EP3322848B1 - Domestic appliance for caring for laundry items having an imbalance-compensating device having balls magnetically held in dependence on rotational speed and method for operating such a domestic appliance - Google Patents

Description

The invention relates to a household appliance for the care of laundry items, with at least one laundry drum for receiving laundry items, and with at least one imbalance compensation device, which is arranged on the laundry drum, and which has a housing in which a plurality of compensation elements are movably contained, of which at least some are magnetically, wherein the unbalance compensation device comprises at least one rotatably coupled to the laundry drum, magnetically interacting component for magnetic interaction with the magnetic compensation elements, wherein the magnetic compensation elements and the magnetically interacting component are formed with such a magnetic holding force to each other that a release of the compensation elements of the magnetically interacting component takes place only at a speed of the laundry drum greater than a predetermined reference speed of the laundry drum. The invention further relates to a method for operating a household appliance.

During a washing process of a washing machine, it is known that a random and irregular distribution of the laundry items in the laundry drum. This results in imbalances that cause relatively large mechanical vibrations of the laundry drum and thus large mechanical loads on the entire household appliance. On the one hand, unpleasant noises are generated by the resulting vibrations for the user; On the other hand, this can also lead to a mechanical stress on the flooring on which the household appliance is placed.

In order to prevent or at least greatly reduce the vibrations of the laundry drum during operation of a washing machine, it has already been proposed in the prior art to fasten an annular balancing device - also known as "ball balancer" - to the laundry drum. Such an imbalance compensation device has an annular, hollow housing, in which there is a balancing mass, for example in the form of several spherical compensation elements is provided. This balancing mass is movably mounted in the interior of the housing and tends in supercritical operation of the washing machine to move to one of the imbalance mass - with respect to a diameter of the laundry drum - opposite side, thus producing a counterweight for the imbalance mass and consequently overall balance.

For example, the document describes US 2011/0203325 A1 Such a configuration.

Next reveal US 2014/0208809 A1 and WO 2015/050399 A1 also washing machines with an imbalance compensation device, which have movable balancing masses of metal. These balancing masses magnetically interact with two further magnetic components attached to the unbalance compensation device and generating a magnetic field. This unbalance compensation device is designed such that the compensating masses remain in the region of the magnetic field-generating components in the case of a rotating laundry drum until a drum speed of 200 l / min is exceeded.

It is an object of the invention to provide a comparison with the prior art improved or at least alternative unbalance compensation of a laundry drum.

This object is achieved by a household appliance for the care of laundry and a method according to the respective independent claims.

An inventive household appliance for the care of laundry comprises a laundry drum for receiving the laundry items. The household appliance further comprises at least one unbalance compensation device, which is arranged on the laundry drum and which has a housing in which a plurality of separate compensation elements are movably contained or arranged.

It is envisaged that the magnetic compensation elements are at least partially formed as permanent magnets. This is particularly advantageous in that that permanently magnetic fields are provided which are provided for generating the magnetic holding force with the magnetically interacting component. In addition, such permanent magnets with respect to their generated magnetic fields can also be generated and provided very precisely, so that just then the desired defined holding force with the magnetically interacting component can also be specified very accurately.

It is preferably provided that a magnetic compensation element has a permanent magnetic core which is surrounded by a sheath. This shell is preferably plastic. Such an advantageous embodiment of a magnetic compensating element allows the above-mentioned advantages of an at least partially permanent magnetic configuration and moreover has the advantage that such a compensating element can move in the housing with very reduced noise. Since the sheath, in particular made of plastic, when striking the compensating elements on the inner housing walls, which delimit the hollow space of the housing, generates less noise than, for example, a metallic outer side of such a compensating element, this additionally contributes to the overall noise reduction.

In particular, a magnetic compensating element may be a ball formed of a plastic-bonded magnet. Such a configuration is characterized, for example, compared to a steel element by a lower density and thus a lower weight.

An essential idea of the invention is to be seen in that at least some of these separate compensation elements are magnetic and the imbalance compensation device has at least one magnetically interacting component rotationally coupled to the laundry drum for magnetic interaction with the magnetic compensation elements. In particular advantage of the invention it is provided that the magnetic compensation elements and the magnetically interacting element are formed individually with respect to their magnetic effect. It is therefore targeted and defines an embodiment of these magnetic compensation elements and the at least one magnetically interacting component provided in such a way that one between the magnetic compensation elements and the magnetic interacting component reaches or is formed a defined magnetic holding force to each other, wherein in the present case is understood by a magnetic compensating element is an element that has and maintains a magnetic field itself. The magnetic interacting component may be permanent magnetic, ferromagnetic or electromagnet, provided that it interacts with the magnetic compensating element and forms a magnetic attraction between the magnetically interacting component and the magnetic compensating element due to the formation and / or arrangement of the component (magnetic holding force). ,

This defined magnetic holding force is specifically set and designed so that a release of the compensation elements of the magnetically interacting component takes place only above a predetermined reference speed of the laundry drum. It should therefore be done by the unbalance compensation device with respect to the magnetic holding between the magnetic compensation elements and the separate magnetically interacting component such that at a reference speed of the laundry drum, which is between the minimum speed and a maximum speed of the laundry drum, a release of the magnetic holding force , This ensures that the compensation elements are magnetically coupled in a speed range from the minimum speed to the reference speed of the laundry drum with the magnetically interacting component and thus quasi stationary or rotorfest be rotated. Only then, when the laundry drum rotates at a speed greater than this reference speed, then automatically this magnetic holding force is released, since then the centrifugal forces are greater than this magnetic holding force. At such a reference speed with then automatically releasing the magnetic holding force, the balancing members may rotate in the annular housing relative to the housing and also relative to the magnetically interacting member or may rotate therein. By the invention, a much more needs-based adjustment of imbalance, which occur due to unevenly distributed laundry items in the laundry drum, achieved. It is also achieved in the context that an undesirable noise is prevented by even relative to the housing of the balancing device moving compensation elements even at low speeds. In particular, this is advantageous if such a prevention of the movement of the compensation elements relative to the housing in the housing up to a speed range which is greater than the resonance range or the resonant frequency of the laundry drum movement.

