EP2325375B1 - Method for operating a washing machine and washing machine - Google Patents

Method for operating a washing machine and washing machine Download PDF

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Publication number
EP2325375B1
EP2325375B1 EP09401042.8A EP09401042A EP2325375B1 EP 2325375 B1 EP2325375 B1 EP 2325375B1 EP 09401042 A EP09401042 A EP 09401042A EP 2325375 B1 EP2325375 B1 EP 2325375B1
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EP
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Prior art keywords
washing machine
steam
operating
machine according
washing
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EP09401042.8A
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German (de)
French (fr)
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EP2325375A1 (en
Inventor
Christian Beckord
Dirk Sieding
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Miele und Cie KG
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Miele und Cie KG
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Priority to EP09401042.8A priority Critical patent/EP2325375B1/en
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    • D—TEXTILES; PAPER
    • D06—TREATMENT OF TEXTILES OR THE LIKE; LAUNDERING; FLEXIBLE MATERIALS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • D06F—LAUNDERING, DRYING, IRONING, PRESSING OR FOLDING TEXTILE ARTICLES
    • D06F35/00—Washing machines, apparatus, or methods not otherwise provided for
    • D06F35/005—Methods for washing, rinsing or spin-drying
    • D06F35/008—Methods for washing, rinsing or spin-drying for disinfecting the tub or the drum

Definitions

  • the previously known washing machine comprises a lye container for receiving washing liquid, a drum rotatably disposed within the lye container, a water inlet device, a discharge device and a steam generating device.
  • the steam generating device is activated and the heated steam supplied to the drum or the tub.
  • the invention has for its object to provide a method for operating a washing machine, which reliably meets increased hygienic requirements.
  • the inventive method is characterized in that the sterilization of a washing machine with a steam generating device is improved in a simple manner. For this purpose, no further components are needed.
  • the activation of the drain device takes place only after exceeding a limit value for the temperature of the supplied steam. This ensures that only hot steam reaches the contaminated areas. It is reliably avoided that colder steam or mist, which could cause an increase in germs in the worst case, enters the drain device. It is expedient that the limit is in the range between 65 and 80 ° C, ie above the temperature that kills germs.
  • the drain device is inactivated or switched off at least approximately simultaneously. This will avoid that colder steam or spray passes into the drain device after completion of the sterilization phase.
  • the drum is moved during the supply of steam into the tub.
  • the vapor in the tub is set in motion, whereby it is distributed and reaches the areas to be sterilized faster.
  • the empty drum is here continuously rotated at a speed of 60 to 150 1 / min, creating an air or vapor flow in the space between the drum wall and the tub wall.
  • the supply of steam is set for a duration in the range of about 10 to 20 minutes.
  • the steam is generated in the lower region in spatial proximity to the drain opening of the tub and / or supplied. This avoids premature cooling on the drum walls or tub walls.
  • the drain device comprises a drain pump for pumping out the washing liquid
  • the drain pump is turned on during emptying of the tub during the steam supply and thereby generates a draft in the lines and parts of the drain device, which is adapted to the To convey vapor from the tub or drum into the conduits and parts of the drainage device.
  • the hot steam passes quickly and very far into the lines of the drainage device, so that a good sterilization of these parts is achieved.
  • the stage of sterilization takes place automatically after completion of a wash cycle.
  • the spun laundry can remain in the drum, since the vast majority of the hot steam passes through the drain opening in the drain device without entering the drum interior.
  • the disinfecting phase is included in a separate program to be selected, here referred to as a user-selectable hygiene program.
  • Fig. 1 is a purely schematic representation of a washing machine 1, shown with a housing 4 arranged in the tub 2.
  • the position and direction information refer to the operational installation position of the laundry treatment machine.
  • a rotatably mounted and driven by an electric motor 13 drum 3 is arranged, which moves the washing 8 located in the tub 2.
  • the drum 3 is made in the present embodiment of stainless steel and provided with a plurality of openings for the flooding.
  • the washing liquid or water is introduced, which / is required for cleaning or treating the laundry 8.
  • a radiator (not shown) is arranged in the lower region of the tub 2.
  • an inlet valve 15 is sketched, which controls the entry of the water from the supply network.
  • the laundry treatment machine 1 has a device 12 for generating steam, which is injected via a line 16 and a nozzle 17 connected thereto in the interior of the tub 2 and in the interior of the drum 3.
  • the nozzle 17 is in the upper region of the gasket 6, which provides the connection between the opening 9 in the tub 2 and the closable by the door 5 opening 10 in the housing 4, attached.
  • the steam is introduced by means of the line 16a in the lower region of the tub 2, in the vicinity of the drain opening 2a, which communicates with the drain device 18.
  • the drainage device 18 comprises a line 20a from the drain opening 2a to the drain pump 19 and, proceeding therefrom, an outlet line 20b which leads the washing liquid to be discharged to the outside.
  • the steam generating device 12 is supplied with inflowing water, wherein a radiator heats this water and thereby evaporate.
  • the control device 21 is designed to control the water supply 15 or the radiator. Further, it is adapted to control the heating body for the washing liquid, the motor 13 and the drainage means 18 for performing a washing program.
  • Fig. 2a and 2c schematically show the course over the activities of the steam generator 12 and the drainage device 18 for the phase of sterilization.
  • the steam generating device 12 or the radiator of this device is activated.
  • the temperature of the outgoing steam increases continuously.
  • the steam has reached a limit temperature, in this example 70 ° C.
  • the drain device 18 is activated.
  • the drain pump 19 is turned on, so that they first transported residual water from the bottom of the tub 2 out and opens a possibly existing float valve.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Textile Engineering (AREA)
  • Detail Structures Of Washing Machines And Dryers (AREA)

