EP2486180B1 - A washing machine comprising a water softener unit - Google Patents

A washing machine comprising a water softener unit Download PDF

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Publication number
EP2486180B1
EP2486180B1 EP10763660.7A EP10763660A EP2486180B1 EP 2486180 B1 EP2486180 B1 EP 2486180B1 EP 10763660 A EP10763660 A EP 10763660A EP 2486180 B1 EP2486180 B1 EP 2486180B1
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EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
water
water softener
softener unit
button
detergent
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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.)
Active
Application number
EP10763660.7A
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German (de)
French (fr)
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EP2486180A1 (en
Inventor
Gokhan Ozgurel
Zehra Ulger
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.)
Arcelik AS
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Arcelik AS
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    • 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 
    • D06F39/007—Arrangements of water softeners

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a washing machine wherein use of the water softener unit and the regeneration process are decreased.
  • a washing program is implemented that consists of various washing steps such as pre-washing, main washing and rinsing.
  • the washing and/or drying performance is inversely proportional to the hardness degree of water.
  • the hardness of water results from the positively charged calcium and magnesium ions (Ca++ and Mg++) dissolved therein.
  • the water used in washing is first passed through an ion exchanger, for example a resin, in order to use soft water in washing machines.
  • the ion exchanger absorbs these ions from the water and gives off sodium ions (Na+) instead.
  • Na+ sodium ions
  • the ion exchanger is kept in a salt solution (for example NaCI) and thus, its calcium and magnesium ions are provided to be decomposed and it is provided to be enriched with sodium ions again.
  • a salt solution for example NaCI
  • This process is called regeneration. Determining the frequency of the regeneration process (once in how many washing) is important in terms of the washing machine performance. If the regeneration process is performed more frequently than required, salt consumption will increase unnecessarily.
  • a washing machine comprising means which reduces the hardness of the water supplied to the machine and at least a hardness sensor device disposed prior to means for reducing hardness of water.
  • the sensor used in this method increases the cost of the washing machine.
  • washing performance is lowered as a result of water being softened unnecessarily or not being softened at all.
  • Other relevant prior art washing machines comprising water softening units are known from DE 10 2005 046391 A , US 2007/000292 A and WO 2007/108645 A , respectively.
  • the aim of the present invention is the realization of a washing machine wherein regeneration process is not performed unnecessarily.
  • the washing machine comprises a button that is actuated when liquid detergent is used by the user and a valve on the mains line.
  • the button When the button is actuated, water is passed through the water softener unit by means of the valve.
  • the liquid detergents do not contain the builder ingredients which provide softening of water. Therefore, when liquid detergent is used, water is required to pass through the water softener unit.
  • the valve directs the water, received from the mains, optionally either to the water softener unit or the detergent dispenser.
  • the valve is controlled by a control unit which provides directing thereof depending on whether or not the button is pressed on.
  • the control unit provides the valve to direct water to the water softener unit if the button is pressed.
  • the regeneration frequency of the water softener unit is decreased by activating the water softener unit only when liquid detergent is used.
  • the laundry is also cleaned better even when washed with liquid detergent and the regeneration frequency of the water softener unit is decreased by using it only when necessary and thus, the cost of washing is decreased.
  • hardness of the mains water is measured by a sensor disposed prior to the valve on the mains line. If the water is very soft, the control unit provides the valve to direct water to the detergent dispenser and not to the water softener unit even if the user actuates the button.
  • the user is provided to press the button and thus, the water is provided to be softened in the water softener unit on account of the fact that water needs to be softened when liquid detergent is used.
