CN108699758B

CN108699758B - Household appliance and method for operating a household appliance

Info

Publication number: CN108699758B
Application number: CN201680081699.6A
Authority: CN
Inventors: R·伯梅尔斯; O·德斯庞; G·普莱班
Original assignee: BSH Hausgeraete GmbH
Current assignee: BSH Hausgeraete GmbH
Priority date: 2016-02-12
Filing date: 2016-12-29
Publication date: 2020-09-11
Anticipated expiration: 2036-12-29
Also published as: WO2017137137A1; CN108699758A; PL420494A1; EP3414387B1; DE102016202114A1; PL230853B1; PL3414387T3; EP3414387A1

Abstract

The invention relates to a household appliance 10, in particular a laundry dryer, comprising a condensate collecting container 20 and a condensate pan 40, as well as a control device 30, which is designed to: detecting the level of the condensate collecting container 20 and/or the condensate tray 40, wherein the control device 30 comprises at least one comparison value, and wherein the control device 30 is designed to: comparing the one or more liquid levels with the at least one comparison value, and wherein the control device 30 is designed to: when the at least one comparison value is reached, exceeded or fallen below, an emptying time window for the condensate collecting container 20 is output.

Description

Household appliance and method for operating a household appliance

Technical Field

The invention relates to a household appliance, in particular a laundry dryer, and to a method for operating a household appliance, in particular for operating a laundry dryer or for monitoring a drying process of a laundry dryer.

Background

In domestic laundry dryers, there is a failure to interrupt the drying process prematurely, the so-called "condensation situation/condensate fall" (Kondensatfall). Here, a condensate container which is identified as full can lead to an interruption of the drying process before the drying process can be ended by sensing the final residual humidity desired by the user. As a result, the desired final residual humidity is not reached, which may lead to unsatisfactory drying results. After the drying process has ended, further faults (for example fluff screen indications, etc.) are indicated, without for their sake interrupting the drying process despite possible damage.

According to DE 102007062863 a1, the liquid level of the condensate collection container is monitored in order to generate a signal as a prompt for carrying out a condensate removal process when a liquid level threshold is exceeded. Indeed, such information alone may probably not be sufficient to achieve further reliable operation without interrupting the drying process.

Disclosure of Invention

The object of the present invention is therefore to provide a household appliance, in particular a laundry dryer, and a method for operating a household appliance, in particular a laundry dryer, which each enable an early detection of a fault situation and provide means for avoiding a fault situation during operation.

This object is achieved by a household appliance and a method according to the respective independent claims. Further developments and optional features of the invention emerge from the dependent claims as well as from the description and the drawings. In this case, the development of the domestic appliance (as long as it is not excluded for technical reasons) corresponds to the development of the method and vice versa, and this is still true if this is not explicitly indicated in this respect.

According to the invention, a household appliance, in particular a laundry dryer, comprises a condensate collecting container and a condensate pan trough (Kondensatwanne), and a control device which is designed to: detecting the level of the condensate collecting container and/or the level of the condensate tray, wherein the control device comprises at least one comparison value, and wherein the control device is designed to: comparing the one or more liquid levels with at least one comparison value, and wherein the control device is designed to: if the at least one comparison value is reached, exceeded or undershot, an emptying time window (endlerungszeitfenster) for the condensate collecting container is output.

Preferably a domestic applianceAnd a laundry treating appliance. According to various embodiments, the laundry treatment appliance is, for example, a laundry dryer, for example an exhaust-gas dryer, a condensation dryer or a heat pump dryer. The household appliance may also be a combination appliance, which combines both a washing machine function and a dryer function. In principle, a household appliance relates to an appliance in which condensation water can accumulate. Suitably, a condensate tray and a condensate collection vessel are provided for collecting condensate. The condensate pan is here the first catch basin

The first collector pan is fixedly mounted in the household appliance and is adapted to receive condensate directly/first. Expediently, the condensate pan is connected in a flow-conducting manner to the condensate collecting container, wherein, according to a preferred embodiment, the domestic appliance comprises a pump which is designed to: the condensate is pumped from the condensate tray tank to a condensate collection vessel. Suitably, the condensate tray trough is arranged in a lower part of the domestic appliance, for example below a rotating drum of the dryer, while the condensate collecting container is arranged further above. The condensate collecting container is expediently designed and arranged in such a way that it can be removed and emptied by a user.

