EP2638196B1 - A washer/dryer comprising a relay determining rotational direction of the motor - Google Patents

A washer/dryer comprising a relay determining rotational direction of the motor Download PDF

Info

Publication number
EP2638196B1
EP2638196B1 EP20110779653 EP11779653A EP2638196B1 EP 2638196 B1 EP2638196 B1 EP 2638196B1 EP 20110779653 EP20110779653 EP 20110779653 EP 11779653 A EP11779653 A EP 11779653A EP 2638196 B1 EP2638196 B1 EP 2638196B1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
relay
dryer
winding
motor
washer
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Not-in-force
Application number
EP20110779653
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
Other versions
EP2638196A1 (en
Inventor
Erdem Kara
Arif Zafer Ozarslan
Sinan Sekban
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Arcelik AS
Original Assignee
Arcelik AS
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Arcelik AS filed Critical Arcelik AS
Priority to PL11779653T priority Critical patent/PL2638196T3/en
Publication of EP2638196A1 publication Critical patent/EP2638196A1/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP2638196B1 publication Critical patent/EP2638196B1/en
Not-in-force legal-status Critical Current
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical

Links

Images

Classifications

    • D—TEXTILES; PAPER
    • D06—TREATMENT OF TEXTILES OR THE LIKE; LAUNDERING; FLEXIBLE MATERIALS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • D06F—LAUNDERING, DRYING, IRONING, PRESSING OR FOLDING TEXTILE ARTICLES
    • D06F37/00—Details specific to washing machines covered by groups D06F21/00 - D06F25/00
    • D06F37/30—Driving arrangements 
    • D06F37/304—Arrangements or adaptations of electric motors
    • 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
    • D—TEXTILES; PAPER
    • D06—TREATMENT OF TEXTILES OR THE LIKE; LAUNDERING; FLEXIBLE MATERIALS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • D06F—LAUNDERING, DRYING, IRONING, PRESSING OR FOLDING TEXTILE ARTICLES
    • D06F2103/00—Parameters monitored or detected for the control of domestic laundry washing machines, washer-dryers or laundry dryers
    • D06F2103/28—Air properties
    • D06F2103/34—Humidity
    • D—TEXTILES; PAPER
    • D06—TREATMENT OF TEXTILES OR THE LIKE; LAUNDERING; FLEXIBLE MATERIALS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • D06F—LAUNDERING, DRYING, IRONING, PRESSING OR FOLDING TEXTILE ARTICLES
    • D06F2103/00—Parameters monitored or detected for the control of domestic laundry washing machines, washer-dryers or laundry dryers
    • D06F2103/44—Current or voltage
    • 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
    • D06F2105/62—Stopping or disabling machine operation
    • 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
    • D06F34/00—Details of control systems for washing machines, washer-dryers or laundry dryers
    • D06F34/14—Arrangements for detecting or measuring specific parameters
    • 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
    • D06F58/02—Domestic laundry dryers having dryer drums rotating about a horizontal axis
    • D06F58/04—Details 
    • D06F58/08—Driving arrangements
    • D—TEXTILES; PAPER
    • D06—TREATMENT OF TEXTILES OR THE LIKE; LAUNDERING; FLEXIBLE MATERIALS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • D06F—LAUNDERING, DRYING, IRONING, PRESSING OR FOLDING TEXTILE ARTICLES
    • D06F58/00—Domestic laundry dryers
    • D06F58/32—Control of operations performed in domestic laundry dryers 
    • D06F58/34—Control of operations performed in domestic laundry dryers  characterised by the purpose or target of the control
    • D06F58/50—Responding to irregular working conditions, e.g. malfunctioning of blowers

