DE102021121897A1 - Textile treatment device for introducing at least one auxiliary substance, method for operating a textile treatment device - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a textile treatment device (100) for introducing at least one auxiliary substance (120) into a drum (115) of the textile treatment device (100). The textile treatment device has a device (105) which can be/is arranged in the drum (115) of the textile treatment device (100) and is designed to receive a carrier material (125) provided with the at least one auxiliary substance (120), which is designed , in order to release the auxiliary substance (120) into the drum (115) of the textile treatment device (100) during a cleaning process.

Description

The invention relates to a textile treatment device for introducing at least one auxiliary substance and a method for operating a textile treatment device.

The EP 2 431 516 B1 discloses an additive (fragrance) stored in liquid form. The intensity of the fragrance release can be influenced by means of the slider and wick length. The additive is added at the process air outlet of the drum and then first flows through the heat exchanger of the heat pump, where the effect is reduced due to the thermal load. A manual setting is imprecise and cumbersome.

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 for introducing at least one auxiliary substance and 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 an auxiliary substance is introduced into a drum of a textile treatment device. The additive is fed into the process air duct before the air inlet into the drum. The activation takes place, for example, by steam that is automatically generated in the dryer (by means of a steam generator). The auxiliary substance is stored in bound form in the fabric of the fragrance module.

• eine Vorrichtung, die in der Trommel des Textilbehandlungsgerätes anordenbar oder angeordnet ist und ausgebildet ist, um ein mit dem zumindest einem Hilfsstoff versehenes Trägermaterial aufzunehmen, das ausgebildet ist, um während eines Reinigungsvorganges den Hilfsstoff in die Trommel des Textilbehandlungsgerätes abzugeben.

A corresponding textile treatment device for introducing at least one auxiliary substance into a drum of the textile treatment device has the following feature:

• a device that can be arranged or is arranged in the drum of the textile treatment appliance and is designed to receive a carrier material provided with the at least one auxiliary substance, which is designed to release the auxiliary substance into the drum of the textile treatment appliance during a cleaning process.

A textile treatment device can be understood to mean a device for treating textiles. This can be a dryer, a heat pump dryer or a tumble dryer. An auxiliary can be an aroma or a fragrance that is introduced into the textiles during a cleaning process in order to improve the smell, for a healing or a germ-reducing effect. A device can be understood to mean a device that is inserted into the drum of the textile treatment device. A carrier material is a material that is received by the device, the carrier material receiving the adjuvant.

The approach presented here, which can also be referred to as introducing adjuvants into the dryer by steam distillation, enables the addition of adjuvants to textiles that either improve the odor or have a healing effect or a germ-reducing effect. Substances can be brought into the textiles very gently (without thermal decomposition).

The introduction of excipients such. B. flavors or fragrances is done, for example, by aroma capsules in the door of the dryer or by scented towels. However, only a very limited selection of flavors is possible. Some substances are difficult to vaporize or only at very high temperatures. This brings the risk of thermal decomposition. In addition, the fragrance is added after the drum, resulting in a strong scenting of the device.

The approach presented here enables steam distillation in a textile treatment device. As a result, a specific introduction of scent by means of an auxiliary is possible. The additive is specifically deposited on the fibers of the textile. An individual customer setting for the intensity and benefit is made possible. A uniform and controllable introduction of the excipients without thermal damage/chemical decomposition is created. The use of new substances, including those with high boiling points, is made possible. An even introduction of aromas or hygienically active substances into the laundry is also possible. A combination with a new QPD steam program leads to improved laundry hygiene.

According to one embodiment, the device can be/can be arranged at an air inlet in the drum, in particular with the auxiliary substance being able to be discharged in gaseous form from the device into the drum of the textile treatment appliance. This offers the advantage that the auxiliary substance can get into the drum and thus into the textiles. As a result, the textiles can be given a fresh scent, for example, if the auxiliary is a scent.

According to one embodiment, the device can have an air outlet into the drum, which is shaped like a louver, round, angular and/or grid-like in order to guide the auxiliary substance into the drum of the textile treatment appliance. This offers the advantage that the auxiliary material can be optimally fed into the drum. In this case, the air outlet can have a plurality of lamellae, which are formed in the direction of the drum base. The air outlet can also be round, angular and/or latticed.

