EP2199451B1 - Water-guiding household appliance with venturi pump and device assembly with such a household appliance - Google Patents

Description

The invention relates to a water-conducting domestic appliance, in particular laundry treatment appliance for washing and / or drying of laundry, with a treatment tank and a water supply strand through which water can be guided into the treatment tank, and a device arrangement with such a water-bearing domestic appliance. Specifically, the invention relates to the field of washing machines, tumble dryers and washer dryers.

From the EP 1 209 275 A2 is a washing machine known. The known washing machine has a drum-shaped tub, in which a laundry drum is rotatably mounted about a horizontal axis. The tub can be fed via a line, a solenoid valve and a Waschmitteleinspüleinrichtung water.

The from the EP 1 209 275 A2 known washing machine has the disadvantage that for carrying out a washing program, a relatively large amount of water is required.

Out WO 2006/073885 A2 and from FR 2 410 697 A1 Washing devices are known in which a Venturi pump is used for the addition of additives such as rinse aid detergent or the like.

Out DE 34 08 136 A1 a drum dryer is known in which a Venturi tube is used to form a steam / water mist with extremely fine droplets.

Out EP 1 369 523 A1 is a device assembly of washing machine and dryer known, in the water that accumulates during the condensation process of the tumble dryer, can be passed into the washing machine.

The object of the invention is a water-conducting domestic appliance, which has a reduced water requirement, and a device arrangement with such a water-bearing To create home appliance.

The object is achieved by an inventive water-conducting domestic appliance, in particular a laundry treatment appliance for washing and / or drying laundry, according to claim 1.

Furthermore, a device arrangement with a corresponding water-conducting domestic appliance and a second water-conducting household appliance solution of the problem and thus the subject of the invention. In this device arrangement with a first water-bearing household appliance with a treatment tank and a water supply line through which water in the treatment tank is feasible, and a second water-conducting household appliance having a liquid container for storing the liquid medium, the water supply line to a Venturi pump, via a suction side of the Venturi pump at least one liquid Medium is sucked into the water supply line, a connection is provided in the first domestic appliance, to which the liquid container is connected, and the suction side of the Venturi pump is connected to the terminal.

The measures listed in the dependent claims advantageous developments of the household appliance according to the invention and the device arrangement according to the invention are possible, with advantageous developments of the household appliance advantageous developments of the device arrangement and vice versa, and this even if it is not otherwise explicitly stated herein.

Advantageously, a liquid container is provided, which serves for temporarily storing the liquid medium, wherein the liquid container is connected to the suction side of the Venturi pump. It is also advantageous that the liquid container is designed as a condensation water container.

The water-bearing domestic appliance can be designed for example as a washer-dryer. In this case, condensate water can be collected in the liquid container designed as a condensation water container during the drying of laundry. The water is temporarily stored in the liquid container. In a subsequent or subsequent washing process, the condensation water from the liquid container, the fresh water which is supplied via the water supply line to the treatment vessel, for example in a washing machine to the tub, are admixed. As a result, the amount of fresh water needed is reduced. However, the liquid container can also serve for storing additional media. As a result, auxiliaries, for example liquid detergents, can be admixed with the fresh water flowing in via the water supply line, wherein the auxiliary media is advantageously sucked by the venturi pump. Specifically, the Venturi pump is independent of an electric drive.

According to the invention, a connection is provided to which an external liquid container which serves to store the liquid medium can be connected, and in that the suction side of the venturi pump is connected to the connection. For example, the water-bearing domestic appliance can be configured as a washing machine. The external liquid container can be integrated into another water-conducting domestic appliance, namely a tumble dryer. By connecting the two home appliances, a device arrangement can be formed, which enables a saving of water.

According to the invention, the venturi pump has an axial suction bore and the suction side of the venturi pump is formed by the axial suction bore.

As a result, the liquid medium can be guided out of the liquid container without deflections in the Venturi pump. This results in an at least partially straight flow path without deflections, bottlenecks or other obstacles. This allows the suction of contaminated liquids, such as lint-containing condensed water. The problem of an accumulation of impurities and thus the addition of the Venturi pump can be prevented.

