EP2378943B1 - Washing method for washing appliances - Google Patents
Washing method for washing appliances Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- EP2378943B1 EP2378943B1 EP09805818A EP09805818A EP2378943B1 EP 2378943 B1 EP2378943 B1 EP 2378943B1 EP 09805818 A EP09805818 A EP 09805818A EP 09805818 A EP09805818 A EP 09805818A EP 2378943 B1 EP2378943 B1 EP 2378943B1
- Authority
- EP
- European Patent Office
- Prior art keywords
- washing
- articles
- washing compartment
- compartment
- aqueous solution
- 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.)
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Links
- 238000005406 washing Methods 0.000 title claims description 186
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 title claims description 47
- 239000007788 liquid Substances 0.000 claims description 64
- 239000003599 detergent Substances 0.000 claims description 47
- 239000000126 substance Substances 0.000 claims description 35
- 239000007864 aqueous solution Substances 0.000 claims description 30
- 238000010438 heat treatment Methods 0.000 claims description 26
- 239000000443 aerosol Substances 0.000 claims description 22
- XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N water Substances O XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 claims description 22
- 238000005507 spraying Methods 0.000 claims description 20
- 238000002663 nebulization Methods 0.000 claims description 11
- 239000007921 spray Substances 0.000 claims description 8
- 239000007787 solid Substances 0.000 claims description 5
- 238000001704 evaporation Methods 0.000 claims description 3
- 230000008020 evaporation Effects 0.000 claims description 3
- 239000002245 particle Substances 0.000 description 11
- 102000004190 Enzymes Human genes 0.000 description 5
- 108090000790 Enzymes Proteins 0.000 description 5
- 239000012530 fluid Substances 0.000 description 5
- 230000000694 effects Effects 0.000 description 4
- 239000010408 film Substances 0.000 description 4
- 238000010412 laundry washing Methods 0.000 description 4
- 238000002604 ultrasonography Methods 0.000 description 4
- 238000004891 communication Methods 0.000 description 3
- 230000005484 gravity Effects 0.000 description 3
- 239000003595 mist Substances 0.000 description 3
- 230000002101 lytic effect Effects 0.000 description 2
- 239000000843 powder Substances 0.000 description 2
- 239000000243 solution Substances 0.000 description 2
- 239000004753 textile Substances 0.000 description 2
- 230000003213 activating effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000000889 atomisation Methods 0.000 description 1
- 150000001720 carbohydrates Chemical class 0.000 description 1
- 235000014633 carbohydrates Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 239000000084 colloidal system Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000005611 electricity Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000003912 environmental pollution Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000011874 heated mixture Substances 0.000 description 1
- 150000002632 lipids Chemical class 0.000 description 1
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000000203 mixture Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000011148 porous material Substances 0.000 description 1
- 102000004169 proteins and genes Human genes 0.000 description 1
- 108090000623 proteins and genes Proteins 0.000 description 1
- 239000013042 solid detergent Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000003756 stirring Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000004094 surface-active agent Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000000725 suspension Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000002123 temporal effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000010409 thin film Substances 0.000 description 1
Images
Classifications
-
- D—TEXTILES; PAPER
- D06—TREATMENT OF TEXTILES OR THE LIKE; LAUNDERING; FLEXIBLE MATERIALS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- D06F—LAUNDERING, DRYING, IRONING, PRESSING OR FOLDING TEXTILE ARTICLES
- D06F39/00—Details of washing machines not specific to a single type of machines covered by groups D06F9/00 - D06F27/00
- D06F39/02—Devices for adding soap or other washing agents
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47L—DOMESTIC WASHING OR CLEANING; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47L15/00—Washing or rinsing machines for crockery or tableware
- A47L15/42—Details
- A47L15/44—Devices for adding cleaning agents; Devices for dispensing cleaning agents, rinsing aids or deodorants
-
- 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
- A47L2601/00—Washing methods characterised by the use of a particular treatment
- A47L2601/17—Sonic or ultrasonic waves
Definitions
- This invention relates to a washing method for a washing appliance capable of implementing the method.
- the washing appliance might be a laundry washing machine or a dishwasher.
- dishwashers allow the dishes placed in a washing compartment to be subjected to a chemical wash and a mechanical wash simultaneously.
- nozzles located on one or more sprayers to spray a jet of liquid under pressure against the dishes to be washed.
- This liquid under pressure comprises a heated mixture of water and detergent.
- the liquid under pressure is heated by an electrical heating element.
- the liquid under pressure directed at the dishes removes dirt through a mechanical washing action while the detergent improves this washing action thanks to the surfactants and enzymes it contains.
- Document DE 10 2006 055 345 A1 discloses a method for operating a dishwasher comprising a washing compartment and an atomization facility including an ultrasound generator and a blower, wherein water mixed with active detergent substances is vaporized by the ultrasound generator and conveyed into the washing compartment by the blower.
- this invention has for an aim to provide a washing method that can reduce the consumption of washing liquid, in particular of the water and/or detergent used during washing.
- Another aim of the invention is to provide a washing method that can reduce the consumption of electricity.
- a further aim of the invention is to provide a washing method that can improve the measure of the cleanness of the objects to be washed (particularly of the dishes made of porous material).
- the numeral 1 denotes a washing appliance.
- the washing appliance 1 comprises a washing compartment 2.designed to accommodate the articles to be washed.
- the appliance 1 also comprises washing means 3 for mechanically washing the articles.
- the washing appliance 1 comprises a dishwasher 10.
- the articles placed in the washing compartment 2 are "dishes", meaning by this term any article suitable for washing in a dishwasher, namely: plates, crockery, pots, pans, cutlery, glassware, etc.
- the washing compartment 2 comprises first means 21 for positioning the dishes.
- the first positioning means 21 comprise a first rack 210.
