(19)
(11)EP 3 492 645 B1

(12)EUROPEAN PATENT SPECIFICATION

(45)Mention of the grant of the patent:
16.09.2020 Bulletin 2020/38

(21)Application number: 18215263.7

(22)Date of filing:  18.09.2012
(51)International Patent Classification (IPC): 
D06F 58/30(2020.01)
D06F 58/38(2020.01)
D06F 58/20(2006.01)
D06F 58/52(2020.01)
D06F 58/24(2006.01)
D06F 25/00(2006.01)

(54)

A WASHER-DRYER WITH AT LEAST ONE CONDENSER

WÄSCHETROCKNER MIT MINDESTENS EINEM KONDENSATOR

LAVEUSE-SÉCHEUSE AVEC AU MOINS UN CONDENSATEUR


(84)Designated Contracting States:
AL AT BE BG CH CY CZ DE DK EE ES FI FR GB GR HR HU IE IS IT LI LT LU LV MC MK MT NL NO PL PT RO RS SE SI SK SM TR

(30)Priority: 19.09.2011 EP 11181824

(43)Date of publication of application:
05.06.2019 Bulletin 2019/23

(60)Divisional application:
20169978.2

(62)Application number of the earlier application in accordance with Art. 76 EPC:
12759465.3 / 2758583

(73)Proprietor: Electrolux Home Products Corporation N.V.
1130 Brussels (BE)

(72)Inventor:
  • STRIATO, Daniele
    33080 Porcia (PN) (IT)

(74)Representative: Electrolux Group Patents 
AB Electrolux Group Patents
105 45 Stockholm
105 45 Stockholm (SE)


(56)References cited: : 
EP-A1- 1 500 739
EP-A2- 1 666 655
WO-A1-2010/060781
JP-A- H0 698 991
KR-A- 20040 046 209
EP-A1- 2 019 163
WO-A1-2007/138019
CN-A- 1 611 659
JP-A- 2001 269 495
  
      
    Note: Within nine months from the publication of the mention of the grant of the European patent, any person may give notice to the European Patent Office of opposition to the European patent granted. Notice of opposition shall be filed in a written reasoned statement. It shall not be deemed to have been filed until the opposition fee has been paid. (Art. 99(1) European Patent Convention).


    Description


    [0001] The present invention relates to a washer-dryer with at least one condenser for condensing the moisture-laden air exiting the laundry during the drying cycle, according to the preamble of claim 1. Advantageously, the condenser and the rear wall of the washer-dryer are formed as a single-piece part.

    [0002] A typical washer-dryer includes an automatic control system, wherein the humidity of the laundry has to be determined. One or more sensors are arranged for detecting at least one specific parameter of the air stream flowing through the drying cycle. However, if the sensor is not able to detect variations of said parameter, then the performance of the automatic control system and of the washer-dryer is reduced.

    [0003] WO 2007/138019 A1 discloses a washer-dryer comprising a temperature detection unit placed inside the washing tub.

    [0004] JP 7-47195 A discloses a washer-dryer with two temperature sensors. The one temperature sensor is arranged in the washing tub. The other temperature sensor is placed in a hot air conduit.

    [0005] GB 2 236 334 A discloses a washer-dryer provided with an NTC element in the washing tub for detecting the temperature of the water. A further thermostat is provided for regulating the temperature of the air stream.

    [0006] EP 1 526 210 B1 discloses a washing machine control method using two temperature sensors. One temperature sensor is placed in the washing tub. The other temperature sensor is arranged in the air conduit for controlling the drying cycle.

    [0007] EP 1 500 739 A1 discloses a drying apparatus including a condensing duct and a blower duct respectively mounted on a rear surface and an upper surface of a water tub. The condensing duct has an ultrasonic atomizing unit, a condensing unit and a water adsorption unit therein, while the blower duct has a blower fan and a heater therein. An inner space of the condensing duct is partitioned into a first condensing path, a second condensing path and a third condensing path by a first air guide and a second air guide.

