EP3171749B1 - Household appliance - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a household appliance with an ozone circuit according to the preamble of claim 1.

Such a household appliance is for example off DE 10 2012 209823 A1 known. When using ozone in household appliances, this is usually realized via an air circuit in which a fan sucks in air, enriches it via an ozone generator and a fog generator with ozone and mist and conveys the enriched air into a working space of the household appliance. For technical and economic reasons, the air is circulated, with a filter such as an activated carbon filter is installed for safety reasons in addition. The air is circulated over the filter and chemically released from ozone. The filter is often T-shaped and offers the possibility of filtered machine ventilation via the third outlet. For cost reasons, the filter is always firmly in circulation and can not be turned off. It is therefore also active during the ozone development phase and continuously destroys ozone. However, this is undesirable especially in those phases in which ozone is to be enriched in the air cycle and makes it imperative that the ozone production in the ozone generator takes this fact into account and generates corresponding amounts of ozone.

It is the object underlying the invention to provide a household appliance with an ozone circuit and a filter, in which a switching on and off of the filter in the circuit is possible.

This object is achieved by the subject matter having the features of the independent claim. Advantageous embodiments of the invention are the subject of the figures, the description and the dependent claims.

According to one aspect of the invention, the object is achieved by a household appliance having an ozone generator for generating ozone in an ozone circuit and a filter for filtering ozone from the ozone circuit, the ozone circuit comprising a switching siphon for bypassing an ozone stream around the filter and the switching siphon a Having opening for controlling a liquid level in the switching siphon. As a result, for example, the technical advantage is achieved by a Filling and emptying the Schaltsiphons be achieved with a liquid an air-impermeable and an air-permeable state of Schaltsiphons. A siphon is thus understood to mean a siphon that can be deliberately put into two states. This can be achieved by, for example, opening or closing a liquid inlet or liquid outlet via a controller. Since the switching siphon is arranged as a diversion or as a bypass to the filter, the diversion can be turned off and on as a consequence. On the one hand, this allows the filter to be switched off or bypassed during the ozone build-up phase. On the other hand, the filter does not suck in the operation of the household appliance with moisture or foam fully and thus does not temporarily lose its filtering effect. Thus, the wear of the filter is reduced and increases the life because the use of the filter is limited to the really necessary.

A household appliance is understood in particular to be a household appliance that is used for household purposes in households and, in particular, for cleaning or washing textiles such as laundry and clothing or also dishes and kitchenware. This can be a household appliance such as a washing machine, a washer-dryer, a tumble dryer or a dishwasher.

In a further advantageous embodiment, the filter is designed as an activated carbon filter. As a result, the technical advantage is achieved, for example, that the filter used as a standard product both for filtering gases and liquids used are easy to replace and cheap to procure.

In a further advantageous embodiment, the filter is T-shaped to perform a filtered ventilation of the household appliance with outside air. As a result, for example, the technical advantage is achieved that ozone-containing air is prevented from escaping from the circulation. In addition, moisture is prevented from escaping from the circuit and the filter can also be used to compensate for air pressure fluctuations in the circuit.

In a further advantageous embodiment, the ozone circuit comprises a mist generator in order to enrich the ozone stream with mist. As a result, for example, the technical advantage is achieved that the ozone-enriched air in addition to fog can be enriched to be applied to the material to be treated in the household appliance.

In a further advantageous embodiment, the mist generator has a tank for storing liquid for the generation of mist. As a result, the technical advantage is achieved, for example, that the liquid for mist generation can be varied, replaced or mixed with other additives.

In a further advantageous embodiment, there is a hydraulic connection between the fog generator and the switching siphon to keep the liquid level in the tank of the fog generator and in the switching siphon at the same height. Thereby, for example, the technical advantage is achieved that a filling and emptying of the Schaltsiphons can be done via the hydraulic connection with the liquid in the tank, thus to realize an air-impermeable and an air-permeable state of Schaltsiphons. Furthermore, the technical advantage is achieved that the embodiment can be implemented without additional actuators or sensors and takes place as far as possible with the use of existing components.

