EP2766518B1 - Water-bearing household appliance with an atomisation device and method for operation thereof - Google Patents

Description

The invention relates to a water-conducting household appliance with a nebulizer and a method for its operation.

In laundry treatment appliances, especially dryers, but also washing machines or dryers, sometimes different additional functions are offered. These include, among other things, the smoothing of textiles, the reduction of wrinkles, odor removal, eg steam extraction, heating with steam in addition to or alternative to conventional heating up to hygienic measures both for laundry care and for the care of equipment. For example, it is known to treat laundry before ironing in a washing machine with steam (see the documents DE 10 2005 056 354 A1 and DE 10 2005 046 163 A1 , and also EP 1 275 767 A1 ). So revealed the EP 1 275 767 A1 a clothes dryer or automatic washing machine with a steamer in which after the withdrawal of water of the laundry steam is supplied by the bottom of the tub water is heated so far that it comes to a vapor development. The steam penetrates into the drum and acts on the laundry contained therein.

The DE 103 02 866 A1 describes a clothes dryer with a laundry drum and arranged at an air outlet and / or a loading opening of the laundry drum spraying device for spraying at least one additive in the laundry drum, and a control device for controlling the drying process. In this case, by means of the control device during the spraying of the at least one additive, the delivery rate of the fan can be reduced, the air flow can be switched off or the conveying direction can be reversed. As an additive, which can then be used to disinfect the laundry or to activate a further additive, water vapor can be generated by heating water.

The publication WO 2011/089868 A1 shows a dishwasher.

The DE 34 08 136 A1 describes a process for treating textile material such as fibers, textiles, hides, furs and the like, in which the material is treated with a liquid mist and dried by warm air, wherein the Liquid mist is formed by sputtering the liquid by means of a gas jet. As a gas jet, a steam jet can be used.

In the DE 102 60 151 A1 a laundry treatment apparatus is described in which a processing unit for a liquid for generating mist or steam is connected to the process air duct, so that via the supply of process air steam can be introduced into the laundry drum. This should remove odors from textiles.

From the DE 102 60 156 A1 is a clothes dryer and the use of a Ultraschallzerstäubers known.

The WO 2010/145869 A1 describes a laundry treatment appliance comprising a treatment room for receiving laundry, a steam generator, which can be fed via a source of water by a pump with water, a line connecting the steam generator with the treatment room, and an inlet for introducing steam into the treatment room wherein between the steam generator and the treatment room via a switching valve in addition a nebuliser is connected via lines to the treatment room, and wherein the nebulizer is capable of admixing the treatment agent in the form of an aerosol. The nebulizer may be, for example, an ultrasonic nebulizer.

The WO 2004/059 070 A1 describes a laundry dryer comprising a process air duct for supplying process air into a laundry drum and a process air heater for heating at least the process air in the tumble dryer, wherein at least one processing unit for a liquid for generating mist or steam connected to the process air duct for removing odors from textiles is. In embodiments, the processing unit is an evaporator for evaporating water, which is arranged in front of the inlet opening of the process air duct in the laundry drum. Preferably, the evaporator also has a heating device, which is formed by the process air heating of the clothes dryer.

The EP 2 000 581 A1 describes a dryer, which contains a steam generator and a water tank in addition to a laundry drum, in which a heater is arranged. In the laundry drum, mist can be provided instead of steam.

In cleaning processes in a water-conducting household appliance, in particular for cleaning laundry items or dishes, the general question is how they can be made more efficient, preferably the water consumption in the household appliance should be further reduced, without causing the cleaning effect, e.g. an achievable with the washing degree of cleaning of laundry, is impaired.

Especially with the use of steam, there is often the problem that the air or the steam carrying the steam itself is too high a temperature and this is not controllable, since water vapor can only occur when water evaporates.

Against this background, it is an object of the present invention to provide a water-conducting household appliance, in particular a washing machine, a washer-dryer or a dishwasher, and a method for treating objects to be treated using this household appliance, in each of which the cleaning properties can be better controlled, and preferably the consumption of water can be further reduced. The domestic appliance should preferably allow a performance of a treatment process to be based on the degree of soiling of the objects to be cleaned, e.g. Laundry items, can be matched.

