EP0649933B1 - Waschmaschine mit gesteuertem Waschmittelverbrauch und Steuerungsverfahren - Google Patents

Waschmaschine mit gesteuertem Waschmittelverbrauch und Steuerungsverfahren Download PDF

Info

Publication number
EP0649933B1
EP0649933B1 EP94116745A EP94116745A EP0649933B1 EP 0649933 B1 EP0649933 B1 EP 0649933B1 EP 94116745 A EP94116745 A EP 94116745A EP 94116745 A EP94116745 A EP 94116745A EP 0649933 B1 EP0649933 B1 EP 0649933B1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
detergent
washing machine
type
clothes
washing
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.)
Expired - Lifetime
Application number
EP94116745A
Other languages
English (en)
French (fr)
Other versions
EP0649933A1 (de
Inventor
Valerio Aisa
Costantino Mariotti
Donato Reginelli
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 EMEA SpA
Original Assignee
Merloni Elettrodomestici SpA
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 Merloni Elettrodomestici SpA filed Critical Merloni Elettrodomestici SpA
Publication of EP0649933A1 publication Critical patent/EP0649933A1/de
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP0649933B1 publication Critical patent/EP0649933B1/de
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Expired - Lifetime legal-status Critical Current

Links

Images

Classifications

    • D—TEXTILES; PAPER
    • D06—TREATMENT OF TEXTILES OR THE LIKE; LAUNDERING; FLEXIBLE MATERIALS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • D06F—LAUNDERING, DRYING, IRONING, PRESSING OR FOLDING TEXTILE ARTICLES
    • 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
    • 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
    • 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
    • D06F2103/02—Characteristics of laundry or load
    • D06F2103/04—Quantity, e.g. weight or variation of weight
    • 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
    • D06F2103/16—Washing liquid temperature
    • 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
    • D06F2103/18—Washing liquid level
    • 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
    • D06F2103/22—Content of detergent 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
    • 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

