CN107407031B - Method for determining the degree of hygiene of a washing machine having an impedance sensor and washing machine suitable therefor - Google Patents
Method for determining the degree of hygiene of a washing machine having an impedance sensor and washing machine suitable therefor Download PDFInfo
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- CN107407031B CN107407031B CN201680015575.8A CN201680015575A CN107407031B CN 107407031 B CN107407031 B CN 107407031B CN 201680015575 A CN201680015575 A CN 201680015575A CN 107407031 B CN107407031 B CN 107407031B
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- 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
- D06F34/00—Details of control systems for washing machines, washer-dryers or laundry dryers
- D06F34/14—Arrangements for detecting or measuring specific parameters
- D06F34/22—Condition of the washing liquid, e.g. turbidity
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- 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
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- 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
- D06F2103/00—Parameters monitored or detected for the control of domestic laundry washing machines, washer-dryers or laundry dryers
- D06F2103/20—Washing liquid condition, e.g. turbidity
Abstract
The invention relates to a method for determining the hygiene H of a washing machine (1) having a lye container (2), a drum (3) for receiving laundry (4), a drive motor (5) for the drum (3) and a control device (8) for controlling at least one washing program, wherein an impedance signal is measured by an impedance sensor (9, 10) arranged in the washing machine (1) and in contact with an aqueous liquid (7) during the washing program and evaluated as a measure of the hygiene H of the washing machine (1) with respect to deposits on the impedance sensor (9, 10). Furthermore, the invention relates to a washing machine (1) suitable for implementing the method.
Description
Technical Field
The present invention relates to a method for determining the hygiene of a washing machine having an impedance sensor (also referred to as an electrochemical impedance sensor) and a washing machine suitable for the method. The invention relates in particular to a method for determining the hygiene H of a washing machine having a lye container, a drum for receiving laundry, a drive motor for the drum and a control device, and a washing machine suitable for carrying out the method.
Background
In a washing machine, the laundry is usually treated in a washing phase for cleaning with a washing liquor containing a detergent. In order to form a washing liquor for cleaning laundry, detergents contain, in particular, surfactants as surface-active substances. In a washing machine, residues consisting of water, treated laundry or detergent may accumulate, even in the case of correct use. From these residues, biofilms can form in domestic appliances, which can only be removed with great difficulty. Users of washing machines are usually only aware of this problem when the biofilm secretes unpleasant smelling substances. But at this point in time a significant biofilm had mostly formed. Moreover, the smell can be very unpleasant.
In any case, the appearance state of the washing machine during the lapse of time becomes poor due to the formation of precipitates, or deposits, such as biofilm. Biofilms comprise immobilized bacterial cells embedded in a polymer matrix of microbial origin and may contain a large number of non-biological or inorganic components in addition to microbial cells, wherein all slime formed by bacteria sticks together.
The risk of biofilm formation is exacerbated by the trend towards washing laundry at low temperatures. Improvements in detergents and washing machines enable good removal of soils consisting of textiles even at low temperatures. Furthermore, washing at low temperatures is increasingly prescribed by the textile industry, since many laundry items, depending on their washing specification, should only be washed at 30 ℃ or 40 ℃. Furthermore, energy is saved and the environment is protected by washing at low temperatures. But the following problems are raised for many consumers: whether a sufficiently high degree of hygiene is achieved in the washing process at low temperatures. Microbial germs are generally invisible compared to dirt and can be a health threat. When the washing machine is operated mainly in the low temperature range and with gentle detergent, it may cause contamination and biofilm formation in the washing machine. Furthermore, cross-contamination can occur during the washing process when strongly contaminated laundry is washed together with weakly contaminated laundry in the same washing process, wherein the germ content of the previously weakly contaminated laundry is increased after the washing process. Although many of the microbial germs present in household clothing are not pathogenic to humans, special attention is required in the case of patients in the home, the elderly as well as infants and small children, and in the case of laundry such as table cloths, which are often heavily soiled. In such a case, improved hygiene appears appropriate.
In order to achieve as high a degree of hygiene as possible, different modifications of laundry treatment appliances are known to date. In particular in the industrial sector, for example when cleaning special work clothes, such as surgical gowns, highly specialized washing processes are used up to sterilization. Special "sanitary washing machines" are also found, for example, in laundries and care homes. In the domestic field, special washing machines are provided with programs with an additional rinse bar, for example in the case of allergic patients or in the household with children, with regard to the increased need for high hygiene standards.
In order to improve the hygiene state of the washing machine, special hygiene programs are sometimes activated, in which cleaning of the relevant parts of the washing machine is carried out, for example, in the case of the use of steam and/or a liquid or gas provided with a biologically active additive. However, the hygiene program is not optimally coordinated with the hygiene requirements of the washing machine, since the time points, durations and strengths of the measures implemented in the hygiene program are not coordinated with the actual hygiene state in the washing machine. It may therefore be desirable to obtain qualitative and in particular also quantitative information about the degree of hygiene of the washing machine and to reestablish the desired degree of hygiene of the washing machine.