The object underlying the invention is achieved by a water-conducting household appliance and a method according to the respective independent claim. Preferred developments of the invention are subject matter of corresponding dependent claims and the following description, wherein preferred developments of the domestic appliance correspond to preferred developments of the method and vice versa, and this even if it is not explicitly stated herein.

According to the invention is thus given a water-conducting household appliance, comprising a water supply system, a treatment room for receiving objects to be treated, a control device and controllable with the control device nebulizer, wherein the nebulizing a water tank for receiving water, a nebulizer for nebulization of in the water tank existing water, as well as a heater which is arranged in the water tank, wherein the household appliance is a household appliance for cleaning the objects, in particular a washing machine, a washer-dryer or a dishwasher, and wherein the nebulizer between the heater and a mist channel is arranged.

The nebulizing device used according to the invention comprises a nebuliser, which can nebulize liquids. This means that the liquid is present in fine drops in the air. This form is called fog. The mist may be at ambient temperature, or it may be heated from the ambient temperature. As a result, mist differs from water vapor, which can arise only when boiling water and condenses on its cooling on cooler surfaces.

Furthermore, a heating device is provided, which is arranged in a reservoir for water, herein called water tank. The heater is capable of heating the generated mist to any desired temperature. This is done either by a) heating water present in the water tank to a desired temperature and / or by heating b) a mist produced by the nebulizer. In the case a), the heating device is preferably designed as a submerged heating element. In case b) it may preferably be designed as a hot air blower.

The water tank is preferably relatively flat with respect to its height for efficient generation of fog without excessively lowering the water level (also referred to herein as "water level"). The heating device is preferably a heating coil.

Preferably, a temperature sensor is present, preferably a fast NTC. By using the temperature sensor, which in general with the Control device of the household appliance is connected, a control of the power of the nebulizer is already possible.

The nebuliser may be a nozzle, but is preferably designed as a ultrasonic nebulizer. With a Ultraschallvernebler can advantageously be set a small drop size. When the household appliance is a washing machine, in the production of a very fine water mist, the evaporation of the mist in a laundry drum can be accelerated and a wetting of the textiles can be avoided. This is of interest, for example, when scouring laundry items is to be achieved.

Preferably, the ultrasonic nebulizer is a piezoelectric, preferably a piezoceramic ultrasonic nebulizer. This type of ultrasonic nebulizer has the advantage that the power of the ultrasonic nebulizer can be controlled continuously. This is particularly advantageous because the required amount of moisture, especially mist, depends on factors such as the amount of load to be cleaned, e.g. contaminated items of laundry, as well as the type and amount of contamination depends, and is preferably adjusted accordingly.

A mist generated by a piezoceramic ultrasonic nebulizer generally has a homogeneous droplet size distribution. This homogeneous distribution can be used for even wetting or treatment of laundry items. Also, the droplet size can be controlled specifically when using a piezoceramic ultrasonic nebulizer.

Finally, the energy requirement for atomizing an aqueous liquid with the use of such an ultrasonic nebulizer is low, so that the total energy consumption is comparatively low.

Preferably, the amount, droplet size and droplet size distribution and the temperature of the mist can be adjusted specifically. In addition, it is also preferably possible to mix various treatment agents, such as fragrances, with the mist. This is particularly well achieved in that a desired treatment agent is added to the water in the water tank.

The forwarding of the mist generated in a treatment room can be effected by a separate blower or even by the nebulizer itself. In general, forwarding in the upper area of the household appliance is open and depressurised, e.g. in a washing machine, preferably via a cuff.

In a preferred embodiment, the household appliance has a water supply line, which splits into a water supply line for the nebulization device and into a treatment room supply line. For this purpose, for example, a 3/2-way valve (switching valve, depressurized) can be used. In a treatment room supply line in a washing machine is generally followed by the treatment room supply line, an induction bowl and a connecting tube to the tub, for. a filling hose for lye / water.

According to the invention, it is preferred that at least one water level sensor is arranged in the household appliance in the water tank. This makes it possible to monitor the proper functioning of the nebuliser. Preferably, several water level sensors are mounted, so that particularly accurate information about the water level can be forwarded to a control device.