  • the present invention refers to a washing machine, in particular a laundry washing machine of the domestic type.
  • Laundry washing machines having means for the automatic detergent dosage and also the problems being associated to such a function are known, which refer both to powder and liquid detergents.
  • the aim of the present invention is that of indicating how it is possible to realise a laundry washing machine that, in a simple and economic way, allows for the optimisation of the detergent consumption, so allowing to solve the problem of wastage and its negative consequences on the environment.
  • a washing machine is the subject of the present invention, in particular a laundry washing machine, having the characterising features of the annexed claim 1.
  • the laundry washing machine has suitable means for carrying out the three following functions:
  • the washing machine realised according to the present invention has adequate means for estimating the optimal quantity of detergent, being necessary in relation to the characteristics of the washing water and the load of clothes to be washed.
  • the value of the water hardness may be determined by measuring its initial resistivity (i.e. before the introduction of the detergent), by means of a suitable measuring device, for example of the type as that being illustrated in figures 1A and 1B, that actually show possible embodiments of such a device.
  • a suitable measuring device for example of the type as that being illustrated in figures 1A and 1B, that actually show possible embodiments of such a device.
  • FIG 2A represents in graphic form the result of an experimental survey which illustrates the relation existing between the washing water hardness and the resistivity, detected by means of the device of figures 1A and 1B, in presence of a 20°C temperature.
  • Said device for measuring the resistivity of the washing water inside of a laundry washing machine comprises two electrodes, being indicated in figure 1A and 1B with letters A and B.
  • the electrode A is realised through an electrically conductive element, being in direct contact with the washing water, that in the case of figure 1A is the same metallic structure of the machine (tank-basket group), while in the case of figure 1B it is represented as being insulated from the same metallic structure by means of a suitable rubber gasket.
  • the electrode B is realised by means of an electrically conductive element being in direct contact with the washing water and insulated with respect to the electrode A. Said insulation can be obtained as indicated in figure 1B (and, more schematically, also in figure 1A), i.e. inserting the electrode B, which has the form of a small metallic cylinder, in a suitable hydraulic circuit, as a connecting means between two rubber tubes conveying the washing water.
  • the rubber hydraulic circuit being represented in figure 1B is the so-called detergent-recovery circuit (see for example the Italian Patent No. 1.229.878, in the name of the present Applicant).
  • Such a flow of current supplies the charge transitory of the capacitor C and stops when such transitory ends, i.e. when to the terminals of the capacitor C a voltage being equal to the value of E is present.
  • the duration of the charge transitory depends upon the capacity value of the capacitor C and upon the value of the resisitivity of the means (the washing water) through which the charge current flows .
  • the measure of the duration of the charge time can be carried out by way of any commercially available microcontroller mP (with a 4 or 8 bit architecture) being able to measure the time with a good resolution (for example with the resolution of 1 mSec).
  • a digital input of the microcontroller mP being indicated with INP in figure 1A, is connected to the terminals of the capacitor C, while its digital output, indicated with OUT, is used for controlling a transistor Q, being used as a switch, the collector of which is in turn connected to the terminals of the capacitor C.
  • the measure of the charge time of the capacitor C is carried out through the following operations of the microcontroller mP:
  • the total quantity of water supplied in the laundry washing machine according to invention may be determined by the use of a suitable turbine flow meter (for example of the type based on the Hall effect or infrared rays) or, even more conveniently, by using the information concerning the renewal of the washing water level being managed by the electromechanical first level pressure switch, as will be clarified in the following of the present description.
  • a suitable turbine flow meter for example of the type based on the Hall effect or infrared rays
  • the type of the clothes loaded can on the other hand be derived by the study of its dynamics of water absorption.
  • the supplied water quantity and the quantity and/or the type of the clothes loaded are obtained in a simple and economic way, by monitoring the renewal interventions of washing water level, being managed by the electromechanical first level pressure switch, which is practically present on all commercially available laundry washing machines.
  • the first level pressure switch of a laundry washing machine typically has the task of maintaining the water level constant, during the first phase of any washing program, with the double aim of ensuring the heating of the same, in a safe condition (i.e. with the heater always being immersed in the water) and ensuring the presence of a minimum liquid quantity, being necessary for carrying out an effective wash.
  • Such maintenance function of the water level consists in loading other water (by means of the activation of the suitable electrovalve) until the restoration of said level is obtained (which depends upon the calibration characteristics of the pressure switch), at any time that the same falls below a certain quantity (being expressed in mm-H2O and known as differential or hysteresis of the pressure switch) due to the effect of the absorption of the washing liquid by the clothes present inside of the laundry washing machine.
  • figures 3A and 4A which refer respectively to towelling and cotton fabrics, describe the relation which exists between the quantity in weight (being expressed in kg) of fabric introduced in the laundry washing machine and the total time (being expressed in seconds) associated to the different water level renewal operations carried out by the first level pressure switch during the first phase of the washing cycle, until the absorption process of water by the clothes does not reach saturation.
  • the overall duration of the water level renewal phases i.e. the sum of the duration of the single water level renewal operations, (which is directly proportional to the quantity of water supplied, supposing the electrovalve flow rate as being constant) is linked to the weight of clothes to be washed by a simple linear relation.
