EP3502337B1 - Vorrichtung zur bestrahlung mit uv-licht, waschmaschine und verfahren zur bestrahlung mit uv-licht - Google Patents

Vorrichtung zur bestrahlung mit uv-licht, waschmaschine und verfahren zur bestrahlung mit uv-licht Download PDF

Info

Publication number
EP3502337B1
EP3502337B1 EP17209238.9A EP17209238A EP3502337B1 EP 3502337 B1 EP3502337 B1 EP 3502337B1 EP 17209238 A EP17209238 A EP 17209238A EP 3502337 B1 EP3502337 B1 EP 3502337B1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
washing machine
light source
fluid passage
drum
light
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Active
Application number
EP17209238.9A
Other languages
English (en)
French (fr)
Other versions
EP3502337A1 (de
Inventor
Mathias Bellm
Uwe Schaumann
Kay Schmidt
Dr. Wolfgang Thimm
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
EGO Elektro Geratebau GmbH
Original Assignee
EGO Elektro Geratebau GmbH
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by EGO Elektro Geratebau GmbH filed Critical EGO Elektro Geratebau GmbH
Priority to EP17209238.9A priority Critical patent/EP3502337B1/de
Publication of EP3502337A1 publication Critical patent/EP3502337A1/de
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP3502337B1 publication Critical patent/EP3502337B1/de
Active legal-status Critical Current
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical

Links

Images

Classifications

    • D—TEXTILES; PAPER
    • D06—TREATMENT OF TEXTILES OR THE LIKE; LAUNDERING; FLEXIBLE MATERIALS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • D06F—LAUNDERING, DRYING, IRONING, PRESSING OR FOLDING TEXTILE ARTICLES
    • D06F35/00—Washing machines, apparatus, or methods not otherwise provided for
    • D06F35/005—Methods for washing, rinsing or spin-drying
    • D06F35/008—Methods for washing, rinsing or spin-drying for disinfecting the tub or the drum
    • D—TEXTILES; PAPER
    • D06—TREATMENT OF TEXTILES OR THE LIKE; LAUNDERING; FLEXIBLE MATERIALS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • D06F—LAUNDERING, DRYING, IRONING, PRESSING OR FOLDING TEXTILE ARTICLES
    • D06F39/00—Details of washing machines not specific to a single type of machines covered by groups D06F9/00 - D06F27/00 
    • D—TEXTILES; PAPER
    • D06—TREATMENT OF TEXTILES OR THE LIKE; LAUNDERING; FLEXIBLE MATERIALS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • D06F—LAUNDERING, DRYING, IRONING, PRESSING OR FOLDING TEXTILE ARTICLES
    • D06F39/00—Details of washing machines not specific to a single type of machines covered by groups D06F9/00 - D06F27/00 
    • D06F39/08—Liquid supply or discharge arrangements
    • D06F39/083—Liquid discharge or recirculation arrangements
    • D06F39/085—Arrangements or adaptations of pumps
    • D—TEXTILES; PAPER
    • D06—TREATMENT OF TEXTILES OR THE LIKE; LAUNDERING; FLEXIBLE MATERIALS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • D06F—LAUNDERING, DRYING, IRONING, PRESSING OR FOLDING TEXTILE ARTICLES
    • D06F37/00—Details specific to washing machines covered by groups D06F21/00 - D06F25/00
    • D06F37/42—Safety arrangements, e.g. for stopping rotation of the receptacle upon opening of the casing door

