EP4257740A1 - Laundry care appliance with a pump - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to a laundry care device (100) with a pump (115) for pumping washing liquid, which is arranged in a pump receptacle of the laundry care device (100), the pump (115) having a first housing section (117) which has a suction chamber ( 119) for sucking in washing liquid, a filter element for filtering the sucked-in washing liquid being arranged in the suction chamber (119), a maintenance opening (113) for servicing the filter element being formed in the first housing section (117), the maintenance opening (113 ) fluidly connects an external area of the laundry care device (100) to the suction chamber (119), the maintenance opening (113) being closable by an unlockable cover element (111), the pump (115) having a second housing section (121), which has a pump chamber (123) with an impeller (137) for pumping washing liquid, the pump (115) having a connecting channel (127) which has a first opening (125) of the first housing section (117) with a second opening (129) of the second Housing section (121) connects fluidly, characterized in that the first opening (125) is formed at least in sections in a first base region (151) of the first housing section (117), the first base region (151) being a base (109) of the laundry care appliance (100 ) is facing in order to significantly reduce the leakage of washing liquid from the suction chamber (119) through the open maintenance opening (113) into the outside area of the laundry care device (100) when the pump (115) is deactivated and the maintenance opening (113) is open.

Description

The present invention relates to a laundry care device with a pump.

Certain device variants of conventional laundry care devices have fluid-carrying lines through which washing liquid is pumped using pumps to care for the laundry. During the operation of a corresponding conventional laundry care device, contaminants, such as lint, dirt or dust, are picked up in the washing liquid and pumped by the washing liquid through the fluid-carrying lines. In order to filter such impurities from the washing liquid, certain device variants of a conventional laundry care device use filter elements, in particular lint filters, which are arranged in a pump and through which the washing liquid flows in order to filter the washing liquid.

Since such filter elements can become clogged due to an increasing accumulation of impurities during operation of the laundry care appliance, such filter elements must be cleaned regularly. During corresponding cleaning processes, advantageous access to the filter element arranged in the pump must be made possible by opening a maintenance opening, which is arranged in particular on a front side of the laundry care device near the bottom of the device, although this often and disadvantageously stands in the pump Washing liquid can escape through the maintenance opening into the installation room of the laundry care device.

The publication EP 1 505 192 A2 discloses a laundry treatment machine with a pumping system.

The publication EP 0 252 323 A2 reveals a combination of laundry machine and tumble dryer.

It is the object of the present invention to provide a laundry care device with a filter element arranged in a pump, whereby when cleaning the Filter element prevents washing liquid from escaping into the installation space of the laundry care appliance or can be significantly reduced.

This task is solved by the object with the features according to the independent claims. Advantageous embodiments are the subject of the dependent claims, the description and the drawings.

According to a first aspect, the object according to the invention is achieved by a laundry care device, with a pump for pumping washing liquid, which is arranged in a pump receptacle of the laundry care device, the pump having a first housing section which delimits a suction chamber for sucking in washing liquid, in which A filter element for filtering the sucked-in washing liquid is arranged in the suction chamber, a maintenance opening for servicing the filter element being formed in the first housing section, the maintenance opening fluidly connecting an external area of the laundry care appliance with the suction chamber, the maintenance opening being closable by an unlockable cover element, the Pump has a second housing section which delimits a pump chamber with an impeller for pumping washing liquid, the pump having a connecting channel which fluidly connects a first opening of the first housing section to a second opening of the second housing section, the first opening being at least partially in one The first floor region of the first housing section is shaped, the first floor region facing a floor of the laundry care appliance in order to significantly reduce the leakage of washing liquid from the suction chamber through the opened maintenance opening into the outside area of the laundry care appliance when the pump is deactivated and when the maintenance opening is open.

This achieves the technical advantage that by arranging the first opening in the bottom region of the first housing section, the pump can completely or almost completely empty the suction chamber delimited by the first housing section during a pumping process. This means that after the pumping process, no or only a very small amount of washing liquid remains in the suction chamber, so that when the maintenance opening of the first housing section is subsequently opened as part of a maintenance process of the filter element, no washing liquid or only a very small amount of washing liquid can escape from the suction chamber through the open maintenance opening into the outside area of the laundry care device.

The pump according to the present application sucks the washing liquid from the suction chamber through the first opening of the first housing section into the connecting channel, conveys the washing liquid through the connecting channel and through the second opening of the second housing section into the pump chamber, and then pumps the sucked washing liquid out of the pump chamber further.

The pump can pump out washing liquid from the suction chamber during the pumping process as long as the washing liquid received in the suction chamber is present at the first opening of the first housing section. Since the pump according to the present application cannot deliver air, the pumping process ends as soon as the first opening of the first housing section is exposed, i.e. when there is no longer any washing liquid at the first opening.

By arranging the first opening in the bottom region of the first housing section, i.e. on the underside of the suction chamber, the first opening is only exposed when the washing liquid has been completely or almost completely pumped out of the suction chamber.

This distinguishes the pump of the present application from conventional pumps in which the first opening is not formed in the bottom area, but disadvantageously in a side area of the first housing section facing the pump chamber, which in corresponding conventional pumps due to the height difference between the bottom area and the lower edge of the In the first opening formed in the side area, after the end of the suction process, washing liquid remains in the suction chamber, which can escape into the outside area of the laundry care appliance when the maintenance opening is opened.

