EP1245714A2 - Method to compensate for a response error of a filling level pressure sensor in a washing machine - Google Patents

Method to compensate for a response error of a filling level pressure sensor in a washing machine Download PDF

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Publication number
EP1245714A2
EP1245714A2 EP02006880A EP02006880A EP1245714A2 EP 1245714 A2 EP1245714 A2 EP 1245714A2 EP 02006880 A EP02006880 A EP 02006880A EP 02006880 A EP02006880 A EP 02006880A EP 1245714 A2 EP1245714 A2 EP 1245714A2
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EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
washing machine
water
filling
time
calibration
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EP02006880A
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German (de)
French (fr)
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EP1245714A3 (en
EP1245714B1 (en
Inventor
Helmut Simon
Wolfgang Halder
Duncan Hutton
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Diehl AKO Stiftung and Co KG
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Diehl AKO Stiftung and Co KG
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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
    • D06F39/00—Details of washing machines not specific to a single type of machines covered by groups D06F9/00 - D06F27/00 
    • D06F39/08—Liquid supply or discharge arrangements
    • D06F39/087—Water level measuring or regulating 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 
    • D06F33/30—Control of washing machines characterised by the purpose or target of the control 
    • D06F33/32—Control of operational steps, e.g. optimisation or improvement of operational steps depending on the condition of the laundry
    • D06F33/34—Control of operational steps, e.g. optimisation or improvement of operational steps depending on the condition of the laundry of water filling
    • 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

Definitions

  • the invention relates to a method for compensating the response error of a level pressure cell in a washing machine and can be seen against the background that it for a desired optimal classification of a washing machine in the context of It is necessary for consumer tests to strictly adhere to the maximum amount of water absorbed; because the said classification is determined in addition to the washing effect of energy and water consumption.
  • analogue pressure that respond to different filling levels, do without and with the installation be satisfied with a pressure can that responds only to a certain level, depending on the level the structural conditions with regard to the geometry of the tub only corresponds to a single, very specific amount of fill water. This is usually the Minimum amount of water required for operation for safety reasons. For bigger ones Filling levels corresponding to larger amounts of water then speak this pressure can more. Fill levels other than that response value must then be controlled be that the inlet valve to the washing machine still after reaching the fixed level remains open for a corresponding time.
  • an automatic washing machine that can be selected differently for the control Washing programs containing a microprocessor is known from DE 36 32 056 A1.
  • the microprocessor controls one electrically operable device in that it is the gradually increasing temperature the washing liquid over predetermined periods of time at predetermined values if possible keeps constant.
  • the microprocessor also controls the continuous or intermittent Circulation of the washing liquid over predetermined periods of time and can also monitoring of level sensors and control of valves as well as pumping, rinsing, spinning and drying processes.
  • the invention is based on the object of specifying a simple method with which detects the response error of a simple fixed level pressure cell and the Washing machine control for error compensation for optimal water volume control can be made accessible.
  • the washing machine control system itself then corrects the time Filling amount made so that if the response threshold of the Fixed levels increase the intake time and if the response threshold is too high, the intake time is appropriately shortened within the normal filling time available.
  • the filling time can be increased if the flow rate is too low and if the flow rate is too high large flow rate, the filling time can be reduced accordingly.
  • the respective correction factor for the filling process depending on the determined values With the help of a microcontroller the washing machine control is calculated once the error values are recorded and stored in the memory of the washing machine control system were. This is preferably done at the time of the function test that is taking place anyway the washing machine after its completion and before packaging, d. H before delivery. Usually this function test includes a water filling quantity measurement anyway, and there's a way to capture the timing, too which switches the pressure cell after reaching the specified fixed level. Therefore the correction information can also be done as follows without any significant additional effort be won :
  • the washing machine is partially filled using a specific valve.
  • the time T1 and the amount of water flowing in during this time T1 V1 recorded.
  • the washing machine is filled - if necessary, alternatively or simultaneously via a second valve - until the pressure cell responds because the Hard levels.
  • the total time T2 and the total amount of water flowed in V2 recorded.
  • the calibration of an unused new washing machine is fundamentally complicated by the fact that the overall system of the washing machine including of all hoses, the pump housing etc. is not originally filled with water. After the first pumping, a certain, largely constant amount of water remains in the system, i.e. for example in the hoses. This constant amount of water must not be recorded during the calibration process. Therefore after the Manufacturing process of the washing machine carried out a water inlet at least as long until these error volumes are reliably filled. Then takes place during pumping the water out of the washing machine for a sufficiently long period of time. Then the approximately constant amount of water remains in the washing machine, in the subsequent calibration procedure as described above is not noticeable, i.e. does not affect the calibration.
  • the calculated values can also be saved without additional effort, if communication of the test facility with the microcontroller during the functional test the washing machine control is provided and if this is a command includes the storage of the error values or other values related to these in Stand relationship enables.
  • the error detection process is based on the flow rate deviation limited and is the response level of the pressure cell, for example, by the Known methods described above, the error value can also by self-calibration can be determined during an active wash cycle by the Fill time until the fixed level is reached and the known response threshold the pressure can is divided by the filling time recorded. The calculated, the flow rate the corresponding quotient is then compared with a target value.
  • the error of the response threshold of the pressure cell can be caused by a Self-calibration can be recorded when the flow rate per unit of time of the minimum a valve for filling the washing machine is known. This is during of an actively executed washing cycle the time until the fixed level is reached recorded and multiplied by the known flow rate per unit of time. The calculated the product corresponding to the response threshold is then compared with the target value.
  • the washing machine has several valves, these can - as already mentioned has been calibrated by individual measurements. However, is the flow rate known per unit time of a valve, so it is also during an active washing process possible to self-calibrate the error value of other valves in the washing machine perform.
  • the washing machine is used with the control initially filled through the known valve until the fixed level responds and determines and saves the time required for this.
  • the washing machine uses "draining" of the next filling step a different valve for filling - as far as permitted by the washing program becomes. The corresponding time is recorded again. By comparing these Time of this other valve with the filling time of the known valve it is then possible to determine the respective error.