Definitions

  • the invention is directed to a washing machine with a device for irradiation with UV light, in particular for disinfection of fluid. Furthermore, the invention is directed to a method for irradiation with UV light.
  • a washing machine which is provided with a UV light source in a processing unit, in which water drained from a drum of the washing machine can be processed.
  • the UV light source is provided in this processing unit outside the drum. This facilitates removing the UV light source in an easy way.
  • washing machine which is provided with a washing tub for laundry, which is arranged inside a water tub.
  • UV light sources are provided in the water tub outside of the washing tub. They serve for preventing proliferation of bacteria and the like.
  • a control apparatus is provided being connected to the UV light sources.
  • a pump for a washing machine is known with a pump chamber.
  • a UV light source is arranged in a chamber wall of the pump chamber with an irradiation direction into the pump chamber from outside. This serves for killing bacteria in the washing machine when water is being pumped through the pump chamber.
  • a washing machine having a washing chamber.
  • a UV light source is provided in a decoloration reservoir for washing processes.
  • This decoloration reservoir may be arranged underneath a washing chamber or at a door for shutting of the washing chamber.
  • JPH1012195 A another UV light source is known that can be used for sterilizing water in a bath.
  • the UV light source is arranged in a sterilization chamber which is somewhere in a water circulation of the bath water.
  • JPH1050269 A another UV light source is known for sterilization of water in a fluid processing apparatus.
  • the UV light source is integrated into a pipe for conducting water.
  • a UV lamp as a light source in a washing machine to irradiate water flowing through a pipe for disinfection purposes.
  • the pipe is provided with an opening into which a UV lamp device is inserted in watertight manner such that behind a window and outside of water flowing through the pipe, the UV lamp is arranged and can irradiate the insight of the pipe with the UV light.
  • a device in a washing machine according to the invention for irradiation with UV light has a fluid passage for receiving fluid and/or flowing through of fluid, which fluid passage is a container in the form of a receptacle housing of the washing machine in which a drum is provided rotating therein during a washing process. In these cases the fluid is or stays inside the fluid passage for some time, which allows for more efficiency in irradiating.
  • the device is provided with at least one UV light source, which is arranged within the fluid passage.
  • the at least one UV light source is fully or completely arranged inside the fluid passage. This means that no part of the UV light source protrudes from the fluid passage or pokes out of it, so no complicated sealing is necessary.
  • the device has an energy source for the at least one UV light source, which energy source is arranged completely outside the fluid passage.
  • the energy source can be affixed to the outside of the fluid passage, but does not protrude into the fluid passage or pokes into it.
  • Energy transfer means for a wireless and contactless transmission of energy from the energy source to the at least one UV light source are provided to allow for both of them not to stick or extend through a wall or outside of the fluid passage. This provides for the fluid passage to be watertight in a safe and easy manner.
  • the UV light source can be used for disinfection purposes on the one hand, which is generally known from the prior art mentioned before. Furthermore, the UV light can be used on the other hand for purposes such as activating special substances or treating laundry, which is described in further detail later on.
  • the energy transfer means do in a first alternative of the invention comprise a microwave device outside of the fluid passage with at least one microwave generator and at least one microwave antenna. They can be mounted on the outside of the fluid passage, preferably externally on an outside wall of the fluid passage.
  • the UV light source in this case is an electrodeless microwave lamp and may in particular have emission lines in the long-wave range. Such electrodeless microwave lamps are known in the art, also for generating UV light.
  • the fluid passage should then in the region of the microwave antenna be permeable for the microwaves. It can for example be made of PTFE in this region with some kind of window or as a section of the fluid passage, in particular a section for a length of the fluid passage of between two times and twenty times the length of the microwave antenna. PTFE is resistant against microwaves and at the same time permeable for microwaves.
  • a frequency of the microwave generator may advantageously be chosen in the ISM band, preferably be greater than 2 GHz.
  • a frequency may in particular be between 2.1 GHz and 2.8 GHz, for example 2.4 GHz.
  • the microwave generator may be provided with a voltage-controlled oscillator, which preferably may be provided with an amplifier chain for providing the output power.
  • a voltage-controlled oscillator which preferably may be provided with an amplifier chain for providing the output power.
  • an operating frequency corresponding to a plasma impedance in the UV light source is controlled.
  • a reflection measurement of the microwaves can be provided as a control variable for an analog locked loop all in the microwave generator.
  • An energy transfer to the UV light source via the generation of microwaves has the advantage that no further parts or components are necessary, the UV light source can be activated directly by the microwaves focused on it from the antenna.
  • an energy transfer takes place inductively, such that the energy transfer means comprises an induction device outside of the fluid passage.
  • At least one induction generator and at least one external induction coil are provided. They can be mounted externally on an outside wall of the fluid passage, which is in particular preferred for the external induction coil.
  • the UV light source in this case is an induction lamp being inductively coupled to the external induction coil.
  • Such an inductively coupled induction lamp may advantageously be excited from the outside and be designed for an inductively coupled ring discharge.
  • Such lamps are known to the person skilled in the art.
  • the inductively coupled induction lamp can be excited in or from the inside and may have an integrated coupler for this purpose, which preferably is a ferrite coupler.
  • a ferrite coupler can have the form of a rod.
  • This integrated coupler may run at least partly within the induction lamp or may be surrounded by the induction lamp.
  • the integrated coupler can be inside the induction lamp with up to 40% to 70% of its length.
  • the energy transfer takes also place via induction
  • the energy transfer means comprise an induction device with at least one induction generator and with an external oscillating circuit having the external inductor coil.
  • This external inductor coil should preferably be mounted externally on an external side or outer wall of the fluid passage.
  • the energy transfer means also have at least one internal oscillating circuit with at least one internal inductor coil, wherein an inductive coupling with an energy transfer between the external oscillating circuit and the internal oscillating circuit during operation is provided.
  • This energy can then be used from the internal oscillating circuit in the form electrical energy which may be used to power the at least one UV light source inside the fluid passage connected to the internal oscillating circuit for its operation and its energy supply.
