EP3448221B1 - A washing machine with improved longterm reliability and safety - Google Patents

A washing machine with improved longterm reliability and safety Download PDF

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Publication number
EP3448221B1
EP3448221B1 EP16723670.2A EP16723670A EP3448221B1 EP 3448221 B1 EP3448221 B1 EP 3448221B1 EP 16723670 A EP16723670 A EP 16723670A EP 3448221 B1 EP3448221 B1 EP 3448221B1
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EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
temperature
washing liquid
fuse
sensing device
casing
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Active
Application number
EP16723670.2A
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German (de)
English (en)
French (fr)
Other versions
EP3448221A1 (en
Inventor
Fredrik P ANDERSSON
Mikael FREGELIUS
John ANELLO
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Electrolux Appliances AB
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Electrolux Appliances AB
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Publication date
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Priority to PL16723670T priority Critical patent/PL3448221T3/pl
Publication of EP3448221A1 publication Critical patent/EP3448221A1/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP3448221B1 publication Critical patent/EP3448221B1/en
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Classifications

    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47L—DOMESTIC WASHING OR CLEANING; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47L15/00—Washing or rinsing machines for crockery or tableware
    • A47L15/0018—Controlling processes, i.e. processes to control the operation of the machine characterised by the purpose or target of the control
    • A47L15/0049—Detection or prevention of malfunction, including accident prevention
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47L—DOMESTIC WASHING OR CLEANING; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47L15/00—Washing or rinsing machines for crockery or tableware
    • A47L15/42—Details
    • A47L15/4287—Temperature measuring or regulating arrangements
    • 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 
    • D06F39/04—Heating arrangements
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47L—DOMESTIC WASHING OR CLEANING; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47L15/00—Washing or rinsing machines for crockery or tableware
    • A47L15/42—Details
    • A47L15/4214—Water supply, recirculation or discharge arrangements; Devices therefor
    • A47L15/4225—Arrangements or adaption of recirculation or discharge pumps
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47L—DOMESTIC WASHING OR CLEANING; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47L15/00—Washing or rinsing machines for crockery or tableware
    • A47L15/42—Details
    • A47L15/4285—Water-heater arrangements
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47L—DOMESTIC WASHING OR CLEANING; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47L2401/00—Automatic detection in controlling methods of washing or rinsing machines for crockery or tableware, e.g. information provided by sensors entered into controlling devices
    • A47L2401/12—Water temperature
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47L—DOMESTIC WASHING OR CLEANING; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47L2501/00—Output in controlling method of washing or rinsing machines for crockery or tableware, i.e. quantities or components controlled, or actions performed by the controlling device executing the controlling method
    • A47L2501/06—Water heaters
    • 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
    • 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
    • D06F2105/58—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
    • 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 
    • 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
    • D06F37/00—Details specific to washing machines covered by groups D06F21/00 - D06F25/00
    • D06F37/42—Safety arrangements, e.g. for stopping rotation of the receptacle upon opening of the casing door
    • 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

