WO2014173854A2 - A laundry washer/dryer and the control method thereof - Google Patents

A laundry washer/dryer and the control method thereof Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2014173854A2
WO2014173854A2 PCT/EP2014/058037 EP2014058037W WO2014173854A2 WO 2014173854 A2 WO2014173854 A2 WO 2014173854A2 EP 2014058037 W EP2014058037 W EP 2014058037W WO 2014173854 A2 WO2014173854 A2 WO 2014173854A2
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Prior art keywords
processing air
threshold value
laundry
air temperature
water
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PCT/EP2014/058037
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French (fr)
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WO2014173854A3 (en
Inventor
Cagatay Buyuktopcu
Baris Ocak
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Arcelik Anonim Sirketi
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Publication of WO2014173854A2 publication Critical patent/WO2014173854A2/en
Publication of WO2014173854A3 publication Critical patent/WO2014173854A3/en

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    • D—TEXTILES; PAPER
    • D06—TREATMENT OF TEXTILES OR THE LIKE; LAUNDERING; FLEXIBLE MATERIALS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • D06F—LAUNDERING, DRYING, IRONING, PRESSING OR FOLDING TEXTILE ARTICLES
    • D06F58/00—Domestic laundry dryers
    • D06F58/32—Control of operations performed in domestic laundry dryers 
    • D06F58/34—Control of operations performed in domestic laundry dryers  characterised by the purpose or target of the control
    • D06F58/50—Responding to irregular working conditions, e.g. malfunctioning of blowers
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A62—LIFE-SAVING; FIRE-FIGHTING
    • A62C—FIRE-FIGHTING
    • A62C3/00—Fire prevention, containment or extinguishing specially adapted for particular objects or places
    • A62C3/006—Fire prevention, containment or extinguishing specially adapted for particular objects or places for kitchens or stoves
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A62—LIFE-SAVING; FIRE-FIGHTING
    • A62C—FIRE-FIGHTING
    • A62C3/00—Fire prevention, containment or extinguishing specially adapted for particular objects or places
    • A62C3/16—Fire prevention, containment or extinguishing specially adapted for particular objects or places in electrical installations, e.g. cableways
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A62—LIFE-SAVING; FIRE-FIGHTING
    • A62C—FIRE-FIGHTING
    • A62C37/00—Control of fire-fighting equipment
    • A62C37/36—Control of fire-fighting equipment an actuating signal being generated by a sensor separate from an outlet device
    • A62C37/38—Control of fire-fighting equipment an actuating signal being generated by a sensor separate from an outlet device by both sensor and actuator, e.g. valve, being in the danger zone
    • A62C37/40—Control of fire-fighting equipment an actuating signal being generated by a sensor separate from an outlet device by both sensor and actuator, e.g. valve, being in the danger zone with electric connection between sensor and actuator
    • D—TEXTILES; PAPER
    • D06—TREATMENT OF TEXTILES OR THE LIKE; LAUNDERING; FLEXIBLE MATERIALS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • D06F—LAUNDERING, DRYING, IRONING, PRESSING OR FOLDING TEXTILE ARTICLES
    • D06F2103/00—Parameters monitored or detected for the control of domestic laundry washing machines, washer-dryers or laundry dryers
    • D06F2103/02—Characteristics of laundry or load
    • D06F2103/08—Humidity
    • D—TEXTILES; PAPER
    • D06—TREATMENT OF TEXTILES OR THE LIKE; LAUNDERING; FLEXIBLE MATERIALS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • D06F—LAUNDERING, DRYING, IRONING, PRESSING OR FOLDING TEXTILE ARTICLES
    • D06F2103/00—Parameters monitored or detected for the control of domestic laundry washing machines, washer-dryers or laundry dryers
    • D06F2103/18—Washing liquid level
    • D—TEXTILES; PAPER
    • D06—TREATMENT OF TEXTILES OR THE LIKE; LAUNDERING; FLEXIBLE MATERIALS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • D06F—LAUNDERING, DRYING, IRONING, PRESSING OR FOLDING TEXTILE ARTICLES
    • D06F2103/00—Parameters monitored or detected for the control of domestic laundry washing machines, washer-dryers or laundry dryers
    • D06F2103/28—Air properties
    • D06F2103/32—Temperature
    • D—TEXTILES; PAPER
    • D06—TREATMENT OF TEXTILES OR THE LIKE; LAUNDERING; FLEXIBLE MATERIALS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • D06F—LAUNDERING, DRYING, IRONING, PRESSING OR FOLDING TEXTILE ARTICLES
    • D06F2103/00—Parameters monitored or detected for the control of domestic laundry washing machines, washer-dryers or laundry dryers
    • D06F2103/28—Air properties
    • D06F2103/36—Flow or velocity
    • D—TEXTILES; PAPER
    • D06—TREATMENT OF TEXTILES OR THE LIKE; LAUNDERING; FLEXIBLE MATERIALS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • D06F—LAUNDERING, DRYING, IRONING, PRESSING OR FOLDING TEXTILE ARTICLES
