EP2341183B1 - Operating control method for a laundry drier and laundry drier using the same - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a control method in operation of a laundry drying machine for cleaning at least one heat exchanger of a drying air circuit and the removal of laundry fibers from the water condenser used to clean said at least one heat exchanger.

It also relates to a dryer machine with condensation or heat pump, of the dryer or washer-dryer type for domestic use, equipped with at least one heat exchanger and adapted to implement the control method according to to the invention.

In general, the present invention relates to the field of cleaning heat exchangers related to the fouling of these heat exchangers by laundry fibers transported in the drying air circuit during the implementation of a cycle. drying clothes by ventilation.

We already know the document DE 37 38 031 A1 which discloses a device for removing linen fibers from a condensation water separator designed as a condenser, wherein the drying air is guided through air guiding chambers and the rejected air is guided in a plane perpendicularly between the channels of the condensation water separator which are formed by plates, and in which the condensation water which causes drops on the plates, is collected in a tank and is pumped therefrom by a pump to a removable condensate collection tray located at the top of the dryer. The linen fibers are deposited on the surfaces of the plates. The lint of linen is removed from the plates by means of at least one of the condensing water flowing.

However, this device for removing linen fibers from a condenser in a dryer has the disadvantage of using condensation water loaded with linen fibers when it is put into circulation at pump means since no element is provided to collect the laundry fibers when cleaning the condenser with the condensation water.

As a result, the laundry fibers are deposited all along the water circulation circuit arranged to clean the condenser by means of the condensation water and this water circulation circuit is clogged and this fouling, in particular the condenser, causes a degradation of the performance of the machine dryer.

The document is also known US 2005/066538 A1 which describes a tumble dryer where moisture extracted from the laundry is condensed through the evaporator and collected in a condensate tray. The dryer has a self cleaning lint removal device. Condensate water to be sprayed or used for washing can be pumped by a lint removal pump from a sump and passed through the fins of the evaporator, and washing the remaining fluff in a condensate pan. The soft toys can then be evacuated outside the dryer by a drain pump with condensas to evacuate.

The present invention aims to solve the aforementioned drawbacks and to provide a control method in operation of a machine for drying laundry and a machine for drying laundry to limit the cleaning stress of at least one heat exchanger by the user and to avoid the degradation of the performance of the dryer machine related to the fouling of said at least one heat exchanger.

In this regard, the present invention aims, in a first aspect, a control method in operation of a laundry drying machine comprising a body enclosing a drum, said drum being rotated by a motor and traversed by the drying air from a drying air circuit, said dryer air circuit including at least one fan, and said drum being an integral part of said dryer air circuit, said dryer machine comprising at least one a heat exchanger positioned in said drying air circuit, said at least one heat exchanger being provided with a condensation water tank and a water-cleaning device, said dryer machine laundry comprising a first condensation water drain pump of said condensation water tank.

• séchage du linge avec accumulation d'eau de condensation dans ledit réservoir d'eau de condensation ;
• nettoyage dudit au moins un échangeur de chaleur au moyen de l'eau de condensation,
• où l'eau de condensation dudit réservoir d'eau de condensation est :
  • o mise en circulation au travers d'un filtre dudit réservoir d'eau de condensation et au moyen d'une deuxième pompe de circulation d'eau de condensation vers ledit dispositif de nettoyage utilisant de l'eau,
  • o envoyée depuis ledit dispositif de nettoyage utilisant de l'eau vers ledit au moins un échangeur de chaleur, puis
  • o retournée dans ledit réservoir d'eau de condensation en étant chargée de fibres de linge ;
• évacuation de l'eau de condensation chargée en fibres de linge,
• où l'eau de condensation dudit réservoir d'eau de condensation est :
  • o mise en circulation au travers dudit filtre dudit réservoir d'eau de condensation, puis
  • o évacuée au moyen de ladite première pompe de vidange d'eau de condensation dudit réservoir d'eau de condensation étant mise en fonctionnement ; et
• où ladite deuxième pompe de circulation d'eau de condensation vers ledit dispositif de nettoyage utilisant de l'eau est arrêtée.

According to the invention, said method comprises at least the following steps:

• drying the laundry with accumulation of condensation water in said condensation water tank;
• cleaning said at least one heat exchanger with the condensation water,
• where the condensation water of said condensation water tank is:
  • o circulating through a filter of said condensation water tank and by means of a second pump for circulating condensation water to said cleaning device using water,
  • o sent from said cleaning device using water to said at least one heat exchanger, then
  • o returned to said condensation water tank being loaded with linen fibers;
• evacuation of the condensation water loaded with linen fibers,
• where the condensation water of said condensation water tank is:
  • o circulating through said filter of said condensation water tank, then
  • o evacuated by means of said first pump for draining water from condensation of said condensation water tank being put into operation; and
• wherein said second condensation water circulation pump to said cleaning device using water is stopped.

Thus, the operating control method of a dryer according to the invention limits the cleaning stress of said at least one heat exchanger by the user and to avoid degradation of the machine performance. drying the laundry related to the fouling of said at least one heat exchanger.

The cleaning of said at least one heat exchanger is thus implemented by means of the flow of condensation water between a condensation water tank and said at least one heat exchanger through a second circulation pump. condensation water and a cleaning device using water.

In this way, the cleaning of said at least one heat exchanger can be implemented automatically by means of control of the dryer machine and without user intervention.

The filtration of the condensation water during the cleaning of said at least one heat exchanger makes it possible to prevent fouling of the condensation water circulation circuit and of said at least one heat exchanger in such a way as to maintain the performance of the machine. to dry the laundry.

During the two steps of cleaning said at least one heat exchanger by means of condensation water and discharging the condensation water loaded with textile fibers of the process according to the invention, the condensation water contained in the condensation water tank is treated so as to prevent fouling of said at least one heat exchanger and to avoid intervention by the user to clean said at least one heat exchanger.

The filtration of the condensation water by the filter of the condensation water tank during the cleaning step of the said at least one heat exchanger makes it possible to prevent the fouling of the at least one heat exchanger during the circulation of condensation water through said at least one heat exchanger.

The filtration of the condensation water by the filter of the condensation water tank during the step of evacuation of the condensation water outside the condensation water tank makes it possible to prevent the fibers from at least one heat exchanger is introduced during the repetition of the sequence of steps of the control method according to the invention.