Definitions

  • the invention relates to the field of washing machines, in particular dishwashers and the improved safety and long-term reliability thereof.
  • the invention relates to improved protection surveillance of the washing machine over time and to an improved safety for the fuse in the heating unit.
  • the washing machine according to invention allows to reduce service call rates and thus reduce costs for running the washing machine while at the same time the reliability is improved.
  • Dishwashers have been in use for many years operating under sometimes harsh conditions with high amounts of dirt and sometimes aggressive washing liquids.
  • the washing liquids are usually a mixture of a detergent, water and remains of food/waste.
  • the dishwashers generally comprise a cleaning container comprising one to several spraying arms, which rotate when the dishwasher is in use.
  • the water is supplied via an inlet valve, which is connected to a fresh water pipe, usually tap water, and an outlet valve for used washing liquid, which outlet valve is connected to a waste water pipe.
  • the washing liquid is pumped with a pump through a washing liquid distribution system comprising several pipes and dividers that guide the washing liquid to the spraying arms for spraying the dishes in the container.
  • a thermostat is normally connected to a casing that houses the pump so that at least a part of the casing supplies the washing liquid in the pump with energy in the form of heat. Since the energy supplied to the thermostat and thus at least a part of the casing is quite substantial a safety mechanism is used.
  • This known safety mechanism comprises a fuse arranged on the casing and configured to trigger when it reaches a trigger temperature. When the fuse triggers the energy supply to the thermostat is interrupted and stopped. The task of the fuse is it thus to avoid that the washing liquid starts to cook and that the dishwasher overheats, which may cause several electrical unsafe conditions and fire in the worst case.
  • the triggering of the fuse is wanted and should happen, for instance when the pump is malfunctioning or broken.
  • the fuse might however trigger in other cases, for example when the dishwasher is very dirty, when filters are clogged, when raw eggs somehow made it into the machine, when there is excess limestone deposits in the dishwasher, when a rather big dish flipped over and blocked the travelling path of the washing liquid or when the wrong washing detergent is used such as hand-dishwashing detergent resulting in a high amount of foam.
  • Today for any of the above incidents a technician has to be called and the unit has to be replaced since the thermostat and the fuse are usually fixedly connected to the casing of the pump. This is expensive for the user and increases service call rates, which service call rates many manufacturers of washing machines try to reduce.
  • DE 10 2013 217 276 A1 shows a dishwasher comprising a heating device, in particular a heating pump for the heating of washing liquid that passes through the pump.
  • DE 10 2013 217 276 A1 object is to provide a dishwasher that can detect the danger of overheating before the dishwasher gets too hot. It is suggested to detect the overheating via two resistance thermometers arranged after one another in a direction of the flow of the washing liquid. The two resistance thermometers measure the temperature of the washing liquid on an outer side of a pipe, whereby on the inner side of the pipe, just on the other side of the two resistance thermometers, a limestone attracting area is arranged. By determining the temperature difference between the two resistance thermometers, it is possible to detect how much limestone is present on the limestone attracting area and if this is a problem or not, thus if the machine needs to be cleaned or not.
  • the DE 10 2013 217 276 A1 can detect the deposition of limestone in the dishwasher, it cannot prevent a fuse from triggering in case the overheating is not related to limestone deposition. Thus any of the above mentioned malfunctions related to clogged filters, flipped dishes, eggs, wrong detergent, etc. will trigger the fuse in the DE 10 2013 217 276 A1 .
  • the fuse and the thermostats typically use bi-metal sensors for temperature regulation and also for triggering of the fuse. These sensors are thus not electronic nor digital and do not allow to monitor the temperature of a washing liquid over time.
  • heating units in connection with washing machines or dishwashing machines are for example shown in DE 101 42 525 A1 , JPH 11 206684 , US 5,347,610 or US 2002/048513 A1 .
  • a further object of the present invention is to provide a washing machine, which prevents a fuse from triggering due to overheating.
  • Another object of the present invention is to provide a method of operating a washing machine so that the risk of overheating triggering of a fuse is reduced.
  • the washing machine may in particular be a dishwasher.
  • heating unit for a washing machine comprising a casing, a pump for pumping a washing liquid through the casing, a fuse, a thermally conductive element comprising a temperature regulator, the thermally conductive element being arranged for transferring heat to the washing liquid in the casing and the temperature regulator capable of supplying energy in the form of heat to the thermally conductive element, if a washing liquid target temperature in the casing is below a first temperature limit, wherein the fuse and the temperature regulator are arranged thermally conductive with the thermally conductive element, the fuse being electrically connected to the temperature regulator and configured to trigger and stop an energy supply to the temperature regulator, if a trigger temperature of the fuse is reached by the washing liquid in the casing.
