DE102020133113A1 - Textile treatment device and method for operating a textile treatment device - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a textile treatment device (100) with a sensor unit (105) for detecting at least one volatile organic compound (106) from ambient air (108) that has come into contact with textiles (107) and a treatment unit (110) for reducing the at least a volatile organic compound (106) in response to the volatile organic compound (106) detected by the sensor unit (105).

Description

The invention relates to a textile treatment device with a sensor unit for detecting and a treatment unit for reducing a volatile organic compound and a method for operating a textile treatment device.

For example, tumble dryers and washer-dryers currently offer an airing program as an option to remove odors from textiles. However, with this program, the odors desorbed from the textiles remain in the appliance.

the W02004059070A1 discloses a photocatalytic odor removal clothes dryer.

The object of the invention is to provide an improved textile treatment device and an improved method for operating a textile treatment device.

According to the invention, this object is achieved by a textile treatment device with a sensor unit for detecting and a treatment unit for reducing a volatile organic compound and with a method for operating a textile treatment device with the features of the main claims. Advantageous refinements and developments of the invention result from the following dependent claims.

The advantages that can be achieved with the invention are that a textile treatment device with a sensor unit and a treatment unit is created in order to efficiently remove odors and germs from textiles. With the help of the optimizations presented here, the textile treatment device can be used effectively to reduce the odor of textiles that are contaminated with odors and germs, but for which the washing process, for example, would represent an unnecessary effort. The sensor unit detects the odors and germs released by the textiles into the ambient air in the textile treatment device. The treatment unit then reduces the odors and germs.

The present invention provides a textile treatment device that includes a sensor unit for detecting at least one volatile organic compound from an ambient air that has come into contact with textiles and a treatment unit for reducing the at least one volatile organic compound, in response to the volatile organic compound detected by the sensor unit Connection.

A textile treatment device can be understood to mean a device for washing, cleaning, drying or dyeing textiles. This includes, for example, washer dryers and tumble dryers. The textile treatment device has a textile treatment container, which can also be understood or referred to as a drum. When the textile treatment device is in operation, the textile material intended for treatment, drying or cleaning, is located in the drum. If the textile goods are contaminated with odors and/or germs that can be described or recognized as volatile organic compounds, these escape from the textiles into the ambient air in the drum. A sensor unit, which includes at least one sensor, detects these volatile organic compounds from the ambient air. A treatment unit that consists of or includes a component such as a UV lamp, a unit for generating ionized air molecules or an ozone generator can reduce odors and germs from the surrounding air. A UV lamp, i.e. a lamp that emits ultraviolet radiation, can be used to disinfect surfaces, water and air. In the textile treatment device, the UV lamp disinfects odors and germs from the ambient air using the emitted electromagnetic radiation. The unit for generating ionized air molecules, i.e. a unit that emits ionizing radiation and thereby generates ionized air molecules, can kill microorganisms with these ionized air molecules and thus also contribute to odor removal and germ reduction. An ozone generator produces ozone, which has an oxidizing effect on organic compounds such as odors and germs. The ambient air or the textiles are thus freed from the volatile organic compounds in the textile treatment device without having to be washed beforehand.

In order to remove annoying odors from the laundry, the laundry can be rid of these odors in a time-saving and energy-efficient manner in the dryer if it is not also dirty. The same applies to germ reduction. Dryers currently offer an airing program to remove odors. The pure ventilation program can reduce the odor load, but does not deliver satisfactory results in terms of odor-free laundry. Due to the tightness of the device for a drying process, the emitted odor also remains in the device. When opening the door, the user is confronted with a negative odor perception. Advantageously, the insufficient removal of odor molecules from the laundry by the ventilation process can be improved by introducing a control circuit in the device. At the same time, the drying process can be optimized using adjustable variables guaranteed. With the optimization presented here, the dryer or other textile treatment device could be used effectively for odor reduction in the case of polluted laundry where the washing process would represent an unnecessary effort. At the same time, the approach presented here enables a reduction in the germ load and offers the possibility of individual regulation of the process parameters depending on the signals detected by the sensors.

