Method for operating a hydraulic device comprising rotatable hydraulic means

Abstract

The invention relates to a method for operating a hydraulic device comprising rotatable hydraulic means such as a valve actuator or a peristaltic pump or gear pump for a liquid, and a drive having an electric motor and rotary position detection means for detecting a rotary position of the drive and / or the rotatable hydraulic means, in which method a flow or pressure arising downstream thereof is being detected during operation of the hydraulic means. This flow or pressure is compared with stored reference values in order to check whether the hydraulic device is still operating correctly.

Description

[0001] Method for operating a hydraulic device with rotatable hydraulic means

[0002] FIELD OF APPLICATION AND STATE OF THE ART

[0003] The invention relates to a method for operating a hydraulic device with rotatable hydraulic means, which can be a valve actuator or a peristaltic pump or gear pump, as well as with a drive therefor and with rotational position detection means for detecting a rotational position of the drive and / or the rotatable hydraulic means.

[0004] TASK AND SOLUTION

[0005] The invention is based on the object of creating a method for operating a hydraulic device as mentioned above, with which problems of the prior art can be solved and in particular it is possible to improve the structure and operation of such a hydraulic device, in particular so that the hydraulic device can be easily repaired.

[0006] This object is achieved by a method for operating a hydraulic device having the features of claim 1. Advantageous and preferred embodiments of the invention are the subject of the further claims and are explained in more detail below. The wording of the claims is incorporated into the content of the description by express reference.

[0007] The hydraulic device comprises rotatable hydraulic means, such as a valve actuator or a peristaltic or gear pump for a fluid, wherein the hydraulic means have at least two fluid connections. It also comprises a drive with an electric motor for the rotatable hydraulic means, wherein the electric motor can be designed in a variety of ways. Rotational position detection means are provided for detecting a rotational position of the drive and / or the rotatable hydraulic means, wherein the detection of the rotational position or a rotation of the hydraulic means is the objective. If the drive and hydraulic means are firmly connected by means of a transmission, their rotation ratios are fixed anyway.

[0008] The method according to the invention comprises the following steps. In a first step or step A, the hydraulic medium is operated or rotated by means of the drive. Preferably, a valve actuator is fully rotated at least once or fully opened and fully closed once. A peristaltic pump or gear pump can be moved with at least one partial pumping step. Before this, a fluid is made available to a first connection or an inlet of the hydraulic medium, which can take place with or without pressure. While the drive is operating, the pressure and / or the flow of the fluid is detected and recorded at another second connection of the hydraulic medium using an appropriately designed pressure / flow sensor. This can be done by a control of the device in which the hydraulic device is installed.

[0009] In a subsequent step B, the rotational position or rotation of the drive and / or the rotatable hydraulic means are detected and recorded by means of the rotational position detection means, preferably by and in an aforementioned control system.

[0010] In a subsequent step C, a relationship between, on the one hand, the rotational position and, on the other hand, the pressure or flow at the 2nd connection of the hydraulic medium is determined, and these are stored as reference values ​​or reference curves, preferably by and in the aforementioned control system.

[0011] In a subsequent step D, during further operation of the hydraulic system, the corresponding rotational position is set by means of the drive based on the reference values ​​or reference curve to achieve a specific pressure or fluid flow at the second connection. This can be known in advance, in particular as values ​​for normal operation of the hydraulic system. Thus, the corresponding specific pressure or flow at the second connection is set, which can be done in particular based on the known values.

[0012] In a further subsequent step E, a calibration process of the hydraulic device is carried out at a predetermined time or at a time selectable by an operator in order to determine updated reference values ​​or an updated reference curve for the further operation of the hydraulic device according to step D. For this purpose, steps A to C are carried out again, if necessary several times, in order to avoid or eliminate deviations or measurement errors.

[0013] Thus, the invention can be used to generally test the function of the hydraulic device, as well as its functional accuracy. This can be used to either repair or replace the hydraulic device. It is also possible to use a repaired or replaced hydraulic device in the future by adopting its recorded values ​​according to step D, even if these are not structurally and / or operationally identical to the original hydraulic device. This advantageously enables continued use of the device in which the hydraulic device is installed. Furthermore, it is possible to pursue new business areas and business methods by repairing or replacing defective hydraulic devices more often.