This then also applies in particular preferably for the usual washing speed of a laundry drum, so that the noise is at least significantly reduced.

Under the resonance range of the laundry drum or the resonant frequency of the laundry drum movement, the frequency range lying in the region of the main natural frequencies, in particular the region of the first main natural frequency, of the unit which is swingably arranged in the housing of the domestic appliance for the care of laundry items, in which the laundry drum is rotatably mounted, is present. Roger that. The main natural frequency of a vibratory system is also called the modal frequency.

In an advantageous manner, it is thus provided that the reference speed is greater than a speed of the laundry drum corresponding to the resonance range of the laundry drum. The reference speed is especially smaller than the maximum speed of the laundry drum. Since the compensation elements then quasi while recording the resonance range and thus when passing through these frequencies of the resonance area are held evenly balanced in relation to the laundry items in the laundry drum and not move relative to the housing of the balancing device and thus have virtually the same speed like the laundry drum and the unbalance compensation device itself, the imbalances generated by the laundry items can not be increased by imbalances caused by the compensation elements.

The compensation elements are in particular designed as balls.

It is preferably provided that the magnetically interacting component is arranged on the housing. As a result, the unbalance compensation device with its housing can also be manufactured individually and independently of the laundry drum and then provided as an entire module in order to be mounted on the laundry drum.

It can be provided that the magnetically interacting component is embedded in the housing, in particular completely surrounded by the housing. By such a configuration, a compact design is achieved. In addition, a high positional security between the housing and this magnetically interacting component is achieved.

In particular, it is provided that the magnetically interacting component, viewed in the radial direction to the axis of rotation of the laundry drum, is arranged further inwardly than the compensation elements. By this configuration, the functionality is favored. Because interaction between the magnetic holding force and the centrifugal force in rotating laundry drum favors in such a configuration then a particularly precise and independently running solution of the compensation elements of the magnetically interacting component, since the compensation elements practically pulled away by the centrifugal force radially outward of the magnetically interacting component become.

It is preferably provided that the housing is made of plastic. This makes it very easy to form and yet be stable in itself. In particular, a noise reduction is made possible by this embodiment, if then move the compensation elements in the housing relative to the housing, when the laundry drum has exceeded the reference speed and solve the compensation elements of the magnetically interacting component.

The design of the housing made of plastic also has the additional advantage that a simplified production of this housing can be achieved with the at least one magnetically interacting component, since the magnetically interacting component, for example, can be molded onto the housing or this magnetically interacting component can be at least partially encapsulated by the plastic material of the housing.

It is preferably provided that the magnetically interacting component is ferromagnetic.

Ferromagnetic materials magnetize in an external magnetic field in such a way that the magnetic flux density in their interior greatly increases in comparison to the external space. Such bodies are therefore attracted to a pole of an external magnetic field. Such a configuration of a magnetically interacting component is a very simple structure, which therefore requires no further functional components. In addition, a simple shoring is possible.

It can also be provided that the magnetically interacting component is an electromagnet, which is thus electrically controllable via a corresponding control with regard to its magnetic interaction. In particular, it is provided that in such a configuration, the electromagnet can be controlled wirelessly and thus in particular by radio signals. As a result, the electromagnet permanently installed on the housing of the unbalance compensation device or the laundry drum rotate with this and can still be controlled as needed in terms of its to be generated magnetic interaction. By such a configuration, when the magnetic holding force to the compensating elements is no longer to be present and thus when a speed of the laundry drum is set greater than the reference speed, in a relative movement of the compensating elements in the housing to the magnetically interactive component in one pass or approach to the magnetically interacting component no unwanted movement of influence by magnetic forces and in particular no deceleration. As a result, a short-term disturbance of the imbalance compensation is avoided.

It can also be provided that the magnetically interacting component extends in the direction of rotation about the axis of rotation of the laundry drum over a length which corresponds to the length of the aligned in series in the circumferential direction compensation elements when acting magnetic holding force. As a result, the magnetic holding force is favored with respect to its concrete threshold value and the holding of the compensating elements in a row, in which these compensating elements abut directly against one another, strengthened. In addition, even with respect to the material requirements of the magnetically interacting component, the best possible design is achieved.

In an advantageous embodiment, it is provided that the unbalance compensation device comprises a first, with the laundry drum rotatably coupled, magnetically interacting component for magnetic interaction with the magnetic compensation elements. In addition, the imbalance compensating device has a magnetically interacting component which is arranged at a distance in the direction of rotation about the axis of rotation of the laundry drum and at least second, coupled to the laundry drum for magnetic interaction with the magnetic compensating elements. By such a configuration, the unbalance compensation is favored both in a speed range below the reference speed and in a speed range above the reference speed. Just when in the lower speed range up to and including the reference speed, the compensation elements quasi stationary or rotorfest rotate, at least two magnetically interacting components achieved a certain symmetry in the direction of rotation, so that no desired imbalance is additionally contributed by the compensation elements themselves.

In particular, it is provided that the at least two magnetically interacting components are balanced in the direction of rotation about the axis of rotation of the laundry drum, in particular by equidistant positioning to each other, are arranged. By such a symmetrical configuration is then also virtually avoided that in the lower speed range, these compensation elements could even increase an imbalance. Advantageously, it is provided that two magnetically interacting components are present, which are viewed in the direction of rotation about the axis of rotation of the laundry drum offset by practically 180 ° to each other, if each of the azimuthal means of a respective group of compensation elements, the magnetic with the respective magnetically interacting component are considered, is considered.