According to one embodiment, the sensor unit can be designed to output a measured value that represents a proportion of the volatile organic compound in the ambient air, the treatment unit being designed to reduce the volatile organic compound if the output measured value exceeds a predetermined limit value. This offers the advantage that once the limit value has been exceeded, the odors and germs from the treatment center are reduced. Unnecessary start-up of the treatment unit when there is too little odor can be avoided. This saves energy and protects materials.

According to one embodiment, the sensor unit can have at least one photoionization detector and/or an infrared sensor and/or an electrochemical sensor in order to measure one or more volatile organic compounds. As a result, the odors and germs are recorded contact-free and with a technically simple means. The measurement of organic substances in the air circuit by means of a sensor results in an additional advantage: In the event of a leak in the compressor and the associated entry of a coolant or refrigerant such as propane, the sensor can detect this and switch off the textile treatment device if necessary. This provides additional security for the operator of the textile treatment device.

According to one embodiment, the sensor unit and/or the treatment unit can be arranged in a bypass, in particular with the bypass forming an air line that is or can be connected in parallel to a main air circuit line through a textile cleaning tank. This makes it possible for the sensor unit and/or the treatment unit to be able to examine and treat part of the air flow in a time-variable manner, even if a continuous air flow is guided in the air line. Installing the sensors or the treatment unit for removal in a bypass places a minimal burden on the process parameters. This reduces the risk of aging e.g. B. Lint.

According to one embodiment, the bypass has at least one valve which is designed to release process air to the sensor unit and/or treatment unit in the bypass. As a result, the sensor unit and/or the treatment unit can detect and measure the volatile organic compound contained in the process air, for example, only at defined points in time. The sensors and the valves enable the textiles to be treated as required.

According to one embodiment, the sensor unit and/or the treatment unit can be arranged or can be arranged between an evaporator and a condenser or between a condenser and a textile cleaning container. This offers the advantage that, depending on the sensitivity, the sensor unit and/or treatment unit can be arranged accordingly. In the case of moisture-sensitive sensors, for example, an arrangement between a condenser and a textile cleaning container is recommended, while temperature-sensitive sensors are better arranged between an evaporator and a condenser.

According to one embodiment, the treatment unit can have at least one UV lamp, a unit for generating ionized air molecules and/or an ozone generator. These units are used for the technically simple implementation of odor removal and germ reduction.

According to one embodiment, the textile treatment appliance can be in the form of a household appliance, in particular a washing machine, a tumble dryer or a washer-dryer. This means that users can have their textiles cleaned of odors and germs in their own four walls in a more energy-saving and time-saving manner.

• Erfassen von zumindest einer flüchtigen organischen Verbindung aus einer mit Textilien in Kontakt gekommenen Umgebungsluft; und
• Reduzieren von der zumindest einer flüchtigen organischen Verbindung, ansprechend auf die erfasste flüchtige organische Verbindung. Dadurch werden Gerüche und Keime aus Textilien entfernt. Dies geschieht energieeffizient und zeitsparend, da die Textilien nicht gewaschen werden müssen.

According to one embodiment, it is also particularly favorable to provide a method for operating a textile treatment device, the method comprising the following steps:

• detecting at least one volatile organic compound from an ambient air that has come into contact with textiles; and
• reducing the at least one volatile organic compound in response to the detected volatile organic compound. This removes odors and germs from textiles. This is done in an energy-efficient and time-saving manner, since the textiles do not have to be washed.

The device can execute and/or control the steps of the method in appropriate units.

Even if the approach described is described using a household appliance, the textile treatment appliance described here or the method described here can be used accordingly in connection with a commercial or professional appliance, for example a catering appliance.

The approach presented here also creates a device that is designed to carry out, control or implement the steps of a variant of a method presented here in corresponding devices. The object on which the invention is based can also be achieved quickly and efficiently by this embodiment variant of the invention in the form of a device.

The device can be designed to read in input signals and to determine and provide output signals using the input signals. An input signal can represent, for example, a sensor signal that can be read in via an input interface of the device. An output signal may represent a control signal or a data signal that may be provided at an output interface of the device. The device can be designed to determine the output signals using a processing specification implemented in hardware or software. For example, the device can include a logic circuit, an integrated circuit or a software module and can be implemented as a discrete component, for example, or can be comprised of a discrete component.