  • the values being represented in figures 3A and 4A are average values, derived from a high number of experimental tests carried out with different fabric loads.
  • the quality of the information being associated to such average values is made evident by the low dispersion shown by figures 3B and 4B, which relate respectively to towelling and cotton and represent the normalised Gauss function of the sums of the times of the water level renewal operations being associated to the different cloth quantities placed under observation.
  • Figures 6 and 7 represent the result of two experimental surveys, which refer respectively to a washing load of 4 kg of towelling and cotton fabrics; such figures make evident the dynamics of the water level renewal operations over time and express in more intuitive way the quality of the information being associated to the operation of the electromechanical first level pressure switch; for example, it is possible to detect
  • figures 8, 9 and 10 represent the relation of the exponential type (which is typical for process being characterised by saturation) that describes the absorbed water quantity in the time by different quantities of fabric, with regards respectively to towelling, cotton and synthetics.
  • the water quantity is shown (being expressed in litres), supplied during the water level renewal phases of the pressure switch, and on the abscissas axis the sum of times (being expressed in seconds) is reported of the pauses elapsing between one water level renewal operation and another, i.e. the speed with which the clothes absorb the washing liquid.
  • the water supplied in occasion of the first water level renewal operation has the aim to restore up to the initial value (that referring to the instant wherein the first supply ends) the level of the washing liquid, therefore exactly compensating the quantity absorbed by the clothes in the time interval between the end of the first supply and the beginning of the first water level renewal operation itself (abscissas axis).
  • the pressure switch differential is a parameter initially encoded inside the microcontroller's permanent memory of the control unit of the laundry washing machine according to the invention; to such a parameter a part of the information describing the links which exist between the values derivable from the monitoring of the pressure switch is then correlated, this latter information also being encoded in the non volatile memory of the microcontroller.
  • the laundry washing machine according to invention is in itself able to obtain the effective value of the pressure switch differential: such a value is in fact directly proportional to the average duration of the water level renewal operations, which may be obtained by dividing the sum of the times being associated to the different renewal operations for their number.
  • the laundry washing machine is in the condition of measuring constantly, automatically and with precision the differential, or hysteresis, of the pressure switch: in the case of decalibration of the latter (and therefore in the case of discrepancies between the initially imposed hysteresis value and the effective values successively detected), the microcontroller can provide the updating, according to suitable criteria derived from the modern learning software techniques (learning algorithms), of the hysteresis value initially imposed as a project parameter.
  • the above described method for determining the quantity and/or the type of fabric is based on the observation of "natural" water level renewal operations of the pressure switch, i.e. those renewal operations of the level being caused directly by the closure of the empty contact of the pressure switch, which allows to excite the water supply electrovalve.
  • a possible variation of such a method, that brings about analogue results, consists in considering the case of the observation of "forced" renewal operations of the water level, by using the empty contact of the pressure switch solely for sending a criteria to the control system, rather than directly exciting the water supply electrovalve, which will be managed by the same control system by way of a suitable actuator (e.g. a relay).
  • a suitable actuator e.g. a relay
  • control system after having carried out the first water supply keeping the clothes steady, will begin to suitably rotate the basket of the laundry washing machine (for favouring the water absorption by the clothes) and will steadily maintain this situation for an established time T, the duration of which will be such as to allow the pressure switch to reset, i.e. its passage from the full to empty state.
  • control system will provide to excite the water supply electrovalve until the water level is restored, i.e. until the pressure switch has not passed from the full to empty state.
  • the quantity of water that the system must load to restore the initial level will represent the liquid quantity that the fabrics have absorbed during the pause T, i.e. it will give information about the kind of water absorption by the clothes, and therefore on the type of fabric.
  • Such a variation to the method according to invention has thus the advantage of being independent from the characteristics of the pressure switch, in particular from its differential.
  • Figure 13 in fact shows the different average value of the duration of the water level renewal operation associated to two different laundry washing machines (shown in the figure as machine A and machine B) being characterised by two pressure switches having a differential respectively of 23 mm-H2O (machine A) and 20 mm-H2O (machine B).
  • the type of soil and its entity are values which can hardly be measured in a direct way; it is however possible to estimate their value by means of indirect measures, the better known of which are those of the optical type, which are realised by measuring the turbidity of the washing liquid.
  • a alternative method to the optical one, according to a particularly advantageous embodiment of the laundry washing machine subject of the present invention, is based on measuring the water resistivity, that is easily carried out by means of the measuring device described with reference to figures 1A and 1B, and therefore without the necessity of any additional cost.
  • the detection of the entity of the soil, by means of the cited device, has a significant importance in anomalous conditions of soil, for example in the cases wherein the clothes to be washed are very dirty.
  • the information referring to the soil entity could be an input supplied by the user, for example by means of a suitable command device.
  • the knowledge base regarding the estimation of the optimal detergent quantity, is obtained with the aid of experts in the field of washing and by means of experimental surveys, and is encoded, inside the permanent memory of a microcontroller in the form of "rules" (IF...THEN rules) by means of the fuzzy logic techniques.