  • an adaptation circuit can be provided between the internal oscillating circuit and the UV light source the UV light source, for example for making a DC current from the AC current of the internal oscillating circuit.
  • the UV light source may be a UV LED, which can be preferred for its low power consumption and high efficiency, also in the UV bandwidth.
  • a UV LED may also be provided with an electrical power supply from the internal oscillating circuit together with an energy storage means, for example a rechargeable battery or a capacitor.
  • An energy supply may then be a direct or galvanic electrical power supply, respectively.
  • the energy storage means can be charged by the internal oscillating circuit which again is powered by the external oscillating circuit with its external inductor coil.
  • Such an energy storage means may allow for an energy transfer into the fluid passage to only take place discontinuously or in intervals, respectively. This can in particular be advantageous if a relative movement between the outer components and the inner components takes place, for example in a washing machine where the external inductor coil is in a fixed position and the internal oscillating circuit with the UV light source is rotating in a drum. An energy transfer may in this case be possible only for one or two seconds or for an even shorter burst.
  • the device prefferably comprises an inductively heatable heating element within the fluid passage to be inductively coupled with the external induction coil arranged externally outside the fluid passage or the external oscillating circuit for an inductive energy transmission, respectively.
  • the inductively heatable heating element preferably consists of magnetizable material.
  • Such a way of transmitting energy for a heating process is known. This allows for some kind of secondary use of the external oscillating circuit with the external inductor coil.
  • the fluid may then not only be irradiated with UV light but also be heated.
  • a washing machine has a device as described before, wherein in this case the fluid passage is a receptacle housing for a drum of the washing machine.
  • the drum rotates in the receptacle housing, preferably on a turning shaft fixed at the receptacle housing and driven from outside.
  • the receptacle housing cannot rotate, but is fixed or hinged elastically inside the washing machine.
  • At least a part of the energy transfer means are arranged on an outside of the receiving housing, wherein the at least one UV light source is arranged in the receptacle housing. So the energy transfer should at least be through the receptacle housing or its wall, respectively. So at least the water inside the receptacle, which is usually also inside the drum for its major part, can be irradiated with UV light. Further advantageous options are available also.
  • the UV light source can be arranged inside the drum itself. This allows not only for better and more direct irradiation of water inside the drum, but also of the laundry and/or other substances or particles or liquids inside the drum. It is then preferred if also other components for energizing the UV light source as explained before are arranged inside the drum, preferably close to or together with the UV light source.
  • the UV light source can preferably be arranged within a protrusion on an inner wall of the drum.
  • protrusions are known, for example in the form of vanes or paddles, and are often provided for the purpose of moving the laundry and also for better shoveling water onto the laundry from above.
  • a UV light source should then be arranged having a radiation direction into the interior of the drum, preferably towards a center point of the drum.
  • a radiation direction could be into the interior of the protrusion, because water alone is present there for some time without any perturbing clothes blocking the UV radiation.
  • a UV light source may be arranged with a radiation direction into the interior of the drum and/or with radiation direction into the interior of the protrusion.
  • Using a coating of TiO 2 inside the drum allows also for a cleaning function of the drum inside in addition to the washing process.
  • These protrusions may be designed in removable manner to allow for easy detachment or replacement. This may also allow for replacement of the conventional protrusions against protrusions with UV devices for the purpose as described before.
  • an energy transfer means may be affixed and connected to a control and an energy source of the washing machine.
  • Each of the UV light sources can preferably be provided with its own energy supply in the form of an internal oscillating circuit in the case of an inductive energy transfer. Microwave radiation into the drum is also possible, but has proven to be more difficult and more risky. There usually is the window at the front side of the drum for visual inspection by the user of anything that happens in the drum. UV light can be shielded easier by a suitable coating on such a window that blocks off UV light, similar to sunglasses.
  • the UV light sources inside the drum can be connected to one single energy source inside the receptacle.
  • This can be provided with an internal induction coil of an internal oscillating circuit would or running around the outer wall of the drum, such that a rather continuous energy transfer can take place from outside the receptacle.
  • An external induction coil can be arranged on an outside wall of the receptacle directly opposite the internal induction coil for inductive energy transfer.
  • the UV light source may be connected to an energy storage means as explained before, wherein the device for the energy transfer is an induction device as described before.
  • the energy storage means are then connected to the internal oscillating circuit for charging.
  • the energy storage means preferably are a capacitor and the UV light source preferably is a UV LED as described before.
  • the at least one UV light source can be arranged between the receptacle housing and the drum. This serves for good UV radiation onto or into the water inside the receptacle housing, in particular in its lower region. Through the number of small holes usually provided in the drum for water flowing in and out, UV light can also come into the drum to a substantial amount.
  • the advantage of the UV light sources to be stationary and not movable relative to the external energy source and transfer means outside of the receptacle housing could make up for a reduced input of UV light into the drum through these holes. It would be easier to provide a lot more UV light sources inside the receptacle housing and to provide them with energy in the manner described herein.
  • a pump with a device as described before can be provided.
  • the fluid passage is a pump chamber or, alternatively, a pump inlet or outlet.
  • the pump can be a heated pump installed in a domestic appliance in a preferred embodiment of this invention, so heating and disinfection is possible in one and the same pump, either at the same time or independent of each other.
  • the pump may in particular be an impeller pump having an annular pump chamber, so that the UV light source can advantageously be arranged within this pump chamber running at least partly around in the pump chamber. Only one single UV light source may be provided, which then may have at least partially a ring-like form, or even form a full ring. Alternatively, several UV light sources can be provided which are arranged along a ring, for example three to eight UV light sources.
  • the at least one UV light source within the fluid passage is supplied with energy in wireless and contactless manner from outside the fluid passage as to emit UV light in operation.
  • This may serve to disinfect fluid in the fluid passage, however, also alternative purposes such as treating laundry with UV light to remove stains is an option.