In a further advantageous embodiment, the tank of the fog generator on a tank filling valve, which cooperates with a sensor for an upper level of the tank to keep the liquid in the tank at a defined level. As a result, for example, the technical advantage is achieved that in the tank always a certain amount of liquid is included. As liquid is consumed continuously during the operation of the fog generator during the generation of fog, the liquid level in the tank drops as a consequence and can be filled up to a certain level with the tank filling valve and the sensor for the upper defined fill level.

In a further advantageous embodiment, the tank of the mist generator has a tank emptying valve which cooperates with a sensor for a lower filling level of the tank in order to allow the liquid to flow out of the tank. As a result, for example, the technical advantage is achieved that the liquid in the tank can be completely drained. This can be mainly for hygienic reasons or be necessary for reasons of certain operating modes of the household appliance. Due to the sensor for the lower filling level, it is additionally possible to drain the liquid level in a controlled way down to a certain level.

In a further advantageous embodiment, the upper level sensor and the lower level sensor in the mist generator tank may be used to control the liquid level in the switching siphon. As a result, for example, the technical advantage is achieved that the switching on and off of Schaltsiphons or the switching of the siphon switch from an air-impermeable to an air-permeable state using the sensor for the upper level and the sensor for the lower level in the tank of the fog generator can. Another advantage results from the fact that no further components, such as sensors or controls, are necessary at the switching siphon, because existing devices of the liquid tank can be used.

In a further advantageous embodiment, the switching siphon is designed such that the flow resistance of the ozone stream through the switching siphon with the variable liquid level is continuously variable. As a result, for example, the technical advantage is achieved that over the liquid level in the switching siphon and in the broader sense on the liquid level of the tank in the mist generator, a continuous adjustment of the flow resistance can be done in the ozone stream. This can be realized in particular in conjunction with a suitable aperture with an opening gradient.

In a further advantageous embodiment, the switching siphon is integrated into the tank of the fog generator and one half of the switching siphon is formed by the tank. As a result, for example, the technical advantage is achieved that the siphon does not have to be installed as an additional component in the household appliance. The integration of the siphon into the tank of the fog generator also allows a space-saving and compact design with a reduction in the number of components of the entire ozone cycle.

In a further advantageous embodiment, the switching siphon is adapted to the liquid level of the switching siphon for adjusting the volume flow of Ozone flow in the ozone cycle at a constant fan power to use. As a result, for example, the technical advantage is achieved that simple fans can be used with only one speed level. These fans are particularly inexpensive to buy and the present embodiment allows the household appliance is subject by the use of a fan with only one speed level no functional limitation.

In a further advantageous embodiment, the switching siphon is formed in three stages, wherein in a first stage, the ventilation opening of the household appliance and the diversion are opened around the filter, opened in a second stage the diversion and the ventilation opening is closed and in a third stage, the ventilation opening and the Diversion are closed and the ventilation current of the household appliance and the ozone stream can only be done through the filter. As a result, for example, the technical advantage is achieved that a plurality of operating states or operating modes of the household appliance can be realized with only one switching siphon.

In a further advantageous embodiment, operating states which correspond to the individual stages of the three-stage switching siphon can be realized with different liquid levels of the switching siphon. As a result, for example, the technical advantage is achieved that all operating conditions can be operated with the existing means such as sensors, valves and controls of the tank in the fog generator.

In a further advantageous embodiment, the filter, the switching siphon and the tank of the fog generator form an integral unit. As a result, for example, the technical advantage is achieved that the integral design of the filter with the siphon and the tank allows a particularly compact arrangement. This is particularly space-saving and reduces the number of components of the entire ozone cycle.

Embodiments of the invention are illustrated in the drawings and will be described in more detail below.

