Ventilation scheme for closed loop drying system

Abstract

A drying apparatus includes a cabinet. A drum processes laundry articles. The drum is positioned within the cabinet for rotational operation. A blower directs process air through a recirculation airflow path that encompasses the drum. The drum and the blower are activated in an operational state and deactivated in an idle state. A first operational vent is positioned proximate a front of the cabinet. A second operational vent is positioned proximate a rear of the cabinet. The first operational vent and the second operational vent define open positions upon the drum and the blower defining the idle state. The first operational vent and the second operational vent define closed positions upon the drum and the blower defining the operational state.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The device belongs to the field of laundry devices, and more specifically, a ventilation system for a closed loop drying device that provides ventilation within a rotating drum when the device is deactivated. BACKGROUND

[0002] Closed loop systems typically include an airflow path that does not provide air flow when the device is deactivated. When the device is turned off and the door of the device is closed, carbon dioxide and other harmful gases can accumulate within the drum when an individual or living being is within the drum of the deactivated device. SUMMARY

[0003] According to one aspect of the disclosure, a drying device includes a cabinet. A drum processes laundry articles. The drum is positioned within the cabinet for rotational operation. A blower directs process air through a recirculation airflow path that contains the drum. The drum and the blower are activated in an operational state and deactivated in an idle state. A first operational vent is positioned proximate a front of the cabinet. A second operational vent is positioned proximate a rear of the cabinet. The first operational vent and the second operational vent define an open position upon the drum and the blower defining the idle state. The first operational vent and the second operational vent define a closed position upon the drum and the blower defining the operational state.

[0004] According to another aspect of the disclosure, a ventilation system for a drying device includes a blower that directs process air through a recirculation airflow path in an operational state. The recirculation airflow path contains a process chamber. Deactivation of the blower defines an idle state. A first operational vent is positioned proximate a front of the recirculation airflow path. A second operational vent is positioned proximate a rear of the recirculation airflow path. The first operational vent and the second operational vent define a closed position during the operational state that represents the recirculation airflow path as a closed loop system. The first operational vent and the second operational vent define an open position during the idle state that forms a ventilation airflow of ambient air through the process chamber and between the first operational vent and the second operational vent.

[0005] According to yet another aspect of the disclosure, a drying appliance includes a blower directing process air through a recirculation airflow path containing a drum. A heater selectively heats the process air, wherein at least one of the blower, the drum, and the heater is enabled in an operational state, and the blower, the drum, and the heater are all disabled in an idle state. A first temperature-operated vent is positioned proximate a front of the cabinet. A second temperature-operated vent is positioned proximate a rear of the cabinet. The first temperature-operated vent and the second temperature-operated vent define an open position upon the blower, the drum, and the heater defining the idle state. The first temperature-operated vent and the second temperature-operated vent define a closed position upon at least the blower and the heater defining the operational state.

[0006] These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present disclosure will become better understood with reference to the following description and appended claims, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0007] In the drawings:

[0008] Figure 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view of an aspect of a drying appliance including a venting system;

[0009] Figure 2 is Figure 1 a front perspective view of a laundry appliance of

[0010] Figure 3 is Figure 2 a rear perspective view of the appliance of

[0011] Figure 4 is a perspective view of the thermal-operated vent in an open position;

[0012] Figure 5 is a perspective view of the thermal-operated vent of Figure 4 represented in a closed position;

[0013] Figure 6 is a schematic perspective view of a wax motor for use within the venting system of the appliance;

[0014] Figure 7 is a schematic perspective view of the wax motor represented in a closed position;

[0015] Figure 8 is a schematic perspective view of the wax motor of Figure 7 represented in an open position;

[0016] Figure 9is a perspective view of a pressure operated, operable vent shown in an open position; and

[0017] Figure 10 is a schematic diagram showing recorded results of exemplary oxygen and carbon dioxide levels within one aspect of the ventilation system described herein.