- second positioning means 22 located under the first positioning means 21.
- the second positioning means 22 comprise a second rack 220.
- the first and second racks 210, 220 can be pulled out from the washing compartment 2, but during the washing cycle are located inside the washing compartment 2.
- the washing means 3 comprise at least one first sprayer 30 which directs at least one jet of liquid under pressure at the articles to be washed in the washing compartment 2.
- the washing means 3 also comprise a second sprayer 300 which directs at least one jet of liquid under pressure at the articles to be washed in the washing compartment 2.
- the first and the second sprayer 30 and 300 are usually mounted one under the first rack 210 and the other under the second rack 220.
- the washing appliance 1 is a laundry washing machine.
- laundry washing machine is meant a washing appliance 1 designed to wash textile items (garments, household linen, etc.).
- the washing means 3 comprise a rotary drum for receiving the articles (the textile items) to be washed.
- the rotary drum is located inside the washing compartment 2. As it rotates, the drum transfers motion to the laundry items it contains, thus stirring them and creating a mechanical action.
- the washing appliance 1 comprises means 40 for nebulizing an aqueous solution containing a chemical detergent in the washing compartment 2 (conveniently, this chemical detergent is a washing aid such as, for example, a washing powder).
- this chemical detergent may also refer to the rinse aid used in dishwashers.
- the nebulizing means 40 are mounted on the door 7 which gives the user access to the washing compartment 2. More specifically, the nebulizing means 40 might be mounted on the inner door panel, that is, the part of the door 7 that delimits the inside of the washing compartment 2.
- the nebulizing means 40 are mounted on the first or the second rack 210, 220, or on the bottom, or one of the sidewalls of, the washing compartment 2.
- safety means may be provided to prevent the door 7 from being opened when the nebulizing means 40 are active.
- the safety means comprise a door lock that may be activated electronically or by an electromechanical actuator.
- the nebulizing means 40 comprise a high-frequency (typically ultrasound) vibration actuator 400. More specifically, the vibration actuator 400 is an ultrasound piezoelectric actuator.
- the nebulizing means 40 also comprise a container 41 which holds the aqueous solution to be nebulized.
- the vibration actuator 400 is functionally connected to the container 41. More specifically, the vibration actuator 400 is located inside the container 41. In the preferred embodiment, the vibration actuator 400 is in contact with the aqueous solution inside the container 41 (more specifically, the vibration actuator 400 is at least partly immersed in the aqueous solution inside the container 41).
- the vibration actuator 400 When the vibration actuator 400 is set in high-frequency vibration it causes the aqueous solution inside the container 41 to vibrate, thereby nebulizing it.
- the container 41 is fluid-dynamically connectable to the washing compartment 2 to enable the nebulized particles located in the container 41 to diffuse into the washing compartment 2.
- the aqueous solution containing the chemical detergent might be obtained by placing a solid chemical detergent (powder or tablet) in contact with water (in particular water from the main household water supply).
- the solid chemical detergent is placed in the container 41 by a user.
- the container 41 may have an opening that can be conveniently closed by a door 420.
- a passage 421 in the door 420 allows the fluid dynamic connection between container 41 and the washing compartment 2 even when the door 420 is closed. That means the nebulized particles can diffuse into the washing compartment 2.
- the washing appliance 1 also comprises a pipe 43 for feeding a liquid into the container 41.
- the feed pipe 43 allows the container 41 to be supplied with water.
- the aqueous solution might also comprise a chemical detergent in liquid form.
- the nebulizing means 40 create an aerosol that diffuses into the washing compartment 2.
- An aerosol is a colloid in which a liquid or a solid are dispersed in a gas.
- the aerosol is an aqueous solution dispersed in a gas and the aqueous solution contains the chemical detergent. This causes the particles of the aqueous solution containing the chemical detergent to form a suspension in the atmosphere inside the container 41. This aerosol then diffuses into the washing compartment 2.
- a mist that shrouds the articles to be washed is thus formed in the washing compartment 2.
- the dishwasher 10 for example, that makes it possible to reach even the parts of the articles to be washed that are difficult to access by the sprayers 30, 300.
- mist tends to settle on the articles to be washed (typically on the dishes) forming a thin liquid film.
- the size of the aerosol particles is in the order of nanometres (the size of the particles falls preferably within a range of between 1 nanometre and 1 micrometre).
- the washing appliance 1 also comprises a rinse aid tank 44.
- the tank 44 can be placed in fluid communication with the container 41 in order to feed the rinse aid (usually in liquid form) into the container 41 where it can be nebulized.
- the tank 44 is adjacent to the container 41 and can be fluid dynamically connected to the container 41 through an opening that can be occluded by a valve 45.
- the dishwasher 10 allows the rinse aid to be supplied to the washing compartment 2 by nebulization.
- the washing appliance 1 comprises means 5 for temporally controlling the operation of the washing means 3 and of the nebulizing means 40.
- the temporal control means 5 can implement a first procedure where the nebulizing means 40 are switched on after the washing means 3 have been switched off.
- the control means 5 comprise an electronic control system 50 operatively connected to the washing means 3 and to the nebulizing means 40. More specifically, the electronic control system 50 controls the operation of the vibration actuator 400 and/or of a pump 6 in a hydraulic circuit 60 that enables the washing liquid to be fed under pressure to the washing means 3 and/or of a flow shutoff device 62 which allows, prevents or regulates the flow of washing liquid along the hydraulic circuit 60 (more specifically, it enables and/or regulates the flow of washing liquid to the first and/or to the second sprayer 30, 300).
- the washing appliance 1 may comprise means for heating the washing compartment 2.
