DE102018111862A1 - Method for operating a washing machine that can be operated as a single unit or in pairs with a tumble dryer - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a method for operating a washing machine, which can be operated as a single unit or in pairs with a tumble dryer, the washing machine (1) an operating and input device (17) for inputting program settings, a control device (10) for controlling the intended Program and operating procedure in the washing machine, a monitoring device comprising a water level sensor (11) for monitoring the water level in the washing machine and a pumping device (12) for discharging the water from the machine, and wherein an addition to the washing machine (1) operable tumble dryer (2) also an operating and input device (25) for entering program settings and a control device (20) for controlling the program and operation in the dryer, a condensation device (21) with a collecting container for receiving the accumulating during the drying process Kondenswa ssers, as well as means for discharging the condensed water, through which in the tumble dryer (2) accumulating condensed water is introduced into the washing machine (1). According to the invention, it is provided that the control device (10) of the washing machine (1) is configured and arranged and with the monitoring device for the water level in the washing machine (1) is technically connected in such a way that the water level monitoring in the washing machine (1) can be activated not only in the switch-on mode for performing the washing operation but also in the off mode to the pumping of liquid from the washing machine In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the inventive method is tailored in particular for operating a washing machine, which is operated together with a juxtaposed or stacked tumble dryer.

Description

The invention relates to a method for operating a washing machine, which can be operated as a single unit or in pairs with a tumble dryer, according to the preamble of claim 1. The invention also relates to a washing machine or on a powered together with a tumble washing machine for carrying out the invention Method, wherein the washing machine and the dryer can be arranged side by side or one above the other.

The program sequence and the state-dependent process sequences of the washing machines currently available on the market are predominantly controlled by a microcomputer incorporated in an electronic program control device. The operating and input device for selecting the program sequence to be executed can be realized by rotary selector switch, Kurzhup- or touch keys as well as by the emerging touch control systems.

The provision of these sophisticated microcomputer-based control systems requires not inconsiderable effort, which of course is reflected in the selling price. In addition, there are still some weaknesses and there is still enough scope to further improve the already intelligent control systems. In order to be able to offer the purchaser a good price-performance ratio in this sense, it is primarily necessary to reduce the component expenditure.

Washing machines and dryers are now offered on the market in general as a self-sufficient devices in a full set, so that all intended to be performed treatment processes can be performed by these devices. These household appliances can be placed at the site depending on the available space next to each other (side-by-side) or on top of each other as a so-called wash-dry column. For this purpose, these two devices are usually adapted by the manufacturers in their visual appearance to each other. In addition, both units are equipped with functionally partly identical components in order to carry out water-bearing drainage processes within the units and to cause the discharge of the liquids from the units into an external outlet.

In order to exploit certain technical similarities of these devices to the effect that a certain savings effect in terms of component use in the devices can be achieved, various proposals have already become known.

For example, in the EP 747523 A1 proposed a laundry treatment device in which the washing unit of a washing machine and the dryer unit of a tumble dryer should be integrated in a common housing, wherein in this combination arrangement for both device functions and only one operating and control device was provided. Furthermore, in this combination device of the condensation device from the dryer area via a connecting line, the resulting condensate in the drying process in the drainage area of the washing machine can be passed. From here, after the drying program has been completed, the condensate water should be pumped out by switching on the drain pump.

However, such a combination has not yet been successfully implemented in the market, since a device in this design, with the almost completely equipped aggregates of a washing machine and a tumble dryer in a single housing, has significant disadvantages. These are, for example, the high acquisition costs already incurred at the time of purchase, as well as the unwieldy apparatus body due to its size and weight, which, moreover, can only be used in the manner of a wash-dry column. In addition, this combination device would continue to claim the entire space if a piece of equipment over time fails as irreparable. Also in the handling of such a combination solution has the disadvantage that the user after performing a drying process always turn on the washing machine and make adjustments to turn on only the drain pump of the washing machine for pumping out the condensate.