    • D06F2105/00—Systems or parameters controlled or affected by the control systems of washing machines, washer-dryers or laundry dryers
    • D06F2105/02—Water supply
    • D—TEXTILES; PAPER
    • D06—TREATMENT OF TEXTILES OR THE LIKE; LAUNDERING; FLEXIBLE MATERIALS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • D06F—LAUNDERING, DRYING, IRONING, PRESSING OR FOLDING TEXTILE ARTICLES
    • D06F2105/00—Systems or parameters controlled or affected by the control systems of washing machines, washer-dryers or laundry dryers
    • D06F2105/16—Air properties
    • D06F2105/24—Flow or velocity
    • D—TEXTILES; PAPER
    • D06—TREATMENT OF TEXTILES OR THE LIKE; LAUNDERING; FLEXIBLE MATERIALS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • D06F—LAUNDERING, DRYING, IRONING, PRESSING OR FOLDING TEXTILE ARTICLES
    • D06F2105/00—Systems or parameters controlled or affected by the control systems of washing machines, washer-dryers or laundry dryers
    • D06F2105/28—Electric heating
    • D—TEXTILES; PAPER
    • D06—TREATMENT OF TEXTILES OR THE LIKE; LAUNDERING; FLEXIBLE MATERIALS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • D06F—LAUNDERING, DRYING, IRONING, PRESSING OR FOLDING TEXTILE ARTICLES
    • D06F2105/00—Systems or parameters controlled or affected by the control systems of washing machines, washer-dryers or laundry dryers
    • D06F2105/30—Blowers
    • D—TEXTILES; PAPER
    • D06—TREATMENT OF TEXTILES OR THE LIKE; LAUNDERING; FLEXIBLE MATERIALS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • D06F—LAUNDERING, DRYING, IRONING, PRESSING OR FOLDING TEXTILE ARTICLES
    • D06F2105/00—Systems or parameters controlled or affected by the control systems of washing machines, washer-dryers or laundry dryers
    • D06F2105/46—Drum speed; Actuation of motors, e.g. starting or interrupting
    • D—TEXTILES; PAPER
    • D06—TREATMENT OF TEXTILES OR THE LIKE; LAUNDERING; FLEXIBLE MATERIALS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • D06F—LAUNDERING, DRYING, IRONING, PRESSING OR FOLDING TEXTILE ARTICLES
    • D06F2105/00—Systems or parameters controlled or affected by the control systems of washing machines, washer-dryers or laundry dryers
    • D06F2105/54—Changing between normal operation mode and special operation modes, e.g. service mode, component cleaning mode or stand-by mode
    • D—TEXTILES; PAPER
    • D06—TREATMENT OF TEXTILES OR THE LIKE; LAUNDERING; FLEXIBLE MATERIALS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • D06F—LAUNDERING, DRYING, IRONING, PRESSING OR FOLDING TEXTILE ARTICLES
    • D06F2105/00—Systems or parameters controlled or affected by the control systems of washing machines, washer-dryers or laundry dryers
    • D06F2105/58—Indications or alarms to the control system or to the user
    • D—TEXTILES; PAPER
    • D06—TREATMENT OF TEXTILES OR THE LIKE; LAUNDERING; FLEXIBLE MATERIALS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • D06F—LAUNDERING, DRYING, IRONING, PRESSING OR FOLDING TEXTILE ARTICLES
    • D06F2105/00—Systems or parameters controlled or affected by the control systems of washing machines, washer-dryers or laundry dryers
    • D06F2105/58—Indications or alarms to the control system or to the user
    • D06F2105/60—Audible signals
    • D—TEXTILES; PAPER
    • D06—TREATMENT OF TEXTILES OR THE LIKE; LAUNDERING; FLEXIBLE MATERIALS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • D06F—LAUNDERING, DRYING, IRONING, PRESSING OR FOLDING TEXTILE ARTICLES
    • D06F25/00—Washing machines with receptacles, e.g. perforated, having a rotary movement, e.g. oscillatory movement, the receptacle serving both for washing and for centrifugally separating water from the laundry and having further drying means, e.g. using hot air 
    • D—TEXTILES; PAPER
    • D06—TREATMENT OF TEXTILES OR THE LIKE; LAUNDERING; FLEXIBLE MATERIALS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • D06F—LAUNDERING, DRYING, IRONING, PRESSING OR FOLDING TEXTILE ARTICLES
    • D06F37/00—Details specific to washing machines covered by groups D06F21/00 - D06F25/00
    • D06F37/42—Safety arrangements, e.g. for stopping rotation of the receptacle upon opening of the casing door
    • D—TEXTILES; PAPER
    • D06—TREATMENT OF TEXTILES OR THE LIKE; LAUNDERING; FLEXIBLE MATERIALS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • D06F—LAUNDERING, DRYING, IRONING, PRESSING OR FOLDING TEXTILE ARTICLES
    • D06F58/00—Domestic laundry dryers
    • D06F58/32—Control of operations performed in domestic laundry dryers 
    • D06F58/34—Control of operations performed in domestic laundry dryers  characterised by the purpose or target of the control
    • D06F58/36—Control of operational steps, e.g. for optimisation or improvement of operational steps depending on the condition of the laundry
    • D06F58/38—Control of operational steps, e.g. for optimisation or improvement of operational steps depending on the condition of the laundry of drying, e.g. to achieve the target humidity

