EP3235939B1 - Verfahren zur detektion von schaum in einer wäschewaschmaschine - Google Patents

Verfahren zur detektion von schaum in einer wäschewaschmaschine Download PDF

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Publication number
EP3235939B1
EP3235939B1 EP16166319.0A EP16166319A EP3235939B1 EP 3235939 B1 EP3235939 B1 EP 3235939B1 EP 16166319 A EP16166319 A EP 16166319A EP 3235939 B1 EP3235939 B1 EP 3235939B1
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EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
washing
foam
laundry
washing tub
liquid
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
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Application number
EP16166319.0A
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English (en)
French (fr)
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EP3235939A1 (de
Inventor
Martino Bondi
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Electrolux Appliances AB
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Electrolux Appliances AB
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Priority to EP16166319.0A priority Critical patent/EP3235939B1/de
Priority to CN201710197503.6A priority patent/CN107385769B/zh
Publication of EP3235939A1 publication Critical patent/EP3235939A1/de
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Publication of EP3235939B1 publication Critical patent/EP3235939B1/de
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    • D—TEXTILES; PAPER
    • D06—TREATMENT OF TEXTILES OR THE LIKE; LAUNDERING; FLEXIBLE MATERIALS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • D06F—LAUNDERING, DRYING, IRONING, PRESSING OR FOLDING TEXTILE ARTICLES
    • 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 
    • D06F33/47—Responding to irregular working conditions, e.g. malfunctioning 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
    • D06F34/00—Details of control systems for washing machines, washer-dryers or laundry dryers
    • D06F34/14—Arrangements for detecting or measuring specific parameters
    • D06F34/22—Condition of the washing liquid, e.g. turbidity
    • 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
    • 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
    • D06F2103/16—Washing liquid temperature
    • D—TEXTILES; PAPER
    • D06—TREATMENT OF TEXTILES OR THE LIKE; LAUNDERING; FLEXIBLE MATERIALS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • D06F—LAUNDERING, DRYING, IRONING, PRESSING OR FOLDING TEXTILE ARTICLES
    • D06F2103/00—Parameters monitored or detected for the control of domestic laundry washing machines, washer-dryers or laundry dryers
    • D06F2103/18—Washing liquid level
    • 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
    • D06F2103/20—Washing liquid condition, e.g. turbidity
    • 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
    • D06F2105/02—Water supply
    • D—TEXTILES; PAPER
    • D06—TREATMENT OF TEXTILES OR THE LIKE; LAUNDERING; FLEXIBLE MATERIALS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • D06F—LAUNDERING, DRYING, IRONING, PRESSING OR FOLDING TEXTILE ARTICLES
    • D06F2105/00—Systems or parameters controlled or affected by the control systems of washing machines, washer-dryers or laundry dryers
    • D06F2105/10—Temperature of washing liquids; Heating means therefor
    • 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
    • D06F2105/46—Drum speed; Actuation of motors, e.g. starting or interrupting
    • D—TEXTILES; PAPER
    • D06—TREATMENT OF TEXTILES OR THE LIKE; LAUNDERING; FLEXIBLE MATERIALS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • D06F—LAUNDERING, DRYING, IRONING, PRESSING OR FOLDING TEXTILE ARTICLES
    • D06F2105/00—Systems or parameters controlled or affected by the control systems of washing machines, washer-dryers or laundry dryers
    • D06F2105/52—Changing sequence of operational steps; Carrying out additional operational steps; Modifying operational steps, e.g. by extending duration of steps
    • D—TEXTILES; PAPER
    • D06—TREATMENT OF TEXTILES OR THE LIKE; LAUNDERING; FLEXIBLE MATERIALS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • D06F—LAUNDERING, DRYING, IRONING, PRESSING OR FOLDING TEXTILE ARTICLES
    • D06F2105/00—Systems or parameters controlled or affected by the control systems of washing machines, washer-dryers or laundry dryers
    • D06F2105/58—Indications or alarms to the control system or to the user
    • D—TEXTILES; PAPER
    • D06—TREATMENT OF TEXTILES OR THE LIKE; LAUNDERING; FLEXIBLE MATERIALS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • D06F—LAUNDERING, DRYING, IRONING, PRESSING OR FOLDING TEXTILE ARTICLES
    • D06F2105/00—Systems or parameters controlled or affected by the control systems of washing machines, washer-dryers or laundry dryers
    • D06F2105/58—Indications or alarms to the control system or to the user
    • D06F2105/60—Audible signals
    • 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

Definitions

  • the present invention concerns the field of laundry washing techniques.
  • the present invention refers to a method for detecting foam in a laundry washing machine during a washing cycle.
  • the present invention relates to a corresponding laundry washing machine.
