Household appliances for treating waste, including fog generators.

Abstract

This invention relates to a household appliance for processing treated items, comprising a processing chamber for receiving the treated items, a supply device for supplying water from a fresh water inlet to the processing chamber, and a mist generator for generating mist and supplying the mist to the processing chamber. The supply device has a front chamber, a first supply line connecting the fresh water inlet to the front chamber, and at least one transfer line connecting the front chamber to the processing chamber. An inlet valve assembly including at least one first valve is arranged in the first supply line, and a first air passage connected to the front chamber is arranged between the first valve and the front chamber. The mist generator is connected to the fresh water inlet via a second supply line, which has a second valve. Furthermore, a second air passage is arranged in the second supply line between the second valve and the mist generator, and the second air passage is connected to the front chamber. The household appliance is particularly configured as a laundry care machine for processing laundry items as treated items.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a household appliance for processing a substance, comprising a processing chamber for receiving the substance, a supply device for supplying water from a fresh water inlet to the processing chamber, and a mist generator for generating mist and supplying the mist to the processing chamber. The supply device has a front chamber, a first supply line connecting the fresh water inlet to the front chamber, and at least one transfer line connecting the front chamber to the processing chamber. An inlet valve assembly including at least one first valve is arranged in the first supply line, and a first air passage connecting the front chamber is arranged between the first valve and the front chamber. The mist generator is connected to the fresh water inlet via a second supply line having a second valve. Background Technology

[0002] Document EP 2 850 241 B1 discloses a household appliance of the aforementioned type. This appliance is specifically configured as a laundry care machine for handling laundry, particularly a washing machine or washer-dryer, and includes a mist generator. The mist generator comprises a water tank filled with fresh water from a fresh water inlet, in which an ultrasonic generator is arranged. Through this ultrasonic generator, a cold mist is generated in the water tank above the water level. This cold mist is supplied to the processed material, specifically in an alkaline solution container having a rotatable drum, within a processing chamber via a mist channel configured as a loop, by means of an airflow generated by a blower. Furthermore, the mist channel includes a reactive gas generator for generating reactive gases, particularly ozone, which can be supplied to the processed material along with the mist. Finally, the mist channel also includes a reactive gas filter, which removes the reactive gases from the airflow to prevent uncontrolled diffusion.

[0003] Document EP 2 855 754 B1 discloses a household appliance for guiding water, the appliance having a treated gas generator, a flushing assembly, and a mist generator. A mist channel for introducing the treated gas and mist into a treatment chamber containing the treated material is connected to the flushing assembly, which is connected to the treatment chamber via multiple water reservoirs or a siphon structure.

[0004] Document EP 2 858 545 B1 discloses a household appliance for guiding water, comprising an ozone generator, a mist generator, and an ozone filter. The ozone generator and ozone filter are arranged in a mist channel, which forms a substantially closed loop with a treatment chamber. The mist channel also includes a blower for driving an airflow that guides ozone and mist into the treatment chamber. To guide the airflow into the treatment chamber, the blower operates such that the airflow flows in the main direction through the mist channel. To remove ozone from the airflow after treatment of the provided material, the blower operates such that the airflow flows against the main direction through the mist channel. In this way, ozone in the mist channel first reaches the ozone filter from the treatment chamber, where it is decomposed, particularly through a reaction with activated carbon.

[0005] Document EP 2 598 682 B1 discloses a household appliance having an ozone generator. An air stream mixed with water vapor is supplied to the ozone generator, and ozone is generated in this air stream by the action of ultraviolet light from a corresponding light source. The ozone-mixed air stream is then supplied to a treatment chamber containing a substance for treatment, so that the substance is treated with ozone.

[0006] Standard DIN EN 61770 / A11:2018 requires that household appliances that direct water to a fresh water inlet in a supply network for human use must not cause any health risk to the water or any alteration in quality, appearance, odor, or taste. Therefore, such appliances must ensure that no water flows back into the fresh water inlet, and that contact between the fresh water introduced into the appliance and any material or agent is permitted only downstream of a corresponding backflow prevention safety device that poses a potential risk of harm to the fresh water for human use. An air circuit can be used as a backflow prevention safety device; this is a device that can be installed in a piping or hose system, in which the flowing liquid flows from one pipe joint to another in a short circuit without fittings. Instructions for designing such air circuits are available from the standard.

[0007] Household appliances are understood herein as devices suitable for and determined to be used in the management of private households to achieve the desired results in terms of materials. Particular attention is paid to household appliances that direct water, in which water plays a role in producing the desired results, wherein the water must, in particular, be drawn from a supply network for human use. Such appliances may, in particular, be dishwashers for rinsing dishes and laundry care machines for caring for, and especially washing, laundry items. Summary of the Invention

[0008] The objective of this invention is to provide a further development of a household appliance of the type defined at the beginning.