It is also advantageous that the Venturi pump has a tubular base body and a nozzle body, which is at least partially inserted into the tubular base body, and that the axial suction hole is formed in the nozzle body. Here, it is also advantageous that the Venturi pump has a concentric recess which is formed between the tubular base body and the nozzle body inserted into the tubular base body, and that the concentric recess of the Venturi pump is connected to an input side of the water supply line. Thus, the driving medium can be guided via an annular nozzle which is arranged concentrically to the suction hole. Since the fresh water is free of impurities, there is an advantageous suction effect on the liquid medium, in particular a lint-containing condensed water.

According to the invention, the tubular body of the Venturi pump has a axial through hole, wherein the axial through hole of the tubular body adjoins the axial outlet bore of the nozzle body.

Advantageously, an annular gap is formed between the nozzle body and the tubular base body, via which the concentric recess of the venturi pump is connected to the through-bore of the tubular base body. As a result, a straight flow path for the sucked liquid medium over the entire length of the Venturi pump is achieved. As a result, the problem of the attachment of impurities and thus the clogging of the Venturi pump by the design can be virtually eliminated.

Advantageously, a width of the annular gap is variable. Here, it is also advantageous that the nozzle body has an external thread, with which the nozzle body is screwed into a threaded bore of the tubular base body, and that over a screwing, with which the nozzle body is screwed into the tubular body, the width of the annular gap is adjustable. By the threaded connection, the axial position of the nozzle body can be adjusted to the main body. As a result, an operating point of the venturi pump can be adapted to the requirements or the conditions of the pipeline network for the fresh water. Here, a readjustment is possible in a simple manner. However, the axial position of the nozzle body to the tubular body can also be varied in other ways. It is also advantageous that the width of the annular gap is dynamically variable during operation.

• Fig. 1 ein wasserführendes Hausgerät in einer schematischen Darstellung.

In the device arrangement according to the invention, for example, a washing machine and a tumble dryer can be arranged together, so that the Venturi pump in the water supply line of the washing machine directs condensation water from the dryer. As a result, the condensed water is recycled and water can be saved. Preferred embodiments of the invention are explained in more detail in the following description with reference to the accompanying drawings. It shows:

• Fig. 1 a water-conducting household appliance in a schematic representation.

The water-bearing domestic appliance 1 according to FIG. 1 can form a device arrangement 3 together with another water-conducting household appliance 2. In this case, the domestic appliances 1 and 2 via a line 4, which is configured for example as a water pipe 4 and water hose 4, are interconnected. The household appliance 2 in this case has a liquid container 5, which is connected via the line 4 to the domestic appliance 1. The domestic appliance 1 in this case has a connection 6, to which the liquid container 5 can be connected by means of the line 4. In this case, the domestic appliance 1 can be configured, for example, as a washing machine, while the domestic appliance 2 is designed as a tumble dryer. However, the liquid container 5 may also be integrated into the domestic appliance 1. In such a case, the domestic appliance 1 can be designed, for example, as a washer-dryer and serve for washing and drying laundry.

The domestic appliance 1 has a water supply line 7. The water supply line 7 is connected via a check valve 8, in particular a faucet, with a line system. The water supply line 7 has a solenoid valve 9, a Venturi pump 10 and a flushing device 11. Via the solenoid valve 9 fresh water passes via the venturi pump 10 to the flushing device 11 in the flushing valve 8. For example, a laundry treatment agent, in particular a powdered detergent or a liquid detergent, can be provided in the flushing device 11, which, together with the water, can be present as a tub 12 configured treatment container 12 of the household appliance 1 passes. In the treatment container 12, for example, a drum may be arranged. The Venturi pump 10 is connected via a line 13 to the check valve 8. In this case, the solenoid valve 9 is arranged in the line 13.

The Venturi pump 10 has a tubular base body 15. The tubular base body 15 has an axial through bore 16. Furthermore, the venturi pump 10 has a nozzle body 17. At one end 18 of the main body 15, the axial through-bore 16 of the Venturi pump 10 is connected to the flushing device 11. The nozzle body 17 is inserted at a further end 19 of the main body 15 in this base body 15. For this purpose, the tubular base body 15 at the end 19 has an internal thread 20 and the nozzle body 17 has a corresponding external thread 21, and the nozzle body 17 is screwed with its external thread 21 into the internal thread 20 of the tubular base body 15. In this case, the nozzle body 17 is preferably only partially screwed into the base body 15, wherein an axial position of the nozzle body 17 with respect to the tubular base body 15 can be predetermined by a screw-in depth 22. Between the nozzle body 17 and the tubular body 15, an O-shaped sealing ring 23 is provided which is presently arranged in a groove of the nozzle body 17. By the sealing ring 23 between the nozzle body 17 and the tubular body 15 in the interior remaining concentric recess 24 of the Venturi 10 is sealed from the environment.

