EP1527224A1 - Method for removing foam from the lye container of a drum-type washing machine - Google Patents

Method for removing foam from the lye container of a drum-type washing machine

Info

Publication number
EP1527224A1
EP1527224A1 EP03735691A EP03735691A EP1527224A1 EP 1527224 A1 EP1527224 A1 EP 1527224A1 EP 03735691 A EP03735691 A EP 03735691A EP 03735691 A EP03735691 A EP 03735691A EP 1527224 A1 EP1527224 A1 EP 1527224A1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
foam
tub
component
measure
drum
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Granted
Application number
EP03735691A
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
Other versions
EP1527224B1 (en
Inventor
Gundula Czyzewski
Ingo Schulze
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.)
BSH Hausgeraete GmbH
Original Assignee
BSH Bosch und Siemens Hausgeraete GmbH
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 BSH Bosch und Siemens Hausgeraete GmbH filed Critical BSH Bosch und Siemens Hausgeraete GmbH
Publication of EP1527224A1 publication Critical patent/EP1527224A1/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP1527224B1 publication Critical patent/EP1527224B1/en
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Expired - Lifetime legal-status Critical Current

Links

Classifications

    • DTEXTILES; PAPER
    • D06TREATMENT OF TEXTILES OR THE LIKE; LAUNDERING; FLEXIBLE MATERIALS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • D06FLAUNDERING, DRYING, IRONING, PRESSING OR FOLDING TEXTILE ARTICLES
    • D06F39/00Details of washing machines not specific to a single type of machines covered by groups D06F9/00 - D06F27/00 
    • D06F39/06Arrangements for preventing or destroying scum
    • DTEXTILES; PAPER
    • D06TREATMENT OF TEXTILES OR THE LIKE; LAUNDERING; FLEXIBLE MATERIALS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • D06FLAUNDERING, DRYING, IRONING, PRESSING OR FOLDING TEXTILE ARTICLES
    • D06F33/00Control of operations performed in washing machines or washer-dryers 
    • D06F33/30Control of washing machines characterised by the purpose or target of the control 
    • D06F33/32Control of operational steps, e.g. optimisation or improvement of operational steps depending on the condition of the laundry
    • D06F33/34Control of operational steps, e.g. optimisation or improvement of operational steps depending on the condition of the laundry of water filling
    • DTEXTILES; PAPER
    • D06TREATMENT OF TEXTILES OR THE LIKE; LAUNDERING; FLEXIBLE MATERIALS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • D06FLAUNDERING, DRYING, IRONING, PRESSING OR FOLDING TEXTILE ARTICLES
    • D06F34/00Details of control systems for washing machines, washer-dryers or laundry dryers
    • D06F34/08Control circuits or arrangements thereof
    • DTEXTILES; PAPER
    • D06TREATMENT OF TEXTILES OR THE LIKE; LAUNDERING; FLEXIBLE MATERIALS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • D06FLAUNDERING, DRYING, IRONING, PRESSING OR FOLDING TEXTILE ARTICLES