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a washer/dryer wherein the rotational direction of the motor can be changed by a relay.
  • a drum and a motor that provides the drum to be rotated are included. Starting-up, stopping and the rotational direction of the motor are determined by a control circuit.
  • the relay that determines the rotational direction of the motor is in the first position, the current feeds the arm that rotates the motor clockwise.
  • the motor is desired to be rotated in the reverse direction, the current is delivered on the relay coil and the relay contacts the other arm of the motor. , the motor direction relay can adhere to the contacted arm as a result of a problem occurred in the coil or short circuit.
  • the relay continues to deliver electricity only to the arm it has adhered to even though the control unit gives the command to the relay for delivering electricity to the arm of the motor providing clockwise rotation for a certain time period, and to the arm providing counterclockwise rotation for a certain time period.
  • This causes overloading in the circuit elements through which current flows in excess of their requirements.
  • the circuit elements subjected to overloading for a long time may malfunction in the course of time. For example, if the motor direction relay in a dryer adheres to the arm of the motor providing counterclockwise rotation, air circulation cannot be provided properly and the heaters that provide the air to be heated cause the ambient environment to be overheated.
  • various tests are performed with the software installed in the control circuit in order to understand the problem of relay adherence.
  • the United States Patent Document No. US3909955 a clothes dryer is explained having an integrated circuit control for monitoring motor relay malfunction state.
  • the United States Patent Document No. US4338730 A discloses a dryer wherein wet clothing placed in a drying chamber is dried by hot air resulting from the heat generated by an electric heater.
  • the dryer comprises a ventilation fan which draws off air streams from the drying chamber and introduces the same amount of air streams as those thus removed into the drying chamber during a drying cycle.
  • the aim of the present invention is the realization of a washer/dryer wherein the relay error can be detected easily.
  • the washer/dryer realized in order to attain the aim of the present invention, explicated in the first claim and the respective claims thereof, comprises a relay providing rotational direction of the motor to be changed and a control circuit having a measuring unit connected to one of the motor windings for detecting relay adherence.
  • the control unit regulates the operational program of the washer/dryer by monitoring functioning of the components like the motor, heater, pump, valve, fan that are disposed in the washer/dryer.
  • the measuring unit disposed in the control circuit is connected to one of the windings so that this adherence situation can be detected.
  • the measuring unit that measures the electrical data in the winding provides relay adherence situation to be detected.
  • control unit ends the operational program and warns the user when the relay adherence is detected in accordance with the data received from the measuring unit.
  • the measuring unit measures the voltage of the winding to which it is connected.
  • the measuring unit is a voltage measuring circuit that measures the mains voltage by which the control circuit is fed.
  • the motor operation of which is appropriate when the mains voltage is, for example around 230 V, cannot start up when the mains voltage is 170 V.
  • the heater can be also damaged over 260 V when the mains voltage is around 220 V. Therefore, the measuring unit also monitors the mains voltage and enables the operational program to start by delivering electricity to the components within the interval of around 190V-250V.
  • an additional device is not required to be used for detecting relay adherence situation.
  • the measuring unit measures the current passing through the winding to which it is connected.
  • the measuring unit comprises a switching circuit that becomes open circuit when the voltage in the winding to which it is connected reaches a certain value.
  • the measuring unit is an impedance measuring circuit that measures the impedance in the winding to which it is connected.
  • the measuring unit is connected to the main winding which draws high current.
  • the measuring unit is connected to the auxiliary winding.
  • the measuring unit is connected to the main winding or the auxiliary winding and the control circuit detects whether or not the relay has adhered to one of the windings.
  • the washer/dryer (1) of the present invention comprises a drum wherein the laundry is placed, a motor (2) that provides the drum to be rotated, having a main winding (MW) and an auxiliary winding (AW) and a relay (3) providing the motor (2) to rotate in one direction when connected to the main winding (MW) of the motor (2) and providing the motor (2) to rotate in the other direction when connected to the auxiliary winding (AW) of the motor (2), providing the motor (2) to rotate in the other direction, a capacitor (6) disposed between the windings (MW and AW) and a control circuit (4) that determines the position of the relay (3), providing control of the washing parameters.
  • a motor (2) that provides the drum to be rotated, having a main winding (MW) and an auxiliary winding (AW) and a relay (3) providing the motor (2) to rotate in one direction when connected to the main winding (MW) of the motor (2) and providing the motor (2) to rotate in the other direction when connected to the auxiliary winding (AW) of the motor (2), providing the motor (2) to rotate
  • the washer/dryer (1) furthermore comprises a measuring unit (5), disposed in the control circuit (4), electrically connected to the main winding (MW) or the auxiliary winding (AW) of the motor (2), providing the position of the relay (3) to be determined from the measured electrical data by detecting whether or not the current delivered from the mains to the main winding (MW) or the auxiliary winding (AW) passes through the capacitor (6).
