EP2372013A2 - Chamber pump for a domestic appliance, domestic appliance and method for operating a chamber pump - Google Patents

Abstract

The pump has a switching valve (4) enabling connection between a suction inlet (12) of an air pump and a chamber (3) in one position. The valve enables connection between a pressure outlet (13) of the air pump and the chamber in another position. Valve chambers (16-18) comprise freely movable valve bodies (19-21), which takes an end position associated with the former position of the valve, and another end position associated with the latter position of the switching valve. Motion of the bodies is mechanically released between the end positions by a level of fluid in the chamber. Independent claims are also included for the following: (1) a domestic appliance i.e. washing/drying appliance, comprising a chamber pump (2) a method for operating a chamber pump.

Description

The invention relates to a chamber pump for a household appliance, in particular laundry drying device, a domestic appliance and a method for operating a chamber pump, in particular in a domestic appliance.

DE 10 2008 032 800 A1 describes a device for cleaning a component, in particular an evaporator of a condenser device, wherein the device is equipped with a disposed within a process air cycle of a washing or tumble dryer to be cleaned component, in particular an evaporator of a condenser device, as well as with a condensate water pan, in which Condensate water resulting from the drying of wet laundry trappable, from this to a rinsing container provided above the evaporator and from this an outlet opening to the component to be cleaned can be dispensed, wherein the rinsing container a closure member for selectively opening and closing the outlet opening and an actuator for Actuation of the closure part, wherein the closure part has a sealing head for closing the outlet opening verbu with a rotatably mounted on the washing container first lever arm verbu is. The condensate water is pumped up from the condensate water tank by means of a typically rotating pump directly into the rinsing tank. However, it is disadvantageous that in the condensate water long fluff or hair can block the pump block. The same applies to lye pumps in washing machines.

It is the object of the present invention to mitigate or even avoid the disadvantage of the prior art and in particular to provide an easily implementable possibility for conveying liquid, in particular condensate water, which is insensitive to foreign bodies present in the liquid, in particular lint and hair ,

This object is achieved according to the features of the independent claims. Preferred embodiments, refinements and developments are in particular the dependent claims, but also the following description, removable. Preferred embodiments of the invention according to each of the categories chamber pump, domestic appliance and method correspond within the context of the technically meaningful respectively preferred embodiments of the invention each other category, even if it is not explicitly indicated herein.

• in einer ersten Schaltstellung eine Verbindung zwischen einem Saugeingang der Luftpumpe und der Kammer freigibt,
• in einer zweiten Schaltstellung eine Verbindung zwischen einem Druckausgang der Luftpumpe und der Kammer freigibt und
• mindestens eine Ventilkammer jeweils einen frei beweglichen Ventilkörper aufweist, welcher eine zu der ersten Schaltstellung des Umschaltventils zugehörige erste Endstellung und eine zu der zweiten Schaltstellung des Umschaltventils zugehörige zweite Endstellung einnehmen kann,
• wobei ein Bewegen des jeweiligen Ventilkörpers zwischen seinen Endstellungen mittels eines Pegels einer Flüssigkeit in der Kammer mechanisch auslösbar ist.

The object is achieved by a chamber pump, comprising a chamber, a switching valve and an air pump, wherein the switching valve

• releases a connection between a suction inlet of the air pump and the chamber in a first switching position,
• in a second switching position releases a connection between a pressure outlet of the air pump and the chamber and
• at least one valve chamber in each case has a freely movable valve body which can assume a first end position associated with the first switching position of the reversing valve and a second end position associated with the second switching position of the reversing valve,
• wherein a movement of the respective valve body between its end positions by means of a level of a liquid in the chamber is mechanically triggered.

Due to the mechanical release, this chamber pump has the advantage that it depends on an (expensive) electrical sensing (eg a resistance measurement) of an upper and a lower liquid level in the chamber and an electrical switching valve activated by a control for switching between suction and pressure in FIG the chamber ("electrical triggering") can do without. Rather, the chamber pump is able to automatically switch between suction and pressure in the chamber. In other words, it can switch autonomously after an initial startup.

The mechanical release can be understood in particular to mean that a mechanical movement caused by the level of the fluid in the chamber triggers the movement of the respective valve body. In this case, the movement of the respective valve body can be carried out completely mechanically (including fluid-mechanical). Alternatively, moving the respective valve body mechanically (in particular by a conditional by the liquid in the chamber mechanical movement) triggered and following by at least one non-mechanical power transmission, such as a magnetic transmission, are transmitted to the respective valve body.