  • Such a knowledge base contains the criteria for determining the optimal quantity of detergent in function of the value of the quantity being obtained in the above described ways, i.e. in function of the water hardness, the quantity and the type of fabrics to be washed, the entity and the type of soil and finally the quantity of water supplied.
  • the laundry washing machine according to the invention has adequate means for also detecting the quantity of detergent introduced by the user before initiating the washing cycle: such detection means are in great part the same as those being used for the estimation of the optimal detergent quantity.
  • the following information is available to the control unit of the fuzzy logic type:
  • the hardness and the quantity of the water are measured with the above described means; in particular, the water hardness is derived from the measure of the resistivity, through the device of figures 1A and 1B, while the measuring of the water quantity is obtained by means of the information associated to the water level renewal operations carried out by the electromechanical first level pressure switch.
  • the value of the temperature of the washing water is determined by means of a suitable low-cost sensor, for example having a thermo-responsive element of the NTC type, i.e. realised by a mixture of oxides whose resistance changes in an inverse way with respect to the temperature, according to an exponential type law rule.
  • the value of the ionic concentration of the washing liquid after the introduction of the detergent is determined in the same way as the value of the water hardness is determined, as described above, i.e. through measuring the liquid resistivity after the introduction of the detergent.
  • FIG 2B the result of an experimental survey that illustrates the relation existing between the detergent concentration and the resistivity is represented in a graphic form, detected by means of the device of figures 1A and 1B, in presence of a temperature of 20°C and for a water hardness value of 30°F.
  • control system of the laundry washing machine provides, in opportune instants, to measure the resistivity of the washing liquid, by means of the device illustrated in figures 1A and 1B, and to carry out the comparisons eventually necessary of the detected values; such measurements can, for example, occur before that in the washing water the detergent is introduced (for the measure of the water hardness), after that the detergent has been introduced in the washing water (for measuring the ionic concentration of the washing liquid), at the end of the washing phase (for example for having further indications concerning the soil entity), at the end of the rinsing phase (for measuring its quality).
  • the knowledge base contains in this case the criteria for the estimation of the quantity of detergent introduced by the user, in relation to the values obtained in the above described ways, i.e. the value of the hardness, the temperature and the quantity of water and on the basis of the ionic concentration of the washing liquid.
  • the laundry washing machine according to invention has finally suitable interface means for supplying the user with an appropriate feedback concerning the correctness, or not, of the quantity of detergent that has been introduced.
  • control unit of the system has, through the cited sensor devices and its own memorised knowledge, information relating to the estimation of the optimal detergent quantity and to the detection of the quantity of detergent introduced by the user .
  • control unit is equipped with a non volatile memory of the EEPROM type (Electrically Erasable Programmable Memory) and can therefore acquire indications on the user's habits , having regards to the type of the average load of clothes, the quantity and the average type of soil and the prevalent way of using the detergent.
  • EEPROM Electrically Erasable Programmable Memory
  • Such indications are detected over time, wash after wash, through the sensor and detection means cited above, and stored in the aforementioned non volatile memory, which is updated time after time according to opportune criteria derived from modern learning software techniques (learning algorithms).
  • the control unit moreover has a further knowledge base (which is also obtained through the experience of technicians and by means of experimental surveys, and encoded in the permanent memory of the microcontroller of the control unit), containing the criteria for supplying the user, by means of the cited interface means, with a qualitative and/or quantitative judgement on the degree of correctness concerning the quantity of the detergent introduced, which is evaluated on the basis of the comparison between the optimal theoretic quantity and the estimation of that effectively introduced, and taking into account the information on the user's habits, stored over time by the control unit.
  • the interface means or, in other words, the way of informing the user about the correctness, or not, of the detergent dosage he has used can be of different types, depending on the adopted signalling means.
  • a suitable display could be used for showing the degree of distance (in defect or in excess) in respect of the optimal dose of the detergent, being provided in relation to the characteristics of the water and the clothes present in the laundry washing machine.
  • an acoustic signalling device such as one or more buzzers having different sounds or tones, or a vocal synthesiser with messages of the type "DETERGENT IN EXCESS” or “DETERGENT IN DEFECT” or "CORRECT QUANTITY OF DETERGENT”.
  • a display means of a simplified type could be used, based on the use of simple luminous lights or, as an alternative, an index-type electric instrument, for example of the moving-coil type, duly connected to the control system.
  • an excellent method for encoding in a compact form the great quantity of information that the control unit has to deal with is that supplied by the control technology based on the fuzzy logic, which is already widely used in the field of consumer products and, in particular, in the field of household appliances.
  • the knowledge bases of the method according to invention, being obtained as described above, are encoded, inside of the permanent memory of the microcontroller in the form of "rules" (IF...THEN rules) by means of the fuzzy logic techniques.
  • the implementation of the invention has a very low cost; in fact the pressure switch is practically already present on all washing machines (for security and normative reasons), the cost of the microcontroller (if it is not already provided on the laundry washing machine) is in the order of $1; in the same way, the cost of the components of the device for measuring the water resistivity, the temperature sensor and the signalling light is second place concerning the utility of the control system of the machine being the subject of the present invention.