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Textile Engineering (AREA)
  • Control Of Washing Machine And Dryer (AREA)
  • Detail Structures Of Washing Machines And Dryers (AREA)
  • Control Of Fluid Pressure (AREA)
  • Fuel Cell (AREA)
  • Filling Of Jars Or Cans And Processes For Cleaning And Sealing Jars (AREA)
  • Cleaning Or Drying Semiconductors (AREA)

Abstract

Method for compensating response errors of a pressure element used with a program controlled washing machine where filling is based on determined filling times. Accordingly the washing machine is filled with a first volume determined using the pressure element, and a corresponding measured volume determined. A difference value between the actual filling volume and the design volume is determined and stored for use as a calibration value, which is then used to modify time controlled filling processes.

Description

Die Erfindung betrifft ein Verfahren zum Ausgleichen des Ansprechfehlers einer Füllstands-Druckdose in einer Waschmaschine und ist vor dem Hintergrund zu sehen, daß es für eine angestrebte optimale Einstufung einer Waschmaschine im Rahmen von Verbrauchertests notwendig ist, die maximal aufgenommene Wassermenge genau einzuhalten; denn die besagte Einstufung wird neben der Waschwirkung entscheidend bestimmt vom Energie- und Wasserverbrauch.The invention relates to a method for compensating the response error of a level pressure cell in a washing machine and can be seen against the background that it for a desired optimal classification of a washing machine in the context of It is necessary for consumer tests to strictly adhere to the maximum amount of water absorbed; because the said classification is determined in addition to the washing effect of energy and water consumption.

Um einen Arbeitsgang der Waschmaschine stets mit optimierter Füllmenge des Laugenbehälters starten zu können, ist es aus der DE 39 09 021 A1 bekannt, das vom aktuellen Füllzustand hinsichtlich Wäschemenge und Wäscheart abhängige Saugverhalten des Waschgutes dadurch zu berücksichtigen, daß die mit Waschgut gefüllte Maschine mit Frischwasser beschickt wird, bis ein Niveauschalter anspricht und den Arbeitsvorgang starten läßt. Die gemessene Füllzeit wird mit Bewertungsfaktoren versehen abgespeichert, um sie als Steuerungsvorgabe für später folgende Bearbeitungsgänge mit derselben Waschgutfüllung zur Verfügung zu haben. Eine Kontrolle hinsichtlich Wasserverbrauchsvorgaben ist damit allerdings nicht erreichbar, weil nicht der tatsächliche Wasserverbrauch erfaßt wird, sondern der Wasserbedarf in Hinblick auf eine bestimmte Wäschefüllung.To ensure that the washing machine always has an optimized filling volume for the washing machine To be able to start, it is known from DE 39 09 021 A1, that of the current Filling condition with regard to the amount and type of laundry dependent suction behavior of the items to be taken into account in that the machine filled with items to be washed fresh water is charged until a level switch responds and the work process can start. The measured filling time is saved with evaluation factors, to use it as a control specification for subsequent machining operations with the same Have laundry items available. A control with regard to water consumption requirements cannot be reached with it because it is not the actual one Water consumption is recorded, but the water requirement with regard to a specific one Laundry load.

