Classifications

• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
  • A47L—DOMESTIC WASHING OR CLEANING; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
  • A47L15/00—Washing or rinsing machines for crockery or tableware
  • A47L15/42—Details
  • A47L15/4293—Arrangements for programme selection, e.g. control panels; Indication of the selected programme, programme progress or other parameters of the programme, e.g. by using display panels
• • 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
  • A47L15/0044—Operation time reduction
• • 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 
  • D06F33/44—Control of the operating time, e.g. reduction of overall operating time
• • D—TEXTILES; PAPER
  • D06—TREATMENT OF TEXTILES OR THE LIKE; LAUNDERING; FLEXIBLE MATERIALS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
  • D06F—LAUNDERING, DRYING, IRONING, PRESSING OR FOLDING TEXTILE ARTICLES
  • D06F33/00—Control of operations performed in washing machines or washer-dryers 
  • D06F33/50—Control of washer-dryers characterised by the purpose or target of the control
  • D06F33/52—Control of the operational steps, e.g. optimisation or improvement of operational steps depending on the condition of the laundry
• • 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
  • D06F34/06—Timing arrangements
• • 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
  • D06F34/28—Arrangements for program selection, e.g. control panels therefor; Arrangements for indicating program parameters, e.g. the selected program or its progress
• • 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
  • A47L2301/00—Manual input in controlling methods of washing or rinsing machines for crockery or tableware, i.e. information entered by a user
  • A47L2301/04—Operation mode, e.g. delicate washing, economy washing, reduced time, sterilizing, water softener regenerating, odor eliminating or service
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
  • A47L—DOMESTIC WASHING OR CLEANING; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
  • A47L2401/00—Automatic detection in controlling methods of washing or rinsing machines for crockery or tableware, e.g. information provided by sensors entered into controlling devices
  • A47L2401/12—Water temperature
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
  • A47L—DOMESTIC WASHING OR CLEANING; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
  • A47L2401/00—Automatic detection in controlling methods of washing or rinsing machines for crockery or tableware, e.g. information provided by sensors entered into controlling devices
  • A47L2401/20—Time, e.g. elapsed operating time
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
  • A47L—DOMESTIC WASHING OR CLEANING; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
  • A47L2401/00—Automatic detection in controlling methods of washing or rinsing machines for crockery or tableware, e.g. information provided by sensors entered into controlling devices
  • A47L2401/26—Loading door status, e.g. door latch opened or closed state
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
  • A47L—DOMESTIC WASHING OR CLEANING; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
  • A47L2501/00—Output in controlling method of washing or rinsing machines for crockery or tableware, i.e. quantities or components controlled, or actions performed by the controlling device executing the controlling method
  • A47L2501/06—Water heaters
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
  • A47L—DOMESTIC WASHING OR CLEANING; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
  • A47L2501/00—Output in controlling method of washing or rinsing machines for crockery or tableware, i.e. quantities or components controlled, or actions performed by the controlling device executing the controlling method
  • A47L2501/26—Indication or alarm to the controlling device or to the user
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
  • A47L—DOMESTIC WASHING OR CLEANING; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
  • A47L2501/00—Output in controlling method of washing or rinsing machines for crockery or tableware, i.e. quantities or components controlled, or actions performed by the controlling device executing the controlling method
  • A47L2501/26—Indication or alarm to the controlling device or to the user
  • A47L2501/265—Indication or alarm to the controlling device or to the user about the number of remaining operation cycles or the remaining operation time
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
  • A47L—DOMESTIC WASHING OR CLEANING; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
  • A47L2501/00—Output in controlling method of washing or rinsing machines for crockery or tableware, i.e. quantities or components controlled, or actions performed by the controlling device executing the controlling method
  • A47L2501/30—Regulation of machine operational steps within the washing process, e.g. performing an additional rinsing phase, shortening or stopping of the drying phase, washing at decreased noise operation conditions
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
  • A47L—DOMESTIC WASHING OR CLEANING; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
  • A47L2501/00—Output in controlling method of washing or rinsing machines for crockery or tableware, i.e. quantities or components controlled, or actions performed by the controlling device executing the controlling method
  • A47L2501/32—Stopping or disabling machine operation, including disconnecting the machine from a network, e.g. from an electrical power supply
• • D—TEXTILES; PAPER
  • D06—TREATMENT OF TEXTILES OR THE LIKE; LAUNDERING; FLEXIBLE MATERIALS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
  • D06F—LAUNDERING, DRYING, IRONING, PRESSING OR FOLDING TEXTILE ARTICLES
  • D06F2101/00—User input for the control of domestic laundry washing machines, washer-dryers or laundry dryers
  • D06F2101/12—Washing 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
  • D06F2101/00—User input for the control of domestic laundry washing machines, washer-dryers or laundry dryers