  • the water softener unit is prevented from being activated unnecessarily. Consequently, the water softener unit is used only when necessary, its ions are not consumed in a short period of time and thus, the regeneration frequency is decreased.
  • Figure 1 - is the schematic view of a washing machine.
  • the washing machine (1) provides cleaning of the laundry in accordance with a washing program that includes at least some of the various steps like pre-washing, main washing, rinsing, drying and regeneration.
  • the washing machine (1) comprises a drum (2) wherein the laundry to be cleaned is placed, a detergent dispenser (3) wherein the detergent to be transferred into the drum (2) is put and through which the water received from the mains line (H) passes to be transferred to the drum (2) by sweeping the detergent, a water softener unit (4) which is located between the mains line (H) and the detergent dispenser (3) and provides the water hardness to be decreased and an ion supplier (5) which contains the ions required for regeneration of the water softener unit (4) and which is engaged with the water softener unit (4) ( Figure 1 ).
  • the water softener unit (4) becomes incapable of absorbing the ions in the water passing therethrough. Therefore, from time to time, the water softener unit (4) is kept in a salt water solution delivered from the ion supplier (5) and thus, its calcium and magnesium ions are provided to be decomposed and it is provided to be enriched with sodium ions again. This process is called regeneration.
  • the washing machine (1) furthermore, comprises a button (6) which is actuated by the user when liquid detergent is placed in the detergent dispenser (3).
  • the water softener unit (4) is activated when the button (6) is actuated ( Figure 1 ).
  • the washing machine (1) comprises at least one valve (7) disposed prior to the water softener unit (4) on the mains line (H) and a control unit (8) that controls the valve (7) such that water will be provided to be directed to the water softener unit (4) when the button (6) is actuated and directly to the detergent dispenser (3) when the button (6) is not actuated ( Figure 1 ).
  • the detergents used for cleaning the laundry are divided into two categories, the ones containing builder ingredients used for removing the hardness of water and the ones that don't contain builder ingredients.
  • the detergents supplied as liquid detergent in the market do not contain builder ingredients.
  • the control unit (8) detects that the detergent does not contain builder ingredients and that water is required to be passed through the water softener unit (4).
  • a bidirectional valve (7) is provided on the mains line (H), one end opening to the water softener unit (4) and the other end to the detergent dispenser (3).
  • the control unit (8) opens the valve (7) end opening to the water softener unit (4) when the button (6) is actuated.
  • the water softener unit (4) is a mechanism like ion exchanger resin, filtration systems holding Ca and MG ions, electrochemical, electro-deionization which provides the hardness of water to be removed.
  • the water softener unit (4) with the lapse of time, becomes incapable of absorbing the ions in the water which is passed therethrough. Therefore, from time to time, the water softener unit (4) is kept in a salt water solution delivered from the ion supplier (5) and thus, its calcium and magnesium ions are provided to be decomposed and it is provided to be enriched with the sodium ions again.
  • a water softener unit (4) used as the electrochemical ion exchanger can be used again by means of the ion supplier (5) regenerating the ions.
  • This process is called regeneration.
  • the unnecessary use of the water softener unit (4) is prevented by means of the water softener unit (4) being activated only when the user actuates the button (6) when liquid detergent is placed in the detergent dispenser (3).
  • the water softener unit (4) is not activated when solid detergent is used since the button (6) is not pressed on, consequently the life span of the water softener unit (4) is prolonged and also the regeneration frequency is decreased. Accordingly, the performance of the washing machine (1) increases.
  • the hardness degree of water is measured by the sensor (9) disposed prior to the valve (7) on the mains line (H) and the control unit (8) controls whether or not it is lower than the minimum degree of hardness stored in its memory. If the hardness degree of water is low, the control unit (8) opens the valve (7) such that water is directed to the detergent dispenser (3) instead of the water softener unit (4) even if the button (6) has been pressed. Thus, the water softener unit (4) is not activated unnecessarily if there is soft water in the mains line (H).

