Clothing care device with control system
By forming a water vapor atmosphere in the alkaline container of the clothing care equipment to heat the clothing, the problems of high water consumption and high energy consumption of traditional equipment are solved, and a more efficient and environmentally friendly clothing care process is achieved.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- CN202411149261.X
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Applications(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Priority Date
- 2023-08-23
- Filing Date
- 2024-08-21
- Publication Date
- 2025-02-25
AI Technical Summary
Traditional clothing care equipment consumes a lot of water and energy when heating the washing liquid, resulting in high water consumption and high energy consumption.
The clothes in the clothes drum are heated by forming a water vapor atmosphere in the alkali liquid container, and the heat conduction between the water vapor and the clothes is achieved without the need for the clothes to contact the washing liquid in the alkali liquid container directly. The method includes supplying the washing liquid during the supply period, wetting the laundry drum; heating the washing liquid to a high temperature through a heating element during the evaporation period, causing it to evaporate to form a water vapor atmosphere.
It significantly reduces water consumption and energy consumption during clothing care, reduces water consumption by up to 40%, and achieves a more efficient clothing heating effect.
Smart Images
Figure CN119507170A_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] The invention relates to a clothing care device with a control system. Background Art
[0002] In conventional laundry care devices, the laundry received in the laundry drum must be heated in order to achieve a sufficiently high cleaning effect when in contact with the washing liquid. In conventional laundry care devices, this is achieved by introducing a large amount of washing liquid into the lye container, which is sufficient to move the rotating laundry drum through the washing liquid so that the washing liquid comes into contact with the laundry in the laundry drum. If the washing liquid in the lye container is heated at this time, the heated washing liquid transfers heat to the laundry in the laundry drum. This heating of the laundry is also referred to as "conventional heating" of the laundry hereinafter.
[0003] Conventional clothing care appliances usually perform this conventional heating of large amounts of washing liquid, which has the disadvantage that a large amount of water is consumed for each clothing care process and a large amount of energy is consumed for heating. Summary of the invention
[0004] The object of the present invention is to provide a laundry care appliance which can be operated with reduced water and energy consumption.
[0005] The object is achieved by the features of the preferred technical solution of the present invention. Advantageous embodiments are derived from the optional technical solution, the description and the drawings.
[0006] According to a first aspect, the object of the present invention is achieved by a clothing care device, which comprises: a lye container for receiving washing liquid, wherein the lye container comprises a discharge opening and a supply element; a pump, which is fluidically connected to the discharge opening and the supply element; a washing liquid supply device, which is configured to supply washing liquid to the lye container; a laundry drum for receiving laundry, wherein the laundry drum is arranged in the lye container; a liquid level sensor, which is configured to detect the liquid level of washing liquid in the lye container; a heating element, which is configured to heat the washing liquid received in the lye container; and a control system, which is control-technically connected to the washing liquid supply device, the liquid level sensor, the heating element and the pump, wherein the control system is configured to activate the washing liquid supply device during a supply time period for supplying washing liquid to the lye container, wherein The control system is configured to activate the pump during the supply time period and / or the wetting time period connected to the supply time period, to pump the supplied washing liquid out of the discharge opening and to resupply the pumped washing liquid to the lye container via the supply element, so as to circulate the washing liquid and wet the clothes received in the laundry drum with the circulated washing liquid, wherein the washing liquid supply device is particularly deactivated during the wetting time period, wherein the control system is configured to activate the heating element during the evaporation time period connected to the supply time period or the wetting time period if the liquid level sensor detects that the washing liquid level in the lye container is between a minimum liquid level threshold and a maximum liquid level threshold, wherein the control system is configured to adjust the heating element so that an increased target temperature is reached, the increased target temperature causing part of the washing liquid to evaporate during the evaporation time period and forming a water vapor atmosphere in the lye container. The increased target temperature is preferably higher than the washing temperature of the subsequent washing time period in the laundry care program of the washing machine. The washing temperature can be determined by a temperature set by the customer or by a selected washing program.
[0007] The technical advantage achieved thereby is that, by means of the water vapor atmosphere formed in the lye container, the laundry in the laundry drum can be effectively heated by the generated water vapor.
[0008] To ensure this, a sufficient amount of washing liquid can be supplied to the lye container during the supply period and the washing liquid can be circulated by a pump during the supply period and / or the wetting period (also referred to as a circulation process) in order to effectively wet the laundry received in the laundry drum. In this case, part of the circulating washing liquid is blocked by the laundry, and the rest of the washing liquid is collected in the lower area of the lye container.
[0009] During the evaporation period following the supply period or the moistening period, the control system activates the heating element in order to heat the remaining washing liquid in the lye container to an elevated target temperature and to evaporate it at least partially in order to form a water vapor atmosphere in the lye container. For this purpose, the target temperature of the washing liquid is in particular at least above 70° C., in particular above 80° C.
[0010] In particular, the control system detects by means of a temperature sensor of the laundry care appliance when the temperature of the washing liquid in the lye container reaches the elevated target temperature.
[0011] Alternatively or additionally, the increased target temperature can also be set, in particular, via a heating period during which the hysteresis is activated.
[0012] Since the clothes are fully moistened during the circulation process, effective heat transfer from the water vapor generated in the lye container to the clothes in the laundry drum can be achieved without the clothes being in direct contact with the washing liquid in the lye container.
[0013] During the evaporation period, it is ensured that the heating element is activated by the control system only when the washing liquid level in the lye container is between a minimum level threshold value and a maximum level threshold value.
[0014] Here, the maximum liquid level threshold is below the lowest area of the laundry drum, which ensures that the washing liquid heated to the elevated target temperature does not come into direct contact with the laundry in the laundry drum to prevent stubborn dirt from burning into or damaging the fabrics.
[0015] Here, the minimum liquid level threshold is above the heating element to ensure that the heating element does not run dry and become damaged. The heating element is arranged in the lower region of the lye container of the laundry care device, in particular in the bottom shell.