[0018] The components in the drawings are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon illustrating the principles of the application described herein. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0019] The presently illustrated embodiments are primarily combinations of method steps and apparatus components related to a ventilation system for a closed loop drying apparatus that provides fresh air ventilation when the apparatus is deactivated. Accordingly, apparatus components and method steps represented by conventional symbols in the drawings are presented only as illustrative examples of those specific details that are pertinent to understanding the embodiments of the present disclosure, wherein the same are susceptible to changes in light of the explanations set forth in this document, without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. Moreover, the same reference numerals in the specification and drawings represent the same elements.

[0020] For purposes of the explanation herein, the terms "upper", "lower", "right", "left", "rear", "front", "vertical", "horizontal", and derivatives thereof shall relate to the drawings as Figure 1 oriented in the disclosure. Unless specifically stated otherwise, the term "front" shall refer to the surface of an element closest to an intended observer, and the term "back" shall refer to the surface of an element farthest from an intended observer. It will be understood, however, that the disclosure can assume various alternative orientations, except where expressly specified to the contrary. It is also to be understood that the specific devices and processes illustrated in the attached drawings, and described in the following specification, are simply exemplary embodiments of the inventive concepts defined in the appended claims. Hence, specific dimensions and other physical characteristics relating to the embodiments disclosed herein are not to be considered as limiting, unless the claims expressly state otherwise.

[0021] The terms "comprise", "comprises" or "comprising" and the like are intended to encompass a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements is not necessarily limited to those elements, but can include other elements not expressly listed or inherent to such process, method, article, or apparatus. An element preceded by "comprises... a" does not, without further constraints, exclude the presence of additional identical elements in the process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises the element.

[0022] Reference is made to Figures 1 to 3, reference numeral 10 generally represents a ventilation system incorporated into a laundry appliance 12. The ventilation system 10 is used in a closed loop laundry appliance to provide a ventilation airflow 14 of fresh or ambient air 16 through a rotating drum 18 when the laundry appliance 12 is deactivated. The laundry appliance 12, generally in the form of a laundry appliance, includes a drum 18 for processing laundry articles in accordance with various aspects of the appliance. The drum 18 is positioned within an outer cabinet 20 for rotational operation. A blower 22 directs a process air 26 through a recirculation airflow path 24 that includes the drum 18. The recirculation airflow path 24 is generally in the form of a closed loop system that recirculates the process air 26 through the drum 18. The drum 18 and blower 22 are activated in an active state 28 and deactivated in an idle state 30. A first operable vent 32 is positioned proximate a front 34 of the cabinet 20. A second operable vent 36 is positioned proximate a rear 38 of the cabinet 20. The first operable vent 32 and the second operable vent 36 each define an open position 40 upon the drum 18 and blower 22 defining the idle state 30. The first operable vent 32 and the second operable vent 36 each define a closed position 42 upon the drum 18 and blower 22 defining the active state 28. In the open position 40 of the first operable vent 32 and the second operable vent 36, the ventilation system 10 experiences a ventilation airflow of ambient air 16 through the first operable vent 32 and the second operable vent 36 and the drum 18. In this manner, the recirculation airflow path 24 utilizes the first operable vent 32 and the second operable vent 36 to be opened to provide a ventilation airflow of ambient air 16 through the drum 18 when the appliance 12 is deactivated.

[0023] Referring again to Figure 2 and Figure 3The first operable vent 32 is positioned within a vent hole 44 defined within a wall 50 of the airflow path 24 proximate the drum 18 of the appliance 12. The first operable vent 32 can be positioned along a dedicated passage of the airflow path 24 within a structural panel 52 that supports or surrounds a portion of the drum 18. The first operable vent 32 is positioned to allow process air 26 within the drum 18 to escape and also to allow ambient air 16 to enter the drum 18. The second operable vent 36 is positioned within an air scroll panel 54 that conceals the blower 22 within the cabinet 20 and also defines a portion of the recirculation airflow path 24 therein. The airflow path 24 is used to direct process air 26 from the blower 22 within the air scroll panel 54 and move the process air 26 into the drum 18. The process air 26 moves through the drum 18 and is circulated within the drum 18. The process air 26 is then moved back to the blower 22 through a return portion 56 of the airflow path 24. Certain filters, heaters 100, heat exchangers, and other mechanical devices are incorporated within the airflow path 24 for treating and conditioning the process air 26 used during operation of the appliance 12.