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a laundry washer/dryer and a control method that provides fire safety.
  • the temperature inside the tub wherein the laundry is placed is at the level of 50 C° to 70 C° and in some situations can exceed 100 C° during the drying process.
  • the temperature rising to high levels inside the tub can cause the laundry to inflame and the risk of fire arises.
  • Thermal switches are installed at the heaters in order to prevent the laundry from inflaming as a result of overheating. But, in the situation the thermal switches on the heaters malfunction or their tolerances being greater than required, the heaters do not switch off in time, the tub interior temperature can exceed limit values and as a result the laundry inside the tub may inflame and the machine may burn. The thermal switches have to function flawlessly since protection against fire depends on thermal switches only.
  • the flames may erupt at a lower temperature than the activation temperature of the thermal switch.
  • a material that may inflame at relatively low temperatures is loaded into the machine accidentally by the user, the laundry inside the tub may inflame and fire can break out without the activation of the thermal switch.
  • a tissue paper etc. forgotten inside the pants by the user may inflame during drying and cause fire.
  • the aim of the present invention is the realization of a laundry washer/dryer and the control method thereof, wherein the safety against high temperatures and fire is improved.
  • the laundry washer/dryer realized in order to attain the aim of the present invention and explicated in the attached claims, comprises a drum wherein the laundry to be washed and/or dried is placed, a tub wherein the drum moves, a motor that rotates the drum to right and left, a jet pump that enables water to be flushed onto the laundry from a flushing nozzle, valves that deliver water from the water supply to the tub and hence to the jet pump, a heater that heats the processing air for drying the laundry inside the tub, a condenser that condenses the processing air, a fan providing the circulation of the processing air, a temperature sensor measuring the temperature of the processing air, and a control unit having a fire safety mode, which enters the safety mode when the temperature of the processing air detected in the drying process exceeds a predetermined first threshold value and which starts water intake by opening the valves, drives the jet pump for flushing water onto the laundry and rotates the drum motor to right and left for a predetermined period in the safety mode.
  • control method realized in order to attain the aim of the present invention and explicated in the attached claims, is executed by the control unit comprised by the washer/dryer of the present invention, and comprises the steps of continuously measuring the processing air temperature in the drying process, determining whether or not the processing air temperature exceeds a predetermined first threshold value, changing to the safety mode when the processing air temperature exceeds the first threshold value and receiving water into the tub by opening the water intake valve, simultaneously flushing the received water onto the laundry by driving the jet pump and rotating the drum to right and left for a predetermined time period by means of the motor in the safety mode.
  • the control unit of the washer/dryer of the present invention decides that the laundries are inflamed or about to inflame in situations wherein the temperature of the laundry inside the tub is overheated more than the normal working temperatures and cancels the current program step and starts to implement the safety algorithm of the present invention which will extinguish the flames in order to extinguish the erupted flames/fire.
  • the safety algorithm is continued to be implemented until the temperature falls below a certain value.
  • the processing air temperature and hence the temperature inside the tub is measured by temperature sensors like, for example NTC thermistors (negative temperature coefficient type thermistor).
  • the safety algorithm is ended when the temperature falls below a safe level and the user is warned by an audible and/or visual alarm.
  • the safety algorithm of the present invention to be implemented is preferably as given below: First, the current drying program is stopped. Thus, for example the heaters and the fan will stop operating. Afterwards, the water intake valves that enable water to be delivered to the tub and/or the jet pump are opened and the jet pump is started to be driven. Water is flushed onto the laundry as the jet pump is driven. Simultaneously, the drum is rotated to right and left with a certain speed and time period by means of the motor. As the motor rotates to right and left, the flushed water is enabled to contact all around the laundry and the flames are extinguished more quickly. When the water level exceeds a certain value, the valves are changed to the closed position. The safety algorithm is continued by operating the jet pump and rotating the drum to right and left until the temperature falls below a safe level. The user is warned by audible and/or visual alarms.
