WO2002004736A9 - Appliance attachable to a dryer and a dryer for use therewith - Google Patents
Appliance attachable to a dryer and a dryer for use therewithInfo
- Publication number
- WO2002004736A9 WO2002004736A9 PCT/CA2001/001007 CA0101007W WO0204736A9 WO 2002004736 A9 WO2002004736 A9 WO 2002004736A9 CA 0101007 W CA0101007 W CA 0101007W WO 0204736 A9 WO0204736 A9 WO 0204736A9
- Authority
- WO
- WIPO (PCT)
- Prior art keywords
- dryer
- lint
- safety system
- air
- outlet
- Prior art date
Links
Classifications
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- D—TEXTILES; PAPER
- D06—TREATMENT OF TEXTILES OR THE LIKE; LAUNDERING; FLEXIBLE MATERIALS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- D06F—LAUNDERING, DRYING, IRONING, PRESSING OR FOLDING TEXTILE ARTICLES
- D06F58/00—Domestic laundry dryers
- D06F58/20—General details of domestic laundry dryers
- D06F58/22—Lint collecting 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
- D06F2103/00—Parameters monitored or detected for the control of domestic laundry washing machines, washer-dryers or laundry dryers
- D06F2103/28—Air properties
- D06F2103/32—Temperature
-
- D—TEXTILES; PAPER
- D06—TREATMENT OF TEXTILES OR THE LIKE; LAUNDERING; FLEXIBLE MATERIALS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- D06F—LAUNDERING, DRYING, IRONING, PRESSING OR FOLDING TEXTILE ARTICLES
- D06F2103/00—Parameters monitored or detected for the control of domestic laundry washing machines, washer-dryers or laundry dryers
- D06F2103/28—Air properties
- D06F2103/36—Flow or velocity
-
- D—TEXTILES; PAPER
- D06—TREATMENT OF TEXTILES OR THE LIKE; LAUNDERING; FLEXIBLE MATERIALS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- D06F—LAUNDERING, DRYING, IRONING, PRESSING OR FOLDING TEXTILE ARTICLES
- D06F2103/00—Parameters monitored or detected for the control of domestic laundry washing machines, washer-dryers or laundry dryers
- D06F2103/38—Time, e.g. duration
-
- 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
- D06F2103/42—Parameters monitored or detected for the control of domestic laundry washing machines, washer-dryers or laundry dryers related to filters or pumps
-
- 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
- D06F34/10—Power supply arrangements, e.g. stand-by circuits
-
- 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
- D06F58/20—General details of domestic 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
- 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 an appliance and a safety device for a clothes dryer, and especially to a lint collector and safety system for the exhaust of a clothes dryer.
- the collector and safety system is adapted to be attached to a clothes dryer and for example in the absence of an adequate flow of exhaust air from the dryer, the system interrupts the electrical power to the dryer until such time as an adequate flow is available.
- the safety system may interrupt the electrical power to the dryer for other dryer malfunctions.
- Domestic clothes dryers typically have a chamber into which the wet clothes are placed for drying. Heated moist air is exhausted from the drying chamber through a screen that is intended to collect lint from the clothes. The exhaust air then typically passes through a duct that runs from the dryer to the exterior wall of the building so that the heated moist air is exhausted to the exterior of the building.
- the exhaust of the duct usually has a screen or flap that is intended to prevent rodents from entering the duct pipe.
- the screen at the dryer rapidly becomes covered in a layer of lint, and should be removed and cleaned, after or before every load that is dried. In many instances the screen is cleaned less frequently.
- the screen at the dryer is not 100% effective in removing lint from the exhaust air, and further lint collects in the duct, and especially at any screen located at the exterior of the building or elsewhere in the duct work.
- cleaning of the screen will often cause lint to fall into the duct and thus increase the lint clogging the duct work in the building.
- multi dwelling buildings typically an additional lint trap of very fine screen is installed down stream from the dryer lint trap.
- the term multi dwelling building is meant to cover both residential and commercial buildings that have clothes dryers including apartments, condominiums, hospitals, nursing homes, cleaners and the like.
- This lint screen is often located in a place that is awkward to reach and difficult to clean. The screen inevitably clogs up very quickly with lint and for safety reasons should be cleaned after every use. As a result of difficulties in reaching and cleaning the screen, people frequently remove and dispose of the lint trap screen.
- dryer ducting and in-line boost fans need to be cleaned at least once a year, even when the dryer lint screen and the in-line lint trap are used properly. Similarly, the screen and ducts at the exterior of a home needs to be cleaned with the same frequency.