A chamber pump may in particular be understood to mean a pump in which a liquid-fillable cavity (the "chamber") is periodically subjected to compressed air (overpressure) and suction (negative pressure) and thereby via valves located on the cavity or in the lines, in particular non-return valves, a conveying effect on the liquid exerts. In this case, liquid can be conveyed out of the chamber, in particular when the chamber is acted upon by the compressed air, and liquid can be drawn into the chamber when the chamber is subjected to the suction. The compressed air / suction air of an air pump (e.g., diaphragm pump) which is small in relation to the cavity accumulates in the cavity and thus replaces a complex gear which would be required for mechanical conversion (e.g., piston or diaphragm pump) of comparable displacement. Since the air pump is not arranged in the liquid circuit, it can not clog by existing foreign matter in the liquid.

The chamber may in particular have an inlet opening, which is fluidically connected to a liquid reservoir, as well as an outlet opening, which is fluidically connected to a utility container. By means of the chamber pump can thus alternately pressed in the first switching position in the chamber liquid through the outlet opening in the Nutzbehälter and in the second switching position in the liquid reservoir liquid located are sucked through the inlet opening into the chamber. For this purpose, in particular check valves may be provided at the inlet opening and / or at the outlet opening.

The chamber pump may in particular have a ventilation opening, the switching valve releasing a connection between a pressure outlet of the air pump and the ventilation opening in the first switching position and releasing a connection between a suction inlet of the air pump and the ventilation opening in the second switching position. As a result, a high liquid flow rate can be achieved.

The switching valve can serve in particular as an air direction switch.

It is a preferred embodiment that the chamber of a holder is bistable rotatably supported, the chamber is dependent on a liquid level in the chamber between two tilted positions rotatable and the switching valve or its housing is rigidly connected to the chamber. As a result, the chamber is dependent on a liquid level in the chamber and thus dependent on a weight of the filled chamber between the two tilted positions rotatable. Thus, in a first tilted position in which the switching valve is in its first switching position, liquid can be sucked into the chamber, e.g. through an inlet opening of the chamber, e.g. can be located in a floor of the chamber. This will fill the chamber with liquid. The inlet opening of the chamber and / or a connecting line connected thereto may be provided with an (inlet) valve, in particular a check valve, in order to prevent a backflow out of the inlet opening. If the liquid reaches an upper limit value, the chamber can tilt from the first tilted position into a second tilted position, in which the changeover valve is in its second switching position. In the second tilt position, liquid is forced out of the chamber, in particular through an outlet opening of the chamber, e.g. can be located in a side wall of the chamber. If the liquid reaches a lower limit value in the second tilted position, the chamber can tilt from the second tilted position back into a first tilted position. The outlet opening and / or a connecting line connected thereto may be provided with an (outlet) valve, in particular a check valve, in order to prevent a backflow into the chamber through the outlet opening. The tilting of the chamber thus happens automatically in a substantially continuous operation of the air pump, without the tipping needs to be actively controlled. The tilting mechanically induced by the level or weight of the liquid in the chamber causes the switching valve and the valve chambers to become entangled and, consequently, the respective valve body moves by gravity into its associated end position. The movement of the valve body thus happens purely mechanically by tilting the chamber. Since the lower liquid level and the upper liquid level differ, there is a 'hysteresis' with respect to the filling of the chamber, which is easy and accurate adjustable.

The bistable tilting can be achieved in that the holder does not attack at the center of gravity of the chamber filled to the upper limit of the liquid level or above, but eg laterally thereof. For the exact setting of the Upper limit, the chamber may be provided with at least one balance weight.

It is still a preferred embodiment that the switching valve is arranged at an angle to the chamber, that the at least one valve chamber is tilted in the first position in a different angular direction than in the second position. This can be achieved in a particularly simple manner that move the valve body in a transition between the switching positions in the other end position.

It is also a preferred embodiment that the chamber is tiltable from a substantially horizontal tilted position by a certain tilt angle in an oblique tilted position and the changeover valve is arranged at an angle to substantially opposite half the tilt angle in an opposite direction. The tilting from the horizontal tilt position is particularly easy and error-prone. It is particularly preferred that the switching valve is in the presence of the horizontal tilt position in the first switching position and is in the presence of the oblique tilt position in the second switching position.

The tilt positions may be e.g. be defined by stops.

It is still a preferred embodiment that the chamber can be tilted by about 10 ° (eg between 0 ° [horizontal position] and 10 ° [oblique position]) and the reversing valve against the chamber in the other direction by about 5 ° angled is arranged. The diverter valve is thus tilted evenly to about 5 ° in both directions, e.g. between + 5 ° and -5 °.