  • the heating unit further comprises an electronic temperature sensing device being arranged thermally conductive with the thermally conductive element and to detect, via the thermally conductive element, and record the temperature of the washing liquid that passes through the casing over time in order to provide information regarding a washing liquid temperature gradient, wherein if this temperature gradient is above a gradient limit the electronic temperature sensing device adapted for cutting off the energy supply by sending a corresponding signal to a controller in order to protect the fuse.
  • a method of controlling the above heating unit of a washing machine comprising the steps of:
  • the electronic temperature sensing device is thus configured to supply information regarding the physical and/or operating condition of the washing machine so that a user interface of the washing machine can inform the user that a cleaning program needs to be run.
  • the information may also be used by a supplier of the washing machine, for example to directly send a machine cleaning package to the user upon receiving the information that the machine needs cleaning.
  • the electronic temperature sensing device may be a single electronic temperature sensing device.
  • Sensing the temperature at the thermally conductive element may deliver more accurate information of the temperature of the washing liquid over time.
  • a preferred embodiment of the above heating unit may comprise a single temperature sensing device for cost and simplicity reasons. It is however conceivable that the heating unit comprises a plurality of (single) temperature sensing devices.
  • the temperature sensing device is configured to sense an absolute temperature of the washing liquid.
  • the electronic temperature sensing device may be a digital electronic temperature sensor.
  • the electronic temperature sensing device may be electrically directly connected to the fuse and the temperature regulator the electrical communication may alternatively be directed via a controller, for example a processor of a user interface of the washing machine.
  • the electronic temperature sensing device may be electrically connected to the fuse and the temperature regulator, said temperature sensing device may be configured to stop the energy supply to the temperature regulator if the temperature of the washing liquid in the casing reaches a second temperature limit, whereby the second limit temperature is below the trigger temperature of the fuse.
  • This may help to protect the fuse from triggering and thus may give the user a chance to clean the machine and thus to restore the normal operating conditions of the washing machine. Further the inspection and reparation of a technician can be avoided, which saves the user time, effort and costs.
  • the stopping of the energy supply to the temperature regulator may be obtained directly between the electronic temperature sensing device or it may by communicated via a processor, for example via a user interface.
  • the electronic temperature sensing device may be configured to be electrically connected to a water inlet valve of the washing machine so that a water inlet valve can be opened, if the electronic temperature sensing device detects that the washing liquid temperature gradient in the casing is above the gradient limit, in order to avoid that the fuse triggers.
  • Sensing the temperature gradient in the washing liquid over time may help to prevent an overcook effect.
  • An overcook effect happens when something is cooked for example in a pan on a stove (not a gas stove) and then it boils and the user switches the heating plate off but the temperature in the pan continues to rise resulting in water and foam to run over the edge of the pan, despite the switched off (but still hot) heating plate.
  • Opening an inlet water valve may be done via a processor of a user interface or via direct electrical communication between the temperature sensing device and the water inlet valve.
  • the processor may be integrated in the electronic temperature sensing device.
  • the effect of the above suggested opening of the water inlet valve may be that the washing liquid is cooled down quickly to avoid triggering of the fuse due to overcooking after stopping the energy supply.
  • the electronic temperature sensing device may be configured to send the information about the washing liquid temperature gradient of the washing machine to a storage medium for extraction and/or analysis.
  • the water inlet valve may also be opened independent of the detected temperature gradient to cool down the heating unit and thus the fuse.
  • the temperature sensing device may be positioned at a range of 0-30 mm, preferably 0-25 mm, more preferably 0-20 mm, more preferably 0-15 mm, even more preferably 0-10 mm and even more preferably 0-5 mm from the fuse.
  • the temperature sensing device may be positioned at the fuse.
  • the temperature sensing device may be configured to measure the temperature of the washing liquid via the fuse.
  • Sensing the temperature directly at the fuse may provide a very accurate temperature of the fuse.
