EP2960363B1 - Verfahren zum Waschen von Wäsche in einer Wäschewaschmaschine sowie Wäschewaschmaschine - Google Patents

Verfahren zum Waschen von Wäsche in einer Wäschewaschmaschine sowie Wäschewaschmaschine Download PDF

Info

Publication number
EP2960363B1
EP2960363B1 EP14174780.8A EP14174780A EP2960363B1 EP 2960363 B1 EP2960363 B1 EP 2960363B1 EP 14174780 A EP14174780 A EP 14174780A EP 2960363 B1 EP2960363 B1 EP 2960363B1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
washing
laundry
washing tub
phase
water
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.)
Active
Application number
EP14174780.8A
Other languages
English (en)
French (fr)
Other versions
EP2960363A1 (de
Inventor
Enrico De Michieli
Andrea Mazzon
Joseph Migeot
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.)
Electrolux Appliances AB
Original Assignee
Electrolux Appliances AB
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Electrolux Appliances AB filed Critical Electrolux Appliances AB
Priority to EP14174780.8A priority Critical patent/EP2960363B1/de
Publication of EP2960363A1 publication Critical patent/EP2960363A1/de
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP2960363B1 publication Critical patent/EP2960363B1/de
Active legal-status Critical Current
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical

Links

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 
    • D06F39/06—Arrangements for preventing or destroying scum