    • D06F34/00Details of control systems for washing machines, washer-dryers or laundry dryers
    • D06F34/14Arrangements for detecting or measuring specific parameters
    • D06F34/22Condition of the washing liquid, e.g. turbidity
    • D06F34/24Liquid temperature
    • DTEXTILES; PAPER
    • D06TREATMENT OF TEXTILES OR THE LIKE; LAUNDERING; FLEXIBLE MATERIALS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • D06FLAUNDERING, DRYING, IRONING, PRESSING OR FOLDING TEXTILE ARTICLES
    • D06F35/00Washing machines, apparatus, or methods not otherwise provided for
    • D06F35/005Methods for washing, rinsing or spin-drying
    • DTEXTILES; PAPER
    • D06TREATMENT OF TEXTILES OR THE LIKE; LAUNDERING; FLEXIBLE MATERIALS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • D06FLAUNDERING, DRYING, IRONING, PRESSING OR FOLDING TEXTILE ARTICLES
    • D06F39/00Details of washing machines not specific to a single type of machines covered by groups D06F9/00 - D06F27/00 
    • D06F39/08Liquid supply or discharge arrangements
    • D06F39/087Water level measuring or regulating devices
    • DTEXTILES; PAPER
    • D06TREATMENT OF TEXTILES OR THE LIKE; LAUNDERING; FLEXIBLE MATERIALS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • D06FLAUNDERING, DRYING, IRONING, PRESSING OR FOLDING TEXTILE ARTICLES
    • D06F2103/00Parameters monitored or detected for the control of domestic laundry washing machines, washer-dryers or laundry dryers
    • D06F2103/18Washing liquid level
    • DTEXTILES; PAPER
    • D06TREATMENT OF TEXTILES OR THE LIKE; LAUNDERING; FLEXIBLE MATERIALS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • D06FLAUNDERING, DRYING, IRONING, PRESSING OR FOLDING TEXTILE ARTICLES
    • D06F2103/00Parameters monitored or detected for the control of domestic laundry washing machines, washer-dryers or laundry dryers
    • D06F2103/20Washing liquid condition, e.g. turbidity
    • DTEXTILES; PAPER
    • D06TREATMENT OF TEXTILES OR THE LIKE; LAUNDERING; FLEXIBLE MATERIALS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • D06FLAUNDERING, DRYING, IRONING, PRESSING OR FOLDING TEXTILE ARTICLES
    • D06F2105/00Systems or parameters controlled or affected by the control systems of washing machines, washer-dryers or laundry dryers
    • D06F2105/02Water supply
    • D06F2105/04Water supply from separate hot and cold water inlets
    • DTEXTILES; PAPER
    • D06TREATMENT OF TEXTILES OR THE LIKE; LAUNDERING; FLEXIBLE MATERIALS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • D06FLAUNDERING, DRYING, IRONING, PRESSING OR FOLDING TEXTILE ARTICLES
    • D06F2105/00Systems or parameters controlled or affected by the control systems of washing machines, washer-dryers or laundry dryers
    • D06F2105/46Drum speed; Actuation of motors, e.g. starting or interrupting
    • D06F2105/48Drum speed

