Ventilation solution for closed-loop dryer systems

A drying appliance includes a cabinet. A drum processes articles of laundry. The drum is positioned for rotational operation within the cabinet. A blower directs process air through a recirculating airflow path that includes the drum. The drum and the blower are activated in an operating state and deactivated in an idle state. A first operable vent is positioned proximate a front of the cabinet. A second operable vent is positioned proximate a rear of the cabinet. The first and second operable vents define an open position after the drum and the blower define the idle state. The first and second operable vents define a closed position after the drum and the blower define the operating state.

FIELD OF THE DEVICE

The device is in the field of laundry appliances, and more specifically, a ventilation system for a closed-loop drying device that provides for ventilation within the rotating drum when the appliance is deactivated. Closed loop systems typically include an airflow path that does not provide for a flow of air when the appliance is deactivated. When the appliance is turned off and the door to the appliance is closed, carbon dioxide and other noxious gasses can accumulate within the drum when an individual or creature is in the drum of the deactivated appliance.

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

According to one aspect of the present disclosure, a drying appliance includes a cabinet. A drum processes articles of laundry. The drum is positioned for rotational operation within the cabinet. A blower directs process air through a recirculating airflow path that includes the drum. The drum and the blower are activated in an operating state and deactivated in an idle state. A first operable vent is positioned proximate a front of the cabinet. A second operable vent is positioned proximate a rear of the cabinet. The first and second operable vents define an open position after the drum and the blower define the idle state. The first and second operable vents define a closed position after the drum and the blower define the operating state.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a ventilation system for a drying appliance includes a blower that directs process air through a recirculating airflow path in an operating state. The recirculating airflow path includes a processing chamber. Deactivation of the blower defines an idle state. A first operable vent is positioned proximate a front portion of the recirculating airflow path. A second operable vent is positioned proximate a rear portion of the recirculating airflow path. The first and second operable vents define a closed position during the operating state that is indicative of the recirculating airflow path being a closed-loop system. The first and second operable vents define an open position during the idle state that forms a venting airflow of ambient air through the processing chamber and between the first and second operable vents.

According to yet another aspect of the present disclosure, a drying appliance includes a blower that directs process air through a recirculating airflow path that includes a drum. A heater selectively heats the process air, wherein at least one of the blower, the drum and the heater are activated in an operating state and wherein all of the blower, the drum and the heater are deactivated in an idle state. A first temperature-operable vent is positioned proximate a front of a cabinet. A second temperature-operable vent is positioned proximate a rear of the cabinet. The first and second temperature-operable vents define an open position after the blower, the drum and the heater define the idle state. The first and second temperature-operable vents define a closed position after at least the blower and the heater define the operating state.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present illustrated embodiments reside primarily in combinations of method steps and apparatus components related to a ventilation system for a closed-loop drying appliance that provides for fresh-air ventilation when the appliance is deactivated. 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.

With respect toFIGS. 1-3, reference numeral10generally refers to a ventilation system incorporated within a laundry appliance12. The ventilation system10is utilized within closed-loop laundry appliances to provide for a ventilating airflow14of fresh or ambient air16through a rotating drum18when the laundry appliance12is deactivated. According to various aspects of the device, the laundry appliance12, typically in the form of a laundry appliance, includes a drum18that processes articles of laundry. The drum18is positioned for rotational operation within an outer cabinet20. A blower22directs process air26through a recirculating airflow path24that includes the drum18. This recirculating airflow path24is typically in the form of a closed-loop system that recirculates process air26through the drum18. The drum18and the blower22are activated in an operating state28and deactivated in an idle state30. A first operable vent32is positioned proximate a front34of the cabinet20. A second operable vent36is positioned proximate a rear38of the cabinet20. The first and second operable vents32,36each define an open position40after the drum18and blower22define the idle state30. The first and second operable vents32,36each operate to define a closed position42after the drum18and the blower22define the operating state28. In the open position40of the first and second operable vents32,36, the ventilation system10experiences a venting airflow of ambient air16through the first and second operable vents32,36and the drum18. In this manner, the recirculating airflow path24, using the first and second operable vents32,36, is opened when the appliance12is deactivated to provide for the venting airflow of ambient air16through the drum18.

