Classifications

• • D—TEXTILES; PAPER
  • D06—TREATMENT OF TEXTILES OR THE LIKE; LAUNDERING; FLEXIBLE MATERIALS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
  • D06F—LAUNDERING, DRYING, IRONING, PRESSING OR FOLDING TEXTILE ARTICLES
  • D06F35/00—Washing machines, apparatus, or methods not otherwise provided for
  • D06F35/003—Washing machines, apparatus, or methods not otherwise provided for using electrochemical cells
• • D—TEXTILES; PAPER
  • D06—TREATMENT OF TEXTILES OR THE LIKE; LAUNDERING; FLEXIBLE MATERIALS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
  • D06F—LAUNDERING, DRYING, IRONING, PRESSING OR FOLDING TEXTILE ARTICLES
  • D06F33/00—Control of operations performed in washing machines or washer-dryers 
  • D06F33/30—Control of washing machines characterised by the purpose or target of the control 
  • D06F33/32—Control of operational steps, e.g. optimisation or improvement of operational steps depending on the condition of the laundry
  • D06F33/37—Control of operational steps, e.g. optimisation or improvement of operational steps depending on the condition of the laundry of metering of detergents or additives
• • D—TEXTILES; PAPER
  • D06—TREATMENT OF TEXTILES OR THE LIKE; LAUNDERING; FLEXIBLE MATERIALS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
  • D06F—LAUNDERING, DRYING, IRONING, PRESSING OR FOLDING TEXTILE ARTICLES
  • D06F34/00—Details of control systems for washing machines, washer-dryers or laundry dryers
  • D06F34/08—Control circuits or arrangements thereof
• • D—TEXTILES; PAPER
  • D06—TREATMENT OF TEXTILES OR THE LIKE; LAUNDERING; FLEXIBLE MATERIALS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
  • D06F—LAUNDERING, DRYING, IRONING, PRESSING OR FOLDING TEXTILE ARTICLES
  • D06F39/00—Details of washing machines not specific to a single type of machines covered by groups D06F9/00 - D06F27/00 
  • D06F39/04—Heating arrangements
• • D—TEXTILES; PAPER
  • D06—TREATMENT OF TEXTILES OR THE LIKE; LAUNDERING; FLEXIBLE MATERIALS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
  • D06F—LAUNDERING, DRYING, IRONING, PRESSING OR FOLDING TEXTILE ARTICLES
  • D06F39/00—Details of washing machines not specific to a single type of machines covered by groups D06F9/00 - D06F27/00 
  • D06F39/08—Liquid supply or discharge arrangements
  • D06F39/083—Liquid discharge or recirculation arrangements
  • D06F39/085—Arrangements or adaptations of pumps
• • D—TEXTILES; PAPER
  • D06—TREATMENT OF TEXTILES OR THE LIKE; LAUNDERING; FLEXIBLE MATERIALS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
  • D06F—LAUNDERING, DRYING, IRONING, PRESSING OR FOLDING TEXTILE ARTICLES
  • D06F2103/00—Parameters monitored or detected for the control of domestic laundry washing machines, washer-dryers or laundry dryers
  • D06F2103/44—Current or voltage
• • D—TEXTILES; PAPER
  • D06—TREATMENT OF TEXTILES OR THE LIKE; LAUNDERING; FLEXIBLE MATERIALS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
  • D06F—LAUNDERING, DRYING, IRONING, PRESSING OR FOLDING TEXTILE ARTICLES
  • D06F2103/00—Parameters monitored or detected for the control of domestic laundry washing machines, washer-dryers or laundry dryers
  • D06F2103/52—Parameters monitored or detected for the control of domestic laundry washing machines, washer-dryers or laundry dryers related to electric heating means, e.g. temperature or voltage
• • D—TEXTILES; PAPER
  • D06—TREATMENT OF TEXTILES OR THE LIKE; LAUNDERING; FLEXIBLE MATERIALS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