  • 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, or cabinet, provided with a washing tub which contains a rotatable perforated washing drum where the laundry is placed.
  • a loading/unloading door ensures access to the washing 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 system for draining washing liquid from the washing tub.
  • the draining system typically comprises at least one draining pump, arranged at the bottom of the washing tub, which is operated when necessary during the washing cycle.
  • the draining system drains the washing liquid out of the laundry washing machine and/or it re-circulates the same inside the tub so that the washing liquid is conveyed again on the laundry.
  • a complete washing cycle typically includes different phases, or steps, during which the laundry to be washed is subjected to adequate treatments.
  • a washing cycle usually comprises an initial wetting phase wherein a proper amount of water and detergent is introduced in the washing tub which creates the washing liquid for wetting the laundry.
  • the washing cycle then typically comprises a main washing phase during which the washing drum is rotated and the washing liquid contained therein is heated, typically by means of an electrical resistor, to a predetermined temperature according to the washing program selected by the user.
  • Successive steps of the washing cycle may comprise rinsing phases with introduction of clean water and draining steps and a final spinning in which the washing drum is rotated at high speed and the liquid in the washing tub is drained from the machine.
  • Foam is typically generated in the washing cycle due to overdosage of detergent by the user or due to foaming agents of the detergent itself that facilitates formation of foam.
  • Some known methods for operating a laundry washing machine are known, for example as disclosed in WO2015036166 , in which foam is effectively detect and, if necessary, actions for reducing the amount of foam inside the washing tub and/or in the draining region are taken.
  • the detection and reduction of foam is carried out in the balancing phase and/or the spinning phase, i.e. after the main washing phase.
  • an high amount of foam can be very negative during the spinning and draining phase of the washing cycle, in particular with reference to the functioning of the pump.
  • an high amount of foam can be very negative during the main washing itself, since the washing efficiency of the washing liquid is notably reduced with respect normal conditions without foam.
  • Foam may also cause detergent accumulation on the laundry.
  • the presence of a quantity of residual detergent may cause insufficient rinsing. Insufficient rinsing can leave enough detergent in laundry to affect people with allergies or sensitivity.
  • a known method for the detection of foam in a laundry washing machine is known from EP 1731656 A2 .
  • a foam sensor is realized integral with a temperature sensor.
  • the device known from this document is complex. This negatively affects size and/or manufacturing costs of the laundry washing machine and also reliability of the same.
  • the object of the present invention is therefore to overcome the drawbacks posed by the known technique.
  • the applicant has found that by determining the temperature increasing speed of a liquid in the washing tub of a laundry washing machine it is possible to establish the presence of foam in the washing tub.
  • the present invention relates, therefore, to a method for operating a laundry washing machine during a washing cycle, the laundry washing machine comprising a washing tub containing a washing drum and a heating device for heating liquid in said washing tub, wherein said method comprises the steps of:
  • the washing liquid temperature is detected in a predetermined monitoring period.
  • the predetermined monitoring period is between 20s and 30 min, more preferably 1 min.
  • the predetermined monitoring period is placed within the heating step.
  • the predetermined monitoring period is placed at the beginning of the heating step.
  • the temperature increasing speed is determined in the predetermined monitoring period.
  • the temperature increasing speed is the average temperature increasing speed in the predetermined monitoring period.
  • the threshold value is between 0,1°C/min and 10°C/min, preferably between 4°C/min and 8°C/min, more preferably equal to 7°C/min.
  • the threshold value is correlated to the type of the heating device.
  • the threshold value is correlated to the power dissipation of the heating device.
  • the heating step is performed after a wetting step of the washing cycle.
  • the wetting step preferably comprises an introduction of a quantity of water and a quantity of detergent in the washing tub.
  • the threshold value is a function of said quantity of water.
  • the washing drum rotates during the heating step.
  • the washing drum rotates during the wetting step.
  • At least one foam reduction action is taken.
  • the foam reduction action comprises one of the following actions:
  • the foam reduction action comprises a drainage step to remove and discharge the washing liquid from the bottom of the washing tub to the outside.
  • clean water is introduced in the washing tub to re-instate a sufficient quantity of washing liquid after the drainage step.
  • the foam reduction action comprises sending a warning alarm for the user, preferably a visual alarm or an acoustic alarm.
  • the laundry washing machine comprises a recirculation circuit comprising a recirculation pump for draining liquid from the bottom of the washing tub and to re-admit such liquid into an another part of the washing tub wherein the foam-reducing action comprises the step or reducing the activation time of the recirculation pump with respect to the expected activation time for the selected cycle.
  • the present invention relates to a laundry washing machine, wherein the laundry washing machine is provided for the method 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.
  • the laundry washing machine 1 comprises an external casing or cabinet 2, in which a washing tub 3 is provided that contains a perforated washing drum 4 where the laundry to be treated can be loaded.