Fig. 1

eine schematische Darstellung eines Ozonkreislaufs in einem Haushaltsgerät,

Fig. 2

eine schematische Darstellung eines Ozonkreislaufs in einem Haushaltsgerät mit einem Schaltsiphon in einem Bypass, wobei sich der Tank eines Nebelgenerators und der Schaltsiphon in einem mit Flüssigkeit gefüllten Zustand befinden,

Fig. 3

eine schematische Darstellung eines Ozonkreislaufs in einem Haushaltsgerät mit einem Schaltsiphon in einem Bypass, wobei sich der Tank eines Nebelgenerators und der Schaltsiphon in einem von Flüssigkeit entleerten Zustand befinden,

Fig. 4

eine schematische Darstellung einer Ausführungsform eines Ozonkreislaufs in einem Haushaltsgerät, wobei der Schaltsiphon in den Tank eines Nebelgenerators integriert ist und wobei sich der Schaltsiphon und der Tank in einem mit Flüssigkeit gefüllten Zustand befinden,

Fig. 5

eine schematische Darstellung einer Ausführungsform eines Ozonkreislaufs in einem Haushaltsgerät, wobei der Schaltsiphon in den Tank eines Nebelgenerators integriert ist und wobei sich der Schaltsiphon und der Tank in einem von Flüssigkeit entleerten Zustand befinden,

Fig. 6A

eine schematische Darstellung einer Ausführungsform eines Filters in einem Haushaltsgerät, wobei der Filter in einen hydraulisch schaltbaren Siphon integriert ist und wobei sich der Siphon in einem mit Flüssigkeit gefüllten Zustand befindet,

Fig. 6B

eine schematische Darstellung einer Ausführungsform eines Filters in einem Haushaltsgerät, wobei der Filter in einen hydraulisch schaltbaren Siphon integriert ist und wobei sich der Siphon in einem von Flüssigkeit entleertem Zustand befindet,

Fig. 7A

eine schematische Darstellung einer Ausführungsform eines mehrstufigen Siphons in einem Haushaltsgerät, wobei sich der Siphon in einem von Flüssigkeit entleerten Zustand befindet,

Fig. 7B

eine schematische Darstellung einer Ausführungsform eines mehrstufigen Siphons in einem Haushaltsgerät, wobei sich der Siphon in einem mittleren Füllzustand befindet,

Fig. 7C

eine schematische Darstellung einer Ausführungsform eines mehrstufigen Siphons in einem Haushaltsgerät, wobei sich der Siphon in einem mit Flüssigkeit gefüllten Zustand befindet.

Show it:

Fig. 1

a schematic representation of an ozone cycle in a household appliance,

Fig. 2

a schematic representation of an ozone circuit in a household appliance with a switching siphon in a bypass, wherein the tank of a fog generator and the switching siphon are in a liquid-filled state,

Fig. 3

a schematic representation of an ozone circuit in a household appliance with a switching siphon in a bypass, wherein the tank of a fog generator and the switching siphon are in a liquid-depleted state,

Fig. 4

a schematic representation of an embodiment of an ozone circuit in a household appliance, wherein the switching siphon is integrated into the tank of a mist generator and wherein the switching siphon and the tank are in a liquid-filled state,

Fig. 5

a schematic representation of an embodiment of an ozone circuit in a household appliance, wherein the switching siphon is integrated into the tank of a fog generator and wherein the switching siphon and the tank are in a liquid-depleted state,

Fig. 6A

1 is a schematic representation of an embodiment of a filter in a household appliance, wherein the filter is integrated into a hydraulically switchable siphon and wherein the siphon is in a liquid-filled state,

Fig. 6B

a schematic representation of an embodiment of a filter in a household appliance, wherein the filter is integrated into a hydraulically switchable siphon and wherein the siphon is in a liquid-depleted state,

Fig. 7A

a schematic representation of an embodiment of a multi-stage siphon in a household appliance, wherein the siphon is in a liquid-depleted state,

Fig. 7B

a schematic representation of an embodiment of a multi-stage siphon in a household appliance, wherein the siphon is in a middle filling state,

Fig. 7C

a schematic representation of an embodiment of a multi-stage siphon in a household appliance, wherein the siphon is in a liquid-filled state.