Description

Verfahren zum Betreiben einer Waschmaschine und WaschmaschineMethod of operating a washing machine and washing machine

Die Erfindung betrifft ein Verfahren zum Betreiben einer Waschmaschine mit einem Laugenbehälter zur Aufnahme von Waschflüssigkeit, einer innerhalb des Laugenbehälters drehbar angeordneten Trommel, einer Wasserzulaufeinrichtung, einer Ablaufeinrichtung und einer Dampferzeugungseinrichtung, umfassend die Verfahrensschritte:

  1. a) Aktivieren der Dampferzeugungseinrichtung,
  2. b) Zuführen des erhitzten Dampfes in den Laugenbehälter (siehe EP-A-1 275 767 ).
The invention relates to a method for operating a washing machine with a suds container for holding washing liquid, a drum rotatably arranged within the suds container, a water feed device, a discharge device and a steam generating device, comprising the method steps:
  1. a) activating the steam generating device,
  2. b) feeding the heated steam into the tub (see EP-A-1 275 767 ).

Beim Waschen mit niedrigen Temperaturen oder starken Verunreinigungen werden in der Wäsche vorhandene Bakterien und Gerüche nicht vollständig beseitigt. Die Ursache liegt häufig darin, dass Keime oder Schimmel in geringer Konzentration in der Waschmaschine verbleiben. Diese Spuren von Rückständen können bei empfindlichen Menschen zu allergischen Reaktionen oder zu wahrnehmbaren Gerüchen in der nachfolgend gewaschenen Bekleidung führen.When washing with low temperatures or heavy contaminants, existing bacteria and odors in the laundry are not completely eliminated. The cause is often that germs or mold remain in low concentration in the washing machine. These traces of debris can lead to allergic reactions or perceptible odors in the subsequently laundered clothing in sensitive people.