In a further particularly advantageous embodiment, it is provided that a first group of compensation elements, in particular magnetically interacting compensation elements, which has at least one magnetic compensation element, is magnetically held at a rotational speed of the laundry drum up to the reference rotational speed by a magnetic holding force on the first magnetically interacting component. A second group of compensation elements, in particular magnetically interacting compensation elements, the at least one magnetic Compensating element is magnetically held at these speeds of the laundry drum to the reference speed by a magnetic holding force to the second magnetically interacting component or magnetically coupled thereto. As a result, the above-mentioned advantages are achieved to a particular extent. In particular, the number of compensation elements of the first group is equal to the number of compensation elements of the second group. In particular, the compensation elements of the first group are equal in weight to the totality of the compensation elements of the second group with respect to their total weight.

The entirety of the compensation elements is designed such that each compensation element is at least magnetically interacting and at least one magnetic compensation element is present. This can be a permanent magnet in particular then. By means of such a configuration, a magnetic coupling with the electrically interacting compensation elements, which need not necessarily be a permanent magnet, is achieved by the magnetic field of the magnetic compensation element. These then possibly only magnetically interacting compensating elements are then held by the magnetic compensating element.

In an embodiment with at least two groups of compensating elements, such an embodiment is provided in each of these groups. Thereby, a holding together of the compensation elements of a group in the direction of rotation about the axis of rotation at particular speeds below the reference speed is reached without restriction. An undesired release of such a composite of compensation elements to each other is thereby prevented.

The compensation elements are in particular balls. The balls can move in the cavity of the housing accordingly. It may be provided that in this cavity of the housing in addition also oil or water is contained, through which a noise of the relative to the housing moving compensating elements, in particular the balls, is further reduced. The magnetic holding force or this Haltekraftschwellwert, which is coupled to the reference speed of the laundry drum is preferably designed by a field calculation so that a release of the holding force at this desired Reference speed occurs and just at this reference speed then the centrifugal force on the compensation elements is greater than this magnetic Haltekraftschwellwert.

In one embodiment, in which a magnetically interacting component is arranged on the housing of the imbalance compensation device itself, for example, a write-off can be provided in this housing, in which then this magnetically interacting component is arranged. In such an embodiment with a bulge the compensating elements are then distributed easily balanced.

The only magnetically interacting compensation elements can be made of steel, for example.

In an embodiment in which only one magnetically interacting component is present, which extends only over a portion of the entire circulation around the axis of rotation and thus extends in the azimuthal direction by a length less than or equal to 180 °, the balancing can be active through the laundry items be made in the subcritical speed range and thus in the speed range less than or equal to the reference speed. This can be achieved, in particular, by the fact that a washing distribution strategy can be taken as the basis for adherence and thus a smaller weight is sufficient for the compensating elements, which can also be compensated by small quantities of items of laundry.

Especially when the compensation elements are formed on the outside of plastic, a noise reduction can be advantageously achieved even at speeds of the laundry drum greater than the reference speed.

Due to the design of the compensating elements all as at least magnetically interacting, they remain in the azimuthal direction as a continuous composite obtained, which is particularly advantageous when braking the laundry drum.

Since the compensating elements are held balanced in the laundry equipment area, when the speed is also lower than the reference speed, the same procedures can be used there as in a machine without such Balancing device. The compensation elements then complicate the unbalance detection as such in this context. Since the ambient temperatures of such a household appliance can vary greatly depending on the field of application and location, it is known that if additional media such as oil or water are present in the housing, the process temperatures can also act on this medium and in this case also larger temperature fluctuations may occur. As a result, for example, the viscosity of the oil can be influenced, which in turn can influence the behavior of the compensation elements, in particular with regard to noise and stability. By the invention, in which the compensation elements are fixed in a lower, low speeds up to a reference speed comprehensive speed range and experience virtually the same speed as the housing of the imbalance compensation device and the laundry drum, this above-mentioned influence can therefore be significantly reduced.

It can also be provided that at least one further compensation element of the entirety of the compensation elements is not formed magnetically interacting. The total number of compensation elements is therefore formed by a number n> 0 of magnetically interacting compensation elements and a number m> 0 of non-magnetically interacting compensation elements. In particular, the number n is greater than the number m. In particular, the number m is less than or equal to 3, in particular 2. By this configuration with magnetically non-interacting compensating elements, which may be balls, separating the grouped as a whole group in the direction of rotation about the axis of rotation of the laundry drum compensation elements in at least two with respect to the number of compensation elements defined separate groups of magnetically interacting compensation elements achieved. By means of such a group formation, even smaller laundry imbalances can be compensated, since with a shared arrangement of the groups one another also results in a lower resulting compensating force than the overall composite of all compensating elements would form. Furthermore, it can also be easier to separate the groups at a speed reduction of the laundry drum. In particular, if the groups have joined together due to the speed-related detachment of the respective magnetically interacting components to the total group, and then the laundry drum rotates at a speed greater than the reference speed, then takes place in a subsequent reduction of this speed, the above-mentioned separation effect in the groups particularly advantageous due to the presence of the non-magnetically interacting compensation elements. As a result, the division into the exact groups, as they have been before detachment from the magnetically interacting components, can take place very reliably and expediently again. The then again magnetic interaction with the respective magnetically interacting components and thus the then again fixed arrangement of the groups of compensation elements is then very reliable reachable. As a result, an unwanted imbalance can be avoided even in the speed reduction and the return of the entire group in the separate groups.

Preferably, the housing of the imbalance compensating device has a wall of the housing, which lies closest to the axis of rotation and thus radially inward, which delimits the cavity in which the compensating elements are located. In this wall, a recess or indentation is formed which extends in the circumferential direction about the axis of rotation and which is designed as a recess formed towards the axis of rotation. The recess may also be formed in a radially oriented side wall of the housing.

Preferably, the recess is designed as a mechanical separation barrier for separating the entire group into the separate groups of compensation elements. In particular, this is done in such a way that the non-magnetic compensating elements remain stuck in the depression, thereby separating the entire group. In particular, this is preferably the case when the magnetically non-interacting compensating elements, lighter and / or larger than the magnetically interacting Auslgeichselemente, since then, especially at a specific speed of the laundry drum, the centrifugal forces of the magnetically non-interacting Auslgeichselemente are smaller than in the magnetically interacting Auslgeichselementen so that a magnetically non-interacting compensation element at least partially immersed in circulation in the recess and in particular then hangs on an end of the recess formed by a step. As a result, the entire group is torn apart.

