DE102009028071A1 - Water-conducting household appliance - Google Patents

Abstract

A water-conducting household appliance (1), which is designed in particular as a laundry treatment appliance for washing and / or drying laundry, has a housing part (2) and a shell (6) which can be inserted into the housing part (2). In this case, a level measuring device (17) is provided, which measures a level of the shell (6). Furthermore, a light source (20) is provided, which is controlled by the fill level measuring device (17) as a function of a level of the shell (6).

Description

The The invention relates to a water-conducting household appliance, in particular a laundry treatment appliance for washing and / or drying laundry. Specifically, the invention relates the field of washing machines, dryers and washer-dryers, where the functions of washing and drying in one device are integrated.

From the EP 1 884 584 A2 a washing machine is known in which a plurality of containers filled with laundry treatment agents are provided. The amount of laundry treatment agent is sufficient for several washing cycles. Furthermore, metering units are provided which introduce certain quantities of laundry treatment agents into the washing drum. The containers are arranged on a movable support, wherein the containers are accessible in an extended position and in a retracted position are not accessible.

The from the EP 1 884 584 A2 known washing machine has the disadvantage that the verification of whether the available amounts of laundry treatment products are sufficient for a user is consuming.

task The invention is a water-conducting household appliance to create, in which the operability is improved. specially It is an object of the invention, a water-bearing Indicate home appliance, where an easy way to check a level of a Shell is possible.

The The object is achieved by an inventive water-leading Household appliance solved with the features of claim 1. Specifically, there is the advantage that a display possible indicating whether the level is sufficient or not, and easy visual control by a user possible is.

By the measures listed in the dependent claims are advantageous developments of specified in claim 1 water-conducting household appliance possible.

The water-bearing household appliance can be used as a laundry treatment appliance, be designed as a dishwasher or the like. Depending on Embodiment of the water-conducting household appliance The shell can be inserted or inserted into the housing part become.

Advantageous is it that the water-bearing home appliance As a laundry treatment device is designed, the for washing and / or drying laundry. The laundry treatment device can thus be configured as a washing machine, dryer or washer-dryer be. The shell can take over the function of a dispenser tray. Moreover, it is possible that the shell, the a sufficient supply for several treatment cycles can take on laundry treatment products, in addition offers the possibility of an additional laundry treatment for the following treatment cycle, in particular washing cycle, provide. In addition, the shell can also be used as a condensation tank be configured, wherein the level measuring device in this case measures the level of condensed water. In a particularly advantageous manner, the water-bearing Household appliance designed as a washing machine or washer-dryer.

Advantageous It is that a light leak of the bulb in the area of Aperture of the shell is arranged. Here, the shell is preferably in the range of a control panel or the like. Arranged to an ergonomic Allow access. For example, the shell is in Area of a cover plate of the water-conducting household appliance arranged. By choosing the light output of the bulb in the area of the aperture is an intuitive assignment of the display of Illuminant to the level of the shell possible. This facilitates the use of the water-conducting household appliance.

In Advantageously, on an outside of the panel provided an opening, wherein the light outlet of the lamp is arranged at the opening of the diaphragm. Possible It is also that the outside of the aperture at least in a region associated with the light emission transparent or translucent is designed. This is a perception of the bulb possible from the outside, with the aperture of the shell simple can be designed. Specifically, the outside can the shell at least in the area of the light exit just designed become.

The Illuminant may be at least partially integrated into the shell. But it is also advantageous that the housing part the Bulbs receives, which simplifies the design of the shell is.

The Illuminant can advantageously be a light-emitting Have diode. Furthermore, a light guide may be provided which the light emitted by the diode leads to the light exit. As a light-emitting diode, different, used on a semiconductor-based lighting elements are used. Also possible is the design as a so-called organic LED or the like.

