CN117488513A - Washing machine with air heating and improved sanitation method for operation of washing machine - Google Patents

Washing machine with air heating and improved sanitation method for operation of washing machine Download PDF

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Publication number
CN117488513A
CN117488513A CN202310962939.5A CN202310962939A CN117488513A CN 117488513 A CN117488513 A CN 117488513A CN 202310962939 A CN202310962939 A CN 202310962939A CN 117488513 A CN117488513 A CN 117488513A
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CN
China
Prior art keywords
drum
lye container
washing machine
container
aqueous liquid
Prior art date
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Pending
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CN202310962939.5A
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Chinese (zh)
Inventor
T·施奈德
H·莫许茨
段炼
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BSH Hausgeraete GmbH
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BSH Hausgeraete GmbH
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Publication date
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Publication of CN117488513A publication Critical patent/CN117488513A/en
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    • D—TEXTILES; PAPER
    • D06—TREATMENT OF TEXTILES OR THE LIKE; LAUNDERING; FLEXIBLE MATERIALS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • D06F—LAUNDERING, DRYING, IRONING, PRESSING OR FOLDING TEXTILE ARTICLES
    • D06F35/00—Washing machines, apparatus, or methods not otherwise provided for
    • D06F35/005—Methods for washing, rinsing or spin-drying
    • D06F35/008—Methods for washing, rinsing or spin-drying for disinfecting the tub or the drum
    • D—TEXTILES; PAPER
    • D06—TREATMENT OF TEXTILES OR THE LIKE; LAUNDERING; FLEXIBLE MATERIALS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • D06F—LAUNDERING, DRYING, IRONING, PRESSING OR FOLDING TEXTILE ARTICLES
    • D06F33/00—Control of operations performed in washing machines or washer-dryers 
    • D06F33/30—Control of washing machines characterised by the purpose or target of the control 
    • D06F33/43—Control of cleaning or disinfection of washing machine parts, e.g. of tubs
    • D—TEXTILES; PAPER
    • D06—TREATMENT OF TEXTILES OR THE LIKE; LAUNDERING; FLEXIBLE MATERIALS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • D06F—LAUNDERING, DRYING, IRONING, PRESSING OR FOLDING TEXTILE ARTICLES
    • D06F33/00—Control of operations performed in washing machines or washer-dryers 
    • D06F33/50—Control of washer-dryers characterised by the purpose or target of the control
    • D06F33/52—Control of the operational steps, e.g. optimisation or improvement of operational steps depending on the condition of the laundry
    • D—TEXTILES; PAPER
    • D06—TREATMENT OF TEXTILES OR THE LIKE; LAUNDERING; FLEXIBLE MATERIALS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • D06F—LAUNDERING, DRYING, IRONING, PRESSING OR FOLDING TEXTILE ARTICLES
    • D06F33/00—Control of operations performed in washing machines or washer-dryers 
    • D06F33/50—Control of washer-dryers characterised by the purpose or target of the control
    • D06F33/52—Control of the operational steps, e.g. optimisation or improvement of operational steps depending on the condition of the laundry
    • D06F33/63—Control of the operational steps, e.g. optimisation or improvement of operational steps depending on the condition of the laundry of air flow, e.g. blowing air during the washing process to prevent entanglement of the laundry
    • D—TEXTILES; PAPER
    • D06—TREATMENT OF TEXTILES OR THE LIKE; LAUNDERING; FLEXIBLE MATERIALS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • D06F—LAUNDERING, DRYING, IRONING, PRESSING OR FOLDING TEXTILE ARTICLES
    • D06F33/00—Control of operations performed in washing machines or washer-dryers 
    • D06F33/50—Control of washer-dryers characterised by the purpose or target of the control
    • D06F33/69—Control of cleaning or disinfection of washer-dryer parts, e.g. of tubs
    • D—TEXTILES; PAPER
    • D06—TREATMENT OF TEXTILES OR THE LIKE; LAUNDERING; FLEXIBLE MATERIALS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • D06F—LAUNDERING, DRYING, IRONING, PRESSING OR FOLDING TEXTILE ARTICLES
    • D06F37/00—Details specific to washing machines covered by groups D06F21/00 - D06F25/00
    • D06F37/26—Casings; Tubs
    • D—TEXTILES; PAPER
    • D06—TREATMENT OF TEXTILES OR THE LIKE; LAUNDERING; FLEXIBLE MATERIALS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • D06F—LAUNDERING, DRYING, IRONING, PRESSING OR FOLDING TEXTILE ARTICLES
    • D06F39/00—Details of washing machines not specific to a single type of machines covered by groups D06F9/00 - D06F27/00 
    • D06F39/08—Liquid supply or discharge arrangements
    • D06F39/083—Liquid discharge or recirculation arrangements
    • D06F39/085—Arrangements or adaptations of pumps
    • D—TEXTILES; PAPER
    • D06—TREATMENT OF TEXTILES OR THE LIKE; LAUNDERING; FLEXIBLE MATERIALS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • D06F—LAUNDERING, DRYING, IRONING, PRESSING OR FOLDING TEXTILE ARTICLES
    • D06F2101/00—User input for the control of domestic laundry washing machines, washer-dryers or laundry dryers
