[0001] The invention relates to a laundry treatment apparatus adapted for laundry drying
which comprises means for cleaning a component of the dryer.
[0002] WO 2009/106926 A1 discloses a method for operating a clothes dryer. A pressure sensor is provided in
a sump of the dryer for collecting condensate. The pressure sensor is adapted to detect
a (continuous) water level or a negative air pressure. A negative air pressure indicates
that a fluff filter arranged in a process air channel of the dryer is clogged.
[0003] It is an object of the invention to provide an improved laundry treatment apparatus.
[0004] The invention is defined in claim 1. Particular embodiments are set out in the dependent
claims.
[0005] According to claim 1, a laundry treatment apparatus is provided which is adapted
for laundry drying, e.g. a condenser-type laundry dryer, an exhaust-type laundry dryer,
a heat pump dryer or a washing machine having drying function. The laundry treatment
apparatus comprises an apparatus body or casing. A laundry storing compartment for
receiving laundry to be dried by passing process air through the laundry storing compartment
is arranged in the apparatus body. A downstream channel is provided for guiding the
process air which is exhausted from the laundry storing compartment outside the storing
compartment and within the apparatus body. An apparatus component is arranged at the
downstream channel or within the downstream channel. When drying laundry, fluff is
generated and conveyed through the process air channel, wherein the apparatus component
is exposed to fluff conveyed in the downstream channel. For example an apparatus component
may be an (air) filter element arranged in the process air channel such that fluff
is filtered from process air passing (through) the filter element. Another example
for an apparatus component is an (air/air) heat exchanger of a condenser-type dryer
or a heat exchanger (evaporator) of a heat pump dryer which are arranged in the process
air channel.
[0006] During a drying operation of the treatment apparatus fluff is continuously collected
on the apparatus component which deteriorates its performance. For example the fluff
may block an air filter element or the heat exchange performance of a heat exchanger
is decreased due to the additional thermal resistance of the accumulated fluff on
the heat exchanger surface.
[0007] To remove accumulated fluff from the apparatus component, the treatment apparatus
comprises a cleaning arrangement. The cleaning arrangement is adapted to clean the
apparatus component from fluff by applying liquid in a cleaning cycle. A collector
tank is adapted to collect the liquid that was used for cleaning the apparatus component.
A liquid level detector is adapted to detect the liquid level in the collector tank.
For example a liquid level detector may comprise one or more of a REED sensor, a floater
sensor, a capacitive sensor, an optical sensor, or a conductivity sensor. The (one
or more) sensor(s) may be adapted to provide a signal to a control unit of the treatment
apparatus when a predetermined liquid level is reached or exceeded. E.g. the liquid
detector may comprise a single sensor which is adapted to indicate when one (predetermined)
liquid level is reached, e.g. a maximum liquid level and/or a minimum liquid level.
Alternatively the detector may comprise a sensor which is adapted to resolve more
than one liquid level, e.g. a minimum and maximum liquid level or a continuous (analog)
detection of the liquid level. Another example would be a detector comprising (at
least) two liquid level sensors, wherein each sensor is adapted to provide a signal
to the control unit when a (predetermined) level is reached/exceeded. For example
a liquid sensor may be arranged in the collector tank or in a cavity hydraulically
connected to the tank, such that the level sensor is physically arranged at or in
fluid communication with the collector tank.
[0008] The control unit, which is adapted to receive a signal from the sensor(s), may be
the control unit which also controls the operation of the treatment apparatus. Alternatively
the control unit may include a processing logic provided at or assigned specifically
to the liquid level detector. The control unit is adapted to monitor and process the
signal(s) from the liquid level detector for determining the flow rate and additionally
or alternatively the amount of liquid supplied during the cleaning cycle to the apparatus
component to be cleaned. In particular the processing logic in the control unit and/or
the level detector is adapted to process the sensor signal and retrieve the flow rate
and/or liquid amount by processing the sensor signal. In general the flow rate and/or
liquid amount may relate to a value or signal that is indicative of the flow rate
and/or liquid amount, respectively. For example a voltage strength, a current strength
and/or a digital number is indicative for the flow rate and/or liquid amount.
[0009] After determining the flow rate and/or liquid amount supplied during a cleaning cycle
or flush as described above, at least one of the following information may be derived
from the determined flow rate/ liquid amount:
- i) liquid amount => the amount of water which was available for the flush, for example
to determine whether more flushes are possible/useful,
- ii) low flow rate or small liquid amount => presence of some obstacle slowing the
water release, e.g. when there is a water filter along the flushing line this could
be an indication of the filter clogging degree, and
- iii) no liquid flow or water level does not raise => flush failure.
[0010] Generally the terms 'liquid amount' and/or 'flow rate' may mean absolute values or
relative values of the liquid amount and the flow rate, respectively. And/or these
mean minimum values for the liquid amount and the flow rate. For example instead of
actually measuring an absolute value of the liquid amount or flow rate, a minimum
value thereof can be determined. If the control unit or the logic assigned to the
liquid level detector detects the minimum liquid amount or flow rate during the cleaning
cycle, it is determined that there is sufficient liquid amount or flow rate, respectively.
A decision, whether a failure or lack of efficiency in the cleaning cycle happens,
the minimum values of the liquid amount and/or flow rate can be evaluated instead
of the absolute values. Further, the flow rate can be detected or determined as a
time-dependent value - preferably the 'flow rate' is determined as an average value
based on a detected (e.g. minimum) liquid amount divided by the time period in which
the detected liquid amount has accumulated.
[0011] Thus a plurality of information concerning the executed cleaning operation and condition
of the cleaning arrangement may be obtained. In particular, with the above described
treatment apparatus an effective release of liquid during a cleaning phase can be
evaluated. For example, if an ineffective cleaning phase or a malfunction is determined,
this can be indicated to a user immediately, such that the user may take appropriate
measures to correct the malfunction. Summarizing the treatment apparatus performance
is improved, in particular as the effectiveness of each single cleaning phase can
be evaluated.
[0012] For example when a low flow rate is detected, e.g. indicating that a liquid filter
element along the cleaning path is blocked, a user may be informed to clean the filter.
For example a visual or acoustic signal may be provided. Thus a user does not have
to check before each treatment apparatus operation whether the filter element needs
cleaning, but the user can rely on the treatment apparatus indicating that filter
cleaning is necessary. I.e. convenience of the above described treatment apparatus
is improved.
[0013] Preferably the treatment apparatus comprises a liquid reservoir for storing liquid
to be supplied to the cleaning arrangement for cleaning. For example the collector
tank is formed by a sump of the treatment apparatus, which is adapted to collect the
condensate formed at a heat exchanger. The liquid reservoir may be fluidly connected
to the sump (collector tank), such that condensate collected in the sump may be conveyed
to the reservoir to be used for a cleaning operation. For example after filling the
reservoir with (a predetermined) amount of liquid/condensate, the remaining excess
condensate in the sump may be discharged from the treatment apparatus.
[0014] The cleaning arrangement may further comprise a valve or a pump operating under the
control of the control unit for starting and stopping or dosing the liquid supply
to the cleaning arrangement. Preferably the valve or pump is arranged in a supply
line between a liquid reservoir and the cleaning arrangement. Thus a cleaning operation
can be precisely controlled.
[0015] Preferably the control unit is adapted to i) activate or 'start' component cleaning
by activating the cleaning arrangement, and ii) in response thereto to monitor the
signal status of the liquid level detector. Thus the liquid level monitoring is triggered
by starting the cleaning arrangement or starting a cleaning operation. For example
an activation may be the opening of a valve to supply liquid or may be the start of
operation of a pump pumping liquid to the apparatus component.
[0016] The treatment apparatus may further comprise a drain pump, which is associated with
the collector tank and adapted to pump liquid collected in the collector tank to one
or more of the following: i) a or the liquid reservoir for supplying liquid to the
cleaning arrangement, ii) a removable condensate reservoir, and/or iii) an external
drain line for draining the pumped liquid to the outside of the apparatus body. For
example a removable condensate reservoir may be a removable drawer for user removal
of excess condensate and/or contaminated liquid from component cleaning. For example
the removable condensate reservoir may be extracted from and inserted into the apparatus
body, in particular extracted from and inserted into a reservoir compartment. The
control unit may be adapted to operate the drain pump such that the liquid within
the collector tank has a reproducible or predefined starting level before the cleaning
arrangement is activated. Thus, in connection with time counting (after starting a
cleaning operation) a predefined starting condition is created, whereby the precision
of amount detection or flow rate detection is increased.
[0017] Preferably the control unit is adapted to determine the flow rate and/or liquid amount
by monitoring and processing the liquid level variations over time and/or the time
intervals of liquid level variations. For example the liquid level detector is adapted
to detect at least two different liquid levels or is adapted to detect a range of
different liquid levels in the collector tank, such that more than one liquid level
may be resolved. Thus, in connection with time counting after starting a cleaning
operation, a flow rate of the supplied liquid may be determined.
[0018] According to an embodiment the control unit is further adapted to monitor the signal
of the liquid level detector, and in dependency of the signal of the liquid level
detector to activate a or the drain pump associated with the collector tank adapted
to drain liquid out of the collector tank. For example liquid may be drained i) to
the liquid reservoir for supplying liquid to the cleaning arrangement, ii) to a removable
condensate reservoir, and/or iii) to an external drain line for draining the pumped
liquid to the outside of the apparatus body. In particular the removable reservoir
does not form part of the cleaning path. For example the drain pump is activated when
the signal of the level detector indicates that a maximum liquid level of the collector
tank is reached or exceeded. Thus the level detector has a double function. On the
one hand it is a means for determining the liquid flow rate/ liquid amount during
a cleaning operation and on the other hand it is adapted to initiate a draining operation,
such that the collector tank does not overflow.
[0019] For example the apparatus component to be cleaned is one or more of the following:
a heat exchanger for dehumidifying the process air after passing the laundry storing
compartment by condensing humidity from the process air,
a process air filter for filtering process air from fluff,
a heat exchanging surface,
a process air channel surface, or
a condensate collector bottom portion.