EP 2465993 a1 and EP 2465993 a1 describe a laundry treatment appliance with a circulation device for treating biofilms and corresponding methods. If foam overflow is determined in an area of the appliance that is not easily accessible, for example using sensors for refractive index, turbidity, surface tension or capacity, possible consequences such as biofilm formation are countered by implementing cycles for treating the biofilm. For this purpose, the relevant appliance components are heated, for example, directly or by means of hot air. In addition, the use of biocidal compounds is discussed.
DE 102011007170 a1 describes a method for detecting and displaying the degree of hygiene of laundry in a laundry treatment appliance having a container for receiving laundry to be treated, a control device configured to carry out a plurality of selectable laundry treatment programs, and a display device, wherein a predefined or determined starting degree of hygiene H is taken into accountorigAnd measuring the generated sanitation degree H of the clothes after the selected clothes processing program is finished under the condition of the selected clothes processing programresAnd the hygiene degree H of the generation of the laundryresPredefined degree of hygiene H with the clothingtarDifference therebetween Δ Η ═ H (H)res-Htar) ≧ 0 is displayed on the display device as signal S1.
DE 10042846 a1 describes a method for qualitatively and/or quantitatively characterizing polar components in a liquid by impedance measurement and the use of this method and possibly of an electrode assembly for controlling the surfactant supply on the basis of the characterization of the surfactant content in the wash and/or rinse water of a washing machine.
EP 2533035 a1 describes a device for sensing material properties of a medium, having a measuring device comprising a sensor device connected to the medium, and having a control device for controlling the sensor device with signals of a predetermined frequency range, and having a predefined control device for controlling the operation of the measuring device and the predetermined frequency range, wherein the control device is provided for determining a profile of the impedance Z of the medium as a function of the frequency corresponding to the predetermined frequency range, and for outputting the sensing signals, and the control device is provided for evaluating the sensing signals of the control device, for determining a plurality of characteristic points (P1 to P4) of the profile of the impedance Z, and for generating a result signal relating to the properties of the medium. It should thus be possible, for example, for: it is determined whether the washing lye requires further detergent additives.
DE 4311064A 1 describes a method for measuring the soil load of a wash liquor, in which a measured value (M) which is separated from the real part by the imaginary part is determined from the electrical impedance of a capacitor to which an alternating voltage is applied, the wash liquor being between the plates of the capacitorR、MI) And these measured values are compared with predefined limit values.
EP 1441056 a1 discloses a washing machine comprising a tank for containing washing liquid and what should be washed and control means adapted to implement a predetermined washing program. The washing machine comprises at least one first electrode electrically insulated from the washing liquid and sensor means which should be connected to the control means and the first electrode and should be adapted in order to determine the value of the sensor formed by the first electrode and by the washing liquid as second electrode. The values should be supplied to the control device in order to adjust and/or adapt the washing program. The values determined by the sensors should indicate the capacity and/or the complex impedance of the two electrodes.
EP 2711697 a2 discloses a method for sensing a fluid medium property within a predetermined process using an impedance spectrum, wherein different steps for receiving and evaluating an impedance characteristic curve and a determined characteristic point are described in detail. Differences between the actually sensed respective characteristic points of the processed impedance characteristic curve are determined and analyzed.
JP 2010-213889A discloses a sensor for cleaning liquids in accordance with the general description. The sensor should solve the following problems: a sensor is provided which can accurately measure the resistance value of a cleaning liquid. For this purpose, changes in the parallel resonant impedance are detected and evaluated with respect to the resistance value of the cleaning fluid.
Disclosure of Invention
Against this background, the task of the invention is: an improved method for determining the degree of hygiene of a washing machine is provided. Preferably, the hygiene level should be determined in a manner that is advantageous for the user and can be displayed, wherein the user should preferably also be provided with a possible option for suitable remedial measures. Furthermore, the object of the invention is to provide a washing machine which is suitable for carrying out the method.
According to the invention, this object is solved by a method and a washing machine according to the independent claims. Preferred configurations of the invention are set forth in the respective dependent claims. Even if no particular reference is made here to the preferred embodiment of the method, this corresponds to the preferred embodiment of the washing machine.
The invention therefore relates to a method for determining the hygiene H of a washing machine having a lye container, a drum for receiving laundry, a drive motor for the drum, and a control device for controlling at least one washing program, wherein an impedance signal is measured by an impedance sensor arranged in the washing machine and in contact with an aqueous liquid during the washing program and is evaluated as a measure of the hygiene H of the washing machine with respect to deposits on the impedance sensor.
Herein, "aqueous liquid" may mean water, washing lye or rinsing liquid. In addition, "aqueous liquid" may also be stored in a biofilm adhered to the impedance sensor.
In order to analyze the resistance signal as a measure of the degree of hygiene H of the washing machine with respect to deposits on the resistance sensor, the relationship stored in the control device between the resistance signal and the type and/or amount of deposits on the resistance sensor is generally taken into account.
Preferably, the impedance sensor is arranged in the flush-in housing, the lye container and/or on the drum. Particularly preferably, the at least one impedance sensor is arranged in the region behind the lye container and/or the drum. This measures the degree of hygiene, in particular, at locations where biofilms can form particularly easily and which are sometimes relatively inaccessible.