In the EP 2 199 451 B1 a device arrangement for washing and drying of laundry is described, in which in the water supply to the washer a Venturi pump is provided via the condensate is sucked through the bypass of the Venturi pump from the condensation container of the drying device when supplying fresh water into the wash tank and for the Washing process is used. This is to reduce the water consumption during the washing process. Also This embodiment has fundamental disadvantages, which weigh more than a possible water savings. Therefore, such a solution has never been realized in practice so far.

Against this background, the invention thus presents the problem of designing a method for operating a washing machine and for operating a washing machine and also an existing clothes dryer such that a further improvement of the control intelligence and a sensible saving of components can be achieved.

According to the invention, this problem is solved by a method for operating a washing machine having the features of patent claim 1. Advantageous embodiments and further developments of the method will become apparent from the following subclaims. Furthermore, a method for operating a washing machine and a tumble dryer is under protection provided by claim 6 and the dependent claims, which are placed next to each other or used one above the other as intended.

In a first embodiment according to the invention with the use of a washing machine as a single device whose control device is configured and configured and communicates with the monitoring device for the water level in the washing machine signal technology such that the water level monitoring in the washing machine not only in the power-on mode for performing the washing operation can also be activated in the off mode to cause the pumping of liquid from the washing machine can.

Thus, in a washing machine, the previously practiced by the state control system is modified to the effect that a pumping operation in the washing machine is feasible without the washing machine must be turned to perform a wash program.

In an embodiment according to the invention, the water level monitoring by the water level sensor of the washing machine is therefore also dependent on the water level in the washing machine and thus conditionally controllable even in the off mode, in order to trigger a Abpumpvorgang. By such a control method, a safety function for the water supply system can be realized in a washing machine. If, despite the use of the well-known water protection devices still leak water enters the machine, for example, if a grain of sand in the valve seat of the inlet valves settle and water can trickle through. Thus, this leak water would also be able to be pumped out if the washing machine is not operated for a long time, since even in the off mode of the washing machine, the water level monitoring is activated.

In addition to this additional safety aspect, there is another advantage in that it is possible to dispense with a second solenoid valve in the water protection device, since the water level monitoring is always active in the washing machine and would prevent damage from overflowing from the machine water.

Furthermore, an exhaust pumping operation can be activated at intervals with presettable time intervals via the control device. The time intervals for activating the pumping process are to be dimensioned and adjustable so that always water can be pumped out without a permissible water level in the machine is exceeded and without the intended and selected wash programs can be adversely affected. As a result, the stand-by losses caused by the constant activation of the water level monitoring can be reduced. Incidentally, the default emptying pumps used are so powerful that even short turn-on ensure complete emptying of the water at a maximum allowable water level.

Furthermore, there is an expedient embodiment in that the time periods for activating the Abpumpvorgangs are sized and adjustable so that a sufficient amount of water can be pumped out and intended intended wash programs are trouble-free feasible if necessary. In addition, the control device should be configured and set up in such a way that a fault message is triggered in the event of an undesired water inflow in the switch-off mode, in order to be able to remedy a problem which might occur.

In a further inventive concept, a device system which frequently occurs in practice is assumed, in which a washing machine and a tumble dryer are jointly available in the household area and can be placed side by side or one above the other.

In one embodiment of the invention in this case the resulting during a drying process in the tumble dryer condensate is passed through a connecting line in the washing machine and the washing machine takes over with its drain pump pumping into an external process. In order to prevent that while the water level in the washing machine can not rise unacceptably high, the inventively provided method is designed such that the water level monitoring in the washing machine is always actively switched by the configuration of the controller and the pumping of liquid from the washing machine then is caused when the washing machine is not turned on to perform the washing operation. In this basic concept, it is ensured that even if the washing machine is not used for a long time, but in the meantime may be dried several times, in the washing machine by the incoming condensation water can not adjust undesirably high water level.

