WO2017005382A1 - Laundry care apparatus and laundry care method - Google Patents

Abstract

Disclosed is a laundry care apparatus (100) which comprises a rotatably mounted inner tub (106) for accommodating items of laundry (108), a drive motor (105) for rotating the inner tub (106), a pumping device (120) for recirculating the washing liquid, a heating element (132) for heating the washing liquid, and a control device (118) for controlling the drive motor (105), the pumping device (120) and the heating element (132) in accordance with a laundry care program running on the control device (118) during operation of the apparatus. The control device (118) is designed to activate, during increase of the rotational speed of the inner tub (106), the pumping device (120) when the rotational speed of the inner tub (106) exceeds a rotational speed threshold value.

Description

 Laundry care device and laundry care process

The present invention relates to a laundry care device and a

Laundry care procedures.

A laundry care device is in the context of the present invention, in particular a washing machine, but may also be, for example, a machine for rinsing and / or impregnating laundry items. These other functions can also be integrated in a washing machine.

In the context of a laundry care program of a laundry care appliance, such as e.g. a washing machine, in a dispensing operation by means of a dispenser, a detergent from a detergent receptacle is rinsed together with fresh water in the laundry drum of the laundry care device to the existing laundry items in the laundry drum with the mixture of detergent and fresh water, which is also referred to herein as alkali or washing liquid, to wet. In order for a thorough and uniform as possible wetting or moistening the

To provide laundry with the washing liquid, it is e.g. From DE3401899A1 known to dissipate by means of a pumping device washing liquid from the laundry drum or a tub connected to the laundry drum and applied via a nozzle again on the laundry items in the laundry drum. DE3401899A1 also describes a heating element which is located at the bottom of the

Lye container is arranged and with which the washing liquid can be heated to a target temperature.

In the case of the washing machine described in DE3401899A1, however, the problem can arise that the heating element is exposed during a pumping operation and can be damaged. A solution to this problem is described in EP1204792B1. In the solution described in EP1204792B1, however, come technically

relatively expensive means for use. It is the object underlying the invention to provide a laundry care device and a laundry care method, which, in particular in light of the disadvantages described above, enable a more efficient care of laundry items.

This object is achieved by articles having the features according to the independent claims. Advantageous embodiments of the invention are the subject of the figures, the description and the dependent claims.

According to a first aspect of the invention, the object is achieved by

Laundry-care device with a rotatably mounted laundry drum for receiving items of laundry, a drive motor for rotating the laundry drum, a recirculation device for recirculating washing liquid out of the laundry drum and back into the laundry drum, a heating element for heating the washing liquid and a control device for activating the drive motor, the Umpumpvorrichtung and the heating element according to a in operation on the

Control device running laundry maintenance program. In this case, the control device is designed, as part of the laundry care program, which provides phases in which the laundry drum is rotated at a speed in the range of application speeds and the pumping device is active, the pumping device when starting the speed of the laundry drum to activate only when the Speed of

Wash drum exceeds a first speed threshold.

As a result, for example, the technical advantage is achieved that can be ensured without great technical effort that in the laundry drum or a tub in which the laundry drum is rotatably mounted, the amount of

Washing liquid is always large enough that the pump of Umpumpvorrichtung can be operated smoothly, so in particular no air pulls. At speeds of the laundry drum below the first speed threshold, it may happen that the majority of the washing liquid is bound in the laundry. In an advantageous embodiment, the control device is designed to deactivate the pumping device during the shutdown of the speed of the laundry drum when the speed of the laundry drum a second

Speed threshold falls below. As a result, for example, the achieved technical advantage that can be ensured without great technical effort that in the laundry drum or a tub in which the

Drum drum is rotatably mounted, the amount of washing liquid is always large enough that the pump of Umpumpvorrichtung can be operated smoothly, so in particular no air pulls.

The first speed threshold may be equal to the second speed threshold. Research has shown that the first and / or the second

Speed threshold should preferably be greater than about 50 U / min. A

Applying speed may be, for example, in a range of about 80 to about 500 U / min.