- Lint inevitably carries germs and viruses.
- lint trap screen becomes blocked, lint is forced out of the ducting system through any existing joints that are not adequately sealed. Consequently, lint particles leak out and spread through the air in the residence, carrying with them germs and viruses. Also when the lint screen is cleaned lint particles will typically be released into the home or multi dwelling building.
- Fires can be caused by inadequate cleaning of dryers, lint screens and ducts in the dryer exhaust systems.
- the fires can be caused by overheating of fans or heating systems of the dryer and are spread by the lint in the dryer, in the duct and on the fan blades.
- the lint interceptor described in U.S. 4 115485 is free of filters, screens or the like, to eliminate overheating of the associated dryer due to increased back pressure caused by clogging of screens or filters.
- the air from the lint interceptor is exhausted directly into the room, which eliminates further sources of back pressure.
- U.S. 5 628 122 describes a lint remover that utilizes the water discharge of a clothes washer.
- U.S. 2 577 104 describes a dryer safety control that has a counterweighted vane with electrical contacts, in which the vane on reduction of air flow closes the electrical contacts. Such a control would be very susceptible to deposits of lint on the electrical contacts and/or vane.
- U.S. 3 639 998 utilizes a fan that would be susceptible to deposits of lint, and measures pressure drop across a screen.
- a lint collector and safety system for the exhaust of a clothes dryer would be very useful, especially in reducing the likelihood of fires, and consequent injury or death of occupants of the house or multi dwelling buildings, as well as for more efficient drying of clothes.
- one aspect of the present invention provides a lint collector and safety system for the exhaust of a clothes dryer, comprising: a housing, said housing having an inlet and an outlet in an upper surface of the housing for passage of exhaust air from the dryer, said inlet being adapted for attachment to the dryer, said housing having a water reservoir, said inlet being disposed such that exhaust air from the dryer is directed into the surface of water in the water reservoir, said outlet have a flow meter therein, said flow meter being adapted to cause an interruption in the electical circuit of the dryer if flow of exhaust air decreases below a pre-determined limit.
- Another aspect of the present invention provides a safety system for a clothes dryer, said dryer having an outlet pipe for conveying of exhaust air from the dryer, said outlet pipe having a flow meter therein, said flow meter being adapted to cause a break in the electrical circuit of the dryer if the flow of exhaust air decreases below a pre-determined limit.
- the safety system may include an electrical field which "electrocutes" lint that passes therethrough.
- the safety system with the electrical field may be housed inside the dryer.
- a further aspect of the present invention provides a clothes dryer comprising: a chamber to receive and retain clothes to be dried; an air inlet to said chamber, said air inlet having means to heat air entering the chamber through said air inlet; an air outlet to said chamber, said air outlet having a fan therein for withdrawal of air from the chamber, means to feed air from said fan to a lint collector system, said lint collector system having a housing with an inlet, an outlet and a water reservoir, said inlet being disposed such that air is fed from the fan into the water reservoir and then to said outlet.
- Yet another aspect of the invention provides in a clothes dryer having a chamber to receive and retain clothes to be dried, an air inlet to said chamber with means to heat air entering the chamber through said air inlet to a predetermined temperature, means to control said clothes dryer, an air outlet to said chamber, a lint screen in said outlet and a fan for withdrawal of air from the chamber through said lint screen, the improvement comprising replacing said lint screen with a exterior lint collector system having a housing with an inlet, an outlet and a water reservoir, said lint collector system being located such that air withdrawn from the chamber by the fan is passed from the fan through the inlet of the lint collector system and directed onto water in the water reservoir.
- a further aspect of the invention provides an electrical socket for receiving a dryer plug and a connection to a safety system.
- the electrical socket includes a socket for providing power to the dryer plug; a connection to the safety system for providing power to the safety system and for receiving signals from the safety system; and a method for interrupting power to the dryer response to predetermined signals from the safety system.
- the predetermined signal may be responsive to air flow dropping below a predetermined level, time or use being above a predetermined time, temperature being above a predetermined limit, or the water in the safety system being below a predetermined level.
