EP2993262A1 - Verfahren zum Waschen von Wäsche in einer Wäschewaschmaschine sowie Wäschewaschmaschine - Google Patents

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

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Publication number
EP2993262A1
EP2993262A1 EP14176151.0A EP14176151A EP2993262A1 EP 2993262 A1 EP2993262 A1 EP 2993262A1 EP 14176151 A EP14176151 A EP 14176151A EP 2993262 A1 EP2993262 A1 EP 2993262A1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
draining
time period
washing
draining pump
flow rate
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Granted
Application number
EP14176151.0A
Other languages
English (en)
French (fr)
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EP2993262B1 (de
Inventor
Paolo Driussi
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 EP14176151.0A priority Critical patent/EP2993262B1/de
Priority to PCT/EP2015/065309 priority patent/WO2016034307A1/en
Publication of EP2993262A1 publication Critical patent/EP2993262A1/de
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP2993262B1 publication Critical patent/EP2993262B1/de
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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 
    • D06F39/08—Liquid supply or discharge arrangements
    • D06F39/083—Liquid discharge or recirculation arrangements
    • D06F39/085—Arrangements or adaptations of pumps
    • D—TEXTILES; PAPER
    • D06—TREATMENT OF TEXTILES OR THE LIKE; LAUNDERING; FLEXIBLE MATERIALS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • D06F—LAUNDERING, DRYING, IRONING, PRESSING OR FOLDING TEXTILE ARTICLES
    • D06F33/00—Control of operations performed in washing machines or washer-dryers 
    • D06F33/30—Control of washing machines characterised by the purpose or target of the control 
    • D06F33/32—Control of operational steps, e.g. optimisation or improvement of operational steps depending on the condition of the laundry
    • D06F33/42—Control of operational steps, e.g. optimisation or improvement of operational steps depending on the condition of the laundry of draining
    • 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
    • D06F2103/00—Parameters monitored or detected for the control of domestic laundry washing machines, washer-dryers or laundry dryers
    • D06F2103/14—Supply, recirculation or draining of washing liquid
    • D—TEXTILES; PAPER
    • D06—TREATMENT OF TEXTILES OR THE LIKE; LAUNDERING; FLEXIBLE MATERIALS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • D06F—LAUNDERING, DRYING, IRONING, PRESSING OR FOLDING TEXTILE ARTICLES
    • D06F2105/00—Systems or parameters controlled or affected by the control systems of washing machines, washer-dryers or laundry dryers
    • D06F2105/08—Draining of washing liquids
    • 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 
    • D06F39/08—Liquid supply or discharge arrangements
    • D06F39/081—Safety arrangements for preventing water damage
    • D06F39/082—Safety arrangements for preventing water damage detecting faulty draining operations, e.g. filter blockage, faulty pump

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 liquid/water draining phase.
  • 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 washing tub.
  • washing/rinsing products i.e. detergent, softener, etc.
  • Known laundry washing machines are also provided with a draining device for draining washing liquid from the washing tub.
  • the draining device typically comprises a draining pump, arranged at the bottom of the washing tub, which is operated when necessary during the washing program.
  • Draining pumps of known type comprise an inlet and a rotating element, or impeller, which increases the pressure and flow of the liquid towards an outlet of the pump itself.
  • the draining device drains the washing liquid out of the laundry washing machine, when it is not needed any more.
  • the pump may be operated 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 program usually comprises a laundry wetting phase wherein a proper amount of water and detergent is introduced in the washing tub so that at the end of the phase the laundry is preferably completely drenched.
  • the washing program then typically proceeds with a main washing phase during which the drum is rotated and the water contained therein is heated to a predetermined temperature based on the washing program selected by the user.
  • a successive step of the washing program typically comprises a rinsing phase which usually comprises one or more rinsing cycles.
  • a rinsing cycle clean, rinse water is first added to the laundry, the drum is then rotated to extract dirty water from the laundry and finally the dirty water extracted is drained from the washing tub to the outside.
  • a final spinning phase allows the extraction of the residual water contained in the wet laundry.
  • the water extracted during the spinning phase is again drained from the washing tub to the outside.
  • All the draining phases are advantageously carried out by operating the draining device, or the draining pump, which drains the washing liquid (dirty water) from the washing tub to the outside at a desired flow rate.