• eine erste Ventilkammer in ihren Endstellungen zwei dichtende Ventilsitze (Dichtsitze) aufweist,
• eine zweite Ventilkammer in einer Endstellung einen dichtenden Ventilsitz und in der anderen Endstellung einen nicht dichtenden Ventilsitz aufweist und
• eine dritte Ventilkammer in einer Endstellung einen dichtenden Ventilsitz und in der anderen Endstellung einen nicht dichtenden Ventilsitz aufweist, und zwar in einer zu der zweiten Ventilkammer entgegengesetzten Anordnung,
• wobei einer der dichtenden Ventilsitze der ersten Ventilkammer mit dem nicht dichtenden Ventilsitz der zweiten Ventilkammer und der Lüftungsöffnung fluidisch verbunden ist,
• der andere der dichtenden Ventilsitze der ersten Ventilkammer mit dem nicht dichtenden Ventilsitz der dritten Ventilkammer und der Kammer fluidisch verbunden ist,
• die dichtenden Ventilsitze der zweiten Ventilkammer und der dritten Ventilkammer fluidisch miteinander und mit dem Saugeingang der Luftpumpe verbunden sind und
• die erste Ventilkammer zwischen den beiden Ventilsitzen mit dem Druckausgang der Luftpumpe fluidisch verbunden ist.

It is yet another preferred embodiment that the switching valve has three substantially parallel valve chambers, wherein

• a first valve chamber has in its end positions two sealing valve seats (sealing seats),
• a second valve chamber has a sealing valve seat in one end position and a non-sealing valve seat in the other end position, and
• a third valve chamber has a sealing valve seat in one end position and a non-sealing valve seat in the other end position, in an arrangement opposite to the second valve chamber,
• wherein one of the sealing valve seats of the first valve chamber is fluidically connected to the non-sealing valve seat of the second valve chamber and the vent opening,
• the other of the sealing valve seats of the first valve chamber is fluidly connected to the non-sealing valve seat of the third valve chamber and the chamber,
• the sealing valve seats of the second valve chamber and the third valve chamber are fluidically connected to each other and to the suction inlet of the air pump, and
• the first valve chamber is fluidically connected between the two valve seats with the pressure output of the air pump.

A sealing valve seat may, in particular, be understood to mean a valve seat in which the associated valve body, when in an end position, sealingly rests on the valve seat and consequently sealingly closes a valve opening associated with the valve seat. Similarly, a non-sealing valve seat can be understood in particular as meaning a valve seat in which the associated valve body, when in an end position, is not seated in a sealing manner on the valve seat and consequently leaves a valve opening associated with the valve seat open. In particular, such a sealing seat can always act in the appropriate direction. A seated on the sealing seat valve body can then be particularly firmly sucked or compressed by the air pressure; In contrast, such a sealing seat never works in the opposite direction, in which the ball would be pushed away or sucked away from the sealing seat. The first valve chamber thus closes in both switching positions one - each opposite - valve opening, while the other valve opening remains open. By contrast, the second and third valve chambers close one of their valve openings in a switching position (in each case different) and open both valve openings in the other switching position. This embodiment has the advantage that it can react to a tilting of the switching valve particularly smoothly and error-prone.

It is still a preferred embodiment that the at least one valve body is a spherical valve body. This is particularly smooth and error-prone in the valve chamber movable. Alternatively, for example, a cylinder can be used as a valve body.

It is still a preferred development that at least one valve chamber is equipped with at least one flap instead of a valve seat or as a valve seat.

It is a preferred development that the switching valve is mounted on an upper side of the chamber, in the chamber at least one float is accommodated with at least one magnet and the at least one valve body has at least one ferromagnetic material and / or a permanent magnetic material. Thus, the valve bodies, in particular balls, can be attracted by the at least one magnet of the float and thereby moved into an end position when the float is moved up the liquid. Decreasing the liquid level and thus also the float, the attraction force between the at least one magnet and the at least one valve body decreases and the at least one valve body can move back into the other end position. The return movement can be effected by gravity and / or another force, such as a spring force.

It is a special preferred development that the valve chambers are arranged in a star shape. Thus, a float equipped with the at least one magnet can move several or even all valve bodies. A direction of movement of the float preferably passes through the center or the hub of the star-shaped arrangement.

It is still a preferred development that the air pump is adapted to suspend at regular intervals for a predetermined period of time. In this way, it is possible to prevent a negative pressure or overpressure generated by the air pump from unintentionally holding the valve body in an end position, in spite of a mechanical release that has already occurred, eg after a tilting of the chamber or after an approximation of the float. This development has the further advantage that can be influenced by setting the time intervals of the switching time of the switching valve, for example, can be delayed.

The object is also achieved by a domestic appliance, wherein the domestic appliance has at least one chamber pump as described herein. The home appliance may generally be any household water appliance, e.g. a dishwasher, the chamber pump in this case e.g. can not be clogged by food leftovers.

It is a preferred embodiment that the domestic appliance is a laundry drying device and the chamber pump is a condensate water pump. The chamber pump is particularly advantageous here, since the condensate water typically has hair and long fibers from the laundry to be dried. The target or target system for the fluid delivered by the chamber pump may e.g. be a condensate collection container or include such. The condensate collector may e.g. a rinse tank for rinsing a device component such as a heat exchanger (e.g., an evaporator in the case of a heat pump dryer) and / or a lint filter. The condensate collection container may additionally or alternatively be designed to be removable from the laundry drying apparatus for emptying the liquid. However, the target system can also be the unit (s) to be cleaned as such, possibly with the interposition of a filter.