  • the cabinet 2 is provided with a front loading/unloading door 8 which allows access to the washing tub 3 and the washing drum 4.
  • the washing tub 3 is preferably suspended in a floating manner inside the cabinet 2, advantageously by means of a number of coil springs and shock-absorbers that are not illustrated herein.
  • the washing drum 4 is advantageously rotated by an electric motor, not visible, which preferably transmits the rotating motion to the shaft of the washing drum 4, advantageously by means of a belt/pulley system, not shown.
  • the motor can be directly associated with the shaft of the washing drum 4.
  • a water inlet circuit 5 and a products supply unit 6 are arranged in the upper part of the laundry washing machine 1 which are suited to supply water and washing/rinsing products (i.e. detergent, softener, etc.) into the washing tub 3.
  • the water inlet circuit 5 controls the adduction of water coming from an external supply line E, hereinafter indicated as mains water supply E.
  • the products supply unit 6 preferably comprises a removable drawer 6 provided with various compartments suited to be filled with washing and/or rinsing products.
  • the water is supplied into the washing tub 3 by making it flow through the drawer 6 and through a supply pipe 9.
  • the water which reaches the washing tub 3 can 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 inlet 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 washing tub 3.
  • a water flow sensor for example a flow meter
  • Laundry washing machine 1 advantageously comprises a draining system 15.
  • the draining system15 advantageously comprises a drain pump 16, a first pipe 17 connecting the washing tub 3 to the drain pump 16 and an outlet pipe 18 ending outside the cabinet 2.
  • the draining system15 is suited to drain the liquid, for example dirty water or water mixed with washing and/or rinsing products, from the washing tub 3 to the outside.
  • the draining system15 preferably comprises a filtering device, not shown in the figures, placed between the bottom of the washing tub 3 and the drain pump 16 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.) that have passed through the holes located on the surface of the washing drum 4, or fallen onto the bottom of the washing tub 3 while passing between the washing drum 4 and the washing tub 3, which could damage or obstruct the drain pump 16.
  • a filtering device not shown in the figures, placed between the bottom of the washing tub 3 and the drain pump 16 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.) that have passed through the holes located on the surface of the washing drum 4, or fallen onto the bottom of the washing tub 3 while passing between the washing drum 4 and the washing tub 3, which could damage or obstruct the drain pump 16.
  • This filtering device can preferably be removed, and then for example cleaned, through a gate 14 placed advantageously on the front or back wall of the cabinet 2 of the laundry washing machine 1; in a further embodiment, not illustrated, the filtering device can be accessed for example by the internal of the washing drum 4, for example by a suitable opening obtained therein and selectively closed by a suitable cover, or by a removable lifter of the washing drum 4.
  • Advantageously laundry washing machine 1 comprises a device 19 suited to sense (or detect) the water level inside the washing tub 3.
  • the device 19 preferably comprises a pressure sensor which senses the pressure in the washing tub 3, which value is related to the level of free water contained in the washing tub 3.
  • laundry washing machine 1 comprises (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 water level inside the washing tub 3.
  • the laundry washing machine 1 comprises a heating device 20 adapted to come into contact with the liquid in the washing tub 3 and to heat it.
  • the heating device 20, preferably an electric resistor, is preferably placed in a suitable seat, not illustrated, obtained at the bottom of the washing tub 3 or in a draining region thereof.
  • the laundry washing machine 1 comprises a temperature sensor 21 for sensing the temperature of the liquid in the washing tub 3.
  • the temperature sensor 21 is preferably integrated with the heating device 20, i.e. they are supported by a common housing.
  • the temperature sensor may be placed in other suitable locations adapted to detect the temperature of the liquid in the washing tub 3.
  • Laundry washing machine 1 advantageously comprises a control unit 22 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, the draining system15, the electric motor and receives information from the various sensors provided on the laundry washing machine 1, like the flow meter of the water inlet circuit 5, the pressure sensor 19 (or the level sensor) on the bottom of the washing tub 3, the temperature sensor 21, etc.
  • the temperature detected by the temperature sensor 21 is preferably continuously received by the control unit 22 and advantageously used according to the present invention, as better described below.
  • the temperature detected by the temperature sensor 21 is acquired by the control unit 22, when necessary, at a pre-determined time.
  • Laundry washing machine 1 advantageously comprises an interface unit 50 connected to control unit 22, accessible to the user and by means of which the user may select and set the washing parameters from time to time, in particular the desired washing program.
  • the washing program selected by the user will correspond to a respective washing cycle performed by the laundry washing machine.
  • 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.
  • the interface unit 50 preferably comprises a display which displays machine working conditions or other information.