Preferably the condensate generated in a condenser type (air/air) heat exchanger or
heat pump (evaporator) is collected in the collector tank, such that the condensate
is used for cleaning the apparatus component.
[0020] Preferably the control unit comprises a time counter, wherein the time counter counts
a time from activating the cleaning arrangement or a predefined time after activating
the cleaning arrangement and a time point when the level sensor outputs a predefined
sensor signal or changes its sensor signal. For example a time counter may be implemented
in the processing logic and/or control unit. By measuring (elapsed) time, it can be
determined when a predetermined amount of liquid has been supplied or when a predetermined
liquid level (according to the predetermined signal of the level sensor) is reached.
Either the flow rate may be calculated or it may be determined that minimum liquid
amount was flowing (absolutely or within a predetermined time) out of the collector
tank. Preferably the collector tank draining pump is deactivated during measuring
period (counting period), such that during a measuring period no liquid is drained
from the collector tank. Suppressing activation of the draining pump may be continued
after the counting period and/or after reaching the draining level (for example when
the collector tank can store more liquid amount than the amount achieved at the draining
level), however and preferably the draining pump is activated when the draining level
is reached during the cleaning cycle.
[0021] Here and in the following, of course, it can only be detected whether a predefined
or predefined minimum liquid amount has been achieved - independent of counting the
time required from start to achieving the predefined (minimum) liquid amount. If however,
the time is additionally observed, it can be detected whether the time to achieving
the (minimum) liquid amount exceeds a threshold time which indicates that the component
to be cleaned (e.g. filter) is clogged and has to be serviced.
[0022] According to an embodiment, the control unit comprises a time counter and the level
detector comprises a first level sensor and a second level sensor. The first and second
level sensors are arranged at the collector tank or the reservoir, e.g. the level
sensors are physically arranged at the collector tank or are in fluid communication
with the collector tank. The time counter counts a time between a time point when
the first level sensor outputs a predefined sensor signal or changes its sensor signal
and a time point when the second level sensor outputs a predefined sensor signal or
changes its sensor signal. From the known amount of liquid between the liquid levels
of the first sensor and second sensor a predefined liquid amount can be determined/detected
and the time difference can be used for calculating the flow rate. For example the
first and second level sensor may be provided by a single sensor that is adapted to
resolve two different levels of the liquid.
[0023] Preferably the level detector comprises a multi-level sensor or an continuous-level
sensor and the control unit comprises a time counter, wherein the control unit is
adapted to determine the flow rate and/or the liquid amount using the temporal development
of the multiple ones of the level signals or of the changing continuous level signal.
For example the flow rate is determined as the increase (gradient) of supplied liquid
over time. E.g. if during a cleaning operation a gradient level is detected which
is below a predetermined threshold value, i.e. the flow rate is too low, then this
may indicate that a filter downstream the collector tank or reservoir is blocked.
If the detected gradient is above the predetermined threshold value, then the cleaning
operation has been executed correctly.
[0024] Preferably the detector device or the laundry treatment apparatus has no level sensor
that is assigned to or arranged at or arranged in a fluff filter or is in fluid communication
with the filter such as to detect the liquid level within the filter. As described
throughout the description, the detector device is adapted to detect a liquid level
in a liquid storing tank or reservoir that are dedicated for at least temporarily
storing liquid.
[0025] According to a preferred embodiment the control unit is further adapted to process
the signal of the level detector for detecting flushing failures, flushing inefficacy
or filter clogging and/or to monitor the cleaning arrangement during execution of
the cleaning cycle, wherein in dependency of the monitoring, a second or more cleaning
cycles may be initiated. Preferably the processing of the at least one signal indicates
that the flow rate and/or the liquid amount is below a predefined threshold. For example,
when it is determined that the liquid amount in the liquid reservoir is low or the
liquid amount is below a predefined threshold, and/or the flow rate is below a predefined
threshold, the cleaning cycle is repeated. Thereby it is provided that the component
is thoroughly cleaned. Alternatively or additionally the control unit is further adapted
to provide a user signal in dependency of the processing of the at least one signal.
A user signal may be indicative of requirement for maintenance, in particular in case
of failures and/or when flow rate is too low and indicates clogging of filter and/or
other component to be cleaned. E.g. a user signal may indicate that a filter has to
be cleaned for example by means of a display and/or optical indicator and/or an acoustic
signal, e.g. at user control panel.
[0026] Preferably, if - before the end of the cleaning cycle - it is detected that the liquid
amount does not further increase or the increase of liquid amount is below a predefined
threshold, and/or the flow rate is below a predefined threshold, it is determined
that the amount of liquid in the liquid reservoir is low. In response thereto the
liquid reservoir may be refilled via the collector tank or alternatively a user signal
may be provided to indicate that a or the (extractable) reservoir has to be filled
manually.
[0027] According to an embodiment, if - after a predetermined time after stopping an individual
cleaning cycle - a flow rate exceeds a predetermined flow rate threshold, and/or the
detected liquid amount increases or exceeds a predetermined threshold of liquid amount
or follow-up liquid amount, it is determined that the cleaning arrangement and/or
the component to be cleaned are defective or clogged by fluff. In this case for example
the component to be cleaned is clogged and cleaning liquid continues to flow to the
collector tank a time period well after finishing the cleaning cycle. Thus if after
a predetermined time it is detected by the control unit or the logic assigned to the
level detection unit that there is still a predetermined flow rate and/or a predetermined
liquid amount, clogging by fluff can be concluded. Preferably the detection of the
liquid amount and/or flow rate 'after' the predetermined time is combined with the
detection of the liquid amount and/or flow rate up to the end of the cleaning cycle
(possibly including the detection period corresponding to the predetermined time)
such to further improve fault detection. E.g. if a predetermined liquid amount and/or
flow rate are neither detected during the cleaning cycle nor the time well after the
cleaning cycle (e.g. a predefined time period after the cleaning cycle) it is concluded
that cleaning liquid was missing or is not enough. If the predetermined liquid amount
and/or flow rate is detected only in the time well after the cleaning cycle, it can
be concluded that there is enough cleaning liquid, but the component is clogged.
[0028] Reference is made in detail to preferred embodiments of the invention, examples of
which are illustrated in the accompanying figures, which show:
- Fig. 1
- a schematic view of a laundry dryer having a heat pump system,
- Fig. 2
- a schematic block diagram of components of the laundry dryer of Fig. 1,
- Fig. 3
- a schematic view of a cleaning system of the laundry dryer according to Fig. 1,
- Fig. 4a-d
- flow charts and a diagram schematically illustrative embodiments of how to evaluate
a cleaning cycle,
- Fig. 5
- a front view of a laundry dryer,
- Figs. 6a-b
- perspective rear views of the dryer of Fig. 3 with partially removed casing,
- Figs. 7a-c
- a side view and sectional side views of the dryer of Fig. 3,
- Fig. 8
- a top view of the dryer of Fig. 3,
- Fig. 9
- a rear view of the dryer of Fig. 3,
- Fig. 10
- a perspective top view of a reservoir compartment with inserted reservoir of the dryer
of Fig. 3,
- Figs. 11a-b
- sectional top views of a section of the condensate reservoir and reservoir compartment
of Fig. 9,
- Figs. 12a-b
- sectional side views of a section of the condensate reservoir and reservoir compartment
of Fig. 9,
- Figs. 13a-b
- a side view and a sectional side view of the reservoir and reservoir compartment of
Fig. 9,
- Fig. 14a
- a rear view of the reservoir compartment of Fig. 9,
- Fig. 14b
- a rear view of the condensate reservoir,
- Fig. 14c
- a sectional front view of the reservoir compartment,
- Fig. 15a-b
- a sectional side view and detail of the reservoir and reservoir compartment of Fig.
9 showing a drain outlet of the compartment,
- Figs. 16a-c
- a side view, a perspective view and a rear view of the dryer of Fig. 3 illustrating
the arrangement of a drain pipe of the reservoir compartment,
- Fig. 17a-b
- a perspective rear view and detail of a dryer according to a further embodiment, and
- Figs. 18a-c
- perspective views and sectional side views of an alternative coupling arrangement
for a condensate reservoir.
[0029] Fig. 1 depicts in a schematic representation a laundry dryer 2 which in this embodiment
is a heat pump tumble dryer. The tumble dryer 2 comprises a heat pump system 4, including
in a closed refrigerant loop 6 in this order of refrigerant flow B: a first heat exchanger
10 acting as evaporator for evaporating the refrigerant R and cooling process air
A, a compressor 14, a second heat exchanger 12 acting as condenser for cooling the
refrigerant R and heating the process air, and an expansion device 16 from where the
refrigerant R is returned to the first heat exchanger 10. Together with the refrigerant
pipes connecting the components of the heat pump system 4 in series, the heat pump
system 4 forms a refrigerant loop 6 through which the refrigerant R is circulated
by the compressor 14 as indicated by arrow B. If the refrigerant R in the heat pump
system 4 is operated in the transcritical or totally supercritical state, the first
and second heat exchanger 10, 12 can act as gas heater and gas cooler, respectively.
[0030] The expansion device 16 is a controllable valve that operates under the control of
a control unit 9 (Fig. 2) of the dryer to adapt the flow resistance for the refrigerant
R in dependency of operating states of the heat pump system 4. Alternatively the expansion
device may be a fixed cross-section valve or capillary tube. Alternatively or additionally
the compressor may be a variable-speed compressor by which the conveyance rate for
refrigerant pumping can be varied.
[0031] The process air flow A within the treatment apparatus 2 is guided through a compartment
18 of the treatment apparatus 2, i.e. through a compartment 18 for receiving articles
to be treated, e.g. a drum 18, which may be rotated by means of a drum motor 17. The
articles to be treated are textiles, laundry 19, clothes, shoes or the like. In the
embodiments described here these are preferably textiles, laundry or clothes. The
process air flow is indicated by arrows A in Fig. 1 and is driven by a process air
blower 8 or fan. The process air channel 20 guides the process air flow A outside
the drum 18 and includes different sections, including the section forming the battery
channel 20a in which the first and second heat exchangers 10, 12 are arranged. The
process air exiting the second heat exchanger 12 flows into a rear channel 20b in
which the process air blower 8 is arranged. The air conveyed by blower 8 is guided
upward in a rising channel 20c to the backside of the drum 18. The air exiting the
drum 18 through the drum outlet (which is the loading opening of the drum) is filtered
by a fluff filter 22 arranged close to the drum outlet in or at the channel 20. Fluff
filter 22 may be omitted when for example filter elements 40 or 70e are used which
can be cleaned by liquid flushing described below in connection with Figs. 4a-4d.
