EP2207929B1 - Method for operating a rinsing liquid device in a household appliance for cleaning pieces of laundry, and rinsing liquid device - Google Patents

Description

The invention relates to a method for operating a domestic appliance for the care of laundry items comprising a rinsing liquid device in which the condensate generated during a care process is collected as rinsing liquid in a rinsing and operating phase specific for removing lint from a heat exchanger of a heat pump of the domestic appliance is passed through this. Furthermore, the invention relates to a domestic appliance for the care of laundry with a corresponding rinsing liquid device.

Such a method and such a household appliance are from the DE 37 38 031 C2 known. The condensate used for rinsing is then pumped by a pump into a high-level condensate collection tank. Instead, it can also be promoted to a local sewer.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a method for operating a rinsing liquid device and a corresponding domestic appliance for the care of items of laundry, in each of which the disposal of the liquid generated during operation of the domestic appliance can be situation-specific improved.

This object is achieved by a method comprising the features of claim 1, and a domestic appliance having the features of claim 11.

In the method according to the invention for operating a domestic appliance for the care of items of laundry comprising a rinsing liquid device in which the condensate generated during a care process is collected as rinsing liquid in a rinsing and operating phase specific for removing lint from a heat exchanger of a heat pump of the domestic appliance is passed through this. Depending on a specific type of connection of the rinsing liquid device, the rinsing liquid passed through the heat exchanger for the purpose of liquid disposal is automatically directed into a collecting container of the rinsing liquid device or into an external sewage system. In addition, will initialized the first time the flushing liquid device, the connection type and stored in a control unit of the device and the household appliance.

Depending on the location and the associated environmental conditions, the flushing device of the domestic appliance can thus be connected to either an external sewer system, if available and the domestic appliance positioned accordingly, or an internal collection of the flushing liquid in the Spülflüssigkeitseinrichtung can be ensured if such a connection to the sewage system is not possible. Especially with a tumble dryer or washer-dryer, which has a heat pump, a highly flexible concept for liquid disposal can be made possible with such a flushing liquid device.

Under a first startup, the situation is understood in each case when the rinsing liquid device and thus also the home appliance was set up at a new specific location and should be put into operation there. Since in this context, in principle, always first to clarify whether a connection to an external sewer system is possible or not, with the clarification of this question is also determined how the further mode of operation with regard to the liquid disposal should take place. This must then be correspondingly initialized before performing a first care process after setting up at a new specific location.

Preferably, the initialization is performed by a specific operation of at least one operating element of the domestic appliance. The device control of a domestic appliance thus contains at the first start-up information about the connection type selected by the user, this information being provided by a simultaneous or successive specific operation. This initialization remains predetermined until the type of connection is changed by a user and this is in turn initialized to the control unit.

Preferably, the overflowing from the filled rinse tank condensate is passed into the sump. The rinsing container is thus arranged in particular in the collecting container such that the collecting container virtually serves as an overflow basin for the rinsing container. This can provide a highly functional fluid collection device be created, which on the one hand provides sufficient rinsing liquid available and beyond, however, effectively collects the unneeded amount that the further collection and collection system of the rinsing liquid device, in particular a provided for liquid accumulation bottom group of the domestic appliance or the rinsing liquid device does not overflow.

Preferably, the rinsing liquid, that is, the condensate collected in the sump, is directed into a trap of the external sewer system when the rinse liquid is connected to the external sewer system. An effective discharge of the no longer required condensate or the rinsing liquid can be done easily and with little effort, if a connection of the rinsing liquid device is given to the external sewer system. By the derivation into the trap, which is also arranged as a siphon or odor trap, for example under a sink, this can also be done space-saving and hygienic.

Preferably, a closure, in particular a closure arranged at the lowest point of the collecting container, of the collecting container is opened during the first start-up of the rinsing liquid device when the rinsing liquid device is connected to the external sewage system for the purpose of condensate removal for the outlet of the condensate collected in the collecting container. In particular, this closure is manually opened by a user of the device or device once and this closure then remains open in the future. As a result, an independent emptying of the collecting container can always be guaranteed. This also ensures that no liquid residues remain in the sump, which is particularly advantageous because in a connection type, in which the rinsing liquid device is connected to an external sewer system, the user of the device, the condensate tank, comprising the washing container and the collecting container no longer emptied and not removed from the facility.