- Fig. 1 is a perspective view of an appliance of the present invention adapted to be attached to a clothes dryer including a wet lint collector;
- Fig. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the appliance of figure 1 ;
- Fig. 3 is a perspective view of the appliance attached to a clothes dryer and showing a non-restricting cover plate;
- Fig. 4 is an alternate embodiment of the non-restricting cover plate
- Fig. 5 is a second alternate embodiment of the non-restricting cover plate
- Fig. 6 is a perspective view of an adapter for the electrical supply to the dryer
- Fig. 7 is a perspective view of an alternate embodiment of an adapter for the electrical supply to the dryer
- Fig. 8 is a perspective view of a second alternate embodiment of an adapter for the electrical supply to the dryer
- Fig. 9 is a perspective view of a third alternate embodiment of an adapter for the electrical supply to the dryer.
- Fig. 10 is a perspective view of an alternate embodiment of a receptacle for the electrical supply to the dryer;
- Fig. 11 is a perspective view of an alternate embodiment of a receptacle for the electrical supply to the dryer;
- Fig. 12 is a perspective view of an alternate embodiment of an appliance of the present invention similar to that shown in figure 1 but with an alternate control panel;
- Fig. 13 is an exploded perspective view of the embodiment of figure 12 and showing an alternate lint
- Fig. 14 is a perspective view of the appliance of figure 12 attached to a clothes dryer and the receptacle of figure 10;
- Fig. 15 is an exploded perspective view of a second alternate embodiment of an appliance of the present invention similar to that shown in figure 2 but with a smaller lint;
- Fig. 16 is a perspective view of a safety control appliance of the present invention adapted to be attached to a clothes dryer;
- Fig. 17 is a perspective view of an alternate embodiment of a safety control appliance similar to that shown in figure 16 but having a different orientation;
- Fig. 18 is a perspective view of a second alternate embodiment of a safety control appliance similar to that shown in figure 17 but having a vane type flow meter;
- Fig. 19 is a perspective view of a second alternate embodiment of a safety control appliance similar to that shown in figure 17 but having a propellor type flow meter;
- Fig. 20 is a perspective view of a second alternate embodiment of a safety control appliance similar to that shown in figure 17 but having a pressure sensor/switch type flow meter;
- Fig. 21 is a perspective view of an appliance of the present invention adapted to be attached to a clothes dryer including an dryer outlet flow meter and a dry lint handling system;
- Fig. 22 is a perspective view of an alternate embodiment of an appliance similar to that shown in figure 21 but showing a different means of obtaining an electrical field;
- Fig. 23 is a perspective view of a dryer of the present invention including an appliance similar to that shown in figure 21.
- the present invention relates to an appliance and safety system for a clothes dryer.
- the appliance includes, in sequence, a lint collector system and a system to interrupt electrical power to the dryer in the absence of adequate flow of exhaust air from the dryer or a dryer malfunction.
- FIG. 1 shows an appliance of the present invention also referred to as a lint collector system, generally designated by 1.
- Lint collector system 1 has upper housing 2 and lower housing 3.
- Upper housing 2 has inlet 4 and outlet 5 located in upper surface 6 of upper housing 2.
- the diameter of each of inlet 4 and outlet 5 may be varied, but is most preferably of the same diameter as exhaust • ducting passing from a clothes dryer.
- each of inlet 4 and outlet 5 is of a diameter consistent with the flexible corrugated hose that is used with many clothes dryers.
- the diameter may be varied to accommodate a lint collector system 1 into an existing exhaust system from a clothes dryer.
- Upper housing 2 has a pair of horizontal wall bracket 7, which are adapted to attach the lint collector system 1 to a surface, e.g., a wall, using screw holes 9.
- Horizontal wall brackets are preferred, especially of a length that permits opening of closure 10, as discussed below.
- Vertical wall brackets could be used but would be more susceptible to inadvertent installation in an inconvenient position.
- Lower housing 3 is separable from upper housing 2, and in normal use is attached to upper housing 2 by means of closure 10. It is understood that closure 10 may be of any type suitable for attachment of lower housing 3 to upper housing 2, while permitting separation of lower housing 3 from upper housing 2. As will be apparent from the discussion herein, closures 10 will be provided on opposed ends of upper housing 2, such that lower housing 3 may be detached and lowered from upper housing 2 for the purpose of emptying. As discussed herein, lower housing 3 contains water, 11 , for collection of lint.
- Outlet 5 is shown with flow meter 12 located therein.
- Flow meter 12 may be located close to or as part of lint collector system 1 , being located in outlet 5 of lint collector system 1 , or flow meter 12 could be located at any convenient location downstream from outlet 5.
- the flow meter 12 is located downstream from the lint collector, i.e. the lint collector and flow meter are located in sequence in the safety device. Flow meter 12 will not be located prior to inlet 4 as in such a location, as will be apparent from the discussion herein, flow meter 12 would become covered in lint over a period of time.