The control device expediently relates to an electric unit which is designed to: the household appliance is operated. According to a preferred embodiment, the control device has corresponding input and output means, by means of which, for example, the household appliance can be operated. Preferably, for example, a corresponding display device is also provided, which is intended to display certain information to the user. In this case, the great advantage is that the control device is designed to: the filling level of the condensate collecting container and/or also the filling level of the condensate pan trough is detected and, on the basis thereof, the emptying time window is calculated, so to speak: the evacuation time window indicates the remaining time period until a condensation condition. The detected liquid level or levels is/are compared with a comparison value, wherein the comparison value is also the determined liquid level. If the level of the condensate collecting container or of the condensate pan trough reaches this comparison value, the control device can calculate the emptying time window, i.e. the time period during which: there is also a period of time available for use in order to empty the condensate collection vessel.

Suitably, the at least one comparison value is a limit level of the condensate collection vessel. The limit level is a level at which: the liquid level is below the maximum level of the condensate collection vessel. I.e. preferably a plurality of liquid/water levels are measured (or detected). This causes an interruption of the drying process (condensation situation) if a maximum level of the condensate collection container is reached. That is, it may happen that the drying process is ended before it is ended by sensing the final remaining humidity desired by the user. As a result, the desired final residual humidity may not be reached, which may lead to unsatisfactory drying results. However, the emptying time window advantageously provides a time period in this case: within the time period, it is also possible to "react". For example, the limit level is about 50% to 90%, preferably about 60% to 80%, of the maximum level of the condensate collection vessel.

Expediently, the control device is designed to: the user is notified (or sent) of the emptying time window. It has already been mentioned that the control means advantageously comprise display means or the like. According to a preferred embodiment, the household appliance (or its control device) comprises an extended user interface (preferably a mobile terminal device). Such a mobile user interface in the form of a mobile application (preferably App) offers the possibility of: and displaying the forecast of the fault condition. This can be done in the form of text, for example: "your condensate container is nearly full. You empty it to avoid unwanted drying breaks ". This display may be extended by a countdown clock to indicate when this possibility has ended to avoid a delayed fault condition. The countdown clock corresponds to the drain time window, i.e., the time period during which: said period of time is available until the maximum level of the condensate collection container is reached.

Expediently, the control device comprises a switching stage (schaltpagel), which is the filling level of the condensate pan, wherein the control device is designed to: the pump is actuated when the switching stage is reached or exceeded. This configuration is referred to as "event control" (ereignissteuert). Event control means that: in the case of a defined quantity of water (switching stage), the pump is started. In "event-controlled" pumps, the condensate pump is therefore usually operated in the presence of a defined, predetermined amount of water, the pump usually being operated at a predetermined constant delivery rate. If the quantity of water is below a predetermined value, the pump is switched off. Suitably, the control device is parameterized (parametriert): after the end of the emptying time window, pumping is resumed and verified: whether the pumping cycle is successful. If so, the user is deemed to have noticed the notice. In other cases, the fault persists and the dryer may jump suddenly to its fault management stage (Fehlermanagement). Since the condensate accumulates further during the ongoing drying process, the system must be designed such that the appliance operation is still reliable in the event of a significant increase in the water level relative to the switching stage. That is, conveniently, for example, the switching stage, which is the level of the condensate tray sump, is also below the maximum level of the condensate tray sump, in the range of about 50% to 90%, conveniently in the range of about 60% to 80%. Alternatively, the pump can also be controlled in time. Here, the control in time means: the control is carried out on the basis of a predetermined time value (for example during the program run of the domestic appliance/laundry dryer).