Fig. 1 shows a schematic representation of an ozone circuit 103 in a household appliance 100. The ozone circuit 103 is integrated into an air circuit in which a fan 106 sucks air, this enriches an ozone generator 101 and a mist generator 123 with ozone and mist and the enriched air into a tub 120 of the household appliance 100 transported. The mist generator comprises a tank 111 which is filled with a liquid 113. If necessary, liquid can be refilled into the tank 111 of the mist generator 123 with a tank filling valve 115 arranged on the mist generator 123. The refilling of liquid into the tank 111 is continuously necessary during normal operation of the mist generator 123, since liquid 113 is continuously introduced from the tank 111 into the ozone circuit 103 by the mist generation. The mist generation usually takes place by means of a piezoelectric oscillator, which generates the mist by oscillating at a specific frequency in the liquid 113. In addition, the fog generator 123 has a sensor for an upper level 117, which preferably cooperates with the tank filling valve 115. Thus, it is possible that the tank contents can always be kept at a defined level. Furthermore, there is a tank emptying valve 119 at the mist generator 123 with which the liquid 113 can be discharged from the tank 111. This may be necessary due to different operating modes of the household appliance or for hygienic reasons. Here, the tank drain valve 119 cooperates with a lower level sensor 121, which allows precise control of the tank drain valve 119. Out For technical and economic reasons, the enriched with ozone and mist air in the tub 120 and the work space is brought into contact with the treated. In addition, the air then flows out of the tub 120, wherein in addition a filter 105 is installed in the circuit 103. Preferably, this filter 105 consists of an activated carbon filter, which frees the air from excess ozone. The filter 105 is T-shaped and thus provides a ventilation port 107 of the household appliance via a third outlet. Since the filter 105 is in the circuit 103, it also decomposes 100 ozone during the ozone production phase of the household appliance.

Fig. 2 shows a schematic representation of an ozone circuit 103 in a household appliance 100 with a switching siphon 207 in a bypass, wherein the tank 111 of a mist generator 123 and the switching siphon 207 are in a liquid-filled state. A repeated description of identical features of the preceding figure will be omitted. The switching siphon 207 comprises an opening 109 which is connected via a hydraulic connection 209 to the tank 111 of the mist generator 123. Via the hydraulic connection 209, the switching siphon 207 can be filled with liquid 113 from the tank 111 or emptied. Preferably, the switching siphon 207 and the tank 111 are arranged so that their respective liquid levels are at the same height. Thus, the liquid level in the switching siphon 207 can be controlled and controlled simultaneously with the liquid level in the tank 111 with existing means such as tank fill valve 115, tank drain valve 119, upper level sensor 117, and lower level sensor 121. The switching of the siphon 207 between closed and open corresponds directly to the liquid level in the tank 111 of the mist generator 123. In this illustration, the switching siphon 207 is in a liquid-filled state. As a consequence, the bypass or switching siphon 207 is impermeable to air and forces the flow of air or ozone through the filter 105 to flow. The filter 105 is thus actually turned on.

Fig. 3 shows a schematic representation of an ozone circuit 103 in the household appliance 100 with a switching siphon 207 in a bypass, wherein the tank 111 of the mist generator 123 and the switching siphon 207 are in a liquid-depleted state. A repeated description of identical features of the preceding figures will be omitted. The bypass or the siphon 207 is thus in an air-permeable state and allows the air and the ozone stream to bypass the filter 105 and to flow through the bypass. This state is suitable, for example, in an operating mode of the household appliance, in which the ozone content in the circuit is to be increased. Preferably, the flow resistance of the filter 105 may be additionally increased and, for example, 20 times as high as the resistance of the open bypass. Thus, a majority of the air flows through the open or the air-permeable bypass and only a negligible proportion of the air passes through the filter 105. The filter is thus virtually switched off.

Fig. 4 shows a schematic representation of an embodiment of an ozone circuit in a household appliance 100 wherein the switching siphon 207 is integrated into the tank 111 of a mist generator 123 and wherein the switching siphon 207 and the tank 111 are in a state filled with liquid 113. A repeated description of identical features of the preceding figures will be omitted. In addition, in this arrangement, the ozone generator 101 and the T-shaped filter 105 are arranged in parallel, wherein the ozone generator 101 is directly upstream of the switching siphon 207. Now, when air is sucked in by the fan 106 and brought into the circuit 103, so first part of the air is enriched with ozone. This can not continue to flow because of the state filled with liquid 103 of the siphon siphon 207 as this is impermeable to air. Thus, the ozone accumulation of the air is blocked and the air is forced to flow over the parallel path through the filter 105 being deoxygenated. The filter 105 is thus actually turned on.