According to one embodiment, the device can have at least one fastening element for fastening the device in the drum of the textile treatment appliance. This offers the advantage that the user can remove and attach the device. The user can remove the device from the drum in order to attach an adjuvant to the device and the user can place the device back into the drum so that the adjuvant can be introduced into the drum during the cleaning process.

According to a further embodiment, the device can have at least one fastening lug for fastening the carrier material in the device. This offers the advantage that the carrier material can be optimally attached to the device. For this purpose, the device can have two fastening lugs, for example. The fastening lugs can prevent the carrier material from slipping off the device.

Furthermore, according to a further embodiment, the device can have a spacer for positioning the carrier material in the device. This offers the advantage that the user can attach the carrier material to the device without errors. Slipping or incorrect positioning of the carrier material can thus be avoided.

According to one embodiment, the device can be arranged between a drum opening and a base of the textile treatment device. This offers the advantage that the device can be changed, removed or attached in the user's field of vision. The user can see the position of the device in the drum without having to exert much effort.

According to one embodiment, the textile treatment device can be designed as a heat pump dryer, washing machine, washer-dryer and/or dryer.

• Einleiten von Luft in die Trommel des Textilbehandlungsgerätes, um den Hilfsstoff in die Trommel abzugeben.

According to one embodiment, a corresponding method for operating a textile treatment device can have the following step:

• Introducing air into the drum of the textile treatment device in order to discharge the adjuvant into the drum.

Even if the approach described is described using a household appliance, the textile treatment device described here and the method described here can be used accordingly in connection with a commercial or professional device, for example a medical device such as a cleaning or disinfection device, a small sterilizer, a large-scale disinfector or a Container washing system can be used.

The approach presented here also creates a control device which 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 control device.

The control 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 can represent a control signal or a data signal, which can be provided at an output interface of the control device. The control device can be designed to determine the output signals using a processing specification implemented in hardware or software. For example, the control device can include a logic circuit, an integrated circuit or a software module for this purpose and can be implemented as a discrete component, for example, or be comprised by 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 Darstellung eines Ausführungsbeispiels eines Textilbehandlungsgerätes mit einer Vorrichtung;
• 2 eine Darstellung eines Ausführungsbeispiels einer Trommel eines Textilbehandlungsgerätes mit einer Vorrichtung;
• 3 eine Darstellung eines Ausführungsbeispiels einer Vorrichtung;
• 4 eine Darstellung eines Ausführungsbeispiels einer Vorrichtung;
• 5 eine Darstellung eines Ausführungsbeispiels einer Vorrichtung; und
• 6 ein Ablaufdiagramm eines Ausführungsbeispiels eines Verfahrens zum Betreiben eines Textilbehandlungsgerätes.

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

• 1 a representation of an embodiment of a textile treatment device with a device;
• 2 a representation of an embodiment of a drum of a textile treatment device with a device;
• 3 a representation of an embodiment of a device;
• 4 a representation of an embodiment of a device;
• 5 a representation of an embodiment of a device; and
• 6 a flowchart of an embodiment of a method for operating a textile treatment device.

1 shows an illustration of an embodiment of a textile treatment device 100 with a device 105. The textile treatment device 100 can be a dryer with a heat pump.

The textile treatment device 100 is designed to treat textiles 110, for example to dry and/or to treat them hygienically and7or to introduce aromatic substances. The textile treatment device 100 has a drum 115 for this purpose. The device 105 is arranged in the drum 115 by way of example. The device 105 is designed to accommodate a carrier material 125 provided with an auxiliary substance 120 . The carrier material 125 is designed to release the auxiliary substance 120 into the drum 115 of the textile treatment appliance 100 during a cleaning process. The auxiliary substance 120 then gets into the textiles 110. The auxiliary substance 120 is released, for example in gaseous form, from the device 105 into the drum 115 of the textile treatment appliance 100. As a result, the textiles 110 are provided with a fresh scent, for example.

The device 105 is arranged or can be arranged, for example, at an air inlet 130 in the drum 115 .

According to one embodiment, the device 105 is arranged between a drum opening and a base of the textile treatment device 100 .