Preferably, a magnetically interacting component is arranged in the recess. As a result, in a preferred manner, a group of compensation elements also partially embedded therein and thus stabilizes the stationary position also in the circumferential direction about the axis of rotation.

Preferably, two such recesses are formed, in particular in the direction of rotation about the axis of rotation balanced, in particular equidistantly, to each other.

Preferably, the unbalance compensation device is designed such that the separation of the speed-dependent present total group of compensation elements takes place at a separation speed of the laundry drum. The separation speed may be less than the reference speed.

The total group of compensating elements is arranged in their azimuthal position about the axis of rotation so that the imbalance generated by the laundry items in the laundry drum is compensated.

However, the shape of a compensating element may instead of a ball also be a cylindrical roller or a ring.

A material embodiment of a compensating element can be, for example, a graphite plastic.

Furthermore, the invention also relates to a method for operating a domestic appliance for the care of laundry items, with at least one laundry drum for receiving laundry items. The household appliance is formed with at least one imbalance compensation device, which is arranged on the laundry drum. The imbalance compensation device is provided with a housing in which a plurality of compensation elements are movably arranged or received. It is envisaged that some compensation elements are magnetically formed and provided and the unbalance compensation device provides at least one magnetically interacting component rotationally coupled to the laundry drum for magnetic interaction with the magnetic compensation elements. The magnetic compensating elements and the magnetically interacting component are provided with such a magnetic holding force to each other that the compensation elements only above a predetermined reference speed of the laundry drum from the magnetically interacting component solve. Thus, if the laundry drum is operated at a speed which is less than or equal to the reference speed, the compensation elements remain magnetically coupled to the magnetically interacting component and thus also accompanied by movement. If the laundry drum is rotated at a speed that is greater than the reference speed, these compensation elements automatically detach from the magnetically interacting component and then, depending on the imbalance generated by the laundry items in the laundry drum, relative to the magnetically interacting component and thus move to the housing in the housing.

In these methods, the magnetic holding force is advantageously effected by the fact that the magnetic compensation elements are at least partially formed as permanent magnets. Preferably, a magnetic compensating element is formed with a permanent magnetic core, which is surrounded by a shell, in particular made of plastic.

Preferably, the unbalance compensating device is provided with a first, magnetically interacting member rotatably coupled to the laundry drum for magnetic interaction with at least one magnetic compensating element, and with a at least second, with the laundry drum rotatably coupled, magnetically interacting component spaced apart in the direction of rotation about the axis of rotation of the laundry drum provided for magnetic interaction with at least one magnetic compensating element. A first group of magnetically interacting compensation elements having at least one magnetic compensating element is magnetically held at a rotational speed of the laundry drum less than or equal to the reference speed by a magnetic holding force on the first magnetically interacting component, and at this speed of the laundry drum less than or equal to the reference speed a second group of magnetically interacting compensation elements, which is separated from the first group in the direction of rotation about the axis of rotation of the laundry drum and has at least one magnetic compensating element, is magnetically held on the second magnetically interacting component by a magnetic holding force. In particular, this applies when the laundry drum starts to rotate at a speed that is smaller than the reference speed and the groups are held magnetically distributed to the respective magnetically interacting components. Based on the state in which the groups are present separately and magnetically held with the magnetically interacting components, then takes place at a speed increase, the detachment of the groups of the magnetically interacting components when the reference speed is exceeded.

On the other hand, at a state in the operation of the household appliance, in which already by the higher speeds of the laundry drum from the separate groups a contiguous - and thus arranged in the azimuthal direction all balancing elements in a row next to each other and detached from the magnetically interacting components - total group is formed , then in subsequent reduction of the speed, the separation of the entire group is again carried out in the separate groups, in particular at a separation speed of the laundry drum. However, the separation can be done in addition to or instead depending on the weight and / or the size of the non-magnetically interacting compensation element. This is among other things for the imbalance compensation of small laundry imbalances at a speed greater than the reference speed of importance. In particular, a magnetically non-interacting compensating element is made lighter and / or larger, that is to say in particular of a larger diameter, than a magnetically interacting compensating element.

The separation of the entire group in the separate groups of compensation elements can also be supported by at least one change of direction of the laundry drum. This means that the laundry drum rotates in the presence of the entire group in a rotational direction about the axis of rotation and then the speed is reduced in order to achieve a separation of the entire group. The severing may then begin individually at the cutting speed and / or depending on the weight and / or the size of the magnetically non-interacting compensating elements. It can be carried out for the exact production of the original separate groups and thus the original respective number of compensation elements of the groups then at least a single change in the direction of rotation of the laundry drum. The separation is completed in particular when the groups with their respective original Number of Auslgeichselementen present and are each magnetically held with a magnetically interacting component again.

Preferably, the two groups are released at a speed of the laundry drum greater than the reference speed of the magnetically interactive components and combine in the direction of rotation about the axis of rotation considered to a coherent overall group. The compensation elements are provided with at least one further, non-magnetically interacting compensating element, through which at the specific separation speed of the laundry drum and / or depending on the weight and / or the shape of the at least one further non-magnetically interacting compensating element, the entire group back into the separated into two separate groups.

Advantageous embodiments of the household appliance according to the invention are to be regarded as advantageous embodiments of the method, to allow the respective representational features alone or in operative connection with the method steps.

Under an imbalance compensation device is understood in the present case a device which is designed to compensate and thus to prevent imbalances of the laundry drum. The unbalance compensation device can have a compensating mass arranged movably in the housing, for example in the form of a plurality of spherical elements. Such an imbalance compensation device can also be referred to as a "ball balancer". The at least one unbalance compensation device is designed in particular as a ring and has the particular designed as a ring housing.

The terms "top", "bottom", "front", "rear", "horizontal", "vertical", "depth direction", "width direction", "height direction", etc. are the intended use and intended arrangement of the device and at a given before the device and looking in the direction of the device given positions and orientations.