According to a preferred feature of the invention, the sequence of said laundry drying steps with accumulation of condensation water in said condensation water tank, cleaning said at least one heat exchanger by means of the water of condensation and discharge of the condensation water loaded with linen fibers is repeated several times during the implementation of a drying cycle of the laundry by said drying machine.

Thus, the condensation water accumulated in the condensation water tank by means of said at least one heat exchanger located in the drying air circuit of the dryer is used to clean said at least one heat exchanger. heat so as to prevent fouling of said at least one heat exchanger by drying air loaded with linen fibers.

In addition, the condensation water contained in the condensation water tank is evacuated following each cleaning of the at least one heat exchanger so as to avoid excessive deposition of linen fibers in the condensation water tank. .

In this way, the condensation water circulation circuit is cleaned regularly so as to keep it clean for as long as possible without user intervention, to avoid a degradation of the performance of the machine to dry the laundry, and to avoid the occurrence of a malfunction this machine dryer.

According to another preferred feature of the invention, the condensation water is circulated through said filter of said condensation water tank in the opposite direction during said step of evacuation of the condensed water condensation fiber. laundry with respect to said cleaning step of said at least one heat exchanger by means of the condensation water.

Thus, the filter of the condensation water tank is self-cleaned by the flow of condensation water in the opposite direction during the stage of evacuation of the condensation water loaded with linen fibers with respect to the stage cleaning said at least one heat exchanger by means of the condensation water.

In this way, the laundry fibers are captured by the filter of the condensation water tank during the step of cleaning said at least one heat exchanger by means of the condensation water and the laundry fibers are evacuated by outside the condensation water tank during the stage of evacuation of the condensation water loaded with linen fibers.

The laundry fibers contained in the condensation water are thus captured by the filter and discharged outside the condensation water tank at each implementation of the process according to the invention.

The laundry fibers entrained in the condensation water are captured by the filter during the cleaning of the at least one heat exchanger and these laundry fibers are detached from the filter by the flow of condensation water in opposite directions and then discharged outside. of the condensation water tank when draining water from condensation loaded with linen fibers.

In addition, the condensation water filter is cleaned at each condensation drain step outside the condensation water tank to optimize the operation of the dryer. cleaning step of said at least one heat exchanger.

Therefore, the fouling of said at least one heat exchanger and the condensation water circuit for cleaning said at least one heat exchanger is severely limited so as to avoid degradation of the performance of the dryer machine and to avoid user intervention to clean an element of the dryer, such as said at least one heat exchanger or at least one filter.

According to a second aspect, the present invention is directed to a laundry drying machine comprising a body enclosing a drum, said drum being rotated by a motor and traversed by drying air from a drying air circuit. said drying air circuit comprising at least one fan, and said drum forming an integral part of said dryer air circuit, said laundry machine comprising at least one heat exchanger positioned in said dryer air circuit said at least one heat exchanger being provided with a condensation water tank and a cleaning device using water, said laundry machine comprising a first condensation water drain pump of said condensation water tank.

• traverse un filtre dudit réservoir d'eau de condensation,
• est mis en circulation vers ledit dispositif de nettoyage utilisant de l'eau,
• est envoyé par ledit dispositif de nettoyage utilisant de l'eau sur ledit au moins un échangeur de chaleur, et
• retourne dans ledit réservoir d'eau de condensation chargé de fibres de linge ;

et en ce que ladite première pompe de vidange d'eau de condensation dudit réservoir d'eau de condensation générant un second flux d'eau de condensation, lors de l'évacuation de l'eau de condensation chargée en fibres de linge, depuis ledit réservoir d'eau de condensation, où ledit second flux d'eau de condensation :

• traverse ledit filtre dudit réservoir d'eau de condensation, et
• est évacué en dehors dudit réservoir d'eau de condensation,

pendant que ladite deuxième pompe de circulation d'eau de condensation est arrêtée.According to the invention, said laundry drying machine comprises a second condensation water circulation pump generating a first flow of condensation water, during the cleaning of said at least one heat exchanger by means of the condensation water. , from said condensation water tank, where said first condensation water stream:

• crosses a filter of said condensation water tank,
• is circulated to said cleaning device using water,
• is sent by said cleaning device using water on said at least one heat exchanger, and
• returns to said condensed water tank loaded with linen fibers;

and in that said first condensate drain pump of said condensation water tank generating a second flow of condensed water, when draining the condensed water of laundry fibers, from said condensation water tank, where said second flow of condensation water:

• crosses said filter of said condensation water tank, and
• is evacuated outside said condensation water tank,

while said second condensation water pump is stopped.

This machine dryer has advantages similar to those described above with reference to the operating control method according to the invention.

In particular, this dryer machine makes it possible to limit the cleaning stress of said at least one heat exchanger by the user and to avoid the degradation of the performance of the machine for drying the laundry related to the fouling of said at least one a heat exchanger.

Other features and advantages of the invention will become apparent in the description below.

• la figure 1 est une première vue schématique en coupe d'une machine à sécher le linge à condensation conforme à un premier mode de réalisation de l'invention ;
• la figure 2 est une deuxième vue schématique en coupe d'une machine à sécher le linge à condensation conforme à un premier mode de réalisation de l'invention ;
• la figure 3 est une vue schématique partielle de dessus d'une machine à sécher le linge à condensation conforme à un premier mode de réalisation de l'invention, où un tambour ayant été ôté ; et
• la figure 4 est une vue schématique en coupe d'une machine à sécher le linge à pompe à chaleur conforme à un deuxième mode de réalisation de l'invention.

In the accompanying drawings, given as non-limiting examples:

• the figure 1 is a first schematic sectional view of a condensation dryer according to a first embodiment of the invention;
• the figure 2 is a second schematic sectional view of a condensation dryer according to a first embodiment of the invention;
• the figure 3 is a partial schematic view from above of a condensation dryer according to a first embodiment of the invention, wherein a drum has been removed; and
• the figure 4 is a schematic sectional view of a heat pump laundry machine according to a second embodiment of the invention.

We will first describe with reference to Figures 1 to 4 a drying machine 1.

The dryer may be a domestic clothes dryer or a domestic-type condensate or heat pump washer-dryer.

Of course, the present invention applies to all types of machine for drying clothes, including front loading and loading from above the laundry.