[0032] When the heat pump system 4 is operating, the first heat exchanger 10 transfers heat
from process air A to the refrigerant R. By cooling the process air to lower temperatures,
humidity from the process air condenses at the first heat exchanger 10, is collected
there and drained to a condensate collector 26, which is preferably arranged below
the heat exchangers 10, 12. The process air which is cooled and dehumidified after
passing the first heat exchanger 10 passes subsequently through the second heat exchanger
12 where heat is transferred from the refrigerant R to the process air. The process
air is sucked from exchanger 12 by the blower 8 and is driven into the drum 18 where
it heats up the laundry 19 and receives the humidity therefrom. The process air exits
the drum 18 and is guided in front channel 20d back to the first heat exchanger 10.
The main components of the heat pump system 4 are arranged in a base section 5 or
basement of the dryer 2.
[0033] A cooling air blower 24 or fan unit controlled by the control unit 9 of the dryer
2 may be arranged close to the compressor 14 to remove heat from the compressor 14,
i.e. from the heat pump system 4, during a drying operation. The cooling air flow,
which is an ambient air flow in the embodiments, is actively driven by the cooling
air blower 24 and is taking heat from (the surface of) the compressor 14. By transferring
heat from the compressor 14, during a normal operation mode of the heat pump system
4 (following to its warm-up phase), thermodynamic balance is achieved between the
closed loops of the process air loop and refrigerant loop 6.
[0034] As schematically shown in Fig. 1 and in more detail in Fig. 3, during dryer operation
condensate is collected in the condensate collector 26 or basement tank below the
heat exchangers 10, 12. By means of a drain pump 42 and drain pipe 41 collected condensate
is pumped to a condensate reservoir 28, which is arranged drawer-like in a reservoir
compartment 30 at an upper portion of the dryer casing 3. A front 27 or front panel
of the reservoir drawer 28 is shown in Fig. 4 having a handle for user inserting and
pulling-out operation. The reservoir 28 comprises an outlet 29 which is fluidly connected
to a supply line 32 or inlet of the supply line 32 when the reservoir 28 is inserted
into the reservoir compartment 30. In particular the reservoir comprises a closing
element 48 or valve, which is adapted to be opened by an actuating element 54 of the
reservoir compartment 30 when the reservoir 28 is inserted into the compartment 30.
When the reservoir 28 is inserted in its operating position within the compartment
30, the reservoir outlet 29 is permanently open. Additionally or alternatively the
actuating element or part thereof may be provided at the reservoir 28. In Fig. 3 the
outlet 29 and closing element 48 are exemplary depicted at a bottom or base of the
reservoir 28. Alternatively the outlet 29 may be arranged at a rear portion of the
reservoir 28.
[0035] As schematically shown in Fig. 3, a rinsing or flushing pump 44 which is controlled
by the control unit 9 is adapted to pump condensate via the supply line 32 from the
the reservoir 28 to the first heat exchanger 10 or optionally to a filter element
40 (Fig. 1) upstream the first heat exchanger 10 to rinse or wash the respective component.
By means of the supplied liquid collected fluff is washed off a (front) surface of
the heat exchanger 10 or the filter element 40.
[0036] The rinsed off fluff and rinsing liquid is collected in the condensate collector
26 arranged below the heat exchangers 10, 12. Controlled by the control unit 9 a drain
pump 42 pumps the collected liquid via a drain pipe 41 back to the reservoir 28. A
liquid level sensor 72a is provided which is adapted to provide a signal to the control
unit when a threshold value of a liquid level in the collector 26 is reached, then
the control unit 9 may activate the drain pump 42. The function of the liquid level
sensor is described in more detail below (Figs. 4a-d).
[0037] To remove fluff from the liquid, one or more fluff filter(s) 70a-e or filter elements
may be provided (Fig. 3). For example a fluff filter 70a may be arranged at an inlet
of the reservoir 28, such that only filtered liquid enters the reservoir 28. Additionally
or alternatively a fluff filter 70b may be arranged at the reservoir outlet 29, such
that fluff is filtered from the liquid before the liquid passes the flushing pump
44. A fluff filter 70c may be arranged at any portion of the supply line 32, wherein
it is advantageous to place the fluff filter 70c such that it is conveniently accessible
from a front or top portion of the dryer casing 3 for cleaning. Further, a fluff filter
70d may be arranged upstream the drain pump 42, e.g. in the collector 26, such that
liquid is filtered before it enters the drain pump 42, which improves the performance
of the pump 42.
[0038] Additionally a process air (fluff) filter 70e may be arranged in the process air
channel 20d upstream the heat exchanger 10 to remove fluff from the process air before
the process air reaches the heat exchangers 10, 12. In this embodiment the flushing
duct 58 or supply line outlet 57 is arranged such that the air filter 70e is washed
or cleaned in a cleaning cycle or cleaning operation. The supplied liquid and the
washed-off fluff may be collected in the condensate collector 26, e.g. to be discharged
from the dryer 2 and/or to be supplied to the reservoir 28. In this embodiment fluff
is removed from the process air before it passes the heat exchanger 10, such that
the heat exchanger 10 surface remains free of fluff at all times. Thereby the heat
exchanger performance is at a high level throughout a drying operation of the dryer
2.
[0039] As schematically depicted in Fig. 3, the supply line 32 comprises a siphon formed
by a rising portion 34, a communicating portion 36 and a descending portion 38. In
the following an exemplary rinsing or cleaning operation is described.
[0040] When the dryer 2 starts operating condensate is generated at the first heat exchanger
10 as described above. The condensed liquid is collected in the condensate collector
26 and subsequently pumped by means of drain pump 42 and drain pipe 41 into the reservoir
28. For example the drain pump 42 may be operated in dependency of the signal of the
liquid level sensor 72a arranged in the condensate collector 26 as described above.
E.g. the drain pump 42 may be repeatedly switched on and off in dependency of the
water level in the collector 26.
[0041] Figs. 4a-c show exemplary schematic flow charts to illustrate how a cleaning operation
of an apparatus component is evaluated, i.e. to determine whether the cleaning operation
has been effective.
[0042] The flow rate and/or the amount of liquid supplied during a cleaning operation or
cycle is determined using the level sensor 72a (alternatively or additionally by using
sensor 72b). The sensor 72a (and sensor 72b) may be selected from a REED sensor or
any other level sensor which is adapted to provide a signal to the control unit 9
when a predetermined water level in the tank 26 (or the reservoir 28) is reached or
exceeded.
[0043] The preferred embodiments described now and as shown in Figs. 4a-c are directed to
a treatment apparatus using (only one) level sensor 72a in tank 26 for determining
cleaning efficiency and/or faults. The sensor 72a is adapted to provide a signal to
the control unit 9 when liquid in the tank 26 reaches or exceeds a maximum level l
max.
[0044] As shown in Fig. 4a, a cleaning cycle is initiated after a drying cycle has been
finished. Here the cleaning cycle is starting after the drying cycle which preferably
is executed after every drying cycle or after a predetermined number of drying cycles
or upon request by the control unit (e.g. process air flow resistance is high). In
other embodiments the cleaning cycle may be performed during the running drying cycle,
e.g. as an independently executed subroutine.
[0045] In the process of Fig. 4a, next the drain pump 42 is activated such that liquid collected
in the tank 26 is pumped into the reservoir 28. Preferably drain pump 42 is operated
a predetermined pumping time which ensures under normal operating conditions that
the reservoir is completely emptied (up to a remaining condensate amount that can
not be pumped away and/or flows back when pump is stopped). Thus a predefined starting
level, namely the minimum level l
min is the starting condition for the following liquid flushing. Alternatively the level
detector 72a is adapted such as to detect at least two water levels, namely the maximum
water level l
max and the minimum water level l
min. Then, when the liquid level in the tank 26 reaches the predetermined minimum level
l
min, the drain pump 42 is stopped. Also in this embodiment a predetermined start condition
or water level is provided in the tank 26.
[0046] Subsequently the flushing pump 44 is operated and/or the valve 48 is opened. The
cleaning operation or flushing operation is started by supplying the liquid to the
component to be cleaned (here filter 70e). At the same time and triggered by the start
of the cleaning operation (start of pump 44/ opening of valve 48) a time counter is
activated and starts to count the duration of liquid supply to the component to be
cleaned.
[0047] During the cleaning operation liquid is supplied from the reservoir 28 through the
flushing duct 58 and nozzle 57 to the filter element 70e (alternatively to the heat
exchanger 10). The supplied liquid flows downwards into the tank 26, where it is collected.
When the liquid level in the tank 26 reaches the maximum level l
max, the level sensor 72a provides a signal to the control unit 9. In response to the
sensor signal the counter is stopped and the elapsed time Δt is stored in the control
unit 9. Based on the determined value of Δt and the known amount of liquid (volume
between l
min and l
max) the flow rate during the cleaning operation is calculated and also stored in the
control unit.
[0048] Additionally (not depicted) the flushing pump 44 may be stopped when stopping the
counter. Then the amount of liquid supplied to the component to be cleaned is determined
by detecting the maximum level l
max. Preferably the pump 44 and/or valve 48 are activated a predetermined time. Under
normal operation conditions the flow rate of liquid is known when the pump and/or
valve are activated and/or the amount of liquid available for flushing (see above
in connection with chambers 62/64) is restricted. Then the amount of flushing liquid
used in one flushing cycle is determined by the activation time or by the restricted
available amount. Preferably this amount is more than the amount which is received
by the collector tank 26 between the minimum and maximum levels l
min to l
max to allow the detector 72a to provide the maximum signal at l
max.