Alternatively or additionally, the at least one comparison value may be a minimum level of the condensate tray sump. When the condensate tray pan reaches a determined level (switching stage), the collected (or accumulated) condensate is pumped from the condensate tray pan by a pump into a condensate collection vessel, which is typically arranged above the condensate tray pan. The control device is expediently designed as follows: it is identified whether the pumping process is successful. Here, the liquid level is analyzed at a fixed point in time after the pumping cycle. If no water is present, the pumping cycle is assessed as productive. Otherwise, the loop is not productive and the system sends a corresponding fault signal (or introduces appropriate measures), for example. At this point, advantageously, after identifying that pumping is not successful, a purge time window may be initiated. That is, the emptying time window for the condensate collection container is expediently output (or started) as a function of the level of the condensate tray pan (in particular as a function of the minimum level of the condensate tray pan). Here, the minimum liquid level can be understood as: the condensate pan trough is checked (e.g., for empty). From this, it can be concluded whether the pumping cycle is successful.

A further advantage is that the detection of unproductive pumping cycles is verified twice, which means that condensation conditions are prevented significantly better.

Expediently, the control device comprises a time circuit (Zeitschaltung) which is designed to: the pump is actuated after expiration of the drain time window. That is, the time circuit can realize: it is checked whether the pumping cycle is successful.

Expediently, the household appliance comprises a first measuring device which is designed to: the level of the condensate collection container is detected, wherein the first measuring device expediently comprises at least two electrodes which are arranged at a distance from one another in the condensate collection container along a height axis. This is an extremely simple and effective design. The measuring device determines the value of the conductance between the two electrodes. In the case of two water levels, three electrodes are sufficient.

However, the first measuring device may also be a continuous measuring system (kontinuierliches Messsystem) which operates with at least two threshold values. In order to achieve at least two water levels, two Reed contacts with floating magnets (Reed-Kontakten) may also be used.

Expediently, the household appliance also comprises a second measuring device which is designed to: and detecting the liquid level of the condensate tray tank. The previously mentioned possibilities apply here also to the implementation of such a measurement.

According to the invention, the invention also relates to a method for operating a household appliance (in particular for monitoring a drying process of a laundry dryer), wherein the household appliance has a condensate collecting container and a condensate pan, comprising the following steps:

-detecting the level of the condensate collection vessel and/or the level of the condensate tray sump;

-comparing the liquid level/levels with at least one comparison value;

-outputting or generating a drain time window for the condensate collection container in case at least one comparison value is reached, exceeded or fallen below.

The minimum length of the evacuation time window is derived based on the vertical spacing between these measurement points and based on the maximum condensing speed of the dryer. This design has the additional advantage of being available while the appliance is in operation. One advantage is that the switching elements for the event-controlled pump are separated from the safety elements introducing fault management. A further advantage is that the condensation rate is measured. Since the volume between the two measurement points is known, the condensation rate can be calculated by the time between reaching these two water levels. This characteristic variable is correlated with a point in time within the drying process and can be taken into account for the identification of the verification of the drying phase. The condensation rate is thus constant in the so-called plateau phase (plateau phase). Before and after this, however, the condensation rate has a lower value.

Suitably, the method further comprises the steps of:

-informing the user of the emptying time window.

Such a notification can be effected, for example, by means of a display device of the control device or by means of an extended user interface, for example in the form of an App.

Suitably, the method further comprises the steps of:

the operation of the household appliance is only ended when the liquid level of the condensate collecting container and the liquid level of the condensate pan trough reach a maximum value.

That is, advantageously, the two existing reservoir volumes mentioned above are utilized as well as possible. This also does not necessarily lead to condensation if the condensate collection vessel should be full, since the volume of the condensate tray sump can also be used up completely. The operation of the household appliance (i.e., in this case, in particular, the drying process of the laundry dryer) is only terminated when both liquid levels reach their maximum values. In other words, the emptying time window (which relates to the remaining, usable volume of the condensate collecting container) can also be enlarged by the volume of the condensate pan trough, so that the interruption of the drying process can be further delayed.

