WO2018041590A1

WO2018041590A1 - Laundry-care appliance having a controller

Info

Publication number: WO2018041590A1
Application number: PCT/EP2017/070330
Authority: WO
Inventors: Kevin Hahn; Rainer Jurmann; Dirk MISCHKE; Raymond Römer; Jörg SKRIPPEK; Stefan Wetzel
Original assignee: BSH Hausgeräte GmbH
Priority date: 2016-09-05
Filing date: 2017-08-10
Publication date: 2018-03-08
Also published as: PL3507409T3; EP3507409A1; EP3507409B1; CN109661490B; DE102016216737A1; DE102016216737B4; CN109661490A

Abstract

The present invention relates to a laundry-care appliance (100) having a washing tub (109) for receiving washing liquid, a drain opening (111), arranged on the washing tub (109), for discharging washing liquid, wherein the drain opening (111) is fluidically connected to a drain line (113), wherein the drain line (113) is connected to a pump (119), wherein the pump (119) is configured to pump washing liquid out of the laundry-care appliance (100) through the drain opening (111) and through the drain line (113), a power detection element (127) for detecting an electrical power value of the pump (119), and having a controller (123) for controlling the pump (119). The controller (123) is configured to determine, for a first period of time (147), a washing liquid column (132) oscillating in the drain line (113) when the electrical power value detected by the power detection element (127) exceeds an electrical oscillation reference power value (157). The controller (123) is configured to reduce, for a second period of time (149) following the first period of time (147), a pumping capacity of the pump (119) to a reduced pumping capacity (151), wherein, while the pump (119) is being operated with the reduced pumping capacity (151), the electrical power value detected by the power detection element (127) drops below the electrical oscillation reference power value (157) in order to reduce the oscillation of the washing liquid column (132) in the drain line (113). The controller (123) is configured to determine, during a third period of time (153) following the second period of time (149), an inflow of washing liquid into the drain line (113) when the electrical power value detected by the power detection element (127) exceeds an electrical inflow reference power value.

Description

Laundry care device with a controller

The present invention relates to a laundry care device with a controller. After pumping washing liquid from the tub of a laundry care device by a pump, a residue of the pumped washing liquid remains in the drain line, the rest of the pumped washing liquid on the pressure side of the pump in the drain line forms a scrubbing column, if the pump is still driven. From a certain pressure on the pump nozzle, the washing liquid column lifts from the pump pressure chamber, so that the washing liquid column in this case flow back through the gravitational force acting on them in the drain line and can penetrate into the suction chamber of the pump. If the pump operated at a low pumping power with a raised pumping liquid column again accelerates the backwashed washing liquid, a washing liquid column builds up again on the pressure-side side of the pump in the drain line, which then flows back again in the drain line due to gravity. The successive pumping of washing liquid and backflow of washing liquid in the drain line a vibrating washing liquid column is obtained in the drain line. The vibrating washing liquid column oscillates in the drain line with your design-related natural frequency. Due to the oscillation of the washing liquid column in the discharge line, an unpleasant oscillating noise condition can occur and, moreover, a strong engine load can occur for the pump due to the oscillating delivery flows of the washing liquid. The effect of the Aufschwingens the washing liquid column occurs in certain constellations of pump shape, flow behavior and Aufstellbedingungen or head of the laundry care device.

In EP 2 933 365 A1 discloses a method for controlling a Umwutpumpsystems disclosed which includes in particular the control of the volume flow to avoid the suction of a water-air mixture. In DE 10 2010 042 491 A1 discloses a pump device for a domestic appliance is disclosed, wherein the pump device comprises in particular a drive motor and a circuit arrangement for operating the drive motor.

In DE 10 2010 042 494 A1 discloses a method for switching off a single-phase synchronous motor in a domestic appliance, wherein an AC supply voltage to a winding of a stator of the single-phase synchronous motor is applied.

In DE 10 2008 029 910 A1 discloses a method for load level detection of a fluid-conveying driven by an electric motor pump of a household appliance is disclosed.

It is the object of the present invention to provide a laundry care device in which a low-noise pumping out of washing liquid from the drain line is ensured.

This object is solved by the objects with the features according to the independent claims. Advantageous embodiments are the subject of the dependent claims, the description and the drawings. According to one aspect, the object of the invention by a laundry care device with a tub for receiving washing liquid, arranged on the tub outlet opening for discharging washing liquid, the drain opening is fluidly connected to a drain line, wherein the drain line is connected to a pump, wherein the Pump is formed to pump washing liquid through the drain opening and through the drain line from the laundry care device, a power detection element for detecting an electric power value of the pump, and solved with a control for controlling the pump, wherein the controller is formed during a first period of time in determining the drain pipe oscillating washing liquid column when the electric power value detected by the power detecting element exceeds an electric vibration reference power value, wherein the controller is formed t, during a second time period subsequent to the first time period, to reduce a pump power of the pump to a reduced pump power, wherein in operating the pump having the reduced pumping power, the electric power value detected by the power detecting element is lower than the electric vibration reference power value to reduce the vibration of the washing liquid column in the drain line, and wherein the controller is configured, during a third time period subsequent to the second time period To determine the flow of washing liquid into the drain pipe when the electric power value detected by the power detecting element exceeds an electric supply reference power value.