The auxiliary substance 120 to be applied, which can also be referred to as a substance, is applied to a carrier material 125 . This can be a fleece or woven fabric. It makes sense for the carrier material 125 and the auxiliary material 120 to be obtained in this way from the end customer. Then the carrier material 125 is placed in a device 105 and fixed. This device 105 is then snapped into the dryer floor. The textiles 110 to be treated are then inserted and the program started. The non-volatile auxiliary substance 120 is then released from the carrier material 125 by means of the vapor generated and introduced into the drum 115 . There it is reflected on the textiles 110.

• „Diesen Umstand macht man sich bei der Wasserdampfdestillation organischer Stoffe zunutze. Eine Mischung von Nitrobenzen und Wasser siedet bei 99°C, wobei Nitrobenzen einen Dampfdruck von 2,7 kPa aufweist, d. h. 2,64% des gesamten Druckes. Dies entspricht einer Dampfmenge von $$\frac{\mathrm{2,64}}{\mathrm{97,36}}=\mathrm{0,027}\text{ mol Nitrobenzen je mol Wasser}$$
  

According to the principle of steam distillation, auxiliary substances 120 whose boiling point is very high are also volatilized. The partial pressure of the water is added to that of the non-volatile auxiliaries 120. Steam distillation is commonly used as a separation process. In the process, water and organic matter are evaporated together in the ratio of the partial pressures. The condensate forms in the cooled bladder. In the approach presented here, evaporation occurs as well. The condensation of both substances takes place in the cold wash. This is where the comparison with steam distillation ends, because the two substances should not be separated again in the textile treatment device 100 . A calculation example from "Näser: Physical chemistry, VEB German publishing house for basic industry, 17th edition, 1985":

• “This circumstance is used in the steam distillation of organic substances. A mixture of nitrobenzene and water boils at 99°C, nitrobenzene having a vapor pressure of 2.7 kPa, ie 2.64% of the total pressure. This corresponds to an amount of steam of $$\frac{2.64}{97.36}=0.027\text{mol of nitrobenzene per mol of water}$$
  

For 1 mol of water (= 18g) there are 3.3g = 15.57% nitrobenzene. This separation method will be worthwhile where the substance in question is insoluble in water, has a high molar mass and has the highest possible vapor pressure.”

If these auxiliaries 120 are dosed onto a carrier material 125, which can also be referred to as a pad, and introduced downstream of the steam generation, the auxiliaries 120 are vaporized in a targeted manner and introduced directly into the textiles 110.

The carrier material 125 is placed in a device 105 and fixed by the user. This device 105 is then snapped into the drum base. Compared to a radial application to the ribs or the positioning of a ball in the textiles 110, the drum base has the advantage that the carrier material 125 containing the active substance is incorporated into the water vapor stream is brought. This enables gentle evaporation below the boiling point of the active ingredient according to the principle of steam distillation.

The dry textiles 110 to be treated are then inserted and the program started. It is advantageous here if the textiles 110 are colder than the steam, so that the low-volatile auxiliary substances 120 can condense on the fibers.

The process is improved by a simultaneous rotation of the drum 115 and thus a movement of the laundry. In order to achieve uniform evaporation and to avoid overflowing the textiles 110, the air flow and the generation of steam are throttled. A reduction of the air flow to 15 -40% of the nominal volume flow makes sense. At the same time, the temperature of the water vapor flow is regulated by the heating power (QPD) and the amount of water introduced.

Instead of 400 ml of water evaporation in the regular hygiene process (= steam treatment with QPD), only approx. 100 ml of water are evaporated. In order to achieve even evaporation of the water, the temperature of the heater is reduced from 140°C by approx. 20 K. The power of the feedwater pump for steam generation is throttled accordingly. This creates a less turbulent vapor flow. Due to the lower temperature of the textiles 110, a condensation of the evaporated additives 120 on the fibers is achieved. The duration of evaporation is proportional to the odor intensity. The duration can be controlled via an app and thus an individual intensity can be achieved. The adjuvant 120 can be applied original or in a dilution. The dilution has a concentration of 0.1-5%. A dilution to a concentration of 0.1% has the advantage that the auxiliary substance 120 no longer has to be labeled according to the Ordinance on Hazardous Substances. From the dilution 0.1 - 2 ml are used. Solid or liquid, lipophilic excipients 120 are used as diluents, e.g. B. sunflower oil, silicone oil or activated carbon. A polyester fleece measuring 1×1 cm ² has proven itself in tests. A coated activated carbon can also be used. In an additional embodiment, a plurality of carrier materials 125 are arranged in a rotary wheel, which the user can selectively place in the steam flow via a control. (so far only idea without construction)

With control via an app, special applications are possible, for example lavender for storing sweaters, eucalyptus aromatization of pillows for colds, impregnation of underwear (linolenic acid) for neurodermatitis and cooperation with manufacturers of aromatherapy/medicines.

