
previously described for the fact that it comprises a further motor
control section 132.
[0167] The control unit 120 is suitable to be installed in a dryer
of the type previously described which further comprises a heat
pump unit HP. Dryers provided with a heat pump unit HP are
widespread. The heat pump unit HP both dehumidifies and heats the
air flow which dries the laundry. The heat pump unit HP preferably
comprises a closed circuit formed by a first heat exchanger, for
example an evaporator or a gas heater, a second heat exchanger, for
example a condenser or a gas cooler, a compressor connecting the
two heat exchangers and expansion means.
[0168] The first heat exchanger of the heat pump HP cools and
dehumidifies the moist air coming from the drum 7. The cooled and
dehumidified air is then heated up by the second heat exchanger of
the heat pump HP and conveyed again inside the drum 7.
[0169] In the preferred embodiment here described, the dryer is
also provided with a heating device H1 which helps the second heat
exchanger to heat up the air. Preferably the heating device H1
comprises an electric heating resistance R1 arranged upstream of
the drum 7 along the air flow.
[0170] More preferably the heating device H1 comprises a second
electrical resistance R2 in order to better control the air
temperature of the drying air flow.
[0171] Activation and deactivation of the first and/or of the
second electric heating resistances R1, R2 is properly controlled
by the high power loads section 28. Preferably both the resistances
R1, R2 are activated at the beginning of the laundry drying program
while one or both of them are deactivated when the heat pump HP
reaches an optimal working condition.
[0172] In different embodiments, only the heat pump HP may be
provided to heat up the air temperature while the heating device H1
may be avoided.
[0173] The compressor of the heat pump HP preferably comprises a
variable speed electric motor M2.
[0174] The motor control section 132, therefore, preferably
comprises an inverter motor control so that the speed of the heat
pump motor M2 may be easily controlled.
[0175] Devices of this section may comprise, for example,
oscillators, IGBT, MosFet, drivers, logic control units, sensors
for temperature protection and current limiting, etc.
[0176] In further embodiments, said devices may be integrated into
a single embedded device.
[0177] The control and communication section 31 then advantageously
communicates with the further motor control section 132.
[0178] With reference to FIGS. 8 and 9 a further construction
variant of control unit 220 is described.
[0179] The control unit 220 comprises a printed circuit board 221
that supports the electric and/or electronic devices which assure
functioning of the machine where it is installed.
[0180] On the printed circuit board 221 a plurality of sections are
provided, namely: a power section 24, a low power loads section 27,
a high power loads section 28, a machine sensors section 29, a
humidity sensor control section 30, a control and communication
section 31 and a motor control section 32.
[0181] The printed circuit board 221 further comprises a first
empty seat 221a predisposed to receive devices of a further motor
control section 132, for example a control section for a heat pump
motor.
[0182] The printed circuit board 221 further comprises a second
empty seat 221b inside the high power loads section 28, predisposed
to receives devices for a steamer control section, for example a
steamer switch SW2 which activates and deactivates the electrical
resistance of a steamer unit.
[0183] Advantageously a multipurpose printed circuit board 221
according to this embodiment may be used for the realization of
control units 20, 120, 220 of different types, for example a
control unit 120 for a dryer with a heat pump or a control unit 20
for a dryer without a heat pump.
[0184] This multipurpose printed circuit board 221 allows reduction
of the overall production costs of laundry treating machines
wherein such a multipurpose boards 221 are installed.
[0185] In further embodiments, the laundry treating machines may
comprise further temperature sensors. For example a laundry washing
machines may preferably comprise a temperature sensor which detects
the temperature of the washing water. Other temperature sensors may
be used to control overheat of peripheral units. For example a
sensor temperature may be placed near the electrical resistance or
near the condenser of a heat pump to check its working
temperature.
[0186] In the following some examples of laundry treatment machines
in which a control unit according to the invention may be installed
are provided.
[0187] A laundry drying machine having an air heating device
comprising one or two electrical resistances to heat up the
air.
[0188] A laundry drying machine having an air heating device
comprising one or two electrical resistances to heat up the air and
having a steamer unit comprising an electrical resistance and a
water supply valve.
[0189] A laundry drying machine having an air heating device
comprising one or two electrical resistances to heat up the air and
having a steamer unit comprising an electrical resistance and a
water supply pumping motor.
[0190] A laundry drying machine using a heat pump to heat up the
air. The heat pump may preferably comprise a compressor motor, more
preferably a speed controlled electric motor.
[0191] A laundry drying machine using a heat pump and one or two
electrical resistances to heat up the air. The heat pump may
preferably comprise a compressor motor, more preferably a speed
controlled electric motor.
[0192] A laundry drying machine using a heat pump to heat up the
air and having a steamer unit comprising an electrical resistance
and a water supply valve. The heat pump may preferably comprise a
compressor motor, more preferably a speed controlled electric
motor.
[0193] A laundry drying machine using a heat pump to heat up the
air and having a steamer unit comprising an electrical resistance
and a water supply pumping motor. The heat pump may preferably
comprise a compressor motor, more preferably a speed controlled
electric motor.
[0194] A laundry drying machine using a heat pump and one or two
electrical resistances to heat up the air and having a steamer unit
comprising an electrical resistance and a water pumping motor. The
heat pump may preferably comprise a compressor motor, more
preferably a speed controlled electric motor.
[0195] A laundry washing machine having a water heating device
comprising an electrical resistance to heat up the water.
[0196] A laundry washing machine having a water heating device
comprising an electrical resistance to heat up the water and having
a steamer unit comprising an electrical resistance and a water
supply valve.
[0197] A laundry washing machine having a water heating device
comprising an electrical resistance to heat up the water and having
a steamer unit comprising an electrical resistance and a water
supply pumping motor.
[0198] A combined laundry washing and drying machine which may
comprises one or more features of the above listed laundry drying
machine and laundry washing machine.
[0199] It has thus been shown that the present invention allows all
the set objects to be achieved. In particular, it makes it possible
to obtain a laundry treating machine with a reduced constructional
complexity with respect to the laundry treating machines of known
type.
[0200] Clearly, changes may be made to the laundry drying machine
as described herein without, however, departing from the scope of
the present invention.
[0201] Therefore, while the treating drying machine has been
described with reference to a laundry drying machine, it should be
noted that the present invention is not limited to the specific
embodiment illustrated and described herein; on the contrary,
further variants of the embodiments described herein fall within
the scope of the present invention, which is defined in the
claims.
* * * * *