Zum Beseitigen dieser unerwünschten Eigenschaften wird in der EP 1 275 767 A1 vorgeschlagen, die Trommel im Rahmen eines Hygieneprogramms mittels erhitzten Dampfs zu entkeimen. Die vorbekannte Waschmaschine umfasst einen Laugenbehälter zur Aufnahme von Waschflüssigkeit, einer innerhalb des Laugenbehälters drehbar angeordneten Trommel, einer Wasserzulaufeinrichtung, einer Ablaufeinrichtung und einer Dampferzeugungseinrichtung. Zum Entkeimen der Trommel wird die Dampferzeugungseinrichtung aktiviert und der erhitzte Dampf der Trommel bzw. dem Laugenbehälter zugeführt.To eliminate these undesirable properties is discussed in the EP 1 275 767 A1 proposed to sterilize the drum in the context of a hygiene program by means of heated steam. The previously known washing machine comprises a lye container for receiving washing liquid, a drum rotatably disposed within the lye container, a water inlet device, a discharge device and a steam generating device. To sterilize the drum, the steam generating device is activated and the heated steam supplied to the drum or the tub.

In der DE 103 28 071 A1 bzw. der DE 197 51 028 C2 wird ein Verfahren zum Reinigen bzw. zum Desinfizieren einer Waschmaschine offenbart, bei dem die Teile der Maschine, die mit der Waschflüssigkeit bzw. mit der Wäsche in Berührung kommen, gereinigt und desinfiziert werden.In the DE 103 28 071 A1 or the DE 197 51 028 C2 discloses a method for cleaning or disinfecting a washing machine, in which the parts of the machine, which come into contact with the washing liquid or with the laundry, are cleaned and disinfected.

Aus der DE 196 20 512 A1 ist ein ähnliches Verfahren zum Betreiben einer Waschmaschine, insbesondere zur Durchführung eines Hygieneprogramms bekannt. Gegenüber den erstgenannten Waschmaschinen wird in der hier genannten Waschmaschine eine Anzeigevorrichtung bereitgestellt, durch die die Notwendigkeit zur Durchführung des Hygieneprogramms anzeigbar ist. Die Anzeige bzw. die Aufforderung an den Benutzer zum Starten des Hygieneprogramms erfolgt immer dann, wenn das vorher durchgeführte Waschprogramm mit einer Laugentemperatur unterhalb 60° C durchgeführt wurde.From the DE 196 20 512 A1 a similar method for operating a washing machine, in particular for carrying out a hygiene program is known. Compared to the first-mentioned washing machines, a display device is provided in the washing machine mentioned here, by means of which the necessity for carrying out the hygiene program can be displayed. The display or the request to the user to start the hygiene program always takes place if the previously performed washing program was carried out with a lye temperature below 60 ° C.

Die Reinigung der Trommel oder des Laugenbehälters ist mit den bekannten Maßnahmen zwar sichergestellt, jedoch verbleiben noch häufig Reste von Keimen oder Schimmel im Ablaufsystem, die sich nach einiger Zeit wieder vermehren können. Beim nächsten Waschzyklus kann es dann zu einer sogenannten Rückkontermination kommen, das heißt, dass die Keime und der Schimmel sich aus dem Ablaufsystem in die Lauge des Waschganges ausbreiten.The cleaning of the drum or the tub is indeed ensured with the known measures, however, remain often remains of germs or mold in the drainage system, which can multiply again after some time. At the next washing cycle, it can then come to a so-called Rückkontermination, that is, that the Germs and mold spread out of the drain system into the wash liquor.

Der Erfindung liegt die Aufgabe zugrunde, ein Verfahren zum Betreiben einer Waschmaschine bereitzustellen, welches zuverlässig erhöhte hygienische Anforderungen erfüllt.The invention has for its object to provide a method for operating a washing machine, which reliably meets increased hygienic requirements.

Erfindungsgemäß wird diese Aufgabe durch ein Verfahren mit den im Patentanspruch 1 angegebenen Merkmalen gelöst. Vorteilhafte Ausgestaltungen und Weiterbildungen des Verfahrens ergeben sich aus den nachfolgenden abhängigen Ansprüchen.According to the invention this object is achieved by a method having the features specified in claim 1. Advantageous embodiments and further developments of the method will become apparent from the following dependent claims.