[0014] In an embodiment of the invention, a calibration process according to step E can be carried out automatically, regularly after a predetermined or predeterminable time or after a predetermined or predeterminable number of actuations of the hydraulic medium, manually, after repair or after replacement of components on the hydraulic medium or on the hydraulic device. These are therefore many ways in which a calibration process can be started. One type of calibration process can be carried out very simply; in this case, it can advantageously be started automatically. Another type requires an operator to intervene, for example, calibrating or checking a dosing pump, as will be described below. In this case, operator involvement is necessary anyway; they can therefore also start it manually.

[0015] In a further embodiment of the invention, it can be provided that a controller for the hydraulic device carries out the method or the calibration process according to step E. This controller is, in particular, a controller of a water-conducting household appliance into which the hydraulic device is installed. The controller can also control a pump or a valve, which each apply the pressure to the first connection of the hydraulic medium or generate the flow, whereby the controller should also be connected to the pressure / flow sensor. In yet another embodiment of the invention, the controller can store the reference values ​​or the reference curve, in particular for the aforementioned further operation. The controller can then carry out the further operation of the hydraulic device with the updated reference values ​​or the updated reference curve.

[0016] In a further development of the invention, a maximum of four complete rotations, preferably between one and three, can be performed for a calibration process according to step E for a valve actuator or a peristaltic pump or gear pump. Alternatively or additionally, a change in the direction of rotation can be performed, particularly for a valve actuator, which allows even more information about the operating behavior of the hydraulic device to be collected.

[0017] In a further development of the invention, for a calibration process according to step E, no pressure can be applied to a peristaltic pump or gear pump. Instead, the flow generated by the peristaltic pump or gear pump at the second connection as the pump outlet, or the pressure built up when the fluid flow is closed, can be recorded. This also provides characteristic information about the operating behavior that can help verify the correct functioning of the pump or ensure its future performance.

[0018] As a further possibility, if it is determined during operation of the water-conducting household appliance that the hydraulic device is not working correctly or is no longer working accurately, the control system can start a calibration process for the hydraulic device according to step E. In particular, this can occur if a pressure or flow rate generated by it at the 2nd connection deviates by more than a certain tolerance value from a preset value defined in a sequence program of the control system or the household appliance. Advantageously, the rest of the operation of the water-conducting household appliance can be interrupted for this calibration process and only resumed once the calibration process has been completed and updated reference values ​​or an updated reference curve are available for the further operation of the hydraulic device or the water-conducting household appliance.

[0019] In one embodiment of the invention, to detect the flow of fluid downstream of the second hydraulic fluid connection, fluid properties can be detected or recognized using a sensor. These properties can be selected from the group of conductivity, turbidity, temperature, and pressure.

[0020] In a further embodiment of the invention, the power consumption or current consumption of the pump or valve can be used to detect the flow of the liquid. This can be the sole detection method, or alternatively, in addition to other aforementioned possibilities, using a pressure / flow sensor.

[0021] In yet another embodiment of the invention, the pressure / flow sensor can already be present as standard in the household appliance. It can preferably also be used for other purposes during operation of the household appliance. This allows for more information to be collected in general.

[0022] The rotational position detection means can advantageously be arranged on the drive or the electric motor, whereby they can particularly advantageously be integrated into the drive or the electric motor. The electric motor can be a stepper motor with a control system, whereby this control system can detect the rotational position. This can be done, for example, based on the starting position and / or the steps performed by the stepper motor. Alternatively, the electric motor can have an electronic control system, whereby the electronic control system can be designed to detect the current rotational position of a rotor of the electric motor. This can preferably be done based on the motor current and / or motor voltage.The rotary position detection means can be arranged as a rotary position sensor on a valve actuator or on a pump as hydraulic means. It is possible to design the rotary position sensor as a separate sensor and attach it to the valve actuator or to the pump. In particular, it can be attached to a rotary shaft of the valve actuator or a pump rotor or interact with it.

[0023] In a further development of the invention, the hydraulic medium can be connected as a valve actuator or as a peristaltic pump or hose pump or as a gear pump to a container with additives or detergents for operating a water-conducting household appliance in order to be able to carry out dosing. If less than 50% of the usual flow is detected at the pressure / flow sensor behind the 2nd connection of the hydraulic medium when the hydraulic medium is in operation, a replacement of the container can or should be initiated. This can be done by signaling an operator of the household appliance or the like, alternatively by an automatically triggered order from the household appliance itself. Advantageously, a calibration process according to step E can be carried out automatically following a replacement of the container. This enables correct operation again.

