EP3411519A1

EP3411519A1 - Laundry-care appliance comprising a foam detection device

Info

Publication number: EP3411519A1
Application number: EP16819946.1A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Thomas Glaffek; Frieda Probst; Yi-chun SHI
Original assignee: BSH Hausgeraete GmbH
Current assignee: BSH Hausgeraete GmbH
Priority date: 2016-02-01
Filing date: 2016-12-29
Publication date: 2018-12-12
Anticipated expiration: 2036-12-29
Also published as: CN108603322A; EP3411519B1; DE102016201450B3; CN108603322B; WO2017133826A1

Abstract

The invention relates to a laundry-care appliance (100) comprising a detergent solution container (105) for receiving detergent solution, a washing drum (107) for receiving laundry (109) arranged in the detergent solution container (105), and a deodorisation device (111) for deodorising the laundry (109) fluidically connected to the detergent solution container (105), wherein the deodorisation device (111) has an ozone generation element (113) for generating ozone and a mist generation device (115) for generating water mist, and wherein the mist generation device (115) has a fluid container (141) for receiving fluid. The deodorisation device (111) has a foam detection device (151) for detecting foam in the fluid container (141), wherein the foam detection device (151) comprises an electrical measuring element (153) that is in contact with the fluid in the fluid container (141), wherein the electrical measuring element (153) is designed to detect an electrical measurement value of the fluid in the fluid container (141), and wherein the foam detection device (151) is designed to compare the detected electrical measurement value with an electrical reference measurement value and, via the comparison between the electrical measurement value and the electrical reference measurement value, to determine whether foam is present in the fluid container (141).

Description

Laundry care device with a foam detection device

The present invention relates to a laundry care device with a foam detection device.

For the removal of unpleasant smelling odors, during a washing process in conventional laundry care appliances, various chemicals such as e.g. Ozone supplied to laundry to deactivate unpleasant-smelling odors. For this purpose, conventional Wäschepflegeräte on deodorizing devices with ozone generating elements for generating ozone. However, foam arising during the laundry care process can penetrate from the tub into the deodorizing device through fluidic lines, and possibly impair the function of the deodorizing device. EP 2 889 421 A1 discloses a washing machine with a bubble detection sensor for detecting bubbles or foam.

EP 1 731 656 A1 discloses a drum washing machine with a foam sensor which has temperature electrode connections.

It is the object underlying the invention to provide a laundry care device, in which an effective foam detection is ensured in a deodorizing device of the laundry care device. This object is achieved by articles having the features according to the independent claims. Advantageous embodiments of the invention are the subject of the figures, the description and the dependent claims.

According to one aspect of the invention, the object is achieved by a laundry care device having a lye container for holding washing liquor, a washing drum arranged in the lye container for receiving laundry and a deodoriser device connected fluidically to the lye container Wherein the deodorizing device has an ozone generating element for generating ozone and a mist generating device for generating a water mist, the mist generating device having a fluid container for receiving fluid, the deodorizing device having a foam detecting device for detecting foam in the fluid container, wherein the Foam sensing means comprises an electrical sensing element in contact with fluid in the fluid reservoir, the electrical sensing element configured to sense an electrical reading of the fluid in the fluid reservoir, and wherein the foam sensing device is configured to supply the sensed electrical sensing value with a reference electrical measurement value to compare whether there is foam in the fluid container by comparing the electrical measurement and the reference electrical measurement.

Thereby, the technical advantage is achieved that can be advantageously determined by the comparison between the electrical measured value and the electrical reference measured value by the foam detection device, whether foam is present in the fluid container. Reliably determining that foam is present in the fluid container of the deodorizer device is a prerequisite for initiating further measures subsequent to the foam detection to remove foam from the fluid container. As a result, an impairment of the function of the deodorizing device can be avoided.

In conventional laundry care appliances, deodorizing devices are used to supply ozone-containing water mist to the laundry in a washing drum of the laundry care appliance and to deodorize the laundry, ie to remove unpleasant odors from the laundry and to eliminate germs in the laundry. During a laundry care process, foam may form, which may penetrate from the tub through the fluidic connection into the deodorizing device and there may possibly impair the function of the deodorizing device, in particular the function of an activated carbon filter in the deodorizing device. The electrical measuring element of the foam detection device according to the invention in this case is in contact with fluid in the Fluidbehalter and is designed to detect an electrical measurement of the fluid in the Fluidbehalter. The foam detection device is designed to compare the detected electrical measured value with an electrical reference measured value. Depending on the type of fluid in the fluid container, in particular the dielectric properties of the fluid, the electrical sensing element in contact with the fluid may detect different electrical measurements of different fluids. Thus, the electrical measuring element can detect, for example, the level of the fluid in the fluid container. The electrical measuring element detects, for example, different electrical measured values for air and foam. When the electrical sensing element detects a reference electrical measurement value in the presence of air in the fluid reservoir, the foam sensing device may determine whether foam is present in the fluid reservoir by comparing an electrical reading from a fluid in the fluid reservoir with the electrical reference reading.