Further features of the invention will become apparent from the claims, the figures and the description of the figures. The features mentioned above in the description and Combinations of features, as well as the features and feature combinations mentioned below in the description of the figures and / or shown alone in the figures, can be used not only in the respectively specified combination but also in other combinations or alone, without departing from the scope of the invention. Thus, embodiments of the invention are to be regarded as encompassed and disclosed, which are not explicitly shown and explained in the figures, however, emerge and can be produced by separated combinations of features from the embodiments explained. Embodiments and combinations of features are also to be regarded as disclosed, which thus do not have all the features of an originally formulated independent claim.

Fig. 1

eine schematische Frontansicht eines Ausführungsbeispiels eines erfindungsgemäßen Haushaltsgeräts zur Pflege von Wäschestücken;

Fig. 2

in schematischer Darstellung eine Schnittansicht durch einen Bereich einer Anordnung mit einer Wäschetrommel und Unwuchtausgleichsvorrichtungen gemäß einer Ausführungsform der Erfindung;

Fig. 3

eine Frontansicht auf ein Ausführungsbeispiel einer Unwuchtausgleichsvorrichtung des Haushaltsgeräts gemäß Fig. 1 und 2 in einem Betriebszustand mit einer Drehzahl der Wäschetrommel kleiner oder gleich einer Referenzdrehzahl;

Fig. 4

eine Frontansicht auf das Ausführungsbeispiel der Unwuchtausgleichsvorrichtung des Haushaltsgeräts gemäß Fig. 3 in einem Betriebszustand mit einer Drehzahl der Wäschetrommel größer der Referenzdrehzahl;

Fig. 5

ein beispielhaftes Diagramm, in welchem ein Drehzahlverlauf der Wäschetrommel dargestellt ist und dazu die Lagen der Ausgleichselemente in spezifischen Betriebsphasen gezeigt sind; und

Fig. 6

ein weiteres Ausführungsbeispiel einer Unwuchtausgleichsvorrichtung.

Embodiments of the invention are explained in more detail below with reference to schematic drawings. Show it:

Fig. 1

a schematic front view of an embodiment of a household appliance according to the invention for the care of laundry items;

Fig. 2

a schematic sectional view through a portion of an arrangement with a laundry drum and imbalance compensation devices according to an embodiment of the invention;

Fig. 3

a front view of an embodiment of an imbalance compensation device of the household appliance according to Fig. 1 and 2 in an operating condition with a speed of the laundry drum less than or equal to a reference speed;

Fig. 4

a front view of the embodiment of the imbalance compensation device of the household appliance according to Fig. 3 in an operating condition with a speed of the laundry drum greater than the reference speed;

Fig. 5

an exemplary diagram in which a speed curve of the laundry drum is shown and to the positions of the compensation elements are shown in specific phases of operation; and

Fig. 6

Another embodiment of an imbalance compensation device.

In the figures, identical or functionally identical elements are provided with the same reference numerals.

In Fig. 1 is a simplified front view of a household appliance 1 for the care of laundry, which may be, for example, a washing machine or a washer-dryer, shown. The household appliance 1 comprises a housing 2, in which a laundry drum 3 is arranged oscillatingly relative to the housing 2 and is rotatably mounted. A longitudinal axis or axis of rotation A ( Fig. 2 ) of the laundry drum 3 is in this embodiment in the illustration in Fig. 1 oriented perpendicular to the plane of the figure. The longitudinal or rotational axis can also be arranged inclined with respect to an axis lying perpendicular to the plane of the figures. Furthermore, in an alternative embodiment, not shown, of the household appliance, the axis of rotation may be a vertical axis.

The household appliance 1 further comprises a tub 4, which is also arranged in the housing 2 and surrounds the laundry drum 3. The oscillating arrangement of the laundry drum is achieved in this embodiment by the attachment of the tub 4 to the housing 2 by means not shown springs and dampers. Alternatively, other arrangements, such as a laundry drum arranged oscillating in the tub, are possible. The laundry drum 3 comprises a hollow cylindrical shell and a rear end wall and is also designed to be open at the front, so that here a feed opening is provided, via which laundry items can be introduced into an interior 5 of the laundry drum 3. The loading opening can be closed by a door 6, which is arranged movably on the housing 2.

In Fig. 2 is a vertical sectional view and thus a representation in the sectional plane relating to the yz plane shown. It is the laundry drum 3 shown with the hollow cylindrical shell 7. The charging port 8 is also shown. The laundry drum 3 has, adjacent to a rear wall or rear end wall 9, a carrier star 10 which is fixedly connected to the laundry drum 3. The support star 10 is rotatably connected to a shaft 11, wherein the shaft 11 via a not shown drive motor is driven, so that the rotation of the laundry drum 3 is effected about the axis of rotation A.

During operation of the household appliance 1 and thus when the laundry drum 3 is rotating, introduced items of laundry can be distributed asymmetrically about the axis A on an inner side 12 of the jacket 7, so that an imbalance can occur when the laundry drum 3 rotates. In order to counteract this or to compensate for this, the household appliance 1 in the embodiment shown comprises two unbalance compensation devices 13 and 14. As can also be seen, a plurality of carriers is arranged on the inner side 12, wherein Fig. 2 only one driver 15 can be seen.

The front unbalance compensation device 13 is viewed in the direction of the axis A in a front region 16 of the laundry drum 3 and in particular of the jacket 7, whereas the second unbalance compensation device 14 is arranged in a rear region 17.

The first unbalance compensation device 13 is formed as a circumferential closed ring, which is rotationally symmetrical about the axis A oriented. The first unbalance compensation device 13 comprises a respective annular housing 18, which in the sectional view in Fig. 2 recognizable example, a quadrangular cross-section, but may also be otherwise, for example, D-shaped. This housing 18 has a cavity 19 in which one or more compensation elements 20 are arranged to be movable relative to the housing 18. In the exemplary embodiment, a compensation element 20 may be a ball. It may also be arranged in the cavity 19 in addition to or instead of a liquid medium, such as oil or water.