The pump of the present application overcomes this disadvantage of conventional pumps by arranging the first opening in the bottom region of the first housing section so that there is no height difference between the first opening and is present in the floor area, so that after pumping out no washing liquid or only a very small amount of washing liquid remains in the suction chamber.

Thus, by preventing or significantly reducing the leakage of washing liquid from the maintenance opening, the acceptance of the filter element by the user of the laundry care device is increased, and regular maintenance of the filter element by the user is ensured.

In addition, an integrated pump concept can be implemented, which combines a variety of functions in the pump, so that a compact and space-saving arrangement of the pump in the laundry care device is possible, or compatibility with existing pump concepts is achieved.

A laundry care device is a device that is used to care for laundry, such as a washing machine or a tumble dryer. In particular, such a laundry care device is understood to mean a household laundry care device. In other words, a laundry care device that is used as part of household management and with which laundry is treated in normal household quantities.

In an advantageous embodiment, the maintenance opening is formed in a further first side region of the first housing section, which adjoins the first bottom region of the first housing section, the first side region facing a front side of the laundry care appliance.

This achieves the technical advantage that, due to the position of the maintenance opening in the further first side region of the first housing section, which faces the front of the device, a user of the laundry care device can advantageously gain access to the maintenance opening from the front of the device.

In particular, the further first side region of the first housing section faces the front of the laundry care appliance and the further first side region of the first housing section faces away from the pump chamber of the pump.

In particular, the first housing section has a first side region which adjoins the first bottom region of the first housing section, the first side region and the further first side region being arranged at opposite ends of the first floor region. The first side area in particular faces the pump chamber and faces away from the front of the laundry care device. The further first side area in particular faces the front of the device and faces away from the pump chamber of the laundry care device.

In an advantageous embodiment, a lower edge of the maintenance opening formed in the further first side region is arranged above the first floor region in order to provide a buffer storage within the suction chamber between the first floor region and the lower edge of the maintenance opening for receiving washing liquid flowing back from the pump chamber into the suction chamber when deactivating the Provide pump.

The lower edge of the maintenance opening corresponds to the area of the edge of the maintenance opening, which has the smallest distance to the installation floor.

This achieves the technical advantage that the buffer storage ensures that washing liquid flowing back from the pump chamber into the suction chamber cannot rise above the lower edge of the maintenance opening or can only rise to a very small extent, so that an escape of washing liquid from the maintenance opening is prevented, or significantly can be reduced.

Since the pump usually pumps the washing liquid pumped out of the pump chamber through a riser pipe to a drain opening of the laundry care device, which is arranged in an area of the laundry care device that is higher than the height level of the pump, washing liquid can flow back when the pump is deactivated from the riser pipe into the pump chamber and from the pump chamber into the suction chamber of the pump, whereby the previously pumped empty suction chamber can at least partially fill again with washing liquid.

Because the lower edge of the maintenance opening is arranged above the first floor area, a height difference is achieved between the lower edge of the maintenance opening and the first floor area, the corresponding height difference within the suction chamber defining a buffer storage in which the corresponding one from the pump chamber after activation Washing liquid flowing back from the pump can be effectively absorbed.

In an advantageous embodiment, the second opening is shaped as a concentric second opening, and/or the first opening is shaped as an elongated hole.

This achieves the technical advantage that an optimal flow behavior of the washing liquid from the suction chamber into the pump chamber is achieved through the corresponding shapes of the first and/or second opening.

The concentric second opening in particular has a circular cross section. The concentric, in particular circular, second opening, in particular if the second opening is formed in a second side region of the second housing section which faces the suction chamber, achieves a coaxial arrangement of the second opening with an impeller rotation axis of the impeller, so that a particularly effective suction effect is ensured by the concentric, in particular circular, second opening.

The first opening designed as an elongated hole has in particular a cross-sectional transverse axis which is longer than a cross-sectional vertical axis of the first opening designed as an elongated hole, so that the transition from the connecting channel into the suction chamber can be made as flat and wide as possible in order to maintain the limited installation space of the first To use the bottom area of the first housing section particularly effectively.

In an advantageous embodiment, the first opening and the second opening have an identical cross section, or the second opening has a cross section which is larger than the cross section of the first opening, or the first opening has a cross section which is larger than the cross section the second opening.

This achieves the technical advantage that, depending on the specific construction situation of the pump, an optimal flow behavior of the pumped washing liquid from the suction chamber into the pump chamber is made possible for the respective case.

In an advantageous embodiment, the second opening is formed at least in sections in a second floor region of the second housing section facing the floor of the laundry care appliance, in particular the connecting channel running at least in sections below the first floor region of the first housing section and below the second floor region of the second housing section.

This achieves the technical advantage that a particularly effective pumping of washing liquid out of the suction chamber is achieved. By arranging the connecting channel at least in sections below the first and second base region, the connecting channel itself also provides a further buffer storage, which can accommodate washing liquid flowing back from the pump chamber after the pump has been deactivated, before the washing liquid flowing back penetrates into the suction chamber.

