Method for forming a rinsing process in a laundry treatment device, rinsing device and laundry treatment device

Abstract

The invention relates to a method for designing a flushing process, wherein, in a flushing device, an inflow of liquid into a collection area (15) is permitted via an inlet valve, wherein a flow of liquid from the collection area (15) via a first outlet (18) designed as an overflow on the collection area (15) is shown when the liquid accumulated in the collection area (15) exceeds a liquid level at the level of the first outlet (18), and wherein, in designing the flushing process with a first flushing function, the flow of liquid from the collection area (15) is realized simultaneously via the first outlet (18) and via a second outlet (19) by designing the inflow into the collection area (15) via the inlet valve while allowing the liquid level to be exceeded.Liquid accumulated in the collection area (15) flows continuously out via the second outlet (19), whereby the design of the filling process involves a choice between a first filling function and a second filling function, and in the second filling function only the continuous outflow of liquid from the collection area (15) via the second outlet (19) is realized by preventing the liquid level from exceeding the limit by restricting the flow into the collection area (15) via the inlet valve (7).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a method for designing a filling process in a laundry treatment device, wherein, in a filling device of the laundry treatment device, an inlet valve allows liquid to flow from a supply line into a collection area, wherein a flow of liquid from the collection area is shown via a first outlet designed as an overflow on the collection area when the liquid accumulated in the collection area exceeds a liquid level at the level of the first outlet, and wherein, in designing the filling process with a first filling function, the flow of liquid from the collection area is realized simultaneously via the first outlet and via a second outlet formed below the first outlet on the collection area, by designing the flow into the collection area via the inlet valve while allowing the liquid level to be exceeded.Furthermore, the invention relates to a dispensing device for a laundry treatment machine and a laundry treatment machine.

[0002] Laundry appliances, such as washing machines or washer-dryers, are typically equipped with a detergent dispenser. Water is supplied to the appliance through this dispenser and then pumped into a tub for the washing of laundry. Often, such a dispenser includes a tray for detergent and, if desired, an additional washing aid. During the filling process, the water flows over the tray and mixes with the detergent or washing aid. Most detergent trays have several compartments, each specifically designed to hold a washing aid or detergent, and water is directed through each compartment in specific process steps.In a flushing device, different water flows are also partially controlled via overflows, in that water is only discharged via the respective overflow once a liquid level at the height of the respective overflow has been exceeded.

[0003] German patent DE 10 2012 218 549 A1 discloses a detergent dispenser for a laundry treatment machine, in which a collection chamber is provided. This chamber is designed as a siphon in the lower part of a detergent dispenser tray and serves as a steam or odor trap. Furthermore, the detergent dispenser has an inlet valve through which the flow of water via an inlet line can be controlled. Thus, water can be allowed to flow via the inlet valve to the detergent dispenser tray and subsequently into the collection chamber, causing water to accumulate there. The collection chamber has two outlets, each designed as an overflow.

[0004] The first outlet serves as the inlet to the washing machine's tub and is positioned higher than the second outlet. This ensures that water only flows through the first outlet once the water level in the collection area exceeds the level of the first outlet and water is already flowing through the second. The second outlet, which has a smaller cross-section than the first, is designed to allow water to escape from the collection area during machine vibrations or oscillations, thus preventing water from splashing over the first outlet and potentially wetting the laundry in the tub.If, however, the water is to be discharged via the first outlet towards the lye container, a quantity of water must be supplied via the inlet valve and the inlet line such that, despite the simultaneous discharge of water via the second outlet, the liquid level exceeds the level at the first outlet.

[0005] Starting from the prior art described above, the object of the present invention is to implement rinsing processes with different liquid flows in a laundry treatment device, whereby this should be possible with low manufacturing costs.

[0006] This problem is solved from a process engineering perspective, starting from the preamble of claim 1 in conjunction with its characterizing features. A device-related solution to the problem is provided starting from the preamble of claim 10 in conjunction with its characterizing features. The subsequent dependent claims each describe advantageous embodiments of the invention. Furthermore, claim 19 relates to a laundry treatment device with a dispensing device according to the invention.

[0007] According to the dependent claim 1, a method for designing a filling process in a laundry treatment device includes a filling device in which liquid is allowed to flow from a supply line into a collection area via an inlet valve. A flow of liquid from the collection area is described as occurring via a first outlet designed as an overflow on the collection area when the liquid accumulated in the collection area exceeds a liquid level at the level of the first outlet. In a design of the filling process with a first filling function, the flow of liquid from the collection area is realized simultaneously via the first outlet and via a second outlet located below the first outlet on the collection area. This is achieved by designing the flow into the collection area via the inlet valve while allowing the liquid level to be exceeded.

