EP2558633B1 - Washing machine comprising a gas removing device, and method for the operation thereof - Google Patents

Description

The invention relates to a washing machine with a gas removal device and a method for its operation.

In washing machines, gases or other volatile substances which are not gaseous at room temperature are sometimes used for disinfection or for other purposes. Such substances can be harmful, corrosive and / or bad-smelling. For the purposes of this application, these substances are collectively referred to as "gases".

For example, the use of ozone in a washing machine or other laundry care device has recently become more attractive. Ozone is not just a powerful disinfectant; In combination with a care or cleaning agent applied in a washing machine, it also causes complex and rapid reactions, which can lead to an improved care or cleaning effect.

Ozone can be produced in a washing machine in different ways, for example by means of a UV lamp generator by irradiating oxygen with UV radiation below 200 nm, or by a corona discharge, in which oxygen is subjected to an electrical discharge in the form of a corona is suspended. The corona is created by applying a high voltage of generally at least 5000V to a suitable array of electrodes.

Although ozone in a wash liquor, especially at high temperature, consumed very quickly. However, since ozone is a potent poison, the escape of small amounts from a washing machine must be prevented.

The escape of ozone or of other gases is possible above all when an overpressure builds up in the washing machine, which is generally not hermetically sealed, in particular in its dispenser tray and / or its tub. There can be various causes for this. So a gas like ozone is usually by means of a carrier medium, in particular air, introduced into the dispenser tray or the tub. A corresponding amount of air in the device, which also contains the gas, is displaced by the discharge from the device. Finally, the introduction of water into the Einspülschale or the tub and thermal processes (heating of the tub or the air contained therein, frictional heat by the introduction of mechanical energy, chemical reactions, etc.) can cause pressure changes and in particular pressure increases.

The WO 2007/143785 A1 describes a system and apparatus for introducing ozone into a washing machine. The system includes a first conduit for introducing ozone from an ozone supply into a scrubbing liquid inlet and a second conduit for discharging ozone into an area above a scrubbing chamber. For introducing ozone and for mixing with a scrubbing liquid, a venturi nozzle is used, which is operatively coupled to scrubbing liquid inlet means for drawing the ozone into the scrubbing liquid while the scrubbing liquid is being added to the scrubbing tank.

In the WO 2008/119631 A1 a washing machine is described in which existing microorganisms in a detergent dispenser, ie an induction bowl, are eliminated by the direct introduction of ozone from an ozone generator into the dispenser bowl. In one embodiment, water is added to the dispenser tray at the same time as ozone, so that the ozone / water mixture is passed through the dispenser tray. This should minimize the possibility of escape of ozone from the washing machine.

The US 2008/0302139 A1 discloses a tunnel washer having a plurality of zones for washing laundry in a continuous manner, two sites for injecting ozone, a water circuit connecting a water inlet and a water outlet, the water cycle comprising a water reservoir and a venturi injector for dissolving ozone in water includes, as well as an ozone generator. A negative pressure or vacuum may be applied to the tunnel washer via an ozone eliminator to prevent leakage of ozone. To generate the negative pressure, a blower can be used. Excess or leaking ozone can be catalytically converted back to oxygen in the ozone removing device.

The US 2006/0096038 A1 describes a system for monitoring ozone and controlling the supply of a washing machine with ozone. An ozone sensor indicates the exceeding of a set ozone limit, whereupon an ozone generator is switched off until the ozone concentration is again below this limit. An elimination of ozone is not provided.

Further describes US 2008/0092601 A1 a washing machine with a container having a ventilation opening, an induction bowl and an ozone removing device, wherein the ventilation opening is connected to an exhaust duct. In the exhaust duct is the ozone removal device and fan.

Laundry care appliances with ozone removal devices are also out DE 2433909 A1 or off DE 3232057 A1 known.

Filter materials and methods for removing ozone from gases and liquids are also used in DE 4314734 A1 disclosed.

Against this background, the object of the invention is to provide a washing machine with a gas removal device, in which the escape of gases and in particular of ozone can be effectively prevented. The washing machine should be particularly suitable for use with an ozone generator and with an ozone removing device. The invention also relates to a method for operating this washing machine.