  • a measuring unit (5) disposed in the control circuit (4), electrically connected to the main winding (MW) or the auxiliary winding (AW) of the motor (2), providing the position of the relay (3) to be determined from the measured electrical data by detecting whether or not the current delivered from the mains to the main winding (MW) or the auxiliary winding (AW) passes through the capacitor (6).
  • the relay (3) comprises a coil (not shown in the figures) that generates a magnetic field when current is delivered by the control circuit (4) and changes the position of the relay (3) with the effect of the magnetic field.
  • the motor (2) rotating clockwise when the relay (3) is in the first position, starts to rotate in the opposite direction by means of the relay (3) shifting to the second position as current is fed to the coil of the relay (3).
  • the relay (3) can adhere to the contact tip of the contacted winding (MW or AW) as a result of a malfunction in the relay (3) or due to the current delivered to the motor (2) being too high. When the relay (3) adheres to the contact tip of the winding (MW or AW), it delivers current to that winding (MW or AW) for a longer time than necessary.
  • the measuring unit (5) disposed in the control circuit (4) can measure the electrical data of the winding (MW or AW) to which it is connected by means of the current in the capacitor (6) between the windings (MW or AW).
  • the capacitor (6) is connected in series to the auxiliary winding (AW) and in parallel to the main winding (MW) while the relay (3) is connected to the main winding (MW).
  • the measuring unit (5) measures the data received directly from the mains since the effect of the capacitor (6) does not exist ( Figure 3 ).
  • the capacitor (6) is connected in series to the main winding (MW) while the relay (3) is connected to the auxiliary winding (AW) ( Figure 4 ).
  • the measuring unit (5) this time measures the data received from the capacitor (6) and the mains on the main winding (MW) ( Figure 4 ).
  • the measuring unit (5) measures the data received from the mains when the relay (3) is connected to the winding (MW or AW) the measuring unit (5) is connected to.
  • the measuring unit (5) measures the total of the mains data and the capacitor (6) data when the relay (3) is connected to the winding (MW or AW) the measuring unit (5) is hot connected to.
  • the control circuit (4) determines which winding (MW or AW) the relay (3) is connected to depending on the measured data.
  • the control circuit (4) controls adherence of the relay (3) by comparing the detected relay (3) position with the position the relay (3) has to be located, which is prerecorded in its memory.
  • the control circuit (4) comprises a safety algorithm that provides the current delivered to the relay (3) to be cut off when the adherence of the relay (3) is detected.
  • mechanical motion is provided by means of a switch disposed in the control circuit (4) and the relay (3) is provided to be released from the winding (MW or AW) to which it has adhered. Consequently, the motor (2) is prevented from continuously rotating in the same direction and from overspeeding, thus safety is maintained.
  • control circuit (4) warns the user by ending the operational program of the washer/dryer (1) when the relay (3) adherence is detected and/or cannot be resolved.
  • the motor (2) is stopped if error recovery program is not included in the control circuit (4) or if error recovery cannot be performed.
  • the measuring unit (5) is a voltage measuring circuit that measures the voltage on the winding (MW or AW) to which it is connected.
  • the relay (3) adherence situation can be detected by the measured voltage value.
  • the control circuit (4) controls whether or not the mains voltage is within the mains voltage values prerecorded in the memory of the control circuit (4) by the producer, in cases where the measuring unit (5) measures the mains voltage, for example when the measuring unit (5) and the relay (3) are connected to the main winding (MW). There is a minimum voltage value required for the motor (2) to start up. There is a maximum voltage value by which various components located on the control circuit (4) and elements such as the heater, fan disposed in the washer/dryer (1) fed by the mains voltage can be fed without being damaged. Therefore, in cases where the measuring unit (5) measures the mains voltage, the control unit (4) does not start the operational program of the washer/dryer (1) if the measured voltage value is not between the minimum and maximum voltage values recorded in its memory.
  • the measuring unit (5) is a current measuring circuit that measures the current passing from the winding (MW or AW) to which it is connected.
  • the control circuit (4) compares the measured voltage value with the voltage value that has to pass through the measuring unit (5) under normal conditions, prerecorded in its memory by the producer, and determines adherence situation of the relay (3).
  • the measuring unit (5) comprises a switching element, for example a diode, that switches when a certain voltage difference occurs between the winding (MW or AW) to which it is connected and the output of the motor (2).
  • a switching element for example a diode
  • the measuring unit (5) is an impedance measuring circuit that measures the impedance of the winding (MW or AW) to which it is connected.
  • the measuring unit (5) enables to determine the adherence situation of the relay (3) from the difference in the impedance, named as resistivity, calculated from the ratio of the voltage on the winding (MW or AW) to the current.
  • the washer/dryer (1) By means of the measuring unit (5) disposed in the washer/dryer (1) of the present invention, whether or not the relay (3), determining rotational direction of the motor (2), has adhered to the main winding (MW) or the auxiliary winding (AW) of the motor (2) can be easily detected from the differences in the measured electrical data. Consequently, the washer/dryer (1) is provided to operate safely.