  • control unit 22 sets and controls the various parts of the laundry washing machine 1 in order to carry out the desired washing cycle.
  • the temperature sensor 21 is provided for detecting the temperature of the liquid in the washing tub 3 or in a draining region thereof.
  • the temperature sensor 21 is utilized to determine the presence and/or amount of foam in the washing tub 3 and/or the draining region thereof during a heating phase of the washing cycle.
  • the temperature WT of the washing liquid in the washing tub 3 or in a draining region thereof is detected by the temperature sensor 21. From the detected values it is then determined, preferably by the control unit 22, the increasing speed TS of the washing liquid temperature WT.
  • the threshold value TV If the temperature increasing speed TS is below, or equal to, the threshold value TV then presence of only water or a low amount of foam is detected.
  • the temperature increasing speed TS is above a threshold value TV during a predetermined monitoring period ⁇ t.
  • the temperature increasing speed TS is below, or equal to, the threshold value TV within the monitoring period ⁇ t then presence of only water or a low amount of foam is detected.
  • one or more foam-reducing actions are preferably taken, as will be better described later.
  • FIG 3 illustrates a schematic set of diagrams as functions of the time during a time slot of the washing cycle in a first situation according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention.
  • the first situation corresponds to a normal functioning condition of the washing cycle, i.e. without formation of foam in the washing tub 3.
  • This time slot corresponds to initial phases of the washing cycle, in particular a wetting phase (t0 ⁇ t1) and a main washing phase (t1 ⁇ t4).
  • a quantity of water Qw and a quantity of detergent Qd are introduced into the washing tub 3, preferably by means of the water inlet circuit 5 and the products supply unit 6.
  • water and detergent are introduced into the washing tub 3 to form a washing liquid for washing the laundry.
  • the washing drum 4 is advantageously rotated with a preferred rhythm, for example in clockwise and/or anticlockwise direction, at a low speed (e.g. at [10-300] rpm), and advantageously with stop interval time between successive rotations.
  • a preferred rhythm for example in clockwise and/or anticlockwise direction, at a low speed (e.g. at [10-300] rpm), and advantageously with stop interval time between successive rotations.
  • the liquid level 44 oscillates around 100 mm due to oscillations of the liquid level 44 inside the washing tub 3 caused by washing drum rotations.
  • the liquid level 44 of about 100 mm in the washing tub 3 is preferably sufficient to entirely cover the heating device 20 so that it is advantageously totally immersed in the liquid.
  • the washing liquid temperature WT also indicated with the reference number 45 in FIG 3 , in the wetting phase remains substantially constant, T1 ⁇ 20°C, corresponding to the temperature of the water coming from the mains water supply E.
  • the main washing phase comprises a heating phase (t1 ⁇ t2) and a maintaining phase (t2 ⁇ t4).
  • the heating phase the heating device 20 is activated, as perceivable in FIG 3 from the driving signal 47 of the heating device 20, and the washing drum 4 is rotated with a preferred rhythm.
  • the maintaining phase t2 ⁇ t4 the heating device 20 is deactivated and the washing drum 4 is rotated with a preferred rhythm.
  • the heating phase t1 ⁇ t2) the washing liquid temperature WT rises substantially linearly.
  • the heating phase terminates at time t2 ⁇ 2250s, when the washing liquid temperature WT reaches a pre-fixed temperature T2.
  • the pre-fixed temperature T2 is set to 40°C corresponding, for example, to a 40°C cotton cycle selected by the user.
  • the temperature increasing speed TS is compared with a threshold value TV and if the temperature increasing speed TS is above the threshold value TV it is determined the presence and/or a high amount of foam in the washing tub 3. Otherwise, presence of only water or a low amount of foam is determined. Accordingly, the temperature increasing speed TS is calculated in a predetermined monitoring period ⁇ t.
  • monitoring of the washing liquid temperature WT and calculation of the temperature increasing speed TS is carried out continuously in successive monitoring periods ⁇ t within the heating phase.
  • monitoring of the washing liquid temperature WT and calculation of the temperature increasing speed TS is carried out immediately at the beginning of the heating phase, i.e. at time t1.
  • a monitoring period or a plurality of monitoring periods may be differently distributed over the heating phase (t1 ⁇ t2), for example a monitoring period of 2min every 2min.
  • the temperature increasing speed TS may be differently calculated, for example the temperature increasing speed TS is continuously calculated (instantaneous speed).
  • the monitoring period ⁇ t is set at a predetermine value, for example 1 min.
  • the predetermined monitoring period is between 20s and 30min.
  • the monitoring period ⁇ t may be automatically reduced if, for example, the driving signal 47 of the heating device 20 is deactivated before the expiring of the monitoring period ⁇ t. This may happen, for example, if the washing liquid temperature WT reaches a pre-fixed target value, such as 40°C in a 40°C cotton cycle, or a maximum safety value.