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Textile Engineering (AREA)
  • Control Of Washing Machine And Dryer (AREA)

Claims (16)

  1. Waschmaschine, insbesondere Haushaltswaschmaschine für Wäsche, enthaltend ein Mittel zum Erfassen der Waschmittelkonzentration in der Waschflüssigkeit,
    dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß weiterhin ein Mittel zum Abschätzen der optimalen Waschmittelkonzentration und Mittel vorgesehen sind, die dem Benutzer das Ergebnis des Vergleiches zwischen der erfaßten Waschmittelkonzentration und der abgeschätzten, optimalen Waschmittelkonzentration anzeigen.
  2. Waschmaschine nach Anspruch 1,
    dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß das Mittel zum Erfassen der Waschmittelkonzentration in der Waschflüssigkeit und/oder das Mittel zum Abschätzen der optimalen Konzentration des Waschmittels enthält:
    Mittel zum Erfassen der Härte der Waschflüssigkeit und/oder
    Mittel zum Erfassen der Menge der zugeführten Waschmittelflüssigkeit undioder
    Mittel zum Erfassen der Temperatur der Waschflüssigkeit und/oder
    Mittel zum Erfassen der lonenkonzentration der Waschflüssigkeit nach dem Einbringen des Waschmittels und/oder
    Mittel zum Erfassen der Menge an zu waschenden Kleidungsstücken undioder
    Mittel zum Erfassen der Art des zu waschenden Textilgewebes und/oder
    Mittel zum Erfassen des Wesens und/oder der Art der Verschmutzung der zu waschenden Kleidungsstücke.
  3. Waschmaschine nach Anspruch 1,
    dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß die Mittel zum Anzeigen des Ergebnisses des Vergleiches zwischen der erfaßten Waschmittelkonzentration und der optimalen Waschmittelkonzentration an den Benutzer von der Art sind, daß sie es ermöglichen, den Grad des Unterschiedes zwischen der optimalen Waschmittelmenge und der erfaßten Menge anzuzeigen, wobei die Mittel zum Anzeigen insbesondere Lichtleuchten undioder eine LED- oder eine LCD- oder eine Fluoreszenz-Anzeige und/oder eine Anzeigeeinrichtung enthält, die einen bewegbaren Index aufweist.
  4. Waschmaschine nach Anspruch 2,
    dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß eine Einrichtung zum Messen des spezifischen Widerstandes der Waschflüssigkeit vorgesehen ist, die verwendet wird zum:
    Messen der Härte der Waschflüssigkeit und/oder
    Erfassen der lonenkonzentration der Waschflüssigkeit nach dem Einbringen des Waschmittels und/oder
    Messen des Wesens und/oder Art der Verschmutzung der Kleidungsstücke,
    wobei das Messen eines oder mehrerer dieser Parameter insbesondere über einen indirekten Weg durch das Messen des Widerstandes der Waschflüssigkeit erfolgt.
  5. Waschmaschine nach einem der vorstehende Ansprüche,
    dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß die Einrichtung zum Messen des spezifischen Widerstandes der Waschflüssigkeit zwei Elektroden (A, B), die in Kontakt mit der Waschflüssigkeit stehen und die in die Aufladeschaltung einer Kapazität (C) eingeschaltet sind, sowie Mittel (mP, Q) zum Messen der Aufladezeit (Tc) der Kapazität (C) aufweist, wobei die Messung des spezifischen Widerstandes über einen indirekten Weg durch das Messen der Aufladezeit (Tc) erfolgt.
  6. Waschmaschine nach Anspruch 2,
    dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß das Mittel zum Erfassen der Menge der zugeführten Flüssigkeit enthält:
    eine Turbinenströmungsmeßeinrichtung und/oder
    einen Druckschalter, vorzugsweise des elektromechanischen Typs, wobei die Erfassung der Waschflüssigkeitsmenge durch Überwachen der durch den Druckschalter ausgeführten Eingriffe zum Wiederherstellen des Waschflüssigkeitspegels mittels der Steuermittel (mP) erfolgt.
  7. Waschmaschine nach Anspruch 2,
    dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß das Mittel zum Erfassen der Menge der zu waschenden Kleidungsstücke Mittel zum Erfassen des Stromes, der durch den Motor der Maschine für den Bewegungsantrieb des die Kleidungsstücke enthaltenen Korbes aufnimmt, und/oder Mittel zum Messen der Energie enthält, die notwendig ist, um von einem ersten Trägheitszustand, welcher durch eine bestimmte Drehzahl des die Kleidungsstücke aufnehmenden Korbes bestimmt ist, zu einem zweiten Trägheitszustand zu gelangen, welcher durch eine andere Drehzahl des gleichen Korbes bestimmt ist.
  8. Waschmaschine nach Anspruch 2,
    dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß das Mittel zum Erfassen der Art der zu waschenden Kleidungsstücke einen Pegelsensor enthält, wobei die Erfassung der Art der zu waschenden Kleidungsstücke durch Überwachen der durch den Sensor gesteuerten Eingriffe zum Wiederherstellen des Waschflüssigkeitspegels mittels der Steuermittel (mP) erfolgt.
  9. Waschmittel nach einem der vorstehenden Ansprüche,
    dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß der Pegelsensor ein erster elektromechanischer Pegeldruckschalter ist und daß die Information betreffend der Art der Textilgewebe durch Messen der Unterbrechung erhalten wird, welche zwischen der ersten Zuführung der Waschflüssigkeit in die Wäschewaschmaschine und dem ersten durch den Druckschalter ausgeführten Wiederherstellen des Flüssigkeitspegels erfolgt.
  10. Waschmaschine nach Anspruch 2,
    dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß das Mittel zum Erfassen der Menge der zu waschenden Kleidungsstücke eine Pegelsensor enthält, wobei die Erfassung der Menge der zu waschenden Kleidungsstücke durch Überwachen der durch den Pegelsensor gesteuerten Eingriffe zum Wiederherstellen des Waschflüssigkeitspegels durch die Steuermittel (mP) erfolgt.
  11. Waschmaschine nach einem der vorstehenden Ansprüche,
    dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß der Pegelsensor ein erster elektromechanischer Pegeldruckschalter ist und daß die Informationen betreffend der Menge der Kleidungsstücke durch Messen der Gesamtzeit der verschiedenen Vorgänge der durch den Druckschalter in der ersten Phase des Waschvorganges ausgeführten Wiederherstellvorgängen für den Waschflüssigkeitspegel und auf der Basis der Art der Textilgewebe erhalten werden.
  12. Waschmaschine nach einem oder mehreren der vorstehenden Ansprüche,
    dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß ein Mikrocontroller (mP), der insbesondere die Zählung der Aufladezeit der Kapazität (C) und/oder das Überwachen der Wiederherstellvorgänge für den Waschflüssigkeitspegel des Druckschalters ausführt, sowie permanente Speichermittel (ROM) und/oder nicht flüchtige Speichermittel (EEPROM) vorgesehen sind, die mit dem Mikrocontroller (mP) verbunden sind, wobei die Speichermittel insbesondere in der Form von "Regeln" kodiert sind, deren Kriterien sind:
    Bestimmen der Menge des durch den Benutzer zugeführten Waschmittels als Funktion des Wertes der Menge der zugeführten Flüssigkeit und/oder deren Härte und/oder deren Temperatur und/oder deren lonenkonzentration und/oder
    Bestimmen der optimalen Menge des Waschmittels als Funktion des Wertes der Menge der zugeführten Flüssigkeit und/oder deren Härte und/oder der Menge und/oder der Art der zu waschenden Kleidungsstücke und/oder des Wesens/der Art der Verschmutzung, und/oder
    Zuführen von Informationen an den Benutzer hinsichtlich des Grades der Richtigkeit der Menge des zugeführten Waschmittels, welche auf Basis des Vergleiches zwischen der optimalen Menge und der tatsächlich zugeführten Menge evaluiert werden.
  13. Waschmaschine nach einem der vorstehenden Ansprüche,
    dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß der Mikrocontroller und das nicht flüchtige Speichermittel (EEPROM) in der Lage sind, Informationen aufgrund des Verhaltens des Benutzers, insbesondere hinsichtlich der durchschnittlichen Wäscheladung, der durchschnittlichen Menge und Art der Verschmutzung und der Art der Verwendung des Waschmittels zu erfassen.
  14. Waschmaschine nach einem der vorstehenden Ansprüche,
    dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß die Informationen über die Zeit von Waschvorgang auf Waschvorgang aufeinanderfolgend durch die Mittel zum Erfassen der Härte der Waschflüssigkeit und/oder der zugeführten Flüssigkeitsmenge und/oder Flüssigkeitstemperatur und/oder der lonenkonzentration der Waschflüssigkeit nach dem Zuführen des Waschmittels erfaßt und in einem geeigneten, nicht flüchtigen Speicher (EEPROM) gespeichert werden, welcher von Zeit zu Zeit, insbesondere entsprechend Kriterien, die aus den Lernsoftwaretechniken (Lernalgorithmus) abgeleitet sind, aktualisiert wird.
  15. Verfahren zum Steuern des Waschmittelverbrauchs in einer Waschmaschine, insbesondere in einer Haushaltswaschmaschine für Wäsche, gekennzeichnet durch die folgenden Schritte:
    Abschätzen der optimalen Waschmittelmenge, die zum Ausführen eines effektiven Waschens erforderlich ist, in bezug auf die Eigenschaften des Waschwassers, der Menge und/oder der Art der zu waschenden Kleidungsstücke und/oder des Wesens der Verschmutzung,
    Erfassen der Waschmittelmenge, die durch den Benutzer zu Beginn eines Waschzyklusses tatsächlich zugeführt worden ist,
    Vergleichen der optimalen Waschmittelmenge mit der tatsächlich zugeführten Waschmittelmenge,
    Anzeigen des Ergebnisses des Vergleiches zwischen der erfaßten Waschmittelkonzentration und der optimalen Waschmittelkonzentration an den Benutzer, insbesondere um den Benutzer progressiv Waschvorgang auf Waschvorgang in einer korrekteren Verwendung des Waschmittels zu unterweisen.
  16. Verfahren nach einem der vorstehenden Ansprüche,
    dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß das Abschätzen der optimalen Menge des Waschmittels als Funktion der Härte der Waschflüssigkeit und/oder der Menge der zugeführten Flüssigkeit und/oder der Menge der zu waschenden Kleidungsstücke und/oder des Wesens und/oder der Art der Verschmutzung der zu waschenden Kleidungsstücke ausgeführt wird und daß das Erfassen der Menge des zugeführten Waschmittels als Funktion der Härte der Waschflüssigkeit und/oder Menge der zugeführten Flüssigkeit und/oder der lonenkonzentration der Waschflüssigkeit nach Zuführen des Waschmittels ausgeführt wird.
EP94116745A 1993-10-26 1994-10-24 Waschmaschine mit gesteuertem Waschmittelverbrauch und Steuerungsverfahren Expired - Lifetime EP0649933B1 (de)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
ITTO930796 1993-10-26
ITTO930796A IT1261006B (it) 1993-10-26 1993-10-26 Macchina di lavaggio a consumo di detersivo controllato, e relativo metodo di controllo.