  • washing active substances can be activated by UV light, either by direct activation or by cracking open microcapsules which contain these substances.
  • the fluid in particular can flow through the fluid passage. It is also possible for the fluid to remain in the fluid passage for some time, for example seconds up to minutes or even hours. Alternatively, the fluid can be in there such as in a water tank.
  • a sinusoidal envelope curve can be generated in a drive voltage for the drive motor, preferably at a frequency between 5 Hz and 450 Hz, in particular between 10 Hz and 400 Hz.
  • Individual voltage pulses are generated corresponding to a PWM modulation within the sinusoidal envelope curve with a higher frequency, preferably between 6 kHz and 30 kHz, wherein in particular the voltage pulses are generated within the sinusoidal envelope curve with a frequency between 6 kHz or 10 kHz and 20 kHz. This is preferably provided for an inductive energy transfer. If microwave activation of the UV light source is required, much higher frequencies are needed obviously.
  • washing-active substances being introduced into the drum or into the receptacle housing during the operation of the washing machine as mentioned before.
  • These washing-active substances are designed in such a way that they can be activated by irradiation with UV light.
  • the washing-active substances are then activated by irradiation with UV light from the UV light source. It is possible to carry out the steps of introducing the washing-active substances and activating the washing-active substances several times during one washing process with the washing machine.
  • the UV light source together with the energy source and/or the energy transfer means are designed in such a way that operation of the UV light source is only possible if a pump and/or a heating device of the washing machine are in operation. In this case of operation, the washing machine must be safely locked and cannot be opened. This provides for enhanced safety of a user. Provision of this is especially advisable in the case of the energy transfer means using microwaves as described before.
  • Fig. 1 shows a fluid pipe 11 with a fluid 12 inside, for example water.
  • This fluid 12 enters fluid pipe 11 on the right side through a kind of inlet and exits fluid pipe 11 through an outlet on the left side.
  • fluid pipe 11 could also generally be any other kind of pipe or fluid passage through which fluid flows, either continuously or in intervals.
  • fluid pipe 11 could also be a tank for water or the like.
  • a device 15 for irradiation with UV light is provided outside the fluid pipe 11, a device 15 for irradiation with UV light is provided.
  • Device 15 has an external energy source 17 connected to external power, for example in a household.
  • Energy source 17 may also comprise any kind of power controller or converter or the like, as is described later on with regard to fig. 4 as an example.
  • Device 15 furthermore comprises an induction device 18 being arranged outside fluid pipe 11 and, preferably, being fixed to this outside, for example with a fixing means that can also be removed.
  • Induction device 18 has an induction coil which is not described in greater detail, as it can be easily realized by a person skilled in the art.
  • Insert 20 Inside fluid pipe 11, there is provided an insert 20 also being part of device 15.
  • This insert 20 has a casing 21 which is water-tight on the one hand and, at least at its right end, is transparent or at least transmissive for UV light. Insert 20 may be fixed inside fluid pipe 11 by thin rods or fins or the like supporting themselves against the inside of fluid pipe 11.
  • an oscillating circuit 22 as described before is provided.
  • This oscillating circuit 22 works together with induction device 18 for a contactless and inductive energy transfer.
  • Oscillating circuit 22 may correspond to the internal oscillating circuit described at the beginning and has an internal inductor coil together with a capacitance. These are both not shown in fig. 1 , as they can be easily conceived by a person skilled in the art.
  • Oscillating circuit 22 is connected with UV lamp 25 for its powering or operation, respectively. This means that the power that is transmitted inductively from induction device 18 to oscillating circuit 22 is used for electric powering of UV lamp 25. This is known to a person skilled in the art. There is no need to provide any switching means or the like inside insert 20, as a powering of UV lamp 25 can be controlled via the energy source 17.
  • a ferromagnetic heating element 28 is shown that may also be provided inside fluid pipe 11 as described before. As an alternative, it could be provided on the outside. It can be provided that inductive energy is not only transferred to the oscillating circuit 22, but also to this heating element 28. Such an energy transfer in two ways may be provided simultaneously for heating fluid 12 flowing through fluid pipe 11 and, at the same time, disinfecting it.
  • the frequency of the inductive energy transfer and a corresponding adaptation of the oscillating circuit 22 on the one hand to a first specific frequency and of the ferromagnetic heating element 28 on the other hand to a second specific frequency being different from the first, it is possible to separately power the UV lamp 25 on the one hand or the ferromagnetic heating element 28 the other hand.
  • the ferromagnetic heating element 28 can be designed for a resonant frequency which is much lower than the one of oscillating circuit 22, for example only 30 kHz or even only 20 kHz.
  • the induction device 18 can either use higher frequencies of about 1 MHz, for example, to generate UV radiation with UV lamp 25 inside fluid pipe 11.
  • FIG. 2 An alternative embodiment of the invention is shown in fig. 2 with a similar fluid pipe 111 through which fluid 112 flows.
  • a corresponding device 115 with an energy source 117 and an induction device 118 as in fig. 1 is provided inside fluid pipe 111.
  • an insert 120 with a watertight casing 121 is provided inside fluid pipe 111.
  • an oscillating circuit 122 is provided which, in this case, mainly consists of only an induction coil.
  • This induction coil 122 is wound around a ferrite rod 126.
  • This ferrite rod 126 protrudes with about half its length into a UV lamp 125 and in some way transfer the magnetic field into the UV lamp 125.
  • UV lamp 125 is inductively coupled as is, for example, known from the company QL Company B.V. with lamps of the QL series. It can easily be conceived to also provide UV lamps with the same technology.
  • the internal oscillating circuit 122 could be dispensed of if the induction device 118 is sufficiently strong and adapted to directly induce the magnetic field into the ferrite rod 126 for activating UV lamp 125.
  • the internal oscillating circuit 122 could be changed so as to surround UV lamp 125 if this UV lamp is designed for an inductively coupled ring discharge.
  • Such lamps are available from the company OSRAM under the name ENDURA EVG. It would also be easy to adapt them for radiation of UV light.
  • the induction device 118 could be adapted to directly induce the magnetic field into the UV lamp 125, for example by providing an external induction coil of induction device 118 all around the fluid pipe 111. This should especially be feasible if the diameter of the fluid pipe is rather small.
  • Device 215 again has an energy source 217 for powering the UV radiation source.
  • energy source 217 is coupled to a microwave device 219, which is directed into the fluid pipe 11 and onto a UV lamp 225, which in this case is an electrodeless microwave lamp, preferably with emission lines in the long-wave range.
  • the microwave device 219 preferably has a microwave antenna designed for radiating microwaves into the fluid pipe 211. This means that the microwave radiation from the microwave device 219 directly provides for the UV lamp 225 to emit UV light.