The laundry drying apparatus may in particular be a tumble dryer or a washer-dryer.

It is still a preferred embodiment that the domestic appliance is a washing device (washing machine, washer-dryer, etc.) or a flushing device (dishwasher, etc.) and the chamber pump is a drain pump. Also in the liquor may be foreign particles that could clog a conventional hydraulic pump.

An inlet opening of the chamber may be fluidly connected to a liquid reservoir, and an outlet opening of the chamber may be fluidly connected to the target system. For example, the rinsing container can use the condensate water, if necessary filtered, for rinsing a heat exchanger.

• bei einem Schalten des Umschaltventils in seine ersten Stellung der mindestens eine frei bewegliche Ventilkörper in eine erste Endstellung bewegt wird, in welcher das Umschaltventil eine Verbindung zwischen einem Saugeingang einer Luftpumpe und der Kammer freigibt,
• bei einem Schalten des Umschaltventils in seine zweite Stellung der mindestens eine frei bewegliche Ventilkörper in eine zweite Endstellung bewegt wird, in welcher das Umschaltventil eine Verbindung zwischen einem Saugeingang der Luftpumpe und der Kammer freigibt,
• wobei ein Bewegen des jeweiligen Ventilkörpers zwischen seinen Endstellungen mittels eines Pegels einer Flüssigkeit in der Kammer mechanisch ausgelöst wird.

The object is also achieved by a method for operating a chamber pump having at least one chamber and a switching valve, wherein the switching valve at least a valve chamber each having a freely movable valve body and wherein

• when the switching valve is switched to its first position, the at least one freely movable valve body is moved into a first end position, in which the switching valve releases a connection between a suction inlet of an air pump and the chamber,
• when the switching valve is switched to its second position, the at least one freely movable valve body is moved to a second end position, in which the switching valve releases a connection between a suction inlet of the air pump and the chamber,
• wherein a movement of the respective valve body between its end positions by means of a level of a liquid in the chamber is mechanically triggered.

In particular, the method can be configured as already described with regard to the chamber pump.

In particular, the switching valve may be fixedly connected to the chamber and the chamber for switching the switching valve depending on a liquid level in the chamber between two tilted positions are tilted.

The pumping process can be carried out once, depending on the amount to be conveyed, in whole or in part, as well as individually repeated periodically or in stages.

Fig.1

zeigt eine Skizze eines Wäschetrockners mit zur Beschreibung der Kammerpumpe ausgewählten Elementen;

Fig.2

zeigt als Schnittdarstellung in Seitenansicht ein Umschaltventil der Kammerpumpe;

Fig.3

zeigt das Umschaltventil aus Fig.2 mit verschiedenen Anschlüssen in einer ersten Schaltstellung;

Fig.4

zeigt das Umschaltventil aus Fig.2 mit verschiedenen Anschlüssen in einer zweiten Schaltstellung;

Fig.5

zeigt detaillierter die Kammerpumpe mit dem Umschaltventil aus Fig.2 in der ersten Schaltstellung und

Fig.6

zeigt detaillierter die Kammerpumpe mit dem Umschaltventil aus Fig.2 in der zweiten Schaltstellung.

In the following figures, the invention will be described schematically with reference to an embodiment schematically. In this case, the same or equivalent elements may be provided with the same reference numerals for clarity.

Fig.1

shows a sketch of a clothes dryer with elements selected for the description of the chamber pump;

Fig.2

shows a sectional view in side view of a switching valve of the chamber pump;

Figure 3

shows the changeover valve Fig.2 with different terminals in a first switching position;

Figure 4

shows the changeover valve Fig.2 with different terminals in a second switching position;

Figure 5

shows in more detail the chamber pump with the switching valve Fig.2 in the first switching position and

Figure 6

shows in more detail the chamber pump with the switching valve Fig.2 in the second switching position.

Fig.1 Sketches selected components of a tumble dryer 1. The tumble dryer 1 has a chamber pump 2 with a chamber 3, a switching valve 4 and an air pump 5. The chamber 3 is in a condensate water reservoir 6, which is filled with condensate water K. The chamber 3 has in its bottom an inlet opening 7, which opens into the condensate water reservoir 6 and which is covered by a check valve 8. The check valve 8 allows the condensate water K to flow into the chamber 3 and prevents it from flowing back into the condensate water reservoir 6. The chamber 3 has an outlet opening 9 in a side wall, from which a fluidic riser 10 leads into a washing container 11. In the riser 10, a further check valve 29 is provided, which allows a flow of condensate water K from the chamber 3 in the washing tank 11 and prevents backflow into the chamber 3. The chamber pump 2 thus serves for pumping condensate water K from the condensate water reservoir 6 into the washing container 11.