A computer program product or computer program with program code, which can be stored on a machine-readable carrier or storage medium such as a semiconductor memory, a hard disk memory or an optical memory, is also advantageous. If the program product or program is executed on a computer or a device, then the program product or program can be used to carry out, implement and/or control the steps of the method according to one of the embodiments described above.

• 1 eine schematische Blockschaltbilddarstellung eines Ausführungsbeispiels eines Textilbehandlungsgeräts;
• 2 eine schematische Blockschaltbilddarstellung eines Ausführungsbeispiels eines Textilbehandlungsgeräts;
• 3a ein Teildiagramm eines Verlaufs einer flüchtigen organischen Verbindung zur Erläuterung der Funktionsweise des hier dargestellten Ausführungsbeispiels eines Textilbehandlungsgerätes;
• 3b ein weiteres Teildiagramm eines Verlaufs einer flüchtigen organischen Verbindung zur Erläuterung der Funktionsweise des hier dargestellten Ausführungsbeispiels eines Textilbehandlungsgerätes;
• 3c ein weiteres Teildiagramm eines Verlaufs einer flüchtigen organischen Verbindung zur Erläuterung der Funktionsweise des hier dargestellten Ausführungsbeispiels eines Textilbehandlungsgerätes; und
• 4 ein Ablaufdiagramm eines Ausführungsbeispiels eines Verfahrens zum Betreiben eines Textilbehandlungsgeräts.

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

• 1 a schematic block diagram representation of an embodiment of a textile treatment device;
• 2 a schematic block diagram representation of an embodiment of a textile treatment device;
• 3a a partial diagram of a course of a volatile organic compound to explain the functioning of the exemplary embodiment of a textile treatment device illustrated here;
• 3b a further partial diagram of a course of a volatile organic compound to explain the mode of operation of the exemplary embodiment of a textile treatment device illustrated here;
• 3c a further partial diagram of a course of a volatile organic compound to explain the mode of operation of the exemplary embodiment of a textile treatment device illustrated here; and
• 4 a flowchart of an embodiment of a method for operating a textile treatment device.

1 shows a schematic block diagram representation of an embodiment of a textile treatment device 100. The textile treatment device 100 can be a dryer or a washer-dryer.

The textile treatment device 100 has a sensor unit 105 for detecting at least one volatile organic compound 106 . The volatile organic compound 106 can be odors and germs that originate from textiles 107 and collect in the ambient air 108 . The ambient air 108 is created in the textile treatment container 109, which can also be referred to as a drum.

The volatile organic compounds 106 are also referred to as VOC (volatile organic component). Furthermore, the textile treatment device 100 has a treatment unit 110 for reducing the volatile organic compound 106, which was previously detected by the sensor unit 105 from the ambient air 108.

Sensor unit 105 is designed to output a measured value. The measured value represents a proportion of the volatile organic compound 106 in the ambient air 108. The treatment unit 110 is designed to reduce the volatile organic compound 106 from the ambient air 108. This happens when the reading produced by the sensors exceeds a limit. Then the treatment unit 110 is activated to eliminate or at least reduce the volatile organic compound 106 . the Activation of the treatment unit 110 to reduce the volatile organic compound 106 can be communicated to the user via the display. The success of odor reduction can also be shown. After the deactivation of the treatment unit 110, which can also be referred to as an assembly, a new measurement phase is used, for example, to determine whether odors, ie volatile organic compounds 106, are still being or have been desorbed from the textiles 107. In the positive case, the treatment unit 110 is activated again, in the negative case, the program is ended.

The sensors serve the purpose of detecting volatile organic compounds 106 desorbed from the textiles 107 . This goal can be achieved with photoionization detectors, infrared sensors or other electrochemical sensors.

The sensor unit 105 and the treatment unit 110 are arranged in a bypass 115 . The bypass 115 forms an air line which is connected or can be connected in parallel to a main air circuit line 125 through a textile treatment tank 109 .

