DE102023200171A1 - Process for the continuous or batchwise provision of warm water in a washing machine or a washer-dryer and washing appliances suitable therefor - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a method for the continuous or batch-wise provision of warm water 7 in a washing machine or a washer-dryer 1 with a lye container 2, a drum 3, a drive motor 5 for the drum 3, a pump 18 which is connected to the lye container 2 via a lye container drain channel 23, a heating device 16, a valve 21 in a water supply line 20, a control device 8, a temperature sensor 10 for determining a temperature T in the lye container 3, and a measuring device 15 for determining the amount of water filled, the method comprising the following steps: (a) selecting an operating program for carrying out the method and setting at least one program parameter with which a predetermined amount of water Mset1 and/or a predetermined temperature T = Tset1 of the water 7 to be provided is determined; (b) introducing water 7 into the lye container 2 through the water supply line 20; (c) heating the filled water 7 with the heating device 16 during the introduction or after the introduction of water 7; and (d) ending the heating and/or draining off the heated water 7 when the predetermined amount of water Mset1 is present in the tub 2 and/or the predetermined temperature T = Tset1 is reached.The invention also relates to washing devices 1 suitable for carrying out the method, which are a washing machine and a washer-dryer.

Description

The invention relates to a method for the continuous or batch-wise provision of warm water in a washing machine or a washer-dryer and washing devices suitable for this purpose. The invention relates in particular to a method for the continuous or batch-wise provision of warm water in a washing machine or a washer-dryer with a tub, a drum, a drive motor for the drum, a pump which is connected to the tub via a tub drain channel, a heating device and a water supply line; and as washing devices a washing machine suitable for this purpose and a washer-dryer suitable for this purpose.

It is common for hot water supplies to be interrupted. This is particularly the case in countries with poor water supply systems or irregular energy supplies, for example when a district heating system fails. Often, such an interruption of hot water supplies is caused by construction work or maintenance for several days or even longer.

But natural disasters (such as those in the Ahr Valley and the Eifel in 2021) can also cause damage that can lead to long-term interruptions in the supply of hot water or the necessary gas supply. Sudden defects or malfunctions can also lead to temporary interruptions. The user is not always informed about this in advance and can be surprised by it.

If there is no hot water available, the user has to be creative if they still want to have hot water. However, generating or preparing hot water using an immersion heater, kettle or a pot on the hob usually does not allow good temperature control and can also be dangerous to handle.

The Chinese publications CN 203403283 U , CN 2321799 Y and CN 86200128 U describe a mechanical structure of a “dual-purpose machine” for showering and washing clothes.

Against this background, the object of the present invention was to provide a method for the batchwise or continuous production of warm water (also referred to herein as "hot water") in a washing device, such as a washing machine or a washer-dryer, for further use outside of the same. The object of the invention was also to provide a washing device suitable for carrying out this method, i.e. a washing machine or a washer-dryer.

According to the invention, this object is achieved by a method for the batchwise or continuous production of hot water in a washing machine or a washer-dryer and a washing machine or a washer-dryer according to the independent patent claims. Preferred embodiments of the invention are listed in the respective dependent patent claims. Preferred embodiments of the method correspond to preferred embodiments of the washing machine or washer-dryer, even if this is not specifically mentioned here.

1. (a) Auswählen eines Betriebsprogramms zur Durchführung des Verfahrens und Einstellen zumindest eines Programmparameters, mit welchem eine vorgegebene Wassermenge M_set1 und/oder eine vorgegebene Temperatur T = T_set1 des bereitzustellenden Wassers festgelegt wird;
2. (b) Einleiten von Wasser in den Laugenbehälter durch die Wasserzuleitung;
3. (c) Erhitzen des eingefüllten Wassers mit der Heizeinrichtung während des Einleitens oder nach dem Einleiten von Wasser; und
4. (d) Beenden des Erhitzens und/oder Ableiten des erhitzten Wassers bei Vorliegen einer vorgegebenen Wassermenge M_set im Laugenbehälter und/oder Erreichen einer vorgegebenen Temperatur T = T_set1.

The invention therefore relates to a method for the continuous or batch-wise provision of warm water in a washing machine or a washer-dryer with a suds container, a drum, a drive motor for the drum, a pump which is connected to the suds container via a suds container drain channel, a heating device, a valve in a water supply line, a control device, a temperature sensor for determining a temperature T in the suds container, and a measuring device for determining the amount of water filled, the method comprising the following steps:

1. (a) selecting an operating program for carrying out the method and setting at least one program parameter with which a predetermined water quantity M _set1 and/or a predetermined temperature T = T _set1 of the water to be provided is determined;
2. (b) introducing water into the tub through the water supply line;
3. (c) heating the filled water with the heating device during or after the introduction of water; and
4. (d) terminating the heating and/or discharging the heated water when a predetermined amount of water M _set is present in the tub and/or a predetermined temperature T = T _set1 is reached.