  • D06F—LAUNDERING, DRYING, IRONING, PRESSING OR FOLDING TEXTILE ARTICLES
  • D06F2105/00—Systems or parameters controlled or affected by the control systems of washing machines, washer-dryers or laundry dryers
  • D06F2105/02—Water supply
• • D—TEXTILES; PAPER
  • D06—TREATMENT OF TEXTILES OR THE LIKE; LAUNDERING; FLEXIBLE MATERIALS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
  • D06F—LAUNDERING, DRYING, IRONING, PRESSING OR FOLDING TEXTILE ARTICLES
  • D06F2105/00—Systems or parameters controlled or affected by the control systems of washing machines, washer-dryers or laundry dryers
  • D06F2105/06—Recirculation of washing liquids, e.g. by pumps or diverting valves
• • D—TEXTILES; PAPER
  • D06—TREATMENT OF TEXTILES OR THE LIKE; LAUNDERING; FLEXIBLE MATERIALS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
  • D06F—LAUNDERING, DRYING, IRONING, PRESSING OR FOLDING TEXTILE ARTICLES
  • D06F2105/00—Systems or parameters controlled or affected by the control systems of washing machines, washer-dryers or laundry dryers
  • D06F2105/10—Temperature of washing liquids; Heating means therefor
• • D—TEXTILES; PAPER
  • D06—TREATMENT OF TEXTILES OR THE LIKE; LAUNDERING; FLEXIBLE MATERIALS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
  • D06F—LAUNDERING, DRYING, IRONING, PRESSING OR FOLDING TEXTILE ARTICLES
  • D06F2105/00—Systems or parameters controlled or affected by the control systems of washing machines, washer-dryers or laundry dryers
  • D06F2105/38—Conditioning or finishing, e.g. control of perfume injection
  • D06F2105/40—Conditioning or finishing, e.g. control of perfume injection using water or steam
• • D—TEXTILES; PAPER
  • D06—TREATMENT OF TEXTILES OR THE LIKE; LAUNDERING; FLEXIBLE MATERIALS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
  • D06F—LAUNDERING, DRYING, IRONING, PRESSING OR FOLDING TEXTILE ARTICLES
  • D06F2105/00—Systems or parameters controlled or affected by the control systems of washing machines, washer-dryers or laundry dryers
  • D06F2105/42—Detergent or additive supply
• • D—TEXTILES; PAPER
  • D06—TREATMENT OF TEXTILES OR THE LIKE; LAUNDERING; FLEXIBLE MATERIALS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
  • D06F—LAUNDERING, DRYING, IRONING, PRESSING OR FOLDING TEXTILE ARTICLES
  • D06F39/00—Details of washing machines not specific to a single type of machines covered by groups D06F9/00 - D06F27/00 
  • D06F39/02—Devices for adding soap or other washing agents
  • D06F39/022—Devices for adding soap or other washing agents in a liquid state
• • D—TEXTILES; PAPER
  • D06—TREATMENT OF TEXTILES OR THE LIKE; LAUNDERING; FLEXIBLE MATERIALS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
  • D06F—LAUNDERING, DRYING, IRONING, PRESSING OR FOLDING TEXTILE ARTICLES
  • D06F39/00—Details of washing machines not specific to a single type of machines covered by groups D06F9/00 - D06F27/00 
  • D06F39/08—Liquid supply or discharge arrangements
  • D06F39/083—Liquid discharge or recirculation arrangements
• • D—TEXTILES; PAPER
  • D06—TREATMENT OF TEXTILES OR THE LIKE; LAUNDERING; FLEXIBLE MATERIALS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
  • D06F—LAUNDERING, DRYING, IRONING, PRESSING OR FOLDING TEXTILE ARTICLES
  • D06F39/00—Details of washing machines not specific to a single type of machines covered by groups D06F9/00 - D06F27/00 
  • D06F39/08—Liquid supply or discharge arrangements
  • D06F39/088—Liquid supply arrangements