  • D06F2101/14—Time settings
• • 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
  • D06F2105/52—Changing sequence of operational steps; Carrying out additional operational steps; Modifying operational steps, e.g. by extending duration of steps
• • 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 relates to a dish washing or fabric washing machine comprising an electronic operating control unit, a memory unit connected to the control unit and containing washing programs each having a certain running time, wherein said machine also comprises a user control panel connected to said operating control unit, said panel having selection means for user setting of the machine operation and indicating means for indicating said settings.
• a dish washing or fabric washing machine comprises an electronic system with an electronic operating control, a memory unit, a control panel with indicating means and preferably sensors of different kinds.
• the system controls the operation of the machine in use.
• the user has the option to select one of many washing programs depending on what objects he/she would like to be washed.
• the user can in some cases also add washing program steps such as a drying cycle or a pre-wash cycle. He/she is also able to change the water temperature.
• the consumer focus is obvious when it comes to these kinds of machines.
• the manufacturer therefore continuously improves the electronic system to for instance provide new washing program features for different user needs or to make the machine more user-friendly.
• Such an improvement is the introduction of an LCD on the control panel, providing the ability of having graphic symbols for better user-machine interaction.
• the program steps have a fixed running time mainly relating to the particular washing program which he/she is able to choose from.
• the object of the present invention is therefore to provide an improved electronic system where the user is offered better possibilities to modify the running time of the machine.
• This object is obtained according to the present invention by the machine of the appended claim 1 , in more detail by means of a dish washing or fabric washing machine of the initially mentioned kind which is characterized in that said selection means comprise time setting means providing the ability of setting a certain running time from a number of eligible running times, said set running time being indicated on said indicating means, said memory unit containing a separate washing program for each of said eligible running times, the operating control unit comprises means for activating a washing program that corresponds to the set running time.
• This object is obtained according to the present invention by the method of the appended claim 6, in more detail by a method for a dish washing or fabric washing machine of the initially mentioned kind, for selecting a washing program on said machine, which is characterized in that a certain running time is set from a number of eligible running times, the time being set on time setting means 16 as part of the selection means, said set running time being indicateded on said indicating means, wherein said memory unit contains a separate washing program for each of said eligible running times, the operating control unit activating a washing program that corresponds to the set running time.
• Figure 1 shows a dishwashing with a user control panel.
• Figure 2 shows an electronic operating control for said dishwashing
• FIG. 3 shows washing programs for different running times for a dish washer
• FIG. 4 shows washing programs for different running times for a washing machine
• FIG. 1 shows a dish washing machine 10 having a user control panel 11 with selection means 12 such as buttons. These buttons are used to control the machine, selecting washing program or add or remove program steps (such as an pre-wash or drying cycle).
• selection means 12 such as buttons. These buttons are used to control the machine, selecting washing program or add or remove program steps (such as an pre-wash or drying cycle).
• indicating means 13 such as an LCD display, a diode based interface or a synthetic voice indicating means, where for instance information about the washing program is presented.
• Said buttons can in such case for instance be used for operating a menu-based or symbol-based graphical interface presented on an LCD display.
• the LCD display can be a touch-screen where the user makes his choices.
• the buttons could be replaced, or at partly be replaced, by a knob which preferably but not necessarily should interact with an LCD display.
• FIG. 2 shows the electronic operating control for controlling and operating the dish washing machine.
• the operating control comprises said buttons 12 and a display 13 as indicating means. It also comprises a memory unit 14 in which all the software, such as the washing programs and software to run the different machine parts (pumps, relays etc), is stored. As an alternative the software for the machine parts can be stored in remote entities connected to the electronic operating control.
• the operating control also comprises a control unit 15, as a microcomputer, which controls the operating control.
• the object of the invention is to provide an improved electronic system where the user is offered better possibilities to modify the running time of the machine.
• the present embodiment illustrates how this is accomplished.
• the embodiment comprises time setting means 16 as extra functionality on the existing buttons on the control panel, introduced by reprogramming the machine software. It should be understood by the skilled person that the embodiment schematically illustrates the time setting means by two extra buttons. In practise the time setting means may for instance be integrated into the buttons of the selection means 12 or in the event that a touch screen or knob (menu-based user interface) is used for the selection means, integrate the time setting means therein.
• the user can set a certain running time for the washing machine from a number of eligible running times.
