Device and method for maintaining a function of a heat pump device and laundry treatment appliance

Abstract

Device for maintaining the function of a heat pump unit comprising an evaporator (114), a condenser (116) and a refrigerant circuit (840) for dehumidifying process air for a laundry treatment unit (100), wherein the device has the following features: a detection device (122) configured to detect at least one operating parameter value of the laundry treatment device (100), wherein the detection device (122) is configured as a sensor that detects a physical quantity, such as temperature or air saturation of the process air flowing into the inlet interface (110) and / or a temperature of a component (116) of the heat pump device, and represents it as an operating parameter value; and a supply device (124) configured to supply a fluid for cleaning and / or cooling the heat pump device using the operating parameter value, wherein the supply device (124) has a thermal interface (838) to the condenser (116) of the heat pump device, and is configured to guide the fluid for cooling the heat pump device along the thermal interface (838) and thereby set a temperature of the process air supplied by the heat pump device during operation of the heat pump device.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a device for maintaining the function of a heat pump device and a laundry treatment device, for example a washer-dryer.

[0002] Washer-dryers with a heat pump system for dehumidifying process air are very energy efficient.

[0003] Documents WO 2011 / 080 116 A1 and DE 10 2005 014 842 A1 disclose a heat pump dryer.

[0004] DE 10 2012 209 826 A1 discloses a condensation dryer in general, in which the process air is cooled for condensation by means of supplied air from the outside.

[0005] EP 2 476 796 A1 discloses a device for maintaining the function of a heat pump device comprising an evaporator, a condenser and a refrigerant circuit for dehumidifying process air for a laundry treatment device, wherein the device is a supply device configured to provide the heat pump device with a liquid for cleaning and / or cooling the heat pump device using the operating parameter value.

[0006] The invention aims to provide an improved device and an improved method for maintaining the function of a heat pump device for a laundry treatment machine and an improved laundry treatment machine.

[0007] According to the invention, this problem is solved by a device and a method for maintaining the function of a heat pump unit for a laundry treatment device and a laundry treatment device with the features of the main claims. Advantageous embodiments and further developments of the invention are described in the following dependent claims.

[0008] The advantages achievable with the invention are that, depending on the embodiment, both excess heat and impurities such as lint can be removed from the heat pump device, thereby improving the function and service life of the heat pump device.

[0009] A device for maintaining the function of a heat pump unit comprising an evaporator, a condenser and a refrigerant circuit for dehumidifying process air for a laundry treatment unit has the following features: a recording device designed to record at least one operating parameter value of the laundry treatment machine; and a supply device designed to supply a fluid to the heat pump device for cleaning and / or cooling the heat pump device using the operating parameter value.

[0010] A laundry treatment unit can be understood as a device in which laundry, for example textiles, can be treated. Laundry treatment can include, for example, washing or drying. During operation of the laundry treatment unit, the laundry can be arranged in a laundry treatment chamber and treated using process air. A laundry treatment unit can be, for example, a washing machine, a washer-dryer, or a tumble dryer. The heat pump unit can be configured to draw in process air via an inlet interface, cool and dehumidify it using the evaporator, then reheat it using the condenser, and discharge it via an outlet interface. The process air discharged by the heat pump unit can be used to treat laundry located within the laundry treatment chamber.A refrigerant can be circulated between the evaporator and the condenser via the refrigerant circuit. The refrigerant can be evaporated in the evaporator using process air and liquefied in the condenser using process air.

[0011] The sensing device can be designed as an interface for receiving or reading the operating parameter value, for example, in the form of an electrical signal, or as a measuring device. A measuring device can detect a physical quantity represented by the operating parameter value. The supply device can be configured to control the supply of the liquid depending on a value of the operating parameter. The liquid can be water, for example, fresh water or process water.

[0012] According to one embodiment, the supply device can have a thermal interface to a component of the heat pump system, in particular to the condenser, and additionally or alternatively to the refrigerant circuit. The supply device can be configured to guide the fluid for cooling the heat pump system along the thermal interface. The thermal interface can be a heat exchanger. Thermal energy can be transferred from a component of the heat pump system to the fluid and dissipated from the fluid via the thermal interface. In this way, for example, the temperature of the process air supplied by the heat pump system can be adjusted during operation. This prevents the process air from being introduced into the laundry treatment room at an excessively high temperature.

[0013] For example, a suitable thermal interface can include at least one line running through the condenser to carry the liquid. This allows the condenser to be cooled directly, thereby reducing the temperature of the process air passing through it.

[0014] The detection device can be configured to detect the temperature of the process air and, additionally or alternatively, the temperature of a component of the heat pump system as the operating parameter value. Additionally or alternatively, the temperature prevailing in the laundry treatment room can also be detected as the operating parameter value. Knowing such a temperature value as the operating parameter value, the temperature of the process air supplied by the heat pump system can be adjusted using the fluid.

[0015] After the process air enters the heat pump system, it can be cleaned using a separator, particularly removing lint. This protects downstream components of the heat pump system from contamination. The separator can be the evaporator or another component of the heat pump system or laundry treatment unit. Unlike a lint screen acting as a filter, a separator has at least one adhesive surface oriented lengthwise to the flow direction of the process air, to which lint can adhere. Additionally or alternatively, the separator can have at least one separation chamber in which lint can be separated, for example, due to turbulence in the process air.Unlike a sieve, at least one opening in the separation device for process air can have a continuous cross-sectional area for the process air that is larger than the lint to be separated. According to one embodiment, a sieve can also be used to filter out lint.

[0016] Advantageously, the supply device can be designed to deliver the fluid to a separator of the heat pump unit in order to flush out lint collected in the separator. Depending on the design or operating condition of the heat pump unit, the fluid can be used solely for flushing the separator or additionally for cooling the heat pump unit. In this way, the available fluid can be used very efficiently.

[0017] According to one embodiment, the liquid can also be supplied to the separation device to increase the separation of lint at the separation device, for example by moistening a separation surface or a separation chamber of the separation device with the liquid.