In an advantageous embodiment of the method, the control device of the washing machine and the control device of the tumble dryer are connected to each other via relevant known means for wireless or wired signal transmission. The two control devices of the washing machine and the tumble dryer are configured and interconnected in such a way that the monitoring of the water level in the washing machine is only activated when the tumble dryer is put into operation. As a result, the energy consumption in the stand-by mode of the washing machine can be reduced because the water level monitoring is only active, if this is necessary.

In order not to disturb the drainage process in the washing machine in washing program sections in which the inflow of condensed water from the tumble dryer could be undesirable, the control device of the washing machine and the control device of the tumble dryer are configured and matched to one another such that the introduction of condensed water blocks in these program sections becomes. For this purpose, the activation of the dryer operation is prevented or a running dryer operation is interrupted.

In the arrangement of a washing machine and a tumble dryer as a wash-dry column, the connecting line for discharging the condensed water from the tumble dryer is formed in an advantageous embodiment as a downcomer and empties at a point in the Waschmitteleinspülkasten, which is located in front of the free air gap therein.

In summary, the achievable with the invention advantages in particular that a device combination of the aforementioned type can be provided and operated, in which the cost of a tumble dryer can be reduced overall by the elimination of cost-relevant assemblies and individual components. To still maintain the usual functionality of both devices, only make a software adjustment of the control devices and make a hydraulic connection for discharging the condensate from the tumble dryer and a signaling connection between the controller of the washing machine and the control device of the tumble dryer.

By means of the embodiment according to the invention, particular advantages for a customer may arise if he intends to purchase a washing machine and a tumble dryer for common use in the immediate vicinity of the installation as a wash-dry column or standing next to one another. In this case, the manufacturer can be dispensed with the laundry dryer on some costly significant components, while incurred for the introduction of the accumulated condensate in the washing machine and for the per se only software change in the control device of the washing machine relatively low cost.

Furthermore, it is also conceivable that the inflow of condensation water can subsidize the water consumption in the washing machine. Certain control-technical adaptations would be necessary for this purpose, however, the dryer operation and the washing operation must be set up in time so that the residence time of the condensed water in the washing machine must not be too long before a new wash cycle due to the known relatively quickly occurring risk of germs.

For both applications, in individual operation of the washing machine or in the combined operation with a tumble dryer, it is particularly advantageous if a touch screen is used for the operating and input device, since these devices must be constantly connected to a power supply in any case, by pressing a touch point to turn on the system.

• 1 eine Waschmaschine und einen Wäschetrockner, die betriebsbereit nebeneinander aufgestellt sind,
• 2 eine Waschmaschine und einen Wäschetrockner, die als sogenannte Wasch-Trockensäule übereinander platziert sind.

An embodiment of the invention is shown purely schematically in the drawings and will be described in more detail below. It shows

• 1 a washing machine and a tumble dryer, which are placed next to each other ready for use,
• 2 a washing machine and a tumble dryer, which are placed one above the other as a so-called washing-drying column.

The in the 1 u , 2 pictured washing machine 1 is shown in these embodiments, each together with a tumble dryer in the known device constellation, but this washing machine 1 also in individual operation in the same way regardless of the tumble dryer 2 controllable and could be independent of the tumble dryer in the inventive method 2 be operated independently. In order to avoid repetition in the description of the method provided according to the invention, reference will be made below to the more extensive application of the invention, if at the site the possibility exists, a washing machine 1 and a nearby tumble dryer 2 to be able to operate.

In the 1 u , 2 are therefore two common situations in practice for the everyday use of a washing machine 1 and a tumble dryer 2 Shown schematically on the basis of schematic diagrams, in which only the components required to explain the invention are taken into account. It is in the 1 an installation constellation of both devices shown, the washing machine 1 and the tumble dryer 2 are placed side by side while in 2 the washing machine 1 and the tumble dryer 2 is placed over each other, which is commonly referred to as a so-called "wash-dry column".