This dryer 1 comprises a body 2 comprising an access opening (not shown) inside the bodywork.

An access door (not shown) is adapted to close this opening of the body 2 of the machine 1, especially during operation thereof.

In this embodiment, and in no way limiting, the access door is pivotally mounted about an axis of rotation integral with the body 2 of the machine 1.

The body 2 of the machine 1 is adapted to accommodate a drum 3 which is particularly suitable for drying laundry by a hot air circulation. The drum is rotatable about an axis during the different phases of the drying cycles of the machine.

It should be noted that Figures 1 to 4 are schematic and that many organs necessary for the operation of the machine have been omitted and do not need to be described in detail here.

In order to allow the introduction and removal of laundry within the rotating drum 3, it comprises in a known manner a door.

A control panel is also provided in the upper part of the machine 1.

Of course, the dryer according to the invention comprises all the equipment and means necessary for the implementation of a conventional drying process in such a rotary drum machine.

The dryer 1 comprises a drying air circuit 4. The drying air circuit 4 comprises at least one drying air inlet pipe 5 and a drying air outlet pipe 6 The air inlet duct 5 is connected to an air inlet of the drum 3 and the air outlet duct 6 to an air outlet of the drum 3. The drum 3 of the drying machine 1 is an integral part of the drying air circuit 4.

The drying machine 1 also comprises at least one fan 7 for driving a drying air flow F entering through the air inlet of the drum 3, then through said drum 3 containing the pieces of laundry and exiting through the air outlet of said drum 3.

The drying of the laundry contained in the drum 3 is effected by the flow of air F passing through said drum 3 while said drum 3 can be rotated to stir and lift the laundry.

The rotation drive of the drum 3 is performed by a motor 8.

This rotation drive drum 3 can be achieved by an electric motor and by means of a transmission belt.

The fan 7 is mounted in the drying air circuit 4 to suck air and force it to flow through the air inlet duct 5 and the air outlet duct 6 of said air duct. drying air 4.

In one embodiment, a heating element 9 is mounted in the air inlet duct 5 to heat the drying air to a predetermined temperature. can be adjusted by control means (not shown) of the dryer 1.

The drying air is introduced into the drum 3 through at least one air inlet opening formed in the drum 3. The drum 3 contains the items of laundry to be dried and causes them to rotate during a drying cycle. The drying cycle removes moisture from the laundry items with moisture-laden drying air. The moisture-laden drying air is discharged through at least one air outlet opening of the drum 3 and then through the air outlet duct 6.

In one embodiment of the invention, the laundry dryer 1 comprises at least one fluff filter 10 located downstream of the at least one drying air outlet opening of the drum 3.

The drying air circuit 4 is in a closed loop and the air can be heated by at least one heating element 9. The heated air passes through the laundry contained in the drum 3 and the heated air is charged with moisture contained by the linen and stuffed linen. During this phase, the air can be cooled from a temperature of about 110 ° C to a temperature of about 70 ° C.

The dryer 1 comprises at least one heat exchanger 11 positioned in the drying air circuit 4.

Of course, the number of heat exchangers is not limiting and can be one or more.

In the case of clothes drying machines 1 with condensation as illustrated in Figures 1 to 3 these include two air circuits. A first air circuit is commonly called hot air circuit 4 and a second air circuit called cold air circuit 20, as illustrated in FIG. figure 3 .

The hot air circuit 4 is in closed loop and the air heated by at least one heating element 9. The heated air passes through the laundry contained in the drum 3 and the heated air is charged with the moisture contained by the laundry.

The heated moist air can pass through a filter 10 placed at a discharge outlet of the drum 3 to recover lint contained in said heated and moist air. A fan 7 circulates the warm moist air inside a condenser 11. The hot and humid air is cooled in condenser tubes 11 and the air humidity is condensed. The condenser 11 is cooled by heat exchange with ambient air. Then, the air is again heated by the at least one heating element 9.

The dryer 1 can also be provided with a plate condenser instead of a tube condenser.

The cold air circuit 20 is in an open circuit where ambient air is sucked by a fan 21 at the rear of the dryer 1. The fan 21 propels the air ambient in the condenser 11 on the outside of the tubes of said condenser 11 to cool it. The ambient air heated in the condenser 11 is discharged into a room where the dryer 1 is located by one side of the body 2 of the dryer 1.

In the case of 1 heat pump clothes drying machines as illustrated in figure 4 these include a drying air circuit 4 and a refrigeration circuit 22.

The refrigeration circuit 22 comprises at least: a compressor 23, a condenser 24, an expansion element 25 and an evaporator 26.

The expansion element 25 of the refrigeration circuit 22 may be an expansion valve or an expansion capillary.

The drying air circuit 4 is in a closed loop and the air is heated by at least the condenser 24 of the refrigeration circuit 22 and optionally by a heating element 9. The heated air passes through the laundry contained in the drum 3 and the heated air takes care of the moisture contained in the laundry.

The heated moist air can pass through a filter 10 placed at a discharge outlet of the drum 3 to recover lint contained in said heated and moist air. A fan 7 circulates the hot and humid air firstly inside an evaporator 26 and then in a second time inside a condenser 24.

The hot moist air is cooled in tubes of the evaporator 26 so as to condense the moisture of the drying air and then reheated in tubes of the condenser 24. Then, the drying air can also be heated by said at least one heating element 9 located upstream of the drum 3 before crossing again the drum 3 containing the pieces of laundry.

The dryer 1 may also be provided with a condenser 24 and / or a plate evaporator 26 in place of a condenser 24 and / or a tube evaporator 26.

Such circulation of a drying air flow F is established in the drying air circuit 4 by means of at least one fan 7.

Of course, the number of fans of the drying air circuit is not limiting and can be one or more.

The fan 7 is preferably located upstream of the condenser 24 of the refrigeration circuit 22 and downstream of the drum 3 of the dryer 1 in the direction of flow of the drying airflow F.

The refrigeration circuit 22 is also in a closed loop.

The refrigerant of the refrigeration circuit 22 passes from the refrigerant outlet of the pressurized compressor 23 to the refrigerant inlet of the condenser 24. The output of The refrigerant condenser 24 is connected to the refrigerant inlet of the evaporator 26 through the expansion element 25.