[0018] The supply unit can be configured to provide the fluid in a quantity dependent on the operating parameter value. This operating parameter value indicates the need for fluid to cool or clean the heat pump unit. Thus, by evaluating the operating parameter value, the quantity of fluid supplied or to be supplied can be set very precisely. Additionally or alternatively, the supply unit can be configured to provide the fluid for a duration dependent on the operating parameter value. This allows, for example, the fluid supply to be interrupted or released. This prevents unnecessary fluid consumption.

[0019] The supply device can be configured to provide the liquid as condensate collected at the evaporator. This eliminates the need for a separate liquid connection, as the liquid can be drawn from the process air. In this case, the supply device can be configured to control the drying program within a treatment chamber of the laundry treatment unit by using operating parameter values ​​to adjust the quantity of liquid supplied as condensate. Controlling the drying program can, for example, regulate the temperature, the volume or velocity of the process air circulated through the laundry treatment chamber, and / or the circulation of the laundry within the treatment chamber.If a large amount of liquid is required, the drying program can be controlled so that the process air entering the heat pump unit is saturated with moisture as completely as possible, resulting in a maximum amount of condensate at the evaporator.

[0020] The measuring device can be designed to record the amount of condensate accumulating at the evaporator of the heat pump unit as an operating parameter value. Knowing the amount of condensate allows, for example, a determination of whether a change in the amount of condensate accumulating or an additional supply of fluid is advisable.

[0021] The detection device can be configured to detect the amount of condensate produced using a humidity value representing the humidity of the process air at the evaporator outlet. This can be easily accomplished using a humidity sensor. Additionally or alternatively, the detection device can be configured to detect the amount of condensate produced using a load value representing the amount of laundry in the laundry treatment unit. Such a value may already be available, eliminating the need for an additional measuring device. Additionally or alternatively, the detection device can be configured to detect the amount of condensate produced using a saturation value representing the saturation of the process air with water vapor.Saturation, for example in the direction of process air flow upstream of the evaporator or a separator, is a very accurate measure for determining the amount of condensate produced. Additionally or alternatively, the measuring device can be designed to determine the amount of condensate produced using a temperature difference between the process air and the evaporator. For this purpose, two measuring devices can be provided, one measuring the temperature of the process air upstream and the other downstream of the evaporator. The amount of condensate remaining in the evaporator can then be deduced from the change in temperature. The accuracy of determining the amount of condensate can be improved by using several of these methods.

[0022] A suitable laundry treatment device has the following features: a laundry treatment room for receiving and treating laundry using process air flowing through the laundry treatment room; a heat pump system comprising an evaporator, a condenser and a refrigerant circuit for dehumidifying process air drawn from the laundry treatment room; and a device for maintaining the function of the heat pump system.

[0023] In this way, the described approach can be advantageously used in conjunction with a laundry treatment device such as a washer-dryer or a dryer.

[0024] An embodiment of the invention is shown purely schematically in the drawings and is described in more detail below. It shows Fig. 1 a schematic representation of a laundry treatment device with a device for maintaining a function of a heat pump device of the laundry treatment device according to an embodiment of the present invention; Fig. 2 a schematic representation of a laundry treatment device with a device for maintaining a function of a heat pump device of the laundry treatment device according to an embodiment of the present invention; Fig. 3 a separation device in the form of a centrifugal vortex generator according to an embodiment of the present invention; Fig. 4 a representation of a process air inlet of a centrifugal vortex generator according to an embodiment of the present invention; Fig. 5 a schematic diagram of an evaporator purge according to an embodiment of the present invention; Fig. 6 a schematic diagram of an evaporator purge according to a further embodiment of the present invention; Fig. 7 a schematic representation of a laundry treatment device with a device for maintaining a function of a heat pump device of the laundry treatment device according to an embodiment of the present invention; Fig. 8 a schematic representation of a thermal interface of a device for maintaining the function of a heat pump device according to an embodiment of the present invention; and Fig. 9 a flowchart of a method for maintaining the function of a heat pump device of a laundry treatment device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0025] Fig. Figure 1 shows a schematic representation of a laundry treatment device 100 with a heat pump device for dehumidifying process air used in the laundry treatment device 100 and a device for maintaining a function of the heat pump device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0026] According to this embodiment, the laundry treatment device 100 is a washer-dryer. The laundry treatment device 100 has a laundry treatment chamber 104, which can be closed by a door 106. Laundry to be treated can be placed in the laundry treatment chamber 104, where it can then be treated, for example, washed or dried, during operation of the laundry treatment device 100. A fluid, for example, a washing solution and / or process air, is used to treat the laundry. Process air is used to dry the laundry and, if necessary, to heat it. This process air flows into the laundry treatment chamber 104 via a process air interface, flows through the laundry treatment chamber 104 as indicated by the arrow, and is discharged from the laundry treatment chamber 104 via another process air interface.The heat pump unit has an inlet interface 110 for drawing in process air from the laundry treatment room 104 and an outlet interface 112 for delivering the process air to the laundry treatment room 104. The heat pump unit is designed to cool and dehumidify the process air drawn in via the inlet interface 110 using heat pump technology, then reheat it and deliver it via the outlet interface 112. For this purpose, the heat pump unit has an evaporator 114 and a condenser 116, which are coupled to each other via a refrigerant circuit. A fan 118 is arranged within a process air duct running through the evaporator 114 and the condenser 116 to drive the process air through the duct. The direction of process air flow through the duct is indicated by arrows.According to this embodiment, the blower 118 is arranged between the evaporator 114 and the condenser 116.

[0027] In operation, the heat pump unit is configured to draw in moist process air from the laundry treatment room 104 via the inlet interface 110 and cool and dehumidify it using the evaporator 114. The dehumidified process air from the evaporator 114 is conveyed via the blower 118 to the condenser 116 and heated using the condenser 116. The heated process air is then discharged to the laundry treatment room 104 via the outlet interface 112.

[0028] As an alternative to a washer-dryer, the laundry treatment appliance 100 could also be, for example, a dryer or a washing machine.

