Electric towel dryer and method for manufacturing same

Abstract

The invention relates to the field of sanitary equipment and can be used in residential construction, as well as in the manufacture of sanitary equipment. An electric towel dryer (1) includes a frame structure formed by a set of pre-treated metal pipes which includes a number of transverse ribs (2) with vertical posts (3). Mounted inside the cavity of the assembled frame structure is a flexible heater (7) for heating the surface of the device to a set temperature. A first vertical post (3.1) has a first output connector (8) mounted therein which is connected in parallel to a second output connector (9) mounted in a second vertical post (3.2). Connected to the connectors is a timer-power controller (10) consisting of at least a voltage regulator (10.1), a fuse (10.2) and an actuator (10.3). All of the components of the timer-power controller (10) are mounted inside the cavity of the frame structure of the device. Also disclosed is a method for manufacturing an electric towel dryer (1) which includes forming a frame structure from pre-treated metal pipes by permanently connecting the pipes. A flexible heater (7) is drawn through the cavity of the pipes using a metal guidewire (14) and a guide tube (15). The technical result of the invention is an increase in the ergonomic qualities of the towel dryer, as well as an improvement in the manufacturability thereof.

Description

[0001] The declared technical solution refers to the field of household appliances and can be used in residential areas, non-residential areas and offices, as well as in the manufacture of sanitary equipment.

[0002] Based on the current level of technical expertise, it is known that towel dryers are used for drying and heating towels, for example, in bathrooms in residential and non-residential areas. Towel dryers predominantly have an outer surface that supports the towel for drying, and during operation, the outer surface is heated above room temperature by connection to an energy source, usually a heated liquid or an electrical power source. Towel dryers for domestic use are usually connected to the domestic electricity supply to heat the conductor built into the cavity of the towel dryer body.

[0003] Towel dryers are usually made of a non-alloy steel main body with a surface coating to achieve a certain desired appearance of the product. In practice, depending on the location, different surface treatment technologies are used. For example, towel dryers in living spaces can be provided with a powder or lacquer coating. There are variants in which the bathroom towel rail can be electroplated. The term "thermal power" refers to the amount of energy that must be supplied to maintain the operating temperature of the towel rack. A towel rack with a higher heat output will maintain its operating temperature with a lower energy consumption than similar towel racks with lower thermal power.

[0004] The use of electric towel dryers is becoming increasingly popular due to the transition to alternative energy sources. Very often, the installation of towel dryers requires the provision of power sources and the installation of additional connection points to the mains, which is why the adaptability of products to operating conditions is one of the main requirements for manufacturers.

[0005] Depending on the type of connection and design elements, towel dryers have corresponding design features and production requirements.

[0006] From a technical point of view (utility model patent CN214678756U dated 07.02.202), a towel dryer is known to comprise a housing, an electric heating element and a controller. The electric heating element is located in the housing, and the controller is located on the housing. The electric heating element is connected to the controller, and the housing is equipped with a suspended connector for the power supply network.

[0007] Among the disadvantages of the known technical solution is the inability to connect the towel dryer bidirectionally, which limits the adaptability of the product to operating conditions.

[0008] Also, based on the invention patent EP1381255A1 of 12.07.2002, there is a towel dryer with self-heating grilles, consisting of several horizontal tubular ribs, fastened at their ends to two vertical tubular posts, including a heating system. The heating system consists of at least one electrically insulated wire containing an electric heating resistor, and the aforementioned wire is fastened to the inner wall of each rib along its entire length and, forming a loop, is connected to a control and regulation unit, to the mains, where the heating system includes separate wires inserted through the tubular ribs.

[0009] The disadvantages of this technical solution include the impossibility of bidirectional connection of the towel dryer, as well as the complicated manufacturing technology, which allows the installation of the electrical conductor in separate elements of the product, which requires disassembly and may lead to a decrease in the rigidity of the structure.

[0010] The technical task addressed by the declared invention is to solve the problems related to the manufacturing technology and adaptability of the towel dryer to operating conditions.

[0011] The technical outcome is the improvement of the ergonomic qualities of the towel rack, which translates, at least, into the adaptability of the product to operating conditions, as well as the improvement of the manufacturing technology.

[0012] The core of the declared invention is that the electric towel dryer contains the frame structure of the product, consisting of a set of pre-processed metal pipes, joined by a non-removable joint, a set of traverse ribs with vertical posts.

[0013] A flexible heater with permissible power is installed in the cavity of the pre-assembled frame structure, which ensures the heating of the product surface to the set temperature. The first output connector is connected in parallel with the second output connector, installed in the second vertical post. A timer-power controller, consisting of at least one voltage regulator and an execution device, is included in the circuit between the first and second connectors. All components of the timer-power controller are installed in the cavity of the product frame structure.