  • Figure 1 – is the schematic view of a laundry washer/dryer.
  • Figure 2 – is the flow chart of the control method that provides fire safety in a laundry washer/dryer.
  • the laundry washer/dryer (1) comprises a drum (2) wherein the laundry is placed, a tub (3) wherein the drum (2) moves, a motor (4) that moves the drum (2), a jet pump (7) that enables water to be flushed onto the laundry by means of a flushing nozzle (6), one or more than one valve (5) that enables water to be received from the water supply (S) and to be delivered to the tub (3) and/or to the jet pump (7), a level sensor (8) that detects the water level (L) inside the tub (3), a circulation duct (9) wherein the cycle of the processing air enabling the drying of the laundry is performed, a fan (10) providing the circulation of processing air, a heater (11) disposed inside the circulation duct (9), a condenser that condenses the processing air, and one or more than one temperature sensor (12) that is disposed inside the circulation duct (9) and that measures the processing air temperature (T).
  • the laundry washer/dryer (1) of the present invention comprises a control unit (13) that implements a washing process wherein the laundry is washed and a drying process wherein the laundry is dried, which ends the drying process by deactivating the fan (10) and the heater (11) when the processing air temperature (T) measured by the temperature sensor (12) in the drying process exceeds a predetermined first threshold value (T1) (T > T1), which changes to the safety mode and which enables the valve (5) to be opened, the jet pump (7) to be driven, water to be flushed onto the laundry by means of the flushing nozzle (6) and simultaneously enables the motor (4) to rotate the drum (2) to right and left for predetermined short time periods in the safety mode ( Figure 1).
  • T1 predetermined first threshold value
  • the control unit (13) decides that the laundry is inflamed or about to inflame when a processing air temperature (T) that exceeds the threshold value (T1) (T > T1) is measured by the temperature sensor (12) in the drying process implemented in the laundry washer/dryer (1).
  • the control unit (13) ends the drying process by deactivating the heater (11) and the fan (10) and operates the jet pump (7) by opening the valve (5).
  • the drum (2) is made to perform right-left rotational movements by the motor (4), for example in short time periods of a few seconds, simultaneously with the water flushing process, in other words, all the surfaces of the laundry are enabled to be drenched by making the drum (2) to perform oscillation movements and a probable fire hazard is eliminated by extinguishing the flames.
  • the control unit (13) ends the drying process, changes to the safety mode and implements the above mentioned flame extinguishing program.
  • the first threshold value (T1) corresponds to a temperature value whereat the laundry or objects like tissue paper forgotten in the laundry may start getting inflamed and burning.
  • the control unit (13) in the safety mode, provides the continuation of the processes of water intake by the valve (5), driving of the jet pump (7), flushing water onto the laundry and rotating the drum (2) to right and left by means of the motor (4) until the processing air temperature (T) falls below the second threshold value (T2) if the water level (L) inside the tub (3) measured by the level sensor (8) is below a predetermined threshold value (L1) (L ⁇ L1) and if the processing air temperature (T) measured by the temperature sensor (12) is higher than a predetermined second threshold value (T2) (T > T2).
  • control unit (13) changes the valve (5) to the closed position and stops the operation of the jet pump (7) and the motor (4) when the processing air temperature (T) detected by the temperature sensor (12) falls below the second threshold value (T2).
  • the second threshold temperature value (T2) of the processing air corresponds to a safer temperature value whereat the laundry does not inflame.
  • the second threshold value (T2) is preferred to be considerably lower than the first threshold value (T1).
  • the control unit (13) closes the valve (5) and provides the continuation of the flame extinguishing program which includes driving of the jet pump (7), flushing water onto the laundry and rotating the drum (2) to right and left by means of the motor (4) until the processing air temperature (T) falls below the second threshold value (T2) if the water level (L) inside the tub (3) measured by the level sensor (8) is higher than the threshold value (L1) (L > L1) and if the detected processing air temperature (T) is higher than the second threshold value (T2) (T > T2).
  • the control unit (13) stops the operation of the jet pump (7) and the motor (4) when the processing air temperature (T) falls below the second threshold value (T2).
  • control method that provides fire safety comprises the following steps:
  • control method that provides fire safety in the laundry washer/dryer (1) comprises the following steps:
  • control method that provides fire safety in the laundry washer/dryer (1) comprises the following steps:
  • control method that provides fire safety in the laundry washer/dryer (1) comprises the step of:

Abstract

The present invention relates to a laundry washer/dryer (1 ) comprising a drum (2) wherein the laundry is placed, a tub (3) wherein the drum (2) moves, a motor (4) that moves the drum (2), one or more than one valve (5) enabling the water to be received from the water supply (S) and to be delivered to the tub (3), a jet pump (7) that enables the water to be flushed onto the laundry by means of a flushing nozzle (6), a level sensor (8) that detects the water level (L) inside the tub (3), a circulation duct (9) wherein the cycle of the processing air enabling the drying of the laundry is performed, a fan (10) providing the circulation of processing air, a heater (1 1 ) disposed inside the circulation duct (9), one or more than one temperature sensor (12) that is disposed inside the circulation duct (9) and that measures the processing air temperature (T) and a control unit (13) that implements the fire safety algorithm.

Description

A LAUNDRY WASHER/DRYER AND THE CONTROL METHOD THEREOF
The present invention relates to a laundry washer/dryer and a control method that provides fire safety.
In laundry washer/dryers, the temperature inside the tub wherein the laundry is placed is at the level of 50 C° to 70 C° and in some situations can exceed 100 C° during the drying process. The temperature rising to high levels inside the tub can cause the laundry to inflame and the risk of fire arises.
Thermal switches are installed at the heaters in order to prevent the laundry from inflaming as a result of overheating. But, in the situation the thermal switches on the heaters malfunction or their tolerances being greater than required, the heaters do not switch off in time, the tub interior temperature can exceed limit values and as a result the laundry inside the tub may inflame and the machine may burn. The thermal switches have to function flawlessly since protection against fire depends on thermal switches only.
It is also possible for the flames to erupt at a lower temperature than the activation temperature of the thermal switch. In the situation a material that may inflame at relatively low temperatures is loaded into the machine accidentally by the user, the laundry inside the tub may inflame and fire can break out without the activation of the thermal switch. For example, a tissue paper etc. forgotten inside the pants by the user may inflame during drying and cause fire.
In the state of the art International Patent Application No. WO2005/010270 A1, a washer/dryer is explained wherein a heat sensor is used in order to prevent the laundries from yellowing or burning.
The aim of the present invention is the realization of a laundry washer/dryer and the control method thereof, wherein the safety against high temperatures and fire is improved.
The laundry washer/dryer realized in order to attain the aim of the present invention and explicated in the attached claims, comprises a drum wherein the laundry to be washed and/or dried is placed, a tub wherein the drum moves, a motor that rotates the drum to right and left, a jet pump that enables water to be flushed onto the laundry from a flushing nozzle, valves that deliver water from the water supply to the tub and hence to the jet pump, a heater that heats the processing air for drying the laundry inside the tub, a condenser that condenses the processing air, a fan providing the circulation of the processing air, a temperature sensor measuring the temperature of the processing air, and a control unit having a fire safety mode, which enters the safety mode when the temperature of the processing air detected in the drying process exceeds a predetermined first threshold value and which starts water intake by opening the valves, drives the jet pump for flushing water onto the laundry and rotates the drum motor to right and left for a predetermined period in the safety mode.
The control method realized in order to attain the aim of the present invention and explicated in the attached claims, is executed by the control unit comprised by the washer/dryer of the present invention, and comprises the steps of continuously measuring the processing air temperature in the drying process, determining whether or not the processing air temperature exceeds a predetermined first threshold value, changing to the safety mode when the processing air temperature exceeds the first threshold value and receiving water into the tub by opening the water intake valve, simultaneously flushing the received water onto the laundry by driving the jet pump and rotating the drum to right and left for a predetermined time period by means of the motor in the safety mode.
The control unit of the washer/dryer of the present invention, decides that the laundries are inflamed or about to inflame in situations wherein the temperature of the laundry inside the tub is overheated more than the normal working temperatures and cancels the current program step and starts to implement the safety algorithm of the present invention which will extinguish the flames in order to extinguish the erupted flames/fire. The safety algorithm is continued to be implemented until the temperature falls below a certain value.