By means of the switching valve 4, the chamber 3 can alternately to a suction inlet 12 and a suction side of the air pump 5 (as shown) and be connected to a pressure side or a pressure outlet 13 of the air pump 5. The respective other side or the respective other connection 13, 12 is connected via the switching valve 4 with a ventilation opening 14.

In the illustrated first position of the switching valve 4, in which the suction inlet 12 is connected to the chamber (suction position), the air pump 5 sucks air from the chamber 3 and thus generates there a negative pressure. The negative pressure causes the check valve 8 opens and condensate water K can flow from the condensate water reservoir 6 in the chamber 3 and is sucked. The further check valve 29 is closed by the negative pressure, however. Once an upper limit of a level the condensate water K (the condensate water level) is reached, as indicated by the upper arrow P1, the switching valve 4 is switched and now connects the pressure outlet 13 with the chamber 3 and the suction port 12 with the vent opening 14th

Now, an overpressure is generated in the chamber 3, which pushes the check valve 8 and pushes condensate K through the riser 10 and through the further check valve 29 upwards. So the condensate water K can be promoted in the washing tank 11. Once so much of the condensate K has been promoted from the chamber 3, that the level of condensate water K reaches a lower limit, as indicated by the lower arrow P2, the switching valve 4 is switched again and re-filling the chamber 3, this again with The changeover valve 4 thus releases a connection between the suction inlet 12 of the air pump 5 and the chamber 3 in the first position and a connection between the pressure outlet 13 of the air pump 5 and the chamber 3 in the second position.

The check valves 8, 29 each have a plate-shaped cover, so that there is a flat sealing contact, which is particularly advantageous for the conveyance of contaminated with hair and lint fluids. The large sealing surface also provides sufficient reserve to handle even heavy soiling. A certain leakage through stuck in the check valves 8, 29 dirt can be absorbed by a reserve power of the air pump 5.

One way of detecting the achievement of the upper limit P1 and the lower limit P2 is to mount corresponding sensors on or in the chamber 3 and to couple them to a control unit S, as indicated by the corresponding dashed lines. The control unit S can evaluate the sensor data supplied by the sensors and, when reaching or exceeding or falling short of the respective limit value P1, P2, the switching valve 4 can be switched over or switched over (indicated by further corresponding dashed lines). However, such an electrically triggered arrangement for active control of the switching valve 4 is complicated and expensive.

Fig.2 shows a sectional side view of the switching valve 4 of the chamber pump 2 in an embodiment in which it is operable without active sensing and control, as later with reference to Fig.5 and Fig.6 will be explained in more detail.

The switching valve 4 has a valve housing 15, which has three valve chambers 16, 17, 18, each designed as rectilinear, mutually parallel bores. In each of the valve chambers, a respective spherical valve body 19, 20 and 21 is housed freely movable. Each of the valve bodies 19, 20, 21 can occupy two end positions in the associated valve chamber 16, 17 and 18, respectively, at a respective end of the associated valve chamber 16, 17 or 18. This figure shows the valve bodies 19, 20, 21 in FIG a first end position, which corresponds to the first switching position of the switching valve 4.

More specifically, the first valve chamber 16 has at its ends two sealing valve seats 22, 23, that is, the valve body 19 sealingly closes an opening in the attachment associated with the respective valve seat 22, 23. The second valve chamber 17 has a sealing valve seat 24 at one end and a non-sealing valve seat 25 at the other end. The non-sealing valve seat 25 may e.g. are formed by a stop pin which is located in the second valve chamber 17 and prevents closure of an associated opening by the valve body 20. The third valve chamber 18 also has at one end a sealing valve seat 26 and in the other end position a non-sealing valve seat 27, in an opposite to the second valve chamber 17 arrangement.

As well as in Fig.3 and Fig.4 As shown, the valve seat 23 of the first valve chamber 16 is fluidly connected to the non-sealing valve seat 25 of the second valve chamber 17 and the vent opening 14. The other valve seat 22 of the first valve chamber 16 is fluidly connected to the non-sealing valve seat 27 of the third valve chamber 18 and an upper-side air passage opening 28 of the chamber 3. The sealing valve seats 24, 26 of the second valve chamber 17 and the third valve chamber 18 are fluidically connected to each other and to the suction inlet 12 of the air pump 5. The first valve chamber 16 is fluidically connected between the two valve seats with the pressure outlet 13 of the air pump 5.

Figure 3 shows together with Fig.2 the switching valve 4 in the first switching position, connected to the air pump 5, the chamber 3 and the vent opening 14. In the first switching position sits in the second valve chamber 17 of the valve body 20 on the sealing valve seat 24 and closes the second valve chamber 17 against the suction inlet 12th the air pump 5. The valve body 20 can be kept in the valve seat 24, for example, by gravity and by a negative pressure generated by the air pump 5. In the third valve chamber 18, the valve body 21 sits on the non-sealing valve seat 27 and thus releases the fluidic connection between the suction inlet 12 and the chamber 3 through the third valve chamber 18. At the same time, the valve body 19 of the first valve chamber 16 closes the connection from the pressure outlet 13 of the air pump 5 to the chamber 3 and, on the other hand, releases the fluidic connection between the pressure outlet 13 and the ventilation opening (as in this switch position of the ventilation opening) 14 through the first valve chamber 16 , The valve body 19 can be held by gravity and by a slight overpressure in the valve seat 22.

