PARTICULATE REMOVAL SYSTEM FOR LAUNDRY DRYING APPLIANCES

A laundry appliance includes a drum that defines a processing space for drying articles. A blower delivers process air through an airflow path that includes the processing space. A heater is in thermal communication with the airflow path and delivers thermal energy to the process air. A controller is in communication with the drum, the blower, and the heater. During operation of a laundry cycle, the heater, the drum, and the blower cooperatively operate a particulate removal phase that maintains the articles in a damp state for a predetermined period of time. The damp state of the articles prevents accumulation of an electrostatic charge within the articles and a surface of the drum and allows the process air to separate particulate matter from the articles. After completion of the particulate removal phase, the heater operates at a conventional state that operates to dry the articles.

BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE

The present disclosure generally relates to laundry appliances, and more specifically, to a foreign particulate collector for a laundry appliance.

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

According to one aspect of the present disclosure, a laundry appliance includes a drum that rotates about a rotational axis and defines a processing space for drying articles therein. A blower delivers process air through an airflow path that includes the processing space. A heater is in thermal communication with the airflow path. The heater operates to deliver thermal energy to the process air. A controller is in communication with the drum, the blower, and the heater, wherein during operation of a laundry cycle, the heater, the drum, and the blower cooperatively operate a particulate removal phase that maintains the articles in a damp state for a predetermined period of time. The damp state of the articles prevents accumulation of an electrostatic charge within the articles and a surface of the drum and further allows the process air to separate particulate matter from the articles. After completion of the particulate removal phase, the heater operates at a conventional state that operates to dry the articles.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a laundry appliance includes a blower that delivers process air through an airflow path that includes a processing space. A heater is in thermal communication with the airflow path. The heater operates to deliver thermal energy to the process air. A fluid delivery system selectively directs a flow of process fluid into the processing space. A moisture sensor monitors a moisture content present within the processing space. A controller is in communication at least with the heater, the fluid delivery system and the moisture sensor, wherein during operation of a laundry cycle, the heater, the blower, and the fluid delivery system cooperatively operative a particulate removal phase that maintains articles in a damp state for a predetermined period of time. The damp state of the articles is monitored by the moisture sensor and prevents accumulation of an electrostatic charge within the processing space, and further allows the process air to separate particulate matter from the articles. Upon completion of the particulate removal phase, the heater operates at a conventional state that operates to dry the articles.

According to yet another aspect of the present disclosure, a method for separating particulate from articles includes the steps of saturating articles within a processing space with process fluid, activating a blower and a heater to deliver heated process air and unheated process air through the processing space, monitoring a moisture content within the processing space using a moisture sensor, maintaining the moisture content within the processing space to be within a desired moisture range to prevent accumulation of electrostatic charges between particulate matter and the articles within the processing space, separating the particulate matter from the articles using the heated process air and the unheated process air while the moisture content is within the desired moisture range, and activating a conventional drying operation to dry the articles.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present illustrated embodiments reside primarily in combinations of method steps and apparatus components related to a laundry appliance that incorporates a particulate removal system that maintains a moisture level of a processing space within a desired moisture range for preventing the accumulation of electrostatic charges between particulate matter and articles being processed within the processing space. Accordingly, the apparatus components and method steps have been represented, where appropriate, by conventional symbols in the drawings, showing only those specific details that are pertinent to understanding the embodiments of the present disclosure so as not to obscure the disclosure with details that will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of the description herein. Further, like numerals in the description and drawings represent like elements.

Referring toFIGS.1-8, reference numeral10generally designates a particulate removal system that is incorporated within a laundry appliance12having a drying function14. This appliance12can be in the form of a dryer, combination washer and dryer, recirculating drying appliance (as shown inFIG.2), exhaust-type drying appliance (as shown inFIG.3), refreshing appliance, and other similar appliances that incorporate a drying function14. It is also contemplated that a particulate removal system10can be incorporated within non-laundry appliances12that can include, but are not limited to, dishwashers, air handling systems, and other similar appliances that seek to prevent the accumulation of particulate matter16within a particular space. According to various aspects of the device, the particulate removal system10is incorporated within the appliance12to separate particulate matter16, typically in the form of pet hair, lint, and other particles, from articles18being processed within a processing space20of the appliance12. This is accomplished through the movement of process air22through the processing space20, while also preventing the accumulation of electrostatic charges24within the processing space20and within the articles18being processed therein, as will be described more fully below.

