EP3268530A1 - Method for operating a washing machine having an improved rinsing phase and washing machine suitable therefor - Google Patents
Method for operating a washing machine having an improved rinsing phase and washing machine suitable thereforInfo
- Publication number
- EP3268530A1 EP3268530A1 EP16704251.4A EP16704251A EP3268530A1 EP 3268530 A1 EP3268530 A1 EP 3268530A1 EP 16704251 A EP16704251 A EP 16704251A EP 3268530 A1 EP3268530 A1 EP 3268530A1
- Authority
- EP
- European Patent Office
- Prior art keywords
- rinsing
- detergent concentration
- concentration
- impedance
- detergent
- 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
Links
- 238000005406 washing Methods 0.000 title claims abstract description 81
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 title claims abstract description 54
- 239000003599 detergent Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 105
- 239000007788 liquid Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 55
- 239000000203 mixture Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 11
- 230000002123 temporal effect Effects 0.000 claims abstract description 11
- XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N water Substances O XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 claims description 58
- 238000005259 measurement Methods 0.000 claims description 27
- 239000004094 surface-active agent Substances 0.000 claims description 25
- 230000008859 change Effects 0.000 claims description 20
- 238000013461 design Methods 0.000 claims description 8
- 238000005086 pumping Methods 0.000 claims description 8
- 238000011010 flushing procedure Methods 0.000 claims description 7
- 238000011109 contamination Methods 0.000 claims description 5
- 238000011156 evaluation Methods 0.000 claims description 4
- 101100129500 Caenorhabditis elegans max-2 gene Proteins 0.000 claims description 2
- 101100083446 Danio rerio plekhh1 gene Proteins 0.000 claims description 2
- 230000002706 hydrostatic effect Effects 0.000 description 11
- 238000009736 wetting Methods 0.000 description 10
- 230000008569 process Effects 0.000 description 7
- 238000004140 cleaning Methods 0.000 description 4
- 238000001514 detection method Methods 0.000 description 4
- 239000012530 fluid Substances 0.000 description 4
- 238000012544 monitoring process Methods 0.000 description 4
- 238000012512 characterization method Methods 0.000 description 3
- 239000002563 ionic surfactant Substances 0.000 description 3
- 230000007246 mechanism Effects 0.000 description 3
- 239000002736 nonionic surfactant Substances 0.000 description 3
- 230000004044 response Effects 0.000 description 3
- 102000004190 Enzymes Human genes 0.000 description 2
- 108090000790 Enzymes Proteins 0.000 description 2
- 238000001453 impedance spectrum Methods 0.000 description 2
- 230000006698 induction Effects 0.000 description 2
- 230000003287 optical effect Effects 0.000 description 2
- 230000000284 resting effect Effects 0.000 description 2
- 239000008237 rinsing water Substances 0.000 description 2
- 239000013543 active substance Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000000654 additive Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000000996 additive effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000004458 analytical method Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000007864 aqueous solution Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000015572 biosynthetic process Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000007844 bleaching agent Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000003990 capacitor Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000003086 colorant Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000004891 communication Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000000470 constituent Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000000356 contaminant Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000001419 dependent effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000010790 dilution Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000012895 dilution Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000000694 effects Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000003205 fragrance Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000010438 heat treatment Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000008236 heating water Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000002847 impedance measurement Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000011065 in-situ storage Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000002452 interceptive effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000011835 investigation Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000002386 leaching Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000004973 liquid crystal related substance Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000000693 micelle Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000035515 penetration Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000000843 powder Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000010926 purge Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000035945 sensitivity Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000000926 separation method Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000004904 shortening Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000002351 wastewater Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000004584 weight gain Effects 0.000 description 1
- 235000019786 weight gain Nutrition 0.000 description 1
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
- 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
- D06F33/38—Control of operational steps, e.g. optimisation or improvement of operational steps depending on the condition of the laundry of rinsing
-
- 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
- D06F2103/02—Characteristics of laundry or load
- D06F2103/04—Quantity, e.g. weight or variation of weight
-
- 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
- D06F2103/22—Content of detergent or additives
-
- 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
- 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
Definitions
- the invention relates to a method for operating a washing machine with an improved rinsing phase and a washing machine suitable for this purpose. More particularly, the invention relates to a method of operating a washing machine having a container, a drum for receiving laundry, a drive motor for the drum, an impedance sensor (also referred to as an electrochemical impedance sensor) in the container for measuring an impedance signal in response to a composition of an aqueous fluid in the container, and a control device, and a suitable for carrying out this method washing machine.