Definitions

  • the invention relates to a method for removing foam in a tub of an electronically controlled drum washing machine as a result of a program step, which is provided for dewatering the tub, with a tub drain system arranged on the bottom of the tub with a tub pump and with a sensor for determining the level of the tub liquid, the sensor signal is recorded during the operation of the drain pump.
  • the invention has for its object to provide measures for removing foam in the drain system, which arises especially during the removal of the alkali from the tub and especially when pumping or during the spin operation of the laundry drum. Above all, these measures should not require any additional effort.
  • this object is achieved in that the course of the sensor signal contains a component that detects the presence of foam in the measurement area, and that, in the presence of the component, a foam treatment measure that is matched to the type of component is initiated. Since a level sensor for determining the level of the liquid in the tub must be present anyway, no additional expenditure on measuring equipment is required. The detection of the component, the presence of which indicates the presence of foam, can be implemented with an insignificant amount of software in the electronic control of the washing machine.
  • the component is a specific change in the gradient of the sensor signal.
  • the course of the sensor signal from a level sensor contains a component that indicates the presence of foam.
  • This component can be derived from the gradient of the level fluctuation values which are observed during the pumping out of the wash liquor before the start of a spinning process.
  • the foam treatment measure can consist in the supply of a certain amount of cold and / or warm water. This measure is already known per se, but has a special quality in connection with the above-mentioned features of the invention, because the process currently underway has the task of removing liquid. The measure of supplying water in such a process is therefore rather unusual.
  • the foam treatment measure can consist in a further advantageous embodiment of the invention in a change in the speed of the laundry drum.
  • the temperature of the liquid in the tub can be increased or decreased during the application of the foam removal measure.
  • a special measure that can only be used if all other measures are not sufficiently effective could be if a substance to inhibit the foam is automatically added during the application of the foam removal measure. However, the effort required for this would only be justified if devices for automatic dosing of washing aids are already present in a washing machine.
  • FIG. 1 shows the pressure curve p / t during the drum rotation n / t and during pumping without disturbing foam in the tub and
  • FIG. 2 shows the pressure curve p / t im in a further diagram
  • the diagram of the fig. 1 shows a section A, the loosening phase, before the start of the spin program.
  • the laundry drum is driven at intervals at the washing speed. This can be done in alternating directions of rotation.
  • the speed peaks Ni to N- ⁇ drawn in thin lines represent the interval-like drive of the laundry drum.
  • the level fluctuations (thick line P) of the liquid in the tub are relatively small.
  • the liquid is pumped out of the tub, so that the thick line P drops steeply almost steadily to almost zero.
  • the speed of the laundry drum rises to a preselected spin speed N s after a determination of the steady level drop rate in section B.
  • FIG. 2 shows, apart from somewhat stronger pressure fluctuations, already in section A a strong change in

