DE102015212742A1 - Laundry care device and laundry care process - Google Patents

Abstract

A laundry care device (100) having a rotatably mounted laundry drum (106) for receiving laundry items (108), a drive motor (105) for rotating the laundry drum (106), a recirculation device (120) for recirculating washing liquid out of the laundry drum (106) again into the laundry drum (106), a heating element (132) for heating the washing liquid and a control device (118) for driving the drive motor (105), the recirculation device (120) and the heating element (132) according to one in operation on the control device (118) running laundry maintenance program. In this case, the control device (118) is designed to deactivate the transfer pump device (120) when the heating element (132) is activated as soon as the amount of washing liquid in the laundry drum (106) falls below a minimum amount threshold value.

Description

The present invention relates to a laundry care device and a laundry care method.

A laundry care device is in the context of the present invention, in particular a washing machine, but may also be, for example, a machine for rinsing and / or impregnating laundry items. These other functions can also be integrated in a washing machine.

In the context of a laundry care program of a laundry care device, such as a washing machine, a detergent from a detergent receptacle is flushed together with fresh water in the laundry drum of the laundry care appliance in a Einspülvorgang by means of a Einspülvorrichtung to present in the laundry drum laundry with the mixture of detergent and fresh water, the herein also referred to as liquor or washing liquid to wet. In order to ensure a thorough and uniform as possible wetting or moistening of the laundry with the washing liquid, it is for example from the DE3401899A1 known to dissipate by means of a pumping device washing liquid from the laundry drum or a tub connected to the laundry drum and applied via a nozzle back to the laundry items in the laundry drum. In the DE3401899A1 Further, a heating element is described, which is arranged at the bottom of the tub and with which the washing liquid can be heated to a target temperature.

When in the DE3401899A1 However, the washing machine described can cause the problem that during a pumping operation, the heating element is exposed and can be damaged. A solution to this problem will be in the EP1204792B1 described. When in the EP1204792B1 However, solution described technically relatively complex means are used.

It is the object underlying the invention to provide a laundry care device and a laundry care method, which, in particular in light of the disadvantages described above, enable a more efficient care of laundry items.

This object is achieved by articles having the features according to the independent claims. Advantageous embodiments of the invention are the subject of the figures, the description and the dependent claims.

According to a first aspect of the invention, the object is achieved by a laundry care device with a rotatably mounted laundry drum for receiving laundry items, a drive motor for rotating the laundry drum, a pumping device for recirculating washing liquid out of the laundry drum and back into the laundry drum, a heating element for Heating the washing liquid and a control device for controlling the drive motor, the pumping device and the heating element according to a running on the control device in the laundry care program. In this case, the control device is designed to deactivate the pumping device when the heating element is activated as soon as the amount of washing liquid in the washing drum or in a washing tub in which the washing drum is rotatably mounted falls below a minimum amount threshold value. As a result, for example, the advantage is achieved that a protective mechanism is provided which protects the heating element from overheating by being always covered by a minimum amount of washing liquid.

In an advantageous embodiment, the control device is designed, in the context of the laundry care program, which provides phases in which the laundry drum is rotated at a speed in the range of application speeds and the pumping device is active, only then activate the pumping device when starting up the speed of the laundry drum when the speed of the laundry drum exceeds a first speed threshold. As a result, for example, the technical advantage is achieved that can be ensured without great technical effort that in the laundry drum or a tub in which the laundry drum is rotatably mounted, the amount of washing liquid is always large enough that the pump operated Umpumpvorrichtung trouble-free can be, so in particular no air pulls. At speeds of the laundry drum below the first speed threshold, it may happen that the majority of the washing liquid is bound in the laundry.

In an advantageous embodiment, the control device is designed to deactivate the pumping device during the shutdown of the rotational speed of the laundry drum when the speed of the laundry drum falls below a second speed threshold value. As a result, for example, the technical advantage is achieved that can be ensured without great technical effort that in the laundry drum or a tub in which the laundry drum is rotatably mounted, the amount of washing liquid is always large enough that the pump of Umpumpvorrichtung trouble-free can be operated, so in particular does not draw air.