The inventive method can advantageously provide the user with a solution in that he can prepare a large amount of hot water by using a washing machine or a washer-dryer and use it for further external use. In contrast to the usual laundry treatment methods of a washing machine or a washer-dryer, whose operating parameters for the laundry treatment is optimized, the user has the option of individually setting the operating parameters for the provision of warm water outside the washing machine or washer-dryer, without being bound to the restriction of a laundry treatment program. The invention thus offers an easily implemented option for a hot water supply when the usual hot water supply is disrupted or interrupted, whereby a temporary hot water supply can be provided in a safe and controllable manner, in particular by using the control and regulating units included in the washing machine or washer-dryer.

Preferably, the method includes performing a further step (e) in which verifying that the drum does not contain any laundry items is performed prior to step (b), wherein steps (b) to (d) are only performed if an empty drum is verified and otherwise an indication of a non-empty drum is generated.

This has the advantage that the water to be heated is not contaminated by the laundry items, which essentially means that clean warm water can be made available outside the washing machine or washer-dryer for further use. It also advantageously avoids additional heating of the laundry items.

Furthermore, it is preferred that the heating of the water begins after the start of the introduction of water into the tub, when the heating device is completely immersed in water, preferably when the amount of water in the tub is just enough to touch the drum. This has the advantage that the heating device does not overheat and, when the water is already touching the drum, the water that has been filled in can be moved by rotating the drum, which allows the water to be heated more quickly and evenly.

In a preferred embodiment of the method according to the invention, the water is drained or discharged through a tub drain channel and then via the drainage channel for washing liquor. Such a drainage channel is, for example, the drain hose that is usually present in washing machines and washer-dryers. This has the advantage that no further structural changes to the washing machine and washer-dryer are required and a cost-effective method can be provided.

In an alternative embodiment of the method according to the invention, which is possible in particular if an electrically controllable three-way valve is arranged in the tub drain channel, from which a drainage channel for washing liquor and a removal channel branch off, the method is carried out in step (d) by draining the warm water, i.e. the heated water, through the removal channel. At the end of this, a suitable adapter for the device that uses the heated water can be attached. The alternative embodiment has the particular advantage that the method can also be provided if the drainage channel is permanently connected to a waste water supply. An otherwise necessary change to the connection of the drainage channel can thus be omitted.

When heating the water, higher temperatures typical for water supplies can also be achieved for mixing (e.g. in the bathtub with cold water from the water supply), taking safety aspects into account. A desired final temperature, e.g. in a bathtub, would be achieved by mixing heated water and tap water.

The continuous or batch-wise provision of hot water according to the invention also includes the case where the water, whether it is the cold water introduced or the heated water, is provided with additives. Such additives could, for example, be added to the water to be heated via a laundry treatment agent addition device included in the washing machine or washer-dryer. If the warm water is to be used for a bath, for example, suitable bath additives could be added. If the warm water is to be used for cleaning purposes, cleaning agent additives could be added. In this case, attention must be paid to their machine compatibility. This may then result in a subsequent need to clean a drum that is generally present or a second water supply phase without additives in order to rinse the device and provide further water to dilute the previously prepared solution (e.g. for the bath).

The method according to the invention can advantageously be carried out in batch mode or continuously, whereby the following statements apply in particular to batch mode. Batch mode is advantageous if only small quantities are required on demand over a longer period of time. Since the predetermined amount of water is already heated to the predetermined temperature, ie warm water is stored, the warm water is available almost immediately. This means that the washing machine or the washer-dryer serves as a hot water boiler. With continuous operation, the washing machine or the washer-dryer can advantageously be operated as a continuous flow heater and provide larger quantities of hot water over a long period of time, especially if the desired amount of hot water exceeds the maximum possible amount of water to be heated in a batch.

In a preferred embodiment of the method according to the invention, a filter or a filter system is arranged in the lye container drain channel. For example, it is possible to use a filter system for connection to the drain hose in order to first thermally and then chemically and, if necessary, mechanically remove bacteria, viruses and residues from cistern water, which in some countries comes from a roof. The filter can therefore be designed differently depending on the requirements and, for example, can have adsorption units such as activated carbon units in addition to a fine-mesh grid. This could create a makeshift drinking water supply. A division into sub-steps, i.e. portion-wise hot water withdrawals, could also be useful here if several parties are to be allocated the same amount of water.