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Textile Engineering (AREA)
  • Control Of Washing Machine And Dryer (AREA)

Description

  • The present invention relates to a washer/dryer wherein the rotational direction of the motor can be changed by a relay.
  • In washer/dryers, a drum and a motor that provides the drum to be rotated are included. Starting-up, stopping and the rotational direction of the motor are determined by a control circuit. When the relay that determines the rotational direction of the motor is in the first position, the current feeds the arm that rotates the motor clockwise. When the motor is desired to be rotated in the reverse direction, the current is delivered on the relay coil and the relay contacts the other arm of the motor. , the motor direction relay can adhere to the contacted arm as a result of a problem occurred in the coil or short circuit. In this case, the relay continues to deliver electricity only to the arm it has adhered to even though the control unit gives the command to the relay for delivering electricity to the arm of the motor providing clockwise rotation for a certain time period, and to the arm providing counterclockwise rotation for a certain time period. This causes overloading in the circuit elements through which current flows in excess of their requirements. The circuit elements subjected to overloading for a long time may malfunction in the course of time. For example, if the motor direction relay in a dryer adheres to the arm of the motor providing counterclockwise rotation, air circulation cannot be provided properly and the heaters that provide the air to be heated cause the ambient environment to be overheated. In the state of the art, various tests are performed with the software installed in the control circuit in order to understand the problem of relay adherence.
  • In one of the state of the art embodiments, the United States Patent Document No. US3909955 , a clothes dryer is explained having an integrated circuit control for monitoring motor relay malfunction state. The United States Patent Document No. US4338730 A discloses a dryer wherein wet clothing placed in a drying chamber is dried by hot air resulting from the heat generated by an electric heater. The dryer comprises a ventilation fan which draws off air streams from the drying chamber and introduces the same amount of air streams as those thus removed into the drying chamber during a drying cycle.
  • The aim of the present invention is the realization of a washer/dryer wherein the relay error can be detected easily.
  • The washer/dryer realized in order to attain the aim of the present invention, explicated in the first claim and the respective claims thereof, comprises a relay providing rotational direction of the motor to be changed and a control circuit having a measuring unit connected to one of the motor windings for detecting relay adherence.
  • The control unit regulates the operational program of the washer/dryer by monitoring functioning of the components like the motor, heater, pump, valve, fan that are disposed in the washer/dryer. Right and/or left rotation of the drum, wherein the laundry is placed during the washing/drying phase, is provided by the motor. While the motor rotates in one direction when electricity is delivered to its main winding, it rotates in the other direction when electricity is delivered to its auxiliary winding. Electricity is delivered to the motor windings by changing the place of a relay that is handled by the control circuit. In some abnormal conditions, the relay may adhere to the contacted winding and cannot be released from the said winding even though the control circuit commands to shift to the other winding. The measuring unit disposed in the control circuit is connected to one of the windings so that this adherence situation can be detected. The measuring unit that measures the electrical data in the winding provides relay adherence situation to be detected.
  • In an embodiment of the present invention, the control unit ends the operational program and warns the user when the relay adherence is detected in accordance with the data received from the measuring unit.
  • In an embodiment of the present invention, the measuring unit measures the voltage of the winding to which it is connected.
  • In an embodiment of the present invention, the measuring unit is a voltage measuring circuit that measures the mains voltage by which the control circuit is fed. The motor, operation of which is appropriate when the mains voltage is, for example around 230 V, cannot start up when the mains voltage is 170 V. For example, the heater can be also damaged over 260 V when the mains voltage is around 220 V. Therefore, the measuring unit also monitors the mains voltage and enables the operational program to start by delivering electricity to the components within the interval of around 190V-250V. By means of using the measuring unit disposed in the control circuit for also detecting relay adherence situation, an additional device is not required to be used for detecting relay adherence situation.
