DE102010001325A1 - Washing machine has caustic solution container, drum, water inlet system with temperature sensor, system of expiration of caustic solution and program control - Google Patents

Abstract

The washing machine has a caustic solution container (1), a drum (2), a water inlet system (8,9,10) with a temperature sensor (18), a system of expiration of caustic solution (20) and a program control (12). A unit (27) is provided in the program control for evaluation of water temperature measured by the temperature sensor and for the allocation of temperature ranges stored in the program control. Another unit (28) is provided for the allocation of wash programs stored in the program control. An independent claim is also included for a method for operating washing machine.

Description

The invention relates to a washing machine with hot water connection and a method for its operation.

A washing machine for cleaning laundry works - at least in Europe - generally using cold tap water, which is heated to a certain temperature only in the washing machine for cleaning soiled laundry depending on a selected washing process and detergents used. In general, the energy consumption for the heating of the water accounts for the majority of the energy consumption of such a washing machine.

Therefore, washing machines have already been described which are suitable for connection to cold and hot water. Such washing machines are always particularly useful when hot water is available inexpensively, as well as hot water, which is available through solar panels, district heating systems, heat recovery systems or heat pumps. Such washing machines are also commercially produced and marketed, especially outside Europe. Within Europe, the market volumes are low compared to the market volumes of washing machines intended solely for connection to cold water networks.

The DE 26 55 797 A describes a washing machine with hot and cold water connection, are determined in the mixed water temperatures by a selectable timing of both inlet valves by the program switcher. The heating power of the washing machine is changed in dependence on the mixed water temperature such that by switching on or off of a second heating element, the overall performance varies.

The DE 38 28 813 A1 describes a device for controlling the hot and cold water supply in a washing machine with solenoid valves for cold and hot water connection and an electric heater in Laugenbottich, wherein in the mixed water of Laugenbottichs a temperature-dependent sensing element is introduced, measured by means of which the temporal change of the mixed water temperature and as a temperature-dependent Signal is supplied to a microprocessor. In the hot and cold water supply two additional Fühlorgane be attached, by which the respective water inlet temperatures are measured and reported to the microprocessor of the electronic control of the washing machine.

The DE 195 05 596 A describes a washing machine with electronic program control device, cold and hot water supply and fleet Umflutsystem, which is equipped with at least one valve for the cold and hot water supply and which has a device for controlling the water temperature, in addition to the temperature sensor provided in the tub a second Temperature sensor is arranged in the liquor circulating system.

The DE 35 23 824 C2 describes a washing machine with connections for the inflow of cold and warm raw water and with a program control device for controlling the processes "washing", "rinsing" with several raw water rinses and then "spinning". The program control device switches on the centrifuging operation and the drainage pump for the decrease of the residual moisture before or during the last rinse cycle for the duration of an intermediate spin phase. Thereafter, hot and later cold water are supplied.

It is also known that from household to household the conditions for a washing machine fluctuate, the water temperatures found depending on the selected hot water supply and water heating (by means of electrical energy, solar energy, combustion energy (gas, oil)) and their individual setting. In addition, in a household, the hot water supply temperature can fluctuate from day to day or even during a day.

The previously used washing machines, however, optimized to a certain temperature of the available water, z. As for hot water of 60 ° C or cold water of less than 20 ° C.

Against this background, it is an object of the invention to provide a washing machine, which can react flexibly to different temperatures of the water available to a washing machine, so that an optimized washing process is possible. The object of the invention is also to provide a method particularly suitable for this washing machine for its operation.

According to the invention, this object is achieved by a washing machine, in particular for the treatment of laundry, and by a method having the features of the respective independent patent claim. Preferred embodiments of the invention are listed in the dependent claims. Preferred embodiments of the washing machine correspond to preferred embodiments of the method, even if it is not separately pointed out herein.

The invention thus relates to a washing machine comprising a tub, a drum, a water supply system with a first temperature sensor, a lye drain system and a program control, wherein in the program control first means for evaluating a measured from the first temperature sensor water temperature T ₁ and for the assignment of T ₁ to one of a plurality of temperature ranges ΔT _n stored in the program control, where n = 2 to 20, and second means for assigning one of a plurality of washing programs P _m stored in the program control, m = 2 to 100, to one of the temperature ranges ΔT _n are present.