[0024] In a further development of the invention, the hydraulic fluid can be designed as a valve actuator, for example, as a shut-off valve, metering valve, proportional valve, or three-way valve. If the hydraulic fluid is removed from the household appliance, disassembled, or a component thereof is repaired or replaced, a calibration process according to step E can advantageously be performed automatically.

[0025] If, during the calibration process according to step E, it is determined that the relationship between the rotary position and the pressure or flow has shifted, such that a similar pressure or flow curve as previously recorded is obtained, but that minimums and / or maximums are reached at a different rotary position, the hydraulic fluid can be defined as still functioning correctly. It can then continue to be used, in particular with the updated reference values ​​or the updated reference curve, i.e., with the shifted values.

[0026] If, when performing the calibration process according to step E, it is determined that pressure or flow is lower than previous reference values ​​or a previous reference curve, in particular the first reference values ​​or a first reference curve generated, the hydraulic medium or the hydraulic device can be defined as no longer functioning correctly. This can be at least 30% or at least 10% lower. A signal can then be sent to an operator of the household appliance or to an external service provider that the hydraulic device requires maintenance, cleaning and / or repair. This opens up the aforementioned new business areas and business methods. Such a signal can be sent via an internet connection of the household appliance, which can preferably be sent to a mobile device of the operator or to a computer of the external service provider.

[0027] In an advantageous development of the invention, if parts of the hydraulic system or hydraulic fluid need to be replaced, for example, the drive, hydraulic fluid, or a gear unit connecting them, these parts are either manufactured separately or replaced with other existing, similarly functioning but not identical parts from a separate series production facility. These separately manufactured parts can preferably be produced using 3D printing based on data from the manufacturer of the hydraulic system or household appliance, which enables production in small series or even as individual parts. In this case, however, an identical replacement is possible.If parts are replaced with non-identical parts from your own series production, a subsequent calibration process can be performed with new, adjusted reference values. This means that the entire hydraulic system, although not controlled identically, operates identically with the adjusted control, or with the same result. This allows a device in which the hydraulic system is installed to continue to be used without functional limitations or disadvantages. This saves costs, time, and is environmentally beneficial.

[0028] These and other features emerge not only from the claims but also from the description and the drawings. The individual features may be implemented individually or in combination in an embodiment of the invention and in other fields, and may represent advantageous and individually protectable embodiments for which protection is claimed here. The division of the application into subheadings and individual sections does not limit the generality of the statements made therein.

[0029] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0030] Embodiments of the invention are schematically illustrated in the drawings and explained in more detail below. The drawings show: Fig. 1 a simplified representation of a washing machine with valves in a water supply and a pump, wherein one of the valves or one of the pumps forms a hydraulic device according to the invention,

[0031] Fig. 2 is a partial sectional view of a three-way valve for the method according to the invention,

[0032] Fig. 3 is a representation of a dosing device of a washing machine with a peristaltic pump as a dosing pump for the method according to the invention,

[0033] Fig. 4 shows a diagram of an electrical conductivity over time as an example of a flow,

[0034] Fig. 5 shows a process sequence as a flow chart to test the function of the dosing pump from Fig. 3,

[0035] Fig. 6 shows a diagram of the pressure versus a rotation angle for a three-way valve and

[0036] Fig. 7 shows a process flow chart to test the function of the three-way valve from Fig. 6.

[0037] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

[0038] Fig. 1 shows a simplified representation of a washing machine 11 with which the method according to the invention can be carried out. The washing machine 11 has a housing 12 with a drum 14 in a drum receptacle 15 shown in dashed lines, as is prior art. A water inlet 17 leads into the washing machine 11 or to a water guide arranged therein. An inlet valve V1 is provided at this water inlet 17. A corresponding water line leads to a filter 20 or through it, if necessary to filter any fresh water let in. Downstream of the filter 20, a pump valve V2 is provided, which in turn is followed by a pump 22.

[0039] Another water line leads from the pump 22 to a first distribution valve V3, which is designed as a three-way valve. From the first distribution valve V3, a water line leads back to the filter F and possibly out of there again to the pump valve V2. Another water line leads from the first distribution valve V3 to a second distribution valve V4, which is also designed as a three-way valve. One of its outlets leads out of the washing machine 11 as water outlet 24. Another outlet runs to a dosing device 25, which will be explained in more detail below. Here, detergent and / or additives can be added or dosed, advantageously automatically. Another water line leads from the dosing device 25 to an injection device 27 at the front of the drum holder 15 and drum 14.An injection nozzle 28 of the injection device 27 points into the drum 14 in order to inject water, which may be mixed with detergent and / or additives, into the drum 14.