[0014] The manufacturing of the towel dryer based on the declared technical solution is that the frame structure of the product consists of a set of metal pipes pre-processed by non-removable joining.

[0015] A flexible heater is inserted through the cavity of the pre-assembled product frame structure, which is alternately placed through the cavity of the traverse ribs and vertical posts. The flexible heater is inserted using a metal guidewire and a guide tube through which the metal guidewire is inserted. First, the metal guidewire is passed through the first transverse rib, at the free end of which the flexible heater is fixed. The next step is to extract the metal guidewire and pass the flexible heater through each of the traverse ribs in turn, with the guide tube placed in one of the vertical posts. The flexible heater is connected to the output connector in one of the vertical posts, and the second output connector is installed in the second vertical post. A parallel connection is made between the first and second output connectors, and a power regulator with a timer is included in the connection line of the output connectors.

[0016] The essence of the declared invention is explained, without limitation, by the following graphic materials: Fig. 1 - general view of the towel dryer; Fig. 2 - electrical diagram of the towel dryer; Fig. 3 - diagram of the actuator of the timer-power controller; Fig. 4 - installation diagram of the flexible heater; Fig. 5 - connector.

[0017] Figure 1 shows the general appearance of one of the variants of the electric towel dryer 1, which includes a frame structure consisting of a set of pre-processed metal pipes, joined by a non-removable joint, a set of traverse ribs 2 with vertical posts 3. Depending on the design variants of the towel dryer, a set of traverse ribs 2 can be installed between adjacent vertical posts 3. The traverse rib 2, according to one of the possible variants, can have an arched curvature with a given radius. Variants are also possible in which the traverse rib is made with a straight central part, with bends of the free ends at an identical radius. In addition, the towel dryer 1 has mounting legs (not shown in the figures) on the vertical posts 3 for fastening to vertical surfaces. The holes at the ends of the vertical posts 3 are closed with metal caps 4 with labyrinth sealing, thanks to sealing elements such as rubber sealing rings. A power cable 5 with a plug connector 6 is connected to one of the vertical posts for connection to the power supply. The aforementioned power cable 5 is connected to a flexible heater 7 installed in the cavity of the pre-assembled frame structure of the electric towel dryer 1. In the declared version of the invention, in order to ensure optimal heating of the surface of the towel dryer with minimum energy consumption, a flexible heater 7 with a permissible power is installed, which ensures a heating temperature of the product of up to 55 °C, depending on the settings of the timer-power controller. The version of the electric towel dryer circuit, according to the declared invention, is shown in Fig. 2. The flexible heater 7 is connected to the output connector, installed on one of the vertical posts 3.1 of the frame structure, the first output connector 8 is connected in parallel with the second output connector 9, installed on the second vertical post 3.2, a timer-power controller 10 (TRP) is included in the circuit between the first 8 and second 9 connectors. The timer-power controller 10 consists of at least one voltage regulator 10.1, a fuse 10.2 and an actuator 10.3, all TRP components being installed in the cavity of the frame structure of the product. The voltage regulator 10.1 can be made in the form of a variable resistor with a preset adjustment range or another similar device. The TRP control panel is located on one of the vertical posts of the towel dryer and can be touch-sensitive or include a set of buttons or LEDs.

[0018] According to the description of the invention, TRP 10 is a towel dryer control device that allows you to adjust the duration and intensity of heating. By setting the heating time intervals you avoid consuming extra power after the towels are completely dry. The TRP changes the temperature of the towel dryer surface, which can be useful when drying delicate fabrics and saves power. The time and power are adjusted using the TRP control panel and the corresponding LEDs installed on the towel dryer housing. The current configuration of the settings is displayed using the corresponding indicators on the control panel.

[0019] One of the possible variants of the invention provides for time-dependent operating modes with a heating duration of three hours and six hours, with corresponding LEDs on the control panel and depending on the power consumption levels: power consumption for maintaining the surface temperature between 40 ± 5°C - "min" mode, power consumption for maintaining the surface temperature between 45 ± 5°C - "mid" mode, 50 ± 5°C - "max" mode,

[0020] TRP also features the intelligent Eco Mode for controlling the operating time and the heating temperature. This mode allows, for example, the operating time to be set at intervals of 3 or 6 hours. Eco Mode, in turn, avoids constant heating, and the towel dryer operates only according to the set timer. The intelligent Eco Mode is implemented on the basis of the actuator 10.3 TRP fig. 3, which includes, at least, the triac (semi-conductor switch) 11 included in the circuit in series with the load (P) and functionally connected to the programmable processor 12, designed with the ability to control the aforementioned triac for the purpose of generating holding current signals (I). In this embodiment of the invention, a flexible heater 7 is used as the load (P).