The object underlying the invention is achieved by a washing machine and a method for their operation according to respective independent claim. Preferred embodiments of the invention are listed in the respective dependent claims. Preferred embodiments of the washing machine according to the invention correspond to preferred embodiments of the method according to the invention, even if it is not separately pointed out here in each case. The invention thus relates to a washing machine with a tub, a dispenser and a gas removal device, wherein the dispenser is connected via a first exhaust air duct and a second exhaust air duct of the tub with an exhaust duct, and wherein the gas removal device and a suction pump are in the exhaust duct.

In this way, located in the tub and in the dispenser cup gases can be pumped together and eliminated in the context of the invention.

Although first and second exhaust duct can be arranged in principle at different locations in the dispenser tray or in the tub. Preferably, however, the first exhaust air part channel and the second exhaust air part channel form a connecting pipe between the dispenser shell and the tub. Through this connecting pipe, an aqueous liquid (water, wash liquor, fabric softener) is generally conveyed from the dispenser tray into the tub. This connecting tube is therefore sometimes referred to as a filling hose. But first and second partial air duct can also be advantageously arranged in a cuff of the washing machine. First and second partial air ducts are preferably approximately the same length.

In a very particularly preferred embodiment of the washing machine according to the invention, the gas removal device is an ozone removal device. In an ozone eliminator, in particular, ozone is removed by being absorbed or decomposed on a suitable material. The decomposition can occur, for example, in that the ozone is chemically reacted with a suitable material or catalytically decomposed, for example with formation of oxygen.

Moreover, a washing machine having an ozone generator and an ozone removing device is preferable. In the washing machine, when using ozone, the source for the ozone to be removed may be arbitrary. Thus, the ozone can be used as gas in the true sense or in aqueous solution.

For many gases, especially ozone, catalytic decomposition is possible. In a preferred embodiment, the gas removal device therefore comprises a catalyst for the decomposition of the gas.

Therefore, the ozone removing apparatus provided in embodiments of the washing machine according to the present invention has a catalyst for decomposing ozone, for example, a catalyst for converting ozone into oxygen. Suitable catalysts include, for example, MnO ₂ or PbO ₂ . A suitable catalyst is for example in the DE 19531179 A described.

In a preferred embodiment of the washing machine according to the invention, the gas removal device, for example an ozone removal device, comprises a filter unit, wherein the filter unit, in particular in the case of ozone, preferably comprises a carbon-containing material or another readily oxidizable material. Here again, it is preferable that the carbon-containing material is at least one substance selected from the group consisting of activated carbon, polyarylene thioethers, polyarylene ethers and macroporous copolymers. Suitable Polyarylenthioether, polyarylene ethers and macroporous copolymers are, for example, in the EP 0 699 470 A1 described.

Activated carbon is particularly preferably used as the carbon-containing material. Activated carbon can be used to remove many different gases and in particular ozone. Activated carbon is generally decomposed by ozone to form carbon dioxide, so that the amount of activated carbon in a filter unit gradually decreases. In a preferred embodiment, therefore, the washing machine has a sight glass arranged on the ozone removing device. A user of the washing machine can thus detect even without the presence of an ozone sensor, if the filter unit still works properly, for example, by still enough activated carbon is present.

A used in preferred embodiments of the washing machine according to the invention ozone generator generates about 20 mg / h to 30 mg / h of ozone. For this purpose, in general, the use of a filter unit, which is loaded with about 10 g of activated carbon, is sufficient for the entire operating life of the washing machine.

An advantage of the washing machine according to the invention is that a gas sensor, e.g. an ozone sensor is not necessary. However, the washing machine according to the invention can be advantageously used e.g. have an ozone sensor for measuring an ozone content.

It is particularly preferred according to the invention that the suction pump is arranged in the exhaust air duct between the gas removal device, for example an ozone removal device, and an exhaust air outlet. The exhaust duct and the exhaust air outlet can For example, go into a storage room of the washing machine, since the exhaust air contains only small amounts of carbon dioxide and no other interfering components.

The washing machine in embodiments allows the automatic removal of gases and in particular of ozone within the washing machine. A special information about this for a user of the washing machine is not necessary.

However, the washing machine may also include a display device relating to gas removal and, in particular, ozone removal. The display device may be an optical and / or acoustic display device. Preferably, the washing machine then has a display device for non-functioning ozone elimination. For example, non-functioning ozone removal occurs when an existing ozone sensor exceeds one of a predetermined threshold, e.g. 0.05 ppm, lying ozone concentration. If no ozone sensor is present in the washing machine, then a malfunctioning ozone removal may be present if the suction pump or the ozone removing device is not working properly. The latter can be the case, for example, when a carbon-containing material in a filter unit is used up or a catalyst for the catalytic decomposition of the ozone is poisoned.