The deposits on the impedance sensor can consist of different components, such as residual dirt and residual detergent, and components of the occurring or present biofilm. Particularly preferred for the present invention are: the deposit on the impedance sensor is a biofilm.
Typically, the impedance sensor in a washing machine is in contact with air and water with salts (chlorides, hardeners). Furthermore, deposits can be present on the impedance sensor, which can be present in the form of biofilms (while 85-90% consist of water with salt) and/or particles (deposits of scale, zeolites, residual dirt, etc.). Different degrees and types of precipitation result in different impedance signals. The instantaneously measured impedance signal is in turn dependent on the instantaneous moisture state of the washing machine, in particular in the region of the impedance sensor.
If the impedance sensor is not wetted and there are no deposits in the air, there is the highest possible resistance, since for that matter the air represents an insulator and thus correspondingly a high impedance. This condition exists whenever a measurement is taken on an impedance sensor in a new or lightly used or carefully cleaned, water-free machine.
If the impedance sensor is in contact with water, the resistance or impedance drops immediately (the gradient of the drop is large).
If a dry coating (particles) is present on the impedance sensor, an impedance signal similar to that in air is obtained. If these coatings are moist or biofilm is present, the measured impedance is lower than in the case of an impedance sensor in air (when the coatings connect the electrodes of the sensor), but higher than in the case of a clean sensor wetted with water. If a biofilm has formed on the sensor in particular, the impedance lies between the impedance of water and the impedance of the solid coating.
Furthermore, the gradient of the impedance over time is dependent on the type of coating. The type of sediment can thus be deduced from the time profile of the impedance signal. It is inferred, inter alia, whether particulate deposits or biofilms are involved.
In this case, the course of the treatment over time can be evaluated not only with short-term observation, i.e., when a washing process is carried out, during the transition from the dry state to the wet state, but also with long-term observation, i.e., during a plurality of washing processes, in the same wet state, in order to identify the type of coating.
The change over time of the gradient profile over the service duration of the washing appliance is also different in the case of a particle sediment formation than in the case of a biofilm formation, and can therefore provide an identification as to the type of sediment and the state of the washing machine.
Furthermore, it is known that during operation of the washing machine a coating formation is built up from solid matter, i.e. particle deposits occur. In contrast, biofilm formation occurs more easily during the dwell time. Thus, an inference about the type of presence of deposits can be derived from the type of impedance signal on the one hand and from the recording of the course of the activity of the appliance over time on the other hand and taken into account for assessing the appliance status. Alternatively, information about the time profile of the activity of the device can be taken into account for checking the evaluation of the impedance signal with respect to the sediment.
According to the invention, a method is preferred in which, before carrying out the first laundry treatment, in particular the washing of the laundry, the impedance signal of the impedance sensor is measured in the presence of water in the washing machine and stored in the control device as a reference measurement which corresponds to the maximum hygiene Hmax. For the measurement, water used for the washing program can be used. However, it is also possible to use standard solutions with different predefined conductivity values, so that the conductivity value of the aqueous liquid used can also be taken into account in subsequent measurements as a measure for the water hardness. Likewise, reference measurements may be carried out for different temperatures and stored in the control device.
The method according to the invention should be carried out as undisturbed as possible by the presence of detergent or dirt. It is therefore preferred that the impedance signal is measured and evaluated with regard to deposits on the impedance sensor as a measure of the state of hygiene H of the washing machine, by using the rinsing liquid or water from the last rinsing step of the rinsing phase as aqueous liquid.
In a particularly preferred embodiment of the method according to the invention, the impedance signal is evaluated with respect to the degree of hygiene H of the washing machine and is at or below a minimum degree of hygiene HminRemedial action is taken when necessary.
The preferred remedial measures are: at or below a minimum hygiene level HminAutomatically carrying out a cleaning program with a cleaning liquid having a predefined high minimum temperature Tmin1And/or including a cleaning force F1The additive for cleaning. High minimum temperature Tmin1May for example be 50 ℃ or higher. The term "cleaning power" is understood to mean, for example, the concentration or the oxidizing power of the cleaning additive and thus generally also the biocidal effect of the cleaning additive. If the cleaning additive is the same in both cleaning liquids, different cleaning forces therefore represent different concentrations of the cleaning additive.
In order to carry out such a cleaning process, a storage container for such a cleaning liquid or for cleaning additives can preferably be present in the washing machine used for carrying out the method.
Suitable additives may be, for example, surfactants containing detergents, oxidizing agents, acids and alkaline liquids. Preferably, a biocidal substance, i.e. a biocide, is used as an additive. According to the present invention, the biocide is not limited as long as it can be used in a washing machine. For example, hypochlorite, which is generated by electrolysis of a salt solution, which may be present for this purpose in a suitable storage container of the washing machine, which is present in the embodiment of the washing machine, or an oxidizing gas, may be used. The oxidizing gas can be generated, for example, in a plasma generator. For example, ozone can be used as an agent having a biocidal effect.