Definitions

  • the present invention concerns the field of laundry washing techniques.
  • the present invention refers to a method for washing laundry in a laundry washing machine capable of performing a more efficient foam level control.
  • laundry washing machines both "simple” laundry washing machines (i.e. laundry washing machines which can only wash and rinse laundry) and laundry washing-drying machines (i.e. laundry washing machines which can also dry laundry), is widespread.
  • laundry washing machine will refer to both simple laundry washing machines and laundry washing-drying machines.
  • Laundry washing machines generally comprise an external casing provided with a washing tub which contains a rotatable perforated drum where the laundry is placed.
  • a loading/unloading door ensures access to the drum.
  • Laundry washing machines typically comprise a water inlet circuit and a products supply unit for the introduction of water and washing/rinsing products (i.e. detergent, softener, etc.) into the tub.
  • water and washing/rinsing products i.e. detergent, softener, etc.
  • Known laundry washing machines are also provided with water draining devices comprising a drain pump that may operate both during the initial phases of the washing program and at the end of the same to drain the dirty water.
  • a complete washing program typically includes different phases during which the laundry to be washed is subjected to adequate treatments.
  • a washing cycle usually comprises a laundry wetting phase with addition of a washing detergent and a main washing phase during which the drum is rotated and the water contained therein is typically heated to a predetermined temperature based on the washing program selected by the user.
  • the drum is rotated so as to apply also a mechanical cleaning action on the laundry.
  • an intermediate draining phase the drum is typically rotated at high rotation speed, in such a way that dirty washing liquid (i.e. water mixed with detergent) is extracted from the laundry, and this dirty washing liquid is drained by the water draining devices.
  • the washing cycle typically comprises a rinsing phase which usually comprises one or more rinsing cycles.
  • a rinsing phase which usually comprises one or more rinsing cycles.
  • clean rinse water is first added to the laundry, so as to be absorbed by the laundry and remove from the latter detergent and/or dirty particles not previously removed by washing liquid, and then the drum is rotated at high speed to extract water and dirty particles/detergent from the laundry: the dirty water extracted is drained from the tub to the outside by the water draining devices.
  • a final spinning phase allows the extraction of the residual water contained in the wet laundry.
  • the water extracted during the final spinning phase is drained towards the outside by means of the water draining devices (during or after the spinning phase).
  • An excessive amount of foam in the washing tub can compromise the correct functioning of the drain pump (and in some cased it can also damage the latter) and it can also reduce the rinsing performances of the washing machine, with the risk that an excessive amount of detergent particles remains in the clothes at the end of the washing cycle.
  • an excessive amount of foam can reach the detergent box passing through the tub water inlet, and can overflow.
  • the International Patent application published as WO 2007/074037 discloses a washing machine and a control method wherein a sensor detects an excessive foam formation level during the washing process; according to the foam level detected by the sensor, the control method provides the foam to be mixed with water, by varying accordingly the speed and the runtime of the washing cycle, and by activating a draining pump as the drum starts moving so as to drain the water-foam mixture.
  • the EP 1 867 773 A1 discloses a method for washing laundry in a washing machine which comprises a washing phase, a draining phase and a rinsing phase.
  • water can be added.
  • the laundry washing machines of the known art pose some drawbacks.
  • the known methods for removing the foam when an excessive foam amount is detected can be not so effective, with the result that an excessive amount of foam can remain in the washing tub, creating the above mentioned drawbacks.
  • the object of the invention is providing a laundry washing machine with a washing system which reduces the risk that an excessive foam amount present in the washing tub negatively affects one or more phases of the washing cycle, and in particular the phases in which washing liquid is drained by the drain pump.
  • the applicant has found that by adding, immediately after the main washing phase end before the intermediate draining phase, a foam prevention phase during which the formation of foam is hindered, wherein said foam prevention phase is performed even if foam is not present in the washing tub, the risk of formation of an excessive foam amount in the washing tub in the following spinning phase is highly reduced.
  • the foam prevention phase is a phase to be performed, immediately after the main wash, independently on the actual presence or detection of foam in the tub; in other words, while the known methods are "active methods", that performs some corrective actions only if and after that the foam is detected (which can be too late, in particular when using a detergent having a high foam formation activity), the claimed method is a sort of "passive method", which directly intervenes on the causes of the foam formation (e.g. the water dilution, the rotation speed of the washing drum), in order to create conditions which are unfavourable to foam formation. Therefore the claimed method does not aim to intervene on the foam when already formed, but it tries to avoid foam formation from the beginning, independently of the fact that foam is already present or not.
  • the claimed method is much more effective than known "active methods" in protecting the correct functioning of the washing cycle, since the risk of having in the washing tub a foam amount so high that it is no more possible to reduce it by standard methods (e.g. reducing drum rotation or increasing the solution dilution) is highly reduced.
  • Such a washing machine used in the method of the present invention is of the type comprising:
  • the method of the present invention for washing laundry in such a laundry washing machine type comprises the following phases:
  • the method of the present invention for washing laundry in such a laundry washing machine further comprises, between said main washing phase b) and said intermediated draining phase c), a foam prevention phase b1) during which the formation of foam during the following intermediated draining phase c) is hindered, wherein said foam prevention phase b1) is performed even if foam is not present in said washing tub and comprises the following step: b1_a) a dilution step in which a first quantity of clean water is loaded into said washing tub (3) to reduce the detergent concentration in said washing tub (3), wherein during said dilution step b1_a) said washing drum (4) is rotated at a fifth rotation speed, lower than said second and forth rotating speeds, in order to increase the clean water absorption of the laundry, dilute possible foam and reduce new foam creation.
  • a laundry wetting phase a in a first advantageous alternative, water and detergent are separately introduced into said washing tub, mixed therein after their introduction, and then supplied to laundry contained in said washing tub.
  • water and detergent are contemporaneously introduced into said washing tub, thus their mixing occurs during the introduction itself into said washing tub and then the mixing is supplied to laundry contained in said washing tub.
  • said first rotation speed of the washing drum during said main washing phase of the method of the present invention is comprised between 10 rpm to 80 rpm, preferably 40 rpm.
  • said second rotation speed of the washing drum during the intermediated draining phase of the method of the present invention is comprised between 200 rpm to 1600 rpm, preferably 900 rpm.
  • said third rotation speed of the washing drum during said rinsing phase of the method of the present invention is comprised between 10 rpm to 80 rpm, preferably 40 rpm.
  • said fourth rotation speed of the washing drum during the final draining phase of the method of the present invention is comprised between 400 rpm to 1800 rpm, preferably between 800 rpm and 1400 rpm.
  • the foam prevention phase b1) comprises the following step: b1_a) a dilution step in which a first quantity of clean water is loaded into said washing tub to reduce the detergent concentration in the washing tub.
  • said foam prevention phase b1) comprises also the following step: b1_b) an evacuating step in which water is drained from said washing tub, in order to try to drain possible foam already present in the washing tub before performing said intermediate draining phase c).
  • said foam prevention phase b1) may advantageously comprise at least a dilution step b1_a) in which a first quantity of clean water is loaded into said washing tub.
  • the first quantity of clean water is loaded into the washing tub even if one or both the following conditions are fulfilled:
  • the first quantity of clean water is loaded into the washing tub whichever is the temperature of any internal region of said washing tub, thus, even if such a temperature is particularly low, such for example lower than a prefixed first threshold value of °C (e.g. lower than 20°C).
  • the loading of the first quantity of clean water into the washing tub advantageously does not depend on the internal temperature of the tub.
  • the first quantity of clean water is loaded into the washing tub whichever is the level of the liquid inside said washing tub, thus, even if such a the level of the liquid is particularly high, such for example higher than a prefixed second threshold value of 200 mm (measured from the lower region of the washing tub).