According to various aspects of the device, as exemplified inFIGS.1-8, the laundry appliance12includes a drum30that rotates about a rotational axis32and defines the processing space20for drying articles18therein. The drum30is typically positioned within an outer cabinet34that includes a door36that can move to an open position to provide access into the processing space20within the drum30. The door36can also be moved to a closed position38for enclosing the processing space20so that process air22can effectively move therethrough for processing articles18contained within the processing space20. A blower40is positioned within the outer cabinet34that delivers process air22through an airflow path42that includes the processing space20. A heater44is in thermal communication with the airflow path42. The heater44operates to deliver thermal energy46to the airflow path42and the process air22moving therethrough. This heater44delivers the thermal energy46to the process air22to define heated process air48that is then delivered to the processing space20.

A controller50is in communication with the drum30, the blower40, and the heater44. During operation of a laundry cycle54, the heater44, the drum30, and the blower40cooperatively operate a particulate removal phase52of a laundry cycle54that maintains the articles18, and the processing space20within the drum30, in a damp state56. The particulate removal phase52is typically operated for a predetermined period of time. The damp state56of the articles18prevents accumulation of electrostatic charges24within the articles18and between particulate matter16and the articles18. The damp state56also prevents the accumulation of electrostatic charges24on an inner surface58of the drum30that defines the processing space20. Using the damp state56of the articles18, the process air22can flow across and around the articles18to separate particulate from the articles18. In the absence of a significant amount of electrostatic charge, or the absence of electrostatic charge, the process air22is able to pass over and through the articles18being processed and is able to separate the particulate matter16from the outer surface60of the articles18. After completion of the particulate removal phase52, the heater44operates at a conventional state62that operates to dry the articles18within the processing space20.

Referring again toFIGS.1-8, the particulate removal phase52operates to maintain the processing space20at a particular moisture level or moisture range70for an extended period of time. During this extended period of time, the process air22moving through the processing space20is able to push, direct, or otherwise bias the particulate matter16away from the outer surface60of the articles18and toward a filtration system72positioned within the airflow path42. It is contemplated that during the operation of the particulate removal phase52, the articles18are dried only partially such that air is able to effectively pass around and through the articles18for engaging the particulate matter16. To perform this partial drying operation, the heater44can operate at a low-power setting such that the heated process air48is only slightly warmer than unheated process air74that can be directed through the airflow path42. To accomplish this minimally heated process air48, the heater44can operate at a low-power setting, such as 50% power, or within a range of from approximately 20% power to approximately 80% power. It is contemplated that the heater44can alternate between an activated state and a deactivated state to operate intermittently at a full-power setting or at a low-power setting or off setting. In such an aspect of the device, the blower40can cooperate with the heater44to alternatively deliver heated process air48and unheated process air74to the processing space20.

According to the various aspects of the device, the moisture range70that can be maintained during performance of the particulate removal phase52can be between approximately 80% to approximately 30%. The moisture range70can also be from between approximately 90% to approximately 20%. It should be contemplated that the configuration and specific values of the moisture range70can vary depending on several factors. Such factors can include, but are not limited to, the type of fabric being processed, the type of articles18being processed, the amount of articles18being processed, the composition of the process fluid102, whether the operation is a first particulate removal phase52or a subsequent particulate removal phase52, combinations of these factors and other similar factors.

During the performance of a particulate removal phase52, the particulate matter16generally becomes at least partially dried. In this manner, these particles having some moisture content80can lose the electrostatic charge. Also, with the removal of a portion of the moisture content80, these particles can become light enough to be moved through the passage of process air22through the processing space20. The articles18being processed remain in the damp state56and have sufficient moisture retained therein to a level that is within the desired moisture range70. In this desired moisture range70, electrostatic charges24are unable to form, or can be discharged, between the particulate matter16and the articles18being processed. In this manner, the lighter and mostly dried or completely dried particulate matter16is moved by the process air22through the filtration system72. At the same time, the articles18being processed remain in the damp state56, as discussed herein, during the performance of the particulate removal phase52.

