Detection of airflow in an appliance

摘要

The present invention provides for measuring the air flow in an appliance. An air flow measuring device, such as a vane (aka turbine) anemometer, is placed directly into an air flow passageway and provides a signal indicative of the amount of air flow. This signal can be used e.g., to undertake a remedial response in the event the amount of air flow is not sufficient to provide proper cooling or ventilation of the appliance.

主权项

1. An appliance, comprising:
an air passageway defined by the appliance and configured for circulating air through at least part of the appliance; a blower in fluid communication with said air passageway and configured for selectively causing a flow of air through said air passageway; and an air flow measuring device positioned at least partly within said air passageway and positioned so as to measure the flow of air through said passageway that is caused by blower, said air flow measuring device comprising:
a rotatable impeller disposed at least partly within said air passageway, said rotatable impeller comprisinga rotatable hub defining an exterior circumferential surface, anda plurality of blades positioned on the exterior circumferential surface and configured for causing said hub to rotate due to the flow of air created by said blower;a sensor positioned adjacent to said rotatable impeller and within said rotatable hub, said sensor configured for measuring the rotational speed of said impeller and generating a signal relating to such measuring; and, a controller in communication with said air flow measuring device and configured to perform one or more actions based on the measuring provided by said sensor.