The processing air temperature and hence the temperature inside the tub is measured by temperature sensors like, for example NTC thermistors (negative temperature coefficient type thermistor). The safety algorithm is ended when the temperature falls below a safe level and the user is warned by an audible and/or visual alarm.
When the temperature read from the temperature sensors exceeds a certain value, the safety algorithm of the present invention to be implemented is preferably as given below: First, the current drying program is stopped. Thus, for example the heaters and the fan will stop operating. Afterwards, the water intake valves that enable water to be delivered to the tub and/or the jet pump are opened and the jet pump is started to be driven. Water is flushed onto the laundry as the jet pump is driven. Simultaneously, the drum is rotated to right and left with a certain speed and time period by means of the motor. As the motor rotates to right and left, the flushed water is enabled to contact all around the laundry and the flames are extinguished more quickly. When the water level exceeds a certain value, the valves are changed to the closed position. The safety algorithm is continued by operating the jet pump and rotating the drum to right and left until the temperature falls below a safe level. The user is warned by audible and/or visual alarms.
By means of the present invention, it is possible to extinguish the flames in the situation the laundry inflames by using the current components on the machine without installing an additional device to the washer/dryer. Safety can be provided without an additional cost increase by adding the safety algorithm of the present invention into the current program code included in the washer/dryer.
The model embodiments related to the laundry washer/dryer and the control method thereof realized in order to attain the aim of the present invention are illustrated in the attached figures, where:
Figure 1 – is the schematic view of a laundry washer/dryer.
Figure 2 – is the flow chart of the control method that provides fire safety in a laundry washer/dryer.
The elements illustrated in the figures are numbered as follows:
  1. Laundry washer/dryer
  2. Drum
  3. Tub
  4. Motor
  5. Valve
  6. Flushing nozzle
  7. Jet pump
  8. Level sensor
  9. Circulation duct
  10. Fan
  11. Heater
  12. Temperature sensor
  13. Control unit
The laundry washer/dryer (1) comprises a drum (2) wherein the laundry is placed, a tub (3) wherein the drum (2) moves, a motor (4) that moves the drum (2), a jet pump (7) that enables water to be flushed onto the laundry by means of a flushing nozzle (6), one or more than one valve (5) that enables water to be received from the water supply (S) and to be delivered to the tub (3) and/or to the jet pump (7), a level sensor (8) that detects the water level (L) inside the tub (3), a circulation duct (9) wherein the cycle of the processing air enabling the drying of the laundry is performed, a fan (10) providing the circulation of processing air, a heater (11) disposed inside the circulation duct (9), a condenser that condenses the processing air, and one or more than one temperature sensor (12) that is disposed inside the circulation duct (9) and that measures the processing air temperature (T).
The laundry washer/dryer (1) of the present invention comprises a control unit (13) that implements a washing process wherein the laundry is washed and a drying process wherein the laundry is dried, which ends the drying process by deactivating the fan (10) and the heater (11) when the processing air temperature (T) measured by the temperature sensor (12) in the drying process exceeds a predetermined first threshold value (T1) (T > T1), which changes to the safety mode and which enables the valve (5) to be opened, the jet pump (7) to be driven, water to be flushed onto the laundry by means of the flushing nozzle (6) and simultaneously enables the motor (4) to rotate the drum (2) to right and left for predetermined short time periods in the safety mode (Figure 1).
The control unit (13) decides that the laundry is inflamed or about to inflame when a processing air temperature (T) that exceeds the threshold value (T1) (T > T1) is measured by the temperature sensor (12) in the drying process implemented in the laundry washer/dryer (1). The control unit (13) ends the drying process by deactivating the heater (11) and the fan (10) and operates the jet pump (7) by opening the valve (5). Water is flushed onto the laundry that is inflamed or about to inflame by means of the flushing nozzle (6), the drum (2) is made to perform right-left rotational movements by the motor (4), for example in short time periods of a few seconds, simultaneously with the water flushing process, in other words, all the surfaces of the laundry are enabled to be drenched by making the drum (2) to perform oscillation movements and a probable fire hazard is eliminated by extinguishing the flames.
In the laundry washer/dryer (1), during the drying process, when the processing air temperature (T) measured by the temperature sensor (12) exceeds the first threshold value (T1) predetermined by the producer (T>T1) , the control unit (13) ends the drying process, changes to the safety mode and implements the above mentioned flame extinguishing program. The first threshold value (T1) corresponds to a temperature value whereat the laundry or objects like tissue paper forgotten in the laundry may start getting inflamed and burning.