Also with regard to this, high hygienic requirements can be taken into account.

Preferably, the rinsing liquid is passed after passing through the heat exchanger into the collecting container when the rinsing liquid device for Condensate discharge is not connected to the external sewer system. Even if a compressor heat pump dryer can not be connected to an external sewer system due to the circumstances, yet the collection of no longer required condensate or no longer required rinsing liquid can be done reliably and hygienically. In such an embodiment, the condensate container is then removed from the rinsing liquid device in the wake of the care process and the liquid disposal then takes place by the user of the device or of the device.

Preferably, the rinsing liquid is passed after passing through the heat exchanger in the bottom group of the domestic appliance, and from there, depending on the type of connection of the rinsing liquid automatically directed into the external sewer system or into the sump.

Preferably, the level rising in the bottom group due to the inflowing liquid from the washing container and the collecting container is detected and the liquid collected in the bottom group is only diverted when a filling level threshold value is reached. As a result, an operation optimization of the rinsing liquid device or of a domestic appliance can be achieved. In addition, overflowing of the underbody can be effectively prevented. In particular, a corresponding sensor system can be provided for detecting the fill level.

The rinsing of the heat exchanger is preferably carried out at least twice, wherein after the first rinsing the rinsing liquid conducted through the heat exchanger is returned to the rinsing container, and only after the last rinsing cycle the rinsing liquid depends on the type of connection of the rinsing liquid device in the collecting container or in the external sewage system is directed. The effectiveness of the rinsing process can be improved by the multiple use of the rinsing liquid and beyond the disposal of the then no longer required rinsing liquid and the condensate can be effectively ensured.

Preferably, the liquid collected in the underbody is pumped into the purge tank until the number of purge cycles is completed, and after flushing the heat exchanger, upon reaching the level threshold in the purge cycle Soil group pumped the liquid collected in the traps of the sewer system when the flushing liquid means for condensate disposal is connected to the sewer system. This procedure also contributes to the optimization of the purging and disposal processes, in particular in the case of a compressor heat pump drier.

In a domestic appliance according to the invention for the care of laundry items comprising a rinsing liquid device with which generated during a care process condensate as rinsing liquid in a rinsing container collectable and operating phase specific for removing lint from a heat exchanger of a heat pump of the domestic appliance through this is conductive depending on a specific type of connection Rinsing liquid means the rinsing liquid passed through the heat exchanger for liquid disposal automatically in a collecting container of the rinsing liquid device or in an external sewer system routable, and additionally at the first start of the rinsing liquid device, the connection type can be initialized and stored in a control unit.

By this embodiment of the device, a highly flexible system for flushing the heat pump of the domestic appliance on the one hand and to dispose of the liquid no longer needed on the other hand be made possible.

Preferably, the condensate can be collected in a rinsing container of the rinsing liquid device, which is arranged at least partially in the collecting container, such that the liquid overflowing from the rinsing container automatically runs into the collecting container.

Advantageous embodiments of the method according to the invention are to be regarded as advantageous embodiments of the domestic appliance according to the invention.

An embodiment of the invention will be explained in more detail with reference to a schematic drawing. The single FIGURE shows a domestic appliance for the care of laundry with a rinsing liquid device.

The household appliance for the care of items of laundry is a compressor heat pump dryer, which is hereinafter referred to as dryer 1. The dryer 1 comprises a rinsing liquid device 2 with a condensate container 3. The condensate container 3 comprises a collecting container 4 and a arranged therein Rinsing container 5. The rinsing container 5 is positioned in the collecting container 4 so that, in the event of an overflow of the rinsing container 5, overflowing liquid automatically runs into the collecting container 4.

In the collecting container 4, a closure 6 is formed at its lowest point. The rinsing container 5 comprises an outlet, on which a line 7 is arranged, which leads to a heat exchanger 8. The heat exchanger 8 is associated with the heat pump of the dryer 1.

At the lower end of the condensate tank 3, a nozzle 9 is arranged, on which a return hose 10 is attached. In addition, a pump 12 is arranged in the bottom group 11, which is connected via a line 13 with a valve 14, in particular a solenoid valve. In addition, in the bottom group 11, a sensor 15 for detecting the level of the liquid in the bottom group 11 is arranged. The pump 12, the valve 14 and the sensor 15 are connected to an electronic control unit 16. In addition, the control unit 16 is connected to an operating unit 17 of the dryer 1, wherein the operating unit 17 preferably has a plurality of operating elements.

