EP3411519B1 - Laundry-care appliance comprising a foam detection device - Google Patents

Description

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

In order to remove unpleasant smelling odorous substances, various chemicals, such as e.g. Ozone added to the laundry to deactivate unpleasant smelling odorous substances. For this purpose, conventional laundry care devices have deodorization devices with ozone-generating elements for generating ozone. However, foam produced during the laundry care process can penetrate through fluid-technical lines from the tub into the deodorizing device and possibly impair the function of the deodorizing device.

In the DE 10 2014 214343 A1 discloses a laundry care device with a deodorizing device for deodorizing laundry.

In the EP 2 889 421 A1 discloses a washing machine having a bubble detection sensor for detecting bubbles or foam.

In the EP 1 731 656 A1 discloses a drum washing machine with a foam sensor having temperature electrode connections.

In the EP 2 133 455 A1 a method for determining foam in a tub of a washing machine by means of electrodes is disclosed.

The object on which the invention is based is to specify a laundry care device in which effective foam detection is ensured in a deodorization device of the laundry care device.

This object is achieved by subjects having the features according to the independent claims. Advantageous embodiments of the invention are the subject matter 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 with a tub for holding washing liquor, a washing drum arranged in the tub for holding laundry and a deodorizing device fluidly connected to the tub for Deodorizing the laundry solved, wherein the deodorizing device has an ozone generating element for generating ozone and a mist generating device for generating a water mist, wherein the mist generating device has a fluid container for receiving fluid, wherein the deodorizing device has a foam detection device for detecting foam in the fluid container, the Foam detection device comprises an electrical measuring element which is in contact with fluid in the fluid container, wherein the electrical measuring element is designed to detect an electrical measured value of the fluid in the fluid container, and wherein the foam detection device is designed to match the detected electrical measured value with an electrical reference measured value and to determine whether there is foam in the fluid container by comparing the electrical measurement value and the electrical reference measurement value.

This achieves the technical advantage that, by comparing the electrical measured value and the electrical reference measured value by the foam detection device, it can advantageously be determined whether there is foam in the fluid container. A reliable determination that foam is present in the fluid container of the deodorization device is a prerequisite for the introduction of further measures following the foam detection for removing foam from the fluid container. This can prevent impairment of the function of the deodorization device.

In conventional laundry care devices, deodorization devices are used to supply ozone-containing water mist to the laundry in a washing drum of the laundry care device and to deodorize the laundry, ie to remove unpleasant odors from the laundry and to remove germs in the laundry. During a laundry care process, foam can arise, which can penetrate from the tub through the fluidic connection into the deodorization device and there may impair the function of the deodorization device, in particular the function of an activated carbon filter in the deodorization device.

The electrical measuring element of the foam detection device according to the invention is in contact with fluid in the fluid container and is designed to detect an electrical measured value of the fluid in the fluid container. 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 measuring element that is in contact with the fluid can acquire different electrical measured values from different fluids. The electrical measuring element can thus, for example, detect the level of the fluid in the fluid container. The electrical measuring element records different electrical measured values for air and foam, for example. If the electrical measuring element detects an electrical reference measurement value in the presence of air in the fluid container, the foam detection device can determine whether foam is present in the fluid container by comparing an electrical measurement value from a fluid in the fluid container with the electrical reference measurement value.

Thus, by detecting an electrical measurement value of a fluid in the fluid container and comparing the detected electrical measurement value with an electrical reference measurement value by the foam detection device, it is effectively determined whether or not there is foam in the fluid container.

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

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

This achieves the technical advantage that the reference electrode and the electrodes enable the electrical measuring element to effectively record electrical measured values of a fluid in the fluid container, 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 device, 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 whether by comparing the electrical voltage and the electrical reference voltage Foam is present in the fluid container.

This has the technical advantage that 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 device can effectively determine whether there is foam 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.

This achieves the technical advantage 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 an electrical reference measured value by the electrical Measuring element is made possible.