According to various aspects of the device, it is contemplated that the particulate removal phase52can be designed to last a predefined amount of time. This amount of time can be within a range of from approximately 10 minutes to approximately 2 hours, and any range of times less than 10 minutes, greater than 2 hours or ranges of time therebetween. At the conclusion of the particulate removal phase52having a predetermined amount of time, the user can be prompted to check the articles18and assess whether a subsequent particulate removal phase52should be initiated, or whether the laundry cycle54should be completed and the articles18dried to the desired dryness level, which can be described as a conventional state62of the laundry cycle54.

Referring now toFIG.4, the schematic diagram illustrates an exemplary performance of a particulate removal phase52of the laundry cycle54. As shown withinFIG.4, the moisture content80of the articles18remains significantly high and within the desired moisture range70for an extended period of time. Simultaneously, the heater44activates in an intermittent cycle to alternatively deliver a heated process air48and unheated process air74to the processing space20. Through this delivery of heated process air48and unheated process air74, the conductivity82of the articles18being processed remains within a state where electrostatic charges24are unable to accumulate, or, if present, are at least partially discharged. During this stage, the particulate matter16is conducive to being removed from the articles18through the passage of process air22through the processing space20. At the same time, the heat of the process air22moving through the processing space20is quickly elevated, then cooled for a period of time, and quickly elevated again. This repeated process of applying heated process air48and unheated process air74continues through the particulate removal phase52.

Referring again toFIG.4, it is contemplated that at the completion of the particulate removal phase52, the heater44can continue to operate in the repeated system of heating to provide heated process air48and then deactivating for providing unheated process air74. The timeframe at which these repeated activations and deactivations of the heater44operation can change as the appliance12enters the conventional state62of the laundry cycle54. Through this extension of time at which the articles18remain within this damp state56extends the time allotted for the process air22to remove the particulate matter16from these articles18being processed.

Referring again toFIGS.1-8, the laundry appliance12can include a moisture sensor90, typically in the form of a conductivity sensor. The controller50is in communication with this moisture sensor90, as well as the heater44. The controller50, in response to moisture measurements from the moisture sensor90, operates the heater44to maintain the articles18in the damp state56. Accordingly, the moisture sensor90and the controller50cooperate to extend the time period within which the articles18are maintained in the damp state56. If the moisture sensor90measurements indicate that the articles18are being dried too fast, the moisture sensor90and the controller50can cooperate to activate and deactivate the heater44to space apart the activations to be farther apart. The controller50can also instruct the heater44to activate a lower intensity such that the heated process air48provided during the particulate removal phase52is delivered at a lower temperature through the processing space20. Conversely, where the articles18are being dried too slowly, or the articles18are being maintained at a moisture level that is above the desired moisture range70, the moisture sensor90and the controller50can operate the heater44to activate more frequently or to activate at a higher percentage efficiency to increase the temperature of the heated process air48being delivered to the processing space20.

Referring now toFIGS.5-8, the appliance12can include a fluid delivery system100that directs a flow of process fluid102into the processing space20. This fluid delivery system100is typically in communication with the controller50and can also be in communication with the moisture sensor90and other components of the appliance12. During operation, when the moisture sensor90senses that the articles18are being dried too quickly, as sensed by the moisture sensor90, the moisture sensor90can send a signal to the controller50regarding this condition. The controller50can then activate the fluid delivery system100for adding process fluid102to the processing space20that can be saturated into the articles18being processed for increasing the moisture content80within the articles18and the processing space20as a whole. It is contemplated that this process fluid102delivered through the fluid delivery system100can be a spray of process fluid102, fine droplets or a fluid mist of process fluid102, or steam that is directed into the processing space20. This addition of process fluid102to increase the moisture content80within the processing space20can be repeated a predetermined number of times to extend the time period through which the particulate removal phase52can be performed.