  • the thermally conductive element may be a cover of casing, which casing is configured to receive at least a part of the pump of the washing machine.
  • the second temperature limit may be about 2°C to 15°C, preferably 4°C to 12°C, more preferably 5°C to 10°C, more preferably 6°C to 10°C and even more preferably 7°C to 9°C lower than the trigger temperature of the fuse.
  • the above temperature difference between the trigger temperature of the fuse and the second temperature limit may ensure that the fuse is not triggering prior to the washing liquid reaching the second temperature limit.
  • the heating unit may be optimized to be used in a dishwashing machine. Disclosed herein is further a dishwashing machine comprising a heating unit according to any of the above described embodiments.
  • FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of the dishwasher 1, with a container 6, a door 16 for opening when dishes need to be placed in the dishwasher 1 or when they need to be removed from it.
  • the dishwasher 1 comprises two drawers 18', 18" and upper drawer 18' and a lower drawer 18".
  • the drawers 18', 18" are used to place and remove the dishes conveniently and to hold the dishes in place during the washing.
  • the dishwasher further comprises a washing liquid distribution arrangement 4 comprising a spraying arrangement 14 with at least two rotating spray arms 14a, 14b, a rotating upper spray arm 14a and a rotating lower spray arm 14b.
  • the washing liquid is collected after it has been sprayed onto the dishes in a funnel shaped sinkhole 13 arranged at the bottom of the container 6 so that it can be heated again in the heating unit 8 (c.f. figures 3a to 4 ) for another spraying round.
  • the washing liquid distribution arrangement 4 is further illustrated in figure 2 .
  • the door 16 comprises a container 9 for receiving washing detergent and a cover 11 for closing the container 9.
  • the cover 11 is configured to open once the dishwasher 1 finished the rinsing of the dishes and the detergent is needed for further cleaning.
  • the dishwasher 1 shown in figure 1 may further comprises a user interface 10 comprising a display 24 and several buttons 26.
  • the user interface 10 may be configured to show the user the status of the machine, the washing program chosen and if cleaning of the machine is needed or not.
  • the user interface 10 may further comprise a communication interface for communication with a network or it may comprise a storage medium (not shown) for the storage of information in the form of data.
  • the user interface 10 may further comprise a controller or a processor.
  • figure 2 illustrates a cross sectional view of the dishwasher 1 according to figure 1 in use and thus with the door 16 closed, whereby the cross section is cut along dashed line II of figure 1 .
  • the container 6 or closed space is shown from the side with lower and upper drawers 18", 18' illustrated.
  • the lower and upper rotating spraying arms 14b, 14a are also illustrated.
  • the example of figure 2 shows two rotating spray arms 14a, 14b it is however possible to have more than two rotating spray arms or only one single rotating spray arm.
  • the same is other than that possible with the upper and lower drawers, it is possible to have more than two drawers or only one single drawer in the dishwasher 1.
  • a special drawer for the cutlery may be installed.
  • the upper and lower spray arms 14a, 14b are part of a washing liquid distribution system 4.
  • the water distribution system 4 comprises a divider 12, for example a three-way valve, in order to supply the upper and lower spray arms 14a, 14b with washing liquid, several pipes 15 for guiding the washing liquid and the funnel shaped sinkhole 13.
  • a sieve 42 is arranged on top of the funnel shaped sinkhole 13. The sinkhole 13 collects the washing liquid that is present in the container 6, which is illustrated by the washing liquid level illustrated with reference number 19 in figure 2 .
  • Fresh water or tap water is supplied to the dishwasher via an inlet 2 comprising a water inlet valve 40.
  • the water inlet valve 40 is electrically connected to a controller or processor (not shown) of the dishwasher 1 so that the water inlet valve 40 can be opened and closed when the controller or processor gives a corresponding signal.
  • the controller or processor may for example be integrated behind a user interface 10 or behind the buttons 26 or display.
  • the controller or processor may however by positioned at any suitable position in the dishwasher 1, as long as it is connected to the buttons 26, the display 24 and a heating unit 8.
  • the waste water and thus the used washing liquid is disposed via a waste water outlet 3 comprising a one-way valve 41.
  • the one way valve 41 ensures that the waste water cannot enter the dishwasher again once it is disposed.
  • the heating unit 8 is integrated in the washing liquid distribution arrangement 4.
  • the heating unit 8 may be positioned at any suitable position in the washing liquid distribution arrangement 4 and is shown in figure 2 to be positioned more or less directly after the sinkhole 13.
  • FIG 3a illustrates a top down view onto the heating unit 8 according to the present invention.
  • the heating unit 8 comprises a casing 22 for receiving a pump 20, illustrated in figure 4 .
  • the casing 22 comprises a thermally conductive element 30, which is illustrated as a cover of the casing 22.
  • the thermally conductive element 30 is made of a thermally conductive material such as for example a metal.