[0024] The first operable vent 32 can be positioned within the structural panel 52 of the appliance 12 proximate the drum 18. In this manner, when the appliance 12 is deactivated, the first operable vent 32 allows air within the drum 18 to be passively moved through the first operable vent 32. Similarly, the second operable vent 36 within the air scroll panel 54 is operated to the open position 40 to allow ambient air 16 to enter into the airflow path 24 and move through the drum 18. It should be appreciated that each of the first operable vent 32 and the second operable vent 36 provide for inward and outward flow of ambient air 16 such that a vented airflow of ambient air 16 can be created in the inward direction 70 and the outward direction 72 through each of the first operable vent 32 and the second operable vent 36.

[0025] Referring now to Figures 2 to 8 The first operable vent 32 can include a wax motor 80, sometimes referred to as a wax actuator, that is operable to move a vent member 82 between the open position 40 and the closed position 42. The wax motor 80 can be operated by creating a thermal action on a wax member 84. The wax member 84 can expand and contract based on the temperature of an element 86 within the wax motor 80. The element 86 can be a resistive heating element 86 that, when activated, heats the wax member 84 and causes the wax to expand. This expansion of the wax member 84 causes an actuator 88 within the wax motor 80 to move. The actuator 88, in turn, biases the vent member 82 between the open position 40 and the closed position 42.

[0026] In the example of the ventilation system 10 described herein, when the appliance 12 is activated, the wax motor 80 can be activated to cause the actuator 88 to move to the closed position 42, thereby causing the process air 26 to be contained within the recirculation airflow path 24. When the appliance 12 is deactivated, the electrical signal to the wax motor 80 for the heating element 86 and the wax member 84 can be stopped, thereby causing the element 86 to cool and the wax member 84 to contract. This contraction of the wax member 84 causes the actuator 88 to move to the rest position, thereby causing the ventilation member 82 to open. As described above, this opening of the first operable vent 32 enables the ventilation airflow 14 of ambient air 16 through the drum 18 and the recirculation airflow path 24. According to various aspects of the appliance, it is contemplated that the operation of the wax motor 80 can be reversed such that an electrical signal is provided when the appliance 12 is deactivated, thereby heating the wax and opening the vent when the appliance 12 is deactivated.

[0027] Referring again to Figures 2 to 8 The recirculation airflow path 24 contains a heater 100 that changes the air temperature 102 of the process air 26 within the recirculation airflow path 24. The second operable vent 36 includes a bimetallic disc 104 that operates between an open position 40 and a closed position 42 based on the air temperature 102 of the process air 26. When the material temperature 106 of the bimetallic disc 104 reaches a threshold temperature, the bimetallic disc 104 moves to the closed position 42. When the material temperature 106 of the bimetallic disc 104 falls below the threshold temperature, the bimetallic disc 104 moves to the open position 40. The bimetallic disc 104 operates using two different metals that have different thermal properties. A first layer 108 of the bimetallic disc 104 deflects at a first temperature, and a second layer 110 of the bimetallic disc 104 operates at a second temperature that is different than the first temperature. It is also contemplated that the first layer 108 and the second layer 110 can deflect different amounts in response to thermal changes in the material temperature 106. The expansion of the first layer 108 relative to the second layer 110 causes the bimetallic disc 104 to deflect between the open position 40 and the closed position 42. The air temperature 102 of the process air 26 moving past the bimetallic disc 104 causes changes in the material temperature 106 within the bimetallic disc 104. These changes in the material temperature 106 of the bimetallic disc 104 cause the bimetallic disc 104 to deflect between the open position 40 and the closed position 42.

[0028] As described above, in the closed position 42, the bimetallic disc 104 is typically heated to at least the threshold temperature to cause the bimetallic disc 104 to deflect to the closed position 42. The closed position 42 of the bimetallic disc 104 occludes the recirculation airflow path 24. Upon deactivation of the apparatus 12, when the temperature of the bimetallic disc 104 falls below the threshold temperature, the bimetallic disc 104 deflects to the open position 40, thereby opening the recirculation airflow path 24 to allow the draft airflow of ambient air 16 to move through the drum 18 and the recirculation airflow path 24. The closed position 42 defines a closed loop of the recirculation airflow path 24 through the drum 18 by the configuration of the first and second operable vents 32, 36. When the first and second operable vents 32, 36 are moved to the respective open positions 40, the first and second operable vents 32, 36 define an open looped draft airflow path 24 through the drum 18 and the recirculation airflow path 24.