  • a pre-fixed target value such as 40°C in a 40°C cotton cycle, or a maximum safety value.
  • the threshold value TV for the temperature increasing speed TS is preferably set at a predetermine value, for example a fixed value of 7°C/min.
  • the threshold value is between 0,1°C/min and 10°C/min, more preferably between 4°C/min and 8°C/min.
  • the threshold value TV may be differently set.
  • the temperature increasing speed TS is affected by the quantity of water Qw introduced into the washing tub 3 during the wetting phase and/or by the type of heating device used in the laundry washing machine. Therefore, the threshold value TV is correlated to the quantity of water Qw introduced into the washing tub 3 or to the quantity of water Qw introduced into the washing tub 3 and the type of heating device.
  • the threshold value TV is directly proportional to the quantity of water Qw.
  • the threshold value TV may be set according to the specific quantity of water Qw introduced into the washing tub 3 during the wetting phase.
  • the following table exemplary shows a correlation between the threshold value TV and the quantity of water Qw, wherein the power dissipation of the resistor 20 is a known value and equal to 1000 Watt: Table 1 Quantity of water Qw (litre) Threshold value TV (°C/s) 10 3 14 2 20 2
  • the threshold value TV may also preferably be correlated to the type of heating device used in the laundry washing machine.
  • the threshold value TV may be correlated to the power dissipation of the resistor 20.
  • the following table exemplary shows a correlation between the threshold value TV and power dissipation of the resistor 20, wherein the quantity of water Qw introduced into the washing tub 3 during the wetting phase is a known value and equal to 10 litres: Table 2 Power of the resistor (Watt) Threshold value TV (°C/s) 1000 3 1750 4 1950 6
  • the threshold value TV is preferably correlated to both the quantity of water Qw introduced into the washing tub 3 and the type of heating device.
  • the following table exemplary shows a correlation between the threshold value TV, the quantity of water Qw introduced into the washing tub 3 during the wetting phase and the power dissipation of the resistor 20: Table 3 Threshold value TV (°C/s) Power of the resistor (Watt) 1000 1750 1950 Quantity of water Qw (litre) 10 3 4 6 14 2 4 5 20 2 3 4
  • the situation shown in FIG 3 corresponds to a normal functioning condition of the washing cycle, i.e. substantially without formation of foam in the washing tub 3.
  • the washing cycle after the main washing phase (t1 ⁇ t4) normally proceeds with the remaining phases of the cycle, i.e. rinsing phases, balancing phases, spinning phases etc. (not illustrated in FIG 3 ). Therefore, no foam-reducing action is taken for the washing cycle.
  • FIG 4 illustrates a second situation according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention.
  • the second situation corresponds to an undesired functioning condition of the washing cycle, i.e. with formation of foam in the washing tub 3 during the wetting phase.
  • This time slot corresponds to initial phases of the washing cycle, in particular a wetting phase (t0 ⁇ t1) and a main washing phase (t1 ⁇ t4).
  • a quantity of water Qw and a quantity of detergent Qd are introduced into the washing tub 3, preferably by means of the water inlet circuit 5 and the products supply unit 6.
  • water and detergent are introduced into the washing tub 3 to form the washing liquid for washing the laundry.
  • the washing drum 4 is advantageously rotated with a preferred rhythm, for example in clockwise and/or anticlockwise direction, at a low speed (e.g. at [10-300] rpm), and advantageously with stop interval time between successive rotations.
  • a preferred rhythm for example in clockwise and/or anticlockwise direction, at a low speed (e.g. at [10-300] rpm), and advantageously with stop interval time between successive rotations.
  • the liquid level 44 oscillates around 100 mm due to oscillations of the liquid level 44 inside the washing tub 3 caused by washing drum rotations.
  • the liquid level 44 of about 100 mm in the washing tub 3 is preferably sufficient to entirely cover the heating device 20 so that it is always advantageously immersed in the liquid.
  • the washing liquid temperature WT in the wetting phase remains substantially constant, T1 ⁇ 20°C, corresponding to the temperature of the water coming from the mains water supply E.
  • the second situation illustrated in FIG 4 illustrates an undesired functioning condition of the washing cycle since during the wetting phase an amount of foam is generated.
  • foam is formed in the washing tub 3 during the wetting phase due to rotations of the washing drum 4 which moves/agitates the washing liquid inserted in the washing tub 3.
  • the main washing phase comprises an initial heating phase.
  • the heating device 20 is opportunely activated/deactivated according to a particular control methodology, as perceivable in FIG 4 from the driving signal 47 of the heating device 20.
  • the washing drum 4 is also rotated with a preferred rhythm.
