Pump covers for household appliances

Abstract

A cover (1) for a pump (101) for liquids for a household appliance, in particular for a dishwasher or a washing machine; the cover (1) comprises an electric heating element (8) partially in contact with a wall (2), the electric heating element passing through the wall (2), whereby the at least one electric heating element (8) is suitable for contact with the liquid; the cover (1) also comprises at least two NTC thermistors (91, 92), which are fixed to an outer face (6) by a support (7) provided with a recess (710); wherein the two NTC thermistors (91, 92) are located at a section (81) of the heating element (8) separated by the wall (2) and are fixed to zones (711, 712) of the support (7), the recess (710) being provided between the zones (711, 712).

Description

Field of the Invention

[0001] The invention relates to the field of pumps for household appliances, such as for example for dishwashers or washing machines, for pumping liquids, such as water.

[0002] In particular, the present invention relates to covers for pumps.

[0003] The cover is provided with an electric heating element suitable for being wetted by a liquid and with at least one means for controlling the temperature. Background Art

[0004] One type of pump cover for a household appliance comprises an electric heater, in particular a sheathed resistor or a tubular heater, which is adapted to be wetted by a liquid to be heated.

[0005] The temperature of the liquid and the heating element are controlled by electromechanical means, such as by a thermostat and a thermal fuse.

[0006] Electromechanical devices are sufficient to ensure thermal management of tubular heaters, in particular in household appliances, such as dishwashers, which are equipped with low- to medium-level electronics.

[0007] Electromechanical devices cannot or can only be associated with more sophisticated electronic control units with great difficulty.

[0008] Furthermore, electromechanical devices are rather bulky.

[0009] The introduction of electronic temperature control components for tubular heaters would be useful because such electronic components could be associated with other electronic components, even more sophisticated electronic components, provided with household appliances. In addition, electronic temperature control components are also advantageous because they are smaller in size than electromechanical devices.

[0010] Therefore, there is a need for a pump cover for a household appliance, the pump cover being provided with a tubular heater adapted to be wetted by a liquid to be heated and being provided with one or more electronic temperature control components. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0012] The object of the present invention is to provide a pump cover provided with an electric heater suitable for being wetted by the liquid to be heated in the pump, the cover being provided with one or more NTC thermistors to allow the temperature to be controlled.

[0013] In particular, it is an object of the invention to avoid overheating of one or more NTC thermistors in order to avoid their destruction.

[0014] In particular, an object of the invention is to allow the use of one or more NTC thermistors of a compact and economical type.

[0015] Another object of the present invention is to allow removal of one or more NTC thermistors so as to allow replacement of the one or more NTC thermistors when necessary.

[0016] Such and other objects will become apparent from this specification, and the present invention achieves at least one of such and other objects by a cover for a liquid pump for a household appliance, in particular for a dishwasher or a washing machine;

[0017] The cover includes:

[0018] - a wall having an inner face intended to come into contact with the liquid and an outer face opposite to the inner face;

[0019] - an electric heating element passing through said wall, whereby said at least one electric heating element is adapted to come into contact with the liquid;

[0020] wherein the wall comprises at least one first portion at which the inner face is spaced apart from the electric heating element, in particular at which the inner face is spaced apart from or separated from the electric heating element and is located at the electric heating element;

[0021] wherein the wall comprises at least one second portion where the inner face is in contact with the electric heating element;

[0022] - a support, which is fixed to the external face;

[0023] It is characterized in that

[0024] the cover comprising at least a first NTC thermistor and a second NTC thermistor, the first NTC thermistor and the second NTC thermistor being fixed to the exterior face at said first portion of the wall;

[0025] wherein a first NTC thermistor is far from said second portion of the wall, and a second NTC thermistor is close to said second portion of the wall;

[0026] wherein the first NTC thermistor and the second NTC thermistor are located at a stretch of the electric heating element spaced apart from and facing said first portion of the wall;

[0027] wherein the first NTC thermistor and the second NTC thermistor are fixed to the external surface by the support member;

[0028] wherein the support member comprises a first portion in contact with the first portion of the wall;

[0029] wherein a first NTC thermistor and a second NTC thermistor are fixed to the first section of the support;

[0030] wherein the first section of the support comprises a first zone and a second zone, at least one recess being provided between the first zone and the second zone, in particular for limiting heat transfer between the first zone and the second zone of the first section of the support;

[0031] The first NTC thermistor is fixed to the first zone, and the second NTC thermistor is fixed to the second zone.