[0029] Referring again to Figure 2 and Figure 3 , the positioning of the first and second operable vents 32, 36 provides for movement of the draft airflow path 24 through the drum 18. The first operable vent 32 is positioned at the top section 120 in the front 34 of the apparatus 12 and the second operable vent 36 is positioned in the lower section 122 of the apparatus 12, typically below the level of the drum 18 and proximate to the bottom of the air vortex plate 54. Additionally, the first operable vent 32 is positioned in a location elevated relative to the drum 18 and the second operable vent 36 is positioned in a location proximate to the bottom of the air vortex plate 54. The different heights of the first and second operable vents 32, 36 when the apparatus 12 is deactivated cause the heated process air 26 and the cooler ambient air 16 to move through the open configuration of the drum 18 and the recirculation airflow path 24. The hotter air, which tends to rise, will be drawn toward the first operable vent 32. Conversely, the cooler air, which tends to fall, will be drawn toward the second operable vent 36. Similarly, lighter gas constituents (e.g., carbon dioxide) within the drum 18 will tend to escape through the first operable vent 32. The escaping carbon dioxide will typically be replaced by ambient air 16 that can enter through the second operable vent 36 positioned within the air vortex plate 54. These configurations and positions of the first and second operable vents 32, 36 tend to cause the ambient air 16 to move from outside the apparatus 12 through the first operable vent 32, the second operable vent 36, the drum 18, and the remainder of the recirculation airflow path 24.

[0030] According to various aspects of the appliance, after the appliance 12 is operated between the operating state 28 and the idle state 30, the first operable vent 32 and the second operable vent 36 can be operated between the open position 40 and the closed position 42. Once the appliance 12 enters the idle state 30, the air temperature 102 of the process air 26 within the recirculation airflow path 24 will generally remain constant. It takes a period of time for the material temperature 106 of the bimetallic disc 104 to reach the threshold temperature and deflect to the open position 40. This delay can be used to ensure that the recirculation airflow path 24 remains closed during short stops in the operating system of the appliance 12 during a particular laundry cycle. Conversely, for the appliance 12 entering the idle state 30, the electrically operated wax motor 80 can have a very defined and predetermined sequence of actuation. By way of non-limiting example, the wax motor 80 can be moved to the open position 40 with little or no delay when the laundry cycle is complete. The wax motor 80 can also be operated to the open position 40 after a predetermined period of time. The operating configuration of the various mechanisms of the first operable vent 32 and the second operable vent 36 can vary depending on the design of the appliance 12 and the need to allow the vent airflow 14 of ambient air 16 to move through the drum 18.

[0031] According to various aspects of the appliance, as described herein, each of the first operable vent 32 and the second operable vent 36 can include a temperature-operated member that operates based on some temperature fluctuation occurring inside or around the first operable vent 32 and the second operable vent 36. In the example of the bimetallic disc 104, a temperature fluctuation occurs in the air temperature 102 of the process air 26 around the bimetallic disc 104. The material temperature 106 of the bimetallic disc 104 fluctuates in response to cause the bimetallic disc 104 to operate between the open position 40 and the closed position 42. In the example of the wax motor 80, the temperature fluctuation is electrically operated by heating the element 86 and the wax member 84. These temperature fluctuations cause the vent member 82 of the wax motor 80 to operate between the open position 40 and the closed position 42. In these cases, the temperature-operated member of the first operable vent 32 and the second operable vent 36 operates to the open position 40 when an open temperature range is reached. Conversely, the temperature-operated member of the first operable vent 32 and the second operable vent 36 operates to the closed position 42 when a closed temperature range is reached. Generally, the closed temperature range includes a temperature that is lower than the open temperature range; however, in certain aspects of the appliance, the opposite can be true.