  • a drawback of the laundry washing machines of the known art derives from the presence of air, or air bubbles, at the pump inlet. Air or air bubbles, in fact, may be easily found at the bottom of the washing tub where the pump is connected. Air, or air bubbles, at the pump inlet may cause the pump to lose its efficiency, thus working at a lower flow rate than its nominal flow rate.
  • a low flow rate of the draining device may be interpreted by the machine, in particular by its control unit, as a malfunctioning of the same draining device (for example it may be interpreted as a clogged drain filter and/or a pump failure).
  • the control unit may automatically interrupt the washing program and/or display an alarm notification in a graphical user interface.
  • the object of the present invention is therefore to overcome the drawbacks posed by the known technique.
  • the applicant has found that by providing a method for washing laundry in a laundry washing machine wherein the method comprises a draining phase for draining liquid from the washing tub by means of a draining pump, wherein the draining phase comprises at least one activation and operation of the draining pump followed by its de-activation and stoppage if the drainage flow rate of the liquid flowing through the draining pump is below a minimum flow rate threshold, it is possible to avoid that the washing program lasts longer than desired.
  • the present invention relates, therefore, to a method for washing laundry in a laundry washing machine of the type comprising:
  • said step e3) is performed two or more times, the off-time period used in each of said steps e3) performed as second or following being set to a constant value.
  • the step e3) is performed two or more times, the off-time period used in each of said steps e3) performed as second or following being varied with respect of the off-time period used in a step e3) previously performed.
  • step e3) is performed two or more times, and the off-time period used in each of the steps e3) performed as second or following is varied by adding an incremental time period to the off-time period used in a step e3) previously performed.
  • the incremental time period is a constant value.
  • the incremental time period is varied according to the drainage flow rate.
  • the incremental time period is increased or if said drainage flow rate increases, the incremental time period is decreased.
  • the minimum flow rate threshold is a value lower than the nominal flow rate of the draining pump.
  • the end-draining condition occurs when the liquid inside said washing tub goes below a minimum liquid level.
  • the minimum liquid level corresponds to the lower point of the washing tub.
  • the end-draining condition occurs at the expiration of a prefixed time period.
  • the prefixed time period is the time which is sufficient to empty the washing tub when full of water if the draining pump is working at its nominal flow rate.
  • the prefixed time period is evaluated on the base of the liquid level detected in a further step a1), carried out before said step a), of detecting the liquid level inside the washing tub.
  • the drainage flow rate is evaluated on the base of the detected/measured value of the liquid level inside the washing tub over the time.
  • the drainage flow rate is evaluated by means of a flowmeter arranged downstream of the draining pump.
  • the draining device is suitable for draining liquid from the washing tub to the outside of the washing machine.
  • the present invention concerns a laundry washing machine of the type comprising:
  • the end-draining condition occurs when the liquid inside said washing tub goes below a minimum liquid level.
  • the minimum liquid level corresponds to the lower point of the washing tub.
  • the end-draining condition occurs at the expiration of a prefixed time period.
  • the prefixed time period is the time which is sufficient to empty the washing tub when full of water if the draining pump is working at its nominal flow rate.
  • the prefixed time period is evaluated on the base of the liquid level detected in a further step c1), carried out before said step c), of detecting the liquid level inside the washing tub.
  • the draining device is suitable for draining liquid from the washing tub to the outside of the washing machine.
  • the present invention concerns a laundry washing machine suited to implement the method of the invention described above.
  • 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. On the contrary, the present invention can be conveniently applied to 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.
  • the washing tub 3 and the washing drum 4 both preferably have a substantially cylindrical shape.
  • a hollow space 12 is defined between the washing tub 3 and the washing drum 4.
  • the washing tub 3 is preferably basically assembled from two parts, in this case a front tub part 3a and a rear tub part 3b, which are tightly connected in order to form the washing tub 3, as shown in Figure 2 .
  • the housing 2 is advantageously provided with a loading/unloading door which, not illustrated, allows access to the washing drum 4.
  • the washing 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 washing drum 4 is advantageously rotated by an electric motor which preferably transmits the rotating motion to the shaft of the washing drum 4, advantageously by means of a belt/pulley system.