- the washing appliance 1 comprises a heating element 61 that heats a washing liquid before the latter is fed into the washing compartment 2 through the washing means 3. That way, the washing compartment 2 is heated by the washing liquid (advantageously to temperatures around 40°C). This allows the aerosol to have a more effective action, as explained in more detail below.
- the present invention relates to a washing method for washing articles placed in a washing compartment 2 of a washing appliance 1. Said method may be implemented by a washing appliance having one or more of the technical features of the washing appliance 1 described above.
- the washing appliance 1 is a dishwasher 10 (but it might also be a laundry washing machine).
- the method comprises implementing (more specifically, the method involving the implementation by the washing appliance 1 of) a first procedure comprising the steps of:
- the nebulized spray of aqueous solution is applied in the washing compartment 2 after completing the mechanical wash.
- At least a part of the chemical wash performed through nebulization is not simultaneous with any step of mechanically washing the articles to be washed. At least two separate time steps are therefore contemplated: one of mechanical washing only and one of chemical washing only.
- the mechanical washing step comprises the step of spraying a washing liquid under pressure against the articles to be washed.
- the pressure of the washing liquid therefore enables a first wash to be performed.
- the washing liquid also softens the encrusted dirt, facilitating its mechanical removal.
- the washing liquid under pressure is advantageously sprayed by the washing means 3 (more specifically, by the first and second sprayers 30, 300).
- the washing liquid under pressure does not contain any chemical detergents to aid washing. More specifically, the washing liquid is water (in particular water from the main household water supply).
- the washing liquid falls by gravity to the bottom of the washing compartment 2 (possibly after coming into contact with the dishes).
- the washing liquid that collects on the bottom of the washing compartment 2 is recycled and again sprayed against the articles to be washed.
- the pipe forms part of the hydraulic circuit 60.
- Nebulization of the aqueous solution containing a chemical detergent is preceded by a step of heating the washing compartment 2 (or in any case heating the objects to be washed placed inside it).
- This step of heating the washing compartment 2 permits heating of the articles to be washed.
- the step of heating the washing compartment 2 is carried out simultaneously with the step of mechanically washing the articles to be washed.
- the step of heating the washing compartment 2 comprises bringing the washing compartment 2, at least in the part of it where the articles to be washed are located, to a temperature in a range of between 30°C and 50°C (preferably around 90°C).
- a chemical detergent determines the presence of suspended particles of detergent in the washing compartment 2.
- These particles of detergent comprise enzymes (in particular lytic enzymes) which break certain chemical bonds characteristic of proteins, lipids and carbohydrates. The action of these enzymes is at its optimum at temperatures in a range of between 30°C and 50°C, preferably around 40°C.
- Heating the washing compartment 2 (or in any case the objects to be washed placed inside it) before nebulization is therefore important for activating the lytic enzymes.
- the mechanical washing step is performed in a predetermined time interval of between 10 and 20 minutes.
- a temperature sensor might be provided in the washing compartment 2, the mechanical washing step coming to an end when the temperature sensor detects that a predetermined temperature (for example 40°C) has been reached.
- the step of heating the washing compartment 2 comprises heating at least a first part of the washing liquid before spraying said first part of the washing liquid against the articles to be washed.
- the step of heating a first part of the washing liquid is at least partly simultaneous with the step of spraying at least a second part of the washing liquid in the washing compartment 2.
- a particularly advantageous aspect is the fact that the heating step is performed during the mechanical washing step. That saves time and also permits heating to be performed by the customary hydraulic circuit 60 of any washing appliance 1 (in particular any dishwasher 10).
- the washing liquid is heated by an electrical heating element 61 . More specifically, this occurs while the washing liquid is being conveyed from the bottom of the washing compartment 2 to at least one nozzle which sprays the washing liquid at the dishes placed in the washing compartment 2.
- the at least one nozzle forms part of the washing means 3.
- nebulization comprises the step of creating an aerosol from the aqueous solution containing the chemical detergent (see for example, reference B, Figure 3 ).
- the aerosol shrouds the articles to be washed in a mist.
- the particles of chemical detergent in the aerosol diffuse into the washing compartment 2 without any forced convection.
- the nebulization step is accomplished by the nebulizing means 40 (in particular through the vibration actuator 400 as described below).
- the step of creating an aerosol from the aqueous solution containing the chemical detergent does not temporally overlap the step of spraying a washing liquid under pressure against the articles to be washed.
- the aqueous solution to be nebulized is obtained by placing a chemical detergent in a solid or liquid state in contact with water (in particular water from the main household water supply) in a single container 41.
- the washing appliance 1 comprises, as a tank for feeding in the detergent, only the container 41.
- the method comprises a step of a user placing a quantity of detergent in the container 41 before the washing cycle starts.
- the method comprises feeding water into the container 41. As stated above, this may be done through the feed pipe 43.
- a quantity of detergent may remain in the container 41.
- the step of creating the aerosol advantageously lasts for a time interval of between 5 and 10 minutes, with a quantity of solution to be nebulized of around 200-250ml. With larger quantities of solution, the duration of the step of creating an aerosol may advantageously be increased.
- the method comprises a further mechanical wash which comprises spraying the washing compartment 2 with at least one jet of liquid in which is dissolved the residual chemical detergent remaining in the container 41 (after the step of creating the aerosol).
- a further mechanical wash which comprises spraying the washing compartment 2 with at least one jet of liquid in which is dissolved the residual chemical detergent remaining in the container 41 (after the step of creating the aerosol).
- the steps denoted by the reference characters D and E in Figure 3 see for example the steps denoted by the reference characters D and E in Figure 3 .
- the heating element 61 see reference D, Figure 3
- the heating means are switched off (see reference E, Figure 3 ).
- the washing means 3 more specifically, the first and second sprayers 30, 300, are used.