[0029] According to one embodiment, a line 120 is provided for supplying a liquid for cleaning and additionally or alternatively for cooling the heat pump device.

[0030] Cleaning or cooling the heat pump unit can enhance its function. This enhancement can occur, for example, through cleaning, which reduces flow resistance to the process air and / or increases heat transfer, such as within the evaporator 114. Cooling can improve the heat pump unit's ability to maintain the desired process air temperature for operating the laundry treatment unit 100.

[0031] The laundry treatment device 100 includes a device for maintaining the function of the heat pump unit. This device comprises a detection device 122 and a supply device 124. The detection device 122 is configured to detect at least one operating parameter value of the laundry treatment device, for example, the heat pump unit. The operating parameter value can, for example, represent an operating state of the laundry treatment device and / or the heat pump unit, or a physical value, such as the process air. The supply device 124 is configured to supply a fluid, based on the at least one operating parameter value, which can support the function of the heat pump unit. For illustrative purposes only, the fluid can be supplied via line 120. Line 120 can be part of the supply device 124.

[0032] According to this embodiment, the sensing device 122 is designed as a sensor that detects a physical quantity of the process air flowing into the input interface 110 and represents it as an operating parameter value. For example, the sensing device 122 can be configured to detect the temperature or saturation of the process air. Alternatively, the sensing device 122 can be arranged in a different position and, for example, be configured to detect the residual moisture or temperature of the process air after it has passed through the evaporator 114. Furthermore, the sensing device 122 can be configured to detect the temperature of a component of the heat pump device, for example, the condenser 116, or the laundry treatment unit 100.Several such sensors can also be provided, and the operating parameter value can be determined, for example, using measured values ​​provided by a plurality of different sensors. According to one embodiment, the sensing device 122 is designed as an interface via which the operating parameter value can be read. In this case, the operating parameter value can be provided, for example, by a measuring device, such as a sensor, or by a control unit 126 of the laundry treatment device 100. For example, a measured value or a processed measured value can be provided by the control unit 126 to the sensing device 122 as the operating parameter value. Such a measured value can, for example, indicate the weight of the laundry located within the laundry treatment chamber 104.

[0033] The supply device 124 is configured to provide the fluid for maintaining the function of the heat pump device, either controlled by the operating parameter value or by evaluating the operating parameter value. According to one embodiment, the supply device 124 includes a control unit configured to receive the operating parameter value and, using the operating parameter value, output a control signal to a valve 128, which controls the supply of the fluid. The valve 128 is configured to adjust the flow rate of the fluid through line 120 depending on the control signal. For example, the fluid can be supplied or withheld for a period of time dependent on the operating parameter value using the valve 128.According to another embodiment, the supply device 124 is configured to provide a control signal to the control unit 126 using the operating parameter value, in order to control the execution of a drying program for laundry located within the treatment chamber 104. In this way, for example, the relative or absolute humidity of the process air upon entry into the heat pump unit can be controlled by intervening in the execution of the drying program. At least some of the moisture transported by the process air is deposited as condensate on the evaporator 114 during operation of the heat pump unit. According to one embodiment, the condensate forms the liquid supplied by the supply device 124. If the supply device 124 is designed as a control unit, it can be integrated into the control unit 126.

[0034] The liquid provided or that can be provided by the supply unit 124 can, for example, be as shown in Fig. As shown in Figure 1, fresh water can be supplied via line 120. Alternatively, the liquid can be supplied as process water, for example from a process water tank of the laundry treatment unit 100. Furthermore, the liquid can be provided as condensate collected in the evaporator 114. The liquid can also be supplied via several of the aforementioned supply routes.

[0035] According to the in Fig. In the embodiment shown in Figure 1, the liquid is supplied to rinse the evaporator 114. The evaporator 114 can also be cooled simultaneously. Instead of a separate liquid supply via line 120, the condensate accumulating in the evaporator 114 can also be used as the liquid. According to further embodiments, the liquid is used only for rinsing the evaporator 114 and additionally or alternatively for rinsing a separator 130 located upstream of the evaporator 114, or only for cooling components of the heat pump system. For cooling the heat pump system, one embodiment provides a line for the liquid, through which the liquid is guided in such a way that it can absorb heat from at least one component of the heat pump system.The liquid can, for example, be guided along a thermal interface coupled to the refrigeration circuit or the condenser 116, as is exemplified in . Fig. Figure 8 shows that, according to one embodiment, the liquid is used after absorbing thermal energy to clean the heat pump unit, for example by introducing the liquid for rinsing the evaporator 114 or the separator 130 via a suitable pipe into the process air duct or directly into the evaporator 114 or the separator 130. For example, the liquid in Fig. The water circuit shown in Figure 8 is connected to line 120, so that the liquid carried through line 120 is first carried through the condenser 116 before being used to rinse the evaporator.

[0036] The following describes in detail an embodiment of a laundry treatment device 100 in the form of a washer-dryer 100. This is a heat pump washer-dryer 100, which is maintenance-free and optionally allows for rinsing the evaporator 114. For rinsing, line 120 can be provided for cleaning the evaporator with tap water. The water can be used to rinse the evaporator 114 to remove lint.

[0037] To reduce the electrical energy consumption of the washer-dryer 100, a heat pump unit is integrated for the drying process. According to one embodiment, the additional components 114 and 116 of the heat pump unit are arranged as compactly as possible within the existing installation space of a known washer-dryer. This ensures a stable base for the washer-dryer. Maintenance requirements for the customer are not increased compared to a current standard washer-dryer. According to one embodiment, the components of a known washing machine can be adopted with minimal modification.

[0038] Advantageously, the described approach eliminates the need to integrate a lint filter to protect the heat pump components 114, 116. This significantly reduces maintenance for the customer. According to one embodiment, such a washer-dryer 100 therefore does not have a lint filter.

[0039] According to one embodiment, the heat pump unit is integrated into a washing machine housing. The heat pump unit is designed to be maintenance-free.