In the embodiment shown, an external sewage system is present in the immediate vicinity of the installation location of the dryer 1 and thus also of the rinsing liquid device 2. Therefore, the solenoid valve 14 is connected via a line 18 to a trap 21 of the external sewer system 19. The trap 21 is arranged under a sink 20. Furthermore, the rinsing liquid device 2 has a line 22 from the valve 14 to the collecting container 4, on the one hand, and to the rinsing container 5, on the other hand.

The operation of the dryer 1 and the rinsing liquid device 2 will be explained below. The dryer 1 is placed at its installation in the immediate vicinity of the sink 20 and the trap 21. Due to the local conditions in the building, especially the apartment or a house, this is possible.

The user of the dryer 1 thus includes the line 18 to the trap 21 and it is thus selected a connection in which the rinsing liquid means 2 is connected to the external sewer system 19.

In order to communicate this to the dryer 1 and also the rinsing liquid device 2 for their further operation with regard to the liquid disposal, this type of connection is initialized. For this purpose, a specific actuation of at least one operating element of the operating unit 17 is performed before the first startup of the dryer 1 and after the connection of the line 18 to the trap 21. By this specific type of operation, the control unit 16 recognizes the connection type. This information is stored in the control unit 16, in particular a memory unit of the control unit 16, and is used as the basis for the further operation until a new initialization has taken place.

By the type of connection to the external sewer system 19 was selected by the user of the dryer 1, in the subsequent care processes automatically after the flushing process of the heat exchanger 8 is no longer needed rinsing liquid and also collected in the reservoir 4 condensate on the bottom group 11, the pump 12, the line 13 and the valve 14 via the line 18 into the trap 21 derived.

If the dryer 1 is put into operation after the connection shown and the initialization and a corresponding care process is performed, then a condensate is generated, which is first introduced into the washing compartment 5. If, in this connection, the amount of condensate produced exceeds the capacity of the washing container 5, it automatically overflows and the overflowing condensate is collected in the collecting container 4 or runs off into the bottom group 11 via the closure 6 and the return hose 10. The closure 10 is manually opened by the user before the first startup.

Depending on the operating phase, the condensate collected in the rinsing container 5 is then passed through it as rinsing liquid for the heat exchanger 8 in order to be able to remove the lint collected in the heat exchanger 8. The rinsing liquid emerging from the heat exchanger 8 is then also passed into the bottom group 11 and collected there.

If the rinsing process for the heat exchanger 8 is provided so that not only a single pass is provided with rinsing liquid, but at least two rinsing cycles are to take place, the liquid collected in the bottom group 11 via the pump 12, the line 13, the valve 14 and the line 22 are pumped back into the washing 5.

If the repeated passage of the rinsing liquid through the heat exchanger 8 is completed and thus the rinsing process is completed, the liquid then collected in the bottom group 11 is not pumped back into the rinsing container 5. This whole process is controlled by the control unit 16. With the last time the flushing liquid through the heat exchanger 8 then the flushing process is completed, which is detected by the control unit 16.

In addition, after reaching a filling level threshold value in the bottom group 11, which is detected by the sensor 15, the liquid is pumped out of the bottom group 11 via the line 18 into the trap 21.

In a connection type shown in the figure with a direct connection to the external sewer system 19 can also be ensured that the washing compartment 5 and in particular the collecting container 4 at the end of the care process are always empty, since the collecting container 4 through the opening on the closure 6 completely is emptied and thus no more Kondensatreste remain in it. The condensate tank 3 must therefore not be removed by the user of the dryer 1 for cleaning or emptying.

Due to the design of the condensate container 3 with the collecting container 4 and the washing container 5 arranged therein, an effective overflow functionality can be ensured, whereby the limited capacity of the floor assembly 11 can be accommodated.

If the dryer 1 is placed in a place where a direct connection to the external sewer system 19 is not possible, and thus the line 18 can not be realized can also be initialized before the first commissioning. This can be done analogously to the procedure as explained above.