    • D06F2101/20—Operation modes, e.g. delicate laundry washing programs, service modes or refreshment cycles
    • D—TEXTILES; PAPER
    • D06—TREATMENT OF TEXTILES OR THE LIKE; LAUNDERING; FLEXIBLE MATERIALS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • D06F—LAUNDERING, DRYING, IRONING, PRESSING OR FOLDING TEXTILE ARTICLES
    • D06F2103/00—Parameters monitored or detected for the control of domestic laundry washing machines, washer-dryers or laundry dryers
    • D06F2103/28—Air properties
    • D06F2103/32—Temperature
    • D—TEXTILES; PAPER
    • D06—TREATMENT OF TEXTILES OR THE LIKE; LAUNDERING; FLEXIBLE MATERIALS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • D06F—LAUNDERING, DRYING, IRONING, PRESSING OR FOLDING TEXTILE ARTICLES
    • D06F2103/00—Parameters monitored or detected for the control of domestic laundry washing machines, washer-dryers or laundry dryers
    • D06F2103/38—Time, e.g. duration
    • D—TEXTILES; PAPER
    • D06—TREATMENT OF TEXTILES OR THE LIKE; LAUNDERING; FLEXIBLE MATERIALS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • D06F—LAUNDERING, DRYING, IRONING, PRESSING OR FOLDING TEXTILE ARTICLES
    • D06F2105/00—Systems or parameters controlled or affected by the control systems of washing machines, washer-dryers or laundry dryers
    • D06F2105/06—Recirculation of washing liquids, e.g. by pumps or diverting valves
    • D—TEXTILES; PAPER
    • D06—TREATMENT OF TEXTILES OR THE LIKE; LAUNDERING; FLEXIBLE MATERIALS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • D06F—LAUNDERING, DRYING, IRONING, PRESSING OR FOLDING TEXTILE ARTICLES
    • D06F2105/00—Systems or parameters controlled or affected by the control systems of washing machines, washer-dryers or laundry dryers
    • D06F2105/08—Draining of washing liquids
    • D—TEXTILES; PAPER
    • D06—TREATMENT OF TEXTILES OR THE LIKE; LAUNDERING; FLEXIBLE MATERIALS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • D06F—LAUNDERING, DRYING, IRONING, PRESSING OR FOLDING TEXTILE ARTICLES
    • D06F2105/00—Systems or parameters controlled or affected by the control systems of washing machines, washer-dryers or laundry dryers
    • D06F2105/28—Electric heating
    • D—TEXTILES; PAPER
    • D06—TREATMENT OF TEXTILES OR THE LIKE; LAUNDERING; FLEXIBLE MATERIALS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • D06F—LAUNDERING, DRYING, IRONING, PRESSING OR FOLDING TEXTILE ARTICLES
    • D06F2105/00—Systems or parameters controlled or affected by the control systems of washing machines, washer-dryers or laundry dryers
    • D06F2105/46—Drum speed; Actuation of motors, e.g. starting or interrupting
    • D06F2105/48—Drum speed
    • D—TEXTILES; PAPER
    • D06—TREATMENT OF TEXTILES OR THE LIKE; LAUNDERING; FLEXIBLE MATERIALS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • D06F—LAUNDERING, DRYING, IRONING, PRESSING OR FOLDING TEXTILE ARTICLES
    • D06F23/00—Washing machines with receptacles, e.g. perforated, having a rotary movement, e.g. oscillatory movement, the receptacle serving both for washing and for centrifugally separating water from the laundry 
    • D06F23/02—Washing machines with receptacles, e.g. perforated, having a rotary movement, e.g. oscillatory movement, the receptacle serving both for washing and for centrifugally separating water from the laundry  and rotating or oscillating about a horizontal axis
    • D—TEXTILES; PAPER
    • D06—TREATMENT OF TEXTILES OR THE LIKE; LAUNDERING; FLEXIBLE MATERIALS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • D06F—LAUNDERING, DRYING, IRONING, PRESSING OR FOLDING TEXTILE ARTICLES
    • D06F25/00—Washing machines with receptacles, e.g. perforated, having a rotary movement, e.g. oscillatory movement, the receptacle serving both for washing and for centrifugally separating water from the laundry and having further drying means, e.g. using hot air 
    • D—TEXTILES; PAPER
    • D06—TREATMENT OF TEXTILES OR THE LIKE; LAUNDERING; FLEXIBLE MATERIALS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • D06F—LAUNDERING, DRYING, IRONING, PRESSING OR FOLDING TEXTILE ARTICLES
    • D06F39/00—Details of washing machines not specific to a single type of machines covered by groups D06F9/00 - D06F27/00 
    • D06F39/08—Liquid supply or discharge arrangements
    • D06F39/083—Liquid discharge or recirculation arrangements

Abstract

The present invention relates to a washing machine, which comprises: an alkaline solution container in which a drum for receiving laundry to be treated is rotatably supported; process air duct, air heating device and method for the production of a process air ductA fan for conveying air through the process air channel, the drum and the lye container is arranged in the process air channel; and a control unit, wherein the washing machine has a pump system by means of which aqueous liquid can be led out of the lye container in a region below the drum, said control unit being arranged to perform a method in which the drum is simultaneously (a) rotated at a rotational speed of at least 100 revolutions per minute during a hygiene phase; (b) Applying a temperature T to said drum and to said lye container H Is a hot air of (2); and (c) pumping aqueous liquid from the lye container by means of the pump system. The invention also relates to a hygiene method that can be carried out during operation of the washing machine.