[0016] Since the liquid level of the washing liquid will not exceed the maximum liquid level threshold during the evaporation time period, the amount of water and energy required to heat the clothes are greatly reduced compared to the traditional clothing care process, thereby significantly reducing the water consumption in the washing process and the total energy consumption of the clothing care equipment.
[0017] During the evaporation period, the laundry is preferably heated to a washing temperature that is lower than the increased target temperature. To this end, the duration of the evaporation period is preferably determined according to the selected washing program, the selected washing temperature, the selected or detected type of laundry and / or the detected amount of laundry. The determined duration can be determined experimentally and stored as a parameter in the control system.
[0018] A laundry care device may be understood as a device for laundry care, such as a washing machine or a washer-dryer. In particular, such a laundry care device may be understood as a household laundry care device. In other words, such a laundry care device is used in the context of household management and processes laundry in normal household quantities.
[0019] In a preferred embodiment, the clothing care device comprises a drum drive for rotating the clothing drum, wherein the control system is designed to activate the drum drive during a supply time period and / or a wetting time period and / or an evaporation time period to rotate the clothing drum, in particular to rotate the clothing drum alternately in two rotation directions.
[0020] The technical advantage achieved thereby is that the rotation of the laundry drum can move the laundry in the laundry drum, thereby achieving complete wetting of the laundry during the supply time period and / or wetting time period, or achieving complete heating of the laundry during the evaporation time period.
[0021] In particular, the control system is designed to activate the drum drive device during the supply time period and / or the wetting time period and / or the evaporation time period to rotate the clothing drum at a reduced drum speed, wherein the reduced drum speed is lower than the contact speed at which the clothing rests on the drum under the action of centrifugal force to prevent the washing liquid from being driven out of the clothing again.
[0022] In an advantageous embodiment, the control system is designed to heat the heating element during the evaporation time period to an elevated target temperature above 70°C, preferably above 75°C, more preferably above 78°C, more preferably above 80°C, most preferably to an elevated target temperature of 82°C.
[0023] The technical advantage achieved thereby is that an elevated target temperature of the scrubbing liquid is required to ensure that a sufficient amount of water vapor is generated.
[0024] In an advantageous embodiment, the laundry care appliance has a temperature sensor which is arranged in the lye container and is designed to detect the temperature of the washing liquid in the lye container, wherein the control system is designed to heat the heating element during the heating interval during the evaporation time period until the temperature detected by the temperature sensor corresponds to a target temperature, and the control system is designed to keep the heating element at the target temperature for a predetermined time after the target temperature is reached.
[0025] The technical advantage achieved thereby is that by maintaining the target temperature for a predetermined period of time it is ensured that a sufficient amount of washing liquid is vaporized, thereby forming an effective water vapor atmosphere in the lye container.
[0026] In particular, the control system is designed to heat the heating element during an evaporation time period during a heating interval until a temperature detected by the temperature sensor is within a target temperature range, the target temperature range being defined by a minimum target temperature threshold and a maximum target temperature threshold, wherein the control system is designed to maintain the heating element within the target temperature range for a predetermined time after the target temperature range is reached.
[0027] The technical advantage achieved thereby is that certain deviations or hysteresis can be tolerated within the target temperature range.
[0028] In an advantageous embodiment, the control system is designed to end the active evaporation period, deactivate the heating element activated during the evaporation period, and activate the heating element during the heating period if the washing liquid level detected by the level sensor in the lye container exceeds a maximum level threshold before or during the evaporation period, wherein the control system is designed to adjust the heating element during the heating period such that a reduced target temperature is reached, which is sufficient for the laundry to be effectively heated due to the direct contact of the washing liquid with the laundry, wherein the reduced target temperature is in particular in the range between 40° C. and 60° C. The reduced target temperature is lower than the increased target temperature and is preferably the same as the temperature at which the laundry is washed in the following washing period.
[0029] The technical advantage achieved thereby is that after the laundry is wetted during the supply period, if the washing liquid level in the lye container is above the maximum level threshold and the washing liquid is in contact with the laundry in the laundry drum, the heating element is not heated to the increased target temperature to prevent damage to the laundry. Instead, in this case, the heating element is heated to a reduced target temperature, so that the washing liquid is only heated to a reduced target temperature, but due to the direct contact between the high level of washing liquid and the laundry, the reduced target temperature is sufficient to effectively heat the laundry. The heating period can be understood as the period of time during which the washing liquid is heated to the reduced target temperature by the heating element, or it can also be understood as the period of time during which the laundry is heated conventionally.
[0030] In an advantageous embodiment, the control system is designed to activate the washing liquid supply device at least once before or during the evaporation period in order to supply a further amount of washing liquid to the evaporation period if the level sensor detects that the washing liquid level in the lye container is below a minimum level threshold, wherein the control system is designed to activate the heating element during the evaporation period if the level sensor detects that the washing liquid level in the lye container is between the minimum level threshold and a maximum level threshold after the further amount of washing liquid has been supplied at least once, wherein the control system is designed to adjust the heating element in such a way that an increased target temperature is achieved.
[0031] The technical advantage achieved thereby is that by adding a larger amount of washing liquid to the lye container at least once, sufficient wetting of the laundry can be ensured and effective evaporation compensation of the washing liquid evaporated during the evaporation period can be performed. The supply of a larger amount of washing liquid can be performed multiple times, in particular two, three or four times, before or during the evaporation period.
[0032] In an advantageous embodiment, the control system is designed to activate the washing liquid supply device at least once before or during the heating period to supply a further amount of washing liquid to the washing liquid container if the liquid level sensor detects that the washing liquid level in the washing liquid container is below a maximum liquid level threshold, and to activate the heating element during the heating period, and to adjust the heating element so that a reduced target temperature is reached when the liquid level sensor detects that the washing liquid level in the washing liquid container exceeds the maximum liquid level threshold after supplying a further amount of washing liquid at least once. The reduced target temperature is in particular in the range between 40° C. and 60° C.