  • the loading of the first quantity of clean water into the washing tub advantageously does not depend on the water level internal to the tub.
  • said washing drum is rotated at a fifth rotation speed, lower than said second rotation speed of the washing drum during the intermediated draining phase of the method of the present invention.
  • said washing drum is rotated at a fifth rotation speed, lower than said forth rotation speed of the washing drum during the final draining phase of the method of the present invention.
  • said fifth rotation speed of the washing drum dilution step b1_a) of the method of the present invention is comprised between 10 rpm to 80 rpm, preferably 40 rpm.
  • washing drum is repeatedly rotated at said fifth rotation speed for a second time interval and then stopped for a third time interval during which the washing drum does not rotate.
  • Each series constituted by such a second time interval followed by such a third time interval may be repeated as many times as necessary during such a first time interval.
  • said first time interval is comprised between 1 minute and 6 minutes, preferably 3 minutes.
  • said second time interval is comprised between 2 second to 10 seconds, preferably 4 seconds.
  • said third time interval is comprised between 8 seconds and 20 seconds, preferably 12 seconds.
  • said foam prevention phase b1) advantageously comprises at least an evacuating step b1_b) in which water is drained from said washing tub.
  • said foam prevention phase b1) comprises performing a single dilution step b1_a) followed by a single evacuating step b1_b).
  • said foam prevention phase b1) comprises performing, after said evacuating step b1_b), one or more further dilution steps b1_a), each followed by a further evacuating step b1_b).
  • cycles of dilution step b1_a) followed by an evacuating step b1_b) may be repeated as many times as needed.
  • the quantity of clean water loaded into said washing tub during a dilution step b1_a) can be different from the quantity of clean water loaded into said washing tub during a following dilution step b1_a); more preferably, the quantity of clean water loaded into said washing tub during a dilution step b1_a) is higher than the quantity of clean water loaded into said washing tub during a following dilution step b1_a).
  • each evacuating step b1_b) except the last performed one water is drained until the water level in the washing tub goes below a first prefixed threshold, but without completely emptying the washing tub, while in the last performed evacuation step b1_b), water is drained until substantially emptying the washing tub.
  • said quantity of clean water loaded into said washing tub during said dilution step b1_a) is comprised between 1 to 5 litres, preferably between 2 to 4 litres, more preferably 3 litres.
  • said wetting phase a) and/or said main washing phase b) comprise a heating phase during which the water introduced into said washing tub is heated at a predetermined temperature based on the washing program selected by the user.
  • Preferably predetermined temperature values of the washing program selected by the user are for examples in the range between 20 °C and 90 °C.
  • the method of the present invention further comprises an auxiliary recirculating phase suitable for withdrawing liquid from a bottom region of said washing tub and for re-admitting such a liquid into an upper region of said washing tub.
  • said laundry washing machine for washing laundry according to the method of the present invention further comprises a recirculation circuit suitable for withdrawing liquid from a bottom region of said washing tub and for re-admitting such a liquid into said washing tub in such a way that the re-admitted liquid wets the laundry.
  • the present invention has proved to be particularly advantageous when applied to laundry washing machines, as described below. It should in any case be underlined that the present invention is not limited to laundry washing machines.
  • laundry washing-drying machines i.e. laundry washing machines which can also dry laundry.
  • laundry washing machine will refer to both simple laundry washing machines and laundry washing-drying machines.
  • a laundry washing machine 1 is illustrated, in which a method according to a first embodiment of the invention is advantageously implemented.
  • the laundry washing machine 1 comprises an external casing or housing 2, in which a washing tub 3 is provided that contains a washing drum 4 where the laundry to be treated can be loaded, as illustrated in Figure 2 .
  • the housing 2 is provided with a loading/unloading door 8 which allows access to the drum 4.
  • the tub 3 is preferably suspended in a floating manner inside the housing 2, advantageously by means of a number of coil springs and shock-absorbers, not illustrated.
  • the drum 4 is advantageously rotated by an electric motor, not illustrated, which preferably transmits the rotating motion to the shaft of the drum 4, advantageously by means of a belt/pulley system.
  • the motor can be directly associated with the shaft of the drum 4.
  • the lower portion 3a of the tub 3 preferably comprises a seat 15 suitable for receiving a heater device 10.
  • the seat 15 is made in a single piece with the tub 3, for example by injection moulding.
  • the heater device 10 preferably comprises an electrical resistor of serpentine type.
  • the heater device 10 is advantageously horizontally placed in the seat 15 and it extends preferably substantially from the front part up to the rear part of the tub 3.
  • gap 16 is defined, as illustrated for example in Figure 2 .
  • a water supply circuit 5 is arranged preferably in the upper part of the laundry washing machine 1 and is suited to supply water into the tub 3.
  • the water supply circuit of a laundry washing machine is well known in the art, and therefore it will not be described in detail.
  • the laundry washing machine 1 advantageously comprises a removable drawer 6 provided with various compartments suited to be filled with washing and/or rinsing products (i.e. detergent D, softener, etc.).
  • washing and/or rinsing products i.e. detergent D, softener, etc.
  • the water is supplied into the tub 3 from the water supply circuit 5, advantageously by making it flow through the drawer 6 and then through a supply pipe 18.
  • the water which reaches the tub 3 can, in this case, selectively contain one of the products contained in the compartments of the drawer 6, or such water can be clean and in this case it may reach the tub 3 directly, for example bypassing the compartments of the drawer 6, or passing through an empty compartment of the drawer 6.
  • a further separate water supply pipe can be provided, which supplies exclusively clean water into the tub 3.
  • the water supply circuit 5 also preferably comprises a water flow sensor, for example a flow meter, which makes it possible to calculate the quantity of water supplied into the tub 3.
  • a water flow sensor for example a flow meter
  • Laundry washing machine 1 advantageously comprises a water outlet circuit 25 suitable for withdrawing liquid from the lower portion 3a of the tub 3.
  • the water outlet circuit 25 advantageously comprises a drain pump 26, a first pipe 27, only schematically represented in enclosed figures, connecting the tub 3 to the drain pump 26 and an outlet pipe 28 ending outside the housing 2.
  • the first pipe 27 communicates with the upper surface 15a of the seat 15, preferably via a draining hole, not illustrated, provided in seat 15.
  • the water outlet circuit 25 is suited to drain the liquid, i.e. dirty water or water mixed with washing and/or rinsing products, from the tub 3 to the outside.
  • the water outlet circuit 25 preferably comprises a filtering device, not shown in the figures, placed between the bottom of the tub 3 and the drain pump 26 and adapted to retain all the undesirable bodies (for example buttons that have come off the laundry, coins erroneously introduced into the laundry washing machine, etc.) which could damage or obstruct the drain pump 26.
  • a filtering device not shown in the figures, placed between the bottom of the tub 3 and the drain pump 26 and adapted to retain all the undesirable bodies (for example buttons that have come off the laundry, coins erroneously introduced into the laundry washing machine, etc.) which could damage or obstruct the drain pump 26.
  • This filtering device can preferably be removed, and then for example cleaned, for example through a gate 14 placed advantageously on the front of the housing 2 of the laundry washing machine 1.
  • Activation of the drain pump 26 drains the liquid, i.e. dirty water or water mixed with washing and/or rinsing products, from the tub 3 to the outside.
  • Laundry washing machine 1 preferably, but not necessarily, further comprises a recirculation circuit 30 adapted to drain liquid from the the lower portion 3a of the tub 3 and to re-admit such a liquid into an upper region of the tub 3.
  • a recirculation circuit 30 adapted to drain liquid from the the lower portion 3a of the tub 3 and to re-admit such a liquid into an upper region of the tub 3.
  • the recirculation circuit 30 preferably comprises the drain pump 26 and a recirculation pipe 31.
  • the recirculation pipe 31 advantageously ends with a terminal nozzle 31a, placed advantageously in an upper region of the tub 3.
  • the exit of the drain pump 26 is advantageously fluidly connected to a valve, not illustrated, properly controlled in order to allow selective drainage of the water exiting drain pump 26 towards the outside through the outlet pipe 28, or towards the upper region of the tub 3 through the recirculation pipe 31.
  • the recirculation circuit may comprise a dedicated recirculation pipe connecting a bottom region of the tub with a higher region of the latter, and provided with a dedicated recirculation pump; in this case the recirculation circuit is advantageously completely separated from the water outlet circuit.
  • the recirculation circuit is properly realized for transferring a portion of a liquid from a region of the tub to another region of the tub in order to enhance absorption of washing liquid by the laundry.