As a result, the technical advantage is achieved that an effective reduction or elimination of the oscillating washing liquid column in the drain line is made possible by the control. This reduces noise when pumping out.

During the first period, the controller determines the presence of a vibrating scrubbing column in the drain line when the electrical power detected by the power sensing element exceeds an electrical vibration reference power value. Due to the washing liquid column oscillating at a certain frequency in the discharge line, an electric power value of the pump oscillating at a corresponding frequency results, e.g. the amplitude of an applied to the pump electric current. When the electrical vibration reference power value is exceeded by the detected electrical power value, the controller may determine that there is a vibrating wash liquid column in the drain line.

During the second time period subsequent to the first time period, the controller reduces the pump power of the pump to the reduced pump power, wherein the electric power value detected by the power detection element falls below the electrical vibration reference power value when operating the pump with the reduced pump power, so that a removal, or at least a significant reduction of the oscillating in the drain line washing liquid column can be ensured during the second period.

During the third period of time following the second period, the controller determines an influx of washing liquid into the drain line when the electric power value detected by the power detection element exceeds the electric supply reference power value. After the second period, the oscillating washing liquid column in the drain line was sufficiently reduced. Subsequently, when washing liquid from the tub penetrates the drain during the third time period, the electric power value of the pump detected by the power detecting element may exceed the inflow reference power value. As a result, the controller can recognize that sufficient washing liquid is again present in the discharge line in order to ensure effective pumping out of the washing liquid from the laundry care appliance without a vibrating washing liquid column occurring in the discharge line. For this purpose, the controller can sufficiently increase the pump power of the pump again. In the event that during the further Abpumpvorgangs again an oscillating washing liquid column occurs in the drain line, the controller can repeat the first, second and third time period. Thus, the inventive laundry care device ensures early detection of a lack of washing liquid to the pump, and a vibrating state of the scrubbing column in the drain line and associated noise and high energy requirements can be avoided without constructive, design changes must be performed in the laundry care device. In addition, the life of the components can be extended.

In this case, the pump is operated by a pump motor, which in particular comprises a permanent-magnet pump motor or an electronically commutated pump motor. A reduction of the pump power of the pump is achieved in particular by reducing the pump speed of the pump.

The occurrence of a vibrating washing liquid column in the drain line does not occur in each laundry care appliance, but occurs when the pump speed of the pump exceeds a predetermined vibration speed. The vibration speed is in turn dependent on the height of the washing liquid column in the drain line, wherein the height of the washing liquid column in the drain line in turn depends on the height of a drain hose, which on an outside of the laundry care device is appropriate. If the pump speed of the pump falls below a predetermined vibration speed, no oscillating washing liquid column occurs in the drain line. When the pump speed of the pump exceeds a predetermined vibration speed, a vibrating washing liquid column in the drain line occurs, and the vibration of the washing liquid column is reduced according to the embodiment of the present invention.

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

In an advantageous embodiment of the laundry care apparatus, the controller is configured to increase the pumping power of the pump to a nominal pumping power during a fourth period subsequent to the third period to deliver washing liquid through the drainage opening from the tub and through the drainage conduit from the laundry care appliance ,

As a result, the technical advantage is achieved that after detecting and eliminating the oscillating in the drain line washing liquid column during the first and second time periods and detecting a renewed influx of washing liquid into the drain line during the third period, in the subsequent fourth period again the pump power the pump can be increased to the nominal pumping power to carry the washing liquid from the tub and through the drain line from the laundry care device, without any noise nuisance or mechanical nuisance occurring during the fourth period of time due to a washing liquid column oscillating in the drain line. In a further advantageous embodiment of the laundry care appliance, the electric power value of the pump detected by the power detection element comprises an electric power, an electric current strength, in particular an amplitude of the electric current strength, or a torque-forming current of the pump. Thereby, the technical advantage is achieved that the detected by the power detection element changes in the electric power, the electric current, in particular the amplitude of the electric current or the torque-forming current of the pump allow an effective conclusion on the flow rate of the pumped through the pump washing liquid , or to draw conclusions about the occurrence of a vibrating washing liquid column in the drain line.