Description

Washing machine with air heating and improved sanitation method for operation of washing machine
Technical Field
The present invention relates to a washing machine, which comprises: an alkaline solution container in which a drum for receiving laundry to be treated is rotatably supported; a process air channel in which an air heating device and a fan for conveying air through the drum are arranged; and a control unit. The invention also relates to a hygiene method which can be carried out during operation of the washing machine.
Background
Today's washing processes are usually carried out at very low temperatures. While this practice is gentle on the laundry and saves energy, the bacteria often cannot be killed or not completely killed. In washing machines and washing dryers, especially the growth of biofilms in lye containers is a well known problem when the washing process is mainly carried out at low temperatures and the washing dryer does not frequently use a drying function. Biofilm growth can lead to the development of off-flavors and even contamination of the laundry washed in the washing machine.
Hygiene procedures are well known per se.
For example, a selectable temperature washer may have a drum cleaning function. Under low temperature conditions, only dirt and detergent residues can be removed. Conversely, at elevated temperatures, such as 90 ℃, the entire drum interior may be heated to a temperature level sufficient to reduce bacteria and prevent biofilm formation.
Drum care functions of dryers or washers with air heating systems are also well known. After the drum cleaning has been completed, the hot gas stream is led through the lye container in a closed circuit. The hot air heats the interior of the lye container to a temperature level sufficient to reduce bacteria and prevent biofilm formation. The condensing unit of the apparatus can remove moisture, if any, from the air stream, thereby drying the inner surface of the lye container. However, condensed water (possibly together with cooling water if the apparatus is water-cooled) will normally flow back into the lye container and at least rewet the lower area of the lye container.
In addition, devices are known which have an open air circuit which sucks in ambient air and releases it back into the environment after it has passed through the lye container. The apparatus does not use an air heater in the above process. Thus, preventing biofilm growth is limited to reducing the humidity in the lye container.
Publication DE 10 2011 075 501 A1 and US 2014/0828852A describe a method for mild sterilization of temperature sensitive laundry with the following features: the washings are exposed in the dry state to a process gas stream at a defined temperature for a predetermined period of time, after which the washings heated in this way are cooled to a temperature (T P ) Compared with the rated temperature (T) which is significantly reduced Psoll ) Such as room temperature. In one embodiment, the cooled laundry is then washed during a washing process. Preferably, the target temperature (T Psoll ) Equal to the highest temperature occurring during the washing process.
Publication JP 2004-008544A describes a washing machine capable of introducing warm air into a drum for receiving laundry. The invention described in this publication starts from the fact that the lye container and the drum are generally not dried, so that the residual water can generate moulds and fungi.
Publication EP 2 202 341 B1 describes a water-conducting household appliance with a flushing device, which has a warm air unit and/or a dry air unit for generating a warm air flow and/or a dry air flow. It is connected to the flushing device of the household appliance via a connecting line, so that the flushing device can be dried.
Publication EP 3 095 B1 describes a method for disinfecting a laundry care machine comprising an lye container and a drum, wherein the laundry care machine further comprises a hot air supply for delivering hot air to the lye container. The method comprises the following steps, which are preferably carried out simultaneously:
(a) When no more washings are in the drum, the hot air supply device is controlled by the control device, so that the hot air supply device sends hot air into the lye container, and
(b) The motor is controlled by the control device so that the drum rotates at a set rotational speed.
Publication US2015/0167222 A1 describes a device for controlling a washing machine, comprising a sensor for detecting whether a door is open. If the door is closed, the fan is operated for a predetermined time while the drum is rotated after the washing stage is finished. The drying process can also take place by generating heated air by means of a heating device.