  • the UV lamp 225 in this case is preferably a microwave lamp or a plasma lamp as a special form of a gas discharge lamp energized by radio frequency power.
  • a gas discharge lamp energized by radio frequency power.
  • such lamps use a noble gas or a mixture of these gases and additional materials such as metal halides, sodium, mercury or sulfur.
  • a waveguide is used to constrain and focus the electrical field into the plasma.
  • the gas is ionized, and free electrons, accelerated by the electrical field, collide with gas and metal atoms. Some atomic electrons circling around the gas and metal atoms are excited by these collisions, bringing them to a higher energy state. When the electron falls back to its original state, it emits a photon, resulting in ultraviolet radiation in this case, depending on a choice of the fill materials.
  • One preferred choice is the so-called sulfur lamp, its bulb being filled with argon and sulfur.
  • a construction of such a device 215 is rather simple. It is only necessary to provide for the fluid pipe 211 as a whole or at least in the region of microwave device 219 to be permeable for the microwave radiation sent out by device 219.
  • the fluid pipe can for example be made from PTFE, which is not transmissive for UV radiation, but for radiation with frequencies of for example 1 MHz, especially microwave radiation.
  • Energy source 17 in this case is a switch, for example connected to the mains connection in a house.
  • Energy source 17 is provided with control signals of a drive voltage U D , which is varied according to the three examples shown on the right side.
  • the pulses could be short or rather long. Also very long pulses are possible.
  • a frequency of drive voltage U D can be about 12 kHz.
  • energy source 17 is connected to induction device 18, which in this case comprises a schematic induction coil wound around fluid pipe 11 where insert 20 is located inside. Furthermore, the energy source 17 powers a motor 30, which can be a drive motor or a pump motor as has been explained before.
  • Energy source 17 is kind of modulated with drive voltage U D , wherein motor voltage U M with regular 50 Hz looks as shown in fig. 4 on the lower right side. This allows for the use of parts and components already provided, which means that there is no need or major effort for integrating further parts or components. In this way also an inductive heating element explained before can be powered with the device according to the invention.
  • Fig. 5 shows the integration of the invention with UV irradiation into a washing machine 33 according to the invention.
  • Washing machine 33 has a housing 34 in which a receptacle housing 36 is provided with a drum 39 inside for the washing process itself.
  • a drawer 37 is provided for additives or washing detergents as is known in the art.
  • Drawer 37 is connected with a fluid inlet 38 to receptacle housing 36 in its upper region.
  • protrusions 40a to 40d in vane-like form are provided on the inside.
  • Such protrusions 40 are basically known for optimizing the washing process by moving pieces of laundry 41 in washing fluid 12.
  • protrusions 40a to 40d are provided with transparent windows on their tips, preferably made from robust glass or synthetic material.
  • an induction device 18 with an energy source 17 is provided on the upper side of receptacle housing 36.
  • This induction device 18 may for example correspond to the embodiment of fig. 1 .
  • an insert 20b is provided which comprises an oscillating circuit 22b and a UV lamp 25b.
  • UV lamp 25b is powered in the same manner by oscillating circuit 22b as described before with reference to fig. 1 . UV radiation from UV lamp 25b can enter the drum via the transparent window on the tip of protrusion 40b.
  • not only one induction device 18 may be provided on the outside of receptacle housing 36, but several, for example two to four. This could provide for a much higher and accordingly much more efficient inductive energy transfer into the drum 39 to the UV lamps 25.
  • the UV lamp 25c of protrusion 40c is provided with a device only shown in dotted lines, which means that it can be any device as described before.
  • UV lamp 25d of protrusion 40d is without any such additional device, which means that it is a type of UV lamp which can either be excited by microwaves as in fig. 3 or includes a ferrite rod or the like as in fig. 2 .
  • UV lamp 25a it is possible to radiate UV light into drum 39 on fluid 12 and/or onto laundry 41 inside during a rinsing or a washing step. In this way, not only a disinfection of the fluid 12 is possible, but also a UV light treatment of the laundry 41 itself. This may also serve for disinfection purposes or any purpose.
  • a major advantage of providing UV lamps in the protrusions 40 of drum 39 in washing machine 33 is that the angle of radiation is very wide, resulting in the radiation not only reaching the fluid 12, but also the laundry 41 inside drum 39 to a high degree.
  • a special tank 37' might be provided in drawer 37, which special tank 37' includes washing active substances 43.
  • the washing active substances 43 may be dosed into drum 39 via a dosing apparatus not shown here, so that the washing active substances 43 may enter drum 39 via the fluid inlet 38. They can also be flushed into drum 39 by additional fluid or fresh water entering drawer 37, respectively.
  • These washing active substances 43 may be such that they can be activated by UV light, for example of UV lamps 25.
  • the washing active substances 43 can have a positive effect onto the cleaning or washing, respectively, of the laundry 41.
  • Such washing active substances 43 are known in the art, for example by encapsulating any active ingredients.
  • special enzymes can be activated, for example by breaking any encapsulation around them open with the UV radiation.
  • UV light radiation in drum 39 onto laundry 41 may be a cleaning effect. It is commonly known that UV light helps to remove stains, especially of organic substances as in vegetables and fruit.
  • the washing machine 33 is also a preferred application of the special way of energy supply according to fig. 4 .
  • the drive motor of the drum can be controlled as well as the UV light radiation with only one controller.
  • One preferred wavelength for UV light is between 400 nm and 410 nm, whereas also smaller wavelengths of between 250 nm and 300 nm can be used.
  • Pump 46 is an impeller pump and has a pump housing 47 with an inlet 48 and an outlet 49. Inside pump chamber 50 an impeller 52 is provided for rotation, which is driven by motor 54. This results in the pump chamber 50 being in ring-like form or having an annular form, respectively.
  • Such an impeller pump is for example known from WO 2014/198427 A1 .
  • a ring-like UV lamp 25 is provided inside pump chamber 50. It needs not form a completely closed ring, but can be at least a part of a ring.
  • an induction device 18 is provided, which should run parallel to UV lamp 25 or, respectively, extend as far as UV lamp 25. Such an induction device 18 is regarded as preferable for an energy transfer inside pump chamber 50 to UV lamp 25 when compared to a microwave device as described with regard to fig. 3 .
  • outside wall of pump chamber 50 should be made of metal due to heating elements being provided on its outside, for example thick film heating elements, as is described in WO 2014/198427 A1 mentioned before, it is also possible to provide the induction device 18 radially inside of UV lamp 25, for example between motor 54 and the inner wall of pump chamber 50.
  • these wall parts are made from suitable synthetic material, UV lamp 25 and an energy supply can also be adapted to use microwaves for an energy transfer.
  • UV light can serve in any case to disinfect even wet areas or also dry areas in a pump chamber, as it can be used in all the above mentioned cases for various purposes where UV light can be advantageous.