The bypass 115 has two valves 120 which release the ambient air 108 to the sensor unit 105 and the treatment unit 110 . This bypass 115 is separated from the main air circuit line 125 via the two valves 120 . By opening the valves 120, part of the ambient air 108 flows through the bypass 115 and thus reaches the sensors. This enables the analysis and treatment to be controlled over time. This means that part of the airflow can be examined and treated in a time-variable manner. This makes it possible to select heavier or lighter soiling by customer selection in the program control and to adjust the treatment accordingly (rough preselection). The fine adjustment is made by the sensors. Differentiation according to fiber type is also possible. Synthetic fibers or combinations of substances (e.g. jackets) generally have a higher affinity for the odorous substances and are therefore more difficult to clean by desorption. It is also possible to take customer perceptions of hygiene into account. For example, an allergy sufferer could choose a higher intensity than a customer with no previous health problems.

The sensor unit 105 and the treatment unit 110 are in FIG 1 arranged between an evaporator 130 and a condenser 135 . This arrangement is useful when temperature-sensitive sensors are used that must not be used at high temperatures. By arranging the bypass 115 behind the evaporator 130 in the air flow direction, the sensors are also only slightly stressed by temperature and moisture.

The textile treatment device 100 also has a heat pump 113, for example. The heat pump 113 gains energy from the process air. The textiles 107 to be treated are located in the textile treatment container 109. The ambient air 108 present in the textile treatment container 109 flows together with the volatile organic compound 106 from the textile treatment container 109 via the air circuit 125 into the evaporator 130. The air is cooled in the evaporator 130. The cold air then flows into the condenser 135 and is heated there. The heated and dry air is then fed back into the textile treatment tank 109 . A refrigerant circulates between the evaporator 130 and the condenser 135 . The refrigerant 111 flows through the evaporator 130, in which the refrigerant 111 is cooled. Thereafter, the refrigerant 111 is compressed by a compressor 112 to a higher pressure. The refrigerant 111 heats up and flows through the condenser 135. The energy obtained is released into the air circuit 125.

The volatile organic compound 106 reaches the heat pump 113 via the air circuit 125. The bypass 120 is arranged in the heat pump 113. In the bypass 120 the volatile organic compound 106 is determined by the sensor unit 105 and treated or reduced by the treatment unit 110 .

The treatment unit 110 further includes, for example, a UV lamp, a unit for generating ionized air molecules, or an ozone generator to reduce the volatile organic compound 106 from the ambient air 108 .

2 shows a schematic block diagram representation of a further exemplary embodiment of a textile treatment device 100. The textile treatment device 100 can be a dryer or a washer-dryer, as is shown in FIG 1 is described. The bypass 115 with the sensor unit 105 and the treatment unit 110 is in 2 however, arranged between a condenser 135 and a textile cleaning container 200 . This arrangement is useful when moisture-sensitive sensors are used. Unlike in 1 the volatile organic compound 106 is only determined and treated or reduced in the bypass after it has passed through the heat pump 113 .

3a shows a partial diagram of a course of the volatile organic compound 106 in a desorption to explain the operation of the illustrated embodiment of a textile treatment device. The y-axis 300 represents the proportion of the volatile organic compound 106 with a temperature increase 310, the x-axis 315 represents the course over time.

The subplot shows that the volatile organic compound content 106 only increases after the temperature rise 310 in the wash. That is, the higher the temperature rises, the more volatile organic compounds 106 are released into the ambient air from the wash. Accordingly, the temperature plays a central role in determining and reducing volatile organic compounds 106. The volatile organic compounds 106 released into the ambient air are determined in the bypass by the sensor unit and reduced by the treatment unit. The higher the temperature, the more volatile organic compounds 106 are released from the wash into the ambient air.

3b shows a partial diagram of a course of the volatile organic compound 106 in the event of a refrigerant leak in order to explain the mode of operation of the exemplary embodiment of a textile treatment device illustrated here. The y-axis 300 represents the proportion of the volatile organic compound 106 with a temperature increase 310, the x-axis 315 represents the course over time. In the event of a refrigerant leak, for example a propane leak, the course is not linked to the temperature curve 310 . An increase 320 in the volatile organic compound 106, here the propane, before the onset of the temperature increase 325 is shown as an example.