Definitions

• the invention relates to a water-carrying electrical device and a method for operating a water-carrying electrical device.
• the invention relates to a water-bearing electrical device with an electrochemical cell which is designed to generate a bleaching agent in situ and a method for operating the water-bearing electrical device.
• the water-carrying electrical device is also referred to below as a device.
• Bleaching agents such as hydrogen peroxide have a good cleaning effect, but are only conditionally stable in solutions and can only be stored to a limited extent. Therefore, there is a need to prepare such a bleaching agent in situ prior to use in the water-carrying electrical device when items located therein are to be cleaned.
• a water-carrying electrical appliance in the form of a washing machine is known from prior art which has not been documented in writing and which contains an electrochemical cell for generating a bleaching agent in situ during a washing process.
• the problem is that the integration of the electrochemical cell requires space, which is only available to a limited extent with water-carrying electrical devices, and also increases the manufacturing costs. It would therefore be advantageous to save installation space and costs.
• the invention therefore addresses the problem of providing a water-carrying electrical device and a method for operating a water-carrying electrical device that are inexpensive and require little installation space.
• the electrochemical cell not only serves to generate the bleaching agent but also as a heating device.
• the electrochemical cell thus fulfills several functions. As a result, the device does not require a separate and additional heating device, so that the components usually present in such devices are saved. This saves installation space and costs.
• the invention relates to a water-carrying electrical device with a water intake element, an electrochemical cell with electrodes which is designed to produce a bleaching agent when it contains a salt-containing solution and a DC voltage is applied to the electrodes, a pump which is designed conveying fluid in the electrochemical cell from the electrochemical cell into the water intake member; and a controller configured to selectively apply both DC and AC power to the electrochemical cell.
• the device has a relatively low complexity and the space required is relatively small because the electrochemical cell, in addition to the application or function of generating the bleaching agent when DC voltage is applied, also simultaneously performs the application or function of a heating device when AC voltage is applied. That is, the functions of both the generation of bleaching agent such as hydrogen peroxide and the heating of fluid located in the electrochemical cell as well as the generation of steam from an aqueous solution are realized via one component, namely the electrochemical cell.
• the heating capacity of the electrochemical cell can be controlled by the composition within it and optionally by an amount of water further added thereto, while a standard heater has a fixed heating capacity.
• the device can be reprogrammed for different power supplies. An adjustment depending on the amount of electricity in the grid is also possible.
• the device can thus be part of an intelligent electricity network, also referred to as a smart grid.
• standard heating devices in water-carrying devices calcify over time, while calcification of the electrochemical cell is prevented or at least minimized by flushing.
• control unit has a relay that is designed to switch over from DC to AC voltage and vice versa.
• the control unit preferably has control electronics.
• the application of the DC or AC voltage is preferably controlled by means of the control electronics of the control unit.
• the geometry with different electronic controls further reduces installation space and costs.
• the control unit preferably also has a rotary relay which is designed to connect a grounded N conductor to an electrode of the electrochemical cell which is connected to an inlet and an outlet of the electrochemical cell is arranged.
• the rotary relay can preferably be controlled by the control electronics in such a way that the line with a low voltage to ground (N potential) can be connected to the electrode of the electrochemical cell, which is arranged at the inlet and outlet of the electrochemical cell. This ensures that only small leakage currents can flow through the water during operation. This increases the operational reliability of the device.
• the electrode of the electrochemical cell, which is arranged at the inlet and outlet of the electrochemical cell is preferably the anode.
• the control unit preferably has a protective earth, which is designed in such a way that a polarity of the supply voltage can be determined.
• the polarity of the supply voltage can preferably be determined by the control electronics.
• a mains voltage which is usually AC voltage, is preferably supplied to the control electronics and is used for the voltage supply.
• a DC voltage preferably a DC low voltage, is produced from the mains voltage, which can be applied by the control electronics to the cathode and anode as the electrodes of the electrochemical cell.