- an impedance sensor also referred to as an electrochemical impedance sensor
- laundry In a washing machine, laundry is generally treated in a washing phase for cleaning with a detergent containing wash liquor.
- Detergents contain to form a wash liquor for cleaning laundry in particular surfactants as surface-active substances, which reduce the surface tension of the water in the aqueous solution formed (wash liquor).
- At least one rinsing step is carried out to rinse out the washing liquor enriched with dirt and detergent.
- the rinsing result depends on the amount of water used and the number of rinsing steps, also called rinsing cycles.
- an empirically determined number of rinse steps and a rinse duration are generally determined. These can be adjusted by polling a turbidity sensor. If at the end of the washing phase only a very small amount of detergent is present in the items of laundry, it is usually rinsed too long or with too much water.
- a rinsing phase which is optimally matched to a lot of items of laundry also leads in particular to a lower load on the wastewater and a shortened duration of the rinsing phase.
- the consideration of the actually present in the rinsing liquid detergent concentration or amount in a rinsing phase would therefore be desirable.
- DE 29 17 859 describes a method for monitoring and controlling the program, in particular the water inlet and / or the cleaning or detergent addition in automatic washing machines and dishwashers, wherein the surface tension and / or the water hardness and / or the electrical conductivity of the Washing liquid responsive sensors are provided in the machine, which intervene via an electrical control circuit in the program flow and control the amount of water, the water change and / or the dosage of cleaning or detergent addition.
- DE 100 42 846 A1 describes a method for the qualitative and / or quantitative characterization of polar constituents in liquids by impedance measurement and the application of the method and optionally an electrode arrangement for controlling the surfactant feed due to the characterization of the surfactant content in the washing and / or rinsing water of washing machines.
- DE 42 44 783 C2 describes a method for monitoring and controlling the program sequence in a household appliance with several rinses, in which by means of a measuring device, a measured value and its rate of change are determined and adjusted in the amount of water and / or number of rinses in the program flow.
- the measured values of two sections in the first rinse are recorded, of which the first is placed at the beginning and the second approximately in the middle of the first rinse, and in the first rinse from the rates of change of the measured values a total rinsing time is derived and in dependence of the determined total rinsing time the subsequent rinses of the program sequence in terms of water quantity or number of rinses accordingly be adjusted.
- pH value, conductivity turbidity value or temperature may be considered as measured values.
- EP 0 797 761 B1 describes a method for determining the surface tension of a liquid by generating gas bubbles in the liquid, whereafter the surface tension in the liquid is determined by monitoring gas bubbles and wherein the gas bubbles are formed from gas generated in situ.
- EP 2 533 035 A1 describes a device for detecting material properties of a medium, comprising a measuring device including a sensor device, which is in communication with the medium, and a control device for controlling the sensor device with signals of a predetermined frequency range, and a control device for controlling the Operation of the measuring device and specification of the predetermined frequency range, wherein the driving means is provided for determining the course of the impedance Z of the medium corresponding to the predetermined frequency range in response to the frequency, and for outputting a detection signal, and the control means is provided for evaluating the detection signal of the drive means Determining a plurality of characteristic points (P1 to P4) of the course of the impedance Z and generating a result signal with respect to the properties of the medium. It should thus be e.g. be possible to determine whether a wash liquor requires a further wax additive.
- EP 2 767 825 A1 describes a method for determining a micelle formation concentration in a washing device which has a quantity of water required for carrying out a washing process, with the steps
- step 2 Generating a corresponding number of respective measured values
- step 4 Calculating a respective average of the number of slopes and the amounts of the impedance (step 4), Determining a product of determination MBP from the average of the slopes and the mean of the amounts of the impedances (step 5B),
- step 7 Repeating steps 1 to 6B until the product of determination is equal to or greater than the threshold value (XB) (step 7).
- the object of the present invention was to provide a method for operating a washing machine, in which a rinsing phase is improved.