The first speed threshold may be equal to the second speed threshold. Studies have shown that the first and / or second speed threshold should preferably be greater than about 50 rpm. An application speed may for example be in a range of about 80 to about 500 U / min.

In an advantageous embodiment, the control device is adapted to continuously adapt the first and / or the second speed threshold to the amount of washing liquid in the washing drum, wherein for a larger amount of the washing liquid, the first and / or the speed threshold is lowered and for a smaller amount the washing liquid of the first and / or the second speed threshold is increased. As a result, the technical advantage is achieved, for example, that the laundry care program can be better adapted to a particular wash cycle, which is essentially defined by the type and amount of laundry items.

In an advantageous embodiment, the laundry care device further comprises a pressure sensor, which is adapted to detect the pressure of the washing liquid in the laundry drum or the tub in which the laundry drum is rotatably mounted, wherein the control device is designed, when activated heating element, the pumping device when the pressure detected by the pressure sensor falls below a pressure threshold. As a result, for example, the advantage is achieved that with technically simple means an additional protection mechanism is provided, which protects the heating element against overheating.

In an advantageous embodiment, the control device is designed to initiate a cycle in which the rotation of the laundry drum is raised to an application speed and lowered again, the pumping device is activated above the first speed threshold value and deactivated below the second speed threshold value and the heating element is activated, at least two To be done one after the other. As a result, for example, the advantage is achieved that a more uniform temperature distribution is generated in the washing liquid and the laundry items. In an advantageous embodiment, the control device is adapted to the cycle in which the rotation of the laundry drum is raised to an application speed and shut down again, the pump over the first speed threshold activated and deactivated below the second speed threshold and the heating element is activated, as long as repeat until a substantially uniform temperature distribution is achieved at a desired target temperature. As a result, for example, the advantage is achieved that a uniform temperature distribution is generated in the washing liquid and the laundry items.

In one embodiment, once a substantially uniform temperature distribution at the desired target temperature is reached, the controller is configured to deactivate the heating element and raise the drum rotation at least once to an apply speed and back down, with the recirculation pump activated above the first speed threshold and below the second speed threshold, the transfer pump is deactivated. As a result, for example, the advantage is achieved that a uniform temperature distribution is generated in the washing liquid and the laundry items.

According to a second aspect of the invention, the object is achieved by a laundry care method for a laundry care device having a rotatably mounted laundry drum for receiving laundry items, a drive motor for rotating the laundry drum, a recirculation pump for recirculating washing liquid out of the laundry drum and back into the laundry drum, a heating element for heating the washing liquid and a control device for activating the drive motor, the recirculation device and the heating element according to a laundry care program running on the control device during operation. In this case, the laundry care method comprises the step that the control device deactivates the circulation pump when the heating element is activated as soon as the amount of washing liquid in the laundry drum or a tub in which the laundry drum is rotatably mounted falls below a minimum amount threshold value. As a result, for example, the advantage is achieved that a protective mechanism is provided which protects the heating element from overheating.

In an advantageous embodiment, the control device activates in the context of the laundry care program, which provides phases in which the laundry drum is rotated at a speed in the range of application speeds and the pumping device is active, the pumping device when starting the speed of the laundry drum only when the speed of the Wash drum exceeds a first speed threshold. As a result, for example, the technical advantage is achieved that can be ensured without great technical effort that in the laundry drum or a tub in which the laundry drum is rotatably mounted, the amount of washing liquid is always large enough that the pump operated Umpumpvorrichtung trouble-free can be, so in particular does not draw air. At speeds of the laundry drum below the first speed threshold, it may happen that the majority of the washing liquid is bound in the laundry.

In an advantageous embodiment, the control device deactivates the pumping device when the speed of the laundry drum is lowered when the speed of the laundry drum falls below a second speed threshold value. As a result, for example, the technical advantage is achieved that can be ensured without great technical effort that in the laundry drum or a tub in which the laundry drum is rotatably mounted, the amount of washing liquid is always large enough that the pump of Umpumpvorrichtung trouble-free can be operated, so in particular does not draw air.

The first speed threshold may be equal to the second speed threshold. Studies have shown that the first and / or second speed threshold should preferably be greater than about 50 rpm. An application speed may for example be in a range of about 80 to about 500 U / min.