The expansion element 25 acts as a separating element between the refrigerant pressure levels in the refrigeration circuit part 22 upstream of said expansion element 25 and in the part of the refrigeration circuit 22 downstream of said refrigeration element. relaxation 25.

The refrigerant output of the evaporator 26 is connected to the refrigerant inlet of the compressor 23.

Said at least one heat exchanger 11 of the dryer 1, condensing or heat pump, is provided with a condensation water tank 12 and a cleaning device using water 13 .

The dryer 1 comprises a first pump 14 for draining condensation water from the condensation water tank 12.

The dryer 1 comprises a second condensation water circulation pump 15 generating a first flow of condensation water A, during the cleaning of the at least one heat exchanger 11 by means of the condensation water, from the condensation water tank 12.

• traverse un filtre 16 du réservoir d'eau de condensation 12,
• est mis en circulation vers le dispositif de nettoyage utilisant de l'eau 13,
• est envoyé par ledit dispositif de nettoyage utilisant de l'eau 13 sur ledit au moins un échangeur de chaleur 11, et
• retourne dans ledit réservoir d'eau de condensation 12 chargé de fibres de linge.

The first flow of condensation water A:

• through a filter 16 of the condensation water tank 12,
• is circulated to the cleaning device using water 13,
• is sent by said cleaning device using water 13 to said at least one heat exchanger 11, and
• returns to said condensation water tank 12 loaded with linen fibers.

The first condensation water drain pump 12 of the condensation water tank 12 generates a second flow of condensation water B, during the evacuation of the condensation water loaded with linen fibers, from said reservoir condensation water 12.

The second flow of condensation water B passes through the filter 16 of the condensation water tank 12, and is evacuated outside of said condensation water tank 12, while the second condensation water circulation pump 15 is stopped.

Thus, the clothes drying machine 1 makes it possible to limit the cleaning stress of said at least one heat exchanger 11 by the user and to prevent degradation of the performance of the dryer 1 related to the fouling of said machine. at least one heat exchanger 11.

The second pump 15 for circulating condensation water is connected to the cleaning device using water 13 by at least one water circulation pipe 17.

Here and in no way limiting, the control means of the dryer machine 1 for supplying water to the cleaning device using water 13 may be in particular at least one microcontroller.

In one embodiment, the cleaning device using water 13 may comprise at least one nozzle (not shown) directing the first flow of condensation water A to the at least one heat exchanger 11. Said at least one nozzle may be supplied with water by a water reserve of the cleaning device using water 13 located upstream of said at least one nozzle.

The cleaning device using water 13 may comprise one or more nozzles for increasing the pressure of the first flow of condensation water A so as to more easily disconnect the laundry fibers from the at least one heat exchanger 11.

In another embodiment, said at least one nozzle of the cleaning device 13 may be replaced by at least one slot in the cleaning device 13 directing a flow of condensation water A to said at least one heat exchanger 11 Said at least one slot of the cleaning device 13 is supplied with water by a water reserve of the cleaning device using water 13 located upstream of said at least one slot.

The cleaning device using water 13 may comprise one or more nozzles or one or more slots so as to diffuse the first flow of condensation water A on an inlet section of said at least one heat exchanger 11 in contact with the drying air flow F loaded with linen fibers.

In this way, the first condensation water stream A entrains the laundry fibers deposited on the inlet section of the at least one heat exchanger 11 in the condensation water tank 12 so as to eliminate them from the heating circuit. drying air 4 and said at least one heat exchanger 11.

The first flow of condensation water A also allows the linen fibers to be driven against the filter 16 of the condensation water tank 12 so as to capture them during the cleaning of the at least one heat exchanger 11 by means of the condensation water.

Then, the second flow of condensation water B makes it possible to remove the laundry fibers from the condensation water tank 12 during the evacuation of the condensation water loaded with textile fibers outside the latter.

The first condensate drain pump 14 and the second condensate pump 15 are located in the lower part of the dryer 1 and inside the condenser tank 12.

Thus, said first and second pumps 14, 15 are located near said at least one heat exchanger 11 generally located in the lower part of the dryer 1.

In addition, said first and second pumps 14, 15 are located inside the condensation water tank 12 of said at least one heat exchanger 11 so as to circulate the condensed water or for the emptying of the water. outside of the condensation water contained in said condensation water tank 12 or for cleaning said at least one heat exchanger 11.

Preferably, the second flow of condensation water B during the evacuation of the condensed water containing laundry fibers passes through the filter 16 of the condensation water tank 12 in the opposite direction to the first flow of condensation water. When cleaning said at least one heat exchanger 11 by means of the condensation water.

Thus, the filter 16 of the condensation water tank 12 is self-cleaned by the second flow of condensation water B in the opposite direction when draining the condensation water loaded with linen fibers with respect to the first flow. condensation water A during cleaning of said at least one heat exchanger 11 by means of the condensation water.

The filter 16 of the condensation water tank 12 makes it possible to trap the laundry fibers present in the condensation water during the circulation of the first flow of condensation water A carried out by said second circulation pump 15. condensation water for cleaning said at least one heat exchanger 11 by means of the condensation water.

In this way, the laundry fibers are captured by the filter 16 of the condensation water tank 12 during the cleaning step of said at least one heat exchanger 11 by means of the condensation water and the laundry fibers. are discharged outside the condensation water tank 12 during the step of discharging the condensation water loaded with linen fibers.

The laundry fibers entrained in the condensation water are captured by the filter 16 during the cleaning of the at least one heat exchanger 11 and these laundry fibers are detached from the filter 16 by the flow of condensation water in the opposite direction then discharged outside the condensation water tank 12 when draining the condensation water loaded with linen fibers.

Therefore, the fouling of said at least one heat exchanger 11 and the condensation water circuit for cleaning said at least one heat exchanger 11 is greatly limited so as to avoid a degradation of the performance of the machine to dry. 1 and to avoid user intervention to clean an element of the dryer 1, such as said at least one heat exchanger 11 or at least one filter 16.

Advantageously, the dryer 1 is of the condensation type where the at least one at least one heat exchanger 11 is a condenser, or heat pump where the at least one heat exchanger 11 is an evaporator 26 and / or a condenser 24.

The dryer machine 1 being of the condensing or heat pump type comprises at least one heat exchanger 11 for condensing the moisture of the laundry, and wherein laundry fibers are retained at the inlet of said at least one heat exchanger 11 during the implementation of the laundry drying step by circulating air in the drying air circuit 4.