  • the laundry washing machine 1 advantageously comprises a liquid level sensor device 19 suited to sense (or detect) the liquid level inside the tub 3.
  • the sensor device 19 preferably comprises a pressure sensor which senses the pressure in the tub 3. From the values sensed by the sensor device 19 it is possible to determine the level of the liquid inside the tub 3.
  • laundry washing machine 1 may preferably comprise (in addition to or as a replacement of the pressure sensor) a level sensor (for example mechanical, electro-mechanical, optical, etc.) adapted to sense (or detect) the liquid level inside the tub 3.
  • Laundry washing machine 1 advantageously comprises a control unit, not illustrated, connected to the various parts of the laundry washing machine 1 in order to ensure its operation.
  • the control unit is preferably connected to the water inlet circuit 5, the water outlet circuit 25, the heating device 10 and the electric motor and receives information from the various sensors provided on the laundry washing machine 1, like the pressure sensor 19, a temperature sensor, etc.
  • Laundry washing machine 1 advantageously comprises an interface unit 12, connected to control unit, accessible to the user and by means of which the user may select and set the washing parameters, like for example a desired washing program.
  • the washing parameters like for example a desired washing program.
  • other parameters can optionally be inserted by the user, for example the washing temperature, the spinning speed, the load in terms of weight of the laundry to be washed, etc.
  • control unit Based on the parameters acquired by the interface 12, the control unit sets and controls the various parts of the laundry washing machine 1 in order to carry out the desired washing program.
  • the laundry to be washed is first placed inside the drum 4.
  • the user selects the desired washing program depending, for example, on the type and on the dirty-level of the products to wash. Furthermore, as said before, in a preferred embodiment it is possible for the user to insert some parameters directly by the interface unit 12, for example the value of the washing temperature, the different rotating speed of the drum 4 in each of the laundry washing phases, the duration of washing program, etc.
  • control unit sets the laundry washing machine 1 so that it starts the washing program.
  • the selection of the desired washing program may be performed before placing the laundry into the drum 4.
  • a laundry wetting phase a) is activated wherein a quantity Qd of detergent D together with a first quantity Q1 w of water W is introduced into the tub 3.
  • the quantity Qd of detergent D and the first quantity Q1 w of water W substantially form a washing solution intended to wet the laundry.
  • the introduction of the quantity Qd of detergent D takes place preferably through the water inlet circuit 5; the quantity Qd of detergent D, be it powder or liquid, is preferably brought out of the apposite compartment of the drawer 6 by the first quantity Q1 w of water W that passes through the proper compartment of the drawer 6.
  • the quantity Qd of detergent D and the first quantity Q1 w of water W may be advantageously introduced singularly (i.e. one independently from the other) into the tub 3, preferably, but not necessarily, at different times.
  • the detergent D moves towards the lower portion 3a of the tub 3 due to its density which is higher than the density of water W.
  • the first level LI is advantageously a level at which the water W at least partially touches the drum 4.
  • a main washing phase b) is activated, during which the washing drum 4 is rotated to exert a mechanical washing action on the laundry contained in the washing tub 3.
  • Such a main washing phase b) advantageously comprises several repeated time sections, each of them being preferably formed by a first period of time preferably of about 13 seconds, during which the washing drum 4 is rotated at a first rotation speed, for example at about 40 rpm, preferably followed by a second, shorter period of time preferably of about 3 seconds during which the washing drum 4 is stopped until it does not rotate.
  • Each of such repeated time sections preferably constituted by such a first period of time and such a second, shorter period of time is repeated, for example, 10 to 15 times. A consistent mechanical action exerted by the rotation of the washing drum 3 is thus obtained during such a main washing phase b).
  • a foam prevention phase b1) is activated.
  • the foam prevention phase b1) is a phase performed at the end of the main wash phase b), independently on the actual presence or detection of foam in the tub, in order to create conditions which are unfavourable to foam formation.
  • the foam prevention phase b1) comprises a first dilution step b1_a), in which a first quantity of clean water, preferably about 3 litres, is loaded into the washing tub 3 to reduce the detergent concentration in the washing tub, followed by a first evacuating step b1_b), in which water is drained from the washing tub 3, in order to try to drain possible foam already present in the washing tub 3 before performing the intermediate following draining phase c).
  • such a first quantity of clean water is loaded into the washing tub 3 even if one or both the following conditions are fulfilled: i) the temperature of any internal region of the washing tub 3 is below a prefixed first threshold, for example about 20 °C; or ii) the level of the liquid inside the washing tub 3 is above a prefixed second threshold, for example about 200 mm.
  • a first time interval of preferably about 3 minutes is subdivided in several time sections each of them being preferably constituted by a second time interval, of preferably about 4 seconds, during which the washing drum 4 is rotated at a fifth rotation speed, preferably of about 40 rpm, and by a third time interval, of preferably about 12 seconds, during which the washing drum 4 is in a not-rotation phase.
  • Such time sections constituted by such a second and such a third time intervals may be repeated as many times as needed, for example 10 to 15 times.
  • Such rotations of the washing drum 4 during such repeated time sections allow the clean water absorption of the laundry to be increased; furthermore, possible foam present in the washing drum 4 is better diluted and the risk of new foam creation is further reduced.
  • the rotation speed of the washing drum 4 during the dilution step b1_a) (being preferably 40 rpm) is preferably lower than the rotation speed of the washing drum 4 during the main washing phase b) (being preferably 50 rpm); furthermore, the rotation to not-rotation time ratio of the washing drum 4 during the dilution step b1_a) (preferably 4 seconds versus 12 seconds) is preferably much lower than the rotation to not-rotation time ratio of the washing drum 4 during the main washing phase b) (preferably 13 seconds versus 3 seconds).
  • such a first evacuating step b1_b) is preferably activated, during which the washing drum 4 is preferably not rotated.
  • Such a first evacuating step b1_b) allows water to be drained from the washing tub 3, in order to drain also possible foam already present in the washing tub 3.
  • water is preferably drained from the washing tub 3 in such a way not to leave completely empty the washing tub 3 drum, but leaving a minimum amount of water in the lower portion 3a of it, such as for example at an height lower than 25 mm. This minimum amount of water is useful to further dilute possible foam created during drum rotation.
  • a second dilution step b1_a) is preferably activated, preferably followed by a second evacuating step b1_b), the second dilution step b1_a) being preferably substantially identical to the first dilution step b1_a) as above described, while the second evacuating step b1_b) preferably differs from the first evacuating step b1_b) for the fact that, at the end of the second evacuating step b1_b), the washing tub 3 is preferably completely empty.
  • the possible foam present in the washing tub 3 after the laundry wetting phase a) or possibly created in it during the main washing phase b) is preferably drained off the washing tub 3 itself, allowing the following phases of the laundry washing cycle to obtain better performances in the absence of foam in the washing tub 3.
  • each of the first and of the second dilution step b1_a) performed during the foam prevention phase b1) preferably the same quantity, preferably about 3 liters, of clean water is loaded into the washing tub 3.
  • the control of such a quantity of clean water loaded into the washing tub 3 is rendered easier.
  • an intermediated draining phase c) is activated, during which the washing drum 4 is rotated at a second rotation speed, higher than such a first rotation speed, for example 500 rpm, so as to cause at least part of the water and detergent contained in the laundry to be extracted from the latter and drained off the washing tub 3 (e.g. by activating the drain pump 26.
  • a rinsing phase d) is activated, comprising the introduction of water into the washing tub (3) and the rotation of the washing drum 4 at a third rotation speed, for example 50 rpm.
  • the rinsing phase d) comprises one or more rinsing cycles.
  • the clean rinse water is first added to the laundry, so as to be absorbed by the laundry from which the detergent and/or dirty particles not previously removed by washing liquid are removed.
  • the drum is preferably rotated at high speed to extract water and dirty particles/detergent from the laundry; the dirty water extracted is drained from the tub to the outside by the water draining devices.
  • a final draining phase e) is activated, during which the washing drum 4 is rotated at a fourth rotation speed, higher than such a third rotation speed, for example at 1600 rpm, so as to cause at least part, preferably as much as possible, of the liquid contained in the laundry to be extracted from the latter.
