WO2013092400A1

WO2013092400A1 - Household appliance with a storage container and an oxidising agent generator and method for the operation thereof

Info

Publication number: WO2013092400A1
Application number: PCT/EP2012/075478
Authority: WO
Inventors: Antonio BARRADO FRANCO; Torsten Hasse; Hartmut Schaub
Original assignee: BSH Bosch und Siemens Hausgeräte GmbH
Priority date: 2011-12-20
Filing date: 2012-12-14
Publication date: 2013-06-27
Also published as: CN104185702B; DE102011089116A1; PL2794979T3; EP2794979A1; RU2580501C2; RU2014128183A; EP2794979B1; CN104185702A; IN2014KN00968A

Abstract

The invention relates to a household appliance with a treatment container (1) for receiving objects to be treated, a storage container (32) for an aqueous fluid (6), at least one pump (22, 35) for conveying the aqueous fluid (6) between the storage container (32) and the treatment container (1), an oxidising agent generator (20) and at least one Venturi nozzle (16, 26), wherein a first Venturi nozzle (16) is arranged between the treatment container (1) and the storage container (32) and is connected to the oxidising agent generator (20), and the storage container (32) is connected to the treatment container (1) via a first air channel (38), which can be controlled with a valve (39). The invention further relates to a method for operating said household appliance.

Description

Home appliance with a storage tank and a

Oxidant generator and method for its operation

The invention relates to a household appliance with a storage container and an oxidant onsmittelgenerator and a method for its operation.

The use of oxidizing agents in a household appliance, particularly in a washing machine or other laundry care appliance, has recently become more attractive. Popular here is the use of ozone. Ozone is a powerful disinfectant and, in conjunction with a care or cleaning agent applied in a household appliance, also produces complex and rapid reactions that allow for improved care or cleaning effects.

The use of oxidizing agents in a household appliance is particularly useful when, in order to save water, it is useful in a treatment process of e.g. Laundry or crockery used water is at least partially collected in a storage container. Depending on the type of liquid and / or its loading with organic substances, this can easily become a nutrient medium for microorganisms. To prevent the spread or removal of microorganisms, the use of an oxidizing agent is very helpful. In most cases, by contacting the stored or for a certain time to be stored aqueous liquid, a treatment of this with the oxidizing agent is performed. The aqueous liquid is then as germ-free as possible for a further, water-requiring treatment process in the household appliance.

The treatment of laundry in a washing machine as an example of a household appliance includes several treatment steps (wetting phase, pre-wash, main wash, rinse). After the main wash in the rinsing phase, the laundry still containing wash liquor and dirt residues is rinsed several times in the drum, wherein after the main wash and between the rinsing steps in each case is thrown. The best way to store this is the rinse water, especially the last rinse water, as this is the least contaminated with dirt and detergent residues. EP 2 224 052 A1, EP 2 228 480 A1 and EP 2 248 937 A1 each disclose a washing machine or a dryer with a washing container and a water circulation passage, which is arranged outside the tub and has opposite ends connected to the washing container are. A pump delivers water from the wash tank through this water circulation passage and back to the wash tank, which includes a tub and a drum. A gas-liquid mixer including a Venturi nozzle is disposed downstream of the pump to mix ozone-containing purifying air provided by a purifying air generator with this circulating water. In one embodiment, there is one tank each below the wash tank for storing used water. The water used for a rinsing operation is stored in the tank and used as heat exchange water and cleaning water for removing lint and the like from the air circulation pipe in a drying process.

A disadvantage of all solutions in which the water is stored is that biofilm formation can occur in the storage container for the multiplication of germs and, in extreme cases, since complete sterilization of the storage water is practically not achieved.