[0032] Referring again to Figures 1 to 8The ventilation system 10 of the drying apparatus 12 includes a blower 22 that directs the process air 26 through the recirculation airflow path 24 in the operational state 28. The recirculation airflow path 24 includes a process chamber, which is generally a rotating drum 18. Deactivation of the blower 22 can define an idle state 30 of the ventilation system 10. A first operational vent 32 is positioned proximate a front portion of the recirculation airflow path 24, and a second operational vent 36 is positioned proximate a rear portion of the recirculation airflow path 24. The first operational vent 32 and the second operational vent 36 define a closed position 42 during the operational state 28 that indicates the recirculation airflow path 24 is a closed loop system. Conversely, the first operational vent 32 and the second operational vent 36 define an open position 40 during the idle state 30. This opening of the first operational vent 32 and the second operational vent 36 creates a ventilation airflow of the ambient air 16 through the process chamber and between the first operational vent 32 and the second operational vent 36. As described above, the first operational vent 32 is positioned within a top section 120 of the recirculation airflow path 24, and the second operational vent 36 is positioned within a lower section 122 of the recirculation airflow path 24.

[0033] Referring now to Figure 8 It is contemplated that one of the first operational vent 32 and the second operational vent 36 can include a pressure sensitive operational vent 130. The pressure sensitive operational vent 130 can include a flap 132 positioned at the vent hole 44 of the recirculation airflow path 24. When the blower 22 is activated, the pressure 134 of the process air 26 moving through the recirculation airflow path 24 biases the pressure sensitive operational vent 130 to the closed position 42 and covers the vent hole 44. When the blower 22 is deactivated, the pressure 134 of the process air 26 through the recirculation airflow path 24 is reduced. This reduction in pressure 134 within the recirculation airflow path 24 allows the pressure sensitive operational vent 130 to return to a resting state that indicates the open position 40 of the pressure sensitive operational vent 130. Thus, when the blower 22 is deactivated, the pressure sensitive operational vent 130 moves to the open position 40 to allow the ventilation airflow of the ambient air 16 to move through the drum 18 and the recirculation airflow path 24.

[0034] Referring again to Figures 1 to 8, the drying apparatus 12 includes a blower 22 that directs the process air 26 through a recirculation airflow path 24 that contains the drum 18. A heater 100 selectively heats the process air 26. At least one of the blower 22, the drum 18, and the heater 100 are activated in an active state 28. Conversely, each of the blower 22, the drum 18, and the heater 100 are deactivated in an idle state 30. A first temperature- operated vent is positioned proximate a front portion 34 of the cabinet 20. A second temperature-operated vent is positioned proximate a rear portion 38 of the vent. Upon the blower 22, the drum 18, and the heater 100 defining the idle state 30, the first temperature-operated vent and the second temperature-operated vent define an open position 40. Upon at least the blower 22 and the heater 100 defining the active state, the first temperature-operated vent and the second temperature-operated vent define a closed position 42. As described above, the first temperature-operated vent and the second temperature-operated vent represent the first operative vent 32 and the second operative vent 36 described herein. The first operative vent 32 generally includes a wax motor 80 having a resistive heating element 86. In this manner, the first operative vent 32 is an electrically powered vent. This electrical current 150 is used to heat the heating element 86 within the wax motor 80, which causes the wax member 84 to expand to operate an actuator 88 within the wax motor 80. Depending on the configuration of the apparatus 12 and the design of the wax motor 80 within the recirculation airflow path 24, this actuator 88 can cause the first operative vent 32 to move to either the open position 40 or the closed position 42. The second operative vent 36 can include a bimetallic disc 104 that deflects based on a material temperature 106 of the bimetallic disc 104. The material temperature 106 of the bimetallic disc 104 is generally dictated by an air temperature 102 of the process air 26 moving through the recirculation airflow path 24, and in particular, the air temperature 102 of the process air 26 moving past the bimetallic disc 104. As described above, the bimetallic disc 104 includes a first layer 108 and a second layer 110 that are attached together to form the bimetallic disc 104. These first layer 108 and second layer 110 have different thermal properties such that the first layer 108 expands at a different temperature or rate than the second layer 110, causing the bimetallic disc 104 to deflect in response to changes in the material temperature 106 within the first layer 108 and the second layer 110 of the bimetallic disc 104.