  • the washing liquid temperature WT rapidly rises starting from the initial time t1 of the heating phase. According to an advantageous aspect of the invention, the rapid rising of the washing liquid temperature WT in the heating phase is indicative of the presence of foam in the washing tub 3.
  • the washing liquid temperature WT is monitored.
  • the temperature increasing speed TS is calculated.
  • calculation of the temperature increasing speed TS is carried out immediately at the beginning of the heating phase, i.e. at time t1, and therefore the presence and/or a high amount of foam in the washing tub 3 is substantially immediately detected.
  • the temperature increasing speed TS is calculated in a predetermined monitoring period ⁇ t.
  • a foam-reducing action that can be performed after detection of foam in the washing tub 3 preferably comprises the time reduction of the main washing phase with respect to the expected time of the main washing phase for the washing cycle.
  • the main washing phase may be defined as the phase of the washing cycle during which the washing drum is rotated and the washing liquid contained therein is heated and/or maintained to a predetermined temperature according to the washing program selected by the user.
  • the main washing phase precedes successive steps of the washing cycle such as rinsing phases, balances phases, spinning phases etc..
  • Another foam-reducing action that can be performed after detection of foam in the washing tub 3 preferably comprises the reduction of the activation time of the heating device with respect to the expected activation time of the same for the main washing phase of the selected cycle.
  • the heating device can be completely deactivated for the remaining time of the main washing phase. Again, dissolution of the foam is more rapid.
  • Another foam-reducing action that can be performed after detection of foam in the washing tub 3 preferably comprises the variation of the washing drum rhythm, preferably the reduction of the rotation time of the washing drum with respect to the expected rotation time for the main washing phase of the selected cycle.
  • the reduction of the rotation time of the washing drum avoids excessive movement/agitation of the liquid in the washing tub and therefore dissolution of the foam is more rapid.
  • Another foam-reducing action that can be performed after detection of foam in the washing tub 3 preferably comprises the introduction of one or more additional rinsing phases with respect to the expected rinsing phases for the selected cycle.
  • Another foam-reducing action that can be performed after detection of foam in the washing tub 3 preferably comprises the introduction of a further quantity of water during the main washing phase.
  • Another foam-reducing action that can be performed after detection of foam in the washing tub 3 preferably comprises a drainage phase to remove and discharge the washing liquid from the bottom of the washing tub to the outside.
  • the discharge of washing liquid decreases the concentration of detergent in the washing tub 3 thus advantageously reducing the possibility of foam generation.
  • one or more introduction phases of water and/or one or more drainage phases are performed.
  • an amount of clean water is introduced in the washing tub 3 to re-instate a sufficient quantity of washing liquid for the main washing.
  • the introduction of clean water further decreases the concentration of detergent in the washing tub 3.
  • Another action that can be performed after detection of foam in the washing tub 3 preferably comprises sending a warning alarm for the user, for example a visual alarm at the display of the interface unit 50 or an acoustic alarm. Since formation of foam may be caused by an overdose of detergent or a wrong detergent usage, the foam alarm may be useful for the user because it advises him on how to prevent future laundry washing cycle with foam formation, for example the choice of a correct detergent.
  • FIG 5 illustrates a schematic flow chart diagram of a simplified method for operating the laundry washing machine and for detecting the foam during a washing cycle according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.
  • the laundry to be washed is first placed inside the washing drum 4 (step 100).
  • the user selects the desired washing program (step 110).
  • a next step (step 120) the washing cycle according to the washing program selected by the user is started.
  • the method provides for a wetting phase wherein a quantity of water Qw and a quantity of detergent Qd are introduced into the washing tub 3 to form a washing liquid for washing the laundry, preferably by means of the water inlet circuit 5 and the products supply unit 6.
  • the washing drum 4 is advantageously rotated with a preferred rhythm.
  • a heating phase is started (step 140), preferably by activating the heating device 20.
  • the washing liquid temperature WT in the washing tub 3 is monitored, preferably by means of the temperature sensor 21.
  • the temperature increasing speed TS is calculated (step 150). If the temperature increasing speed TS has a value below, or equal, to a threshold value TV (output "No" of step 160), the method normally proceeds with the main washing phase (step 170) with steps according to the washing cycle selected.
  • the heating device 20 is kept activated for more 10 min (step 172) and the washing drum 4 is rotated with a preferred rhythm (step 174).
  • the main washing phase (step 170) lasts for a predetermined period, for example 60min.
  • the washing cycle then advantageously proceeds with one or more rinsing cycles (steps 180 and 190) during which clean rinse water is added to the laundry and the washing drum is rotated to extract water and dirty particles/detergent from the laundry: the dirty water extracted is drained from the washing tub 3 to the outside.
  • the washing cycle terminates with a final spinning phase (step 200).