[0009] To address this task, a household appliance is proposed according to the present invention, which additionally has features according to embodiments.

[0010] Preferred configurations of the invention are set forth in the following description and can also be applied in combination with each other, provided that technical considerations permit this, even if this is not explicitly implemented herein.

[0011] To address this task, a household appliance for processing treated matter is proposed according to the present invention, comprising a processing chamber for receiving the treated matter, a supply device for supplying water from a fresh water inlet to the processing chamber, and a mist generator for generating mist and supplying mist to the processing chamber. The supply device has a front chamber, a first supply line connecting the fresh water inlet to the front chamber, and at least one transfer line connecting the front chamber to the processing chamber. An inlet valve assembly including at least one first valve is arranged in the first supply line, and a first air passage connecting the front chamber is arranged between the first valve and the front chamber. The mist generator is connected to the fresh water inlet via a second supply line having a second valve. Furthermore, in the household appliance, a second air passage is arranged in the second supply line between the second valve and the mist generator, and this second air passage is connected to the front chamber.

[0012] Therefore, in the household appliance according to the invention, a safety device in the form of a second air path is provided to prevent water from flowing back from the mist generator, and this safety device is combined with the first air path in such a way that both air paths are connected to the interior of the front chamber and thus to the interior of the processing chamber, the first air path being a safety device to prevent backflow from the front chamber. Thus, the second air path maintains the isolation of the system consisting of the mist generator and the processing chamber, and prevents uncontrolled leakage of mist from either the mist generator or the processing chamber. Furthermore, the same air pressure is always present in both air paths. Therefore, both air paths respond simultaneously in the event of backflow, and even in this joint response, uncontrolled displacement of air or mist within the household appliance does not occur.

[0013] In principle, this invention can be applied to any type of water-directing household appliance, especially since the cost of applying this invention is quite low. In particular, laundry appliances such as washing machines, washer-dryers, and dishwashers are considered as examples of such appliances.

[0014] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the front chamber is covered on the upper side by a cap, and a second air passage is mounted on the cap and has a connection portion that passes through the cap and connects to the front chamber. More preferably, the second air passage is a raised portion of the cap, to which two first pipe fittings are connected, and a second supply line is connected to the first pipe fittings. Even more preferably, the second air passage, the first pipe fittings, and the cap are integrally formed. In this way, the second air passage is largely integrated into the construction of existing components of the household appliance, thus allowing for simple and cost-effective manufacturing and robust integration into the structure of the household appliance.

[0015] In another preferred embodiment of the invention, the first valve assembly / inlet valve assembly and the second valve are spatially connected to each other, particularly arranged and fixed together in the front chamber. This also enables simple and cost-effective manufacturing and allows for robust integration into the structure of household appliances.

[0016] In another preferred embodiment of the invention, the fog generator and the processing chamber are connected in a loop via a fog channel. More preferably, this loop is substantially self-closing. Even more preferably, the fog channel has a blower by which an airflow flowing in the main direction can be formed in the loop. Furthermore, it is also preferred that the blower is arranged upstream of the fog generator with respect to the main direction. In household appliances of this type, a strong loading of the processing chamber containing the processed material can be achieved by the blower pushing the fog generated in the fog generator into the processing chamber through the fog channel. Alternatively, the blower can be configured such that the airflow in the fog channel flows in the opposite direction to the main direction, and in this way, the fog remaining in the processing chamber after processing is returned to the fog channel for removal.

[0017] In a particularly preferred embodiment of the invention, a reactive gas generator for generating reactive gases is arranged downstream of the blower and upstream of the processing chamber in the circuit, with respect to the main direction, and a reactive gas filter for eliminating reactive gases is arranged upstream of the blower and downstream of the processing chamber, with respect to the main direction. Thus, the workpiece can be treated with reactive gases, which are added to the mist generated in the mist channel. The arrangement of the reactive gas generator downstream of the mist generator allows the reactive gases to be generated in a mist-rich airflow, wherein, if necessary, the reactive gases can be generated by reacting with water in the mist, or by the reactive gases combining with the mist (e.g., through diffusion of the reactive gases into the droplets of the mist). The treatment can also be configured such that a reaction occurs on or in the workpiece, requiring the simultaneous presence of water and reactive gases, wherein the mist ensures the presence of an effective amount of water on or in the workpiece. Finally, it is also advantageous to provide a visual indication using the mist, which is visible to the user of the household appliance, from the appearance of the visual indication that the workpiece has been treated with reactive gases.