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Textile Engineering (AREA)
  • Detail Structures Of Washing Machines And Dryers (AREA)
  • Apparatus For Disinfection Or Sterilisation (AREA)

Claims (12)

  1. Waschmaschine (33) mit einer Vorrichtung (15) zur Bestrahlung mit UV-Licht, wobei die Vorrichtung aufweist:
    - einen Fluidkanal (36) zur Aufnahme und/oder Durchströmung von Fluid (12),
    - mindestens eine UV-Lichtquelle (25), die vollständig innerhalb des Fluidkanals (36) angeordnet ist,
    - eine Energiequelle (17) für die mindestens eine UV-Lichtquelle (25), wobei die Energiequelle vollständig außerhalb des Fluidkanals (36) angeordnet ist,
    - Energieübertragungsmittel (18, 22, 118, 122, 219) für eine drahtlose und berührungslose Übertragung von Energie von der Energiequelle (17) zu der mindestens einen UV-Lichtquelle (25), wobei der Fluiddurchgang ein Aufnahmegehäuse (36) für eine Trommel (39) der Waschmaschine (33) ist, wobei die Trommel in dem Aufnahmegehäuse drehbar ausgebildet ist und das Aufnahmegehäuse nicht drehbar ist, wobei zumindest ein Teil (18) der Energieübertragungseinrichtung an der Außenseite des Aufnahmegehäuses angeordnet ist, und wobei die zumindest eine UV-Lichtquelle (25) in dem Aufnahmegehäuse (36) angeordnet ist,
    wobei
    - nur eine Energiequelle (17) sowohl für die UV-Lichtquelle (25) als auch für einen Antriebsmotor für die Trommel (39) der Waschmaschine (33) vorgesehen ist,
    - die Energiequelle (17) einen Leistungssteller oder einen Umrichter umfasst,
    und dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass:
    - die Energieübertragungsmittel (219) eine Mikrowelleneinrichtung außerhalb des Fluidkanals (211) mit mindestens einem Mikrowellengenerator und mindestens einer Mikrowellenantenne (219) umfassen, wobei die UV-Lichtquelle eine elektrodenlose Mikrowellenlampe (225) ist, oder
    - die Energieübertragungsmittel eine Induktionsvorrichtung (18, 118) außerhalb des Fluidkanals (11, 111) mit mindestens einem Induktionsgenerator und mit mindestens einer externen Induktionsspule umfassen, wobei die UV-Lichtquelle (25, 125) eine induktiv gekoppelte Induktionslampe ist.
  2. Waschmaschine nach Anspruch 1, wobei die Mikrowellenantenne (219) außen an einer Außenwand des Fluidkanals (211) angebracht ist, wobei insbesondere die Frequenz des Mikrowellengenerators im ISM-Band liegt, vorzugsweise größer als 2 GHz.
  3. Waschmaschine nach Anspruch 1 oder 2, wobei der Mikrowellengenerator einen spannungsgesteuerten Oszillator, vorzugsweise mit einer Verstärkerkette zur Bereitstellung der Ausgangsleistung, aufweist, wobei insbesondere eine einer Plasmaimpedanz in der UV-Lichtquelle (225) entsprechende Betriebsfrequenz gesteuert wird und/oder eine Reflexionsmessung der Mikrowellen als Regelgröße für einen analogen Regelkreis im Mikrowellengenerator vorgesehen ist.
  4. Waschmaschine nach Anspruch 1, wobei die externe Induktionsspule außen an einer Außenwand des Fluidkanals (11, 111) angebracht ist, wobei insbesondere die induktiv gekoppelte Induktionslampe von außen angeregt wird und für eine induktiv gekoppelte Ringentladung ausgelegt ist.
  5. Waschmaschine nach Anspruch 1 oder 4, wobei die induktiv gekoppelte Induktionslampe (25, 125) innen oder von innen erregt ist und einen integrierten Koppler, vorzugsweise einen Ferritkoppler (126), aufweist, wobei der integrierte Koppler zumindest teilweise innerhalb der Induktionslampe verläuft oder von der Induktionslampe umgeben ist, insbesondere zu 40% bis 70%.
  6. Waschmaschine nach Anspruch 1 oder 4, wobei die Energieübertragungsmittel eine Induktionseinrichtung (15) mit mindestens einem Induktionsgenerator, mit einem die externe Induktionsspule (18) aufweisenden externen Schwingkreis, der vorzugsweise außen an einer Außenseite des Fluidkanals angebracht ist, und mit einem eine interne Induktionsspule aufweisenden internen Schwingkreis (22) umfassen, wobei eine induktive Kopplung mit einer Energieübertragung zwischen dem externen Schwingkreis und dem internen Schwingkreis (22) im Betrieb vorgesehen ist.
  7. Waschmaschine nach einem der Ansprüche 4 bis 6, wobei die Vorrichtung (15, 115) ein induktiv beheizbares Heizelement (28) innerhalb des Fluidkanals zur induktiven Kopplung mit der extern außerhalb des Fluidkanals bzw. des externen Schwingkreises angeordneten externen Induktionsspule (18, 118) zur induktiven Energieübertragung aufweist, wobei vorzugsweise das induktiv beheizbare Heizelement (28) aus magnetisierbarem Material besteht.
  8. Waschmaschine nach einem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche, wobei die UV-Lichtquelle (25) innerhalb der Trommel (39), vorzugsweise innerhalb eines Vorsprungs (40) an der Trommelinnenwand angeordnet ist, insbesondere zwei bis vier Vorsprünge (40) an der Trommelinnenwand vorgesehen sind, wobei in jedem der Vorsprünge eine UV-Lichtquelle (25) mit Strahlungsrichtung in das Innere der Trommel (39) und/oder mit Strahlungsrichtung in das Innere des Vorsprungs (40) angeordnet ist.
  9. Waschmaschine nach einem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche, wobei die UV-Lichtquelle (25a) mit einem Energiespeicher (23a) verbunden ist und die Waschmaschine (33) eine Induktionseinrichtung (15) nach Anspruch 6 aufweist, wobei der Energiespeicher zum Aufladen mit dem internen Schwingkreis (22) verbunden ist, wobei der Energiespeicher insbesondere ein Kondensator (23a) ist und die UV-Lichtquelle eine UV-LED (25a) ist.
  10. Verfahren zur Bestrahlung mit UV-Licht durch Betreiben einer Waschmaschine (33) nach einem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche, wobei die mindestens eine UV-Lichtquelle (25) innerhalb des Fluidkanals (36) kabellos und berührungslos von außerhalb des Fluidkanals mit Energie versorgt wird und im Betrieb UV-Licht abgibt.
  11. Verfahren nach Anspruch 10, wobei in einer Ansteuerspannung für den Antriebsmotor eine sinusförmige Hüllkurve erzeugt wird, vorzugsweise mit einer Frequenz zwischen 5 Hz und 450 Hz, wobei einzelne Spannungsimpulse innerhalb der sinusförmigen Hüllkurve mit einer Frequenz zwischen 6 kHz und 30 kHz erzeugt werden, wobei die Spannungsimpulse innerhalb der sinusförmigen Hüllkurve mit einer Frequenz zwischen 10 kHz und 20 kHz erzeugt werden.
  12. Verfahren nach Anspruch 10 oder 11, wobei in einem vorangehenden Schritt während des Betriebs der Waschmaschine (33) waschaktive Substanzen in die Trommel (39) oder in das Behältergehäuse (36) eingebracht werden, wobei die waschaktiven Substanzen so ausgebildet sind, dass sie durch Bestrahlung mit UV-Licht aktivierbar sind, wobei die waschaktiven Substanzen in einem nachfolgenden Schritt durch Bestrahlung mit UV-Licht aus der UV-Lichtquelle aktiviert werden, wobei insbesondere die Schritte des Einbringens der waschaktiven Substanzen und des Aktivierens der waschaktiven Substanzen mehrmals während eines Waschvorgangs mit der Waschmaschine durchgeführt werden.
EP17209238.9A 2017-12-21 2017-12-21 Vorrichtung zur bestrahlung mit uv-licht, waschmaschine und verfahren zur bestrahlung mit uv-licht Active EP3502337B1 (de)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
EP17209238.9A EP3502337B1 (de) 2017-12-21 2017-12-21 Vorrichtung zur bestrahlung mit uv-licht, waschmaschine und verfahren zur bestrahlung mit uv-licht