- the method should allow the most efficient and water-saving rinsing of laundry items.
- the object of the invention was also to provide a suitable for carrying out this method washing machine.
- the invention thus relates to a method for operating a washing machine with a container, a drum for receiving items of laundry, a drive motor for the drum, an impedance sensor in the container for measuring an impedance signal in dependence on a composition of an aqueous liquid in the container, and a control device, wherein following a washing phase in a rinsing phase, the detergent concentration c te n is followed in the rinsing liquid by means of the impedance sensor, and wherein the temporal increase of the detergent concentration c te n is evaluated in view of the further embodiment of the rinsing phase.
- a laundry detergent in addition to one or more surfactants, in particular ionic or nonionic surfactants, a laundry detergent generally also comprises enzymes, bleaches and / or fragrances.
- the detection of surfactants is concerned, so that a detergent concentration means in particular a surfactant concentration.
- surfactant as used herein means a single surfactant as well as a mixture of different surfactants.
- the detection of a sharp increase in the detergent concentration indicates greater amounts of detergent still present in the laundry items or the wash liquor passing through them.
- an "aqueous liquid” may mean water, a wash liquor or a rinsing liquid
- a container is understood to be a suds container, a part of the container or a component in which the aqueous liquid provided during operation of the washing machine
- the impedance sensor may be disposed in the tub of a washing machine as well as in a measuring container communicatively connected to the tub, or in a fluid line through which the aqueous fluid flows during operation of the washing machine be particularly advantageous if the washing machine has a pumping system, which dissipates the aqueous liquid during operation of the washing machine from a tub and feeds again.
- step (b) removing the first rinse liquid measured in step (a); (c) addition of a predetermined amount of water ai and measurement in the second rinse liquid formed thereby of the detergent concentration c te n as a function of the time t by means of the impedance sensor; and
- a spin may also be performed, or the spin may be performed following the step (b).
- second flushing liquid (c2) measuring the detergent concentration c th in the step (c1) formed by means of the impedance sensor until terms of detergent concentration c th a predetermined maximum concentration c th max2 or a predetermined minimum time concentration change (dct e n dt) m in2 is reached;
- step (d1) determining the time duration ⁇ t of step (c2);
- the design of at least the next rinsing step generally takes place on the basis of rinsing programs stored in the control device for different time durations At of step (c2).
- the following steps are carried out subsequent to the washing phase:
- step (c2) measuring the detergent concentration c te n in the second rinsing liquid formed in step (c1) by means of the impedance sensor for a predetermined period of time At set ;
- step (e2) evaluating the detergent concentration c te n registered in step (d2) and / or the change in time (dc te n / dt) with regard to the configuration of at least the next rinsing step using a relationship between impedance signal and detergent concentration stored in the control device;
- Impedance signal and detergent concentration is used.
- the embodiment takes place at least the next rinse step generally based on in the control device for different concentrations c te n and / or temporal gradient of the concentration (dc ts / dt) deposited washing programs.
- the amount of water ai is preferably selected as a function of a load of laundry items, ie a size of a laundry item in the drum. This takes into account the fact that for larger quantities of laundry, based on a certain amount of water used, a larger and faster Increase in detergent concentration is expected.
- the addition of the amount of water ai generally indicates the beginning of a next rinse step.
- a spin can be carried out or the spin can be carried out or continued after the step (b1).
- the determination of the loading amount can be made by measuring the weight gain of the drum due to loading with laundry or by analyzing the absorbency of water by analyzing the change in hydrostatic pressure during addition of water to dry laundry in a wetting phase.
- a hydrostatic sensor is preferably present in a washing machine according to the invention.
- a water meter i. a measuring device for determining the filled amount of water or the amount of filled washing liquor, present.
- the hydrostatic pressure p measured with the aid of the hydrostatic sensor can be compared with the filled-in amount of water.
- the laundry items in the drum absorb water.
- the absorbed water can not contribute to an increase of the hydrostatic pressure.
- the loading amount of laundry and, if necessary, the degree of moisture penetration (wetting degree) determine.