In a further advantageous embodiment of the laundry care apparatus, the controller is configured to determine the wash column traveling in the drain line when the electrical power value sensed by the power detector exceeds x times the electrical vibration reference power value during the first period, where x is greater than a frequency threshold within a time interval is. As a result, the technical advantage is achieved that can be determined by the control a vibrating in the drain line washing liquid column with a particularly high reliability. The frequency threshold value is set with respect to a predetermined time interval and thus ensures that the detected electric power value exceeds the electrical vibration reference power value enough times to be able to determine the presence of the vibrating washing liquid column with sufficient certainty. The time interval and the frequency threshold that correlates with the time interval can be set variably depending on certain program parameters. In a further advantageous embodiment of the laundry care appliance, the electrical vibration reference power value is a constant or a variable electrical vibration reference power value, wherein the variable electrical vibration reference power value is detectable by the power detecting element, if the washing liquid present in the drain line has no oscillating washing liquid column.

This achieves the technical advantage that the controller can easily determine, often the detected one, at a constant electrical vibration reference power value electric power value exceeds the electric vibration reference power value. A variable vibration reference power value may be detected by the power detecting element itself if the washing liquid present in the drain line does not have a vibrating washing liquid column. Thus, with a variable vibration reference power value, design-related variations of the vibration reference power value are taken into account, and the controller can determine with greater accuracy whether deviation of the detected electric power value from the variable vibration reference power value is due to a washing liquid column oscillating in the drain line. In a further advantageous embodiment of the laundry care appliance, the variable electrical vibration reference power value corresponds to a mean variable electrical vibration reference power value, wherein the average variable electrical vibration reference power value is determinable based on average values of the variable electrical vibration reference power value, wherein the mean values are each determinable during an average time interval.

As a result, the technical advantage is achieved that by taking into account average values of the variable electrical vibration reference power value that can be determined during the average time interval when determining the average variable electrical vibration reference power value, serious, in particular statistical or random, deviations of the vibration reference power value can be compensated. As a result, it can be determined with particular reliability by the controller whether there is an oscillating washing liquid column in the drain line. In a further advantageous embodiment of the laundry care device, the controller is designed to determine a frequency at a maximum amplitude of the electrical power value during the first time period, and the controller is configured to determine the specific frequency and the maximum amplitude of the electrical power value with reference frequency values and reference amplitudes within one Reference period to determine the oscillating in the drain line washing liquid column. Thereby, the technical advantage is achieved that by converting the electrical power value detected during the first time period into corresponding frequencies of the electric power value, eg by Fourier transformation, and by comparing the determined frequency at the maximum amplitude of the electric power value with reference frequency values and reference amplitudes Within a reference period, a particularly effective determination of the oscillating in the drain line washing liquid column is made possible. With the washing liquid column oscillating in the discharge line, a correspondingly oscillating electric power value is correlated, from which the frequency at the maximum amplitude of the electric power value can be effectively determined.

In a further advantageous embodiment of the laundry care appliance, the controller is configured to deactivate the pump during the second time period, or the controller is designed to reduce the pumping capacity of the pump below a minimum pumping power threshold during the second time period to reduce the oscillation of the washing liquid column in the drainage line to reduce.

As a result, the technical advantage is achieved that it is ensured in the second period that the vibrations of the scrubbing column in the drain line can be significantly reduced or completely eliminated. When the pump is deactivated, the reduced pump power is zero. When the pump power of the pump is reduced below the minimum pump power threshold, it is ensured that the minimum pump power threshold is set sufficiently low that no or only greatly reduced oscillations of the scrubber column in the drain line occur below the minimum pump power threshold.

In a further advantageous embodiment of the laundry care device, the controller is configured to determine a re-flow of wash fluid into the drain line when the electrical power value sensed by the power sensing element exceeds the electrical current reference power value during the third time period y times, where y is greater than another frequency threshold within a further time interval. Thereby, the technical advantage is achieved that can be determined by the controller with a particularly high reliability that during the third period again washing liquid flows into the drain line. The further frequency threshold value is set with respect to a further predetermined time interval and thus ensures that the detected electric power value exceeds the electrical inflow reference power value sufficiently often to be able to determine the inflow of washing fluid with sufficient certainty. The further time interval and the further frequency threshold value correlating with the further time interval can hereby be set variably as a function of certain program parameters.

In a further advantageous embodiment of the laundry care device, the controller is configured to increase the reduced pumping power of the pump during the third time period, and the controller is configured to determine the flow of washing liquid into the drainage line during the third time period detected by the power sensing element electric power value exceeds the inflow reference power value.

Thereby, the technical advantage is achieved that by continuously increasing the pumping power of the pump during the third time period, based on the reduced pumping power during the second time period, and comparing the electric power value detected by the power detecting element with the inflow reference power value with increasing the pumping power the pump can be ensured that an influx of washing liquid can be effectively detected in the drain line.