[0040] Water can exit the drum holder 15 at a container outlet 30 and flow into the filter 20 via a water line through a filter valve V5, which is designed as a simple shut-off valve. There, it can be filtered and pumped in a circle by means of the pump 22 via the pump valve V2, which is also designed as a shut-off valve.

[0041] A controller 33 is provided, which is connected to the pump 22 and the two distribution valves V3 and V4. The controller 33 should also be connected to the other valves, as well as to the dosing device 25 and the injection device 27. In principle, it should be connected to all functional units of the washing machine 11. It can also be a component of a washing machine controller or part of an overall controller for the washing machine 11. The controller 33 is further connected to a communications module 34, which can, for example, be a WLAN antenna for an internet connection, alternatively for another radio connection, or even a direct network connection such as a LAN connection. This allows the controller 33 or the washing machine 11, as explained above, to contact an external service or external service providers.This can also be done automatically, for example as an independent repair report.

[0042] The second distribution valve V4 is explained in more detail in Fig. 2. The second distribution valve V4 has a drive 40 with a drive motor 41, which is advantageously an electric motor, in particular designed as a stepper motor or a normal electric motor. The drive motor 41 has a drive shaft 42 which extends into a gear 44 or gear housing 45, where it is also mounted. A drive pinion 47 is arranged in a rotationally fixed manner on the drive shaft 42. The drive pinion 47 in turn engages with a lower gear 49a. This is formed in one piece with an upper gear 49b; both are also mounted in the gear housing 45. The upper gear 49b engages with a valve gear 50 that is seated on a valve shaft 51 that runs through the gear housing 45 and is also mounted there.The corresponding second distribution valve V4 with a valve housing 53 is arranged on top of the gear housing 45, advantageously screwed on in the same way as the drive motor 41. Three outlets 55a, 55b, and 55c lead out of the valve housing 53. The aforementioned three lines according to Fig. 1 can be connected to these. The second distribution valve V4 can advantageously be designed as a cone valve. The lower end of the valve shaft 51 extends into a rotation sensor 58 attached to the bottom of the gear housing 45, with which a rotation or preposition and thus also a rotary movement of the valve shaft 51 and thus of the valve V4 can be detected. The rotation sensor 58 is advantageously connected to the aforementioned controller 33 by means of a connecting line 61. Optical markings 59 are arranged circumferentially at the bottom of the valve shaft 51 and are designed in a characteristic manner, for example as alternating stripes of different widths.Directly adjacent to it is a light sensor 60, for example, configured with a light transmitter and a light receiver. Regardless of the position relative to the optical markings 59, light is reflected from the light transmitter to the light receiver. Such rotation sensors 58 are known from the prior art and need not be explained in more detail. As an alternative to such a rotation sensor on the valve shaft 51 or on the second distribution valve V4, a rotation on the drive 40 or on the drive motor 41 can also be detected. Incremental encoders, for example, can be provided for this purpose. In the case of a stepper motor design, a control for this stepper motor already knows the respective rotational position or a rotation.

[0043] Based on Fig. 2, it is easy to imagine that instead of the second distribution valve V4 or instead of the valve housing 53, a pump or a pump housing could be provided which operates in a rotating manner. This applies to most pumps. For example, a pump can advantageously be designed as a peristaltic pump or hose pump or as a gear pump, as described above for a dosing function. In this case, fewer gears will probably be required in the gearbox 44, since the speed and torque are higher than with a valve. However, this is a simple redesign that does not cause any problems. Even with such a pump, it is interesting to detect a rotation or a rotational position, although for a pump it is likely that several rotations will have an effect, rather than a slight rotation like with a valve.

[0044] To explain the method in the case of operation or testing of a pump, Fig. 3 shows a simplified illustration of how a dosing device 325 or a dosing pump 335 can be tested for functional accuracy in a corresponding washing machine according to Fig. 1. Similar to Fig. 1, the dosing device 325 is connected to a water line with an injection nozzle 328 in a drum 314 containing laundry W. An outlet, a valve, and a pump are provided behind the drum 314 (not shown here).