- flow meter 12 would measure flow of exhaust air but cause minimal restriction in the flow of exhaust air. It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that although it is preferable for the flow meter 12 to be downstream of the lint collector system 1 , it could also be upstream of the lint collector system. It would merely require more cleaning if it was upstream of the lint collector system 1.
- Flow meter 12 may have a variety of forms.
- flow meter 12 could be in the form of flapper 100 as is shown in the drawings.
- the flapper 100 would cover the cross-section of the outlets and be pivotally attached to opposed sides 102 of the outlet 5.
- the flapper 100 would be sufficiently light in weight to be easily pivoted during flow of air.
- the position of the flapper 100 will range between fully opened and fully closed. If the flow of air is below a predetermined level the position of the flapper 100 will indicate that there is an inadequate flow of air and the electrical power to the dryer would be interrupted. It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that alternate flow meters could also be used.
- a water level probe 68 (shown in figure 2), extends down from control panel 61. Water level probe 68 is intended to detect the presence of water within lower housing 3. If water is not detected, it is intended that the electrical supply to the dryer would be interrupted until such time as water has been added to lower housing 3. The presence of an adequate water level would be indicated on control panel 61 by display 62 or indicator light 108 (shown in figures 12 and 13).
- Figure 2 shows the lint collector system of figure 1 in an exploded or open view.
- Upper housing 2 would be attached to a surface, e.g., a wall, by means of wall bracket 7, using screw holes 9. It is understood that inlet 4 would be attached to a clothes dryer and outlet 5 would be attached to an exhaust system as shown in figure 3.
- Lower housing 3 has been detached from upper housing 2, by opening closure 10, shown as 10A and 10B. It is also understood that upper housing 2 would remain in its normal use position, and that lower housing 3 would be detached and removed from upper housing 2.
- Lower housing 3 would be partially filled with water 11 , e.g. up to water level 13.
- water lever may be varied, but maximum water level 13 should be at a height such that exhaust air entering inlet 4 may easily pass above water level 13 and exit through outlet 5.
- water level lines could be provided to show maximum (full) water level 13 and re-fill water level 106.
- Lower housing 3 is shown with optional filter 14, which is shown as being located in over generally one half of the lower housing proximate to the outlet 5.
- filter 14 is a fine mesh that will allow air to pass through but will catch any lint that did not touch water 11.
- Filter 14 is intended to .facilitate drainage of lower housing 3, so that water within lower housing 3 may be poured, e.g., decanted, from lower housing 3 without substantial discharge of solid matter that may be in the water. Further, filter 14 minimizes the lint that enters outlet 5.
- the use of filter 14 is particularly important in buildings that include booster fans in the exhaust systems. Booster fans are most often found in multi dwelling buildings. Discharge of the entire contents of lower housing 3, i.e. a mixture of water and lint, could result in blockage of drains.
- Upper surface 6 of upper housing 2 has control panel 61 located thereon.
- control panel 61 has a display 62, Display 62 may be used to show information relating to a variety of functions relating to the operation of lint collector system 1.
- the control panel 61 may have a plurality of ( indicator lights 108 as shown in figures 12 and 13, depending on the functions of the lint collector system that are to be monitored. Each indicator light 108 would . have appropriate identification.
- lint collector system 1 may also include a number of safety features. For example as discussed above the flow meter 12 monitors the flow in the system so that if the flow drops below a predetermined level the power to the dryer is interrupted and the dryer is shut off at the source. This is described in more detail below. In addition the water level of the lint collector system 1 is monitored and if the water level drops below a predetermined level the power to the dryer is shut off. In addition the lint collector system may include a timer such that the dryer is shut off after a predetermined maximum time. Further, the lint collector system may include a temperature gage so that the dryer is shut off if the temperature is above a predetermined temperature. Preferably all of these safety features would be connected through control panel 61.
- the lint collector system 1 of the present invention may be arranged such that if the timer on the dryer malfunctions the dryer will be shut off since the dryer has run more than the predetermined time. Likewise if the dryer overheats or fails to shut off because the dryer drive belt breaks or the dryer motor malfunctions or the heating element malfunctions the dryer will be shut off since the temperature will be above the predetermined allowable temperature or beyond the maximum time allowable. Similarly if a duct pipe falls off or the duct becomes obstructed the dryer will be shut off. As discussed above the control panel 61 will indicate the type of malfunction either with the display 62 or indicator lights 108.
- FIG 3 shows a lint collector system 1 attached to a clothes dryer 20.