Preferably the fill level measuring device comprises a float switch, which is arranged in the shell, and a control device, the connected to the float switch. Here, the float switch detect different water levels in an advantageous manner. This detection can be done in discrete steps. In an advantageous manner Way the level measuring device is designed so that several predetermined states of the level be recorded. In particular, it is advantageous that the given States of the level measuring device an empty state, differentiate between a near empty state and a full state. there is the empty state so specified that no proper Program execution is more possible. In this case is fill up with the before the next program start a laundry treatment agent required by a user. The near-empty state indicates that the current level only enough for a few programs. specially can the current level for only one Program run or for only one or two program runs suffice. The full state indicates that a sufficient level exists, with even more program runs than one Fast-empty state are possible. Through this subdivision A user can easily over perceive be informed of the current state. This is the user also allows for predictive planning. This offset the user also able to timely new laundry treatment products to get.

Advantageous It is also that the shell has several chambers for recording serve different laundry treatment products, and that the level measuring device, the levels the individual chambers of the shell detected.

preferred Embodiments of the invention are in the following Description with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which corresponding elements with matching reference numerals are provided, explained in more detail. It shows:

1 a water-conducting household appliance in a partial, schematic sectional view according to a first embodiment of the invention;

2 this in 1 illustrated water-conducting household appliance in a partial representation of the with II designated viewing direction according to a second embodiment of the invention and

3 a flowchart for further explanation of the function of the level measuring device of a water-conducting household appliance according to a possible embodiment of the invention.

1 shows a water-conducting household appliance 1 in a partial, schematic sectional view according to a first embodiment of the invention. The water-bearing household appliance 1 can be configured in particular as a laundry treatment appliance and serve for washing and / or drying laundry. Specifically, the water-bearing household appliance 1 be designed as a washing machine or washer-dryer. The water-bearing household appliance 1 However, the invention is also suitable for other applications, in particular, it can be configured as a dishwasher.

The water-bearing household appliance 1 has at least one housing part 2 with a cover plate 3 on. The cover plate 3 forms the top of the household appliance 1 , The housing part 2 has a front surface 4 on. Furthermore, the housing part 2 an opening 5 in the area of the front surface 4 on, over which a bowl 6 in the housing part 2 can be introduced. In this embodiment, the shell 6 over the opening 5 in the housing part 2 insertable. It is also possible that the shell 6 in the housing part 2 is used.

The shell 6 has a basic body 7 and a panel 8th on. The shell 6 has at least one chamber 9 at least partially with a liquid 10 is filled. In this embodiment, the liquid 10 a laundry treatment 10 , The term liquid is to be understood generally, in particular, the liquid 10 be relatively viscous or have particles, in particular powdered ingredients have. The liquid 10 , in particular the laundry treatment agent 10 , distributed evenly in the chamber 9 the Bowl 6 , so that a certain filling level 11 results.

In the chamber 9 is a shimmer switch 15 arranged, a float 16 having. The float 16 is from the laundry treatment agent 10 raised as this on the laundry treatment 10 swims. Thus, the position of the float corresponds 16 at least approximately the level 11 of the laundry treatment agent 10 in the chamber 9 ,

The float switch 15 is part of a level measuring device 17 which also has a control device 18 includes. The control device 18 is inside the housing part 2 arranged. By means of the float 16 of the float switch 15 detects the level measuring device 17 one through the filling level 11 certain level of the chamber 9 the Bowl 6 , Depending on the measurement of this level, the level measuring device controls 17 a bulb 20 at. The light source 20 is designed as a light-emitting diode (LED). The light source 20 is in this embodiment in the aperture 8th the Bowl 6 integrated. It is on an outside 21 the aperture 8th an opening 22 provided by the light exit of the bulb 20 is possible. The aperture 8th can also be made transparent or translucent, whereby the opening 22 can be omitted. This is particularly advantageous in a configuration that is based on the 2 is described.