[0040] In one embodiment, the design utilizes only the available installation space, allowing the heat pump washer-dryer 100 to have standard dimensions or, if necessary, minor deviations thereof, and to be installed underneath a washing machine. For ease of installation, the heat pump unit 114, 116 is, according to one embodiment, mounted as a self-contained module on top of a washing machine.

[0041] The lint filter commonly used in heat pump units 114, 116 is eliminated due to a self-cleaning system. According to one embodiment, lint is both flushed out and removed using tap water and condensate, which can be supplied using a device to maintain the function of the heat pump unit.

[0042] To fully integrate the heat pump unit into the washer-dryer 100, with no or only minor deviations from the standard housing dimensions, the existing installation spaces are used.

[0043] For this purpose, the heat exchangers 114 and 116 are positioned separately. The evaporator 114 is located at the rear of the unit, and the condenser 116 is mounted horizontally above the unit. The blower 118, positioned between the heat exchangers 114 and 116, creates a negative pressure across the evaporator 114 to the tub 104. This draws the moist process air from the drum to the evaporator 114. The humidity condenses on the evaporator 114. The condensate flows back into the tub 104 against the airflow, where it can then be pumped out by a drain pump. After passing through the blower 118, the process air flows through the condenser 116, where it is heated. The dry, warm air then passes through a sealing ring into the drum to the laundry, thus creating a closed process air circuit.

[0044] The compressor of the refrigerant circuit, through which the refrigerant is circulated between the evaporator 114 and the condenser 116, is also located in the rear wall area of ​​the laundry treatment unit 100, allowing the heat pump unit to be constructed as a module. Alternatively, the compressor can also be located in the base area of ​​the washer-dryer 100. A capillary tube or valve can be used as a throttling device in the refrigerant circuit.

[0045] The heat pump unit is designed to be maintenance-free, meaning it does not have a lint filter.

[0046] According to one embodiment, the refrigeration circuit is constructed without a desuperheater heat exchanger. The necessary heat dissipation from the refrigeration circuit is achieved through air cooling of the compressor via convective heat transfer.

[0047] If a lint filter were integrated into the heat pump washer-dryer 100, it would be located at the rear of the washer-dryer due to the airflow through the drum. Removing the filter would then preclude installing the appliance underneath.

[0048] Since a base unit is desired, the heat pump washer-dryer 100 is designed to be maintenance-free – without a lint filter – according to the illustrated embodiment. Laundry lint, deposits, zeolites, etc., are rinsed away with water according to one embodiment. Therefore, the evaporator 114 is designed, according to one embodiment, to separate as many solid components of the process air as possible, resulting in a high degree of separation, and simultaneously allowing for easy cleaning with water, thus preventing the accumulation of contaminants over its service life. This has the advantage that there are no lint deposits on downstream components, such as the process air blower 118, and therefore no further components need to be cleaned.

[0049] In one embodiment, the evaporator 114 is arranged such that process air flows through it from bottom to top. Therefore, the condensate flows counter-currently to the process airflow into the lye tank, so that lint deposits in the evaporator 114 are carried away with the condensate. Evaporator coatings enhance this self-cleaning effect.

[0050] In addition, the evaporator 114 is rinsed with water according to one embodiment. This takes place at the end of the drying process. Additional rinses can be performed during the drying process, with the time interval between two rinses depending on the final residual moisture content of the laundry, as well as the load size, program selection, etc. The amount of lint produced is generally higher the drier the laundry is. The rinsing process can be controlled by the aforementioned device to maintain the functionality of the heat pump system.

[0051] The entire evaporator 114 can be rinsed simultaneously, or only specific sections can be rinsed, ensuring that the process air volume flow is not excessively reduced during rinsing. Similarly, the rinsing device 120 is arranged so that the process air is not reduced, or only minimally reduced.

[0052] For rinsing, tap water, collected condensate, water collected from the washing process, or suitable mixtures can be used. The water can be discarded after a rinsing cycle or collected and reused for another rinsing cycle (water recycling). A pump is required for a water recycling system. With a special configuration, the pump from the bypass system can potentially be used. For this purpose, a filter element can be installed in the suction line. This filter can be cleaned with water by flowing it against the main flow direction.

[0053] According to one embodiment, the laundry lint and other deposits are removed from the system with the rinse water using an existing drain pump or another suitable pump.

[0054] Any fins of the evaporator 114 are designed to be straight for good cleaning according to an exemplary embodiment, so that no fin misalignment or fin protrusion occurs.

[0055] For the purpose of inspecting the evaporator 114, e.g. by customer service, a “cleaning flap” is arranged in the rear wall area according to one embodiment.

[0056] In this way, a maintenance-free heat pump washer-dryer can be realized in a standard housing.

[0057] According to one embodiment, the evaporator 114 is arranged vertically. Due to the vertical arrangement of the evaporator 114, the condensate flows back into the caustic tank 104 against the flow direction of the process air. It is then cyclically pumped out by a caustic pump. The flow direction of the condensate is thus opposite to the flow direction of the process air and is shown in the illustration of Fig. 1. Directed vertically downwards. Due to the counterflow principle, a very good self-cleaning effect of the evaporator 114 is present. This self-cleaning of the evaporator 114 can occur through condensate accumulation on the evaporator 114. The evaporator 114 can have a fin structure from the lower ends of which accumulating condensate droplets can drip off. The self-cleaning effect can be increased by "straight" fins, an offset tube arrangement, and large quantities of condensate.

[0058] In addition to the self-cleaning effect, the evaporator 114 can optionally be cleaned by rinsing with water.

[0059] In one embodiment, the flushing process is not time-controlled, but rather dependent on the amount of condensate produced. According to one embodiment, the supply device 124 is used to control the flushing process.

[0060] Small amounts of condensate are produced at the beginning of the drying process. Frequent rinsing is carried out, possibly with wetting of the evaporator 114 at the start of the drying process, or continuous rinsing with a very low water mass flow is performed.

[0061] During the drying process, the amount of condensate produced is determined using a suitable method, as described in detail below. Depending on the current amount of condensate, the interval between two rinsing cycles and / or the duration of the rinsing cycle itself is determined.