Referring again toFIGS. 2 and 3, the first operable vent32is positioned within a vent aperture44defined within a wall50of an airflow path24proximate the drum18of the appliance12. The first operable vent32can be positioned along a dedicated channel of the airflow path24of within a structural panel52that supports or surrounds a portion of the drum18. The first operable vent32is positioned to allow process air26within the drum18to escape, and also to allow ambient air16to enter into the drum18. The second operable vent32,36is positioned within an air scroll panel54that conceals the blower22within the cabinet20and also defines a portion of the recirculating airflow path24therein. The airflow path24operates to direct process air26from the blower22within the air scroll panel54and moves the process air26into the drum18. The process air26moves through the drum18and circulates within the drum18. The process air26then moves through a return portion56of the airflow path24back to the blower22. Certain filters, heaters100, heat exchangers, and other mechanical devices are incorporated within the airflow path24for treating and conditioning the process air26that is utilized during operation of the appliance12.

The first operable vent32can be positioned proximate the drum18and within a structural panel52for the appliance12. In this manner, the first operable vent32allows for air within the drum18to passively move through the first operable vent32when the appliance12is deactivated. Similarly, the second operable vent36within the air scroll panel54operates to the open position40to allow for ambient air16to enter within the airflow path24and move through the drum18. It should be understood that each of the first and second operable vents32,36each provide for inward and outward flow of ambient air16such that the venting airflow of ambient air16can occur in an inward direction70and an outward direction72through each of the first and second operable vents32,36.

Referring now toFIGS. 2-8, the first operable vent32can include a wax motor80, sometimes referred to as a wax actuator, that is operable to move the vent member82between the open position40and the closed position42. The wax motor80can operate by thermally acting on a wax member84. This wax member84can expand and contract based upon the temperature of an element86within the wax motor80. This element86can be an electrically resistive heating element86that, when activated, heats the wax member84and causes the wax to expand. This expansion of the wax member84causes movement of an actuator88within the wax motor80. The actuator88, in turn, biases the vent member82between the open and closed positions40,42.

In the case of the ventilation system10described herein, when the appliance12is activated, the wax motor80can be activated such that the actuator88moves to the closed position42so that the process air26is contained within the recirculating airflow path24. When the appliance12is deactivated, an electrical signal delivered to the wax motor80for heating the element86and the wax member84can be stopped such that the element86cools and the wax member84contracts. This contraction of the wax member84causes the actuator88to move to a rest position, resulting in an opening of the vent member82. As discussed above, this opening of the first operable vent32allows for the ventilating airflow14of ambient air16through the drum18and the recirculating airflow path24. According to various aspects of the device, it is contemplated that operation of the wax motor80can be reversed such that the electrical signal is provided when the appliance12is deactivated, so that the wax is heated and the vent is opened when the appliance12is deactivated.

Referring again toFIGS. 2-8, the recirculating airflow path24includes a heater100that modifies an air temperature102of the process air26within the recirculating airflow path24. The second operable vent36includes a bi-metal disk104that operates between the open and closed positions40,42based upon the air temperature102of the process air26. The bi-metal disk104moves to the closed position42when a material temperature106of the bi-metal disk104reaches a threshold temperature. The bi-metal disk104moves to the open position40when the material temperature106of the bi-metal disk104is below this threshold temperature. The bi-metal disk104operates using two different metals that have different thermal properties. A first layer108of the bi-metal disk104deflects at a first temperature, and a second layer110of the bi-metal disk104operates at a second temperature, that is different from the first temperature. It is also contemplated that the first and second layers108,110may deflect different amounts in response to thermal variations in the material temperature106. Expansion of a first layer108relative to the second layer110causes the bi-metal disk104to deflect between the open and closed positions40,42. The air temperature102of the process air26moving past the bi-metal disk104causes the material temperature106to change within the bi-metal disk104. These changes in the material temperature106of the bi-metal disk104result in deflection of the bi-metal disk104between the open and closed positions40,42.