[0032] In one embodiment, the first NTC thermistor and the second NTC thermistor are located above the segment.

[0033] In one embodiment, the support comprises a second section in contact with the second portion of the wall.

[0034] In one embodiment, the first region of the first region of the support is distal to the second region of the support, and wherein the second region of the first region of the support is proximal to the second region of the support.

[0035] In one embodiment, the support is provided with at least one conductive track; and wherein the first NTC thermistor and the second NTC thermistor are fixed to the at least one conductive track.

[0036] In one embodiment, the support is made of metal and wherein a dielectric layer is provided between the at least one conductive track and the support.

[0037] In one embodiment, the support is fixed to the wall and is detachable from the wall.

[0038] In one embodiment, the support is fixed to the wall by fastening means providing a connection by a threaded connection and / or by fastening means comprising at least one elastomer and / or by welding or brazing and / or by an adhesive.

[0039] In one embodiment, an electrical connector is provided which is fixed to the support.

[0040] In one embodiment, the electrical connector is partially arranged at the recess, partially fixed to the first region of the first section of the support, and partially fixed to the second region of the first section of the support.

[0041] In one embodiment, the support defines an axis, in particular a longitudinal axis, and wherein the axis is located at a part of the segment of the electric heating element, in particular the axis is aligned with a part of the segment of the electric heating element, the segment of the electric heating element being spaced apart from and facing the first part of the wall.

[0042] In one embodiment, the at least one recess is at least partially located at the segment, in particular above the segment.

[0043] The present invention also relates to a pump for a household appliance, comprising the cover described above.

[0044] Advantageously, the cover of the invention allows increasing the accuracy and the information that can be obtained during both normal and abnormal operation by means of a device for detecting the temperature in a pump cover, the pump cover being provided with a heating element suitable for being arranged in the body of the pump, i.e. arranged to be wetted by the liquid.

[0045] Advantageously, the cover of the present invention allows the use of NTC thermistors, avoids damage due to high temperatures, and allows for increased accuracy and information available from the NTC thermistors during both normal and abnormal operation.

[0046] Advantageously, both NTC thermistors are cooled by the liquid in the pump so they are not damaged by heat during normal operation.

[0047] During normal operation, one NTC thermistor is particularly sensitive to the temperature of the heating element and the other NTC thermistor is particularly sensitive to the temperature of the liquid, in particular due to the specific positioning of the thermistors and the above-mentioned notch. The thermal gap, in particular the thermal insulation, provided by the notch allows increasing the difference between the temperatures detected by the two NTC thermistors. This temperature difference provides useful information about operation both in normal conditions and in abnormal conditions (e.g. dry operation).

[0048] Note that the notch also allows two NTC thermistors to be arranged on the same support, facilitating assembly and disassembly operations, in any case allowing one NTC thermistor to be particularly sensitive to the temperature of the heating element and the other to the temperature of the liquid.

[0049] In case of dry operation, the two NTC thermistors are advantageously sensitive to the temperature of the heating element due to their specific positioning.

[0050] Advantageously, the cover of the present invention allows the heat profile of the heating element to be controlled, and ensures that the temperature required to perform a cleaning cycle is correctly achieved.

[0051] In particular, the cover allows a fast detection of the temperature and a quick intervention in an electronic control unit to which two or more NTC thermistors may be connected.

[0052] Furthermore, two or more NTC thermistors allow obtaining more information about the operation and / or malfunctions of the heating element, such as, for example, poor heat exchange in the event of plaster or dirt accumulation.

[0053] As mentioned above, two or more NTC thermistors may be provided.

[0054] Preferably, two NTC thermistors are provided, for example only two NTC thermistors are provided.

[0055] Advantageously, two or more NTC thermistors are located at said first portion of the wall, the inner face of which can be wetted by the liquid, in particular to avoid overheating of the NTC thermistors by the heating element, thereby avoiding damage thereof. In fact, the liquid cools the wetted portion of the wall.

[0056] In particular, the cover is preferably configured such that the two or more NTC thermistors are subjected to temperatures below 130°C, preferably below 100°C.

[0057] Preferably, the two or more NTC thermistors are near but not at the second portion of the wall, ie near but not at the section of the heating element in contact with the inner face.

[0058] In other words, the entire first NTC thermistor is located at the first portion of the wall, and the entire second NTC thermistor is located at the first portion of the wall.

[0059] Preferably, one NTC thermistor is closer to the portion of the wall in contact with the heating element than the other NTC thermistor.