Thus, by sensing an electrical reading of a fluid in the fluid container and comparing the sensed electrical reading to a reference electrical reading by the foam sensing device, it is effectively determined whether or not there is foam in the fluid reservoir.

A laundry care appliance is understood to mean a device which is used for laundry care, such as e.g. a washing machine or a tumble dryer. In particular, such a laundry care appliance is understood as a household laundry care appliance. So a laundry care device, which is used in the context of household management, and is treated with the laundry in normal household quantities.

In an advantageous embodiment of the laundry care appliance, the electrical measuring element has a reference electrode and a number of electrodes, which are in contact with the fluid in the fluid container.

Thereby, the technical advantage is achieved that is made possible by the reference electrode and the electrodes, an effective detection of electrical measurements of a fluid in the fluid container by the electrical measuring element, whereby a advantageous foam detection is ensured by the foam detection device. In particular, the electrical measuring element has two electrodes in addition to the reference electrode.

In a further advantageous embodiment of the laundry care appliance, the electrical measuring element is designed to detect an electrical voltage in the fluid container and to compare it with an electrical reference voltage, and the foam detection device is designed to determine by comparing the electrical voltage and the electrical reference voltage Foam is present in the fluid container.

Thereby, the technical advantage is achieved that can be effectively determined by an electrical voltage measurement by the electrical measuring element and a comparison of the detected electrical voltage with an electrical reference voltage by the foam detection means, whether foam is present in the fluid container.

In a further advantageous embodiment of the laundry care device, the electrical measuring element is designed to detect the electrical reference measured value in an unfilled state of the fluid container.

Thereby, the technical advantage is achieved that in an unfilled state of the fluid container, that is in a state in which the fluid container is filled with air, the electrical measuring element is in contact with air in the fluid container, whereby an advantageous detection of a reference electrical value by the electrical Measuring element is enabled.

In a further advantageous embodiment of the laundry care device, the foam detection device is designed to determine that there is foam in the fluid container if the electrical measurement of the fluid differs from the electrical reference measurement, in particular if the electrical measurement of the electrical reference measurement by an electrical difference value different. This achieves the technical advantage that a particularly advantageous determination of foam in the fluid container is made possible by the specific difference between the electrical measured value and the electrical reference measured value. The electrical reference measured, which is detected in particular when the electrical measuring element in contact with air, differs from the electrical measurement, which is detected by the electrical measuring element when foam is present in the Fluidbehalter, and when the electrical measuring element is in contact with foam.

In a further advantageous embodiment of the laundry care apparatus, the fluid container has a supply valve for supplying liquid into the fluid container and a discharge valve for discharging liquid from the fluid container, the laundry care apparatus has a controller for controlling the supply valve and the discharge valve, the controller is designed, closing the supply valve in a first period of time and opening the purge valve to drain fluid from the fluid reservoir, wherein the electrical sensing element is not in contact with the fluid in the fluid reservoir to detect a reference electrical measurement, wherein the electrical sensing element is formed in order to detect an electrical measurement of fluid in the fluid container in a second time period adjoining the first time period, and wherein the foam detection device is designed to be represented in the second time interval by a Ve to determine whether there is foam in the fluid container between the electrical reading and the electrical reference reading.

Thereby, the technical advantage is achieved that an effective detection of foam in the fluid container is made possible if no liquid, in particular no water, is present in the fluid container. By opening the purge valve and closing the supply valve in the first time period, it is ensured that liquid, in particular water, is removed from the fluid container, and in an unfilled fluid container the reference electrical measurement value with respect to air can be determined. If, in the second period of time, an electrical measurement value is detected by the electrical measuring element when the supply valve is closed, which differs from the reference electrical measurement value, the foam detection device can determine whether there is foam in the fluid container. In a further advantageous embodiment of the laundry care device, the fluid container has a supply valve for supplying liquid into the fluid container and a discharge valve for discharging liquid from the fluid container, wherein the laundry care device has a controller for controlling the supply valve and the discharge valve, wherein the electrical measuring element Reference electrode, a first electrode and a second electrode, wherein the end point of the reference electrode and the end point of the first electrode is disposed in the fluid container below the end point of the second electrode, wherein the controller is formed to close the feed valve in a first time period and the To open the discharge valve, so that the liquid flows out of the fluid container, wherein the reference electrode, the first electrode and the second electrode are not in contact with the liquid in the fluid container to an electrical reference detecting, wherein the controller is adapted to close the discharge valve in a second period subsequent to the first period and to open the supply valve to supply liquid to the fluid container until the end point of the first electrode is in contact with the liquid the second electrode is configured to detect an electrical measurement value of fluid in the fluid container in a third time segment adjoining the second time segment, and wherein the foam detection device is configured, in the third time segment by a comparison between the electrical measurement value and the electrical reference measurement value determine if there is foam in the fluid container.