Here, the connecting channel is designed in particular as a flat and wide connecting channel, with in particular a cross-sectional transverse axis of the connecting channel being longer than a cross-sectional vertical axis of the connecting channel, so that the installation space between the first and second floor regions and the underside of the laundry care appliance can be used advantageously.

In order to enable effective suction of washing liquid through the second opening formed in the second base region, in particular the impeller arranged in the pump chamber faces the second base region, with an impeller rotation axis of the impeller intersecting the cross section of the second opening.

In an advantageous embodiment, the second opening is formed at least in sections in a second side region of the second housing section facing the suction chamber, in particular the connecting channel being at least extends in sections from below the first bottom region of the first housing section to the second side region.

This achieves the technical advantage that the horizontal orientation of the impeller in the pump chamber can be maintained by arranging the second opening in the second side region of the second housing section, i.e. an impeller rotation axis of the impeller runs parallel to the base of the laundry care appliance.

In particular, the second side region adjoins a second bottom region of the second housing section. In particular, the second housing section has a further second side region which adjoins the second bottom region of the second housing section, the second side region and the further second side region being arranged at opposite ends of the second floor region. The second side area in particular faces the suction chamber and faces the front of the laundry care appliance. The further second side area in particular faces away from the suction chamber and faces away from the front of the laundry care appliance.

Because the first opening is arranged in the first bottom region of the first housing section, and that the second opening is arranged in the second side region of the second housing section, the connecting channel runs in particular at least in sections between the first housing section and the second housing section, the connecting channel in this case is designed in particular as a connecting channel that is curved at least in sections.

In an advantageous embodiment, the connecting channel has a first curvature, which is arranged on a first region of the connecting channel facing the first opening, and the connecting channel has a second curvature, which is arranged on a second region of the connecting channel facing the second opening, wherein the first and second curvatures in particular have opposite directions of curvature.

This achieves the technical advantage that the two curvatures ensure an effective deflection of the washing liquid conveyed through the connecting channel.

The first and/or second curvature can include a rounded inner surface of the connecting channel, or alternatively can also include kinks.

The first curvature is obtained in particular by sections of the connecting channel that extend at an angle to one another, the angle defining the first curvature between the sections extending at an angle to one another in particular comprising a range between 160 ° and 200 °, in particular 180 °, so that through the first Opening in the first floor area pumped washing liquid is deflected through the first curvature in such a way that the washing liquid flows upwards in relation to the floor of the laundry care appliance.

The second curvature is obtained in particular by further sections of the connecting channel extending at an angle to one another, the angle defining the second curvature between the further sections extending at an angle to one another in particular comprising a range between 70° and 110°, in particular 90°, so that through In particular, washing liquid pumped upwards through the connecting channel can be deflected through the second curvature towards the second side region of the second housing section.

In an advantageous embodiment, the first housing section extends along a first longitudinal axis, and the second housing section extends along a second longitudinal axis, the first and second longitudinal axes being arranged at an angle to one another.

This achieves the technical advantage that a particularly advantageous geometric arrangement is obtained.

In particular, the first longitudinal axis runs centrally between the first bottom region of the first housing section and a first ceiling region of the first housing section facing away from the first floor region, the first longitudinal axis in particular intersects a first side region and a further first side region of the first housing section.

In particular, the second longitudinal axis runs centrally between the second bottom region of the second housing section and a second ceiling region of the second housing section facing away from the second floor region, the second longitudinal axis in particular intersecting a second side region and a further second side region of the first housing section.

In particular, the angle between the first and second longitudinal axes is between 30° and 60°, in particular 45°.

In particular, the connecting channel is arranged coaxially to an impeller rotation axis of the impeller, with the impeller rotation axis of the impeller extending parallel to the second longitudinal axis, so that the connecting channel is also arranged at an angle to the first longitudinal axis, which improves the inflow behavior of the washing liquid from the connecting channel into the pump chamber , and whereby the second opening can be relocated to a higher area of the second housing section, so that a rise of air bubbles present in the washing liquid contributes to advantageous ventilation.

In particular, a cross-sectional height of the connecting channel decreases from the second opening towards the first opening and a cross-sectional width of the connecting channel increases from the second opening towards the first opening, in particular while maintaining the entire cross-sectional area of the connecting channel, or in particular by expanding the entire Cross-sectional area of the connecting channel from the second opening towards the first opening.

In an advantageous embodiment, the second housing section has a circular inner contour, with the connecting channel extending from the second opening of the second housing section connecting tangentially to the second housing section.

This achieves the technical advantage that the Venturi effect, which occurs through the water ring, enables washing liquid to be sucked in through the second opening into the pump chamber, even if the second opening is not arranged coaxially to the impeller rotation axis. The Venturi effect is based on the fact that the flow speed of the water ring in the pump chamber is used to generate a negative pressure whose magnitude is greater than the excess pressure caused by the centrifugal force in the water ring at this point.

In particular, the second opening is not formed centrally in a side region of the second housing section, but rather the second opening is formed in particular on a second bottom region of the second housing section. In particular, the impeller rotation axis of the impeller extends at an angle, in particular orthogonally, to a channel longitudinal axis of the connecting channel.

