DE102018109806A1 - Water-conducting household appliance, in particular washing machine with a water diverter - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a water-conducting household appliance, in particular a washing machine with a water diverter (5) for controlling the water inlet into the tub (3) and to a Waschmitteleinspülbehälter (8) with a plurality of detergent chambers (81, 82, 83), wherein the washing machine is a control device ( 4) for the programmed control of a servomotor (6), which is drivingly connected to a hydraulic distribution arm (7) via which the incoming fresh water according to the program in one of the detergent chambers (81, 82, 83) or in a direct feed (80) Wherein the positioning motor (6) drives a rotatably mounted position sensor (70) which controls the positioning of the distributor arm (7) in conjunction with a control unit (9). According to the invention, the control unit (9) is formed with one of the servomotor (6) driven and rotatably arranged position actuator (90), wherein for positioning control of the distributor arm (7) on the circular path of the position actuator (90) is formed a reference switching point (91) that the position actuator (90) during a rotational movement with this reference switching point (91) comes into contact, whereby a circuit unit (93, 98) is activated for the generation of digital signals, that the control unit (9) comprises a measuring and evaluation unit (95) by which the signals emanating from the circuit unit (93, 98) are detected and evaluated so that predetermined switch-on times can be generated in that the servomotor (6) is controllable via at least one time switch element (94) in such a way that the distributor arm (7) is moved into a position in the incoming fresh water via the distributor arm (7) into a detergent chamber provided according to the program as a function of the predetermined switch-on times (81, 82, 83) or in the direct feed (80) to the tub (3) is introduced. With such a control concept, the distributor arm of the water distributor can be controlled substantially purely time-dependent and with exact position in the inflow position provided according to the program, without having to spend a great deal of effort on costly switching contacts.

Description

The invention relates to a water-conducting domestic appliance, wherein the invention relates in particular to a washing machine, which is equipped with a water diverter for controlling the water inlet into the tub and to a Waschmitteleinspülbehälter the machine, the washing machine has a control device for controlling a servomotor, the drive technology is connected to a hydraulic distribution arm, via which the incoming fresh water is initiated according to the program in one of the detergent chambers of the detergent container or in a direct feed to the tub and wherein the actuator also drives a rotatably mounted position actuator, which controls the positioning of the Verteilerarms in connection with a control unit.

Such water switches are used today in home appliances, especially in washing machines, when many different waterways are to be supplied. From the DE 197 25 745 C2 is a design and control concept for a water gate known, which has been used in practice for a long time. Although this known embodiment has proven itself in its serviceability and in the technical function quite well, but this must be operated a high and costly effort. The position of the distributor arm to be set in each case must be controlled via costly sliding contacts, since an asymmetrical and large printed circuit board with gold coating is necessary for this purpose. In addition, multi-finger grinders with gold-plated ends are required, which are guided at the same speed of the distributor finger over the printed circuit board part. The drive for this known position coding takes place via a simple synchronous motor, which always rotates in the same direction via a latching with a synchronous speed to the mains frequency. Depending on the angle of rotation, a grinder connects different sliding contact surfaces on the printed circuit board with the digital measuring voltage. The signal is fed to a digital input on the control board. The time between rising and falling edges at the digital input are evaluated. The positioning takes place via additional timers, via which the motor is switched. A major disadvantage of the known embodiment is thus in the effort and in the cost of the position coding.

The invention thus raises the problem of providing a new position control and position monitoring for the distributor arm of a water distributor, which can be realized more cost-effectively than the previously known from the prior art embodiment.

According to the invention, this problem is solved by a water-conducting domestic appliance, in particular in the form of a washing machine, which is formed with a water diverter according to the features of patent claim 1. Advantageous embodiments and further developments of the invention will become apparent from the following subclaims. Furthermore, a method for position control of the distributor of a water switch is specified in claim 5.