Die DE 199 33 807 A1 bezieht sich darauf, daß aufgrund der geometrischen Gegebenheiten beim Laugenbehälter das Füllvolumen nicht linear abhängig ist vom Füllniveau. Wenn also mittels einer sogenannten analogen Druckdose aufeinanderfolgend linear sich ändernde Meßniveaus erfaßt werden, entsprechen die keiner linearen Volumenänderung. Um dennoch mittels des Füllniveaus eine Aussage über das Füllvolumen, also über die in der Waschmaschine enthaltene Wassermenge machen zu können, ist dort vorgeschlagen, eine Tabelle zu hinterlegen, in der zu jedem der aufeinanderfolgend über die Druckdose abfragbaren Niveaus die in der Waschmaschine gerade enthaltene Wassermenge eingetragen wird. Dazu wird in einem Kalibriergang die in die Maschine einlaufende Wassermenge gemessen und jeweils bei einem Ansprechniveau der Druckdose das gerade erreichte Gesamtvolumen aus der Volumenmeßeinrichtung abgefragt und in Zuordnung zu diesem Ansprechniveau abgespeichert.DE 199 33 807 A1 refers to the fact that due to the geometric conditions in the tub, the filling volume is not linearly dependent on the filling level. So if in succession linearly using a so-called analog pressure cell changing measuring levels are detected, they do not correspond to a linear volume change. In order nevertheless to make a statement about the filling volume by means of the filling level to be able to make about the amount of water contained in the washing machine is there proposed to deposit a table in which each of the successive over the pressure can level, the amount of water currently contained in the washing machine is entered. For this purpose, the one entering the machine is calibrated Amount of water measured and each at a response level of the pressure cell the total volume just reached is queried from the volume measuring device and in Allocation to this response level saved.

Zur Kostenreduktion muß man künftig allerdings auf solche sog. analogen Druckdosen, die auf unterschiedliche Füllniveaus ansprechen, verzichten und sich mit dem Einbau einer Druckdose begnügen, die auf nur ein bestimmtes Füllniveau anspricht, das je nach den konstruktiven Gegebenheiten hinsichtlich der Geometrie des Laugenbehälters nur einer einzigen ganz bestimmten Füll-Wassermenge entspricht. Diese ist gewöhnlich die für den Betrieb aus Sicherheitsgründen erforderliche Mindestwassermenge. Auf größere Füllniveaus entsprechend größeren Wassermengen spricht diese Druckdose dann nicht mehr an. Andere Füllhöhen als jener Ansprechwert müssen dann dadurch gesteuert werden, daß nach Erreichen des Festniveaus das Einlaufventil zur Waschmaschine noch für eine entsprechende Zeit geöffnet bleibt.To reduce costs, however, in future it will be necessary to use so-called analogue pressure that respond to different filling levels, do without and with the installation be satisfied with a pressure can that responds only to a certain level, depending on the level the structural conditions with regard to the geometry of the tub only corresponds to a single, very specific amount of fill water. This is usually the Minimum amount of water required for operation for safety reasons. For bigger ones Filling levels corresponding to larger amounts of water then speak this pressure can more. Fill levels other than that response value must then be controlled be that the inlet valve to the washing machine still after reaching the fixed level remains open for a corresponding time.

Wenn man dabei noch die Nachlaufmenge berücksichtigen will, die nach dem auf ein Magnetventil ausgegebenen Abschaltbefehl noch unvermeidlich folgt, kann man gemäß DE 42 22 240 A1 durch wiederholtes Ein- und Abschalten des Magnetventils bis zum Ansammeln einer bestimmten Durchlaufmenge unter Berücksichtigung der Anzahl der Schaltvorgänge die Nachlaufmenge pro Schaltvorgang ermitteln.If you still want to take into account the wake quantity that after the on The shutdown command issued by the solenoid valve still follows unavoidably, according to DE 42 22 240 A1 by repeatedly switching the solenoid valve on and off until Accumulation of a certain throughput taking into account the number of Shift operations determine the overrun quantity per shift operation.

Hinsichtlich etwaiger Schwankungen des Druckes in der Wasserleitung kann generell davon ausgegangen werden, daß die Durchflußmenge beim Füllvorgang davon unabhängig ist, weil gängige Einlaufventile einfache Mechanismen zur druckunabhängigen Regulierung der Durchflußmenge aufweisen. Bei einem solchen Füllvorgang sind aber zwei relevante fehlerbehaftete Größen kaum vermeidbar:

  • 1. Das Festniveau der jeweiligen Druckdose weist eine konstante Fertigungs-Streuung auf, die größenordnungsmäßig 10 % betragen kann, und
  • 2. die Wasserdurchflußmenge pro Zeiteinheit des jeweiligen Ventiles weist eine konstante Fertigungsstreuung auf, die größenordnungsmäßig 20 % betragen kann.
    • With regard to any fluctuations in the pressure in the water line, it can generally be assumed that the flow rate during the filling process is independent of this, because current inlet valves have simple mechanisms for regulating the flow rate independently of pressure. With such a filling process, two relevant error-prone variables can hardly be avoided:
  • 1. The fixed level of the respective pressure cell has a constant manufacturing spread, which can be of the order of 10%, and
  • 2. The water flow rate per unit time of the respective valve has a constant production spread, which can be of the order of 20%.

    • Aus diesen großen Fertigungs-Streuungen resultiert, daß die gesamte, für einen Waschvorgang benötigte Wassermenge so stark streuen kann, daß das Erreichen der für eine gute Einstufung bei Verbrauchstests geforderten Kriterien nur schwer oder überhaupt nicht möglich ist.From these large manufacturing spreads, the whole results for one washing operation can scatter the required amount of water so strongly that reaching for a good classification in criteria required for consumption tests is difficult or even impossible not possible.