For heating the cleaning liquid, it is also possible to use water as the cleaning liquid, in particular when a heated cleaning liquid is used, preferably a heating device which is usually present in the washing machine per se is used for the washing lye.
After the cleaning procedure has been carried out, the impedance signal is preferably received again in the presence of water with regard to residual deposits remaining on the impedance sensor and is evaluated as follows: whether sanitary state is higher than Hmin. If this is not the case, the cleaning procedure is preferably carried out again automatically.
Preferably, the cleaning procedure is only carried out when there is no laundry in the drum.
According to the invention, preferably, the hygiene state H ≦ H is determined after the cleaning procedure has been carried outminA cleaning program is carried out with a cleaning liquid having a predefined high minimum temperature Tmin2≥Tmin1And/or including a cleaning force F2≥F1The additive for cleaning. Very particularly preferably, Tmin2>Tmin1And/or F2>F1。
If the washing machine used in the method according to the invention has an audible and/or visual display device, it will preferably reach or fall below the minimum hygiene level HminDisplayed on a display device.
Furthermore, according to the present invention, it is preferable that the cleaning process is performed during the execution of the movement process of the drum stored in the control device. Preferably, the implementation of the cleaning program is displayed on the display device as long as the display device is present.
The "movement program of the drum" generally indicates the sequence of the rotation and stop phases of the drum. Here, the rotation speed of the drum may be different in the rotation stage of the drum. In addition, the rotation direction of the drum may be changed. In particular, an inversion phase is possible in which the drum is first rotated in one direction and then, possibly after a short pause, rotated again in the other direction, wherein this process can be repeated several times. Separation and removal of deposits on the impedance sensor may be facilitated by such a motion program. Furthermore, the following steps are realized: the cleaning liquid reaches as far as possible all the parts to be cleaned in the washing machine.
Desired minimum hygiene degree HminMay vary depending on the composition of the family members, as these family members may have different requirements or desires with respect to hygiene. Therefore, the minimum sanitation degree H of the washing machineminAnd thus the hygienic state of the laundry washed in the washing machine may be different depending on whether the laundry to be treated is determined to be used for an allergic patient, a patient, an old person or a baby, for example. Accordingly, the washing machine is set such that the user of the washing machine can predetermine HminAnd can thus be input by means of the operating device.
The method according to the invention may be carried out at different points in time in the washing program, but is preferably carried out before the washing phase is carried out and after the first rinsing step of the rinsing phase. However, the method according to the invention need not always be carried out in conjunction with a specific washing program. In contrast, it can be provided advantageously that the method is not carried out until after a certain time interval of use of the washing machine.
Furthermore, the method according to the invention can be carried out independently of the washing program. If the method according to the invention is to be carried out after a certain period of use of the washing machine, a suitable value of the measure is preferably used for the period of use. For example, there may be a counter which counts the number n of washing programs implemented in the washing machine since the last measurement or after the last cleaning program. When a predetermined maximum number n is reachedmaxThen, an implementation of the method according to the invention can be set. Another measure can be the weight M of the laundry washed so far, which is obtained by adding the individual loads during the service interval. After reaching a predetermined maximum weight MmaxThen, an implementation of the method according to the invention can be set. Finally, the time interval actually elapsed since the last measurement or after the last cleaning program can also be used as a measure value.
In a preferred embodiment of the method according to the invention, therefore, the impedance signal is measured and evaluated with regard to deposits on the impedance sensor as a measure of the state of hygiene H of the washing machine when a predefined time interval of use of the washing machine has elapsed since the last measurement, i.e. a predefined duration of use.
In embodiments of the invention, even when the deposits on the impedance sensor are not sufficient on their own to analytically process below HminHowever, if it is determined by an impedance sensor or another sensor that the remaining detergent or (microbial) dirt is partially dissolved by the introduced water, the cleaning process can also take place.
According to the invention, the influence of the possible presence of detergent or dirt still present in the rinsing liquid is preferably taken into account when measuring the impedance in the rinsing phase, preferably in the last rinsing step, wherein the relationship between the impedance signal and the detergent concentration and the different amounts of dirt and deposits on the impedance sensor is stored in the control device.
In the method according to the invention, the impedance signal is generally received and evaluated by the impedance sensor in that the impedance sensor is subjected to an alternating voltage having a varying frequency and the impedance signal is evaluated with respect to the phase angle Φ and the numerical value of the impedance in order to determine therefrom the presence of the impedance sensor through a coating of the deposit and in particular a biofilm or a component thereof. The phase angle phi and the value of the impedance can be analyzed in the embodiments of the invention with respect to the type, amount and concentration of components of the precipitate, e.g. biofilm or particulate precipitate, such as calcium salts, detergent residues, zeolites, residual soil, etc.