[0060] Advantageously, therefore, one NTC thermistor is more sensitive to the temperature of the liquid and the other NTC thermistor is more sensitive to the temperature of the heating element.

[0061] Advantageously, the two or more NTC thermistors are located at, in particular above, a section of the heating element spaced apart from and facing the inner face.

[0062] Advantageously, the one or more NTC thermistors can thus better sense the heat generated by the heating element in the event of dry operation, in particular when no liquid is wetting the cover wall.

[0063] Preferably, the entire first NTC thermistor is at said section of the heating element, preferably above said section of the heating element, and the entire second NTC thermistor is at said section of the heating element, in particular above said section of the heating element.

[0064] Advantageously, the NTC thermistor is fixed to the support.

[0065] Preferably, such a support is arranged partly over the first portion of the wall and partly over the second portion of the wall.

[0066] Preferably, the support is fixed to the wall by fastening means allowing the support to be detached from the wall, or more generally from the cover, whereby the support and the one or more NTC thermistors can be easily replaced.

[0067] The support is made of a heat-conducting material, preferably a metal, such as aluminum or an aluminum alloy.

[0068] The support is in particular provided with one or more conducting tracks, in particular metal tracks, to which one or more NTC thermistors are welded.

[0069] A layer of dielectric material is provided between the one or more conductive tracks and the support.

[0070] Preferably, an electrical connector is fixed to the support and connected to said one or more conductive tracks.

[0071] Preferably, a preassembled electronic component is provided, which comprises a support and two or more NTC thermistors, one or more conductive tracks and preferably also an electrical connector. Optionally, the electrical connector can also be remote from the support, in particular remote from one or more conductive tracks, and connected to the one or more conductive tracks by a wired connection.

[0072] Advantageously, the support is provided with one or more notches (or cutouts). In particular, each notch is an empty space.

[0073] For example, when a recess is provided between two regions of the support, one NTC thermistor is fixed to the first region and another NTC thermistor is fixed to the second region.

[0074] Advantageously, therefore, one NTC thermistor is more sensitive to the temperature of the liquid and the other NTC thermistor is more sensitive to the temperature of the heating element, since the notch limits the heat transfer.

[0075] One or more notches allow to obtain a temperature difference between the two NTC thermistors. The temperature difference is information that the electronic control unit can use to manage the heating of the heating element.

[0076] Preferably, the recess is located underneath the electrical connector so that the welds of the legs of the connector and their structure compensate for any structural weakening caused by the opening of the recess.

[0077] The size of the support member can be set according to the operational requirements.

[0078] Merely as an example, two NTC thermistors can be connected to an electronic control unit equipped with a control logic that takes into account the absolute temperature of the two NTC thermistors, the gradients adopted during the operation of the element and the temperature difference between the two NTC thermistors. Thus, slow transients during normal operation, fast transients when there is no heat exchange, and damage / failure of the NTC thermistor itself can be recorded.

[0079] When in this description it is specified that one element is located at another, this means that the two elements are crossed by the same axis perpendicular to the wall of the cover, in particular perpendicular to the surface of the greatest extension of the wall, which surface is preferably substantially flat.

[0080] Further features and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the detailed description of non-exclusive embodiments. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0082] In the description of the invention, reference is made to the accompanying drawings, provided by way of non-limiting examples, in which:

[0083] Figure 1 shows a perspective view of a cover according to the invention;

[0084] Figure 2 Shows Figure 1 Details of the cover in FIG. 1 , with certain areas being transparent for illustration purposes;

[0085] Figure 3 Shows Figure 1 A top view of the cover in FIG. 1 , with certain areas being transparent for illustration purposes;

[0086] Figure 4 Shows Figure 1 A perspective view of a component in a cover;

[0087] Figure 5 Schematically shows a cross section of a portion of a cover according to the invention;

[0088] Figure 6 Roughly equivalent to Figure 5 , relative to Figure 5 There are other notes;

[0089] Figure 7 Show Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of a cover;

[0090] Figure 8 Shows Figure 1 Another perspective view of the cover in;

[0091] Fig. 9 shows a cross-sectional view of a pump according to the invention;

[0092] Fig.10 A variant of a component of the cover according to the invention is shown.

[0093] Identical elements or functionally equivalent elements are provided with the same reference signs.

[0094] Description of Example Embodiments of the Invention

[0095] Referring to the accompanying drawings, a cover 1 and a pump 101 ( Fig. 9 ) example embodiment.

[0096] In particular the pump 101 is a centrifugal pump or a recirculation pump.