In a further advantageous embodiment of the laundry care device, the controller is configured to operate the pump at the reduced pump power during the third time period, and the controller is configured to determine the flow of wash fluid into the drain line when, through the power sensing element during the third time period detected electric power value exceeds the inflow reference power value. Thereby, the technical advantage is achieved that the constant reduced pumping power of the pump during the third time period can effectively compare the electric power value detected by the power detecting element with the inflow reference power value, and thus an inflow of washing liquid into the drain line can be effectively recognized.

In a further advantageous embodiment of the laundry care apparatus, the laundry care apparatus has a pressure detecting unit for detecting a pressure of the washing liquid in the drainage pipe between the drainage port and the pump, and the controller is configured to determine the flow of washing liquid into the drainage pipe when during the third time period the pressure detected by the pressure detection unit exceeds a reference pressure threshold.

Thereby, the technical advantage is achieved that the pressure detection unit of the controller allows an effective and direct way to detect the flow of washing liquid into the drain line.

In a further advantageous embodiment of the laundry care appliance, the drainage line has an inlet section which fluidly connects the drainage opening to the pump, and the drainage line has a pumping section which connects the pump to an outlet opening on a device housing of the laundry care appliance, wherein the oscillating washing liquid column during the first period of time occurs in the Abpumpabschnitt.

Thereby, the technical advantage is achieved that the washing liquid can be sucked through the suction-side inlet section of the drain line effectively by the pump, and that the sucked washing liquid can be effectively pumped through the pressure-side pumping section by means of the pump.

In a further advantageous embodiment of the laundry care device, the pump has a Abpumpdruckkammer for pumping off washing liquid, the Abpumpdruckkammer is fluidly connected to the drain line, and the pump has a Umpumpdruckkammer for pumping over washing liquid, wherein the Umpumpdruckkammer is fluidly connected to a Umpumpdruckleitung in which the recirculation line is fluidly connected to an inlet nozzle of the laundry care device.

Thereby, the technical advantage is achieved that an effective pumping out of washing liquid through the drain line from the laundry care device with a reduction of the oscillating washing liquid column in the drain line can also be performed with a pump with two pressure chambers, for example in a pumping system.

According to a second aspect of the invention, the object is achieved by a method for pumping washing liquid in a laundry care device, wherein the laundry care device a liquid container for receiving washing liquid, arranged on the tub outlet opening for discharging washing liquid, wherein the drain opening fluidly connected to a drain line , wherein the drain line is connected to a pump, wherein the pump is adapted to pump washing liquid through the drain opening and through the drain line from the laundry care device, a power detecting element for detecting an electric power value of the pump and a controller for controlling the pump the method comprises the steps of: determining a scrubbing liquid column oscillating in the downcomer during a first period of time when the electrical power value sensed by the power sensing element comprises a exceeding a pumping power of the pump to a reduced pumping power during a second period subsequent to the first period, wherein when the pump is operated at the reduced pumping power, the electric power value detected by the power detecting element is less than the electrical vibration reference power value to make the vibration of the in and determining an inflow of wash liquid into the drain line during a third time period subsequent to the second time period when the electrical power value sensed by the power sensing element exceeds an electrical inflow reference power value. As a result, the technical advantage is achieved that an effective reduction or elimination of the oscillating washing liquid column in the drain line is made possible by the method. Furthermore, as an optional fourth method step, the method comprises increasing a pump power of the pump to a nominal pump power.

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

Fig. 1 is a schematic view of a laundry care device;

FIG. 2 shows a schematic view of a laundry care appliance with a pump connected to a drain line; FIG.

Fig. 3 is a schematic representation of a pumping operation in a laundry care device; 4 shows a schematic representation of a detection of a vibrating washing liquid column in a drain line of a laundry care appliance according to a first embodiment;

5 shows a schematic representation of a detection of a vibrating washing liquid column in a drain line of a laundry care appliance according to a second embodiment;

6 shows a schematic illustration of detecting a vibrating washing liquid column in a drain line of a laundry care appliance according to a third embodiment; and

7 shows a method for pumping washing liquid in a laundry care appliance.

Fig. 1 shows a schematic view of a general laundry care device 100, such as e.g. a washing machine. The laundry care appliance 100 comprises an induction bowl 101, into which wash-care substance, such as e.g. Detergent, can be filled. The laundry care device 100 comprises a device door 103 for loading the laundry care device 100 with laundry and comprises a device housing 105.