For the measurement, the impedance spectrum is generally received using a suitable electrode system as the impedance sensor. In this case, the impedance of the electrochemical system is usually determined as a function of the frequency of the alternating voltage. For the purpose of illustration, different diagrams are known to the person skilled in the art, such as nyquist diagrams in which the real or imaginary part of the impedance is displayed as a function of the applied alternating voltage frequency. Usually a small number of characteristic points (see EP 2767825 a1), for example at the maximum of the imaginary part in the lower frequency range or at the minimum of the imaginary part in the upper frequency range, are suitable for the characterization of the impedance spectrum. From the impedance values and frequency values at the characteristic points, information that is important for the impedance sensor to pass through the coating of the deposit can usually be derived. The conductivity of the aqueous liquid can be determined here, for example, from the real part of the point. The capacity of a so-called conductivity measuring cell formed by the impedance sensor and the aqueous liquid can generally be determined by evaluating the impedance at this point and the frequency at another point. Another measure relating to the properties of the coating and the aqueous liquid surrounding the coating is the flattening of the semicircle in the nyquist plot, which can be determined by the height to width ratio of the semicircle. The analytical processing takes place using formulae known to the person skilled in the art.
Thus, the degree of hygiene can be determined, for example, by applying an impedance sensor which preferably can specifically indicate the presence of deposits, in particular biofilms, in the washing machine.
The method according to the invention can also be combined with other methods for determining the degree of hygiene H, for example by using a predefined amount of a biocide, for example ozone, and carrying out an analytical treatment of the consumption of the biocide. In addition to the measurement by the impedance sensor provided according to the invention, the degree of hygiene can be determined, for example, by a change in the concentration or amount of a biocide, for example ozone. If necessary, the impedance sensor can also be calibrated by such a measurement. It is expedient here to exclude or minimize the possible influence of inorganic or organic inanimate soiling. This may occur, for example, from the following: the extent of contamination with such inorganic or organic contaminants, which can already be determined visually by the user, can be set by the user or can be determined by means of sensors which may be present in the washing machine.
In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the impedance signal is evaluated as a measure of the water hardness, in particular with regard to the electrical conductivity, in the case of a reference signal being received. This enables the evaluation of the formation of a deposit consisting of detergent components and ions contained in the water used. Depending on the determined tendency of the washing lye used in the washing program towards the formation of such deposits, the service duration of the washing machine, which is preferably satisfied as a prerequisite for the implementation of the method, can be adapted. For example, this time is relatively short towards the case of a large tendency to build such deposits.
Furthermore, the subject matter of the invention is a washing machine having a lye container, a drum for receiving laundry, a drive motor for the drum, a control device for controlling at least one washing process, and an impedance sensor arranged in the washing machine, which impedance sensor is in contact with an aqueous liquid during the progress of a washing process, wherein the control device is provided for carrying out a method in which an impedance signal is measured and evaluated as a measure of the hygiene state H of the washing machine with respect to deposits on the impedance sensor.
In a preferred embodiment, the impedance sensor is arranged in the lye container, in the flushing-in housing and/or on the drum. It is very particularly preferred that the impedance sensor is arranged in the rear half of the lye container, in the lower half of a heating bag arranged in the lye container and/or on the backside of the drum.
In a preferred washing machine according to the invention, a temperature sensor is arranged in the lye container and a relationship between the impedance signal and the type and amount of deposits on the impedance sensor is stored in the control device for different temperature values measured by the temperature sensor.
Other sensors for monitoring and controlling operation, such as turbidity sensors, may also be used in the washing machine.
The washing machine used here usually also has a heating device and a lye outflow system with a lye pump, which is arranged on the bottom of the lye container. Furthermore, the washing machines used here usually also have laundry carrying means and/or tapping means.
Finally, the laundry machine according to the present invention may be a laundry machine or a washer-dryer, i.e. an appliance having the functions of a dryer and a laundry machine.
The washing machine according to the invention preferably has an audible and/or visual display device for displaying one or more operating states. The display means may for example consist of one or more LEDs, which may or may not display the degree of hygiene H of the washing machine by emitting or not emitting light or by displaying different colors. Alternatively or additionally thereto, there may also be a liquid crystal display, for example.
In embodiments of the invention, the identification of the amount of water or aqueous alkali flowing into the lye container is important. It is therefore preferred that in the laundry washing machine according to the invention there are measuring means for determining the fill water quantity, for example time measuring means for determining the opening time interval of the inflow valve for water or liquid quantity measuring means for measuring the fill water quantity.
The control device is also configured in particular for carrying out a plurality of selectable laundry treatment programs.
The cleaning program may be implemented in different ways, wherein the laundry washing machine according to the present invention may comprise other different components depending on the cleaning program to be implemented.
Thus, for example, the storage containers already mentioned above for the cleaning liquid or cleaning, in particular biocidal, additives can be present.
The washing machine may in embodiments comprise, for example, a device for providing ozone, in particular an ozone generator, or an opening or temporary storage for the ozone-containing liquid. The control device of the washing machine is then usually provided for controlling the generation and/or supply of ozone or ozone-containing liquid. Usually, then, a deodorizing device and/or a different adjustable closure device are also present.