[0097] The cap 1 is configured to be fixed to a body 102 of a pump 101, which for example defines (particularly laterally defines) a chamber 104 for pumping liquid. Once the cap 1 is fixed to the body 102, the cap 1 also defines the pumping chamber 104, acting as a closing element.

[0098] In particular the cover is a cover 1 of a pump 101 used in a household appliance such as a dishwasher or a washing machine, for example.

[0099] Pumps of this type are typically, but not exclusively, suitable for pumping water.

[0100] The cover 1 comprises a wall 2 having an inner face 4 or lower face and an outer face 6 or upper face.

[0101] The internal face 4 is intended to be in contact with liquids, ie it is suitable for being wetted by liquids, in particular when the cap 1 is fixed to the body 102 of the pump 101. In other words, the internal face 4 is the face inside the pump 101.

[0102] The external face 6 is opposite the internal face 4 and is the face external to the pump 101 , ie it is not intended to come into contact with the liquid.

[0103] The cover 1, in particular the wall 2, is preferably made of metal, such as steel, preferably stainless steel.

[0104] The cover 1 is preferably generally circular in shape, although it may have other shapes.

[0105] The cover 1 is preferably provided with an opening 3 (in particular Figure 1 ), in particular an opening of the wall 2, which is suitable for being passed by a duct 106 of the pump 101, such as an inlet duct for a liquid, when the cover 1 is fixed to the body 102. Preferably, the opening 3 is circular. The opening 3 is preferably arranged in the central area of ​​the cover 1.

[0106] Preferably, a shoulder 63 or a collar (particularly Figure 1 and Fig. 9 ). A shoulder 63 extends from the upper face 6. The shoulder 63 extends in particular outwardly (ie upwardly).

[0107] Preferably, the skirt 61 or side wall extends downwardly from the profile of the wall 2. The cover 1 is preferably provided with a plurality of fins 62, for example three or four fins, which are spaced apart from each other. In particular, the fins 62 extend downwardly from the skirt 61.

[0108] The tabs 62 are used to secure the cover 1 to the body 102 of the pump 101 or to another element of the pump 101 .

[0109] The cover 1 comprises a heating element 8, in particular an electric heating element 8. Preferably, the electric heating element 8 comprises a metal housing, for example made of stainless steel, in which at least one resistor is arranged.

[0110] The electrical heating element 8 is suitable for generating heat due to the Joule effect, ie when an electric current is passed through it.

[0111] The electric heating element 8 is of tubular type and, in particular, is a sheathed resistor.

[0112] Preferably, but not exclusively, the outer surface of the shell (which is the outermost portion of the heating element 8) has a substantially circular cross-section.

[0113] The heating element 8 comprises a heating section 80 (particularly Figure 3 and Figure 7 ) and two end sections 89 connected to the heating section 80. Each end section 89 comprises a corresponding pin 891 for supplying power to the heating element 8.

[0114] The heating element 8 is used to heat the liquid in the pump 101 , in particular the liquid in the chamber 104 .

[0115] Preferably, but not exclusively, a single heating element 8 is provided. Preferably, but not necessarily, the liquid is heated exclusively by the heating element 8 .

[0116] The heating element 8 passes through the cover 1, in particular through the wall 2, and is fixed thereto.

[0117] In other words, the heating element 8 passes through the entire thickness of the wall 2 .

[0118] In more detail, the arrangement of the heating element 8 relative to the wall 2 is such that the end section 89 is located above the wall 2 and the heating section 80 is located below the wall 2 .

[0119] The end section 89 in particular protrudes from an upper or outer side, which is the side comprising the outer face 6. Thus, the end section 89 is adapted to be outside the pump 101.

[0120] Rather, the heating segment 80 is adapted to be wetted by (or substantially submerged in) the liquid, particularly during operation of the pump 101 .

[0121] In practice, when the cover 1 is constrained to the pump 101 , the heating section 80 is inside the pump 101 , in particular inside the space 104 (or pumping chamber) defined by the body 102 of the pump 101 .

[0122] In order to ensure that the heating element 8 passes through the cover 1, the wall 2 is provided with two holes through which the heating element 8 passes. In more detail, the end section 89 is sealingly fixed to the inner edge of the corresponding hole. This fixing is carried out by fastening means, preferably by welding or brazing. Preferably, the corresponding shoulder or collar 64 (in particular Figure 1 ) extends outwardly (i.e. upwardly) from the contour of each hole to facilitate such fixation. Due to the tight fixation, the hole is blocked. Therefore, liquid will not flow out of the pumping chamber 104 undesirably.