[0062] Both tap water and collected water can be used to rinse the evaporator 114. Therefore, evaporator cleaning can be carried out with either tap water or collected water.

[0063] Depending on the rinsing of the evaporator 114, the liquid can be used additionally or alternatively for rinsing the separator 130. Before being used as a rinsing liquid, it can be used for cooling, for example, of the condenser 116.

[0064] The following describes exemplary embodiments in which the heat pump system further comprises the separator 130. The separator 130 is arranged between the inlet interface 110 and the evaporator 114. Alternatively, the separator 130 can also be integrated into the inlet interface 110 or into the evaporator 114. The separator 130 is designed to clean the moist process air from the laundry treatment chamber 104 of entrained lint and other contaminants and to provide it as clean process air.

[0065] According to various embodiments, the separation device 130 can be designed, for example, as a separator, a centrifugal vortex generator, a centrifugal separator such as a cyclone, or even as a pre-evaporator. Several identical or different separation devices 130 can also be provided, which can be arranged in series or in parallel.

[0066] The liquid supplied via line 120 according to one embodiment can also be used to rinse the separator 130. Alternatively or additionally, another line can be provided through which liquid is supplied for rinsing the separator 130. Condensate from the evaporator 114 can also be used to rinse the separator 130 via a condensate drain, which can be a separate line or the process air line.

[0067] According to one embodiment, the separator 130 has at least one adhesive surface to which the lint adheres and is thus separated. The adhesive surface can be moistened to increase lint adhesion. For this purpose, the separator 130 can have a connection for supplying liquid to moisten the adhesive surface. Alternatively, condensate from the evaporator 114 or water used to rinse the evaporator 114 and / or the separator 130 can be used to moisten the adhesive surface. According to one embodiment, condensate separated from the moist process air in the separator 130 is used to moisten the adhesive surface. For this purpose, the separator 130 is optionally thermally coupled to a line of the refrigerant circuit. This cools the adhesive surface and increases the formation of condensate on it.The condensation can also be used to rinse the bonding surface.

[0068] Fig. Figure 2 shows a schematic representation of a laundry treatment device 100 with a heat pump unit for dehumidifying process air used in the laundry treatment device 100 and a device for maintaining the function of the heat pump unit according to an embodiment of the present invention. This can be the heat pump unit described in the following examples: Fig. 1 described heat pump device, which in addition to an evaporator 114 and a condenser 116, which are connected via a refrigerant circuit, has a process air blower 118 and a separator device 130, according to this embodiment in the form of a separator 130 designed as a lint separator.

[0069] The laundry treatment unit 100 has, in addition to the heat pump unit, a laundry treatment chamber 104, which, according to this embodiment, is designed as a washing drum 104. A process air circuit leads from the washing drum 104 through the separator 130, the evaporator 114, the blower 118, the condenser back to the washing drum 104 and through the washing drum 104 again to reach the separator 130.

[0070] Laundry 232, coated with lint 230, is arranged in the washing drum 104. The laundry 232 is treated using the process air flowing through the washing drum 104.

[0071] Process air from the washing drum 104, routed via a line to the separator 222, contains lint 230 that has detached from the laundry 232. Flow losses occur in the separator 130 as the process air passes through it. According to one embodiment, fresh water is supplied to the separator 130, as indicated by an arrow. Condensation, fresh water, and lint are discharged from the separator 130, as indicated by another arrow. The discharged lint consists of lint separated from the process air in the separator 130. According to one embodiment, the fresh water is supplied using a supply device, as shown in the diagram. Fig. 1 is described.

[0072] The process air, cleaned of lint, is fed from the separator 130 to the evaporator 114. In the evaporator 114, the process air is dehumidified. Condensation forms inside the evaporator 114. According to one embodiment, fresh water is supplied to the evaporator 114, as indicated by an arrow. Depending on the embodiment, either only condensate or fresh water in addition to the condensate is fed from the evaporator 114 to the separator 130. According to one embodiment, the fresh water is supplied to the evaporator 114 using the method described above. Fig. supplied to the provisioning facility described in section 1.

[0073] The evaporator 114, the process air blower 118 and the condenser 116 form a lint-free area, which is marked by a dashed line.

[0074] The following will be based on Fig. 2 an integration of the separator 130 upstream of the evaporator 114 according to an embodiment of the present invention is described in detail.

[0075] For improved lint separation, the separator 130 is used upstream of the evaporator 114 in the described system. The separator 130 has a water connection. This water connection is used to moisten the separator 130, thereby improving lint adhesion to its inner surfaces. Additionally or alternatively, the water connection is used to rinse away the lint and, additionally or alternatively, to "wash" the process air, particularly during continuous water injection. The water connection can be part of the aforementioned supply equipment.

[0076] As in Fig. As can be seen in Figure 2, the evaporator 114 and the separator 130 are cleaned with tap water. Two water systems can be implemented. The water systems can be part of the system based on... Fig. 1. The device described above is for maintaining the function of the heat pump system.

[0077] Firstly, a single water line can be used to simultaneously flush evaporator 114 and separator 130. Secondly, two water lines can be used for independent flushing of evaporator 114 and separator 130 via an additional water connection at a water diverter.

[0078] If the separator 130 has a good separation efficiency, evaporator rinsing may not be necessary.

[0079] The water draining from the evaporator 114, i.e., condensate and rinse water, is also used to remove lint from the separator 130. Rinsing the separator 130 may be unnecessary.

[0080] Likewise, good air-water contact is present in the common channel for the process air and the condensate / rinse water, so that lint is removed by the so-called wet separation (washing).

[0081] According to one embodiment, centrifugal forces, impact forces during flow deflections, adhesive forces of surfaces - especially of moist surfaces - as well as an "air washing" with condensate from the evaporator 114 ensure good lint separation in the separator 130.