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 when the electrical measured value of the fluid differs from the electrical reference measured value, in particular when the electrical measured value differs from the electrical reference measured value by an electrical difference value differs.

This achieves the technical advantage that the specific difference between the electrical measured value and the electrical reference measured value enables a particularly advantageous determination of foam in the fluid container. The electrical reference measured value, which is recorded in particular when the electrical measuring element comes into contact with air, differs from the electrical measured value which is recorded by the electrical measuring element when there is foam in the fluid container and when the electrical measuring element is in contact with foam.

According to the invention, 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, and the laundry care device has a controller for controlling the supply valve and the discharge valve, the controller being formed in one first time segment to close the supply valve and to open the discharge valve so that liquid is discharged from the fluid container, wherein the electrical measuring element is not in contact with the liquid in the fluid container in order to detect an electrical reference measured value, wherein the electrical measuring element is formed in a second time segment following the first time segment to detect an electrical measured value of fluid in the fluid container, and wherein the foam detection device is designed in the second time segment by a comparison between the electrical measured value and the electrical reference to determine whether there is foam in the fluid container.

This achieves the technical advantage that foam can be effectively captured in the fluid container when there is no liquid, in particular no water, in the fluid container. By opening the discharge valve and closing the supply valve in the first time segment, it is ensured that liquid, in particular water, is discharged from the fluid container and that the electrical reference measured value can be determined in relation to air in an unfilled fluid container. If, in the second time segment, when the supply valve is closed, the electrical measuring element detects an electrical measured value which differs from the electrical reference measured value, the foam detection device can determine whether there is foam in the fluid container.

According to the invention, the fluid container has a supply valve for supplying liquid to the fluid container and a discharge valve for discharging liquid from the fluid container, the laundry care device having a controller for controlling the supply valve and the discharge valve, the electrical measuring element having a reference electrode, a first Electrode and a second electrode, the end point of the reference electrode and the end point of the first electrode being arranged in the fluid container below the end point of the second electrode, the controller being designed to close the supply valve and open the discharge valve in a first time segment, 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, in order to acquire an electrical reference measured value, the controller being designed in a manner based on d Closing the discharge valve and opening the supply valve in the first time segment following the second time segment in order to supply liquid to the fluid container until the end point of the first electrode is in contact with the liquid, the second electrode being formed in a period following the second time segment third time segment to detect an electrical measured value of fluid in the fluid container, and wherein the foam detection device is designed to determine in the third time segment by a comparison between the electrical measured value and the electrical reference measured value whether foam is present in the fluid container.

This achieves the technical advantage that an effective capture of foam in the fluid container is made possible when liquid, in particular water, is present in the fluid container. By opening the discharge valve and closing the supply valve in the first time segment, it is ensured that liquid, in particular water, is discharged from the fluid container and that the electrical reference measured value can be determined in relation to air in an unfilled fluid container. In the second time segment, 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 supply can be established in particular by changing the electrical measured value detected by the first electrode upon contact with the liquid. In the third time period, the second electrode can have an electrical Detect measured value, and the foam detection device can determine whether or not foam is present in the fluid container by comparing the electrical measured value with the electrical reference measured value. If foam floats on the surface of the liquid, the second electrode arranged above the first electrode can effectively determine whether there is foam in the fluid container when the electrical measurement value 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 while the foam is being captured in the fluid container.

This has the technical advantage that by deactivating the mist generating device and / or the ozone generating element, effective foam detection can be carried out in the fluid container. In particular, no water mist or ozone is generated by a deactivated mist generation device and / or deactivated ozone generation element, which can interfere with the detection of foam in the fluid container by the foam generation device.

In a further advantageous embodiment of the laundry care device, the laundry care device has a heating element for heating washing liquid in the tub and a controller for controlling the heating element, the controller being designed to reduce the heating power of the heating element when foam in the fluid container is detected by the foam detection device becomes.