In an advantageous embodiment, the laundry care device has a riser pipe which connects the pump chamber to a pump-out opening of a device housing of the laundry care device.

This achieves the technical advantage that the washing liquid conveyed by the pump can be effectively pumped out through the riser and through the pump-out opening from the device housing of the laundry care device.

In particular, the pump-out opening is at a higher level than the height level of the pump.

In an advantageous embodiment, the laundry care device has a check valve which is designed to prevent washing liquid from flowing back from the riser into the pump chamber when the pump is deactivated.

This achieves the technical advantage that the check valve prevents washing liquid present in the riser pipe from flowing back into the pump chamber and from there through the connecting channel into the suction chamber of the pump after the pump has been deactivated.

In particular, the check valve is arranged on the second housing section of the pump.

In an advantageous embodiment, the check valve is designed as a ball check valve, which comprises a ball which is received in a sealing seat of the check valve.

This achieves the technical advantage that washing liquid flowing back from the riser effectively presses the ball into the sealing seat and thereby ensures a fluid-tight closure of the check valve.

In particular, the ball is provided with a soft-elastic coating or formed from a soft-elastic material in order to form a sealing seal with the sealing seat.

In an advantageous embodiment, the first housing section and the second housing section of the pump are formed in one piece, in particular the first housing section, the second housing section and the check valve being formed in one piece.

This achieves the technical advantage of ensuring an integral and space-saving design of the pump.

According to a second aspect, the object according to the invention is achieved by a method for pumping washing liquid in a laundry care appliance, wherein the laundry care appliance has a pump for pumping washing liquid, which is arranged in a pump receptacle of the laundry care appliance, wherein the pump has a first housing section which has a Suction chamber for sucking in washing liquid, a filter element for filtering the sucked-in washing liquid being arranged in the suction chamber, a maintenance opening for servicing the filter element being formed in the first housing section, the maintenance opening fluidly connecting an outer area of the laundry care appliance with the suction chamber, the Maintenance opening can be closed by an unlockable cover element, the pump having a second housing section which delimits a pump chamber with an impeller for pumping washing liquid, the pump having a connecting channel which fluidly connects a first opening of the first housing section to a second opening of the second housing section, the first opening being at least partially in a first bottom region of the first Housing section is shaped, wherein the first floor area faces a floor of the laundry care appliance, wherein the laundry care appliance has a detection device for detecting a maintenance interval of the filter element, and wherein the laundry care appliance has a controller which is connected in terms of control technology to the detection device and the pump, the method comprises the following steps, activating the detection device for detecting a maintenance interval of the filter element by the controller, and activating the pump depending on the maintenance interval detected by the detection device in order to pump out washing liquid from the suction chamber before opening the maintenance opening.

This achieves the technical advantage that by pumping out washing liquid from the suction chamber before the user opens the maintenance opening to service the filter element, it is ensured that no washing liquid can escape through the opened maintenance opening.

The detection device in particular has an output element for issuing a message to the user of the laundry care device that a maintenance interval of the filter element is pending, so that the user can open the maintenance opening after receiving the message.

The advantageous embodiments mentioned in relation to the laundry care device according to the first aspect are also advantageous embodiments in relation to the method according to the second aspect.

Fig. 1

eine schematische Ansicht eines Wäschepflegegeräts;

Fig. 2

eine perspektivische Ansicht einer Pumpe eines Wäschepflegegeräts gemäß einem Vergleichsbeispiel;

Fig. 3

eine perspektivische Ansicht einer Pumpe eines Wäschepflegegeräts gemäß einem ersten Ausführungsbeispiel;

Fig. 4

eine perspektivische Ansicht einer Pumpe eines Wäschepflegegeräts gemäß einem zweiten Ausführungsbeispiel;

Fig. 5

eine perspektivische Ansicht einer Pumpe eines Wäschepflegegeräts gemäß einem dritten Ausführungsbeispiel;

Fig. 6

eine perspektivische Ansicht einer Pumpe eines Wäschepflegegeräts gemäß einem vierten Ausführungsbeispiel; und

Fig. 7

eine schematische Darstellung eines Verfahrens zum Pumpen von Waschflüssigkeit in einem Wäschepflegegerät.

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

Fig. 1

a schematic view of a laundry care device;

Fig. 2

a perspective view of a pump of a laundry care device according to a comparative example;

Fig. 3

a perspective view of a pump of a laundry care device according to a first exemplary embodiment;

Fig. 4

a perspective view of a pump of a laundry care device according to a second exemplary embodiment;

Fig. 5

a perspective view of a pump of a laundry care device according to a third exemplary embodiment;

Fig. 6

a perspective view of a pump of a laundry care device according to a fourth exemplary embodiment; and

Fig. 7

a schematic representation of a method for pumping washing liquid in a laundry care device.

Fig. 1 shows a schematic view of a laundry care device 100, such as a washing machine. The laundry care appliance 100 includes a dispenser bowl 101 into which laundry care substance, such as detergent, can be filled. The laundry care device 100 includes a door 103 for loading the laundry care device 100 with laundry. The laundry care device 100 has various operating elements 105 for operating the laundry care device 100.