- the further mechanical wash is advantageously performed a few minutes after the end of the step of creating the aerosol, so as to allow the aerosol to apply its action on the articles to be washed (there is thus a waiting step, denoted by the reference character C in Figure 3 ; the waiting step “C” is an optional step during which the aerosol nebulized during the step labelled "B" is allowed to act and the mechanical components of the dishwasher 10, more specifically, the pump 6 and the vibration actuator 400, are off).
- the further mechanical wash avoids wasting the remaining detergent in the container 41.
- the method according to the invention contemplates conveying the residual detergent (more specifically, the solid detergent) to the bottom of the washing compartment 2.
- the residual detergent on the bottom of the washing compartment 2 mixes with the washing liquid used during the mechanical wash and lying on the bottom of the washing compartment 2.
- a quantity of water is fed into the container 41 (advantageously through the pipe 43) and an outlet port 46 opens in the container 41.
- the quantity of water fed into the container 41 can flow out of the container 41 through the outlet port 46, carrying the residual chemical detergent with it.
- the dishwasher comprises a system of tipping the container 41. That way, the water and the residual chemical detergent fall out of the container 41 by gravity, advantageously through the at least one passage 421 made in the door 420. Once out of the container 41 the water and the residual chemical detergent are conveyed by gravity to the bottom of the washing compartment 2.
- the used washing liquid is drained out of the washing appliance 1.
- the washing appliance 1 after implementing the first procedure, the washing appliance 1 might implement a second procedure.
- the second procedure is run when the washing appliance 1 is a dishwasher 10.
- the second procedure comprises the steps of:
- the step of spraying the further heated liquid under pressure makes it possible for the dishes to be heated. This facilitates evaporation of a thin film of liquid present on the dishes at the end of the step of nebulizing the aqueous solution comprising the rinse aid (in the second procedure, this liquid film is formed during the step of spraying the further heated liquid under pressure; during nebulization, particles of rinse aid settle on the film).
- the step of spraying the further heated liquid during the second procedure causes heating of the washing compartment 2, at least in the part of it where the articles to be washed are located, to a temperature of between 40°C and 60°C, preferably 50°C.
- the step of nebulizing the aqueous solution comprising the rinse aid is preceded by the step of feeding the rinse aid into the container 41.
- the container 41 houses the vibration actuator 400 which permits nebulization of a liquid (in this case, the aqueous solution containing the rinse aid).
- the step of feeding the rinse aid into the container 41 comprises placing the rinse aid tank 44 into fluid communication with the container 41.
- the tank 44 is placed in fluid communication with the container 41 by opening the valve 45 (described above).
- This invention has important advantages. First of all, it allows uniform washing of the articles. Moreover, it minimizes consumption of energy and detergent.
Description
- This invention relates to a washing method for a washing appliance capable of implementing the method. The washing appliance might be a laundry washing machine or a dishwasher.
- Normally, dishwashers allow the dishes placed in a washing compartment to be subjected to a chemical wash and a mechanical wash simultaneously. In effect, they use nozzles located on one or more sprayers to spray a jet of liquid under pressure against the dishes to be washed. This liquid under pressure comprises a heated mixture of water and detergent. The liquid under pressure is heated by an electrical heating element. The liquid under pressure directed at the dishes removes dirt through a mechanical washing action while the detergent improves this washing action thanks to the surfactants and enzymes it contains.
- One disadvantage of this is that it is difficult for the washing liquid to reach some parts of the dishes, especially when the washing compartment contains a large number of dishes heaped on top of each other. To overcome this disadvantage, prior art dishwashers use large amounts of water and detergent. Heating the mixture of water and detergent obviously has inherent costs, which are all the higher the greater the quantity of washing liquid to be heated is. Moreover, a higher consumption of detergent has disadvantages not only in terms of the costs of the detergent itself but also in terms of environmental pollution.
- In this context, the technical purpose which forms the basis of this invention is to propose a washing appliance and a washing method that overcome the above mentioned disadvantages of the prior art.
Document DE 10 2006 055 345 A1 discloses a method for operating a dishwasher comprising a washing compartment and an atomization facility including an ultrasound generator and a blower, wherein water mixed with active detergent substances is vaporized by the ultrasound generator and conveyed into the washing compartment by the blower. - In particular, this invention has for an aim to provide a washing method that can reduce the consumption of washing liquid, in particular of the water and/or detergent used during washing.
- Another aim of the invention is to provide a washing method that can reduce the consumption of electricity. A further aim of the invention is to provide a washing method that can improve the measure of the cleanness of the objects to be washed (particularly of the dishes made of porous material).
- The technical purpose and aims specified are achieved by a washing method comprising the technical features described in one or more of the accompanying claims.