Said at least one heat exchanger 11 of a heat pump type dryer machine 1 may comprise sharp-edged fins where the laundry fibers are retained at the input thereof during the implementation of the drying step of the laundry by circulation of air in the drying air circuit 4.

Said at least one heat exchanger 11 of a condensation type dryer 1 may comprise a smooth surface where the laundry fibers are retained at the inlet thereof during the implementation of the step of laundry drying by circulating air in the drying air circuit 4.

The collection of the linen fibers at the inlet of the at least one heat exchanger 11 of a condensation type dryer 1 can be improved by arranging a gate at the input of the at least one heat exchanger 11.

The first pump 14 for draining condensation water can be positioned in a first zone 12a of the condensation water tank 12 which is separated from a second zone 12b of the condensation water tank 12 via a siphon device 27.

Thus, the first pump 14 for draining condensation water can thus evacuate the condensation water from the first zone 12a of the condensation water tank 12 towards the outside of said condensation water tank 12.

The second zone 12b of the condensation water tank 12 may comprise the second condensation water circulation pump 15 and the filter 16.

Thus, the second pump 15 for circulating condensation water circulates the condensation water from the second zone 12b of the condensation water tank 12 to the cleaning device using water 13 through the pipe 17, then to send the condensation water on said at least one heat exchanger 11, and to return the condensation water in the second zone 12b of the condensation water tank 12.

A siphon device 27 is provided between a first zone 12a of the reservoir condensation water 12 and a second zone 12b of the condensation water tank 12 so as to create a seal with a water stopper to prevent the evacuation of moist air outside said reservoir of water. condensation water 12.

We will now describe a control method in operation of a dryer machine according to the invention.

• séchage du linge avec accumulation d'eau de condensation dans le réservoir d'eau de condensation 12 ;
• nettoyage dudit au moins un échangeur de chaleur 11 au moyen de l'eau de condensation,
• où l'eau de condensation du réservoir d'eau de condensation 12 est :
  • o mise en circulation au travers du filtre 16 du réservoir d'eau de condensation 12 et au moyen de la deuxième pompe 15 de circulation d'eau de condensation vers le dispositif de nettoyage utilisant de l'eau 13,
  • o envoyée depuis le dispositif de nettoyage utilisant de l'eau 13 vers ledit au moins un échangeur de chaleur 11, puis
  • o retournée dans le réservoir d'eau de condensation 12 en étant chargée de fibres de linge ;
• évacuation de l'eau de condensation chargée en fibres de linge,
• où l'eau de condensation du réservoir d'eau de condensation 12 est :
  • o mise en circulation au travers du filtre 16 du réservoir d'eau de condensation 12, puis
  • o évacuée au moyen de la première pompe 14 de vidange d'eau de condensation du réservoir d'eau de condensation 12 étant mise en fonctionnement ; et
• où la deuxième pompe 15 de circulation d'eau de condensation vers ledit dispositif de nettoyage utilisant de l'eau 13 est arrêtée.

The operating control method of a clothes drying machine 1 comprises at least the following steps:

• drying of the laundry with accumulation of condensation water in the condensation water tank 12;
• cleaning said at least one heat exchanger 11 by means of the condensation water,
• where the condensation water of the condensation water tank 12 is:
  • o circulating through the filter 16 of the condensation water tank 12 and by means of the second pump 15 for circulating condensation water to the cleaning device using water 13,
  • o sent from the cleaning device using water 13 to said at least one heat exchanger 11, then
  • o returned to the condensation water tank 12 being loaded with linen fibers;
• evacuation of the condensation water loaded with linen fibers,
• where the condensation water of the condensation water tank 12 is:
  • o circulating through the filter 16 of the condensation water tank 12, then
  • o evacuated by means of the first pump 14 for draining condensation water from the condensation water tank 12 being put into operation; and
• wherein the second pump 15 for circulating condensation water to said cleaning device using water 13 is stopped.

Thus, the operating control method of a clothes drying machine 1 makes it possible to limit the cleaning stress of said at least one heat exchanger 11 by the user and to prevent degradation of the performance of the machine to dry the machine. laundry 1 related to fouling of said at least one heat exchanger 11.

Cleaning said at least one heat exchanger 11 is thus implemented by means of the flow of condensation water between a condensing water tank 12 and said at least one heat exchanger 11 through a second pump 15 of condensation water circulation and a cleaning device using water 13.

In this way, the cleaning of said at least one heat exchanger 11 can be implemented automatically by control means (not shown) of the dryer 1 and without user intervention.

The filtration of the condensation water during the cleaning of said at least one heat exchanger 11 makes it possible to prevent fouling of the condensation water circulation circuit and of said at least one heat exchanger 11 so as to maintain the performance of the the dryer 1.

During the two cleaning steps of said at least one heat exchanger 11 by means of the condensation water and the discharge of the condensation water loaded with process fibers, the condensation water contained in the storage tank condensation water 12 is treated so as to prevent fouling of said at least one heat exchanger 11 and to avoid intervention by the user to clean said at least one heat exchanger 11.

The filtration of the condensation water by the filter 16 of the condensation water tank 12 during the cleaning step of the said at least one heat exchanger 11 makes it possible to prevent the fouling of the at least one heat exchanger. 11 during the circulation of condensation water through said at least one heat exchanger 11.

The filtration of the condensation water by the filter 16 of the condensation water tank 12 during the step of evacuation of the condensation water outside the condensation water tank 12 makes it possible to avoid that the laundry fibers are introduced into said at least one heat exchanger 11 during the repetition of the sequence of steps of the control method.

The operating control method of the laundry dryer 1 comprises, during a laundry drying cycle, one or more detection steps of at least a maximum threshold level N, H of condensation water reached. in the condensation water tank 12 of the at least one heat exchanger 11.

The detection of the at least one maximum threshold level N, H of condensation water reached in the condensation water tank 12 of the at least one heat exchanger 11 can be achieved for example by means of the same device. float sensor, or a respective float sensor device at each maximum threshold level N, H of condensation water. This or these float sensor devices are adapted to communicate with the control means of the dryer 1, and for example a microcontroller.

Of course, the means for detecting the at least one maximum threshold level of condensing water reaches in the condensation water reservoir of said minus a heat exchanger are in no way limiting and may be different.

