EP3983602A1 - A washing machine comprising a filtering member - Google Patents

A washing machine comprising a filtering member

Info

Publication number
EP3983602A1
EP3983602A1 EP20823523.4A EP20823523A EP3983602A1 EP 3983602 A1 EP3983602 A1 EP 3983602A1 EP 20823523 A EP20823523 A EP 20823523A EP 3983602 A1 EP3983602 A1 EP 3983602A1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
water
filter
washing machine
filling rate
fullness
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.)
Pending
Application number
EP20823523.4A
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
Other versions
EP3983602A4 (en
Inventor
Berrin GULBAY
Abdullah SERT
Gizemnur YILDIZ
Nihat Kandemir
Burcin BILICI
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Arcelik AS
Original Assignee
Arcelik AS
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Arcelik AS filed Critical Arcelik AS
Publication of EP3983602A1 publication Critical patent/EP3983602A1/en
Publication of EP3983602A4 publication Critical patent/EP3983602A4/en
Pending legal-status Critical Current

Links

Classifications

    • D—TEXTILES; PAPER
    • D06—TREATMENT OF TEXTILES OR THE LIKE; LAUNDERING; FLEXIBLE MATERIALS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • D06F—LAUNDERING, DRYING, IRONING, PRESSING OR FOLDING TEXTILE ARTICLES
    • D06F39/00—Details of washing machines not specific to a single type of machines covered by groups D06F9/00 - D06F27/00 
    • D06F39/10—Filtering 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 
    • D06F39/08—Liquid supply or discharge arrangements
    • D06F39/083—Liquid discharge or recirculation 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
    • D06F2103/00—Parameters monitored or detected for the control of domestic laundry washing machines, washer-dryers or laundry dryers
    • D06F2103/42—Parameters monitored or detected for the control of domestic laundry washing machines, washer-dryers or laundry dryers related to filters or 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
    • D06F2105/00—Systems or parameters controlled or affected by the control systems of washing machines, washer-dryers or laundry dryers
    • D06F2105/06—Recirculation of washing liquids, e.g. by pumps or diverting valves
    • 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
    • D06F34/00—Details of control systems for washing machines, washer-dryers or laundry dryers
    • D06F34/14—Arrangements for detecting or measuring specific parameters
    • D06F34/20—Parameters relating to constructional components, e.g. door sensors
    • 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
    • D06F39/087—Water level measuring or regulating devices