The drum is generally rotatably mounted in the tub around a substantially horizontal axis. The first temperature sensor can be placed according to known practice in the tub. In the context of the invention is also the use of a place elsewhere, optionally provided in addition to the temperature sensor in the tub temperature sensor, or more such additionally placed temperature sensors.

The number n of the stored temperature ranges is preferably ΔT _n 3 to 10, in particular 4 to 8. For example, a temperature range ΔT ₁ for exclusively cold water (generally from 5 ° C to 24 ° C), a temperature range ΔT ₂ for hot water in the range from 25 ° C to 40 ° C, a temperature range ΔT ₃ for hot water in the range of 41 ° C to 55 ° C, a temperature range ΔT ₄ for hot water in the range of 56 ° C to 65 ° C and a temperature range ΔT ₅ for hot water with be provided from a temperature of 66 ° C.

Preferably, the water supply system comprises a cold water inlet with a cold water valve and a hot water inlet with a hot water valve. These valves are designed in particular as electrically controllable solenoid valves.

The first temperature sensor is preferably arranged in the hot water inlet. In the presence of a cold water inlet, a second temperature sensor is preferably arranged in the cold water inlet. As temperature sensors NTC sensors are preferably used. The temperature sensors are preferably in the flow direction of the water in front of the valves.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, there are third means for prescribing and / or determining a type of laundry and / or a degree of soiling which can act on the program control in such a way that a washing process P _m assigned on the basis of T _{1 is} changed.

The third means may be, for example, a user-adjustable selector switch for the type of laundry and / or a degree of soiling. Depending on the selection of the user, it may then be provided in the program control that only certain washing programs P _{n come} into question.

Preferably, the program control is designed so that a predetermined for the wash liquor in the tub temperature range and / or not below a predetermined minimum temperature T _min and / or a predetermined maximum temperature T _{max is} not exceeded.

For this purpose, for example, the program control can be designed so that it opens or closes a hot water valve and / or a cold water valve suitable. As a result, a mixture of hot and cold water is produced as a result, the temperature of which depends on the respective proportions and temperatures of the hot water and the cold water.

If both a hot water supply and a cold water inlet are present, they are preferably connected via a common supply line with the tub. For this purpose, hot water inlet and cold water inlet generally unite at a connection point which is arranged between the cold water valve or hot water valve and the tub. The connection point can be in front of or behind a dispensing bowl for cleaning agent, d. H. Detergents, or additives are located.

If the temperature of the hot water is too high, this can lead to negative results, especially in the case of delicate laundry or easily stainable stains (eg protein stains). if suddenly warm water at too high a temperature enters the tub and thus the laundry in the drum.

In a preferred embodiment of the washing machine according to the invention, therefore, there is a device which regulates a temperature T _in the water intended for entry into the tub so that it lies in a predetermined temperature range. For this purpose, the device may preferably be a heat exchange device, in particular a collecting container and / or a heat exchanger.

When it comes to water, it is not excluded that this too Detergents contains, in particular in a part of the washing machine for a detergent dispenser.

For example, a collecting container can be provided in which hot water can first be collected and cooled to a desired temperature depending on the temperature of the hot water and the heat insulation properties of the collecting container.

If, according to the invention, a hot water connection and a cold water connection are present, a collecting container for mixing cold and hot water and thus setting a desired temperature T _{in can be used} for the inlet into the tub.

The collecting container can also be combined with a heat exchanger, by means of which a desired temperature T _in can be set. Possibly. For example, the exchanged heat energy can be stored in the heat exchange medium of a heat exchanger for later delivery to excessively cool water.

Alternatively or in addition to this, a water pipe, z. B. the hot water inlet and / or cold water inlet, possibly after a junction of hot water inlet and cold water inlet to be led to the tub through a heat exchanger.

Preferably, in the washing machine according to the invention, the washing programs P _m are designed with regard to minimum energy consumption, minimum water consumption, a minimum program duration, special protection of the laundry during a washing process or optimum cleaning. A user can then select, for example via a selector switch among the options minimum energy consumption, minimum water consumption and minimum program duration and so influence the program control a selected wash program P _m in its specific expression, or limit the selection of available washing programs P _m to suitably appropriate.