The recess 24 is formed between the main body 15 and the nozzle body 17 inserted into the main body 15, wherein the recess 24 is connected via a lateral bore 25 in the main body 15 to the conduit 13.

The lateral bore 25 is connected via the solenoid valve 9 to an input side 26 of the water supply line 7 and thus to the check valve 8.

The nozzle body 17 has an axial suction bore 30, through which a suction side 30 of the Venturi pump 10 is formed. The suction hole 30 discharges directly into the through hole 16 of the base body 15. Thus, a straight path through the suction bore 30 and the through hole 16 is formed by the venturi pump 10. In this way, a contaminated medium flowing from the liquid container 5 through the venturi pump 10, for example a lint-containing condensed water, can advantageously flow through the venturi pump 10 without the risk of the impurities from accumulating and thus clogging of the pump 10.

The nozzle body 17 has a nozzle outlet section 31. The suction bore 30 opens at the nozzle outlet portion 31 into the through hole 16 of the main body 15. Further, the nozzle outlet portion 31 separates the outlet bore 30 from the recess 24 of the main body 15. The nozzle outlet portion 31 is here designed thin-walled. In particular, the nozzle outlet section 31 tapers at least in sections in the direction of the end 18 of the Venturi pump 10. Between the nozzle outlet section 31 and the through-bore 16 and / or the recess 24, an annular gap 32 is formed. A width 33 of the annular gap 32 is variable via the axial position of the nozzle body 17 with respect to the base body 15. In the present case, the width 33 of the annular gap 32 can be adjusted by the screw-in depth 22. Here, a one-time or occasionally repeated adjustments are possible. As a result, the operating point of the Venturi pump 10 to the respective requirements be adjusted. In particular, adaptation to the conditions of the pipeline network, in particular a water pressure, is possible. Here, a readjustment or readjustment is possible in a simple manner.

However, it is also possible that there is an axial displaceability between the nozzle body 17 and the main body 15, which can be utilized for dynamic adjustment during operation. Instead of the screw-in depth 22, an insertion depth 22 is then varied. This can be done for example via a suitable actuator, in particular an electric motor drive. As a result, an adaptation to desired or given operating situations can be carried out continuously.

During operation of the domestic appliance 1 or the appliance arrangement 3 with the domestic appliances 1 and 2, the liquid container 5 serves for the temporary storage of a liquid medium, in particular a condensed water. For example, the liquid container 5 may be completely or partially filled with condensate after a drying process. If the domestic appliance 1 is now operated for washing laundry, fresh water is passed through the venturi pump 10 via the check valve 8 and the solenoid valve 9. This fresh water flows from the recess 24 of the venturi pump 10 via the annular gap 32 in the through hole 16. This results in a negative pressure in the suction bore 30 of the venturi 10. This allows the suction of condensate from the liquid container 5. The sucked condensed water passes through the suction hole 30 in the through hole 16, where it mixes with the fresh water and passes together with this through the flushing 11 into the treatment tank 12. This reduces the need for fresh water. In the condensate contained impurities, especially lint, the Venturi pump 10 can pass unhindered.

The venturi pump 10 is thus characterized by a high functionality, in particular resistance to contaminated liquids. It is particularly advantageous in this case that the fresh water serving as the driving medium is not guided centrally through the nozzle body 17, but over the recess 24 and the annular gap 32. In this case, an annular nozzle opening 32 is formed through the annular gap 32 through the nozzle exit section 31 and the recess 24.

The Venturi pump 10 also has the advantage that it works purely passive. There is thus no additional energy needed for pumping. Furthermore, a connection to a corresponding associated control or the like can be omitted. In addition, the Venturi pump 10 contains no moving parts, so that a high reliability over the life of the domestic appliance 1 and the device assembly 3 is ensured with the household appliances 1 and 2. In addition, the nozzle geometry can be changed in a simple manner by an axial adjustment of the nozzle body 17 with respect to the base body 15. This can be done over a wide range of adaptation to desired or given operating situations.