WO 2007/143785 A1 describes a system and apparatus for introducing ozone into a washing machine. The system includes a first tubing for introducing ozone from an ozone supply into a wash fluid inlet and a second tubing for delivering ozone to an area above a wash chamber. For introducing ozone and for mixing with a washing liquid, a Venturi nozzle is used. The Venturi nozzle is operatively coupled to wash liquid inlet means to draw the ozone into the wash liquid while the wash liquid is added to the wash tank. WO 2008/1 19631 A1 describes a washing machine in which microorganisms present in a detergent distributor, ie an induction bowl, are removed by direct introduction of ozone from an ozone generator into the dispensing bowl. In one embodiment, water is added to the dispenser tray simultaneously with the ozone so that the ozone / water mixture passes through the dispenser tray becomes. This is intended to minimize the possibility of escape of ozone from the washing machine.

US 2008/0302139 A1 discloses a tunnel washer comprising a plurality of zones for washing laundry in a continuous manner, two locations for injecting ozone, a water circuit connecting a water inlet and a water outlet, the water circuit comprising a water reservoir and a venturi injector for dissolving ozone in water, and includes an ozone generator. DE 32 32 057 A1 describes a cleaning machine for laundry, crockery or the like with a reservoir for a cleaning agent and an ozone generator, at the output of which an ozonization of the cleaning agent in this opening ozone supply line is connected. In one embodiment, the reservoir is associated with a vent line and an Entozoni- sierungseinrichtung consisting of a heating coil. Fig. 1 shows a washing machine, in which an ozone generator has a compressor, so that the ozone can flow with the required pressure in the reservoir.

DE 24 33 909 A1 describes a device for the care of garments with a closable with a door cabinet-shaped housing with a receiving space for garments to which the suction and Ausblasseite a circulating air fan are connected with the interposition of an air heater, wherein the receiving space via a fresh air filter the outside space is in communication and the suction side of an exhaust fan is connected to the receiving space, while its outlet ends in an opening of an outer wall of the housing. At least one ozonizer is provided for the air of the receiving space. In one embodiment of this device, the exhaust of the exhaust fan is connected to the outside, wherein disposed in the exhaust path an exhaust filter whose filter material consists of activated carbon US Patent 5,960,501 describes a system and method for treating laundry with ozone in an amount based on the Amount of laundry is matched. In one embodiment, used wash liquor is treated with ozone, wherein the ozone is sucked through a venturi into the wash liquor. WO 2007/086221 A1 describes a washer-dryer with an ozone generator for providing ozone in a process air duct.

WO 2005/063109 A1 describes a dishwasher for the use of ozone, at least for cleaning and disinfection.

U.S. Patent 5,493,743 describes a method and apparatus for laundering laundry employing a closed or open ozonated wash water system. Wash water, which is kept in an external contact tank, is ozonated with it before use in the washing machine. The system includes a venturi for drawing ozone into the water in the externally located supply and contact tanks.

Against this background, it is an object of the invention to provide a domestic appliance with an oxidizing agent generator and a storage container for an aqueous liquid and a method for its operation which permit the most effective possible treatment of the aqueous liquid to be stored with the oxidizing agent generator.

The object underlying the invention is achieved by a household appliance and a method according to respective independent claim. Preferred embodiments of the invention are listed in the respective dependent claims. Preferred embodiments of the household appliance according to the invention correspond to preferred embodiments of the method according to the invention, even if it is not separately pointed out here in each case.

The invention thus teaches a domestic appliance having a treatment container for receiving objects to be treated, an aqueous liquid storage container, at least one pump for conveying an aqueous liquid between storage container and treatment container, an oxidant generator and at least one venturi nozzle, a first venturi between the treatment container and the storage container is arranged and connected to the oxidant generator, and the storage container is connected via a first, with a valve controllable air duct with the treatment vessel. In this case, the valve is preferably a check valve. The oxidizing agent generator can be configured as desired, as long as it produces an oxidizing agent which can be used for disinfecting aqueous liquids from the tub. The oxidizing agent will preferably be an inorganic oxidizing agent, it being possible to use it as a liquid or gaseous oxidizing agent. For the present invention, the use of gaseous oxidizing agents is preferred, in particular of ozone.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the oxidant generator is therefore an ozone generator.