This has the technical advantage that if foam is positively detected in the fluid container by the foam detection device, the heating power of the heating element can be reduced, whereby the formation of further foam in the fluid container can be stopped and thereby a further increase in 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 Control for controlling the drum motor, wherein the control is designed to reduce the speed of the drum motor when foam is detected in the fluid container by the foam detection device.

This achieves the technical advantage that if foam is positively detected in the fluid container by the foam detection device, the rotation of the washing drum is reduced. This prevents further foam from being whipped up in the fluid container by the rotation of the washing drum, which prevents further foam from entering the fluid container.

In a further advantageous embodiment of the laundry care device, the laundry care device has a drain pump for pumping washing liquid out of the tub and a controller for controlling the drain pump, the controller being designed to activate the drain pump when foam in the fluid container is detected by the foam detection device.

This achieves the technical advantage that by activating the drain pump after foam has been detected in the fluid container, the drain pump can effectively pump foam out of the tub of the laundry care device, which also reduces the amount of foam in the fluid container.

In a further advantageous embodiment of the laundry care device, the control is designed to activate the discharge valve when foam in the fluid container is detected by the foam detection device.

This achieves the technical advantage that when foam in the fluid container is detected by the foam detection device, the foam can be effectively removed from the fluid container by activating the discharge valve.

According to a second aspect of the invention, the object is achieved by a method for detecting foam in a laundry care device, the laundry care device having a tub for receiving washing liquor, one in the tub arranged washing drum for receiving laundry, and having a deodorizing device fluidly connected to the tub for deodorizing the laundry, wherein the deodorizing device has an ozone generating element for generating ozone and a mist generating device for generating a water mist, and wherein the mist generating device has a fluid container for receiving fluid , wherein the deodorization device comprises a foam detection device for detecting foam in the fluid container, wherein the foam detection device comprises an electrical measuring element which is in contact with fluid in the fluid container, and wherein the method comprises detecting an electrical measurement value of the fluid in the fluid container by the electrical Measuring element, comparing the detected electrical measurement value with an electrical reference measurement value by the foam detection device, and determining whether foam is in the fluid container is present by a comparison between the electrical measured value and the electrical reference measured value by the foam detection device.

This achieves the technical advantage that the comparison between the electrical measured value and the electrical reference measured value by the foam detection device enables effective foam detection in the fluid container.

According to the invention, 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 the method comprises closing the supply valve and opening the discharge valve in a first time segment so that liquid is discharged from the fluid container, wherein the electrical measuring element is not in contact with the liquid in the fluid container after the liquid has been discharged in order to acquire an electrical reference measured value, the acquisition of an electrical measured value of Fluid in the fluid container in a second time segment following the first time segment by the electrical measuring element, and determining whether there is foam in the fluid container by comparing the electrical measurement value and the electrical reference measurement value by the Foam detection device.

This achieves the technical advantage that, in the case of an unfilled fluid container, the method enables effective foam capture by the foam capture device.

According to the invention, the fluid container has a supply valve for supplying liquid to 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 arranged in the fluid container below the end point of the second electrode, and the method comprises closing the supply valve and opening the discharge valve in a first period of time, so that liquid from the Fluid container is discharged, wherein the reference electrode, the first electrode and the second electrode are not in contact with the liquid in the fluid container after the liquid has been discharged in order to detect an electrical reference measured value, the closing of the discharge valve and the opening of the s supply valve in a second time segment following the first time segment in order to supply liquid to the fluid container until the end point of the first electrode is in contact with the liquid, the acquisition of an electrical measurement value of fluid in the fluid container in a second time segment following third time segment by the second electrode, and determining whether there is foam in the fluid container by comparing the electrical measurement value and the electrical reference measurement value by the foam detection device.

This achieves the technical advantage that when there is liquid in the fluid container, the method enables effective foam detection by the foam detection device.