• the set running time will immediately be indicated or the indicating means, in this embodiment a LCD display.
• the LCD display can be replaced by a diode based interface or a synthetic voice indicating means.
• the memory unit consequently comprises a unique washing program 17 for each of the running times 18 available for the user to choose from.
• the washing programs of the present embodiment are schematically shown in figures 3 - 4 and will be described in detail later.
• the available running times will follow an arithmetical number series, for instance starting with 15 minutes and then follow an arithmetical number series by adding 15 minutes. It should be realised be the skilled person that the series could contain more programs, for instance every 5 minutes.
• the advantage of the 15 minutes series is to offer the user a reasonable number of running times to choose from.
• the time selection means consist in buttons
• the user's selection of a particular running time is performed in a step by step manner by consecutive pushing on the button.
• Each push registered by the operating control results in that a new program is selected.
• the running time is converted into clock time.
• the obvious advantage is that the user does not need to calculate when the washing is finished.
• the invention is in line with the idea of providing a user-friendly solution.
• the message to the consumers is that they can choose when they need to have the dishes cleaned without the need to choose which washing program they should use. For instance if they have unexpected visitors they can speed up the washing cycle. Another scenario is that the visitors will arrive in 60 minutes and the dishes needs to be cleaned. Another example is when there is a lack of for instance plates, for instance at a larger reception at home. A quick washing and then the plates are ready for use again.
• FIG. 3 shows washing programs for a dish washer and figure 4 washing programs for a washing machine.
• the figures show the washing program steps (rows) of each washing program (columns).
• a white cell illustrate that a washing program step is inactive and a grey cell that it is active for a particular program.
• the running time (minutes) for each washing program is labelled "total time” in both figures and are shown on the first row.
• the last row in fig. 3 shows for which level of soil the program is suitable, labelled "Intend to use”.
• the running time for a program is shortened by removing the pre-washing cycles and Rinse 2 on the shorter washing program, 30 minutes and 45 minutes, which will consequently cut the program running time.
• the running time for a program is shortened by removing a rinse and spin- drying program step.
• the pre-wash is removed for almost all of the programs for shortening the running time. For the shortest programs there is only one final spin-drying.
• the running time for some program steps is preferably changed depending in the particular washing program. This will consequently cut the program running time.
• the running time for the main wash and the final rinse is preferably changed, while in the washing programs of figure 4, the running time for the main wash and the final spin-drying is preferably changed.
• the machine will heat the water as long as the program step, for instance "Main wash” and “Final rinse”,/"Rinse” is running or until it reaches the stipulated temperature which is 65 or 60 degrees.
• the user is preferably (within certain limits depending on the running time selected) able to set the temperature and consequently, if he/she selects a short running time and a high temperature, there is a risk that the stipulated water temperature is not reached. In situations when the machine is fed with hot inlet water the chance increases of reaching the stipulated temperature also for the shorter programs.
• the dish washing programs for 60, 75, 90 and 105 minutes includes one pre-wash, labelled "Pre-wash 1".
• the running time for "Main wash” and “Final rinse” is longer which increase the chances that the water temperature reaches 65 degrees also for cold water inlet.
• the washing result will consequently be improved even though the pre-wash is too short to really dissolve all the ingrained dirt.
• the programs are therefore mainly suitable for lightly and standard soiled dishes.
• Pre-wash 2 a second pre-wash, labelled "Pre-wash 2" is included, which will significantly improve the result on ingrained dirt.
• Rinse 2 a second rinse, labelled "Rinse 2" is included.
• the running time for the "Main wash” and “Final rinse” is also longer. Consequently, the washing results will be improved and these programs are suitable for heavily to very heavily soiled dishes.
• the operating control will preferably, when the program is finalized, start an extra drying program step of maximum 60 minutes. This step ends when the door is opened. Even though this step is started, this machine will signal on the display 13 that the washing program has finalized. Consequently, this extra drying program step is not part of the washing program.
• the washing results depends on three parameters which are water temperature, detergent chemistry and time.
• the detergent effect is improved at higher temperature and at longer time. If the amount of detergent is the same despite which running time that is chosen and the water heating power is the same, the time parameter itself will control the washing result.

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

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Publications (2)

Family

ID=39710316

Family Applications (1)

Country Status (3)

Cited By (1)

Families Citing this family (4)

Citations (3)

Family Cites Families (2)

• 2007
  • 2007-02-23 SE SE0700472A patent/SE532062C2/sv not_active IP Right Cessation
• 2008
  • 2008-02-22 EP EP08712834.4A patent/EP2122037A4/de not_active Withdrawn
  • 2008-02-22 WO PCT/SE2008/050206 patent/WO2008103127A1/en active Application Filing

Patent Citations (3)

Non-Patent Citations (1)

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