In an advantageous embodiment, the control device is adapted to continuously adapt the first and / or the second speed threshold to the amount of washing liquid in the washing drum, wherein for a larger amount of the washing liquid, the first and / or the speed threshold is lowered and for a smaller amount the washing liquid of the first and / or the second

Speed threshold is increased. As a result, the technical advantage is achieved, for example, that the laundry care program can be better adapted to a particular wash cycle, which is essentially defined by the type and amount of laundry items.

In an advantageous embodiment, the control device is designed to deactivate the circulating pump when the heating element is activated, as soon as the amount of washing liquid in the washing drum or the tub under a

Minimum amount threshold falls. Thereby, for example, the advantage is achieved that an additional protection mechanism is provided which protects the heating element from overheating by always covering it with washing liquid.

In an advantageous embodiment, the laundry care device further comprises a pressure sensor, which is adapted to the pressure of the washing liquid in the

 Laundry drum or the tub in which the laundry drum is rotatably mounted to detect, wherein the control device is adapted to activated

Heating element to disable the pumping device, as soon as the from the pressure sensor detects pressure falls below a pressure threshold. As a result, for example, the

Advantage achieved that with technically simple means an additional protection mechanism is provided, which protects the heating element from overheating.

In an advantageous embodiment, the control device is adapted to a cycle in which the rotation of the laundry drum is raised to an application speed and lowered again, the transfer device above the first

Threshold activated and deactivated below the second speed threshold and the heating element is enabled to perform at least two times in a row. As a result, for example, the advantage is achieved that a

more uniform temperature distribution in the washing liquid and the laundry items is generated.

 In an advantageous embodiment, the control device is adapted to the cycle in which the rotation of the laundry drum is raised to an application speed and lowered again, the pumping device above the first

Threshold activated and deactivated below the second speed threshold and the heating element is activated, to be repeated until a substantially uniform temperature distribution at a desired target temperature is reached. As a result, for example, the advantage is achieved that a uniform temperature distribution is generated in the washing liquid and the laundry items.

In one embodiment, once a substantially uniform temperature distribution at the desired target temperature has been reached, the controller is configured to deactivate the heating element and raise the rotation of the laundry drum at least once more to an apply speed and again

down, above the first speed threshold, the

 Umpumpvorrichtung is activated and below the second speed threshold, the transfer pump is deactivated. As a result, for example, the advantage is achieved that a uniform temperature distribution in the washing liquid and the

Laundry items is generated.

According to a second aspect of the invention, the object is achieved by a

Laundry care process for a laundry care device with a rotatably mounted

Laundry drum for picking up laundry, a drive motor for Rotating the laundry drum, a recirculation pump for recirculating

Washing liquid out of the laundry drum and back into the laundry drum, a heating element for heating the washing liquid and a

Control device for driving the drive motor, the pumping device and the heating element according to a running in operation on the control device

Laundry care program. In this context, the laundry care process comprises the steps within the laundry care program, which provides phases in which the

Drum is rotated at a speed in the range of application speeds and the pumping device is active to activate the pumping when starting the speed of the laundry drum only when the speed of the laundry drum exceeds a first speed threshold.

As a result, for example, the technical advantage is achieved that can be ensured without great technical effort that in the laundry drum or a tub in which the laundry drum is rotatably mounted, the amount of

Washing liquid is always large enough that the pump of Umpumpvorrichtung can be operated smoothly, so in particular no air pulls. At speeds of the laundry drum below the first speed threshold, it may happen that the majority of the washing liquid is bound in the laundry. In an advantageous embodiment, the control device deactivates the

 Umpumpvorrichtung when lowering the speed of the laundry drum when the speed of the laundry drum falls below a second speed threshold.

As a result, for example, the technical advantage is achieved that can be ensured without great technical effort that in the laundry drum or a tub in which the laundry drum is rotatably mounted, the amount of

Washing liquid is always large enough that the pump of Umpumpvorrichtung can be operated smoothly, so in particular no air pulls.

