EP0633342A1 - Procédé et dispositif pour optimiser automatiquement la quantité de détergent dans une machine à laver, une machine à laver et à sècher, un lave vaisselle ou similaire en mesurant la dureté de l'eau - Google Patents

Procédé et dispositif pour optimiser automatiquement la quantité de détergent dans une machine à laver, une machine à laver et à sècher, un lave vaisselle ou similaire en mesurant la dureté de l'eau Download PDF

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Publication number
EP0633342A1
EP0633342A1 EP93110763A EP93110763A EP0633342A1 EP 0633342 A1 EP0633342 A1 EP 0633342A1 EP 93110763 A EP93110763 A EP 93110763A EP 93110763 A EP93110763 A EP 93110763A EP 0633342 A1 EP0633342 A1 EP 0633342A1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
detergent
conductivity
machine
tub
environment
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Granted
Application number
EP93110763A
Other languages
German (de)
English (en)
Other versions
EP0633342B1 (fr
Inventor
Daniele C/O Whirlpool Italia S.R.L. Turetta
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Whirlpool Europe BV
Original Assignee
Whirlpool Europe BV
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Whirlpool Europe BV filed Critical Whirlpool Europe BV
Priority to EP93110763A priority Critical patent/EP0633342B1/fr
Priority to DE69323073T priority patent/DE69323073T2/de
Publication of EP0633342A1 publication Critical patent/EP0633342A1/fr
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP0633342B1 publication Critical patent/EP0633342B1/fr
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Expired - Lifetime legal-status Critical Current

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Classifications

    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47L—DOMESTIC WASHING OR CLEANING; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47L15/00—Washing or rinsing machines for crockery or tableware
    • A47L15/0018—Controlling processes, i.e. processes to control the operation of the machine characterised by the purpose or target of the control
    • A47L15/0055—Metering or indication of used products, e.g. type or quantity of detergent, rinse aid or salt; for measuring or controlling the product concentration
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47L—DOMESTIC WASHING OR CLEANING; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47L15/00—Washing or rinsing machines for crockery or tableware
    • A47L15/42—Details
    • A47L15/44—Devices for adding cleaning agents; Devices for dispensing cleaning agents, rinsing aids or deodorants
    • A47L15/449—Metering controlling devices
    • 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
    • D06F33/00—Control of operations performed in washing machines or washer-dryers 
    • D06F33/50—Control of washer-dryers characterised by the purpose or target of the control
    • D06F33/52—Control of the operational steps, e.g. optimisation or improvement of operational steps depending on the condition of the laundry
    • D06F33/57—Control of the operational steps, e.g. optimisation or improvement of operational steps depending on the condition of the laundry of metering of detergents or additives
    • 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
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47L—DOMESTIC WASHING OR CLEANING; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47L2401/00—Automatic detection in controlling methods of washing or rinsing machines for crockery or tableware, e.g. information provided by sensors entered into controlling devices
    • A47L2401/11—Water hardness, acidity or basicity
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47L—DOMESTIC WASHING OR CLEANING; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47L2401/00—Automatic detection in controlling methods of washing or rinsing machines for crockery or tableware, e.g. information provided by sensors entered into controlling devices
    • A47L2401/30—Variation of electrical, magnetical or optical quantities
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47L—DOMESTIC WASHING OR CLEANING; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47L2501/00—Output in controlling method of washing or rinsing machines for crockery or tableware, i.e. quantities or components controlled, or actions performed by the controlling device executing the controlling method
    • A47L2501/07—Consumable products, e.g. detergent, rinse aids or salt
    • 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
    • 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
    • D06F2105/00—Systems or parameters controlled or affected by the control systems of washing machines, washer-dryers or laundry dryers
    • D06F2105/02—Water supply
    • 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
    • D06F2105/00—Systems or parameters controlled or affected by the control systems of washing machines, washer-dryers or laundry dryers
    • D06F2105/42—Detergent or additive supply
    • 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
    • D06F2105/00—Systems or parameters controlled or affected by the control systems of washing machines, washer-dryers or laundry dryers
    • D06F2105/58—Indications or alarms to the control system or to the user