- Wetting phase is understood to mean the phase in a washing program in which items of laundry to be cleaned and in particular to be washed with wash liquor are wetted with a wash liquor to be used, generally up to a saturation of the laundry items with the wash liquor. In this case, the laundry items are generally weak or not at all moved. It is therefore in a wetting phase generally only a small separation of dirt from the laundry to be washed.
- a laundry drum in a wetting phase is preferably not rotated at a speed greater than 25 revolutions per minute.
- a wash phase generally follows a wetting phase.
- a washing program is signaled that sufficient wetting of the laundry is given, for example, by reaching a predetermined threshold p-1 for the hydrostatic pressure p and a predetermined threshold value ( ⁇ / ⁇ ) for the time gradient of the hydrostatic pressure p, generally starts the washing phase.
- a movement program of the drum deposited in the control device is carried out before the measurement of the detergent concentration by the impedance sensor.
- different movement programs of the drum are carried out for different load quantities with laundry items, wherein a relationship between loading amount and movement program of the drum is stored in the control unit.
- a method is preferred in which a movement program is carried out when falling below a predetermined value c set i of the detergent concentration or exceeding a predetermined time interval At set for reaching a predetermined value c set 2 of the detergent concentration, preferably before the next rinsing step. which includes a greater load of laundry than in the event that these conditions are not met.
- a higher volume of laundry may be achieved, for example, by a larger input of mechanical energy or an increased flushing mechanism.
- the purging mechanism is herein understood to mean the introduction of mechanical energy into the laundry to be rinsed in the drum.
- the washing mechanism WM includes a turn-on time [in%], a duration of a reversing cycle [in seconds] and a rotational speed [rpm] of the drum.
- a predetermined value c set i of the detergent concentration or an exceeding of a predetermined time period At set in order to achieve a predetermined value c set 2 of the detergent concentration, preferably the on-time [in%] and the speed [rpm] of the drum are respectively increased and the duration of a reversing cycle [in sec] is reduced compared to an otherwise provided rinsing step.
- the turn-on time is that time portion of the wash phase during which the drum is rotating. This turn-on time is preferably 60 to 70% in a first flushing step. For example, given a low detergent concentration, the on-time would be increased by at least 20% in a preferred embodiment.
- a reversing cycle is generally the period that results from the periods: rotating the drum in one direction, resting the drum, rotating the drum in the opposite direction, resting the drum. If a reversing cycle is carried out in a rinsing step, then this preferably has a duration of 30 to 50 seconds. With a low detergent concentration determined according to the invention, the reversing cycle is thus reduced by, for example, at least 20%. Alternatively, the higher laundry throughput can be achieved by an improved circulation of the rinsing liquid.
- a motion program can be selected in which the speed of the Drum is chosen so that a maximum scooping power is achieved.
- a higher laundry flow in washing machines with a pumping system can be achieved by a movement program is selected in which the drum is rotated at least one speed at which the laundry is applied to the drum shell, and at the same time on the pumping system, the aqueous liquid or the rinsing liquid is sprayed on the adjacent laundry items from the inside.
- the liquid is conveyed through the laundry by the centripetal force.
- the design of the rinsing phase comprises the number of further rinsing steps and / or the amount of water still to be used.
- the type and / or amount of soiling of the laundry items to be washed be taken into account in the measurement of the detergent concentration, wherein a relationship between impedance signal and detergent concentration for different types and / or amounts of soiling of the items to be washed is stored in the control device ,
- This embodiment advantageously takes into account the effect of small amounts of dirt remaining in the rinsing liquid.
- nonionic surfactants in particular would be able to dissolve somewhat in the oil and thus no longer be available when determining the detergent concentration and, in particular, a surfactant concentration by means of the impedance sensor.
- ionic surfactants can be trapped to some extent by ion-containing contaminants, i. are consumed so that they are no longer available for a determination of the surfactant concentration and in particular a surfactant concentration by means of the impedance sensor.
- Type and / or amount of contamination can be set by a user of the washing machine or measured by suitable sensors.
- the inventively provided impedance sensor is suitable for this purpose.
- other sensors such as a turbidity sensor can also be used. If a measurement by suitable sensors is to take place in the washing machine, this measurement is generally carried out during the wetting phase before the start of a washing phase or at a predetermined time after the start of the washing phase. Although in a wetting phase, the proportion of detectable in the wash liquor soiling is low, but on the other hand, a possibly interfering effect of surfactants on the measurement is relatively small, since possibly only a small amount of surfactants is rinsed.