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Textile Engineering (AREA)
  • Control Of Washing Machine And Dryer (AREA)
  • Detail Structures Of Washing Machines And Dryers (AREA)
  • Accessory Of Washing/Drying Machine, Commercial Washing/Drying Machine, Other Washing/Drying Machine (AREA)

Abstract

At the end of the load distribution phase (A) the water level (P) falls at a rate determined by the amount of residual foam with the drum stationary (B) as the rate is measured at time intervals (t2-t7) as the foam is reduced until the drive motor resumes an interrupted spin speed (N).

Description

Verfahren zum Beseitigen von Schaum im Laugenbehalter einer TrommelwaschmaschineProcess for removing foam in the tub of a drum washing machine
Die Erfindung betrifft ein Verfahren zum Beseitigen von Schaum in einem Laugenbehalter einer elektronisch gesteuerten Trommelwaschmaschine infolge eines Programmschrittes, der zum Entwässern des Laugenbehalters vorgesehen ist, mit einem am Boden des Laugenbehalters angeordneten Laugenablaufsystem mit einer Laugenpumpe und mit einem Sensor zur Bestimmung der Höhe der im Laugenbehalter befindlichen Flüssigkeit, dessen Sensorsignal während des Betriebs der Laugenpumpe aufgezeichnet wird.The invention relates to a method for removing foam in a tub of an electronically controlled drum washing machine as a result of a program step, which is provided for dewatering the tub, with a tub drain system arranged on the bottom of the tub with a tub pump and with a sensor for determining the level of the tub liquid, the sensor signal is recorded during the operation of the drain pump.
Ein derartiges Verfahren ist aus der DE 19846 248 A1 bekannt. Darin wird Schaum i m A blaufsystem w ährend d es B etriebs d er L augenpumpe d urch e inen Sensor auf der Basis eines optoelektronischen Sensors erkannt. Durch nicht näher genannte Maßnahmen kann dieser Schaum zum Zusammenbrechen gebracht werden. Diese Schaumerkennungsmethode ist zwar einigermaßen sicher; sie erfordert aber einen besonderen Optosensor, der nicht immer wegen anderer Aufgaben bereits zur Verfügung steht. Ein ähnliches Verfahren ist aus EP 0 278 239 A1 bekannt. Darin wird zur Beseitigung von übermäßiger Schaumbildung im Hauptwaschgang, die während des Heizens von Waschlauge im Laugenbehalter zu beobachten ist, durch Zugabe einer begrenzten Menge kalten Wassers und/oder durch vorübergehendes Ausschalten der Laugenheizung beseitigt. Der Erfindung liegt die Aufgabe zugrunde, Maßnahmen zur Beseitigung von Schaum im Ablaufsystem anzugeben, der vor allem während des Abführens der Lauge aus dem Laugenbehalter und vor allem beim Pumpen bzw. während des Schleuderbetriebs der Wäschetrommel entsteht. Diese Maßnahmen sollen vor allem keinen zusätzlichen Aufwand erfordern. Erfindungsgemäß wird diese Aufgabe dadurch gelöst, dass der Verlauf des Sensorsignals eine Komponente enthält, die eine Anwesenheit von Schaum im Messgebiet detektiert, und dass bei Anwesenheit der Komponente eine auf die Art der Komponente abgestimmte Schaumbehandlungsmaßnahme eingeleitet wird. Da ein Niveausensor für die Ermittlung der Höhe des Flüssigkeitsstandes im Laugenbehalter ohnehin vorhanden sein muss, bedarf es keines zusätzlichen Aufwandes an Messmitteln. Die Erfassung der Komponente, deren Anwesenheit auf die Anwesenheit von Schaum hindeutet, kann mit einem unerheblichen Aufwand an Software in der elektronischen Steuerung der Waschmaschine realisiert werden.Such a method is known from DE 19846 248 A1. It detects foam in the drainage system during operation of the eye pump by a sensor based on an optoelectronic sensor. This foam can be broken down by measures not specified. This foam detection method is reasonably safe; however, it requires a special optosensor, which is not always available for other tasks. A similar method is known from EP 0 278 239 A1. In order to eliminate excessive foaming in the main wash cycle, which can be observed during the heating of washing liquor in the tub, it is eliminated by adding a limited amount of cold water and / or by temporarily switching off the tub heating. The invention has for its object to provide measures for removing