[0082] As previously mentioned, a centrifugal vortex separator, as well as other separators ranging from simple baffle plates to complex systems, can be used as a lint separator. For example, a shortened condensate drain or a pre-evaporator can also be used as a lint separator. A cyclone is also a possibility. A compromise between separation efficiency and pressure drop is sought. The shortened condensate drain offers good separation efficiency and very good flow velocity. The pre-evaporator offers good separation efficiency and moderate flow velocity. The cyclone offers very good separation efficiency but a less than ideal flow velocity. The centrifugal vortex separator offers very good separation efficiency and moderate flow velocity.

[0083] Fig. Figure 3 shows a separation device in the form of a centrifugal vortex generator 130 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The centrifugal vortex generator 130 can be used in conjunction with one of the heat pump devices shown in the preceding figures.

[0084] The centrifugal vortex generator 130 has a base section with a lateral inlet 340 for contaminated process air and a chamber 342 adjoining the inlet 340 for turbulence of the air. A first truncated cone 344 is placed on top of the chamber 342, its open base opening into the chamber 342 and its open top surface opening into an open top surface of a second truncated cone 346. An outlet 348 for clean process air is connected to the open base of the second truncated cone 346. During operation of the heat pump unit, condensate 349 from the evaporator enters the second truncated cone 346 via the outlet 348 and is swirled by the turbulent air entering the first truncated cone 344 from the chamber 342. The inlet 342 has an inlet direction for the contaminated process air that is perpendicular to an outlet opening of the clean process air from the outlet 348.

[0085] The following describes in detail an embodiment of the centrifugal vortex generator 322 shown.

[0086] The flow losses of the centrifugal vortex 322 are low compared to other separators. The centrifugal vortex 322 differs significantly from a cyclone. Unlike a cyclone, it does not use a dip tube. Instead, it employs a double cone 344, 346 with opposing inclinations. One cone 346 is used for condensate drainage, and the other cone 344 is used for air turbulence and concentration. Unlike a cyclone, which uses only air as a medium, the centrifugal vortex 322 uses water as an additional medium. The lint is discharged through the process air inlet 340. The centrifugal vortex 322 is characterized by its small, compact design and lower flow losses.

[0087] The entrance 340 can have a circular cross-section. The space 342 can be rectangular. A cylindrical transition can be arranged between the top surfaces of the truncated cones 344 and 346.

[0088] According to one embodiment, the process air inlet 340 of the centrifugal vortex generator 322 is equipped with a drain lip to ensure proper water drainage, as shown below. Fig. 4 is described.

[0089] Fig. Figure 4 shows a representation of a process air inlet 340 of a centrifugal vortex generator, as described by Fig. As described in Figure 3, according to an embodiment of the present invention. The process air inlet 340 has a drain lip 440, which forms a channel for draining condensate, rinse water, and lint. The flow direction within the channel is opposite to the flow direction of the incoming process air. The drain lip 440 has an angle at its outlet, through which the condensate, rinse water, and lint are discharged downwards from the centrifugal vortex generator, perpendicular to the flow direction of the process air.

[0090] Fig. Figure 5 shows a schematic diagram of an evaporator cleaning process according to an embodiment of the present invention. An evaporator 114, as described with reference to the preceding figures, can be cleaned.

[0091] The counterflow principle is shown, in which the rinsing water direction 551 is opposite to the process air direction 552.

[0092] Fig. Figure 6 shows a schematic diagram of an evaporator purge according to a further embodiment of the present invention. In contrast to Fig. Figure 5 shows a cross-flow principle in which the rinsing water direction 551 is perpendicular to the process air direction 552.

[0093] In the Fig. 5 and Fig. In the 6 shown embodiments, the process air direction 552 is directed vertically upwards.

[0094] According to one embodiment, tap water is used as the liquid for rinsing the respective evaporator 114. The evaporator rinsing can be carried out as a deep or surface rinse.

[0095] Surface flushing can be more effective than deep flushing. Furthermore, water distribution is simpler with deep flushing, as a single row of nozzles is sufficient, unlike a surface-wide nozzle arrangement. Additionally, the smaller size of the nozzle row offers aerodynamic advantages in cross-flow applications.

[0096] For rinsing, for example for surface rinsing of the evaporator 114, a nozzle bar can be used, which may be rod-shaped with a series of outlet openings for the rinsing fluid. Such a nozzle bar can be part of a device for maintaining the function of a heat pump unit. The fluid dispensed via the nozzle bar may have previously been used to cool the heat pump unit.

[0097] In a washer-dryer, the integration of the rinsing device, for example the nozzle strip, into the water circuit is achieved by using the water connection from a condensation channel for the rinsing device.

[0098] The water path includes a water diverter, as in a well-known washer-dryer, a free flow path and a nozzle strip.

[0099] Rinsing and, if necessary, cooling can be done as described by... Fig. 1. The system can be controlled using at least one operating parameter value. The following describes exemplary embodiments where such an operating parameter value is present or provided in the form of a signal. This signal may be electrical.

[0100] According to one embodiment, the amount of condensate produced by the evaporator 114 is determined. This amount of condensate is then used as an operating parameter. The determination of the condensate quantity can be carried out by a detection device, such as those described in... Fig. 1 is described.

[0101] To minimize water consumption for rinsing, according to one embodiment, the rinsing process is not time-controlled, but rather dependent on the actual amount of condensate. If the amount of condensate is high, the time between two rinsing cycles is significantly longer than with lower condensate levels. The time between rinsing cycles and the amount of liquid used can be determined by a supply unit, such as those based on… Fig. 1 is described

[0102] The amount of condensate that can be used as an operating parameter value can be determined from the following signals:Firstly, the residual moisture signal can be used to determine the amount of condensate. This signal can indicate the residual moisture content of the process air after it has passed through the evaporator 114. Secondly, the change in the residual moisture signal can be evaluated in conjunction with the information from the load detection system to determine the amount of condensate. Furthermore, the amount of condensate can be determined from the air saturation at the process air outlet, which can be measured, for example, with an additional humidity sensor. According to one embodiment, the air saturation can be measured at the inlet to the heat pump unit, for example, at the inlet opening, and additionally or alternatively at the outlet. Humidity sensors are commonly used in automotive air conditioning systems. The amount of condensate can also be determined by measuring the process air temperature before and after the evaporator using NTC temperature sensors.A large temperature difference results in a small amount of condensate. Furthermore, the amount of condensate can be determined based on the duration of the pumping time, taking into account the pump's electrical power consumption. When no more water is being pumped, the power consumption changes significantly.