    Eine genaue Angabe der Verbrauchswerte einer Waschmaschine gegenüber dem Endverbraucher ist erst seit wenigen Jahren gebräuchlich, d.h. die beschriebene Problematik war früher nicht von wesentlicher Relevanz. Eine bekannte Lösung dieser aktuellen Probleme ist beispielsweise die oben beschriebene Verwendung kalibrierter Analog-Druckdosen, die aber künftig aus Kostengründen ausscheidet. Bei einer anderen Lösung werden die genannten Festniveau-Druckdosen fertigungsseitig einzeln kalibriert und beispielsweise jeweils mit einem Barcode versehen, der den jeweiligen Kalibrationswert enthält. Im Zuge des Einsatzes einer solchen Festniveau-Druckdose bei der Herstellung der Waschmaschine erfolgt dann ein Abgleich mit der Waschmaschinensteuerung, indem der durch den Barcode angegebene Korrekturwert in einen nicht-flüchtigen Speicher der Waschmaschinensteuerung übergeben wird.An exact statement of the consumption values of a washing machine towards the end user has only been in use for a few years, i.e. the problem described was not essential in the past. A known solution to this current Problems are, for example, the use of calibrated analog pressure sockets described above, but which will be eliminated in future for cost reasons. Another one Solution, the fixed-level pressure cells mentioned are individually calibrated on the production side and, for example, each provided with a barcode that shows the respective calibration value contains. In the course of using such a fixed-level pressure cell at Manufacture of the washing machine is then compared with the washing machine control, by converting the correction value indicated by the barcode into a non-volatile memory is passed to the washing machine control system.

    Eine automatische Waschmaschine, die für die Steuerung unterschiedlich auswählbarer Waschprogramme einen Mikroprozessor enthält, ist aus der DE 36 32 056 A1 bekannt. Zumindest in einem dieser Programme steuert der Mikroprozessor eine elektrisch betreibbare Vorrichtung dahingehend, daß sie die stufenweise ansteigende Temperatur der Waschflüssigkeit über vorgegebene Zeitspannen auf vorbestimmten Werten möglichst konstant hält. Der Mikroprozessor steuert ferner das kontinuierliche oder intermittierende Umwälzen der Waschflüssigkeit über vorbestimmte Zeitspannen und kann darüber hinaus auch der Überwachung von Füllstandssensoren und Steuerung von Ventilen sowie von Pump-, Spül-, Schleuder- und Trockenvorgängen dienen.An automatic washing machine that can be selected differently for the control Washing programs containing a microprocessor is known from DE 36 32 056 A1. In at least one of these programs, the microprocessor controls one electrically operable device in that it is the gradually increasing temperature the washing liquid over predetermined periods of time at predetermined values if possible keeps constant. The microprocessor also controls the continuous or intermittent Circulation of the washing liquid over predetermined periods of time and can also monitoring of level sensors and control of valves as well as pumping, rinsing, spinning and drying processes.

    Der Erfindung liegt aber die Aufgabe zugrunde, ein einfaches Verfahren anzugeben, mit welchem der Ansprechfehler einer einfachen Festniveau-Druckdose erfaßt und der Waschmaschinensteuerung zum Fehlerausgleich für die optimale Wassermengensteuerung zugänglich gemacht werden kann.However, the invention is based on the object of specifying a simple method with which detects the response error of a simple fixed level pressure cell and the Washing machine control for error compensation for optimal water volume control can be made accessible.

    Diese Aufgabe wird erfindungsgemäß durch die Merkmale des Anspruches 1 gelöst. Weiterbildungen des erfindungsgemäßen Verfahrens sind in den Unteransprüchen gekennzeichnet. This object is achieved by the features of claim 1. Further developments of the method according to the invention are characterized in the subclaims.

    Danach wird bei einer speicherprogrammiert zeitgesteuerten Waschmaschine, deren Steuerung auf ein vorgegebenes Füllstands-Festniveau ansprechen soll, das einer einbaubedingt bestimmten Füll-Wassermenge entspricht, zum Ausgleichen des Ansprechfehlers der Druckdose grundsätzlich wie folgt vorgegangen:

    • Abpumpen des Wassers aus der Waschmaschine, die zuvor schon einmal mit Wasser beschickt worden war,
    • Messen der in die Waschmaschine durch ein bestimmtes Füll-Ventil einlaufenden Füll-Wassermenge (V1) und der Füll-Zeitspanne (T1) bis zum Ansprechen der Druckdose,
    • Erfassen des Differenzwertes zwischen einerseits der einbaubedingt erwarteten Füll-Wassermenge und andererseits der tatsächlich gemessenen, in die Waschmaschine eingelaufenen Füll-Wassermenge (V1),
    • Abspeichern des Differenzwertes der Wassermengen als Kalibrierwert für die zeitgesteuerte Wassermenge,
    • Abspeichern des Quotienten (V1/T1) aus gemessener Wassermenge (V1) und gemessener Zeitspanne (T1) als Kalibrierwert für eine Zufluß-Mengeneinheit (F1) und
    • Bereitstellen dieser Kalibrierwerte zur Modifikation aktueller Steuerungsvorgaben für den Betrieb der Waschmaschine mit zeitgesteuerten Füllvorgängen.
    Thereafter, in a memory-programmed, time-controlled washing machine, the control of which is to respond to a predetermined level of fixed level, which corresponds to a certain amount of fill water required for installation, to compensate for the response error of the pressure cell as follows:
    • Pumping the water out of the washing machine, which had previously been charged with water,
    • Measuring the amount of fill water (V1) entering the washing machine through a specific fill valve and the fill time (T1) until the pressure cell responds,
    • Detection of the difference between the filling water quantity expected due to the installation and the actually measured filling water quantity (V1) that entered the washing machine,
    • Storing the difference value of the water quantities as a calibration value for the time-controlled water quantity,
    • Storage of the quotient (V1 / T1) from the measured amount of water (V1) and the measured time period (T1) as a calibration value for an inflow quantity unit (F1) and
    • Provision of these calibration values for the modification of current control specifications for the operation of the washing machine with time-controlled filling processes.

    Es wird danach mittels der Waschmaschinensteuerung selbst eine Korrektur der zeitlichen Füllmenge dahingehend vorgenommen, daß bei zu geringer Ansprechschwelle des Festniveaus die Einlaßzeit verlängert und bei zu hoher Ansprechschwelle die Einlaßzeit im Rahmen der zur Verfügung stehenden normalen Füllzeit passend verkürzt wird. In analoger Weise kann bei zu geringer Durchflußmenge die Füllzeit erhöht und bei zu großer Durchflußmenge die Füllzeit entsprechend reduziert werden. Der jeweilige Korrekturfaktor zum Füllvorgang wird in Abhängigkeit von den ermittelten Werten mit Hilfe eines Mikrokontrollers der Waschmaschinensteuerung berechnet, nachdem einmal die Fehlerwerte erfaßt und im Speicher der Waschmaschinensteuerung abgespeichert wurden. Vorzugsweise geschieht dies zum Zeitpunkt des ohnehin stattfindenden Funktionstests der Waschmaschine nach deren Fertigstellung und vor der Verpackung, d. h vor ihrer Auslieferung. Gewöhnlich beinhaltet dieser Funktionstest ohnehin eine Wasser-Füllmengenmessung, und es besteht eine Möglichkeit, den Zeitpunkt zu erfassen, zu welchem die Druckdose nach Erreichen des angegebenen Festniveaus schaltet. Deshalb können die Korrekturinformationen ohne wesentlichen Mehraufwand auch etwa folgendermaßen gewonnen werden :The washing machine control system itself then corrects the time Filling amount made so that if the response threshold of the Fixed levels increase the intake time and if the response threshold is too high, the intake time is appropriately shortened within the normal filling time available. In analogously, the filling time can be increased if the flow rate is too low and if the flow rate is too high large flow rate, the filling time can be reduced accordingly. The respective correction factor for the filling process depending on the determined values With the help of a microcontroller the washing machine control is calculated once the error values are recorded and stored in the memory of the washing machine control system were. This is preferably done at the time of the function test that is taking place anyway the washing machine after its completion and before packaging, d. H before delivery. Usually this function test includes a water filling quantity measurement anyway, and there's a way to capture the timing, too which switches the pressure cell after reaching the specified fixed level. Therefore the correction information can also be done as follows without any significant additional effort be won :

    Zunächst erfolgt ein teilweises Befüllen der Waschmaschine über ein bestimmtes Ventil. Dabei wird die Zeit T1 und die während dieser Zeit T1 eingeflossene Wassermenge V1 erfaßt. Die Durchflußmenge pro Zeiteinheit beträgt dann F1 = V1/T1. Anschließend erfolgt ein Befüllen der Waschmaschine - gegebenenfalls alternativ oder gleichzeitig über ein zweites Ventil - bis zum Ansprechen der Druckdose wegen Erreichens des Festniveaus. Dabei wird die Gesamtzeit T2 und die gesamte eingeflossene Wassermenge V2 erfaßt. Die Ansprechschwelle S der Druckdose entspricht dieser gesamten eingeflossenen Wassermenge V2, S = V2. Die Durchflußmenge pro Zeiteinheit durch das zweite Ventil ergibt sich zu F2 = (V2- (F1xT2))/(T2-T1).First, the washing machine is partially filled using a specific valve. The time T1 and the amount of water flowing in during this time T1 V1 recorded. The flow rate per unit of time is then F1 = V1 / T1. Subsequently the washing machine is filled - if necessary, alternatively or simultaneously via a second valve - until the pressure cell responds because the Hard levels. The total time T2 and the total amount of water flowed in V2 recorded. The response threshold S of the pressure cell corresponds to this total flow Amount of water V2, S = V2. The flow rate per unit of time through the second valve results in F2 = (V2- (F1xT2)) / (T2-T1).