Thereby, the technical advantage is achieved that an effective detection of foam in the fluid container is made possible when liquid, in particular water, is present in the fluid container. By opening the purge valve and closing the supply valve in the first time period, it is ensured that liquid, in particular water, is removed from the fluid container, and in an unfilled fluid container the reference electrical measurement value with respect to air can be determined. In the second period of time, a certain amount of liquid, in particular water, is supplied to the fluid container until the end point of the reference electrode and the end point of the first electrode are in contact with the liquid, in particular water. In this case, the end point of the liquid feed can be established in particular by a change in the electrical measured value detected by the first electrode upon contact with the liquid. In the third period of time, the second electrode may be an electrical Detect reading, and the foam detection device can determine whether there is foam in the fluid container or not by comparing the electrical measurement with the reference electrical measurement. When foam floats on the surface of the liquid, the second electrode disposed above the first electrode can effectively determine if there is foam in the fluid container as the electrical measurement changes.

In a further advantageous embodiment of the laundry care device, the foam detection device is designed to deactivate the mist generation device and / or the ozone generation element during the detection of foam in the fluid container.

Thereby, the technical advantage is achieved that by deactivating the mist generator and / or the ozone generating element, an effective foam detection can be performed in the fluid container. In particular, no water mist or ozone is generated by a deactivated mist generator and / or deactivated ozone generating element, which may interfere with the detection of foam in the fluid container by the foam generator. In a further advantageous embodiment of the laundry care appliance, the laundry care appliance has a heating element for heating washing liquid in the tub and a control for controlling the heating element, wherein the control is designed to reduce the heating power of the heating element when foam in the fluid container is detected by the foam detection device becomes.

Thereby, the technical advantage is achieved that with a positive detection of foam in the fluid container by the foam detection means, the heating power of the heating element can be reduced, whereby the formation of further foam in the fluid container can be stopped, thereby further increasing the amount of foam in the fluid container can be stopped.

In a further advantageous embodiment of the laundry care device, the laundry care device has a drum motor for rotating a washing drum and a A controller for controlling the drum motor, wherein the controller is configured to reduce the rotational speed of the drum motor when foam is detected in the Fluidbehalter by the foam detection means.

Thereby, the technical advantage is achieved that upon positive detection of foam in the Fluidbehalter by the foam detection means, the rotation of the washing drum is reduced. This prevents that further foam is hit by the rotation of the washing drum in the Fluidbehalter, whereby penetration of further foam is prevented in the Fluidbehalter. In a further advantageous embodiment of the laundry care appliance, the laundry care appliance has a drain pump for pumping washing liquid out of the tub and a control for controlling the drain pump, wherein the control is designed to activate the drain pump when foam in the fluid tank is detected by the foam detection device.

Thereby, the technical advantage is achieved that by activating the drain pump after the detection of foam in the fluid container, foam can be effectively pumped out of the tub of the laundry care device through the drain pump, which also reduces the amount of foam in the fluid container.

In a further advantageous embodiment of the laundry care device, the fluid container has a discharge valve for discharging liquid from the fluid container and a controller for controlling the discharge valve, and the controller is configured to activate the discharge valve when foam in the fluid container is detected by the foam detection device.

Thereby, the technical advantage is achieved that, when foam is detected in the fluid container by the foam detection means, by activating the purge valve, the foam can be effectively removed from the fluid container.

According to a second aspect of the invention, the object is achieved by a method for detecting foam in a laundry care device, wherein the laundry care device comprises a suds container for holding suds, one in the suds container wherein the deodorizing device comprises an ozone generating element for generating ozone and a mist generating device for generating a water mist, and wherein the mist generating device comprises a fluid container for receiving fluid wherein the deodorizing device comprises a foam detection device for detecting foam in the fluid container, the foam detection device comprising an electrical measuring element which is in contact with fluid in the fluid container, and wherein the method comprises detecting an electrical measurement of the fluid in the fluid container by the electrical Measuring element, comparing the detected electrical measurement value with a reference electrical measurement value by the foam detection device, and determining whether foam in the fluid b ehälter present by a comparison between the electrical measurement and the electrical reference measured value by the foam detection device comprises.