In contrast to the liquid disposal, as has been explained for the illustration in the figure, the liquid collected in the bottom group 11 is then pumped via the line 22 into the collecting container 4 in such a connection after the end of the rinsing process. In such a connection without a direct connection to the external sewer system 19, the shutter 6 is closed. At the end of the care process, the condensate tank 3 is then removed from the rinsing liquid device 2 and thus also from the drier 1 and a corresponding disposal carried out.

Claims (12)

1. Method for operating a household appliance (1) for cleaning pieces of laundry comprising a rinsing liquid device (2), in which the condensate generated during a cleaning process is collected as rinsing liquid in a rinsing container (5) and is guided specific to the operating phase for removing lint from a heat exchanger (8) of a heat pump of the household appliance (1) through said heat pump, characterised in that as a function of a specific connection type of the rinsing liquid device (2), the rinsing liquid guided through the heat exchanger (8) is automatically guided into a collection container (4) of the rinsing liquid device (2) or into an external waste water system (19) for liquid disposal purposes and that by a specific actuation of at least one operating element of the household appliance the connection type is initialised and stored in a control unit (16) during the initial commissioning of the rinsing liquid device (2).
2. Method according to claim 1, characterised in that the initialisation is implemented by a specific actuation of at least one control element (17) of the household appliance (1).
3. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the condensate overflowing out of the filled washing container (5) runs into the collection container (4).
4. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the rinsing liquid and the condensate collected in the collection container (4) is guided into a trap (21) of the external waste water system (19), if the rinsing liquid device (2) is connected to the external waste water system (19).
5. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that a closure (6), in particular a closure arranged on the lowest point in the collection container (4), of the collection container (4) is opened during the initial commissioning of the rinsing liquid device (2) in order to drain the condensate collected in the collection container (4), if the rinsing liquid device (2) is connected to the external waste water system (19) for condensate disposal purposes.
6. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the rinsing liquid is guided into the collection container (4) after passing through the heat exchanger (8), if the rinsing liquid device (2) is not connected to the external waste water system (19) for liquid disposal purposes.
7. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the rinsing liquid is guided into the floor assembly (11) of the household appliance (1) after passing through the heat exchanger (8) and is automatically guided from there into the external waste water system (19) or collection container (4) as a function of the connection type of the rinsing liquid device (2).
8. Method according to claim 7, characterised in that the fill level increasing in the floor assembly (11) as a result of the inflowing liquid from the rinsing container (5) and the collection container (4) is detected and the liquid collected in the floor assembly (11) is only drained when a fill level threshold value is reached.
9. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the rinsing of the heat exchanger (8) is carried out at least twice, with, after the first rinsing process, the rinsing liquid guided through the heat exchanger (8) being guided back into the rinsing container (5), and the rinsing liquid being guided into the collection container (4) or into the external waste water system (19) only after the last rinsing cycle as a function of the connection type of the rinsing liquid device (2).
10. Method according to claim 8 and 9, characterised in that the liquid collected in the floor assembly (11) is pumped into the rinsing container (5) until the number of rinsing cycles is terminated and the liquid collected in the floor assembly (11) after rinsing the heat exchanger (8) is pumped into the trap (21) of the waste water system (19) once the fill level threshold value in said floor assembly (11) has been reached, if the rinsing liquid device (2) is connected to the waste water system (19) for condensate disposal purposes.
11. Household appliance (1) for cleaning pieces of laundry comprising a rinsing liquid device (2), with which condensate generated during a cleaning process is collected as rinsing liquid in a rinsing container (5) and is guided specific to the operating phase for removing lint from a heat exchanger (8) of a heat pump of the household appliance (1) through said heat pump, characterised in that the rinsing liquid guided through the heat exchanger (8) is automatically guided into a collection container (4) of the rinsing liquid device (2) or into an external waste water system (19) for liquid disposal purposes as a function of a specific connection type of the rinsing liquid device (2) and that the connection type can be initialised and stored in a control unit (16) during the initial commissioning of the rinsing liquid device (2).
12. Household appliance (1) according to claim 11, characterised in that the condensate can be collected in a rinsing container (5), which is arranged at least in regions in the collection container (4), so that liquid overflowing from the rinsing container (5) automatically runs into the collection container (4).

Images