Das erfindungsgemäße Verfahren zeichnet sich dadurch aus, dass auf einfache Weise die Entkeimung einer Waschmaschine mit einer Dampferzeugungseinrichtung verbessert wird. Hierzu werden keine weiteren Bauteile benötigt.The inventive method is characterized in that the sterilization of a washing machine with a steam generating device is improved in a simple manner. For this purpose, no further components are needed.

Um die verbesserte Entkeimung zu erreichen, erfolgt bei einem Reinigungs- oder Entkeimungszyklus bei leerer Trommel und leerem Laugenbehälter die Zuführung des erhitzten Dampfes in den Laugenbehälter bei aktivierter Ablaufeinrichtung. Das bedeutet, dass bei gleichzeitiger Aktivierung der Ablaufeinrichtung der heiße Dampf in den Ablaufbereich gelangt, welcher dort Keime und Schimmel abtöten kann. Somit wird neben der Reinigung und Entkeimung der Trommel und des Innenbereichs des Laugenbehälters auch eine Entkeimung der Bereiche der Ablaufeinrichtung erreicht, die im normalen Waschbetrieb mit der Waschflüssigkeit in Berührung kommen. Eine Rückkontermination bei einem nachfolgenden Waschgang, bei dem Waschflüssigkeit mit Restwasser in der Ablaufeinrichtung in Berührung kommt, wird dadurch vermieden bzw. verhindert.In order to achieve the improved sterilization, in a cleaning or sterilization cycle with empty drum and empty tub, the supply of heated steam into the tub with activated drain device. This means that with simultaneous activation of the drainage device, the hot steam reaches the drainage area, which can kill germs and mold there. Thus, in addition to the cleaning and sterilization of the drum and the inner region of the tub, a sterilization of the areas of the drain device is achieved, which come into contact with the washing liquid in the normal washing operation. A Rückkontermination in a subsequent wash, in which washing liquid comes into contact with residual water in the drainage device is thereby avoided or prevented.

In einer vorteilhaften Weiterbildung erfolgt die Aktivierung der Ablaufeinrichtung erst nach Überschreiten eines Grenzwertes für die Temperatur des zugeführten Dampfes. Dadurch wird erreicht, dass nur heißer Dampf in die verkeimten Bereiche gelangt. Es wird zuverlässig vermieden, dass kälterer Dampf oder Nebel, der im ungünstigen Fall eine Vermehrung der Keime bewirken könnte, in die Ablaufeinrichtung gelangt. Hierbei ist es zweckmäßig, dass der Grenzwert im Bereich zwischen 65 und 80 °C liegt, also oberhalb der Temperatur, die Keime abtötet.In an advantageous embodiment, the activation of the drain device takes place only after exceeding a limit value for the temperature of the supplied steam. This ensures that only hot steam reaches the contaminated areas. It is reliably avoided that colder steam or mist, which could cause an increase in germs in the worst case, enters the drain device. It is expedient that the limit is in the range between 65 and 80 ° C, ie above the temperature that kills germs.

In einer zweckmäßigen Ausführung wird zumindest nahezu gleichzeitig mit dem Abschalten der Dampferzeugungseinrichtung zumindest etwa gleichzeitig die Ablaufeinrichtung inaktiviert bzw. abgeschaltet. Dadurch wird vermeiden, dass kälterer Dampf oder Sprühnebel nach Beendigung der Entkeimungsphase in die Ablaufeinrichtung gelangt.In an expedient embodiment, at least approximately simultaneously with the shutdown of the steam generating device, the drain device is inactivated or switched off at least approximately simultaneously. This will avoid that colder steam or spray passes into the drain device after completion of the sterilization phase.