The invention has a number of advantages. The formation of dirt and deposits, in particular of biofilms, can thus be recognized early. This enables these dirt and deposits to be removed early and thus relatively simply before the user of the washing machine feels a negative effect, such as a bad smell. Can ensure that: the washing machine is continuously in compliance with hygienic requirements. Furthermore, the invention enables a particularly suitable cleaning procedure as a remedy in the embodiment. Here, the washing machine is not only not damaged by the cleaning process, but the cleaning process may also extend the service life of the washing machine. Since although the invention allows the use of aggressive cleaning liquids, it is possible to dispense with such cleaning liquids. The invention thus enables an early cleaning procedure in which the use of hot water, for example, possibly with a less aggressive biocidal additive, is sufficient.
The invention has the following advantages: the hygiene of the laundry treating appliance can be measured and displayed in a simple and efficient manner. Finally, the method according to the invention allows to provide an improved laundry treatment program and hygiene program, in particular for improving hygiene. This results in a general improvement in the hygiene of the items of clothing, which can also be specifically improved for a particular user group, for example allergic patients. Finally, a careless washing can be achieved, wherein, in addition, excessively high temperatures can be avoided. Thereby, laundry can be protected and energy consumption can be reduced.
Drawings
The invention is illustrated below on the basis of a first embodiment, shown in the sole figure and not limiting, for a laundry washing machine according to the invention in which the method according to the invention can be implemented. Shown is a schematic illustration of the components of a washing machine relevant to the present invention.
Detailed Description
The washing machine 1 of the drawing has a lye container 2 in which a drum 3 is rotatably supported and can be driven by a drive motor 5. For improved ergonomics, the axis of rotation 19 of the drum 3 is directed forward and upward by a horizontal line at a small angle (e.g. 13 °), making it easier for a user of the laundry washing machine 1 to reach and see the inside of the drum 3. Furthermore, by means of this arrangement, an intensification of the washing stock washing 4 with washing liquor is also achieved by the interaction with the specially shaped laundry carrier 14 on the inner face of the drum housing and the suction device 17 for the washing liquor 7.
In the plunge casing 12, an impedance sensor 10 is arranged, which is typically an electrode system consisting of a plurality of electrodes, for example two capacitor plates. By means of the impedance sensor 10, deposits present in the flush-in housing 12 and any biofilm present can be determined and analyzed, so that the cleaning procedure can be carried out early and optimally.
Furthermore, the washing machine 1 has a lye inflow system which comprises a water connection for the domestic water network 20, an electrically controllable valve 21 and an inlet line 23 to the lye container 2, which can optionally also be flushed into the housing 12 via the detergent, from which the inflowing water can transport the detergent components into the lye container 2. Furthermore, a heating device 16 for heating the water or washing lye 7 is present in the lye container 2. The valve 21, like the heating device 16, can also be controlled by the control device 8 according to a program flowchart which can be combined with a time program and/or whether certain measured values of parameters inside the washing machine 1 are reached, such as the lye level, the lye temperature, the drum rotation speed, etc.
6 denotes a pressure sensor, i.e. a sensor for measuring the hydrostatic pressure in the lye container 2. The hydrostatic pressure p is derived from the level of the free bleaching liquor 7 formed in the lye container 2, i.e. the aqueous liquid 7 which is not bound to the laundry 4. Furthermore, the washing machine 1 comprises a measuring device 15 for determining the amount of water filled. The measuring device can be configured, for example, as a water quantity counter or as a flow meter. In the case of a flow meter, the amount of water flowing in is calculated in combination with the sensed fill time. The flow rate can also be determined by measuring the time until a predetermined water level height is reached, which corresponds to a certain fixed water quantity. 18 denotes a lye pump for pumping out the washing lye 7.
In this figure, 9 denotes an impedance sensor in the lye container 2, wherein the structure of the impedance sensor consisting of electrodes is not shown in detail here. An impedance sensor 9 is arranged in the rear half of the lye container 2. In order to carry out the method according to the invention, its embodiment and the washing program, the signals of the impedance sensors 9 and 10 and the rotational speed of the drum 3, the loading of the drum through the laundry, the hydrostatic pressure, etc., as well as the measured values of the measuring device 15 are supplied to the control device 8.
And 11, a display device by which a certain degree of sanitation of the washing machine can be displayed. In this respect, when the hygiene degree is less than a predetermined minimum value HminFor example, a diagnosis of insufficient hygiene can be displayed, for example by a red diode being lit when a hygiene state is indicated. Conversely, if the hygiene is sufficient, this can be indicated by lighting a corresponding green led.
Finally, the execution of the cleaning program can be displayed by means of the display device 11, wherein additionally also cleaning parameters, such as the temperature of the aqueous liquid used and possible additives, can be displayed. For measuring the temperature of the aqueous liquid, a temperature sensor 22 is present in the lye container. 23 denotes a storage container for a cleaning liquid, in which a cleaning, in particular biocidal, additive is preferably present.
In addition, method parameters of the washing program implemented in the washing machine 1, such as the temperature of the washing lye, the remaining duration of the program, the load level, can also be displayed by the display device 11.