[0045] The dosing device 325 has a detergent cartridge 336 upstream of the dosing pump 335. Advantageously, several such detergent cartridges 336, each with a dosing pump 335 upstream, are generally provided, for example, three to five detergent cartridges. Here, however, a single detergent cartridge 336 is shown, which is connected to one of the dosing pumps 335. This detergent cartridge 336 contains a liquid with known properties, for example, a surfactant with a precisely known electrical conductivity. Furthermore, the volume of the detergent cartridge 336 is precisely known, for example, 10 ml or 20 ml. Thus, it can be checked whether the dosing pump 335 pumps this known volume into the dosing device 325 within the expected or expected usual period of time.This can be further verified by monitoring a change in electrical conductivity in water into which this surfactant has been added.

[0046] Furthermore, the dosing device 325 has a type of mixing circuit with a circulation pump 338, which is arranged between the two three-way valves VA and VB and mixes water with surfactant from the detergent cartridge 336, which has been added by the dosing pump 335, by pumping it around in a circle. Here, too, a sensor is provided close to the connection between the dosing pump 335 and the circuit, in this case a conductivity sensor LS, which can advantageously measure the electrical conductivity of water in the line or, based on the measured electrical conductivity or its change, can determine a measure of the amount of surfactant in the water. Here, the electrical conductivity will increase with an increasing amount of surfactant, generally also with other additives, in the water. As an alternative to such a conductivity sensor orWith such a measuring method, a conventional flow sensor could also be provided on the line downstream of the dosing pump 335, for example with an impeller driven by the flowing surfactant. Since, in general, the dosing of detergent from the detergent cartridge 336 by means of the dosing pump 335 must be carried out very precisely, it must be ensured that this dosing or the dosing pump 335 functions precisely and thus also doses accurately. This is checked using the method according to the invention, for example after replacement, maintenance, or repair of the dosing pump 335. The dosing pump 335 and the conductivity sensor LS, as well as the valves VA and VB, are in turn connected to a control system of the washing machine, which is not shown here.

[0047] Fig. 4 shows how the electrical conductivity in the water changes over time during the inventive metering of detergent from the detergent cartridge 336 by means of the metering pump 335, which takes place in several steps. This is detected by the conductivity sensor LS and recorded over time. The electrical conductivity of the water from the supply line via the water inlet 17 can also be measured, which allows a correction of the value for a subsequent measurement if the inlet water quality fluctuates. The measurement can then be adjusted accordingly. Furthermore, the washing machine 11 can also perform water treatment based on these measured values, if necessary.

[0048] The circulation pump 338 operates to immediately mix any added surfactant with the water. Up to time t1, no conductivity or no change in conductivity is detected, which means that the dosing pump 335 has not yet pumped any surfactant into the circuit. After time t1 and up to time t2, a constant conductivity is detected, which means that surfactant has been added and the conductivity has therefore increased. However, this occurred abruptly, with the electrical conductivity remaining constant, meaning no further surfactant was added.

[0049] After time t2 and up to time t3, the conductivity continues to increase slowly but steadily. This means that surfactant continues to be added, continuously and in a linear or uniform manner, particularly at a very low flow rate. After time t3, the conductivity is constant again, for example, until time t4. Therefore, no further surfactant is added by the dosing pump 335, particularly because the detergent cartridge 336 has been completely emptied. The surfactant contained therein, in the known amount, has been completely dosed into the water.

[0050] From the curve of the electrical conductivity over time, it can be concluded how surfactant is added over time and thus over the operating time of the dosing pump 335, which is known to a controller, and thus how the dosing pump 335 is operating. This can then be used for a comparison to determine whether the dosing pump 335 is metering in exactly the same amount of surfactant and at the exact times as expected. Furthermore, if it is concluded that the dosing pump 335 itself is still functioning sufficiently well and accurately, this can be saved as its new and future operating behavior. It can then be assumed that, with the same control, the dosing pump 335 will again meter detergent from a normal detergent cartridge in the future with precisely recognizable behavior according to Fig. 4.

[0051] This is the basic principle of the invention. It is described in much more detail in the flow diagram of Fig. 5 for testing a pump, including the preceding steps. After the process has started, the inlet valve V1 is opened and water flows into the washing machine 11. This water can then flow through the filter 20, the open pump valve V2, and the operating pump 22, as shown in Fig. 1. The two valves VA and VB of the dosing device 325 are open or in a position such that water is pumped counterclockwise in a circle by the circulation pump 338 past the inlet of the dosing pump 335 and the conductivity sensor LS. The inlet valve V1 is closed. The electrical conductivity of the circulated water is then measured in the dosing device 325, which corresponds to the previously described time t1. This electrical conductivity and the time t1 are saved as a measurement.