Disclosure of Invention
Against this background, the object of the present invention is to provide a washing machine (or washing machine) with an air heating device, which enables an improved hygiene program or hygiene phase to be carried out. In this case, the hygiene phase should prevent the growth of biofilms, especially in the case of frequent use. If the growth of the biofilm has entered an advanced stage, the hygiene stage should preferably kill microorganisms in the biofilm and prevent further growth.
According to the invention, the object is achieved by a washing machine and a sanitation method which can be carried out during the operation of the washing machine. Alternative embodiments of the washing machine of the present invention are listed in the alternative. The preferred embodiment of the hygiene method according to the invention corresponds to the preferred embodiment of the washing machine according to the invention and vice versa, even if not explicitly stated here.
Accordingly, the subject of the present invention is a washing machine having: an alkaline solution container in which a drum for receiving laundry to be treated is rotatably supported; a process air channel in which the air heating means and a fan for conveying air through the process air channel, the drum and the lye container are arranged; and a control unit, wherein the washing machine has a pump system, in particular a circulation pump system, by means of which the aqueous liquid can be led out of the lye container from the area below the drum, said control unit being arranged to perform a method in which, in the hygiene phase, both are carried out simultaneously
(a) Rotating the drum at a rotational speed of at least 100 revolutions per minute;
(b) Applying a temperature T to said drum and to said lye container H Is a hot air of (2); and is also provided with
(c) The aqueous liquid is pumped out of the lye container by means of the pump system, in particular the circulation pump system.
The process air channel is preferably connected to the lye container and/or the drum so that air can be guided through by means of a fan. The process air channel, the lye container and/or the drum thus form an air circuit which is preferably closed but may also be open.
The washing machine of the invention and the control unit provided according to the invention can advantageously ensure that: during the hygiene phase, there is no liquid left in the air circuit, in particular in the lye container and/or in the drum, for example from a previously performed laundry treatment program. Thereby, components in the air circuit, such as the drum and the lye container, can be heated more quickly with hot air and with lower energy consumption, since additional heating of the liquid, in particular of the liquid present in the lye container, is avoided. Thus, the temperature required to kill the bacteria can be reached more quickly. It is particularly advantageous that the washing machine of the invention requires significantly less energy than a similar conventional washing machine in which the drum and the lye container are heated by heating water. Furthermore, it is advantageously possible to provide a particularly rapid hygiene phase for the washing machine.
It is particularly advantageous that the drum rotates at a rotational speed of at least 100 revolutions per minute during the hygiene phase, since in this way a secondary air flow can be established in the lye container and the hot air can be distributed evenly to all areas of the drum and to the interior area of the lye container. It is thereby ensured that all areas on the drum, in particular on the lye container, reach the temperature required for killing germs.
Preferably, the pump system of the washing machine is a circulation pump system by means of which aqueous liquid can be introduced into the lye container from the area of the lye container below the drum at a higher position, and the control unit is arranged to pump lye out of the lye container and into the lye container at a higher position by means of the circulation pump system in step (c), wherein the amount of aqueous liquid contained in the lye container is insufficient to submerge the drum in the aqueous liquid.
This has the advantage that only a small amount of liquid remains in the air circuit, which liquid is easily evaporated by the hot air, without a large increase in total energy demand due to evaporation. The hot steam is advantageous for killing germs in the air circuit, in particular in the drum and in the lye container.
In a preferred washing machine, the rotational speed of the drum in step (a) is from 100 to 1200 revolutions per minute, preferably from 100 to 300 revolutions per minute. Such a rotational speed is particularly advantageous for creating a secondary air flow such that all areas of the drum and the lye container are bypassed by hot air (preferably also including hot steam), thereby achieving a rapid heating of these areas and killing of germs.
The washing machine of the present invention preferably does not include a cooling device for drying the hot humid air. This has the advantage that the construction of the washing machine is simpler and that no additional resources, such as water and energy, are consumed for the operation of the cooling device during the sanitary phase.
Furthermore, according to the invention, the preferred washing machine is T in step (b) H 60 ℃ or higher, preferably 70 ℃ or higher, more preferably 80 ℃ or higher, and T H For a period Δt of at least 10 minutes, preferably at least 15 minutes. By such further improvements of the washing machine, it can advantageously be ensured that the germs are killed reliably and as completely as possible.
According to the invention, the preferred washing machine has at least one temperature sensor, in particular at the outlet of the drum or lye container. In this case, the sensor is generally arranged at the outlet of the lye container, thus referring to the outlet opening of the process air.
Thus, in one embodiment, a temperature sensor (e.g. T2) is arranged in the process air channel at the lye container outlet or at the process air outlet. With the fan switched on, the temperature sensor can be used to measure the temperature T of the hot air H And can be well used in sanitary methodsThe temperatures of the drum and the lye container are determined. After the hot air has passed through the drum and the lye container, heat transfer from the hot air to the drum and the lye container has taken place as it reaches the outlet, and thus the temperature T measured at the outlet H Well approximates the temperature of the drum and the lye container. This effect can be advantageously used to determine the temperature of the drum and the lye container.