In a preferred embodiment of the method according to the invention, in step (d) when a predetermined amount of water M _set is present in the tub, which has the predetermined temperature T = T _set1 , the heating device is switched off and the heated water is discharged in one or more discharge steps. It is preferred that time pauses of predetermined length Δt _i , which can be the same or different, are provided before a first discharge step and/or between subsequent discharge steps.

For discharge, the hot water produced is generally pumped out using a suitable pump, i.e. actively transported, and not, for example, discharged via a simple floor drain. In some embodiments, it is also possible to independently adapt the operation of the pump to the discharge head and/or distance, e.g. using a speed-controlled pump, in particular a BLDC pump.

The water temperature T _set1 can be maintained by control until pumping starts.

The pumping process can start automatically or be controlled by the user, and can also be carried out with a fixed or adjustable delay, for example to allow time for the drain hose to be positioned or for someone to get into the shower/bathtub. The end of the delayed time can also be communicated acoustically, e.g. like the self-timer on cameras.

In embodiments of the invention, the pumping process can be started and paused by a user via voice control. This depends on the capabilities of the user interface, i.e. in particular an input and display unit used.

The user can also set breaks in advance, e.g. for shampooing and soaping while showering, whereby the duration and time of the break can be set based on time or water volume.

Furthermore, the method according to the invention can provide that the reaching of a defined residual water volume in the tub, overall and/or per sub-step, is communicated to the user acoustically and/or visually.

In the method according to the invention, the delivery rate for the discharge of hot water can be adjusted automatically for the program and/or by the user within the scope of technical possibilities.

In the method of the present invention, care is generally taken to ensure that the hot water in the tub has the same temperature everywhere. In this case, a tolerable temperature difference ΔT _tol can be specified as an insignificant temperature difference.

In order to achieve a uniform temperature or even temperature distribution in the tub, mixing can be carried out. To mix the heated water, the drum is preferably moved at a low drum speed, in particular at a speed of up to 60 revolutions per minute, or, if present in the washing machine or washer-dryer, a pumping system is put into operation. A low drum speed is understood to be a speed that is set depending on the amount of water supplied in such a way that no water can accidentally escape from the washing machine or washer-dryer. The higher the water level, the lower the drum speed at which the drum rotates should be, for example to prevent unwanted water leakage or water damage.

In this case, the mixing of the heated water is preferably only carried out when a difference between T _set1 , ie the measured set temperature and a theoretically calculated temperature T _over exceeds a predetermined value ΔT _lim , where T _{over is} theoretically calculated on the basis of the amount of water flowing in, the initial temperature T _start , the heat capacity of water and of parts of the washing machine or washer-dryer in contact with the water, and the heating energy supplied.

It can also be advantageous according to the invention that when the target temperature T _set1 is first reached, a mixing phase with a simultaneous or subsequent reheating phase is carried out to ensure that a uniform temperature is present when the water is pumped out. The mixing phase can be repeated until a defined number of times has been reached or the target temperature is in the desired range immediately after the mixing phase.

In contrast, when the method according to the invention is carried out continuously, the heated water is preferably discharged at the same time as the water is introduced and heated. It is preferred that, if necessary after a predetermined minimum amount M _set2 of heated water is present in the tub, the amount of water supplied is equal to the amount of water discharged. This enables the provision of warm water in an amount that is greater than the water absorption capacity of the washing machine or washer-dryer.

If the exact temperature is not important for reaching the final temperature, specifying a temperature range can allow new water to be added and water to be removed at the same time, especially when using valves with a relatively low water inflow.

The actual feasibility of continuous operation will depend on the heating power of the heating device, the predetermined temperature T _set1 and in particular on the speed of supply of cold water and discharge of heated water. Continuous operation is also understood here to mean the case where the supply of cold water and the discharge of heated water can be interrupted simultaneously for a short period of time in order to assist in heating the water to the predetermined temperature T _set1 .

A washing machine or washer-dryer can produce a relatively large amount of hot water, depending on the machine design, but usually up to around 45 - 60 L and in compliance with safety levels. However, the amount of water is limited due to geometric conditions. A user may therefore have to manage water sparingly, which for a shower, for example, means that the water supply is started, the user gets wet, interrupts the water supply, soaps themselves up and then starts the water supply for showering. In this application, the user is generally standing in the shower/bath and the washing machine may be far away. This makes operation quite cumbersome and may even be dangerous due to the wetness. Breaks enable the user to automatically set a time window for going to the shower/bath or soaping up, eliminating the need for cumbersome, manual and perhaps even dangerous operation.