As a result, the technical advantage is achieved that an effective foam detection in the fluid container is made possible by the comparison between the electrical measurement and the electrical reference measured value by the foam detection device.

In a further advantageous embodiment of the method, the fluid container has a supply valve for supplying liquid into the fluid container and a discharge valve for discharging liquid from the fluid container, the laundry care device has a controller for controlling the supply valve and the discharge valve, and comprises the method, closing the feed valve and opening the purge valve in a first period of time to drain liquid from the fluid container, the electrical sensing element not being in contact with the liquid in the fluid container after discharge of the liquid to detect a reference electrical measurement Detecting an electrical measurement of fluid in the fluid reservoir in a second time period subsequent to the first time period by the electrical sensing element, and determining whether there is foam in the fluid reservoir by comparison between d em electrical measurement and the electrical reference reading by the foam detection device. Thereby, the technical advantage is achieved that in an unfilled Fluidbehalter by the method, an effective foam detection is made possible by the foam detection device.

In a further advantageous embodiment of the method, the fluid container has a supply valve for supplying liquid into the fluid container and a discharge valve for discharging liquid from the fluid container, the laundry care device has a controller for controlling the supply valve and the discharge valve, the electrical measuring element has a Reference electrode, a first electrode and a second electrode, wherein the end point of the reference electrode and the first electrode is disposed in the fluid container below the end point of the second electrode, and includes the method, the closing of the supply valve and the opening of the purge valve in a first period of time for discharging liquid from the fluid container, wherein the reference electrode, the first electrode and the second electrode are not in contact with the liquid in the fluid container after the discharge of the liquid to a reference electrical measurement value, closing the purge valve and opening the delivery valve in a second time period subsequent to the first time period to supply liquid to the fluid container until the end point of the first electrode is in contact with the fluid, acquiring an electrical reading of fluid in the fluid container in a third period of time subsequent to the second period of time through the second electrode, and determining whether there is foam in the fluid container by comparison between the electrical measurement and the reference electrical measurement by the foam detector. Thereby, the technical advantage is achieved that in the presence of liquid in the fluid container by the method, an effective foam detection is made possible by the foam detection device.

Further embodiments will be explained with reference to the accompanying drawings. Show it:

Fig. 1 is a schematic representation of a laundry care device; FIG. 2 shows a schematic illustration of a deodorizing device in a laundry care device; FIG.

3 is a schematic representation of a fluid container in a deodorizing device of a laundry care device;

4 is a schematic representation of a fluid container in a deodorizing device of a laundry care device; and

5 shows a sequence of a method for detecting foam in a laundry care appliance.

Fig. 1 shows a schematic representation of a general laundry care appliance 100, such as e.g. a washing machine. The laundry care device 100 comprises an induction bowl 101, into which detergent or other liquid substances can be introduced. The laundry care appliance 100 comprises a door 103 for loading the laundry care appliance 100 with laundry.

Fig. 2 shows a schematic representation of a deodorizing device in a laundry care device 100, such as e.g. a washing machine. The laundry care apparatus 100 has a tub 105 with a rotatably mounted washing drum 107 for receiving laundry 109. The laundry care apparatus 100 further comprises a deodorizing device 1 1 1 for deodorizing the laundry, which has an ozone generating element 1 13 for generating ozone and a mist generating device 15 for generating water mist. For this purpose, water from a water inlet 1 17 through a feed line 121, which is controlled by a supply valve 1 19, introduced into the mist generator 1 15. By an element of the mist generator 1 15, e.g. Through an ultrasonic atomizer such as a piezo oscillator, fine drops of water are generated, through which a mist of water droplets is formed.

In Fig. 2, a circulatory system for deodorizing laundry 109 is shown. In a first step, air is passed from the tub 105 via an air line 123 to an ozone removal device 125. The ozone eliminator 125 may comprise an activated carbon filter which deactivates ozone in the air, for example by conversion to carbon dioxide. In addition, the ozone eliminator 125 may be configured to remove ozone and other odorants from the laundry care device 100. The ozone eliminator 125 may be in contact with the outside air through an opening portion 127, thereby enabling pressure exchange with the environment. The cleaned air is then fed through a fan feed line 129 to a fan 131 which supplies the air via a fan discharge line 133 to the ozone generating element 13. The ozone generating element 13 generates an amount of ozone and supplies the generated ozone through an ozone supply line 135 to the mist generator 1 15 to obtain an amount of ozone-containing water mist. The advantageous amount of ozone-containing water mist is supplied to the tub 105 from the mist generator 1 15 through a water mist supply line 137. Liquid can be supplied from the mist generator 1 15 through a discharge line 138 to the tub 105, wherein the supply of liquid into the tub 105 is controlled by a discharge valve 139.