Accordingly, the second unbalance compensation device 14 is also formed, which also has a correspondingly formed housing 21, a cavity 22 inwardly and one, in particular preferably a plurality, relative to the housing 21 in the cavity 22 movable separate compensating elements 23 which are balls.

The imbalance compensation devices 13 and 14 are each inserted into circumferential receptacles 24.

In Fig. 3 a representation of components of the imbalance compensation device 13 is shown in a simplified front view. The unbalance compensation device 14 is preferably constructed the same. It is here to recognize the housing 18, in the cavity 19 a plurality of compensation elements 20 is arranged. The compensating elements 20, of which only a few are provided with the reference number for the sake of clarity, are all at least magnetically interacting. It is provided in the embodiment that at least some of the compensation elements 20 are magnetic and thus are a permanent magnet, in particular permanent magnetic, are at least partially formed permanent magnetic.

In Fig. 3 a situation is shown in which the laundry drum 3 rotates at a speed about the axis A, which is less than or equal to a reference speed. The reference rotational speed is greater than a rotational speed corresponding to the resonance range of the laundry drum 3 and is smaller than a maximum speed of the laundry drum 3. In such a lower or low speed range up to the reference speed is provided in the embodiment that a first group 25 of compensation elements 20 in magnetic interaction with a thereto separate first magnetically interacting member 26 is. The first magnetically interacting component 26 may, for example, be ferromagnetic and extend in the direction of rotation about the axis A. Preferably, the shape is adapted to the housing 18. As in Fig. 3 can be seen, the magnetically interacting member 26 extends in the azimuthal direction and thus in the direction of rotation about the axis A over a length which corresponds to the dimensioned in this circumferential direction length of a series arranged or arrayed arrangement of the compensation elements 20 of the first group 25.

This first group 25 comprises at least one magnetically interacting compensation element 27. This can be completely a permanent magnet. Preferably, it is provided that this magnetic compensation element 27 has a core which is formed by a permanent magnet, said core being completely surrounded by a sheath, in particular made of plastic.

In one embodiment, in which the first group 25 has only a single magnetic compensating element 27, this is preferably arranged in the middle of the row of compensating elements 20 of this first group 25. As a result, the magnetic fields or the magnetic force of this magnetic compensating element 27 can also act on the then only magnetically interacting other compensating elements 20 in the first group 25 and maintain the holding composite of these compensating elements 20 of the first group 25. In addition, the magnetic interaction with the component 26 is ensured by this configuration. However, it can also be provided that the first group 25 has at least two magnetic compensating elements 27, which are then preferably arranged at the opposite ends of the alignment of these compensating elements 20 of the first group 25 viewed in the azimuthal direction. However, it can also be provided that when at least two magnetic compensation elements 27 are present in the first group 25, they are arranged in the row so that always alternately a particular constant number of only magnetically interactive compensation elements 20 on then a magnetic Compensation element 27 follows.

The same can be provided in a second group 28 of compensating elements 20, which also has at least one magnetic compensating element 29 by way of example.

As can be seen in the exemplary embodiment, the second group 28 is assigned a second magnetically interacting component 30, which is separate from the first magnetically interacting component 26, in order to form a corresponding magnetic holding force here as well. In the embodiment shown, the two groups 25 and 28 and thus also the magnetically interacting components 26 and 30 are arranged in the circumferential direction about the axis A equidistant to each other and thus formed quasi opposite, which means with respect to the respective azimuthal center of the groups 25 and 28 that they are offset by 180 ° to each other. As can also be seen, the magnetically interacting components 26 and 30 viewed in the radial direction to the axis A are located radially further inward than the compensation elements 20th

The respective magnetic holding force between a magnetic component 26 or 30 and the compensating elements 20 of the groups 25 and 28 held thereon in a magnetic interaction is predetermined, whereby the respective components are designed to be defined, which can be achieved with respect to size and / or materials ,

The only magnetically interacting compensating elements 20 may be made of steel, for example, and thus do not constitute permanent magnets. Due to the inclusion of the at least partially permanent magnetic compensating elements 27 and 29, however, these further magnetically interacting compensating elements 20 are each attracted, so that the composite is held together and the magnetic interaction with the component 26 or 30 occurs.

The stationary coupling between the group 25 and the component 26 as well as between the group 28 and the component 30 is maintained as long as defined until the laundry drum 3 reaches a speed greater than the reference speed. The respective magnetic holding force between the group 25 and the component 26 and between the group 28 and the component 30 is defined defined and formed a quasi-such Haltekraftschwellwert that when the reference speed is exceeded, the centrifugal forces on the compensation elements 20 are greater than the respective predetermined magnetic Holding force, so then a detachment of the compensation elements 20 of the component 26 on the one hand and the component 30 on the other hand takes place.

At a speed of the laundry drum 3 greater than the reference speed then the compensation elements 20 can move relative to the components 26 and 30 in the cavity 19 and thus also move relative to the housing 18.

This is then shown in the illustration Fig. 4 shown, in which the washing drum 3 rotates at a speed which is greater than the reference speed. It can then be seen that the compensating elements 20 of the first group 25 and the compensating elements 20 of the second group 28 practically join together to form an entirety or a common composite and specifically position themselves in the hollow space 19 compensate for this imbalance 31 by locally generated accumulation of laundry.

If the speed of the laundry drum 3 then lowered again and it falls below the differential speed, then automatically turn the state, as in Fig. 3 is reached and the groups 25 and 28 are then in turn individually magnetically coupled to the associated components 26 and 30 and in this respect then no longer relatively movable to the effect that they could peel off.