[0052] Then, the dosing pump 335 is switched on and pumps surfactant with the aforementioned known electrical properties and the known quantity from the detergent cartridge 336 into the circulating water. The electrical conductivity is measured throughout the entire time and stored again, for example, at the time t2 shown.

[0053] In the next step, the circulation pump 338 is stopped. Then, the pumping capacity data of the dosing pump 335, determined from the recorded electrical conductivity measurement data, is compared with reference data. This reference data can, for example, have been obtained from a previous measurement with the dosing pump 335, either when it was brand new or directly after maintenance or repair. Alternatively, it can also be theoretical reference data applicable to this series of dosing pumps 335. It can be retrieved from system data stored, for example, in the aforementioned controller 33.

[0054] In a next step, it is checked whether an expected value has been achieved or whether the measurement corresponds to what can be expected based on the reference data for a functioning dosing pump 335.

[0055] If this expected value has not been achieved, the valve VB is opened to admit more water and clean the line. By opening the valve VA, this water can then be removed into the drum 314. The circulation pump 338 can then be stopped, since the water circuit has been cleaned. A message can then be displayed indicating that a repair is required. This can either be done on a display on the washing machine 11. Alternatively, as explained above, the control system 33 can report or request such a repair or service from an external service provider via the communication module 34. This can occur either upon user input or automatically.

[0056] However, if the expected value has been achieved, i.e. it has been determined that the dosing pump 335 is operating with sufficient accuracy, the valve VA can be opened again, for example by 20%, to create pressure equalization. Furthermore, the dosing pump 335 can continue to operate or pump. The circulation pump 338 is then started again, either to remove the water via the outlet or via the valve VA, for example back into the drum 314. Alternatively or additionally, the electrical conductivity can be measured again up to a time t3. If the values ​​have not changed, this process continues. If the values ​​have changed, either the circulation pump 338 is stopped, as is the dosing pump 335, and the process ends at time t4. Alternatively or additionally, the electrical conductivity can be measured again while the dosing pump 335 and the circulation pump 338 are operating.It can be stored at a time t4. Then, the time until the detergent cartridge 336 is completely empty can be measured, i.e., when the electrical conductivity detected by the conductivity sensor LS no longer changes. Subsequently, a comparison is again made with reference values ​​from the system data of the controller 33. If necessary, the control parameters for the dosing pump 335 are adjusted after analysis. The entire process can then be terminated.

[0057] In the event of repair or servicing of the metering pump 335 or another pump, a structure according to Fig. 2, which is modular and has the three main components drive 40, valve or valve housing 53 and gear 44, is very advantageous. This means that the assembly can be easily disassembled for repair or servicing. Furthermore, individual main components can easily be replaced with others. Using the method according to the invention, proper function can then be checked; if necessary, by recording new values ​​or a new functional behavior as described, a pump or valve can be used just as well as before, even if it operates somewhat differently or with different control parameters.

[0058] In the following, the invention for checking the correct function of a valve is explained using the second distribution valve V4, which has the important function of, on the one hand, discharging water to the water outlet 24, but on the other hand, also passing water on to the dosing device 25. The flow sensor DS is arranged downstream of the second distribution valve V4. This can either detect a pressure in the water line, or alternatively a flow rate or a flow rate. In yet another alternative, which is shown in Fig. 3 and described above, it can determine, based on a simple conductivity measurement, whether and, if so, how much water is flowing past it and is thus allowed through by the second distribution valve V4 in its direction. In Fig. 6, for the second distribution valve V4, which can be designed as in Fig.2 shows how a pressure can vary over a full rotation of 360° depending on the angle of rotation, which is detected by a pressure sensor DS. The pressure is applied to 11 on the left and is detected at the bottom at I3 by the pressure sensor DS located there. In the area at 0° or 360°, 11 is blocked off, and although I3 is open to line I2, there is no pressure there. If the valve body rotates counterclockwise up to a rotation angle of approximately 90°, line I2 is blocked off, but 11 is fully connected to I3 and a maximum pressure is detected at the pressure sensor DS. If the valve body is turned further or the rotation angle increases, the pressure decreases. In the third area, although 11 is connected to I3, water can also flow to I2, which is why the pressure is reduced. It then remains constant over a certain angle of rotation if only 11 is connected to I2.Only when the sensor is rotated further does the pressure at the DS pressure sensor decrease again, and at 360° it returns to zero when the pump is switched off or when there is no longer any pressure.