Fig. 5 1 shows a schematic representation of an embodiment of an ozone circuit in a household appliance 100, wherein the switching siphon 207 is integrated in the tank 111 of a fog generator 123 and wherein the switching siphon 207 and the tank 111 are in a state deflated by liquid. A repeated description of identical features of the preceding figures will be omitted. Now, when air is sucked by the fan 106 and brought into the circuit 103, the majority of the sucked air flows through the ozone generator 101 because it has a lower flow resistance compared to the filter 105 arranged in parallel. The air is thus enriched with ozone. This can due to the depleted of liquid 103 state of the switch siphon 207 through the tank 111 of the Fog generator 123 continue to flow because it is permeable to air. This effect is additionally promoted by additionally increasing the flow resistance of the filter 105 and, for example, by 20 times the resistance of the open bypass. Thus, a majority of the air flows through the open or the air-permeable bypass and only a negligible proportion of the air passes through the filter 105. The filter 105 is thus virtually switched off.

Fig. 6A shows a schematic representation of an embodiment of a filter 105 in a household appliance 100, wherein the filter 105 is integrated into a hydraulically switchable siphon 207 and wherein the siphon 207 is in a liquid-filled state. Now, when ozone-enriched air from the circuit 103 flows into the filter 105, so the siphon 207 is in an air-impermeable state. As a consequence, the air must flow through the filter 105, freeing it of ozone. At the siphon 207, an opening 109 is additionally arranged, through which liquid can be introduced or discharged into the siphon. The filter 105 is thus actually turned on.

Fig. 6B shows a schematic representation of an embodiment of a filter 105 in a household appliance 100, wherein the filter 105 is integrated into a hydraulically switchable siphon 207 and wherein the siphon 207 is in a liquid-depleted state. A repeated description of identical features of the preceding figure will be omitted. Now, when ozone-enriched air from the circuit 103 flows into the filter 105, the siphon 207 is in an air-permeable state. As a consequence, the air does not flow through the filter 105, because the flow resistance through the air-permeable siphon 207 is considerably lower. The filter 105 is thus virtually switched off.

Fig. 7A shows a schematic representation of an embodiment of a multi-stage siphon 207 in a household appliance 100, wherein the siphon 207 is in a liquid-depleted state. A free breathing tube 701 with a ventilation opening 107 opens into a switching siphon 207 until just above the siphon bottom surface. The respiratory tube 701 itself is designed as a filter 105, wherein the filtering effect is effected by radial passage through the filter wall of the respiratory tube 701. In addition, the switching siphon 207 has an integrated bypass flow path on which allows it flowing air from the circuit 103 to flow around the breathing tube 701 side and exit from the siphon 207. In addition, the switching siphon has an opening 109, which allows filling and emptying of the switching siphon 207 with liquid. In a first stage, without liquid in the siphon 207, the ventilation opening 107 of the household appliance 100 and the diversion around the filter 105 are completely opened. In this state, for example, a mechanical ventilation through the ventilation channel outside an ozone operation can take place. The filter 105 is in fact turned off.

Fig. 7B shows a schematic representation of an embodiment of a multi-stage siphon 207 in a household appliance 100, wherein the siphon 207 is in a middle filling state. A repeated description of identical features of the preceding figure will be omitted. The mouth of the breathing tube 701 is here in the liquid. However, the integrated bypass is open. In this second stage, a mechanical ventilation can take place via the filter 105, wherein the air circulation takes place via the bypass without filtering action. In this state, for example, an ozone-building mode of the home appliance 100 may be performed.

Fig. 7C shows a schematic representation of an embodiment of a multi-stage siphon 207 in a household appliance 100, wherein the siphon 207 is in a liquid-filled state. A repeated description of identical features of the preceding figures will be omitted. The siphon is completely filled with the liquid here. Thus, both the ventilation opening 107 and the internal bypass are closed. As a consequence, the respiratory flow of the domestic appliance 100 and the ozone stream or the ozone circuit 103 take place exclusively via the filter 105. In this state, for example, an ozone depletion mode of the household appliance 100 can take place. The filter 105 is actually turned on.