- Further features and advantages of the invention are more apparent in the non-limiting description which follows of a preferred non-exclusive embodiment of a washing appliance illustrated in the accompanying drawings, in which:
-
Figure 1 is a schematic view of a washing appliance suitable for implementing this invention; -
Figure 2 shows a detail of the washing appliance according tofigure 1 ; -
Figure 3 shows an example of a washing cycle that implements the washing method; the variable on the x-axis is time, while the variable on the y-axis is the temperature measured during the washing cycle near the articles to be washed. - In the accompanying drawings, the
numeral 1 denotes a washing appliance. - The
washing appliance 1 comprises a washing compartment 2.designed to accommodate the articles to be washed. Theappliance 1 also comprises washing means 3 for mechanically washing the articles. Advantageously, thewashing appliance 1 comprises adishwasher 10. In that case, the articles placed in thewashing compartment 2 are "dishes", meaning by this term any article suitable for washing in a dishwasher, namely: plates, crockery, pots, pans, cutlery, glassware, etc. - The
washing compartment 2 comprisesfirst means 21 for positioning the dishes. Advantageously, the first positioning means 21 comprise a first rack 210. Normally, there are second positioning means 22 located under the first positioning means 21. The second positioning means 22 comprise a second rack 220. The first and second racks 210, 220 can be pulled out from thewashing compartment 2, but during the washing cycle are located inside thewashing compartment 2. - The washing means 3 comprise at least one
first sprayer 30 which directs at least one jet of liquid under pressure at the articles to be washed in thewashing compartment 2. - Advantageously, the washing means 3 also comprise a
second sprayer 300 which directs at least one jet of liquid under pressure at the articles to be washed in thewashing compartment 2. The first and thesecond sprayer - In an alternative embodiment not illustrated, the
washing appliance 1 is a laundry washing machine. By "laundry washing machine" is meant awashing appliance 1 designed to wash textile items (garments, household linen, etc.).. In that case, the washing means 3 comprise a rotary drum for receiving the articles (the textile items) to be washed. The rotary drum is located inside thewashing compartment 2. As it rotates, the drum transfers motion to the laundry items it contains, thus stirring them and creating a mechanical action. - Generally speaking, the
washing appliance 1 comprises means 40 for nebulizing an aqueous solution containing a chemical detergent in the washing compartment 2 (conveniently, this chemical detergent is a washing aid such as, for example, a washing powder). In this specification, the term chemical detergent may also refer to the rinse aid used in dishwashers. In the case of adishwasher 10 the nebulizingmeans 40 are mounted on thedoor 7 which gives the user access to thewashing compartment 2. More specifically, the nebulizingmeans 40 might be mounted on the inner door panel, that is, the part of thedoor 7 that delimits the inside of thewashing compartment 2. - In alternative embodiments, the nebulizing
means 40 are mounted on the first or the second rack 210, 220, or on the bottom, or one of the sidewalls of, thewashing compartment 2. Advantageously, safety means may be provided to prevent thedoor 7 from being opened when the nebulizingmeans 40 are active. The safety means comprise a door lock that may be activated electronically or by an electromechanical actuator. - The nebulizing means 40 comprise a high-frequency (typically ultrasound)
vibration actuator 400. More specifically, thevibration actuator 400 is an ultrasound piezoelectric actuator. - The nebulizing means 40 also comprise a
container 41 which holds the aqueous solution to be nebulized. Thevibration actuator 400 is functionally connected to thecontainer 41. More specifically, thevibration actuator 400 is located inside thecontainer 41. In the preferred embodiment, thevibration actuator 400 is in contact with the aqueous solution inside the container 41 (more specifically, thevibration actuator 400 is at least partly immersed in the aqueous solution inside the container 41). - When the
vibration actuator 400 is set in high-frequency vibration it causes the aqueous solution inside thecontainer 41 to vibrate, thereby nebulizing it. - The
container 41 is fluid-dynamically connectable to thewashing compartment 2 to enable the nebulized particles located in thecontainer 41 to diffuse into thewashing compartment 2. - The aqueous solution containing the chemical detergent might be obtained by placing a solid chemical detergent (powder or tablet) in contact with water (in particular water from the main household water supply).
- Advantageously, the solid chemical detergent is placed in the
container 41 by a user. For this purpose, thecontainer 41 may have an opening that can be conveniently closed by adoor 420. Conveniently, apassage 421 in thedoor 420 allows the fluid dynamic connection betweencontainer 41 and thewashing compartment 2 even when thedoor 420 is closed. That means the nebulized particles can diffuse into thewashing compartment 2. - The
washing appliance 1 also comprises apipe 43 for feeding a liquid into thecontainer 41. In the preferred embodiment, thefeed pipe 43 allows thecontainer 41 to be supplied with water. - If necessary, the aqueous solution might also comprise a chemical detergent in liquid form.
- The nebulizing means 40 create an aerosol that diffuses into the
washing compartment 2. An aerosol is a colloid in which a liquid or a solid are dispersed in a gas. In the preferred embodiment, the aerosol is an aqueous solution dispersed in a gas and the aqueous solution contains the chemical detergent. This causes the particles of the aqueous solution containing the chemical detergent to form a suspension in the atmosphere inside thecontainer 41. This aerosol then diffuses into thewashing compartment 2. - A mist that shrouds the articles to be washed is thus formed in the
washing compartment 2. In the case of thedishwasher 10, for example, that makes it possible to reach even the parts of the articles to be washed that are difficult to access by thesprayers - Further, the mist tends to settle on the articles to be washed (typically on the dishes) forming a thin liquid film.
- Preferably, the size of the aerosol particles is in the order of nanometres (the size of the particles falls preferably within a range of between 1 nanometre and 1 micrometre).
- This allows particularly effective washing of dishes having a porous surfaces since the extremely small size of the particles allows the particles to find their way more easily into the surface irregularities of the dishes of this type and of the encrusted dirt deposits on them.