[0059] If a shift is detected in this curve as shown in Fig. 6, this can be used to detect either a severe malfunction in the second distribution valve V4. This can be reported via the communication module 34 to request either repair or service or a replacement. However, if the second distribution valve V4 is still operating accurately enough within specified limits, a new characteristic curve can be saved and used as a future characteristic curve, as explained above. This ensures that the second distribution valve V4 is operating with good and current accuracy.

[0060] A flow diagram for this is shown in Fig. 7. The method starts and the pump 22 according to Fig. 1 begins to pump in order to pump water via the first distribution valve V3 to the second distribution valve V4. The second distribution valve V4 is open towards I3 with the pressure sensor DS, whereby the line I3 goes to the dosing device 25 according to Fig. 1. Then, at a specific time, the pressure in I3 is measured with the pressure sensor DS. This measured pressure, together with the time and the known current angle of rotation of the second distribution valve V4, which was detected, for example, with the rotation sensor 58 according to Fig. 2, is stored in system data, similar to that previously described for Fig. 5. This is done continuously while the second distribution valve V4 is rotating. At the same time, the second distribution valve V4 is rotated several times by 360°, i.e. the characteristic curve according to Fig.6 is recorded multiple times so that any deviations occurring in individual cases are averaged and a type of average characteristic curve is determined. This process is repeated as long as a predefined number of recordings, for example, 2 to 10 recordings, has not been reached. Once the specified number has been reached, the second distribution valve V4 can stop, pump 22 stops operating, and the process ends. An analysis of the recorded characteristic curve or the recorded average characteristic curve is started on both sides. Various parameters are analyzed, such as the pressure change, the angle of rotation, and the time required for this, i.e. what was recorded in the average characteristic curve.If a parameter change has occurred, for example, by more than 5% or more than 10%, which is considered sufficiently critical to the point where the desired accuracy is no longer achieved, the future control of the second distribution valve V4 is changed using controller 33. To do this, either the parameters are changed according to the left branch. Alternatively, the second distribution valve V4 must be repaired, for which an external service provider or service department is contacted, as previously described.

[0061] If no parameter changes have occurred beyond a certain predefined level, the parameters corresponding to the right branch simply remain unchanged or are confirmed. This can be explicitly communicated to the controller in a process step, for example, with a date, so that the controller 33 knows exactly at what point in time the second distribution valve V4 was operating with sufficient accuracy.

Claims

Patent claims 1. A method for operating a hydraulic device, wherein the hydraulic device comprises: rotatable hydraulic means such as a valve actuator or a peristaltic pump or gear pump for a liquid, wherein the hydraulic means have at least two connections for liquid, a drive with an electric motor for the rotatable hydraulic means, rotational position detection means for detecting a rotational position of the drive and / or the rotatable hydraulic means, characterized by the steps A the hydraulic means are operated by means of the drive, preferably a valve actuator is fully rotated at least once or fully opened and fully closed once or a peristaltic pump or gear pump is moved with at least one partial pumping step, whereby beforehand a fluid is made available to a 1st connection of the hydraulic means with or without pressure and during operation of the drive at another 2nd connection of the hydraulic means the pressure or the flow of the fluid is detected and recorded by means of a pressure / flow sensor, B the rotational position of the drive and / or the rotatable hydraulic means is detected and recorded on the rotational position detection means, C a relationship between the rotary position on the one hand and the pressure or flow on the other hand at the 2nd connection of the hydraulic medium is determined and is stored as reference values or reference curve, D In the further operation of the hydraulic device, in order to achieve a specific pressure or a specific flow of fluid at the 2nd connection, the corresponding rotational position is set by means of the drive based on the reference values or reference curve, and thus the corresponding specific pressure or the corresponding specific flow at the 2nd connection is set, E At a predetermined time or a time selectable by an operator, a calibration process of the hydraulic device is carried out by repeating steps A to C in order to determine updated reference values or an updated reference curve for the further operation of the hydraulic device according to step D.

2. Method according to claim 1, characterized in that a calibration process according to step E is carried out automatically, regularly after a predeterminable time or a predeterminable number of actuations of the hydraulic means, manually, after repair or after replacement of components on the hydraulic means or on the hydraulic device.