  • a drying phase may be also preferably performed.
  • step 160 if the temperature increasing speed TS, or the average temperature increasing speed ATS, has a value above the threshold value TV (output "Yes" of step 160), the main washing phase is modified, through a preferred foam-reducing action.
  • the heating device 20 is de-activated and the washing drum 4 is not rotated anymore (step 176) for a predetermined time, for example 10 min.
  • the method proceeds with two successive rinsing cycles (steps 177 and 178) during which clean rinse water is added to the laundry and liquid is drained from the washing tub 3 to the outside.
  • the washing cycle then advantageously proceeds with said one or more rinsing cycles (steps 180 and 190) and the final spinning phase (step 200).
  • FIG 6 shows a construction variant of the laundry washing machine 200 where the method according to the invention is advantageously performed.
  • Corresponding characteristics and/or components of the laundry washing machine 1 of Figure 2 are identified by the same reference numbers.
  • the laundry washing machine 200 comprises a water outlet circuit 215 provided with a recirculation circuit 216 adapted to drain the liquid from the bottom of the washing tub 3, and to re-admit such liquid into an another part of the washing tub 3, preferably into an upper region of the washing tub 3.
  • the recirculation circuit 216 comprises a recirculation pump 217 and a recirculation pipe 61.
  • the recirculation pipe 61 ends with a terminal nozzle 61a in the upper region of the washing tub 3.
  • the drain pump 16 and the recirculation pump 217 are preferably arranged downstream of a common filter 218.
  • the drain pump 16 and the recirculation pump 217 are properly controlled by the control unit 22 in order to allow drainage towards the outside through the outlet duct 18 and/or towards the washing tub 3 through the recirculation pipe 61. Functioning of this laundry washing machine 200 and detection of foam are advantageously carried out as above described for the first embodiment.
  • foam-reducing actions previously described may be advantageously performed in this laundry washing machine 200.
  • a further foam-reducing action that can be performed after detection of foam in the washing tub 3 in this laundry washing machine 200 preferably comprises the variation/reduction of the activation time of the recirculation pump 217 with respect to the expected activation time for the selected cycle. This enhances a more rapid dissolution of the foam.
  • the method according to the invention allows the detection of foam at an early stage of the washing cycle, preferably just after the wetting phase.
  • foam-reduction actions may be performed from the very beginning of the washing cycle. This help to reduce detergent accumulation on the laundry with respect known methods.
  • detection of foam is advantageously carried out by means of a temperature sensor which is usually installed in laundry washing machines, without necessity of installing and controlling a dedicated foam sensor. Therefore the method of the invention allows detecting of foam in a laundry washing machine having reduced complexity and/or size compared to laundry washing machines which detect foam of known type.
  • laundry washing machine performing the method of the invention has higher reliability compared to laundry washing machines which detect foam of known type.
  • the method according to the invention assures a more correct functioning of the pumps installed in the laundry washing machine which drain liquid from the washing tub since presence of foam at their inlets is substantially avoided. This, in turn, reduces the noise caused by the pump working with foam.
  • the method according to the invention reduces or avoids overflow and liquid spillage from the washing tub.
  • the present invention allows all the set objects to be achieved.
  • it makes it possible to provide a method and a laundry washing machine with a more effective detection system of foam compared to known systems.
  • laundry washing machines illustrated in the enclosed figures, and with reference to which some embodiments of the method according to the invention have been described, are 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 laundry washing machine, substantially without any modification.
  • the method has been applied referring to the heating phase which follows the wetting phase substantially at the beginning of the washing cycle, it is to be understood that the present invention is not limited to those precise embodiments and that the method can be applied to any heating phase within a washing cycle.

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

Claims (12)

  1. Verfahren zum Betreiben einer Wäschewaschmaschine (1; 200) während eines Waschzyklus, wobei die Wäschewaschmaschine einen Waschbottich (3), der eine Waschtrommel (4) und eine Heizvorrichtung (20) zum Beheizen von Flüssigkeit im Waschbottich (3) enthält, umfasst, wobei das Verfahren folgende Schritte umfasst:
    - Einleiten einer Menge von Wasser und einer Menge eines Detergens in den Waschbottich (3), um eine Waschflüssigkeit zu bilden;
    - Beheizen der Waschflüssigkeit;
    - Detektieren der Waschflüssigkeitstemperatur (WT) im Waschbottich (3) und/oder in dessen Ableitungsregion, wobei die Waschflüssigkeitstemperatur (WT) in einem vorgegebenen Überwachungszeitraum (Δt) detektiert wird, wobei der vorgegebene Überwachungszeitraum (Δt) zwischen 20 s und 30 min lang ist;
    - Bestimmen der Temperaturerhöhungsgeschwindigkeit (TS) im vorgegebenen Überwachungszeitraum (Δt);
    - Vergleichen der bestimmten Temperaturerhöhungsgeschwindigkeit (TS) mit einem Schwellenwert (TV) und, wenn die bestimmte Temperaturerhöhungsgeschwindigkeit (TS) über dem Schwellenwert (TV) liegt, Feststellen des Vorhandenseins von Schaum, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass der Beheizungsschritt nach einem Benetzungsschritt des Waschzyklus durchgeführt wird, dass der Benetzungsschritt eine Einleitung einer Menge von Wasser (Qw) und einer Menge eines Detergens (Qd) in den Waschbottich (3) umfasst und dass der Schwellenwert (TV) eine Funktion (f(Qw)) der in den Waschbottich (3) eingeleiteten Menge von Wasser (Qw) ist.