- Clothes dryer 20 has a door 21 , with latch 22, for entry and removal of clothes from the drying chamber, not shown.
- Clothes dryer 20 has dryer control panel 23, with a temperature control 24, timer 25 and an ON/OFF switch 26.
- clothes dryer 20 has lint screen 27.
- lint screen 27 is a removable screen for initial collection of lint existing with exhaust air from the clothes dryer.
- lint screen 27 is removed and replaced with a non-restricting cover plate 104 (shown in figures 4 and 5).
- Non-restricting cover plate 104 helps to maximize the lint that exits the dryer into the exhaust air tubing 29 and thus into lint collector system 1.
- lint screen 27 is on the upper surface of dryer 20, which is a common location for a lint screen. Another common location for a lint screen is immediately inside door 21 as shown in figure 4 and 5. Lint screen 27 could be at other locations in dryer 20.
- Exhaust air tubing 28 extends from clothes dryer 20. Exhaust air tubing 28 is connected to clothes dryer 20 as is known, and is connected at its opposed end to inlet 4 of lint collector system 1. Outlet 5 of lint collector system 1 is attached to outlet tubing 29.
- Outlet tubing 29 is shown as being connected to an outlet 30 in an exterior wall 32.
- the outlet 30 has a flap 33 to prevent air or rodents entering the outlet tubing 29.
- outlet tubing 29 is shown as being attached to an outlet 30 in an exterior wall 32 it could also be vented directly into the house or multi dwelling buildings.
- outlet tubing 29 could be connected to the furnace 39 of the house or multi dwelling buildings, to supply warm moist air directly to the furnace, and thereby reduce the amount of heat that is required to heat the building.
- connection of outlet tubing to the furnace would supply warm moist air to the furnace, which would assist in humidifying the building, particularly in winter months in climates that would have extreme cold and dry weather.
- a Y or Tee connection 31 could be included wherein the outlet is not only connected to both the outside through exterior wall 32 as described above but also connected to the furnace 39.
- the Y or Tee connection 31 could have a summer setting wherein the outlet is vented outside and a winter setting wherein the outlet is vented to the furnace or inside the home.
- adapter 34 includes a female portion 35 and a male portion 36.
- Male portion 36 is to be plugged into a conventional wall socket 37.
- Dryer electrical plug 38 is attachable to female portion 35.
- lint collector system 1 is operably connected to adapter 34.
- a variety of different methods of connecting lint collector system 1 to adapter are shown in figures 6 to 9.
- a phone jack type connector having a male portion 110 and a female portion 112 may be used.
- a three pronged plug type connection may be used having a male portion 114 and a female portion 116.
- two flanges 115 extending outwardly from the sides of the adapter 34.
- Flanges 115 have holes 117 therein for receiving screws 119. This allows adapter 34 to be attached to the wall over receptacle 37. Alternatively as shown in figure 8 lint collector system 1 may be hard wired into adapter 34 through wire 118. Adapter 34 is intended to be inserted into the wall socket 37 used for the clothes dryer, following which the electrical connection from the clothes dryer 38 would be plugged into the adapter. Figure 9 shows a further alternative of adapter
- a plurality of flanges 123 with holes 125 therein extend outwardly from the adapter 34 to be attached to a wall.
- a variety of methods of connecting the lint collector system 1 to the adapter may be used and one such connection is shown in figure 9 wherein a phone jack type connector 112 is used. It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the flanges
- adapter 34 is shown with four prongs, 41 A-41 D.
- Adapter 34 has corresponding receptacles 43A-43D in housing 45 for receipt of the plug attached to the dryer.
- Electrical lead 36 extends from housing 45 of adapter 34 to the control panel either directly or through intermediate connections.
- Housing 45 would contain a relay (not shown) or other electrical disconnect system that would effect a disruption of power between plugs 41 A-41 D and plug receptacles 43A-43D.
- the electrical disconnect system is preferably adapted to effect disruption of electrical power if the control panel is disconnected from adapter 34.
- the electrical disconnect system is preferably adapted to effect disruption of electrical power if other indicators are above the predetermined levels including the dryer has been in operation longer than the predetermined time, the temperature is above a predetermined value or the water is below the minimum indicator.
- adapter 34 be incorporated into the wall socket 37 of figures 6 to 9 which is used for the clothes dryer as an integral part of a modified wall socket 50.
- modified wall socket 50 includes a dryer type socket portion 52 and a connection for lint collector system socket portion 54.
- a phone connector type socket 56 is shown and in figure 11 a three pronged plug type socket 58 is shown.