In an advantageous embodiment, the control device adjusts the first and / or the second speed threshold continuously to the amount of washing liquid in the washing drum or the tub, wherein for a larger amount of the washing liquid of the first and / or the speed threshold is lowered and for a smaller Amount of washing liquid of the first and / or the second speed threshold is increased. As a result, the technical advantage is achieved, for example, that the laundry care program can be better adapted to a particular wash cycle, which is essentially defined by the type and amount of laundry items.

In an advantageous embodiment, the laundry care method further comprises the step of detecting the pressure of the washing liquid in the washing drum or the tub in which the laundry drum is rotatably mounted, wherein the control device deactivates the circulating device when the heating element is activated as soon as the detected pressure falls below a pressure threshold value falls. As a result, for example, the advantage is achieved that with technically simple means an additional protection mechanism is provided, which protects the heating element against overheating.

In an advantageous embodiment, the control device carries out a cycle in which the rotation of the laundry drum is raised to an application speed and lowered again, the pumping device is activated above the first speed threshold value and deactivated below the second speed threshold value and the heating element is activated, at least twice in succession , As a result, for example, the advantage is achieved that a more uniform temperature distribution is generated in the washing liquid and the laundry items.

In an advantageous embodiment, the control device repeats the cycle in which the rotation of the laundry drum is raised to an application speed and shut down again, the pumping device is activated above the first speed threshold and deactivated below the second speed threshold and the heating element is activated until one in the Substantially uniform temperature distribution is achieved at a desired target temperature. As a result, for example, the advantage is achieved that a uniform temperature distribution is generated in the washing liquid and the laundry items.

In one embodiment, the controller deactivates the heating element as soon as a substantially uniform temperature distribution at the desired target temperature is reached, and the laundry drum rotation is ramped up and down at least once again to an apply speed, wherein above the first speed threshold the circulating pump is activated and below the second speed threshold, the transfer pump is deactivated. As a result, for example, the advantage is achieved that a uniform temperature distribution is generated in the washing liquid and the laundry items.

Further embodiments of the invention are illustrated in the drawings and will be described in more detail below.

Show it:

1 a schematic view of a laundry care device;

2 an exemplary schematic diagram illustrating the time course of several sizes in a laundry care process; and

3 a detailed view of a portion of the schematic diagram of 1 ,

1 shows a schematic representation of a washing machine representative of a general laundry care device 100 , The laundry care device 100 in the form of a washing machine is used for washing laundry and similar laundry with a detergent. Here, the Washing machine may also be designed as a washer-dryer to wash items of laundry or similar laundry and dry. In the context of the invention, the term "detergent" in addition to conventional detergents and treatment additives, such as fabric softener, rinse aid or odor control in various forms (liquid, gel, pasty or powdered) understood.

The washing machine 100 from 1 Contains in a machine housing 102 a fixed in the machine housing tub 104 , A laundry drum 106 is in the tub 104 rotatably mounted about a horizontal axis of rotation and can by means of a drive motor 105 be set at different speeds in rotation, via an electronic control device 118 is controllable. In the laundry drum 106 are laundry items 108 indicated, which when turning the laundry drum 106 by takers 110 on the inside of the laundry drum 106 be raised and fall down again. As a result, takes place when rotating the laundry drum 106 a constant shift of the laundry 108 instead of.

Fresh water can by means of a Einspülvorrichtung 114 , For example, in the form of an inlet valve, from a fresh water line 112 through a detergent container 116 , which may be formed, for example, as Einspülschale and conventional detergents may also contain treatment additives such as fabric softener, rinse aid, odorizers or other laundry treatment agents in various forms (liquid, gel, pasty or powdered), either directly (as in 1 shown schematically) or over the tub 104 in the laundry drum 106 be introduced. The mixture of fresh water and detergent is referred to herein as washing liquor or liquor. To control the fresh water supply is the Einspülvorrichtung 114 also with the electronic control device 118 connected.

The tub 104 is at its lower end with a downwardly formed trough 128 provided a heating chamber 130 forms. In the heating chamber 130 is an electric heating element 132 arranged, preferably a tubular heater, with which the washing liquid in the tub 104 can be heated. For controlling the electric heating element 132 this is also with the electronic control device 118 connected, as in 1 is shown schematically.