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP0649933A1 EP0649933A1 (de) 1995-04-26
EP0649933B1 true EP0649933B1 (de) 1999-03-17

Family

ID=11411826

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP94116745A Expired - Lifetime EP0649933B1 (de) 1993-10-26 1994-10-24 Waschmaschine mit gesteuertem Waschmittelverbrauch und Steuerungsverfahren

Country Status (4)

Country Link
EP (1) EP0649933B1 (de)
DE (1) DE69417146T2 (de)
ES (1) ES2130329T3 (de)
IT (1) IT1261006B (de)

Cited By (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US7114209B2 (en) 2001-12-12 2006-10-03 The Procter & Gamble Company Method for cleaning a soiled article
DE102007041069A1 (de) 2007-08-30 2009-03-05 BSH Bosch und Siemens Hausgeräte GmbH Verfahren zur Erkennung von Weichspüler in einer Waschmaschine sowie hierzu geeignete programmgesteuerte Waschmaschine
CN103339310A (zh) * 2011-01-25 2013-10-02 大宇电子株式会社 用于警告液体清洁剂的剩余量的方法
US9481957B2 (en) 2009-03-16 2016-11-01 BSH Hausgeräte GmbH Method for optimizing a rinsing phase in a washing machine and washing machine suitable therefor

Families Citing this family (13)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
IT1304664B1 (it) * 1998-09-30 2001-03-28 Merloni Elettrodomestici Spa Sistema per la programmazione di un apparato elettrodomestico acontrollo elettronico.
DE10145601A1 (de) * 2001-04-27 2002-10-31 Aweco Appliance Sys Gmbh & Co Haushaltsmaschine
DE102007036800A1 (de) * 2007-05-29 2008-12-04 Herbert Kannegiesser Gmbh Verfahren zur Nassbehandlung von Wäschestücken
DE102007046555A1 (de) 2007-09-28 2009-04-02 BSH Bosch und Siemens Hausgeräte GmbH Verfahren und eine Einrichtung zum Verwerten von Informationen über ein Behandlungsmittel in einer Wäschebehandlungsmaschine
WO2009066941A2 (en) * 2007-11-20 2009-05-28 Lg Electronics Inc. Method and apparatus for treating laundry
US8266748B2 (en) 2008-07-01 2012-09-18 Whirlpool Corporation Apparatus and method for controlling bulk dispensing of wash aid by sensing wash aid concentration
US8397328B2 (en) 2008-07-01 2013-03-19 Whirlpool Corporation Apparatus and method for controlling concentration of wash aid in wash liquid
US8388695B2 (en) 2008-07-01 2013-03-05 Whirlpool Corporation Apparatus and method for controlling laundering cycle by sensing wash aid concentration
US9243987B2 (en) 2013-05-01 2016-01-26 Whirlpool Corporation Method of determining fabric type of a laundry load in a laundry treating appliance
CN109183357A (zh) * 2018-10-23 2019-01-11 珠海格力电器股份有限公司 一种清洗方法及洗衣机
CN111434838A (zh) * 2019-01-11 2020-07-21 青岛海尔洗衣机有限公司 一种洗衣机的控制方法及洗衣机
CN112176638B (zh) * 2019-06-14 2023-09-12 青岛海尔洗衣机有限公司 一种洗衣机的控制方法
CN113930940B (zh) * 2020-06-29 2024-01-12 青岛海尔洗衣机有限公司 洗涤剂投放控制方法、装置、设备及存储介质

Family Cites Families (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3645669A (en) * 1969-02-28 1972-02-29 Gerhard Rausch Method and arrangement for testing the liquid in washing machines
US3796925A (en) * 1972-08-17 1974-03-12 Hearn R Ac solenoid control circuit
DE3002786C2 (de) * 1980-01-26 1982-08-26 Miele & Cie GmbH & Co, 4830 Gütersloh Verfahren und Anordnung zur Programmsteuerung einer Waschmaschine
AU567432B2 (en) * 1982-05-10 1987-11-19 Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd. Washing machine
DE4122307A1 (de) * 1991-07-05 1993-01-14 Licentia Gmbh Verfahren zur ermittlung von programmsteuerungs-parametern fuer haushalt-waschmaschinen

Cited By (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US7114209B2 (en) 2001-12-12 2006-10-03 The Procter & Gamble Company Method for cleaning a soiled article
DE102007041069A1 (de) 2007-08-30 2009-03-05 BSH Bosch und Siemens Hausgeräte GmbH Verfahren zur Erkennung von Weichspüler in einer Waschmaschine sowie hierzu geeignete programmgesteuerte Waschmaschine
DE102007041069B4 (de) * 2007-08-30 2017-01-12 BSH Hausgeräte GmbH Verfahren zur Erkennung von Weichspüler in einer Waschmaschine sowie hierzu geeignete programmgesteuerte Waschmaschine
US9481957B2 (en) 2009-03-16 2016-11-01 BSH Hausgeräte GmbH Method for optimizing a rinsing phase in a washing machine and washing machine suitable therefor
CN103339310A (zh) * 2011-01-25 2013-10-02 大宇电子株式会社 用于警告液体清洁剂的剩余量的方法
CN103339310B (zh) * 2011-01-25 2016-05-18 大宇电子株式会社 用于警告液体清洁剂的剩余量的方法