[0008] In the inventive design of a filling process, liquid, preferably water, is supplied to a collection area of ​​a filling device from a supply line by enabling this supply via an inlet valve, which is provided for this purpose between the collection area and the supply line. In particular, the inlet valve allows the liquid to flow into the collection area by being at least partially open, in which the inlet valve permits the liquid to flow from the supply line towards the collection area. Preferably, the supply line is fed with liquid from a water connection of the laundry treatment device, and this is particularly represented here by an inlet flow rate that is preferably limited to an upper value in the supply line, for example, 10 l / min.

[0009] The collection area is designed for the accumulation of liquid, specifically forming a collection chamber in which the liquid supplied from the inlet pipe can collect. For the discharge of liquid from the collection chamber, the area is equipped with a first outlet and a second outlet, the first of which is designed as an overflow. Thus, liquid accumulated in the collection area flows out through the first outlet when the liquid level exceeds the height at which the first outlet is positioned.The second outlet is located below the first outlet and is therefore at a lower height in the collection area compared to the first outlet, which means that liquid accumulated in the collection area flows out via the second outlet at a lower liquid level than flows out via the first outlet.

[0010] In the inventive method, the filling process can also be designed in a first filling function, in which the simultaneous outflow from the collection area via the first outlet and the second outlet is represented. Since this requires an accumulation of liquid in the collection area exceeding the liquid level at the level of the first outlet, the inlet valve is used to ensure that the liquid level in the collection area is exceeded. Particularly preferably, the inlet valve allows for a continuous flow into the collection area during the first filling function, in order to bring about the exceeding of the liquid level as quickly as possible and to maintain this level while the first filling function is running.In particular, the inlet valve is fully opened to allow the flow into the collection area to be as unimpeded as possible, i.e., with the least possible reduction in the inlet volume flow that can be represented via the inlet line.

[0011] In particular, the first outlet directs the outflowing liquid to a dosing area for detergents or washing aids, especially fabric softeners. The liquid flowing from the first outlet is thus preferably directed to a dosing area designed to receive detergents or washing aids, so that the supplied liquid can then mix with the detergent or washing aid present in the dosing area.

[0012] Alternatively, but preferably in addition to the aforementioned variant, the second outlet is used to feed the outgoing liquid into a detergent tank or a dosing area for detergent or washing aids. In the first case, the liquid discharged via the second outlet is fed into a detergent tank of the laundry treatment machine. Alternatively, it can also be fed into a dosing area that receives detergent or washing aids, where the supplied liquid can then be mixed with the detergent or washing aid.

[0013] According to dependent claim 1, the invention now comprises the technical teaching that liquid accumulated in the collection area flows continuously out via the second outlet. Furthermore, in the design of the filling process, a choice is made between a first filling function and a second filling function, wherein in the second filling function only the continuous outflow of liquid from the collection area via the second outlet is realized by preventing the liquid level from exceeding the set point by limiting the flow into the collection area via the inlet valve.

[0014] In other words, the second outlet allows for the continuous drainage of the liquid accumulated in the collection area; that is, as liquid collects in the collection area, it continuously flows out through the second outlet. Furthermore, the filling process is carried out either in the first filling function or in a second filling function, for which one of the two possible functions is selected. Unlike the first filling function, in the second filling function only the continuous drainage of the liquid accumulated in the collection area through the second outlet. To achieve this, the inlet valve prevents the liquid level from exceeding the set point by restricting the flow of liquid into the collection area.

[0015] This type of filling process design has the advantage that, by selecting between the two filling functions via the single inlet valve, a choice can be made as to whether the liquid accumulated in the collection area flows only through the second outlet or is discharged through both the second and first outlets. This allows, for example, the second filling function to only feed the liquid into a tub of the laundry treatment machine, while the first filling function also feeds the liquid into a dosing area to mix it with detergent or washing aids.The choice of liquid flow can be achieved in the induction device with a small number of components, namely through the interaction of the collection area with the single inlet valve, which allows the design of the induction process to be carried out with low manufacturing effort.

[0016] For continuous drainage from the second outlet, the second outlet is preferably located in a vertically lower area of ​​the collection area when installed, particularly at the bottom. This ensures that liquid accumulated in the collection area can always drain out via the second outlet.