Ozone can be produced in a household appliance in different ways, for example by means of a UV lamp generator by irradiating oxygen with UV radiation below 200 nm, or by a corona discharge, in which oxygen is subjected to an electrical discharge in the form of a corona is suspended. The corona is created by applying a high voltage of generally at least 5000V to a suitable array of electrodes.

According to the invention, a pump for conveying an aqueous liquid is arranged between storage container and treatment container. This may be, for example, a single pump in one or two connecting lines between storage tank and treatment tank. If only one connection line, e.g. a connecting hose is present, the transport takes place via a common connecting line in both directions. According to the invention, however, it is preferred that at least one drain pump and one storage pump be used. In general, these are in different connection lines, so that the drain pump in a storage line for conveying the aqueous liquid from the treatment tank into the storage tank is used and the storage pump in a return line for conveying the aqueous liquid from the storage tank into the treatment tank.

Advantageously, the oxidant generator is connected via a third air channel with the treatment vessel. Since the oxidizing agent is often harmful, in particular ozone, the domestic appliance preferably has an oxidizing agent removal device.

This will be discussed below by way of example for an ozone removing device. In the ozone removing apparatus, in particular, ozone is eliminated by being absorbed or decomposed on a suitable material. The decomposition can occur, for example, in that the ozone is chemically reacted with a suitable material or catalytically decomposed, for example with formation of oxygen. The ozone removal device preferably contains a filter unit, wherein the filter unit preferably comprises a carbon-containing material or another easily oxidisable material.

Activated carbon is particularly preferably used as the carbon-containing material. Activated carbon is generally decomposed by ozone to form carbon dioxide, so that the amount of activated carbon in a filter unit gradually decreases. If the household appliance has an ozone removal device, therefore, a sight glass arranged thereon can be advantageous. A user of the household appliance can thus detect even without the presence of an ozone sensor, if the filter unit is still working properly, for example, by still enough activated carbon is present.

The ozone-removing device used in embodiments of the household appliance according to the invention may alternatively or in addition to a filter unit comprise a catalyst for the decomposition of ozone, for example a catalyst for the conversion of ozone into oxygen.

A preferably used in a domestic appliance according to the invention ozone generator generates about 20 mg / h to 30 mg / h of ozone. For this purpose, in general, the use of a filter unit, which is loaded with about 10 g of activated carbon, for the entire operating life of the household appliance, sufficient.

The oxidant removal device present in embodiments of the invention can be arranged in various places in the domestic appliance. Thus, for example, an ozone removal device and a fan can be arranged in an exhaust air duct, which exhaust air duct is connected to the treatment tank. The Household appliance is in particular a water-conducting household appliance, for example a washing machine, a washer-dryer or a dishwasher, and the ozone-removing device is preferably arranged between the treatment container and the fan.

The provided in embodiments of the invention exhaust duct can lead into a storage room of the household appliance, since the exhaust air contains only small amounts of carbon dioxide and no other interfering components. The household appliance is generally a water-conducting household appliance. Preferably, the household appliance is a washing machine, a washer-dryer or a dishwasher.

Depending on the domestic appliance, the use of a second or even more venturi nozzles may be expedient in order to effect a flow of an aqueous liquid for introducing an oxidizing agent, in particular ozone.

For example, in a washing machine, a second venturi could be located between the water supply and an induction bowl. This additionally allows the introduction of ozone into the tub via the dispenser bowl, and thus an additional disinfection.

The household appliance according to the invention has a treatment chamber, which can be designed differently depending on the household appliance.