In an embodiment of the present invention, in the safety mode, the control unit (13) provides the continuation of the processes of water intake by the valve (5), driving of the jet pump (7), flushing water onto the laundry and rotating the drum (2) to right and left by means of the motor (4) until the processing air temperature (T) falls below the second threshold value (T2) if the water level (L) inside the tub (3) measured by the level sensor (8) is below a predetermined threshold value (L1) (L < L1) and if the processing air temperature (T) measured by the temperature sensor (12) is higher than a predetermined second threshold value (T2) (T > T2).
In this embodiment, the control unit (13) changes the valve (5) to the closed position and stops the operation of the jet pump (7) and the motor (4) when the processing air temperature (T) detected by the temperature sensor (12) falls below the second threshold value (T2).
The second threshold temperature value (T2) of the processing air corresponds to a safer temperature value whereat the laundry does not inflame. For safety reasons, the second threshold value (T2) is preferred to be considerably lower than the first threshold value (T1).
In another embodiment of the present invention, in the safety mode, the control unit (13) closes the valve (5) and provides the continuation of the flame extinguishing program which includes driving of the jet pump (7), flushing water onto the laundry and rotating the drum (2) to right and left by means of the motor (4) until the processing air temperature (T) falls below the second threshold value (T2) if the water level (L) inside the tub (3) measured by the level sensor (8) is higher than the threshold value (L1) (L > L1) and if the detected processing air temperature (T) is higher than the second threshold value (T2) (T > T2).
The control unit (13) stops the operation of the jet pump (7) and the motor (4) when the processing air temperature (T) falls below the second threshold value (T2).
In an embodiment of the present invention, the control unit (13) enables the user to be informed audibly and/or visually about starting and/or ending of the fire safety algorithm.
In the laundry washer/dryer (1), the control method that provides fire safety comprises the following steps:
- continuously measuring the processing air temperature (T) by the temperature sensor (12) in the drying process (101),
- determining whether or not the measured processing air temperature (T) exceeds a predetermined first threshold value (T1) (102),
- changing to the safety mode when the processing air temperature (T) exceeds the first threshold value (T1) (T>T1) and receiving water into the tub (3) from the water supply (S) by changing the valve (5) to the open position (103),
- flushing the water received into the tub (3) onto the laundry by driving the jet pump (7) (104) and
- rotating the drum (2) by means of the motor (4) to right and left for short time periods predetermined by the producer (105) (Figure 2).
In an embodiment of the present invention, the control method that provides fire safety in the laundry washer/dryer (1) comprises the following steps:
- measuring the water level (L) inside the tub (3) by the level sensor (8) (106),
- detecting the processing air temperature (T) by the temperature sensor (12) if the water level (L) is below a threshold value (L1) (L< L1) predetermined by the producer (107),
- receiving water from the water supply (S) into the tub (3) by opening the valve (5) until the processing air temperature (T) falls below the second threshold value (T2) if the processing air temperature (T) is above a second threshold value (T2) (T > T2), predetermined by the producer (108),
- driving the jet pump (7) and flushing water onto the laundry (109) and
- rotating the drum (2) to right and left by means of the motor (4) (110),
- closing the valve (5) when the processing air temperature (T) falls below the second threshold value (T2) (115),
- stopping the jet pump (7) (116) and
- stopping the motor (4) (117) (Figure 2).
In another embodiment of the present invention, the control method that provides fire safety in the laundry washer/dryer (1) comprises the following steps:
- measuring the water level (L) inside the tub (3) by the level sensor (8) (106),
- closing the valve (5) if the measured water level (L) is above the threshold value (L1) (L > L1) (111),
- detecting the processing air temperature (T) by the temperature sensor (12) (112),
- if the processing air temperature (T) is above the second threshold value (T2) (T > T2), driving the jet pump (7) until the processing air temperature (T) falls below the second threshold value (T2) (113),
- rotating the drum (2) to right and left by means of the motor (4) (114),
- stopping the jet pump (7) when the processing air temperature (T) falls below the second threshold value (T2) (116),
- stopping the motor (4) (117) (Figure 1).
In an embodiment of the present invention, the control method that provides fire safety in the laundry washer/dryer (1) comprises the step of:
- informing the user about the fire safety algorithm being started and/or ended by giving audible and/or visual warnings (118) (Figure 2).