In einer weiteren, vorteilhaften Ausführung wird während der Zuführung des Dampfes in den Laugenbehälter die Trommel bewegt. Dadurch wird der im Laugenbehälter befindliche Dampf in Bewegung versetzt, wodurch dieser verteilt wird und die zu entkeimenden Bereiche schneller erreicht. Die leere Trommel wird hierbei kontinuierlich mit einer Drehzahl von 60 bis 150 1/min gedreht, wodurch im Zwischenraum zwischen Trommelwand und Laugenbehälterwand eine Luft- oder Dampfströmung entsteht.In a further advantageous embodiment, the drum is moved during the supply of steam into the tub. As a result, the vapor in the tub is set in motion, whereby it is distributed and reaches the areas to be sterilized faster. The empty drum is here continuously rotated at a speed of 60 to 150 1 / min, creating an air or vapor flow in the space between the drum wall and the tub wall.

Zur Bereitstellung einer zuverlässigen Entkeimung ist die Zuführung des Dampfes für eine Dauer im Bereich von etwa 10 bis 20 Minuten eingestellt.To provide reliable sterilization, the supply of steam is set for a duration in the range of about 10 to 20 minutes.

In einer weiteren, vorteilhaften Ausführung wird der Dampf in den unteren Bereich in räumlicher Nähe zur Ablauföffnung des Laugenbehälters erzeugt und/oder zugeführt. Dadurch wird eine vorzeitige Abkühlung an den Trommelwänden oder Laugenbehälterwänden vermieden.In a further advantageous embodiment of the steam is generated in the lower region in spatial proximity to the drain opening of the tub and / or supplied. This avoids premature cooling on the drum walls or tub walls.

Bei einer Waschmaschine, bei der die Ablaufeinrichtung eine Laugenpumpe zum Abpumpen der Waschflüssigkeit umfasst, ist es vorteilhaft, dass die Laugenpumpe beim entleertem Laugenbehälter während der Dampfzuführung eingeschaltet ist und dadurch einen Luftzug in den Leitungen und Teilen der Ablaufeinrichtung erzeugt, der dazu ausgebildet ist, den Dampf aus dem Laugenbehälter oder der Trommel in die Leitungen und Teile der Ablaufeinrichtung zu fördern. Damit gelangt der heiße Dampf schnell und sehr weit in die Leitungen der Ablaufeinrichtung, so dass eine gute Entkeimung dieser Teile erreicht wird.In a washing machine in which the drain device comprises a drain pump for pumping out the washing liquid, it is advantageous that the drain pump is turned on during emptying of the tub during the steam supply and thereby generates a draft in the lines and parts of the drain device, which is adapted to the To convey vapor from the tub or drum into the conduits and parts of the drainage device. Thus, the hot steam passes quickly and very far into the lines of the drainage device, so that a good sterilization of these parts is achieved.

In einer weiteren Ausführung erfolgt die Phase der Entkeimung automatisch nach Beendigung eines Waschgangs. Bei der Förderung des Dampfes in unmittelbarer Nähe der Ablauföffnung kann die geschleuderte Wäsche in der Trommel verbleiben, da der überwiegende Teil des heißen Dampfes durch die Ablauföffnung in die Ablaufeinrichtung gelangt, ohne in den Trommelinnenraum zu gelangen.In a further embodiment, the stage of sterilization takes place automatically after completion of a wash cycle. In the promotion of the steam in the immediate vicinity of the drain opening, the spun laundry can remain in the drum, since the vast majority of the hot steam passes through the drain opening in the drain device without entering the drum interior.

In einer anderen Ausführung ist die Phase zur Entkeimung in einem separat anzuwählenden Programm, hier als ein vom Anwender anwählbares Hygieneprogramm bezeichnet, eingebunden.In another embodiment, the disinfecting phase is included in a separate program to be selected, here referred to as a user-selectable hygiene program.

Ein Ausführungsbeispiel der Erfindung ist in den Zeichnungen rein schematisch dargestellt und wird nachfolgend näher beschrieben. Es zeigen:

Fig. 1
ein Haushaltgerät in einer skizzierten Darstellung und
Fig. 2
den zeitlichen Verlauf der Entkeimungsphase.
An embodiment of the invention is shown purely schematically in the drawings and will be described in more detail below. Show it:
Fig. 1
a household appliance in a sketched illustration and
Fig. 2
the temporal course of the sterilization phase.