Fig. 1

eine schematische Darstellung eines Wäschepflegegeräts;

Fig. 2

eine schematische Darstellung einer Desodorierungseinrichtung in einem Wäschepflegegerät;

Fig. 3

eine schematische Darstellung eines Fluidbehälters in einer Desodorierungseinrichtung eines Wäschepflegegeräts;

Fig. 4

eine schematische Darstellung eines Fluidbehälters in einer Desodorierungseinrichtung eines Wäschepflegegeräts; und

Fig. 5

einen Ablauf eines Verfahrens zum Erfassen von Schaum in einem Wäschepflegegerät.

Further exemplary embodiments are explained with reference to the accompanying drawings. Show it:

Fig. 1

a schematic representation of a laundry care device;

Fig. 2

a schematic representation of a deodorization device in a laundry care device;

Fig. 3

a schematic representation of a fluid container in a deodorization device of a laundry care device;

Fig. 4

a schematic representation of a fluid container in a deodorization device of a laundry care device; and

Fig. 5

a sequence of a method for detecting foam in a laundry care device.

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

Fig. 2 shows a schematic representation of a deodorization device in a laundry care device 100, such as a washing machine. The laundry care device 100 has a tub 105 with a rotatably mounted washing drum 107 for receiving laundry 109. The laundry care device 100 also has a deodorizing device 111 for deodorizing the laundry, which has an ozone generating element 113 for generating ozone and a mist generating device 115 for generating water mist. For this purpose, water is introduced from a water inlet 117 through an inlet line 121, which is controlled by a supply valve 119, into the mist generation device 115. An element of the mist generation device 115, for example an ultrasonic atomizer such as a piezo oscillator, generates fine drops of water through which a mist of water drops is formed.

In Fig. 2 a circulatory system for deodorising 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 removal device 125 can include an activated carbon filter that deactivates ozone in the air, for example by converting it to carbon dioxide. In addition, the ozone removal device 125 can be designed to remove ozone and other odorous substances from the laundry care device 100. The ozone removal device 125 can be in contact with the outside air through an opening section 127 and thereby enable a pressure exchange with the environment. The cleaned air is then fed through a fan feed line 129 to a fan 131, which feeds the air to the ozone generating element 113 via a fan discharge line 133. The ozone generating element 113 generates an amount of ozone, and supplies the generated ozone through an ozone feeder 135 to the mist generating device 115 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 115 through a water mist feed line 137. Liquid can be fed from the mist generating device 115 through a discharge line 138 to the tub 105, the feeding of liquid into the tub 105 being controlled by a discharge valve 139.

Fig. 3 shows a schematic representation of a fluid container in a deodorization device of a laundry care appliance. A fluid container 141 for receiving fluid, in particular water, is arranged in the deodorization device 111, the fluid container 141 in particular being part of a mist generation device 115. The deodorization device 111 also has a device area 143 in which in particular control electronics and an ozone generating element 113 are arranged. The fluid container 141 is in particular fluidly connected to an inlet line 121 with a supply valve 119 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 feed line 137 in order to feed water mist or ozone from the fluid container 141 to the laundry 109 in a washing drum 107 of the laundry care appliance 100.

The deodorization device 111 has 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, with the fluid in the fluid container 141 in FIG Contact is made, and which is designed to detect an electrical measured value of the fluid in the fluid container 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 record different electrical measured values depending on the fluid in contact. For example, the electrical measuring element 153 can 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 to detect. The voltage difference between the reference electrode 155 and the first or second electrode 157, 159 is dependent on the fluid that is in contact with the electrodes 155, 157, 159. For example, the detected voltage difference can be different if air, liquid, in particular water, or foam is present in the fluid container 141. Thus, on the basis of a comparison between an electrical measurement value detected by the electrical measuring element and an electrical reference measurement value by the foam detection device 151, it can be determined whether or not foam is present in the fluid container 141. Since foam penetrating into the fluid container 141 can penetrate as far as the ozone generating element 113 or as far as an activated carbon filter of the deodorization device 111, it is important for the trouble-free operation of the deodorization device 111 that foam in the fluid container 141 is detected by the foam detection device 151 so that subsequently a foam removal process can be carried out by the laundry care device 100.