Fig. 2 shows a schematic view of a laundry care device with a connected to a drain line pump. The laundry care device 100 comprises a device housing 105, a laundry drum 107 arranged in the device housing 105 for receiving laundry and a tub 109 for accommodating laundry Washing liquid. The tub 109 has a drain opening 1 1 1, which is arranged on an underside of the tub 109 and fluidly connected to a drain line 1 13, wherein the drain line 1 13 an inlet section 1 15 and a pumping section 1 17. The drain opening 1 1 1 is connected to the inlet section 1 15 of the drain line 1 13. Between the inlet section 1 15 and the pumping section 1 17 of the drain line 1 13, a pump 1 19 is seconded. The Abpumpabschnitt 1 17 is connected to an outlet opening 121 on the device housing 105. The outlet opening 121 is connected to a drain hose, not shown in FIG. 2, which is arranged outside the laundry care appliance 100. The pump 1 19 is designed to pump washing liquid through the drain opening 1 1 1 from the tub 109 and pumped off the pumped washing liquid through the inlet section 1 15, through the pumping section 1 17, and through the outlet opening 121 from the laundry care device 100 and then the washing liquid remove the drain hose. The pump 1 19 is controlled by a controller 123, which is connected to the pump 1 19 through a control connection 125. In addition, the pump 1 19 is connected to a power detection element 127 for detecting an electric power value of the pump 1 19 through a detection connection 129. The controller 123 is connected to the power detection element 127 through another detection connection 131. When a large part of the washing liquid is pumped out of the tub 109, the influx of washing liquid breaks off and a washing liquid column 132 remains in the pumping section 1 17 of the drain line 1 13, as long as the pump 1 19 continues to be driven. 3 shows a schematic illustration of a pumping operation in a drain line of a laundry care appliance according to an embodiment. FIG. 3 shows a time diagram of the electrical current applied to the pump 1 19, the pumping power of the pump 1 19, and the activation of the pump 1 19, all along the ordinate axis 133 as a function of time, which is indicated along the abscissa axis 135 , are applied.

The first curve 137 shows the voltage applied to the pump 1 19 electrical current, in particular the amplitude of the applied electric current. The second turn 139 shows the pumping power of the pump 1 19. The third curve 141 shows the activation of the pump 1 19. As shown in FIG. 3, the pump 1 19 is operated during a pumping period 143 with a nominal pumping power 145 and the flow rate through the pump 1 19 promoted washing liquid has a sufficiently high value to ensure that the washing liquid is effectively pumped through the drain line 1 13 from the laundry care device 100.

After the majority of the washing liquid has been pumped off, the inflow of the washing liquid to the pump 1 19 breaks off during the first time interval 147 following the pumping time section 143, so that the pumping power of the washing liquid delivered by the pump 19 drops during the first time interval 147. Since the downstream of the discharge line 13 is connected to the pump 1 19 on the pressure side, a washing liquid column 132 remains in the downstream or pressure-side part of the drain line 13, if the pump 19 continues to be driven.

Due to the partially ventilated pump suction chamber and the pump pressure chamber, the pump 1 19 now changes into a non-conveying state which emits a monotone noise, which is often referred to as "snorkeling" or "slurping". Exceeds the pressure that builds the pump 1 19, the opposite hydrostatic pressure of the device constructed in the washing liquid column 132 sufficiently, the washing liquid column 132 dissolves from the pump impeller and is temporarily raised, delayed at a top dead center, then moves again due to Gravity back and flows against the pumping direction into the suction chamber of the pump 1 19. In the pressure chamber of the pump 1 19, the washing liquid is accelerated again until it finally lifts off the pump impeller again. Subsequently, the remaining washing liquid column 132 oscillates in its design-related natural frequency.

This effect occurs in certain constellations of formation of the pump shape, flow behavior of the washing liquid in the drain line 1 13 and installation condition of the laundry care device 100. The vibrating washing liquid column 132 usually turns on only a few seconds after the stall and the monotonous noise noise. The vibration of the washing liquid column 132 manifests itself as Noise in an oscillating roar, which can be perceived as stronger and more disturbing than the noise noise that occurs directly after the stall.

The vibration of the washing liquid column 132 generates an oscillating noise condition. In addition, due to the vibrating washing liquid column 132, the pump motor operates at a fluctuating load, although in this state, no washing liquid is delivered, which is an additional engine load.

By the present invention, this undesirable phenomenon is procedurally counteracted without having to make constructive changes to the pump 1 19 and to the washing liquid-carrying system.

During the first period 147, the controller 123 determines the occurrence of a vibrating washing liquid column 132 in the downstream part of the drain pipe 1 13 with respect to the pump 1 19 when the electric power value of the pump 1 19 detected by a power detecting element 127 exceeds an electric vibration reference power value. The detected electrical power value may include an electric power of the pump 1 19, an electric current, in particular amplitude of the electric current, or a torque-generating current of the pump 1 19.

After the controller 123 has determined the occurrence of a vibrating scrubbing column 132 in the drain line 1 13 during the first period 147, the controller 123 reduces the pump power of the pump 1 19 to a reduced pump power 151 during a second period 149 subsequent to the first period 147 , The controller 123 may deactivate the pump 1 19, whereby the flow rate of the pumped by the pump 1 19 washing liquid is completely adjusted. Alternatively, however, the controller 123 may merely reduce the pump power below a minimum pump power threshold which is sufficiently low to adjust the vibrations of the scrubbing column 132 in the drain line 13. Due to the completely eliminated or at least greatly reduced oscillations of the washing liquid column 132 in the drain line 1 13, the detected by the power detection element 127 electrical below Power value the electrical vibration reference power value, so that the controller 123 recognizes that the vibrations of the washing liquid column 132 are completely eliminated or at least greatly reduced.