  • the thermally conductive element 30 is shown as a cover of the casing 22, it does not necessarily need to be the cover of the casing 22. It is conceivable to provide a thermally conductive element (not shown) that is any other part of the casing 22 or a separate part protruding into the casing 22 for being in contact with the washing liquid and thus for heating the washing liquid in the casing 22.
  • the thermally conductive element 30 comprises a temperature regulator 34, a fuse 36 and an electronic temperature sensing device 38.
  • the electronic temperature sensing device 38 is preferably capable of recording data over time.
  • the temperature regulator 34 comprises a thermostat and it is configured to supply energy in the form of heat to the thermally conductive element 30 in order to heat the washing liquid that is pumped through the casing 22, if the temperature of the washing liquid is below a first temperature limit.
  • the temperature regulator senses the temperature of the washing liquid via the thermally conductive element 30.
  • the fuse 36 is configured to trigger when the washing liquid and thus when the fuse 36 reaches a temperature that is above a trigger temperature of the fuse 36.
  • the first temperature limit is below the trigger temperature of the fuse 36, preferably 5°C - 20°C below, more preferably 8°C - 17°C below and even more preferably 10°C - 15°C below.
  • the energy supply to the temperature regulator 34 is cut off as a safety measure, for example when there is too much air in the system and/or the washing liquid starts to cook.
  • the cutting of the energy supply may be done directly as a communication between the fuse 36 and the temperature sensing device 34 by guiding the electric power supply via the fuse 36 to the temperature regulator 34, which electric power supply will be cut once the fuse 36 triggers, for example by dividing a conductor thus by creating a physical interruption, or it may be done digitally via the controller or processor of the dishwasher 1.
  • the electronic temperature sensing device 38, the temperature regulator 34 and the fuse 36 are electrically interconnected and they are also connected to a controller or processor of the dishwasher for controlling purposes.
  • the electrical connection to a controller or processor of the dishwasher 1 may for example be done via electrical terminals 32, as illustrated in figures 3a and 3b .
  • the electronic temperature sensing device 38 detects and records the temperature of the washing liquid over time during washing cycles and stores this recorded data via the controller or processor on a memory medium.
  • a technician can extract this data from the memory medium or alternatively the memory medium sends the data directly to a server via a communication module and the world wide web. The data may then be analysed and it is determined what type of measures should be taken.
  • the fuse 36 and the temperature regulator 34 are connected to the thermally conductive element 30 via a metal plate 44 (c.f. figure 4 ), preferably an aluminium plate.
  • the temperature sensing device 38 also has the task to protect the fuse 36 from triggering for unnecessary reasons, thus when the dishwasher 1 is too dirty and needs cleaning or when other "easy-to-fix" problems, such as a flipped container that interrupts washing liquid flow in the dishwasher 1, occur.
  • the electronic temperature sensing device 38 is configured to stop the energy supply to the temperature regulator 34 in case it detects that a second temperature limit is reached, which second temperature limit is lower than a trigger temperature of the fuse 36 but higher than the first temperature limit. The triggering of the fuse 36 may thus be prevented by the electronic temperature sensing device 38.
  • This may be done via communication between the controller/processor of the dishwasher 1 and the electronic temperature sensing device 38, which sends a signal to the controller upon detecting that the second temperature limit has been reached, whereby the controller then stops the energy supply to the temperature regulator 34 in order to protect and prevent the fuse 36 from triggering.
  • the stopping of of the energy supply to the temperature regulator 34 may also be done directly between the electronic temperature sensing device 38 and the temperature regulator 34, this may however require to position a further controller or microprocessor somewhere in between the electronic temperature sensing device 38 and the temperature regulator 34.
  • the electronic temperature sensing device 38 is configured to sense the temperature gradient of the washing liquid and to detect if this temperature gradient is below or above a gradient limit. In case the temperature gradient of the washing liquid is above a gradient limit the electronic temperature sensing device 38 cuts off the energy supply by sending a corresponding signal to the controller in order to protect the fuse 36. This may prevent the fuse 36 from triggering since heat may be supplied even after switching off the energy supply to the temperature regulator 34. As an emergency measure to cool down the fuse 36 the controller may even open the water inlet valve 40 ( figure 2 ) to cool down the heating unit 8 and thus the fuse 36 upon receiving a corresponding signal from the electronic sensing device 38. The water or tap water coming into the dishwasher 1 from the inlet 2 is typically cold and thus below 20°C and allow to cool down the heating unit 8 rather quickly.