It may be possible for the user to exclude a defined water volume from the planning in case the temperature is unexpectedly too high after mixing. Cold fresh water could then be used to mix until the target temperature is reached. If the water inlet temperature is known, the required water quantity can also be calculated.

1. (a) Auswählen eines Betriebsprogramms zur Durchführung des Verfahrens und Einstellen zumindest eines Programmparameters, mit welchem eine vorgegebene Wassermenge M_set1 und/oder eine vorgegebene Temperatur T = T_set1 des bereitzustellenden Wassers festgelegt wird;
2. (b) Einleiten von Wasser in den Laugenbehälter durch die Wasserzuleitung;
3. (c) Erhitzen des eingefüllten Wassers mit der Heizeinrichtung während des Einleitens oder nach dem Einleiten von Wasser; und
4. (d) Beenden des Erhitzens und/oder Ableiten des erhitzten Wassers bei Vorliegen einer vorgegebenen Wassermenge M_set1 im Laugenbehälter und/oder Erreichen einer vorgegebenen Temperatur T = T_set1.

The invention also relates to a washing machine or a washer-dryer with a tub, a drum, a drive motor for the drum, a pump which is connected to the tub via a tub drain channel, a heating device, a valve in a water supply line, a control device, a temperature sensor for determining a temperature T in the tub, and a measuring device for determining the amount of water filled in, wherein the control device is set up to carry out a method which includes the following steps:

1. (a) selecting an operating program for carrying out the method and setting at least one program parameter with which a predetermined water quantity M _set1 and/or a predetermined temperature T = T _set1 of the water to be provided is determined;
2. (b) introducing water into the tub through the water supply line;
3. (c) heating the filled water with the heating device during or after the introduction of water; and
4. (d) terminating the heating and/or discharging the heated water when a predetermined amount of water M _set1 is present in the tub and/or a predetermined temperature T = T _set1 is reached.

In a preferred embodiment, the washing machine or washer-dryer, in particular the control device is further configured to carry out a further step (e) in which a verification that the drum (3) does not contain any laundry items takes place before step (b), wherein steps (b) to (d) are only carried out if an empty drum is verified, and otherwise an indication of a non-empty drum is generated.

To carry out step (e), the motor-drum control unit 9 can additionally comprise a device for verifying whether there are items of laundry in the drum. To do this, the drum can be briefly rotated before water is introduced into the drum, the motor parameters can be recorded and compared with predetermined values for an empty drum. In alternative embodiments, the washing machine or washer-dryer can also comprise other devices for determining an empty drum, in particular a load measuring device, such as a scale, and/or an optical detection device, such as a camera, for detecting the contents of the drum.

In a preferred embodiment, a filter is arranged in the tub drain channel of the washing machine or washer-dryer.

In a further preferred embodiment, an electrically controllable three-way valve is arranged in the detergent container drain channel of the washing machine or washer-dryer, from which a drainage channel for detergent solution and a removal channel branch off.

It is further preferred according to the invention that the pump used is a speed-controlled pump. This enables improved control of the discharge of the heated water.

A washing machine or a washer-dryer that can be used according to the invention should preferably be able to hold a large amount of water. A resulting high water level should be measured and can be distinguished from an impending overflow, e.g. due to a blocked valve. The door complex (door, cuff, front panel) should withstand the water pressure of the large amount of water and remain tight. Depending on the desired temperatures of the heated water, care should be taken to ensure that touchable surfaces are thermally shielded in such a way that temperatures that are too high do not occur there, despite the large amounts of water and the resulting high thermal heat capacity. This has the advantage that a method and a washing device can be provided which, by using the methods and devices included in the washing device, comply with the safety regulations for electrical devices for domestic use, for example IEC/EN 60335-2-7 & IEC/EN 60335-2-11, without having to take additional measures.

The washing machine or the washer-dryer according to the invention generally have, among the executable programs, an additional program item for the production or provision of warm water.

For this purpose, the washing machine or washer-dryer generally has a stationary, generally attached to the washing machine, and/or mobile input and display unit with which a possible program and parameter selection can be made and with which the selected treatment programs and parameters set therein such as temperature, continuous or batch operation, etc., adjustable outputs for hot water output such as time, quantities and pauses can be shown on a display of the input and display unit.

The additional program could, for example, be offered on a rotary selector of a washing machine or washer-dryer under “additional programs” on the device and/or in an app or as a download.