Figure 4 shows the switching valve 4 off Figure 3 in the second switching position. The transition from the first switching position to the second switching position can be effected, for example, by tilting or pivoting of the reversing valve 4, through which the valve bodies 19 to 21 roll by gravity into the respective other end position and / or slide. In the second switching position sits in the second valve chamber 17 of the valve body 20 on the non-sealing valve seat 25 and so fluidly connecting the Saugeinganges 12 of the air pump 5 through the second valve chamber 17 with the vent (as in this switching position of the vent opening) 14 free. The valve body 20 can also be held in the valve seat 24 by gravity, for example. In the third valve chamber 18, the valve body 21 now sits on the sealing valve seat 26 and consequently closes the fluidic connection between the suction inlet 12 and the chamber 3. At the same time the valve body 19 of the first valve chamber 16 closes the connection from the pressure outlet 13 of the air pump 5 to the vent 14 and, however, are the fluidic connection between the pressure outlet 13 of the chamber 3 through the first valve chamber 16 free. By a suitable movement of the valve body 19 to 21 thus the switching valve 4 can be switched between the first switching position and the second switching position. In the following Fig.5 and Fig.6 an exemplary way is shown to tilt the switching valve 4 automatically.

Figure 5 shows in more detail the chamber pump 2 with the switching valve 4 in the first switching position. The chamber 3 is in a first, horizontal or horizontal tilted position. With the top of the chamber 3, the switching valve 4 is firmly connected.

The chamber 3 is movably mounted by means of a bracket, not shown, on a horizontal axis A, which together with stops (not fig.) Allowing a one-sided tilting of the chamber by about 10 ° (in this view counterclockwise) in an oblique, second tilted position , please refer Figure 6 , The chamber 3 is tared so that when empty or only partially filled chamber 3, this remains in the horizontal, first position and tilts when exceeding the upper limit of the level or the level of the condensate water K in the oblique second tilt position. Due to the inclination, the condensate water K of the chamber 3 and thus their center of gravity shifts. This results in a hysteresis, ie that tipping back into the first tilted position takes place with a significantly smaller amount of condensate water K. Due to the construction and the geometry of the chamber 3 with all additional attachments and the position of the axis A, the basic values of this hysteresis are given and can be influenced. In addition, the hysteresis can also be trimmed to desired values by means of balancing weights, displacement bodies, springs, magnetic fields, etc., optionally also dynamically during operation.

The reversing valve 4 has a slope against the intended tilting direction from the first tilted position in the second tilted position of about half the tilt angle (here amount about 5 °), so that the valve balls 19 to 21 in the first tilted position of the chamber 3 and thus in the first switching position of the switching valve 4 in Fig.2 and Figure 3 take position shown or end position, because they are pulled due to the inclination of the switching valve 4 by gravity in this switching position. When activated air pump 5 thus the chamber 3 is filled with the condensate water K. Upon reaching the upper limit P1 of the condensate water level (maximum level), the chamber 3 tilts about the axis A in the second, in Fig. 6 shown, tilted position, and the spherical valve body 19 to 21 can roll in the respective opposite end position. Then the switching valve 4 is in the second switching position. The pressure delivered by the air pump 5 then presses the condensate water K via the located in the riser 10 pressure-side further check valve 29 to the destination, here: the washing container 11. The thereby again becoming lighter chamber 3 tilts when they reach or falling below the lower limit value P2 of the condensate water level in the chamber 3 back into the first tilted position, and the valve body 19 to 21 roll back into the first end position. This alternating tilting process repeats periodically as long as the air pump 5 is turned on.

The valve body 19 to 21 can be held by the air pressure conditions on the sealing valve seats (sealing seats), as long as the air pump 5 is running, especially when the switching valve 4 is brought into the necessary to reach the opposite shift position, in particular tilted position. One possible countermeasure is to switch off the air pump 5 at regular time intervals for a defined period of time. The valve body 19 to 21 can then roll into the respective opposite position or end position when the chamber 3 is already tilted due to the filling conditions. If the chamber 3 has not yet been tilted between two switch-off states, the current pumping step is continued when the air pump 5 is switched on again. As a result, the width of the hysteresis (filling volume per step) can be varied largely independently of the technical conditions.

Another possibility is the (easy to implement) sensing a particular position of the chamber and a correspondingly controlled exposure of the air pump.