- The
washing appliance 1 also comprises a rinseaid tank 44. Thetank 44 can be placed in fluid communication with thecontainer 41 in order to feed the rinse aid (usually in liquid form) into thecontainer 41 where it can be nebulized. Advantageously, thetank 44 is adjacent to thecontainer 41 and can be fluid dynamically connected to thecontainer 41 through an opening that can be occluded by avalve 45. As described in more detail below, thedishwasher 10 allows the rinse aid to be supplied to thewashing compartment 2 by nebulization. - Advantageously, the
washing appliance 1 comprisesmeans 5 for temporally controlling the operation of the washing means 3 and of the nebulizing means 40. The temporal control means 5 can implement a first procedure where the nebulizing means 40 are switched on after the washing means 3 have been switched off. - The control means 5 comprise an
electronic control system 50 operatively connected to the washing means 3 and to the nebulizing means 40. More specifically, theelectronic control system 50 controls the operation of thevibration actuator 400 and/or of a pump 6 in ahydraulic circuit 60 that enables the washing liquid to be fed under pressure to the washing means 3 and/or of aflow shutoff device 62 which allows, prevents or regulates the flow of washing liquid along the hydraulic circuit 60 (more specifically, it enables and/or regulates the flow of washing liquid to the first and/or to thesecond sprayer 30, 300). - The
washing appliance 1 may comprise means for heating thewashing compartment 2. Advantageously, thewashing appliance 1 comprises aheating element 61 that heats a washing liquid before the latter is fed into thewashing compartment 2 through the washing means 3. That way, thewashing compartment 2 is heated by the washing liquid (advantageously to temperatures around 40°C). This allows the aerosol to have a more effective action, as explained in more detail below. - The present invention relates to a washing method for washing articles placed in a
washing compartment 2 of awashing appliance 1. Said method may be implemented by a washing appliance having one or more of the technical features of thewashing appliance 1 described above. - More specifically, in the preferred embodiment of it, the
washing appliance 1 is a dishwasher 10 (but it might also be a laundry washing machine). - The method comprises implementing (more specifically, the method involving the implementation by the
washing appliance 1 of) a first procedure comprising the steps of: - subjecting the articles located in the
washing compartment 2 to a mechanical wash (see reference A,Figure 3 ); - applying a chemical detergent in aqueous solution in the form of a nebulized spray inside the
washing compartment 2 so as to subject the articles (previously placed in the washing compartment 2) to a chemical wash. - The nebulized spray of aqueous solution is applied in the
washing compartment 2 after completing the mechanical wash. - In the preferred embodiment, at least a part of the chemical wash performed through nebulization is not simultaneous with any step of mechanically washing the articles to be washed. At least two separate time steps are therefore contemplated: one of mechanical washing only and one of chemical washing only.
- In the case of a
dishwasher 10, the mechanical wash makes it possible to start attacking the more stubborn encrusted dirt on the dishes. - The mechanical washing step comprises the step of spraying a washing liquid under pressure against the articles to be washed. The pressure of the washing liquid therefore enables a first wash to be performed. The washing liquid also softens the encrusted dirt, facilitating its mechanical removal.
- The washing liquid under pressure is advantageously sprayed by the washing means 3 (more specifically, by the first and
second sprayers 30, 300). - The washing liquid under pressure does not contain any chemical detergents to aid washing. More specifically, the washing liquid is water (in particular water from the main household water supply). Advantageously, after being sprayed, the washing liquid falls by gravity to the bottom of the washing compartment 2 (possibly after coming into contact with the dishes). Advantageously, during the step of spraying a washing liquid under pressure against the articles to be washed, the washing liquid that collects on the bottom of the
washing compartment 2 is recycled and again sprayed against the articles to be washed. In effect, there is a pipe through which, thanks to the pump 6, the washing liquid is conveyed out of the bottom of thewashing compartment 2 and pumped back to the washing means 3. All this occurs in a continuous cycle during the mechanical washing step. The pipe forms part of thehydraulic circuit 60. - Nebulization of the aqueous solution containing a chemical detergent is preceded by a step of heating the washing compartment 2 (or in any case heating the objects to be washed placed inside it). This step of heating the
washing compartment 2 permits heating of the articles to be washed. The step of heating thewashing compartment 2 is carried out simultaneously with the step of mechanically washing the articles to be washed. - The step of heating the
washing compartment 2 comprises bringing thewashing compartment 2, at least in the part of it where the articles to be washed are located, to a temperature in a range of between 30°C and 50°C (preferably around 90°C). In effect, the nebulization of the aqueous solution containing a chemical detergent determines the presence of suspended particles of detergent in thewashing compartment 2. These particles of detergent comprise enzymes (in particular lytic enzymes) which break certain chemical bonds characteristic of proteins, lipids and carbohydrates. The action of these enzymes is at its optimum at temperatures in a range of between 30°C and 50°C, preferably around 40°C. Heating the washing compartment 2 (or in any case the objects to be washed placed inside it) before nebulization is therefore important for activating the lytic enzymes. The mechanical washing step is performed in a predetermined time interval of between 10 and 20 minutes. Alternatively, a temperature sensor might be provided in thewashing compartment 2, the mechanical washing step coming to an end when the temperature sensor detects that a predetermined temperature (for example 40°C) has been reached. - The step of heating the
washing compartment 2 comprises heating at least a first part of the washing liquid before spraying said first part of the washing liquid against the articles to be washed. - The step of heating a first part of the washing liquid is at least partly simultaneous with the step of spraying at least a second part of the washing liquid in the
washing compartment 2. - A particularly advantageous aspect is the fact that the heating step is performed during the mechanical washing step. That saves time and also permits heating to be performed by the customary
hydraulic circuit 60 of any washing appliance 1 (in particular any dishwasher 10). As mentioned above, the washing liquid is heated by anelectrical heating element 61 . More specifically, this occurs while the washing liquid is being conveyed from the bottom of thewashing compartment 2 to at least one nozzle which sprays the washing liquid at the dishes placed in thewashing compartment 2. Advantageously, the at least one nozzle forms part of the washing means 3. - As stated above, nebulization comprises the step of creating an aerosol from the aqueous solution containing the chemical detergent (see for example, reference B,
Figure 3 ). The aerosol shrouds the articles to be washed in a mist. Advantageously, the particles of chemical detergent in the aerosol diffuse into thewashing compartment 2 without any forced convection. The nebulization step is accomplished by the nebulizing means 40 (in particular through thevibration actuator 400 as described below). - The step of creating an aerosol from the aqueous solution containing the chemical detergent does not temporally overlap the step of spraying a washing liquid under pressure against the articles to be washed.