[0049] When in the above step the calculated flow rate is below a predetermined minimum
value, this may indicate that a filter element along the flushing duct 58 is (at least)
partially clogged. This may be indicated to a user via an acoustic or visual signal,
such that the user is alerted to clean the respective filter element or component
to be cleaned.
[0050] When the calculated flow rate is above the predetermined minimum value, the cleaning
operation has been effective and the apparatus component may be flushed once more.
For repeating the flushing of the component, the above described cleaning cycle is
run through (a least) once more. For example the component to be cleaned is flushed
a predetermined number of times which is controlled by the control unit 9. For example
depending on the detected value of the flow rate the number of flushes (one flush
= one run through cleaning cycle of Fig. 4a) may be set. Note that by first starting
pump 42, reservoir 28 stores again liquid sufficient for the next flushing.
[0051] The flow diagram of Fig. 4a may provide the embodiment that, if it is detected that
the flow rate was too low, instead or before alerting the user, at least one further
time the cleaning cycle may be executed for repeating the flushing of the component
to be cleaned - eventually to thereby remove a clogged state of the component to be
cleaned. In this embodiment the cleaning cycle may be repeated a predefined number
of times and if it was repeatedly unsuccessful (flow rate too low), then the user
may be alerted for cleaning the filter.
[0052] Fig. 4b and 4c show flow charts based on the flow chart shown in Fig. 4a. Unless
otherwise mentioned the illustrated steps of Fig. 4a which are (partially) shown in
Figs. 4b-c correspond to each other.
[0053] In Figs. 4b-c the counted or elapsed time t until the liquid level in tank 26 reaches
the maximum level l
max is (additionally) continuously evaluated. It may occur that the elapsed time t exceeds
a predetermined threshold value t_crit when the level in tank 26 does not reach its
maximum level (i.e. the sensor 72a does not provide a signal) after a predetermined
time (t_crit).
[0054] As shown in Fig. 4b, exceeding t_crit may indicate that i) a filter is clogged, ii)
the amount of liquid in reservoir 28 was too small, or iii) the flushing arrangement
is defect (pump 44 (valve), conduit 58, nozzle 57). In response to exceeding t_crit
the flushing pump 44 is stopped and a user is alerted via an acoustical or visual
signal that i) a filter element 70a/b/c/d has to be cleaned, ii) water has to be filled
in the reservoir 28 and additionally or alternatively iii) a support service should
be called.
[0055] As described above, exceeding t_crit may indicate that the amount of liquid in the
reservoir 28 used for the cleaning operation (flush) was so small, that the liquid
level in tank 26 does not reach its maximum level l
max. Fig. 4c shows an alternative solution for this case, in comparison to the option
of alerting a user to fill water in the reservoir 28 as shown in Fig. 4b.
[0056] As shown in Fig. 4c, after exceeding t_crit, the drain pump 42 is started again (and
the flushing pump 44 stopped / valve 48 closed), such that the (small) amount of liquid
in the tank 26 is pumped back into the reservoir 28 to be used for a further flushing
of the apparatus component. I.e. the apparatus component to be cleaned is flushed,
but with a smaller amount of liquid. For example in this case the control unit 9 could
be adapted to provide a predetermined number of flushes with the small amount of liquid.
[0057] In particular the embodiments depicted in Figs. 4b and 4c could be combined. For
example, if after the predetermined number of flushes as shown in Fig. 4c, the maximum
level l
max in tank 26 is still not reached, the control unit 9 may be adapted to switch from
the control according to Fig. 4c to the control according to Fig. 4b. I.e. if after
a predetermined number of flushes (e.g. 4 times) t_crit is still exceeded, a user
is alerted i) to clean filter element(s), ii) fill water in the reservoir 28 and/or
iii) call a support service.
[0058] The diagram of Fig. 4d schematically shows the rising liquid level in the tank 26
over time during a cleaning operation. The start of the flushing operation (activation
of pump 44/ opening valve 48) is indicated at time point t
0, which also indicates the starting point of the time counter counting the elapsed
time after starting the cleaning operation.
[0059] Fig. 4d shows three cases indicated with roman numerals I, II, III. Case I exemplary
illustrates an effective cleaning operation, i.e. the "flush" had a flow rate which
is sufficient to effectively clean the filter element 70e (or any other apparatus
component). The maximum liquid level l
max in the tank 26 is reached at time point t
1.
[0060] Case II shows that the maximum liquid level l
max is reached at a later time point t
2. This indicates a reduced flow rate. For example the filter element 70b or 70c along
the flushing duct 58 is (partially) clogged. When the control unit 9 detects such
a low flow rate, i.e. a flow rate below a predetermined threshold value (min flow
rate) a signal may be provided to inform a user that a filter element 70b/c/d has
to be cleaned (Figs. 4a-c).
[0061] Case III shows that the maximum liquid level l
max is reached at an even later time point t
3. This may indicate that a filter element 70b/c/d is completely blocked. In this case
the cleaning operation or cycle may be completely stopped and a user may be alerted
that i) a filter element 70a/b/c/d has to be cleaned, ii) water has to be filled in
the reservoir 28 and additionally or alternatively iii) a support service should be
called as described above. The dash-dotted level curve III shows a delay in liquid
arrival in the collector tank 26 which is indicative of a temporal damming or retaining
of the liquid on its path from reservoir 28 to collector tank 26 - e.g. a temporal
retaining in the filter 70e.
[0062] According to an alternative embodiment a level detector (in reservoir 28 or tank
26) is adapted to resolve more than one liquid level. For example a sensor 72b is
adapted to detect the liquid level in the reservoir 28 continuously. I.e. the amount
of liquid stored in the reservoir 28 can be precisely monitored at all times. Also
in this case the flow rate of a cleaning operation can be easily determined from the
known amount of liquid in the reservoir 28 (used for one cleaning operation) and the
elapsed time Δt since starting a flushing operation which is counted by a counter
as described above. Correspondingly to the above embodiments the calculated flow rate
can be evaluated to determine whether the cleaning operation has been effective. Also
the flow rate can be calculated in higher temporal resolution (using short time periods
and the level at the start and end of the respective time period) such that a more
detailed analysis of the temporal flow rate can be used for determining the reason
for a poor flushing result or a fault in the flushing arrangement. As an example from
dotted level curve IV it can be determined that the flow rate is low (filter cleaning
required) and that the available amount of liquid is too low for effective flushing
(e.g. the user can be requested to fill some water into reservoir 28).
[0063] According to an embodiment the reservoir 28 comprises a first compartment 62 (rinsing
or flushing volume) and a second compartment 64 (retaining volume) which are divided
by a separation wall 66 comprising small liquid passages 68a-c (Fig. 13c). The liquid
from the collector 26 is supplied to the first compartment 62. The reservoir inlet
or the outlet of the drain pipe 41 is arranged such that liquid is fed into the first
compartment 62. When not operated the flushing pump 44 allows liquid to freely flow
through the pump 44 in a forward or in a reverse conveying direction when the pump
is switched-off. As the reservoir outlet 29 is permanently open, the supply line 32
is filled up until the liquid level in the supply line 32 (comprising the rising portion
34) corresponds to the liquid level in the first compartment 62. I.e. the supply line
32 and reservoir 28 form communicating 'pipes' in this way. As the supply line 32,
in particular the communicating portion 36 thereof, is arranged higher than the maximum
liquid level of the reservoir 28, the siphon structure of the supply line 32 prevents
that the reservoir 28 is unintentionally emptied, i.e. it is prevented that a rinsing
operation starts unintentionally when the pump is not operated.
[0064] When the liquid level in the first compartment 62 exceeds the height of the separation
wall 66, liquid flows over the separation wall 66 and fills the second compartment
64. Additionally liquid flows via liquid passages 68a-c from the first compartment
62 to the second compartment 64 with a lower flow rate as compared to an overflow
rate over the separation wall and/or the conveyance flow rate of pump 44.
[0065] In another embodiment (not shown), the separation wall 66, which is aligned vertically
in the above embodiment, may be replaced by a separation wall that is oriented horizontally,
is oriented inclined or is oriented partially vertical, inclined and/or horizontal.
Note: All orientation relate to the operational positioning of the laundry dryer.
Thus the first and second compartments may not necessarily be arranged side by side
but can be arranged above each other or partially side by side and partially above
each other. In any case the one or more liquid passages 68a-c are provided at a lower
part of the separation wall such that a controlled low flow rate of liquid can flow
from the second to the first compartment in case of liquid level difference. An overflow
between the first and second compartment may also be provided. If the condensate flowing
into the condensate reservoir is first supplied to the second compartment, it can
flow to the first compartment through the liquid passage(s) (and possibly via the
overflow therebetween). The above and below respectively applies to such another embodiment.
[0066] Generally, to start a rinsing or cleaning operation, e.g. after a predetermined operation
time of a drying program has elapsed or after the end of a drying cycle, the flushing
pump 44 is activated via the control unit 9. As described in connection with the embodiments
illustrated in Figs. 4a-d a predetermined starting condition has to be met before
starting a cleaning operation. The flushing pump 44 pumps liquid from the reservoir
28 via the supply line 32 to an outlet of the supply line, in particular to the flushing
duct 58 which comprises nozzle 57 arranged such that e.g. the heat exchanger 10 front
surface is rinsed by the supplied liquid (in this embodiment no air filter 70e is
provided). The supply line 32 may be attached to the duct 58 and nozzle 57 such that
the supply line 32 is fluidly connected to the duct 58 and nozzle. Alternatively the
outlet of the supply line may be arranged such that supplied liquid is directly supplied
to the component of the dryer 2 to be cleaned, e.g. to the air filter 70e.
[0067] When the first compartment 62 is empty, i.e. all liquid stored therein has been supplied
to the component to be cleaned, and the flushing pump 44 continues to operate, the
pump 44 starts to pump air from the empty compartment 62 into the supply line 32 until
the air reaches the communicating portion 36, whereby the siphon-effect is eliminated.
Depending on pump operation conditions and when pump 44 is stopped, liquid draining
in the descending portion 38 results in air entering through nozzle 57 or outlet which
rises to the communicating portion 36 thereby also interrupting the siphon effect.