- lint collector system socket portion 54 and dryer type socket portion 52 are connected such that socket 50 contains a relay or other electrical disconnect system that would effect a disruption of power to dryer type socket portion 52.
- lint is created during the drying process and is exhausted through the exhaust air tubing 28 and into the inlet 4 of lint collector system 1.
- the clothes dryer 20 does not include a lint collector. Accordingly, if it is an old style dryer with an internal lint collector the internal lint collector is disabled with a non-restricting cover plate 104.
- a variety of lint collector inserts are shown in figures 3 to 5. It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the lint collector system 1 could also be used in addition to a conventional dryer with a lint collector therein. However, preferably it is used with a dryer with no internal lint collector or a disabled lint collector.
- the exhaust air passing through inlet 4 is directed onto the surface of water 11.
- the lint that is in the exhaust air contacts and remains on the surface of water 11 , and eventually it becomes waterlogged and falls to the bottom of the water in lower housing 3.
- the exhaust air, then free of lint passes along the surface of the water 11 and out of outlet 5 of lint collector system 1.
- the exhaust air passing out of outlet 5 is generally free of lint. It is for this reason that the exhaust air may be vented directly into the home or through a furnace used to heat the home. Alternatively, the exhaust air may be vented directly outside. Any screen that is located in external wall 32 would not become clogged with lint, and thus would permit passage of air.
- flow meter 12 detects that the flow of air falls below the preset level, flow meter 12 causes electrical interruption in the electrical supply to clothes dryer 20.
- the flow meter 12 may be connected through control panel 61. For instance, flow meter could cause an electrical interruption by means of adapter 34. If, subsequent to an interruption of electrical supply, obstruction is removed such that there is now an adequate flow of exhaust air through exhaust air tubing 28, the operator of the dryer would push switch 26 to re-start the dryer. Flow meter 12 would detect the adequate flow of air and the dryer would remain in operation. However, if the operator pushed switch 26 to re-start the dryer without having cleared the obstruction, there would still be an inadequate flow of air and there would be an immediate interruption of electrical supply and clothes dryer 20 would not function.
- Lint collector system 1 would be located at a convenient location, typically close to the clothes dryer and substantially at eye level.
- lower housing 3 is transparent, so that an operator would be able to observe the quantity of lint that has collected in water 11.
- the lower housing could be an opaque material.
- the water in lower housing 3 may be replaced after disconnecting lower housing 3 from upper housing 2, pouring water down that drain and solid matter into a garbage container. It is to be expected that an operator would normally clean lower housing 3 more frequently than would be necessary for operation of lint collector system 1 , as the appearance of the water in lower housing 3 would likely indicate that the water should be changed before it is essential to do so.
- an alternate lint collector system 60 is shown with larger dimensions than lint collector system 1. It is to be understood that the dimensions of the lint collector system, and especially the dimensions of upper housing 2 and lower housing 3 may be varied. Examples of dimensions of the lint collector systems are given in the examples below. However, it is found that increasing the distance between inlet 4 and outlet 5 reduces the likelihood that air entering inlet 4 will flow directly to and out of outlet 5 without lint particles entrained in the air contacting the surface of the water. Filters or screens may be placed in the lint collector system, most preferably at the junction of outlet 5 with upper surface 6 of upper housing 2 to reduce any likelihood of lamina flow of air from inlet 4 to outlet 5.
- the embodiment of figures 12 and 13 has a different filter 64, than the lint collector system of Figure 1.
- Filter 64 is angled across on end of lower housing 3 generally from the bottom corner 65 to the middle 66 at the outlet end of the lower housing.
- the angled filter 64 has a similar function to filter 14. When the lint collector system 60 is in use the water therein is somewhat turbulent, this turbulence helps to keep the angled filter 64 clean.
- figure 14 does not show the presence of lint screen 27 illustrated in Figure 3.
- a lint screen 27 is located on the exhaust side of the drying chamber of the clothes dryer by a fan that is located downstream from lint screen 27. As the air is drawn into the drying chamber, this inlet air is heated to the desired temperature. Thus, air is not blown into the drying chamber, but is rather pulled through the drying chamber by a fan located downstream of the lint screen. This arrangement ensures that air is only drawn into the drying chamber at the rate at which it can be exhausted from the drying chamber.
- an alternate dryer 90 is shown with the lint screen removed therefrom in its entirety so that air exhausts directly from the clothes dryer without having to pass through a lint screen.
- Lint is removed from the exhausted air using a lint collector system of the type described herein.