When in the 1 sketched washing machine 1 are the tub 14 , the laundry drum 15 , the drainage system with the drain sump 18 and the drain pump 12 with the drain line 13 , the detergent dispenser 19 as well as the external process 5 shown in symbolic form.

From the control system of the washing machine 1 are only the usual control device in the drawing 10 and the operating and input device 17 indicated during the control and monitoring of the water level in the machine, only the water level sensor 11 is shown. This water level sensor 11 may be in a known manner, for example, a pressure switch, via an air trap 16 with the drain sump 18 or the tub 14 communicates. Control technology forms the water level sensor 11 in conjunction with a trained control unit in the control device 10 of the washing machine 1 the usual water level monitoring device of the washing machine 1 ,

In this drawing is in greatly simplified illustration of the tumble dryer 2 also only the condensate tank 22 the condensation device 21 , the condensate pump 23 for pumping out the condensate from the condensation device and the ventilation grille 24 indicated in front of the inlet opening for the cooling air supply. Furthermore, in the 1 in the upper area of the tumble dryer 2 nor its control device 20 and the operating and input device 25 listed in symbolic representation.

Essential components of the invention or a method designed according to the invention for operating a washing machine 1 and a nearby tumble dryer 2 are the control engineering configuration of the water level monitoring in the washing machine 1 and the hydraulic connection between the washing machine 1 with the tumble dryer 2 in the form of a connecting line 3 about which the operation of the tumble dryer 2 accumulating condensate liquid in the sewage system of the washing machine 1 can be derived.

The control device 10 and the water level monitor in the washing machine 1 are control technology designed such that the water level monitoring in the washing machine 1 always switched to active, so that the pumping of liquid from the washing machine is also prompted when the washing machine 1 not turned on to carry out the washing operation. So if the tumble dryer 2 is put into operation, the condensate produced in the drying process via the connecting line 3 in the washing machine 1 initiated and from there into the external process 5 be pumped out.

Conveniently, the control device 10 of the washing machine 1 and the controller 20 of the tumble dryer 2 via a wireless or wired signal transmission device in connection with each other, of the in the two drawings, only the signal transmission path 7 is indicated.

The two control devices 10 . 20 of the washing machine 1 and the tumble dryer 2 can be adjusted so that the monitoring of the water level in the washing machine 1 is activated as soon as the tumble dryer 2 is put into operation. This ensures that the washing machine 1 duly takes over the discharge of the incoming condensate liquid.

In an advantageous embodiment is as a control and input device 17 for the washing machine 1 used a touch screen, which in any case must be constantly connected to the power supply, so then the water level monitoring for the device can be kept in an easy state in an activated state.

In a washing machine 1 with an operating and input device 17 , in which the device must first be put into operation via an on-off switch, however, a corresponding software adaptation must be made in order to keep the water level monitoring constantly ready for operation, even if the washing machine 1 is not switched on.

Furthermore, the control device 10 of the washing machine 1 and the controller 20 of the tumble dryer 2 so linked together that the introduction of condensation into the washing machine 1 blocked in predetermined operating programs of the washing machine, wherein the activation of the dryer operation prevents or an already running dryer operation is interrupted. For example, incoming condensation would enter the washing machine 1 disturb when the washing machine 1 currently in a steaming process. In this case, the condensed water led into the washing machine can be sufficient to reach the radiator effecting the steam process. As a result, a proper steam generating process could be disturbed in an undesirable manner.

At the in 1 Although the setup constellation shown is shown as an example that of the condensate pump 23 the condensation from the condensate tank 22 over the connecting line 3 directly into the tub 14 is pumped, but the introduction of condensate, depending on the circumstances also at another point of the water-bearing system in the washing machine 1 respectively. However, it is there - as in 1 indicated - for safety reasons, possibly a check valve 31 Provide so no water from the washing machine 1 back to the tumble dryer 2 can get.