[0017] During the second filling process, the liquid level is prevented from exceeding the level at the first outlet by limiting the flow of liquid into the collection area via the inlet valve. For this purpose, the amount of liquid supplied to the collection area during the second filling process is preferably adjusted via the inlet valve so that, taking into account the amount of liquid continuously flowing out through the second outlet, the liquid accumulation in the collection area never exceeds the level of the first outlet. Most preferably, this adjustment is made such that the liquid level in the collection area always remains below the level of the first outlet.

[0018] According to one embodiment of the invention, during the second filling process, the inlet valve is switched intermittently between a fully open state, in which the inlet valve allows liquid to flow as freely as possible through the inlet line to the collection area, and a fully closed state, in which the inlet valve prevents liquid from flowing through the inlet line to the collection area. This intermittent switching prevents the liquid level from exceeding the level at the first outlet. In this case, the inlet valve thus has two switching states: the fully open state and the fully closed state. The amount of liquid flowing into the collection area during the second filling process is limited by the inlet valve switching between these two states in a timed cycle.This allows for a simple way to prevent the liquid level from exceeding the level at the first outlet. After a certain amount of liquid is added, the valve is fully open, and taking into account the continuous flow of liquid through the second outlet, it is switched to a fully closed position. A specific amount of liquid then flows out through the second outlet before the inlet valve is switched back to the fully open position. On average, this results in an inflow flow rate during the second feeding operation that prevents the liquid level at the first outlet from being exceeded.

[0019] Alternatively, during the second inlet function, the inlet valve could also limit the flow into the collection area by designing the inlet valve as a proportional valve and continuously setting an inlet volume flow in a partially open state during the second inlet function, which, taking into account the amount of liquid continuously flowing out via the second outlet, prevents the liquid level at the level of the first outlet from being exceeded.

[0020] In a further development of the embodiment with the pulsed switching of the inlet valve, this pulsed switching is carried out depending on an inlet flow rate that can be provided via the inlet line. Advantageously, the switching of the inlet valve is then controlled depending on a flow rate that can actually be provided from the inlet line and which thus also at least indirectly influences how quickly liquid accumulates in the collection area and accordingly reaches the liquid level at the level of the first outlet. This inlet flow rate can be determined by means of a sensor, with the determination preferably being carried out during an initial flushing process.This initial filling process could be designed as a wash cycle, during which the operator of the laundry treatment machine is specifically instructed to perform the wash cycle without laundry and without detergent or washing aids. During this wash cycle, the inflow flow rate is preferably measured and communicated to the operator. The wash cycle could also additionally serve to clean the laundry treatment machine of, for example, production residues (e.g., oils in the drum) and to calibrate any integrated laundry scale.

[0021] Alternatively or additionally, the inlet flow rate could also be calculated, whereby the calculation is based in particular on a pressure measured in a tub of the laundry treatment machine. This allows the water / lye level in the tub to be preferably calculated, and, with knowledge of the tub geometry, the inlet flow rate can then be calculated from the slope of the fill level over time.

[0022] In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the liquid flows into the collection area from a pre-collection area. For this purpose, liquid is supplied to the pre-collection area from the inlet line via the inlet valve and subsequently directed from the pre-collection area into the collection area via at least one inlet. Liquid then flows out of the pre-collection area via a further outlet, designed as an overflow on the pre-collection area and located higher than the at least one inlet, when the liquid accumulated in the pre-collection area exceeds a liquid level at the level of this further outlet. This has the advantage that when the liquid level at the level of the further outlet is exceeded, a constant volume flow is established, with which the liquid flows from the pre-collection area into the collection area via the at least one inlet.This simplifies the control of the inlet valve, particularly when combined with a timed switching action, because the constant flow rate makes it easier to determine the point in time at which the liquid level at the level of the first outlet would be exceeded. Preferably, the pre-collection area is smaller in volume than the collection area to ensure the pre-collection area fills as quickly as possible and thus reaches the liquid level at the level of the second outlet of the pre-collection area.

[0023] As an alternative to the aforementioned embodiment, liquid supplied from the inlet line via the inlet valve flows directly into the collection area, i.e., the collection area is directly connected to the inlet valve, in particular via an intermediate pipe volume.

[0024] In a further development of the invention, the liquid collected in the collection area is mixed with a detergent within the collection area. In this case, the collection area itself functions as a dosing area into which an operator of the laundry treatment machine can dose and mix the liquid as it is supplied to the collection area. However, it is particularly preferred that the collection area serves only as a buffer volume and is specifically not accessible for dosing detergents or washing aids.