3. Method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that a controller for the hydraulic device, in particular a controller of a water-conducting household appliance in which the hydraulic device is installed, carries out the method or the calibration process according to step E, wherein the controller preferably also controls a pump or a valve which applies the pressure to the 1st connection of the hydraulic means or generates the flow, and wherein the controller is also connected to the pressure / flow sensor, wherein the controller carries out the further operation of the hydraulic device with the updated reference values or the updated reference curve.

4. Method according to claim 3, characterized in that the controller stores the reference values or the reference curve.

5. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that for a calibration process according to step E in a valve actuator or in a peristaltic pump or gear pump, a maximum of 4, preferably between 1 and 3, complete rotations are carried out.

6. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that for a calibration process according to step E in the case of a peristaltic pump or gear pump, no pressure is applied, but the flow generated by the peristaltic pump or gear pump at the second connection as the output from the pump or a pressure built up when the flow of the liquid is closed is recorded.

7. Method according to claim 3, characterized in that during operation of the water-conducting household appliance it is determined that the hydraulic device is not working correctly or precisely, in particular in that a pressure or flow rate generated by it at the 2nd connection deviates by more than a certain tolerance value from a preset value defined in a sequence program of the household appliance, wherein the control then starts a calibration process according to step E for the hydraulic device, wherein preferably for this calibration process the other operation of the water-conducting the household appliance is interrupted and is only continued once the calibration process has been completed and updated reference values or an updated reference curve are available for the further operation of the water-using household appliance.

8. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that in order to detect a flow of the liquid behind the second connection of the hydraulic medium, properties of the liquid are detected by means of a sensor, wherein the properties are selected from the group of conductivity, turbidity, temperature, pressure.

9. Method according to claim 3 or 4, characterized in that in order to detect a flow of the liquid, a power consumption or a current consumption of the pump or the valve is recorded and evaluated.

10. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the pressure / flow sensor is already present in the household appliance as standard and is preferably also used for other purposes during operation of the household appliance.

11. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the rotational position detection means are arranged on the drive or the electric motor, preferably are integrated into the drive or the electric motor, wherein in particular the electric motor is a stepper motor with a control and the control detects the rotational position, preferably based on the start position and / or the steps performed by the stepper motor, or the electric motor has an electronic control and the electronic control detects the current rotational position of a rotor of the electric motor, preferably based on motor current and / or motor voltage.

12. Method according to one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that the rotational position detection means are arranged as a rotational position sensor on a valve actuator or on a pump as hydraulic means, wherein preferably the rotational position sensor is designed as a separate sensor and is fastened to the valve actuator or to the pump, in particular is fastened to a rotary shaft of the valve actuator or a pump rotor or interacts with it.

13. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the hydraulic means are connected as a valve actuator or as a peristaltic pump or gear pump to a container with additives or detergents for operation of a water-conducting household appliance for dosing thereof, wherein in the event that less than 50% of the usual flow is detected at the pressure / flow sensor behind the 2nd connection of the hydraulic means during operation of the hydraulic means, a replacement of the container is initiated by signaling to an operator of the household appliance or the like, wherein preferably following a carried out replacement of the container a calibration process according to step E is carried out automatically.

14. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the hydraulic means are designed as a valve actuator and in the event that the hydraulic device is removed from the household appliance, disassembled or a component is repaired or replaced, a calibration process according to step E is then automatically carried out.

15. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that in the event that when carrying out the calibration process according to step E it is determined that a shift has occurred in the relationship between the rotary position and the pressure or flow such that a similar course of the pressure or flow as previously was recorded, but that minima and / or maxima are reached at a different rotary position, the hydraulic device is defined as still functioning correctly and continues to be used with the updated reference values or the updated reference curve.

16. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that in the event that, when carrying out the calibration process according to step E, it is determined that pressure or flow is lower, preferably at least 30% or at least 10% lower, than with previous reference values or a previous reference curve, in particular with reference values or a reference curve generated first, the hydraulic device is defined as no longer functioning correctly and a signal is given to an operator of the household appliance or to an external service that the hydraulic device must be serviced or cleaned and / or repaired.

17. The method according to claim 16, characterized in that the signaling is carried out via an Internet connection of the household appliance, preferably to a mobile terminal of the operator or to a computer of the external service.

18. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, in the event that parts of the hydraulic device are replaced, these are either manufactured separately, preferably by means of 3D printing based on data from the manufacturer of the hydraulic device or the hydraulic means or the household appliance, or are replaced by other already existing, similarly functioning, but not identical parts from a separate series production.

Images