[0018] In another preferred embodiment of the invention, the reaction gas generator is configured to produce ozone as the reaction gas, and the reaction gas filter is an activated carbon filter. Thus, the application of ozone in this invention can be developed independently of or in conjunction with other treatment processes, ozone being a very effective oxidant, capable, for example, of decomposing stubborn dirt and effectively deodorizing and disinfecting treated materials, especially laundry.

[0019] In another preferred embodiment of the invention, the fog generator has a water tank and is configured to generate cold fog. More preferably, an ultrasonic generator for generating cold fog is arranged in the water tank. Cold fog is the dispersion of extremely fine water droplets in the air and is generated solely by the action of ultrasonic waves generated by the ultrasonic generator on the water in the tank, without significantly increasing the temperature of the water or fog. Therefore, the fog generator does not require a temperature increase relative to the surrounding environment of the household appliance to form fog, which improves the operational safety of the household appliance.

[0020] In another preferred embodiment of the invention, the corresponding household appliance is configured as a laundry care machine for treating laundry as the subject of treatment. More preferably, the household appliance is constructed for washing laundry. Additionally preferably, a rotatable and perforated drum is arranged in the treatment chamber for receiving the laundry. Still more preferably, the front chamber has a flushing assembly, particularly a flushing shell, in which fresh water flowing toward the treatment chamber can be mixed with a treatment agent, particularly a laundry care agent such as detergent and fabric softener. Attached Figure Description

[0021] The embodiments of the present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0022] Figure 1 A schematic front view of a household appliance according to the configuration of the present invention;

[0023] Figure 2 according to Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the second air path in household appliances; and

[0024] Figure 3 according to Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the vertical cross-section of a water tank in a household appliance. Detailed Implementation

[0025] Figure 1 A schematic first embodiment of a household appliance 1 (configured herein as a washing machine) according to the invention is shown for processing a processed item 2 (here, a laundry item). The household appliance 1 includes a processing chamber 3 for receiving the processed item 2, which is configured herein as a vibratingly suspended lye container, in which a rotatable and perforated drum 4 is arranged, which receives the processed item 2 and moves by rotation during washing or other processing, for which a carrying member 5 is also used.

[0026] The supply device 7 is capable of supplying water from a fresh water inlet 6 to the processing chamber 3, which is connected to a network for supplying water (drinking water) determined for human use. The supply device 7 has a front chamber 8 with a cover 9 and a first supply line 10 connecting the fresh water inlet 6 to the front chamber 8. An inlet valve assembly including at least one first valve 11 is arranged in the first supply line 10, and a first air passage 12 connecting the front chamber 8 is arranged between the first valve 11 and the front chamber 8. The front chamber 8 is here a flushing chamber 8, which has a [missing information - likely a device or component] disposed therein. Figure 1 For clarity, the flushing assembly, not shown, allows fresh water flowing toward the treatment chamber 3 to be mixed with a treatment agent, particularly detergent or fabric softener. The first valve 11 can be considered representative of multiple valves used to sequentially flush in different amounts of treatment agent, which may be located in different chamber sections of the flushing assembly. At least one transfer line 13 connecting the front chamber 8 to the treatment chamber 3 supplies water to the treatment chamber 3. Through multiple transfer lines 13, water mixed with treatment agent can be directed to different parts of the treatment chamber 3, if necessary, especially to ensure uniform wetting of the treated material.

[0027] The pump outlet line 14, together with the alkali pump 15 arranged therein, is used to discharge water, washing alkali or rinsing alkali from the treatment chamber 3 after the treatment is completed and to discharge it through the wastewater interface 16 into a network for wastewater discharge.

[0028] The household appliance 1 also includes a fog generator 17 for generating fog and supplying it to the processing chamber 3. The fog generator 17 has a water tank 18 and is configured to generate cold fog by placing an ultrasonic generator 19, also configured to generate cold fog, below the water level 20 in the water tank 18. Cold fog is the dispersion of the finest water droplets in the air and is generated solely by the action of ultrasonic waves generated by the ultrasonic generator 19 on the water in the water tank 18, without significantly increasing the temperature of the water or the fog.

[0029] The mist generator 17 is connected to the fresh water interface 6 via a second supply line 21, which has a second valve 22. A second air path 23 is arranged in the second supply line 21 between the second valve 22 and the mist generator 17, and this second air path is connected to the front chamber 8. Furthermore, the first valve assembly and the second valve 22 are spatially connected to each other, forming a unified valve assembly comprising all the first valves 11 and the second valves 22. A discharge line 24 and a discharge valve 25 are provided to allow water remaining in the water tank 18 to flow into the pump outlet line 14 after treatment.