3 shows a schematic representation of a fluid container in a deodorizing device of a laundry care device. In the deodorizing device 1 1 1, a fluid container 141 for receiving fluid, in particular water is arranged, wherein the fluid container 141 is in particular part of a mist generator 1 15. The deodorizing device 1 1 1 further comprises a device portion 143, in which in particular control electronics, and an ozone generating element 1 13 is arranged. The fluid container 141 is in particular fluidly connected to a supply line 121 with a supply valve 1 19 for supplying fluid, in particular water, into the fluid container 141, and a discharge line 138 with a discharge valve 139 for discharging the fluid from the fluid container 141. The fluid container 141 is further fluidly connected to a water mist supply line 137 to supply water mist, or ozone, from the fluid container 141 of the laundry 109 in a washing drum 107 of the laundry care device 100. The deodorizing device 1 1 1 has in particular a foam detection device 151, which is designed to detect foam in the fluid container 141. The foam detection device 151 has an electrical measuring element 153 which communicates with the fluid in the fluid container 141 in FIG Contact, and which is adapted to detect an electrical measurement of the fluid in the Fluidbehalter 141. The electrical measuring element 153 has a reference electrode 155, a first electrode 157 and a second electrode 159 which are in contact with the fluid and are designed to detect different electrical measured values as a function of the fluid in contact. For example, the electrical measuring element 153 may comprise a voltage sensor, in particular a potentiometric sensor, which is designed to detect a voltage difference, in particular a potential difference, between the reference electrode 155 and the first electrode 157 or between the reference electrode 155 and the second electrode 159. Here, the voltage difference between the reference electrode 155 and the first and second electrodes 157, 159 is dependent on the fluid, which is in contact with the electrodes 155, 157, 159. For example, the detected voltage difference may be different if in the fluid container 141 air, liquid, especially water, or foam is present. Thus, based on a comparison between an electrical measurement detected by the electrical sensing element and a reference electrical measurement by the foam sensing device 151, it may be determined whether or not there is foam in the fluid reservoir 141. Since in the fluid container 141 penetrating foam can penetrate to the ozone generating element 1 13, or up to an activated carbon filter deodorizer 1 1 1, it is important for the trouble-free operation of the deodorizer 1 1 1, that foam in the fluid container 141 by the foam detection device 151 is detected, so that subsequently a foam removal process by the laundry care device 100 can be performed. In a method for foam detection according to FIG. 3, foam detection is performed by the foam detection device 151 without water being present in the fluid container 141 and without the ozone generating element 13 or the mist generation device 15 being activated. Here, before the start of the heating operation of the laundry service program by a controller of the laundry machine 100, the purge valve 139 is opened and the supply valve 19 is closed to remove water from the fluid container 141 and prevent water from being supplied to the fluid container 141 again. Here, the water level in the fluid container 141 decreases so far that the electrodes 155, 157, 159 of the electrical measuring element 153 are not in contact with water. After discharging water, the electrical sensing element 153 contacts air in the fluid container 141 and detects an electrical reference reading. As a result of the detected reference electrical value, the foam detector 151 defines as the initial state, the absence of foam in the fluid container 141.

In particular, when foam is formed in a tub 105 of the laundry care device 100 and enters the fluid reservoir 141 through the water mist supply line 137, the foam may rise to a first foam level 161 or to a second level of foam 163 in the fluid reservoir 141. As the foam rises to the first level of foam 161, the foam contacts the first electrode 157. As the foam rises to the second level of foam 163, the foam contacts the first electrode 157 and the second electrode 159. Upon contact of the electrodes 155, 157, 159 with foam, an electrical measurement can be detected by the electrical measuring element 153. When the supply valve 1 19 is closed, the foam detector 151 detects whether foam is present in the fluid container 141 by comparing the electrical measurement and the reference electrical measurement value, in particular, with a change in the electrical measurement. 4 shows a schematic representation of a fluid container in a deodorizing device of a laundry care device. The deodorizing device 1 1 1 has a mist generator 1 15 with a fluid container 141 for receiving fluid, in particular water. The fluid container 141 has in particular a feed line 121 with a feed valve 19 for supplying fluid, in particular water, into the fluid container 141, and a discharge line 138 with a discharge valve 139 for discharging the fluid from the fluid container 141. The fluid container 141 is further fluidly connected to a water mist supply line 137 to supply water mist, or ozone from the fluid container 141 of the laundry 109 in a washing drum 107 of the laundry care device 100.