- the measurement of the detergent concentration and in particular of the temporal change of the detergent concentration by the impedance sensor generally takes place in that the impedance sensor receives and evaluates impedance signals by impinging the impedance sensor with electrical alternating voltage with varying frequencies and the impedance signals with respect to Phase angle ⁇ and the amount of impedance are evaluated in order to determine the detergent concentration c th .
- Phase angle ⁇ and amount of impedance can be evaluated in embodiments of the invention in terms of the type, amount and concentration of surfactants.
- an impedance spectrum is generally recorded using a suitable electrode system as the impedance sensor.
- the impedance of an electrochemical system is investigated as a function of the frequency of an alternating voltage.
- various representations are known to those skilled in the art, such as the Nyquist representation, in which the real part or the imaginary part of the impedance is represented as a function of the applied AC voltage frequency.
- characteristic points are suitable (see EP 2 767 825 A1), for example at the maximum of the imaginary part in a lower frequency range or at the minimum of the imaginary part in an upper one frequency range.
- characteristic parameters can generally be derived for a surfactant-containing aqueous liquid.
- the conductivity of the aqueous liquid can be determined from the real part of a point.
- the impedance signals are evaluated in terms of electrical conductivity as a measure of a water hardness.
- the impedance signals are evaluated with regard to the composition of a detergent, in particular the surfactants contained in it, wherein in the control device for various components and quantities of a detergent impedance signals are stored.
- This may be an evaluation in terms of the type and the proportionate amounts of the components contained in the detergent, for example, proportion of nonionic and ionic surfactants, proportion of bleach and / or enzymes.
- the rinsing phase to be performed can be better adapted to the laundry items in the drum and the detergent used surfactant.
- a further impedance sensor can advantageously be arranged in an induction bowl, or at another location in the washing machine, at which possible contaminations have no or minimal influence on such an analysis.
- the rinsing phase is ended when, at the end of a rinsing step, a predetermined minimum detergent concentration c ten min is reached.
- the individual steps, in particular rinsing steps eg the step sequences (a1), (b1), (c1), (c2), (d1), (e1) or (a1), (b1), (c1), (c2), (d2), (e2) are performed several times until a desired rinsing result is achieved.
- the embodiment of the rinsing phase preferably comprises a time-optimized and an water-volume-optimized rinse program, the number of rinsing steps being smaller and the individual rinsing water amounts being greater in the time-optimized rinsing program than in the rinsing program optimized in terms of water quantity.
- the invention also relates to a washing machine with a container, a drum for receiving laundry, a drive motor for the drum, an impedance sensor in the container for determining an impedance signal in dependence on a composition of an aqueous liquid in the container, and a control device, wherein the control device is adapted to carry out a method in which subsequent to a washing phase in a rinsing phase, the detergent concentration c te n is traced in the rinsing liquid by means of the impedance sensor, wherein the increase in time of detergent concentration c te n with respect to the other Design of the rinsing phase is evaluated.
- a temperature sensor is arranged in the container and in the control device, a relationship between impedance signals and detergent concentrations is stored for various temperature values measured with the temperature sensor.
- the washing machine according to the invention makes it possible to dispense with the turbidity sensor often present in a washing machine.
- embodiments of the washing machine according to the invention may also be supplemented by a turbidity sensor.
- a washing machine used herein also generally has a heater and a liquor drain system with a drain pump arranged at the bottom of a container.
- a washing machine used herein also generally includes laundry drippers and / or scooping devices.
- the washing machine according to the invention may be a washing machine as such or a washer-dryer, ie a device which has the functions of a dryer and a washing machine.
- the washing machine according to the invention preferably has an acoustic and / or optical display means for displaying one or more operating states.
- An optical display means may be, for example, a liquid crystal display on which certain prompts or hints are given. It may also or alternatively light LEDs in one or more colors light up. For example, it can be displayed on the basis of differently colored representations how the rinsing phase is carried out on the basis of the measurements provided according to the invention. These include in particular a length, or the number of rinsing steps still to be performed and / or the amount of water to be used. It can also be displayed, for example, whether a wash program is time-optimized or water-optimized.