All embodiments and switching functions can be realized without additional actuators or sensors but only with the use of existing components. Structural changes are limited to a few static components, which can be preferably integrated into existing plastic parts in household appliances.

All features explained and shown in connection with individual embodiments of the invention may be provided in different combinations in the article according to the invention, in order to simultaneously realize their advantageous effects.

The scope of the present invention is given by the claims and is not limited by the features illustrated in the specification or shown in the figures.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

100

household appliance

101

ozone generator

103

Ozone cycle

105

filter

106

fan

107

ventilation opening

109

opening

111

tank

113

liquid

115

Tankfüllventil

117

Sensor for the upper level

119

Tank drain valve

120

tub

121

Sensor for the lower level

123

fog generator

207

Schaltsiphon

209

Hydraulic connection

701

ventilation pipe

Claims (15)

1. Household appliance (100) comprising an ozone generator (101) for producing ozone in an ozone circuit (103) as well as a filter (105) for filtering the ozone out of the ozone circuit (103), characterised in that the ozone circuit (103) comprises a switchable siphon (207) for diverting an ozone flow around the filter (105) and the switchable siphon (207) has an opening (109) for controlling a liquid level in the switchable siphon (207).
2. Household appliance (100) according to claim 1, characterised in that the filter (105) is configured as an active carbon filter.
3. Household appliance (100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the filter (105) is of T-shaped configuration in order to carry out a filtered ventilation of the household appliance (100) using external air.
4. Household appliance (100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the ozone circuit (103) comprises a mist generator (123) in order to enrich the ozone flow with mist.
5. Household appliance (100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the mist generator (123) has a tank (111) for storing liquid (113) for the mist generation.
6. Household appliance (100) according to claim 5, characterised in that a fluidic connection (209) is present between the mist generator (123) and the switchable siphon (207) in order to keep the liquid level in the tank (111) of the mist generator (123) and in the switchable siphon (207) at the same level.
7. Household appliance (100) according to one of the preceding claims 5 or 6, characterised in that the tank (111) of the mist generator (123) comprises a tank filling valve (115) which cooperates with a sensor for an upper filling state (117) of the tank (111) in order to keep the liquid (113) in the tank (111) at a defined filling state.
8. Household appliance (100) according to one of the preceding claims 5 to 7, characterised in that the tank (111) of the mist generator (123) comprises a tank emptying valve (119) which cooperates with a sensor for a lower filling state (121) of the tank (111) in order to permit the liquid (113) to flow out of the tank (111).
9. Household appliance (100) according to claim 8, characterised in that the sensor for the upper filling state (117) and the sensor for the lower filling state (121) in the tank (111) of the mist generator (123) may be used in order to control the liquid level in the switchable siphon (207).
10. Household appliance (100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the switchable siphon (207) is configured such that the flow resistance of the ozone flow is able to be continuously altered by the switchable siphon (207) with the variable liquid level.
11. Household appliance (100) according to one of the preceding claims 5 to 10, characterised in that the switchable siphon (207) is integrated in the tank (111) of the mist generator (123) and half of the switchable siphon (207) is formed by the tank (111).
12. Household appliance (100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the switchable siphon (207) is designed to use the liquid level of the switchable siphon (207) for adjusting the volumetric flow of the ozone flow in the ozone circuit (103) at a constant fan power.
13. Household appliance (100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the switchable siphon (207) is configured in three stages, wherein in a first stage the ventilation opening (107) of the household appliance (100) and the diversion around the filter (105) are open, in a second stage the diversion is open and the ventilation opening is closed and in a third stage the ventilation opening and the diversion are closed and the ventilation flow of the household appliance (100) and the ozone flow may only take place through the filter (105).
14. Household appliance (100) according to claim 13, characterised in that operating states which correspond to the individual stages of the three-stage switchable siphon (207) are able to be implemented by different liquid levels of the switchable siphon (207).
15. Household appliance (100) according to one of the preceding claims 5 to 14, characterised in that the filter (105), the switchable siphon (207) and the tank (111) of the mist generator (123) form an integral unit.

Images