For example, the drain hose that is usually present can be used to drain the heated water, which can then be positioned appropriately by the user if necessary. However, special connections or adapters can also be used to drain the warm water. For example, a connection with a ½ inch thread in the device could make it possible to connect a shower hose and shower head directly. The connection could be made directly on the drain hose or using an adapter. An adapter with an interface adapted to the pump hose on one side and the standard thread of a commercially available shower head thread or shower hose thread on the other side can be used. The adapter must have a force-fit connection to the drain hose (e.g. union with screw clamp, clamping device, screw connection, etc.). A shower head with an interface adapted to the drain hose can of course also be used. Hose extensions are possible.

The invention has numerous advantages. The invention can help the user in an awkward situation by allowing him to prepare a large amount of hot water by using a washing machine as an additional added value. The invention offers an easy-to-implement option for a hot water supply when the usual hot water supply is disrupted or interrupted. A conventional washing machine can also be subsequently extended to include a boiler/shower function in order to carry out the method according to the invention. In its simplest form, the method according to the invention can be implemented without additional material costs and can therefore also be retrofitted.

Mechanical extensions (shower head, extensions) can also be flexibly uninstalled. Thus, in preferred embodiments and with the optional use of parts of the device or an accessory that are specially adapted to this use, the value for a user can be increased.

Furthermore, the invention is particularly valuable in regions where interruptions in the hot water supply often occur, as well as in regions affected by natural disasters and the associated restrictions on hot water preparation. In embodiments, water sources other than a domestic water supply can also be used for this purpose.

Finally, the process can be conveniently carried out as an additional program in an internal or external, in particular mobile, input and display unit of the washing machine or washer-dryer.

• 1 zeigt in einer nicht einschränkenden Ausführungsform eine zur Durchführung des erfindungsgemäßen Verfahrens geeignete Waschmaschine.
• 2 zeigt eine mobile Eingabe- und Anzeigeeinheit, hier ein Smartphone, mit einem Menü, in welchem die Möglichkeit zur reinen Bereitung von Warmwasser angegeben ist.
• 3 zeigt ebenfalls eine mobile Eingabe- und Anzeigeeinheit, hier ein Smartphone, wobei ein Untermenü mit detaillierten Eingabe- und Informationsmöglichkeiten für den Unterpunkt des Menüs Bereitung von Warmwasser angezeigt ist.
• 4 zeigt ein Ablaufschema für eine Ausführungsform des erfindungsgemäßen Verfahrens.

The invention is illustrated below by means of a non-limiting embodiment for a washing machine according to the invention, reference being made to the 1 to 4 .

• 1 shows, in a non-limiting embodiment, a washing machine suitable for carrying out the method according to the invention.
• 2 shows a mobile input and display unit, here a smartphone, with a menu in which the option for pure hot water preparation is indicated.
• 3 also shows a mobile input and display unit, here a smartphone, with a submenu with detailed input and information options for the sub-item of the menu Preparation of hot water.
• 4 shows a flow chart for an embodiment of the method according to the invention.

1 shows a non-limiting embodiment of a washing machine 1 according to the invention. The washing machine 1 of 1 has a tub 2 in which a drum 3 is rotatably mounted and can be driven by the drive motor 5. For improved ergonomics, the axis of rotation 19 of the drum 3 is directed upwards at a small angle (e.g. 13°) from the horizontal, so that the user of the washing machine 1 has easier access and insight into the interior of the drum 3. This arrangement, in conjunction with drivers 14 and scooping devices 17 for the water to be heated on the inner surface of the drum shell, also achieves improved mixing of the water 7 in order to achieve an even temperature distribution therein.

The washing machine 1 also has a water supply system which comprises a water connection fitting for the domestic water network 20, an electrically controllable valve 21 and a supply line 13 to the tub 2, which can optionally also be guided via a detergent dispenser tray 12, from which the incoming water can transport detergent portions into the tub 2 in a washing process not provided for in the invention. In addition, the tub 2 contains a heating device 16 for heating water 7 according to the invention. The valve 21 and the heating device 16 can be controlled by a control device 8 depending on a program flow chart which can be linked to a time program and/or to the achievement of certain measured values of parameters such as water level, water temperature, drum speed, etc. within the washing machine 1. 9 means a motor-drum control unit which can determine and store in particular the drum speed ω _T , the drive current value I _AT and a drum rotation period Δt _T .