[0103] In addition to the familiar program sequences of washer-dryers, the program sequence can also be designed to maximize the amount of condensate. The program sequence can be controlled using a provisioning device, as demonstrated by... Fig. 1 is described.

[0104] For example, a corresponding regulation is implemented in which the process air at the lye container is saturated.

[0105] This can be achieved through the following adjustments to operating parameter values: Firstly, process air saturation can be achieved by changing the process air volume flow rate, for example, via the fan speed, by changing the air inlet temperatures (lower condensing temperature, lower refrigerant control temperature), and / or by changing the evaporation temperature. It is important to ensure that no ice forms on the evaporator. Secondly, the compressor speed can be changed to achieve process air saturation. Ideally, an electronic expansion valve in the refrigeration circuit is used to change both the evaporation and condensation temperatures. The valve is then controlled to maximize the amount of condensate.

[0106] Such an adjustment of operating parameter values ​​can be made by intervening in the program sequence for drying the laundry.

[0107] According to one embodiment, collected water is used to rinse the evaporator 114 and the upstream separator. This is advantageous because no additional water is consumed.

[0108] Rinsing can be carried out without pressure using gravity. For this purpose, the water reservoir for the rinse water is positioned above the evaporator 114. Water can be pumped upwards for this purpose; the use of a filter and a level sensor is recommended.

[0109] Flushing can be carried out additionally or alternatively under pressure, e.g., using a circulation pump. A sufficient volume of water upstream of the pump is required for this. Furthermore, a filter upstream of the pump, another filter, and filter cleaning with fresh water are advisable.

[0110] Fig. Figure 7 shows a schematic representation of a heat pump device for a laundry treatment machine 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention. This can be the heat pump device based on Fig. 1 described heat pump device which is connected via an input interface and an output interface to a laundry treatment room 104 of the laundry treatment device 100.

[0111] According to this embodiment, the laundry treatment chamber 104 is designed as a drum which is driven by a drum drive 730. The laundry treatment device 100 has a drain pump 732 by which lye that has accumulated at the bottom of the laundry treatment chamber 104 can be pumped out.

[0112] The heat pump unit comprises an evaporator 114, a process air blower 118, a condenser 116, and an optional separator for cleaning the process air. A process air circuit runs via suitable lines or ducts from the inlet interface, through the optional separator, the evaporator 114, the blower 118, and the condenser 116 to the outlet interface of the heat pump unit. The heat pump unit includes a refrigerant circuit to which the evaporator 114 and the condenser 116 are connected. Depending on the embodiment of the separator 122, the separator 122 can also be connected to the refrigerant circuit. The refrigerant circuit includes a compressor 734 and an expansion valve 736. The compressor 734 is arranged in lines of the refrigerant circuit between the evaporator 114 and the condenser 116.The expansion valve 736 is arranged in the refrigerant circuit lines between the condenser 116 and the evaporator 114. The evaporator 114 is designed to evaporate the refrigerant flowing in the refrigerant circuit by extracting thermal energy from the process air and supplying it as a gaseous refrigerant to the compressor 734. The compressor 734 is designed to compress the gaseous refrigerant and supply it as compressed gaseous refrigerant to the condenser 116. The condenser 116 is designed to liquefy the gaseous refrigerant by releasing thermal energy to the process air and supplying it to the expansion valve 736. The refrigerant is returned to the evaporator 114 via the expansion valve 736 for re-evaporation. According to this embodiment, a desuperheater fan 738 is provided to cool the compressor 734.The desuperheater fan 738 can be omitted if liquid for cooling the heat pump unit is supplied via a supply device, as shown in . Fig. 1 is described.

[0113] As the process air cools in the evaporator 114, moisture contained in the process air condenses inside the evaporator 114. The resulting condensate is returned to the laundry treatment room 104 via a condensate drain line 740 and can be used to rinse the evaporator 114 and / or the optional separator.

[0114] According to one embodiment, the compressor 734 is arranged in the rear wall area of ​​the appliance 100. Alternatively, the compressor 734 can also be arranged in the base area of ​​the washer-dryer 100. A capillary tube or valve can be used as the throttling element 736. According to one embodiment, the refrigeration circuit is designed without a desuperheater heat exchanger. The necessary heat dissipation from the refrigeration circuit is achieved by air cooling 738 of the compressor 734 in the form of convective heat dissipation, or additionally or alternatively via a supplied liquid, for example, using a heat exchanger as described below. Fig. 8 is described.

[0115] After the heating phase of the laundry treatment unit 100, which operates as a heat pump dryer or heat pump washer-dryer, it may be necessary for energy to be released from the laundry treatment unit 100. According to one embodiment, the energy release from the laundry treatment unit 100 is achieved using water from a lint rinsing system.

[0116] According to one embodiment, the lint filter typically used in heat pump units is eliminated. Instead, a self-cleaning system is employed. This system flushes out and removes the lint using tap water and condensate. This water is also used to extract energy from the washer-dryer.

[0117] The refrigeration cycle is therefore constructed without a desuperheater heat exchanger, according to one embodiment. Any necessary heat dissipation from the refrigeration cycle can be achieved by air cooling the compressor 734 (convective heat dissipation). Additionally or alternatively, excess energy from the refrigeration cycle can also be dissipated by heating and / or evaporating water.

[0118] According to one embodiment, the refrigeration circuit is deheated with a liquid in the form of water, which can be, for example, water from lint removal.

[0119] According to one embodiment, a laundry treatment unit 100 is constructed in the form of a heat pump washer-dryer without a desuperheating heat exchanger. As is known from heat pump washer-dryers, excess energy is discharged from the heat pump system.