  • the controller may display information on the display 24 to the user that the dishwasher 1 should be cleaned by using a cleaning program and/or cleaning detergent.
  • the electronic temperature sensing device 38 may measure the temperature of the washing liquid via the fuse 36, it may thus measure the temperature of the fuse 36. Alternatively the electronic temperature sensing device 38 may measure the temperature of the washing liquid via the thermally conductive element 30. In both cases it is advantageous to position the electronic temperature sensing device 38 as close to the fuse 36 as possible.
  • Figure 3a illustrates that the electronic temperature sensing device 38 is positioned at a small distance from the fuse 36, whereby small means about 0 - 10 mm, preferably 0-5 mm.
  • Figure 3b on the other illustrates that the electronic temperature sensing device 38 may be positioned directly at the fuse 36 or next to the fuse 36.
  • the electronic temperature sensing device 38 may be integrated in the fuse 36.
  • Figures 3a and 3b further illustrate grounding contacts 46 a pump inlet 48 and a pump outlet 50.
  • the washing liquid enters the casing 22 via the pump inlet 48 and exits the casing 22 via the pump outlet 50. During the actual pumping the washing liquid is heated up by the thermally conductive element 30.
  • the thermally conductive element 30 is connected to the lower part of the casing 22 via a fastening mechanism 52 comprising a plurality of latch and lock hooks 54, which engage a flange of the lower part of the casing 22.
  • a fastening mechanism 52 comprising a plurality of latch and lock hooks 54, which engage a flange of the lower part of the casing 22.
  • Other forms of fastening mechanisms 52 may however be used such as screwing or other form-fit solutions.
  • the lower part of the casing 22 may be made of a polymer or similar any other suitable material may however be used.
  • Figure 4 illustrates a side view of the heating unit 8 with a pump 20 comprising a pump motor 20b, a pump rotor 20a, which is illustrated with dotted lines as it is theoretically not visible through the casing 22.
  • the pump motor 20b is configured to be connected to the casing 22 and the pump rotor 20a, whereby a pivot 20c, rotatably connected to the pump motor 20b, is configured to engage the pump rotor 20a.
  • the grounding contacts 46 are omitted.
  • the fuse 36, the temperature regulator 34 and the electronic temperature sensing device 38 are arranged on the metal plate 44. They may be glued, soldered welded or screwed onto the metal plate 44. A clip on mechanism for connecting the temperature regulator 34, the fuse 36 and the electronic temperature sensing device 38 to the plate 44 may also be used. It is of course possible to fasten each of the temperature regulator 34, the fuse 36 and the electronic temperature sensing device 38 in a different manner to the metal plate 44.
  • FIG 5 which illustrates method of controlling a heating unit of a washing machine in particular a dishwasher 1, the method comprises the steps of:
  • the method may further comprise the step of stopping S05b the energy supply to the temperature regulator 34 whereby the electronic temperature sensing device 38 sends a signal to the temperature regulator 34, if the electronic temperature sensing device 38 detects S05a that a temperature of the washing liquid in the casing 22 reached a second temperature limit, whereby the second temperature limit is below the trigger temperature of the fuse 36 but above the first temperature limit.
  • the method may further comprise the steps of
  • the water inlet valve 40 may also be opened if it is detected that the temperature of the washing liquid is above a second temperature limit. Thus even if it is detected that the gradient of the temperature of the washing liquid is below a gradient limit, the water inlet valve 40 may be opened by sending a signal from the electronic temperature sensing device 38.
  • cutting S07b the energy supply and stopping the energy supply is that the cutting is preferably a physical interruption of the electric power said cutting being created by the triggered fuse 36, while stopping S05b may be an electronic interruption of the electric power.
  • the electronic interruption may be resolved upon cleaning of the dishwasher 1, while the physical interruption may only be resolved by a technician, who replaces the heating unit 8.
  • Corresponding information may be displayed S08 via a display 24 to the user.
  • the method may further include the sending of information about the operating condition of the washing machine to a storage medium for extraction and analysis.
  • the above described heating unit 8 and method may be implemented in any suitable washing machine such as for example also a laundry machine.
  • the heating unit 8 may comprise only one single temperature sensing device 38. It is however possible to install a plurality of temperature sensing devices (not shown) on the heating unit in order to provide redundancy.
  • the positioning of the electronic temperature sensing device 38 may be changed to anywhere on the casing 22 as long as it can safely detect the temperature of the washing liquid in the casing 22 and as long as it is electronically connected to the temperature regulator 34, the fuse 36 and a controller or processor of the washing machine.
EP16723670.2A 2016-04-26 2016-04-26 A washing machine with improved longterm reliability and safety Active EP3448221B1 (en)