Referring now toFIG.8, in certain aspects of the particulate removal phase52, the heater44is activated intermittently to provide, alternatively, heated process air48and unheated process air74to the processing space20. During the course of the particulate removal phase52, the moisture content80of the articles18and the processing space20is decreased. When the moisture content80approaches or falls below the desired moisture content80, the moisture sensor90and the controller50cooperate to activate the fluid delivery system100for delivering process fluid102into the processing space20for saturating the articles18being processed. The moisture content80and the percent of conductivity82also increase so that electrostatic charges24are prevented from forming. Additionally, electrostatic charges24that may have formed between the particulate matter16and the articles18can be discharged or otherwise eliminated through the application of the process fluid102into the processing space20. In certain aspects of the device, the process fluid102can include certain chemistries or additives that include an anti-static fluid or a static mitigating fluid. These additives can be used to further mitigate or further eliminate static charges within the processing space20.

During the delivery of the process fluid102into the processing space20, it is contemplated that the heater44can be deactivated until such time as dispensing of the process fluid102is complete. It is also contemplated that the blower40can also be deactivated during this application of process fluid102to prevent process fluid102from being blown by the process air22toward certain sections of the processing space20and away from other portions of the processing space20. This can be done to ensure that the process fluid102is distributed throughout the articles18of clothing to achieve even and consistent saturation of the process fluid102within the articles18. Throughout this particulate removal phase52, it is contemplated that the drum30can continue to rotate to ensure proper saturation of the articles18within the drum30.

In certain aspects of the device, it is contemplated that the blower40can remain active and can be used to deliver unheated process air74through the processing space20. Throughout this process, it is contemplated that the moisture sensor90, again, typically in the form of a conductivity sensor is continuously in communication with the processing space20to measure the moisture content80and/or percent of or level of conductivity82of the articles18being processed, as well as the processing space20in general. The readings of the moisture sensor90allow the controller50to ascertain when the process fluid102should be added to the processing space20for increasing the moisture content80.

Referring again toFIGS.5-7, it is contemplated that the appliance12can include a single nozzle that delivers process fluid102into the processing space20. The fluid delivery system100can also include a plurality of nozzles110that cooperatively deliver the process fluid102into the processing space20. As exemplified inFIGS.5-7, the appliance12includes a front nozzle112and a rear nozzle114that cooperatively deliver the process fluid102into the processing space20. As described herein, these nozzles110can be used to deliver a stream of process fluid102, a fluid mist of process fluid102, or other form of spray pattern of the process fluid102. It is contemplated that the appliance12can include a steam generator that converts the process fluid102to steam that is then delivered into the laundry appliance12. This steam can be generated through the use of a heating element or other similar electrical device that can convert process fluid102into steam. It is also contemplated that the laundry appliance12can include a dew point-based system that produces steam through the use of differentiations in dew points within the processing space20and outside the processing space20. This application of steam using a dew-point based mechanism can be used to prevent the application of additional thermal energy46into the processing space20, while also saturating the articles18with the process fluid102to maintain the articles18within the damp state56. The application of additional thermal energy46may result in a premature or unwanted amount of drying of the articles18within the processing space20.

Referring again toFIGS.5-8, where the appliance12includes the fluid delivery system100that delivers process fluid102into the processing space20, it is contemplated that dry clothing can be placed within the processing space20at the beginning of a stand-alone particulate removal phase52. The fluid delivery system100, via the nozzles110, can be used to saturate the articles18to reach the desired moisture content80. Once the articles18are saturated to the appropriate moisture range70that is indicative of the damp state56, it is contemplated that the remainder of the particulate removal phase52can be operated to maintain the articles18within this desired moisture range70, and also use process air22for separating particulate matter16from the articles18, as described herein.

As described herein, the various aspects of the particulate removal system10are used to maintain the moisture content80of the articles18within a particular moisture range70. At the same time, particulate matter16that are in generally constant contact with the process air22, are able to dry to a higher degree. These particles can then be moved, via the movement of process air22, to a filtration system72within the airflow path42of the appliance12.

According to various aspects of the device, a particulate filter120is positioned within the airflow path42. Over the course of a particulate removal phase52, this particulate filter120, which typically includes a mesh screen122, captures the separated particulate matter16from the articles18.