The advantages achievable with the invention are primarily to be seen in the fact that the printed circuit board for the control of the distributor arm can be reduced, that the use of golden sliding contact surfaces is not necessary and that as a side effect the cost of the electrical, wired line connections are reduced can.

In an embodiment of the invention, it is provided that the control unit is designed with a positioning actuator driven and rotatably mounted by the positioning motor, wherein a reference switching point is formed for the positioning control of the distributor arm on the circular path of the position actuator. Thereby, the position actuator during rotation with this reference switching point come into contact, whereby the control unit is set in a start position and at the same time a circuit unit for generating digital signals is activated. A measuring and evaluation unit arranged in the control unit can then detect the digital signals emanating from the circuit unit and evaluate such that pre-settable switch-on times can be generated for the program-controlled control of the servomotor. About a likewise incorporated in the control unit timing switch can then be moved depending on the predetermined switch-on the distribution arm of the water switch in a position provided by the program, can flow into the incoming fresh water via the distributor in one of the detergent chambers or in the direct feed to the tub.

Thus, with this basic control design concept, the distributor arm of the water distributor can be controlled substantially purely time-dependent and precisely positioned in the inflow position provided according to the program, without the hitherto numerous and costly gold contacts having to be used.

Depending on the rotation of the position actuator, the time switch element present in the control unit can be reset upon detection of the reference point. Since the speed and thus the travel in a synchronous motor with a clear direction of rotation in a tight tolerance is proportional to time, all positions can be approached by a control unit designed according to the invention with sufficient accuracy.

A particularly favorable design of the reference point can be achieved when an additional load is switched to the engine load. In an advantageous embodiment, a resistor and a diode is used to generate digitally usable signals as additional load, can be generated by the digital signals in the form of asymmetric Lasthalbwellen. This can be implemented on the control circuit board of the control unit with simple means such that between the reference switching point and the measuring and evaluation unit, the circuit unit for generating the digital signals is interposed in a simple manner. In the design of the reference point as an asymmetric additional load based on the half-waves of an alternating voltage, can be dispensed advantageously on a line in the wiring harness and an additional digital input.

In a particularly advantageous embodiment can be used as a circuit unit for generating digital signals, a flow meter that is already installed in many washing machines with a water gate in addition to determining the flow rates. As a result, a power supply with a digital voltage (about 5V DC) is present, so that can also be used in the field of position control on this low voltage and the supply is avoided with the high mains voltage. By this design simple contact means can be used and additionally account for additional lines in the wiring harness for the control unit.

In which a timing circuit is provided in the control arrangement, one or more time periods can be stored for position control of the servomotor. Thus, for example, a period of time for the total travel since the last crossing of the reference point and at least one further period of time can be set, which always controls the distributor arm to the next inlet position.

A method according to the invention for positionally accurate control of the distributor arm of a water distributor consists of using a position actuator which is connected to the control unit of the control unit of a control unit in a rotationally movable manner on the control circuit board of a control unit, wherein the position actuator moves on its circular path with a reference switching point during a rotational movement Contact is brought. Upon reaching the reference switching point, the control unit is set to a start position and at the same time a circuit unit for generating digital signals is activated. A measuring and evaluation unit records these digital signals and generates presettable turn-on times for the servomotor of the water separator. Depending on these switch-on times, the distributor arm can then be controlled into the position provided according to the program, in which the supply of fresh water into the detergent chambers of the detergent container or into a direct feed to the washing machine can take place.

• 1 in einer vereinfachten Prinzipskizze das Wasserzuflusssystem zum Waschmitteleinspülkasten mit einer Wasserweiche innerhalb einer Waschmaschine,
• 2, 3 u. 4 anhand von vereinfacht dargestellten Prinzipskizzen drei Ausführungsbeispiele für ein erfindungsgemäß ausgebildetes Steuerungssystem für den Verteilerarm der Wasserweiche.