Furthermore, the motor-drum control unit 9 can additionally comprise a device for verifying whether there are items of laundry in the drum 3 or be designed to carry out this. For this purpose, the drum 3 can be briefly rotated before water is introduced into it, the motor parameters can be recorded and compared with predetermined values for an empty drum stored in the control unit 9. In alternative embodiments, the washing machine 1 can also comprise other devices for determining an empty drum, in particular load measuring devices, such as a scale (not shown), and/or optical detection devices (not shown), such as a camera, the measured values of which can be evaluated by the control unit 8 as a means of verifying that there are no items of laundry in the drum 3.

6 means a pressure sensor, ie a sensor for measuring the hydrostatic pressure, in the tub 2. The hydrostatic Pressure p results from the water level 7 in the suds container 2.

In addition, the washing machine 1 of the embodiment shown here comprises a measuring device 15 for determining the amount of water filled, e.g. a water meter or a flow meter. In the case of a flow meter, the amount of water flowing in is calculated in conjunction with a recorded filling time. The flow can also be determined by measuring the time until a predetermined level is reached, which corresponds to a certain amount of water.

11 means an input and display unit attached to the washing machine 1, with which, for example and in particular, a running of a program according to the invention including the predetermined process parameters can be displayed.

18 means a pump, which is in particular a speed-controlled pump, for pumping the water 7 out of the suds container 2. For this purpose, the pump 18 is arranged in the suds container drainage channel 23. The pump 18 is connected to the control device 8. The control device 8 is set up here to monitor the power consumption P of the pump 18, to determine the drive current value I _A and to regulate the speed ω _P of the pump 18, but can also be designed in a simpler manner.

1. (a) Auswählen eines Betriebsprogramms zur Durchführung des Verfahrens und Einstellen zumindest eines Programmparameters, mit welchem eine vorgegebene Wassermenge M_set1 und/oder eine vorgegebene Temperatur T = T_set1 des bereitzustellenden Wassers festgelegt wird;
2. (b) Einleiten von Wasser 7 in den Laugenbehälter 2 durch die Wasserzuleitung 20;
3. (c) Erhitzen des eingefüllten Wassers 7 mit der Heizeinrichtung 16 während des Einleitens oder nach dem Einleiten von dem Wasser 7;
4. (d) Beenden des Erhitzens und/oder Ableiten des erhitzten Wassers 7 bei Vorliegen einer vorgegebenen Wassermenge M_set im Laugenbehälter und/oder Erreichen einer vorgegebenen Temperatur T = T_set1.

In the 1 In particular, a method can be carried out in the washing machine 1 shown, which includes the following steps:

1. (a) selecting an operating program for carrying out the method and setting at least one program parameter with which a predetermined water quantity M _set1 and/or a predetermined temperature T = T _set1 of the water to be provided is determined;
2. (b) introducing water 7 into the tub 2 through the water supply line 20;
3. (c) heating the filled water 7 with the heating device 16 during or after the introduction of the water 7;
4. (d) terminating the heating and/or draining off the heated water 7 when a predetermined amount of water M _set is present in the tub and/or a predetermined temperature T = T _set1 is reached.

A user of the washing machine 1 or the washer-dryer 1 can select an operating program A1 for the provision of warm water 7 from a number of different working or operating programs, as shown in 2 The individual operating programs and their associated program parameters A2 to A6 are stored in a memory (not shown) of the control device 8. 2 shows a smartphone as a non-limiting mobile input and display unit 28. A program menu with specific work programs for a washing machine 1 is shown. The method according to the invention is listed as an additional work program or operating program under additional programs. This is referred to herein as "hot water boiler" (see "A1").

3 also shows a mobile control and display unit 28, here a smartphone, where a submenu with detailed input and information options for the sub-item Preparation of hot water of the menu is displayed. This special program generally allows the provision of considerably larger quantities of water, depending on the machine construction, but usually up to approx. 45 - 60 L and while maintaining a maximum level of safety (see point A7 in 3 ). The water output can be divided into several sub-steps (see point A3). Depending on the user interface (panel type or app design), the water quantities can be selected in stages or continuously within the technical and geometric possibilities (see points A4 and A6). Depending on the user interface (panel type or app design), more targeted temperature levels than the conventional ones can be offered for direct use for laundry treatment, e.g. precise gradations between 34 °C and 45 °C (see point A2). The pause duration (see point A5) and the pause time, either temporally or based on the water volume (see point A4), can also be set.

4 shows a flow chart for an embodiment of the method according to the invention, in which the further method steps S1 to S4.1 are described.