After reducing the vibration of the wash liquid column 132 present in the drain line 13 during the second time interval 149, the controller 123 recognizes the renewed influx of wash liquid into the drain line 13 during an adjoining third time period 153. During the third time interval 153 the controller 123 outputs the electric power value detected by the power detection element 127 with an electric supply reference power value. When the detected electric power value exceeds the electric supply reference power value, the controller 123 recognizes that a sufficient flow of washing liquid into the drain pipe 13 takes place, whereby it can be ensured that the pump 1 19 can be operated again with an increased pumping power.

In a first variant, not shown in FIG. 3, the controller 123 operates the pump 1 19 during the third time section 153 with the reduced pumping power 151 and compares the detected electric power value with the electrical inflow reference power value to effectively control the flow of wash fluid into the drain line 13 to determine.

In a second variant illustrated in FIG. 3, the controller 123 increases the reduced pumping power 151 of the pump 1 19 during the third time period 153 and compares the detected electric power value with the electrical inflow reference power value to obtain a detected electric power value when the inflow electric power reference value is exceeded to determine sufficient influx of washing liquid in the drain line 1 13.

In a third variant, not shown in FIG. 3, the controller 123 compares the pressure detected by a pressure detection unit in an inlet section 15 of the drain line 13 with a reference pressure threshold value to determine a sufficient flow of washing liquid into the drain line 13. During a fourth time section 155 adjoining the third time section 153, the controller 123 again increases the pumping power of the pump 1 19 to the nominal pumping power 145, to wash fluid through the drain opening 11 1 from the tub 109 into the drain line 13 and out of the laundry care device 100 to carry.

By means of the laundry care apparatus 100 according to the invention, early detection of the absence of liquid flow to the pump 1 19 is detected, and an oscillating state of the washing liquid column 132 in the drain line 13 and associated noise increase and energy reduction are avoided without constructive, design changes being made in the laundry care appliance 100 Need to become. In addition, the life of the components can be extended.

Furthermore, the program sequence of the laundry care device 100 can be adjusted. In particular, the program duration can be changed, and procedural sections can be switched on or off. By recognizing the renewed influx of washing liquid to the suction nozzle of the pump 1 19, the pump 1 19 can quickly return to the promotional state. If the operating point of the pump 1 19 without the present method has been deliberately operated at a lower operating point to rule out the swinging of the washing liquid column 132 in principle, the operating point can now be operated at a higher power level due to the detection of the vibrating washing liquid column 132. As a result, the washing liquid can then be pumped out faster with a higher flow rate or to a higher drain level with a higher pressure to shorten the washing process. Thus, the two states "snorkeling / slurping" and "vibrating washing liquid column 132, or pounding", which may occur after stall, can be distinguished by the process and treated procedurally in different ways.

4 shows a schematic representation of detecting a vibrating washing liquid column in a drain line of a laundry care appliance according to a first embodiment. 4 shows a temporal representation of the amplitude of the electrical current applied to the pump 1 19 along the ordinate axis 133 as a function of time, which is indicated along the abscissa axis 135. The first curve 137 shows the amplitude of the electrical current applied to the pump 1 19 during the first time interval 147. It can be seen from FIG. 4 that individual measured values of the detected amplitude of the electrical current strength are above a vibration reference power value 157. The controller 123 determines that there is a vibrating scrubbing column 132 in the drain line 13 when, during the first period 147, the individual measured values of detected amplitude of electrical current exceed the vibration reference power value 157 x times, where x is greater than a frequency threshold, where the frequency threshold is set in relation to a time interval. The time interval and the frequency threshold value can be variably determined as a function of certain program parameters.

Fig. 5 shows a schematic representation of detecting a vibrating washing liquid column in a drain line of a laundry care device according to a second embodiment. FIG. 5 shows a chronological illustration of the electrical current applied to the pump 1 19 along the ordinate axis 133 as a function of time, which is indicated along the abscissa axis 135.

The first curve 137 shows the electrical current applied to the pump 1 19 and illustrates the oscillation of the electrical current during the first time period 147. In addition, the fourth curve 159 shows a mean variable electrical vibration reference power value 157, which is based on average values of the variable electrical vibration reference power value 157 can be determined, wherein the average values are determined in each case during an average time interval. 6 shows a schematic representation of detecting a vibrating washing liquid column in a drain line of a laundry care appliance according to a third embodiment. 6 shows an operating vibration analysis of the electrical current applied to the pump 1 19 along the ordinate axis 133 as a function of the frequency of the electrical current intensity, which is indicated along the abscissa axis 135.