An embodiment of the invention is shown purely schematically in the drawings and will be described in more detail below. It shows

• 1 in a simplified schematic diagram of the water supply system to Waschmitteleinspülkasten with a water diverter inside a washing machine,
• 2 . 3 u , 4 based on schematically illustrated schematic diagrams of three embodiments of an inventively designed control system for the distributor arm of the water distributor.

In the 1 is a schematic representation of a water supply system indicated by the dashed frame washing machine 1 outlined in this schematic diagram, only the essential components for explaining the invention are listed.

About the supply line 20 can get fresh water from the domestic water network in the washing machine 1 where it has a switchable inlet valve 2 and over the connection line 21 to a water switch 5 is directed. This water switch 5 is hydraulically in a known manner to the Waschmitteleinspülbehälter 8th coupled.

The water switch 5 includes a controllable servomotor 6 , the rotatably arranged distributor arm 7 can move so that the inlet water according to the program in the detergent chambers 81 . 82 u. 83 the Waschmitteleinspülbehälters 8th or in the direct feed 80 to the indicated tub 3 is initiated. In this respect, via the distributor arm 7 made the hydraulic inflow control of the fresh water to carry out the respective set wash program.

In the drawing is also the control device 4 of the washing machine 1 represented by, among other things, the supply of fresh water via the inlet valve 2 as well as the program-controlled control of the servomotor 6 is controlled. The servomotor 6 is driving technology with the hydraulic distributor arm 7 the water switch 5 connected via the inflow of fresh water during a wash program in the detergent chambers 81 . 82 u. 83 or in the direct feed 80 to the tub.

Furthermore, there is also a position sensor 70 drive technology with the servomotor 6 whose positioning signals from a control unit 9 evaluated and sent to the controller 4 of the washing machine 1 be directed. The position transmitter 70 will be in the 1 symbolically indicated by the arrow. With this basic concept known per se, a positionally accurate monitoring and control of the position of the Verteilerarms 7 during the adjustment movement by the servomotor 6 be made.

In the 2 . 3 u , 4 are three embodiments of a control unit designed according to the invention 9 represented by means of the positioning control and position detection for the distribution arm 7 a water switch 5 can be done. For the embodiments shown in the drawings is used as a servomotor 6 for the positionally accurate adjustment of the distributor arm 7 used a synchronous motor.

At the in 2 illustrated embodiment is the servomotor 6 in the usual way via a not-shown gear drive technology with the distributor 7 connected. Furthermore, the servomotor is 6 also via a gearbox with a position actuator 90 in terms of drive technology, the shadows indicated in the drawings being intended to indicate this gear. The position actuator 90 is rotatably mounted and is driven by the servomotor 6 moving on a circular path almost like a clock.

The position actuator 90 is part of an inventively designed control unit 9 , by which the position control and position monitoring control of the distributor arm 7 he follows. The position actuator 90 is in the in the 2 illustrated embodiment designed as a sliding contact finger, which rotatably mounted with a circular contact path arranged 92 interacts. In this form, the position actuator 90 together with other components of the control unit 9 be placed on a control board.

In the 2 shown control unit 9 further includes one with the position actuator 90 cooperating reference switching point 91 , a circuit unit 93 for the generation of digital signals, a measuring and evaluation unit 95 for detecting and evaluating the from the circuit unit 93 outgoing digital signals and a timer 94 for switching the servomotor on and off 6 , For completeness is in 2 still the connection to the power supply 96 for the control unit 9 and the servomotor 6 symbolized.