In Fig. 1 ist in rein schematischer Darstellung eine Waschmaschine 1, mit einem im Gehäuse 4 angeordneten Laugenbehälter 2 dargestellt. Die Positions- und Richtungsangaben beziehen sich auf die betriebsgemäße Aufstellposition der Wäschebehandlungsmaschine. Innerhalb des Laugenbehälters 2 ist eine drehbar gelagerte und über einen elektrischen Motor 13 angetriebene Trommel 3 angeordnet, die die im Laugenbehälter 2 befindliche Wäsche 8 bewegt. Die Trommel 3 ist im vorliegenden Ausführungsbeispiel aus Edelstahl hergestellt und mit einer Vielzahl an Öffnungen für die Durchflutung versehen. Im unteren Bereich des Laugenbehälters 2 ist die Waschflüssigkeit oder Wasser eingebracht, die/das zum Reinigen oder Behandeln der Wäsche 8 benötigt wird. Zur Erwärmung oder zum Erhitzen der Flüssigkeit ist im unteren Bereich des Laugenbehälters 2 ein Heizkörper (nicht dargestellt) angeordnet. Im oberen Bereich der Maschine 1 ist ein Einlassventil 15 skizziert, welches das Einlaufen des Wassers aus dem Versorgungsnetz steuert. Über den Einspülkasten 11 wird das Wasser über das Verbindungsrohr 14 in den Laugenbehälter 2 geleitet, wobei im Einspülkasten 11 eingegebenes Waschmittel mit in den Laugenbehälter 2 gespült wird. Zusätzlich besitzt die Wäschebehandlungsmaschine 1 eine Einrichtung 12 zur Erzeugung von Dampf, welcher über eine Leitung 16 und eine daran angeschlossene Düse 17 in das Innere des Laugenbehälters 2 bzw. in das Innere der Trommel 3 eingeblasen wird. Die Düse 17 ist im oberen Bereich der Dichtungsmanschette 6, welche die Verbindung zwischen der Öffnung 9 im Laugenbehälter 2 und der durch die Tür 5 verschließbaren Öffnung 10 im Gehäuse 4 bereitstellt, angebracht. In einer weiteren Ausführung wird der Dampf mittels der Leitung 16a in den unteren Bereich des Laugenbehälters 2 eingelassen, in der Nähe der Ablauföffnung 2a, die mit der Ablaufeinrichtung 18 in Verbindung steht. Die Ablaufeinrichtung 18 umfasst eine Leitung 20a von der Ablauföffnung 2a zur Laugenpumpe 19 und davon ausgehend eine Austrittsleitung 20b, die die abzulassende Waschflüssigkeit nach außen führt.In Fig. 1 is a purely schematic representation of a washing machine 1, shown with a housing 4 arranged in the tub 2. The position and direction information refer to the operational installation position of the laundry treatment machine. Within the tub 2 a rotatably mounted and driven by an electric motor 13 drum 3 is arranged, which moves the washing 8 located in the tub 2. The drum 3 is made in the present embodiment of stainless steel and provided with a plurality of openings for the flooding. In the lower region of the tub 2, the washing liquid or water is introduced, which / is required for cleaning or treating the laundry 8. For heating or for heating the liquid, a radiator (not shown) is arranged in the lower region of the tub 2. In the upper part of the machine 1, an inlet valve 15 is sketched, which controls the entry of the water from the supply network. About the Einspülkasten 11, the water is passed through the connecting pipe 14 into the tub 2, wherein in the dispenser 11 entered detergent is flushed into the tub 2. In addition, the laundry treatment machine 1 has a device 12 for generating steam, which is injected via a line 16 and a nozzle 17 connected thereto in the interior of the tub 2 and in the interior of the drum 3. The nozzle 17 is in the upper region of the gasket 6, which provides the connection between the opening 9 in the tub 2 and the closable by the door 5 opening 10 in the housing 4, attached. In a further embodiment, the steam is introduced by means of the line 16a in the lower region of the tub 2, in the vicinity of the drain opening 2a, which communicates with the drain device 18. The drainage device 18 comprises a line 20a from the drain opening 2a to the drain pump 19 and, proceeding therefrom, an outlet line 20b which leads the washing liquid to be discharged to the outside.