[0033] The technical advantage achieved thereby is that during the heating period there is sufficient washing liquid to heat the laundry by direct contact with the washing liquid. Therefore, in this case, the washing liquid is heated by the heating element by the control system only to a reduced target temperature, or a larger amount of washing liquid is supplied at least once more to ensure that the washing liquid is in contact with the laundry in the laundry drum.
[0034] In an advantageous embodiment, the laundry care device comprises a drum drive for rotating the laundry drum, wherein the control system is designed to activate the drum drive after at least once a further amount of washing liquid has been supplied to the lye container and before activating the heating element, so that the laundry drum rotates at a drive-out speed, which is in particular between 80 and 160 revolutions per minute, in order to at least partially drive the washing liquid out of the laundry.
[0035] The technical advantage achieved thereby is that a portion of the washing liquid bound in the laundry and excess washing liquid not bound in the laundry can be returned to the alkaline solution container, so that an additional amount of washing liquid, in particular a large portion of the additional supply of washing liquid, can be provided with the returned washing liquid in order to be heated by the heating element and also to facilitate exceeding the minimum liquid level threshold. This also additionally facilitates reducing the water consumption. Furthermore, after the washing liquid has been discharged, an effective liquid level detection can advantageously also be carried out by the control system.
[0036] In an advantageous embodiment, the control system is designed to activate the washing liquid supply device at least once during the section for heating the washing liquid, so as to supply a further amount of washing liquid to the lye container when the level sensor detects that the washing liquid level in the lye container is below a minimum level threshold. During this phase, the further amount of washing liquid may be supplied several times, in particular two, three or four times.
[0037] The technical advantage achieved thereby is that an effective evaporation balance can be achieved and dry running of the heating element is prevented each time the heating element is used to heat the washing liquid.
[0038] In an advantageous embodiment, the control system is designed to deactivate the heating element after reaching the target temperature, in particular after a predetermined period of time, and to end the evaporation period.
[0039] The technical advantage achieved thereby is that effective heating of the laundry is achieved after the evaporation period.
[0040] In an advantageous embodiment, the control system is designed to activate the pump during a washing period after the evaporation period in order to circulate washing liquid and to wet the laundry in the receiving laundry drum with the circulated washing liquid.
[0041] The technical advantage achieved thereby is that during the washing period an effective temperature equalization can be achieved between the temperature of the laundry in the laundry drum and the temperature of the washing liquid.
[0042] In a preferred embodiment, the clothing care device comprises a drum drive for rotating the clothing drum, wherein the control system is designed to activate the drum drive during a washing time period to rotate the clothing drum, in particular at a drive-out speed (at which the clothing rests against the clothing drum due to the centrifugal force acting thereon) to drive out the washing liquid combined with the clothing.
[0043] The technical advantage achieved thereby is that the washing liquid received in the lye container is cooled by the discharge before it comes into contact with the laundry during the subsequent circulation process.
[0044] In an advantageous embodiment, the maximum liquid level threshold value is below the lowest area of the laundry drum.
[0045] The technical advantage achieved thereby is that direct contact between the washing liquid heated to the target temperature and the laundry in the laundry drum is avoided.
[0046] In an advantageous embodiment, the minimum filling level threshold is located above the uppermost region of the heating element.
[0047] The technical advantage achieved thereby is that dry running of the heating element is prevented.
[0048] In a preferred embodiment, the laundry care device comprises a drum drive for rotating the laundry drum, wherein the control system is designed to activate the drum drive after activating the pump during a supply time period and / or a wetting time period and before activating the heating element, so that the laundry drum rotates at a drive-out speed, which is in particular between 80 revolutions per minute and 160 revolutions per minute, in order to at least partially drive the washing liquid out of the laundry.
[0049] The technical advantage achieved thereby is that it can be ensured that a sufficient amount of washing liquid can be heated in the lye container before the heating element is activated for the first time.
[0050] Here, the control system is particularly designed to activate the washing liquid supply device at least once to supply a predetermined amount of washing liquid, for example 0.5 liters, to the lye container after activation of the drum drive, in particular after activation of the drum drive to partially drive the washing liquid out of the laundry, if the level sensor detects that the washing liquid level in the lye container is below a minimum level threshold, wherein the control system is designed to activate the heating element after at least one supply of the predetermined amount of washing liquid, if the level sensor detects that the washing liquid level in the lye container is between a minimum level threshold and a maximum level threshold, wherein the control system is designed to adjust the heating element in such a way that an increased target temperature is achieved.
[0051] Therefore, by detecting the liquid level after activating the drum drive, the saturation of the clothes can be checked, and by providing a predetermined amount of washing liquid, it is ensured that the clothes are fully saturated and the washing liquid level in the alkali liquid container is within the desired range. The predetermined water volume is preferably determined so that the maximum liquid level threshold is not exceeded when the washing liquid is supplied, that is, the predetermined amount of washing liquid is less than the volume obtained due to the geometric dimensions of the alkali liquid container between the minimum liquid level threshold and the maximum liquid level threshold. In particular, the predetermined amount of washing liquid can be selected from the range of 0.25 liters to 1 liter. Here, supplying a predetermined amount of washing liquid at least once also particularly includes supplying a predetermined amount of washing liquid multiple times, in particular supplying a predetermined amount of washing liquid twice, three times or four times. By supplying a predetermined amount of washing liquid, complete clothing saturation can be achieved in fewer steps, thereby avoiding unnecessary supply of washing liquid.
[0052] If, after at least one supply of a predetermined amount of washing liquid, the washing liquid level in the lye container detected by the level sensor is still below a minimum level threshold, the control system is in particular designed to deactivate the heating element activated during the evaporation period, terminate the evaporation heating period, and activate the heating element in a subsequent heating period if, after a further supply of washing liquid, the washing liquid level in the lye container detected by the level sensor is above a maximum level threshold, wherein the control system is designed to adjust the heating element in the subsequent heating period such that a reduced target temperature is achieved.