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Textile Engineering (AREA)
  • Detail Structures Of Washing Machines And Dryers (AREA)
  • Treatment Of Water By Ion Exchange (AREA)

Description

  • The present invention relates to a washing machine wherein use of the water softener unit and the regeneration process are decreased.
  • In a washing machine, a washing program is implemented that consists of various washing steps such as pre-washing, main washing and rinsing. In these machines, the washing and/or drying performance is inversely proportional to the hardness degree of water. As is known, the hardness of water results from the positively charged calcium and magnesium ions (Ca++ and Mg++) dissolved therein. The water used in washing is first passed through an ion exchanger, for example a resin, in order to use soft water in washing machines. The ion exchanger absorbs these ions from the water and gives off sodium ions (Na+) instead. Thus, the hardness of water is reduced. However, in time, the ion exchanger cannot absorb the calcium and magnesium ions anymore. Therefore, from time to time, the ion exchanger is kept in a salt solution (for example NaCI) and thus, its calcium and magnesium ions are provided to be decomposed and it is provided to be enriched with sodium ions again. This process is called regeneration. Determining the frequency of the regeneration process (once in how many washing) is important in terms of the washing machine performance. If the regeneration process is performed more frequently than required, salt consumption will increase unnecessarily.
  • In the European Patent Application No EP0425815 , a washing machine, comprising means which reduces the hardness of the water supplied to the machine and at least a hardness sensor device disposed prior to means for reducing hardness of water, is explained. The sensor used in this method increases the cost of the washing machine. At the same time, in case the sensor malfunctions, washing performance is lowered as a result of water being softened unnecessarily or not being softened at all. Other relevant prior art washing machines comprising water softening units are known from DE 10 2005 046391 A , US 2007/000292 A and WO 2007/108645 A , respectively.
  • The aim of the present invention is the realization of a washing machine wherein regeneration process is not performed unnecessarily.
  • The washing machine realized in order to attain the aim of the present invention is explicated in the claims.
  • The washing machine comprises a button that is actuated when liquid detergent is used by the user and a valve on the mains line. When the button is actuated, water is passed through the water softener unit by means of the valve. The liquid detergents do not contain the builder ingredients which provide softening of water. Therefore, when liquid detergent is used, water is required to pass through the water softener unit. The valve directs the water, received from the mains, optionally either to the water softener unit or the detergent dispenser. The valve is controlled by a control unit which provides directing thereof depending on whether or not the button is pressed on. The control unit provides the valve to direct water to the water softener unit if the button is pressed. The regeneration frequency of the water softener unit is decreased by activating the water softener unit only when liquid detergent is used.
  • In the washing machine of the present invention, by means of the water softener unit that is activated only when the user actuates the button, the laundry is also cleaned better even when washed with liquid detergent and the regeneration frequency of the water softener unit is decreased by using it only when necessary and thus, the cost of washing is decreased.
  • According to the present invention, hardness of the mains water is measured by a sensor disposed prior to the valve on the mains line. If the water is very soft, the control unit provides the valve to direct water to the detergent dispenser and not to the water softener unit even if the user actuates the button.
  • By means of the embodiment of the present invention, the user is provided to press the button and thus, the water is provided to be softened in the water softener unit on account of the fact that water needs to be softened when liquid detergent is used. When the user does not actuate the button, the water softener unit is prevented from being activated unnecessarily. Consequently, the water softener unit is used only when necessary, its ions are not consumed in a short period of time and thus, the regeneration frequency is decreased.
  • The washing machine realized in order to attain the aim of the present invention is illustrated in the attached figures, where:
    Figure 1 - is the schematic view of a washing machine.
  • The elements illustrated in the figures are numbered as follows:
    1. 1. Washing machine
    2. 2. Drum
    3. 3. Detergent dispenser
    4. 4. Water softener unit
    5. 5. Ion supplier
    6. 6. Button
    7. 7. Valve
    8. 8. Control unit
    9. 9. Sensor
  • The washing machine (1) provides cleaning of the laundry in accordance with a washing program that includes at least some of the various steps like pre-washing, main washing, rinsing, drying and regeneration.
  • The washing machine (1) comprises a drum (2) wherein the laundry to be cleaned is placed, a detergent dispenser (3) wherein the detergent to be transferred into the drum (2) is put and through which the water received from the mains line (H) passes to be transferred to the drum (2) by sweeping the detergent, a water softener unit (4) which is located between the mains line (H) and the detergent dispenser (3) and provides the water hardness to be decreased and an ion supplier (5) which contains the ions required for regeneration of the water softener unit (4) and which is engaged with the water softener unit (4) (Figure 1).