Definitions

  • This invention relates to a method for automatically optimizing the use of detergent in a washing machine, washing-drying machine, dishwasher or the like, by measuring the hardness of the wash water.
  • the invention also relates to a device for implementing the said method.
  • Hardness is known to be a intrinsic characteristic of water and is due mainly to the presence of magnesium and calcium salts. In general, using a given detergent in said machine, the harder the water (ie its richness in said salts) the lesser the washing efficiency of the detergent.
  • An object of the invention is to provide a method for automatically optimizing the use of detergent on the basis of the particular hardness of the wash water.
  • a further object is to provide a method of the said type which is simple to perform and achieves a considerable reduction in the use of detergent by feeding the correct detergent quantity without wastage.
  • a further object is to provide a method which achieves a substantial cost saving for the machine user.
  • a further object is to provide a device for implementing the aforesaid method which is of simple construction, low cost and reliable with time.
  • the device of the invention comprises a conductivity sensor 1 positioned in a pipe 2 through which water enters the tub for example of a washing machine (not shown).
  • the sensor is associated with a unit 3 for evaluating the conductivity measured by the sensor 1.
  • the evaluation unit 3 cooperates with a memory 4 containing conductivity reference values.
  • the senor 1 is a conductivity cell and measures the conductivity or impedance between two flat plates 10, 11 arranged parallel to each other and spaced apart within a support 12 positioned along the water path to the washing machine tub (represented by the arrow F in Figure 1).
  • This support comprises for example an annular body 13 provided with lateral lugs 14 for its fixing to any known fixed part of the washing machine.
  • the body 13 comprises an annular seal 15 and by means of arms 16 supports said plates 10, 11.
  • the body 13 is positioned between two portions 2A and 2B of the pipe 2 and is traversed by the water entering the machine.
  • the plates 10, 11 are connected to an electrical discriminator circuit 20 for the conductivity data obtained by the sensor 1.
  • This discriminator circuit (shown in Figure 2) comprises a circuit block 21 operating as an alternating oscillator and hence generating a sinusoidal signal preferably of frequency between 900 Hz and 1200 Hz to prevent the water undergoing electrolysis on passing between the plates 10 and 11.
  • the block 21 is connected to a circuit block 23 acting as a high impedance differential amplifier. Before reaching the block 23, the output signal from the block 21 is fed to the plates 10 and 11 arranged in "bridge" configuration together with two resistors 24 and 25.
  • the output from the amplifier 23 is fed to a rectifier 26 and then to an integrator 27 so that at the output of the circuit 20 there is a direct current signal which is fed to a control and operating unit 28 which acts on an actuator 29 for moving a metering member 30 for the detergent to be fed to the washing machine tub.
  • the circuit 20 and the unit 28 form the said evaluation unit 3.
  • the actuator 29 is for example an electric stepping motor acting on an arm 32 connected to a movable flap 33 (hinged at 33A to a fixed part of the machine) which closes an aperture 34 in a detergent container 35 connected to a vessel 36 to which water flows from a pipe 37 and from which the detergent can pass into the washing machine tub via a pipe 38.
  • the arm 32 and flap 33 define said metering member 30.
  • the sensor 1 positioned in the feed pipe 2 measures the conductivity of the water by means of a signal generated within the circuit 20 by the "bridge" defined by the plates 10 and 11 and the resistors 24 and 25.
  • the signal emitted by the plates 10 and 11 varies, as consequently does that emitted by said bridge.
  • the circuit 20 hence generates a continuous signal as heretofore described,, and this is fed to the unit 28.
  • This latter is for example a microprocessor circuit or a logic gate comparison circuit. It compares the signal received from the circuit 20 with predetermined values present in the memory 4 corresponding to particular quantities of detergent to be fed to the tub.
  • the unit 28 activates the actuator (or stepping motor) 29 which moves the flap 33 so that it uncovers the aperture 34 to cause a predetermined quantity of detergent to be delivered.
  • Sensor means (such as an encoder on the usual output shaft of the motor 29) are provided to determine the movement of the arm 32 and of the flap 33. These sensors are shown generically and are indicated by 50, they being connected to the unit 3. On the basis of the signals originating from the sensors 50, the evaluation unit 3 is able to indirectly know the quantity of detergent which has passed from the vessel 35 to the vessel 36.
  • the actuator 29 can be a positive displacement pump which acts directly on the detergent contained in the vessel 35.
  • control and operating unit 28 therefore enables detergent to be fed from the container 35 to the vessel 36 in a quantity proportional to the measured water conductivity (or hardness). The harder the water the greater the detergent quantity fed to the vessel 36, from which it is fed to the washing machine tub in known manner.
EP93110763A 1993-07-06 1993-07-06 Procédé et dispositif pour optimiser automatiquement la quantité de détergent dans une machine à laver, une machine à laver et à sècher, un lave vaisselle ou similaire en mesurant la dureté de l'eau Expired - Lifetime EP0633342B1 (fr)