At the in 2 the embodiment shown is the circuit unit 93 next to the servomotor 6 formed as an additional load switching element, are generated by the digital signals in the form of asymmetrical half-waves. For this purpose, the circuit unit 93 a resistor ( R ) and a diode ( D ) on. The of this circuit unit 93 outgoing digital signals are from the measuring and evaluation unit 95 recorded and evaluated, whereby predeterminable time intervals can be generated, which are used to control the servomotor 6 can be used. About the timer 94 can thus the servomotor 6 the distributor arm 7 steer gradually and in dependence of defined periods of time in a program according to predetermined position. For this purpose, the now available synchronous motors are very well suited, can be adjusted by the positionally accurate travel paths for each driven actuating means. Thus, with a control arrangement in the manner described above, the positioning control and position detection for the distributor arm 7 the water switch 5 be carried out in the following way:

As a starting point, it is initially assumed that the position actuator 90 after the last wash cycle on its circular path in clockwise direction in one position before reaching the reference switching point 91 has stopped. This may, for example, correspond to a positional position at which the distributor arm 7 and thus also the position actuator 90 be in the position at which the rinsing of the fabric softener from the detergent chamber 83 is done.

Now, if a new washing process to complete a complete wash program is started and the servomotor 6 from the controller 4 receives its program start command the distributor arm 7 in the direction of the detergent chamber 81 moved for the prewash. At the same time the co-rotating position actuator 90 first at the reference switching point 91 approached.

The thereby triggered switching pulse first causes the counter of the timing element 94 is reset and a new control sequence with the program according to predetermined time intervals for the activation of the servomotor 6 for alignment of the distributor arm 7 can start.

First, now via the closed switch contact ( T ) of the timer 94 the servomotor 6 for the movement of the distributor arm 7 switched on and the conduction path via the load switching element 93 can be active. From the measuring device 95 the asymmetrical halfwaves are detected and evaluated until a predetermined and stored comparison value is reached. This reference value corresponds to a predetermined time interval, during which the distributor arm 7 exactly its nominal position in front of the detergent chamber 81 has reached. Then, by the timer 94 the servomotor 6 be switched off and on the now in the program appropriate position distribution arm 7 the flushing process can be carried out.

This control process can now be used for the new positioning of the distributor arm 7 for rinsing out the detergent chambers 82 u. 83 as well as the entry of fresh water via the direct feed 80 repeat step by step. This is the servomotor 6 for the further movement of the distributor arm 7 restarted, via the timer 94 in connection with the measuring device 95 becomes the time interval for the new positioning of the distributor arm 7 monitored and after the preset period of time is the servomotor 6 through the timer 94 switched back to inactive.

In the timer 94 can be used for position control of the servomotor 6 one or more periods are deposited. Thus, for example, a period of time for the total travel since the last crossing of the reference point and at least one further period of time can be set, the distributor arm 7 always to the next inlet position controls.

After completion of the washing process can then - as already described above - the position actuator 90 stay in the last position. With the start of a new wash cycle can thus when approaching the reference switching point 91 through the position actuator 90 the next control sequence for the proper and according to the program intended positioning of the distributor arm 7 be set in motion.

At the in 3 The embodiment shown in approximately the same circuit arrangement as in 2 used. In contrast, on the control board is only a switching contact 97 provided by the position actuator 90 is operated when driving over, thereby activating the generation of asymmetrical half-waves. Due to this embodiment, the in 2 used contact track omitted.

In the 4 a further embodiment of the invention is shown, in which a modified circuit unit 98 is used to generate digital signal patterns, in conjunction with the measuring and evaluation unit 95 the distributor arm 7 through the servomotor 6 adjusted to the exact position in the appropriate position for the passage of the incoming fresh water. In this case, an already present in many washing machines already existing flow meter is involved in the control over which the inflowing amount of water is detected by an impeller. The signals picked up by the impeller counter also become a measuring and evaluation unit 95 supplied with the via the timer 94 again the servomotor 6 can be controlled.

Furthermore, in this embodiment, in addition, a low-voltage source 99 for the DC voltage supply of the control branch with the circuit unit 98 and the measuring and evaluation unit 95 intended.