[0123] Specific reference Figure 5 and Figure 6 , the wall 2 comprises at least one first portion 21 spaced apart from the heating element 8 .

[0124] In particular, the wall 2 comprises at least one first portion 21, where the inner face 4 is spaced apart from the electric heating element 8, and in particular, a part of the portion 21 faces the heating element 8. More specifically, the inner face of the first portion 21 of the wall 2, which is part of the inner face 4, is spaced apart from the heating element 8.

[0125] Furthermore, the wall 2 comprises at least one second portion 22 which is in contact, preferably direct contact, with the heating element 8 , in particular with the metal shell of the heating element 8 .

[0126] More specifically, the wall 2 comprises at least one second portion 22 where the inner face 4 is in contact with the electric heating element 8. More specifically, the inner face of the second portion 22 of the wall 2, which is part of the inner face 4, is in contact with the heating element 8.

[0127] Therefore, the heating element 8 , in particular its heating section 80 , has at least one portion or section 81 spaced apart from, in particular separated from (ie not in contact with) the inner face 4 , and at least one portion or section 82 in contact with the inner face 4 .

[0128] Preferably, the surface extension of portion 22 is smaller, in particular much smaller, than the surface extension of portion 21 .

[0129] Preferably, there is an empty space between the section 81 and the inner face 4 , which empty space can in particular be filled with liquid in the pump 101 .

[0130] Preferably, but not exclusively, a single segment 82 of the heating element 8 is provided to be in contact with the inner face 4 of the wall 2. That is, a single portion 22 of the wall 2 is in contact with the heating element 8.

[0131] The remainder of the heating section 80 , in particular the section 81 , is spaced apart from the inner face 4 .

[0132] The segments 82 are preferably fixed to the inner face 4 by welding or brazing, in the latter case using a filler material 83, in particular a suitable heat-conducting material.

[0133] The heating section 80 defines an axis, which is preferably generally curvilinear.

[0134] Preferably, the segment 81 is longer than the length of the segment 82 of the heating element 8 , in particular along said axis defined by the heating segment 80 .

[0135] The cover 1 also comprises at least two NTC (negative temperature coefficient) thermistors 91, 92. NTC thermistors are known per se. In particular, an NTC thermistor is a resistor whose resistance value decreases as the temperature increases. In particular, an NTC thermistor is not an electromechanical component.

[0136] The at least two NTC thermistors 91 , 92 are preferably of the NTC-SMD (Surface Mount Device) type.

[0137] Preferably, two NTC (preferably NTC-SMD) thermistors 91 , 92 are provided, in particular only two NTC thermistors are provided, although more than two NTC thermistors may be provided.

[0138] The NTC thermistors 91 , 92 are fixed to the wall 2 , in particular to the outer face 6 .

[0139] In particular, the NTC thermistors 91 , 92 are suitable for acting as temperature sensors.

[0140] The NTC thermistors 91, 92 are at, in particular above, the aforementioned first portion 21 of the wall 2. As mentioned above, the inner face of the first portion 21 is intended to be wetted by the liquid inside the pump 101.

[0141] In other words, therefore, the NTC thermistors 91 , 92 are fixed to the portion 21 of the wall 2 , the inner face of which can be wetted by the liquid in the pump 101 .

[0142] Advantageously, the first NTC thermistor 91 is far from the aforementioned second portion 22 of the wall 2, and the second NTC thermistor 92 is close to said second portion 22 of the wall 2. In other words, the NTC thermistor 91 is further from the second portion 22, and therefore further from the segment 82; and the NTC thermistor 92 is closer to the second portion 22, and therefore closer to the segment 82.

[0143] Therefore, the NTC thermistor 91 is more sensitive to the temperature of the liquid, whereas the thermistor 92 is more sensitive to the temperature of the heating element 8 .

[0144] Preferably, the NTC thermistor 91 is adapted to be substantially sensitive to the temperature of the liquid, and the NTC thermistor 92 is adapted to be substantially sensitive to the temperature of the heating element 8 .

[0145] Preferably, the distance between the NTC thermistor 91 and the portion 22 is 15 mm to 25 mm, and / or the distance between the NTC thermistor 92 and the portion 22 is 5 mm to 15 mm.

[0146] Advantageously, the NTC thermistor 91 and the NTC thermistor 92 are at, in particular above, the heating element 8, in particular the segment 81 of the heating element 8. As mentioned above, the segment 81 is spaced apart from the inner face 4 of the wall 2 and in particular faces the inner face 4.