The first speed threshold may be equal to the second speed threshold. Research has shown that the first and / or the second

 Speed threshold should preferably be greater than about 50 U / min. A

Applying speed may be, for example, in a range of about 80 to about 500 U / min. In an advantageous embodiment, the control device adjusts the first and / or the second speed threshold continuously to the amount of washing liquid in the washing drum or the tub, wherein for a larger amount of

Washing liquid of the first and / or the speed threshold is lowered and for a smaller amount of the washing liquid of the first and / or the second

 Speed threshold is increased. As a result, the technical advantage is achieved, for example, that the laundry care program can be better adapted to a particular wash cycle, which is essentially defined by the type and amount of laundry items.

In an advantageous embodiment, the control device deactivates the

Umpumpvorrichtung with activated heating element as soon as the amount of washing liquid in the laundry drum or the tub under a

 Minimum amount threshold falls. Thereby, for example, the advantage is achieved that an additional protection mechanism is provided, which protects the heating element from overheating.

In an advantageous embodiment, the laundry care method further comprises the step of detecting the pressure of the washing liquid in the laundry drum, wherein the control device deactivates the circulating pump when the heating element is activated as soon as the detected pressure falls below a pressure threshold. As a result, for example, the advantage is achieved that with technically simple means an additional protection mechanism is provided, which protects the heating element against overheating. In an advantageous embodiment, the control device carries out a cycle in which the rotation of the laundry drum is raised to an application speed and lowered again, the circulation pump above the first

Threshold activated and deactivated below the second speed threshold and the heating element is activated, at least two times in succession. As a result, for example, the advantage is achieved that a more even

Temperature distribution is generated in the washing liquid and the laundry items. In an advantageous embodiment, the control device repeats the cycle in which the rotation of the laundry drum is raised to an application speed and lowered again, the circulation pump above the first

Threshold activated and deactivated below the second speed threshold and the heating element is activated until a substantially uniform temperature distribution at a desired target temperature is reached. As a result, for example, the advantage is achieved that a uniform

Temperature distribution is generated in the washing liquid and the laundry items.

In one embodiment, the controller deactivates the heating element as soon as a substantially uniform temperature distribution at the desired target temperature is reached, and the rotation of the laundry drum is at least once again up and down to an application speed, wherein above the first

Threshold the pumping device is activated and below the second speed threshold, the transfer pump is deactivated. As a result, for example, the advantage is achieved that a uniform temperature distribution is generated in the washing liquid and the laundry items.

Further embodiments of the invention are illustrated in the drawings and will be described in more detail below.

Show it:

Fig. 1 is a schematic view of a laundry care device; FIG. 2 is an exemplary schematic diagram illustrating the timing of multiple sizes in a laundry care process; FIG. and

3 is a detail view of a section of the schematic diagram of FIG. 1. Figure 1 shows a schematic representation of a washing machine representative of a general laundry care device 100. The laundry care device 100 in the form of a

Washing machine is used for washing laundry and similar laundry with a detergent. If necessary, the washing machine can also be used as a Washer dryer be designed to wash laundry items or similar laundry and dry. In the context of the invention, the term

"Detergent" understood in addition to conventional detergents and treatment additives, such as fabric softener, rinse aid or odor control in various forms (liquid, gel, pasty or powdered).

The washing machine 100 of Figure 1 includes in a machine housing 102 fixed in the machine housing tub 104. A laundry drum 106 is rotatably mounted in the tub 104 about a horizontal axis of rotation and can be rotated by means of a drive motor 105 at different speeds in rotation, via a electronic control device 1 18 is controlled. In the

Laundry drum 106 are indicated in Figure 1 laundry items 108 which are raised by the driver 1 10 on the inside of the laundry drum 106 during rotation of the laundry drum 106 and fall down again. Thereby finds when rotating the

Laundry drum 106 a constant redeployment of the laundry items 108 instead.

Fresh water can by means of a Einspülvorrichtung 1 14, for example in the form of an inlet valve, from a fresh water line 1 12 through a detergent container 1 16, which may be formed, for example, as Einspülschale and conventional detergents and treatment additives, such as fabric softener, rinse aid,

Odor improver or other laundry treatment agent in various forms (liquid, gel, pasty or powder) may contain, either directly (as shown schematically in Figure 1) or introduced via the tub 104 in the laundry drum 106. The mixture of fresh water and detergent is referred to herein as washing liquor or liquor. For controlling the supply of fresh water, the dispenser 1 14 is also connected to the electronic control device 1 18.