• the control electronics are preferably designed to appropriately control the rotary relay for heating the fluid in the electrochemical cell, so that AC voltage is provided, and then to switch on the heating with the relay.
• the anode potential is fed back to the control electronics.
• the control electronics are also designed to switch off the heating when a critical voltage occurs at the anode against the ground potential of the protective conductor.
• the salt-containing solution may contain one or more salts designed to increase the conductivity of water.
• the device contains a metering unit that is designed to meter the salt-containing solution into the electrochemical cell.
• the metering unit can also be designed to meter a detergent into the electrochemical cell. This is particularly advantageous if the bleach is used not only to clean the interior of the device, but also to clean objects located inside the device.
• the device is a washing machine and the items are textiles in the form of laundry to be washed.
• the detergent can be a detergent commonly used for washing or laundry to be treated, such as heavy-duty detergent, delicate detergent, fabric softener, stain remover, cleaning agent and so on.
• the dosing unit can have several chambers in order to dose different detergents into the electrochemical cell at the same time or at different times.
• the dosing unit preferably has a dosing pump which is designed to pump the salt-containing solution and/or the detergent from the dosing unit into to pump the electrochemical cell.
• the detergent can represent the salt-containing solution, which then also contains washing-active substances in addition to the salt.
• the device also has a circulating system for conducting water from a first region of the water receiving element into a second region of the water receiving element, wherein the circulating system has a circulating pump as the pump, which is designed to pump water from the first region through the electrochemical Pump cell to second area.
• the bleach produced in the electrochemical cell can be circulated through the water absorption element and the electrochemical cell.
• the first region of the water absorption element is preferably a lower region and the second region of the water absorption element is preferably an upper region.
• an inlet and an outlet of the electrochemical cell are arranged at an upper part of the electrochemical cell, the inlet being connected to the pump and the outlet being connected to a conduit which is designed to direct fluid passed therethrough to the water receiving element such as the second region to supply the water absorption element.
• the electrochemical cell is connected via a drain valve to a point of a water line system that is upstream of a drain pump that is configured to drain water from the device.
• the drain valve is opened and the water draining from the electrochemical cell is pumped away with the drain pump.
• pumping out is combined with pumping out in a cleaning process performed by the device.
• the water pipe system can be the flooding system.
• the water-carrying electrical device can preferably be connected to a water connection and the control unit is configured to automatically control a water supply from the water connection into the water receiving element, preferably into the first area.
• the device preferably has a controllable valve and a supply line between the water connection and the water intake element.
• the water-carrying electrical device is, for example, a household appliance that is used commercially or privately.
• the device is preferably a washing machine, a dishwasher, a coffee machine or a steam cooker.
• the bleach produced can be used exclusively for cleaning the interior of the device or alternatively or additionally for cleaning objects located inside the device.
• the water-carrying electrical device is designed as a washing machine and the water-receiving element is designed as a tub.
• the bleach produced is preferably peracetic acid or hydrogen peroxide. More preferably, the bleach produced is hydrogen peroxide.
• a cell size of the electrochemical cell is preferably designed for an amount of bleaching agent required in a cleaning process.
• the cathode and anode areas are, for example, 10 to 200 cm 2 each.
• the water connections are preferably made of metal and grounded. This further increases the operational reliability of the device.
• the invention also relates to a method for operating a water-bearing electrical device with a water intake element, an electrochemical cell with electrodes that is designed to generate a bleaching agent when it contains a salt-containing solution and a DC voltage is applied to the electrodes, a pump which is designed to convey fluid located in the electrochemical cell out of the electrochemical cell into the water receiving element, and a control unit, the method having the following steps a) supplying a salt-containing solution into the electrochemical cell; b) subsequent to step a), applying direct current to the electrodes of the electrochemical cell for a predetermined period of time to generate the bleaching agent in the electrochemical cell; c) subsequent to step b), applying alternating current to the electrodes of the electrochemical cell for a predetermined period of time to heat fluid within the electrochemical cell; and d) conveying the fluid from the electrochemical cell into the water receiving element.