In a washing machine or a washer-dryer, the treatment chamber is generally assumed to be a suds container in which a drum is rotatably mounted for receiving objects to be treated. A washing machine generally has a tub and a drum rotatably mounted in the tub for receiving laundry to be cleaned. In addition, a washing machine generally also has a lye drainage system arranged at the bottom of the lye container with a drain pump and generally also laundry hoppers and / or scooping devices. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, in which the household appliance is a washing machine, a pressure sensor and / or a temperature sensor are arranged in the tub. Pressure and temperature sensor, if present, are preferably arranged in a lower region of the tub, so that pressure and / or temperature of an aqueous liquid present in the tub can be measured.

The objects to be treated are not restricted according to the invention, with treatment being understood to mean, in particular, cleaning. The objects to be cleaned may be, in particular, dishes or laundry. Cleaning according to the invention also means a refreshment.

The household appliance according to the invention may advantageously contain a sensor for measuring a content of oxidizing agent. For example, the household appliance according to the invention may have an ozone sensor for measuring an ozone content. When using an ozone eliminator, an ozone sensor may not be necessary. The household appliance allows the automatic treatment of the water used with an oxidizing agent and in embodiments also its elimination, in particular the elimination of ozone, within the household appliance.

In preferred embodiments, a user of the home appliance may be informed of an ongoing treatment of the aqueous liquid with an oxidizing agent. Thus, the home appliance may also include a display device relating to the automatic treatment of the water used with an oxidizing agent and / or the removal of excess oxidizing agent, e.g. Ozone, included. The display device may be an optical and / or acoustic display device.

Preferably, in the case of using ozone as the oxidizing agent, the household appliance then has a display device for non-functioning ozone elimination. A malfunctioning removal of ozone is present, for example, if an existing ozone sensor is above a predetermined limit, for example 1 ppm Ozone concentration. If no ozone sensor is present in the domestic appliance, then, in embodiments of the invention, there may be a malfunctioning removal of ozone if the fan or the ozone removing device does not function properly. The latter can be the case, for example, when a carbon-containing material in a filter unit is used up or a catalyst for the catalytic decomposition of the ozone is poisoned.

In the household appliance according to the invention, there is generally a control device which, in addition to the control of a cleaning program, also in the case of non-functioning production and / or removal of oxidizing agent, e.g. Ozone, countermeasures can take. Thus, in the case of non-functioning ozone generation, the control device can give an indication to a user and / or prevent the storage of the aqueous liquid, in particular its pumping off into the storage container. The same applies in embodiments of the invention in a non-functioning ozone elimination, after the discovery of the ozone generator off and / or a corresponding acoustic and / or visual display on the display device can be effected.

In one embodiment of the invention, in the household appliance, the exhaust air duct is connected to a supply air duct of the ozone generator. This eliminates any necessary for the operation of the ozone generator blower in a supply air duct of the ozone generator. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the exhaust air duct is connected via a pitot tube to the supply air duct. As a result, an air flow required for the ozone generator is generated particularly efficiently.

Advantageously, the fan is still operated for a predetermined period even when the ozone generator is already turned off.

In the method according to the invention, the air from the exhaust air duct is preferably at least partially directed into a supply air duct for the ozone generator.

The invention also relates to a method for operating a household appliance with a treatment container for receiving objects to be treated, a storage container for an aqueous liquid, at least one pump for Transport of the aqueous liquid between storage tank and treatment tank, an oxidant generator and at least one Venturi nozzle, wherein a first Venturi nozzle is arranged between the treatment tank and the storage tank and is connected to the oxidant generator, and the storage tank via a first, controllable with a valve air duct with the treatment tank connected, comprising the steps:

(A) pumping the aqueous liquid from the treatment vessel via the venturi into the storage container;

(b) generating an oxidizing agent in the oxidant generator;

(c) aspirating the generated oxidant via the first venturi, and

(D) transferring the oxidizing agent by means of the aqueous liquid in the storage container.

In a preferred embodiment of this method, during the pumping out of step (a) via a first, controllable with a valve air passage between the storage tank and the treatment tank, a pressure equalization is performed.