As discussed above, in the closed position42, the bi-metal disk104is typically heated at least to the threshold temperature, such that the bi-metal disk104deflects to the closed position42. The closed position42of the bi-metal disk104encloses the recirculating airflow path24. When the temperature of the bi-metal disk104falls below the threshold temperature, after the appliance12is deactivated, the bi-metal disk104deflects to the open position40and thereby opens the recirculating airflow path24to allow for the venting airflow of ambient air16to move through the drum18and through the recirculating airflow path24. Through the configuration of the first and second operable vents32,36, the closed position42defines a closed loop of the recirculating airflow path24through the drum18. When the first and second operable vents32,36are moved to the respective open position40, the first and second operable vents32,36define an open loop venting airflow path24through the drum18and through the recirculating airflow path24.

Referring again toFIGS. 2 and 3, the positioning of the first and second operable vents32,36provides movement of the venting airflow path24through the drum18. The first operable vent32is positioned at front34of the appliance12and the second operable vent36is positioned at a rear38of the appliance12. Additionally, the first operable vent32is positioned at top section120within an elevated position relative to the drum18and the second operable vent36is located in a lower section122of the appliance12, typically below the level of the drum18and near a bottom of the air scroll panel54. The differing elevations of the first and second operable vents32,36provides for a movement of heated process air26and cooler ambient air16through the drum18and through the open configuration of the recirculating airflow path24when the appliance12is deactivated. Warmer air, tending to rise, may tend toward the first operable vent32. Conversely, cooled air, which tends to fall, may tend towards the second operable vent36. Similarly, lighter components of gasses within the drum18, such as carbon dioxide, may tend to escape through the first operable vent32. The escaping carbon dioxide will typically be replaced by ambient air16that may enter through the second operable vent36positioned within the air scroll panel54. These configurations and positions of the first and second operable vents32,36tends to cause movement of ambient air16from outside of the appliance12, through the first and second operable vents32,36and through the drum18as well as the remainder of the recirculating airflow path24.

According to various aspects of the device, the first and second operable vents32,36can operate between the open and closed positions40,42after the appliance12operates between the operating state28and the idle state30. Once the appliance12enters the idle state30, the air temperature102of the process air26within the recirculating airflow path24will be generally stagnant. It will take a period of time for the material temperature106of the bi-metal disk104to reach the threshold temperature and deflect to the open position40. This delay can be used to ensure that the recirculating airflow path24remains closed during brief stoppages of the operating systems of the appliance12during a particular laundry cycle. Conversely, the wax motor80, which is electrically operated, may have a very definite and predetermined actuating sequence with respect to the appliance12entering the idle state30. By way of example, and not limitation, the wax motor80may move to the open position40when the laundry cycle is completed, with little to no delay. The wax motor80may also operate to the open position40after a predetermined time period has lapsed. The operating configuration of the various mechanisms for the first and second operable vents32,36may vary depending on the design of the appliance12and the needs for allowing the ventilating airflow14of ambient air16to move through the drum18.

According to the various aspects of the device, as discussed herein, each of the first and second operable vents32,36can each include a temperature-operated member that operates based upon some temperature fluctuation that occurs within or around the first and second operable vents32,36. In the case of the bi-metal disk104, the temperature fluctuations occur in the air temperature102of the process air26surrounding the bi-metal disk104. The material temperature106of the bi-metal disk104, in turn, fluctuates to operate between the open and closed positions40,42. In the case of the wax motor80, the temperature fluctuations are electrically operated through the heating the element86and the wax member84. These temperature fluctuations operate the vent member82of the wax motor80between the open and closed positions40,42. In these instances, the temperature-operated members of the first and second operable vents32,36operate to the open position40upon reaching an opening temperature range. Conversely, the temperature-operated members of the first and second operable vents32,36operate to the closed position42upon reaching a closing temperature range. Typically, the closing temperature range includes temperatures that are below the opening temperature range; although, the opposite may be the case in certain aspects of the device.

Referring again toFIGS. 1-8, the ventilation system10for the drying appliance12includes the blower22that directs process air26through the recirculating airflow path24in an operating state28. The recirculating airflow path24includes a processing chamber, typically a rotating drum18. Deactivation of the blower22can define an idle state30of the ventilation system10. The first operable vent32is positioned proximate a front portion of the recirculating airflow path24and the second operable vent36is positioned proximate a rear portion of the recirculating airflow path24. The first and second operable vents32,36define a closed position42during the operating state28that is indicative of the recirculating airflow path24being a closed-loop system. Conversely, the first and second operable vents32,36define an open position40during the idle state30. This opening of the first and second operable vents32,36forms a venting airflow of ambient air16through the processing chamber and between the first and second operable vents32,36. As discussed above, the first operable vent32is positioned within a top section120of the recirculating airflow path24and the second operable vent32,36is positioned within a lower section122of the recirculating airflow path24.