[0035] Referring again to Figures 1 to 8 , the exact configuration of the first operative vent 32 and the second operative vent 36 can vary depending on the configuration of the apparatus 12. Generally, the first operative vent 32 will take the form of a wax motor 80, and the second operative vent 36 will take the form of a bimetallic disc 104 or a pressure-sensitive operative vent 130. It is contemplated that other operative vent configurations can be used to operate the first operative vent 32 and the second operative vent 36 between the open position 40 and the closed position 42.

[0036] Reference will now be made to Figure 10 which includes example graphs showing various example test data for configurations using the venting system described herein. In each of these configurations, a wax motor 80 is used for the first operable vent 32 and a bimetallic disc 104 is used for the second operable vent 36. In each of these cases, the carbon dioxide content within the drum 18 is consistently maintained below 3% and the oxygen content within the drum 18 is consistently maintained above 17%. Upon deactivation of the appliance 12, the first operable vent 32 and the second operable vent 36 operate to the open position 40 to allow the vented airflow 14 of ambient air 16 through the drum 18 and the recirculation airflow path 24. Accordingly, upon deactivation of the appliance 12, the environment within the drum 18 provides a safe level of harmful gases as well as a safe level of oxygen within the drum 18. These features provide a breathable environment upon deactivation of the appliance 12.

[0037] The venting system 10 described herein can be used in various laundry appliances 12. Such appliances 12 can include, but are not limited to, drying appliances, combination drying appliances, fresh dry appliances, and other similar appliances including recirculation airflow through a closed loop airflow path 24. Additionally, the size of the first operable vent 32 and the second operable vent 36 can vary depending on the size of the drum 18 and the configuration of the recirculation airflow path 24 within the appliance 12.

[0038] According to another aspect of the disclosure, a drying appliance includes a cabinet. A drum processes laundry articles. The drum is positioned within the cabinet for rotational operation. A blower directs process air through a recirculation airflow path containing the drum. The drum and the blower are activated in an operational state and deactivated in an idle state. A first operable vent is positioned proximate a front of the cabinet. A second operable vent is positioned proximate a rear of the cabinet. The first operable vent and the second operable vent define an open position upon the drum and the blower defining the idle state. The first operable vent and the second operable vent define a closed position upon the drum and the blower defining the operational state.

[0039] According to another aspect, the open position of the first operable vent and the second operable vent defines a vented airflow of ambient air through the drum.

[0040] According to another aspect, the first operable vent is positioned proximate the drum within a wall portion of the recirculation airflow path.

[0041] According to another aspect, the second operable vent is positioned within an air vortex plate that conceals the blower within the cabinet.

[0042] According to another aspect, the first operable vent includes a wax motor operable to move the vent member between the open position and the closed position.

[0043] According to another aspect, the recirculation airflow path contains a heater that changes an air temperature of the process air, and the second operable vent includes a bimetallic disc that operates between the open position and the closed position based on the air temperature of the process air.

[0044] According to another aspect of the disclosure, the bimetallic disc moves to the closed position when a temperature of the bimetallic disc reaches a threshold temperature, and the bimetallic disc moves to the open position when the temperature of the bimetallic disc is below the threshold temperature.

[0045] According to another aspect, the closed positions of the first operable vent and the second operable vent define a closed loop of the recirculation airflow path through the drum. The open positions of the first operable vent and the second operable vent define an open loop of the ventilation airflow path through the drum.

[0046] According to another aspect, a ventilation system for a drying apparatus includes a blower that directs process air through a recirculation airflow path in an operational state. The recirculation airflow path contains a process chamber. Deactivation of the blower defines an idle state. A first operable vent is positioned proximate a front portion of the recirculation airflow path. A second operable vent is positioned proximate a rear portion of the recirculation airflow path. The first operable vent and the second operable vent define closed positions that represent the recirculation airflow path as a closed loop system during the operational state. The first operable vent and the second operable vent define open positions that form a ventilation airflow of ambient air through the process chamber and between the first operable vent and the second operable vent during the idle state.

[0047] According to another aspect of the disclosure, the first operable vent is positioned within a top section of the recirculation airflow path, and the second operable vent is positioned within a lower section of the recirculation airflow path.