A foam detection device 151 of the deodorizing device 1 1 1 can detect foam in the fluid container 141. The foam detection device 151 has an electrical measuring element 153 with a reference electrode 155, a first electrode 157 and a second electrode 159, which are designed to detect different electrical measured values as a function of the fluid in contact. Here, the first electrode 157 and the second electrode 159 extend to different degrees in the Fluidbehalter 141, wherein the end point 165 of the first electrode 157 has a first height, wherein the end point 167 of the second electrode 159 has a second height, and wherein between the first and the second height is a height difference 169 is present.

In a method for foam detection according to FIG. 4, a foam detection is performed by the foam detection device 151, wherein water is introduced into the fluid container 141, and without the ozone generating element 1 13, or the mist generator 1 15 are activated. In this case, before the start of the heating process of the laundry care program in a first period by a control of the laundry care device 100, the discharge valve 139 is opened and the supply valve 1 19 closed to remove water from the fluid container 141 and prevent water from flowing into the fluid container 141 again , In this case, the water level in the fluid container 141 drops so far that the electrodes 155, 157, 159 of the electrical measuring element 153 are not in contact with water. After discharging water, the foam detector 151 detects the absence of foam in the fluid container 141 as an initial state.

In a second period subsequent to the first period, the supply valve 1 19 is opened by the controller and a predetermined amount of water is supplied to the fluid container 141, wherein the predetermined amount of water is selected such that a water level 171 in the fluid container 141 which is just sufficient for the water to touch the end point 165 of the first electrode 157. Upon contact of the first electrode 157 with water, for example, a change in the electrical measured value can be detected by the electrical measuring element 153. However, since the end point 167 of the second electrode 159 is located higher from the end point 165 of the first electrode 157, when the water in the fluid container 141 has the water level 171, the second electrode 159 is not in contact with the water, and thus detected the second electrode 159 does not change the electrical measurement. When foam is formed in a tub 105 of the laundry care device 100 and enters the fluid container 141 through the water mist feed line 137 and the foam floats on the liquid, the foam in the fluid reservoir 141 may rise to a second level of foam 163 in the fluid reservoir 141. As the foam rises to the second level of foam 163, the foam contacts the second electrode 159. In a subsequent to the second period of time, a third period of time can be detected by the electrical measuring element 153 on contact of the second electrode 159 with foam, a change in the electrical measurement. Thus, the foam detector 151 detects that foam is present in the fluid container 141 based on the change of the electrical measurement.

After the foam detection by the foam detector 151, water is removed from the fluid container 141 through the drain valve 147 and the foam detection is deactivated.

Here, the foam-detecting operation may be repeated with the supply of water more than once, especially for two to six cycles, depending on the duration of the main wash, such repetition being performed especially during the heating phase.

After foam has been detected by the foam sensing device 151 by a process of FIG. 3 or 4, various foam treatment processes may begin to remove foam. In this case, in particular, the heating process can be stopped, the rotation of the washing drum 107 can be reduced or even stopped, the pump can be started to pump off water, to reduce the foam level, and to prevent reintroduction of foam in the deodoriser 1 1 1, and / or further the purge valve 139 may be activated to deflate foam and / or water. Here, the foam detection device 151 of the deodorizing device 1111 may optionally not be activated, the mist production device 15 and the ozone generating element 13 being normally operated. 5 shows a sequence of a method 200 for detecting foam in a deodorizing device 11 of a laundry care device 100 according to FIGS. 3 and 4. The method 200 comprises detecting 201 an electrical measurement of the fluid in the fluid container 141 through the device electrical sensing element 153, comparing 203 the sensed electrical measurement with a reference electrical measurement by the foam detector 151, and determining 205 whether foam is present in the fluid reservoir 141 by comparing the electrical measurement and the reference electrical measurement with the foam detector 151.

All features explained and shown in connection with individual embodiments of the invention may be provided in different combinations in the article according to the invention, in order to simultaneously realize their advantageous effects.