In certain aspects of the device, the particulate filter120can include a particulate sensor. The particulate sensor operates to measure the amount of particulate that is captured within the mesh screen122of a particulate filter120. This particulate sensor can be an optical sensor that measures the amount of captured particulate. It is also contemplated that the particulate sensor can be in the form of a current sensor that measures an amount of current drawn by a motor for the blower40when the blower40operates to move the process air22through the airflow path42. Using this current sensor, when the blower40is met with increased resistance due to the accumulation of particulate matter16on the mesh screen122blocking process air22through the particulate filter120, the current drawn will increase. This increase in the drawn current is able to be monitored by the current sensor. Other particulate sensors can be used for monitoring the amount of particulate matter16that is accumulated on to the mesh screen122of a particulate filter120.

When the particulate sensor is used, this particulate sensor will be in communication with the controller50. When the particulate sensor measures that the mesh screen122has a high amount of particulate matter16that is blocking movement of process air22through the airflow path42, the user can be alerted that the lint screen may need to be removed and cleaned. It is also contemplated that the particulate filter120can be used to measure the effectiveness of the particulate removal phase52. In such an aspect of the device, where the amount of particulate captured does not increase over a particular period of time, the particulate removal phase52can be shortened due to the fact that particulate is no longer being separated and captured by the particulate filter120. Conversely, when the end of a particulate removal phase52is approaching and particulate matter16is still being captured at a steady rate, the particulate sensor can provide a signal to the controller50to extend operation of a particulate removal phase52to capture additional amounts of particulate matter16that appear to be present within the processing space20and on the articles18being processed. Accordingly, the moisture sensor90, the particulate sensor, and the controller50can cooperate to determine whether to initiate a subsequent particulate removal phase52, or to initiate the conventional state62of the laundry cycle54that completes drying to the desired dryness level.

In certain aspects of the device, when the appliance12is a combination washing and drying appliance, the particulate removal phase52can be initiated after a rinse cycle of the appliance12is completed. After the rinse cycle, the articles18within the processing space20will be within the damp state56. As discussed herein, in this damp state56, the particulate removal phase52can be operated to maintain the articles18within the desired moisture range70for separating particulate matter16from the articles18. It is contemplated that at the conclusion of a rinse phase, the moisture content80of the articles18may be above the desired moisture range70. In such an instance, the drying function14may activate in the conventional state62until the moisture content80is indicative of the damp state56of the articles18being processed. Once the damp state56is achieved, the particulate removal phase52can be activated.

Referring again toFIGS.5-8, the laundry appliance12can include the blower40that delivers the process air22through the airflow path42that includes the processing space20. The heater44is in thermal communication with the airflow path42. The heater44operates to deliver thermal energy46to the process air22to define heated process air48. The fluid delivery system100selectively directs a flow of process fluid102to the processing space20. The moisture sensor90monitors the moisture content80present within the processing space20. The controller50is in communication with at least the heater44, the fluid delivery system100, and the moisture sensor90. During operation of the laundry cycle54, the heater44, the blower40, and the fluid delivery system100cooperatively operate the particulate removal phase52that maintains the articles18in the damp state56for a predetermined period of time. The damp state56of the articles18is monitored by the moisture sensor90and prevents accumulation of the electrostatic charge within the processing space20. The damp state56also allows the process air22to separate particulate matter16from the articles18due to the particulate matter16drying at a faster rate than the articles18within the processing space20. The particulate matter16can then be separated from the articles18and captured within the filtration system72of the appliance12.

Upon completion of the particulate removal phase52, the heater44operates at the conventional state62that operates to dry the articles18to the desired dryness level. As discussed herein, the particulate removal phase52can be initiated at the beginning of the laundry cycle54or within a separate laundry cycle54. In addition, the particulate removal phase52can be initiated when the articles18are placed into the processing space20to dry or when they are placed within the processing space20in the damp state56.

Referring now toFIGS.1-9, having described various aspects of the particulate removal system10, a method400is disclosed for separating particulate matter16from articles18being dried. The method includes a step402that includes saturating articles18within a processing space20using process fluid102. As described herein, this can be done within a separate washing appliance (e.g. standalone washing machine), or can be done within the drying appliance12that includes a fluid delivery system100. Once the articles18are in the damp state56, a blower40and a heater44are activated to deliver heated process air48and unheated process air74through the processing space20(step404). The moisture content80within the processing space20is then monitored using the moisture sensor90(step406). The moisture content80within the processing space20is also monitored and maintained to be within a desired moisture range70(step408). This maintenance of the moisture content80to be within the desired moisture range70serves to prevent the accumulation of electrostatic charges24between a particulate matter16and the articles18within the processing space20. This particulate matter16can then be separated from the articles18using the heated process air48and the unheated process air74while the moisture content80is within this desired moisture range70(step410). After the particulate removal phase52is complete, the conventional drying operation is activated to dry the articles18to the desired dryness level (step412).