The described embodiment and also the chamber pump in general have the advantage that they operate automatically: switching on the power supply of the air pump is sufficient to put the chamber pump into operation. The periodic filling with liquid and expulsion of the liquid by alternating pressure and suction takes place automatically. There are no further control elements (such as sensors, electronics, actuators, etc.) necessary.

The chamber pump 2 pumps the liquid or the medium in relatively large portions, and analogously to conventional pumps such as a reciprocating pump or a diaphragm pump with a very large chamber volume. During a stroke of the chamber pump 2, relatively long-lasting flows result without interruptions, which significantly reduces a tendency of the foreign bodies in the liquid to settle. For the two mentioned classic pump types would be achieved This pump volume and the large stroke a complex transmission with high translation necessary. The accumulation of compressed air or suction air replaced in the chamber pump 2, the mechanical transmission. The chamber volume of the air pump 5 can thus be very small, and the air pump 5 can run at high speed and thus very good efficiency without a transmission gear. The pumping action in the hydraulic part is realized by the action of the cumulative pressure conditions in the chamber 3.

Of course, the present invention is not limited to the embodiment shown.

Thus, a float valve may additionally be provided between the change-over valve and the chamber which, in the case of suction in the first switching position, if the level or liquid level is too high, the pneumatic components, e.g. the changeover valve and the pump from the hydraulic components, e.g. the chamber, can separate. For this, the suction inlet of the air pump is closed by the float valve when the liquid level is too high), if necessary air is forced into the riser pipe during the pressure stroke.

It is generally possible to make the switching valve so that a holding of the valve body, in particular balls, under the given pneumatic conditions is not possible. Switching then takes place during continuous operation of the air pump only by tilting the switching valve.

In general, it is a preferred embodiment that the chamber itself is not movable, but has a float which rises with the liquid sucked into the chamber upwards. At the top of the float, at least one magnet (permanent magnet or electromagnet) can be mounted in such a way that, starting from the desired height of rise or liquid level, the valve bodies are pulled or pushed into a corresponding position or end position. In this case, advantageously, the pneumatic fixation of the valve body on the sealing seats can be used together with the achievable by the intermittent operation of the air pump need a change in position of the valve body. The arrangement of the valve chambers can be advantageously adapted in this case, for example in star shape with a centrally located permanent magnet on the Swimmer. The valve chambers may in particular be aligned obliquely against the horizontal in order to move the valve body by means of gravity can.

It is also possible to operate the change-over valve by means of an external drive via a mechanical movement (servomotor, magnet), the drive e.g. can be triggered by a float. The valve bodies may then be e.g. be moved by a plunger or by a magnetic field generated by a coil in the desired position or end position. For this purpose, for example, at the upper limit P1 and at the lower limit P2 appropriate mechanical or magnetic contacts may be present, which triggers the float. An advantageous arrangement of the valve chambers is also in star form here.

It is also possible to switch the switching valve by means of a pneumatic drive, e.g. by a variation of the air volume flow of the air pump, in particular in combination with a suitable shape, size and inclination of the individual valve chambers and sealing seats.

The embodiments shown in the drawing have the common feature that they do not need sensors to determine the level or level of the liquid in the chamber and thus also no Auswertelogik and connected control for the switching valve. Rather, a movement of the respective valve body between its end positions or positions by means of a level of a liquid in the chamber mechanically (including fluid mechanical) is triggered, for example, that the liquid level triggers the tilting of the chamber or that the liquid level moves a float.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1

clothes dryer

2

chamber pump

3

chamber

4

switching valve

5

air pump

6

Condensate reservoir

7

inlet port

8th

check valve

9

outlet

10

riser

11

rinse tank

12

suction inlet

13

pressure outlet

14

vent

15

valve housing

16

valve chamber

17

valve chamber

18

valve chamber

19

valve body

20

valve body

21

valve body

22

sealing valve seat

23

sealing valve seat

24

sealing valve seat

25

non-sealing valve seat

26

sealing valve seat

27

non-sealing valve seat

28

Air passage opening

29

check valve

A

axis

K

condensate water

S

control unit

P1

upper limit

P2

lower limit

Claims (15)