Priority Applications (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
EP93110763A EP0633342B1 (fr) 1993-07-06 1993-07-06 Procédé et dispositif pour optimiser automatiquement la quantité de détergent dans une machine à laver, une machine à laver et à sècher, un lave vaisselle ou similaire en mesurant la dureté de l'eau
DE69323073T DE69323073T2 (de) 1993-07-06 1993-07-06 Verfahren und Vorrichtung zum automatischen Optimieren der Waschmittelmenge in einer Waschmaschine, einem Waschtrockner, einer Geschirrspülmaschine oder Dergleichen durch Messung der Wasserhärte

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
EP93110763A EP0633342B1 (fr) 1993-07-06 1993-07-06 Procédé et dispositif pour optimiser automatiquement la quantité de détergent dans une machine à laver, une machine à laver et à sècher, un lave vaisselle ou similaire en mesurant la dureté de l'eau

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP0633342A1 true EP0633342A1 (fr) 1995-01-11
EP0633342B1 EP0633342B1 (fr) 1999-01-13

Family

ID=8213048

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP93110763A Expired - Lifetime EP0633342B1 (fr) 1993-07-06 1993-07-06 Procédé et dispositif pour optimiser automatiquement la quantité de détergent dans une machine à laver, une machine à laver et à sècher, un lave vaisselle ou similaire en mesurant la dureté de l'eau

Country Status (2)

Country Link
EP (1) EP0633342B1 (fr)
DE (1) DE69323073T2 (fr)

Cited By (10)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP1565608A1 (fr) * 2002-11-28 2005-08-24 LG Electronics, Inc. Machine a laver, capteur de conductivite prevu dans la machine a laver et procede de commande de cette derniere
EP1639175A1 (fr) * 2003-05-28 2006-03-29 LG Electronics, Inc. Procede de commande d'une machine a laver
EP1932960A2 (fr) 2006-12-14 2008-06-18 E.G.O. ELEKTRO-GERÄTEBAU GmbH Procédé de commande d'un lave-linge
EP2057929A1 (fr) * 2007-11-07 2009-05-13 Electrolux Home Products Corporation N.V. Lave-vaisselle avec mesure de conductivité
US7651663B2 (en) * 2006-06-23 2010-01-26 General Electric Company Appliance using a water hardness sensor system and method of operating the same
US7971301B2 (en) 2003-05-28 2011-07-05 Lg Electronics Inc. Washing machine and the control method of the same
US8056374B2 (en) 2007-10-12 2011-11-15 General Electric Company Multiple compartments wash additives auto-dispenser in washer or dryer pedestal
US8056747B2 (en) 2007-10-12 2011-11-15 General Electric Company Removable tank for laundry bulk dispenser system
US8424345B2 (en) 2002-11-28 2013-04-23 Lg Electronics Inc. Washing machine, conductivity sensor in washing machine, and controlling method of the same
WO2019081910A1 (fr) * 2017-10-23 2019-05-02 Selden Research Ltd Système de distribution de produit chimique

Families Citing this family (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB0129668D0 (en) 2001-12-12 2002-01-30 Procter & Gamble Method for cleaning a soiled article
US6958693B2 (en) 2002-05-24 2005-10-25 Procter & Gamble Company Sensor device and methods for using same
US7709265B2 (en) 2005-03-24 2010-05-04 Johnsondiversey, Inc. Method and system for measuring water hardness