At the in 2 shown arrangement of a washing machine 1 and a tumble dryer 2 as a wash-dry column, the embodiment is also shown that the condensation from the condensate tank 22 from a condensate pump 23 over the connecting line 3 directly into the tub 14 is pumped. In an advantageous embodiment, in a column constellation, the connecting line 3 for draining the condensate from the tumble dryer 2 as a down pipe 32 be formed, through which the condensate gravity dependent in the Waschmitteleinspülkasten the washing machine 1 is directed. In this case, the introduction can take place at a point in front of the free air gap formed in the dispenser, so that in this case the arrangement of a check valve in the connecting line 3 to the washing machine 1 is not necessary and also in the tumble dryer the condensate pump 23 can be omitted.

When the tumble dryer 2 is switched on and the drying program is running, the condensate water from the condensate tank 22 by means of the condensate pump 23 in the tub 14 of the washing machine 1 pumped. The water level monitoring in the washing machine 1 is programmed so that at a preset water level, the condensate from the washing machine automatically 1 is pumped into the external drain, without doing the washing machine 1 is turned on.

Essentially, for the realization of the invention, only software adjustments in the two control devices 10 u. 20 of the equipment and for a hydraulic connection from the tumble dryer 2 to the washing machine 1 to worry about with the drain pump 12 in the washing machine 1 the resulting condensation in an external process 5 to be able to initiate.

Advantageously, the washing machine 1 as a control and input device 17 used a touch screen, which must anyway always be with power on in stand-by mode to the washing machine 1 to turn on and set programmatically.

Furthermore, the building-side installation effort for the connection of the tumble dryer 2 be further reduced by this over the in 1 indicated electrical connection line 40 to the power supply connection of the washing machine 1 is connected.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1. Washing machine 10 Control device WA 11 Water level sensor 12 drain pump 13 drain line 14 tub 15 washing drum 16 air trap 17 Operating and input device 18 drain sump 19 detergent dispenser Second clothes dryer 20 control device 21 condensation device 22 Water container 23 condensate pump 24 Ventilation grille for the cooling air supply 25 Operating and input device Third Connecting line for condensate drainage in the washing machine 31 check valve 32 Interconnector 33 penstock 4th Electrical connection 40 electrical connection line 5th External process 6th Control line, between control device WA drain pump 60 Control line, between control device u. Operating and input device WA 61 Control line, between control device u. Water level sensor, pressure monitor 7th Means for signal transmission 8th. Control line, between control device TR u. condensate pump 80 Control line between control device TR u. Operating and input device TR

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

• EP 747523 A1 [0006]
• EP 2199451 B1 [0008]

Claims (13)