In the washing machine according to the invention, a control device is generally provided which, in addition to the control of a cleaning program, can also take countermeasures in the event of a malfunctioning removal of ozone. Thus, the controller can turn off the ozone generator and / or cause a corresponding acoustic and / or visual indication on the display device in a non-functioning ozone removal.

The suction pump used in the washing machine according to the invention is generally operated so that an adjusting in the exhaust duct flow through the gas removal device, in particular ozone removal device is sufficiently large to prevent escape of gas-containing, in particular ozone-containing air through other openings of the washing machine.

The suction pump may be partially turned off during operation of the washing machine. When the suction pump is switched on, the suction power may vary or be constant, wherein a pump program of the suction pump can be carried out automatically or by a user of the washing machine. It can thereby be taken into account that, for example, the quantity and time of ozone production can vary. In any case, for example, a temporally constant, dependent on the above conditions suction power of the pump or a time-varying suction power of the pump can be adjusted.

Advantageously, the suction pump is operated for a predetermined period of time even if a gas generator, e.g. an ozone generator, already turned off.

The washing machine according to the invention is not limited and may be any washing machine in which a container for receiving objects to be treated is present and in which a gas such as e.g. Ozone is applied or created.

A washing machine generally has in addition to the tub a rotatably mounted in the tub drum for receiving laundry to be treated. Treating is understood according to the invention primarily to be a cleaning and a refreshment of laundry items.

In addition, a washing machine generally also has a lye drainage system arranged at the bottom of the lye container with a drain pump and generally also laundry hoppers and / or scooping devices.

In a preferred embodiment of the washing machine according to the invention, a pressure sensor and / or a temperature sensor are arranged in the tub. Pressure and temperature sensor, if present, are preferably arranged in a lower region of the tub, so that pressure and / or temperature of an aqueous liquid present in the tub can be measured.

The invention also relates to a method for operating a washing machine with a tub, a Einspülschale and a gas removal device for a harmful, corrosive and / or bad-smelling gas present in the washing machine, wherein the dispensing bowl is connected via a first partial exhaust duct and an exhaust duct via a second partial exhaust duct, in which the gas removal apparatus and a suction pump are located; In which method using the suction pump, air is sucked out of the tub and the dispenser tray into the exhaust duct and through the gas removal device.

The process of the invention is generally tuned to the generation and / or introduction of gases into the washing machine. If an introduction of ozone occurs, for example, in that an ozone generator present in the washing machine is first switched on and the ozone generated is then used further, the suction pump is usually started only after the ozone generator has been switched on and only after a predetermined time after the ozone generator has been switched off Ozone generator switched off.

In a preferred embodiment of the method according to the invention is omitted in the case of generation and introduction of ozone, a simultaneous operation of the drum in a reversing operation.

In a further preferred embodiment of this method is displayed on a display device when the elimination of a gas, in particular ozone, as described above does not work properly.

The invention has the advantage that in a simple and very efficient way, escape of unpleasant or harmful gases, in particular ozone, can be prevented from a washing machine. This is also possible in particular if the washing machine is not hermetically sealed off from the air in a set-up room. Thus, e.g. Excess ozone is not only prevented from escaping, but destroyed by an ozone removing device immediately.

• Fig. 1 ist eine schematische Darstellung der vorliegend relevanten Teile einer ersten Ausführungsform der erfindungsgemäßen Waschmaschine.
• Fig. 2 zeigt eine im Vergleich zu Fig. 1 weniger stark schematisierte Ansicht der vorliegend relevanten Teile einer zweiten Ausführungsform der erfindungsgemäßen Waschmaschine.

Embodiments of the invention are described below with reference to the FIGS. 1 and 2 illustrated.

• Fig. 1 is a schematic representation of the presently relevant parts of a first embodiment of the washing machine according to the invention.
• Fig. 2 shows one compared to Fig. 1 less heavily schematized view of the presently relevant parts of a second embodiment of the washing machine according to the invention.