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a washing machine comprising a filtering member for filtering the washing water.
  • washing machines In washing machines, the laundry is loaded into a drum disposed in a washing tub supplied with detergent-water mixture and is washed in the drum which is rotated. During the washing process, fibers separated from the laundry subjected to both mechanical and chemical effects are discharged, together with the water discharged at the end of the washing process, to the waste water line whereto the washing machine is connected. In traditional washing machines, each washing process causes approximately 1 milligram of fibers to be discharged to the waste water line. It is determined that more than half of microplastic accumulation in the nature is caused by waste waters originating from washing machines. Especially, taking into account the damage caused by synthetic fibers and particles in the nature, it is observed that waste waters originating from washing machines causes a critical environmental pollution.
  • a washing machine comprising a filter which is positioned under the detergent dispenser.
  • a washing machine comprising a filter which is disposed into the detergent compartment.
  • the aim of the present invention is the realization of a washing machine wherein the clogging of the filter is automatically detected.
  • the washing machine realized in order to attain the aim of the present invention, explicated in the first claim and the respective claims thereof, comprises a filtering member having a receptacle which receives the circulation water, at least one filter which is disposed in the receptacle and which filters the fibers and particles carried in the circulation water and an overflow outlet which is arranged on the receptacle and which enables some of the water to be discharged out of the receptacle when the receptacle is at least partially filled with water; a compartment wherein the water coming through the overflow outlet is filled; a level sensor which detects the level of the water filling in the compartment; and a control unit which determines a filling rate by detecting the rate of change for the level of the water in the compartment and which decides on the fullness status of the filter according to the filling rate.
  • the fullness status of the filter is detected with great accuracy.
  • the control unit operates the level sensor after the circulation water starts to be supplied to the filtering member so as to calculate the time required for the level of the water in the compartment reaching a predetermined limit level and determines the calculated time as the filling rate. Since the amount of water filling in the compartment increases as the filter is being filled, the level of the water in the compartment reaches the limit level gradually in a shorter time. Upon determining that the filling rate is smaller than a first critical filling rate predetermined by the producer, the control unit decides that the filter is almost completely filled, in other words clogged. Thus, the clogging status of the filter can be quickly detected.
  • control unit controls the circulation pump according to the detected fullness status of the filter.
  • suitable amount of circulation water is enabled to be continuously delivered to the filtering member.
  • control unit stops the circulation pump upon detecting that the filter is clogged.
  • the control unit operates the circulation pump by repeatedly opening and closing the same upon detecting the filling rate is smaller than a predetermined second critical filling rate.
  • the receptacle is prevented from overflowing in case the filter is partially clogged.
  • the control unit ensures that a fullness parameter showing the fullness status related to the determined filling rate is transmitted to the user by means of a user interface which allows the user to control and monitor the operation status of the control unit.
  • a fullness parameter precalculated by the producer related to each filling rate is saved in the memory of the control unit.
  • the control unit determines the fullness parameter determined corresponding to the calculated filling rate, and transmits the same to the user by means of the user interface.
  • the fullness parameter is a filling ratio which proportionally defines the fullness status of the filter for each filling rate.
  • the fullness parameter is a number of remaining cycles showing after how many cycles the filtering member must be replaced, which is determined corresponding to each filling rate.
  • the user is enabled to replace the filter at the right time.