The supply line 32 or the liquid supply system is again in its initial state, where
liquid can be supplied into the first compartment (from the condensate collector 26
or the second compartment 64) while the communicating portion 36 arranged above the
highest reservoir liquid level prevents an unintentional emptying of the reservoir
28.
[0068] The rinsing liquid with the washed off fluff is collected in the condensate collector
26 after the rinsing operation. For removing the (dirty) liquid from the dryer 2,
the collected liquid may be pumped via drain pump 42 back into the first compartment,
basically as described above. The user may extract the reservoir 28 from the reservoir
compartment 30 to empty the reservoir 28.
[0069] When a user extracts or pulls out the reservoir 28, the reservoir outlet 29 is closed
by the closing element 48 or valve, such that the collected liquid is retained in
the reservoir 28. Alternatively an additional drain outlet (not depicted) is fluidly
connected via a valve to the drain pipe 41, whereby the collected dirty rinsing liquid
may be directly drained from the dryer 2 by means of the drain pump 42.
[0070] The reservoir compartment 30 comprises an outlet 31 such that when liquid spills
during removal of the reservoir 20 or when the reservoir 28 is overflowing, liquid
enters the reservoir compartment 30 and is drained through outlet 31. The outlet 31
is connected via a drain pipe 46 to the condensate collector 26. The outlet 31 is
permanently open and spilled liquid is immediately discharged to the condensate collector
26.
[0071] As described above, liquid from the second compartment 64 may flow to the first compartment
62 via the liquid passage 68a-c. The liquid passage 68a-c is arranged close to a base
or bottom of the reservoir 28. When the liquid level of the second compartment 64
is low, it is provided that liquid flows with a low flow rate towards the (empty)
first compartment 62 until the liquid levels in first and second compartment 62, 64
are leveled out. The cross-section of the liquid passage 68a-c is small, such that
during emptying the first compartment 62 by means of the flushing pump 44 little or
almost no liquid flows from the second compartment 64 to the first compartment 62.
However, after a pause period following to a first pump/flushing operation, for example
a second rinsing operation may be executed, wherein the liquid slowly flown from the
second compartment 64 to the first compartment 62 may be used as rinsing liquid as
described above.
[0072] In the following different embodiments of a laundry dryer are described. Elements
and features corresponding to the above schematically depicted dryer 2 of Figs. 1
to 3 are marked with corresponding reference signs. Unless otherwise mentioned, the
elements, features and functions of the below described embodiments correspond to
the above described elements, features and functions.
[0073] Fig. 5 shows a front view of a dryer 2 comprising an input panel 7 for user input
and an outer casing 3 or housing having a loading door 15 for loading laundry to be
dried into the drum 18 arranged in the casing 3. Figs. 6a-b show perspective rear
views of the dryer of Fig. 3, wherein the top and side portions of the casing 3 are
removed to show the arrangement of dryer components.
[0074] The reservoir compartment 30 is arranged at a top portion of the dryer 2, wherein
the extractable reservoir 28 is inserted into the compartment 30. At the rear of the
compartment 30 the supply line 32 can be seen which runs from the reservoir 28 or
compartment 30 down to the flushing pump 44. From the flushing pump 44 the rising
portion 34 of the supply line is guided back up. The communicating portion 36 of the
supply line is arranged above a highest liquid level of the reservoir 28 as described
above and is formed in a space-saving manner as a flat pipe. The descending portion
38 of the supply line 32 is guided downwards towards the flushing duct 58 which is
arranged on top of the battery channel 20a which houses the first and second heat
exchanger 10, 12.
[0075] The drain pump 42 is arranged at a bottom rear portion of the base section 5 of the
dryer. The drain pump 42 pumps liquid from the condensate collector 26 (Figs. 7b-c)
to the reservoir 28 as described above.
[0076] Figs. 7a-c show a side view and sectional side views of the dryer of Fig. 3. Fig.
7a shows a side view of the dryer 2, wherein the side cover or casing 3 is removed.
Figs. 7b and 6c show sectional side views of the dryer 2. Fig. 7b shows a sectional
side view in the plane of the reservoir outlet 29 and Fig. 7c a sectional side view
in a plane of the descending portion 38 of the supply line 32.
[0077] When the reservoir 28 is inserted, the reservoir outlet 29 (i.e. the closing element
48) is permanently opened as described above. In particular the coupling arrangement
54 comprises an actuating element in form of a protruding bolt or pin which opens
the closing element 48 by pushing it open when inserting the reservoir 28 into the
reservoir compartment 30.
[0078] As shown in Fig. 7c, the descending portion 38 of the supply line 32 opens into the
flushing duct 58 which is arranged on top of the battery channel 20a. The duct 58
comprises a nozzle 57, i.e. the supply line outlet, which is arranged above a front
surface of the first heat exchanger 10. I.e. when liquid is supplied through the supply
line 32, the front surface of the heat exchanger 10 is rinsed or washed as described
above.
[0079] The condensate collector 26 is arranged below the heat exchangers 10, 12 and extends
to the back or rear of the dryer 2 where the drain pump 42 is arranged, which pumps
the collected liquid back into the reservoir 28 as described above.
[0080] Fig. 8 shows a top view and Fig. 9 a rear view of the dryer 2 of Fig. 3. In Fig.
9 the flow direction of the conveyed liquids during a rinsing operation are indicated
by arrows. As shown in Fig. 8, the collector drain pipe 41 opens into the reservoir
inlet which is arranged on top of the reservoir 28. The portion of the collector drain
pipe 41 running across the rear of the dryer 2 has been omitted for clarity.
[0081] Fig. 10 shows a perspective top view of the reservoir and reservoir compartment 30
of the dryer 2 of Fig. 3. In this embodiment portions of the supply line 32 are arranged
at the rear of the compartment 30 in a space-saving manner. In particular the communication
portion 36 is formed in one piece with a portion of the rising and descending portions
34, 38, wherein each end comprises a connecting socket or pipe socket for attaching
thereto a (flexible) hose which forms the remaining part of the supply line 32.
[0082] Fig. 11a shows a sectional top view of a portion of the condensate reservoir 28 and
Fig. 11b shows a sectional top view of a portion of the reservoir 28 inserted into
the reservoir compartment 30. In Fig. 11a the closing element 48 is closed as the
reservoir 28 is removed from the compartment 30, i.e. the closing element 48 provides
that collected liquid in the reservoir 28 is safely retained. The closing element
48 comprises a spring-biased lever 50 which pushes the closing element 48 against
the inner wall of the reservoir 28.
[0083] Fig. 11b shows the reservoir 28 when completely inserted in the reservoir compartment
30, i.e. the reservoir 28 is in its operating position. The coupling arrangement 54,
here the protruding pin pushes the closing element 48 into the reservoir 28 such that
the reservoir outlet 29 is opened and the reservoir 28 is fluidly connected to the
supply line 32.
[0084] Corresponding to Figs. 11a-b, Figs. 12a-b show sectional side views of the removable
condensate reservoir 28 (Fig. 12a) and of the reservoir 28 inserted into the reservoir
compartment 30 (Fig. 12b). In Fig. 12a an elastic sealing element 52 of the closing
element 48 can be seen which abuts at a sealing surface of the reservoir 28 to provide
a leak-proof seal when the reservoir 28 is pulled out of the compartment 30. In Figs.
12a-b an elastic sealing element 53 is present which is provided to prevent leakage
of water when the removable reservoir is in communication with the supply line housing
32.
[0085] Figs. 13a-b show a side view and a sectional side view of the reservoir compartment
30 with inserted condensate reservoir 28. In Fig. 13b the first and second compartments
62, 64 are shown with the separating wall 66 between them. The separating wall 66
comprises the liquid passage 68a-c in form of several pinholes (Fig. 14c) close to
the bottom of the reservoir 28. Further a filter element 70a is arranged at the inlet
of the reservoir 28, i.e. at the outlet of the collector drain pipe 41. Thus liquid
is filtered before being collected in the reservoir 28. The filter element 70a which
is associated to the reservoir 28 can be easily cleaned when the reservoir 28 is extracted
from or pulled out of the compartment 30.
[0086] Figs. 14a-c show a rear view and sectional views of the reservoir 28 and reservoir
compartment 30. Fig. 14a shows a rear view of the compartment with the supply line
32 arrangement attached thereto. In Fig. 14b the supply line 32 arrangement is omitted,
such that the position of the inserted reservoir 28 can be seen. Fig. 14c is a sectional
front view which shows the separating wall 66 and the pinholes forming the liquid
passage 68a-c between the first and second compartment 62, 64 as described above.
[0087] Figs. 15a-b show a sectional side view and detail of the reservoir 28 and reservoir
compartment 30 in the plane of the outlet 31 of the compartment 30. It can be seen
that the outlet 31 is formed as a pipe socket at the lowest portion of the compartment
30 which is permanently open. I.e. it is provided that any spilled liquid is immediately
drained from the compartment 30 via outlet 31 and drain pipe 46 into the condensate
collector 26 as described above.
[0088] Figs. 16a-c show a side view, a perspective view and a rear view of the dryer 2 of
Fig. 3, wherein the supply line 32 is omitted to illustrate the arrangement of the
drain pipe 46 connecting the compartment 30 to the condensate collector 26. The compartment
drain pipe 46 is connecting the reservoir compartment outlet 31 (Fig. 15b) to the
condensate collector 26, wherein the drain pipe 46 is guided vertically or essentially
vertically downwards from the outlet 31 towards the condensate collector 26. I.e.
liquid is guided by means of gravity in the shortest (and fastest) possible way into
the collector 26, wherein due to the vertically arranged drain pipe 46 and therefore
high flow rates the risk of clogging the drain pipe 46 is reduced.
[0089] Figs. 17a-b show a perspective rear view and a detail of a dryer 2' according to
a further embodiment. Unless otherwise mentioned, elements, features and functions
of the dryer 2' correspond the elements, features and functions of the dryer 2 described
above.