At the bottom of the hollow 128 of the tub 104 is a tub drain 134 provided on the one hand to a pumping device 120 and on the other hand to a pump-down device 144 connected.

The pumping device 120 , which serves in particular, the laundry items 108 Flooding with the washing liquid several times involves a pump 122 , a suction line 124 on the suction side and a pressure line 126 on the pressure side of the pump 122 , By means of the pumping device 120 can wash the washing liquid from the bottom of the tub 104 back to the laundry drum 106 on the laundry 108 be recirculated. This is the via the pressure line 126 the pumping device 120 supplied washing liquid via a nozzle on the laundry items 108 in the laundry drum 106 applied. For controlling the circulating pump 120 , in particular the pump 122 , this is also with the electronic control device 118 connected, as in 1 is shown schematically.

The pumping device 144 , which is particularly useful in the tub 104 Pump out the washing liquid and from the washing machine 100 derive, includes a pump 142 with a suction line 140 and a pressure line 146 , To control the pumping device 144 , in particular the pump 142 , this can also be done with the electronic control device 118 be connected.

An inventive embodiment of the electronic control device 118 and their interaction with the above-described components of the Wäschepflegeräts 100 will be described below in detail in the context of a laundry care process according to the invention with further reference to the 2 and 3 described.

2 shows a schematic diagram illustrating the time course of several sizes in a laundry care process according to the invention, namely the time course of the activity of the pump 122 the pumping device 120 (ie pump 122 on or off), the speed of the laundry drum 106 and the temperature of the washing liquid.

According to the invention, the control device 118 designed to be part of the laundry care program with activated heating element 132 the pumping device 120 Disable once the amount of washing liquid in the laundry drum 106 or the tub 104 falls below a minimum amount threshold. Thereby, for example, the advantage is achieved that an additional protection mechanism is provided, which is the heating element 132 protects against overheating.

In an advantageous embodiment, the control device 118 designed to, as part of the laundry care program, which provides phases in which the laundry drum 106 is rotated at a speed in the range of application speeds and the pumping device 120 should be activated, the pumping device 120 when raising the speed of the laundry drum 106 only activate when the speed of the laundry drum 106 exceeds a first speed threshold.

In 2 Two such phases are shown in which the laundry drum 106 is rotated at a speed in the range of application speeds and the pumping device 120 is active. A detail view of section A of 2 is in 3 shown. Due to the inventive design, the pumping device 120 when raising the speed of the laundry drum 106 only activate when the speed of the laundry drum 106 exceeds a first speed threshold, for example, the technical advantage is achieved that can be ensured without great technical effort that in the tub 104 the amount of washing liquid is always big enough that the pump 122 the pumping device 120 can be operated trouble-free, so in particular no air pulls. At speeds of the laundry drum 106 Below the first speed threshold, it may happen that most of the wash fluid is bound in the laundry.

In an advantageous embodiment, the control device 118 adapted to the pumping device 120 when lowering the speed of the laundry drum 106 then turn it off when the speed of the laundry drum 106 falls below a second speed threshold. As a result, for example, the technical advantage is achieved that can be ensured without great technical effort that in the tub 104 the amount of washing liquid is always big enough that the pump 122 the pumping device 120 can be operated trouble-free, so in particular no air pulls.

The first speed threshold may be equal to the second speed threshold. Studies have shown that the first and / or second speed threshold should preferably be greater than about 50 rpm. An application speed may for example be in a range of about 80 to about 500 U / min.

In an advantageous embodiment, the control device 118 adapted to the first and / or the second speed threshold continuously to the amount of washing liquid in the washing drum 106 and / or the tub 104 to adjust, wherein for a larger amount of the washing liquid, the first and / or the speed threshold value is lowered and for a smaller amount of the washing liquid, the first and / or the second speed threshold value is increased. As a result, the technical advantage is achieved, for example, that the laundry care program better to a particular wash, which essentially by the type and amount of laundry 108 is defined, can be adjusted.

In an advantageous embodiment, the laundry care device comprises 100 Further, a pressure sensor, which is adapted to the pressure of the washing liquid in the laundry drum 106 or in the tub 104 to capture, the control device 118 is designed to with activated heating element 132 the pumping device 120 when the pressure detected by the pressure sensor falls below a pressure threshold. As a result, for example, the advantage is achieved that with technically simple means an additional protection mechanism is provided, which is the heating element 132 protects against overheating.