[0053] If after a predetermined number of wash liquid supplies it is still not possible to ensure that the optimum level for the evaporation of the wash liquid is reached, a lower target temperature is used. The optimum level for the evaporation of the wash liquid is reached when the heating element is completely covered with wash liquid and the level is below the laundry drum.
[0054] According to a second aspect, the object of the present invention is achieved by a method for heating clothes in a clothes care device, wherein the clothes care device comprises: a lye container for receiving washing liquid, wherein the lye container comprises a discharge opening and a supply element; a pump, which is fluidically connected to the discharge opening and the supply element; a washing liquid supply device, which is configured to supply washing liquid to the lye container; a clothes drum for receiving clothes, wherein the clothes drum is arranged in the lye container; a liquid level sensor, which is configured to detect the liquid level of washing liquid in the lye container; a heating element, which is configured to heat the washing liquid received in the lye container; and a control system, which is control-technically connected to the washing liquid supply device, the liquid level sensor, the heating element and the pump, wherein the method comprises the following method steps: activating the washing liquid supply device by the control system during a supply time period, The invention relates to a method for supplying washing liquid to the alkali liquid container; activating the pump by the control system during the supply time period and / or the wetting time period connected to the supply time period to pump the supplied washing liquid out of the discharge port and resupplying the pumped washing liquid to the alkali liquid container through the supply element so as to circulate the washing liquid and wet the clothes received in the laundry drum with the circulated washing liquid, wherein the washing liquid supply device is especially deactivated during the wetting time period; activating the heating element by the control system during an evaporation time period connected to the supply time period or the wetting time period if the washing liquid level in the alkali liquid container detected by the liquid level sensor is between a minimum liquid level threshold and a maximum liquid level threshold; regulating the heating element by the control system so as to reach an increased target temperature, the increased target temperature causing part of the washing liquid to evaporate during the evaporation time period and forming a water vapor atmosphere in the alkali liquid container.
[0055] The technical advantage achieved thereby is that advantageous heating of the laundry can be ensured.
[0056] In particular, after the cycle and before activating the heating element, the control system checks the saturation of the laundry with washing liquid.
[0057] In particular, washing liquid is driven out by a sufficiently high rotation speed of the laundry drum to ensure that the laundry is sufficiently wetted. This can be achieved, for example, by detecting the liquid level in such a way that after the discharge, it is checked whether the liquid level is still below a minimum liquid level threshold, in such a case it is assumed that the laundry is not sufficiently wetted, and in such a way that after this step it is checked whether the liquid level is above a maximum liquid level threshold, in such a case it is assumed that the laundry is over-wetted. On the other hand, the ideal liquid level can be provided without supplying a large amount of washing liquid or pumping out a certain amount of washing liquid.
[0058] Advantageous embodiments of the laundry care appliance according to the first aspect are also advantageous embodiments of the method according to the second aspect, and vice versa. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0059] Embodiments of the present invention are shown in the accompanying drawings and described in detail below. In the accompanying drawings:
[0060] Figure 1 A schematic diagram showing a clothing care apparatus;
[0061] Figure 2 A schematic diagram showing a clothing care device with a control system according to one embodiment;
[0062] Figure 3 A schematic diagram showing different levels of washing liquid in a lye container according to one embodiment;
[0063] Figure 4 A schematic diagram showing an evaporation period immediately following a supply period according to one embodiment;
[0064] Figure 5 a schematic diagram showing a method for heating clothes in a clothes care device; and
[0065] Figure 6 Another schematic diagram showing a method for heating laundry in a laundry care appliance. DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0066] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of a conventional clothing care device 100 (e.g., a washing machine) is shown. The clothing care device 100 comprises a flushing shell 101 into which clothing care substances, in particular detergents or other liquid substances, can be filled. The clothing care device 100 comprises a device housing 102. The clothing care device 100 comprises a device door 103 for loading clothing into the clothing care device 100.
[0067] Figure 2A schematic diagram of a laundry care device with a control system according to one embodiment is shown. The laundry care device 100 has a lye container 105 for receiving washing liquid and a laundry drum 107 for receiving laundry. The laundry drum 107 is arranged in the lye container 105. The laundry care device 100 has a drum drive 109 for rotating the laundry drum 107. The lye container 105 includes a drain 111. The laundry care device 100 has a supply element 113. The drain 111 is fluidically connected to the supply element 113 via a liquid line 115, wherein a pump 117 is arranged in the liquid line 115 for pumping washing liquid through the liquid line 115.
[0068] exist Figure 2 During the circulation pumping process not shown in the figure, the pump 117 can pump the washing liquid from the alkali liquid container 105 into the liquid pipeline 115 through the discharge port 111, and can supply the washing liquid to the alkali liquid container 105 and the laundry drum 107 again through the liquid pipeline 115 and the supply element 113. Therefore, during the laundry care process or when the laundry care program is performed, the washing liquid can be effectively circulated and pumped through the liquid pipeline 115 and supplied to the laundry in the laundry drum 107 again.
[0069] The clothing care apparatus 100 comprises a washing liquid supply device 118 - 1 for supplying washing liquid to the alkali liquid container 105 , wherein the washing liquid supply device 118 - 1 is connected to the alkali liquid container 105 via a supply line 118 - 2 .
[0070] In particular, the detergent supply device 118-1 includes the laundry care device 100. Figure 2 The flushing housing 101 and / or the clothing care device 100 not shown in FIG. Figure 2 A fresh water interface not shown in the figure, wherein the control system 119 is designed to activate the supply of washing liquid via the flushing housing 101 and / or the fresh water interface so as to supply washing liquid and / or fresh water as washing liquid into the laundry drum 107.
[0071] The clothing care device 100 further comprises a liquid level sensor 121 , which is designed to detect the liquid level of the washing liquid in the alkali liquid container 105 , and a heating element 123 for heating the washing liquid received in the alkali liquid container 105 .
[0072] The garment care appliance 100 further comprises a control system 119 which is connected to the pump 117, the drum drive 109, the washing liquid supply 118-1, the liquid level sensor 121 and the heating element 123 via control connections 120, respectively.