The invention also provides a method for operating a household appliance with a treatment container for receiving objects to be treated, an aqueous liquid storage container, at least one pump for conveying the aqueous liquid between storage container and treatment container, an oxidizing agent generator and at least one venturi nozzle. wherein a first Venturi nozzle is arranged between the treatment tank and the storage tank and connected to the oxidant generator, and the storage tank is connected to the treatment tank via a first, valve-controllable air duct comprising the steps of:

(e) pumping back an aqueous liquid present in the storage tank into the treatment tank while an air inlet of the first venturi is opened to and operating the oxidant generator, and

(f) sucking oxidant into the storage tank.

In this embodiment, it is preferred that during the pumping back of step (e), a first check valve controllable air channel between the storage container and the treatment container is closed. Moreover, according to the invention, it is preferable that, at the same time as the back-pumping in the step (e), the step (a) of pumping out the aqueous liquid from the treatment tank via the first venturi into the storage tank is carried out.

In a particularly preferred embodiment of the method according to the invention, the household appliance is a washing machine or a washer-dryer and laundry items are present in the treatment room, in particular in the drum. This procedure allows the items of laundry to be subjected to an additional sanitary measure and, moreover, to be provided with a "fresh smell", which indicates an increased hygiene state of the items of laundry.

The oxidizing agent is preferably ozone in the process according to the invention. The invention has the advantage that in a simple and very efficient way, a longer storage of an aqueous liquid is made possible, for example, the wastewater from a laundry treatment process. In addition to the sterilization of the aqueous liquid, essentially water, also a contamination of the storage container can be prevented. This avoids the need for separate cleaning of the container and its hydraulic connections, as would be necessary with prolonged use, particularly over the life of the household appliance.

In embodiments of the invention, even further sterilization can be achieved. If, for example, the filling of the storage container takes place a short time after an emptying of the treatment container, in this case a liquor container (eg immediately after several washes), the escaping air still contains appreciable amounts, for example of ozone, which is then present in the tub and / or the dispenser bowl of a washing machine organic deposits such as can react to a biofilm. As a result, optimal hygiene is also ensured there.

In other embodiments of the invention, in which the aqueous liquid is repeatedly pumped continuously or discontinuously at short intervals, ozone-containing water can also kill microorganisms in the tub and in the lines through which it flows. The invention makes it possible for gaseous oxidants to use an oxidant generator, in particular an ozone generator, without the use of air pumps or the like for supplying air to the oxidant or ozone generator.

Moreover, in embodiments of the invention where a Venturi nozzle is located prior to branching of a sewer, the effluent prior to its disposal may still be subjected to oxidation with an oxidant to reduce the loading of the effluent with germs and organic detergent residues and impurities ,

Embodiments of the invention are illustrated below with reference to Figures 1 and 2 of the accompanying drawings, wherein a washing machine is given as an example of a household appliance according to the invention.

Fig. 1 is a schematic representation of the presently relevant parts of a first embodiment of a washing machine; and

Fig. 2 is a schematic representation of the presently relevant parts of a second embodiment of a washing machine.

In the washing machine shown in FIG. 1, an aqueous liquid 6 present in the tub 1 as a treatment tank can be pumped by means of a drain pump 22 in a storage line 34 to the storage tank 32 and temporarily stored there before further use. Between the tub 1 and storage tank 32, a first Venturi nozzle 16 is arranged, which is connected via an air inlet 33 with an ozone generator 20 as an oxidant generator.

For recirculation of cached aqueous liquid 6 into the lye container 1, the storage container 32 is connected to the tub 1 via a return line 43, in which a storage pump 35 is located.

The presence of the storage line 34 and the return line 43 in this embodiment makes it possible for an ozone-containing aqueous liquid 6 to circulate can be pumped through the tub 1 and the storage tank 32, so that an efficient sterilization of all containers can be achieved.