[0030] The fog generator 17 and the processing chamber 3 are connected in a loop via a fog channel 26, which is essentially self-closing. The fog channel 26 also has a blower 27, through which an airflow in the main direction 28 can be formed in the loop. The blower 27 is arranged upstream of the fog generator 17 about the main direction 28. This reduces the amount of fog applied to the blower. If necessary, the blower can also be configured to run the airflow in the opposite direction to the main direction 28, so as to draw the fog out of the processing chamber 3 in almost the opposite direction.

[0031] In addition to the fog generator 17, a reaction gas generator 29 for generating reaction gases is arranged downstream of the blower 27 and upstream of the processing chamber 3 in the main direction 28 of the circuit, and a reaction gas filter 30 for eliminating reaction gases is arranged upstream of the blower 27 and downstream of the processing chamber 3 in the main direction 28. The reaction gas generator 29 is configured to generate ozone as a reaction gas, and the reaction gas filter 30 is an activated carbon filter 30, on which ozone is decomposed if necessary. Thus, the processed material 2 can be treated with ozone, which is added to the fog generated in the fog channel 26. The arrangement of the reaction gas generator 29 downstream of the fog generator 17 allows the generation of reaction gases in a fog-rich airflow. Ozone is a very effective oxidant, which, for example, can achieve the decomposition of stubborn dirt independently of or in addition to other treatment processes, such as washing and rinsing, and effectively deodorize and disinfect laundry.

[0032] Figure 2 Showing according to Figure 1A schematic diagram of the second air passage 23 in household appliance 1. Figure 2 The front chamber 8, which is not visible in the center, is covered on its upper side by a cover 9, and a second air passage 23 is mounted on the cover 9 and has a connecting portion 31 that passes through the cover 9 and connects to the front chamber 8. The second air passage 23 is therefore a raised portion of the cover 9, to which two first pipe fittings 32 are connected, and a second supply line 21 is connected to the first pipe fittings. The second air passage 23, the first pipe fittings 32, and the cover 9 are integrally formed here, particularly by injection molding.

[0033] according to Figure 2 Within the air passage 23, the adjacent ends of the two first pipe fittings 32 are spaced apart by a certain distance, wherein the corresponding distance is determined according to the relevant standard DIN EN 61770 / A11:2018. Corresponding to Figure 1 As illustrated, fresh water flows from left to right through air section 23. The fresh water exits from the left-hand first connector 32 via connection 31 and freely passes through a short air flight path, then enters the right-hand first connector 32 and flows to the mist generator 17. If the supply pressure of the fresh water at the fresh water inlet 6 changes from positive to negative due to a pressure surge, suction is generated in the second supply line 21. However, this suction only extends to the second air section 23, where it causes the free-flying jet of water to separate between the ends of the first connector 32. This prevents the return of fresh water from the second supply line 21 behind the second air section 23.

[0034] Figure 3 It shows according to Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the vertical cross-section of the water tank 18 in a household appliance. A second supply line 21 connects to a second connector 33, which is located below the water level 20 as specified during operation of the mist generator 17 and extends into the water-filled area of ​​the water tank 18 for operation. This prevents mist- and / or ozone-rich air from reaching the second air path 23 and the front chamber 8 from the mist channel 26, where the unfilled area of ​​the water tank 18 is located. Figure 1 It belongs to the fog channel. Therefore, a blocking part is formed, which separates the fog channel 26 from the front chamber 8.

[0035] In the household appliance 1 according to the invention, a safety device in the form of a second air passage 23 is provided to prevent water from flowing back from the mist generator 17, and this safety device is combined with the first air passage 12 in such a way that both air passages 12 and 23 are connected to the interior of the front chamber 8 and thus to the interior of the processing chamber 3, the first air passage being a safety device to prevent fresh water from flowing back from the front chamber 8. Thus, the second air passage 23 maintains the isolation of the system consisting of the mist generator 17 and the processing chamber 3, and prevents uncontrolled leakage of mist from either the mist generator 17 or the processing chamber 3. Furthermore, the same air pressure is always present at both air passages 12 and 23. Therefore, both air passages 12 and 23 respond immediately to backflow, and especially in the case of such a joint response, uncontrolled displacement of air or mist within the household appliance 1 does not occur.