The detection of the maximum threshold level N of condensation water in the condensed water tank 12 of the at least one heat exchanger 11 may make it possible to start the operation of the at least one of the first and second pumps 14, 15, or only the first pump 14 for draining condensation water.

The detection of the maximum threshold level H of condensation water in the condensed water tank 12 of the at least one heat exchanger 11 may make it possible to start the operation of the second pump 15 for circulating condensation water.

Of course, the maximum threshold levels N, H of condensation water in the condensation water tank 12 of the at least one heat exchanger 11 may be different or identical.

In the embodiments illustrated in figures 1 , 2 and 4 , the maximum threshold level N of condensation water corresponds to the maximum threshold level of condensation water in the first zone 12a of the condensation water tank 12 where is positioned the first pump 14 for draining condensation water. And the maximum threshold level H of condensation water corresponds to the maximum threshold level of condensation water in the second zone 12b of the condensation water tank 12 where the second pump 15 for circulating condensation water is positioned.

Thus, the first pump 14 for draining condensation water can fill the condensate draining tank 18 with condensation water by directing a flow of condensation water B towards the condensation water collection tank 18. And the second condensation water circulation pump 15 can supply water to the cleaning device using water 13 by directing a flow of condensation water A to said cleaning device using water 13.

In another embodiment, the first and second pumps 14, 15 can be put into operation before the detection of the at least one of the maximum threshold levels N, H of condensation water in the condensation water tank. if at least one level of condensation water in said tank 12 is sufficient for the operation of the at least one of said first and second pump 14, 15 and detected by a water level detecting means.

The detection of at least one water level sufficient to operate the at least one of the first and second pumps 14, 15 can be implemented by the same means for detecting a water level as for the detection of the maximum threshold levels N, H of condensation water.

In one embodiment, the condensation water filling of the tank of recovery of condensation water 18 by the first pump 14 for draining condensation water can be implemented for a predetermined duration T.

This predetermined condensation water filling time T of the condensation water collection tank 18 can be controlled by control means of the dryer 1, such as for example a microcontroller.

The predetermined duration T of condensation water filling of the condensation water collection tank 18 may be of the order of one minute.

Of course, the predetermined duration of condensation water filling of the condensation water collection tank is in no way limiting and may be different.

In one embodiment, if the maximum threshold level N of condensation water in the condensation water tank 12 of said at least one heat exchanger 11 is detected again following a condensation water filling step of the tank water condensation recovery unit 18 by the first condensation water discharge pump 14 whose duration S between said condensation water filling stage of the condensation water collection tank 18 and said new stage of detection of the condensation water. maximum threshold level N of condensing water reached in the condensation water tank 12 of said at least one heat exchanger 11 is less than a predetermined value, then the dryer 1 is stopped.

Thus, the control means of the laundry dryer 1 detect that the condensation water collection tank 18 is full and can indicate this state to the user to empty said condensation water collection tank 18.

Preferably, the steps of cleaning said at least one heat exchanger 11 by means of the condensation water and the discharge of the condensation water loaded with linen fibers are implemented one after the other, and in particular consecutively.

During the step of cleaning said at least one heat exchanger 11 by means of the condensation water, the first pump 14 for draining condensation water from the condensation water tank 12 is preferably at a standstill. .

The condensation water circulation phases during the cleaning step of said at least one heat exchanger 11 by means of the condensation water may be implemented in a closed loop.

This repetition of the phases of the cleaning step of said at least one heat exchanger 11 may be carried out in particular for a predetermined period and controlled by control means of the dryer 1.

Advantageously, the sequence of laundry drying steps with accumulation of condensation water in the condensation water tank 12, cleaning said at least one heat exchanger 11 by means of the condensation water and discharging the condensed water loaded with linen fibers is repeated several times during the implementation of a drying cycle of the laundry by the dryer 1.

Thus, the condensation water accumulated in the condensation water tank 12 by means of said at least one heat exchanger 11 located in the drying air circuit 4 of the dryer 1 can be cleaned at minus a heat exchanger 11 so as to prevent fouling of said at least one heat exchanger 11 by drying air loaded with linen fibers.

In addition, the condensation water contained in the condensation water tank 12 is evacuated following each cleaning of the at least one heat exchanger 11 so as to avoid excessive deposition of linen fibers in the water tank condensation 12.

In this way, the condensation water circulation circuit is cleaned regularly so as to keep it clean as long as possible without user intervention, to avoid a degradation of the performance of the dryer 1 , and to avoid the appearance of a malfunction this machine to dry the laundry 1.

Advantageously, the step of drying the laundry with accumulation of condensation water in the condensation water tank 12 is carried out with said first pump 14 for draining condensation water and second pump 15 for circulating water. condensing when stopped.

Thus, said at least one heat exchanger 11 makes it possible to condense the moisture present in the drying air during the circulation of this drying air through the drying air circuit 4 during a cycle. drying of laundry carried out by the dryer 1.

The condensation water generated by the at least one heat exchanger 11 is recovered in the condensation water tank 12 so that it can be reused during the cleaning steps of the at least one heat exchanger 11 by means of the condensation water and discharge of the condensation water loaded with linen fibers so as to prevent fouling of the at least one heat exchanger 11 with the laundry fibers and to avoid cleaning by the user.

The cleaning steps of said at least one heat exchanger 11 by means of the condensation water and the condensation water discharge from the condensation water tank 12 are implemented according to the water level of the water. condensation in said condensation water tank 12.

During the drying stage of the laundry, the first pump 14 for draining water of condensation is stopped so that the level of condensation water in the condensation water tank 12 increases to at least a minimum threshold water level to allow the operation of the second water circulation pump 15 condensation device for cleaning said at least one heat exchanger 11.

When the level of condensation water in the condensation water tank 12 reaches at least the minimum threshold water level, the second water circulation pump 15 is put into operation during the cleaning step of said water. minus a heat exchanger 11 by means of the condensation water.

In one embodiment, the second water circulation pump 15 is put into operation during the cleaning step of said at least one heat exchanger 11 by means of the condensation water for a predetermined duration, then the water condensation is discharged to a condensate draining tank 18 by means of the first pump 14 for draining condensation water.