In an advantageous embodiment, the control device 118 designed to take a cycle in which the rotation of the laundry drum 106 is raised to an application speed and shut down again, the pumping device 120 is activated above the first speed threshold and deactivated below the second speed threshold and the heating element 132 is enabled to perform at least twice in a row. As a result, for example, the advantage is achieved that a more uniform temperature distribution in the washing liquid and the laundry items 108 is produced. In an advantageous embodiment, the control device 118 designed to be the cycle in which the rotation of the laundry drum 106 is raised to an application speed and shut down again, the pumping device 120 is activated above the first speed threshold and deactivated below the second speed threshold and the heating element 132 is activated to repeat until a substantially uniform temperature distribution at a desired target temperature is reached. As a result, for example, the advantage is achieved that a uniform temperature distribution in the washing liquid and the laundry items 108 is produced.

In one embodiment, the controller is 118 formed as soon as a substantially uniform temperature distribution at the desired target temperature is reached, the heating element 132 to disable and the rotation of the laundry drum 106 at least once again to start up on a landing speed and down again, with above the first Speed threshold the pumping device 120 is activated and below the second speed threshold, the pumping device 120 is deactivated. As a result, for example, the advantage is achieved that a uniform temperature distribution in the washing liquid and the laundry items 108 is produced.

All of the features explained and shown in connection with individual embodiments of the invention may be provided in different combinations in the article according to the invention in order to simultaneously realize their advantageous effects.

The scope of the present invention is given by the claims and is not limited by the features illustrated in the specification or shown in the figures.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

100

 Laundry care device

102

 machine housing

104

 tub

105

 drive motor

106

 washing drum

108

 laundry

110

 takeaway

112

 Fresh water pipe

114

 Flushing device

116

 detergent container

118

 control device

120

 Umpumpvorrichtung

122

 pump

124

 suction

126

 pressure line

128

 trough

130

 heating chamber

132

 heating element

134

 Tub drain

140

 suction

142

 pump

144

 pumping device

146

 pressure line

QUOTES INCLUDE IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list of the documents listed by the applicant has been generated automatically and is included solely for the better information of the reader. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions.

Cited patent literature

• DE 3401899 A1 [0003, 0003, 0004]
• EP 1204792 B1 [0004, 0004]

Claims (15)