The shell can further the chamber 9 have corresponding chambers in which further float switch are arranged with floats. As a result, the level measuring device 17 separately detect the levels in two or more chambers. The control device 18 controls the light source as a function of this detection 20 at.

2 shows that in 1 illustrated water-conducting household appliance 1 in an abstract representation of the with II designated viewing direction according to a second embodiment. This is the water-bearing household appliance 1 without the shell 6 shown. Thus, the shows 2 an abstract representation in which the shell 6 is taken. In this embodiment, light leaks 24 . 25 of light guides 26 . 27 next to the opening 5 of the housing part 2 arranged so that these in the inserted state of the shell 6 behind the aperture 8th lie. The aperture 8th is designed transparent or translucent. It is also possible that the aperture 8th only in the area of light leaks 24 . 25 translucent or transparent is designed.

3 shows a flowchart for explaining an operation of the level measuring device 17 according to a possible embodiment of the invention. The flowchart is illustrated by steps S1 to S8, to which the following keywords are assigned: S1 "Begin" S2 "Measuring the level" S3 "Level =" empty " S4 "Red LED and fast flashing" S5 "Level =" almost empty "" S6 "Yellow LED and / or slowly flashing" S7 "Level: =" full "and green LED" S8 "The End"

In step S1, the level measuring device starts 17 the procedure. This can for example when switching on the water-conducting household appliance 1 or after a warm start. As a result, the user is informed early about the current operating state. In addition, a start can be made at the beginning of a program run to check whether a proper program execution is possible. In this way it can also be checked whether a user has one or more laundry treatment products 10 has filled or filled in sufficient quantity. In addition, a start can also be made at the end of a program run in order to inform the user about the operating state after the program execution, in particular a washing program.

In step S2, the measurement of the level of at least one chamber takes place 9 the Bowl 6 , This is the filling level 11 by means of the float 16 of the float switch 15 detected. This detection can be done discretely, ie in steps. In this embodiment, two threshold values for the filling level 11 or the current level provided. If the measured level is insufficient to ensure a proper program flow of the water-bearing household appliance 1 to allow and thus the filling level 11 is below a first threshold, then the level is set to "empty". When the fill level 11 indicates a level that is sufficient only for a few program runs, especially for about one or two program runs, then the level is set to "almost-empty". The filling height 11 lies between rule the first and a second threshold.

Otherwise the level is enough for a larger one Number of program runs, especially for more as two program runs, so that the level set to "full".

In step S3, it is checked whether the level indicates an empty state. If yes, what in the 3 is indicated by the arrow marked "1", then proceeding to step S4.

In step S4, the controller controls 18 the level measuring device 17 the bulb 20 so that a red LED lights up. In addition, a fast flashing of the LED is caused. Because the bulbs 20 or a light emission 24 . 25 in the area of the aperture 8th the Bowl 6 is arranged, a user can intuitively grasp that a filling or filling of a laundry treatment agent 10 in at least one chamber 9 the Bowl 6 is required. After step S4, the process ends in step S8. In this case, the method S8 is terminated with an error code, so that after a certain time, a renewed start with the step S1.

If in step S3 it is decided that the level is not "empty", then in the direction marked "0", d. H. with step S5, continued.

in the Step S5, it is decided whether the level is "almost is empty. If yes, then continue with step S6.

In step S6, the controller controls 18 a yellow "LED" of the bulb 20 on, causing a slow flashing. This signals a user that there is no error and program execution with regard to the existing laundry treating agent 10 is possible, but in short, ie in about one or two further program runs, a filling or filling at least one laundry treatment agent 10 in relation to a chamber 9 is required. The process ends in step S8, terminating the process without error.

If the decision in the step S5 is denied, then the process proceeds to the step S7. In this case, the level is equal to "full". Thus, a green LED of the bulb 20 driven. The stocked laundry treatment 10 is enough for a larger number of further program runs, so that there is no need for action of a user. By lighting up the green LED, the user has a feedback that everything is OK. This leaves the user with a check of the level of the shell 6 spared.