  2. Verfahren nach Anspruch 1, wobei der vorgegebene Überwachungszeitraum (Δt) 1 min lang ist.
  3. Verfahren nach Anspruch 1 oder 2, wobei der vorgegebene Überwachungszeitraum (Δt) als innerhalb des Beheizungsschritts liegend festgesetzt wird.
  4. Verfahren nach einem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche, wobei der Schwellenwert (TV) zwischen 0,1°C/min und 10°C/min liegt.
  5. Verfahren nach einem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche, wobei der Schwellenwert (TV) zwischen 4°C/min und 8°C/min liegt.
  6. Verfahren nach einem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche, wobei der Schwellenwert (TV) gleich 7°C/min ist.
  7. Verfahren nach einem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche, wobei sich die Waschtrommel (4) während des Beheizungsschritts dreht.
  8. Verfahren nach einem der Ansprüche 5 bis 7, wobei sich die Waschtrommel (4) während des Benetzungsschritts dreht.
  9. Verfahren nach einem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche, wobei, wenn das Vorhandensein von Schaum festgestellt worden ist, mindestens ein Schaumverringerungsvorgang durchgeführt wird.
  10. Verfahren nach Anspruch 9, wobei der Schaumverringerungsvorgang einen der folgenden Vorgänge umfasst:
    - die Zeitverkürzung des Hauptwaschschritts mit Bezug auf die erwartete Zeit des Hauptwaschschritts für den Waschzyklus;
    - die Verkürzung der Einschaltzeit der Heizvorrichtung (20) mit Bezug auf deren erwartete Einschaltzeit für den Hauptwaschschritt des ausgewählten Zyklus;
    - die Ausschaltung der Heizvorrichtung (20);
    - die Ausschaltung der Heizvorrichtung (20) eine vorgegebene Zeit lang;
    - die Veränderung des Waschtrommelrhythmus;
    - die Verkürzung der Drehzeit der Waschtrommel mit Bezug auf die erwartete Drehzeit für den Hauptwaschschritt des ausgewählten Zyklus;
    - die Einleitung eines oder mehrerer zusätzlicher Spülungsschritte mit Bezug auf die erwarteten Spülungsschritte für den ausgewählten Zyklus;
    - die Einleitung einer weiteren Menge von Wasser während des Hauptwaschschritts.
  11. Verfahren nach Anspruch 9 oder 10, wobei die Wäschewaschmaschine (200) einen eine Umwälzpumpe (217) zum Ableiten von Flüssigkeit vom Boden des Waschbottichs (3) und zum Neueinlassen dieser Flüssigkeit in einen anderen Teil des Waschbottichs (3) umfassenden Umwälzkreis (216) umfasst, wobei der Schaumverringerungsvorgang den Schritt zum Verkürzen der Einschaltzeit der Umwälzpumpe (217) mit Bezug auf die erwartete Einschaltzeit für den ausgewählten Zyklus umfasst.
  12. Wäschewaschmaschine (1; 200), die einen Waschbottich (3), der eine Waschtrommel (4), eine Heizvorrichtung (20) zum Beheizen von Flüssigkeit im Waschbottich (3) und einen Temperatursensor (21) zum Detektieren der Waschflüssigkeitstemperatur (WT) im Waschbottich (3) enthält, umfasst, wobei die Wäschewaschmaschine (1; 200) konfiguriert ist, um das Verfahren nach einem der Ansprüche 1 bis 11 auszuführen.
EP16166319.0A 2016-04-21 2016-04-21 Verfahren zur detektion von schaum in einer wäschewaschmaschine Active EP3235939B1 (de)

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CN111850961B (zh) * 2019-04-17 2023-12-22 博西华电器（江苏）有限公司 洗衣机及其泡沫检测方法、装置
CN111074481B (zh) * 2020-01-08 2024-03-12 青岛海尔洗衣机有限公司 用于洗涤设备的洗涤剂投放方法
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