  • the water extracted during the final draining phase is drained towards the outside, preferably by means of the drain pump 26, during or after the drum rotation at the fourth rotation speed.
  • Figure 3 shows a graph summarizing the drum speed, the amount of water loaded in the washing tub, the amount of water drained from the washing tub and the water level in the washing tub during the phases of the first embodiment above disclosed according to the method for washing laundry of the present invention.
  • X-axis shows the time elapsed (in seconds) from the beginning of the washing method
  • Y-axis on the right side of the drawing shows the drum speed (in round per minute -rpm)
  • Y-axis on the left side of the drawing shows the water level (in mm), measured by the sensor device 19.
  • washing drum 4 Before starting the method, user loads laundry in the washing drum 4 and preferably selects a washing program (e.g. cotton 60°C, synthetics 40°C, etc.) to be performed by the machine, e.g. by operating on an user interface, not illustrated. Then the method for washing laundry can be started (e.g. by pressing a start button on a user interface, not illustrated).
  • a washing program e.g. cotton 60°C, synthetics 40°C, etc.
  • the laundry washing machine 1 can be adapted to automatically detect the kind of loaded laundry (e.g. by suitable sensors or procedures), in which case user is advantageously not required to select a washing program.
  • a foam prevention phase b1) is performed, during which the formation of foam during a following intermediated draining phase c) (i.e. the phase from instant tg to th in Figure 3 ) is hindered, wherein this foam prevention phase b1) is performed even if foam is not present in the washing tub 3.
  • an intermediated draining phase c) is performed, during which the washing drum 4 is rotated at a second rotation speed, higher than above mentioned first rotation speed, causing the extraction from the laundry of at least part of a solution of water and detergent therein contained, which is drained off the washing tub 3 (preferably by activating the drain pump 26).
  • Figure 3 does not show the part of the method according to the invention following the intermediated draining phase c); anyway, after instant t h the method advantageously comprises a rinsing phase d) comprising the introduction of water into the washing tub 3 and the rotation of the washing drum 4 at a third rotation speed, and a final draining phase e) during which the washing drum is rotated at a fourth rotation speed, higher than the third rotation speed (e.g. 1400 rpm), causing the extraction from the laundry of at least part of the liquid therein contained, which is drained off the washing tub.
  • a rinsing phase d) comprising the introduction of water into the washing tub 3 and the rotation of the washing drum 4 at a third rotation speed
  • a final draining phase e during which the washing drum is rotated at a fourth rotation speed, higher than the third rotation speed (e.g. 1400 rpm), causing the extraction from the laundry of at least part of the liquid therein contained, which is drained off the washing tub.
  • the foam prevention phase b1) advantageously comprises a dilution step b1_a), from instant t a to t c , in which a first quantity of clean water (preferably around 3 litres) is loaded (from instant t a to t b ,) into the washing tub 3 to reduce the detergent concentration in the latter.
  • the drum is preferably rotated at a fifth rotation speed, slightly lower than the first rotation speed and having longer interval periods of time during which the drum is stopped (no rotation) compared with the previous main washing phase b).
  • a first evacuating step b1_b) is performed, during which the washing drum is preferably not rotated; during such a first evacuating step b1_b), water and foam are drained from the washing tub (see the dotted line corresponding to "Water Drained” in Figure 3 ); at the same time, the water level inside the washing tub decreases in a very relevant way, in such a way that at the end of such evacuating step b1_b) a minimum amount of water only is left inside the washing tub 3.
  • a second dilution step b1_b) is performed from instant t d to t f , during which a second quantity of clean water (preferably slightly lower than the first quantity of clean water mentioned above, see the line) is loaded into the washing tub (from instant t d to t e ,) to further increase the dilution of the liquid solution present in the washing tub 3, and the drum 4 is preferably rotated in the same way as the first dilution step b1_a) disclosed above.
  • the second dilution step b1_a) ends and a second evacuating step b1_b) starts, while the washing drum is preferably not rotated; during such a second evacuating step b1_b), water and possible foam present in the washing tub 3 are drained from latter, leaving substantially completely empty the washing tub 3 (no water and no foam inside it).
  • the intermediate draining phase c) is performed, during which the washing drum 4 is rotated at a second rotation speed, higher than such a first rotation speed, causing the extraction from the laundry of at least part of the solution of water and detergent therein contained, which is drained off the washing tub 3.
  • This intermediate draining phase c) ends at instant t h after which one or more rinsing phases, not illustrated, and a final draining phase, also not illustrated, are advantageously performed.
  • the method for laundry washing of the present invention allows the reduction of foam creation during spinning and the foam elimination reinforcement before the end of wash spinning.
  • the foam prevention phase b1) preferably comprises only one dilution step b1_a), followed by only one evacuating step b1_b), wherein such an only one dilution step b1_a) is the same of the first dilution step b1_a) above described in the first embodiment of the present invention, while such an only one evacuating step b1_b) is the same of the second evacuating step b1_b) above described in such a first embodiment of the present invention.
  • the foam prevention phase b1) preferably comprises performing a cycle of a dilution step b1_a), preferably followed by an evacuating step b1_b), such a cycle being repeated as many times as needed, preferably according to the amount of foam detected in the washing tub 3.
  • each dilution step b1_a) and each evacuating step b1_b) in such a cycle are preferably, respectively, the same of the first dilution step and of the first evacuating step b1_b) above described in the first embodiment of the present invention, with the proviso that, at the end of the evacuating step b1_b) of the very last cycle in the foam prevention phase b1), all the water contained in the washing tub 3 is drained off, leaving completely empty the washing tub 3.
  • the foam prevention phase b1) comprises more than one cycle formed by a dilution step b1_a) followed by an evacuating step b1_b
  • the amount of water loaded into the washing tub 3 during each of such dilution steps b1_a) is preferably always the same, preferably about 3 liters, as already described in the first embodiment of the present invention.
  • the foam prevention phase b1) preferably comprises more than one cycle formed by a dilution step b1_a) followed by an evacuating step b1_b); preferably, as in such a second and third embodiments of the present invention above described, the quantity of clean water loaded into the washing tub 3 during a dilution step b1_a), preferably about 3 litres, is greater than the quantity of clean water loaded into the washing tub 3 during a following dilution step b1_a), for example 2 litres.
  • the foam prevention phase b1) preferably comprises only a dilution step b1_a), without being followed by any evacuating step b1_b). That means that the foam prevention phase b1) only comprises a dilution step b1_a) with the addition of clean water, followed by a rotation of the washing drum 4 without performing any evacuating step b1_b) before the rinsing phase d).
  • the foam prevention phase b1) preferably comprises only an evacuating step b1_b), without being preceded by any dilution step b1_a). That means that the foam prevention phase b1) only comprises a foam evacuating step b1_b), during which the washing drum 4 is not rotated, without adding clean water, before the rinsing phase d).
  • such a wetting phase a) and/or such a main washing phase b) may further comprise an additional heating phase during which the water introduced into the washing tub 3 is heated at a predetermined temperature, for example from 30 °C to 90 °C, based on the washing program selected by the user.
  • the method for laundry washing may further comprise an auxiliary recirculating phase suitable for withdrawing liquid from the lower portion 3a of the washing tub 3 and for re-admitting such a liquid into an upper region of the washing tub 3.
  • the liquid level inside the washing tub 3 is decreased by activating the recirculation circuit 30; then, the re-admitted liquid wets the laundry, so as to further improve the dissolution of the water and detergent collected therein.
  • the present invention allows all the set objects to be achieved.
  • it makes it possible to obtain a laundry washing machine with improved foam reduction before the intermediate draining phase c) starts with respect to the machines of the prior art.
  • laundry washing machine illustrated in the enclosed figures and with reference to which some embodiments of the method according to the invention have been described, is of the front-loading type; however it is clear that the method according to the invention can be applied as well to a top-loading washing machine, substantially without any modification.
  • laundry washing machine illustrated in the enclosed figures and with reference to which some embodiments of the method according to the invention have been described, present a recirculation circuit 30 and/or a heater device 10; however it is clear that the method according to the invention can be applied as well to laundry washing machines that are free of such a recirculation circuit 30 and/or a heater device 10, substantially without any modification.