[0073] The laundry care device 100 further comprises a discharge line 125 which is fluidically connected to the liquid line 115. The pump 117 is designed to Figure 2 During a pumping process (not shown), the washing liquid is pumped out of the alkali liquid container 105 through the discharge opening 111 and pumped out of the clothing care device 100 through the liquid line 115 and the discharge line 125, wherein in particular two independent pumps 117 are used, one pump 117 is used for the pumping process through the discharge line 125, and the other pump 117 is used for the circulation pumping process.
[0074] Figure 3 A schematic diagram showing different washing liquid levels in a lye container according to one embodiment.
[0075] Figure 3 The laundry drum 107 arranged in the lye container 105 and the heating element 123 arranged in the lye container 105 are shown only schematically.
[0076] The object of the present invention is to ensure a significant reduction in water and energy consumption during laundry care in that the laundry received in the laundry drum 107 is heated not with hot water but with steam, thereby reducing water consumption by up to 40% and achieving significant energy savings.
[0077] In order to generate water vapor, the heating element 123 must heat the washing liquid received in the lye container 105 to a target temperature, particularly above 80° C., so as to evaporate part of the washing liquid and generate a water vapor atmosphere in the lye container 105 , thereby effectively heating the clothes received in the laundry drum 107 .
[0078] However, the washing liquid heated to the elevated target temperature must be prevented from directly contacting the clothes, and therefore the level of the washing liquid must always be below the lowest area of the laundry drum 107 during the corresponding heating process. Figure 3 The corresponding maximum filling level threshold value 127 shown in FIG. 1 is located below a lowest region 129 of the laundry drum 107 .
[0079] Furthermore, the heating element 123 must be prevented from running dry, so that during the corresponding heating process, the level of the washing liquid must always be above the heating element 123. Figure 3 The corresponding minimum filling level threshold value 131 shown in FIG. 1 is located above the heating element 123 .
[0080] Therefore, in order for the heating element 123 to reach the increased target temperature when operating so that part of the washing liquid evaporates during the evaporation period and a water vapor atmosphere is formed in the lye container 105, the target liquid level 133 shown by the dashed line must be between the minimum liquid level threshold 131 and the maximum liquid level threshold 127.
[0081] Figure 3 An additional liquid level threshold value 134 is also shown, which can also be taken into account by the control system 119, in particular for checking the saturation of the laundry. For example, the additional liquid level threshold value 134 is located below the heating element 123. If the additional liquid level threshold value 134 is not reached, it can be determined that there is no free washing liquid in the lower area of the lye container 105. In particular, after a predetermined amount of water, for example 0.5 liters, has been supplied and the laundry drum 107 has been rotated with the pump 117 for circulating the washing liquid activated if necessary, if the additional liquid level threshold value 134 is still not reached, it indicates that the laundry is not yet completely saturated. Conversely, if the additional liquid level threshold value 134 is exceeded, it can be determined that part of the washing liquid can no longer be absorbed by the laundry, i.e. the laundry is completely saturated.
[0082] Alternatively, the saturation may also be checked in a similar manner by checking the minimum liquid level threshold 131 .
[0083] Figure 4 A diagram showing an evaporation period following a supply period according to one embodiment.
[0084] Figure 4 The time representation of the washing liquid temperature in the lye container 105 (see the first curve 135 marked with a circle), the amount of washing liquid supplied to the lye container 105 by the washing liquid supply device 118-1 (see the second curve 137 marked with squares) and the washing liquid level in the lye container 105 (see the third curve 139 marked with triangles) are shown, which are plotted along the ordinate axis 141 as a function of time, which is represented along the abscissa axis 143.
[0085] Figure 4 The process shown starts with a supply time period 145, during which the control system 119 of the clothing care device 100 activates the washing liquid supply device 118-1 for supplying washing liquid to the alkali liquid container 105, which can be seen from the rise of the second curve 137. Figure 4 This can also be seen from the rising liquid level in the alkali liquid container 105, as shown in the third curve 139.
[0086] In addition, during the supply time period 145, the control system 119 activates the pump 117 to pump out the washing liquid supplied during the supply time period 145 from the discharge port 111, and re-supply the pumped washing liquid to the alkali liquid container 105 through the supply element 113 to circulate the washing liquid and wet the clothes in the clothing drum 107 with the circulated washing liquid.
[0087] This can be based on Figure 4 The third curve 139 in FIG. 1 is shown by the drop in the washing liquid level after the rise.
[0088] In the wetting time period 146 after the supply time period 145, the washing liquid supply device 118-1 is deactivated, but the pump 117 remains activated for circulation. Figure 4 This can be seen from the further decrease in the washing liquid level, as shown in the third curve 139 in FIG. 145. The supply time period 145 and the wetting time period 146 can also be understood together as a supply time period, in which the washing liquid supply device 118-1 is only temporarily activated. In this case, the wetting time period can also be omitted.
[0089] In an evaporation period 147 following a wetting period 146 or a supply period 145 , the control system 119 activates the heating element 123 if the level sensor 121 detects that the washing liquid level in the lye container 105 is between the minimum level threshold 131 and the maximum level threshold 127 .
[0090] This can be seen from the first curve 135 by the marked increase in the temperature of the washing liquid to a target temperature, in particular a target temperature of over 80° C., which causes part of the washing liquid to evaporate during the evaporation period 147 and forms a water vapor atmosphere in the lye container 105 .
[0091] Energy can be transferred to the clothes in the laundry drum particularly effectively via the water vapor atmosphere, so that the water and energy consumption of the laundry care device 100 is significantly reduced, while the clothes are advantageously moistened and a favorable laundry care effect is achieved.
[0092] exist Figure 4 In a case not shown, if the liquid level sensor 121 detects that the washing liquid level in the alkali liquid container 105 is lower than the minimum liquid level threshold 131, the control system 119 activates the washing liquid supply device 118-1 at least once before and / or during the evaporation time period 147 to supply more washing liquid to the alkali liquid container 105.