The laundry care device 100 has a device housing 107 and stands on a floor 109. The laundry care device 100 has a cover element 111, which reversibly closes a maintenance opening 113 formed in a pump housing of a pump, so that a user of the laundry care device 100 has access to an in Fig. 1 Filter element, not shown, of the pump of the laundry care device 100 can be obtained in order to maintain the filter element, in particular to clean it.

Fig. 2 shows a perspective view of a pump of a laundry care device according to a comparative example. In the Fig. 2 is a sectional view of the pump 115 shown, which in an in Fig. 2 pump receptacle of the laundry care device 100, not shown.

The pump 115 has a first housing section 117 which delimits a suction chamber 119 for sucking in washing liquid, and has a second housing section 121 which delimits a pump chamber 123 for pumping washing liquid. The first housing section 117 has a first opening 125, which is connected to a second opening 129 of the second housing section 121 by a connecting channel 127.

The first housing section 117 also has a suction port 133 for sucking washing liquid into the suction chamber 119. The second housing section 121 also has a pump nozzle 135, which has an in Fig. 2 Riser pipe, not shown, is connected for pumping out washing liquid from the pump chamber 123.

An impeller 137 is arranged in the pump chamber 123, which is set in rotation by a pump drive 139 and generates a pump pressure in order to suck in washing liquid through the suction port 133 into the suction chamber 119, and from the suction chamber 119 through the connecting channel 127 into the pump chamber 123 , and to pump the sucked washing liquid from the pump chamber 123 with pressure through the pump nozzle 135 into the riser.

According to the Fig. 2 the cover element 111, the two housing sections 117, 121 and the impeller 137 are arranged coaxially, with the pump 115 being arranged very far down in the laundry care appliance 100, in particular just above the base plate, in order to gain sufficient drainage height from the tub and in order to to enable gravity-induced self-starting of a ventilated radial centrifugal pump again.

The pump connection 135, which connects to the pump chamber 123, in which the impeller 137 rotates, on the pressure side, goes into the in Fig. 2 riser pipe, not shown, which in particular passes through the entire device height of the laundry care device 100 in order to emerge from the top of the laundry care device 100 as a pump-out hose or drain hose. This riser pipe is used to prevent unwanted leakage of washing liquid to prevent the laundry care device 100, since the pump 115, in the design of a mostly radial centrifugal pump as a fluid machine, cannot work as a valve.

In the suction chamber 119 there is also an in Fig. 2 Filter element, not shown, in particular foreign body trap, arranged, which is designed to filter out impurities from the washing liquid flowing through the suction chamber 119. In order to enable cleaning of the filter element, the first housing section 117 has a maintenance opening 113, which is reversibly closed by a cover element 111.

During the pumping process of the pump 115, the suction chamber 119 and the pump chamber 123 are almost completely filled with washing liquid. If no more washing liquid flows through the suction port 133, the suction chamber 119 is pumped empty to the lower edge of the first opening 125, as indicated by the first level 143 in the Fig. 2 is shown. Since the pump 115, which is designed in particular as a centrifugal pump, can pump almost no air, the riser from the pump nozzle 123 remains filled with washing liquid up to the highest point of the water mountain in the riser as long as the pump 115 is still activated.

After the pump 115 is switched off, the washing liquid remaining in the riser pipe falls back into the pump chamber 123, as a result of which the level of the washing liquid in the suction chamber 119 also rises again, and the in Fig. 2 second level 145 shown schematically is reached, which lies above the lower edge of the maintenance opening 113.

If the cover element 111 is now opened, the washing liquid flows through the maintenance opening 113 out of the suction chamber 119 until the washing liquid in the suction chamber 119 reaches the lower edge of the maintenance opening 113, as indicated by the third level 147 in the Fig. 2 is shown, which is disadvantageous because it is difficult to collect the leaking washing liquid with a container because of the small distance to the floor.

An in Fig. 2 The hypothetical fourth level 149 shown shows the theoretical and unattainable (since negative) height of the washing liquid in the suction chamber 119, which would be needed to prevent the washing liquid flowing back from the riser pipe into the pump chamber 123 from causing the level of washing liquid to rise above the third level 147. Thus, in the in Fig. 2 In the situation shown, washing liquid cannot be prevented from emerging from the maintenance opening 113 when the cover element 111 is opened.

The corresponding washing liquid emerging from the maintenance opening 113 is often not absorbable by the user of the laundry care appliance 100, especially with a volume of 300 ml or more, and can lead to contamination of the installation space of the laundry care appliance 100, which is disadvantageous. For comfort and hygiene during regularly necessary maintenance work, it is desirable to keep the amount of washing liquid emerging from the maintenance opening 113 as low as possible or to completely eliminate the exit of washing liquid from the maintenance opening 113.

To prevent washing liquid from escaping from the maintenance opening 113, reference is made to the following embodiments Figures 3 , 4 , 5 and 6 referred to according to the present invention

Fig. 3 shows a perspective view of a pump of a laundry care device according to a first exemplary embodiment. For the designation of the elements of the pump 115, see the comments Fig. 2 referred.