Claims (14)

  1. Verfahren zum Waschen von Wäsche in einer Waschmaschine (1), die Folgendes umfasst:
    - einen Waschbehälter (3), der sich außerhalb einer zum Aufnehmen von Wäsche eingerichteten drehbaren Waschtrommel (4) befindet,
    - einen Wasserzuführungskreislauf (5) zum Zuführen von Wasser in den Waschbehälter (3),
    - eine Waschproduktzufuhr (6) zum Zuführen eines Waschmittels in den Waschbehälter (3),
    wobei das Verfahren zum Waschen von Wäsche die folgenden Phasen umfasst:
    a) eine Wäschedurchnässungsphase, welche die Einleitung von Wasser und Waschmittel in den Waschbehälter (3) und das Zuführen des Wassers und des Waschmittels zu in dem Waschbehälter (3) enthaltener Wäsche umfasst,
    b) eine Hauptwaschphase, während derer die Waschtrommel (4) mit einer ersten Drehzahl gedreht wird, um eine mechanische Waschwirkung auf die in dem Waschbehälter (3) enthaltene Wäsche auszuüben,
    c) eine Zwischenablassphase, während derer die Waschtrommel (4) mit einer zweiten Drehzahl gedreht wird, die höher ist als die erste Drehzahl, wodurch der Wäsche zumindest ein Teil einer in dieser enthaltenen Lösung aus Wasser und Waschmittel entzogen wird, welcher aus dem Waschbehälter (3) abgelassen wird,
    d) eine Spülphase, welche die Einleitung von Wasser in den Waschbehälter (3) und die Drehung der Waschtrommel (4) mit einer dritten Drehzahl umfasst,
    e) eine abschließende Ablassphase, während derer die Waschtrommel (4) mit einer vierten Drehzahl gedreht wird, die höher ist als die dritte Drehzahl, wodurch der Wäsche zumindest ein Teil der in dieser enthaltenen Flüssigkeit entzogen wird, welcher aus dem Waschbehälter (3) abgelassen wird,
    dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass
    es zwischen der Hauptwaschphase b) und der Zwischenablassphase c) eine Schaumunterbindungsphase b1) umfasst, während derer die Bildung von Schaum während der nachfolgenden Zwischenablassphase c) verhindert wird, wobei die Schaumunterbindungsphase b1) auch dann durchgeführt wird, wenn in dem Waschbehälter (3) kein Schaum vorhanden ist, und den folgenden Schritt umfasst: b1_a) einen Verdünnungsschritt, bei dem eine erste Klarwassermenge in den Waschbehälter (3) eingespeist wird, um die Waschmittelkonzentration in dem Waschbehälter (3) zu senken, wobei während des Verdünnungsschritts b1_a) die Waschtrommel (4) mit einer fünften Drehzahl gedreht wird, die niedriger ist als die zweite und vierte Drehzahl, um die Klarwasserabsorption der Wäsche zu erhöhen, etwaigen Schaum zu mindern und die Bildung von neuem Schaum zu verringern.
  2. Verfahren nach Anspruch 1, wobei die Schaumunterbindungsphase b1) zudem den folgenden Schritt umfasst:
    b1_b) einen Absaugschritt, bei dem Wasser aus dem Waschbehälter (3) abgelassen wird, um zu versuchen, etwaigen bereits in dem Waschbehälter (3) vorhandenen Schaum vor dem Durchführen der Zwischenablassphase c) abzulassen.
  3. Verfahren nach Anspruch 2, wobei in dem Verdünnungsschritt b1_a) die erste Klarwassermenge auch dann eingespeist wird, wenn eine oder beide der folgenden Bedingungen erfüllt sind:
    - die Temperatur eines Innenbereichs des Waschbehälters (3) liegt unterhalb eines vorab festgelegten ersten Grenzwerts,
    - der Füllstand der Flüssigkeit in dem Waschbehälter (3) liegt über einem vorab festgelegten zweiten Grenzwert.
  4. Verfahren nach einem der Ansprüche 1 bis 3, wobei während des Verdünnungsschritts b1_a) während eines ersten Zeitintervalls die Waschtrommel (4) wiederholt für ein zweites Zeitintervall mit der fünften Drehzahl gedreht und dann für ein drittes Zeitintervall angehalten wird.
  5. Verfahren nach einem der Ansprüche 1 bis 4, wobei die fünfte Drehzahl im Bereich zwischen 10 UpM bis 80 UpM und bevorzugt bei 40 UpM liegt.
  6. Verfahren nach Anspruch 4 oder 5, wobei das erste Zeitintervall im Bereich zwischen 1 Minute und 6 Minuten und bevorzugt bei 3 Minuten liegt und wobei das zweite Zeitintervall im Bereich zwischen 2 Sekunden bis 10 Sekunden und bevorzugt bei 4 Sekunden liegt und wobei das dritte Zeitintervall im Bereich zwischen 8 Sekunden und 20 Sekunden und bevorzugt bei 12 Sekunden liegt.
  7. Verfahren nach einem oder mehreren der Ansprüche 2 bis 6, wobei während des Absaugschritts b1_b) die Waschtrommel (4) nicht gedreht wird.
  8. Verfahren nach einem oder mehreren der Ansprüche 2 bis 7, wobei die Schaumunterbindungsphase b1) ein Durchführen eines einzigen Verdünnungsschritts b1_a) gefolgt von einem einzigen Absaugschritt b1_b) umfasst.
  9. Verfahren nach einem oder mehreren der Ansprüche 2 bis 7, wobei die Schaumunterbindungsphase b1) nach dem Absaugschritt b1_b) ein Durchführen eines oder mehrerer weiterer Verdünnungsschritte b1_a) jeweils gefolgt von einem weiteren Absaugschritt b1_b) umfasst.
  10. Verfahren nach Anspruch 9, wobei
    während jedes während der Schaumunterbindungsphase b1) durchgeführten Verdünnungsschritts b1_a) eine gleiche Klarwassermenge in den Waschbehälter (3) eingespeist wird oder wobei
    sich die während eines Verdünnungsschritts b1_a) in den Waschbehälter (3) eingespeiste Klarwassermenge von der während eines nachfolgenden Verdünnungsschritts b1_a) in den Waschbehälter (3) eingespeisten Klarwassermenge unterscheidet
    oder wobei
    die während eines Verdünnungsschritts b1_a) in den Waschbehälter (3) eingespeiste Klarwassermenge höher ist als die während eines nachfolgenden Verdünnungsschritts b1_a) in den Waschbehälter (3) eingespeiste Klarwassermenge.
  11. Verfahren nach Anspruch 9 oder 10, wobei während jedes Absaugschritts b1_b) außer dem letzten durchgeführten Wasser abgelassen wird, bis der Wasserfüllstand in dem Waschbehälter (3) unter einen ersten vorab festgelegten Grenzwert sinkt, ohne jedoch den Waschbehälter (3) vollständig zu entleeren, während im letzten durchgeführten Absaugschritt b1_b) Wasser abgelassen wird, bis der Waschbehälter (3) im Wesentlichen entleert ist.
  12. Verfahren nach einem oder mehreren der Ansprüche 2 bis 11, wobei die während des Verdünnungsschritts b1_a) in den Waschbehälter (3) eingespeiste Klarwassermenge im Bereich zwischen 1 bis 5 Liter, bevorzugt zwischen 2 bis 4 Liter, und besonders bevorzugt bei 3 Litern liegt.
  13. Verfahren nach einem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche, wobei die Durchnässungsphase a) und/oder die Hauptwaschphase b) eine Erwärmungsphase umfassen, während derer das in den Waschbehälter (3) eingeleitete Wasser basierend auf dem durch den Nutzer ausgewählten Waschprogramm auf eine vorab bestimmte Temperatur erwärmt wird.
  14. Waschmaschine, die eine Steuereinheit umfasst, die dafür eingerichtet ist, das Verfahren nach einem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche umzusetzen.
EP14174780.8A 2014-06-27 2014-06-27 Verfahren zum Waschen von Wäsche in einer Wäschewaschmaschine sowie Wäschewaschmaschine Active EP2960363B1 (de)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
EP14174780.8A EP2960363B1 (de) 2014-06-27 2014-06-27 Verfahren zum Waschen von Wäsche in einer Wäschewaschmaschine sowie Wäschewaschmaschine