Priority Applications (1)

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PL16723670T PL3448221T3 (pl) 2016-04-26 2016-04-26 Maszyna czyszcząca o poprawionej długotrwałej niezawodności i bezpieczeństwie

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PCT/EP2016/059327 WO2017186279A1 (en) 2016-04-26 2016-04-26 A washing machine with improved longterm reliability and safety

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EP3448221A1 EP3448221A1 (en) 2019-03-06
EP3448221B1 true EP3448221B1 (en) 2020-11-11

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EP16723670.2A Active EP3448221B1 (en) 2016-04-26 2016-04-26 A washing machine with improved longterm reliability and safety
EP17167558.0A Active EP3238599B1 (en) 2016-04-26 2017-04-21 A washing machine with improved longterm reliablity and safety

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EP (2) EP3448221B1 (zh)
CN (1) CN109068931B (zh)
AU (2) AU2016405231B2 (zh)
PL (2) PL3448221T3 (zh)
TR (1) TR201904090T4 (zh)
WO (1) WO2017186279A1 (zh)

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EP3561381B1 (en) 2018-04-25 2022-08-31 Bleckmann GmbH & Co. KG Method for controlling a heating system component for a simple and safe operation and a heating system component therefor
CN111676652B (zh) * 2020-05-20 2021-06-22 珠海格力电器股份有限公司 一种洗涤设备及控制方法
CN114753110B (zh) * 2022-03-25 2023-09-08 安徽省宁国市天成科技发展有限公司 一种电加热装置

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JPH11206684A (ja) * 1998-01-23 1999-08-03 Zojirushi Corp 食器洗い乾燥機
EP1201933B1 (de) * 2000-10-25 2006-03-08 Eichenauer Heizelemente GmbH & Co.KG Pumpe mit einem beheizbaren Gehäuse
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PL2332457T3 (pl) * 2005-05-10 2013-05-31 Electrolux Home Products Corp Nv Zmywarka
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Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
WO2017186279A1 (en) 2017-11-02
AU2016405231B2 (en) 2022-12-22
CN109068931B (zh) 2021-09-28
AU2017202646A1 (en) 2017-11-09
PL3448221T3 (pl) 2021-04-19
EP3238599A1 (en) 2017-11-01
AU2017202646B2 (en) 2022-10-27
CN109068931A (zh) 2018-12-21
EP3448221A1 (en) 2019-03-06
TR201904090T4 (tr) 2019-05-21
PL3238599T3 (pl) 2019-07-31
EP3238599B1 (en) 2018-12-26
AU2016405231A1 (en) 2018-09-13

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