In Fig. 1 also shown is a dispenser 1, in which detergent can be flushed by means of water from a water supply, not shown here, and other means in the tub 1. In order to prevent ozone from escaping via the dispensing dish 1 1, in the first embodiment of a household appliance according to the invention shown in FIG. 1, the dispensing dish is connected to an ozone removal device 28, in which an activated carbon filter (not shown here) is located.

The storage container 32 is connected to the tub 1 via a first air channel 38, in which a check valve 39 is located in this embodiment. In addition, the air inlet side of the ozone generator 20 is connected via a third air passage 42 with the tub 1.

To fill the storage tank 32, the drain pump 22 conveys the aqueous liquid 6, preferably relatively clean rinse water from one of the last rinses through the first venturi 16 into the storage tank 32. The air inlet 33 of the first venturi 16 is connected to the ozone generator 20 via a second air channel 41 in that the air flowing into the first venturi 16 is enriched with ozone. This ozone-containing air mixes with the aqueous liquid 6 and is transported together with this in the direction and finally in the storage container 32. The ozone in the aqueous liquid 6 may react with organic substances contained in the aqueous liquid 6, thereby killing microorganisms, in particular. This is especially true for the interior of storage tank 32nd

The first air channel 38 between the storage tank 32 and the tub 1 in this embodiment ensures a pressure equalization in the storage tank 32. The check valve 39 allows for this airflow in the first air duct 38 in the direction of the lye genbehälters first On the other hand, the check valve 39 prevents air flow in the reverse direction. Because by the emptying of storage container 32 by means of the storage pump 35 is formed in the storage tank 32, a negative pressure. An air flow from the tub 1 through the first air passage 38, however, is prevented by the check valve 39. Instead, the negative pressure with air from the second air duct 41, which flows through the venturi into the storage tank 32, balanced. This air is also enriched in this embodiment, the ozone generator 20 with ozone. As a result, the storage container 32 fills with ozone-containing air and possibly present microorganisms in the air and on the inner walls of the storage container can be killed. The contamination of the empty, moist storage container 32 is thus inhibited.

In Fig. 1, a sewer line 36 is shown, over which too polluted water, which should not be fed to an intermediate storage, can be disposed of. Valves 44 and 45 are controllable to control the flow of water accordingly.

In Fig. 1, solid lines provided with arrows indicate a guide of an aqueous liquid, essentially water, and dashed lines indicate an air flow.

Fig. 2 is a schematic representation of the relevant parts of an embodiment of a household appliance, in this case a second embodiment of a washing machine, in which a method to be explained below can be carried out. Other embodiments are conceivable. The washing machine shown in FIG. 2 has a tub 1 in which a drum 2 is rotatably mounted about a substantially horizontal axis and can be operated by a drive motor 14. The arrow indicates the direction of rotation of the drum. 3 means the axis of rotation of the drum 2. Wäschemitnehmer 4 and 5 Schöpfeinrichtungen for the wash liquor 6 on the inner surface of the drum shell allow intensification of the flow of laundry 7 with wash liquor and a reduction of the free liquor, so the amount of wash in the tub 1, by the laundry saturated with wash 7 can not be taken.

The washing machine of the embodiment shown here of a household appliance also has a liquor inlet system comprising a water connection fitting for the domestic water network 8, an electrically controllable valve 9 and a supply line 10 to the tub 1, which is guided via a Waschmitteleinspüleinrichtung ("Einspülschale") 1 1 from which the feed water can transport detergent portions into the tub 1. A second venturi 26 is located between the controllable valve 9 and the inlet. rinsing dish 1 1 and is connected via an ozone supply line 25 with an ozone generator 20 as the oxidant generator. The supply line 10 leads from the dispenser 1 1 to the tub. 1 Via the second Venturi nozzle 26, the water flowing to the dispensing dish 1 1 and the feed line 10 sucks ozone-containing air from the domestic water network 8 in the ozone supply line 25. In the tub wall 21, there is an inlet 37 in the exhaust duct 17, in which an ozone removing device 18, an ozone sensor 31 and a fan 19 are located. The exhaust duct 17 leads to an exhaust air outlet 23, which protrudes here into a storage room of the washing machine.