Method for operating a washing machine, which can be operated as a single unit or in pairs with a tumble dryer, the washing machine (1) an operating and input device (17) for entering program settings, a control device (10) for controlling the intended program and operation in the washing machine, a monitoring device comprising a water level sensor (11) for monitoring the water level in the washing machine and a pumping device (12) for removing the water from the machine, and wherein a laundry dryer (2) operable in addition to the washing machine (1) also an operating and input device (25) for entering program settings and a control device (20) for controlling the program and operation in the dryer, a condensation device (21) with a collecting container for receiving the accumulating during the drying process condensate, and means for abl in that the condensed water accumulating in the tumble dryer (2) is introduced into the washing machine (1), characterized in that the control device (10) of the washing machine (1) is configured and set up in such a way and with the water level monitoring device in the washing machine (1) is technically connected in such a way that the water level monitoring in the washing machine (1) can be activated not only in the switch-on mode for performing the washing operation but also in the off mode to cause the pumping of liquid from the washing machine can. A method for operating a washing machine Claim 1 , characterized in that in the off mode, the water level monitoring of the washing machine (1) by the water level sensor (11) state-dependent controllable and by the control device (10) at intervals with presettable time sections can be activated, so that in off mode, a water level-dependent or time-dependent switchable Abpumpvorgang is feasible. A method for operating a washing machine Claim 2 , characterized in that the periods of time for activating the Abpumpvorganges are sized and adjustable to be able to pump off a sufficient amount of water, if necessary, so that the intended washing programs are independently feasible. A method for operating a washing machine Claim 1 . 2 or 3 , characterized in that the control device (10) is configured and set up such that a fault message is triggered in the case of a water inflow that is undesired in the switch-off mode. Method for operating a washing machine according to one of Claims 1 to 4 , characterized in that for the operating and input device (17) of the washing machine (1) a touch screen is used. Method for operating a washing machine according to one of Claims 1 to 5 wherein the washing machine is operated together with a juxtaposed or stacked tumble dryer, characterized in that the control device (10) of the washing machine (1) and the water level monitor in the washing machine (1) are configured and arranged such that the pumping of from the clothes dryer (2) tapered condensate through the drain pump (12) of the washing machine (1) is switched on when the washing machine (1) is not only in the switch-on but also in the off mode. A method for operating a washing machine and a tumble dryer after Claim 6 , characterized in that the control device (10) of the washing machine (1) and the control device (20) of the tumble dryer (2) communicate with each other via means (7) for signal transmission and that the two control devices (10, 20) of the washing machine ( 1) and the tumble dryer (2) are configured and arranged such that the monitoring of the water level in the washing machine (1) is actively switched when the tumble dryer (2) is put into operation. A method for operating a washing machine and a tumble dryer after Claim 7 , characterized in that the control device (10) of the washing machine (1) and the control device (20) of the tumble dryer (2) are configured and matched to one another such that the introduction of condensed water into the washing machine (1) in predetermined operating programs of the washing machine (1). 1) blockable is, whereby the activation of the dryer operation during the current operating program in the washing machine (1) is prevented or a running dryer operation is interrupted. Method for operating a washing machine and a tumble dryer according to one of Claims 6 . 7 and 8th , characterized in that in the arrangement of a washing machine (1) and a tumble dryer (2) as a wash-dry column, the connecting line (32) for discharging the condensed water from the tumble dryer (2) is designed as a downpipe (32), and Condensation over the downpipe (32) into the water leading system of the washing machine (1) is initiated. A method of operating a washing machine and a tumble dryer according to one or more of Claims 6 . 7 u. 8, characterized in that in a parallel and juxtaposed installation of a washing machine (1) and a tumble dryer (2) the condensed water from the dryer (2) via the connecting line (3) in the tub (14) of the washing machine (1) or in the drainage system of the washing machine (1) is introduced, and in that in the connecting line (3) a check valve (31) is arranged. Method for operating a washing machine and a tumble dryer according to one of the preceding Claims 6 to 9 , characterized in that the condensed water from the tumble dryer (2) via the connecting line (32) or the downpipe (33) in the Waschmitteleinspülkasten (19) of the washing machine (1) in the flow direction in front of the Waschmitteleinspülkasten (19) arranged free air gap is introduced Washing machine or together with a clothes dryer operated washing machine for carrying out a method according to one of Claims 1 to 11 , characterized in that the condensation device (21) in the tumble dryer (2) with the washing machine (1) via a condensate-carrying line (3, 32) is in communication, which accumulates during a drying process condensate in the water-bearing system of the washing machine (1 ) directs that the control device (10) is configured and set up in such a way that it communicates with the water level monitoring device in the washing machine (1) in such a way that the water level monitoring in the washing machine (1) is not only in the switch-on mode for carrying out the washing operation but also in the off mode can be activated to cause the pumping of liquid from the washing machine and that the pumping down by the water level sensor (11) of the monitoring device state-dependent or by the control device (10) is time-dependent controllable. Washing machine or washing machine operated together with a tumble dryer Claim 12 , characterized in that the washing machine (1) with a connection device for the connection of the dryer (2) outgoing condensing water leading line (3, 32) and is equipped with an electrical connection device via which the dryer (2) connected to the power supply is.

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