  • a washing machine comprising a filtering member wherein the user can easily monitor the fullness status of the filter without manually checking the same.
  • the filter since the filter does not require to be frequently checked, the filter can be positioned at an inner region of the washing machine, for example behind the detergent dispenser wherein the cleaning agents are loaded, and can be concealed so as to be accessed when required.
  • Figure 1 - is the schematic view of the washing machine related to an embodiment of the present invention.
  • Figure 2 - is the exploded view of the filtering member related to an embodiment of the present invention.
  • Figure 3 - is the cross-sectional view of the filtering member, the compartment and the level sensor related to another embodiment of the present invention.
  • the washing machine (1) comprises a body (2); a tub (3) which is disposed in the body (2) and wherein the washing process is performed; a circulation line (5) wherein the water taken from the tub (3) is circulated by means of a circulation pump (4); and a filtering member (6) having at least one filter (7) which filters the circulation water taken from the circulation line (5), a receptacle (8) wherein the filter (7) is disposed, a water inlet (9) through which the water coming from the circulation line (5) is taken, and a water outlet (8) which is arranged on the receptacle (8) and which enables the water passing through the filter (7) to be discharged out of the receptacle (8).
  • the circulation pump (4) draws water from the tub (3) into the circulation line (5) and the drawn circulation water is delivered to the filtering member (6) through the circulation line (5).
  • the filtered circulation water is delivered back to the tub (3) or out of the body (2) to be discharged by means of a delivery line (16).
  • the filtering member (6) is disposed into a housing arranged on the body (2) so as to be accessed by the user. The user replaces the filtering member (6) with a new one when the filter (7) is full.
  • the washing machine (1) of the present invention comprises an overflow outlet (12) which is arranged on the receptacle (8) so as to be positioned before the water outlet (10) in the flow direction of the water and which enables some of the water in the receptacle (8) to be discharged out of the receptacle (8); a compartment (13) wherein the water coming through the overflow outlet (12) fills; a level sensor (14) which detects the level of the water in the compartment (13); and a control unit (15) which determines the fullness status of the filter (7) by calculating a filling rate related to the change of the level of the water in the compartment (13) with respect to time by means of the data received from the level sensor (14).
  • the control unit (15) operates the level sensor (14) after the circulation water starts to be delivered onto the filtering member (6) so as to monitor the level of the water in the compartment (13) increasing with respect to time, and determines a filling rate in proportion to the rate of increase of the water level.
  • the control unit (15) compares the determined filling rate with at least one reference filling rate prerecorded in the memory thereof, and detects the fullness status of the filter (7), for examples whether the filter (7) is empty, partially full or completely full.
  • the circulation water remaining in the compartment (13) is emptied by means of a hole (17) preferably arranged at the base of the compartment (13) under the effect of gravity.
  • the control unit (15) measures the time elapsing from the starting of the circulation pump (4) until the level of the water in the compartment (13) reaches a predetermined limit level so as to calculate the filling rate, and, if the calculated filling rate is smaller than a predetermined first critical filling rate, decides that the filter (7) is full.
  • the producer precalculates the time elapsing from the supply of the circulation water to the filtering member (6) as the circulation pump (4) is operated when the filter (7) is almost completely full until the water overflowing from the receptacle (8) reaches a predetermined critical level, which is saved in the memory of the control unit (15) as the first critical filling rate, for example 5 seconds.
  • the control unit (15) decides that the filter (7) is almost completely filled and clogged. Thus, the fullness status of the filter (7) is quickly detected.
  • control unit (15) regulates the operation of the circulation pump (4) according to the calculated filling rate.
  • the control unit (15) changes at least one operational parameter of the circulation pump (4) such as the operation time and idle time, operating power, speed, etc. according to different filling rates, in other words whether the filter (7) is open, partially clogged or completely clogged.