Particularly preferably, the control device is designed so that it can cause the supply of water into the water tank at a low water level, for example by a valve to the water inlet system of the water-bearing household appliance is opened until a certain water level is reached.

Likewise, it is preferred that a temperature sensor is arranged in the water tank. As a result, overheating and thus damage to the household appliance or the objects to be treated can be easily avoided.

The nebulizer used according to the invention essentially produces a mist from an aqueous liquid. Here, the aqueous liquid is either water or an aqueous solution containing additives, which additives are generally designed to exert certain effects on the articles to be treated. For example, these additives can impart certain properties to laundry items or advantageously influence a laundry treatment process.

The control device is preferably set up in such a way that it makes it possible to set a desired drop size, quantity and / or temperature of the mist in the water tank. In this case, the control device preferably stores a relationship between, on the one hand, droplet size, quantity and / or temperature of the mist, and, on the other hand, the type and extent of contaminants and / or the type and possibly the amount of contaminated objects.

The household appliance according to the invention is in particular a washing machine, a washer-dryer or a dishwasher. Particularly preferably, the household appliance is a washing machine with a rotatably mounted in a tub drum for receiving laundry. In this case, it is again preferred that the atomization device is connected to a cuff of the washing machine via a mist channel. A washing machine generally has in addition to the tub a rotatably mounted in the tub drum for receiving laundry to be treated. 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 addition, a pressure sensor and / or a temperature sensor are generally arranged in the washing tub in a washing machine. 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.

In a particularly preferred embodiment, the household appliance has a collecting tray below the heating device for limescale falling from the heating device.

The household appliance can advantageously have a display device for carrying out a method according to the invention. The display device may be an optical and / or acoustic display device.

• Bereitstellen der Gegenstände im Haushaltsgerät,
• Erzeugen eines Nebels mittels der Vernebelungseinrichtung,
• Erwärmen des Nebels mittels der Heizeinrichtung auf eine gewünschte Temperatur und
• Reinigen der Gegenstände, und Behandeln der Gegenstände mit dem Nebel.

The invention furthermore relates to a method for cleaning articles in a water-conducting domestic appliance according to the invention, comprising the steps:

• Providing the objects in the household appliance,
• Generating a mist by means of the misting device,
• Heating the mist by means of the heater to a desired temperature and
• Cleaning the objects, and treating the objects with the fog.

"Articles" within the meaning of the invention are in particular items of laundry or dishes, cutlery, pots and the like.

In an advantageous embodiment, the water in the water tank is first heated to a comparatively high temperature by means of the heating device for hygienic reasons, e.g. 60 ° C, and then set a desired fog temperature using the ultrasonic nebulizer.

In a preferred embodiment, the household appliance is a washing machine and the temperature of the mist is controlled such that a maximum temperature value T _{max of} the mist deposited for an inserted type of textile and / or a type of contamination in the control device is not exceeded.

Moreover, it is preferable that the mist is brought into contact with objects to be cleaned prior to a washing phase for solving soiling.

The control device is preferably set up so that, in addition to the control of a treatment program, it is also possible to regulate the generation of mist. The control device may preferably initiate remedial measures if the nebulizer device does not function properly. Thus, the control device, for example, at too high a temperature of the mist, the heater or nebulizer switch off and / or cause a corresponding acoustic and / or visual display on a display device.

Under treatment is understood in the event that the inventive water-conducting household appliance is a washing machine, especially a cleaning, disinfecting, Entknittern and refreshing of laundry and a dissolution of contaminants thereon. In a dishwasher, the term "treatment" refers above all to the cleaning of the objects and the dissolving of soiling on the objects.

The invention has numerous advantages. Thus, mist can be used for the treatment of laundry in a simple and very efficient way. This is particularly advantageous for the elimination of wrinkles, for the dissolving of stains and for the improvement of the hygiene during dishwashing, wherein in each case desired temperatures can be set easily.

Depending on the type of textile, it can be removed as a separate program at different temperatures (cold to 90 ° C).

When mist is used, the temperature of this mist can be easily controlled to suit any type of fabric and soiling without causing textile damage. For example, proteinaceous soils such as e.g. Blood and leftovers without the risk of burn-in, as it exists for example in hot steam, are dissolved in advance.