In a further embodiment of the method, however, a temperature sensor may also be provided in the lye container below the drum in order to measure the temperature T of the aqueous liquid in the lye container, in particular during the washing phase L . The temperature sensor arranged in this way in the lye container can also be used to measure the temperature T of the hot air flowing through the temperature sensor during the sanitary phase H . In this embodiment, the space between the drum and the lye container is very short, so that their temperature can be well determined. A temperature sensor at the outlet of the lye container or at the outlet of the process air and a temperature sensor below the drum in the lye container can also be used together to determine the temperature of the drum and the lye container.
The washing machine of the present invention generally has a water supply device. For example, the water supply device may be a fresh water connection controlled by a valve, wherein the valve is preferably controllable by a control unit. It is particularly preferred that the fresh water supply line leading to the lye container additionally has a flow sensor for determining the amount of fresh water introduced.
The washing machine of the invention can be provided with an electric water heater in addition to the air heating device in the lye container.
The invention also relates to a method for operating a washing machine having: an alkaline solution container in which a drum for receiving laundry to be treated is rotatably supported; a process air channel in which the air heating means and a fan for conveying air through the process air channel, the drum and the lye container are arranged; a control unit; and a pump system by means of which the aqueous liquid can be led out of the lye container from the area below the drum, wherein the control unit is arranged to perform a method in which, in the hygiene phase, both are performed at the same time
(a) Rotating the drum at a rotational speed of at least 100 revolutions per minute;
(b) Applying a temperature T to said drum and to said lye container H Is a hot air of (2); and is also provided with
(c) Pumping aqueous liquid from the lye container by means of the pump system;
wherein, in the method, steps (a) to (c) are performed simultaneously.
In step (c) the pump of the pump system is activated. In this case, the residual water remaining in the lye container, drum and/or circulation pump system and waste water system after the last washing process is pumped out, i.e. the residual water is removed from the lye container and drum. The pump also remains activated during the sanitary phase to prevent backflow of residual water left in the circulation pump system and the waste water system.
The pump is preferably a circulation pump of a circulation pump system, which is activated in step (c) and generates a small water flow, which is introduced into the lye container at a higher position. Here, when the water flow passes through the lye container, the water returned to the lye container is partly evaporated due to the influence of hot air. In addition, the evaporated water condenses on cooler surfaces in the lye container, which improves the heat transfer and the associated heating of the relevant components.
The present invention has a number of advantages. For example, the method of the invention may better utilize the hot air that disinfects the lye container and the drum. Ensuring uniform temperature levels of the drum and the lye container. In fact, due to material limitations, the maximum temperature during sterilization is limited and uneven temperature distribution may result in areas that do not reach the temperature level required to kill microorganisms. By improving the rotation of the drum by increasing the rotational speed of the drum, a secondary flow pattern can be formed under the influence of centrifugal force, thereby evenly transferring heat to the lye container and the drum. In particular, the lower region of the lye container has so far been difficult to heat to the temperature level required for killing microorganisms.
The sanitation of the apparatus can also be achieved in an air-heated washer without the need to install condensing means in the washer-dryer.
The method of the invention requires much less energy than the known method, since only air (which is much smaller than the heat capacity) needs to be heated, and not much water litres. Furthermore, in the method described here, the areas of the oscillating system that are visible to the user (cups, window seals) are even dry, which increases the user's confidence in the hygiene situation. Thus, the device appears drier compared to a washing machine without this option.
By using a pump system or a circulation pump system, i.e. activating the waste water pump or the circulation pump, the residual water in the lower region of the lye container is removed as long as the pump is running. Thus, the lower region of the lye container can also be heated rapidly to the desired temperature level. Furthermore, the operation of the circulation pump has the advantage that some water is sprayed into the drum, where it is mixed with the hot gas flow and partly evaporated. The steam then condenses on the inner surface of the lye container or in and on the drum, thereby improving the heat transfer (latent heat transfer).
Compared with the method of drying the interior of the lye container by using the ambient air, the method can prevent the growth of biological films. And the biofilm layer already present in the lye container can also be eliminated by heat treatment.
Furthermore, in the method of the invention, moist air is not released into the environment. On the other hand, if not retrofitted, the open air circuit generally cannot be used in other processes such as air cleaning, fabric freshening (deodorizing, removing wrinkles with hot air) without retrofitting. Thus, off-flavors can also be removed in the open air circuit. In this case, however, the contaminated exhaust gases must be discharged through an exhaust pipe in order to avoid entering the installation space and generating odor and possibly moisture there.
Embodiments characterized as advantageous for washing machines are also advantageous for methods and vice versa.