foam in the drain system, which arises especially during the removal of the alkali from the tub and especially when pumping or during the spin operation of the laundry drum. Above all, these measures should not require any additional effort. According to the invention, this object is achieved in that the course of the sensor signal contains a component that detects the presence of foam in the measurement area, and that, in the presence of the component, a foam treatment measure that is matched to the type of component is initiated. Since a level sensor for determining the level of the liquid in the tub must be present anyway, no additional expenditure on measuring equipment is required. The detection of the component, the presence of which indicates the presence of foam, can be implemented with an insignificant amount of software in the electronic control of the washing machine.
In einer besonders vorteilhaften Weiterbildung der Erfindung ist die Komponente eine bestimmte Veränderung des Gradienten des Sensorsignals. Überraschenderweise hat sich gezeigt, dass der Verlauf des Sensorsignals eines Niveaugebers eine Komponente enthält, die auf das Vorhandensein von Schaum hinweist. Diese Komponente ist vom Gradienten der Niveauschwankungswerte ableitbar, die während des Abpumpens der Waschlauge vor Beginn eines Schleuderprozesses beobachtet werden.In a particularly advantageous development of the invention, the component is a specific change in the gradient of the sensor signal. Surprisingly, it has been shown that the course of the sensor signal from a level sensor contains a component that indicates the presence of foam. This component can be derived from the gradient of the level fluctuation values which are observed during the pumping out of the wash liquor before the start of a spinning process.
Die Schaumbehandlungsmaßnahme kann gemäß einer vorteilhaften Weiterbildung der Erfindung in der Zuführung einer bestimmten Menge kalten und / oder warmen Wassers bestehen. Diese Maßnahme ist an sich bereits bekannt, hat aber im Zusammenhang mit den vorstehend genannten Merkmalen der Erfindung eine besondere Qualität, weil der gerade ablaufende Prozess die Beseitigung von Flüssigkeit zur Aufgabe hat. Daher ist die Maßnahme der Zuführung von Wasser in einem solchen Prozess eher ungewöhnlich. Alternativ oder zusätzlich dazu kann die Schaumbehandlungsmaßnahme bei einer weiteren vorteilhaften Ausbildung der Erfindung in einer Veränderung der Drehzahl der Wäschetrommel bestehen. Es hat sich nämlich gezeigt, dass entgegen den bisherigen Annahmen, die Trommelbewegung sei grundsätzlich die Ursache für die Schaumbildung, bestimmte Bewegungen der Trommel bzw. - gemäß weiterer vorteilhafter Ausbildungen der Erfindung - ein besonderes Drehzahlprofil oder das Reversieren der Wäschetrommel während der Anwendung einer Schaumbeseitigungsmaßnahme in einer auf die Messgröße der Komponente abgestimmten Weise durchaus im Sinne einer effizienteren Schaumbeseitigung vorteilhaft sind.According to an advantageous development of the invention, the foam treatment measure can consist in the supply of a certain amount of cold and / or warm water. This measure is already known per se, but has a special quality in connection with the above-mentioned features of the invention, because the process currently underway has the task of removing liquid. The measure of supplying water in such a process is therefore rather unusual. As an alternative or in addition to this, the foam treatment measure can consist in a further advantageous embodiment of the invention in a change in the speed of the laundry drum. It has been shown that contrary to the previous assumptions that the drum movement is fundamentally the cause of the foam formation, certain movements of the drum or - according to further advantageous embodiments of the invention - a special speed profile or the reversing of the laundry drum during the use of a Foam removal measures in a manner that is matched to the measurement size of the component are definitely advantageous in terms of more efficient foam removal.