Claims (10)

  1. A laundry washer/dryer (1) comprising a drum (2) wherein the laundry is placed, a tub (3) wherein the drum (2) moves, a motor (4) that moves the drum (2), a jet pump (7) that enables water to be flushed onto the laundry by means of a flushing nozzle (6) during washing, one or more than one valve (5) enables the water to be received from the water supply (S) and to be delivered to the tub (3) and/or the jet pump (7), a level sensor (8) that detects the water level (L) inside the tub (3), a circulation duct (9) wherein the cycle of the processing air enabling the drying of the laundry is performed, a fan (10) providing the circulation of the processing air, a heater (11) disposed inside the circulation duct (9), and one or more than one temperature sensor (12) that is disposed inside the circulation duct (9) and that measures the processing air temperature (T), characterized by a control unit (13) which ends the drying process by deactivating the fan (10) and the heater (11) when the processing air temperature (T) in the drying process exceeds a predetermined first threshold value (T1), changes to the safety mode and enables the valve (5) to be opened, the jet pump (7) to be driven, water to be flushed onto the laundry by means of the flushing nozzle (6) and enables the motor (4) to rotate the drum (2) to right and left for predetermined short time periods in the safety mode.
  2. A laundry washer/dryer (1) as in Claim 1, characterized by the control unit (13) which provides the continuation of the processes of water intake by the valve (5), driving of the jet pump (7), flushing water onto the laundry and rotating the drum (2) to right and left by means of the motor (4) in the safety mode until the processing air temperature (T) falls below the second threshold value (T2), if the water level (L) inside the tub (3) measured by the level sensor (8) is below a predetermined threshold value (L1) and the processing air temperature (T) measured by the temperature sensor (12) is higher than a predetermined second threshold value (T2).
  3. A laundry washer/dryer (1) as in Claim 2, characterized by the control unit (13) that changes the valve (5) to the closed position, stops the operation of the jet pump (7) and the motor (4) when the processing air temperature (T) detected by the temperature sensor (12) falls below the second threshold value (T2).
  4. A laundry washer/dryer (1) as in Claim 1, characterized by the control unit (13) which closes the valve (5) and provides the continuation of the processes of driving the jet pump (7), flushing water onto the laundry and rotating the drum (2) to right and left by means of the motor (4) in the safety mode until the processing air temperature (T) falls below the second threshold value (T2), if the water level (L) inside the tub (3) measured by the level sensor (8) is above the threshold value (L1) and the detected process air temperature (T) is higher than the second threshold value (T2).
  5. A laundry washer/dryer (1) as in Claim 4, characterized by the control unit (13) that stops the operation of the jet pump (7) and the motor (4) when the processing air temperature (T) falls below the second threshold value (T2).
  6. A laundry washer/dryer (1) as in any one of the above claims, characterized by the control unit (13) that enables the user to be informed about starting and/or ending of the fire safety algorithm by giving audible and/or visual warnings.
  7. A control method for a laundry washer/dryer (1) comprising the steps of:
    - continuously measuring the processing air temperature (T) by the temperature sensor (12) in the drying process (101),
    - determining whether or not the measured processing air temperature (T) exceeds a predetermined first threshold value (T1) (102),
    - changing to the safety mode when the processing air temperature (T) exceeds the first threshold value (T1) and receiving water into the tub (3) from the water supply (S) by changing the valve (5) to the open position (103),
    - flushing the water received into the tub (3) onto the laundry by driving the jet pump (7) (104) and
    - rotating the drum (2) by means of the motor (4) to right and left for short time periods predetermined by the producer (105).
  8. A control method for a laundry washer/dryer (1) as in Claim 7, comprising the steps of:
    - measuring the water level (L) inside the tub (3) by the level sensor (8) (106),
    - detecting the processing air temperature (T) by the temperature sensor (12) if the water level (L) is below a threshold value (L1) (L< L1) predetermined by the producer (107),
    - receiving water into the tub (3) from the water supply (S) by opening the valve (5) until the processing air temperature (T) falls below the second threshold value (T2), if the processing air temperature (T) is above a second threshold value (T2) (T > T2), predetermined by the producer (108),
    - driving the jet pump (7) and flushing water onto the laundry (109),
    - rotating the drum (2) to right and left by means of the motor (4) (110),
    - closing the valve (5) when the processing air temperature (T) falls below the second threshold value (T2) (115),
    - stopping the jet pump (7) (116) and
    - stopping the motor (4) (117).
  9. A control method for a laundry washer/dryer (1) as in Claim 7, comprising the steps of:
    - measuring the water level (L) inside the tub (3) by the level sensor (8) (106),
    - closing the valve (5) if the measured water level (L) is above the threshold value (L1) (L > L1) (111),
    - detecting the processing air temperature (T) by the temperature sensor (12) (112),
    - if the processing air temperature (T) is above the second threshold value (T2), driving the jet pump (7) until the processing air temperature (T) falls below the second threshold value (T2) (113),
    - rotating the drum (2) to right and left by means of the motor (4) (114),
    - stopping the jet pump (7) when the processing air temperature (T) falls below the second threshold value (T2) (116),
    - stopping the motor (4) (117).
  10. A control method for a laundry washer/dryer (1) as in any one of the claims 7 to 9, comprising the step of:
    - informing the user about the fire safety algorithm being started and/or ended by giving audible and/or visual warnings (118).
PCT/EP2014/058037 2013-04-26 2014-04-21 A laundry washer/dryer and the control method thereof WO2014173854A2 (en)

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Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2016162230A1 (en) * 2015-04-06 2016-10-13 Arcelik Anonim Sirketi A laundry washing and drying machine comprising a condenser
CN114086376A (en) * 2021-12-02 2022-02-25 珠海格力电器股份有限公司 Control method and control device of washing machine
WO2023086068A3 (en) * 2021-11-15 2023-07-13 Vestel Beyaz Esya Sanayi Ve Ticaret Anonim Sirketi An operation method for dryers

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CN110762962A (en) * 2019-11-28 2020-02-07 徐州马龙节能环保设备有限公司 High-efficiency dryer

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JPH11216294A (en) * 1998-02-04 1999-08-10 Sharp Corp Drum type drying and washing machine and equipment provided with drying means
US6715216B1 (en) * 2003-07-11 2004-04-06 Cissell Manufacturing Company Clothes dryer with fire suppression system
WO2006052152A1 (en) * 2004-11-11 2006-05-18 Fisher & Paykel Appliances Limited A method of reducing a risk of fire in a laundry appliance and an appliance incorporating said method

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Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
JPH11216294A (en) * 1998-02-04 1999-08-10 Sharp Corp Drum type drying and washing machine and equipment provided with drying means
US6715216B1 (en) * 2003-07-11 2004-04-06 Cissell Manufacturing Company Clothes dryer with fire suppression system
WO2006052152A1 (en) * 2004-11-11 2006-05-18 Fisher & Paykel Appliances Limited A method of reducing a risk of fire in a laundry appliance and an appliance incorporating said method

Cited By (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2016162230A1 (en) * 2015-04-06 2016-10-13 Arcelik Anonim Sirketi A laundry washing and drying machine comprising a condenser
WO2023086068A3 (en) * 2021-11-15 2023-07-13 Vestel Beyaz Esya Sanayi Ve Ticaret Anonim Sirketi An operation method for dryers
CN114086376A (en) * 2021-12-02 2022-02-25 珠海格力电器股份有限公司 Control method and control device of washing machine

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