In the ozone supply line 25 is a distribution node 40 which determines the supply of ozone-containing air to a second venturi 26 and to a first venturi 16 located between an aqueous liquid storage vessel 32 and the tub 1. 33 means an air inlet for the first and second Venturi nozzle. From the tub 1, an aqueous liquid 6 located therein, preferably a less contaminated flushing liquid from one of the last rinses, in the storage line 34 by means of a drain pump 22 via the first Venturi nozzle 16 is pumped into the storage tank. In the first venturi nozzle 16, when the air inlet 33 of the venturi nozzle is open, air containing ozone is sucked in from the ozone generator 20 and conducted into the storage container 32 together with the aqueous liquid 6.

The sterilized and optionally still ozone-containing aqueous liquid 6 in the storage container 32 can now be temporarily stored for a longer time until use in a future laundry treatment step. To reuse the aqueous liquid 6 in the tub 1, the aqueous liquid 6 is pumped back from the storage tank 32 back into the tub 1 using a storage pump 35. In the washing machine shown in FIG. 2, an aqueous liquid 6 can also be circulated between the tub 1 and the storage tank 32. Here, mediated by the first Venturi nozzle 16 and / or the second Venturi nozzle 26, ozone-containing air is sucked in from the ozone generator 20 and fed to the aqueous liquid 6 become. As a result, a sterilization of all used in a washing process water leading parts can be achieved.

In the ozone removing device 18 of the embodiment shown in Fig. 2, there is a filter unit 28, here containing activated carbon as a carbon containing material. At the ozone removal device 18, a sight glass 27 is arranged, through which a user of the washing machine can recognize whether in the filter unit 28 still carbon-containing material is present. For the acoustic and / or visual indication of the treatment of the aqueous liquid with ozone and / or an improperly functioning removal of ozone, a display device 29 is located on the washing machine of the specific embodiment shown here.

Between the blower 19 and the exhaust air outlet 23, in the particular embodiment shown here, a supply air duct 30 for the ozone generator 20 branches off at a pitot tube 24. As a result, the fan 19 can be used simultaneously for operating the ozone generator 20 as well as for operating the ozone removing device 18. In addition, there is a heater 13 in the tub 1 embodiments without heating, however, are conceivable. The valve 9 as well as the heater 13 can be controlled by a control device 12 in accordance with a schedule which corresponds to a time program and / or to the achievement of certain measurements of parameters such as liquor level, liquor temperature, drum speed, etc. within the range Washing machine can be tied.

In Fig. 2, 15 is a pressure sensor for the measurement of the hydrostatic pressure p in the tub 1, which results from the level of forming in the tub 1 free liquor. The signals from the drive motor 14, pressure sensor 15, ozone generator 20, blower 19, ozone sensor 31, etc. are supplied to the controller 12, although not shown for reasons of clarity. LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

Treatment tank, tub with drum inside it

axis of rotation

laundry agitator

scoop

aqueous liquid

laundry

Domestic water supply

electrically controllable water valve

Supply line to the treatment tank or tub

Washing agent

control device

heater

drive motor

pressure sensor

Venturi nozzle between treatment tank and storage tank exhaust duct

Oxidant removal device; e.g. Ozone removal device Blower

Oxidant generator; e.g. ozone generator

Tub wall

Pump, drain pump

exhaust air outlet

Pitot tube

Oxidant supply line; e.g. Ozone supply line

Venturi nozzle between domestic water network and induction bowl

sight glass

filter unit

display device Supply air channel for the oxidant generator or ozone generator

Sensor for oxidant, ozone sensor

storage container

Air inlet of the Venturi nozzle

storage line

storage pump

sewer

Entrance to the exhaust duct

First air channel between treatment tank and storage tank valve; check valve

Distribution node in oxidant supply line

Second air channel between oxidant generator or ozone generator and Venturi nozzle