  • the motor can be directly associated with the shaft of the washing drum 4.
  • a water supply circuit 5 is arranged in the upper part of the laundry washing machine 1 and is suited to supply water into the washing 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, softener, etc.).
  • washing and/or rinsing products i.e. detergent, softener, etc.
  • the water is supplied into the washing tub 3 from the water supply circuit 5 by making it flow through the drawer 6 and then through a supply pipe 9.
  • the water which reaches the washing 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 washing tub 3 directly, bypassing the compartments of the drawer 6.
  • a further separate water supply pipe can be provided, which supplies exclusively clean water into the washing tub 3.
  • the water supply circuit 5 also preferably comprises a water flow sensor, for example a flowmeter, which makes it possible to calculate the quantity of water supplied into the washing tub 3.
  • a water flow sensor for example a flowmeter
  • a sump 15 is formed, better visible in Figures 3 and 4 , so that washing liquid in the washing tub 3 can be collected and drained in the sump 15 under the influence of gravity.
  • Laundry washing machine 1 advantageously comprises a draining device 25 suitable for withdrawing liquid from the washing tub bottom 3c, preferably from the sump 15.
  • the draining device 25 advantageously comprises a draining pump 26, a draining conduit 27 fluidly connecting the sump 15 to the draining pump 26 and an outlet pipe 28 ending outside the housing 2.
  • the draining device 25 is suited to drain the liquid, i.e. dirty water or water mixed with washing and/or rinsing products, from the washing tub 3 to the outside.
  • the draining device 25 is shown in greater detail in figures 2 to 4 . Adjacent to the sump 15 and arranged at least partly lower than the sump 15 there is the draining conduit 27 of the draining device 25.
  • the draining conduit 27 has, next to the sump 15, a mainly cylindrical circumferential wall 17 in which an opening is formed as a sump outlet 11 through which the sump 15 is in fluid connection with the draining conduit 27.
  • the draining device 25 advantageously comprises a filtering device 75, not illustrated in Figure 3 , placed upstream of the draining 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 draining pump 26.
  • a filtering device 75 not illustrated in Figure 3 , placed upstream of the draining 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 draining pump 26.
  • the draining pump 26 preferably comprises a pump wheel 72, or impeller, as well as a pump drive 71, usually an electric motor with or without a gear and preferably with, usually electronic, control of the rotational speed, for rotating the impeller 72 about a rotational axis, which is preferably the central axis of the draining conduit 27.
  • the filtering device 75 is advantageously arranged and comprises a filter element 76 having a filtering section 77 for filtering out objects of specific size and/or dimensions, in particular large and/or long objects, from the draining liquid to prevent them from reaching the impeller 72.
  • the filtering section 77 is arranged essentially within the circumferential wall 17 of the draining conduit 27 when the filter element 76 is mounted.
  • the impeller 72 works like a centrifugal pump to convey liquid to a draining outlet 74, which advantageously consists of a short pipe or tube connected to outlet pipe 28, the latest not shown in Figure 2 .
  • filter element can't be removed for cleaning
  • the filter element can be removed, and then for example cleaned, through a gate placed advantageously on the front of the housing of the laundry washing machine.
  • the laundry washing machine may further comprise a recirculation circuit, not illustrated, adapted to drain liquid from the tub bottom 3c and to re-admit such a liquid into an upper region of the washing tub.
  • laundry washing machine 1 comprises a device 19 suited to sense (or detect) the liquid level inside the washing tub 3.
  • the device 19 preferably comprises a pressure sensor which senses the pressure in the washing tub 3.
  • Figures 2 to 4 show a level detection tube 19a of the level detection device 19, which communicates with the sump 15.
  • laundry washing machine comprises a preferably mechanical, electro-mechanical, or optical, level sensor adapted to sense (or detect) the liquid level inside the washing tub 3.
  • Laundry washing machine 1 advantageously comprises a control unit 22 which is connected to the various parts of the laundry washing machine 1 in order to ensure its operation.
  • the control unit 22 is preferably connected to the water inlet circuit 5, to the draining device 25, in particular to the draining pump 26 and its pump drive 71, and is advantageously configured for receiving pieces of information from the various sensors provided on the laundry washing machine 1, like the flowmeter of the water inlet circuit 5, the pressure sensor 19, temperature sensors, etc.