[0025] According to dependent claim 10, a dispensing device for a laundry treatment machine comprises a collection area designed for the accumulation of liquid. The collection area has a first outlet, configured as an overflow, which allows liquid to flow out of the collection area when the liquid accumulated in the collection area exceeds a liquid level at the level of the first outlet. An inlet valve is also provided between an inlet line and the collection area, through which the flow of liquid from the inlet line into the collection area can be controlled. Furthermore, the collection area has a second outlet located below the first outlet. The inlet valve can be operated to provide a first dispensing function and, in this case, allows liquid to flow into the collection area even when the liquid level exceeds the set level.

[0026] The collection area is formed by a housing or housing section, which defines a collection chamber for the accumulation of liquid. This collection chamber is preferably delimited at least by a base of the housing or housing section and walls of the housing or housing section extending around the base. For the supply of liquid to the collection area, the collection area is provided, in particular, with an inlet through which liquid can flow into the collection area. According to the invention, the inlet valve can be connected on the downstream side only to this inlet of the collection area, so that the entire quantity of liquid passing through the inlet valve from the supply line enters the collection area via the inlet. Alternatively, further liquid-carrying areas can be provided between the inlet valve and the inlet of the collection area, in which case, if necessary,Even if only a portion of the liquid volume passed through the inlet valve from the inlet line is fed into the inlet of the collection area, it will not be supplied to the collection area.

[0027] The collection area is provided with a first outlet and a second outlet. The first outlet is designed as an overflow, allowing liquid to escape from the collection area once its level exceeds the height at which the first outlet is positioned. The second outlet is located lower than the first, so that liquid can flow out of the collection area via the second outlet even before its level reaches the height of the first outlet.

[0028] The inlet valve, located between the inlet pipe and the collection area, controls the flow of liquid from the inlet pipe into the collection area. The inlet valve can be configured to have at least one fully open and one fully closed state, either allowing or completely preventing liquid from flowing from the inlet pipe into the collection area. To implement a first flushing function of the flushing device, the inlet valve can be operated such that the liquid level in the collection area exceeds the level at the first outlet, causing liquid to subsequently flow out of the collection area through both the first and second outlets.

[0029] According to dependent claim 10, the invention comprises the technical teaching that the second outlet allows liquid accumulated in the collection area to flow continuously out of the collection area. Furthermore, the inlet valve can also be operated to provide a second filling function and then prevents the liquid level from exceeding the set level by limiting the flow into the collection area. In other words, the second outlet is configured on the collection area of ​​the filling device according to the invention such that liquid accumulated in the collection area can continuously flow out of the collection area. In addition, the inlet valve can be operated to perform a second filling function such that the inlet valve limits the flow of liquid into the collection area and thereby prevents the liquid level from exceeding the level at the first outlet.

[0030] Such a design of a dispensing device has the advantage that, through the interaction of the inlet valve with the collection area, a selection can be made as to whether liquid from the collection area is discharged only via the second outlet or also flows out via the first outlet. This can be achieved with low manufacturing costs, since this selection is made possible by the interaction of the collection area with a single inlet valve and its operation according to the invention, either for realizing the first dispensing function or for implementing the second dispensing function.

[0031] According to one embodiment of the invention, the second outlet is located at the bottom of the collection area. This allows for the reliable continuous flow of liquid accumulated in the collection area via the second outlet. Alternatively, but preferably additionally, the second outlet is formed by at least one opening. Within the scope of the invention, the second outlet can be realized by exactly one opening, which may have a rectangular or circular cross-section. However, it is also possible to form the second outlet by several openings, each of which may have a circular cross-section.

[0032] According to one embodiment of the invention, the inlet valve can be switched between a fully open state, in which the inlet valve allows liquid to flow as freely as possible through the inlet line to the collection area, and a fully closed state, in which the inlet valve prevents liquid from flowing through the inlet line to the collection area. During operation, the inlet valve can be cycled between the fully open and fully closed states to demonstrate the second flushing function.This allows the second inlet function of the inlet device according to the invention to be implemented simply by designing the inlet valve as a switching valve with two discrete switching positions. In one switching position, the inlet valve completely prevents the flow of liquid from the inlet line towards the collection area, while in the other switching position, it allows it to flow as much as possible. However, within the scope of the invention, the inlet valve could also be designed as a proportional valve, which, in addition to a fully open and a fully closed state, can also have a partially open state and thus throttle the flow of liquid to the collection area.