Drawings
Non-limiting embodiments of a washing machine according to the invention and a method for operating such a washing machine according to the invention will be described in more detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.
FIG. 1 shows a schematic view of a washing machine with an air heating device;
fig. 2 shows a flow chart of the hygiene method.
Detailed Description
Fig. 1 shows a washing machine 1 (or washing machine) having: a lye container 2 in which a drum 3 for receiving the laundry to be treated is rotatably mounted, wherein in this non-limiting embodiment a temperature sensor 4 is provided below the drum 3; a process air channel 5 in which an air heating device 6 and a fan 7 for conveying air through the lye container 2 and the drum 3 are arranged; and a control unit 8 arranged to perform the following method: in this method, during the hygiene phase, at the same time
(a) Rotating the drum 3 at a rotation speed of at least 100 revolutions per minute;
(b) The temperature is T H Is applied to the drum 3 and the lye container 2; and
(c) The aqueous liquid is pumped out of the lye container 2 by means of a pump system 12, 15, 11, 16.
The pump system 12, 15 comprises a sewage pump 15 and a sewage hose 12, wherein the sewage pump 15 is connected in fluid communication with the lye container 2 via a channel 18 and can drain liquid from the lye container 2.
In an alternative embodiment, the pump system 11, 16 comprises a circulation pump 15 and a circulation channel 11, wherein the circulation pump is connected in fluid communication with the lye container 2 via a channel 18, wherein the amount of aqueous liquid contained in the lye container 2 is insufficient to submerge the drum 3 in the amount of aqueous liquid. As shown in fig. 1, these two alternative embodiments may be used together in a washing machine 1.
For better monitoring of the heating of the process air, a temperature sensor T1 13 is present in the process air channel 5 downstream of the air heating device 6, and a temperature sensor T2 14 is present in the process air channel 5 upstream of the fan 7. Reference numeral 17 denotes the inner wall of the lye container. By rotating the drum 3 at a high speed, the hot air for sterilization can be better distributed.
The aqueous liquid in the lye container 2 is conveyed by means of a waste water pump 15 or a circulation pump 16 through a channel 18 for the aqueous liquid in the lye container 2 and out of the washing machine 1 through a waste water hose 12 or back into the interior of the drum 3 through a circulation channel 11. In particular during the washing phase or the end phase thereof, the aqueous liquid can be discharged from the lye container 2 by means of a waste water pump 15 via a waste water channel or waste water hose 12.
10 denotes a driving motor of the drum 3, and 19 denotes an entrance door of the drum 3. Furthermore, the direction of the air flow when the fan 7 is activated is indicated by hatched arrows in fig. 1. In the example shown, the washing machine 1 has a closed air circuit.
Fig. 2 shows the time sequence of the method for cleaning the drum 3 and the lye container 2 or the inner wall 17 thereof with the subsequent hygiene stages 27, 28 and 29. This method is also understood to mean a method of cleaning the washing machine 1, with which the surfaces in the air circuit of the washing machine 1 can be cleaned. The sanitation process does not necessarily comprise steps for cleaning the drum 3 and the lye container 2, but may alternatively comprise only the sanitation phases 27, 28 and 29 and may be selected by the user as separate programs.
The graph shown in fig. 2 has an abscissa axis 21 and an ordinate axis 20, the abscissa axis representing time T, and the ordinate axis representing characteristics or values of parameters such as the rotational speed n (curve 31) of the drum 2, the temperature T (curves 34, 35, and 36), and the on-off states (on-off) of the circulation pump 16 (curve 32) and the waste water pump 15 (curve 33).
The drum cleaning takes place in a time preceding the first hygiene stage 27, i.e. before the time t1, during which the lye container 2 is supplied with a quantity of liquid, in particular fresh water (or fresh water), which is sufficient to bring the drum 3 into contact with the liquid, using a valve which is not shown in fig. 1. As shown in curve 31, the drum 3 is operated at different rotational speeds, whereby a water flow is created in the lye container, whereby particles and other precipitants are rinsed off the lye container 2 and the surface of the drum 3, and the liquid is discharged from the lye container 2 and the washing machine 1 together with the rinsed-off particles and precipitants by activating the waste water pump 15.
After the drum cleaning has ended, a first hygiene phase 27 is started at time t1, in which the air heating means 6 for heating the air and the fan 7 for feeding the heated air into the lye container 2 and the drum 3 are activated. It can be seen that curve 34 (temperature of the inner wall 17 of the lye container at 6 o' clock), curve 35 (measured temperature of the temperature sensor T2 at the outlet of the lye container 2 or at the inlet of the process air channel 5) and curve 36 (measured temperature of the temperature sensor T1 at the outlet of the process air channel 5 or at the inlet of the lye container 2) show the heating of the air at different positions within the washing machine 1. In the example shown, in order to avoid unnecessary heating, the waste water pump 15 is briefly deactivated and the residual water flows back from the waste water hose 12 into the lye container 2, so that during the deactivation of the waste water pump 15 the temperature of the lye container inner wall 17 at the 6 o' clock position drops, as can be seen clearly from the curve 34. As shown by curve 31, during the first hygiene phase 27 the drum 3 is operated intermittently at a rotational speed n of at least 100 revolutions per minute, whereby hot air is circulated in the lye container 2 and the drum 3 to heat them, in particular to heat their surfaces. During the first hygiene phase 27, the waste water pump 15 is preferably activated to ensure that as little residual water as possible in the washing machine 1 is present.