Referring now toFIGS.1-8and10, having described various aspects of the particulate removal system10, a method500is disclosed for separating particulate matter16from articles18being processed. According to the method500, a laundry cycle54is initiated to dry damp articles18(step502). During the laundry cycle54, a particulate removal phase52or sub-cycle is initiated (step504). During the particulate removal phase52, the heater44is operated at a low-power setting that maintains the articles18at the desired moisture level (step506). The moisture level within the processing space20is monitored (step508). As described herein, maintaining the processing space20within this desired moisture content80level assists in allowing the process air22to remove the particulate matter16from the articles18. The particulate removal phase52is then completed (step510). The conventional drying operation is then initiated (step512). The laundry cycle54is then completed (step514).

Referring now toFIGS.5-8and11, having described various aspects of the particulate removal system10, a method600is disclosed for separating particulate matter16from articles18being processed. According to the method600, a particulate separating cycle (the particulate removal phase52) is initiated to separate particulate from dry articles18within the processing space20(step602). The articles18are saturated using a fluid delivery system100(step604). A heater44is then operated at a low-power setting that maintains the articles18at the desired moisture range70(step606). While the heater44is operated, the drum30is rotated and the blower40operates to deliver process air22through the processing space20contained within the drum30for processing the articles18. The moisture level within the processing space20is monitored using a moisture sensor90(step608). Through the course of the particulate removal phase52, additional process fluid102is delivered to the articles18when the moisture content80reaches a lower limit of the desired moisture range70(step610). When a particular timeframe has passed, or when a desired amount of particulate matter16has been removed, the particulate separating phase is determined to be completed by a controller50(step612). The conventional state62of the drying operation is then initiated to dry the articles18to the desired dryness level (step614).

Referring now toFIGS.5-8and12, having described various aspects of the particulate removal system10, a method700is disclosed for separating particulate matter16from articles18being processed. According to the method700, a particulate separating phase is initiated to separate particulate matter16from articles18in a damp state56(step702). A heater44is operated at a low-power setting that maintains the moisture content80of the articles18to be within a desired moisture range70(step704). The moisture content80within the processing space20is monitored using a moisture sensor90(step706). Additional process fluid102is delivered to the articles18when the moisture content80within the processing space20reaches a lower limit of the desired moisture range70(step708). The particulate separating cycle is then completed when a desired amount of particulate matter16is removed from the articles18, or when a predetermined amount of time has passed (step710). The particulate removal phase52is then completed (step712). It is contemplated that a particulate removal phase52can be a dedicated cycle that results in articles18being processed being dried to the desired dryness level.

According to various aspects of the device, a particulate removal system10operates to maintain the moisture content80of the articles18contained within the processing space20to be within a particular moisture range70to maintain the articles18within a damp state56. When in this damp state56, the process air22moving through the processing space20is better able to remove particulate matter16from the articles18. This particulate matter16can then be delivered to a filtration system72of the appliance12so that the particulate matter16can be removed and disposed of. It is contemplated that the particulate removal system10is configured for use with particulate matter16that tends to have a higher electrostatic charge. Such particulate matter16can be in the form of pet hair, lint, and other similar articles18that tend to inherently possess an electrostatic charge. These particles tend to adhere easily to articles18being processed and can be difficult to remove from the articles18in conventional laundry cycles54. The use of a particulate removal phase52is used to eliminate or at least minimize these electrostatic charges24so that the particles can be easily removed through the use of the process air22moving the processing space20.