[0036] List of reference numerals

[0037] 1. Household appliances

[0038] 2. Processing materials

[0039] 3. Processing chamber

[0040] 4 rollers

[0041] 5. Carrying parts

[0042] 6. Fresh water inlet

[0043] 7. Supply device

[0044] 8 Anterior chamber

[0045] 9. Cover

[0046] 10 First supply pipeline

[0047] 11 First Valve

[0048] 12 First Air Section

[0049] 13 Transfer pipeline

[0050] 14 Pump outlet pipeline

[0051] 15. Alkali Pump

[0052] 16 Wastewater inlet

[0053] 17 Fog Generator

[0054] 18 Water Tanks

[0055] 19. Ultrasonic generator

[0056] 20 water level

[0057] 21 Second supply pipeline

[0058] 22 Second valve

[0059] 23 Second Air Section

[0060] 24 Discharge Pipeline

[0061] 25 Discharge valve

[0062] 26 Fog Channel

[0063] 27. Blower

[0064] 28 main direction

[0065] 29. Reaction Gas Generator

[0066] 30 Reaction Gas Filter

[0067] 31 Connecting part

[0068] 32 First pipe joint

[0069] 33 Second pipe fitting.

Claims

1. A household appliance (1) for processing a processed item (2), comprising a processing chamber (3) for receiving the processed item (2), a supply device (7) for supplying water from a fresh water inlet (6) to the processing chamber (3), and a mist generator (17) for generating mist and supplying the mist to the processing chamber (3), wherein, The supply device (7) has a front chamber (8), a first supply line (10) connecting the fresh water inlet (6) to the front chamber (8), and at least one transfer line (13) connecting the front chamber (8) to the processing chamber (3), wherein an inlet valve assembly including at least one first valve (11) is arranged in the first supply line (10), and a first air path (12) connected to the front chamber (8) is arranged between the first valve (11) and the front chamber (8), wherein the mist generator (17) is connected to the fresh water inlet (6) via a second supply line (21), the second supply line (21) having a second valve (22), characterized in that a second air path (23) is arranged in the second supply line (21) between the second valve (22) and the mist generator (17), the second air path being connected to the front chamber (8).

2. The household appliance (1) according to claim 1, wherein, The front chamber (8) is covered on the upper side by a cover (9), and the second air passage (23) is mounted on the cover (9) and has a connection (31) that passes through the cover (9) and connects to the front chamber (8).

3. The household appliance (1) according to claim 2, wherein, The second air passage (23) is the raised portion of the cover (9), and two first pipe joints (32) are connected to the raised portion, and the second supply pipe (21) is connected to the first pipe joints.

4. The household appliance (1) according to claim 3, wherein, The second air section (23), the first pipe joint (32) and the cover (9) are integrally formed.

5. The household appliance (1) according to any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein, The first valve assembly and the second valve (22) are spatially connected to each other.

6. The household appliance (1) according to any one of claims 1-4, wherein, The fog generator (17) and the processing chamber (3) are connected in a loop through the fog channel (26).

7. The household appliance (1) according to claim 6, wherein, The circuit is closed by itself.

8. The household appliance (1) according to claim 6, wherein, The fog channel (26) has a blower (27) through which an airflow flowing in the main direction (28) can be formed in the loop.

9. The household appliance (1) according to claim 8, wherein, The blower (27) is arranged upstream of the fog generator (17) in the main direction (28).

10. The household appliance (1) according to claim 9, wherein, In the circuit, a reaction gas generator (29) for generating reaction gases is arranged downstream of the blower (27) and upstream of the processing chamber (3) with respect to the main direction (28), and a reaction gas filter (30) for eliminating reaction gases is arranged upstream of the blower (27) and downstream of the processing chamber (3) with respect to the main direction (28).

11. The household appliance (1) according to claim 10, wherein, The reaction gas generator (29) is configured to generate ozone as the reaction gas, wherein the reaction gas filter (30) is an activated carbon filter.

12. The household appliance (1) according to any one of claims 1-4 and 7-11, wherein, The fog generator (17) has a water tank (18) and is configured to generate cold fog.

13. The household appliance (1) according to claim 12, wherein, An ultrasonic generator (19) configured to generate the cold mist is arranged in the water tank (18).

14. The household appliance (1) according to any one of claims 1-4, 7-11 and 13, wherein the household appliance is configured as a laundry care machine for treating laundry as a treatment item (2).

15. The household appliance (1) according to claim 14, wherein the household appliance is configured for washing the laundry.

16. The household appliance (1) according to claim 14, wherein, A rotatable and perforated drum (4) is arranged in the processing chamber (3) for receiving the laundry.

17. The household appliance (1) according to claim 14, wherein, The front chamber (8) has a flushing assembly in which fresh water flowing toward the treatment chamber (3) is mixed with a treatment agent.

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