The invention is not limited to the described embodiments.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1, 2

Water-conducting household appliance

3

device arrangement

4

management

5

liquid container

6

connection

7

Water supply line

8th

check valve

9

magnetic valve

10

venturi pump

11

dispensing unit

12

container

13

management

15

tubular body

16

axial through-hole

17

nozzle body

18, 19

The End

20

inner thread

21

external thread

22

screw

23

seal

24

concentric recess

25

lateral hole

26

input side

30

axial suction hole

31

Nozzle exit section

32

annular gap

33

width

Claims (10)

1. Water-guiding household appliance (1), in particular laundry treatment device for washing and/or drying laundry, having a treatment container (12) and a water supply line (7) via which water can be guided into the treatment container (12), wherein the water supply line (7) has a Venturi pump (10), wherein at least one liquid medium can be sucked into the water supply line (7) via a suction side (30) of the Venturi pump (10), characterised in that the Venturi pump (10) has an axial suction bore (30) and that the suction side (30) of the Venturi pump (10) is formed by the axial suction bore (30), that the Venturi pump (10) has a tubular base body (15) and a nozzle body (17) which is at least partially inserted into the tubular base body (15), and that the axial suction bore (30) is formed in the nozzle body (17), that the tubular base body (15) of the Venturi pump (10) has an axial through-bore (16), and that the axial through-bore (16) of the tubular base body (15) is connected to the axial outlet bore (30) of the nozzle body (17), such that a straight flow path is achieved over the whole length of the Venturi pump (10) for the liquid medium that is sucked in.
2. Water-guiding household appliance (1) according to claim 1, characterised in that at least one liquid container (5) is provided for temporarily storing the liquid medium, and that the liquid container (5) is connected to the suction side (30) of the Venturi pump (10).
3. Water-guiding household appliance (1) according to claim 2, characterised in that the liquid container (5) is embodied as a condensation water container (5).
4. Water-guiding household appliance (1) according to claim 1, characterised in that a connection (6) is provided, to which an external liquid container (5) for storing the liquid medium can be connected, and that the suction side (30) of the Venturi pump (10) is connected to the connection (6).
5. Water-guiding household appliance (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the Venturi pump (10) has a concentric recess (24) which is formed between the tubular base body (15) and the nozzle body (17) inserted into the tubular base body (15), and that the concentric recess (24) of the Venturi pump (10) is connected to an inlet side (26) of the water supply line (7).
6. Water-guiding household appliance (1) according to claim 5, characterised in that an annular gap (32) is formed between the nozzle body (17) and the tubular base body (15), via which annular gap (32) the concentric recess (24) of the Venturi pump (10) is connected to the axial through-bore (16) of the tubular base body (15).
7. Water-guiding household appliance (1) according to claim 6, characterised in that a width (33) of the annular gap (32) is variable.
8. Water-guiding household appliance (1) according to claim 7, characterised in that the nozzle body (17) has an external thread (21) with which the nozzle body (17) is screwed into a threaded bore (20) of the tubular base body (15), and that the width (33) of the annular gap (32) can be adjusted via a screw-in depth (22) by which the nozzle body (17) is screwed into the tubular base body (15).
9. Device arrangement (3) having a first water-guiding household appliance (1) with a treatment container (12) and a water supply line (7), via which water can be guided into the treatment container (12), and a second water-guiding household appliance (2) which has a liquid container (5) for storing the liquid medium, characterised in that the water supply line (7) has a Venturi pump (10), wherein at least one liquid medium can be sucked into the water supply line via a suction side (30) of the Venturi pump (10), that a connection (6) is provided in the first household appliance (1), to which the liquid container (5) is connected, and that the suction side (30) of the Venturi pump (10) is connected to the connection (6), that the Venturi pump (10) has an axial suction bore (30) and that the suction side (30) of the Venturi pump is formed by the axial suction bore (30), that the Venturi pump (10) has a tubular base body (15) and a nozzle body (17) which is at least partially inserted into the tubular base body (15), and that the axial suction bore (30) is formed in the nozzle body (17), that the tubular base body (15) of the Venturi pump (10) has an axial through-bore (16), and that the axial through-bore (16) of the tubular base body (15) is connected to the axial outlet bore (30) of the nozzle body (17), such that a straight flow path is achieved over the whole length of the Venturi pump (10) for the liquid medium that is sucked in.
10. Device arrangement according to claim 9, characterised in that the first household appliance (1) is embodied as a washing machine (1), that the second household appliance (2) is embodied as a tumble dryer (2), and that the liquid container (5) is embodied as a condensation water container (5).

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