• the dosing unit preferably doses the salt-containing solution and optionally detergent into the electrochemical cell in a predetermined amount.
• step b) the salt-containing solution supplied in step b) is subjected to a DC voltage, for example between 1 and 50 V, which is applied to the electrodes, i.e. the anode and the cathode, so that a current preferably of 1 to 20 A flows.
• a DC voltage for example between 1 and 50 V
• the electrodes i.e. the anode and the cathode
• a current preferably of 1 to 20 A flows.
• the chemical reaction or electrolysis takes place, and the bleaching agent, for example H2O2, is produced.
• Step c) is preferably carried out as soon as the chemical reaction has ended, i.e. step b) has ended.
• Step c) serves to heat the fluid located in the electrochemical cell in the electrochemical cell.
• an AC line voltage e.g., 230 VAC
• the relay preferably switches over from the DC voltage, in particular the low DC voltage, to the mains voltage.
• the mains plug is plugged in, and the rotary relay is used to ensure that the grounded N conductor is connected to the electrode that is arranged at the inlet and outlet of the electrochemical cell, such as the anode. This ensures that only low leakage currents can flow through the water in order to meet all safety requirements.
• step d) the fluid is conveyed from the electrochemical cell into the water absorption element.
• a cleaning process is carried out on the water absorption element and/or objects located therein.
• Steps c) and d) can be carried out at the same time.
• step c) is performed before step d).
• Water is preferably also supplied to the electrochemical cell. This step serves in particular to add an amount of water required for the cleaning process and/or to dilute the bleach concentrate produced in the electrochemical cell. If the device is a washing machine, the amount of water required depends, for example, on the amount of laundry, ie its load determined by the device.
• the mixing of the concentrate in the electrochemical cell with the water reduces the conductivity of the solution, so that when the AC voltage from the mains is applied to the anode and the cathode of the electrochemical cell, the required heat output is produced. Depending on the type of device and the power supply, the required heat output can be around 1 to 3 kW, for example.
• the salt-containing solution that is supplied according to the cell size of the electrochemical cell in step a), ensures the required conductivity in the application concentration. This is higher than the maximum conductivity of drinking water, so the individual properties of the water used are irrelevant.
• the electrochemical cell can be filled with water before and/or during step a).
• the water is preferably supplied to the electrochemical cell via the flooding system if the device has a flooding system.
• water is supplied from the water connection to the water intake element by opening the valve via the supply line, and the water is conveyed in the predetermined amount of water into the electrochemical cell by activating the circulation pump.
• the inlet and outlet of the electrochemical cell are preferably arranged in the upper part of the electrochemical cell, so that after the circulation pump has been switched off, a defined quantity of water remains in the electrochemical cell.
• the water in step c) is preferably circulated with the pump, so that it flows through the electrochemical cell and the water absorption element.
• the flow swirls the water in the electrochemical cell and the bleach and, if necessary, detergent mixes with the water.
• FIG. 1 shows a sketchy sectional view of the water-bearing electrical device according to the invention.
• FIG. 2 is a circuit diagram of a control unit of the device shown in FIG. 1.
• FIG. 2 is a circuit diagram of a control unit of the device shown in FIG. 1.
• FIG. 1 shows a sketchy sectional view of a water-carrying electrical device according to the invention.
• the device shown in FIG. 1 is a washing machine with a water intake element 1, which is designed as a tub and is designed to absorb water.
• a drum 2 for receiving laundry 8 is rotatably mounted in the water receiving element 1 .
• the device further comprises an electrochemical cell 3 with electrodes in the form of an anode A and a cathode K, which is adapted to produce a bleaching agent when it contains a saline solution and a DC voltage is applied to the anode A and the cathode K is.
• the device has a flooding system 4 for conducting water from a first area of the water holding element 1 into a second area of the water holding element 1 .
• the circulation system 4 has a circulation pump 9 which is designed to pump water from the first area through the electrochemical cell 3 into the second area. Furthermore, water from the first area through a Drain pump 5 of the device are pumped into a drain line 6, which is connected to a sewer (not shown) to remove the water from the washing machine.
• the circulation pump 9 is connected via a pipe 7 to the water receiving element 1 at the lower part.