Laundry care device ( 100 ) with a rotatably mounted laundry drum ( 106 ) for picking up laundry ( 108 ), a drive motor ( 105 ) for rotating the laundry drum ( 106 ), a pumping device ( 120 ) for recirculating washing liquid from the laundry drum ( 106 ) out and back into the laundry drum ( 106 ), a heating element ( 132 ) for heating the washing liquid and a control device ( 118 ) for driving the drive motor ( 105 ), the pumping device ( 120 ) and the heating element ( 132 ) according to an operating mode on the control device ( 118 ) running laundry care program, characterized in that the control device ( 118 ) is designed, with activated heating element ( 132 ) the pumping device ( 120 ) as soon as the amount of washing liquid in the washing drum ( 106 ) falls below a minimum amount threshold. Laundry care device ( 100 ) according to claim 1, wherein the control device ( 118 ) is designed, as part of the laundry care program, which provides phases in which the laundry drum ( 106 ) is rotated at a speed in the range of application speeds and the pumping device ( 120 ) is active, the pumping device ( 120 ) when raising the speed of the laundry drum ( 106 ) when the speed of the laundry drum ( 106 ) exceeds a first speed threshold. Laundry care device ( 100 ) according to claim 2, characterized in that the control device ( 118 ) is adapted to the Umpumpvorrichtung ( 120 ) when lowering the speed of the laundry drum ( 106 ) to deactivate when the speed of the laundry drum falls below a second speed threshold. Laundry care device ( 100 ) according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that the control device ( 118 ) is adapted to the first and / or the second speed threshold value to the amount of washing liquid in the washing drum ( 106 ), wherein for a larger amount of the washing liquid, the first and / or the speed threshold value is lowered and for a smaller amount of the washing liquid, the first and / or the second speed threshold value is increased. Laundry care device ( 100 ) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the laundry care appliance ( 100 ) further comprises a pressure sensor, which is adapted to the pressure of the washing liquid in the laundry drum ( 106 ), the control device ( 118 ) is designed, with activated heating element ( 132 ) the pumping device ( 120 ) as soon as the pressure detected by the pressure sensor falls below a pressure threshold. Laundry care device ( 100 ) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the control device ( 118 ) is adapted to a cycle in which the rotation of the laundry drum ( 106 ) is raised to an application speed and shut down again, the pumping device ( 120 ) is activated above the first speed threshold and deactivated below the second speed threshold, and the heating element ( 132 ) is activated at least twice in a row. Laundry care device ( 100 ) according to claim 6, characterized in that the control device ( 118 ) is adapted to repeat the cycle until a substantially uniform temperature distribution at a desired target temperature is reached. Laundry care device ( 100 ) according to claim 5 or 6, characterized in that the control device ( 118 ) is designed, as soon as a substantially uniform temperature distribution at the desired target temperature is reached, the heating element ( 132 ) and the rotation of the laundry drum ( 106 ) at least once again to a start-up speed and drive down again, wherein above the first speed threshold, the circulating pump ( 120 ) is activated and below the second speed threshold, the recirculation pump ( 120 ) is deactivated. Laundry care process for a laundry care appliance ( 100 ) with a rotatably mounted laundry drum ( 106 ) for picking up laundry ( 108 ), a drive motor ( 105 ) for rotating the laundry drum ( 106 ), a pumping device ( 120 ) for recirculating washing liquid from the laundry drum ( 106 ) out and back into the laundry drum ( 106 ), a heating element ( 132 ) for heating the washing liquid and a control device ( 118 ) for driving the drive motor ( 105 ), the pumping device ( 120 ) and the heating element ( 132 ) according to an operating mode on the control device ( 118 ), characterized in that the laundry care method comprises the step of the control device ( 118 ) with activated heating element ( 132 ) the pumping device ( 120 ) is deactivated as soon as the amount of washing liquid in the washing drum ( 106 ) falls below a minimum amount threshold. Laundry care method according to claim 9, characterized in that in the context of the laundry care program, which provides phases in which the laundry drum ( 106 ) is rotated at a speed in the range of application speeds and the pumping device ( 120 ) is active, the pumping device ( 120 ) when raising the speed of the laundry drum ( 106 ) when the speed of the laundry drum ( 106 ) exceeds a first speed threshold. Laundry care method according to claim 10, characterized in that the control device ( 118 ) the pumping device ( 120 ) when lowering the speed of the laundry drum ( 106 ) then deactivated when the speed of the laundry drum falls below a second speed threshold. Laundry care method according to claim 10 or 11, characterized in that the control device ( 118 ) the first and / or the second speed threshold value to the amount of washing liquid in the washing drum ( 106 ), wherein for a larger amount of the washing liquid, the first and / or the speed threshold value is lowered and for a smaller amount of the washing liquid, the first and / or the second speed threshold value is increased. A laundry care method according to any one of claims 9 to 12, characterized in that the laundry care method further comprises the step of controlling the pressure of the washing liquid in the laundry drum (10). 106 ), the control device ( 118 ) with activated heating element ( 132 ) the pumping device ( 120 ) is deactivated as soon as the pressure detected by the pressure sensor falls below a pressure threshold. Laundry care method according to one of claims 9 to 13, characterized in that the control device ( 118 ) a cycle in which the rotation of the laundry drum ( 106 ) is raised to an application speed and shut down again, the pumping device ( 120 ) is activated above the first speed threshold and deactivated below the second speed threshold, and the heating element ( 132 ) is activated at least twice in a row. Laundry care method according to one of claims 9 to 14, characterized in that the control device ( 118 ), as soon as a substantially uniform temperature distribution at the desired target temperature is reached, the heating element ( 132 ) and the rotation of the laundry drum ( 106 ) at least once again ascends to an application speed and moves down again, wherein above the first speed threshold value the pumping device ( 120 ) is activated and below the second speed threshold, the recirculation pump ( 120 ) is deactivated.

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