In the case where the condensation water collection tank 18 is filled with condensation water, a water return device (not shown) is provided between the condensation water collection tank 18 and the water tank. condensation water 12 so as to avoid an overflow of said condensation water collection tank 18.

The water return device may comprise at least one water circulation pipe extending between the condensation water collection tank 18 and the condensation water tank 12.

In one embodiment, if a maximum threshold level N of condensation water is reached in the condensation water tank 12 following the evacuation of condensation water from said condensation water tank 12 to the tank the dryer 1 is stopped and control means of said machine 1, such as, for example, a control unit and a display unit, indicate that said recovery tank of condensation water 18 is full.

In the case of a dryer 1 with a heat pump, the cleaning of the at least one heat exchanger 11 by the circulation of the condensation water is carried out by stopping the fan 7 of the air circuit drying 4 so as to avoid sending drops of water on the condenser 24 of the refrigeration circuit 22 causing a decrease in the energy performance of said machine 1.

In the case of a condensing dryer 1, the cleaning of said at least one heat exchanger 11 by the circulation of the condensation water is carried out either by reducing the air flow of the fan 7 of the drying air circuit 4 or by stopping said fan 7 so as to limit or prevent the sending of water drops on the condenser 11 of the drying air circuit 4 causing a decrease in the performance energy of said machine 1.

The reduction of the air flow in the drying air circuit 4 can be obtained by reversing the direction of rotation of the fan 7 of said drying air circuit 4.

In one embodiment, the fan 7 of the drying air circuit 4 is a centrifugal fan comprising blades bent forwardly. This fan configuration provides a variable air flow depending on the direction of rotation of the drive motor of this fan. A normal air flow is produced in a direction of rotation, said positive direction of rotation, adapted to the fan and a reduced air flow is produced in an inverted direction of rotation, said negative direction of rotation.

The ratio of the reduction of the air flow of the fan 7 of the drying air circuit 4 can be of the order of three between the positive direction of rotation and the negative direction of rotation of the drive motor of said fan 7.

Of course, the value of reducing the air flow of the fan of the drying air circuit between the positive direction of rotation and the negative direction of rotation of the drive motor of said fan is in no way limiting and may be different.

In the case of the condensing dryer 1, the fan 21 of the cold air circuit 20 may be a fan of the same type as the fan 7 of the drying air circuit 4 having a normal air flow rate. and a reduced air flow depending on the direction of rotation of the drive motor.

Thus, during a cleaning step of said at least one heat exchanger 11 by the circulation of the condensation water, the fan 7 of the drying air circuit 4 and the fan 21 of the air circuit cold 20 can operate with a reduced air flow so as to limit or prevent the sending of drops of water on the condenser 11 of the drying air circuit 4 causing a decrease in the energy performance of the machine to dry the linen 1.

In one embodiment, the fan 7 of the drying air circuit 4 and the fan 21 of the cold air circuit 20 are driven by the same motor 8.

Furthermore, in the case of a condensing dryer 1, the cleaning of the at least one heat exchanger 11 by the circulation of the condensation water can be carried out by stopping an electric heating element 9 of the drying air circuit 4 so as to avoid throwing water on the latter and cause an electrical malfunction of said machine 1.

Preferably, the condensation water is circulated through the filter 16 of the condensation water tank 12 in the opposite direction during the step of evacuating the condensation water loaded with linen fibers with respect to the cleaning step of said at least one heat exchanger 11 by means of the condensation water.

Thus, the filter 16 of the condensation water tank 12 is self-cleaned by the flow of condensation water in the opposite direction during the step of discharging the condensation water loaded with linen fibers with respect to the cleaning step of said at least one heat exchanger 11 by means of the condensation water.

In this way, the laundry fibers are captured by the filter 16 of the condensation water tank 12 during the cleaning step of said at least one heat exchanger 11 by means of the condensation water and the laundry fibers. are discharged outside the condensation water tank 12 during the step of discharging the condensation water loaded with linen fibers.

The laundry fibers contained in the condensation water are thus captured by the filter 16 and discharged outside the condensation water tank 12 at each implementation of the method.

The laundry fibers entrained in the condensation water are captured by the filter 16 during the cleaning of the at least one heat exchanger 11 and these laundry fibers are detached from the filter 16 by the flow of condensation water in the opposite direction then discharged outside the condensation water tank 12 when draining the condensation water loaded with linen fibers.

In addition, the filter 16 of the condensation water tank 12 is cleaned at each condensation water evacuation step outside the condensation water tank 12 so as to optimize the operation of the dryer. 1 during the cleaning step of said at least one heat exchanger 11.

Therefore, the fouling of said at least one heat exchanger 11 and the condensation water circuit for cleaning said at least one heat exchanger 11 is greatly limited so as to avoid degradation of the performance of the machine to dry the laundry 1 and to avoid intervention by the user to clean an element of the dryer 1, such as said at least one heat exchanger 11 or at least one filter 16.

Preferably, the condensation water of the condensation water tank 12 is discharged to a condensation water collection tank 18 or to a wastewater network (not shown) during the evacuation stage of the water. condensation water loaded with linen fibers.

In the case where the condensation water of the condensation water tank 12 is discharged to a condensation water collection tank 18, the first condensation water drain pump 12 of the condensation water tank 12 is connected to the condensation water collection tank 18 by a water circulation pipe 19.

The condensate drain pan 18 may be removable and be removed or removed from the body 2 of the dryer 1 to allow evacuation of condensation water outside the dryer 1.

This condensation water recovery tank 18 may be located in the upper part of the dryer 1 or the lower part of it.

Of course, the position of the condensation water collection tank is in no way limiting and may be different.

In the case where the condensation water of the condensation water tank 12 is discharged to a wastewater network, the first condensation water drain pump 12 of the condensation water tank 12 is connected to a water circulation line 19 connecting to a drain pipe (not shown) connected to the wastewater network.

In this way, the condensation water of the condensation water tank 12 is directed towards a wastewater network by means of the first pump 14 for draining condensation water from the condensation water tank 12, the water circulation pipe 19 and the drain pipe.

Preferably, the condensation water is sent to a drying air inlet section of said at least one heat exchanger 11 during the cleaning step of said at least one heat exchanger 11 with the water of condensation.

Thus, the condensation water entrains the laundry fibers deposited on the inlet section of said at least one heat exchanger 11 in the condensation water tank 12 so as to eliminate them from the drying air circuit 4 and of said at least one heat exchanger 11.