For the user, the operation of the water-conducting household appliance is also facilitated by the fact that the level may be difficult to estimate. This is especially true for embodiments where the shell 6 is designed largely closed except for filling openings.

The Invention is not limited to the described embodiments limited.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1

water-bearing household appliance

2

housing part

3

cover plate

4

front surface

5

opening

6

Bowl

7

body

8th

cover

9

chamber

10

Liquid, Laundry treatment agent

11

filling height (Level)

15

float switch

16

float

17

Level measuring device

18

control device

20

Lamp LED

21

outside

22

opening

24

light output

25

light output

26

optical fiber

27

optical fiber

S1 to S8

steps

QUOTES INCLUDE IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list The documents listed by the applicant have been automated generated and is solely for better information recorded by the reader. The list is not part of the German Patent or utility model application. The DPMA takes over no liability for any errors or omissions.

Cited patent literature

• - EP 1884584 A2 [0002, 0003]

Claims (12)

Water-conducting household appliance ( 1 ), in particular laundry treatment appliance for washing and / or drying laundry, with at least one housing part ( 2 ) and at least one shell ( 6 ), which in the housing part ( 2 ) can be introduced, wherein a level measuring device ( 17 ) is provided, which is for measuring at least one level of the shell ( 6 ), wherein at least one light source ( 20 ) is provided and wherein the level measuring device ( 17 ), depending on a level of the shell ( 6 ) the illuminant ( 20 ) head for. Water-conducting domestic appliance according to claim 1, characterized in that a light outlet ( 26 ) of the illuminant ( 20 ) in the region of a diaphragm ( 8th ) the Bowl ( 6 ) is arranged. Water-conducting domestic appliance according to claim 2, characterized in that the diaphragm ( 8th ) on an outside ( 21 ) an opening ( 22 ) and that the light exit ( 24 ) of the illuminant ( 20 ) at the opening ( 5 ) the aperture ( 8th ) is arranged. Water-conducting domestic appliance according to claim 2, characterized in that an outside ( 21 ) the aperture ( 8th ) is at least partially transparent or at least partially translucent and that the light exit ( 24 ) of the illuminant ( 20 ) behind the transparent or translucent outside ( 21 ) the aperture ( 8th ) is arranged. Water-conducting household appliance according to one of claims 2 to 4, characterized in that the lighting means ( 20 ) at least partially into the shell ( 6 ) is integrated. Water-conducting household appliance according to one of claims 2 to 4, characterized in that the lighting means ( 20 ) in the housing part ( 2 ) is integrated. Water-conducting domestic appliance according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the lighting means ( 20 ) has at least one light-emitting diode. Water-conducting domestic appliance according to claim 7, characterized in that the lighting means ( 20 ) a light guide ( 26 ), the at least a part of the of the lighting means ( 20 ) emitted light to the light exit ( 24 ). Water-conducting household appliance according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the level measuring device ( 17 ) at least one float switch ( 15 ), at least partially in the shell ( 6 ) and one with the float switch ( 15 ) associated control device ( 18 ) having. Water-conducting domestic appliance according to one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the level measuring device ( 17 ) is configured to detect predetermined states of the level. Water-conducting household appliance according to claim 10, characterized in that the predetermined states the level gauge an empty state, a Fast-empty state and a full state include, where the empty state is specified so that no proper program run possible is, where the near-empty state is set so that the empty state is almost reached, but at least one more proper Program pass is possible, and otherwise the full state is predetermined. Water-conducting household appliance according to one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that the shell ( 6 ) a first chamber ( 9 ) and at least one second chamber adapted for receiving laundry treatment products ( 10 ), and that the level measuring device ( 17 ) both the level of the first chamber ( 9 ) the Bowl ( 6 ) as well as the level of the second chamber of the shell ( 6 ) detected.

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