- a preferred embodiment of the present invention provides a dryer and lint collector system in combination, without a lint screen, i.e. the lint screen of the dryer is replaced with a lint collector system described herein.
- Figure 14 shows a wall outlet 50 that would be particularly used with a new home installation.
- dryer 90 could also be used with adapter 34 if new outlet 50 is not being installed in the home.
- Lint collector system 150 includes a smaller sieve 151. In installations that include no booster fan a smaller sieve such as that shown herein may be used. In all other aspects it is the same as that described above with regard to lint collector system 1.
- This lint collector system is of particular use with dryers that include a lint screen. It has been observed lint screens in many dryers still allow a certain amount of lint into the dryer outlet therefore the lint collector system herein may still be used with such dryers and in those instances a large sieve need not be used in the lint collector system 150. However it should be noted that a dryer and lint collector system that does not include a lint screen inside the dryer is generally more efficient.
- the safety system of the present invention is intended to collect lint from the dryer and to effect a disruption of electrical power in the event that the flow of exhaust air decreases below a pre-set limit or dryer malfunction due to mechanical failure. This will improve dryer efficiency by maintaining an adequate flow of exhaust air, and reduce the likelihood of fires due to a plugged exhaust line, overheated dryer or the like. While improvements in dryer efficiency are important from an economic point of view, the reduction in fires and consequent reduced potential for loss of life is of a prime importance.
- the system also permit exhaustion of air external to the building or recycling of clean moist air through a heating furnace, as both a savings in heating costs and an increase in humidity. The latter is important in dry climates. It is not intended that the exhaust air subsequent to the flow meter be sent directly into the room in which the dryer is used, because of lack of control of temperature and humidity in the room.
- the system may be a monitoring system.
- the monitoring system 130 includes the flow meter 12 described above.
- the flow meter 12 monitors the flow in the system so that if the flow drops below a predetermined level the power to the dryer is interrupted and the dryer is shut off at the source.
- the monitoring system 130 may include a timer such that the dryer is shut off after a predetermined maximum time.
- the monitoring system 130 may include a temperature gage so that the dryer is shut off if the temperature is above a predetermined temperature.
- An alternate embodiment of a monitoring system 140 is shown in figure 17. This system could have all of the features of system 130. As above these safety features would be connected through the control panel 61.
- FIG. 17 shows a vane type flow meter 141.
- Figure 19 shows a propellor type flow meter 142.
- Figure 20 shows a pressure sensor/switch type flow meter 144.
- lint handling system 120 may be modified such that it "electrocutes" the lint passing therethrough.
- Lint handling system 120 includes an electrical field through which the lint is passed.
- lint collector system 120 includes an inlet 4 and an outlet 5 with a flow meter 12 therein.
- lint handling system 120 may also include the other monitoring features described above with the exception of the water level indicator.
- the electrical field may be created in a variety of ways. For example as shown in figure 21 a screen 122 that extends across the pipe. Screen 122 is operably connected to a power source such that a current passes therethrough. In operation when lint passes through the electrical field it is "electrocuted". Another example is shown in figure 22 wherein a plurality of spaced apart wires 124 are positioned so as to create an electrical field. The spacing of the wires is depended on the voltage passed therethrough. The larger the voltage the further apart the wires may be spaced.
- a dryer 160 which includes an internal lint handling system 161.
- the internal handling system 161 has al) of the features of lint handling system 120 but it inside the dryer 160. Similarly it may have all of the safety features described above in regard to monitoring the flow of the exhaust air, the time that the dryer is in use and the temperature of the exhaust air, As discussed above a system to interrupt electrical power to the dryer would also be included and this may be done either externally as discussed above or internally.
- the lint collector systems 1 , 60, 150, lint "electrocuter" system 120 and monitoring systems 130 and 140 of the present invention may be arranged such that if the timer on the dryer malfunctions the dryer will be shut off since the dryer has run more than the predetermined time. Likewise if the dryer overheats or fails to shut off because the dryer drive belt breaks or the dryer motor malfunctions or the heating element malfunctions the dryer will be shut off since the temperature will be above the predetermined allowable temperature or beyond the maximum time allowable. Similarly if a duct pipe falls off or the duct becomes obstructed the dryer will b ⁇ shut off.
- control panel 61 will indicate the type of malfunction either with the display 62 or indicator lights 108.
- tt will be appreciated that the above description related to the invention by way of example only. Many variations on the invention will be obvious to those skilled in the art and such obvious variations are within the scope of the invention as described herein whether or not expressly described .