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
EP14174780.8A EP2960363B1 (de) 2014-06-27 2014-06-27 Verfahren zum Waschen von Wäsche in einer Wäschewaschmaschine sowie Wäschewaschmaschine

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP2960363A1 EP2960363A1 (de) 2015-12-30
EP2960363B1 true EP2960363B1 (de) 2020-01-22

Family

ID=51162451

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP14174780.8A Active EP2960363B1 (de) 2014-06-27 2014-06-27 Verfahren zum Waschen von Wäsche in einer Wäschewaschmaschine sowie Wäschewaschmaschine

Country Status (1)

Country Link
EP (1) EP2960363B1 (de)

Families Citing this family (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
CN108978113B (zh) * 2017-06-01 2021-09-21 青岛海尔洗衣机有限公司 洗衣机的泡沫检测方法
CN113930936A (zh) * 2020-06-29 2022-01-14 青岛海尔洗衣机有限公司 一种洗衣机排水控制方法

Citations (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP1867773A1 (de) * 2006-06-09 2007-12-19 Whirpool Corporation Betriebsverfahren für eine Dampfwaschmaschine mit trockener Rotationsvorwäsche

Family Cites Families (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
DE4334969A1 (de) * 1992-10-14 1994-04-21 Miele & Cie Wäschebehandlungsmaschine
US5687440A (en) * 1995-04-29 1997-11-18 Daewoo Electronics Co., Ltd Washing method capable of preventing the formation of suds in a washing machine
US6978554B2 (en) * 2003-11-25 2005-12-27 General Electric Company Apparatus and methods for controlling operation of washing machines
WO2007074037A1 (en) 2005-12-29 2007-07-05 Arcelik Anonim Sirketi A washing machine and a control method
DE102006027197A1 (de) * 2006-06-12 2007-12-13 BSH Bosch und Siemens Hausgeräte GmbH Verfahren zum Beseitigen von Schaum in einer Trommelwaschmaschine und hierzu geeignete Trommelwaschmaschine
DE102007052837A1 (de) * 2007-11-06 2009-05-07 BSH Bosch und Siemens Hausgeräte GmbH Verfahren zum Behandeln von Waschgut in einer Haushaltswaschmaschine mit einer schaumbildenden Flotte