List of reference numerals
1 washing machine
2 lye container
3 roller
4 washing articles
5 drive motor
6 pressure sensor
7 aqueous liquid, free bleaching and dyeing liquid and washing alkaline liquor
8 control device
9 an impedance sensor in the lye container; electrode assembly for measuring impedance
10 an impedance sensor punched into the housing; electrode assembly for measuring impedance
11 display device
12 (detergent) flushing-in shell
13 leading to the input pipeline of the lye container
14 clothes carrying member
15 measuring device for determining the fill water volume
16 heating device
17 drawing device
18 pump, lye pump
19 axis of rotation
20 water input pipeline, domestic water net and water supply device
21 (electrically controllable) valve
22 temperature sensor
23 reservoir for cleaning liquid
Claims (16)
1. Method for determining the degree of hygiene H of a washing machine (1) having a lye container (2), a drum (3) for receiving laundry (4), a drive motor (5) for the drum (3) and a control device (8) for controlling at least one washing program, wherein an impedance signal is measured by means of an impedance sensor (9, 10) arranged in the washing machine (1) which is in contact with an aqueous liquid (7) during the washing program, characterized in that the impedance signal is evaluated as a measure of the degree of hygiene H of the washing machine (1) with respect to deposits on the impedance sensor (9, 10) and, before a first laundry treatment is carried out, the impedance sensor (9) is measured in the washing machine (1) in the presence of water (7), 10) And storing said impedance signal in said control device (8) as a reference measurement corresponding to a maximum hygiene degree HmaxWherein the relationship between the impedance signal and the type and/or amount of deposits on the impedance sensor (9, 10) stored in the control device (8) is taken into account.
2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that the deposit on the impedance sensor (9, 10) is a biofilm.
3. Method according to claim 2, characterized in that the impedance signal is measured and analyzed with respect to deposits on the impedance sensor (9, 10) as a measure of the degree of hygiene H of the washing machine (1) by using the rinsing liquid from the last rinsing step of the rinsing phase or water as the aqueous liquid (7).
4. Method according to any of claims 1-3, characterized in that the impedance signal is analyzed with respect to the degree of hygiene H of the washing machine (1) and is at or below a minimum degree of hygiene HminRemedial action is taken when necessary.
5. Method according to claim 4, characterized in that the impedance signal is measured and analyzed with respect to deposits on the impedance sensor (9, 10) as a measure of the degree of hygiene H of the washing machine (1) by using the rinsing liquid from the last rinsing step of the rinsing phase or water as aqueous liquid (7).
6. Method according to claim 4, characterized in that the cleaning program is automatically carried out as a remedy by means of a cleaning liquid having a predefined high minimum temperature Tmin1And/or including a cleaning force F1The additive for cleaning.
7. Method according to claim 6, characterized in that after the cleaning procedure is carried out, the impedance signal is re-received in the presence of water with respect to the remaining deposits remaining on the impedance sensor (9, 10) and subjected to the following analysis: whether the sanitary degree is higher than Hmin。
8. The method of claim 7, wherein the step of removing the metal oxide layer comprises removing the metal oxide layer from the metal oxide layerWhen the hygiene degree H is determined to be less than or equal to HminThe cleaning process is carried out with the aid of a cleaning liquid having a predetermined high minimum temperature Tmin2≥Tmin1And/or including a cleaning force F2≥F1The additive for cleaning.
9. Method according to claim 4, characterized in that the minimum hygiene degree H will be reached or lowerminDisplayed on a display device (11).
10. Method according to any one of claims 6-8, characterized in that the cleaning program is carried out during the execution of a movement program of the drum (3) stored in the control device (8).
11. Method according to any of claims 6-8, characterized in that the execution of the cleaning program is displayed on a display device (11).
12. Method according to any one of claims 1-3, 5-9, characterized in that the impedance signal is measured and evaluated as a measure of the hygiene H of the washing machine (1) with respect to deposits on the impedance sensor (9, 10) when a predefined duration of use of the washing machine has elapsed since the last measurement.
13. Method according to claim 6, characterized in that the cleaning liquid is stored in a storage container (23) arranged in the washing machine (1).
14. Method according to any of claims 1-3, 5-9, 13, characterized in that the impedance sensor (9, 10) is arranged in the wash-in housing (12), in the lye container (2) and/or on the drum (3).
15. Washing machine (1) havingA lye container (2), a drum (3) for receiving laundry (4), a drive motor (5) for the drum (3), a control device (8) for controlling at least one washing process and an impedance sensor (9, 10) arranged in the laundry washing machine (1) which is in contact with an aqueous liquid (7) during the progress of a washing process, wherein the control device (8) is provided for carrying out a method in which an impedance signal is measured, characterized in that the control device (8) is provided for carrying out a method in which the impedance signal is evaluated as a measure of the hygiene H of the laundry washing machine (1) with respect to deposits on the impedance sensor (9, 10) and the control device (8) is provided for, before carrying out a first laundry treatment, measuring an impedance signal of the impedance sensor (9, 10) in the presence of water (7) in the washing machine (1) and storing the impedance signal as a reference measurement in the control device (8), which reference measurement corresponds to a maximum hygiene degree HmaxWherein a relation between the impedance signal and the type and/or amount of deposits on the impedance sensor (9, 10) is stored in the control device (8).