  • In the washing machine (1), with the lapse of time, the water softener unit (4) becomes incapable of absorbing the ions in the water passing therethrough. Therefore, from time to time, the water softener unit (4) is kept in a salt water solution delivered from the ion supplier (5) and thus, its calcium and magnesium ions are provided to be decomposed and it is provided to be enriched with sodium ions again. This process is called regeneration.
  • The washing machine (1), furthermore, comprises a button (6) which is actuated by the user when liquid detergent is placed in the detergent dispenser (3). The water softener unit (4) is activated when the button (6) is actuated (Figure 1).
  • The washing machine (1) comprises at least one valve (7) disposed prior to the water softener unit (4) on the mains line (H) and a control unit (8) that controls the valve (7) such that water will be provided to be directed to the water softener unit (4) when the button (6) is actuated and directly to the detergent dispenser (3) when the button (6) is not actuated (Figure 1).
  • The detergents used for cleaning the laundry are divided into two categories, the ones containing builder ingredients used for removing the hardness of water and the ones that don't contain builder ingredients. The detergents supplied as liquid detergent in the market do not contain builder ingredients. When the user actuates the button (6) while using liquid detergent, the control unit (8) detects that the detergent does not contain builder ingredients and that water is required to be passed through the water softener unit (4). Preferably a bidirectional valve (7) is provided on the mains line (H), one end opening to the water softener unit (4) and the other end to the detergent dispenser (3). The control unit (8) opens the valve (7) end opening to the water softener unit (4) when the button (6) is actuated. Consequently, water reaches the detergent dispenser (3) after being softened in the water softener unit (4) when liquid detergent is used. Accordingly, the laundry can be washed better by softened water when liquid detergent is used. When solid detergent containing builder ingredients with water softening features is used, the user does not actuate the button (6) and the control unit (8) opens the valve (7) end opening to the detergent dispenser (3). Thus, water reaches the detergent dispenser (3) without passing through the water softener unit (4).
  • The water softener unit (4) is a mechanism like ion exchanger resin, filtration systems holding Ca and MG ions, electrochemical, electro-deionization which provides the hardness of water to be removed. The water softener unit (4), with the lapse of time, becomes incapable of absorbing the ions in the water which is passed therethrough. Therefore, from time to time, the water softener unit (4) is kept in a salt water solution delivered from the ion supplier (5) and thus, its calcium and magnesium ions are provided to be decomposed and it is provided to be enriched with the sodium ions again. For example, a water softener unit (4) used as the electrochemical ion exchanger can be used again by means of the ion supplier (5) regenerating the ions. This process is called regeneration. The unnecessary use of the water softener unit (4) is prevented by means of the water softener unit (4) being activated only when the user actuates the button (6) when liquid detergent is placed in the detergent dispenser (3). The water softener unit (4) is not activated when solid detergent is used since the button (6) is not pressed on, consequently the life span of the water softener unit (4) is prolonged and also the regeneration frequency is decreased. Accordingly, the performance of the washing machine (1) increases.
  • According to the present invention, the washing machine (1) comprises a sensor (9) which is disposed prior to the valve (7) and which measures the hardness of mains water. The control unit (8) controls the valve (7) such that water is provided to be directed to the detergent dispenser (3) if the hardness of the water is lower than a minimum hardness degree prestored in its memory (Figure 1). In the case hardness of water is lower than a predetermined hardness degree, that is, when the water is very soft, it is not necessary to direct the water to the water softener unit (4) for softening. Therefore, the hardness degree of water is measured by the sensor (9) disposed prior to the valve (7) on the mains line (H) and the control unit (8) controls whether or not it is lower than the minimum degree of hardness stored in its memory. If the hardness degree of water is low, the control unit (8) opens the valve (7) such that water is directed to the detergent dispenser (3) instead of the water softener unit (4) even if the button (6) has been pressed. Thus, the water softener unit (4) is not activated unnecessarily if there is soft water in the mains line (H).
  • The washing machine (1) of the present invention prevents unnecessary use of the water softener unit (4) by means of the water softener unit (4) which is activated when the button (6) is actuated by the user if liquid detergent is used. The valve (7) controlled by the control unit (8) directs the water to the water softener unit (4) if the button (6) is actuated and to the detergent dispenser (3) if the button (6) is not actuated. Accordingly, when liquid detergent is not used, the water, which is also softened by the detergent, is not furthermore passed through the water softener unit (4), thus the performance of the washing machine (1) increases.
  • It is to be understood that the present invention is not limited to the embodiments disclosed above and a person skilled in the art can easily introduce different embodiments. These should be considered within the scope of the protection postulated by the claims of the present invention.