[0048] According to another aspect, the first operable vent includes an electrically powered vent.

[0049] According to another aspect, the electrically powered vent is a wax motor having a resistive heating element.

[0050] According to another aspect of the disclosure, the second operable vent includes a temperature-operated member that operates to the open position when an open temperature range is reached and operates to the closed position when a closed temperature range is reached. The closed temperature range includes temperatures lower than the open temperature range.

[0051] According to another aspect, the temperature-operated member operates between the open position and the closed position based on an air temperature of the process air within the airflow path.

[0052] According to another aspect, the recirculation airflow path includes a heater. The heater changes the air temperature of the process air and the temperature-operated member operates between the open position and the closed position based on the air temperature of the process air within the airflow path.

[0053] According to another aspect of the disclosure, the temperature-operated member includes a bimetallic disc.

[0054] According to another aspect, a drying apparatus includes a blower that directs process air through a recirculation airflow path that contains a drum. A heater selectively heats the process air, wherein at least one of the blower, the drum, and the heater is enabled in an operational state, and all of the blower, the drum, and the heater are disabled in an idle state. A first temperature-operated vent is positioned proximate a front portion of the cabinet. A second temperature-operated vent is positioned proximate a rear portion of the cabinet. The first temperature-operated vent and the second temperature-operated vent define an open position upon the blower, the drum, and the heater defining the idle state. The first temperature-operated vent and the second temperature-operated vent define a closed position upon at least the blower and the heater defining the operational state.

[0055] According to another aspect, the first temperature-operated vent is a wax motor having a resistive heating element.

[0056] According to another aspect of the disclosure, the second temperature-operated vent is a bimetallic disc.

[0057] According to another aspect, the bimetallic disc operates between the open position and the closed position based on an air temperature of the process air. The wax motor operates between the open position and the closed position based on a current delivered to the wax motor. It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the constructions of the described disclosure and other components are not limited to any particular materials. Unless otherwise indicated herein, the other example embodiments of the disclosure disclosed herein can be formed from a wide variety of materials.

[0058] For purposes of this disclosure, the term "coupled" (and all of its forms) generally means the joining of two components (electrical or mechanical) directly or indirectly to one another. Such joining can be stationary in nature or movable in nature. Such

[0059] It is also important to note that the construction and arrangement of the elements of the disclosure shown in the exemplary implementations is illustrative only. Although only a few implementations of the present applications are described in detail, those skilled in the art who review this disclosure will readily appreciate that many modifications are possible (e.g., variations in sizes, dimensions, structures, shapes and proportions of the various elements, values of parameters, mounting arrangements, use of materials, colors, orientations, etc.) without materially departing from the novel teachings and advantages of the subject matter recited. For example, elements shown as integrally formed can be constructed of multiple parts or elements shown as multiple parts can be integrally formed, the operation of the interfaces can be reversed or otherwise varied, the length or width of the structures and / or members or connector or other elements of the system can be varied, the nature or number of adjustment positions provided between the elements can be varied. It should be noted that the elements and / or assemblies of the system can be made and / or performed from a wide variety of materials that provide structural strength or durability, that have different color, texture, and combinations. Accordingly, all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the present applications. Other substitutions, modifications, changes, and omissions can be made in the design, operating conditions, and arrangement of the desired and other exemplary implementations without departing from the spirit of the present applications.

[0060] It should be understood that any of the processes described can be combined with other processes disclosed to form structures within the scope of the present disclosure. The exemplary structures and processes disclosed herein are for illustrative purposes and are not to be construed as limiting.

Claims

1. A drying apparatus, comprising: Cabinet; A drum for handling laundry items is positioned inside the cabinet for rotation. The process air is guided through a blower that includes the recirculated airflow path containing the roller, wherein the roller and the blower are activated in the operating state and deactivated in the idle state; A first operable ventilation opening is located near the front of the cabinet; as well as A second operable vent is positioned near the rear of the cabinet, wherein the first operable vent and the second operable vent are defined in an open position after the roller and the blower define the idle state, and wherein the first operable vent and the second operable vent are defined in a closed position after the roller and the blower define the operating state, and wherein the first operable vent, the second operable vent, and the roller are connected through the recirculated airflow path.