[0033] In a further embodiment of the invention, the first outlet forms a transition to a dosing area for detergent or washing aids, particularly fabric softener. Alternatively or additionally, the second outlet forms a transition to a dosing area for detergent or washing aids, or represents a drain to a washing tub. Most preferably, the first outlet forms a transition to a dosing area for washing aids in the form of fabric softener, while the second outlet provides a drain to a washing tub of the laundry treatment appliance. In the fabric softener dosing area, a hydraulic lifter for discharging a mixture of liquid and fabric softener can then be provided in a manner known to those skilled in the art. In a further development of one of the aforementioned described variants, the collection area could then be formed integrally with the respective dosing area as a single dispenser tray.In the preferred variant, which includes a dosing area for fabric softener in addition to the collection area, the dosing area is located directly next to and essentially at the same level as the collection area. If the second outlet serves as a feed to a dosing area for detergent, this dosing area, when combined with the collection area to form a single dispenser tray, is located below the collection area. In this case, the second outlet is formed by several openings to create a shower-like effect for better mixing of the discharged water with the detergent.

[0034] Alternatively, within the scope of the invention, it is also conceivable that the collection area is arranged spatially separated from the areas to which liquid is supplied via the first outlet and the second outlet, respectively. A dosing area for washing aids could, for example, be provided in the area of ​​a loading opening of the laundry treatment device, with the first outlet then being hydraulically connected within the laundry treatment device to a cuff through which liquid can then flow into the dosing area.

[0035] It is an advantageous embodiment of the invention that a pre-collection area is also provided, to which liquid can be supplied from the supply line via the inlet valve and which is connected to the collection area via at least one inlet. The pre-collection area has a further outlet designed as an overflow, which is positioned higher on the pre-collection area than the at least one inlet. Advantageously, this allows the liquid to flow into the collection area with a constant volume flow rate when the liquid level accumulated in the pre-collection area exceeds a level at the level of the further outlet.This simplifies the control of the inlet valve, particularly when combined with a timed switching action, as it makes it easier to determine the point in time at which the liquid level at the level of the first outlet would be exceeded. Preferably, the pre-collection area is smaller in volume than the collection area to ensure the pre-collection area fills as quickly as possible and thus reaches the liquid level at the level of the second outlet of the pre-collection area.

[0036] As an alternative to the aforementioned embodiment, liquid supplied from the inlet line via the inlet valve flows directly into the collection area, i.e., the collection area is directly connected to the inlet valve, in particular via an intermediate pipe volume.

[0037] In a further development of the invention, at least one insert can be placed in the collection area, the insertion of which allows the height of the first outlet and / or a dimension of the second outlet and / or a volume of the collection area to be changed. This allows the collection area to be easily adapted to different line pressures and thus also to different inlet flow rates of the supply line.

[0038] The invention further relates to a laundry treatment device, which may be a washing machine or a washer-dryer. This laundry treatment device comprises a dispensing device according to one or more of the variants described above. Preferably, a dispensing process in this laundry treatment device can be implemented according to one or more of the variants of a method described above.

[0039] Advantageous embodiments of the invention, which are explained below, are illustrated in the drawings. They show: Fig. 1 a schematic view of a laundry treatment machine; Figs. 2 and 3 views of a detergent dispenser tray of a detergent dispenser of the laundry treatment machine. Fig. 1 , according to a first embodiment of the invention; and Figs. 4 and 5 show views of a hopper of a hopper of the laundry treatment machine. Fig. 1 , corresponding to a second embodiment of the invention.

[0040] Out of Fig. 1 Figure 1 shows a schematic view of a laundry treatment device 1, which is a washing machine or a washer-dryer. The laundry treatment device 1 comprises a housing 2 in which a drum (not shown in detail) is rotatably mounted. The housing 2 is also provided with a loading opening 3 through which items of laundry to be treated can be placed into the drum.

[0041] The laundry treatment device 1 has a dispensing device 4, which is designed according to a first embodiment of the invention and comprises a dispensing tray 5. The dispensing tray 5 is received in the device housing 2 in an insertion opening, and liquid in the form of water can be supplied to the dispensing tray 5 from a supply line 6 by means of an intermediate supply valve 7, which establishes a connection between an inlet 8 of the dispensing tray 5 and the supply line 6. Furthermore, the dispensing tray 5 has two outlets 9 and 10, to which a drain line 11 and 12, respectively, are connected. A supply to a lye tank of the laundry treatment device 1 – not shown here – can be implemented via the drain lines 11 and 12, respectively.