From the Fig. 3 It can be seen that the first housing section 117 delimiting the suction chamber 119 has a first floor region 151, which faces the installation floor 109 of the laundry care appliance 100. In addition, the first housing section 117 has a first side region 153, which faces the second housing section 121, or the pump chamber 123, and a further first side region 154, which faces away from the pump chamber 123 or faces a front of the laundry care appliance 100. In addition, the first housing section 117 has a first cover area 156, which faces away from the first bottom area 151. Both the first floor area 151 and the first cover area 156 connect the first side area 153 with the further first side area 154.

From the Fig. 3 It can be seen that the first opening 125 formed in the first housing section 117 is formed at least in sections in the first base region 151, in particular between the first base region 151 and the first side region 153. The first opening 125 is shaped in particular as an elongated hole.

By arranging the first opening 125 in the first bottom area 151, the washing liquid can be drained up to the in Fig. 2 shown first level 143 are pumped out, so that even if washing liquid subsequently flows back from the riser of the in Fig. 2 fifth level 150 shown is not exceeded, so that no washing liquid emerges from the maintenance opening 113.

Here, the height difference between a fifth level 150 on the underside of the maintenance opening 113 and the second level 145 on the first floor area 151 defines a buffer area for washing liquid.

The second housing section 121 delimiting the pump chamber 123 has a second floor region 155, which faces the installation floor 109 of the laundry care appliance 100. The second housing section 121 has a second side region 157, which faces the first housing section 117 or the suction chamber 119, and a further second side region 158, which faces away from the pump chamber 123 and a front of the laundry care appliance 100. In addition, the second housing section 121 has a second cover area 160, which faces away from the second bottom area 155. Both the second floor area 155 and the second cover area 160 connect the second side area 157 with the further second side area 158.

From the Fig. 3 It can be seen that the second opening 129 formed in the second housing section 121 is formed at least in sections in the second side region 157, in particular in the middle of the second side region 157. The second opening 129 is in particular shaped as a concentric second opening 129, which is arranged concentrically to the impeller 137 in order to ensure effective pumping out of washing liquid.

The connecting channel 127 connects the first opening 125 with the second opening 129, with the connecting channel 127 running at least in sections below the first floor region 151.

The connecting channel 127 here has a first curvature 159, which is arranged in a first region of the connecting channel 127 facing the first opening 125, and here has a second curvature 161, which is arranged in a second region of the connecting channel 127 facing the second opening 129 is. Here, the first and/or second curvature 159, 161 can form a rounded course of the connecting channel 127, or can the first and/or second curvature 159, 161 form an angular course of the connecting channel 127, as in Fig. 3 is shown. The first curvature 159 includes according to the Fig. 3 an angle of approx. 180°. The second curvature 161 includes according to the Fig. 3 an angle of approx. 90°.

Thus, according to the embodiment, Fig. 3 the connecting channel 127 is guided as deep as possible from the center of the second housing section 121 as an angled or curved tube to below the first housing section 117. As long as washing liquid is present at the first opening 125, the pump 115 can suck, ie the suction level is brought to a significantly lower point so that the suction chamber 119 can be pumped almost completely empty.

Fig. 4 shows a perspective view of a pump of a laundry care device according to a second exemplary embodiment. For the designation of the elements of the pump 115, see the comments Fig. 2 and Fig. 3 referred.

From the Fig. 4 It can be seen that the first opening 125 is formed in the first bottom region 151 of the first housing section 117, in particular between the first bottom region 151 and the first side region 153, and that the second opening 129 is formed in the second bottom region 155 of the second housing section 121. In the Fig. 4 the first side region 153 of the first housing section 117 and the second side region 157 of the second housing section 121 are formed at least in sections by the same housing wall.

Like from the Fig. 4 can be removed, the connecting channel 127 runs at least in sections below the first bottom region 151 of the first housing section 117 and at least in sections below the second bottom region 155 of the second housing section 121.

Due to the corresponding geometry of the second housing section 121, the pump nozzle is arranged on a further second side area 158 opposite the second side area 157, and the pump drive 139 is arranged above the ceiling area 160 of the second housing section 121, so that the impeller rotation axis of the impeller 137 has the cross section of the second Opening 129 cuts.

This means that the washing liquid can also be used up to the in Fig. 4 shown first level 143 are pumped out, so that even if washing liquid subsequently flows back from the riser, an in Fig. 4 fifth level 150 shown is not exceeded, so that no washing liquid emerges from the maintenance opening 113.

In the exemplary embodiment according to Fig. 4 An effective fluidic coupling between the first and second openings 125, 129 is achieved through a particularly flat and wide connecting channel 127.

Fig. 5 shows a perspective view of a pump of a laundry care device according to a third exemplary embodiment. For the designation of the elements of the pump 115, see the comments Fig. 2 , Fig. 3 and Fig. 4 referred.

In the third exemplary embodiment according to the Fig. 5 the second housing section 121 is arranged obliquely to the first housing section 117. Here, a first longitudinal axis 165 of the first housing section 117 extends parallel to the installation base 109, with a second longitudinal axis 167 of the second housing section 121 extending at an angle to the first longitudinal axis 165, the angle between the first and second longitudinal axes 165, 167 being in particular approximately 45° amounts.