Patent Citations (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP1867773A1 (de) * 2006-06-09 2007-12-19 Whirpool Corporation Betriebsverfahren für eine Dampfwaschmaschine mit trockener Rotationsvorwäsche

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
EP2960363A1 (de) 2015-12-30

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
US10648113B2 (en) Method for washing laundry in a laundry washing machine and laundry washing machine
US9777423B2 (en) Method for treating laundry in a laundry washing machine and laundry washing machine
CN107385769B (zh) 用于检测洗衣机中泡沫的方法
US20140250607A1 (en) Method for Washing Laundry in a Laundry Washing Machine
US20150337477A1 (en) Method for Controlling a Laundry Washing Machine and Laundry Washing Machine
EP2503043B1 (de) Verfahren zum Waschen von Wäsche in einer Waschmaschine und Waschmaschine
EP3209826A1 (de) Waschmaschinenvorrichtung mit dampfzufuhr
CN107385768B (zh) 检测洗衣机中泡沫的方法、洗涤衣物的方法和洗衣机
EP2960363B1 (de) Verfahren zum Waschen von Wäsche in einer Wäschewaschmaschine sowie Wäschewaschmaschine
EP2703537A1 (de) Verfahren zum Waschen von Wäsche in einer Waschmaschine und Waschmaschine
EP2703548A1 (de) Waschmaschine und Verfahren zum Waschen von Wäsche in einer Waschmaschine
EP2578739B1 (de) Verfahren zum Waschen von Wäsche in einer Waschmaschine
EP2503048B1 (de) Verfahren zum Waschen von Wäsche in einer Waschmaschine und Waschmaschine
US20140041728A1 (en) Laundry treating appliance and method of detecting oversuds
CN113490776B (zh) 用于在洗衣机中洗涤衣物的方法和实施该方法的洗衣机
EP3020858A1 (de) Wasch- und Trockenmaschine sowie Wasch- und Trockenzyklus für Wäsche
EP2503046B1 (de) Verfahren zum Waschen von Wäsche in einer Waschmaschine und Waschmaschine
EP2578737B1 (de) Verfahren zum Waschen von Wäsche in einer Waschmaschine und Waschmaschine
EP3333299A1 (de) Verfahren zum betrieb einer waschmaschine und waschmaschine
CN113474506B (zh) 用于在洗衣机中洗涤衣物的方法和实施该方法的洗衣机

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
PUAI Public reference made under article 153(3) epc to a published international application that has entered the european phase

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009012

AK Designated contracting states

Kind code of ref document: A1

Designated state(s): AL AT BE BG CH CY CZ DE DK EE ES FI FR GB GR HR HU IE IS IT LI LT LU LV MC MK MT NL NO PL PT RO RS SE SI SK SM TR

AX Request for extension of the european patent

Extension state: BA ME

17P Request for examination filed

Effective date: 20160630

RBV Designated contracting states (corrected)

Designated state(s): AL AT BE BG CH CY CZ DE DK EE ES FI FR GB GR HR HU IE IS IT LI LT LU LV MC MK MT NL NO PL PT RO RS SE SI SK SM TR

STAA Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent

Free format text: STATUS: EXAMINATION IS IN PROGRESS

17Q First examination report despatched

Effective date: 20180425

GRAP Despatch of communication of intention to grant a patent

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOSNIGR1

STAA Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent

Free format text: STATUS: GRANT OF PATENT IS INTENDED

INTG Intention to grant announced

Effective date: 20190822

GRAS Grant fee paid

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOSNIGR3

GRAA (expected) grant

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009210

STAA Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent

Free format text: STATUS: THE PATENT HAS BEEN GRANTED

AK Designated contracting states

Kind code of ref document: B1

Designated state(s): AL AT BE BG CH CY CZ DE DK EE ES FI FR GB GR HR HU IE IS IT LI LT LU LV MC MK MT NL NO PL PT RO RS SE SI SK SM TR

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: GB

Ref legal event code: FG4D

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: CH

Ref legal event code: EP

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: AT

Ref legal event code: REF

Ref document number: 1226963

Country of ref document: AT

Kind code of ref document: T

Effective date: 20200215

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: IE

Ref legal event code: FG4D

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: DE

Ref legal event code: R096

Ref document number: 602014060256

Country of ref document: DE

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: NL

Ref legal event code: MP

Effective date: 20200122

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: LT

Ref legal event code: MG4D

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: FI

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20200122

Ref country code: NO

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20200422

Ref country code: NL

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20200122

Ref country code: RS

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20200122

Ref country code: PT

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20200614

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: BG

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20200422

Ref country code: IS

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20200522

Ref country code: GR

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20200423

Ref country code: HR

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20200122

Ref country code: SE

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20200122

Ref country code: LV

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20200122

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: DE

Ref legal event code: R097

Ref document number: 602014060256

Country of ref document: DE

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: LT

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20200122

Ref country code: CZ

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20200122

Ref country code: ES

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20200122

Ref country code: SK

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20200122

Ref country code: RO

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20200122

Ref country code: EE

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20200122

Ref country code: SM

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20200122

Ref country code: DK

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20200122

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: AT

Ref legal event code: MK05

Ref document number: 1226963

Country of ref document: AT

Kind code of ref document: T

Effective date: 20200122

PLBE No opposition filed within time limit

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009261

STAA Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent

Free format text: STATUS: NO OPPOSITION FILED WITHIN TIME LIMIT

26N No opposition filed

Effective date: 20201023

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: MC

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20200122

Ref country code: AT

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20200122

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: CH

Ref legal event code: PL

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: SI

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20200122

Ref country code: PL

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20200122

GBPC Gb: european patent ceased through non-payment of renewal fee

Effective date: 20200627

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: LU

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20200627

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: BE

Ref legal event code: MM

Effective date: 20200630

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: FR

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20200630

Ref country code: CH

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20200630

Ref country code: IE

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20200627

Ref country code: LI

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20200630

Ref country code: GB

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20200627

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: BE

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20200630

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: TR

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20200122

Ref country code: MT

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20200122

Ref country code: CY

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20200122

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: MK

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20200122

Ref country code: AL

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20200122

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: DE

Payment date: 20230627

Year of fee payment: 10

P01 Opt-out of the competence of the unified patent court (upc) registered

Effective date: 20230625

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: IT

Payment date: 20230620

Year of fee payment: 10