When carrying out the program A1 according to the invention, the predetermined amount of water M _set1 is let into the tub 2 (see step S1) and heated to the target temperature T _set1 (see step S2) using the heating device 16. Once the target temperature T _set1 is reached, the target temperature T _set1 is maintained until the heated water 7 is dispensed and/or until a waiting time has elapsed (see step S3). During steps S2 and/or S3, in addition to mixing the heated water 7, the drum 3 can be moved at a low drum speed, for example at a speed of up to 60 revolutions per minute, or a pumping system can be used in can be put into operation. When the target temperature T _set1 is reached and/or after the waiting time has elapsed, a message is optionally issued (see step S3.1), for example by using the pre-activated rinse stop and displaying that it has been reached. In this non-restrictive embodiment, the user then positions the drain hose 27 or takes it in his hand and lets the program continue with the integrated, subsequent pumping (see step S4). The water temperature can be maintained by control technology until the pumping starts (see also step S3).

If the washing machine 1, as in 1 shown, comprises an electrically controllable three-way valve 24 in the tub drain channel 23, from which a discharge channel or the drain hose 27 for washing liquor and a removal channel 25 branch off, the user will position the removal channel 25 instead of the drain hose 27 and initiate the drainage of the warm water, ie the heated water 7, through the removal channel 25. At the end of the removal channel 25, a suitable adapter 26 for a device that uses the heated water 7 or a shower head can be attached.

The user can also start the pumping process with a fixed or adjustable delay, e.g. to position the drain hose to get into the shower/bathtub (see step S3).

The expiration of the delayed time can also be communicated optically or acoustically, e.g. as with the self-timer of cameras (see step S3.1 or S4.1).

The pumping process can also be started and paused via voice control in step S3 (see step S4). Breaks, e.g. when showering for shampooing and soaping, can also be set in advance by the user (see step S3.2). The achievement of a defined residual water volume (overall and/or per sub-step) can be communicated to the user acoustically and visually (see step S3.1).

In a 4 In an optional method step not shown, before step (b) a verification is carried out that the drum 3 does not contain any laundry items, whereby steps (b) to (d) are only carried out if an empty drum is verified, and otherwise an indication of a non-empty drum is generated. The indication is preferably displayed on a display unit 11 of the washing machine 1 or on a display unit of the smartphone 28. The user can then empty the drum 3 and start the program A1 again.

List of reference symbols

1

washing machine

2

Lye container

3

drum

5

Drive motor for the drum

6

Pressure sensor

7

Water for hot water production

8th

Control device

9

Engine drum control unit

10

Temperature sensor

11

(Local) input and display unit

12

(Detergent)Dispensing tray

13

Supply line to the suds container

14

Driver

15

Measuring device for determining the amount of water filled

16

Heating device

17

Scooping device

18

Pump for transporting water from the suds container

19

Rotation axis

20

Water supply, domestic water network, water supply

21

(electrically controlled) valve

23

Lye container drain channel

24

electrically controlled three-way valve

25

Extraction channel

26

Connection for a withdrawal unit

27

Drainage channel for washing solution; drain hose

28

(Mobile) input and display unit, e.g. smartphone, tablet computer

A1

Selectable work program “Hot water boiler”

A2

Setting point of the program parameter “Temperature levels”

A3

Setting point of the program parameter “Number of partial steps for water dispensing”

A4

Setting point of the program parameter “Water quantity to be dispensed in a sub-step”

A5

Setting point of the program parameter “Pause duration between sub-steps”

A6

Setting point of the program parameter “Total water quantity to be dispensed”

A7

Display of the maximum adjustable water quantity

S1

Adding a quantity of water

S2

Heating the amount of water introduced with or without additional mechanics to mix the water to be heated in order to achieve better heat distribution

S3

Waiting for water to be dispensed while maintaining the target water temperature with or without additional pause time

S3.1

Optional output of a message, e.g. in the form of a “countdown” sound

S3.2

Optional waiting for a pause period between two partial steps of water dispensing

S4

Water dispensing of a predetermined amount of water

S4.1

Optional output of a message, e.g. in the form of a “countdown” sound

QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list of documents listed 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 accepts no liability for any errors or omissions.