 The tub 104 is provided at its lower end with a downwardly formed trough 128, which forms a heating chamber 130. In the heating chamber 130, an electric heating element 132 is arranged, preferably a tubular heater, with which the washing liquid in the tub 104 can be heated. To control the electric heating element 132, this is also with the electronic

Control device 1 18 connected, as shown schematically in Figure 1. At the bottom of the trough 128 of the tub 104, a tub outlet 134 is provided, which is connected on the one hand to a transfer pump 120 and on the other hand to a pump-down 144.

The pumping device 120, which in particular serves to wash the laundry items 108 several times with the washing liquid, comprises a pump 122, a suction line 124 on the suction side and a pressure line 126 on the pressure side of the pump 122. By means of the pumping device 120, the washing liquid from the lower end of the tub 104 back into the laundry drum 106 on the laundry items 108 are recirculated. In this case, the washing liquid supplied via the pressure line 126 to the transfer pump device 120 is applied via a nozzle to the laundry items 108 in the laundry drum 106. For controlling the circulating pump 120, in particular the pump 122, this is also connected to the electronic control device 1 18, as shown schematically in Figure 1. The pump-down device 144, which serves in particular to pump out washing liquid located in the tub 104 and to discharge it from the washing machine 100, comprises a pump 142 with a suction line 140 and a pressure line 146. For controlling the pump-down device 144, in particular the pump 142, this can also be used be connected to the electronic control device 1 18.

An inventive embodiment of the electronic control device 1 18 and their interaction with the above-described components of

Laundry Applicator 100 will be described below in detail in the context of a laundry care process according to the invention with further reference to FIGS. 2 and 3

described.

Figure 2 shows a schematic diagram illustrating the time course of several sizes in a laundry care process according to the invention, namely the time course of the activity of the pump 122 of the pumping device 120 (ie pump 122 on or off), the speed of the laundry drum 106 and the temperature of the washing liquid , According to the invention, the control device 1 18 is designed, as part of the laundry care program, which provides phases in which the laundry drum 106 is rotated at a speed in the range of application speeds and the Umpumpvorrichtung 120 is activated, the Umpumpvorrichtung 120 when starting the speed of the laundry drum 106th to activate only when the speed of the laundry drum 106 exceeds a first speed threshold. In Figure 2, two such phases are shown, in which the laundry drum 106 at a speed in the range of

Apply speeds is rotated and the pumping device 120 is active. A

Detail view of the section A of Figure 2 is shown in Figure 3. As a result of the configuration according to the invention, the circulating pump 120 only has to be activated when the rotational speed of the laundry drum 106 is raised when the rotational speed of the laundry drum 106 exceeds a first rotational speed threshold value

For example, the technical advantage achieved that can be ensured without great technical effort that in the tub 104, the amount of

Washing liquid is always large enough that the pump 122 of the transfer pump 120 can be operated smoothly, so in particular no air pulls. At speeds of the laundry drum 106 below the first speed threshold, it may happen that most of the wash fluid is bound in the laundry.

In an advantageous embodiment, the control device 1 18 is designed to deactivate the pumping device 120 when moving down the speed of the laundry drum 106 when the speed of the laundry drum 106 a second

Speed threshold falls below. As a result, the technical advantage is also achieved, for example, that can be ensured without great technical effort that in the tub 104, the amount of washing liquid is always large enough that the pump 122 of the pumping 120 can be operated smoothly, so in particular no air pulls.

The first speed threshold may be equal to the second speed threshold. Research has shown that the first and / or the second

Speed threshold should preferably be greater than about 50 U / min. A

Applying speed may be, for example, in a range of about 80 to about 500 U / min. In an advantageous embodiment, the control device 1 18 is adapted to the first and / or the second speed threshold continuously to the amount of washing liquid in the washing drum 106 and / or the tub 104

to adjust, wherein for a larger amount of the washing liquid, the first and / or the speed threshold value is lowered and for a smaller amount of the washing liquid, the first and / or the second speed threshold value is increased. As a result, for example, the technical advantage is achieved that the laundry care program can be better adapted to a respective wash cycle, which is essentially defined by the type and quantity of the laundry items 108. In an advantageous embodiment, the control device 1 18 is designed to deactivate the transfer device 120 when the heating element 132 is activated as soon as the amount of washing liquid in the washing drum 106 or the tub 104 falls below a minimum amount threshold. As a result, for example, the advantage is achieved that an additional protection mechanism is provided, which is the

Heating element 132 protects against overheating.