The second sanitary stage 28, in which the waste water pump 15 is deactivated and the circulation pump 16 is activated substantially continuously, is engaged at time t2 with the first sanitary stage 27, so that a flow of residual water back into the lower region of the lye container 2 is avoided, whereas a small amount of residual water is fed into the lye container 2 via the circulation pump channel 11 at a higher position of the lye container 2, wherein the residual water evaporates due to the higher temperatures that have been reached and steam is generated.
At time T3 24, the inner wall 17 of the lye container in the lower region of the lye container reaches the target temperature T for hygiene purposes Z 26. This temperature can be measured by the temperature sensor 4 below the drum 3 in the lye container 2 or can be approximately determined by the temperature sensor T2 14, since the temperature T2 approaches the temperature measured by the temperature sensor 4 in the lower region of the lye container 2, as shown by the curves 34 and 35.
When the target temperature T is reached Z 26 for a further hygiene phase 29 of a predetermined period of time Δt, in which the air heating device 6 continues to remain activated in order to maintain the target temperature T at least for the predetermined period of time Δt Z 26. The time period Δt is preferably greater than 10 minutes, but may also be dependent on the target temperature T that has been determined Z 26. With a higher target temperature T Z 26, at a selected target temperature T Z 26 is lower, the period Δt should be longer. Target temperature T achievable Z 26 also depends on the temperature T of the hot air H In the most advantageous case, the temperature T of the hot air H Equal to the surface temperature of the lower region of the lye container 2, i.e. the temperature measured with the temperature sensor 4. Preferably, the temperature T of the hot air H 60 ℃ or higher so that a target temperature T of 60 ℃ or higher is also reached in the lower region of the lye container 2 Z 26. Particularly preferred is the temperature T of the hot air H Is determined to be higher than the target temperature T Z 26 to ensure that the target temperature is reached, for example 70 ℃ or 80 ℃.
In this further hygiene phase 29, the drum 3 can continue to run intermittently at a rotational speed n of at least 100 revolutions per minute and/or be stationary, since substantially all areas of the lye container 2 and the drum 3 have reached the target temperature T Z 26, only the target temperature is required to be maintained. The curve 31 represents two operational possibilities of the drum 3 in the hygiene phase 29, but in alternative embodiments only one or the other operational mode may be included.
At time t4, the end of time period Δt is reached, and the further hygiene phase 29 ends and the circulation pump 16 is deactivated. In a subsequent stage, the residual water can be discharged again from the washing machine 1 by activating the waste water pump 15. The curve 36 in fig. 2 shows that the air heating device 6 remains activated at the beginning of this phase. In an alternative embodiment, the air heating device 6 can also be deactivated as the further hygiene phase 29 ends. After the air heating device is deactivated, the washing machine 1 starts to cool down, during which stage the drum 3 may be intermittently rotated or may be kept stationary.
The hygiene method shown in fig. 2 comprises not only the first hygiene phase 27 described above but also the second hygiene phase 28. In an alternative hygiene method, it is also possible to include only one of the two hygiene phases 27 or 28, followed by the other hygiene phase 29.
List of reference numerals:
1 washing machine
2 alkali liquor container
3 roller
4 temperature sensor under roller in alkali liquor container
5 Process air channel
6 air heating device
7 a fan for conveying air through the drum
8 control unit
9 washings
10 drive motor (for roller)
11 circulation channel
12 waste water channel and waste water hose
13 temperature sensor T1 in process air channel (after air heating device, in front of drum)
14 temperature sensor T2 in process air channel (in front of air heating device and fan, at the outlet of lye container)
15. Waste water pump
16. Circulation pump
17. Inner wall of alkali liquor container
18 passage for aqueous liquid from lye container
19 entrance door
20 represents the ordinate axis (Y axis) of the rotation speed n of the drum, the temperature T and the on-off state (on-off) parameters of the wastewater pump and the circulating pump
21 represents the abscissa axis (X-axis) of the time t parameter
22 time t1
23 time t2
24 time t3
25 time t4
26 target temperature TZ of the inner wall of the lye container
27. First stage of sanitation
28. Second stage of sanitation
29. Another sanitary stage
31 curve of drum rotation speed n
32. On-off state of circulation pump
33. Switch state of waste water pump
34 Temperature curve of inner wall of alkali liquor container at 6 o' clock position
Curve of measured temperature of 35 temperature sensor T2
A curve of the measured temperature of the 36-temperature sensor T1.