  • In another embodiment of the present invention, the measuring unit measures the current passing through the winding to which it is connected.
  • In another embodiment of the present invention, the measuring unit comprises a switching circuit that becomes open circuit when the voltage in the winding to which it is connected reaches a certain value.
  • In another embodiment of the present invention, the measuring unit is an impedance measuring circuit that measures the impedance in the winding to which it is connected.
  • In an embodiment of the present invention, the measuring unit is connected to the main winding which draws high current.
  • In an embodiment of the present invention, the measuring unit is connected to the auxiliary winding.
  • In the washer/dryer of the present invention, the measuring unit is connected to the main winding or the auxiliary winding and the control circuit detects whether or not the relay has adhered to one of the windings.
  • A washer/dryer realized in order to attain the aim of the present invention is illustrated in the attached figures, where:
    • Figure 1 - is the schematic view of a washer/dryer.
    • Figure 2 - is the schematic view of a control circuit when the relay is in the first position.
    • Figure 3 - is the schematic view of a measuring unit connected to the main winding while the relay is in the first position in an embodiment of the present invention.
    • Figure 4 - is the schematic view of a measuring unit connected to the main winding while the relay is in the second position in an embodiment of the present invention.
  • The elements illustrated in the figures are numbered as follows:
    1. 1. Washer/dryer
    2. 2. Motor
    3. 3. Relay
    4. 4. Control circuit
    5. 5. Measuring unit
    6. 6. Capacitor
  • The washer/dryer (1) of the present invention comprises a drum wherein the laundry is placed, a motor (2) that provides the drum to be rotated, having a main winding (MW) and an auxiliary winding (AW) and a relay (3) providing the motor (2) to rotate in one direction when connected to the main winding (MW) of the motor (2) and providing the motor (2) to rotate in the other direction when connected to the auxiliary winding (AW) of the motor (2), providing the motor (2) to rotate in the other direction, a capacitor (6) disposed between the windings (MW and AW) and a control circuit (4) that determines the position of the relay (3), providing control of the washing parameters.
  • The washer/dryer (1) furthermore comprises a measuring unit (5), disposed in the control circuit (4), electrically connected to the main winding (MW) or the auxiliary winding (AW) of the motor (2), providing the position of the relay (3) to be determined from the measured electrical data by detecting whether or not the current delivered from the mains to the main winding (MW) or the auxiliary winding (AW) passes through the capacitor (6).
  • The relay (3) comprises a coil (not shown in the figures) that generates a magnetic field when current is delivered by the control circuit (4) and changes the position of the relay (3) with the effect of the magnetic field. The motor (2), rotating clockwise when the relay (3) is in the first position, starts to rotate in the opposite direction by means of the relay (3) shifting to the second position as current is fed to the coil of the relay (3). The relay (3) can adhere to the contact tip of the contacted winding (MW or AW) as a result of a malfunction in the relay (3) or due to the current delivered to the motor (2) being too high. When the relay (3) adheres to the contact tip of the winding (MW or AW), it delivers current to that winding (MW or AW) for a longer time than necessary. Therefore, the motor (2) rotates in the same direction for a longer time than required or rotates in the same direction continuously. The measuring unit (5) disposed in the control circuit (4) can measure the electrical data of the winding (MW or AW) to which it is connected by means of the current in the capacitor (6) between the windings (MW or AW).
  • In the embodiment wherein the measuring unit (5) is connected to the main winding (MW), the capacitor (6) is connected in series to the auxiliary winding (AW) and in parallel to the main winding (MW) while the relay (3) is connected to the main winding (MW). The measuring unit (5) measures the data received directly from the mains since the effect of the capacitor (6) does not exist (Figure 3). In this embodiment wherein the measuring unit (5) is connected to the main winding (MW), the capacitor (6) is connected in series to the main winding (MW) while the relay (3) is connected to the auxiliary winding (AW) (Figure 4). The measuring unit (5) this time measures the data received from the capacitor (6) and the mains on the main winding (MW) (Figure 4).