In an advantageous embodiment, the laundry care device 100 further comprises a pressure sensor, which is adapted to the pressure of the washing liquid in the

Wash drum 106 and to detect in the tub 104, wherein the

Control device 1 18 is designed to, when activated heating element 132 the

 Circulating pump 120 to deactivate as soon as the pressure detected by the pressure sensor falls below a pressure threshold. As a result, for example, the advantage is achieved that with technically simple means an additional protection mechanism is provided, which protects the heating element 132 against overheating.

In an advantageous embodiment, the control device 18 is designed to activate a cycle in which the rotation of the laundry drum 106 is raised to an application speed and lowered again, the circulation pump 120 is activated above the first speed threshold and below the second

Speed threshold is disabled and the heating element 132 is activated to perform at least two times in a row. As a result, for example, the advantage is achieved that a more uniform temperature distribution in the washing liquid and the

Laundry items 108 is generated. In an advantageous embodiment, the control device 18 is configured to activate the cycle in which the rotation of the laundry drum 106 is raised to an application speed and lowered again, the circulation pump 120 is activated above the first speed threshold and below the second

Speed threshold is disabled and the heating element 132 is activated to repeat until a substantially uniform temperature distribution at a desired target temperature is reached. As a result, for example, the advantage is achieved that a uniform temperature distribution in the washing liquid and the

Laundry items 108 is generated.

In one embodiment, once a substantially uniform temperature distribution at the desired target temperature is reached, the controller 1 18 is configured to deactivate the heater 132 and to at least once again ramp up the laundry drum 106 to an apply speed and down again, wherein above the first Speed threshold the

 Umpumpvorrichtung 120 is activated and below the second speed threshold, the transfer device 120 is deactivated. Thereby, for example, the advantage is achieved that a uniform temperature distribution in the washing liquid and the laundry items 108 is generated.

All 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 description or shown in the figures. LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