The fact that the second opening 129 is arranged in the second side region 157 of the second housing section 121 results in an optimal coaxial arrangement of the Connecting channel 127 to the impeller rotation axis of the impeller 137 and a sharp deflection of the washing liquid before entering the pump chamber 123 is prevented.

Thus, the connecting channel 127 also extends at an angle to the longitudinal axis 165 of the first housing section 167 and the cross section of the connecting channel 127 from the second opening 129 to the first opening 125 can change from round to flat.

In the exemplary embodiment according to Fig. 5 the connecting channel 127 is arranged essentially coaxially to the impeller 137, wherein the shape of the cross section of the connecting channel 127 from the second opening 129 to the first opening 125 can be changed from a round cross section to an elongated hole-shaped cross section, in which case the cross sectional area of the first and second opening 125, 129 can be essentially identical, or the cross-sectional area of the first opening 125 can even be larger than the cross-sectional area of the second opening 129 in order to compensate for the advantages of the circular flow cross-section with regard to the pressure loss.

The oblique arrangement of the second housing section 121 relative to the first housing section 117 results in two advantages. On the one hand, the connecting channel 127 does not open into the pump chamber 123 with a sharp bend, which improves the inflow behavior. On the other hand, the second opening 129 is positioned at the highest point of the pump chamber 123 and the obliquely oriented pump chamber 123 promotes the rise of air bubbles, which significantly improves the venting behavior.

Fig. 6 shows a perspective view of a pump of a laundry care device according to a fourth exemplary embodiment. For the designation of the elements of the pump 115, see the comments Fig. 2 , Fig. 3 , Fig. 4 and Fig. 5 referred.

In the in Fig. 6 In the fourth exemplary embodiment shown, the second housing section 121 has a circular inner contour, with the connecting channel 127 extending from the second opening 129 of the second housing section 121 adjoining the second housing section 121 tangentially.

Due to the tangential arrangement of the connecting channel 127 on the second housing section 121, the Venturi effect is used to pump washing liquid into the pump chamber 123 at a height which lies below the impeller rotation axis of the impeller 137. The Venturi effect is achieved in particular by a flat and wide course of the connecting channel 127. At the second opening 129, the flow velocity of a water ring formed in the pump chamber 123 is used to generate a negative pressure, the amount of which is greater than the excess pressure generated by the centrifugal force at this point. A suction possibility is thus created in the pump chamber 123 with a horizontal impeller 137 at a low height.

The Venturi effect can be created particularly advantageously by appropriately designing the connecting channel 127 in the area of the second opening 129, for example with a long tongue which delimits a flat inlet channel into the pump chamber 123.

It is also emphasized that the Figures 3 , 4 , 5 and 6 illustrated embodiments can also be provided with a check valve in order to reduce the amount of washing liquid flowing back from the riser into the suction chamber 119 when the pump 115 is switched off.

It is also emphasized that the Figures 3 , 4 , 5 and 6 illustrated embodiments can also be provided with a sufficient buffer volume, that is, the distance between the lower edge of the maintenance opening 113 and the first bottom region 151 of the first housing section 117 is sufficiently large to accommodate even a larger amount of washing liquid, which comes out of the riser pipe when the pump 115 is switched off the suction chamber 119 flows back, advantageously recorded.

Fig. 7 shows a schematic representation of a method for pumping washing liquid in a laundry care device.

The method 200 includes, as a first method step, activating 201 the detection device for detecting a maintenance interval of the filter element by the controller.

As a second method step, the method 200 includes activating 203 the pump 115 depending on the maintenance interval detected by the detection device in order to pump out washing liquid from the suction chamber 119 before opening the maintenance opening 113.

All features explained and shown in connection with individual embodiments of the invention can be provided in different combinations in the object according to 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 limited by the features explained in the description or shown in the figures.

Reference symbol list

100

Laundry care device

101

Induction bowl

102

Device housing

103

door

105

Control element

107

Device housing

109

Installation floor

111

Lid element

113

Maintenance opening

115

pump

117

First housing section

119

suction chamber

121

Second housing section

123

Pump chamber

125

First opening

127

connection channel

129

Second opening

133

suction port

135

Pump nozzle

137

Impeller

139

Pump drive

143

First level

145

Second level

147

Third level

149

Fourth level

150

Fifth level

151

First floor area

153

First page area

154

Another first page area

155

Second floor area

156

First deck area

157

Second page area

158

Another second side area

159

First curvature

160

Second deck area

161

Second curvature

165

Longitudinal axis of the first housing section

167

Longitudinal axis of the second housing section

Claims (15)