Vorteilhafterweise kann auch zusätzlich oder alternativ die Temperatur der Flüssigkeit im Laugenbehalter während der Anwendung der Schaumbeseitigungsmaßnahme erhöht oder gesenkt werden.Advantageously, additionally or alternatively, the temperature of the liquid in the tub can be increased or decreased during the application of the foam removal measure.
Eine besondere Maßnahme, die erst anzuwenden ist, wenn alle anderen Maßnahmen keine ausreichende Wirkung erzielen, könnte es sein, wenn während der Anwendung der Schaumbeseitigungsmaßnahme eine Substanz zur Inhibition des Schaums automatisch zudosiert wird. Allerdings wäre der hierfür erforderliche Aufwand nur gerechtfertigt, wenn ohnehin Einrichtungen zum automatischen Dosieren von Waschhilfsmitteln in einer Waschmaschine vorhanden sind.A special measure that can only be used if all other measures are not sufficiently effective could be if a substance to inhibit the foam is automatically added during the application of the foam removal measure. However, the effort required for this would only be justified if devices for automatic dosing of washing aids are already present in a washing machine.
Als Niveaugeber kann vorteilhafterweise ein in den meisten Waschmaschinen ohnehin vorhandener Druckgeber eingesetzt werden. Anhand zweier Diagramme wird das erfindungsgemäße Verfahren weiter erläutert. Es zeigenA pressure transmitter which is already present in most washing machines can advantageously be used as the level transmitter. The method according to the invention is further explained using two diagrams. Show it
Fig. 1 anhand eines Diagramms den Druckverlauf p/t während der Trommeldrehung n/t und beim Abpumpen ohne störenden Schaum im Laugenbehalter und Fig. 2 anhand eines weiteren Diagramms den Druckverlauf p/t im1 shows the pressure curve p / t during the drum rotation n / t and during pumping without disturbing foam in the tub and FIG. 2 shows the pressure curve p / t im in a further diagram
Laugenbehalter während der Trommeldrehung n/t und beim Abpumpen mit störendem Schaum im Laugenbehalter.Alkaline container during drum rotation n / t and when pumping out with disturbing foam in the alkaline container.
Das D iagramm d er F ig. 1 zeigt e inen A bschnitt A , d ie A uflockerungsphase, v or Beginn des Schleuderprogramms. Während der Auflockerungsphase wird die Wäschetrommel mit Waschdrehzahl intervallartig angetrieben. Dies kann in alternierenden Drehrichtungen geschehen. Die in dünnen Linien gezeichneten Drehzahl-Peaks Ni bis N-ι stellen den intervallartigen Antrieb der Wäschetrommel dar. Während dieser Phase sind die Niveauschwankungen (dicke Linie P) der Flüssigkeit im Laugenbehalter verhältnismäßig klein. Am Ende der Auflockerungsphase A wird die Flüssigkeit aus dem Laugenbehalter abgepumpt, so dass die dicke Linie P sehr steil nahezu stetig bis fast auf Null abfällt. Die Drehzahl der Wäschetrommel steigt nach einer Feststellung der stetigen Niveau- Abfallrate im Abschnitt B auf eine vorgewählte Schleuderdrehzahl Ns an. Dadurch wird von der Wäsche eine größere Menge Flüssigkeit pro Zeiteinheit abgeschleudert, als die Pumpe augenblicklich bewältigen kann. Folglich steigt das Niveau der Flüssigkeit im Laugenbehalter im Abschnitt D wieder leicht an, bis die abgeschleuderte Menge Flüssigkeit pro Zeiteinheit kleiner wird als die Pumpenleistung.The diagram of the fig. 1 shows a section A, the loosening phase, before the start of the spin program. During the loosening phase, the laundry drum is driven at intervals at the washing speed. This can be done in alternating directions of rotation. The speed peaks Ni to N-ι drawn in thin lines represent the interval-like drive of the laundry drum. During this phase, the level fluctuations (thick line P) of the liquid in the tub are relatively small. At the end of the loosening phase A, the liquid is pumped out of the tub, so that the thick line P drops steeply almost steadily to almost zero. The speed of the laundry drum rises to a preselected spin speed N s after a determination of the steady level drop rate in section B. As a result, a larger quantity of liquid is spun off from the laundry per unit of time than the pump can currently handle. As a result, the level of the liquid in the tub in section D rises again slightly until the amount of liquid spun off per unit of time becomes less than the pump output.