[0021] The memory unit 13 of the programmable processor 12 stores the intermediate values of the operating indicators of the towel dryer, at least the temperature (T) and time (t) within the preset operating range.

[0022] According to the declared invention, the TRP provides a "restart" function. In case of fluctuations in the network or loss of voltage in the power supply, the TRP restores the operating time interval from the moment of voltage loss, memorising the interval, time and temperature regime at which the product operated.

[0023] After the power supply is restored, transistor control signals are generated with the required holding current (I), ensuring the power supply to the flexible heater with output in operating mode, with the restoration of the towel dryer production indicators within the specified operating range. The operation of the towel dryer is restored from the moment of power supply, reproducing the intermediate values of the operating parameters.

[0024] In one of the possible variants of the invention, the restart function can be performed as follows: upon first connection to the mains, the TRP records the operating parameters (temperature T, time t) on the storage device, starting from the fifth second of operation. When the voltage in the power supply network disappears / appears, the TRP ensures that operation resumes in the preset operating modes.

[0025] The operating time intervals are recorded on the storage device every 30 minutes. That is, if the timer has been working for 2 hours and 45 minutes of the preset three hours, then when operation resumes, the TRP resumes operation of the device within the preset interval, starting at 2 hours and 30 minutes. In this case, until the end of the preset operating interval, the towel dryer will operate for another 30 minutes.

[0026] The non-removable frame structure ensures sufficient rigidity and reliability of the product. At the same time, in accordance with the manufacturing method of the declared product variant, pre-processed metal pipes are assembled, forming the product into a conductor, where the metal pipe joints are welded. Mounting legs are installed on the surface of the vertical posts of the product by contact welding, and the mounting legs can be installed by threaded connection in the preset spots.

[0027] In one of the variants of manufacturing the towel dryer, according to the technological process, the formed product is polished by electric plasma polishing in two stages, each stage lasting 5-8 minutes. The declared technology allows for less laborious and higher quality polishing of products. The surface of the polished product has a uniform gloss, without reflections, and ensures maximum thermal conductivity, limited only by the characteristics of the material from which the tubular frame structure is made.

[0028] A flexible heater 7 is installed in the frame structure formed by the cavity of the pre-assembled frame structure of the product. The flexible heater is installed alternately through the cavity of the traverse ribs 2 and the vertical posts 3. According to the diagram (Fig. 4), the flexible heater 7 is installed in stages using a metal guidewire 14 and a guide tube 15, through which the metal guidewire 14 is inserted.

[0029] In the first stage, the metal guidewire 14 is passed through the first traverse rib 2.1, at the free end of which the flexible heater 7 is fixed, then, in the following stages, by pulling out the metal guidewire, the flexible heater is pulled alternately through each of the traverse ribs 2.1-2n. The flexible heater is pulled through the traverse ribs, inserting it in turn through the first 3.1 and second 3.2 vertical posts, while the guide tube 15 is placed in one of the vertical posts. The flexible heater 7 is connected to the first output connector 8 in one of the vertical posts, and the second output connector 9 is installed in the second vertical post. This completes the installation of the connectors on each of the vertical posts of the product frame structure.

[0030] The first and second output connectors are connected in parallel, and a timer-power controller is also included in the output connector connection line.

[0031] The components of the timer-power controller, which includes at least one voltage regulator, a fuse and an actuator, are mounted in the cavities of the frame structure.

[0032] The aforementioned connectors 6, according to the preferred invention variant, are included in the universal sealed connection system Fig. 5, which contains two internal units of connectors 8, 9, which are securely mounted in the housing on two opposite sides (for example, in the left and right vertical posts) of the electric towel dryer and a removable external unit 16, which contains a power cable 5 and a connection node 21 with one of the connectors 8, 9 on one side and a power connection assembly on the other side, depending on the operating conditions of the towel dryer. The connectors 8, 9 contain a current-carrying cable 18 for connection to the TRP 10 and a connection assembly 17 with the external block 16, which protrudes from the housing of the electric towel dryer, so that the external unit 16 can be connected. For this purpose, the connection assembly 17 with the external unit consists of a soft polymer housing with an external thread, inside which there are a plug-type connector 19 and a fastening nut 20, designed to enable the connection assembly 17 to be securely fastened to the electric towel dryer housing. In turn, the connection assembly 21 with the internal unit consists of a soft polymer housing of cylindrical or rectangular shape, inside which there is a socket-type connector and a fastening nut 22, designed to securely fasten the external connection assemblies 16 and the internal units of the connectors 8 or 9.

[0033] The cylindrical body of the connection assembly 21 with the output connector 8 or 9 is provided with a protruding ring, designed to create a stop for the flat-head nut 22 and ensure a sealed connection of the connection assemblies of the external unit 16 with the output connector 8 or 9.