  • the flow rate of the water delivered onto the filtering member (6) through the circulation line (5) according to the clogging status of the filter (7), and the filtering process can be securely performed without overflowing the water in the receptacle (8).
  • the control unit (15) stops the circulation pump (4) if the filter (7) is detected to be full. Upon detecting that the filter (7) is almost completely clogged, the control unit (15) stops the operation of the circulation pump (4) and transmits the user fullness information via the interface indicating that the filtering member (6) must be replaced.
  • the filtering process is interrupted when the filter (7) is full, and the problems such as the circulation water overflowing from the filtering member (6) so as to flow back to the circulation line (5), mixing with the clean water, etc. are prevented.
  • the control unit (15) intermittently operates the circulation pump (4) if the calculated filling rate is smaller than a predetermined second critical filling rate.
  • the second critical filling rate for example as 20 seconds, is determined by the producer precalculating the time elapsing from the supply of the circulation water to the filtering member (6) as the circulation pump (4) is operated when the filter (7) is partially full until the water overflowing from the receptacle (8) reaches a predetermined critical level in the compartment (13).
  • the control unit (15) decides that the filter (7) is partially full and operates the circulation pump (4) intermittently.
  • the washing machine (1) comprises an interface (11) which informs the user of the operational status of the washing machine (1), and the control unit (15) which contains the fullness parameters corresponding to different filling rates and predetermined by the producer in the memory thereof and which informs the user of the fullness parameter corresponding to the calculated filling rate via the interface (11).
  • the fullness parameters is proportional to the filling rate, allowing the monitoring of the fullness rate of the filter (7) in a gradual and proportional manner.
  • the interface (11) has a screen which is disposed on the body (2) and which enables the user to control and monitor the operational status of the washing machine (1).
  • the control unit (15) informs the user of the fullness parameter corresponding to the measured filling rate via the screen.
  • the fullness parameters are fullness ratios indicating the percentage of the fullness status of the filter (7) corresponding to different filling rates.
  • the fullness ratios indicating the percentage of the fullness status of the filter (7) and calculated corresponding to different filling rates are predetermined by the producer and saved in the memory of the control unit (15).
  • the fullness ratio of the filter (7) is determined as 25% for a filling rate measured as 30 seconds
  • the fullness ratio of the filter (7) is determined as 50% for a filling rate measured as 20 seconds
  • the fullness ratio of the filter (7) is determined as 75% for a filling rate measured as 12 seconds
  • the fullness ratio of the filter (7) is determined as 100% for a filling rate measured as equal to the first critical filling rate in case the filter (7) is almost completely full.
  • the fullness parameters are the number of remaining cycles indicating the number of remaining washing cycles until the filter (7) is completely full corresponding to different filling rates.
  • the number of remaining cycles indicating at the end of approximately how many washing cycles the filter (7) will be completely full for different calculated filling rates is precalculated by the producer and saved in the memory of the control unit (15).
  • the number of remaining washing cycles is determined as 40 for a filling rate measured as 30 seconds
  • the number of remaining washing cycles is determined as 25 for a filling rate measured as 20 seconds
  • the number of remaining washing cycles is determined as 10 for a filling rate measured as 12 seconds
  • the number of remaining washing cycles is determined as 0 for a filling rate measured as equal to the first critical filling rate when the filter (7) is almost completely full.
  • a washing machine (1) is realized, wherein the fullness status of the filter (7) is automatically determined and the use of the filtering member (6) is facilitated.
  • the user needs to handle the filtering member (6) only when replacement is required, preventing any concerns about appearance and that the filtering member (6) is enabled to be used in a correct and easy manner.