Likewise, a refresher treatment could be carried out as a separate program at different temperatures from cold to 60 ° C.

Hygienic treatment is easily possible at higher temperatures (eg 60 ° C to 100 ° C). For example, a sanitary treatment in a washing machine can be carried out during final spinning, with good visibility and a large surface area. Advantageously, the mist is passed to a present at high numbers of revolutions applied laundry.

Moreover, only relatively little energy is used to generate a mist, so that a high energy efficiency is given. Finally, it can be achieved that at the beginning of the mist generation no formation of condensate drops (avoiding a so-called "spitting" outlet).

• Fig. 1 ist eine schematische Darstellung der vorliegend relevanten Teile einer nicht einschränkend gemeinten Ausführungsform eines wasserführenden Haushaltsgerätes, das hier als Waschmaschine ausgestaltet ist.
• Fig. 2 zeigt eine Vernebelungseinrichtung, wie sie in einer weiteren Ausführungsform des wasserführenden Haushaltsgerätes zum Einsatz kommt.

Embodiments of the invention are in the FIGS. 1 and 2 The accompanying drawings illustrate and are explained in detail below with reference to the drawing.

• Fig. 1 is a schematic representation of the presently relevant parts of a non-limiting embodiment of a water-conducting household appliance, which is designed here as a washing machine.
• Fig. 2 shows a nebulizer, as used in another embodiment of the water-conducting household appliance used.

In the Fig. 1 Washing machine 1 shown has a tub 3 as a treatment room in which a drum 2 is rotatably mounted and can be operated by a drive motor 14. The long arrow indicates the direction of rotation of the drum here. 21 means the axis of rotation of the drum 2. In the drum 2 Wäschemitnehmer 4 and 5 Schöpfeinrichtungen 5 for the wash liquor 6 are on the inner surface of the drum shell available.

At the in Fig. 1 shown first embodiment of a water-conducting household appliance, here a washing machine, water from the water connection 8 from the domestic water network via an electrically controllable two-way valve 9 and a water supply line 30 first to an electrically controllable three-way valve 10 to which a Einspülschalenzuleitung 31 and a water supply line 23 are connected. The dispenser tray 11 is connected via a connecting tube (filling hose) 17 with the tub 3 and the drum 2. The water coming in via the water connection 8 or the dispensing cup feed line 31 can transport detergent portions located there via the dispensing tube 17 into the tub 3 via the dispensing tube 17.

The water supply line 23 leads to the nebuliser 19, in which a heater 22 and an ultrasonic nebulizer 18 are arranged in a water tank 29 which is filled with water 33. The water level is displayed and monitored by means not shown here water level sensors. The ultrasonic nebulizer 18 is disposed between the heater 22 and a mist channel 16. The mist channel 16 is connected in the embodiment shown here via a sleeve 32 with the tub 3. The short thick arrows indicate the direction of flow of the mist.

The voltage required for activating the ultrasonic nebulizer 18 is conducted to the ultrasonic nebuliser 18 via a line, not shown here, wherein the line can be connected to a battery, a battery or the like.

Depending on the type of laundry 7 and the nature and extent of contamination, a mist having a desired temperature and droplet distribution and in a desired amount is produced. The mist generated in this manner in the atomizing device 19 on the heating device 22 and on the ultrasonic atomizer 18 passes via the mist channel 16 and a sleeve 32 into the tub 3 or the drum 2.

This is preferably done before the start of a wash program for the solution of stains. Alternatively, or in addition to this, the mist may also be used after completion of a wash program including a rinse section to counteract the formation of wrinkles.

A lye drainage system 20, which according to conventional practice in addition to corresponding lines a drain valve and a drain pump includes is shown for clarity only schematically.

For acoustic and / or visual display of a malfunctioning ultrasonic nebulizer 18 is located on the washing machine 1 of the specific embodiment shown here, a display device 34th

In addition, there is a lye heater 13 in the tub 3. However, embodiments without lye heating are conceivable. The valve 9 as well as the lye heater 13 may be controlled by a controller 12 in response to a schedule that may be tied to a schedule and / or to the achievement of certain measurements of parameters such as liquor level, liquor temperature, drum speed, etc. within the washer.