[0034] The connection assembly with the outdoor unit may additionally contain a transition washer, designed to be connected to the side post of the towel dryer, with a round profile.

[0035] Using state of the art materials and constructions, this system has features that ensure an IF44 protection class against dust and moisture.

[0036] The described manufacturing method and electrical diagram of the towel dryer enhance the technological nature of the product and its adaptability to operating conditions by introducing a schematic solution with two input connectors in each of the vertical posts. The indicated technical solution contributes to mass production, as it allows the assembly of finished products with a minimum number of components and technological operations.

Claims

1. Electric towel dryer, which includes a frame structure of the product, consisting of a set of metal pipes pre-processed by non-removable joining, a set of traverse ribs with vertical posts, a flexible heater with a rated power that ensures a product heating temperature of up to 55°C is mounted in the cavity of the pre-assembled frame structure, in this case, the flexible heater is connected to the first output connector, installed in the first vertical strut of the frame structure, the first output connector is connected in parallel with the second output connector, installed in the second vertical strut, a timer-power controller, consisting of at least one voltage regulator, a fuse and an execution device, is included in the circuit between the first and second output connectors, all components of the timer-power controller being installed in the cavity of the product frame structure.

2. Electric towel dryer according to claim 1, characterised in that the timer-power controller's execution device includes at least one contactor and a programmable processor with a memory device, designed to control the aforementioned contactor.

3. Electric towel dryer, according to claim 1, characterised in that the openings of the vertical posts are closed with metal housings with labyrinth seals.

4. Electric towel dryer, according to claim 1, characterised in that the first and second output connectors are securely mounted in the frame structure of the product on two opposite sides, and the output connectors contain power cables and connection assemblies with a removable external unit that protrudes outside the frame structure of the electric towel dryer.

5. Electric towel dryer, according to claim 1, characterised in that the first and second output connectors are designed with the possibility of sealing the connection assembly to the housing of the electric towel dryer.

6. Electric towel dryer, according to claim 1, characterised in that the connection assembly of the output connector consists of a cylindrical body made of soft polymer, inside which a plug-type connector is located, and a fastening nut, designed to enable the connection assemblies of the external unit to be securely fastened to the output connector.

7. Electric towel dryer, according to any of claims 1, 4, characterised in that the connection assembly with the external unit additionally contains a transfer washer, designed to be connected to the side rail of the towel dryer, with a round profile.

8. Electric towel dryer, according to any of claims 1, 6, characterised in that the cylindrical housing of the connection assembly with the output connector is provided with a protruding ring, designed to create a stop for the fastening nut and ensure a tight connection of the connection assemblies of the external unit with the output connector.

9. Method of manufacturing an electric towel dryer, according to which the frame structure of the product is formed from a set of metal pipes pre-processed by non-removable joining, characterised in that a flexible heater is installed through the cavity of the pre-assembled frame structure of the product, in this case, the flexible heater is alternately passed through the cavity of the traverse ribs and vertical posts, the flexible heater is passed with the help of a metal guidewire and a guiding tube, through which the metal guidewire is inserted, in this case, first, the metal guidewire is passed through the first traverse rib, at the free end of which the flexible heater is fixed, the metal guidewire is pulled out, the flexible heater is stretched alternately through each of the traverse ribs, in this case, the guide tube is placed in one of the vertical posts, the flexible heater is connected to the output connector in one of the vertical posts, in this case, the second output connector is installed in the second vertical post, the first and second output connectors are connected in parallel, while a timer-power controller is included in the connection line of the output connectors, which includes at least a voltage regulator, a fuse and an actuator, while all components of the timer-power controller are installed in the cavities of the frame structure of the product10. Method of manufacturing an electric towel dryer according to claim 9, characterised in that the flexible heater is pulled through the traverse ribs, being alternately inserted through the first and second vertical posts.

11. Method of manufacturing an electric towel dryer, according to claim 9, characterised in that the output connectors are mounted on each of the vertical posts of the product frame structure.

12. Method for manufacturing an electric towel dryer, according to claim 9, characterised in that the timer-power controller is set to operate in variable modes depending on time, the power used in relation to heating temperature and the intelligent Eco Mode, which additionally provides a restart function.

13. The method for manufacturing a towel dryer, according to any of claims 9, 12, characterised in that it implements the intelligent "Eco Mode" based on the timer-power controller, whose actuator includes at least a triac and a programmable processor, designed with the possibility of controlling the aforementioned triac- , which stores in the memory block of the programmable processor the intermediate values of the towel dryer operating indicators, at least the temperature and time within the set operating range, forms triac control signals to restore the towel dryer indicators within the set operating range.

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