For the adjustment of temperature profiles and / or for heating the water or the wash liquor with insufficient warm hot water, a heating device is preferably present in the washing machine according to the invention, which is generally located in a lower part of the tub. The heater is preferably an electric heater. Preferably, in the region of the heating device, in particular also in the lower part of the tub, there is a third temperature sensor for determining the temperature of aqueous liquid in the tub (water, wash liquor).

The drum is generally mounted for rotation about a substantially horizontal axis in the tub.

For the purposes of the invention, "lower part of the tub" preferably means the area between the drum and the tub which is filled by the wash liquor when present in the tub in an amount sufficient to contact the lower end of the tub.

The washing machine according to the invention can also have a memory function. Here, the program control of the washing machine is designed so that a measured temperature T _{1 is} stored as the output value for the implementation of a further washing program P _m in a subsequent start of the washing machine in the program control. This can be started particularly quickly with a tailored to this temperature T ₁ washing process P _m . In addition, it can be provided at a known high temperature of the available hot water that initially cold water is introduced into the washing machine. The amount of cold water will generally depend on the temperature of the cold and hot water, the type and amount of laundry to be washed and the type and extent of contamination of the laundry.

The temperatures measured in the washing machine according to the invention, in particular the temperature T ₁ of water from the hot water supply, can be measured selectively, in more or less regular intervals or continuously to accommodate different setup conditions of the washing machine. The more accurately the temperature of the water used in the washing machine can be determined, the more accurately a washing process P _{m can be} determined and carried out.

The invention also relates to a method for operating a washing machine, comprising a tub, a drum, a water inlet system with a first temperature sensor, a lye drain system and a program control, wherein in the program control first means for evaluating a measured from the first temperature sensor water temperature T ₁ and Assigning T ₁ to one of a plurality of temperature ranges ΔT _n stored in the program control, where n = 2 to 20, and second means for assigning one of a plurality of washing programs P _m stored in the program control, where m = 2 to 1000 , to one of the temperature ranges .DELTA.T _n present are, wherein a temperature T _{1 of} the water in the water supply system by means of the first temperature sensor is measured and the measured temperature T ₁ one of a plurality stored in the program control temperature ranges .DELTA.T _n , where n = 2 to 20, is assigned and this temperature range .DELTA.T _n one of a plurality of washing programs P _m stored in the program control, where m = 2 to 100.

The term washing program as used herein is to be understood broadly and includes not only washing steps but also rinsing steps.

The wash programs P _m may differ, for example, with regard to temperature profiles, mechanical effects on the laundry to be treated and the duration of time. Differences in mechanical effects arise in particular through the setting of the drum rotation speed and direction drum standstill times, ie on the setting of different reversing rhythms.

In a preferred embodiment of this method, a duration t _{m of} the wash programs P _m can be adjusted, in particular increased, according to a functional relationship stored in the program control with increasing temperature of the temperature ranges ΔT _n .

Moreover, it is inventively preferred that the measured temperature T _{1 is} stored as the initial value for the implementation of a further washing program P _m in a subsequent start of the washing machine in the program control.

In a further preferred embodiment of the method according to the invention, in the event that T _{1 reaches} a critical upper temperature _value T _crit set by a user and / or in program _control , cold water is initially introduced into the tub (if an additional amount of water is required is). In this way it is achieved that sensitive laundry is never exposed to an excessively high temperature.

As a result, for example, the problem of burning protein-containing stains can be countered. Laundry with protein-containing stains (eg blood, eggs and the like) should be washed only at comparatively low temperatures. If, for example, dirty laundry gets into contact with hot water, the stains (from approx. 42 ° C) can burn in.

The washing machine according to the invention and the method according to the invention have clear advantages over corresponding objects of the prior art. The washing machine according to the invention allows a particularly efficient use of available hot water. Depending on the needs of a user of the washing machine is a particularly energy-efficient or a particularly fast-running washing process, or a washing process is possible with which a particularly good cleaning is achieved. In special embodiments, the washing machine according to the invention makes it possible to wash laundry items which are sensitive to relatively high temperature, such as those made of wool or silk, even when hot water is used. Moreover, it is possible even with hot water from a hot water supply at a relatively high temperature, to prevent stoving.

The invention will be described below with reference to the in 1 illustrated embodiment illustrated in more detail.