In a method for foam detection according to Fig. 3 a foam detection is carried out by the foam detection device 151 without water being present in the fluid container 141 and without the ozone generating element 113 or the mist generating device 115 being activated. Here, before the start of the heating process of the laundry care program, a control of the laundry care device 100 opens the drain valve 139 and closes the supply valve 119 in order to remove water from the fluid container 141 and to prevent water from being supplied to the fluid container 141 again. 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 the water has been discharged, the electrical measuring element 153 is in contact with air in the fluid container 141 and records an electrical reference measurement value. Using the recorded electrical reference measured value, the foam detection device 151 defines the absence of foam in the fluid container 141 as the initial status.

If foam arises in a tub 105 of the laundry care device 100 and penetrates through the water mist feed line 137 into the fluid container 141, the foam can in particular rise to a first foam level 161 or to a second foam level 163 in the fluid container 141. When the foam rises to the first foam level 161, the foam is in contact with the first electrode 157. When the foam rises to the second foam level 163, the foam is in contact with the first electrode 157 and with the second electrode 159. When the electrodes 155, 157, 159 come into contact with foam, an electrical measured value can be recorded by the electrical measuring element 153. If the supply valve 119 is closed, then the foam detection device 151 detects whether foam is present in the fluid container 141 by comparing the electrical measured value and the electrical reference measured value, in particular when the electrical measured value changes.

Fig. 4 shows a schematic representation of a fluid container in a deodorization device of a laundry care appliance. The deodorization device 111 has a mist generation device 115 with a fluid container 141 for receiving fluid, in particular water. The fluid container 141 has, in particular, a supply line 121 with a supply valve 119 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 feed line 137 in order to feed water mist or ozone from the fluid container 141 to the laundry 109 in a washing drum 107 of the laundry care device 100.

A foam detection device 151 of the deodorization device 111 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 depending on the fluid in contact. The first electrode 157 and the second electrode 159 extend differently into the fluid container 141, the end point 165 of the first electrode 157 having a first height, the end point 167 of the second electrode 159 having a second height, and between the first and the second height a height difference 169 is present.

In a method for foam detection according to Fig. 4 a foam detection is carried out by the foam detection device 151, with water being introduced into the fluid container 141, and without the ozone generating element 113 or the mist generating device 115 being activated. Here, before the start of the heating process of the laundry care program, the drain valve 139 is opened and the supply valve 119 closed in a first time segment by a control of the laundry care device 100 in order to remove water from the fluid container 141 and to 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 the water has been discharged, the foam detection device 151 detects the absence of foam in the fluid container 141 as an initial status.

In a second time segment following the first time segment, the supply valve 119 is opened by the control and a predetermined amount of water is supplied to the fluid container 141, the predetermined amount of water being selected such that a water level 171 is established in the fluid container 141 which is just enough for the water to touch the end point 165 of the first electrode 157. When the first electrode 157 comes into contact 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 arranged higher than the end point 165 of the first electrode 157, the second electrode 159 is not in contact with the water and thus sensed when the water in the fluid container 141 has the water level 171 the second electrode 159 does not change the electrical measured value.

If foam arises in a tub 105 of the laundry care appliance 100 and penetrates through the water mist supply line 137 into the fluid container 141 and the foam floats on the liquid, the foam in the fluid container 141 can in particular rise to a second foam level 163 in the fluid container 141. When the foam rises to the second foam level 163, the foam is in contact with the second electrode 159. In a third time segment following the second time segment, when the second electrode 159 comes into contact with foam, a change in the electrical measured value can be detected by the electrical measuring element 153. Thus, based on the change in the electrical measured value, the foam detection device 151 detects that foam is present in the fluid container 141.

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

The foam detection process with the addition of water can be repeated more than once, in particular for two to six cycles, depending on the duration of the main wash cycle, such repetition being carried out in particular during the heating phase.