  • the control unit 22 is advantageously connected also to an interface unit 22a which is accessible to the user and by means of which the user selects and sets the washing parameters from time to time, in particular the 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, the type of fabric of the load, etc.
  • the interface unit 22a preferably displays machine working conditions, such as the remaining cycle time, alarm signals, etc.
  • the interface unit 22a preferably comprises a display.
  • a first embodiment of the washing method according to the invention is described here below with reference to Figures 5 to 8 .
  • the laundry to be washed is first placed inside the washing drum 4 (step 100 of Figure 5 ).
  • the user selects the desired washing program (step 110) depending, for example, on the type and on the dirty-level of the products to wash.
  • the user it is possible for the user to insert some parameters directly by the interface unit 22a, for example the value of the washing temperature, the rotating speed of the washing drum 4 in the spinning phase, 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 washing drum 4 (step 100). Successively, the washing program performs different phases for washing the laundry.
  • the washing program comprises a laundry wetting phase (step 120) wherein a proper amount of water and detergent is introduced in the washing tub 3 so that at the end of the phase the laundry is preferably completely drenched.
  • the washing program then preferably proceeds with a main washing phase (step 130) during which the washing drum 4 is rotated and the water contained therein is heated to a predetermined temperature based on the washing program selected by the user.
  • a successive step of the cycle typically comprises a rinsing phase, globally indicated with 140, which usually comprises one or more rinsing cycles (steps 145).
  • a rinsing cycle clean rinse water is first added to the laundry (step 146), the washing drum 4 is then rotated to extract dirty water from the laundry (step 147) and finally the dirty water extracted from the laundry is drained from the washing tub 3 to the outside (step 148).
  • the dirty water fills the washing tub 3, in particular the hollow space 12, up to a predetermined level L.
  • the level L will depend on the quantity of water previously added and/or on the amount of water absorbed by the laundry. This, in turn, may depend on the quantity (i.e. weight) of loaded laundry and on the type of laundry. In fact, for example, cotton absorbs more water than synthetic fibres, and therefore a certain quantity of laundry made of cotton requires more water than a same quantity of laundry made of synthetic fibres.
  • the water level will also depend on the number of rinsing cycles (steps 145) which have been already performed.
  • the draining phase (step 148) is carried out by firstly operating the draining pump 26 and comprises a step of stopping it for a predetermined period of time.
  • the stopping phase for the draining pump 26 may be cyclically repeated. More preferably, the stopping phases are cyclically repeated on the base of the drainage flow rate FR of the liquid flowing through the draining pump 26.
  • FIG. 14 A first embodiment of the draining phase (step 148) of the invention in shown in detail in Figure 6 (indicated with block 148).
  • Figure 7 depicts the driving signal of the draining pump 26, e.g. the driving signal for the pump drive 71, during the preferred embodiment of the draining phase (step 148).
  • Checking of the drainage flow rate FR (step 185) of the liquid flowing through the draining pump 26 may be carried out in different ways.
  • the drainage flow rate FR may be directly detected and/or measured by means of a flowmeter preferably arranged downstream of the draining pump 26, for example arranged along the outlet pipe 28.
  • the drainage flow rate FR may be estimated by means of the detection/measure of the variation (decreasing) of the liquid level inside the washing tub 3 during the time.
  • the liquid level inside the washing tub 3, and therefore its variations (decreasing) may be preferably obtained by means of the level detection device 19, in particular the pressure sensor 19.
  • the flowmeter device is not necessary and hence the method may be preferably carried out in the laundry washing machine 1 shown in Figure 1 .
  • a control of the drainage flow rate FR is performed (step 187).
  • the minimum flow rate FR_min is preferably a value at which the draining pump 26 is considered to be working properly.
  • the minimum flow rate FR_min may be set as the nominal flow rate of the draining pump 26, or preferably a value less than the nominal flow rate.
  • the end-draining condition corresponds to a condition at which the washing tub 3 is empty, or substantially empty or the liquid inside it is below a minimum liquid level. Determination of such end condition is preferably obtained by means of the level detection device 19, in particular the pressure sensor 19.
  • the end-draining condition (step 194) preferably corresponds to the expiration of a prefixed time period.