[0147] More specifically, the NTC thermistor 91 is located at the portion 21 according to a first axis J passing vertically through the wall 2, and also at the heating element 8. In other words, the NTC thermistor 91, the portion 21 and the heating element 8 (particularly the segment 81) are passed through by the same first axis J passing vertically through the wall 2.

[0148] Furthermore, the NTC thermistor 92 is located at the portion 21 according to a second axis K passing vertically through the wall 2, and also at the heating element 8. In other words, the NTC thermistor 92, the portion 21 and the heating element 8 (particularly the segment 81) are passed through by the same second axis K passing vertically through the wall 2.

[0149] The first axis J and the second axis K mentioned above are different from each other, in particular are parallel to each other, in particular are both rectilinear axes.

[0150] In particular, the axes J and K are parallel to the axis around which the opening 3 of the wall 2 extends.

[0151] Preferably, axis J is the central axis of NTC thermistor 91 , and axis K is the central axis of NTC thermistor 92 .

[0152] The NTC thermistors 91, 92 are preferably not at the segment 82, in particular not above the segment 82. In more detail, the NTC thermistors 91, 92 are preferably not even partially at the segment 82, in particular not even partially above the segment 82.

[0153] The cover 1 advantageously comprises a support 7 fixed to the external face 6. The NTC thermistor 91 and the NTC thermistor 92 are fixed to the external face 6 by means of said support 7. In particular, the support 7 is located between the external face 6 and the NTC thermistors 91,92.

[0154] The support member 7 is made of a heat conductive material, preferably metal, such as aluminum or an aluminum alloy.

[0155] Preferably, heat conducting means or a heat conducting paste or a heat conducting pad (preferably soft) are between the support 7 and the external face 6 in order to promote thermal contact between the support 7 and the wall 2 .

[0156] Preferably, the support 7 has a thickness comprised between 0.5 mm and 1.5 mm. Said thickness is in particular measured along an axis passing perpendicularly through the wall 2.

[0157] Preferably, the support 7 is substantially a plate, for example substantially rectangular in shape.

[0158] The support 7 comprises a first section 71 in contact with said first portion 21 of the wall 2, in particular with an outer face of the first portion 21. The first section 71 is located at the first portion 21 of the wall 2, in particular above the first portion 21 of the wall 2. Preferably, the first section 71 is also at least partially located at the segment 81 of the heating element 8, in particular above the segment 81 of the heating element 8.

[0159] NTC thermistors 91 , 92 are fixed to said first section 71 of the support 7 .

[0160] Preferably, the support 7 comprises a second section 72 in contact with said second portion 22 of the wall 2 , in particular with the external face of the second portion 22 .

[0161] The second section 72 is located at the second portion 22 of the wall 2, in particular above the second portion 22 of the wall 2. In particular, the second section 72 is also at least partially located at the segment 82 of the heating element 8, in particular above the segment 82 of the heating element 8.

[0162] The first section 71 and the second section 72 are preferably adjacent to each other.

[0163] Preferably, the support 7 defines an axis Z ( Figure 3), in particular the longitudinal axis. Preferably, said axis Z is located at a portion of the segment 81 of the heating element 8, in particular aligned with a portion of the segment 81 of the heating element 8. Preferably, the NTC thermistor 91 and the NTC thermistor 92 are aligned with each other along said axis Z.

[0164] Advantageously, the reading speed of the drying conditions is thereby further increased.

[0165] Preferably, the support 7 is provided with at least one notch 710, for example one notch 710. The notch 710 is substantially an empty space.

[0166] The notch 710 is disposed in two areas 711, 712 ( Figure 6 The two regions 711 and 712 are connected to each other through the connecting portion of the support member 7.

[0167] Preferably, the recess 710 is at least partially located at the segment 81 , in particular above the segment 81 .

[0168] The recess 710 serves in particular to limit the heat transfer between the zones 711 and 712 of said first zone 71 of the support 7 .

[0169] Advantageously, NTC thermistor 91 is fixed to zone 711 and NTC thermistor 92 is fixed to zone 712 .

[0170] Advantageously, therefore, the NTC thermistor 91 is particularly sensitive to the temperature of the liquid, whereas the NTC thermistor 92 is particularly sensitive to the temperature of the heating element 8 .