[0093] Subsequently, if necessary after one or more revolutions of the laundry drum 107, the control system 119 checks whether the washing liquid level in the alkali liquid container 105 detected by the level sensor 121 is between the minimum level threshold 131 and the maximum level threshold 127 after at least one supply of further washing liquid, and then the control system 119 activates the heating element 123 during the evaporation time period 147 in order to heat to the increased target temperature.
[0094] If necessary, the control system 119 can supply more washing liquid to the lye container 105 several times, in particular up to four times, in which case in particular the drum drive 109 is activated to rotate the laundry drum 107 at different rotational speeds.
[0095] If after multiple, in particular four, supplies of washing liquid, the minimum level threshold 131 is still below or the maximum level 127 is exceeded, the control system 119 is designed to deactivate the heating element 123 activated during the evaporation period 147, terminate the evaporation heating stage 147, and Figure 4 During a subsequent heating period not shown in FIG. 1 , the heating element 123 is activated, wherein the control system 119 is designed to adjust the heating element 123 so that a reduced target temperature is reached during the heating period, wherein the reduced target temperature is in particular in the range between 40° C. and 60° C. It is also possible that before the activation of the heating element 123, at least one further amount of washing liquid is supplied so that the washing liquid comes into direct contact with the laundry in the laundry drum. Thus, if after a plurality of, in particular four, supplies of washing liquid the minimum liquid level threshold 131 is still below or the maximum liquid level 127 is exceeded, the laundry is heated conventionally.
[0096] The lowering of the target temperature can prevent the clothes from being damaged by temperature.
[0097] like Figure 4 As shown, the evaporation period 147 is followed by a washing period 149, during which the pump 117 is activated to circulate the washing liquid and wet the laundry in the laundry drum 107 with the circulating washing liquid. The washing liquid level in the lye container drops, and the temperature of the washing liquid is also equalized by the contact between the laundry and the washing liquid.
[0098] Figure 5 A schematic diagram of a method 200 for heating laundry in a laundry care appliance is shown.
[0099] As a first method step, the method 200 comprises, during the supply period 145 , activating 201 the washing liquid supply device 118 - 1 by the control system 119 for supplying washing liquid to the alkaline liquid container 105 .
[0100] As a second method step, the method 200 includes: during the supply time period 145, the control system 119 activates 203 the pump 117 for pumping the supplied washing liquid out of the discharge opening 111 and supplying the pumped washing liquid again to the lye container 105 via the supply element 113, so as to circulate the washing liquid and moisten the clothes received in the laundry drum 107 with the circulated washing liquid.
[0101] In particular, the washing liquid is driven out due to the sufficiently high speed rotation of the laundry drum 107, thereby ensuring that the laundry is fully wetted. For example, this can be achieved by detecting whether the liquid level after this step is still below the minimum liquid level threshold 131, in which case it can be considered that the laundry is not fully wetted, or by detecting whether the liquid level after this step is above the maximum liquid level threshold 129, in which case it can be considered that the laundry is over-wetted. On the other hand, an ideal liquid level can be provided without providing a large amount of washing liquid or pumping out a certain amount of washing liquid.
[0102] As a third method step, the method 200 includes activating the heating element 123 by the control system 119 during an evaporation period 147 after the supply period 145 when the level sensor 121 detects that the washing liquid level in the lye container 105 is between the minimum level threshold 131 and the maximum level threshold 127 .
[0103] As a fourth method step, the method 200 comprises regulating 207 the heating element 123 by means of the control system 119 so as to reach an elevated target temperature which causes part of the washing liquid to evaporate during the evaporation period 147 and to form a water vapor atmosphere in the lye container 105 .
[0104] Between the second method step 203 and the third method step 205, the method 200 may further include: Figure 5 Another method step not shown in the figure is used to moisten the clothes received in the clothes drum 107 with washing liquid. In this other method step, the washing liquid supply device 118-1 is deactivated and in this other method step, the pump 117 can be activated to moisten the clothes with the circulating pumped washing liquid.
[0105] Figure 6 Another schematic diagram of a method 300 for heating laundry in a laundry care appliance is shown.
[0106] Figure 6 The illustrated method 300 includes Figure 5 The method steps 201, 203, 205 and 207 are shown. Before the first method step 201, an initial parameter query 301 is performed in a first method decision, which initial parameter can be a set value, such as a processing temperature, a program setting of a selected laundry care program (boil / color wash, easy care, wool, etc.), and / or can be a measured value detected at the beginning of the laundry care program, such as load volume, type of laundry. According to the initial query 301, the selection Figure 5The method 200 shown includes method steps 201, 203, 205 and 207 for heating washing liquid to an elevated target temperature or a method for heating washing liquid to a lower target temperature (conventional heating of laundry), the latter including a fifth method step 309 for activating the washing liquid supply device 118-1 and a sixth method step 311 for activating and adjusting the heating element 123 to a lower target temperature.
[0107] In particular, through the inquiry 301 of the initial parameters it is possible to heat the clothes only by evaporating the washing liquid if the clothes or the type of clothes to be treated are suitable for heating the clothes by evaporating the washing liquid, or if there is not a particularly large amount of clothes to be treated and these clothes require no or only a small amount of water and / or energy saving, then.
[0108] In method step 309, a level of washing liquid in the lye container 105 or the laundry drum 107 is set which is sufficient to heat the laundry by direct contact of the washing liquid with the laundry. For example, such a level is reached when the level in the lye container 105 is above the maximum level threshold 127.