Suitably, the method further comprises the steps of:

-the end of the drying process is pre-calculated.

In other words, the remaining operating time is calculated in advance, as appropriate. Suitably, this pre-calculation is based on the mentioned condensation rate. Suitably, the end of the drying process may be related to the emptying time window (or to the length of the emptying time window). If the emptying time window is longer than the time period (or remaining operating time) up to the end of the drying process, the user can expediently also be informed about this. The user then knows that: he should empty the condensate collection vessel at least after the end of the drying process, but he also knows: this need not be performed also for the duration of the run.

Suitably, the method further comprises the steps of:

-pumping condensate from the condensate tray tank to the condensate collection vessel when a switching level in the condensate tray tank is reached or exceeded;

-detecting the level of the condensate tray tank after performing the pumping process;

-notifying a user of a drain time window when the level of the condensate tray sump is greater than a minimum level.

Suitably, the method further comprises the steps of:

re-pumping after expiration of the emptying time window.

That is, suitably, after identifying unproductive pumping, a purge time window begins, at the end of which pumping is resumed and verified: whether this pumping cycle is successful.

The advantages and features already mentioned in connection with the household appliance apply analogously and correspondingly to the method. The features mentioned in connection with the method apply analogously and correspondingly, also with the domestic appliance.

Drawings

Further advantages and features emerge from the following description of preferred embodiments of the household appliance according to the invention with reference to the drawing. The figures show:

fig. 1 shows a sectional illustration of a laundry dryer.

Detailed Description

Fig. 1 shows an embodiment of a household appliance 10 (in particular a laundry dryer) in a sectional illustration. In the embodiment shown here, a sectional illustration through a condensation dryer is shown, wherein this configuration is merely an example. The dryer 10 includes a control device 30 in an upper region thereof, the control device 30 including an operation unit (or input device/output device) 32 and a display device 34. The display device 34 may be optically and/or acoustically configured. The control device 30 is also expediently designed as follows: including an extended user interface in the form of a mobile application, such as an App. The dryer 10 includes a rotatably supported drum 12, which drum 12 can be charged through a door 16. The process air heated by the heating device 68 can flow through the process air channel 14 and through the drum 12. In principle, the arrangement of evaporator 62, liquefier 64, pump 66 and compressor 70 is known from the prior art. The focus is on a condensate tray trough 40, which condensate tray trough 40 is connected via a line 22 to a condensate collection container 20 arranged above it. Liquid (or condensate) may be transferred from the condensate tray 40 to the condensate collection vessel 20 by a pump 60. The condensate collecting container 20 is expediently designed to be replaceable, so that it can be emptied by the user when required. According to a further embodiment, the condensate collection container 20 is also arranged in an upper region, for example above the drum 12, for example at the level of (or in the region of) the control device 30. Expediently, the control device 30 is then preferably designed to: the liquid levels of the condensate tray 40 and the condensate collection vessel 20 are detected by first and second measuring means (not shown here). A limit level G in the condensate collection container 20 is indicated, in which case a drainage time window is initiated (or output). The limit level G is below a maximum level M at which the condensate collection container 20 should be at least emptied even if the condensate tray 40 is also completely filled. A switching stage S is indicated in the condensate tray 40, which switching stage S is the level of the condensate tray 40, at which or above which the pump 60 is actuated for conveying condensate from the condensate tray 40 to the condensate collection container 20. The evaluation (or detection) of both levels of condensate pan 40 and of condensate collection container 20 makes it possible to prolong the drying process as far as possible or to avoid or to move back a fault situation/condensation situation.