The fifth curve 161 and the sixth curve 163 show the amplitudes of the electric current during the first time interval 147 as a function of the frequency. In this case, the controller 123 determines a frequency at a maximum amplitude of an electrical power value during the first time interval 147 and compares the determined frequency and the maximum amplitude with reference frequency values and reference amplitudes within a reference period to determine the washing liquid column 132 oscillating in the drain line 1 13.

FIG. 7 shows a method 200 for pumping washing liquid in a laundry care device 100. The method 200 comprises as a first step the determination 201 of a washing liquid column 132 oscillating in the drain line 1 13 during a first time interval 147 when the electrical power value detected by the power detection element 127 exceeds an electrical vibration reference power value 157. The method 200 comprises, as a second step, reducing 203 a pumping power of the pump 1 19 to a reduced pumping power 151 during a second time interval 149 adjoining the first time interval 147, wherein when the pump 1 19 is operated with the reduced pumping power 151, the pumping power is detected by the power sensing element 127 detected electric power value falls below the electrical vibration reference power value 157 to reduce the vibration of the present in the drain line 1 13 washing liquid column 132. The method 200 includes, as a third step, determining 205 an inflow of wash liquid into the drain line 13 during a third time period 153 subsequent to the second time period 149 when the electrical power value sensed by the power sensing element 127 exceeds an electrical input reference power value. The method 200 includes, as an optional fourth method step, increasing 207 a pumping power of the pump 1 19 to a nominal pumping power 145.

All of the features explained and shown in connection with individual embodiments of the invention may be provided in different combinations in the article according to the invention in order to simultaneously realize their advantageous effects. The scope of the present invention is given by the claims and is not limited by the features illustrated in the specification or shown in the figures. LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

100 laundry care device

101 induction bowl

103 appliance door

105 device housing

107 laundry drum

109 tubs

11 1 drain opening

1 13 drain line

1 15 inlet section

1 17 pumping section

1 19 pump

121 outlet opening

123 control

125 control connection

127 Performance detection element

129 detection connection

131 Further detection connection

132 washing liquid column

133 ordinate axis

135 abscissa axis

137 First turn

139 Second turn

141 Third corner

143 pumping period

145 Nominal pumping capacity

147 First period

149 Second Period

151 Reduced pumping power

153 Third Period

155 Fourth Period

157 Vibration Reference Power Value

159 Fourth bend Fifth bend

Sixth bend

Process for pumping washing liquid in a laundry care appliance

First process step: Determining a washing liquid column oscillating in the discharge line

Second process step: reducing a pump power of the pump to a reduced pump power

Third process step: determining an inflow of washing liquid into the

drain line

Optional fourth step: Increase a pump power of the pump to a nominal pump power

Claims

A laundry care appliance (100) having a lye container (109) for receiving washing liquid, a drain opening (1 1 1) arranged on the lye container (109) for discharging washing liquid, wherein the drainage opening (1 1 1) is fluidically connected to a drain line (1 13) is connected, wherein the drain line (1 13) with a pump (1 19) is connected, wherein the pump (1 19) is formed, washing liquid through the drain opening (1 1 1) and through the drain line (1 13) from the laundry care device (100), a power detecting element (127) for detecting an electric power value of the pump (1 19), and a controller (123) for controlling the pump (1 19), characterized in that

the controller (123) is configured to determine a washing liquid column (132) oscillating in the drain line (1 13) during a first time period (147) when the electric power value detected by the power detecting element (127) exceeds an electric vibration reference power value (157), that

the controller (123) is designed to reduce a pumping power of the pump (1 19) to a reduced pumping power (151) during a second time section (149) adjoining the first time section (147), wherein during operation of the pump (1 19) with the reduced pump power (151) of the electric power value detected by the power detecting element (127) falls below the electric vibration reference power value (157) to reduce the vibration of the washing liquid column (132) in the drain line (1 13);

the controller (123) is adapted, during a third time period (153) subsequent to the second time period (149), to determine an influx of wash liquid into the drain line (1 13) when the electrical power value sensed by the power sensing element (127) exceeds an electrical input reference power value.

The laundry care device (100) according to claim 1, characterized in that the controller (123) is designed, during a fourth time section (155) adjoining the third time section (153), the pumping power of the pump (1 19) to a nominal pump power ( 145) to increase washing liquid through the drain opening (1 1 1) from the tub (109) and through the drain line (1 13) from the laundry care device (100).

Laundry care appliance (100) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the electric power value of the pump (1 19) detected by the power detection element (127), an electric power, an electric current, in particular an amplitude of the electric current, or a torque forming flow of the pump (1 19).

The laundry care apparatus (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the controller (123) is adapted to determine the washing liquid column (132) oscillating in the drain pipe (1 13) when the electric power value detected by the power detecting element (127) is electrical oscillation reference power value (157) x times during the first time period (147), where x is greater than a frequency threshold within a time interval.