Chamber pump (2) for a domestic appliance (1), at least comprising a chamber (3), a switching valve (4) and an air pump (5), wherein the switching valve (4) in a first position releases a connection between a suction inlet (12) of the air pump (5) and the chamber (3), - In a second position, a connection between a pressure outlet (13) of the air pump (5) and the chamber (3) releases and - At least one valve chamber (16, 17, 18) each having a freely movable valve body (19, 20, 21), which has a to the first position of the changeover valve (4) associated first end position and to the second position of the changeover valve (4) can assume the associated second end position, - Wherein moving the respective valve body (19, 20, 21) between its end positions by means of a level of a liquid (K) in the chamber (3) is mechanically triggered. A chamber pump (2) according to claim 1, wherein - The chamber (3) is mounted bistable rotatable by a holder, - The chamber (3) is dependent on a liquid level (P1, P2) in the chamber (3) between two tilted positions rotatable and - The switching valve (4) is rigidly connected to the chamber (3). A chamber pump (2) as claimed in claim 2, wherein the switching valve (4) is angled relative to the chamber (3) such that the at least one valve chamber (16; 17; 18) is tilted in a different angular direction in the first position than in the first angular position second position. Chamber pump (2) according to claim 3, wherein the chamber (3) from a substantially horizontal tilted position by a certain tilt angle in an oblique tilted tilting tilt and the switching valve (4) arranged at substantially half the tilt angle in an opposite direction is. Chamber pump (2) according to claim 4, wherein the chamber (3) is tiltable by about 10 ° and the switching valve (4) against the chamber (3) in the other direction is arranged at an angle of about 5 °. Chamber pump (2) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the switching valve (4) has three substantially parallel valve chambers (16; 17; 18), wherein a first valve chamber (16) has in its end positions two sealing valve seats (24, 26), a second valve chamber (17) has a sealing valve seat (24, 26) in one end position and a non-sealing valve seat (25, 27) in the other end position, and and a third valve chamber (18) has a sealing valve seat (24, 26) in one end position and a non-sealing valve seat (25, 27) in the other end position, in an arrangement opposite to the second valve chamber (17), wherein one of the sealing valve seats (24; 26) of the first valve chamber (16) is fluidically connected to the non-sealing valve seat (25; 27) of the second valve chamber (17) and the vent opening (14), the other of the sealing valve seats (24; 26) of the first valve chamber (16) is fluidically connected to the non-sealing valve seat (25; 27) of the third valve chamber (18) and the chamber (3), - The sealing valve seats (24; 26) of the second valve chamber (17) and the third valve chamber (18) are fluidically connected to each other and to the suction inlet (12) of the air pump (5) and - The first valve chamber (16) between the two valve seats (24; 25; 26; 27) is fluidically connected to the pressure outlet (13) of the air pump (5). A chamber pump (5) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one valve body (19; 20; 21) is a spherical valve body (19; 20; 21). A chamber pump (2) according to claim 1, wherein the switching valve (4) is mounted on an upper side of the chamber (3), in which chamber (3) at least one float is accommodated with at least one magnet and the at least one valve body (19; 21) comprises at least one ferromagnetic material and / or a permanent magnetic material. A chamber pump (2) according to claim 8, wherein the valve chambers (16; 17; 18) are arranged in a star shape. A chamber pump (2) as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the air pump (5) is arranged to suspend at regular intervals for a predetermined period of time. Domestic appliance (1), in particular laundry drying apparatus (1), comprising at least one chamber pump (2), which chamber pump (2) at least comprises a chamber (3), a switching valve (4) and an air pump (5), wherein the switching valve (4) : in a first position releases a connection between a suction inlet (12) of the air pump (5) and the chamber (3), - In a second position, a connection between a pressure outlet (13) of the air pump (5) and the chamber (3) releases and - At least one valve chamber (16, 17, 18) each having a freely movable valve body (19, 20, 21), which has a to the first position of the changeover valve (4) associated first end position and to the second position of the changeover valve (4) can assume the associated second end position, - Wherein moving the respective valve body (19, 20, 21) between its end positions by means of a level of a liquid (K) in the chamber (3) is mechanically triggered. Domestic appliance (1) according to claim 11, which domestic appliance (1) is a laundry drying apparatus (1) and the chamber pump (2) is a condensate water pump (2). Domestic appliance (1) according to claim 11, wherein the domestic appliance (1) is a laundry drying apparatus (1) and wherein an inlet opening (7) of the chamber (3) is fluidically connected to a condensate water reservoir (6) and an outlet opening (9) of the chamber ( 3) with a utility container (11), in particular emptying container (11) and / or washing container (11) is fluidly connected. Method for operating a chamber pump (2) having at least one chamber (3) and a changeover valve (4), the changeover valve (4) having at least one valve chamber (16; 17; 18) each having a freely movable valve body (19; 20; 21 ) and wherein - When switching the switching valve (4) in its first position, the at least one freely movable valve body (19; 20; 21) is moved to a first end position, in which the switching valve (4) connects between a suction inlet (12) of an air pump (5) and the chamber (3) releases, - When switching the switching valve (4) in its second position, the at least one freely movable valve body (19; 20; 21) is moved to a second end position, in which the switching valve (4) connects between a suction inlet (12) of the air pump (5) and the chamber (3) releases, - Movement of the respective valve body (19; 20; 21) between its end positions by means of a level (P1; P2) of a liquid (K) in the chamber (3) is mechanically triggered. A method according to claim 14, wherein the switching valve (4) is fixedly connected to the chamber (3) and the chamber (3) for switching the switching valve (4) depending on a liquid level (P1, P2) in the chamber (3) between two Tilted positions is tilted.

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