    [0008] US 2006/156766 A1 discloses a washing machine with a drying function including a water tub, a rotating tub mounted in the water tub so as to be rotatable, a driver rotating the rotating tub, a circulation passage defined so as to communicate with the water tub, a warm-air supply unit circularly supplying warm air through the circulation passage into the water tub and the rotating tub, a water-supply unit supplying water into the water tub, a control unit controlling the driver, the warm-air supply unit and the water-supply unit thereby to be capable of controlling wash, rinse, dehydration and drying steps, and a preheating unit executing a preheating operation in which warm air is supplied into the water tub and the rotating tub during rotation of the rotating tub before the wash step is executed.

    [0009] JP 2001-269495 A discloses a washer-dryer comprising a tub with a duct for guiding process air to a condenser, wherein the inlet of the duct is attached to a lower portion of the tub. A temperature or humidity sensor is located inside the duct.

    [0010] JP 2001-218994 A discloses a washer-dryer comprising a tub having a rear plate portion with a ventilation hole. A duct cover is attached to the rear of the tub to form a duct for guiding process air to a dehumidifier.

    [0011] KR 10-2007-0015280 A discloses a washer-dryer comprising a tub, wherein an inlet of a condensation duct is connected to the rear wall of the tub. A first temperature sensor is arranged inside the tub and a second temperature sensor is arranged downstream the condensation duct.

    [0012] EP 2 019 163 A1 discloses a washer dryer machine for washing and drying laundry. It comprises a washing tank, a drum for receiving the laundry, a suction unit a heat exchanger and a heating unit communicating with each other through a drying duct. The heat exchanger consists of a tubular duct and is directly arranged at the back of the back wall of the washing tank. The air flow from the drum to the heat exchanger passes the suction opening at the front of the back wall. Afterwards the air passes the top tubular duct and the drying duct including the heating unit and a temperature sensor and enters the inside of the drum.

    [0013] JP 2001-1269495 A discloses a drum type washing machine comprising a close-end cylindrical drum with small holes, a closed-end cylindrical water tank for covering the drum, a passage for drying the air that is arranged around the water tank while feeding air flowing out of an exhaust vent that is formed at the water tank for circulating, and a sensor mounted nearly the exhaust vent 4c. The exhaust vent 4c is arranged inside the water tank at its lower portion of the back wall and connects the water tank to the passage by a connection pipe.

    [0014] WO 2010/060781 A1 discloses a laundry drying appliance 1 comprising a tub, a drum, a process air circuit in which process air is circulated to remove the moisture contained in laundry and a sensor placed in said process air circuit. The process air circuit comprises a heating tunnel, a condensation device and a blower. The condensation device is connected to the tub by an air outlet at the back of the tub. The sensor is protected from water splashing by a protecting structure to improve the detection of the dryness of the laundry.

    [0015] It is an object of the present invention to provide an improved washer-dryer with at least one condenser, wherein said washer-dryer allows a reliable detection of parameters in order to determine the humidity of the laundry.

    [0016] The object of the present invention is achieved by the washer-dryer according to claim 1.

    [0017] The invention is defined in claim 1. Particular embodiments are set out in the dependent claims.

    [0018] According to the present invention the rear wall of the washing tub comprises a duct which is fluidly connected to the inlet of the condenser, so that the air stream from the laundry drum to the inlet of the condenser passes the duct, and at least one sensor is arranged inside the duct.

    [0019] The duct is formed by an embossed area, or by a hollow or sunken area.

    [0020] The duct is in the rear wall of the washing tub and the sensor is inside said duct. Further features are defined in claim 1.
    Advantageously the duct is facing the laundry drum.

    [0021] The almost total air stream from the laundry drum to the inlet of the condenser passes the duct and the sensor. This improves the performance of the washer-dryer during the drying cycle. Moreover this particular positioning of the sensor ensures that most of the air exiting the drum comes in contact with the sensor before entering the condenser, with the effect of ensuring that the sensor effectively detects the temperature of the air stream.

    [0022] At least one temperature sensor is arranged inside the duct. Advantageously, at least one temperature sensor is arranged in proximity of the inlet of the condenser.

    [0023] Additionally, at least one further temperature sensor is arranged in proximity of a heater. The combination of both sensors allows an improved determination of the humidity of the laundry.

    [0024] Further, a partition wall, a septum and/or a bulkhead is provided in the duct in order to protect the sensor from water drops. Preferably, the partition wall, the septum and/or the bulkhead extends along the whole length of the duct.