  • The measuring unit (5) measures the data received from the mains when the relay (3) is connected to the winding (MW or AW) the measuring unit (5) is connected to. The measuring unit (5) measures the total of the mains data and the capacitor (6) data when the relay (3) is connected to the winding (MW or AW) the measuring unit (5) is hot connected to. Thus, the control circuit (4) determines which winding (MW or AW) the relay (3) is connected to depending on the measured data.
  • In an embodiment of the present invention, the control circuit (4) controls adherence of the relay (3) by comparing the detected relay (3) position with the position the relay (3) has to be located, which is prerecorded in its memory. For example, the control circuit (4) comprises a safety algorithm that provides the current delivered to the relay (3) to be cut off when the adherence of the relay (3) is detected. Or mechanical motion is provided by means of a switch disposed in the control circuit (4) and the relay (3) is provided to be released from the winding (MW or AW) to which it has adhered. Consequently, the motor (2) is prevented from continuously rotating in the same direction and from overspeeding, thus safety is maintained.
  • In an embodiment of the present invention, the control circuit (4) warns the user by ending the operational program of the washer/dryer (1) when the relay (3) adherence is detected and/or cannot be resolved. The motor (2) is stopped if error recovery program is not included in the control circuit (4) or if error recovery cannot be performed.
  • In an embodiment of the present invention, the measuring unit (5) is a voltage measuring circuit that measures the voltage on the winding (MW or AW) to which it is connected. The relay (3) adherence situation can be detected by the measured voltage value.
  • In an embodiment of the present invention, the control circuit (4) controls whether or not the mains voltage is within the mains voltage values prerecorded in the memory of the control circuit (4) by the producer, in cases where the measuring unit (5) measures the mains voltage, for example when the measuring unit (5) and the relay (3) are connected to the main winding (MW). There is a minimum voltage value required for the motor (2) to start up. There is a maximum voltage value by which various components located on the control circuit (4) and elements such as the heater, fan disposed in the washer/dryer (1) fed by the mains voltage can be fed without being damaged. Therefore, in cases where the measuring unit (5) measures the mains voltage, the control unit (4) does not start the operational program of the washer/dryer (1) if the measured voltage value is not between the minimum and maximum voltage values recorded in its memory.
  • In another embodiment of the present invention, the measuring unit (5) is a current measuring circuit that measures the current passing from the winding (MW or AW) to which it is connected. The control circuit (4) compares the measured voltage value with the voltage value that has to pass through the measuring unit (5) under normal conditions, prerecorded in its memory by the producer, and determines adherence situation of the relay (3).
  • In an embodiment of the present invention, the measuring unit (5) comprises a switching element, for example a diode, that switches when a certain voltage difference occurs between the winding (MW or AW) to which it is connected and the output of the motor (2).
  • In another embodiment of the present invention, the measuring unit (5) is an impedance measuring circuit that measures the impedance of the winding (MW or AW) to which it is connected. The measuring unit (5) enables to determine the adherence situation of the relay (3) from the difference in the impedance, named as resistivity, calculated from the ratio of the voltage on the winding (MW or AW) to the current.
  • By means of the measuring unit (5) disposed in the washer/dryer (1) of the present invention, whether or not the relay (3), determining rotational direction of the motor (2), has adhered to the main winding (MW) or the auxiliary winding (AW) of the motor (2) can be easily detected from the differences in the measured electrical data. Consequently, the washer/dryer (1) is provided to operate safely.
  • It is to be understood that the present invention is not limited to the embodiments disclosed above and a person skilled in the art can easily introduce different embodiments. These should be considered within the scope of the protection postulated by the claims of the present invention.