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
EP17209238.9A EP3502337B1 (de) 2017-12-21 2017-12-21 Vorrichtung zur bestrahlung mit uv-licht, waschmaschine und verfahren zur bestrahlung mit uv-licht

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP3502337A1 EP3502337A1 (de) 2019-06-26
EP3502337B1 true EP3502337B1 (de) 2024-05-01

Family

ID=60811831

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP17209238.9A Active EP3502337B1 (de) 2017-12-21 2017-12-21 Vorrichtung zur bestrahlung mit uv-licht, waschmaschine und verfahren zur bestrahlung mit uv-licht

Country Status (1)

Country Link
EP (1) EP3502337B1 (de)

Families Citing this family (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
CN113279204B (zh) * 2020-02-18 2024-07-23 佛山海尔滚筒洗衣机有限公司 衣物处理设备
CN113417117B (zh) * 2020-03-03 2023-08-04 青岛海尔洗衣机有限公司 衣物处理设备
CN113493998B (zh) * 2020-03-18 2024-05-24 青岛海尔洗衣机有限公司 衣物处理设备
CN112575530A (zh) * 2020-12-07 2021-03-30 珠海格力电器股份有限公司 一种洗衣机消毒装置和控制方法及具有其的洗衣机

Citations (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
KR19990073966A (ko) * 1998-03-05 1999-10-05 윤종용 세탁기 및 그 제어방법

Family Cites Families (12)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
JPH1012195A (ja) * 1996-06-17 1998-01-16 Toshiba Lighting & Technol Corp 無電極ランプ、無電極ランプ点灯装置及び紫外線照射装置
JPH1050269A (ja) * 1996-07-31 1998-02-20 Toshiba Lighting & Technol Corp 無電極放電ランプ、無電極放電ランプ装置、無電極放電ランプ点灯装置及び流体処理装置
JP2005073989A (ja) * 2003-09-01 2005-03-24 Mitsubishi Cable Ind Ltd 洗濯機
EP2221411A1 (de) * 2009-02-23 2010-08-25 Electrolux Home Products Corporation N.V. Elektrisches Haushaltswaschgerät
DE102010038692A1 (de) 2010-07-30 2012-02-02 BSH Bosch und Siemens Hausgeräte GmbH Wasserführendes Haushaltsgerät, insbesondere Geschirrspülmaschine
EP2604740B1 (de) * 2011-12-16 2015-12-16 Electrolux Home Products Corporation N.V. Waschmaschine mit Beleuchtungsvorrichtung für Trommelbeleuchtung
DE102013211180A1 (de) 2013-06-14 2014-12-18 E.G.O. Elektro-Gerätebau GmbH Pumpe
KR20150003565U (ko) * 2014-03-20 2015-10-02 윤희찬 냉음극관자외선램프의 무선 구동장치
DE102014206097A1 (de) * 2014-03-31 2015-10-01 Henkel Ag & Co. Kgaa Waschmaschine mit Entfärbungsreservoir sowie Verfahren zum Waschen von Textilien in einer solchen Waschmaschine
WO2015169348A1 (en) 2014-05-07 2015-11-12 Electrolux Appliances Aktiebolag Laundry washing machine with an uv source
DE102016202014B4 (de) * 2016-02-10 2019-05-29 E.G.O. Elektro-Gerätebau GmbH Pumpe, Haushaltsgerät mit einer Pumpe und Verfahren zum Betrieb eines solchen Haushaltsgeräts
CN106012406B (zh) * 2016-07-08 2019-01-18 中山东菱威力电器有限公司 一种具备紫外线杀菌消毒功能的洗衣机