Propane is a natural refrigerant that circulates in the heat pump. Due to its flammability, propane requires special safety measures. By using the detection of a propane leak, regular monitoring is necessary or feasible. So a user of the textile treatment device z. B. annually by the display on the need for recalibration. If he does not carry out the recalibration or does not carry it out successfully, this evaluation of the VOC measurement can be blocked, for example. Recalibration is carried out as follows: A porous body to which a defined amount of solvent has been applied is placed in the drum. The device then starts a process (e.g. warming up) in which the solvent evaporates. The total volume should be included in the calculation of the amount of substance. With a volume of 2001, for example, 3.6x10e-6 mol methyl ethyl ketone should be used to achieve a (theoretical) value of 500 ppb VOC. This corresponds to 34µl of a 1% solution. This does not reach the explosion limit (Ex limit). The device measures the value and compares it with the sensor. A hydrophobic silica gel could be used as the carrier material, which is welded into an aluminum blister like a tablet for shipping.

3c shows a partial diagram of a course of the volatile organic compound 106 to explain the mode of operation of the exemplary embodiment of a textile treatment device shown here after the treatment unit has been switched on 330 in order to break down the odor-forming gases. The y-axis 300 represents the proportion of the volatile organic compound 106, the x-axis 315 represents the course over time.

If, in addition to the sensor, there is also a treatment unit for breaking down the odor-forming gases (e.g. UV catalysis, air ionizer, ...), the result is a course of the volatile organic compound 106 of the in 3c is shown. After the treatment unit is switched on 330, the volatile organic compound 106 decreases and converges towards a finite value. If the time is measured in which z. B. 50% of the maximum value has degraded, the resulting period of time can be taken as a measure for an after-treatment time. As the time span increases, the post-treatment time must also increase. This takes into account both the degradation efficiency and the ongoing desorption of the odor from the textile after the UV unit has been switched on.

4 shows a flowchart of a method 400 for operating a textile treatment device according to an embodiment. The method 400 for operating the textile treatment device has the following steps: detecting 405 at least one volatile organic compound from an ambient air that has come into contact with textiles; and
Reducing 410 the at least one volatile organic compound in response to the detected volatile organic compound.

QUOTES INCLUDED IN DESCRIPTION

This list of documents cited by the applicant was 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.

Patent Literature Cited

• WO 2004059070 A1 [0003]

Claims (11)

Textile treatment device (100) with a sensor unit (105) for detecting at least one volatile organic compound (106) from an ambient air (108) that has come into contact with textiles (107) and a treatment unit (110) for reducing the at least one volatile organic compound (106) in response to the volatile organic compound (106) detected by the sensor unit (105). Textile treatment device (100) according to claim 1 , wherein the sensor unit (105) is designed to output a measured value that represents a proportion of the volatile organic compound (106) in the ambient air (108), wherein the treatment unit (110) is designed to the volatile organic compound (106). reduce if the measured value output exceeds a predetermined limit value. Textile treatment device (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the sensor unit (105) has at least one photoionization detector and/or an infrared sensor and/or an electrochemical sensor to measure one or more volatile organic compounds (106). Textile treatment device (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the sensor unit (105) and/or the treatment unit (110) is arranged in a bypass (115), in particular wherein the bypass (115) forms an air line leading to a main air circuit line (125 ) is connected or switchable in parallel by a textile treatment tank (101). Textile treatment device (100) according to claim 4 , wherein the bypass (115) has at least one valve (120) which is designed to release ambient air (108) to the sensor unit (105) and/or treatment unit (110) in the bypass (115). Textile treatment device (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the sensor unit (105) and/or the treatment unit (110) are arranged between an evaporator (130) and a condenser (135) or between a condenser (135) and a textile treatment container (200). or can be arranged. Textile treatment device (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the treatment unit (110) has at least one UV lamp, a unit for generating ionized air molecules and/or an ozone generator. Textile treatment device (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the textile treatment device (100) is designed as a household appliance, in particular as a washing machine, a tumble dryer or a washer-dryer. Method (400) for operating a textile treatment device (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the method (400) has the following steps: - detecting (405) of at least one volatile organic compound (106) from an ambient air (108) which has come into contact with textiles (107); and - reducing (410) the at least one volatile organic compound (106) in response to the detected volatile organic compound (106). Device (105, 110) which is designed to execute and/or control the steps (405, 410) of the method (400) according to one of the preceding claims in corresponding units (105, 110). Computer program product with program code for carrying out the method (400) according to one of the preceding claims, when the computer program product is executed on a device (105, 110).

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