[0171] In particular, the NTC thermistor 91 is advantageously adapted to detect a temperature more consistent with the temperature of the water during normal operation of the pump 101, while the NTC thermistor 92 is closer to the hot zone and is therefore more reactive in the absence of water because it is more sensitive to the temperature of the heating element 8. In particular, when the NTC thermistor 91 and the NTC thermistor 92 are in the segment 81, in the absence of water, the NTC thermistor 91 and the NTC thermistor 92 both read a temperature increase due to overheating of the heating element 8.

[0172] The notch 710 advantageously allows the temperature differential between the NTC thermistor 91 and the NTC thermistor 92 to be adjusted, and allows the NTC thermistor 92 to be substantially at the same temperature as the water.

[0173] The zone 711 of the first zone 71 of the support 7 is distant from the second zone 72 of the support 7 .

[0174] The zone 712 of the first zone 71 of the support 7 is close to the second zone 72 of the support 7 , in particular adjacent to the second zone 72 of the support 7 .

[0175] Preferably, the thickness of the recess 710 is equal to the thickness of the support member 7 .

[0176] Preferably, the notch 710 is obtained starting from a portion of the periphery of the support 7 .

[0177] The width and depth (or length) of the notch 710 may be selected according to operational requirements.

[0178] Preferably, the notch 710 is located between the first NTC thermistor 91 and the second NTC thermistor 92 , that is, preferably, the notch 710 extends between the first NTC thermistor 91 and the second NTC thermistor 92 .

[0179] The support 7 is provided with at least one conductive track 51 fixed thereto, for example a conductive track 51 ( Figure 4 and Fig.10 ).

[0180] The NTC thermistors 91 , 92 are fixed to the conductive tracks 51 , in particular to be traversed by electrical signals, wherein the ohmic value and thus the temperature value can be correlated via the electrical signals traversing the conductive tracks.

[0181] A dielectric layer is arranged between the conductive track 51 and the support 7 .

[0182] An electrical connector 52, preferably multi-pole, is also fixed to the support 7. For example, the electrical connector 52 is three-pole (as shown in the figure) and, in particular, is provided with three conductive legs 521 ( Figure 3 and Figure 4 ).

[0183] The electrical connector 52 is adapted to receive electrical signals processed by the NTC thermistors 91 , 92 via the conductive tracks 51 .

[0184] Preferably, the electrical connector 52 is partially arranged at the recess 710 , partially fixed to the first zone 711 of the first section 71 of the support 7 , and partially fixed to the second zone 712 of the first section 71 of the support 7 .

[0185] In other words, the electrical connector 52 generally functions as a bridge between the first region 711 and the second region 712 in order to provide structural support to compensate for any structural weakening caused by the presence of the notch 710 .

[0186] Preferably, the electrical connector 52 is only partially located above the recess 710 .

[0187] The component 70 ( Figure 4 and Fig.10 ) is generally an electronic board, which is particularly a pre-assembled component.

[0188] Preferably, the support 7 is fixed to the wall 2 and can be removed from the wall 2 , in particular without damaging the components in the cover 1 .

[0189] For example, Figures 1 to 9 As shown, the support 7 is fixed to the wall 2 by fastening means 77 providing a threaded connection, for example of the nut and stud type, the stud being fixed, preferably welded, to the wall 2. Preferably, a first fastening means, for example a first nut-stud pair, is fixed to the portion 22, in particular at the segment 82 of the heating element 8, and a second fastening means, for example a second nut-stud pair, is fixed to the portion 21, in particular at the segment 81 of the heating element 8.

[0190] exist Fig.10 In the variant shown, the fastening means comprise an elastomer 76 which exerts a force on the support 7 in order to fix it to the wall 2 .

[0191] In particular, the elastic body 76 comprises two fins 762, 763 between which a central section 761 is arranged. The fins 762, 763 are fixed (for example welded) to the wall 2 so as to bend the central section 761 so that it exerts a force on the support 7.

[0192] Additionally or alternatively to the above-described fastening means 77, the support 7 may also be welded or brazed to the wall 2 or fixed by means of an adhesive.

[0193] The cover 1 can in any case be provided with one or more temperature control devices of electromechanical type in addition to the NTC thermistors 91, 92. For example, the cover 1 can be provided with a thermostat, in particular of electromechanical type and / or of thermal fuse type.

[0194] The thermostat and / or thermal fuse are in particular fixed to the outer face 6 .

[0195] In all embodiments, the cover 1 may be provided, in addition to the NTC thermistors 91 , 92 and possibly one or more temperature control devices of electromechanical type, with one or more further NTC thermistors fixed to the outer face 6 at different positions relative to the NTC thermistors 91 , 92 .