  • Said prefixed time period may be, for example, a fixed value which is considered sufficient to empty the washing tub 3 in case it is completely full of water and the draining pump 26 is working properly at its nominal flow rate. This may guarantee that any quantity of water in the washing tub 3 is drained outside at the end of the prefixed time period.
  • said prefixed time period may be differently determined.
  • the prefixed time period may be estimated before activation of the draining pump 26 (step 182) on the base of the water level detected, preferably obtained by means of the level detection device 19.
  • the prefixed time period may be set, advantageously, as a value sufficient to empty the washing tub 3 containing the detected level of water.
  • the draining pump 26 is operated for a period of time TON (step 184), or on-time period TON.
  • the on-time period TON is preferably a pre-fixed period of time, preferably few seconds (for example 5sec).
  • the draining pump 26 is then stopped for a period of time TOFF (step 188), or off-time period TOFF.
  • the off-time period TOFF is preferably a pre-fixed period of time, preferably few seconds (for example 2sec).
  • the draining phase proceeds going back to the draining pump activation (step 182).
  • the provision of one or more off-time periods TOFF after the activation of the draining pump 26, guarantees that the draining pump 26 is working properly, i.e. the water is expelled from the washing tub 3 at a proper/nominal drainage flow rate.
  • the drainage flow rate could be reduced due to the presence of air, or air bubbles, trapped at the draining pump 26 inlet, in particular at the impeller 72. Ingestion of air into the draining pump 26 causes, in fact, loss of prime for the draining pump 26.
  • the air trapped at the impeller 72 may be expelled. This allows a correct priming of the draining pump 26, after one of said pauses, and the drainage flow rate may advantageously reach its nominal flow rate.
  • the presence of air, or air bubbles, which reduced the drainage flow rate, is not interpreted by the laundry washing machine 1, in particular by the control unit 22, as a malfunctioning of the draining device 25 (for example a draining pump failure).
  • the control unit 22 does not advantageously interrupt the washing program and/or display any alarm notification at the interface unit 22a.
  • the water level in the washing tub 3 is at a first value L1.
  • the draining pump 26 is activated and it is operated for an on-time period TON.
  • the water level decreases at a low flow rate and reaches a second value L2, lower than the first value L1.
  • the off-time period TOFF the water level remains stable.
  • the water level remains stable.
  • TON t>t5
  • the water level decreases at a higher flow rate than before, preferably at its nominal flow rate. This means that the draining pump 26 is now working properly, preferably at its nominal flow rate, and the air, or bubble air, at the impeller 72 has been advantageously expelled.
  • Td total draining time
  • step 1448 the draining phase of the last rinsing cycle (step 145) terminates.
  • the washing program is completed.
  • the user may take the laundry out.
  • the washing program is performed in a laundry washing-drying machine, after the last rinsing cycle, the laundry may be advantageously subjected to a drying phase inside the washing drum 4 (step 170 in figure 5 ).
  • a drying phase inside the washing drum 4 step 170 in figure 5 .
  • This embodiment differs from that previously described with reference to Figure 6 for the fact that the off-time period during which the draining pump 26 is cyclically stopped may vary from a stopping phase and a subsequent stopping phase.
  • Figure 10 depicts an example of the driving signal of the draining pump 26, more in particular the driving signal for the pump drive 71, during the preferred embodiment of the draining phase (step 148').
  • a temporary variable "n” is set to 1 (step 181').
  • the variable "n” will be used as a counter.
  • Checking of the drainage flow rate FR (step 185') of the liquid flowing through the draining pump 26 may be carried out in different ways, as already explained above for the first preferred embodiment.
  • a control of the drainage flow rate FR is performed (step 187').
  • the minimum flow rate FR_min is preferably a value at which the draining pump 26 is considered to be working properly.
  • the minimum flow rate FR_min may be set as the nominal flow rate of the draining pump 26, or preferably a value less than the nominal flow rate.
  • the end-draining condition corresponds to a condition at which the washing tub 3 is empty, or substantially empty or the liquid level inside it is below a minimum liquid level. Determination of such end condition is preferably obtained by means of the level detection device 19, in particular the pressure sensor 19.
  • the end-draining condition (step 194') preferably corresponds to the expiration of a prefixed time period.