1 is a schematic representation of the relevant parts for illustration of a washing machine, in which a method described above can be performed. Other embodiments are conceivable.

The washing machine of the 1 embodiment shown has a tub 1 in which a drum 2 rotatably mounted and by a drive motor 14 can be operated. The rotation axis 3 the drum 2 is directed at a small angle (eg 13 °) from the horizontal to the front top, allowing easier access and insight into the interior of the drum 2 Has. By this arrangement, in cooperation with specially shaped Wäschemitnehmern 4 and scooping devices 5 for the wash liquor 6 on the inner surface of the drum shell also also an intensification of the flood of the laundry 7 achieved with washing liquor.

The washing machine also has a water inlet system 8th . 9 . 10 on, in the embodiment shown here, a cold water inlet 9 with an electrically controlled magnetic cold water valve 17 and a hot water supply 8th with an electrically controllable magnetic hot water valve 16 includes. A first temperature sensor 18 is for measuring the temperature T ₁ in the hot water inlet 8th arranged. A second temperature sensor 21 is in the cold water inlet 9 arranged.

In the 1 shown embodiment of a washing machine according to the invention has as a third means 29 for specifying and / or determining a type of laundry and / or a degree of soiling of the laundry, a selector switch 29 for a user of the washing machine up. The third medium 29 can access the program control here 12 acting so that a on the basis of T ₁ associated washing process P _{m is} changed.

The program control 12 is otherwise designed so that one for the wash in the tub 1 maintained predetermined temperature range and / or a predetermined minimum temperature T _min not fallen below and / or a predetermined maximum temperature T _{max is} not exceeded. In particular, the program control 12 the hot water valve 16 and the cold water valve 17 open or close properly.

At the in 1 shown washing machine according to the invention combine the hot water supply 8th and the cold water inlet 9 at a junction 30 , The water then flows through an upper common water supply 26 to a Waschmitteleinspüleinrichtung ("Einspülschale") 11 from which the feed water detergent portions via a lower common water supply 10 in the tub 1 can transport.

From the lower common water supply 10 goes a collecting container supply line 23 to a collection container 22 , in the supplied water from the hot water supply 8th and / or the cold water inlet 9 on one for the introduction into the tub 1 desired temperature T _in can be adjusted. A heat exchanger 25 is used for heat exchange and in particular for storage of the water in the collecting container 22 extracted heat. In this way it is possible that the temperature T _in the for the inlet into the tub 1 provided water is regulated so that it is within a predetermined temperature range. The water with the temperature T _in is then via the collecting tank derivation 24 in the tub 1 directed.

It is also in the tub 1 a heating device 13 , The valves 16 and 17 , the heater 13 as well as the speed of the drum 2 , etc. are controlled by the program 12 regulated in accordance with the invention according to a selected washing program P _m as a function of the temperatures, by means of which also with the program control 12 connected first temperature sensor 18 and second temperature sensor 21 be determined. A third temperature sensor 15 for measuring the temperature of an aqueous liquid (water, wash liquor) is in the lower part 19 of tub 1 arranged.

A lye drain system 20 , which according to conventional practice in addition to corresponding lines comprises a drain valve and a drain pump is shown for clarity only schematically.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1

tub

2

Drum, in particular laundry drum

3

Rotary axis of the drum

4

laundry agitator

5

scooping devices

6

suds

7

Laundry

8th

Hot water supply

9

Cold water supply

10

Lower common water supply (supply to the tub)

11

Einspülschale, Waschmitteleinspüleinrichtung

12

program control

13

heater

14

drive motor

15

Third temperature sensor for measuring the temperature in the tub

16

Hot water valve

17

Cold water valve

18

First temperature sensor, especially in the hot water supply

19

Lower part of the tub

20

Caustic drain system

21

Second temperature sensor in cold water inlet

22

receptacle

23

Collection container supply

24

Collector dissipation

25

heat exchangers

26

Upper common water supply

27

First means for evaluating a measured water temperature T ₁

28

Second means for the assignment of a washing program P _m

29

Third means for specifying and / or determining a type of laundry and / or a degree of contamination, for. B. Selector switch for a user

30

Connection point between hot water inlet and cold water inlet

QUOTES INCLUDE IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list of the documents listed by the applicant has been generated automatically and is included solely for the better information of the reader. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions.