[0109] In the method 300, after the second method step 203, in particular after the washing liquid is driven out by rotating the laundry drum 107, the liquid level is detected by the liquid level sensor and compared with the minimum liquid level threshold value 131 in a second method decision 303. If the detected liquid level is less than the liquid level threshold value 131, it is indicated that the laundry is not yet completely wetted, and the method steps 201 and 203 are repeated n times, wherein a predetermined amount of washing liquid, for example 0.5 liters, is resupplied when the washing liquid supply device 118-1 is repeatedly activated. In a third method decision 305, it is queried whether n (the number of repetitions) is equal to a maximum number N. If the minimum liquid level threshold value 131 is exceeded in the second method decision 303, or the nth repetition of the method steps 201 and 203 is reached in the third method decision 305, it is checked in a fourth method decision 307 whether the liquid level is between the minimum liquid level threshold value 131 and the maximum liquid level threshold value 127. Here, if it is determined that the detected liquid level is between the minimum liquid level threshold 131 and the maximum liquid level threshold 127, method steps 205 and 207 for heating the washing liquid to an increased target temperature are performed, otherwise method steps 309 and 311 for heating the washing liquid to a lowered target temperature are performed for conventional heating of the clothes, wherein method step 309 can be omitted if the maximum liquid level threshold 127 has been exceeded.
[0110] Figure 6 What is not shown here is that a washing time period 149 may follow method step 207 or method step 311 .
[0111] All features explained and shown in the individual embodiments of the invention may be arranged in the subject matter of the invention in different combinations in order to achieve their advantageous effects simultaneously.
[0112] The scope of protection of the present invention is given by the claims and is not limited by the features explained in the description or shown in the drawings.
[0113] Reference numerals list
[0114] 100 Clothing Care Equipment
[0115] 101 Into the Shell
[0116] 102 Equipment housing
[0117] 103 Equipment Door
[0118] 105 Lye container
[0119] 107 Clothes drum
[0120] 109 Roller drive device
[0121] 111 Discharge port
[0122] 113 Supply Components
[0123] 115 Liquid pipeline
[0124] 117 Pump
[0125] 118-1 Washing liquid supply device
[0126] 118-2 Supply pipeline
[0127] 119 Control System
[0128] 120 Control connection
[0129] 121 Liquid level sensor
[0130] 123 Heating element
[0131] 125 Discharge line
[0132] 127 Maximum liquid level threshold
[0133] 129 Lowest area of the laundry drum
[0134] 131 Minimum liquid level threshold
[0135] 133 Target level
[0136] 134 Additional level threshold
[0137] 135 First Curve
[0138] 137 Second Curve
[0139] 139 The Third Curve
[0140] 141 vertical axis
[0141] 143 horizontal axis
[0142] 145 Supply time period
[0143] 146 Wetting time period
[0144] 147 Evaporation time period
[0145] 149 Washing time period
[0146] 200 Methods for heating clothing
[0147] 201 First method step: Activate the washing liquid supply device
[0148] 203 Second method step: Activating the pump
[0149] 205Third method step: activating the heating element
[0150] 207 Fourth method step: Adjusting the heating element
[0151] 300 Another way to heat clothes
[0152] 301 First method decision: Ask for initial parameters
[0153] 303 Second method decision: Is the detected liquid level less than the maximum liquid level threshold 127?
[0154] 305Third method decision: reaching the maximum number N?
[0155] 307 Fourth method decision: Is the detected liquid level between the minimum liquid level threshold 131 and the maximum liquid level threshold 127?
[0156] 309 Fifth method step: Activate the washing liquid supply device
[0157] 311 Sixth method step: activating and regulating the heating element.
Claims
1. A clothing care device (100), comprising: A lye container (105) for receiving washing liquid, wherein the lye container (105) has a discharge opening (111) and a supply element (113); a pump (117) which is fluidically connected to the discharge opening (111) and the supply element (113); a washing liquid supply device (118-1) which is configured to supply washing liquid to the lye container (105); a laundry drum (107) for receiving laundry, wherein the laundry drum (107) is arranged at a position The invention relates to a method for producing a washing liquid in an alkali liquid container (105); a liquid level sensor (121) configured to detect the liquid level of washing liquid in the alkali liquid container (105); a heating element (123) configured to heat the washing liquid received in the alkali liquid container (105); and a control system (119) connected to the washing liquid supply device (118-1), the liquid level sensor (121), the heating element (123) and the pump (117) in terms of control technology, characterized in that: The control system (119) is configured to activate the washing liquid supply device (118-1) during a supply time period (145) for supplying washing liquid to the alkali liquid container (105), the control system (119) is configured to activate the pump (117) during the supply time period (145) and / or a wetting time period (146) connected to the supply time period (145) for pumping the supplied washing liquid out of the discharge port (111) and for resupplying the pumped washing liquid to the alkali liquid container (105) through the supply element (113) for circulating the washing liquid and wetting the clothes received in the laundry drum (107) with the circulated washing liquid, wherein in the wetting time period, in particular, the washing liquid supply device (118-1) is deactivated, and The control system (119) is configured to activate the heating element (123) during an evaporation time period (147) that follows the supply time period (145) or the wetting time period (146) if the washing liquid level in the alkali liquid container (105) detected by the liquid level sensor (121) is between a minimum liquid level threshold value (131) and a maximum liquid level threshold value (127), wherein the control system (119) is configured to regulate the heating element (123) in such a way that an elevated target temperature is reached, the elevated target temperature causing part of the washing liquid to evaporate during the evaporation time period (147) and forming a water vapor atmosphere in the alkali liquid container (105).
2. The clothing care device (100) according to claim 1, characterized in that: The clothing care device (100) has a drum drive device (109) for rotating the clothing drum (107), wherein the control system (119) is configured to activate the drum drive device (109) during the supply time period (145) and / or during the wetting time period (147) and / or during the evaporation time period (147) to rotate the clothing drum (107), in particular to rotate the clothing drum (107) alternately in two rotation directions.
3. The clothing care device (100) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The control system (119) is configured to heat the heating element (123) to an elevated target temperature of above 70°C, preferably above 75°C, more preferably above 78°C, more preferably above 80°C, and most preferably to an elevated target temperature of 82°C during the evaporation time period (147).