At the in Fig. 1 shown first embodiment of a washing machine according to the invention are a Einspülschale 11 and a tub 2 two times, namely via a sleeve 26 and a connecting tube (filling hose) 10, connected to each other. Here, each of the Einspülschale 11 is connected via a first exhaust air duct 18 and the tub 2 via a second exhaust air duct 19 with the exhaust duct 17, wherein the first exhaust air duct 18 and the second exhaust air duct 19 on the one hand form the connecting pipe 10 between the dispenser 11 and the tub 2 and on the other form the sleeve 26.

In the exhaust duct 17 are an ozone removing device 20, which includes a filter unit 28, which here contains activated carbon, and a suction pump 21. An ozone sensor 31 for measuring an ozone content is disposed between the ozone removing device 20 and the suction pump 21. A proper functioning of the ozone removing device 20 is present when the ozone sensor 31 can detect no or only extremely small amounts of ozone. The sucked by the dispenser shell 11 and the tub 2 by means of the suction pump 21 air is passed to the removal of the ozone in the ozone removal device 20 via an exhaust outlet 22 in the installation room of the washing machine 1. The suction pump 21 is arranged for this purpose in the exhaust duct 17 between the ozone removal device 20 and the exhaust air outlet 22.

Fig. 2 Fig. 12 is a more detailed illustration of the parts relevant to the present explanation of a second embodiment of a washing machine 1, in which a method to be explained below can be carried out. The gas used in this embodiment is ozone. Other embodiments are conceivable. In the Fig. 2 Washing machine 1 shown has a tub 2, in which a drum 3 rotatably mounted and can be operated by a drive motor 14. The arrow shows the here Direction of rotation of the drum. 24 means the axis of rotation of the drum 3. In the drum 3 are on the inner surface of the drum shell Wäschemitnehmer 4 and 5 Schöpfeinrichtungen for the wash liquor 6 available.

The washing machine 1 also has a water supply system, which in a water supply 8 arranged a water connection fitting, not shown here for the domestic water network, an electrically controllable valve 9 and a Waschmitteleinspüleinrichtung ("Einspülschale") 11. In the water supply line 8 is also a venturi 16, which is connected in the embodiment shown here via an ozone supply line 25 with an ozone generator 32. The ozone generator 30 air supplied in a supply air duct. Via the Venturi nozzle 16, the water flowing in the water supply line 8 sucks ozone-containing air from the domestic water network in the ozone supply line 25. As a result, ozone passes together with water in the dispenser 11 and then in the tub 2. However, ozone can be introduced in principle as a gas in the tub 2.

At the in FIG. 2 shown second embodiment, the dispenser 11 is connected via a connecting tube (filling hose) 10 with the tub 2. In this case, in particular, the dispensing dish 11 is connected to the exhaust air channel 17 via a first partial exhaust air duct 18 and the tub 2 via a second partial exhaust air duct 19. First exhaust air duct 18 and second exhaust air duct 19 thus form the connecting pipe 10 between the dispenser 11 and the tub 2.

In the exhaust duct 17 are an ozone removing device 20 and a suction pump 21st

In the ozone removing device 20 is a filter unit 28, which contains activated carbon as a carbon-containing material in the presently described embodiment. At the ozone removal device 20, a sight glass 27 is arranged, via which a user of the washing machine can detect whether in the filter unit 28 is still carbon-containing material, here activated carbon, for proper functioning is present.

An ozone sensor 31 for measuring an ozone content is disposed between the ozone removing device 20 and the suction pump 21. A proper functioning of the ozone removing device 20 is present when the ozone sensor 31 can detect no or only extremely small amounts of ozone. The ozone sensor 31 thus acts as an additional safeguard next to the sight glass 27. The air sucked in by the aspiration pump 21 from the induction bowl 11 and the tub 2 is conducted into the installation room of the washing machine 1 via an exhaust outlet 22 after removal of the ozone in the ozone removal device 20. The suction pump 21 is arranged for this purpose in the exhaust duct 17 between the ozone removal device 20 and the exhaust air outlet 22.

The water coming in via the water supply line 8 can transport detergent portions located there via the dispensing tube 11 into the tub 2 via the connecting tube 10.

For the acoustic and / or optical display of an improperly functioning removal of ozone, a display device 29 is located on the washing machine 1 of the specific embodiment shown here.

In addition, there is a heater 13 in the tub 2 embodiments without heating, however, are conceivable. The valve 9 as well as the heater 13 may be controlled by a controller 12 in accordance with a schedule associated with a timed program and / or the achievement of certain measurements of parameters such as liquor level, liquor temperature, drum speed, etc. within the washing machine can be.