Citations (7)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3223108A (en) * 1962-08-21 1965-12-14 Whirlpool Co Control for laundry apparatus
DE1517562A1 (de) 1966-12-29 1970-02-05 Philips Patentverwaltung Vorrichtung zum selbsttaetigen,kontinuierlichen Enthaerten von Wasser
US3645669A (en) * 1969-02-28 1972-02-29 Gerhard Rausch Method and arrangement for testing the liquid in washing machines
DE2419387A1 (de) 1973-05-10 1974-11-21 Honeywell Inc Wasserenthaertungsanlage
DD232518A1 (de) * 1984-12-06 1986-01-29 Schwarzenberg Waschgeraete Einrichtung fuer die zugabe von wasch- und waschhilfsmittel in waschmaschinen
DE2917859C2 (fr) 1979-05-03 1990-11-15 Licentia Patent-Verwaltungs-Gmbh, 6000 Frankfurt, De
EP0506137A1 (fr) * 1991-03-29 1992-09-30 Hitachi, Ltd. Machine à laver

Patent Citations (7)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3223108A (en) * 1962-08-21 1965-12-14 Whirlpool Co Control for laundry apparatus
DE1517562A1 (de) 1966-12-29 1970-02-05 Philips Patentverwaltung Vorrichtung zum selbsttaetigen,kontinuierlichen Enthaerten von Wasser
US3645669A (en) * 1969-02-28 1972-02-29 Gerhard Rausch Method and arrangement for testing the liquid in washing machines
DE2419387A1 (de) 1973-05-10 1974-11-21 Honeywell Inc Wasserenthaertungsanlage
DE2917859C2 (fr) 1979-05-03 1990-11-15 Licentia Patent-Verwaltungs-Gmbh, 6000 Frankfurt, De
DD232518A1 (de) * 1984-12-06 1986-01-29 Schwarzenberg Waschgeraete Einrichtung fuer die zugabe von wasch- und waschhilfsmittel in waschmaschinen
EP0506137A1 (fr) * 1991-03-29 1992-09-30 Hitachi, Ltd. Machine à laver

Cited By (17)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP1565608A1 (fr) * 2002-11-28 2005-08-24 LG Electronics, Inc. Machine a laver, capteur de conductivite prevu dans la machine a laver et procede de commande de cette derniere
US8424345B2 (en) 2002-11-28 2013-04-23 Lg Electronics Inc. Washing machine, conductivity sensor in washing machine, and controlling method of the same
EP1565608A4 (fr) * 2002-11-28 2007-02-21 Lg Electronics Inc Machine a laver, capteur de conductivite prevu dans la machine a laver et procede de commande de cette derniere
US7971301B2 (en) 2003-05-28 2011-07-05 Lg Electronics Inc. Washing machine and the control method of the same
US8015645B2 (en) 2003-05-28 2011-09-13 Lg Electronics Inc. Washing machine and a method of controlling the same based on measured hardness of water
EP1639175A1 (fr) * 2003-05-28 2006-03-29 LG Electronics, Inc. Procede de commande d'une machine a laver
EP1639175A4 (fr) * 2003-05-28 2010-04-07 Lg Electronics Inc Procede de commande d'une machine a laver
US7651663B2 (en) * 2006-06-23 2010-01-26 General Electric Company Appliance using a water hardness sensor system and method of operating the same
EP1932960A2 (fr) 2006-12-14 2008-06-18 E.G.O. ELEKTRO-GERÄTEBAU GmbH Procédé de commande d'un lave-linge
US8056374B2 (en) 2007-10-12 2011-11-15 General Electric Company Multiple compartments wash additives auto-dispenser in washer or dryer pedestal
US8056747B2 (en) 2007-10-12 2011-11-15 General Electric Company Removable tank for laundry bulk dispenser system
EP2057929A1 (fr) * 2007-11-07 2009-05-13 Electrolux Home Products Corporation N.V. Lave-vaisselle avec mesure de conductivité
WO2009059676A1 (fr) * 2007-11-07 2009-05-14 Electrolux Home Products Corporation N.V. Lave-vaisselle avec mesure de conductivité
US8578951B2 (en) 2007-11-07 2013-11-12 Electrolux Home Products Corporation, N.V. Dishwasher with conductivity measurement
WO2019081910A1 (fr) * 2017-10-23 2019-05-02 Selden Research Ltd Système de distribution de produit chimique
US11291347B2 (en) 2017-10-23 2022-04-05 Selden Research Limited Chemical dosing system
EP4275574A3 (fr) * 2017-10-23 2024-01-10 Selden Research Ltd Système de distribution de produit chimique

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
DE69323073D1 (de) 1999-02-25
DE69323073T2 (de) 1999-08-05
EP0633342B1 (fr) 1999-01-13

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