16. A washing machine (1) as in claim 15, characterized by the impedance sensor (9, 10) arranged in the back half of the lye container (2), in the bottom half of a heating bag arranged in the lye container (2) and/or on the backside of the drum (3).
Applications Claiming Priority (5)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| DE102015204535.8 | 2015-03-13 | ||
| DE102015204535 | 2015-03-13 | ||
| DE102015204692.3 | 2015-03-16 | ||
| DE102015204692.3A DE102015204692A1 (en) | 2015-03-13 | 2015-03-16 | Method for determining a degree of hygiene of a washing machine with an impedance sensor and suitable washing machine for this purpose |
| PCT/EP2016/055277 WO2016146521A1 (en) | 2015-03-13 | 2016-03-11 | Method for determining a level of hygiene of a washing machine with an impedance sensor and washing machine suitable tehrefor |
Publications (2)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CN107407031A CN107407031A (en) | 2017-11-28 |
| CN107407031B true CN107407031B (en) | 2020-04-21 |
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| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CN201680015575.8A Active CN107407031B (en) | 2015-03-13 | 2016-03-11 | Method for determining the degree of hygiene of a washing machine having an impedance sensor and washing machine suitable therefor |
Country Status (4)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| EP (1) | EP3268531B1 (en) |
| CN (1) | CN107407031B (en) |
| DE (1) | DE102015204692A1 (en) |
| WO (1) | WO2016146521A1 (en) |
Families Citing this family (4)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DE102016220011B4 (en) * | 2016-10-13 | 2023-03-30 | Volkswagen Aktiengesellschaft | Motor vehicle, in particular an autonomously drivable motor vehicle |
| DE102018005896B4 (en) * | 2018-07-26 | 2020-07-09 | Emz-Hanauer Gmbh & Co. Kgaa | Electrical household appliance with measuring device for impedance spectroscopy |
| DE102020117844A1 (en) | 2020-07-07 | 2022-01-13 | Rational Aktiengesellschaft | Cleaning chemistry building system and cooking device |
| EP3944764A1 (en) * | 2020-07-28 | 2022-02-02 | BSH Hausgeräte GmbH | Household applicance and method for operating a household appliance |
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| DE10042846C2 (en) | 2000-08-17 | 2003-08-14 | Thorsten Knutz | Method for the qualitative and / or quantitative characterization of polar constituents in liquids, electrode arrangement for carrying out this method and application of the method and the electrode arrangement |
| EP1441056A1 (en) * | 2003-01-22 | 2004-07-28 | Whirlpool Corporation | Washing machine |
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| DE102011007170A1 (en) | 2011-04-12 | 2012-10-18 | BSH Bosch und Siemens Hausgeräte GmbH | Method for detecting and indicating a degree of hygiene of the laundry and / or the laundry treatment appliance in a laundry treatment appliance and a laundry treatment appliance suitable for this purpose |
| DE202011101482U1 (en) | 2011-06-06 | 2012-09-07 | Robert Seuffer Gmbh & Co. Kg | Device for detecting material properties |
| DE102012018539A1 (en) * | 2012-09-19 | 2014-03-20 | Seuffer Gmbh & Co.Kg | Method and device for detecting properties of fluid media |
| EP2767825B1 (en) | 2013-02-18 | 2017-06-28 | Seuffer GmbH & Co. KG | Method and device for determining a micelle formation concentration |
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- 2015-03-16 DE DE102015204692.3A patent/DE102015204692A1/en not_active Withdrawn
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2016
- 2016-03-11 CN CN201680015575.8A patent/CN107407031B/en active Active
- 2016-03-11 EP EP16709448.1A patent/EP3268531B1/en active Active
- 2016-03-11 WO PCT/EP2016/055277 patent/WO2016146521A1/en active Application Filing
Patent Citations (5)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
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| CN1548608A (en) * | 2003-05-12 | 2004-11-24 | 乐金电子(天津)电器有限公司 | Washing machine with visible washing tub and its washing method |
| CN201268798Y (en) * | 2008-08-27 | 2009-07-08 | 乐建荣 | Washing machine dirt detection device based on optical photoelectric sensing technology |
| JP2010268942A (en) * | 2009-05-21 | 2010-12-02 | Panasonic Corp | Wash liquid sensor |
| CN102115968A (en) * | 2011-02-15 | 2011-07-06 | 松下家电研究开发（杭州）有限公司 | Washing machine capable of automatically cleaning internal barrel and method thereof |
| CN104185700A (en) * | 2011-12-21 | 2014-12-03 | Bsh博世和西门子家用电器有限公司 | Device for assessing hygienic state of water-conducting domestic appliance, and domestic appliance of type, and method for assessing hygienic state of corresponding domestic appliance |
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| CN107407031A (en) | 2017-11-28 |
| EP3268531A1 (en) | 2018-01-17 |
| WO2016146521A1 (en) | 2016-09-22 |
| DE102015204692A1 (en) | 2016-09-15 |
| EP3268531B1 (en) | 2020-07-15 |
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