Claims (1)

  1. A washing machine (1) comprising a drum (2) wherein the laundry to be cleaned is placed, a detergent dispenser (3) wherein the detergent to be transferred into the drum (2) is placed, through which the water received from the mains line (H) passes to be transferred to the drum (2) by sweeping the detergent, a water softener unit (4) disposed between the mains line (H) and the detergent dispenser (3) providing to decrease hardness of water and an ion supplier (5) containing the ions for regeneration of the water softener unit (4) which is engaged with the water softener unit (4) and a sensor (9), which measures the hardness of the water received from the mains line (H), characterized by a button (6) which is actuatable by the user when liquid detergent is placed in the detergent dispenser (3), the water softener unit (4) which is activated when the button (6) is actuated, at least one valve (7) which is disposed prior to the water softener unit (4) on the mains line (H) and a control unit (8) that controls the valve (7) such that water is provided to be directed to the water softener unit (4) when the button (6) is actuated and directly to the detergent dispenser (3) when the button (6) is not actuated, whereby said sensor (9) is disposed prior to the valve (7) and the control unit (8) controls the valve (7) such that water is provided to be directly guided to the detergent dispenser (3) if hardness of water is lower than a minimum hardness degree pre-stored in its memory even if the user has actuated the button (6).
EP10763660.7A 2009-10-09 2010-09-29 A washing machine comprising a water softener unit Active EP2486180B1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
TR200907681 2009-10-09
PCT/EP2010/064460 WO2011042341A1 (en) 2009-10-09 2010-09-29 A washing machine comprising a water softener unit

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP2486180A1 EP2486180A1 (en) 2012-08-15
EP2486180B1 true EP2486180B1 (en) 2018-06-27

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EP (1) EP2486180B1 (en)
TR (1) TR201716783T3 (en)
WO (1) WO2011042341A1 (en)

Cited By (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US10494751B2 (en) 2013-12-30 2019-12-03 Electrolux Appliances Aktiebolag Laundry washing machine with water softening system and method for controlling a laundry washing machine
US10544536B2 (en) 2013-12-30 2020-01-28 Electrolux Appliances Aktiebolag Laundry washing machine and method for controlling a laundry washing machine
US10563339B2 (en) 2013-12-30 2020-02-18 Electrolux Appliances Aktiebolag Laundry washing machine and method for controlling a laundry washing machine
US11180887B2 (en) * 2013-12-30 2021-11-23 Electrolux Appliances Aktiebolag Laundry washing machine with water softening system and method for controlling a laundry washing machine
US20220333287A1 (en) * 2021-04-15 2022-10-20 Electrolux Appliances Aktiebolag Laundry treatment appliance with water softening system

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EP2554737B1 (en) 2011-08-01 2014-03-26 Electrolux Home Products Corporation N.V. Laundry washing machine
EP2554736B1 (en) 2011-08-01 2014-04-30 Electrolux Home Products Corporation N.V. Laundry washing machine
EP2554739B1 (en) 2011-08-01 2018-04-18 Electrolux Home Products Corporation N.V. Laundry washing machine
EP2554738B1 (en) * 2011-08-01 2018-04-18 Electrolux Home Products Corporation N.V. Laundry washing machine
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US20150090648A1 (en) * 2013-10-02 2015-04-02 Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. Softening apparatus and washing machine including the same
EP4074883A1 (en) 2021-04-15 2022-10-19 Electrolux Appliances Aktiebolag Laundry treatment appliance with water softening system and device for generating steam

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Cited By (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US10494751B2 (en) 2013-12-30 2019-12-03 Electrolux Appliances Aktiebolag Laundry washing machine with water softening system and method for controlling a laundry washing machine
US10544536B2 (en) 2013-12-30 2020-01-28 Electrolux Appliances Aktiebolag Laundry washing machine and method for controlling a laundry washing machine
US10563339B2 (en) 2013-12-30 2020-02-18 Electrolux Appliances Aktiebolag Laundry washing machine and method for controlling a laundry washing machine
US11180887B2 (en) * 2013-12-30 2021-11-23 Electrolux Appliances Aktiebolag Laundry washing machine with water softening system and method for controlling a laundry washing machine
US20220333287A1 (en) * 2021-04-15 2022-10-20 Electrolux Appliances Aktiebolag Laundry treatment appliance with water softening system

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
TR201716783T3 (en) 2017-12-21
EP2486180A1 (en) 2012-08-15
WO2011042341A1 (en) 2011-04-14

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