Cited patent literature

• CN 203403283 U [0005]
• CN 2321799 Y [0005]
• CN 86200128 U [0005]

Claims (15)

Method for the continuous or batch-wise provision of warm water (7) in a washing machine or a washer-dryer (1) with a suds container (2), a drum (3), a drive motor (5) for the drum (3), a pump (18) which is connected to the suds container (2) via a suds container drain channel (23), a heating device (16), a valve (21) in a water supply line (20), a control device (8), a temperature sensor (10) for determining a temperature T in the suds container (3), and a measuring device (15) for determining the amount of water filled in, the method comprising the following steps: (a) selecting an operating program for carrying out the method and setting at least one program parameter with which a predetermined amount of water M _set1 and/or a predetermined temperature T = T _set1 of the water (7) to be provided is determined; (b) introducing water (7) into the suds container (2) through the water supply line (20); (c) heating the filled water (7) with the heating device (16) during the introduction or after the introduction of water (7); (d) ending the heating and/or draining the heated water (7) when the predetermined amount of water M _set1 is present in the tub (2) and/or the predetermined temperature T = T _set1 is reached; and (e) in particular, verifying that the drum (3) does not contain any items of laundry takes place before step (b), wherein steps (b) to (d) are only carried out if an empty drum is verified, and otherwise an indication of a non-empty drum is generated. Procedure according to Claim 1 , characterized in that the heating of the water begins after the start of the introduction of water into the tub (2) when the heating device (16) is completely immersed in water, preferably when the amount of water in the tub (2) is just sufficient to touch the drum (3). Procedure according to Claim 1 or 2 , characterized in that the water is drained off through a suds container drainage channel (23) and then via the drainage channel (27) for washing suds. Procedure according to Claim 1 or 2 , characterized in that an electrically controllable three-way valve (24) is arranged in the suds container drain channel (23), from which a discharge channel (27) for washing suds and a removal channel (25) branch off and the method in step (d) is carried out by discharging the heated water through the removal channel (25). Procedure according to one of the Claims 1 until 4 , characterized in that a filter is arranged in the lye container drain channel (23). Method according to one of the Claims 1 until 5 , characterized in that in step (d) when a predetermined amount of water M _set1 is present in the tub, which has the predetermined temperature T = T _set1 , the heating device (16) is switched off and the heated water is drained off in one or more drainage steps. Procedure according to Claim 6 , characterized in that before a first derivation step and/or between subsequent derivation steps, time pauses of predetermined length Δt _i , which may be the same or different, are provided. Procedure according to one of the Claims 1 until 7 , characterized in that for mixing the heated water the drum (3) is moved at a drum speed of up to 60 revolutions per minute or a pumping system is put into operation. Procedure according to Claim 8 , characterized in that the mixing of the heated water is only carried out when a difference between T _set1 and T _ber exceeds a predetermined value ΔT _lim , where T _ber is theoretically calculated on the basis of the amount of water flowing in, the initial temperature T _start , the heat capacity of water and of parts of the washing machine or washer-dryer in contact with the water, and the heating energy supplied. Method according to one of the Claims 1 until 4 , characterized in that for continuous hot water preparation the heated water is drained off during the introduction and heating of the water. Procedure according to Claim 10 , characterized in that, if necessary after the presence of a predetermined minimum quantity M _set2 of heated water, the amount of water supplied is equal to the amount of water discharged. Washing machine or washer-dryer (1) with a suds container (2), a drum (3), a drive motor (5) for the drum (3), a pump (18) which is connected to the suds container (2) via a suds container drain channel (23), a heating device (16), a valve (21) in a water supply line (20), a control device (8), a temperature sensor (10) for determining a temperature T in the suds container (3), and a measuring device (15) for determining the amount of water filled, wherein the control device (8) is set up to carry out a method which includes the following steps: (a) selecting an operating program for carrying out the method and setting at least one program parameter with which a predetermined amount of water M _set1 and/or a predetermined temperature T = T _set1 of the water (7) to be provided is set; (b) introducing water (7) into the suds container (2) through the water supply line (20); (c) heating the filled water (7) with the heating device (16) during the introduction or after the introduction of water (7); (d) ending the heating and/or draining off the heated water (7) when the predetermined amount of water M _set1 is present in the suds container (2) and/or the predetermined temperature T = T _set1 is reached; and (e) in particular, verifying that the drum (3) does not contain any laundry items is performed prior to step (b), wherein steps (b) to (d) are only performed if an empty drum is verified and otherwise an indication of a non-empty drum is generated. Washing machine or washer dryer (1) after Claim 12 , characterized in that a filter is arranged in the lye container drain channel (23). Washing machine or washer dryer (1) after Claim 12 or 13 , characterized in that an electrically controllable three-way valve (24) is arranged in the tub drain channel (23), from which a drainage channel (27) for washing liquor and a removal channel (25) branch off Water-conducting household appliance (1) according to one of the Claims 12 until 14 , characterized in that the pump (18) is a speed-controlled pump.

Images