[0042] In the Fig. 2 and 3 The detergent dispenser 5 is now shown individually, whereby Fig. 2 including a perspective view and Fig. 3 A sectional view of the detergent dispenser 5 is shown. The detergent dispenser 5, made of plastic, has a dosing area 13, which is designed for filling with fabric softener. For filling, the detergent dispenser 5 can be pulled out of the appliance housing 2 far enough so that the dosing area 13 is accessible to an operator of the laundry treatment appliance 1. The dosing area 13 is also equipped with a Fig. 3 equipped with the hydraulic lifter 14 shown, via which the fabric softener mixed with water can be discharged to the drain 9 of the induction tray 5 in a manner known to the skilled person.

[0043] Adjacent to the dosing area 13, the detergent dispenser 5 also has a collection area 15, which is integrally formed with the dosing area 13 and, together with a cuboid housing section 16 of the detergent dispenser 5, defines a collection space 17 that is open towards the top of the detergent dispenser 5. When the detergent dispenser 5 is inserted, the collection area 15 opens into the Fig. 2 and 3 (not shown) inlet 8 above the collection chamber 17, so that water supplied to inlet 8 can flow into the collection area 15 and accumulate in the collection chamber 17.

[0044] The collection area 15 is equipped with two outlets 18 and 19, of which outlet 18 is designed as an overflow, while outlet 19 is located at the bottom of the collection area 15 and forms the drain 10 of the inlet tray 5. Due to the bottom-side design of outlet 19, water accumulated in the collection chamber 17 of the collection area 15 can continuously flow through outlet 19 into drain 10, whereas water only flows through outlet 18 when the water level in the collection chamber 17 of the collection area 15 exceeds a level at the height of outlet 18. When this level is exceeded, the amount of water exceeding the liquid level flows into the adjacent dosing area 13, where the water can mix with the fabric softener located there and, when a certain level is reached in the dosing area 13, is discharged into the drain 9 via the hydraulic siphon 14.

[0045] When designing a filling process, two different filling functions can be implemented via the filling device according to the invention, depending on the process step of the laundry treatment device 1. The two filling functions are implemented via the inlet valve 7 in conjunction with the collection area 15, wherein the inlet valve 7, as a directional control valve, can assume two different switching positions, namely a fully open state and a fully closed state.

[0046] To implement the first dosing function, in which water supplied to the collection area 15 is directed to the detergent dispenser via both outlet 10 and outlet 9, and thus mixed with fabric softener in the dosing area 13, the inlet valve 7 is opened fully. Water then flows from the inlet line 6 into the collection chamber 17 of the collection area 15, from where it flows firstly via outlet 19 into drain 10 and, once the liquid level at outlet 18 is exceeded, secondly into the dosing area 13, where it mixes with the fabric softener and subsequently, once a certain level is reached in the dosing area 13, flows out into drain 9.During the first filling function, the inlet valve 7 is therefore kept continuously in its fully open state in order to exceed the liquid level at the level of the outlet 18 and thus to fill the dosing area 13.

[0047] If, however, the second filling function is to be implemented, in which water is only to flow into the detergent dispenser via drain 10 and, accordingly, no fabric softener is to be added from dosing area 13, the inlet valve 7 is operated in a pulsed manner. For this purpose, the inlet valve 7 is first moved to its fully open position, thus allowing the collection chamber 17 of the collection area 15 to fill with water. However, before the liquid level in the collection area 15 reaches the level of the outlet 18, the inlet valve 7 is moved to its fully closed position. The water collected in the collection area 15 then flows out via drain 10. After a defined time, the inlet valve 7 is again moved to its fully open position to replenish the collection chamber 17 of the collection area 15 with water.The timed switching is performed depending on an inlet flow rate provided via the inlet line 6, which can either be measured by appropriate sensors, for example during an initial flushing process, or calculated. Based on this inlet flow rate, the switching of the inlet valve 7 between its fully open and fully closed states is designed such that the accumulated water in the collection area 15, given the inlet flow rate provided by the inlet line 6, does not cause the liquid level at the outlet 18 to be exceeded.