- a lint collector system as illustrated in Figures 1 and 2 was attached to the exhaust of a dryer, as illustrated in Figure 3.
- the lint collector system was partially filled with water.
- the dryer was operated in the normal drying of household laundry. It was found that lint that passed the lint collector screen of the dryer contacted the water in the lint collector, and accumulated in the water. The accumulated water collected in the bottom of the lint collector. From time to time, e.g. after a number of loads of laundry had been dried, the lower housing of the lint collector was detached. Water was drained from the housing and the remaining mass of lint was easily removed and placed in the garbage. Subsequently, the lower housing was rinsed and the water was replenished. The lower housing was re-attached to the upper housing for further use.
- Example 1 The procedure of Example 1 was repeated, except that the housing did not contain water. Three different types of filters were placed in the housing and attached to inlet 4 such that all exhaust air had to pass through the filters.
- the filters tested were a nylon stocking, a paint strainer and a vacuum cleaner bag. In all instances, large dust (lint) particles were removed but passed through the screen. Attempts to filter out all particles resulted in logging of the filter and restricted air flow from the dryer.
- Example 1 The procedure of Example 1 was repeated, except that the water was replaced with two-sided adhesive tape on the bottom of the lint collector.
- a lint collector system as illustrated in figure 1 was attached to the exhaust system of a dryer.
- the internal dimensions of lower housing 3 of the lint collector system were approximately 10 cm in height, 15 cm in depth and 35 cm in length.
- the dryer was operated in the nocmal drying of household laundry. It was found that lint that passed the lint collector screen of the dryer contacted the water in the lint collector, and accumulated in the water, as in Example 1.
- Example IV was less susceptible to entrainment of lint passing from inlet 4 to outlet 5 of the lint collector system.
Abstract
Description
Claims
Priority Applications (4)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
AU2001272275A AU2001272275A1 (en) | 2000-07-12 | 2001-07-12 | Appliance attachable to a dryer and a dryer for use therewith |
US10/483,396 US20040187343A1 (en) | 2000-07-12 | 2001-07-12 | Appliance attachable to a dryer and a dryer for use therewith |
CA2416096A CA2416096C (en) | 2000-07-12 | 2001-07-12 | Appliance attachable to a dryer and a dryer for use therewith |
US11/529,576 US20070101603A1 (en) | 2000-07-12 | 2006-09-29 | Appliance attachable to a dryer and a dryer for use therewith |
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US21807900P | 2000-07-12 | 2000-07-12 | |
US60/218,079 | 2000-07-12 |
Related Child Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US11/529,576 Continuation US20070101603A1 (en) | 2000-07-12 | 2006-09-29 | Appliance attachable to a dryer and a dryer for use therewith |
Publications (3)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
WO2002004736A2 WO2002004736A2 (en) | 2002-01-17 |
WO2002004736A3 WO2002004736A3 (en) | 2002-06-13 |
WO2002004736A9 true WO2002004736A9 (en) | 2002-12-27 |
Family
ID=22813655
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
PCT/CA2001/001007 WO2002004736A2 (en) | 2000-07-12 | 2001-07-12 | Appliance attachable to a dryer and a dryer for use therewith |
Country Status (4)
Country | Link |
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US (3) | US6671977B2 (en) |
AU (1) | AU2001272275A1 (en) |
CA (1) | CA2416096C (en) |
WO (1) | WO2002004736A2 (en) |
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-
2001
- 2001-07-12 US US09/902,791 patent/US6671977B2/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
- 2001-07-12 WO PCT/CA2001/001007 patent/WO2002004736A2/en active Application Filing
- 2001-07-12 US US10/483,396 patent/US20040187343A1/en not_active Abandoned
- 2001-07-12 CA CA2416096A patent/CA2416096C/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
- 2001-07-12 AU AU2001272275A patent/AU2001272275A1/en not_active Abandoned
-
2006
- 2006-09-29 US US11/529,576 patent/US20070101603A1/en not_active Abandoned
Also Published As
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US20020023368A1 (en) | 2002-02-28 |
US6671977B2 (en) | 2004-01-06 |
US20040187343A1 (en) | 2004-09-30 |
WO2002004736A2 (en) | 2002-01-17 |
WO2002004736A3 (en) | 2002-06-13 |
AU2001272275A1 (en) | 2002-01-21 |
CA2416096A1 (en) | 2002-01-17 |
CA2416096C (en) | 2010-04-13 |
US20070101603A1 (en) | 2007-05-10 |
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