Die Dampferzeugungseinrichtung 12 wird mit zulaufendem Wasser versorgt, wobei ein Heizkörper dieses Wasser erhitzt und dadurch verdampfen lässt. Die Steuereinrichtung 21 ist dazu ausgebildet, die Wasserzuführung 15 bzw. den Heizkörper zu steuern. Ferner ist sie dazu eingerichtet, den Heizkörper für die Waschflüssigkeit, den Motor 13 und die Ablaufeinrichtung 18 zur Durchführung eines Waschprogramms zu steuern.The steam generating device 12 is supplied with inflowing water, wherein a radiator heats this water and thereby evaporate. The control device 21 is designed to control the water supply 15 or the radiator. Further, it is adapted to control the heating body for the washing liquid, the motor 13 and the drainage means 18 for performing a washing program.

Fig. 2a und 2c zeigen schematisch den Verlauf über die Aktivitäten der Dampferzeugungseinrichtung 12 und der Ablaufeinrichtung 18 für die Phase der Entkeimung. Zum Zeitpunkt T=1 wird die Dampferzeugungseinrichtung 12 bzw. der Heizkörper dieser Einrichtung aktiviert. Gemäß Fig. 2b steigt die Temperatur des ausströmenden Dampfes kontinuierlich an. Zum Zeitpunkt T=2 hat der Dampf eine Grenztemperatur erreicht, in diesem Beispiel 70 °C. Nun wird auch die Ablaufeinrichtung 18 aktiviert. In diesem Beispiel wird die Laugenpumpe 19 eingeschaltet, so dass sie zuerst Restwasser aus dem unteren Bereich des Laugenbehälters 2 heraus befördert und ein eventuell vorhandenes Schwimmerventil öffnet. Der in den Laugenbehälter 2 geförderte Dampf wird nun aufgrund des offenen Ablaufsystems und die durch die Pumpe 19 erzeugte Strömung durch die Ablauföffnung 2a in das Rohrsystem 20a, 20b und in den Bereich der Pumpe 19 gefördert, um diese Bereiche zu entkeimen. Eine Rückkontermination beim nächst folgenden Waschgang wird dadurch verhindert bzw. zumindest verzögert. Zum Zeitpunkt T=3 ist die Entkeimungsphase beendet, so dass die Dampferzeugungseinrichtung 12 und die Laugenpumpe 19 abgeschaltet wird. Fig. 2a and 2c schematically show the course over the activities of the steam generator 12 and the drainage device 18 for the phase of sterilization. At time T = 1, the steam generating device 12 or the radiator of this device is activated. According to Fig. 2b the temperature of the outgoing steam increases continuously. At time T = 2 the steam has reached a limit temperature, in this example 70 ° C. Now the drain device 18 is activated. In this example, the drain pump 19 is turned on, so that they first transported residual water from the bottom of the tub 2 out and opens a possibly existing float valve. The steam conveyed into the tub 2 is now due to the open drain system and the flow generated by the pump 19 through the drain opening 2a in the pipe system 20a, 20b and in the area of the pump 19 promoted to sterilize these areas. A Rückkontermination the next wash is thereby prevented or at least delayed. At the time T = 3, the degermination phase is ended, so that the steam generating device 12 and the drain pump 19 is turned off.