[0048] Furthermore, the Fig. 4 and 5 Views of a detergent dispenser 20, which is an alternative to the detergent dispenser 5 according to the Fig. 2 and 3in the inlet device 4, whereby the inlet device 4 is then implemented according to a second embodiment of the invention. In this embodiment, the inlet tray 20 largely corresponds to the inlet tray 5 according to the Fig. 2 and 3 In contrast, a collection area 21, which is formed integrally with the dosing area 13, is smaller and therefore also has a smaller collection space 22. For this purpose, a cuboid housing section 23, open towards the top of the inlet tray 20, is smaller, and this section limits the collection space 22 of the collection area 21 at the inlet tray 20. Again, the collection area 21 is formed integrally with the dosing area 13.

[0049] As a further difference, the inlet tray 20 forms an additional pre-collection area 24 on a side of the collection area 21 facing away from the dosing area 13. This pre-collection area 24 is defined by a further cuboid housing section 25 of the inlet tray 20, which is open towards the top of the inlet tray 20. The pre-collection area 24 has a pre-collection chamber 26, which is smaller than the collection chamber 22. The - again not in the Fig. 4 and 5The inlet 8 of the induction device 4, visible in the diagram, opens above the pre-collection area 24 when the induction tray 20 is inserted. This means that when water is supplied from the inlet line 6 via the inlet valve 7, it initially flows into the pre-collection area 24. Between the collection area 21 and the pre-collection area 24, the induction tray 20 also has a transfer opening 27 through which the water accumulated in the pre-collection chamber 26 of the pre-collection area 24 can flow into the collection chamber 22 of the collection area 21.

[0050] As also in the Fig. 4 and 5As can be seen, the pre-collection area 24 also has a further outlet 28, which is designed as an overflow. Once the liquid level of the water accumulated in the pre-collection chamber 26 exceeds a level at the height of the outlet 28, water subsequently flows out through the outlet 28, and this outflowing water is also fed to the drain 10 via the outlet 28. Furthermore, once water flows out through the outlet 28, a constant inflow volume flow is established, with water flowing from the pre-collection chamber 26 into the collection chamber 22 via the transfer 27. Based on this constant inflow volume flow, the timing of the inlet valve 7 in the inlet tray 20 of the inlet device 4 can also be controlled during the second inlet function. Otherwise, the inlet tray 20 corresponds to the inlet tray 5 according to the Fig. 3 and 4 , so that reference is made to what has been described here.

[0051] Using the embodiments according to the invention, it is possible to implement filling processes with different liquid flows in a laundry treatment device, whereby this is possible due to the use of only one inlet valve and low manufacturing costs for the laundry treatment device. Reference symbol list:

[0052] 1 Laundry treatment unit 2 Unit housing 3 Loading opening 4 Induction device 5 Induction tray 6 Inlet line 7 Inlet valve 8 Inlet 9 Outlet 10 Outlet 11 Drain line 12 Drain line 13 Dosing area 14 Hydraulic lifter 15 Collection area 16 Housing section 17 Collection chamber 18 Outlet 19 Outlet 20 Induction tray 21 Collection area 22 Collection chamber 23 Housing section 24 Pre-collection area 25 Housing section 26 Pre-collection chamber 27 Transfer 28 Outlet

Claims

1. A method for designing a filling process in a laundry treatment machine (1), wherein, in a filling device (4) of the laundry treatment machine (1), an inlet valve (7) allows liquid to flow from an inlet line (6) into a collection area (15; 21), wherein a flow of liquid from the collection area (15; 21) is provided via a first outlet (18) designed as an overflow on the collection area (15; 21) when the liquid accumulated in the collection area (15; 21) exceeds a liquid level at the level of the first outlet (18), and wherein, in a design of the filling process with a first filling function, the flow of liquid from the collection area (15; 21) is realized simultaneously via the first outlet (18) and via a second outlet (19) formed below the first outlet (18) on the collection area (15; 21) by allowing the inflow into the Collection area (15;21) via the inlet valve (7) allowing the liquid level to be exceeded, ; characterized by the fact that Liquid accumulated in the collection area (15; 21) flows continuously out via the second outlet (19), that in the design of the filling process a choice is made between the first filling function and a second filling function, and that in the second filling function only the continuous outflow of liquid from the collection area (15; 21) via the second outlet (19) is realized by preventing the liquid level from being exceeded by limiting the flow into the collection area (15; 21) via the inlet valve (7).

2. Method according to claim 1, characterized by the fact thatDuring the second inlet function, the inlet valve (7) is pulsed between a fully open state, in which the inlet valve allows liquid to flow as freely as possible via the inlet line (6) to the collection area (15; 21), and a fully closed state, in which the inlet valve (7) prevents liquid from flowing via the inlet line (6) to the collection area (15; 21), whereby the pulsed switching prevents the liquid level from being exceeded.