Laundry care device (100) with a pump (115) for pumping washing liquid, which is arranged in a pump receptacle of the laundry care device (100), the pump (115) having a first housing section (117) which has a suction chamber (119) for sucking in Washing liquid is limited, a filter element for filtering the sucked-in washing liquid being arranged in the suction chamber (119), a maintenance opening (113) for servicing the filter element being formed in the first housing section (117), the maintenance opening (113) defining an external area of the laundry care device (100) fluidly connects to the suction chamber (119), the maintenance opening (113) being closable by an unlockable cover element (111), the pump (115) having a second housing section (121) which has a pump chamber (123) with a Impeller (137) for pumping washing liquid, the pump (115) having a connecting channel (127) which fluidically connects a first opening (125) of the first housing section (117) to a second opening (129) of the second housing section (121). connects, characterized in that
the first opening (125) is formed at least in sections in a first base region (151) of the first housing section (117), the first base region (151) facing a base (109) of the laundry care appliance (100) in order to ensure that the pump (100) is deactivated ( 115) and with an open maintenance opening (113) to significantly reduce the leakage of washing liquid from the suction chamber (119) through the open maintenance opening (113) into the outside area of the laundry care device (100). Laundry care device (100) according to claim 1, characterized in that the maintenance opening (113) is formed in a further first side region (154) of the first housing section (117), which adjoins the first bottom region (151) of the first housing section (117). , wherein the further first side area (154) faces a front side of the laundry care device (100). Laundry care device (100) according to claim 2, characterized in that a lower edge of the maintenance opening formed in the further first side region (154). (113) is arranged above the first floor area (151) in order to provide a buffer storage within the suction chamber (119) between the first floor area (151) and the lower edge of the maintenance opening (113) for receiving from the pump chamber (123) into the suction chamber (113) 119) to provide backflowing washing liquid when deactivating the pump (115). Laundry care device (100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the second opening (129) is shaped as a concentric second opening (129), and/or that the first opening (125) is shaped as an elongated hole. Laundry care device (100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first opening (125) and the second opening (129) have an identical cross section, or that the second opening (129) has a cross section which is larger than the cross section of the first opening (125), or that the first opening (125) has a cross section which is larger than the cross section of the second opening (129). Laundry care appliance (100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the second opening (129) is formed at least in sections in a second bottom region (155) of the second housing section (121) facing the base (109) of the laundry care appliance (100), wherein in particular the connecting channel (127) runs at least in sections below the first bottom region (151) of the first housing section (117) and below the second bottom region (155) of the second housing section (121). Laundry care device (100) according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the second opening (129) is formed at least in sections in a second side region (157) of the second housing section (121) facing the suction chamber (119), in particular the connecting channel (127) extends at least in sections from below the first bottom region (151) of the first housing section (117) to the second side region (157). Laundry care device (100) according to claim 7, characterized in that the connecting channel (127) has a first curvature (159) which is located at one of the first The first region of the connecting channel (127) facing the opening (125) is arranged, and that the connecting channel (127) has a second curvature (161) which is arranged on a second region of the connecting channel (127) facing the second opening (129), wherein the first and second curvatures (159, 161) in particular have opposite directions of curvature. Laundry care device (100) according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the first housing section (117) extends along a first longitudinal axis (165), and that the second housing section (121) extends along a second longitudinal axis (167), wherein the first and second longitudinal axes (165, 167) are arranged at an angle to one another. Laundry care device (100) according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the second housing section (121) has a circular inner contour, the connecting channel (127) extending from the second opening (129) of the second housing section (121) extending tangentially connects the second housing section (121). Laundry care device (100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the laundry care device (100) has a riser pipe which connects the pump chamber (123) to a pump-out opening of a device housing (107) of the laundry care device (100). Laundry care device (100) according to claim 11, characterized in that the laundry care device (100) has a check valve which is designed to prevent washing liquid from flowing back from the riser into the pump chamber (123) when the pump (115) is deactivated. Laundry care device (100) according to claim 12, characterized in that the check valve is designed as a ball check valve which comprises a ball which is received in a sealing seat of the check valve. Laundry care device (100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first housing section (117) and the second Housing section (121) of the pump (115) are formed in one piece, in particular the first housing section (117), the second housing section (121) and the check valve being formed in one piece. Method (200) for pumping washing liquid in a laundry care appliance (100), wherein the laundry care appliance (100) has a pump (115) for pumping washing liquid, which is arranged in a pump receptacle of the laundry care appliance (100), wherein the pump (115) has a first housing section (117) which delimits a suction chamber (119) for sucking in washing liquid, a filter element for filtering the sucked-in washing liquid being arranged in the suction chamber (119), a maintenance opening (113) being in the first housing section (117). is shaped for servicing the filter element, the maintenance opening (113) fluidly connecting an external area of the laundry care appliance (100) to the suction chamber (119), the maintenance opening (113) being closable by an unlockable cover element (111), the pump (115 ) has a second housing section (121) which delimits a pump chamber (123) with an impeller (137) for pumping washing liquid, the pump (115) having a connecting channel (127) which has a first opening (125) of the first housing section (117) fluidly connects to a second opening (129) of the second housing section (121), the first opening (125) being formed at least in sections in a first base region (151) of the first housing section (117), the first base region (151 ) faces a floor (109) of the laundry care device (100), wherein the laundry care device (100) has a detection device for detecting a maintenance interval of the filter element, and wherein the laundry care device (100) has a control which is connected in terms of control technology to the detection device and the pump ( 115), characterized in that the method (200) comprises the following steps, Activating (201) the detection device for detecting a maintenance interval of the filter element by the controller, and Activating (203) the pump (115) depending on the maintenance interval detected by the detection device in order to pump out washing liquid from the suction chamber (119) before opening the maintenance opening (113).

Images