Referring now toFIG. 8, it is contemplated that one of the first and second operable vents32,36can include a pressure-sensitive operable vent130. The pressure-sensitive operable vent130can include a flap132that is positioned at a vent aperture44of the recirculating airflow path24. When the blower22is activated, the pressure134of the process air26moving through the recirculating airflow path24biases the pressure-sensitive operable vent130to the closed position42and covering the vent aperture44. When the blower22is deactivated, the pressure134of the process air26through the recirculating airflow path24decreases. This decrease in pressure134within the recirculating airflow path24allows the pressure-sensitive operable vent130to return to a resting state that is indicative of an open position40of the pressure-sensitive operable vent130. Accordingly, when the blower22is deactivated, the pressure-sensitive operable vent130is moved to the open position40to allow for the movement of the venting airflow of ambient air16through the drum18and the recirculating airflow path24.

Referring again toFIGS. 1-8, the drying appliance12includes the blower22that directs process air26through the recirculating airflow path24that includes the drum18. The heater100selectively heats the process air26. At least one of the blower22, the drum18and the heater100are activated in an operating state28. Conversely, each of the blower22, the drum18and the heater100are deactivated in the idle state30. A first temperature-operable vent is positioned proximate a front34of the cabinet20. A second temperature-operable vent is positioned proximate a rear38of the vent. The first and second temperature-operable vents define open positions40after the blower22, the drum18and the heater100define the idle state30. The first and second temperature-operable vents define a closed position42after at least the blower22and the heater100define the activated state. As discussed above, the first and second temperature-operable vents are indicative of the first and second operable vents32,36described herein. The first operable vent32typically includes a wax motor80having a resistive heating element86. In this manner, the first operable vent32is an electrically-actuated vent. This electrical current150is used to heat a heating element86within the wax motor80that expands the wax member84to operate an actuator88within the wax motor80. This actuator88can move the first operable vent32either to the open position40or to the closed position42, depending upon the configuration of the appliance12and the design of the wax motor80within the recirculating airflow path24. The second operable vent36can include a bi-metal disk104that deflects based upon the material temperature106of the bi-metal disk104. This material temperature106of the bi-metal disk104is typically dictated by the air temperature102of the process air26moving through the recirculating airflow path24, in particular, the air temperature102of the process air26moving past the bi-metal disk104. As discussed above, the bi-metal disk104includes first and second layers108,110that are attached together to form the bi-metal disk104. The thermal properties of these first and second layers110are dissimilar such that a first layer108expands at a different temperature or at a different rate than the second layer110, thereby causing the bi-metal disk104to deflect in response to changes in the material temperature106within the first and second layers108,110of the bi-metal disk104.

Referring again toFIGS. 1-8, the exact configuration of the first and second operable vents32,36can vary depending upon the configuration of the appliance12. Typically, the first operable vent32will be in the form of a wax motor80and the second operable vent36will be in the form of the bi-metal disk104or the pressure-sensitive operable vent130. It is contemplated that other operable vent configurations can be used to operate the first and second operable vents32,36between the open and closed positions40,42.

Referring now toFIG. 10, an exemplary diagram is included illustrating various exemplary testing data using the configurations of the ventilating system, as described herein. In each of these configurations, the wax motor80was used for the first operable vent32and the bi-metal disk104was used for the second operable vent36. In each of these cases, the carbon dioxide content within the drum18was maintained below 3% and the oxygen content within the drum18was maintained above 17% at all times. The operation of the first and second operable vents32,36to the open position40when the appliance12is deactivated allowed for the ventilating airflow14of ambient air16through the drum18and the recirculating airflow path24. Accordingly, the environment within the drum18, when the appliance12is deactivated, provided for a safe level of noxious gasses, as well as a safe level of oxygen within the drum18. These features provide for a breathable environment when the appliance12is deactivated.