2. The drying equipment according to claim 1, wherein, The first operable vent is located near the roller within the wall of the recirculated airflow path.

3. The drying equipment according to claim 2, wherein, The second operable vent is located inside the air vortex plate, which conceals the blower within the cabinet.

4. The drying equipment according to claim 3, wherein, The first operable vent includes a wax motor operable to move the ventilation component between the open position and the closed position.

5. The drying equipment according to claim 1, wherein, The recirculated airflow path includes a heater that alters the temperature of the processed air.

6. The drying equipment according to claim 5, wherein, The second operable vent includes a bimetallic disc that operates between the open position and the closed position based on the air temperature of the processed air.

7. The drying equipment according to claim 6, wherein, When the temperature of the bimetallic disk reaches a threshold temperature, the bimetallic disk moves to the closed position, and when the temperature of the bimetallic disk is lower than the threshold temperature, the bimetallic disk moves to the open position.

8. The drying equipment according to claim 4, wherein, The second operable vent is a pressure-operated baffle that operates to the closed position in the operating state and moves to the open position in the idle state.

9. The drying apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein, The open positions of the first and second operable vents define the ventilation airflow of ambient air through the roller.

10. A ventilation system for a drying equipment, comprising: A blower that guides processing air through a recirculating airflow path in an operating state, wherein the recirculating airflow path includes a processing chamber, and wherein the deactivation of the blower defines an idle state. A first operable vent located at the front of the recirculated airflow path; as well as A second operable vent located near the rear of the recirculated airflow path, wherein: The first and second operable vents define, during the operating state, a closed position indicating that the recirculated airflow path has become a closed-loop system; and The first and second operable vents define open positions during the idle state for forming a ventilation airflow through the processing chamber and between the first and second operable vents.

11. The ventilation system according to claim 10, wherein, The first operable vent includes an electrically operated vent, and the second operable vent includes a pressure-operated vent.

12. The ventilation system according to claim 11, wherein, The electric vent is a wax motor with a resistance heating element.

13. The ventilation system according to claim 10, wherein, The second operable vent includes a temperature-operated component that operates to an open position when an open temperature range is reached and to a closed position when a closed temperature range is reached, wherein the closed temperature range includes temperatures below the open temperature range.

14. The ventilation system according to claim 13, wherein, The temperature-operated component operates between the open and closed positions based on the air temperature of the processed air within the airflow path.

15. The ventilation system according to claim 14, wherein, The recirculated airflow path includes a heater, wherein the heater changes the air temperature of the processed air and the temperature-operated component operates between the open position and the closed position based on the air temperature of the processed air within the airflow path.

16. The ventilation system according to claim 15, wherein, The temperature-operated component includes a bimetallic disk.

17. The ventilation system according to any one of claims 10 to 16, wherein, The first operable vent is located in the top section of the recirculated airflow path, and the second operable vent is located in the lower section of the recirculated airflow path.

18. A drying apparatus, comprising: A blower that guides the processed air through a recirculating airflow path containing rollers; A heater that selectively heats the processed air, wherein at least one of the blower, the drum, and the heater is activated in the operating state, and all of the blower, the drum, and the heater are deactivated in the idle state; The first temperature-controlled ventilation opening is located near the front of the cabinet. as well as A second temperature-operated vent is positioned near the rear of the cabinet, wherein the first temperature-operated vent and the second temperature-operated vent are defined in an open position after the blower, the roller, and the heater define the idle state, and wherein the first temperature-operated vent and the second temperature-operated vent are defined in a closed position at least after the blower and the heater define the operating state, and wherein the first temperature-operated vent, the second temperature-operated vent, and the roller are connected through the recirculated airflow path.

19. The drying equipment according to claim 18, wherein, The first temperature-operated vent is a wax motor with a resistance heating element.

20. The drying equipment according to claim 19, wherein, The second temperature-operated vent is a bimetallic disc.

21. The drying equipment according to claim 20, wherein, The bimetallic disc operates between the open and closed positions based on the air temperature of the processed air, and the wax motor operates between the open and closed positions based on the current supplied to the wax motor.

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