List of reference numerals

10 household appliance and washing drier

12 roller

14 Process air channel

16 door

20 condensate collecting container

22 pipeline

30 control device

32 operation unit, input device/output device

34 display device

40 condensate tray trough

60 pump

62 evaporator

64 liquefier

66 process air blower

68 heating device

70 compressor

M (maximum) liquid level

S switching stage

G limit liquid level

Claims

1. A household appliance (10) comprising a condensate collection container (20) and a condensate tray trough (40), wherein the condensate tray trough (40) is a first catch basin for direct/first receiving condensate and wherein the condensate tray trough (40) is in flow-conducting connection with the condensate collection container (20), and a control device (30) designed to: -detecting the level of the condensate collection container (20) and/or the level of the condensate pan (40), the household appliance further comprising a first measuring device designed to: -detecting the level of the condensate collection container (20),

wherein the control device (30) comprises at least one comparison value, and

wherein the control device (30) is designed to: comparing one or more liquid levels with the at least one comparison value, and,

wherein the control device (30) is designed to: -in case the at least one comparison value is reached, exceeded or fallen below, outputting a draining time window for the condensate collection container (20), which corresponds to the following time period: said period of time is also available for use in order to empty the condensate collection vessel;

the control device is designed to inform or send the emptying time window to the user.

2. Household appliance (10) according to claim 1,

wherein the at least one comparison value is a limit level (G) of the condensate collection container (20).

3. Household appliance (10) according to claim 1 or 2,

wherein the at least one comparison value is a minimum level of the condensate tray tank (40).

4. Household appliance (10) according to any one of claims 1-2,

wherein the first drip pan is fixedly mounted in the household appliance (10).

5. Household appliance (10) according to any one of claims 1-2,

wherein the household appliance (10) comprises a pump (60) designed for: pumping condensate from the condensate tray trough (40) to the condensate collection vessel (20).

6. Household appliance (10) according to any one of claims 1-2,

wherein the condensate tray trough (40) is arranged in a lower part of the household appliance (10) and the condensate collecting container (20) is arranged further above.

7. Household appliance (10) according to any one of claims 1-2,

wherein the control device (30) comprises a time circuit which is designed to: after the emptying time window has expired, the pump (60) is actuated.

8. Household appliance (10) according to any of claims 1-2, wherein said first measuring means comprise at least two electrodes arranged at a mutual spacing along a height axis (H) in said condensate collection container (20).

9. Household appliance (10) according to any one of claims 1-2, comprising a second measuring device designed to: detecting the level of the condensate tray tank (40).

10. Household appliance (10) according to claim 1,

wherein the household appliance is a laundry dryer.

11. Household appliance (10) according to claim 6,

wherein the condensate tray trough (40) is arranged below a rotating drum of a dryer and/or the condensate collection container (20) is arranged above the condensate tray trough (40).

12. Method for operating a household appliance (10), wherein the household appliance (10) has a condensate collecting container (20) and a condensate tray trough (40), wherein the condensate tray trough (40) is a first catch basin for direct/first receiving condensate and the condensate tray trough (40) is connected in a flow-conducting manner to the condensate collecting container (20),

the method comprises the following steps:

-detecting the liquid level of the condensate collection vessel (20) and/or the liquid level of the condensate tray tank (40);

-comparing the one or more liquid levels with at least one comparison value;

-in case the at least one comparison value is reached, exceeded or fallen below, outputting or generating a drain time window for the condensate collection container (20), which corresponds to the following time period: said period of time is also available for use in order to empty the condensate collection vessel;

-informing a user of the emptying time window.

13. The method of claim 12, wherein the first and second light sources are selected from the group consisting of,

14. The method according to any one of claims 12 to 13, further comprising the step of:

-ending the operation of the household appliance (10) only when the level of the condensate collection container (20) and the level of the condensate tray (40) have both reached a maximum value.

15. The method according to any one of claims 12 to 13, further comprising the step of:

-pumping condensate from the condensate tray tank (40) to the condensate collection vessel (20) when a switching level in the condensate tray tank (40) is reached or exceeded;

-detecting the level of the condensate tray (40) after performing a pumping process;

-notifying a user of the emptying time window when the liquid level of the condensate tray tank (40) is above a minimum liquid level.

16. The method of claim 15, further comprising the steps of:

-resuming pumping after expiration of the emptying time window.

17. A method according to claim 12, wherein the method is used for monitoring a drying process of a laundry dryer.