The ventilation system10described herein can be useful in various laundry appliances12. Such appliances12can include, but are not limited to, drying appliances, combination drying appliances, refreshing drying appliances, and other similar appliances that include a flow of recirculating air through a closed-loop airflow path24. In addition, the size of the first and second operable vents32,36can vary depending upon the size of the drum18and the configuration of the recirculating airflow path24within the appliance12.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a drying appliance includes a cabinet. A drum processes articles of laundry. The drum is positioned for rotational operation within the cabinet. A blower directs process air through a recirculating airflow path that includes the drum. The drum and the blower are activated in an operating state and deactivated in an idle state. A first operable vent is positioned proximate a front of the cabinet. A second operable vent is positioned proximate a rear of the cabinet. The first and second operable vents define an open position after the drum and the blower define the idle state. The first and second operable vents define a closed position after the drum and the blower define the operating state.

According to another aspect, the open position of the first and second operable vents defines a venting airflow of ambient air through the drum.

According to yet another aspect, the first operable vent is positioned within a wall of the recirculating airflow path proximate the drum.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the second operable vent is positioned within an air scroll panel that conceals the blower within the cabinet.

According to another aspect, the first operable vent includes a wax motor that is operable to move a vent member between the open position and the closed position.

According to yet another aspect, the recirculating airflow path includes a heater that modifies an air temperature of the process air and the second operable vent includes a bi-metal disk that operates between the open and closed positions based upon the air temperature of the process air.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the bi-metal disk moves to the closed position when a temperature of the bi-metal disk reaches a threshold temperature. The bi-metal disk moves to the open position when the temperature of the bi-metal disk is below the threshold temperature.

According to another aspect, the closed position of the first and second operable vents defines a closed loop of the recirculating airflow path through the drum. The open position of the first and second operable vents defines an open loop venting airflow path through the drum.

According to yet another aspect, a ventilation system for a drying appliance includes a blower that directs process air through a recirculating airflow path in an operating state. The recirculating airflow path includes a processing chamber. Deactivation of the blower defines an idle state. A first operable vent is positioned proximate a front portion of the recirculating airflow path. A second operable vent is positioned proximate a rear portion of the recirculating airflow path. The first and second operable vents define a closed position during the operating state that is indicative of the recirculating airflow path being a closed-loop system. The first and second operable vents define an open position during the idle state that forms a venting airflow of ambient air through the processing chamber and between the first and second operable vents.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the first operable vent is positioned within a top section of the recirculating airflow path and the second operable vent is positioned within a lower section of the recirculating airflow path.

According to another aspect, the first operable vent includes an electrically-actuated vent.

According to yet another aspect, the electrically-actuated vent is a wax motor having a resistive heating element.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the second operable vent includes a temperature-operated member that operates to an open position upon reaching an opening temperature range and wherein the temperature-operated member operates to a closed position upon reaching a closing temperature range. The closing temperature range includes temperatures that are below the opening temperature range.

According to another aspect, the temperature-operated member operates between the open and closed positions based upon an air temperature of the process air within the airflow path.

According to yet another aspect, the recirculating airflow path includes a heater. The heater modifies an air temperature of the process air and wherein the temperature-operated member operates between the open and closed positions based upon the air temperature of the process air within the airflow path.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the temperature-operable member includes a bi-metal disk.

According to another aspect, a drying appliance includes a blower that directs process air through a recirculating airflow path that includes a drum. A heater selectively heats the process air, wherein at least one of the blower, the drum and the heater are activated in an operating state and wherein all of the blower, the drum and the heater are deactivated in an idle state. A first temperature-operable vent is positioned proximate a front of a cabinet. A second temperature-operable vent is positioned proximate a rear of the cabinet. The first and second temperature-operable vents define an open position after the blower, the drum and the heater define the idle state. The first and second temperature-operable vents define a closed position after at least the blower and the heater define the operating state.

According to yet another aspect, the first temperature-operable vent is a wax motor having a resistive heating element.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the second temperature-operable vent is a bi-metal disk.

According to another aspect, the bi-metal disk operates between the open and closed positions based upon an air temperature of the process air. The wax motor operates between the open and closed positions based upon an electrical current delivered to the wax motor. It will be understood by one having ordinary skill in the art that construction of the described disclosure and other components is not limited to any specific material. Other exemplary embodiments of the disclosure disclosed herein may be formed from a wide variety of materials, unless described otherwise herein.