- the knowledge of the amount of water flowing into the container or water liquor is important.
- a measuring device for determining the filled amount of water is present, for example, a timing device for determining the opening period of a feed valve for the water or a liquid amount measuring device for measuring the amount of water filled.
- a method for operating a washing machine in which a rinsing phase can proceed more efficiently, advantageously also saving water and shortening the entire rinsing time.
- the method allows a simple and accurate monitoring and control of a rinsing phase.
- the number and design of the individual rinsing steps as well as the total amount of water to be used can be determined particularly accurately. It is possible to consume only as much water as is necessary for a certain amount of laundry and detergent quantity. Unnecessarily long rinsing phases can be reduced to the required number of rinsing steps without worsening the rinsing result.
- an individual control of the rinsing phase is possible.
- the invention enables the determination and consideration of the water hardness in a simple manner. The influence of remaining residual amounts of dirt can be taken into account.
- the invention makes it possible to determine the composition and thus properties of a large number of different detergents, so that the embodiment of the rinsing phase can take into account even better the surfactant-containing detergent used and to be rinsed out in the rinsing phase.
- the invention is described below with reference to a non-limiting first embodiment shown in the single figure for a washing machine according to the invention illustrated, in which a method according to the invention can be carried out. Shown is a schematic representation of the invention relevant to the parts of the washing machine.
- the washing machine 1 of the figure has a tub 2, in which a drum
- the axis of rotation 19 of the drum 3 is directed from the horizontal by a small angle (e.g., 13 °) forwardly upwards so that the user of the washing machine 1 has easier access and insight into the interior of the drum 3.
- a small angle e.g. 13 °
- the axis of rotation 19 of the drum 3 is directed from the horizontal by a small angle (e.g., 13 °) forwardly upwards so that the user of the washing machine 1 has easier access and insight into the interior of the drum 3.
- an impedance sensor 10 is arranged, which is generally an electrode system of a plurality of electrodes, for example, two capacitor plates. With the aid of impedance sensor 10, an existing in the dispenser 12 detergent or an aqueous liquid containing this detergent can be analyzed to obtain information about the detergent and thus on the design of a washing program and in particular a rinsing phase.
- the washing machine 1 also has a liquor inlet system comprising a water connection fitting for the domestic water network 20, an electrically controllable valve 21 and a supply line 13 to the tub 2, which may optionally also be guided over the Waschstoffein réelleschale 12, from the incoming water detergent portions in the Lye container 2 can transport.
- the valve 21 as well as the heater 16 can be controlled by a control device 8 in response to a program flowchart, the time program and / or the achievement of certain Measured values of parameters such as liquor level, liquor temperature, speed of the drum, etc. may be bound within the washing machine 1.
- 6 means a pressure sensor, ie a sensor for measuring the hydrostatic pressure, in the tub 2.
- the hydrostatic pressure p results from the level of the free liquor 7 forming in the tub 2, ie the aqueous fluid 7 not bound in the laundry 4.
- the washing machine 1 comprises a measuring device 15 for determining the filled amount of water. It can be designed, for example, as a water meter or as a flowmeter. In the case of a flow meter, the amount of water flowed in is calculated in conjunction with a detected filling time. The flow can also be determined by measuring the time to reach a given level height, which corresponds to a certain fixed amount of water. 18 means a drain pump for pumping off the wash liquor 7.
- 9 denotes an impedance sensor in the tub 2, wherein the structure of electrodes is not shown here in detail.
- the signals of the impedance sensors 9 and 10 and the rotational speed of the drum 3, their loading with laundry items, the hydrostatic pressure, etc., and the measured values are fed to the control device 8.
- 1 1 means a display device, with the process parameters, in particular with respect to the time optimized drainage of a rinsing phase (eg represented by a green light emitting diode) or a non-optimized running (eg represented by a red light emitting diode) are displayed.
- a rinsing phase eg represented by a green light emitting diode
- a non-optimized running eg represented by a red light emitting diode
- a user of the invention can also be indicated in particular whether a rinsing phase takes place in a time-optimized or liquid-quantity-optimized manner.