Das Diagramm der Fig. 2 zeigt hingegen abgesehen von etwas stärkeren Druckschwankungen bereits im Abschnitt A eine starke Veränderung desThe diagram in FIG. 2, on the other hand, shows, apart from somewhat stronger pressure fluctuations, already in section A a strong change in
Niveauverlaufs P während des viel länger als in Fig. 1 andauernden Abschnitts B, der ansich für die Beschleunigung der Trommel auf Schleuderdrehzahl vorgesehen ist. Doch dazu kommt es gar nicht, weil der geringere Abfall derLevel curve P during section B, which lasts much longer than in FIG. 1 and is in itself intended for the acceleration of the drum to the spin speed. But this does not happen at all because of the lower waste of the
Druckkurve P e ine e rhebliche S chaummenge s ignalisiert u nd z unächst e ine d er oben stehenden und daher hier nicht näher dargestellten Schaummaßnahmen eingeleitet werden muss, damit der Schaum zusammenbricht und nicht etwa die schnelle Trommelbewegung behindern kann. Im Abschnitt C wird daher zunächst wieder die Trommel intervallartig bewegt, um zu prüfen, ob diePressure curve A considerable amount of foam is signaled and first started, so that the foam measures above and therefore not shown here must be initiated so that the foam collapses and cannot hinder the rapid drum movement. In section C, the drum is first moved in intervals to check whether the
Schaummaßnahme gegriffen hat. Nach einem weiteren Stillstand der Trommel und Abpumpen der Restmenge sollte nämlich eine Druckabfallkurve entstehen wie am Ende des Abschnittes B in Fig. 1. Danach kann - wie im Abschnitt D der Fig. 1Foam measure has taken hold. After the drum has come to a further standstill and the remaining amount has been pumped out, a pressure drop curve should arise as at the end of section B in FIG. 1
- die Trommel auf Schleudergeschwindigkeit beschleunigt werden.- The drum is accelerated to spin speed.
Das Abpumpverhalten in Fig. 2 unterscheidet sich deutlich von dem der Fig. 1 (ohne schädlichen Schaum). Es beginnt normal mit einem geringen Versatz (Zeitabschnitt tv), der beispielsweise 2 s dauert und das sichere Anlaufen der Pumpe kennzeichnet. Danach fällt der Druckverlauf zunächst wie in Fig. 1 schnell und stetig ab (Zeitabschnitt t-i). Dies zeigt das Abpumpen der schaumfreien Lauge an. Später aber (Zeitabschnitt t2 bis t ) verlangsamt sich die Abpumpgeschwindigkeit ständig, weil jetzt der Schaumanteil in der Lauge sehr schnell zunimmt bzw. schließlich nur noch Schaum vorliegt, der nicht mehr von der Pumpe abgezogen werden kann. Aufeinander folgende Niveaugradienten, z.B. von Δp-i/Δti zu Δp2/Δt2 oder Δpβ/Δtβ zu Δp7/Δt7, werden daher immer kleiner. Aus dieser Tatsache kann die elektronische Steuerung der Waschmaschine (hier nicht dargestellt) die Anwesenheit von Schaum erkennen. Nach der automatischen Feststellung von schädlichem Schaum kann von der elektronischen Steuerung wenigstens ein Teil der oben stehenden Beseitigungsmaßnahmen ausgelöst werden, die hier nicht weiter im Einzelnen erläutert werden müssen. The pumping behavior in Fig. 2 differs significantly from that of Fig. 1 (without harmful foam). It normally begins with a slight offset (time period tv), which lasts for example 2 s and indicates the safe start of the pump. Thereafter, the pressure curve initially drops rapidly and steadily, as in FIG. 1 (time period ti). This indicates the pumping out of the foam-free lye. However, later (time period t 2 to t), the pumping speed slows down continuously because the foam fraction in the alkali now increases very quickly or, finally, there is only foam that can no longer be drawn off by the pump. Successive level gradients, for example from Δp-i / Δti to Δp 2 / Δt 2 or Δpβ / Δtβ to Δp 7 / Δt 7 , are therefore getting smaller and smaller. From this In fact, the electronic control of the washing machine (not shown here) can detect the presence of foam. After the automatic detection of harmful foam, at least some of the above remedial measures can be triggered by the electronic control, which need not be explained in detail here.