    Die Kalibrierung einer ungebrauchten neuen Waschmaschine wird allerdings grundsätzlich dadurch erschwert, daß das Gesamtsystem der Waschmaschine einschließlich aller Schläuche, des Pumpengehäuses usw. ursprünglich nicht mit Wasser gefüllt ist. Nach dem ersten Abpumpen verbleibt dann eine bestimmte, weitgehend konstante Wassermenge im System, d.h. beispielsweise in den Schläuchen. Diese konstante Wassermenge darf beim Kalibrierungsprozeß nicht erfaßt werden. Deshalb wird nach dem Herstellungsprozeß der Waschmaschine ein Wassereinlaß mindestens so lange durchgeführt, bis diese Fehler-Volumina zuverlässig gefüllt sind. Anschließend erfolgt während einer ausreichend langen Zeitspanne ein Abpumpen des Wassers aus der Waschmaschine. Dann verbleibt in der Waschmaschine die besagte annähernd konstante Wassermenge, die bei dem nachfolgenden Kalibrationsverfahren, wie es oben beschrieben worden ist, sich nicht störend bemerkbar macht, d.h. die Kalibrierung nicht beeinflußt.However, the calibration of an unused new washing machine is fundamentally complicated by the fact that the overall system of the washing machine including of all hoses, the pump housing etc. is not originally filled with water. After the first pumping, a certain, largely constant amount of water remains in the system, i.e. for example in the hoses. This constant amount of water must not be recorded during the calibration process. Therefore after the Manufacturing process of the washing machine carried out a water inlet at least as long until these error volumes are reliably filled. Then takes place during pumping the water out of the washing machine for a sufficiently long period of time. Then the approximately constant amount of water remains in the washing machine, in the subsequent calibration procedure as described above is not noticeable, i.e. does not affect the calibration.

    Auch das Abspeichern der berechneten Werte kann ohne Mehraufwand erfolgen, wenn während des Funktionstests eine Kommunikation der Prüfeinrichtung mit dem Mikrokontroller der Waschmaschinensteuerung vorgesehen ist und wenn diese einen Befehl beinhaltet, der die Abspeicherung der Fehlerwerte oder anderer Werte, die zu diesen in Beziehung stehen, ermöglicht.The calculated values can also be saved without additional effort, if communication of the test facility with the microcontroller during the functional test the washing machine control is provided and if this is a command includes the storage of the error values or other values related to these in Stand relationship enables.

    Wird beim Kalibrieren der Fehlererfassungsprozeß auf die Durchflußmengenabweichung beschränkt und ist das Ansprechniveau der Druckdose beispielsweise durch das oben beschriebene Verfahren bekannt, so kann der Fehlerwert auch durch eine Selbstkalibrierung während eines aktiv ausgeführten Waschgangs ermittelt werden, indem die Füllzeit bis zum Erreichen des Festniveaus erfaßt und die bekannte Ansprechschwelle der Druckdose durch die erfaßte Füllzeit dividiert wird. Der errechnete, der Durchflußmenge entsprechende Quotient wird dann mit einem Sollwert verglichen.When calibrating, the error detection process is based on the flow rate deviation limited and is the response level of the pressure cell, for example, by the Known methods described above, the error value can also by self-calibration can be determined during an active wash cycle by the Fill time until the fixed level is reached and the known response threshold the pressure can is divided by the filling time recorded. The calculated, the flow rate the corresponding quotient is then compared with a target value.

    Auf ähnliche Weise kann der Fehler der Ansprechschwelle der Druckdose durch eine Selbstkalibrierung erfaßt werden, wenn die Durchflußmenge pro Zeiteinheit des mindestens einen Ventiles zum Befüllen der Waschmaschine bekannt ist. Hierbei wird während eines aktiv ausgeführten Waschgangs die Zeit bis zum Erreichen des Festniveaus erfaßt und mit der bekannten Durchflußmenge pro Zeiteinheit multipliziert. Das errechnete, der Ansprechschwelle entsprechende Produkt wird dann mit dem Sollwert verglichen. Similarly, the error of the response threshold of the pressure cell can be caused by a Self-calibration can be recorded when the flow rate per unit of time of the minimum a valve for filling the washing machine is known. This is during of an actively executed washing cycle the time until the fixed level is reached recorded and multiplied by the known flow rate per unit of time. The calculated the product corresponding to the response threshold is then compared with the target value.