Abstract
Description
Claims
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
DE102015204537.4A DE102015204537A1 (en) | 2015-03-13 | 2015-03-13 | Method for operating a washing machine with improved rinsing phase and this suitable washing machine |
PCT/EP2016/053141 WO2016146322A1 (en) | 2015-03-13 | 2016-02-15 | Method for operating a washing machine having an improved rinsing phase and washing machine suitable therefor |
Publications (2)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
EP3268530A1 true EP3268530A1 (en) | 2018-01-17 |
EP3268530B1 EP3268530B1 (en) | 2023-04-19 |
Family
ID=55353226
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
EP16704251.4A Active EP3268530B1 (en) | 2015-03-13 | 2016-02-15 | Method for operating a washing machine having an improved rinsing phase and washing machine suitable therefor |
Country Status (5)
Country | Link |
---|---|
EP (1) | EP3268530B1 (en) |
CN (1) | CN107407032B (en) |
DE (1) | DE102015204537A1 (en) |
PL (1) | PL3268530T3 (en) |
WO (1) | WO2016146322A1 (en) |
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CN113818195B (en) * | 2020-06-18 | 2023-11-03 | 云米互联科技(广东)有限公司 | Detergent concentration monitoring method and system, storage medium and washing device |
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DE2917859A1 (en) * | 1979-05-03 | 1980-11-13 | Licentia Gmbh | METHOD FOR MONITORING AND CONTROLLING THE PROGRAM, ESPECIALLY THE WATER INLET AND / OR THE CLEANING OR. ADDITION OF DETERGENT IN AUTOMATIC WASHING AND DISHWASHER |
DE4244783C5 (en) | 1992-09-25 | 2007-02-15 | Bauknecht Hausgeräte GmbH | Method for monitoring and controlling the program sequence in a domestic appliance with several rinses |
EP0797761B1 (en) | 1994-12-13 | 1999-01-27 | Unilever N.V. | Method of determining surface tension in a liquid |
DE10042846C2 (en) | 2000-08-17 | 2003-08-14 | Thorsten Knutz | Method for the qualitative and / or quantitative characterization of polar constituents in liquids, electrode arrangement for carrying out this method and application of the method and the electrode arrangement |
US7650766B2 (en) * | 2003-07-30 | 2010-01-26 | General Electric Company | Apparatus and methods for rinsing washing machines |
DE102006060256A1 (en) * | 2006-12-14 | 2008-06-26 | E.G.O. Elektro-Gerätebau GmbH | Method for controlling a washing machine |
CN101831782B (en) * | 2010-04-29 | 2011-08-31 | 南京乐金熊猫电器有限公司 | Method for rinsing clothes |
DE202011101482U1 (en) | 2011-06-06 | 2012-09-07 | Robert Seuffer Gmbh & Co. Kg | Device for detecting material properties |
CN102634960A (en) * | 2012-03-28 | 2012-08-15 | 海尔集团公司 | Sensing device of washing machine as well as washing machine and control method thereof |
DE102012208618A1 (en) * | 2012-05-23 | 2013-11-28 | BSH Bosch und Siemens Hausgeräte GmbH | Method for controlling washing machine, involves continuous determination of temporary change in conductivity of aqueous liquid in treatment area, and comparing temporary change in conductivity with threshold value for temporary change |
EP2767825B1 (en) | 2013-02-18 | 2017-06-28 | Seuffer GmbH & Co. KG | Method and device for determining a micelle formation concentration |
CN104141211B (en) * | 2013-05-06 | 2018-02-23 | 青岛海尔滚筒洗衣机有限公司 | A kind of control method for washing and the washing machine using this method |
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2015
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- 2016-02-15 CN CN201680015519.4A patent/CN107407032B/en active Active
- 2016-02-15 WO PCT/EP2016/053141 patent/WO2016146322A1/en active Application Filing
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CN107407032B (en) | 2020-06-30 |
PL3268530T3 (en) | 2023-07-24 |
DE102015204537A1 (en) | 2016-09-15 |
CN107407032A (en) | 2017-11-28 |
EP3268530B1 (en) | 2023-04-19 |
WO2016146322A1 (en) | 2016-09-22 |
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