Claims (10)

1. A washing machine (1) having: an alkaline solution container (2) in which a drum (3) for receiving the laundry (9) to be treated is rotatably supported; a process air channel (5) in which an air heating device (6) and a fan (7) for conveying air through the process air channel (5), the drum (3) and the lye container (2) are arranged; and a control unit (8), wherein the washing machine (1) has a pump system (12, 15, 11, 16) by means of which the aqueous liquid can be led out of the lye container (2) from the area below the drum (3), characterized in that the control unit (8) is arranged to perform a method in which, in the hygiene phase (27, 28, 29), a simultaneous process is performed
(a) -rotating the drum (3) at a rotation speed of at least 100 revolutions per minute;
(b) Applying a temperature T to the drum (3) and to the lye container (2) H Is a hot air of (2); and is also provided with
(c) The aqueous liquid is pumped out of the lye container (2) by means of the pump system (12, 15, 11, 16).
2. A washing machine according to claim 1, characterized in that the pump system is a circulation system (11, 16) by means of which aqueous liquid can be introduced into the lye container (2) from a region of the lye container (2) below the drum (3) in a higher position, and the control unit (8) is arranged to pump aqueous liquid from the lye container (2) and into the lye container (2) in step (c) by means of the circulation system (11, 16), wherein the amount of aqueous liquid contained in the lye container (2) is insufficient for the drum (3) to be immersed in the aqueous liquid.
3. The washing machine (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the rotation speed of the drum (3) is 100 to 1200 revolutions per minute, preferably 100 to 300 revolutions per minute.
4. A washing machine (1) according to one of the claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the washing machine is free of cooling means for drying hot humid air.
5. Washing machine (1) according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the temperature T of the hot air H At 60 ℃ or higher and the temperature T H For a period Δt of at least 10 minutes.
6. A washing machine (1) according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that it has at least one temperature sensor (4, 14).
7. The washing machine (1) according to claim 6, characterized in that the at least one temperature sensor (14) is arranged at the outlet of the lye container (2).
8. Washing machine (1) according to claim 6 or 7, characterized in that the at least one temperature sensor (4) is arranged below the drum (3) in the lye container (2).
9. A method for operating a washing machine (1), the washing machine (1) having: an alkaline solution container (2) in which a drum (3) for receiving the laundry (9) to be treated is rotatably supported; a process air channel (5) in which an air heating device (6) and a fan (7) for conveying air through the process air channel (5), the drum (3) and the lye container (2) are arranged; a control unit (8); and a pump system (12, 15, 11, 16) by means of which the aqueous liquid can be led out of the area of the lye container (2) below the drum (3), characterized in that the control unit (8) is arranged to perform a method in which, in the hygiene phase (27, 28, 29), simultaneously
(a) -rotating the drum (3) at a rotation speed of at least 100 revolutions per minute;
(b) Applying a temperature T to the drum (3) and to the lye container (2) H Is a hot air of (2); and is also provided with
(c) Pumping aqueous liquid from the lye container (2) by means of the pump system (12, 15, 11, 16);
wherein, in the method, steps (a) to (c) are performed simultaneously.
10. Method according to claim 9, characterized in that the pump system is a circulation system (11, 16) by means of which aqueous liquid can be introduced into the lye container (2) from the area of the lye container (2) below the drum (3) at a higher position and aqueous liquid is pumped out of the lye container (2) and introduced into the lye container (2) at this higher position, wherein the amount of aqueous liquid contained in the lye container (2) is insufficient for the drum (3) to be immersed in the aqueous liquid.
CN202310962939.5A 2022-08-02 2023-08-02 Washing machine with air heating and improved sanitation method for operation of washing machine Pending CN117488513A (en)

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Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
JP3901022B2 (en) 2002-06-07 2007-04-04 松下電器産業株式会社 Washing machine
JP2006192197A (en) 2005-01-17 2006-07-27 Toshiba Corp Washing machine
DE102008054820B4 (en) 2008-12-17 2014-05-22 BSH Bosch und Siemens Hausgeräte GmbH Water-conducting household appliance with a flushing device with a warm and / or dry air unit
DE102011075501A1 (en) 2011-05-09 2012-11-15 BSH Bosch und Siemens Hausgeräte GmbH Process for gentle sterilization of laundry and washer-dryer
KR20150070628A (en) 2013-12-17 2015-06-25 동부대우전자 주식회사 Apparatus and method for controlling a washing machine
CN106283486B (en) 2015-05-18 2020-07-14 博西华电器（江苏）有限公司 Clothes care machine and mildew-proof control method thereof

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