Claims (8)

  1. A washer/dryer (1) comprising a drum, a motor (2) that provides the drum to rotate, having a main winding (MW) and an auxiliary winding (AW) and a relay (3) providing the motor (2) to rotate in one direction when connected to the main winding (MW) of the motor (2) and providing the motor (2) to rotate in the other direction when connected to the auxiliary winding (AW), a capacitor (6) disposed between the windings (MW and AW) and a control circuit (4) determining the position of the relay (3), providing control of the washing parameters and characterized by a measuring unit (5) disposed in the control circuit (4), electrically connected to the main winding (MW) or the auxiliary winding (AW) of the motor (2), providing the position of the relay (3) to be determined from the measured electrical data by detecting whether the current delivered from the mains to the main winding (MW) or the auxiliary winding (AW) passes through the capacitor (6).
  2. A washer/dryer (1) as in Claim 1, characterized by the control circuit (4) that controls adherence of the relay (3) by comparing the detected relay (3) position with the position the relay (3) has to be located which is prerecorded in its memory.
  3. A washer/dryer (1) as in Claim 1 and 2, characterized by the control circuit (4) that warns the user by ending the operational program of the washer/dryer (1) when the relay (3) adherence situation is detected and/or cannot be resolved.
  4. Awasher/dryer (1) as in Claim 1 or 2, characterized by the measuring unit (5) which is a voltage measuring circuit that measures the voltage on the winding (MW or AW) to which it is connected.
  5. A washer/dryer (1) as in Claim 1 or 2, characterized by the control circuit (4) that controls whether or not the mains voltage is within the mains voltage values prerecorded in its memory by the producer.
  6. A washer/dryer (1) as in Claim 1 or 2, characterized by the measuring unit (5) which is a current measuring circuit that measures the current passing through the winding (MW or AW) to which it is connected.
  7. A washer/dryer (1) as in Claim 1 or 2, characterized by the measuring unit (5) that comprises a switching element, that switches when a certain voltage difference occurs between the winding (MW or AW) to which it is connected and the output of the motor (2).
  8. A washer/dryer (1) as in Claim 1 or 2, characterized by the measuring unit (5) which is an impedance measuring circuit that measures the impedance of the winding (MW or AW) to which it is connected.
EP20110779653 2010-11-09 2011-11-04 A washer/dryer comprising a relay determining rotational direction of the motor Not-in-force EP2638196B1 (en)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
PL11779653T PL2638196T3 (en) 2010-11-09 2011-11-04 A washer/dryer comprising a relay determining rotational direction of the motor

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
TR201009271 2010-11-09
PCT/EP2011/069474 WO2012062671A1 (en) 2010-11-09 2011-11-04 A washer/dryer comprising a relay determining rotational direction of the motor

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP2638196A1 EP2638196A1 (en) 2013-09-18
EP2638196B1 true EP2638196B1 (en) 2015-04-29

Family

ID=44913287

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP20110779653 Not-in-force EP2638196B1 (en) 2010-11-09 2011-11-04 A washer/dryer comprising a relay determining rotational direction of the motor

Country Status (3)

Country Link
EP (1) EP2638196B1 (en)
PL (1) PL2638196T3 (en)
WO (1) WO2012062671A1 (en)

Family Cites Families (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB934822A (en) * 1959-06-22 1963-08-21 Siemens Elektrogeraete Gmbh Improvements in or relating to washing machines
US3909955A (en) 1973-12-03 1975-10-07 Whirlpool Co Phase shift to prevent relay contact erosion in a clothes dryer
BE858672A (en) * 1977-09-14 1978-03-14 Itt Ind Belgium N V TIME MEASUREMENT, STEPPING DEVICE, HINGE AND LAUNDRY HANDLING MACHINE
US4338730A (en) * 1979-08-23 1982-07-13 Tokyo Shibaura Denki Kabushiki Kaisha Dryer
ATE403025T1 (en) * 2004-12-01 2008-08-15 Electrolux Home Prod Corp HOUSEHOLD CLOTHES DRYER WITH STARTER DEVICE

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
EP2638196A1 (en) 2013-09-18
WO2012062671A1 (en) 2012-05-18
PL2638196T3 (en) 2015-10-30

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
US7536807B2 (en) Method and device for safe operation of a program-controlled laundry drier
US5570520A (en) Clothes dryer dryness detection system
EP2386806B1 (en) Monitoring faults in the heating circuit of an appliance
KR102661664B1 (en) laundry machine having an induction heater
US20150059200A1 (en) Dryer appliance and a method for operating the same
EP2925925B1 (en) A method for controlling a drying cycle of a laundry dryer
EP2679718A1 (en) A laundry or tableware treating machine
US4531307A (en) Fabric dryer control with cycle interrupt
EP2569477A1 (en) Heating circuit with monitoring arrangement for a household appliance
EP1313905B1 (en) Method for drying laundry and machine implementing such a method
US20120084997A1 (en) Method to detect an end of cycle in a clothes dryer
EP2638196B1 (en) A washer/dryer comprising a relay determining rotational direction of the motor
EP2171153B1 (en) A washer/dryer
EP3249089B1 (en) Laundry treatment appliance
WO2007077113A1 (en) A washer/ dryer
JP4846671B2 (en) Rotating container drive device and control method thereof, washing machine, dryer
EP0863244A2 (en) Tumble Dryer
EP1899525B1 (en) A washer/dryer and a control method
EP2770101B1 (en) Laundry machine
CN109428317B (en) Overheat protection system and method for clothes dryer
US11655584B2 (en) Dryer appliance nuisance trip detection
CN105759206B (en) Fan state detection and protection system
JP3109302B2 (en) Clothes dryer
CN115698417A (en) Method for operating a laundry dryer equipped with a heat pump system and laundry dryer implementing said method
JPH0938393A (en) Clothing dryer