After foam with a method according to the Fig. 3 or Fig. 4 has been detected by the foam detector 151, different foam treatment processes for removing foam can begin. Here, 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 in order to pump out water in order to reduce the foam level and to prevent foam from entering the deodorization device 111 again, and / or furthermore, the drain valve 139 can be activated to drain foam and / or water.

In this case, the foam detection device 151 of the deodorization device 111 can optionally not be activated, the mist generation device 115 and the ozone generation element 113 being operated normally.

Fig. 5 FIG. 10 shows a sequence of a method 200 for detecting foam in a deodorization device 111 of a laundry care device 100 according to FIG Fig. 3 and Fig. 4 . The method 200 comprises the acquisition 201 of an electrical measured value of the fluid in the fluid container 141 by the electrical measuring element 153, the comparison 203 of the acquired electrical measured value with an electrical reference measured value by the foam acquisition device 151, and the determination 205 whether there is foam in the fluid container 141 a comparison between the electrical measurement value and the electrical reference measurement value by the foam detection device 151.

All the features explained and shown in connection with individual embodiments of the invention can be provided in different combinations in the subject matter of the invention in order to simultaneously realize their advantageous effects. The scope of protection of the present invention is given by the claims and is not restricted by the features explained in the description or shown in the figures.

List of reference symbols

100

Laundry care device

101

Detergent bowl

103

door

105

Suds container

107

Washing drum

109

Laundry

111

Deodorizer

113

Ozone generating element

115

Fog generator

117

Water inlet

119

Supply valve

121

Feed line

123

Air duct

125

Ozone removal device

127

Opening section

129

Fan supply line

131

Fan

133

Fan dissipation

135

Ozone feed

137

Water mist supply line

138

Discharge line

139

Drain valve

141

Fluid container

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 of detecting foam

201

Acquiring an electrical measurement value of the fluid

203

Comparing the recorded electrical measurement value of the fluid with an electrical reference measurement value

205

Determine whether there is foam in the fluid container

207

Close the feed valve

209

Open the drain valve

211

Closing the drain valve

213

Open the feed valve

Claims (13)