When the position actuator 90 at the beginning of a newly started wash program by the servomotor 6 to the reference switching point 91 is first reset, the digital measuring and evaluation unit 95 to zero, before then via the measuring and evaluation unit connected to the flow meter 95 the pre-programmable time intervals the positionally accurate control of the distributor arm 7 determine.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1. Washing machine Second inlet valve 20 supply line 21 Connecting line, inlet valve - water separator Third tub 4th Control device, washing machine 40 Signal line, f. Positioning distributor arm 41 Control line, servomotor 42 Control line, inlet valve 5th water points 6th servomotor 7th Distributor arm, hydraulic 70 locator 8th. Waschmitteleinspülbehälter 80 direct feed 81 detergent chamber 82 detergent chamber 83 detergent chamber 9th Control unit, for position and Position monitoring control 90 Position actuator 91 Reference switching point 92 contact track 93 Circuit unit, for the generation of digital signals 94 Timing element (T) 95 Measuring and evaluation unit, f. digital signals 96 power supply 97 Reference switching contact 98 Circuit unit, digital volume flow meter 99 Low voltage source

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 19725745 C2 [0002]

Claims (5)

Water-conducting domestic appliance, in particular washing machine with a water diverter (5) for controlling the water inlet into the tub (3) and to a Waschmitteleinspülbehälter (8) with a plurality of detergent chambers (81, 82, 83), wherein the washing machine is a control device (4) for the program Control of a servomotor (6), which is drivingly connected to a hydraulic distribution arm (7) via which the incoming fresh water according to the program in one of the detergent chambers (81, 82, 83) or in a direct feed (80) to the tub (3) initiated and wherein the servomotor (6) drives a rotatably mounted position sensor (70) which controls the positioning of the distributor arm (7) in conjunction with a control unit (9), characterized in that the control unit (9) is connected to one of the servomotor ( 6) driven and rotatably arranged position actuator (90) is formed, wherein for positioning control of the Verti ler arm (7) on the circular path of the position actuator (90) is formed a reference switching point (91) that the position actuator (90) during a rotational movement with this reference switching point (91) comes into contact, whereby a circuit unit (93, 98) for generating digital Signals is activated, that the control unit (9) comprises a measuring and evaluation unit (95), by which the from the circuit unit (93, 98) outgoing signals are detected and evaluated, so that predetermined switch-on can be generated by the servomotor (6) via at least one timing switch (94) is controllable such that in response to the predetermined switch-on the distributor arm (7) is moved to a position in the incoming fresh water via the distributor arm (7) in a program according to provided detergent chamber (81, 82, 83) or in the direct feed (80) to the tub (3) is introduced. Water-conducting household appliance after Claim 1 , characterized in that between the reference switching point (91) and the measuring and evaluation unit (95) a circuit unit (93) for generating digital signals is interposed, wherein the circuit unit (93) consists of a load formed by a resistor and a diode, be generated by the digital signals in the form of asymmetric Lasthalbwellen. Water-conducting household appliance after Claim 1 , characterized in that as a circuit unit (98) for generating digital signals, a volume flow meter is used, which is provided in the water supply system of the washing machine (1) for detecting the respective amount of fresh water passing through. Water-conducting household appliance after Claim 3 , characterized in that in addition to the power supply (96) for operating the servomotor (6) for the DC power supply of the control branch with the circuit unit (98) and the measuring and evaluation unit (95) additionally a low voltage source (99) is provided. Method for controlling the distributor arm of the water distributor of a water-conducting household appliance, in particular a washing machine, which is designed with one or more features of the preceding claims, characterized in that a driving technology with the servomotor (6) of the water separator (7) in connection and rotatably on the positioner (90) is brought into contact with a reference switching point (91) during a rotational movement on its circular path, that the position actuator (90) upon reaching the reference switching point (91 ) triggers a switching pulse, by which a timer (94) is reset to a start position, from which in dependence on by the control unit (9) generatable and presettable on-time of the distributor arm (7) of the water switch (5) by the servomotor (6) gradually in accordance with the program provided position is controllable, in which the supply of fresh water in the detergent chambers (81, 82, 83) of the detergent container (8) or in a direct feed (80) to the tub (3) of the washing machine (1) can take place.

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