In Fig. 1 15 means a pressure sensor for the measurement of the hydrostatic pressure p in the tub 3, which results from the level of the free liquor forming in the tub 3. The signals from the drive motor 14, pressure sensor 15, etc. are supplied to the control device 12, although this is not shown for reasons of clarity. 20 means a Laugenablaufsystem.

Fig. 2 shows a nebulizer 19, as used in another embodiment of a water-conducting household appliance 1 according to the invention. Here, the reference numerals have the same meaning as in Fig. 1 ,

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1

Washing machine

2

Drum, treatment room

3

tub

4

laundry agitator

5

scoop

6

suds

7

laundry

8th

Water connection (from the domestic water network)

9

electrically controllable two-way valve

10

electrically controllable three-way valve

11

Detergent dispenser (dispenser)

12

control device

13

Heating lye

14

drive motor

15

pressure sensor

16

fog channel

17

Connecting pipe (filling hose for lye / water)

18

ultrasonic

19

atomizer

20

Caustic drain system

21

axis of rotation

22

heater

23

Water supply line for the nebulizer

24

Heizeinrichtungsanschluss

25

Heizeinrichtungsanschluss

26

temperature sensor

27

drip tray

28

Water level sensors, water level sensors

29

water tank

30

water supply

31

Einspülschalenzuleitung

32

cuff

33

water

34

display device

Claims (15)

1. Water-bearing household appliance (1) comprising a water supply system (8, 9), a treatment compartment (2) for receiving items to be treated (7), a control device (12) and an atomisation device (19) which can be controlled with the control device (12),
   wherein the atomisation device (19) comprises a water container (29) for receiving water, an atomiser (18) for atomising water present in the water container (29), and a heating device (22), which is arranged in the water container (29), and wherein the household appliance (1) is a household appliance for cleaning the items (7), in particular a washing machine, a washer-dryer or a dishwasher, characterised in that
   the atomiser is arranged between the heating device (22) and a mist channel (16).
2. Water-bearing household appliance (1) according to claim 1, characterised in that below the heating device (22) it has a collection tray (27) for limescale deposits falling off from the heating element (22).
3. Household appliance (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterised in that the heating device (22) is arranged such that it a) heats the water present in the water container (29) and/or that it (b) heats a mist generated by the atomiser (18).
4. Household appliance (1) according to claim 3, characterised in that the heating device (22) is embodied in case a) as an immersing heating element.
5. Household appliance (1) according to claim 3, characterised in that the heating device (22) is embodied in case b) as a hot air fan.
6. Household appliance (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the atomiser (18) is an ultrasound atomiser (18).
7. Household appliance (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the household appliance (1) has a water feed line (30), which is divided into a water supply line (23) for the atomisation device (19) and into a treatment compartment feed line (31).
8. Household appliance (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that at least one water level sensor (28) is arranged in the water container (29).
9. Household appliance (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that a temperature sensor (26) is arranged in the water container (29).
10. Household appliance (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the control device (12) is set up so that in the water container (29) it allows a desired droplet size, quantity and/or temperature of a mist to be adjusted.
11. Household appliance (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that stored in the control device (12) is an association between on the one hand the droplet size, quantity and/or temperature of the mist, and on the other hand the type and extent of contaminations and/or type and if necessary extent of contaminated items.
12. Household appliance (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the atomisation device (19) is connected via the mist channel (16) to a sleeve (32) of the washing machine (1).
13. Method for cleaning items (7) in a water-bearing household appliance (1) according to one of the preceding claims,
    comprising the steps

    - providing the items (7) in the household appliance (1),

    - generating a mist by means of the atomisation device (19),

    - heating the mist to a desired temperature using the heating device (22) and

    - cleaning the items (7), and treating the items (7) with the mist.
14. Method according to claim 13, characterised in that the water-bearing household appliance (1) is a washing machine, and the temperature of the mist is controlled such that a maximum temperature value T_max of the mist, which is stored in the control device (12) for a type of textile employed and/or type of contamination, is not exceeded.
15. Method according to one of claims 13 and 14, characterised in that the mist is brought into contact with the items (7) prior to a washing cycle for the purpose of dissolving dirt.

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