Claims (11)

  1. Method for operating a washing machine (1) which comprises a suds container (2) for receiving washing liquid, a drum (3) which is rotatably arranged inside the suds container (2), a water supply device (15), a discharge device (18) and a steam generation device (12), comprising the method steps of:
    a) activating the steam generation device (12),
    b) supplying the heated steam to the suds container (2),
    characterised in that
    the heated steam is supplied into the suds container (2) when the drum (3) is empty and the suds container (2) is empty and the discharge device (18) is activated.
  2. Method for operating a washing machine according to claim 1,
    characterised in that
    the discharge device (18) is activated once a threshold value (T threshold) for the temperature of the supplied steam is exceeded.
  3. Method for operating a washing machine according to claim 2,
    characterised in that
    the threshold value (T threshold) is in the range of between 65 and 80 °C.
  4. Method for operating a washing machine according to claim 1,
    characterised in that,
    when the steam generation device (12) is switched off (T3), the discharge device (18) is deactivated at least approximately simultaneously.
  5. Method for operating a washing machine according to claim 1,
    characterised in that,
    when the steam is being supplied into the suds container (2), the drum (3) is moved.
  6. Method for operating a washing machine according to claim 1,
    characterised in that
    supplying the steam takes approximately 10 to 20 minutes.
  7. Method for operating a washing machine according to any of claims 1 to 6,
    characterised in that
    the steam is generated in and/or supplied to the lower region in spatial proximity to the discharge opening (2a) in the suds container (2)
  8. Method for operating a washing machine according to claim 1, the discharge device of the washing machine comprising a suds pump (19) for pumping out the washing liquid (7),
    characterised in that
    the suds pump (19) is switched on during the supply of steam when the suds container (2) has been emptied and thereby generates an air current in the lines (20a, 20b, 19) and portions of the discharge device (18), which air current is intended to convey the steam out of the suds container (2) or the drum (3) into the lines (20a, 20b) and portions (19) of the discharge device (18).
  9. Method for operating a washing machine according to any of claims 1 to 8,
    characterised in that
    a disinfection phase is provided.
  10. Method for operating a washing machine according to claim 9,
    characterised in that
    the disinfection phase takes place automatically when a washing programme is being carried out, once a washing cycle has ended or once the laundry has been treated.
  11. Method for operating a washing machine according to claim 9,
    characterised in that
    the disinfection phase is integrated in a separate hygiene programme that can be selected by the user.
EP09401042.8A 2009-11-23 2009-11-23 Method for operating a washing machine and washing machine Not-in-force EP2325375B1 (en)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
EP09401042.8A EP2325375B1 (en) 2009-11-23 2009-11-23 Method for operating a washing machine and washing machine

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
EP09401042.8A EP2325375B1 (en) 2009-11-23 2009-11-23 Method for operating a washing machine and washing machine

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP2325375A1 EP2325375A1 (en) 2011-05-25
EP2325375B1 true EP2325375B1 (en) 2016-11-09

Family

ID=42126004

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP09401042.8A Not-in-force EP2325375B1 (en) 2009-11-23 2009-11-23 Method for operating a washing machine and washing machine

Country Status (1)

Country Link
EP (1) EP2325375B1 (en)

Families Citing this family (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
KR101959308B1 (en) * 2012-09-04 2019-07-04 엘지전자 주식회사 Method of treating laundry
DE102022208546A1 (en) 2022-08-17 2024-02-22 BSH Hausgeräte GmbH Process for the steam treatment of textiles

Family Cites Families (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
DE19620512A1 (en) 1996-05-22 1997-11-27 Miele & Cie Program-controlled washing machine
DE19751028C2 (en) 1997-11-19 2001-12-06 Miele & Cie Procedure for carrying out a hygiene program
CH695383A5 (en) 2001-07-10 2006-04-28 V Zug Ag Dryer or washing machine with steamer.
DE10328071B4 (en) 2003-06-23 2019-01-31 BSH Hausgeräte GmbH Process for cleaning water-carrying household cleaning appliances
KR100540749B1 (en) * 2003-08-13 2006-01-10 엘지전자 주식회사 Steam generator for drum-type washing machine
KR101003358B1 (en) * 2003-12-16 2010-12-23 삼성전자주식회사 Washing machine

Non-Patent Citations (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Title
None *

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
EP2325375A1 (en) 2011-05-25

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