- The aqueous solution to be nebulized is obtained by placing a chemical detergent in a solid or liquid state in contact with water (in particular water from the main household water supply) in a
single container 41. Preferably, thewashing appliance 1 comprises, as a tank for feeding in the detergent, only thecontainer 41. - The method comprises a step of a user placing a quantity of detergent in the
container 41 before the washing cycle starts. During the washing cycle, before the detergent is nebulized, the method comprises feeding water into thecontainer 41. As stated above, this may be done through thefeed pipe 43. At the end of the step of creating the aerosol, a quantity of detergent may remain in thecontainer 41. The step of creating the aerosol advantageously lasts for a time interval of between 5 and 10 minutes, with a quantity of solution to be nebulized of around 200-250ml. With larger quantities of solution, the duration of the step of creating an aerosol may advantageously be increased. - After the end of the step of creating the aerosol, the method comprises a further mechanical wash which comprises spraying the
washing compartment 2 with at least one jet of liquid in which is dissolved the residual chemical detergent remaining in the container 41 (after the step of creating the aerosol). In this regard, see for example the steps denoted by the reference characters D and E inFigure 3 . During the further mechanical wash, first the liquid jet is heated by the heating element 61 (see reference D,Figure 3 ), then the heating means are switched off (see reference E,Figure 3 ). For the further mechanical wash, again the washing means 3, more specifically, the first andsecond sprayers - The further mechanical wash is advantageously performed a few minutes after the end of the step of creating the aerosol, so as to allow the aerosol to apply its action on the articles to be washed (there is thus a waiting step, denoted by the reference character C in
Figure 3 ; the waiting step "C" is an optional step during which the aerosol nebulized during the step labelled "B" is allowed to act and the mechanical components of thedishwasher 10, more specifically, the pump 6 and thevibration actuator 400, are off). The further mechanical wash avoids wasting the remaining detergent in thecontainer 41. In this regard, the method according to the invention contemplates conveying the residual detergent (more specifically, the solid detergent) to the bottom of thewashing compartment 2. Advantageously, the residual detergent on the bottom of thewashing compartment 2 mixes with the washing liquid used during the mechanical wash and lying on the bottom of thewashing compartment 2. To convey the residual detergent to the bottom of thewashing compartment 2, a quantity of water is fed into the container 41 (advantageously through the pipe 43) and anoutlet port 46 opens in thecontainer 41. The quantity of water fed into thecontainer 41 can flow out of thecontainer 41 through theoutlet port 46, carrying the residual chemical detergent with it. In an alternative embodiment not illustrated the dishwasher comprises a system of tipping thecontainer 41. That way, the water and the residual chemical detergent fall out of thecontainer 41 by gravity, advantageously through the at least onepassage 421 made in thedoor 420. Once out of thecontainer 41 the water and the residual chemical detergent are conveyed by gravity to the bottom of thewashing compartment 2. - On completion of the further mechanical wash, the used washing liquid is drained out of the
washing appliance 1. - In the method according to the invention, after implementing the first procedure, the
washing appliance 1 might implement a second procedure. The second procedure is run when thewashing appliance 1 is adishwasher 10. The second procedure comprises the steps of: - spraying a further heated liquid under pressure against the articles to be washed located in the washing compartment 2 (for example, see reference F,
Figure 3 ); - nebulizing an aqueous solution comprising a rinse aid inside the washing compartment 2 (for example, see reference G,
Figure 3 ); During the second procedure, the step of nebulizing the aqueous solution comprising the rinse aid follows the step of spraying the further heated liquid under pressure. - During the second procedure, the step of spraying the further heated liquid under pressure makes it possible for the dishes to be heated. This facilitates evaporation of a thin film of liquid present on the dishes at the end of the step of nebulizing the aqueous solution comprising the rinse aid (in the second procedure, this liquid film is formed during the step of spraying the further heated liquid under pressure; during nebulization, particles of rinse aid settle on the film).
- The step of spraying the further heated liquid during the second procedure causes heating of the
washing compartment 2, at least in the part of it where the articles to be washed are located, to a temperature of between 40°C and 60°C, preferably 50°C. - Despite the lower temperature (in other dishwashers, hot rinsing is normally carried out at around 70°C) effective evaporation can take place more quickly than in a situation where the rinse aid is fed in the traditional manner, that is to say, mixed with water and sprayed through a sprayer. That is because the liquid film that settles on the dishes during nebulization is very thin (and can therefore evaporate quickly).
- The step of nebulizing the aqueous solution comprising the rinse aid is preceded by the step of feeding the rinse aid into the
container 41. In effect, thecontainer 41 houses thevibration actuator 400 which permits nebulization of a liquid (in this case, the aqueous solution containing the rinse aid). In this regard, the step of feeding the rinse aid into thecontainer 41 comprises placing the rinseaid tank 44 into fluid communication with thecontainer 41. Thetank 44 is placed in fluid communication with thecontainer 41 by opening the valve 45 (described above). - This invention has important advantages. First of all, it allows uniform washing of the articles. Moreover, it minimizes consumption of energy and detergent.
- It shall be understood that the invention described may be modified and adapted in several ways without departing from the scope of the inventive concept as defined by the appended claims. Moreover, all the details of the invention may be substituted by other technically equivalent elements. In practice, all the materials used, as well as the dimensions, may be changed to meet specific needs.