• An inlet and an outlet of the electrochemical cell 3 are arranged in an upper part of the electrochemical cell 3, the inlet being connected to the circulation pump 9 and the outlet being connected to a duct 11 which is adapted to carry water passed therethrough to the second region of the water absorption element 1 to be supplied.
• the electrochemical cell 3 is connected via a discharge valve 10 to a point in the circulation system 4 which is arranged in front of the discharge pump 5 in terms of flow. Furthermore, the device has a metering unit 12 which is designed to meter a salt-containing solution and possibly a detergent into the electrochemical cell 3 by means of a metering pump 13 . Furthermore, the device has a control unit 18 which is configured to selectively apply both DC and AC voltage to the electrochemical cell 3 . The device is connected to a water connection 16 via an inlet line 14 and a valve 15 . The control unit 18 is configured to automatically control a water supply from the water connection 16 into the water receiving element 1 .
• the drain valve 10 is arranged between the line 7 and the electrochemical cell 3 . This drain valve 10 allows the electrochemical cell 3 to be flushable. To flush the electrochemical cell 3 , the drain valve 10 is opened and the draining water is conveyed away with the drain pump 5 .
• a method of washing laundry includes the following steps:
• Water is fed from the water connection 16 via the valve 15 and the feed line 14 into the water intake device 1 and pumped via the circulation pump 9 into the electrochemical cell 3 so that the electrochemical cell 3 is supplied with water in a predetermined quantity.
• a solution containing salt and possibly a detergent is metered from the metering unit 12 into the electrochemical cell 3 via the metering pump.
• a DC voltage is applied to the anode A and the cathode K of the electrochemical cell 3 for a predetermined period of time. As a result, the chemical reaction takes place in the form of electrolysis and the bleaching agent such as H2O2 is produced.
• water is supplied from the water connection 16 via the valve 15 and the supply line 14 in a further predetermined amount of water into the water receiving element 1 .
• the flooding system 4 is activated, so that the water from the first area is passed through the electrochemical cell 3 in the second area, wherein an AC voltage is applied to the electrochemical cell 3 to the through heat electrochemical cell 3 passing fluid.
• Mixing the saline solution and, if necessary, detergent in the form of a concentrate with the water reduces the conductivity of the solution, so that the required heating power is generated when the AC voltage is applied to the electrodes.
• a relay (not shown) of the control unit 18 switches over from the direct voltage to the mains alternating voltage.
• FIG. 2 shows a circuit diagram of a control unit of the device shown in FIG.
• the control unit 18 has a mains connection 24 which is designed to provide AC voltage, a relay 20 which is designed to switch over from DC voltage to AC voltage and vice versa, and a DC out socket 22 .
• An electronic control system (not shown) of the control unit 18 is designed to evaluate how a mains plug (not shown) is plugged in and uses a rotary relay 19 of the control unit 18 to ensure that a grounded N conductor 23 is always connected to the electrode that is on the Inlet and outlet of the electrochemical cell 3 is arranged. Looking at Figures 1 and 2 together, this electrode is the anode A.
• control and monitoring takes place with the control electronics.
• the mains voltage is supplied to the control electronics. This is used for the power supply.
• the control unit 18 has a protective ground 21 so that the control electronics can determine the polarity of the supply voltage.
• the rotary relay 19 is controlled in such a way that the line with a low voltage to ground (N potential) is always connected to the anode A of the electrochemical cell 3 .
• a DC voltage in particular a low DC voltage, is produced from the mains voltage by means of the relay 20 and is applied to the electrodes, ie the anode A and the cathode K, by the control electronics.
• the rotary relay 19 is first actuated appropriately and then the heating is switched on with the relay 20 by an AC voltage being applied to the anode A and the cathode K.
• the anode potential is fed back to the control electronics. If a critical voltage against the ground potential of the protective conductor 23 occurs at the anode A, the control electronics switch off the heating.

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• Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
• Textile Engineering (AREA)
• Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
• Chemical Kinetics & Catalysis (AREA)
• Electrochemistry (AREA)
• Water Treatment By Electricity Or Magnetism (AREA)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Publications (1)

Family

ID=74103782

Family Applications (1)

Country Status (5)

Family Cites Families (4)

• 2020
  • 2020-12-14 BE BE20205915A patent/BE1028887B1/de active IP Right Grant
• 2021
  • 2021-11-30 EP EP21823526.5A patent/EP4259871A1/de active Pending
  • 2021-11-30 WO PCT/EP2021/083500 patent/WO2022128436A1/de active Application Filing
  • 2021-11-30 KR KR1020237018998A patent/KR20230118836A/ko active Search and Examination
  • 2021-11-30 CN CN202180083443.XA patent/CN116601353A/zh active Pending

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