    [0025] Advantageously the partition wall, septum and/or bulkhead is made in a single piece construction with the rear wall of the tub.

    [0026] Opportunely, the partition wall, septum and/or bulkhead subdivides the duct in a lower region and in an upper region containing the sensor.

    [0027] Advantageously, the washing tub comprises a sump in its lowermost position. In this case, the duct extends from the sump to the inlet of the condenser. Advantageously, a cylindrical curved wall of the laundry drum is perforated, so that the air stream from the laundry drum passes the sump of the washing tub.

    [0028] Preferably, the condenser and the rear wall of the washing tub are formed as a single body. In this case, the condenser and the rear wall of the washing tub may be formed as a single-piece part.

    [0029] The novel and inventive features believed to be the characteristic of the present invention are set forth in the appended claims.

    [0030] The invention will be described in further detail with reference to the drawings, in which
    FIG 1
    shows a schematic perspective view of a washing tub for a washer-dryer according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention,
    FIG 2
    shows a schematic front view of the washing tub for the washer-dryer according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention, and
    FIG 3
    shows a partial sectional side view of the washing tub for the washer-dryer according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention.


    [0031] FIG 1 illustrates a schematic perspective view of a washing tub 10 for a washer-dryer according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. The washing tub 10 is provided for receiving a laundry drum 24, which is not shown in FIG 1. Said laundry drum 24 is rotatable inside the washing tub 10.

    [0032] The washing tub 10 includes a cylindrical lateral wall 12 and a preferably substantially plane or hemispherical rear wall 14. The cylindrical lateral wall 12 comprises a sump 16 in its lowermost position. The rear wall 14 comprises a duct 18in its lower portion.
    According to the invention, duct 18 may be formed by a hollow or sunken area (in enclosed figures coinciding with the duct 18), obtained in the rear wall 14; in the embodiment illustrated in enclosed figures,

    [0033] this hollow or sunken area 18 extends between the sump 16 and an inlet 20 of a condenser 30 and therefore is fluidly connected to the inlet 20 of the condenser.
    In a further embodiment, duct 18 may be formed by an embossed area extending between the sump 16 and an inlet 20 of a condenser 30 and therefore fluidly connected to the inlet 20 of the condenser.
    Advantageously, as for example illustrated in Figure 3, the duct 18 faces a rear wall 50 of the laundry drum 24. The duct is provided for an air stream from the laundry drum 24 via the sump 16 to the inlet 20 of the condenser 30. For example, the cylindrical curved wall of the laundry drum 24 is perforated, so that the air stream can leave said laundry drum 24 above the sump 16 of the washing tub 10.

    [0034] As for example illustrated in Figures 1 and 2, at least one sensor 22 is arranged inside the duct. The sensor 22 is provided for detecting the humidity and/or the temperature of the air stream from the laundry drum 24 to the inlet 20 of the condenser. In this example, the sensor is a temperature sensor 22.

    [0035] FIG 2 shows a schematic front view of the washing tub 10 for the washer-dryer according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention.

    [0036] The washing tub 10 includes the cylindrical lateral wall 12 and the rear wall 14. The rear wall 14 is preferably substantially formed as a circular disk. The sump 16 is in the lowermost position of the cylindrical lateral wall 12. The duct 18 preferably extends between the sump 16 and the inlet 20 of the condenser. The duct faces the rear wall 50 of the laundry drum 24. The temperature sensor 22 is arranged inside the duct.

    [0037] FIG 3 shows a partial sectional side view of the washing tub 10 for the washer-dryer according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention. The laundry drum 24 is arranged inside the washing tub 10. A heater, not illustrated, is placed in the sump 16, so as to be able to heat the washing water collected therein. The duct 18 and faces the rear wall 50 of the laundry drum 24.

    [0038] Preferably, the condenser 30 and the rear wall 14 of the washing tub 10 form a single body or a single-piece part. However, the condenser 30 may be also formed as a separate part and connected to the washing tub 10 by its inlet 20 and its outlet 40.