In Fig. 2 means 15 a pressure sensor for the measurement of the hydrostatic pressure p in the tub 2, which results from the level of forming in the tub 2 free liquor. The signals from the drive motor 14, pressure sensor 15, ozone generator 32, suction pump 19, ozone sensor 31, etc. are supplied to the controller 12, although not shown for reasons of clarity.

The suction pump 21 is selected from its performance so that it can influence the pressure fluctuations resulting from various influences so that an overpressure in the dispenser 1 and the tub 2 is avoided and therefore no ozone can get out of the washing machine 1.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1

Washing machine

2

tub

3

drum

4

laundry agitator

5

scoop

6

suds

7

laundry

8th

Water supply (from the domestic water network)

9

electrically controllable valve

10

Connecting pipe (filling hose for lye / water)

11

Detergent dispenser (dispenser)

12

control device

13

heater

14

drive motor

15

pressure sensor

16

venturi

17

exhaust duct

18

first exhaust partial duct

19

second exhaust air part channel

20

Ozone removal device

21

suction Pump

22

exhaust air outlet

23

Drain pump

24

axis of rotation

25

Ozone supply line

26

cuff

27

sight glass

28

filter unit

29

display device

30

Supply air duct for the ozone generator

31

ozone sensor

32

ozone generator

Claims (14)

1. Washing machine (1) with a solution container (2), a flushing-in tray (11), a gas removal device (20) and an exhaust air sub-channel (19), which is connected with an exhaust air channel (17) in which the gas removal device (20) and a suction pump (21) are disposed, characterised in that the exhaust air sub-channel (19) is a second exhaust air sub-channel (19) and that the flushing-in tray (11) is connected with the exhaust air channel (17) by way of a further, first exhaust air sub-channel (18) and the solution container (2) is connected with the exhaust air channel (17) by way of the second exhaust air sub-channel (19).
2. Washing machine (1) according to claim 1, characterised in that the first exhaust air sub-channel (18) and the second exhaust air sub-channel (19) form a connecting pipe (10) between flushing-in tray (11) and solution container (2).
3. Washing machine (1) according to one of claims 1 and 2, characterised in that the gas removal device (20) comprises a catalyser for degradation of the gas.
4. Washing machine (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterised in that the gas removal device (20) comprises a filter unit (28).
5. Washing machine (1) according to claim 4, characterised in that the filter unit (28) comprises a material containing carbon or another readily oxidisable material.
6. Washing machine (1) according to claim 5, characterised in that the material containing carbon is at least one substance selected from the group consisting of activated carbon, polyarylene thioethers, polyarylene ethers and macroporous copolymers.
7. Washing machine (1) according to claim 6, characterised in that activated carbon is used as material containing carbon.
8. Washing machine (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterised in that the gas removal device (20) is an ozone removal device.
9. Washing machine (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterised in that it comprises an ozone generator (32) and an ozone removal device (20).
10. Washing machine (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterised in that it comprises an ozone sensor (31) for measuring an ozone content.
11. Washing machine (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 10, characterised in that the suction pump (21) is arranged in the exhaust air channel (17) between the gas removal device (20) and an exhaust air outlet (22).
12. Washing machine (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the washing machine (1) comprises a viewing pane arranged at the gas removal device (20).
13. Washing machine (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that it comprises an indicating device (29) for non-functioning gas removal.
14. Method of operating a washing machine (1) with a solution container (2), a flushing-in tray (11) and a gas removal device (20) for a gas which is present in the washing machine (1) and is harmful to health, corrosive and/or odiferous, wherein by way of an exhaust air sub-channel (19) there is connection with an exhaust air channel (17) in which the gas removal device (20) and a suction pump (21) are disposed, and air is sucked from the exhaust air sub-channel (19) through the gas removal device (20) with use of the suction pump (21), characterised in that the exhaust air sub-channel is a second exhaust air sub-channel (19) and that the flushing-in tray (11) is connected with the exhaust air channel (17) by way of a further, first exhaust air sub-channel (18) and the solution container (2) is connected with the exhaust air channel (17) by way of the second exhaust air sub-channel (19), wherein with use of the suction pump (21) air is sucked from the solution contained (2) and the flushing-in tray (11) into the exhaust air channel (17) and through the gas removal device (20).

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