1. Laundry care appliance (100) with an outer tub (105) for receiving washing liquor, a laundry drum (107) arranged in the outer tub (105) for receiving laundry (109) and a deodorising device (111) connected fluidically to the outer tub (105) for deodorising the laundry (109), wherein the deodorising device (111) has an ozone generation element (113) for generating ozone and a mist generation device (115) for generating a fog, wherein the mist generation device (115) has a fluid container (141) for receiving fluid, and wherein the fluid container (141) has a supply valve (119) for supplying liquid into the fluid container (141) and a discharge valve (139) for discharging the liquid out of the fluid container (141), and the laundry care appliance (100) has a controller for controlling the supply valve (145) and the discharge valve (139),
   characterised in that
   the deodorising device (111) has a foam detection device (151) for detecting foam in the fluid container (141), wherein the foam detection device (151) comprises an electric measuring element (153), which is in contact with fluid in the fluid container (141), wherein the electric measuring element (153) is embodied to detect an electric measured value of the fluid in the fluid container (141), wherein the foam detection device (151) is embodied to compare the detected electric measured value with an electric reference measured value, and by means of the comparison between the electric measured value and the electric reference measured value to determine whether foam is present in the fluid container (141),
   the controller is embodied, in a first time segment, to close the supply valve (145) and to open the discharge valve (139), so that liquid is discharged out of the fluid container (141), wherein the electric measuring element (153) is not in contact with the liquid in the fluid container (141) in order to detect an electric reference measured value,
   the electric measuring element (153) is embodied to detect an electric measured value of fluid in the fluid container (141) in a second time segment adjoining the first time segment and
   the foam detection device (151) is embodied, in the second time segment, by means of a comparison between the electric measured value and the electric reference measured value, to determine whether foam is present in the fluid container (141).
2. Laundry care appliance (100) with an outer tub (105) for receiving washing liquor, a laundry drum (107) arranged in the outer tub (105) for receiving laundry (109) and a deodorising device (111) connected fluidically to the outer tub (105) for deodorising the laundry (109), wherein the deodorising device (111) has an ozone generation element (113) for generating ozone and a mist generation device (115) for generating a fog, wherein the mist generation device (115) has a fluid container (141) for receiving fluid, and wherein the fluid container (141) has a supply valve (119) for supplying liquid into the fluid container (141) and a discharge valve (139) for discharging liquid out of the fluid container (141), and the laundry care appliance (100) has a controller for controlling the supply valve (145) and the discharge valve (139),
   characterised in that
   the deodorising device (111) has a foam detection device (151) for detecting foam in the fluid container (141), wherein the foam detection device (151) comprises an electric measuring element (153), which is in contact with fluid in the fluid container (141), wherein
   the electric measuring element (153) is embodied to detect an electric measured value of the fluid in the fluid container (141), wherein
   the foam detection device (151) is embodied to compare the detected electric measured value with an electric reference measured value, and by means of the comparison between the electric measured value and the electric reference measured value to determine whether foam is present in the fluid container (141),
   the electric measuring 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) first electrode (157) is arranged in the fluid container (141) below the end point (167) of the second electrode (159),
   the controller is embodied, in a first time segment, to close the supply valve (145) and to open the discharge valve (139), so that the liquid flows out of 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), in order to detect an electric reference measured value,
   the controller is embodied, in a second time segment adjoining the first time segment, to close the discharge valve (139) and to open the supply valve (145) 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 embodied, in a third time segment adjoining the second time segment, to detect an electric measured value of fluid in the fluid container (141), and
   the foam detection device (151) is embodied, in the third time segment, by means of comparison between the electric measured value and the electric reference measured value, to determine whether foam is present in the fluid container (141).
3. Laundry care appliance (100) according to claim 1,
   characterised in that
   the electric 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),
4. Laundry care appliance (100) according to one of the preceding claims,
   characterised in that the electric measuring element (153) is embodied to detect an electric voltage in the fluid container (141) and to compare it with an electric reference voltage, and the foam detection device (151) is embodied, by means of the comparison between the electric voltage and the electric reference voltage, to determine whether foam is present in the fluid container (141).
5. Laundry care appliance (100) according to one of the preceding claims,
   characterised in that the electric measuring element (153) is embodied to detect the electric reference measured value in an unfilled state of the fluid container (141).
6. Laundry care appliance (100) according to one of the preceding claims,
   characterised in that the foam detection device (151) is embodied to determine that foam is present in the fluid container (141), if the electric measured value of the fluid differs from the electric reference measured value, in particular if the electric measured value differs from the electric reference measured value by an electrical differential value.
7. Laundry-care appliance (100) according to one of the preceding claims,
   characterised in that the foam detection device (151) is embodied, while detecting foam in the fluid container (141), to deactivate the mist generation device (115) or the ozone generation element (113).
8. Laundry care appliance (100) according to one of the preceding claims,