In Fig. 5 a simplified diagram is shown in which the speed U of the laundry drum 3 is shown as a function of the time t. It is merely an example and not to be understood comprehensive speed curve simplified. At the beginning of a program, the separate groups 25 and 28 are separated, as simplified in the diagram below Fig. 5 shown left image of the imbalance compensation device 13 is shown. The groups 25 and 28 each have an equal number of magnetically interacting compensation elements 27 and 29 here. In addition, each group includes 25 and 28 also, in the embodiment, in each case a magnetically non-interacting compensation element 32 and 33, which are formed in the embodiment as balls. If, at a time t1, a rotational speed of the laundry drum 3 is reached which is greater than a reference speed U _R , the compensating elements 27 and 29 detach from the magnetically interacting components 26 and 30 due to the centrifugal forces and accumulate to form an overall group 34, like this in the middle image of the imbalance compensation device 13 in FIG Fig. 5 is shown. In this case, the total group 34 is aligned in its azimuthal position about the axis of rotation A so that the imbalance generated by the accumulation of the laundry items 31 is compensated. It can also result in an arrangement of several groups of compensation elements, in which a resulting total imbalance of the compensation elements adjusts, which corresponds to the formed laundry imbalance and counteracts it, ie the laundry imbalance is compensated.

Proceeding from this, the speed is then reduced in a further phase of the operation, in particular when the spinning process is ended. It can be provided that at a separation speed U _T and / or depending on the weight and / or the size of the magnetically non-interacting compensation elements 32 and 33 the Separating the entire group 34 into the separate groups 25 and 28 takes place, in particular at least begins. The group 25 and 28 then form again as in the original state according to the left image in Fig. 5 and are then again magnetically held stationary with the magnetically interacting components 26 and 30. In order to achieve this final state, which corresponds to the initial state, it is also possible to carry out an at least one change in the direction of rotation of the laundry drum 3.

In a further advantageous embodiment of an imbalance compensation device 13, as in Fig. 6 is shown, the housing 18 may have a radially inner wall 35, which is a bottom wall of the housing 18, which has regions in the circumferential direction about the axis of rotation A indentations or depressions 36 and 37. The recesses 36 and 37 may also be formed in a radially oriented side wall of the housing 18. The recesses 36 and 37 extend in the direction of rotation about the axis of rotation A, in particular over a length corresponding to the length of a group 25 or 28, when all compensating elements of such a group 25 and 28 are lined up. Preferably, the magnetically interacting member 26 is disposed at a bottom of the recess 36 and the magnetically interacting member 30 at a bottom of the recess 37. The recesses 36 and 37 each have stepped transitions 38, 39, 40, 41 to the non-recessed portion of the wall 35. Through these recesses 36 and 37, separating elements are formed, which in interaction with the magnetically non-interacting compensation elements 32 and 33, the separation of the total group 34 in the groups 25 and 28 at least favors. Because in which the magnetically non-interacting compensation elements 32 and 33 are preferably lighter and / or larger in diameter than the other, in particular magnetically interacting compensation elements of the entire group 34, they experience a lower centrifugal force than these other compensation elements. As a result, a magnetically non-interacting compensation element 32 and / or 33 immersed in the speed reduction in a recess 36 or 37 and then abuts at one end of a recess, in Fig. 6 by way of example at the stepped transition 38 of the depression 36. As a result, a separation of the entire group 34 is initiated and the azimuthal juxtaposition of all compensation elements of the entire group 34 resolved.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1

household appliance

2

Housing of the household appliance

3

washing drum

4

tub

5

Inside the laundry drum

6

door

7

hollow cylindrical shell

8th

loading port

9

rear wall

10

support star

11

wave

12

inside

13, 14

Balancing devices

15

takeaway

16

front area

17

the backstage area

18

Housing a first balancing device

19

cavity

20

compensation element

21

Housing a second unbalance compensation device

22

cavity

23

compensating elements

24

admission

25

first group

26

magnetically interacting component

27

magnetic compensation element of the first group

28

second group

29

magnetic compensating element of the second group

30

magnetically interacting component

31

laundry

32

non-magnetic compensation element

33

non-magnetic compensation element

34

total group

35

wall

36

deepening

37

deepening

38

crossing

39

crossing

40

crossing

41

crossing

A

axis

Claims (16)