Cited patent literature

• DE 2655797 A [0004]
• DE 3828813 A1 [0005]
• DE 19505596 A [0006]
• DE 3523824 C2 [0007]

Claims (15)

Washing machine, comprising a tub ( 1 ), a drum ( 2 ), a water supply system ( 8th . 9 . 10 ) with a first temperature sensor ( 18 ), a lye drainage system ( 20 ) and a program control ( 12 ), characterized in that in the program control ( 12 ) first means ( 27 ) for evaluating one of the first temperature sensor ( 18 ) Measured water temperature T ₁ and for the allocation of T ₁ to a (multiple in the program control 12 ) stored temperature ranges ΔT _n , where n = 2 to 20, are present and second means ( 28 ) for the assignment of one of a plurality of washing programs P _m stored in the program control, where m = 2 to 100, to one of the temperature ranges ΔT _n . Washing machine according to claim 1, characterized in that the water supply system ( 8th . 9 . 10 ) a cold water inlet ( 9 ) with a cold water valve ( 17 ) and a hot water supply ( 8th ) with a hot water valve ( 16 ). Washing machine according to claim 2, characterized in that the first temperature sensor ( 18 ) in the hot water inlet ( 8th ) is arranged. Washing machine according to claim 3, characterized in that a second temperature sensor ( 21 ) in the cold water inlet ( 9 ) is arranged. Washing machine according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that third means ( 29 ) are present for the specification and / or determination of a type of laundry and / or a degree of soiling, which on the program control ( 12 ) so that a washing process P _m assigned on the basis of T _{1 is} changed. Washing machine according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the program control ( 12 ) is designed so that one for the wash liquor in the tub ( 1 ) specified temperature range maintained and / or a predetermined minimum temperature T _min not fallen below and / or a predetermined maximum temperature T _{max is} not exceeded. Washing machine according to claim 6, characterized in that the program control ( 12 ) is designed to be a hot water valve ( 18 ) and / or a cold water valve ( 19 ) suitably opens or closes. Washing machine according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a device ( 22 . 25 ) is present, which a temperature T _in the for the inlet into the tub ( 1 ) regulated so that it is within a predetermined temperature range. Washing machine according to claim 8, characterized in that the device is a heat exchange device ( 22 . 25 ). Washing machine according to claim 9, characterized in that the heat exchange device a collecting container ( 22 ) and / or a heat exchanger ( 25 ). Washing machine according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the washing programs P _m with respect to a minimum energy consumption, a minimum water consumption, a minimum program duration, a special protection of the laundry during a washing process or optimal cleaning are configured. Method for operating a washing machine, comprising a tub ( 1 ), a drum ( 2 ), a water supply system ( 8th . 9 . 10 ) with a first temperature sensor ( 18 ), a lye drainage system ( 20 ) and a program control ( 12 ), whereas in the program control ( 12 ) first means ( 27 ) for evaluating one of the first temperature sensor ( 18 ) Measured water temperature T ₁ and for the allocation of T ₁ to a (multiple in the program control 12 ) stored temperature ranges ΔT _n , where n = 2 to 20, are present and second means ( 28 ) for the assignment of one of several in the program control ( 12 ) stored washing programs P _m , where m = 2 to 100, are present at one of the temperature ranges .DELTA.T _n , characterized in that a temperature T _{1 of} the water in the water supply system ( 8th . 9 . 10 ) by means of the first temperature sensor ( 18 ) and the measured temperature T _{1 is} one of several in the program control ( 12 ) temperature ranges ΔT _n , where n = 2 to 20, and this temperature range ΔT _{n of} one of several in the program control ( 12 ) stored washing programs P _m , where m = 2 to 100, is assigned. A method according to claim 12, characterized in that a duration t _{m of} the washing programs P _m after one in the program control ( 12 ) stored functional relationship with increasing temperature of the temperature ranges .DELTA.T _n changed. Method according to one of claims 12 and 13, characterized in that the measured temperature T ₁ as the starting value for the implementation of a further washing program P _m at a subsequent start of the washing machine in the program control ( 12 ) is stored. Method according to one of claims 12 to 14, characterized in that in the event that T _{1 is} a user and / or in the program control ( 12 ) reaches or exceeds the predetermined critical upper temperature _value T _crit , first cold water into the tub ( 1 ) is initiated.

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