3. Method according to claim 2, characterized by the fact that The timed switching is carried out depending on an inlet volume flow rate that can be provided via the inlet line (6).

4. Method according to claim 3, characterized by the fact that The inlet volume flow rate is determined using a sensor.

5. Method according to claim 4, characterized by the fact that The determination of the inlet volume flow rate is carried out as part of an initial flushing process.

6. Method according to any one of claims 3 to 5, characterized by the fact that The inlet volume flow rate is calculated.

7. Method according to claim 6, characterized by the fact that the calculation is performed based on a pressure measured in a lye container of the laundry treatment device (1).

8. Method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact thatThe liquid flows into the collection area (21) from a pre-collection area (24), to which liquid is supplied from the inlet line (6) via the inlet valve (7) and subsequently directed from the pre-collection area (24) into the collection area (21) via at least one transfer (27), and an outflow of liquid from the pre-collection area (24) is also represented via a further outlet (28) designed as an overflow on the pre-collection area (24) and located higher than the at least one transfer (27), when the liquid accumulated in the pre-collection area (24) exceeds a liquid level at the level of the further outlet (28).

9. Method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that The liquid collected in the collection area is mixed with a detergent.

10. Inlet device (4) for a laundry treatment device (1), comprising a collection area (15; 21) designed for the accumulation of liquid, wherein the collection area (15; 21) has a first outlet (18) designed as an overflow and which allows outflow from the collection area (15; 21) when the liquid accumulated in the collection area (15; 21) exceeds a liquid level at the level of the first outlet (18), wherein an inlet valve (7) is provided between an inlet line (6) and the collection area (15; 21), via which the inflow of liquid from the inlet line (6) into the collection area (15; 21) can be controlled, wherein the collection area (15; 21) has a second outlet (19) located below the first outlet (18), and wherein the inlet valve (7) serves, firstly, to provide a first inlet function is operable and then the inflow of liquid into the collection area (15;21) permits exceeding the liquid level; characterized by the fact that the second outlet (19) allows a continuous outflow of liquid accumulated in the collection area (15; 21) from the collection area (15; 21), and the inlet valve (7) can be operated to provide a second inlet function and then prevents the liquid level from being exceeded by limiting the flow into the collection area (15; 21).

11. Inlet device (4) according to claim 10, characterized by the fact that the second outlet (19) is designed on the bottom side of the collection area (15; 21).

12. Induction device (4) according to claim 10 or 11, characterized by the fact that the second outlet (19) is formed by at least one opening.

13. Induction device (4) according to one of claims 10 to 12, characterized by the fact thatThe inlet valve (7) is switchable between a fully open state, in which the inlet valve (7) allows liquid to flow as freely as possible via the inlet line (6) to the collection area (15; 21), and a fully closed state, in which the inlet valve (7) prevents liquid from flowing via the inlet line (6) to the collection area (15; 21), wherein the inlet valve (7) is switchable in a pulsed manner between the fully open state and the fully closed state during operation to represent the second inlet function.

14. Inlet device (4) according to one of claims 10 to 13, characterized by the fact that the first outlet (18) forms a transition to a dosing area (13) for detergents or washing aids, in particular fabric softeners.

15. Induction device (4) according to one of claims 10 to 14, characterized by the fact thatthe second outlet (19) forms a transition to a dosing area for detergents or washing aids or represents an outlet (10) to a tubing container.

16. Inlet device (4) according to claim 14 or according to claim 15, characterized by the fact that the collection area (15; 21) is formed in one piece with the respective dosing area (13) as a dispensing tray (5; 20).

17. Inlet device (4) according to one of claims 10 to 16, characterized by the fact that Furthermore, a pre-collection area (24) is provided, to which liquid can be supplied from the inlet line (6) via the inlet valve (7) and which is connected to the collection area (21) via at least one transfer (27), wherein the pre-collection area (24) has a further outlet (28) designed as an overflow, which is located higher on the pre-collection area (24) than the at least one transfer (27).

18. Induction device according to one of claims 10 to 17, characterized by the fact thatThe collection area must contain at least one insert, the insertion of which allows the height of the first outlet and / or a dimension of the second outlet and / or a volume of the collection area to be changed.

19. Laundry treatment device (1), in particular washing machine or washer-dryer, comprising a dispensing device (4) according to any one of claims 10 to 18.

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