    [0039] The duct 18 facing the rear wall 50 of the laundry drum 24 allows that the hot and moisture-laden air stream exiting the drum 24 is directed from the laundry drum 24 towards the inlet 20 of the condenser 30. This duct ensures that substantially the whole air stream exiting the drum is admitted into the inlet 20 of the condenser. This improves the overall performances of the washer-dryer during the drying phase.

    [0040] Moreover, the duct has the effect of improving the air circulation in the washer-dryer. Further, the duct reduces the turbulence of the air stream. The reduced turbulence of the air stream decrease the noise and also the time required for drying the laundry.

    [0041] The sensor 22 is placed inside the duct and in proximity of the inlet 20 of the condenser 30. For example, the sensor 22 is a temperature sensor. The temperature sensor 22 in this position has the effect that the temperature of the air stream is detected at a meaningful position of the air stream cycle, where the hot and moisture-laden air stream exits the laundry drum 24, since substantially the whole or entire air stream passes in the duct. Thus, substantially the total air stream contacts the sensor 22.

    [0042] Preferably, the temperature sensor 22 operates together with a further temperature sensor arranged in proximity of or in correspondence of the heater, not illustrated, placed in the sump 16. For example, the drying cycle is controlled by activating or deactivating an air heater. Further, the drying cycle may be controlled by stopping the drying cycle. The control of the drying cycle depends on the temperatures detected by the temperature sensors. Preferably, the control of the drying cycle depends on the difference of the detected temperatures.

    [0043] A partition wall, septum and/or bulkhead 28 may be provided in the duct. Preferably the partition wall, septum and/or bulkhead is made in a single piece construction with the rear wall 14 of the tub 10. The partition wall, septum and/or bulkhead 28 have the effect of protecting the temperature sensor 22 placed in the duct from drops of water present in the bottom of the washing tub. For example, condensed water comes out from the condenser 30 or water remained in the bottom of the washing tub, e.g. from a previous washing cycle. These drops of water could compromise the temperature detection of the sensor. Preferably the partition wall is obtained along the whole length of the duct (i.e. from the sump 16 to the inlet 20 of the condenser 30).

    [0044] Advantageously the partition wall, septum and/or bulkhead 28 subdivides the duct in a lower region 18a and in an upper region 18b, containing the sensor 22.
    Although an illustrative embodiment of the present invention has been described herein with reference to the accompanying drawings, it is to be understood that the present invention is not limited to this precise embodiment, and that various other changes and modifications may be affected therein by one skilled in the art without departing from the scope or spirit of the invention. All such changes and modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.

    List of reference numerals



    [0045] 
    10
    washing tub
    12
    lateral wall
    14
    rear wall
    16
    sump
    18
    duct
    18a
    lower region
    18b
    upper region
    20
    inlet of the condenser
    22
    sensor, temperature sensor
    24
    laundry drum
    28
    partition wall, septum and/or bulkhead
    30
    condenser
    40
    outlet of the condenser
    50
    rear wall of the drum



    Claims

    1. A washer-dryer comprising:

    - a washing tub (10) comprising a cylindrical lateral wall (12) and a rear wall (14),

    - a rotatable laundry drum (24) arranged or arrangeable inside the washing tub (10),

    - a condenser (30) for condensing moisture-laden air exiting the laundry during a drying cycle, and

    - a duct (18) in the rear wall (14) of the washing tub (10) formed by an embossed area or by a hollow or sunken area;

    wherein:

    - an inlet (20) of the condenser (30) is arranged at or connected to the rear wall (14) of the washing tub (10),

    - an outlet (40) of the condenser (30) is connected to the washing tub (10), and

    - the duct (18) is fluidly connected to the inlet (20) of said condenser (30),
    characterized in that
    an air stream from the laundry drum (24) to the inlet (20) of the condenser passes said duct (18),
    the duct (18) is in the rear wall (14) at the inner side of the washing tub (10), and
    at least one temperature sensor (22) detecting the temperature of said air stream is arranged inside the duct (18).


     
    2. The washer-dryer according to claim 1, wherein the almost total air stream from the laundry drum (24) to the inlet (20) of the condenser (30) passes the duct (18) and the temperature sensor (22).
     
    3. The washer-dryer according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the temperature sensor (22) is provided for detecting the humidity and/or the temperature of the air stream from the laundry drum (24) to the inlet (20) of the condenser (30).
     