1. Household appliance (1) for the treatment of laundry items (31), having at least one laundry drum (3) for receiving laundry items, and having at least one imbalance-compensating device (13, 14), which is arranged on the laundry drum (3) and which has a housing (18, 21), in which several compensating elements (20, 23, 27, 29, 32, 33) are contained so as to be movable, of which at least some are magnetically interactive, wherein the imbalance-compensating device (13, 14) has at least one magnetically interactive component (26, 30) which is coupled rotationally to the laundry drum (3) for magnetic interaction with the magnetically interactive compensating elements (20, 23, 27, 29), wherein the magnetically interactive compensating elements (20, 23, 27, 29) and the magnetically interactive component (26, 30) are embodied with a magnetic retaining force of this type relative to one another, that the magnetically interactive compensating elements (20, 23, 27, 29) are released from the magnetically interactive component (26, 30) only when a rotational speed of the laundry drum (3) exceeds a predetermined reference rotational speed (U_R) of the laundry drum (3), characterised in that some of the magnetically interactive compensating elements (20, 23, 27, 29) are magnetic compensating elements (27, 29) which are embodied at least in regions as permanent magnets, that at least some of the further magnetically interactive compensating elements (20, 23, 27, 29) are only magnetically interactive compensating elements (20, 23) and thus not permanent magnets and that the magnetically interactive compensating elements (20, 23, 27, 29) are held by the magnetic compensating element (27, 29) by means of a magnetic coupling, wherein the magnetic coupling by the magnetic field of the magnetic compensating element (27, 29) is achieved with the magnetically interactive compensating elements (20, 23, 27, 29).
2. Household appliance (1) according to claim 1, characterised in that a magnetic compensating element (27, 29) has a permanent magnet core which is surrounded by a casing, in particular made from plastic.
3. Household appliance (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterised in that the reference rotational speed (U_R) is greater than a rotational speed of the laundry drum (3) which corresponds to the resonance range of the laundry drum (3).
4. Household appliance (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the housing (18, 21) of the imbalance-compensating device (13, 14) has a wall (35) from the walls of the housing (18, 21) which is disposed next to the axis of rotation (A), and which bounds a cavity (19, 22), in which the compensating elements (20, 23, 27, 29, 32, 33) are disposed, and that in the wall (35) disposed next to the axis of rotation (A) a depression (36, 37) or bulge which extends in the peripheral direction about the axis of rotation (A) is embodied toward the axis of rotation (A).
5. Household appliance (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the magnetically interactive component (26, 30) is arranged on the housing (18, 21), in particular in the depression (36, 37).
6. Household appliance (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the magnetically interactive component (26, 30) is embedded in the housing (18, 21), in particular completely surrounded.
7. Household appliance (1) according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterised in that the magnetically interactive component (26, 30) is arranged externally to the housing on the laundry drum (3).
8. Household appliance (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the magnetically interactive component (26, 30) is embodied to be permanent magnetic, ferromagnetic or as an electromagnet.
9. Household appliance (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the magnetically interactive component (26, 30) extends in the peripheral direction around the axis of rotation (A) of the laundry drum (3) across a length which corresponds to the length of the compensating elements (20, 23, 27, 29) positioned in series in the peripheral direction when the magnetic retaining force is in operation.
10. Household appliance (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the imbalance-compensating device (13, 14) has a first magnetically interactive component (26) coupled rotationally to the laundry drum (3) for magnetic interaction with at least one magnetic compensating element (27), and one at least second magnetically interactive component (30) coupled rotationally to the laundry drum (3) and arranged at a distance about the axis of rotation (A) of the laundry drum (3) in the peripheral direction for magnetic interaction with at least one magnetic compensating element (29).
11. Household appliance (1) according to claim 10, characterised in that the at least two magnetically interactive components (26, 30) are counterbalanced in the peripheral direction about the axis of rotation (A) of the laundry drum (3), in particular equidistantly to one another.
12. Household appliance (1) according to claim 10 or 11, characterised in that a first group (25) of magnetically interactive compensating elements (20), which has at least one magnetic compensating element (27), with a rotational speed of the laundry drum (3) which is less than or equal to the reference rotational speed being held magnetically on the first magnetically interactive component (26) by means of a magnetic holding force, and a second group (28) of magnetically interactive compensating elements (20), which has at least one magnetic compensating element (29), with this rotational speed of the laundry drum (3) less than or equal to the reference rotational speed (U_R) being held magnetically on the second magnetically interactive component (30) by means of a magnetic holding force.
13. Household appliance (1) according to one of claims 10 to 12, characterised in that at least one further compensating element (32, 33) is embodied not be magnetically interactive and is lighter and/or larger in particular compared with the magnetic compensating elements (20, 23, 27, 29).
14. Method for operating a household appliance (1) for the treatment of laundry items (31), having at least one laundry drum (3) for receiving laundry items, and having at least one imbalance-compensating device (13, 14), which is arranged on the laundry drum (3) and which has a housing (18, 21), in which several compensating elements (20, 23, 27, 29, 32, 33) are contained so as to be movable, of which at least some are magnetically interactive, wherein the imbalance-compensating device (13, 14) has at least one magnetically interactive component (26, 30) coupled rotationally to the laundry drum (3) for magnetic interaction with the magnetically interactive compensating elements (20, 23, 27, 29), wherein the magnetically interactive compensating elements (20, 23) and the magnetically interactive component (26, 30) are provided with a magnetic holding force of this type relative to one another, that the magnetically interactive compensating elements (20, 23, 27, 29) release from the magnetically interactive component (26, 30) only when a rotational speed of the laundry drum (3) exceeds a predetermined reference rotational speed (U_R) of the laundry drum (3), characterised in that
    some of the magnetically interactive compensating elements (20, 23, 27, 29) are embodied as magnetic compensating elements (27, 29), which are embodied at least in regions as permanent magnets, that at least some of the further magnetically interactive compensating elements (20, 23, 27, 29) are only embodied as magnetically interactive compensating elements (20, 23) and thus not as permanent magnets and that the magnetically interactive compensating elements (20, 23, 27, 29) are held by the magnetic compensating element (27, 29) by means of a magnetic coupling, wherein the magnetic coupling through the magnet field of the magnetic compensating element (27, 29) is achieved with the magnetically interactive compensating elements (20, 23, 27, 29).
15. Method according to claim 14, characterised in that the imbalance-compensating device (13, 14) has a first magnetically interactive component (26) coupled rotationally to the laundry drum (3) for magnetic interaction with at least one magnetic compensating element (27), and in the peripheral direction about the axis of rotation (A) of the laundry drum (3) one at least second magnetically interactive component (30) coupled rotationally to the laundry drum (3) and arranged at a distance therefrom for magnetic interaction with at least one magnetic compensating element (29), wherein a first group (25) of magnetically interactive compensating elements (20), which has at least one magnetic compensating element (27), with a rotational speed of the laundry drum (3) of less than or equal to the reference rotational speed (U_R) being held by a magnetic holding force magnetically on the first magnetically interactive component (26), and with this rotational speed of the laundry drum (3) being less than or equal to the reference rotational speed (U_R) a second group (28) of magnetically interactive compensating elements (20) separated from the first group (25) in the peripheral direction about the axis of rotation (A) of the laundry drum (3) having at least one magnetic compensating element (29) being held by a magnetic holding force magnetically on the second magnetically interactive component (30).
16. Method according to claim 15, characterised in that with a rotational speed of the laundry drum (3) which is greater than the reference rotational speed (U_R) the two groups (25, 28) are released from the magnetically interactive components (26, 30) and viewed in the peripheral direction about the axis of rotation (A) join to form a cohesive overall group (34), wherein the compensating elements have at least one further, non-magnetically interactive compensating element (32, 33), by means of which, with a separating rotational speed (U_T) of the laundry drum (3) and/or as a function of the weight and/or the shape of the further compensating element (32, 33), the overall group (34) is again separated into two separate groups (25, 28).

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