The condensation water is sent to the drying air inlet section of said at least one heat exchanger 11 since the laundry fibers are retained at the inlet of said at least one heat exchanger 11 during the implementation. of the step of drying the laundry by circulating air in the drying air circuit 4.

The dryer 1 comprises control means consisting of at least one electronic card (not shown). This electronic card comprises a control unit able to implement the control method in operation of the dryer machine according to the invention. Thus, the control unit controls in particular the first and second pumps 14, 15, the motor 8 for rotating the drum 3, the fan 7 of the drying air circuit 4 so as to clean at least one heat exchanger. heat 11, as previously described.

Thanks to the present invention, the stress of regular cleaning of the at least one heat exchanger by the user is avoided and the performance of the dryer is maintained during its operation by preventing the fouling of the at least one heat exchanger heat.

Of course, many modifications can be made to the examples described above without departing from the scope of the invention.

Thus, the operating control method according to the invention can be used in a dryer or a washing machine and dryer the type of condensation or heat pump.

Claims (10)

1. A method for controlling the operation of a laundry drying machine (1) comprising a body (2) enclosing a drum (3), said drum (3) being rotationally driven by a motor (8) and traversed by drying air from a drying air circuit (4), said drying air circuit (4) comprising at least one fan (7), and said drum (3) forming an integral part of said drying air circuit (4);
   said laundry drying machine (1) comprising at least one heat exchanger (11) positioned within said drying air circuit (4), said at least one heat exchanger (11) being equipped with a condensation water tank (12) and with a cleaning device that uses water (13); said laundry drying machine (1) comprising a first pump (14) to drain condensation water from said condensation water tank (12);
   characterized in that said method comprises at least the following steps:

   - drying the laundry, with condensation water accumulating into said condensation water tank (12);

   - cleaning said at least one heat exchanger (11) using the condensation water,

   - wherein the condensation water of said condensation water tank (12) is:

   o set to circulate through a filter (16) of said condensation water tank (12) and by means of a second pump (15) for circulating condensation water to said cleaning device that uses water (13),

   o sent from said cleaning device that uses water (13) to said at least one heat exchanger (11), then

   o returned into said condensation water tank (12) loaded with laundry fibres;

   - discharging the condensation water loaded with laundry fibres,

   - wherein the condensation water of said condensation water tank (12) is:

   o set to circulate through said filter (16) of said condensation water tank (12), then

   o discharged by means of said first pump (14) for draining condensation water from said condensation water tank (12) that has been set to operate; and

   - where said second pump (15) for circulating condensation water to said cleaning device that uses water (13) is stopped.
2. A method for controlling the operation of a laundry drying machine (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the sequence of said steps of laundry drying with condensation water accumulating into said condensation water tank (12), of cleaning said at least one heat exchanger (11) using condensation water and of discharging condensation water loaded with laundry fibres is repeated multiple times during the implementation of a laundry drying cycle by said laundry drying machine (1).
3. A method for controlling the operation of a laundry drying machine (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the condensation water is set to circulate through said filter (16) of said condensation water tank (12) in the opposite direction during said step of discharging condensation water loaded with laundry fibres, relative to said step of cleaning said at least one heat exchanger (11) using the condensation water.
4. A method for controlling the operation of a laundry drying machine (1) according to any one of the claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the condensation water of said condensation water tank (12) is discharged to a condensation water collection tray (18) or to a wastewater system during said step of discharging condensation water loaded with laundry fibres.
5. A method for controlling the operation of a laundry drying machine (1) according to any one of the claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the condensation water is sent to a drying air intake section of said at least one heat exchanger (11) during said step of cleaning said at least one heat exchanger (11) using condensation water.
6. A method for controlling the operation of a laundry drying machine (1) according to any one of the claims 1 to 5, characterized in that said step of drying the laundry with condensation water accumulating into said condensation water tank (12) is implemented with said first pump (14) for draining condensation water and second pump (15) for circulating condensation water both shut off.
7. A laundry drying machine (1) comprising a body (2) enclosing a drum (3), said drum (3) being rotationally driven by a motor (8) and traversed by drying air from a drying air circuit (4), said drying air circuit (4) comprising at least one fan (7), and said drum (3) forming an integral part of said drying air circuit (4);
   said laundry drying machine (1) comprising at least one heat exchanger (11) positioned within said drying air circuit (4), said at least one heat exchanger (11) being equipped with a condensation water tank (12) and with a cleaning device that uses water (13); said laundry drying machine (1) comprising a first pump (14) for draining condensation water from said condensation water tank (12); characterized in that said laundry drying machine (1) comprises a second pump (15) for circulating condensation water generating a first flow of condensation water (A), during the cleaning of said at least one heat exchanger (11) by means of the condensation water, from said condensation water tank (12), where said first flow of condensation water (A):

   - traverses a filter (16) of said condensation water tank (12),

   - is set to circulate to said cleaning device that uses water (13),

   - is sent by said cleaning device that uses water (13) to said at least one heat exchanger (11), and

   - returns into said condensation water tank (12) loaded with laundry fibres;

   and in that said first pump (14) for draining condensation water from said condensation water tank (12) generating a second flow of condensation water (B), during the discharging of the condensation water loaded with laundry fibres, from said condensation water tank (12), where said second flow of condensation water (B):

   - traverses said filter (16) of said condensation water tank (12), and

   - is discharged out from said condensation water tank (12), while said second pump (15) for circulating condensation water is off.
8. A laundry drying machine (1) according to claim 7, characterized in that said first pump (14) for draining condensation water and said second pump (15) for circulating condensation water are located in the lower part of said laundry drying machine (1) and inside said condensation water tank (12).
9. A laundry drying machine (1) according to claim 7 or 8, characterized in that
   said second flow of condensation water (B) during the discharging of the condensation water loaded with laundry fibres traverses said filter (16) of said condensation water tank (12) in the direction opposite said first flow of condensation water (A) during the cleaning of said at least one heat exchanger (11) by means of the condensation water.
10. A laundry drying machine (1) according to any one of the claims 7 to 9, characterized in that said laundry drying machine (1) is type of condensation in which said at least one heat exchanger (11) is a condenser, or heat pump in which said at least one heat exchanger (11) is an evaporator (26) and/or a condenser (24).

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