    Weist die Waschmaschine mehrere Ventile auf, so können diese - wie bereits erwähnt worden ist - durch Einzelmessungen kalibriert werden. Ist jedoch die Durchflußmenge pro Zeiteinheit eines Ventiles bekannt, so ist es auch während eines aktiven Waschvorgangs möglich, eine Selbstkalibrierung des Fehlerwertes anderer Ventile der Waschmaschine durchzuführen. Zu diesem Zwecke wird mit Hilfe der Steuerung die Waschmaschine zunächst durch das bekannte Ventil bis zum Ansprechen des Festniveaus gefüllt und die hierfür benötigte Zeit bestimmt und abgespeichert. Während eines auf den Programmschritt "Abpumpen" folgenden nächsten Füllschrittes benutzt die Waschmaschine zu ihrer Füllung ein anderes Ventil - soweit dies vom Waschprogramm zugelassen wird. Hierbei wird erneut die entsprechende Zeit erfaßt. Durch Vergleich dieser erfaßten Zeit dieses anderen Ventiles mit der Füllzeit des bekannten Ventiles ist es dann möglich, den jeweiligen Fehler zu ermitteln.If the washing machine has several valves, these can - as already mentioned has been calibrated by individual measurements. However, is the flow rate known per unit time of a valve, so it is also during an active washing process possible to self-calibrate the error value of other valves in the washing machine perform. For this purpose, the washing machine is used with the control initially filled through the known valve until the fixed level responds and determines and saves the time required for this. During one on the program step The washing machine uses "draining" of the next filling step a different valve for filling - as far as permitted by the washing program becomes. The corresponding time is recorded again. By comparing these Time of this other valve with the filling time of the known valve it is then possible to determine the respective error.

    Man muß also nicht mehr den auf der Druckdose angebrachte Kalibrationswert zunächst erfassen und anschließend in den Speicher des Mikrokontrollers der Waschmaschinensteuerung eingeben, was nur bei geöffneter Waschmaschine erfolgen könnte. Deshalb müßte dann das Abspeichern des Kalibrationswertes entweder ebenfalls bei geöffneter Waschmaschine erfolgen, was einen zusätzlichen Arbeitsschritt und Zeitaufwand bzw. einen erheblichen zusätzlichen Aufwand z.B. bei der Programmierung erforderte, oder der Kalibrationswert wäre in einen externen Zwischenspeicher einzulesen und so lange vorzuhalten, bis die Endprüfung der Waschmaschine den Programmiervorgang erlaubt. Dagegen ist es nach der Erfindung möglich, sowohl die Ansprechschwelle des Festniveaus als auch die Durchflußmenge durch das mindestens eine Ventil der Waschmaschine auf einfache Art zu kalibrieren.So you no longer have to put the calibration value on the pressure can first capture and then in the memory of the microcontroller of the washing machine control Enter what could only be done with the washing machine open. Therefore the calibration value would then either have to be saved either with the open Washing machine, which requires an additional work step and time or a considerable additional effort e.g. required during programming, or the calibration value would have to be read into an external buffer and so long to be kept until the final inspection of the washing machine allows the programming process. In contrast, it is possible according to the invention, both the response threshold of the fixed level as well as the flow rate through the at least one valve of the washing machine easy to calibrate.

    Claims (7)