The scope of the present invention is given by the claims and is not limited by the features illustrated in the description or shown in the figures.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

100 laundry care device

101 induction bowl

103 door

105 tubs

107 washing drum

109 laundry

1 1 1 deodoriser

1 13 ozone generating element 1 15 fog generating device

1 17 water supply

1 19 supply valve

121 supply line

123 air line

125 ozone eliminator

127 opening section

129 fan feed line

131 fans

133 fan discharge

135 ozone supply

137 Water mist supply line

138 discharge line

139 discharge valve

141 fluid tank

143 device area

151 foam detection device

153 Electrical measuring element

155 reference electrode

157 First electrode

159 Second electrode

161 First foam level

163 Second foam level

165 End point of the first electrode 167 End point of the second electrode

169 height difference

171 water level

200 Method for detecting foam

201 detecting an electrical measurement of the fluid

203 comparing the detected electrical measurement value of the fluid with a reference electrical measurement value

205 determining if foam is present in the fluid container

207 Close the feed valve

209 Opening the purge valve

21 1 Close the drain valve

213 Opening the feed valve

Claims

Laundry care appliance (100) with a suds container (105) for holding washing liquor, a washing drum (107) arranged in the suds container (105) for receiving laundry (109) and a deodoriser (1 1 1) fluidly connected to the suds container (105). for deodorizing the laundry (109), wherein the deodorizing device (1 1 1) comprises an ozone generating element (1 13) for generating ozone and a mist generating device (15) for generating a water mist, and wherein the mist generating device (1 15) comprises a fluid container (1 15) 141) for receiving fluid, characterized in that

the deodorizing device (1 1 1) comprises foam detecting means (151) for detecting foam in the fluid container (141), the foam detecting means (151) comprising an electrical measuring element (153) in contact with fluid in the fluid container (141) , in which

the electrical measuring element (153) is designed to detect an electrical measurement of the fluid in the fluid container (141), and wherein

the foam detector (151) is adapted to compare the sensed electrical reading to a reference electrical reading, and to determine whether foam is present in the fluid container (141) by comparing the electrical reading and the reference electrical reading.

The laundry care appliance (100) according to claim 1, characterized in that the electrical measuring element (153) has a reference electrode (155) and a number of electrodes (157, 159) which are in contact with the fluid in the fluid container (141).

The laundry care device (100) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the electrical measuring element (153) is adapted to detect and compare an electrical voltage in the fluid container (141) with an electrical reference voltage, and in that the foam detection device (151) is formed is to determine whether there is foam in the fluid container (141) by comparing between the electrical voltage and the electrical reference voltage.

Laundry care appliance (100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the electrical measuring element (153) is designed to detect the electrical reference measured value in an unfilled state of the fluid container (141).

A laundry care device (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the foam detection means (151) is arranged to determine that there is foam in the fluid container (141) when the electrical measurement of the fluid differs from the reference electrical measurement, in particular if the electrical measured value differs from the electrical reference measured value by an electrical difference value.

The laundry care apparatus (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the fluid container (141) comprises a supply valve (1 19) for supplying liquid into the fluid container (141) and a discharge valve (139) for discharging liquid from the fluid container (141 ), that the laundry care device (100) has a control for controlling the supply valve (145) and the discharge valve (139)

the controller is configured to close the feed valve (145) in a first period of time and to open the purge valve (139) to remove liquid from the fluid container (141), wherein the electrical sensing element (153) is not in contact with the liquid in the fluid container (141) is to detect a reference electrical measurement that

the electrical measuring element (153) is designed to detect an electrical measured value of fluid in the fluid container (141) in a second time segment adjoining the first time segment, and in that

the foam detection means (151) is adapted to determine, in the second time period, whether there is foam in the fluid container (141) by comparison between the electrical measurement and the reference electrical measurement. The laundry care apparatus (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the fluid container (141) comprises a supply valve (145) for supplying liquid into the fluid container (141) and a discharge valve (139) for discharging liquid from the fluid container (141). 141), the laundry-care apparatus (100) has a controller for controlling the supply valve (145) and the purge valve (139) such that the electrical measurement element (153) has a reference electrode (155), a first electrode (157), and a second electrode (159), wherein the end point of the reference electrode (155) and the end point (165) of the first electrode (157) is disposed in the fluid container (141) below the end point (167) of the second electrode (159)

the controller is configured to close the supply valve (145) in a first period of time and to open the discharge valve (139) so that the liquid flows out of the fluid container (141), the reference electrode (155), the first electrode (157) and the second electrode (159) is not in contact with the liquid in the fluid container (141) to detect a reference electrical measurement value

the controller is configured to close the purge valve (139) and to open the supply valve (145) in a second time period following the first time interval in order to supply liquid to the fluid container (141) until the end point (165) of the first electrode ( 157) is in contact with the liquid

the second electrode (159) is designed to detect an electrical measurement of fluid in the fluid container (141) in a third time period adjoining the second time interval, and in that

the foam detection means (151) is adapted to determine, in the third time period, whether foam is present in the fluid container (141) by comparing the electrical measurement and the reference electrical measurement value.