4. The clothing care device (100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The laundry care device (100) comprises a temperature sensor which is arranged in the alkali liquid container (105) and is configured to detect the temperature of the washing liquid in the alkali liquid container (105), wherein the control system (119) is configured to heat the heating element (123) during a heating interval during the evaporation time period (147) until the temperature detected by the temperature sensor corresponds to a target temperature, wherein the control system (119) is configured to maintain the heating element (123) at the target temperature for a predetermined time after the target temperature is reached.
5. The clothing care device (100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The control system (119) is configured to end an active evaporation time period (147), deactivate a heating element (123) activated during the evaporation time period (147), and activate the heating element (123) during a heating time period when the washing liquid level in the lye container (105) detected by the liquid level sensor (121) before or during the evaporation time period exceeds a maximum liquid level threshold (127), wherein the control system (119) is configured to adjust the heating element (123) during the heating time period in such a way that a reduced target temperature is reached, which is sufficient for the laundry to be effectively heated due to direct contact of the washing liquid with the laundry, wherein the reduced target temperature is in particular in the range between 40° C. and 60° C.
6. The clothing care device (100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The control system (119) is configured to activate the washing liquid supply device (118-1) at least once before or during the evaporation time period (147) to supply a larger amount of washing liquid to the alkali liquid container (105), if the washing liquid level in the alkali liquid container (105) detected by the liquid level sensor (121) is lower than a minimum liquid level threshold (131). The control system (119) is designed to activate the heating element (123) during the evaporation time period (147) if the washing liquid level in the lye container (105) detected by the level sensor (121) after at least one supply of a further amount of washing liquid is between a minimum level threshold value (131) and a maximum level threshold value (127), wherein the control system (119) is designed to regulate the heating element (123) in such a way that an increased target temperature is achieved.
7. The clothing care device (100) according to claim 5, characterized in that: The control system (119) is configured to activate the washing liquid supply device (118-1) at least once before or during the heating period to supply a larger amount of washing liquid to the washing liquid container (105), if the washing liquid level in the washing liquid container (105) detected by the liquid level sensor (121) is lower than a maximum liquid level threshold (131). The control system (119) is designed to activate the heating element (123) during the heating time period if the washing liquid level in the lye container (105) detected by the level sensor (121) exceeds a maximum level threshold (127) after at least one supply of a further amount of washing liquid, wherein the control system (119) is designed to regulate the heating element (123) in such a way that a reduced target temperature is achieved, wherein the reduced target temperature is in particular in the range between 40° C. and 60° C.
8. The clothing care device (100) according to claim 6 or 7, characterized in that: The laundry care device (100) comprises a drum drive (109) for rotating the laundry drum (107), wherein the control system (119) is configured to activate the drum drive (109) after at least once supplying a further amount of washing liquid to the lye container (105) and before activating the heating element (123) in order to rotate the laundry drum (107) at a drive-out speed, in particular between 80 and 160 revolutions per minute, in order to at least partially drive the washing liquid out of the laundry.
9. The clothing care device (100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The control system (119) is configured to activate the washing liquid supply device at least once during a section for heating the washing liquid to supply a larger amount of washing liquid to the washing liquid container (105) if the washing liquid level in the washing liquid container (105) detected by the liquid level sensor (121) is below a minimum liquid level threshold value (131).
10. The clothing care device (100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The control system (119) is configured to deactivate the heating element (123) and end the evaporation period (147) after reaching a target temperature, in particular after a predetermined period of time.
11. The clothing care device (100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The control system (119) is configured to activate the pump (117) during a washing time period (149) connected to the evaporation time period (147) for circulating washing liquid and wetting the laundry received in the laundry drum (107) with the circulated washing liquid.
12. The clothing care device (100) according to claim 11, characterized in that: The clothing care device (100) has a drum drive device (109) for rotating the clothing drum (107), wherein the control system (119) is configured to activate the drum drive device (109) during the washing time period (149) to rotate the clothing drum (107), in particular to rotate it at a driving-out speed, so as to drive out the washing liquid combined with the clothing.
13. The clothing care device (100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The maximum liquid level threshold (127) is located below a lowermost area (129) of the laundry drum (107).
14. The clothing care device (100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The minimum liquid level threshold (131) is located above the uppermost region of the heating element (123).
15. A method (200) for heating clothes in a clothes care device (100), wherein the clothes care device (100) comprises: A lye container (105) for receiving washing liquid, wherein the lye container (105) comprises a discharge opening (111) and a supply element (113); a pump (117) which is fluidically connected to the discharge opening (111) and the supply element (113); a washing liquid supply device (118-1) which is configured to supply washing liquid to the lye container (105); a laundry drum (107) for receiving laundry, wherein the laundry drum (107) is arranged in the lye container (105). ); a liquid level sensor (121), the liquid level sensor being configured to detect the liquid level of the washing liquid in the alkali liquid container (105); a heating element (123), for heating the washing liquid received in the alkali liquid container (105); and a control system (119), the control system being connected to the washing liquid supply device (118-1), the liquid level sensor (121), the heating element (123) and the pump (117) in terms of control technology, characterized in that the method (200) comprises the following method steps, During a supply period (145), the control system (119) activates (201) the cleaning liquid supply device (118-1) for supplying cleaning liquid to the alkaline liquid container (105), During the supply time period (145) and / or a wetting time period (146) connected to the supply time period (145), the pump (117) is activated (203) by the control system (119) to pump the supplied washing liquid out of the discharge port (111) and to resupply the pumped washing liquid to the alkali liquid container (105) through the supply element (113) to circulate the washing liquid and to wet the clothes received in the laundry drum (107) with the circulated washing liquid, wherein during the wetting time period, in particular, the washing liquid supply device (118-1) is deactivated, and If the level of the washing liquid in the lye container (105) detected by the level sensor (121) is between a minimum level threshold value (131) and a maximum level threshold value (127), the heating element (123) is activated (205) by the control system (119) during an evaporation time period (147) following the supply time period (145) or the wetting time period (146), The heating element (123) is regulated (207) by the control system (119) in such a way that an elevated target temperature is reached, which causes part of the washing liquid to evaporate during the evaporation period (147) and to form a water vapor atmosphere in the lye container (105).