Patent Citations (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
KR19990073966A (ko) * 1998-03-05 1999-10-05 윤종용 세탁기 및 그 제어방법

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
EP3502337A1 (de) 2019-06-26

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
EP3502337B1 (de) Vorrichtung zur bestrahlung mit uv-licht, waschmaschine und verfahren zur bestrahlung mit uv-licht
CN106012406B (zh) 一种具备紫外线杀菌消毒功能的洗衣机
US20020122743A1 (en) Ultraviolet sterilization apparatus and method
EP1914339B1 (de) Haushaltwaschmaschine mit induktiver Heizung
US7794673B2 (en) Sterilizer
JP2002531178A5 (ja) 紫外線光源及びその使用方法
CN102325935B (zh) 家用洗涤电器
CN108866915A (zh) 衣物处理装置
KR100712269B1 (ko) 플라즈마를 발생시키는 전자레인지
KR20090054303A (ko) 음식물쓰레기 처리기
US20220082246A1 (en) Lighting apparatus for a container device of a household appliance
KR101932046B1 (ko) 마이크로파를 이용한 조리기기
KR100712270B1 (ko) 플라즈마를 발생시키는 전자레인지
KR20160070637A (ko) 고출력 전원을 구비한 마이크로파 가열방식 건조장치
KR20060119445A (ko) 자외선 살균실을 구비한 전자레인지
KR20100027765A (ko) 다용도 건조장치
WO2018210140A1 (zh) 衣物处理装置
US20230190971A1 (en) Method and system for textiles disinfection in household appliance
KR100487794B1 (ko) 자외선 살균기능을 내장한 전자레인지
JPH1012195A (ja) 無電極ランプ、無電極ランプ点灯装置及び紫外線照射装置
JP2509662B2 (ja) 調理器
RU2728587C1 (ru) Установка для санитарной обработки волосовидного сырья воздействием электрофизических факторов
KR101459691B1 (ko) 마이크로웨이브를 이용한 고효율 건조시스템
KR0151208B1 (ko) 세탁기의 자외선 살균장치
KR20020014145A (ko) 씽크대용 음식물 쓰레기 건조장치

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
PUAI Public reference made under article 153(3) epc to a published international application that has entered the european phase

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009012

STAA Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent

Free format text: STATUS: THE APPLICATION HAS BEEN PUBLISHED

AK Designated contracting states

Kind code of ref document: A1

Designated state(s): AL AT BE BG CH CY CZ DE DK EE ES FI FR GB GR HR HU IE IS IT LI LT LU LV MC MK MT NL NO PL PT RO RS SE SI SK SM TR

AX Request for extension of the european patent

Extension state: BA ME

STAA Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent

Free format text: STATUS: REQUEST FOR EXAMINATION WAS MADE

17P Request for examination filed

Effective date: 20191108

RBV Designated contracting states (corrected)

Designated state(s): AL AT BE BG CH CY CZ DE DK EE ES FI FR GB GR HR HU IE IS IT LI LT LU LV MC MK MT NL NO PL PT RO RS SE SI SK SM TR

STAA Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent

Free format text: STATUS: EXAMINATION IS IN PROGRESS

17Q First examination report despatched

Effective date: 20200610

STAA Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent

Free format text: STATUS: EXAMINATION IS IN PROGRESS

GRAP Despatch of communication of intention to grant a patent

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOSNIGR1

STAA Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent

Free format text: STATUS: GRANT OF PATENT IS INTENDED

RIC1 Information provided on ipc code assigned before grant

Ipc: D06F 37/42 20060101ALN20231213BHEP

Ipc: D06F 39/00 20060101ALI20231213BHEP

Ipc: D06F 35/00 20060101ALI20231213BHEP

Ipc: D06F 39/08 20060101AFI20231213BHEP

INTG Intention to grant announced

Effective date: 20240111

GRAS Grant fee paid

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOSNIGR3

GRAA (expected) grant

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009210

STAA Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent

Free format text: STATUS: THE PATENT HAS BEEN GRANTED

AK Designated contracting states

Kind code of ref document: B1

Designated state(s): AL AT BE BG CH CY CZ DE DK EE ES FI FR GB GR HR HU IE IS IT LI LT LU LV MC MK MT NL NO PL PT RO RS SE SI SK SM TR

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: GB

Ref legal event code: FG4D

RAP4 Party data changed (patent owner data changed or rights of a patent transferred)

Owner name: E.G.O. ELEKTRO-GERAETEBAU GMBH

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: CH

Ref legal event code: EP

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: IE

Ref legal event code: FG4D

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: DE

Ref legal event code: R096

Ref document number: 602017081497

Country of ref document: DE