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
DE69417146T2 (de) 1999-08-12
EP0649933A1 (de) 1995-04-26
ITTO930796A0 (it) 1993-10-26
IT1261006B (it) 1996-04-29
ES2130329T3 (es) 1999-07-01
ITTO930796A1 (it) 1995-04-26
DE69417146D1 (de) 1999-04-22

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
EP0649933B1 (de) Waschmaschine mit gesteuertem Waschmittelverbrauch und Steuerungsverfahren
US5768729A (en) Adaptive fill control for an automatic washer
US3645669A (en) Method and arrangement for testing the liquid in washing machines
KR100218764B1 (ko) 세탁기의 세탁수위 및 세탁수류 혹은 세탁시간 결정 방법
KR100924445B1 (ko) 세탁기의 프로그램 제어 방법 및 그 방법을 사용하는 세탁기
US9534338B2 (en) Washing machine
US5897672A (en) Clothes fabric type blend detection method and apparatus
EP0787848B1 (de) Verfahren zum Bestimmen der Wäschemenge und/oder der Wäscheart in einer Waschmaschine
CA1270916A (en) Progress indicator for a washing machine
KR970701516A (ko) 세척 기기의 작동 사이클을 조정하기 위한 시스템 및 방법(A System and Method for Adjusting the Operating Cycle of a Cleaning Appliance)
KR860003378A (ko) 완전 자동조작 세탁기
ITTO960948A1 (it) Sistema di controllo dei consumi di un elettrodomestico.
CN109072531B (zh) 控制洗衣机的方法及洗衣机
US9632047B2 (en) Method and device for the detection of properties of fluid media
EP0464776A1 (de) Apparat zum Messen der Wassermenge in einer Waschmaschine
EA023253B1 (ru) Бытовой прибор с контейнером для обрабатывающей жидкости и устройством для измерения уровня заполнения ею контейнера, а также способ измерения уровня заполнения контейнера
JP2753387B2 (ja) 洗濯機の洗濯液検知センサー
EP1441056A1 (de) Waschmaschine
EP0649932A1 (de) Verfahren und Vorrichtung zum Erfassen der Wäschemenge und/oder der Wäscheart in einer Waschmachine
ITTO950360A1 (it) Disposizione per la rigenerazione delle resine di addolcimento della acqua in una macchina di lavaggio
EP0666358A1 (de) Waschmaschine mit Waschmittelverbrauchssteuerung und Steuerungsverfahren
KR920701558A (ko) 세탁기
EP0633342A1 (de) Verfahren und Vorrichtung zum automatischen Optimieren der Waschmittelmenge in einer Waschmaschine, einem Waschtrockner, einer Geschirrspülmaschine oder Dergleichen durch Messung der Wasserhärte
EP0741990A2 (de) Salzkonzentrationsanzeigevorrichtung zur Harzregeneration in einer Waschmaschine
EP2458058A1 (de) Waschmaschine

Legal Events

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

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009012

AK Designated contracting states

Kind code of ref document: A1

Designated state(s): DE ES FR GB

17P Request for examination filed

Effective date: 19951019

17Q First examination report despatched

Effective date: 19961122

GRAG Despatch of communication of intention to grant

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOS AGRA

GRAG Despatch of communication of intention to grant

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOS AGRA

GRAH Despatch of communication of intention to grant a patent

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOS IGRA

GRAH Despatch of communication of intention to grant a patent

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOS IGRA

GRAA (expected) grant

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009210

RAP1 Party data changed (applicant data changed or rights of an application transferred)

Owner name: MERLONI ELETTRODOMESTICI S.P.A.

AK Designated contracting states

Kind code of ref document: B1

Designated state(s): DE ES FR GB

REF Corresponds to:

Ref document number: 69417146

Country of ref document: DE

Date of ref document: 19990422

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: ES

Ref legal event code: FG2A

Ref document number: 2130329

Country of ref document: ES

Kind code of ref document: T3

ET Fr: translation filed
PLBE No opposition filed within time limit

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009261

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

Free format text: STATUS: NO OPPOSITION FILED WITHIN TIME LIMIT

26N No opposition filed
REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: GB

Ref legal event code: IF02

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: FR

Ref legal event code: CD

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: ES

Payment date: 20071018

Year of fee payment: 14

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: ES

Ref legal event code: PC2A

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: ES

Ref legal event code: FD2A

Effective date: 20081025

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: ES

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20081025

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: DE

Payment date: 20101130

Year of fee payment: 17

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: GB

Payment date: 20101025

Year of fee payment: 17

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: FR

Payment date: 20120326

Year of fee payment: 18

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: DE

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20120501

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: DE

Ref legal event code: R119

Ref document number: 69417146

Country of ref document: DE

Effective date: 20120501

GBPC Gb: european patent ceased through non-payment of renewal fee

Effective date: 20121024

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: FR

Ref legal event code: ST

Effective date: 20130628

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: GB

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20121024

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: FR

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20121031