    4. The washer-dryer according to claim 1, 2 or 3, wherein the position of the temperature sensor (22) inside the duct (18) ensures that most of the air exiting the drum (24) comes in contact with the sensor (22) before entering the condenser (30) with the effect of detecting the temperature of the air stream effectively.
     
    5. The washer-dryer according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said duct (18) faces a rear wall (50) of said drum (24).
     
    6. The washer-dryer according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one temperature sensor (22) is arranged in proximity of the inlet (20) of the condenser (30).
     
    7. The washer-dryer according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one further temperature sensor is arranged in proximity of a heater.
     
    8. The washer-dryer according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a partition wall, a septum and/or a bulkhead (28) is provided in the duct (18) in order to protect the sensor (22) from water drops.
     
    9. The washer-dryer according to claim 8, characterized in that the partition wall, the septum and/or the bulkhead (28) extends along the whole length of the duct (18).
     
    10. The washer-dryer according to claim 8 or 9, characterized in that said partition wall, septum and/or bulkhead (28) is made in a single piece construction with the rear wall (14) of the tub (10).
     
    11. The washer-dryer according to claim 8 or 9 or 10, characterized in that said partition wall, septum and/or bulkhead (28) subdivides said duct (18) in a lower region (18a) and in an upper region (18b) containing said sensor (22).
     
    12. The washer-dryer according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the washing tub (10) comprises a sump (16) in its lowermost position, where at least one further temperature sensor is arranged.
     
    13. The washer-dryer according to any of claim 1 to 11, characterized in that the washing tub (10) comprises a sump (16) in its lowermost position and said duct (18) extends from the sump (16) to the inlet (20) of the condenser (30).
     
    14. The washer-dryer according to claim 12 and 13, characterized in that a cylindrical curved wall of the laundry drum (24) is perforated, so that the air stream from the laundry drum (24) passes to the sump (16) of the washing tub (10).
     
    15. The washer-dryer according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the condenser (30) and the rear wall (14) of the washing tub (10) are formed as a single body.
     
    16. The washer-dryer according to claim 15, characterized in, that the condenser (30) and the rear wall (14) of the washing tub (10) are formed as a single-piece part.
     


    Ansprüche

    1. Wäschetrockner, Folgendes umfassend:

    - eine Waschwanne (10), die eine zylindrische Seitenwand (12) und eine Rückwand (14) umfasst,

    - eine drehbare Wäschetrommel (24), die innerhalb der Waschwanne (10) angeordnet oder anordenbar ist,

    - einen Kondensator (30) zum Kondensieren feuchtigkeitshaltiger Luft, die während eines Trockenzyklus aus der Wäsche austritt, und

    - einen Kanal (18) in der Rückwand (14) der Waschwanne (10), der durch eine geprägte Fläche oder durch eine hohle oder vertiefte Fläche ausgebildet ist;

    wobei:

    - ein Einlass (20) des Kondensators (30) an der Rückwand (14) der Waschwanne (10) angeordnet oder damit verbunden ist,

    - ein Auslass (40) des Kondensators (30) mit der Waschwanne (10) verbunden ist und

    - der Kanal (18) mit dem Einlass (20) des Kondensators (30) fluidisch verbunden ist,
    dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass
    ein Luftstrom von der Wäschetrommel (24) zum Einlass (20) des Kondensators durch den Kanal (18) verläuft,
    sich der Kanal (18) in der Rückwand (14) auf der Innenseite der Waschwanne (10) befindet und
    mindestens ein Temperatursensor (22), der die Temperatur des Luftstroms erfasst, innerhalb des Kanals (18) angeordnet ist.


     
    2. Wäschetrockner nach Anspruch 1, wobei fast der gesamte Luftstrom von der Wäschetrommel (24) zum Einlass (20) des Kondensators (30) durch den Kanal (18) und den Temperatursensor (22) verläuft.
     
    3. Wäschetrockner nach Anspruch 1 oder 2, wobei der Temperatursensor (22) zum Erfassen der Feuchtigkeit und/oder Temperatur des Luftstroms von der Wäschetrommel (24) zum Einlass (20) des Kondensators (30) vorgesehen ist.
     