Claims

P at e n t a n s p r ü c h e P at claims
1. Verfahren zum Beseitigen von Schaum in einem Laugenbehalter einer elektronisch gesteuerten Trommelwaschmaschine infolge eines Programmschrittes, der zum Entwässern des Laugenbehalters vorgesehen ist, mit einem am Boden des Laugenbehalters angeordneten Laugenablaufsystem mit einer Laugenpumpe und mit einem Sensor zur Bestimmung der Höhe der im Laugenbehalter befindlichen Flüssigkeit, dessen Sensorsignal während des Betriebs der Laugenpumpe aufgezeichnet wird, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass der Verlauf des Sensorsignals (P) eine Komponente (Δpn/Δtn im Vergleich zu Δpn-ι/Δtn-ι) enthält, die eine Anwesenheit von Schaum im Messgebiet detektiert, und dass bei Anwesenheit der Komponente eine auf die Art der Komponente abgestimmte Schaumbehandlungsmaßnahme eingeleitet wird.1.Method for removing foam in a tub of an electronically controlled drum washing machine as a result of a program step which is intended for dewatering the tub, with a tub drain system arranged on the bottom of the tub with a tub pump and with a sensor for determining the level of the liquid in the tub , whose sensor signal is recorded during the operation of the drain pump, characterized in that the course of the sensor signal (P) contains a component (Δp n / Δt n compared to Δp n- ι / Δt n -ι) which contains a foam detected in the measurement area, and that in the presence of the component, a foam treatment measure is initiated that is tailored to the type of component.
2. Verfahren nach Anspruch 1 , dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass die Komponente eine bestimmte Veränderung des Gradienten (Δp/Δt) des Sensorsignals (P) ist.2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that the component is a specific change in the gradient (Δp / Δt) of the sensor signal (P).
3. Verfahren n ach A nspruch 1 o der 2 , dadurch g ekennzeichnet, d ass die Schaumbehandlungsmaßnahme in der Zuführung einer bestimmten Menge kalten und /oder warmen Wassers besteht.3. Process according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the foam treatment measure consists in the supply of a certain amount of cold and / or warm water.
4. Verfahren nach einem der Ansprüche 1 bis 3, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass die Schaumbehandlungsmaßnahme in einer Veränderung der Drehzahl der Wäschetrommel besteht.4. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the foam treatment measure consists in a change in the speed of the laundry drum.
5. Verfahren nach Anspruch 4, dadurch gekennzeichnet, d ass für die Schaumbeseitigung ein besonderes Drehzahlprofil für die Wäschetrommel vorgesehen ist. 5. The method according to claim 4, characterized in that a special speed profile is provided for the laundry drum for foam removal.
6. Verfahren n ach A nspruch 4 oder 5 , dadurch g ekennzeichnet, d ass die Wäschetrommel während der Anwendung der Schaumbeseitigungsmaßnahme in einer auf die Messgröße der Komponente abgestimmten Weise reversiert wird.6. The method according to claim 4 or 5, characterized in that the laundry drum is reversed during the application of the foam removal measure in a manner that is matched to the measurement size of the component.
7. Verfahren nach einem der Ansprüche 2 bis 6, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass die Temperatur der Flüssigkeit im Laugenbehalter während der Anwendung der Schaumbeseitigungsmaßnahme erhöht wird.7. The method according to any one of claims 2 to 6, characterized in that the temperature of the liquid in the tub is increased during the application of the foam removal measure.
8. Verfahren nach einem der Ansprüche 2 bis 6, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass die Temperatur der Flüssigkeit im Laugenbehalter während der Anwendung der Schaumbeseitigungsmaßnahme abgesenkt wird.8. The method according to any one of claims 2 to 6, characterized in that the temperature of the liquid in the tub is lowered during the application of the foam removal measure.
9. Verfahren nach einem der vorstehenden Ansprüche, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass während der Anwendung der Schaumbeseitigungsmaßnahme eine Substanz zur Inhibition des Schaums automatisch zudosiert wird.9. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a substance for inhibiting the foam is automatically added during the application of the foam removal measure.
10. Verfahren nach einem der vorstehenden Ansprüche, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass der Sensor ein Drucksensor ist. 10. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the sensor is a pressure sensor.
EP03735691A 2002-07-29 2003-06-27 Method for removing foam from the lye container of a drum-type washing machine Expired - Lifetime EP1527224B1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (3)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
DE10234472 2002-07-29
DE10234472A DE10234472A1 (en) 2002-07-29 2002-07-29 A method for preventing wash liquor foam inhibiting pump performance in a horizontal drum automatic washing machine has a foam detector controlling the drive motor for the drum
PCT/EP2003/006861 WO2004015189A1 (en) 2002-07-29 2003-06-27 Method for removing foam from the lye container of a drum-type washing machine

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EP1527224A1 true EP1527224A1 (en) 2005-05-04
EP1527224B1 EP1527224B1 (en) 2011-10-12

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EP03735691A Expired - Lifetime EP1527224B1 (en) 2002-07-29 2003-06-27 Method for removing foam from the lye container of a drum-type washing machine

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US (1) US7340792B2 (en)
EP (1) EP1527224B1 (en)
KR (1) KR100872232B1 (en)
CN (2) CN1671910B (en)
AT (1) ATE528432T1 (en)
DE (1) DE10234472A1 (en)
PL (1) PL373324A1 (en)
WO (1) WO2004015189A1 (en)

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Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
EP1527224B1 (en) 2011-10-12
CN101899770A (en) 2010-12-01
PL373324A1 (en) 2005-08-22
WO2004015189A1 (en) 2004-02-19
US7340792B2 (en) 2008-03-11
CN1671910B (en) 2011-06-08
CN101899770B (en) 2012-04-25
US20050197264A1 (en) 2005-09-08
ATE528432T1 (en) 2011-10-15
KR20050029307A (en) 2005-03-25
KR100872232B1 (en) 2008-12-05
CN1671910A (en) 2005-09-21
DE10234472A1 (en) 2004-02-12

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