A laundry care appliance (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the foam detection means (151) is arranged to deactivate the mist production means (15) or the ozone generating element (13) during the detection of foam in the fluid container (141). The laundry care appliance (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the laundry care appliance (100) comprises a heating element for heating washing liquid in the tub (105) and a controller for controlling the heating element, the controller being designed to control the heating power of the heating element when foam in the fluid container (141) is detected by the foam detecting means (151).

The laundry care apparatus (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the laundry care apparatus (100) comprises a drum motor for rotating a washing drum (107) of the laundry care apparatus (100) and a controller for controlling the drum motor, wherein the controller is configured to control the rotational speed of the drum motor when foam is detected in the fluid container (141) by the foam detector (151).

Laundry care device (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the laundry care device (100) has a drain pump for pumping washing liquid from the tub (105) and a control for controlling the drain pump, wherein the controller is designed to activate the drain pump when foam is detected in the fluid container (141) by the foam detecting means (151).

A laundry care apparatus (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the fluid container (141) comprises a discharge valve (139) for discharging liquid from the fluid container (141) and a controller for controlling the discharge valve (139), and in that the controller is configured to activate the discharge valve (139) when foam in the fluid container (141) is detected by the foam detection means (151).

Method (200) for detecting foam in a laundry care appliance (100), wherein the laundry care appliance (100) comprises a suds container (105) for holding washing liquor, a washing drum (107) arranged in the suds container (105) for receiving laundry and a washing drum the lye container (105) fluidly connected deodorizing device (1 1 1) for deodorizing laundry (109), wherein the deodorizing device (1 1 1) an ozone generating element (1 13) for generating ozone and a mist generator (15) for generating a water mist, and wherein the mist generator (1 15) comprises a Fluidbehalter (141) for receiving fluid, characterized in that the deodorizing device (1 1 1 ) comprises foam detection means (151) for detecting foam in the fluid container (141), the foam detection means (151) comprising an electrical measuring element (153) in contact with fluid in the fluid container (141), and the method ( 200)

detecting (201) an electrical measurement of the fluid in the fluid container (141) by the electrical measuring element (153),

comparing (203) the sensed electrical measurement with a reference electrical measurement by the foam detector (151) and determining (205) whether there is foam in the fluid container (141) by comparing the electrical measurement and the reference electrical measurement with the foam detector (15). 151).

Method (200) according to claim 13, characterized in that the

Fluidbehalter (141) has a supply valve (1 19) for supplying liquid into the Fluidbehalter (141) and a discharge valve (139) for discharging liquid from the Fluidbehalter (141) that the laundry care device (100) a controller for controlling the supply valve (1 19) and the purge valve (139), and that the method (200)

the closing (207) of the supply valve (1 19) and the opening (209) of the discharge valve (139) in a first period of time, so that liquid is discharged from the fluid container (141), wherein the electrical measuring element (153) after discharging the Liquid is not in contact with the liquid in the fluid container (141) to detect a reference electrical measurement value,

detecting (201) an electrical measurement of fluid in the fluid reservoir (141) in a second time period subsequent to the first time period by the electrical sensing element (153), and

determining (205) whether foam is present in the fluid container (141) by a comparison between the electrical measurement and the reference electrical measurement by the foam detector (151).

15. The method (200) according to claim 13, characterized in that the

Fluidbehalter (141) has a supply valve (1 19) for supplying liquid into the Fluidbehalter (141) and a discharge valve (139) for discharging liquid from the Fluidbehalter (141) that the laundry care device (100) a controller for controlling the supply valve (19) and the discharge valve (139), that the electrical measuring element (153) has a reference electrode (155), a first electrode (157) and a second electrode (15), wherein the end point of the reference electrode (155) and the End point (165) of the first electrode (157) in the fluid container (141) below the end point (167) of the second electrode (159) is arranged, and that the method (200)

the closing (207) of the supply valve (1 19) and the opening (209) of the discharge valve (139) in a first time period, so that liquid is discharged from the fluid container (141), wherein the reference electrode (155), the first electrode ( 157) and the second electrode (159) are not in contact with the liquid in the fluid container (141) after discharging the liquid to detect a reference electrical measurement value;

closing (21 1) the purge valve (139) and opening (213) the supply valve (1 19) in a second time period subsequent to the first time period to supply liquid to the fluid container (141) until the end point (165) of FIG first electrode (157) is in contact with the liquid,

detecting (201) an electrical measurement of fluid in the fluid reservoir (141) in a third time period subsequent to the second time period through the second electrode (159), and