Third air channel between oxidant generator or ozone generator and tub

Return line

Valve in the storage line

Valve in the sewer pipe

Claims

PATENT CLAIMS

Household appliance with a treatment container (1) for holding objects to be treated, a storage container (32) for an aqueous liquid (6), at least one pump (22,35) for transporting the aqueous liquid (6) between the storage container (32) and the treatment container (1), an oxidant generator (20) and at least one Venturi nozzle (16,26), characterized in that a first Venturi nozzle (16) is arranged between the treatment container (1) and the storage container (32) and connected to the oxidant generator (20). and the storage container (32) is connected to the treatment container (1) via a first air duct (38) which can be controlled with a valve (39).

Household appliance according to claim 1, characterized in

Oxidant generator (20) is an ozone generator.

Household appliance according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the valve (39) is a check valve.

Household appliance according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one pump (22,35) for transporting an aqueous liquid

(6) a drain pump (22) and a storage pump (35) can be used between the storage container (32) and the treatment container (1).

Household appliance according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the oxidizing agent generator (20) is connected to the treatment container (1) via a third air duct (42).

Household appliance according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it has an oxidant removal device (18,28).

7. Household appliance according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the household appliance is a washing machine, a washer-dryer or a dishwasher.

8. Method for operating a household appliance with a treatment container (1) for holding objects to be treated, a storage container (32) for an aqueous liquid (6), at least one pump (22,35) for transporting the aqueous liquid (6) between Storage container (32) and treatment container (1), an oxidizing agent generator (20) and at least one Venturi nozzle

(16.26), wherein a first Venturi nozzle (16) is arranged between the treatment container (1) and the storage container (32) and is connected to the oxidant generator (20), and the storage container (32) has a first valve (39 ) controllable air duct (38) is connected to the treatment container (1), comprising the steps:

(a) pumping out the aqueous liquid (6) from the treatment container (1) via the Venturi nozzle (16) into the storage container (32);

(b) generating an oxidant in the oxidant generator (20);

(c) sucking in the oxidizing agent produced via the first Venturi nozzle (16); and

(d) transferring the oxidizing agent into the storage container (32) using the aqueous liquid (6).

9. The method according to claim 8, characterized in that during the pumping out of step (a) a pressure equalization is carried out between the storage container (32) and the treatment container (1) via a first air duct (38) which can be controlled with a valve (39). .

10. Method for operating a household appliance with a treatment container (1) for holding objects to be treated, a storage container (32) for an aqueous liquid (6), at least one pump (22,35) for transporting the aqueous liquid (6) between Storage container (32) and treatment container (1), an oxidizing agent generator (20) and at least one Venturi nozzle

(16.27), wherein a first Venturi nozzle (16) is arranged between the treatment container (1) and the storage container (32) and with the oxidant generator Rator (20) is connected, and the storage container (32) is connected to the treatment container (1) via a first air duct (38) which can be controlled with a valve (39), comprising the steps:

(e) pumping the aqueous liquid (6) present in the storage container (32) back into the treatment container (1) while an air inlet (33) of the first Venturi nozzle (16) to the oxidant generator (20) is open and this is in operation, and

(f) sucking oxidizing agent into the storage container (32).

1 1. The method according to claim 10, characterized in that during the pumping back of step (e), a first air duct (38) between the storage container (32) and the treatment container (1), which can be controlled with a check valve (39), is closed.

12. The method according to claim 10 or 1 1, characterized in that simultaneously with the pumping back according to step (e), step (a), pumping out the aqueous liquid (6) from the treatment container (1) via the first Venturi nozzle (16). the storage container (32) is carried out.

13. The method according to one of claims 8 to 12, characterized in that the household appliance is a washing machine or a washer-dryer and items of laundry (7) are present in the treatment room.

14. The method according to any one of claims 8 to 13, characterized in that the oxidizing agent is ozone.