Claims (9)
- A method for washing articles placed in a washing compartment of a washing appliance, the method involving the implementation by the washing appliance (1) of a first procedure comprising the steps of:- subjecting the articles located in the washing compartment (2) to a mechanical wash, the mechanical wash comprising the step of spraying a washing liquid under pressure against the articles to be washed;- applying a chemical detergent in aqueous solution in the form of a nebulized spray inside the washing compartment (2) so as to subject the articles to a chemical wash;
characterized in that:i) in the first procedure the nebulized spray of aqueous solution is applied in the washing compartment (2) after completing the mechanical wash;ii) the washing liquid under pressure does not contain any chemical detergents to aid washing andiii) application of the nebulized spray of aqueous solution containing the chemical detergent is preceded by a step of heating the washing compartment (2). - The method according to claim 1, characterized in that heating the washing compartment (2) comprises bringing the washing compartment (2), at least in a part of it where the articles to be washed are located, to a temperature in a range of between 30°C and 50°C.
- The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that heating the washing compartment (2) comprises heating at least a first part of the washing liquid before spraying said first part of the washing liquid against the articles to be washed.
- The method according to claim 3, characterized in that the step of heating a first part of the washing liquid is at least partly simultaneous with the step of spraying at least a second part of the washing liquid in the washing compartment (2).
- The method according to any of the foregoing claims, characterized in that application of the nebulized spray comprises the step of creating an aerosol from the aqueous solution containing the chemical detergent.
- The method according to claim 5, characterized in that the step of creating an aerosol from the aqueous solution containing the chemical detergent does not temporally overlap the step of spraying a washing liquid under pressure against the articles to be washed.
- The method according to claim 5 or 6, characterized in that the aqueous solution is obtained by placing water and the chemical detergent in the solid state in contact with each other in a single container (41); after the end of the step of creating the aerosol, the method comprising a further step of mechanically washing the articles, this further mechanical wash comprising spraying the washing compartment (2) with at least one jet of liquid in which the residue of chemical detergent remaining in the container (41) after the step of creating the aerosol is dissolved.
- The method according to any of the foregoing claims, characterized in that the washing appliance (1) comprises a dishwasher (10) which, after implementing the first procedure, implements a second procedure comprising the steps of:- spraying a further heated liquid under pressure against the articles to be washed located in the washing compartment (2);- nebulizing an aqueous solution comprising a rinse aid inside the washing compartment (2);the nebulizing step following the step of spraying the further heated liquid under pressure in the second procedure;
the step of spraying the further heated liquid under pressure during the second procedure enabling the dishes to be heated, thereby facilitating the subsequent evaporation of a liquid film deposited on the dishes during nebulization of the aqueous solution comprising the rinse aid. - The method according to claim 8, characterized in that the step of spraying the further heated liquid during the second procedure causes heating of the washing compartment (2), at least in a part of it where the articles to be washed are located, to a temperature of between 40°C and 60°C.
Priority Applications (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
PL09805818T PL2378943T3 (en) | 2008-12-22 | 2009-12-17 | Washing method for washing appliances |
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
ITRN2008A000065A IT1392418B1 (en) | 2008-12-22 | 2008-12-22 | MACHINE AND WASHING METHOD. |
PCT/IB2009/007800 WO2010073085A1 (en) | 2008-12-22 | 2009-12-17 | Washing appliance and method |
Publications (2)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
EP2378943A1 EP2378943A1 (en) | 2011-10-26 |
EP2378943B1 true EP2378943B1 (en) | 2012-07-11 |
Family
ID=41342458
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
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EP09805818A Active EP2378943B1 (en) | 2008-12-22 | 2009-12-17 | Washing method for washing appliances |
Country Status (5)
Country | Link |
---|---|
EP (1) | EP2378943B1 (en) |
ES (1) | ES2390916T3 (en) |
IT (1) | IT1392418B1 (en) |
PL (1) | PL2378943T3 (en) |
WO (1) | WO2010073085A1 (en) |
Families Citing this family (1)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
WO2014148042A1 (en) * | 2013-03-22 | 2014-09-25 | パナソニック株式会社 | Dishwashing machine |
Family Cites Families (6)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
SE9003730D0 (en) * | 1990-11-23 | 1990-11-23 | Electrolux Ab | WANTED TO TRANSFER VOLTAGE FROM A SCIENCE COLLECTION TO A SURFACE OF A PURPOSE |
ITTO20010085A1 (en) * | 2001-01-30 | 2002-07-30 | Merloni Elettrodomestici Spa | DOMESTIC DISHWASHER MACHINE WITH WASHING AGENT DISPENSER AND RELATED WASHING PROGRAM. |
JP3988709B2 (en) * | 2003-10-15 | 2007-10-10 | 松下電器産業株式会社 | dishwasher |
JP4075842B2 (en) * | 2004-04-12 | 2008-04-16 | 松下電器産業株式会社 | dishwasher |
DE102006055345A1 (en) * | 2006-11-23 | 2008-05-29 | BSH Bosch und Siemens Hausgeräte GmbH | Dishwasher with a system for atomizing rinsing liquid and method of operating the same |
DE102006061081A1 (en) * | 2006-12-22 | 2008-06-26 | BSH Bosch und Siemens Hausgeräte GmbH | Dishwasher, in particular domestic dishwasher, with a device for improved dirt removal |
-
2008
- 2008-12-22 IT ITRN2008A000065A patent/IT1392418B1/en active
-
2009
- 2009-12-17 EP EP09805818A patent/EP2378943B1/en active Active
- 2009-12-17 ES ES09805818T patent/ES2390916T3/en active Active
- 2009-12-17 WO PCT/IB2009/007800 patent/WO2010073085A1/en active Application Filing
- 2009-12-17 PL PL09805818T patent/PL2378943T3/en unknown
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
ITRN20080065A1 (en) | 2010-06-23 |
EP2378943A1 (en) | 2011-10-26 |
PL2378943T3 (en) | 2013-03-29 |
ES2390916T3 (en) | 2012-11-19 |
WO2010073085A1 (en) | 2010-07-01 |
IT1392418B1 (en) | 2012-03-02 |
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