According to one aspect of the present disclosure, a laundry appliance includes a drum that rotates about a rotational axis and defines a processing space for drying articles therein. A blower delivers process air through an airflow path that includes the processing space. A heater is in thermal communication with the airflow path. The heater operates to deliver thermal energy to the process air. A controller is in communication with the drum, the blower, and the heater, wherein during operation of a laundry cycle, the heater, the drum, and the blower cooperatively operate a particulate removal phase that maintains the articles in a damp state for a predetermined period of time. The damp state of the articles prevents accumulation of an electrostatic charge within the articles and a surface of the drum and further allows the process air to separate particulate matter from the articles. After completion of the particulate removal phase, the heater operates at a conventional state that operates to dry the articles.

According to another aspect, the particulate removal phase includes the heater operating at approximately 50% power.

According to another aspect, the particulate removal phase includes the heater operating intermittently. The blower cooperates with the heater to alternatively deliver heated process air and unheated process air to the processing space.

According to another aspect, at a completion of the particulate removal phase, the controller prompts a user to initiate one of a subsequent particulate removal phase and the conventional state of the laundry cycle.

According to another aspect, the laundry appliance further includes a moisture sensor. The controller is in communication with the moisture sensor and the heater. The controller, in response to moisture measurements from the moisture sensor, operates the heater to maintain the articles in the damp state.

According to another aspect, the laundry appliance further includes a fluid delivery system that directs a flow of process fluid into the processing space. The fluid delivery system is in communication with the controller and the moisture sensor.

According to another aspect, the fluid delivery system selectively delivers the process fluid into the processing space to maintain the processing space within a desired moisture range. When the moisture sensor measures a moisture content within the processing space to be below the desired moisture range, the controller activates the fluid delivery system to dispense the process fluid into the processing space.

According to another aspect, the process fluid is one of a fluid mist and steam.

According to another aspect, the particulate removal phase is initiated at the beginning of a laundry cycle and includes saturating articles using the fluid delivery system to achieve the desired moisture range of the articles.

According to another aspect, the moisture sensor is a conductivity sensor that is in communication with the processing space.

According to another aspect, the airflow path includes a particulate filter that has a particulate sensor. The particulate sensor of the particulate filter measures an amount of particulate that is captured within a mesh screen of the particulate filter.

According to another aspect, the particulate sensor is in communication with the controller.

According to another aspect, the particulate removal phase is conducted after a rinse phase of the laundry cycle.

According to another aspect, a moisture sensor, the particulate sensor, and the controller cooperate to determine whether to initiate one of a subsequent particulate removal phase and the conventional state of the laundry cycle.

According to another aspect, the particulate sensor is in communication with the blower and monitors a current drawn by the blower to determine an amount of particulate captured by the mesh screen of the particulate filter.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a laundry appliance includes a blower that delivers process air through an airflow path that includes a processing space. A heater is in thermal communication with the airflow path. The heater operates to deliver thermal energy to the process air. A fluid delivery system selectively directs a flow of process fluid into the processing space. A moisture sensor monitors a moisture content present within the processing space. A controller is in communication at least with the heater, the fluid delivery system and the moisture sensor, wherein during operation of a laundry cycle, the heater, the blower, and the fluid delivery system cooperatively operative a particulate removal phase that maintains articles in a damp state for a predetermined period of time. The damp state of the articles is monitored by the moisture sensor and prevents accumulation of an electrostatic charge within the processing space, and further allows the process air to separate particulate matter from the articles. Upon completion of the particulate removal phase, the heater operates at a conventional state that operates to dry the articles.

According to another aspect, the process fluid is one of a fluid mist and steam.

According to another aspect, the particulate removal phase is initiated by the beginning of a laundry cycle and includes saturating articles using the fluid delivery system to achieve the moisture content of the articles to be within a desired moisture range.

According to yet another aspect of the present disclosure, a method for separating particulate from articles includes the steps of saturating articles within a processing space with process fluid, activating a blower and a heater to deliver heated process air and unheated process air through the processing space, monitoring a moisture content within the processing space using a moisture sensor, maintaining the moisture content within the processing space to be within a desired moisture range to prevent accumulation of electrostatic charges between particulate matter and the articles within the processing space, separating the particulate matter from the articles using the heated process air and the unheated process air while the moisture content is within the desired moisture range, and activating a conventional drying operation to dry the articles.

According to another aspect, the step of maintaining the moisture content to be within the desired moisture content range includes activating a fluid delivery system that delivers process fluid into the processing space to further saturate the articles.