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
PUAI Public reference made under article 153(3) epc to a published international application that has entered the european phase

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009012

17P Request for examination filed

Effective date: 20130416

AK Designated contracting states

Kind code of ref document: A1

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

DAX Request for extension of the european patent (deleted)
17Q First examination report despatched

Effective date: 20140718

GRAP Despatch of communication of intention to grant a patent

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOSNIGR1

INTG Intention to grant announced

Effective date: 20150107

GRAS Grant fee paid

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOSNIGR3

GRAA (expected) grant

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009210

AK Designated contracting states

Kind code of ref document: B1

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

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: GB

Ref legal event code: FG4D

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: CH

Ref legal event code: EP

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: AT

Ref legal event code: REF

Ref document number: 724507

Country of ref document: AT

Kind code of ref document: T

Effective date: 20150515

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: IE

Ref legal event code: FG4D

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: DE

Ref legal event code: R096

Ref document number: 602011016143

Country of ref document: DE

Effective date: 20150611

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: NL

Ref legal event code: VDEP

Effective date: 20150429

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: AT

Ref legal event code: MK05

Ref document number: 724507

Country of ref document: AT

Kind code of ref document: T

Effective date: 20150429

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: LT

Ref legal event code: MG4D

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: NL

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20150429

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: ES

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20150429

Ref country code: LT

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20150429

Ref country code: NO

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20150729

Ref country code: FI

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20150429

Ref country code: PT

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20150831

Ref country code: HR

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20150429

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: PL

Ref legal event code: T3

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: FR

Ref legal event code: PLFP

Year of fee payment: 5

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: AT

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20150429

Ref country code: RS

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20150429

Ref country code: LV

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20150429

Ref country code: IS

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20150829

Ref country code: GR

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20150730

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: EE

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20150429

Ref country code: DK

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20150429

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: DE

Ref legal event code: R097

Ref document number: 602011016143

Country of ref document: DE

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: CZ

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20150429

Ref country code: SK

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20150429

Ref country code: RO

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20150429

PLBE No opposition filed within time limit

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009261

STAA Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent

Free format text: STATUS: NO OPPOSITION FILED WITHIN TIME LIMIT

26N No opposition filed

Effective date: 20160201

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: SI

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20150429

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: MC

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20150429

Ref country code: LU

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20151104

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: CH

Ref legal event code: PL

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: LI

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20151130

Ref country code: CH

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20151130

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: IE

Ref legal event code: MM4A

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: BE

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20150429

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: IE

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20151104

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: FR

Ref legal event code: PLFP

Year of fee payment: 6

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: FR

Payment date: 20161118

Year of fee payment: 6

Ref country code: GB

Payment date: 20161122

Year of fee payment: 6

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: IT

Payment date: 20161123

Year of fee payment: 6

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: BG

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20150429

Ref country code: SM

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20150429

Ref country code: HU

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT; INVALID AB INITIO

Effective date: 20111104

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: SE

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20150429

Ref country code: CY

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20150429

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: MT

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20150429

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: DE

Payment date: 20171121

Year of fee payment: 7

Ref country code: TR

Payment date: 20171019

Year of fee payment: 7

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: PL

Payment date: 20171031

Year of fee payment: 7

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: MK

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20150429

GBPC Gb: european patent ceased through non-payment of renewal fee

Effective date: 20171104

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: FR

Ref legal event code: ST

Effective date: 20180731

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: AL

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20150429

Ref country code: IT

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20171104

Ref country code: FR

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20171130

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: GB

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20171104

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: DE

Ref legal event code: R119

Ref document number: 602011016143

Country of ref document: DE

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: DE

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20190601

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: PL

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20181104

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: TR

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20181104