[0090] In contrast to the above described dryer 2, the dryer 2' of Fig. 17 comprises a flushing
pump 44' which is arranged behind the backside or rear of the compartment 30. In particular
the outlet 29 of the reservoir 30 is directly connected to the flushing pump 44' with
a minimum of supply line 32 or pipe inbetween. In this embodiment the supply line
32 is considerably shorter than in the embodiment above. Due to shorter supply line
32 or pipes the pressure drop during the operation of the flushing pump 44' is reduced.
Further, less liquid remains in the dryer after a drying cycle, as the rising portion
34' of the supply line 32 is much shorter than in the above embodiment. The flushing
pump 44'is supported by a supporting structure 74 which is arranged here at the rear
side wall or region of the reservoir compartment 30.
[0091] Figs. 18a-d show perspective views and sectional side views of an alternative coupling
arrangement 54' for a condensate reservoir 28'. The condensate reservoir 28' and its
coupling to the supply line 32 as described in the following may be implemented in
any of above described embodiments of dryers 2, 2'. In Figs. 18a-d the reservoir compartment
for housing the reservoir 28' is not depicted. Unless otherwise mentioned the elements,
features and components of the above described reservoir 28 and compartment 30 may
be implemented in the below described embodiment of the reservoir 28'. For example
the reservoir inlet or compartment outlet 31 may be implemented in the below described
reservoir 28' and corresponding compartment.
[0092] Fig. 18a shows a perspective view of a detail of the reservoir 28' with a closing
element or valve 48' in a closed state and Fig. 18b shows a sectional view of the
detail. The valve 48' comprises a (stationary) valve body 82 which is connected or
fixed to the reservoir 28' or main body of the reservoir 28', wherein locking hooks
98a-b are provided which are formed integrally with the valve body 82. Within the
valve body 82, in particular in a body pipe section 94 of the valve body 82, a moveable
valve element 80 is guided. The valve element 80 comprises an element pipe section
96 which is guided by the valve body 82, i.e. the body pipe section 94 of the valve
body 82. An outer surface of the element pipe section 96 is guided on or slides along
an inner surface of the body pipe section 94, e.g. when the valve element 80 is pushed
into the valve body 82 when inserting the reservoir 28' into the compartment 30. The
valve element 80 comprises a hollow profile portion, in particular a hollow profile
end portion which faces into the reservoir 28'. The hollow profile portion comprises
four passages 92a-c (only three visible in Fig. 18b) through which the reservoir 28'
is filled and emptied, i.e. through which the condensate flows when the reservoir
28' is inserted in the dryer 2, 2' and the condensate is discharged after extracting
the reservoir 28' from the dryer 2, 2'.
[0093] The valve 48' comprises several gaskets 90a-c in form of O-rings. Gasket 90c is arranged
on the moveable valve element 80 and provides a tight sealing between a first sealing
surface 84 (Fig. 18d) of the the valve body 82 and a second sealing surface 86 of
the valve element 80. A spring element 88 (Fig. 18c) provides that the valve element
80 and the valve body 82, i.e. the respective sealing surfaces 84, 86, are pressed
tightly together when the reservoir 28' is extracted from the dryer 2, 2' or reservoir
compartment, such that the valve is in the closed state and stored condensate cannot
be spilled accidentally.
[0094] Fig. 18c shows a cross-sectional side view of the reservoir 28' before coupling the
reservoir 28' to a coupling arrangement 54' attached to the supply line 32 or supply
line inlet 56. The spring element 88 pushes the valve element 80, i.e. the second
sealing surface 86, against the first sealing surface 84 of the valve body 82, such
that the valve 48' is in the closed state. The (open) end of the moveable valve element
80 facing the outside of the reservoir 28' has a maximum outlet diameter d. When actuating
the valve 48', the valve element 80 is pushed along the valve axis into the (stationary)
part of the valve 48', i.e. the valve body 82. An actuation length of the valve element
80, i.e. the length the valve element 80 that has to be moved from the closed valve
state to the (completely) open valve state, is in the range of 5 mm to 15 mm. In particular
the valve 48' is (completely) open when the complete cross-section of all passages
92a-c is exposed to the inner volume of the reservoir 28'.
[0095] Fig. 18d shows a cross-sectional side view of the reservoir 28' after coupling the
reservoir 28' to the coupling arrangement 54' arranged at the supply line inlet 56,
i.e. after fully inserting the reservoir 28' in its compartment. The valve 48' is
actuated, i.e. the valve element 80 is pushed into the valve body 82 such that the
passages 92a-c are exposed to the interior of the reservoir 28', i.e. the valve is
in the open state. In particular the actuation length of the valve element 80 is selected
such that at the end of the actuation movement the passages 92a-c are fully exposed.
[0096] In particular the sum of the cross-sections of all passages 92a-c is equal to or
approximately equal to the cross-section of the maximum axial opening of the valve
element 80. Thus a free flow of water through the valve 48' during discharging the
reservoir 28' is provided. The water flow through the valve 48' is not or is essentially
not constricted. For manually draining the reservoir 28', the reservoir 28' is extracted
from its compartment, whereby the valve 48' is closed. Then the valve 48' may be opened
by pushing it by hand or by pushing it against a surface, such that the collected
liquid may be drained through the opened valve 48'. By providing several passages
92a-c through the valve element profile section the counter-flow of air during discharging
the reservoir 28' is facilitated, whereby the discharging time for the reservoir 28'
is reduced.
Reference Numeral List
2, 2' |
heat pump tumble dryer |
41 |
drain pipe (condensate collector) |
3 |
casing/ housing |
42 |
drain pump |
4 |
heat pump system |
44, 44' |
rinsing/ flushing pump |
5 |
base section |
46 |
drain pipe (reservoir compartment) |
6 |
refrigerant loop |
48, 48' |
closing element/ valve |
7 |
input panel |
50 |
spring lever |
8 |
blower |
52 |
elastic sealing element |
9 |
control unit |
53 |
elastic sealing element on removable reservoir |
10 |
first heat exchanger (evaporator) |
12 |
second heat exchanger (condenser) |
54, 54' |
coupling arrangement/ actuating element |
14 |
compressor |
15 |
loading door |
56 |
supply line inlet/ stub |
16 |
expansion device |
57 |
supply line outlet/ nozzle |
17 |
drum motor |
58 |
flushing duct |
18 |
drum (laundry compartment) |
60 |
rear wall/ rear frame |
19 |
laundry |
62 |
first compartment |
20 |
process air channel |
64 |
second compartment |
20a |
battery channel |
66 |
separation wall |
20b |
rear channel |
68a-c |
liquid passage/ pin hole |
20c |
rising channel |
70a-e |
filter element |
20d |
front channel |
72a-b |
liquid level detector/ sensor |
22 |
fluff filter |
74 |
supporting structure (flushing pump) |
24 |
cooling air blower unit |
26 |
condensate collector/ basement tank |
80 |
movable valve element |
82 |
valve body |
27 |
condensate reservoir front |
84 |
first sealing surface |
28, 28' |
condensate reservoir/ drawer |
86 |
second sealing surface |
29 |
reservoir outlet |
88 |
spring element |
30 |
reservoir compartment |
90a-c |
gasket |
31 |
reservoir compartment outlet/ pipe socket |
92a-c |
passage |
94 |
body pipe section |
32, 32' |
supply line |
96 |
element pipe section |
34, 34' |
rising portion |
98a-b |
locking hook |
36 |
communicating portion |
A |
process air flow |
38 |
descending portion |
B |
refrigerant flow |
40 |
filter element |
R |
refrigerant |
1. Laundry treatment apparatus adapted for laundry drying, in particular condenser-type
laundry dryer, exhaust-type laundry dryer, heat pump dryer or washing machine having
drying function, the laundry treatment apparatus comprising:
an apparatus body (3),
a laundry storing compartment (18) for receiving laundry to be dried by passing process
air through the laundry storing compartment,
a downstream channel (20d) for guiding the process air exhausted from the laundry
storing compartment outside the storing compartment and within the apparatus body,
an apparatus component arranged at or within the downstream channel, wherein the apparatus
component is exposed to fluff conveyed in the downstream channel (20d),
a cleaning arrangement adapted to clean the apparatus component from fluff by applying
liquid in a cleaning cycle,
a collector tank (26) adapted to collect the liquid used for cleaning the apparatus
component,
a liquid level detector (72a-b) adapted to detect the liquid level in the collector
tank, and
a control unit (9) receiving the signal from the liquid level detector,
characterized in that
the control unit (9) is adapted to monitor and process the signal from the liquid
level detector (72a-b) for determining the flow rate and/or the amount of liquid supplied
during the cleaning cycle to the apparatus component to be cleaned.
2. Laundry treatment apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a liquid reservoir
(28) for storing liquid to be supplied to the cleaning arrangement for cleaning.
3. Laundry treatment apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the cleaning arrangement
further comprises a valve (48) or a pump (44) operating under the control of the control
unit (9) for starting and stopping or dosing the liquid supply to the cleaning arrangement.
4. Laundry treatment apparatus according to claim 1, 2 or 3, wherein the control unit
(9) is adapted to
activate component cleaning by activating the cleaning arrangement, and
in response thereto to monitor the signal status of the liquid level detector (72a-b).
5. Laundry treatment apparatus according to any of the previous claims, further comprising
a draining pump (42) associated with the collector tank (26) adapted to pump liquid
collected in the collector tank (26) to one or more of the following:
a or the liquid reservoir (28) for supplying liquid to the cleaning arrangement,
a removable condensate reservoir, and
an external drain line for draining the pumped liquid to the outside of the apparatus
body, and
wherein the control unit (9) is adapted to operate the draining pump (42) such that
the liquid within the collector tank (26) has a reproducible or predefined starting
level before activating the cleaning arrangement.
6. Laundry treatment apparatus according to any of the previous claims, wherein the liquid
level detector (72a-b) is adapted to detect at least two different liquid levels or
is adapted to detect a range of different liquid levels in the collector tank.
7. Laundry treatment apparatus according to any of the previous claims, wherein the control
unit (9) is further adapted
to monitor the signal of the liquid level detector (72a), and
in dependency of the signal of the liquid level detector (72a) to activate a or the
draining pump (42, 44) associated with the collector tank adapted to drain liquid
out of the collector tank.