    4. Wäschetrockner nach Anspruch 1, 2 oder 3, wobei die Position des Temperatursensors (22) innerhalb des Kanals (18) gewährleistet, dass die meiste aus der Trommel (24) austretende Luft mit dem Sensor (22) in Berührung kommt, bevor sie in den Kondensator (30) eintritt, wodurch die Temperatur des Luftstroms effektiv erfasst wird.
     
    5. Wäschetrockner nach einem der vorstehenden Ansprüche, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass der Kanal (18) einer Rückwand (50) der Trommel (24) zugewandt ist.
     
    6. Wäschetrockner nach einem der vorstehenden Ansprüche, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass mindestens ein Temperatursensor (22) in der Nähe des Einlasses (20) des Kondensators (30) angeordnet ist.
     
    7. Wäschetrockner nach einem der vorstehenden Ansprüche, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass mindestens ein weiterer Temperatursensor in der Nähe eines Heizelements angeordnet ist.
     
    8. Wäschetrockner nach einem der vorstehenden Ansprüche, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass eine Trennwand, eine Mittelwand und/oder ein Schott (28) im Kanal (18) vorgesehen ist, um den Sensor (22) vor Wassertropfen zu schützen.
     
    9. Wäschetrockner nach Anspruch 8, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass sich die Trennwand, Mittelwand und/oder der Schott (28) entlang der gesamten Länge des Kanals (18) erstreckt.
     
    10. Wäschetrockner nach Anspruch 8 oder 9, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass die Trennwand, Mittelwand und/oder der Schott (28) aus einer einstückigen Konstruktion mit der Rückwand (14) der Wanne (10) besteht.
     
    11. Wäschetrockner nach Anspruch 8 oder 9 oder 10, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass die Trennwand, Mittelwand und/oder der Schott (28) den Kanal (18) in einen unteren Bereich (18a) und einen oberen Bereich (18b), der den Sensor (22) enthält, unterteilt.
     
    12. Wäschetrockner nach einem der vorstehenden Ansprüche, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass die Waschwanne (10) an ihrer untersten Stelle einen Sumpf (16) umfasst, in dem mindestens ein weiterer Temperatursensor angeordnet ist.
     
    13. Wäschetrockner nach einem der Ansprüche 1 bis 11, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass die Waschwanne (10) an ihrer untersten Stelle einen Sumpf (16) umfasst und dass sich der Kanal (18) vom Sumpf (16) zum Einlass (20) des Kondensators (30) erstreckt.
     
    14. Wäschetrockner nach Anspruch 12 und 13, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass eine zylindrische, gekrümmte Wand der Wäschetrommel (24) perforiert ist, sodass der Luftstrom von der Wäschetrommel (24) zum Sumpf (16) der Waschwanne (10) verläuft.
     
    15. Wäschetrockner nach einem der vorstehenden Ansprüche, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass der Kondensator (30) und die Rückwand (14) der Waschwanne (10) als einzelner Körper ausgebildet sind.
     
    16. Wäschetrockner nach Anspruch 15, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass der Kondensator (30) und die Rückwand (14) der Waschwanne (10) als einstückiges Teil ausgebildet sind.
     


    Revendications

    1. Laveuse-sécheuse comprenant :

    - une cuve de lavage (10) comportant une paroi latérale cylindrique (12) et une paroi arrière (14),

    - un tambour à linge rotatif (24) disposé ou pouvant être disposé à l'intérieur de la cuve de lavage (10),

    - un condenseur (30) pour condenser l'air chargé d'humidité sortant du linge pendant un cycle de séchage, et

    - un conduit (18) dans la paroi arrière (14) de la cuve de lavage (10) formé par une zone estampée ou par une zone creuse ou renfoncée ;

    dans laquelle :

    - un orifice d'entrée (20) du condenseur (30) est disposé au niveau de la paroi arrière (14) de la cuve de lavage (10) ou est relié à celle-ci.