   characterised in that the laundry care appliance (100) has a heating element for heating washing liquid in the outer tub (105) and a controller for controlling the heating element, wherein the controller is embodied to reduce the heating output of the heating element if foam is detected in the fluid container (141) by the foam detection device (151).
9. Laundry care appliance (100) according to one of the preceding claims,
   characterised in that the laundry care appliance (100) has a drum motor for rotating a laundry drum (107) of the laundry care appliance (100) and a controller for controlling the drum motor, wherein the controller is embodied to reduce the rotational speed of the drum motor, if foam is detected in the fluid container (141) by the foam detection device (151).
10. Laundry care appliance (100) according to one of the preceding claims,
    characterised in that the laundry care appliance (100) has a drain pump for draining washing liquid out of the outer tub (105) and a controller for controlling the drain pump, wherein the controller is embodied to activate the drain pump if foam is detected in the fluid container (141) by the foam detection device (151).
11. Laundry-care appliance (100) according to one of the preceding claims,
    characterised in that the controller is embodied to activate the discharge valve (139) if foam is detected in the fluid container (141) by the foam detection device (151).
12. Method (200) for detecting foam in a laundry care appliance (100), wherein the laundry care appliance (100) has an outer tub (105) for receiving washing liquor, a washing drum (107) arranged in the outer tub (105) for receiving laundry and a deodorising device (111) connected fluidically to the outer tub (105) for deodorising laundry (109), wherein the deodorising device (111) has an ozone generation element (113) for generating ozone and a mist generation device (115) for generating a mist, wherein the mist generation device (115) has a fluid container (141) for receiving fluid, and wherein the fluid container (141) has a supply valve (119) for supplying liquid into the fluid container (141) and a discharge valve (139) for discharging liquid out of the fluid container (141), and the laundry care appliance (100) has a controller for controlling the supply valve (145) and the discharge valve (139),
    characterised in that the deodorising device (111) has a foam detection device (151) for detecting foam in the fluid container (141), the foam detection device (151) comprises an electric measuring element (153), which is in contact with fluid in the fluid container (141), and the method (200) comprises
    detecting (201) an electric measured value of the fluid in the fluid container (141) by means of the electric measuring element (153),
    comparing (203) the detected electric measured value with an electric reference measured value by means of the foam detection device (151), and determining (205) whether foam is present in the fluid container (141) by means of a comparison between the electric measured value and the electric reference measured value by the foam detection device (151), and the method (200) comprises closing (207) the supply valve (119) and opening (209) the discharge valve (139) in a first time segment, so that liquid is discharged out of the fluid container (141), wherein after discharging the liquid the electric measuring element (153) is not in contact with the liquid in the fluid container (141) in order to detect an electric reference measured value,
    detecting (201) an electric measured value of fluid in the fluid container (141) in a second time segment adjoining the first time segment by means of the electric measuring element (153), and
    determining (205) whether foam is present in the fluid container (141) by means of a comparison between the electric measured value and the electric reference measured value by the foam detection device (151).
13. Method (200) for detecting foam in a laundry care appliance (100), wherein the laundry care appliance (100) has an outer tub (105) for receiving washing liquor, a washing drum (107) arranged in the outer tub (105) for receiving laundry and a deodorising device (111) connected fluidically to the outer tub (105) for deodorising laundry (109), wherein the deodorising device (111) has an ozone generation element (113) for generating ozone and a mist generation device (115) for generating a fog, wherein the mist generation device (115) has a fluid container (141) for receiving fluid, and wherein the fluid container (141) has a supply valve (119) for supplying liquid into the fluid container (141) and a discharge valve (139) for discharging liquid out of the fluid container (141), and the laundry care appliance (100) has a controller for controlling the supply valve (145) and the discharge valve (139),
    characterised in that the deodorising device (111) has a foam detection device (151) for detecting foam in the fluid container (141), the foam detection device (151) comprises an electric measuring element (153) which is in contact with fluid in the fluid container (141), and the method (200) comprises
    detecting (201) an electric measured value of the fluid in the fluid container (141) by means of the electric measuring element (153),
    comparing (203) the detected electric measured value with an electric reference measured value by means of the foam detection device (151) and
    determining (205) whether foam is present in the fluid container (141) by means of a comparison between the electric measured value and the electric reference measured value by means of the foam detection device (151),
    the electric 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) is arranged in the fluid container (141) below the end point (167) of the second electrode (159), and the method (200) comprises
    closing (207) the supply valve (119) and opening (209) the discharge valve (139) in a first time segment so that liquid is discharged from the fluid container (141), wherein after discharging the liquid 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) in order to detect an electric reference measured value,
    closing (211) the discharge valve (139) and opening (213) the supply valve (119) in a second time segment adjoining the first time segment, 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,
    detecting (201) an electric measured value of fluid in the fluid container (141) in a third time segment adjoining the second time segment by means of the second electrode (159), and
    determining (205) whether foam is present in the fluid container (141) by means of a comparison between the electric measured value and the electric reference measured value by the foam detection device (151).

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