  • Said prefixed time period may be, for example, a fixed value which is considered sufficient to empty the washing tub 3 in case it is completely full of water and the draining pump 26 is working properly at its nominal flow rate. This may guarantee that any quantity of water in the washing tub 3 is drained outside at the end of the prefixed time period.
  • said prefixed time period may be differently determined.
  • the prefixed time period may be estimated before activation of the draining pump 26 (step 182') on the base of the water level detected, preferably obtained by means of the level detection device 19.
  • the prefixed time period may be set, advantageously, as a value sufficient to empty the washing tub 3 containing the detected level of water.
  • the draining pump 26 is operated for a period of time TON (step 184'), or on-time period TON.
  • the on-time period TON is preferably a pre-fixed period of time, preferably few seconds (for example 5sec).
  • the draining pump 26 is then stopped for a period of time TOFF(n) (step 188'), or off-time period TOFF(n).
  • the off-time period TOFF(n) depends on the number of time (n-1 times) that the draining pump has been already activated.
  • the value of the off-time period TOFF(n) is preferably determined in steps 189', 190' and 191', as explained below.
  • step 189' a control of the counter n is performed.
  • the incremental value ⁇ (n) may be linked to the detected/measured flow rate FR. For example, if the detected/measured flow rate FR does not increases in successive activation and de-activation, the incremental value ⁇ (n) may be increased and if the detected/measured flow rate FR increases the incremental value ⁇ (n) may be decreased.
  • the draining phase proceeds going back to the draining pump activation (step 182') while the counter n is incremented (step 192').
  • the provision of one or more off-time periods TOFF(n) after the activation of the draining pump 26, guarantees that the draining pump 26 is working properly, i.e. the water is expelled from the washing tub 3 at a proper/nominal drainage flow rate.
  • the drainage flow rate could be reduced due to the presence of air, or air bubbles, trapped at the draining pump 26 inlet, in particular at the impeller 72.
  • the air trapped at the impeller 72 may be expelled. This allows a correct priming of the draining pump 26, after one of said pauses, and the drainage flow rate may advantageously reach its nominal flow rate.
  • the presence of air, or air bubbles, which reduced the drainage flow rate, is not interpreted by the laundry washing machine 1, in particular by the control unit 22, as a malfunctioning of the draining device 25 (for example a draining pump failure).
  • the control unit 22 does not interrupt the washing program and/or display any alarm notification at the interface unit 22a.
  • the water level in the washing tub 3 is at a first value L1.
  • the draining pump 26 is activated and it is operated for an on-time period TON.
  • the water level decreases at a low flow rate and reaches a second value L2, lower than the first value L1.
  • the water level remains stable.
  • the water level still decreases at a low flow rate and reaches a third value L3, lower than the second value L2. This means that the draining pump 26 is still not working properly due to air, or bubble air, at the impeller 72.
  • the water level still decreases at a low flow rate and reaches a fourth value L4, lower than the third value L3. This means that the draining pump 26 is still not working properly due to air, or bubble air, at the impeller 72.
  • TOFF(3) the water level remains stable.
  • Td total draining time
  • step 148 Another embodiment of the draining phase of the method of the invention is illustrated.
  • the draining phase (step 148") is carried out by firstly operating the draining pump 26 and comprises a step of stopping it for a predetermined period of time before operating it until the end of the draining phase.
  • Figure 13 depicts the driving signal of the draining pump 26, more in particular the driving signal for the pump drive 71, during the preferred embodiment of the draining phase (step 148").
  • the draining pump 26 is operated for a period of time TON1 (step 184"), or first on-time period TON1.
  • the first on-time period TON1 is preferably a pre-fixed period of time, preferably few seconds (for example 5sec).
  • the draining pump 26 is stopped for a period of time TOFF1 (step 188"), or first off-time period TOFF1.
  • the first off-time period TOFF1 is preferably a pre-fixed period of time, preferably few seconds (for example 2sec).
  • the draining pump 26 is operated for a period of time TON2 (step 192"), or second on-time period TON2.
  • the end-draining condition corresponds to a condition at which the washing tub 3 is empty, or substantially empty or the liquid level inside it is below a minimum liquid level. Determination of such end condition is preferably obtained by means of the level detection device 19, in particular the pressure sensor 19.