    - un orifice de sortie (40) du condenseur (30) est relié à la cuve de lavage (10), et

    - le conduit (18) est relié de manière fluidique à l'orifice d'entrée (20) dudit condenseur (30), caractérisée en ce que
    un flux d'air allant du tambour à linge (24) à l'orifice d'entrée (20) du condenseur passe dans ledit conduit (18),
    le conduit (18) est dans la paroi arrière (14) au niveau du côté interne de la cuve de lavage (10), et
    au moins un capteur de température (22) détectant la température dudit flux d'air est disposé à l'intérieur du conduit (18).


     
    2. Laveuse-sécheuse selon la revendication 1, dans laquelle le flux d'air presque total allant du tambour à linge (24) à l'orifice d'entrée (20) du condenseur (30) passe le long du conduit (18) et devant le capteur de température (22) .
     
    3. Laveuse-sécheuse selon la revendication 1 ou 2, dans laquelle le capteur de température (22) est prévu pour détecter l'humidité et/ou la température du flux d'air allant du tambour à linge (24) à l'orifice d'entrée (20) du condenseur (30).
     
    4. Laveuse-sécheuse selon la revendication 1, 2 ou 3, dans laquelle la position du capteur de température (22) à l'intérieur du conduit (18) fait en sorte que la plupart de l'air sortant du tambour (24) entre en contact avec le capteur (22) avant d'entrer dans le condenseur (30), ce qui fait que la détection de la température du flux d'air est faite de manière efficace.
     
    5. Laveuse-sécheuse selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, caractérisée en ce que ledit conduit (18) fait face à une paroi arrière (50) dudit tambour (24).
     
    6. Laveuse-sécheuse selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, caractérisée en ce qu'au moins un capteur de température (22) est disposé à proximité de l'orifice d'entrée (20) du condenseur (30).
     
    7. Laveuse-sécheuse selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, caractérisée en ce qu'au moins un autre capteur de température est disposé à proximité d'un élément chauffant.
     
    8. Laveuse-sécheuse selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, caractérisée en ce qu'une paroi de séparation, un septum et/ou une cloison (28) sont prévus dans le conduit (18) afin de protéger le capteur (22) contre les gouttes d'eau.
     
    9. Laveuse-sécheuse selon la revendication 8, caractérisée en ce que la paroi de séparation, le septum et/ou la cloison (28) s'étendent le long de toute la longueur du conduit (18).
     
    10. Laveuse-sécheuse selon la revendication 8 ou 9, caractérisée en ce que ladite paroi de séparation, ledit septum et/ou ladite cloison (28) sont constitués d'une seule pièce avec la paroi arrière (14) de la cuve (10).
     
    11. Laveuse-sécheuse selon la revendication 8 ou 9 ou 10, caractérisée en ce que ladite paroi de séparation, ledit septum et/ou ladite cloison (28) subdivisent ledit conduit (18) en une région inférieure (18a) et en une région supérieure (18b) contenant ledit capteur (22).
     
    12. Laveuse-sécheuse selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, caractérisée en ce que la cuve de lavage (10) comporte un bac (16) dans sa position la plus basse, où au moins un autre capteur de température est disposé.
     
    13. Laveuse-sécheuse selon l'une quelconque des revendications 1 à 11, caractérisée en ce que la cuve de lavage (10) comporte un bac (16) dans sa position la plus basse et ledit conduit (18) s'étend de ce bac (16) à l'orifice d'entrée (20) du condenseur (30).
     
    14. Laveuse-sécheuse selon la revendication 12 et 13, caractérisée en ce qu'une paroi incurvée cylindrique du tambour à linge (24) est perforée, de manière à ce que le flux d'air venant du tambour à linge (24) passe au bac (16) de la cuve de lavage (10).
     
    15. Laveuse-sécheuse selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, caractérisée en ce que le condenseur (30) et la paroi arrière (14) de la cuve de lavage (10) sont formés comme un seul corps.
     
    16. Laveuse-sécheuse selon la revendication 15, caractérisée en ce que le condenseur (30) et la paroi arrière (14) de la cuve de lavage (10) sont formés comme une pièce monobloc.
     




    Drawing














    Cited references

    REFERENCES CITED IN THE DESCRIPTION



    This list of references cited by the applicant is for the reader's convenience only. It does not form part of the European patent document. Even though great care has been taken in compiling the references, errors or omissions cannot be excluded and the EPO disclaims all liability in this regard.

    Patent documents cited in the description