[0120] In one embodiment of a heat pump washer-dryer, energy is removed from the system with the rinse water. The process air temperature at the outlet of the tub is higher than the temperature of the tap water, so energy is also removed from the system with each lint rinse.

[0121] According to one embodiment, the in Fig. Figure 7 shows a heat pump assembly coupled with a device for maintaining the function of the heat pump assembly. Using or controlled by such a device, fluid can be passed through the heat pump assembly, thereby cooling and / or cleaning the heat pump assembly. For cooling, the fluid can be passed along a thermal interface of the heat pump assembly, allowing the fluid to absorb thermal energy from the heat pump assembly via the thermal interface. Such a thermal interface can, for example, be designed as a heat exchanger. According to one embodiment, the thermal interface is integrated into the refrigerant circuit or into the condenser.According to one embodiment, suitable lines are integrated into the heat pump unit for cleaning, through which the fluid used for cleaning is supplied to the components of the heat pump unit to be cleaned, either directly or after passing the thermal interface.

[0122] Fig. Figure 8 shows a schematic representation of a thermal interface 838 of a device for maintaining the function of a heat pump system according to an embodiment of the present invention. A condenser 116 is shown, which is connected to a refrigerant circuit 840, also called a refrigeration circuit. In the installed state of the condenser 116, lines of the refrigerant circuit 840 can be seen as shown by Fig. Figure 7 shows the flow from the condenser 116 via a throttle to an evaporator and from the evaporator via a compressor back to the condenser 116.

[0123] To cool the condenser 116 or the refrigerant circuit 840 as part of a heat pump system, a liquid is circulated through the condenser 116 via a water circuit 842. The lines of the water circuit 842 running through the condenser 116 serve as a thermal interface 838, through which the liquid circulating in the water circuit 842 can absorb and dissipate heat from the condenser 116 or directly from the refrigerant circuit 840. In this way, the refrigerant circuit 840 can be cooled by heating the water in the condenser 116.

[0124] According to the illustrated embodiment, the condenser 116 is equipped with an additional water circuit 842 to dissipate excess energy. The rinse water can first flow through the corresponding circuit of the condenser 116 to remove heat and then be used for rinsing.

[0125] In this way, evaporator cleaning and deheating of the 840 refrigeration circuit can be carried out with water.

[0126] To increase the heat transfer between the condenser 116 and the liquid, the pipes of the water circuit 842 are routed in a meandering pattern through a body of the condenser 116.

[0127] Similarly, lines of the refrigeration circuit 842 outside the condenser 116 can be additionally or alternatively thermally coupled to the refrigerant circuit 840 in order to remove heat from the refrigerant circuit 840.

[0128] After passing through the condenser 116, the liquid is used, according to one embodiment, to clean a component of the heat pump unit or a component of a laundry treatment unit in which the heat pump unit is installed. The liquid can then be pumped out of the laundry treatment unit, for example. Alternatively, after passing through the condenser 116, the liquid can be discharged directly, for example, pumped out of the laundry treatment unit, without first being used for cleaning.

[0129] Fig. Figure 9 shows a flowchart of a method for maintaining the function of a heat pump unit of a laundry treatment device according to an embodiment of the present invention. The method can be used, for example, to clean a heat pump unit as described above and additionally or alternatively to cool it.

[0130] In step 901, at least one operating parameter value of the laundry treatment unit is recorded. As already mentioned, this could be, for example, a temperature value or a humidity value. Based on this operating parameter value, it can be determined whether cleaning and / or cooling of the heat pump unit is necessary or advisable to maintain its function. Accordingly, in step 903, using the operating parameter value, a fluid for cleaning and / or cooling the heat pump unit is either provided or not provided.

Claims

[1] Device for maintaining the function of a heat pump unit comprising an evaporator (114), a condenser (116) and a refrigerant circuit (840) for dehumidifying process air for a laundry treatment unit (100), wherein the device has the following features: a detection device (122) configured to detect at least one operating parameter value of the laundry treatment device (100), wherein the detection device (122) is configured as a sensor that detects a physical quantity, such as temperature or air saturation of the process air flowing into the inlet interface (110) and / or a temperature of a component (116) of the heat pump device, and represents it as an operating parameter value; and a supply device (124) configured to supply a fluid for cleaning and / or cooling the heat pump device using the operating parameter value, wherein the supply device (124) has a thermal interface (838) to the condenser (116) of the heat pump device, and is configured to guide the fluid for cooling the heat pump device along the thermal interface (838) and thereby set a temperature of the process air supplied by the heat pump device during operation of the heat pump device. [2] Device according to claim 1, wherein the thermal interface (838) comprises at least one line (842) passing through the condenser (116) for guiding the liquid. [3] Device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the supply device (124) is configured to supply the liquid to a separator device (130) of the heat pump device in order to rinse out lint separated in the separator device (130). [4] Device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the supply device (124) is configured to supply the liquid in a quantity dependent on the operating parameter value and / or for a duration dependent on the operating parameter value. [5] Device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the supply device (124) is configured to provide the liquid as condensate falling off the evaporator (114) and wherein the supply device (124) is configured to control the execution of a drying program for drying laundry (232) to be treated within a treatment chamber (104) of the laundry treatment device (100) using the operating parameter value to set an amount of liquid provided as condensate falling off. [6] Device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the detection device (122) is configured to detect a quantity of condensate accumulating at the evaporator (114) of the heat pump device as the operating parameter value. [7] Device according to claim 6, wherein the detection device (122) is configured to detect the amount of condensate produced using a moisture value representing the humidity of the process air at the outlet of the evaporator (114), a load value representing the load of the laundry treatment device (100) with laundry (232), a saturation value representing the saturation of the process air with water vapor and / or a temperature difference value representing the process air across the evaporator (114). [8] Laundry treatment device (100) with the following features: a laundry treatment room (104) for receiving and treating laundry (232) using process air flowing through the laundry treatment room (104); a heat pump unit comprising an evaporator (114), a condenser (116) and a refrigerant circuit (840) for dehumidifying process air taken in from the laundry treatment room (104); and a device according to one of the preceding claims for maintaining a function of the heat pump device.

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