8. Laundry treatment apparatus according to any of the previous claims, wherein the control
unit (9) is adapted to determine the flow rate and/or liquid amount by monitoring
and processing the liquid level variations over time and/or the time intervals of
liquid level variations.
9. Laundry treatment apparatus according to any of the previous claims, wherein the apparatus
component to be cleaned is one or more of:
a heat exchanger (10) for dehumidifying the process air after passing the laundry
storing compartment by condensing humidity from the process air,
a process air filter (70e) for filtering process air from fluff,
a heat exchanging surface,
a process air channel surface, or
a condensate collector bottom portion.
10. Laundry treatment apparatus according to any of the previous claims, wherein the control
unit (9) comprises a time counter, wherein the time counter counts a time from activating
the cleaning arrangement or a predefined time after activating the cleaning arrangement
and a time point when the level sensor (72a-b) outputs a predefined sensor signal
or changes its sensor signal.
11. Laundry treatment apparatus according to any of the previous claims, wherein the control
unit (9) comprises a time counter and the level detector comprises a first level sensor
and a second level sensor, wherein the first and second level sensors are arranged
at a or the collector tank and wherein the time counter counts a time between a time
point when the first level sensor outputs a predefined sensor signal (lmax) or changes its sensor signal and a time point when the second level sensor outputs
a predefined sensor signal (lmin) or changes its sensor signal.
12. Laundry treatment apparatus according to any of claims 1 to 10, wherein the level
detector comprises a multi-level sensor or an continuous-level sensor and the control
unit (9) comprises a time counter, wherein the control unit (9) is adapted to determine
the flow rate and/or the liquid amount using the temporal development of the multiple
ones of the level signals or of the changing continuous level signal.
13. Laundry treatment apparatus according to any of the previous claims, wherein the level
detector (72a-b) comprises one or more REED sensors, floater sensors, capacitive sensors,
optical sensors, or conductivity sensors.
14. Laundry treatment apparatus according to any of the previous claims, wherein the collector
tank (26) is a condensate sump adapted to collect the condensate formed at the or
a heat exchanger (10) and adapted to collect the washing liquid that was supplied
to the apparatus component in the component cleaning cycle.
15. Laundry treatment apparatus according to any of the previous claims, wherein the detector
device (72a-b) or the laundry treatment apparatus has no a level sensor that is assigned
to or arranged at or arranged in a fluff filter (70a-d) or is in fluid communication
with the filter such as to detect the liquid level within the filter.
16. Laundry treatment apparatus according to any of the previous claims, wherein the control
unit (9) is further adapted to process the signal of the level detector (72a-b)
for detecting flushing failures, flushing inefficacy or filter clogging,
to monitor the cleaning arrangement during execution of the cleaning cycle and, in
dependency of the monitoring, to initiate a second or more cleaning cycles, or
wherein, in dependency of the processing of the at least one signal, the control unit
is further adapted to provide a user signal.
17. Laundry treatment apparatus according to any of the previous claims, wherein the processing
of the at least one signal indicates that the flow rate and/or the liquid amount is
below a predefined threshold.
1. Wäschebehandlungsvorrichtung, die zum Wäschetrocknen eingerichtet ist, insbesondere
ein Kondensationswäschetrockner, ein Abluftwäschetrockner, ein Wärmepumpentrockner
oder eine Waschmaschine mit einer Trockenfunktion, wobei die Wäschebehandlungsvorrichtung
Folgendes umfasst:
einen Vorrichtungskörper (3),
eine Wäscheunterbringungskammer (18) zum Aufnehmen der Wäsche, die durch Schicken
von Prozessluft durch die Wäscheunterbringungskammer getrocknet werden soll,
einen Stromabwärtskanal (20d) zum Leiten der aus der Wäscheunterbringungskammer ausgestoßenen
Prozessluft aus der Unterbringungskammer heraus und in den Vorrichtungskörper,
eine Vorrichtungskomponente, die an oder im Stromabwärtskanal angeordnet ist,
wobei die Vorrichtungskomponente Flusen ausgesetzt ist, die im Stromabwärtskanal (20d)
befördert werden,
eine Reinigungsanordnung, die eingerichtet ist, die Vorrichtungskomponente von Flusen
durch Anwenden einer Flüssigkeit in einem Reinigungsgang zu reinigen,
einen Sammeltank (26), der eingerichtet ist, die zum Reinigen der Vorrichtungskomponente
verwendete Flüssigkeit zu sammeln,
einen Flüssigkeitspegeldetektor (72a-b), der eingerichtet ist, den Flüssigkeitspegel
im Sammeltank zu detektieren, und
eine Steuereinheit (9), die das Signal vom Flüssigkeitspegeldetektor empfängt,
dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass
die Steuereinheit (9) eingerichtet ist, das Signal aus dem Flüssigkeitspegeldetektor
(72a-b) zum Feststellen der Fließgeschwindigkeit und/oder der Menge der Flüssigkeit
zu überwachen und zu verarbeiten, die während des Reinigungsgangs der zu reinigenden
Vorrichtungskomponente zugeführt wird.
2. Wäschebehandlungsvorrichtung nach Anspruch 1, die ferner ein Flüssigkeitsreservoir
(28) zum Lagern der Flüssigkeit aufweist, die der Reinigungsanordnung zum Reinigen
zugeführt werden soll.
3. Wäschebehandlungsvorrichtung nach Anspruch 1 oder 2, wobei die Reinigungsanordnung
ferner ein Ventil (48) oder eine Pumpe (44) aufweist, die zum Starten und Stoppen
oder Dosieren der Flüssigkeitszufuhr zur Reinigungsanordnung unter der Kontrolle der
Steuereinheit (9) arbeitet.
4. Wäschebehandlungsvorrichtung nach Anspruch 1, 2 oder 3, wobei die Steuereinheit (9)
eingerichtet ist:
die Komponentenreinigung durch Einschalten der Reinigungsanordnung einzuschalten,
und
als Reaktion darauf den Signalstatus des Flüssigkeitspegeldetektors (72a-b) zu überwachen.
5. Wäschebehandlungsvorrichtung nach einem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche, die ferner eine
Ablasspumpe (42) aufweist, die mit dem Sammeltank (26) verbunden und eingerichtet
ist, im Sammeltank (26) gesammelte Flüssigkeit zu einem oder mehreren der Folgenden
zu pumpen:
einem oder dem Flüssigkeitsreservoir (28) zum Zuführen der Flüssigkeit zur Reinigungsanordnung,
einem entfernbaren Kondensatreservoir, und
einer externen Ablassleitung zum Ablassen der gepumpten Flüssigkeit zum Äußeren des
Vorrichtungskörpers, und
wobei die Steuereinheit (9) eingerichtet ist, die Ablasspumpe (42) so zu betreiben,
dass die Flüssigkeit im Sammeltank (26) einen reproduzierbaren oder vordefinierten
Ausgangspegel vor dem Einschalten der Reinigungsanordnung aufweist.
6. Wäschebehandlungsvorrichtung nach einem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche, wobei der Flüssigkeitspegeldetektor
(72a-b) eingerichtet ist, mindestens zwei unterschiedliche Flüssigkeitspegel zu detektieren,
oder eingerichtet ist, einen Bereich von unterschiedlichen Flüssigkeitspegeln im Sammeltank
zu detektieren.
7. Wäschebehandlungsvorrichtung nach einem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche, wobei die Steuereinheit
(9) ferner eingerichtet ist:
das Signal des Flüssigkeitspegeldetektors (72a) zu überwachen, und
in Abhängigkeit vom Signal des Flüssigkeitspegeldetektors (72a) eine oder die Ablasspumpe
(42, 44) einzuschalten, die mit dem Sammeltank verbunden und eingerichtet ist, Flüssigkeit
aus dem Sammeltank abzulassen.
8. Wäschebehandlungsvorrichtung nach einem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche, wobei die Steuereinheit
(9) eingerichtet ist, die Fließgeschwindigkeit und/oder die Flüssigkeitsmenge durch
Überwachen und Verarbeiten der Flüssigkeitspegelveränderungen mit der Zeit und/oder
der Zeitintervalle der Flüssigkeitspegelveränderungen festzustellen.
9. Wäschebehandlungsvorrichtung nach einem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche, wobei die zu
reinigende Vorrichtungskomponente eines oder mehrere der Folgenden ist:
ein Wärmetauscher (10) zum Entfeuchten der Prozessluft, nachdem sie die Wäscheunterbringungskammer
passiert hat, durch Auskondensieren der Feuchtigkeit aus der Prozessluft,
ein Prozessluftfilter (70e) zum Filtern der Prozessluft von Flusen,
eine Wärmeaustauschfläche,
eine Prozessluftkanaloberfläche oder
ein Kondensatsammlerbodenabschnitt.
10. Wäschebehandlungsvorrichtung nach einem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche, wobei die Steuereinheit
(9) einen Zeitzähler aufweist, wobei der Zeitzähler eine Zeit vom Einschalten der
Reinigungsanordnung oder eine vordefinierte Zeit nach dem Einschalten der Reinigungsanordnung
und einem Zeitpunkt zählt, zu dem der Pegelsensor (72a-b) ein vordefiniertes Sensorsignal
abgibt oder sein Sensorsignal ändert.
11. Wäschebehandlungsvorrichtung nach einem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche, wobei die Steuereinheit
(9) einen Zeitzähler aufweist und der Pegeldetektor einen ersten Pegelsensor und einen
zweiten Pegelsensor aufweist, wobei der erste und zweite Pegelsensor an einem oder
dem Sammeltank angeordnet sind und wobei der Zeitzähler eine Zeit zwischen einem Zeitpunkt,
zu dem der erste Pegelsensor ein vordefiniertes Sensorsignal (lmax) abgibt oder sein Sensorsignal ändert, und einem Zeitpunkt zählt, zu dem der zweite
Pegelsensor ein vordefiniertes Sensorsignal (lmin) abgibt oder sein Sensorsignal ändert.