100 laundry care device

102 machine housing

104 tubs

105 drive motor

106 laundry drum

108 pieces of laundry

1 10 drivers

 1 12 fresh water pipe

1 14 Einspülvorrichtung

1 16 detergent container

1 18 control device

120 pumping device

122 pump

 124 suction line

 126 pressure line

 128 trough

 130 heating chamber

 132 heating element

 134 Lye container drain

140 suction line

 142 pump

 144 pumping device

146 pressure line

Claims

A laundry care device (100) having a rotatably mounted laundry drum (106) for receiving laundry items (108), a drive motor (105) for rotating the laundry drum (106), a recirculation device (120) for recirculating washing liquid out of the laundry drum (106) back in the Laundry drum (106) inside, a heating element (132) for heating the washing liquid and a control device (1 18) for driving the Drive motor (105), the recirculation device (120) and the heating element (132) according to a running in operation on the control device (1 18) Laundry Care program, characterized in that the control device (1 18) is designed to be part of the A laundry care program that provides phases in which the laundry drum (106) is rotated at a speed in the range of apply speeds and the recirculation device (120) is active, the recirculation device (120) during the Startup of the speed of the laundry drum (106) to activate when the speed of the laundry drum (106) exceeds a first speed threshold. The laundry care appliance (100) according to claim 1, characterized in that the control device (1 18) is designed to deactivate the pumping device (120) when the speed of the laundry drum (106) is being lowered when the speed of the laundry drum falls below a second speed threshold. Laundry care device (100) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the control device (1 18) is adapted to the first and / or the second speed threshold value to the amount of washing liquid in the Washing drum (106) adapt, wherein for a larger amount of Washes the first and / or the speed threshold is lowered and is increased for a smaller amount of the washing liquid of the first and / or the second speed threshold. 4. laundry care device (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the control device (1 18) is adapted to deactivate the circulating pump (120) when the heating element (132), as soon as the amount of washing liquid in the laundry drum (106 ) falls below a minimum amount threshold.  5. laundry care device (100) according to claim 4, characterized in that the laundry care device (100) further comprises a pressure sensor which is adapted to detect the pressure of the washing liquid in the laundry drum (106), wherein the control means (1 18) thereto is formed, when activated  Heating element (132) to deactivate the transfer pump (120) as soon as the pressure detected by the pressure sensor falls below a pressure threshold. 6. laundry care device (100) according to claim 5, characterized in that the control device (1 18) is adapted to a cycle in which the rotation of the laundry drum (106) is raised to an application speed and lowered again, the transfer pump (120) above the first  Speed threshold enabled and below the second  Speed threshold is disabled and the heating element (132) is activated to perform at least two times in a row. The laundry care device (100) according to claim 6, characterized in that the control device (1 18) is adapted to repeat the cycle until a substantially uniform temperature distribution at a desired target temperature is reached. 8. laundry care device (100) according to claim 5 or 6, characterized in that the control device (1 18) is adapted to, as soon as in the  Substantially uniform temperature distribution for the desired Target temperature is reached, to deactivate the heating element (132) and the rotation of the laundry drum (106) at least once again up to an application speed up and down again, with above the first Threshold the circulating pump (120) is activated and below the second speed threshold, the transfer pump (120) is deactivated. 9. laundry care process for a laundry care device (100) with a rotatable  mounted laundry drum (106) for receiving laundry items (108), a drive motor (105) for rotating the laundry drum (106), a recirculation device (120) for recirculating washing liquid out of the laundry drum (106) and back into the laundry drum (106) in, a heating element (132) for heating the washing liquid and a  Control device (1 18) for driving the drive motor (105), the  Umpumpvorrichtung (120) and the heating element (132) according to a running in operation on the control device (1 18) laundry maintenance program,  characterized in that  the laundry care process comprises the steps of: as part of the laundry maintenance program, providing phases in which the laundry drum (106) is rotated at a speed in the range of apply speeds and the recirculation device (120) is active, the recirculation device (120)  Startup of the speed of the laundry drum (106) to activate when the speed of the laundry drum (106) exceeds a first speed threshold. 10. laundry care method according to claim 9, characterized in that the Control device (1 18) the pumping device (120) when switching down the speed of the laundry drum (106) then deactivated when the speed of the laundry drum falls below a second speed threshold. 1 1. Laundry care method according to claim 9 or 10, characterized in that the control device (1 18) the first and / or the second Adjusting the speed threshold to the amount of washing liquid in the washing drum (106), wherein for a larger amount of the washing liquid, the first and / or the speed threshold is lowered and for a smaller amount of the washing liquid of the first and / or the second speed threshold is increased. Laundry care method according to one of claims 9 to 11, characterized in that, when the heating element (132) is activated, the control device (1 18) deactivates the circulating pump (120) as soon as the quantity of the Washing liquid in the laundry drum (106) under a Minimum amount threshold falls. Laundry care method according to one of claims 9 to 12, characterized characterized in that the laundry care method further comprises the step of detecting the pressure of the washing liquid in the laundry drum (106), wherein the control device (1 18) with the heating element (132) activated Circulating pump (120) deactivated as soon as the pressure detected by the pressure sensor falls below a pressure threshold. Laundry care method according to one of claims 9 to 13, characterized characterized in that the control device (1 18) activates a cycle in which the rotation of the laundry drum (106) is raised to an application speed and down again, the transfer pump (120) above the first speed threshold and below the second Speed threshold is disabled and the heating element (132) is activated, at least twice in a row performs. Laundry care method according to one of claims 9 to 14, characterized characterized in that the control means (1 18), as soon as a substantially uniform temperature distribution at the desired target temperature is reached, the heating element (132) is deactivated and the rotation of the laundry drum (106) at least once again up to an application speed and down again, wherein above the first speed threshold, the circulating pump (120) is activated and below the second speed threshold, the Umpumpvorrichtung (120) is deactivated.