2 shows an illustration of an embodiment of a drum 115 of a textile treatment device with a device 105. The drum 115 has an air inlet 130 on. The air inlet 130 is designed to direct air into the interior of the drum 115 for drying textiles. By way of example, the device 105 is arranged at the air inlet 130 . The device 105 has a round shape, for example. A carrier material 125 which receives the auxiliary substance 120 is arranged on the device 105 .

3 12 shows an illustration of an exemplary embodiment of a device 105. The device 105 has an air outlet 300 which, for example, is formed in the shape of a blind. A plurality of lamellae 305 point in the direction of the bottom of the drum in order to guide the auxiliary substance 120 into the drum of the textile treatment device. The device 105 has, for example, a fastening element 310 for fastening the device 105 in the drum of the textile treatment device. The device 105 is arranged at the air inlet 130 of the drum. The carrier material 125 is arranged on the device 105 . The auxiliary substance 120 is located on the carrier material 125.

4 shows a representation of an embodiment of a device 105. This can be the in 3 act described device 105. The air outlet 300 is in 4 shown as an example in the form of a grid in order to direct the auxiliary substance 120 into the drum of the textile treatment device.

5 shows a representation of an embodiment of a device 105. This can be the in 3 act described device 105. The air outlet 300 is in 5 shown as an example round to guide the auxiliary 120 in the drum of the textile treatment device. In addition, the device 105 has, for example, two fastening lugs 500 for fastening the carrier material 125 in the device 105 . Furthermore, the device 105 has a spacer 505 for positioning the carrier material 125 in the device 105 .

6 shows a flowchart of an embodiment of a method 600 for operating a textile treatment device. The method 600 includes a step 05 of introducing air into the drum of the textile treatment device in order to introduce the adjuvant into the drum.

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

• EP 2431516 B1 [0002]

Claims (11)

Textile treatment device (100) for introducing at least one auxiliary substance (120) into a drum (115) of the textile treatment device (100), the textile treatment device (100) having the following features: a device (105) which can be arranged or is arranged in the drum (115) of the textile treatment appliance (100) and is designed to receive a carrier material (125) provided with the at least one auxiliary substance (120), which is designed to during a Cleaning process to deliver the auxiliary (120) in the drum (115) of the textile treatment device (100). Textile treatment device (100) according to claim 1 , wherein the device (105) is/can be arranged at an air inlet in the drum (115), in particular wherein the auxiliary substance (120) can be released in gaseous form from the device (105) into the drum (115) of the textile treatment appliance (100). . Textile treatment device (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the device (105) has an air outlet (300) in the drum (115), which is shaped like a louver, round, angular and/or grid-like in order to allow the auxiliary substance (120) into the To conduct drum (115) of the textile treatment device (100). Textile treatment device (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the device (105) has at least one fastening element (310) for fastening the device in the drum (115) of the textile treatment device (100). Textile treatment device (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the device (105) has at least one fastening lug (500) for fastening the carrier material (125) in the device (105). Textile treatment device (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the device (105) has a spacer (505) for positioning the carrier material (125) in the device (105). Textile treatment device (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the device (105) is arranged between a drum opening and a base of the textile treatment device (100). Textile treatment device (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the textile treatment device (100) is designed as a heat pump dryer, washing machine and/or dryer. Method (600) for operating a textile treatment device (100) according to one of Claims 1 until 8th , wherein the method (600) comprises the following step: introducing (605) air into the drum (115) of the textile treatment device (100) in order to deliver the adjuvant (120) into the drum (115). Control device which is designed to step (605) of the method (600) according to claim 9 to be executed and/or controlled in a corresponding unit. Computer program product with program code for carrying out the method (600). claim 9 , when the computer program product is executed on a control device.

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