Laundry machine with malfunction detection systems
US6941679B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jun 22, 2004 |
| Grant date | Sep 13, 2005 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jun 22, 2024 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC D)Textiles; Paper
- CPC primaryD06F2105/62
- WIPO fieldOther consumer goods
- WIPO sectorOther fields
Abstract
A laundry machine having a malfunction detection system for detecting when an obstructing item protrudes outwardly from a perforated tumbler of the machine beyond a predetermined amount during rotation of the tumbler and for detecting when the drive belt for the tumbler is either broken or dislodged from its drive pulleys. In response to either malfunction, a control device is actuated for automatically shutting down operation of the machine. The obstruction detection system includes a cable disposed in closely spaced relation to an outer perimeter of the tumbler for engagement by an obstructing item extending outwardly from the perforated tumbler beyond the predetermined spacing of the cables. In the illustrated embodiment, the obstruction detection system and the drive belt malfunction detection system utilize a common malfunction detection switch and control circuitry.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.