12. Wäschebehandlungsvorrichtung nach einem der Ansprüche 1 bis 10, wobei der Pegeldetektor
einen Mehrfachpegelsensor oder einen Sensor für einen kontinuierlichen Pegel aufweist
und die Steuereinheit (9) einen Zeitzähler aufweist, wobei die Steuereinheit (9) eingerichtet
ist, die Fließgeschwindigkeit und/oder die Flüssigkeitsmenge unter Verwendung der
zeitlichen Entwicklung von mehreren der Pegelsignale oder des sich ändernden kontinuierlichen
Pegelsignals festzustellen.
13. Wäschebehandlungsvorrichtung nach einem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche, wobei der Pegeldetektor
(72a-b) einen oder mehrere REED-Sensoren, Schwimmersensoren, kapazitive Sensoren,
optische Sensoren oder Leitfähigkeitssensoren aufweist.
14. Wäschebehandlungsvorrichtung nach einem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche, wobei der Sammeltank
(26) ein Kondensatsumpf ist, der eingerichtet ist, das Kondensat zu sammeln, das an
dem oder einem Wärmetauscher (10) gebildet wird, und eingerichtet ist, die Waschflüssigkeit
zu sammeln, die der Vorrichtungskomponente im Komponentenreinigungsgang zugeführt
wurde.
15. Wäschebehandlungsvorrichtung nach einem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche, wobei die Detektorvorrichtung
(72a-b) oder die Wäschebehandlungsvorrichtung keinen einen Pegelsensor aufweist, der
einem Flusenfilter (70a-d) zugeordnet ist oder an ihm angeordnet ist oder in ihm angeordnet
ist oder in Fluidverbindung mit dem Filter steht, um z.B. den Flüssigkeitspegel im
Filter zu detektieren.
16. Wäschebehandlungsvorrichtung nach einem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche, wobei die Steuereinheit
(9) ferner eingerichtet ist, das Signal des Pegeldetektors (72a-b) zu verarbeiten:
um Spülstörungen, Spülwirkungslosigkeit oder Filterverstopfung zu detektieren,
die Reinigungsanordnung während der Ausführung des Reinigungsgangs zu überwachen und
in Abhängigkeit von der Überwachung einen zweiten oder mehrere Reinigungsgänge einzuleiten,
oder
wobei in Abhängigkeit von der Verarbeitung des mindestens einen Signals die Steuereinheit
ferner eingerichtet ist, ein Benutzersignal bereitzustellen.
17. Wäschebehandlungsvorrichtung nach einem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche, wobei die Verarbeitung
des mindestens einen Signals anzeigt, dass die Fließgeschwindigkeit und/oder die Flüssigkeitsmenge
unter einem vordefinierten Schwellenwert liegen.
1. Appareil de traitement de linge adapté pour le séchage de linge, en particulier sèche-linge
du type condensation, sèche-linge du type évacuation, sèchelinge à pompe à chaleur
ou lave-linge ayant une fonction de séchage, l'appareil de traitement de linge comprenant
:
un corps d'appareil (3),
un compartiment de stockage de linge (18) destiné à recevoir du linge à sécher par
passage d'air de traitement à travers le compartiment de stockage de linge,
un canal aval (20d) destiné à guider l'air de traitement évacué du compartiment de
stockage de linge à l'extérieur du compartiment de stockage et à l'intérieur du corps
d'appareil,
un composant d'appareil disposé au niveau ou à l'intérieur du canal aval,
le composant d'appareil étant exposé aux peluches transportées dans le canal aval
(20d),
un système de nettoyage adapté pour débarrasser le composant d'appareil des peluches
par application de liquide dans un cycle de nettoyage,
une cuve de collecte (26) adaptée pour collecter le liquide utilisé pour nettoyer
le composant d'appareil,
un détecteur de niveau de liquide (72a-b) adapté pour détecter le niveau de liquide
dans la cuve de collecte, et
une unité de commande (9) recevant le signal provenant du détecteur de niveau de liquide,
caractérisé en ce que
l'unité de commande (9) est adaptée pour surveiller et traiter le signal provenant
du détecteur de niveau de liquide (72a-b) pour déterminer le débit et/ou la quantité
de liquide fourni pendant le cycle de nettoyage au composant d'appareil à nettoyer.
2. Appareil de traitement de linge selon la revendication 1, comprenant en outre un réservoir
de liquide (28) destiné à stocker du liquide à fournir au système de nettoyage pour
le nettoyage.
3. Appareil de traitement de linge selon la revendication 1 ou 2, dans lequel le système
de nettoyage comprend en outre une vanne (48) ou une pompe (44) fonctionnant sous
le contrôle de l'unité de commande (9) pour démarrer et arrêter ou doser la fourniture
de liquide au système de nettoyage.
4. Appareil de traitement de linge selon la revendication 1, 2 ou 3, dans lequel l'unité
de commande (9) est adaptée pour
activer un nettoyage de composant en activant le système de nettoyage, et
en réponse à celui-ci, surveiller l'état du signal du détecteur de niveau de liquide
(72a-b).
5. Appareil de traitement de linge selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes,
comprenant en outre une pompe de vidange (42) associée à la cuve de collecte (26)
adaptée pour pomper le liquide collecté dans la cuve de collecte (26) vers un ou plusieurs
des éléments suivants :
un ou le réservoir de liquide (28) destiné à fournir du liquide au système de nettoyage,
un réservoir de condensat amovible, et
une conduite de vidange externe destinée à vidanger le liquide pompé à l'extérieur
du corps d'appareil, et
dans lequel l'unité de commande (9) est adaptée pour faire fonctionner la pompe de
vidange (42) de telle sorte que le liquide à l'intérieur de la cuve de collecte (26)
a un niveau de départ reproductible ou prédéfini avant d'activer le système de nettoyage.
6. Appareil de traitement de linge selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes,
dans lequel le détecteur de niveau de liquide (72a-b) est adapté pour détecter au
moins deux niveaux de liquide différents ou est adapté pour détecter une gamme de
niveaux de liquide différents dans la cuve de collecte.
7. Appareil de traitement de linge selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes,
dans lequel l'unité de commande (9) est également adaptée
pour surveiller le signal du détecteur de niveau de liquide (72a), et
en fonction du signal du détecteur de niveau de liquide (72a), pour activer une ou
la pompe de vidange (42, 44) associée à la cuve de collecte adaptée pour vidanger
le liquide hors de la cuve de collecte.
8. Appareil de traitement de linge selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes,
dans lequel l'unité de commande (9) est adaptée pour déterminer le débit et/ou la
quantité de liquide en surveillant et en traitant les variations de niveau de liquide
dans le temps et/ou les intervalles de temps de variations de niveau de liquide.
9. Appareil de traitement de linge selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes,
le composant d'appareil à nettoyer en étant un ou plusieurs parmi :
un échangeur de chaleur (10) destiné à déshumidifier l'air de traitement après qu'il
est passé dans le compartiment de stockage de linge en condensant l'humidité provenant
de l'air de traitement,
un filtre à air de traitement (70e) destiné à filtrer l'air de traitement pour le
débarrasser des peluches,
une surface d'échange de chaleur,
une surface de canal d'air de traitement, ou
une partie inférieure de collecteur de condensat.
10. Appareil de traitement de linge selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes,
dans lequel l'unité de commande (9) comprend un compteur de temps, le compteur de
temps comptant un temps depuis l'activation du système de nettoyage ou un temps prédéfini
après l'activation du système de nettoyage jusqu'à un point temporel auquel le capteur
de niveau (72a-b) délivre un signal de capteur prédéfini ou modifie son signal de
capteur.
11. Appareil de traitement de linge selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes,
dans lequel l'unité de commande (9) comprend un compteur de temps et le détecteur
de niveau comprend un premier capteur de niveau et un deuxième capteur de niveau,
les premier et deuxième capteurs de niveau étant disposés au niveau d'une ou de la
cuve de collecte et le compteur de temps comptant un temps entre un point temporel
auquel le premier capteur de niveau délivre un signal de capteur prédéfini (lmax) ou modifie son signal de capteur et un point temporel auquel le deuxième capteur
de niveau délivre un signal de capteur prédéfini (lmin) ou modifie son signal de capteur.
12. Appareil de traitement de linge selon l'une quelconque des revendications 1 à 10,
dans lequel le détecteur de niveau comprend un capteur multi-niveau ou un capteur
de niveau continu et l'unité de commande (9) comprend un compteur de temps, l'unité
de commande (9) étant adaptée pour déterminer le débit et/ou la quantité de liquide
en utilisant l'évolution temporelle des multiples signaux de niveau ou du signal de
niveau continu variable.
13. Appareil de traitement de linge selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes,
dans lequel le détecteur de niveau (72a-b) comprend un ou plusieurs capteurs REED,
capteurs à flotteur, capteurs capacitifs, capteurs optiques, ou capteurs de conductivité.
14. Appareil de traitement de linge selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes,
dans lequel la cuve de collecte (26) est un puisard à condensat adapté pour collecter
le condensat formé au niveau du ou d'un échangeur de chaleur (10) et adapté pour collecter
le liquide de lavage qui a été fourni au composant d'appareil dans le cycle de nettoyage
de composant.
15. Appareil de traitement de linge selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes,
le dispositif détecteur (72a-b) ou l'appareil de traitement de linge ayant aucun un
capteur de niveau qui est affecté à ou disposé au niveau de ou disposé dans un filtre
à peluches (70a-d) ou est en communication fluidique avec le filtre de manière à détecter
le niveau de liquide à l'intérieur du filtre.
16. Appareil de traitement de linge selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes,
dans lequel l'unité de commande (9) est également adaptée pour traiter le signal du
détecteur de niveau (72a-b)
pour détecter des défauts de rinçage, une inefficacité de rinçage ou un bouchage du
filtre,
pour surveiller le système de nettoyage pendant l'exécution du cycle de nettoyage
et, en fonction de la surveillance, pour initier au moins un deuxième cycle de nettoyage,
ou
dans lequel, en fonction du traitement de l'au moins un signal, l'unité de commande
est également adaptée pour fournir un signal d'utilisateur.
17. Appareil de traitement de linge selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes,
dans lequel le traitement de l'au moins un signal indique que le débit et/ou la quantité
de liquide se situent au-dessous d'un seuil prédéfini.