  • the end-draining condition (step 194") preferably corresponds to the expiration of a prefixed second on-time period TON2.
  • Said second on-time period TON2 may be, for example, a fixed value which is considered sufficient to empty the washing tub 3 in case it is completely full of water and the draining pump 26 is working properly at its nominal flow rate. This may guarantee that any quantity of water in the washing tub 3 is drained outside at the end of the second on-time period TON2.
  • said second on-time period TON2 may be differently determined.
  • the second on-time period TON2 may be set, advantageously, as a value sufficient to empty the washing tub 3 containing the detected level of water.
  • the provision of the first off-time period TOFF1 after the first activation of the draining pump 26, guarantees that the draining pump 26 is working properly, i.e. the water is expelled from the washing tub 3 at a proper/nominal drainage flow rate.
  • the drainage flow rate could be reduced due to the presence of air, or air bubbles, trapped at the draining pump 26 inlet, in particular at the impeller 72.
  • the air trapped at the impeller 72 may be expelled.
  • the presence of air, or air bubbles, which reduced the drainage flow rate, is not interpreted by the laundry washing machine 1, in particular by the control unit 22, as a malfunctioning of the draining device 25 (for example a draining pump failure).
  • the control unit 22 does not interrupt the washing program and/or display any alarm notification at the interface unit 22a.
  • the draining pump 26 in made work properly and the drainage flow rate of the water from the washing tub 3 has its nominal value.
  • the sum of the first on-time period TON1 and the first off-time period TOFF1 is kept at low values, preferably lower than the second on-time period TON2, in particular when the second on-time period TON2 is a pre-fixed period of time.
  • the first operation of the draining pump 26 is always followed by a stopping phase for the first off-time period TOFF1, independently of the drainage flow rate during the first on-time period TON1.
  • the water level in the washing tub 3 is at a first value L1.
  • the draining pump 26 is activated and it is operated for a first on-time period TON1.
  • the water level decreases at a low flow rate and reaches a second value L2, lower than the first value L1.
  • the water level remains stable.
  • the present invention allows all the set objects to be achieved.
  • it makes it possible to avoid that the washing program lasts longer than desired due to presence of air at the draining pump inlet, as it happens in the laundry washing machines of the prior art.
  • the 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 preferably 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.
  • the draining phase of the method above illustrated has been described as the last phase of a rinsing cycle. Nevertheless, the present invention may be applied at any draining phase in a method for washing laundry wherein liquid must be expelled from the washing tub.
  • the method preferably comprises control steps for monitoring the correct working of the laundry washing machine.
  • the method may interrupt the washing program and displays an alarm message if the time duration of the washing program exceeds a maximun allowed duration (timeout).

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Textile Engineering (AREA)
  • Control Of Washing Machine And Dryer (AREA)
EP14176151.0A 2014-09-02 2014-09-02 Verfahren zum Waschen von Wäsche in einer Wäschewaschmaschine Active EP2993262B1 (de)

Priority Applications (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
EP14176151.0A EP2993262B1 (de) 2014-09-02 2014-09-02 Verfahren zum Waschen von Wäsche in einer Wäschewaschmaschine
PCT/EP2015/065309 WO2016034307A1 (en) 2014-09-02 2015-07-06 Method for washing laundry in a laundry washing machine and laundry washing machine

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
EP14176151.0A EP2993262B1 (de) 2014-09-02 2014-09-02 Verfahren zum Waschen von Wäsche in einer Wäschewaschmaschine

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EP2993262B1 EP2993262B1 (de) 2017-11-15

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EP3351674A1 (de) * 2017-01-23 2018-07-25 BSH Hausgeräte GmbH Wäschepflegegerät mit einer steuerung
WO2019052664A1 (en) * 2017-09-18 2019-03-21 Electrolux Appliances Aktiebolag METHOD OF OPERATING A LAUNDRY PROCESSING MACHINE, AND LAUNDRY PROCESSING MACHINE
CN112593380A (zh) * 2020-12-10 2021-04-02 珠海格力电器股份有限公司 洗衣机故障检测方法和装置

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US10947658B2 (en) 2018-08-06 2021-03-16 Haier Us Appliance Solutions, Inc. Drain pump assembly for a washing machine appliance and methods of operating the same
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