Claims

1. A cover (1) for a pump (101) for liquids for a household appliance, The cover (1) include: A wall (2), the wall having: an inner face (4) intended to come into contact with the liquid, and an outer surface (6), the outer surface being opposite to the inner surface (4); an electric heating element (8) passing through the wall (2), whereby the electric heating element (8) is adapted to come into contact with the liquid; wherein the wall (2) comprises at least one first portion (21) at which the inner face (4) is spaced apart from the electric heating element (8); wherein the wall (2) comprises at least one second portion (22) at which the inner face (4) is in contact with the electric heating element (8); a support member (7) fixed to the outer surface (6); It is characterized in that The cover (1) further comprises at least a first NTC thermistor (91) and a second NTC thermistor (92), the first NTC thermistor (91) and the second NTC thermistor (92) being fixed to the outer face (6) at the first portion (21) of the wall (2); wherein the first NTC thermistor (91) is far away from the second portion (22) of the wall (2), and the second NTC thermistor (92) is close to the second portion (22) of the wall (2); wherein the first NTC thermistor (91) and the second NTC thermistor (92) are located at a section (81) of the electric heating element (8), the section (81) being separated from the first portion (21) of the wall (2) and facing the first portion (21) of the wall (2); wherein the first NTC thermistor (91) and the second NTC thermistor (92) are fixed to the outer surface (6) via the support member (7); wherein the support member (7) comprises a first section (71) in contact with the first portion (21) of the wall (2); wherein the first NTC thermistor (91) and the second NTC thermistor (92) are fixed to the first section (71) of the support member (7); The first section (71) of the support member (7) comprises a first section (711) and a second section (712), and at least one notch (710) is provided between the first section and the second section; The first NTC thermistor (91) is fixed to the first zone (711), and the second NTC thermistor (92) is fixed to the second zone (712).

2. The cover (1) according to claim 1, in, The household appliance is a dishwasher or a washing machine.

3. The cover (1) according to claim 1 or 2, in, The at least one notch (710) limits heat transfer between the first zone (711) and the second zone (712) of the first section (71) of the support (7).

4. The cover (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, in, The first NTC thermistor (91) and the second NTC thermistor (92) are located above the segment (81).

5. The cover (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, in, The support (7) comprises a second section (72) in contact with the second portion (22) of the wall (2).

6. The cover (1) according to claim 5, in, The first zone (711) of the first zone (71) of the support member (7) is far away from the second zone (72) of the support member (7), and wherein the second zone (712) of the first zone (71) of the support member (7) is close to the second zone (72) of the support member (7).

7. Cap (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, in, The support member (7) is provided with at least one conductive track (51); And wherein the first NTC thermistor (91) and the second NTC thermistor (92) are fixed to the at least one conductive track (51).

8. The cover (1) according to claim 7, in, The support (7) is made of metal and wherein a dielectric layer is provided between the at least one conductive track (51) and the support (7).

9. Cap (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, in, The support (7) is fixed to the wall (2) and can be detached from the wall (2).

10. Cap (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, in, The support (7) is fixed to the wall (2) by fastening means (77), which provide a connection by a threaded connection and / or by fastening means (77) comprising at least one elastomer (76) and / or by welding and / or by an adhesive.

11. The cover (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, in, The support (7) is fixed to the wall (2) by fastening means (77), which provide a connection by a threaded connection and / or by fastening means (77) comprising at least one elastomer (76) and / or by brazing and / or by an adhesive.

12. Cap (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, in, An electrical connector (52) is provided which is fixed to the support (7).

13. The cover (1) according to claim 12, in, The electrical connector (52) is partially arranged at the at least one recess (710), partially fixed to the first zone (711) of the first zone portion (71) of the support member (7), and partially fixed to the second zone (712) of the first zone portion (71) of the support member (7).

14. Cap (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, in, The support (7) defines an axis (Z), and wherein the axis (Z) is located at a portion of the segment (81) of the electric heating element (8).

15. Cap (1) according to claim 14, in, The axis (Z) is the longitudinal axis.

16. The cover (1) according to claim 14, in, The axis (Z) is aligned with the portion of the segment (81) of the electric heating element (8).

17. Cap (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, in, The at least one notch (710) is at least partially located at the segment (81).

18. Cap (1) according to claim 17, in, The at least one notch (710) is located at least partially above the segment (81).

19. A pump (101) for a household appliance, comprising a cover (1) according to any one of the preceding claims.

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