    Verfahren zum Ausgleichen des Ansprechfehlers einer - in einer speicherprogrammiert zeitgesteuerten Waschmaschine zum Ansprechen auf ein vorgegebenes Füllstands-Festniveau eingesetzten - Druckdose, deren Festniveau einer einbaubedingt bestimmten Füll-Wassermenge entspricht, umfassend die Verfahrensschritte : Abpumpen des Wassers aus der Waschmaschine, die zuvor schon einmal mit Wasser beschickt worden war, Messen der in die Waschmaschine durch ein bestimmtes Füll-Ventil einlaufenden Füll-Wassermenge (V1) bis zum Ansprechen der Druckdose, Erfassen des Differenzwertes zwischen einerseits der einbaubedingt bestimmten Füll-Wassermenge und andererseits der tatsächlich gemessenen, in die Waschmaschine eingelaufenen Füll-Wassermenge (V1), Abspeichern des Differenzwertes der Wassermengen als Kalibrierwert für die zeitgesteuerte Wassermenge, Messen der Füll-Zeitspanne (T1) bis zum Ansprechen der Druckdose, Abspeichern des Quotienten (V1/T1) aus gemessener Wassermenge (V1) und gemessener Zeitspanne (T1) als Kalibrierwert für eine Zufluß-Mengeneinheit (F1) und Bereitstellen dieser Kalibrierwerte zur Modifikation aktueller Steuerungsvorgaben für den Betrieb der Waschmaschine mit zeitgesteuerten Füllvorgängen. Method for compensating for the response error of a pressure cell, which is used in a memory-programmed, time-controlled washing machine to respond to a predetermined level of fixed level, the fixed level of which corresponds to a certain amount of fill water determined by the installation, comprising the method steps: Pumping the water out of the washing machine, which had previously been charged with water, Measuring the amount of fill water (V1) entering the washing machine through a specific fill valve until the pressure cell responds, Detecting the difference between the amount of fill water determined due to the installation and the actually measured amount of fill water (V1) that has entered the washing machine, Storing the difference value of the water quantities as a calibration value for the time-controlled water quantity, Measuring the filling time (T1) until the pressure cell responds, Storage of the quotient (V1 / T1) from the measured amount of water (V1) and the measured time period (T1) as a calibration value for an inflow quantity unit (F1) and Provision of these calibration values for the modification of current control specifications for the operation of the washing machine with time-controlled filling processes. Verfahren nach Anspruch 1, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß die Abspeicherung der Meßwerte während einer Funktionsprüfung der ungebrauchten, neuen Waschmaschine durchgeführt wird.Method according to claim 1, characterized in that the storage of the measured values is carried out during a functional test of the unused, new washing machine. Verfahren nach Anspruch 2, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß während der Funktionsprüfung eine Datenübertragung von einer Prüfeinrichtung an einen Mikrokontroller der Waschmaschinesteuerung durchgeführt wird.Method according to claim 2, characterized in that during the functional test a data transmission from a test device to a microcontroller of the washing machine control is carried out. Verfahren nach einem der Ansprüche 1 bis 3, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß während eines aktiven, durch die Waschmaschinensteuerung gesteuerten Waschvorgangs der Fehlerwert der Durchflußmengenabweichung, bei vorbestimmter Ansprechschwelle der Druckdose, ermittelt und eine Selbstkalibrierung dadurch durchgeführt wird, daß die Füllzeit bis zum Erreichen der Ansprechschwelle erfaßt und im Mikrokontroller der Waschmaschinensteuerung der Quotient aus der vorgegebenen Ansprechschwelle der Druckdose und dieser Füllerzeit berechnet und mit dem entsprechenden Sollwert verglichen wird.Method according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that during an active washing process controlled by the washing machine control, the error value of the flow rate deviation is determined at a predetermined response threshold of the pressure cell, and a self-calibration is carried out in that the filling time until the response threshold is reached and in the microcontroller of the washing machine control system, the quotient is calculated from the predefined response threshold of the pressure cell and this filling time and is compared with the corresponding target value. Verfahren nach einem der Ansprüche 1 bis 3, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß während eines aktiven, durch die Waschmaschinensteuerung gesteuerten Waschvorgangs der Fehlerwert der Ansprechschwelle der Druckdose, bei vorbestimmter Durchflußmenge pro Zeiteinheit, ermittelt und eine Selbstkalibrierung dadurch durchgeführt wird, daß die Füllzeit bis zum Erreichen des Festniveaus gemessen und im Mikrokontroller der Waschmaschinensteuerung das Produkt aus der Füllzeit mit der vorbestimmten Durchflußmenge berechnet und mit dem entsprechenden Sollwert verglichen wird. Method according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that during an active washing process controlled by the washing machine control, the error value of the response threshold of the pressure cell at a predetermined flow rate per unit of time is determined and a self-calibration is carried out in that the filling time until the Fixed levels are measured and the product from the filling time with the predetermined flow rate is calculated in the microcontroller of the washing machine control and compared with the corresponding setpoint. Verfahren nach einem der Ansprüche 1 bis 5, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß bei einer mehrere Ventile aufweisenden Waschmaschine die Ventile jeweils durch Einzelmessungen kalibriert werden.Method according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that in a washing machine having a plurality of valves, the valves are each calibrated by individual measurements. Verfahren nach einem der Ansprüche 1 bis 5, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß während eines aktiven, durch die Waschmaschinensteuerung gesteuerten Waschvorgangs eine Selbstkalibrierung des jeweiligen Fehlerwertes eines weiteren Ventils einer Anzahl Ventile einer Waschmaschine in der Weise durchgeführt wird, daß die Waschmaschine zuerst durch ein bekanntes definiertes Ventil mittels der Waschmaschinensteuerung bis zum Ansprechen des Festniveaus gefüllt und die Füllzeit erfaßt und im Speicher der Waschmaschinensteuerung abgespeichert wird, wonach ein gesteuertes Abpumpen und ein erneutes gesteuertes Füllen der Waschmaschine durch das jeweils andere Ventil erfolgt, wobei die Füllzeit erfaßt und diese Füllzeit mit der Füllzeit des bekannten definierten Ventils verglichen und aus diesem Vergleich der Fehler dieses anderen Ventiles bestimmt wird.Method according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that during an active washing process controlled by the washing machine control, a self-calibration of the respective error value of another valve of a number of valves of a washing machine is carried out in such a way that the washing machine is first operated by a known, defined valve filled by means of the washing machine control until the fixed level responds and the filling time is recorded and stored in the memory of the washing machine control, after which a controlled pumping out and a renewed controlled filling of the washing machine is carried out by the respective other valve, the filling time being recorded and this filling time with the filling time of the Known defined valve compared and the error of this other valve is determined from this comparison.
    EP02006880A 2001-03-27 2002-03-26 Method to compensate for a response error of a filling level pressure sensor in a washing machine Expired - Lifetime EP1245714B1 (en)

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    ATE284461T1 (en) 2004-12-15
    EP1245714A3 (en) 2003-09-17
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    DE50201706D1 (en) 2005-01-13
    ES2231602T3 (en) 2005-05-16

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