A laundry care apparatus (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the electrical vibration reference power value (157) is a constant or variable electrical vibration reference power value (157), the variable electrical vibration reference power value (157) being detectable by the power sensing element (127) in the drain line (1 13) existing washing liquid no oscillating washing liquid column (132).

The laundry care apparatus (100) of claim 5, wherein the variable electrical vibration reference power value (157) corresponds to a mean variable electrical vibration reference power value (157), the average variable electrical vibration reference power value (157) being based on average values of the variable electrical vibration reference power value (157) is determinable, wherein the average values can each be determined during an average time interval.

The laundry care device (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the controller (123) is adapted to determine a frequency at a maximum amplitude of the electrical power value during the first period (147) and the controller (123) is formed to compare the particular frequency and the maximum amplitude of the electrical power value with reference frequency values and reference amplitudes within a reference period to determine the washing liquid column (132) oscillating in the drain line (13).

A laundry care appliance (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the controller (123) is adapted to deactivate the pump (1 19) during the second time period (149) or during the said control (123) second time portion (149) to reduce the pumping power of the pump (1 19) below a minimum pumping power threshold to reduce the vibration of the washing liquid column (132) in the drain line (1 13).

A laundry care appliance (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the controller (123) is adapted to determine a re-flow of washing liquid into the drain line (1 13) when the electrical power value detected by the power sensing element (127) is electrical Inflow reference power value during the third period (153) exceeds y times, where y is greater than another frequency threshold within a further time interval.

The laundry care appliance (100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the controller (123) is designed to increase the reduced pumping capacity (151) of the pump (1 19) during the third time period (153), and

the controller (123) is adapted to determine the flow of washing liquid into the drain line (1 13) when, during the third time period (153) the electric power value detected by the power detecting element (127) exceeds the inflow reference power value.

1 1. The laundry care apparatus (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the controller (123) is adapted to operate the pump (1 19) with the reduced pump power (151) during the third time period (153), and that

the controller (123) is adapted to determine the flow of washing liquid into the drain line (1 13) when, during the third period (153), the electric power value detected by the power detecting element (127) exceeds the inflow reference power value.

12. laundry care device (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the laundry care device (100) comprises a pressure detection unit for detecting a pressure of the washing liquid in the drain line (1 13) between the drain port (1 1 1) and the pump (19 ), and in that the controller (123) is arranged to determine the flow of washing liquid into the drain line (1 13) when, during the third period (153), the pressure detected by the pressure detecting unit exceeds a reference pressure threshold.

13. laundry care device (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the drain line (1 13) has an inlet section (1 15), which fluidly connects the drain opening (1 1 1) with the pump (1 19), and that the discharge line (1 13) has a pumping section (1 17) which connects the pump (1 19) to an outlet opening (121) on a device housing (105) of the laundry care device (100), wherein the oscillating washing liquid column (132) during the first Period of time (147) in the Abpumpabschnitt (1 17) occurs.

14. laundry care device (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the pump (1 19) has a Abpumpdruckkammer for pumping out washing liquid, wherein the Abpumpdruckkammer with the drain line (1 13) is fluidly connected, and that the pump (1 19) one Pumping pressure chamber for pumping around washing liquid, wherein the pumping pressure chamber is fluidly connected to a Umpumpdruckleitung, the Umpumpleitung is fluidly connected to an inlet nozzle of the laundry care device (100).

Method (200) for pumping washing liquid in a laundry care appliance (100), wherein the laundry care appliance (100) comprises a washing tub (109) for receiving washing liquid, a drain opening (11) arranged on the tub (109) for removing washing liquid, wherein the drain opening (1 1 1) with a drain line (1 13) is fluidly connected, wherein the drain line (1 13) with a pump (1 19) is connected, wherein the pump (1 19) is formed, washing liquid through the drain opening (1 1 1) and through the drain line (1 13) from the laundry care device (100) to pump, a power detection element (127) for detecting an electric power value of the pump (1 19), and a controller (123) for controlling the pump ( 1 19), characterized in that the method (200) comprises the following steps,

Determining (201) a wash liquid column (132) oscillating in the drain line (13) during a first time period (147) when the electrical power value detected by the power detection element (127) exceeds an electrical vibration reference power value (157),

Reducing (203) a pump power of the pump (1 19) to a reduced pump power (151) during a second time period (149) adjoining the first time period (147), wherein when operating the pump (1 19) with the reduced pump power ( 151) the electric power value detected by the power detecting element (127) falls below the electric vibration reference power value (157) to reduce the vibration of the washing liquid column (132) present in the drain line (13), and

Determining (205) an influx of wash liquid into the drain line (1 13) during a third time period (153) subsequent to the second time period (149) when the electrical power value sensed by the power sensing element (127) exceeds an electrical input reference power value.