Abstract

The present invention relates to a washing machine (1) comprising a body (2); a tub (3) which is disposed in the body (2) and wherein the washing process is performed; a circulation line (5) wherein the water taken from the tub (3) is circulated by means of a circulation pump (4); and a filtering member (6) having at least one filter (7) which filters the circulation water taken from the circulation line (5), a receptacle (8) wherein the filter (7) is disposed, a water inlet (9) through which the water coming from the circulation line (5) is taken, and a water outlet (8) which is arranged on the receptacle (8) and which enables the water passing through the filter (7) to be discharged out of the receptacle (8).

Description

A WASHING MACHINE COMPRISING A FILTERING MEMBER
The present invention relates to a washing machine comprising a filtering member for filtering the washing water.
In washing machines, the laundry is loaded into a drum disposed in a washing tub supplied with detergent-water mixture and is washed in the drum which is rotated. During the washing process, fibers separated from the laundry subjected to both mechanical and chemical effects are discharged, together with the water discharged at the end of the washing process, to the waste water line whereto the washing machine is connected. In traditional washing machines, each washing process causes approximately 1 milligram of fibers to be discharged to the waste water line. It is determined that more than half of microplastic accumulation in the nature is caused by waste waters originating from washing machines. Especially, taking into account the damage caused by synthetic fibers and particles in the nature, it is observed that waste waters originating from washing machines causes a critical environmental pollution. Therefore, the use of filtering members which filter the washing water is becoming widespread. However, one of the problems caused by the state of the art filters is the need for the user to frequently check the clogging status of the filter. Moreover, the unpleasant appearance caused by the fibers accumulating on the filter and drying in the course of time results in a perception of dirtiness for the user and decreases the perceived quality. Another problem caused by the state of the art filters is that if the user cannot correctly determine whether the filter is clogged, he/she replaces the filtering member before or after the proper time.
In the state of the art Korean Patent Application No. KR20070063996, a washing machine is disclosed, comprising a filter which is positioned under the detergent dispenser.
In the state of the art Chinese Patent Application No. CN201172752, a washing machine is disclosed, comprising a filter which is disposed into the detergent compartment. The aim of the present invention is the realization of a washing machine wherein the clogging of the filter is automatically detected.
The washing machine realized in order to attain the aim of the present invention, explicated in the first claim and the respective claims thereof, comprises a filtering member having a receptacle which receives the circulation water, at least one filter which is disposed in the receptacle and which filters the fibers and particles carried in the circulation water and an overflow outlet which is arranged on the receptacle and which enables some of the water to be discharged out of the receptacle when the receptacle is at least partially filled with water; a compartment wherein the water coming through the overflow outlet is filled; a level sensor which detects the level of the water filling in the compartment; and a control unit which determines a filling rate by detecting the rate of change for the level of the water in the compartment and which decides on the fullness status of the filter according to the filling rate. Thus, the fullness status of the filter is detected with great accuracy.
In an embodiment of the present invention, the control unit operates the level sensor after the circulation water starts to be supplied to the filtering member so as to calculate the time required for the level of the water in the compartment reaching a predetermined limit level and determines the calculated time as the filling rate. Since the amount of water filling in the compartment increases as the filter is being filled, the level of the water in the compartment reaches the limit level gradually in a shorter time. Upon determining that the filling rate is smaller than a first critical filling rate predetermined by the producer, the control unit decides that the filter is almost completely filled, in other words clogged. Thus, the clogging status of the filter can be quickly detected.
In another embodiment of the present invention, the control unit controls the circulation pump according to the detected fullness status of the filter. Thus, suitable amount of circulation water is enabled to be continuously delivered to the filtering member. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the control unit stops the circulation pump upon detecting that the filter is clogged. Thus, the problems such as the water with fibers returning to the tub due to overflow are prevented. In another version of this embodiment, the control unit operates the circulation pump by repeatedly opening and closing the same upon detecting the filling rate is smaller than a predetermined second critical filling rate. Thus, the receptacle is prevented from overflowing in case the filter is partially clogged.
In another embodiment of the present invention, the control unit ensures that a fullness parameter showing the fullness status related to the determined filling rate is transmitted to the user by means of a user interface which allows the user to control and monitor the operation status of the control unit. A fullness parameter precalculated by the producer related to each filling rate is saved in the memory of the control unit. After calculating the filling rate, the control unit determines the fullness parameter determined corresponding to the calculated filling rate, and transmits the same to the user by means of the user interface. Thus, the user can continuously monitor the status of the filter without manually checking the same. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the fullness parameter is a filling ratio which proportionally defines the fullness status of the filter for each filling rate. Thus, the user can monitor whether the filter will require replacement soon. In another preferred embodiment of the present invention, the fullness parameter is a number of remaining cycles showing after how many cycles the filtering member must be replaced, which is determined corresponding to each filling rate. Thus, the user is enabled to replace the filter at the right time.
By means of the present invention, a washing machine is realized, comprising a filtering member wherein the user can easily monitor the fullness status of the filter without manually checking the same. Thus, moreover, since the filter does not require to be frequently checked, the filter can be positioned at an inner region of the washing machine, for example behind the detergent dispenser wherein the cleaning agents are loaded, and can be concealed so as to be accessed when required.
The washing machine realized in order to attain the aim of the present invention is illustrated in the attached figures, where:
Figure 1 - is the schematic view of the washing machine related to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 - is the exploded view of the filtering member related to an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 3 - is the cross-sectional view of the filtering member, the compartment and the level sensor related to another embodiment of the present invention.
The elements illustrated in the figures are numbered as follows:
1. Washing machine
2. Body
3. Tub
4. Circulation pump
5. Circulation line
6. Filtering member
7. Filter
8. Receptacle
9. Water inlet
10. Water outlet
11. Interface
12. Overflow outlet
13. Compartment
14. Level sensor
15. Control unit
16. Delivery line
17. Hole
The washing machine (1) comprises a body (2); a tub (3) which is disposed in the body (2) and wherein the washing process is performed; a circulation line (5) wherein the water taken from the tub (3) is circulated by means of a circulation pump (4); and a filtering member (6) having at least one filter (7) which filters the circulation water taken from the circulation line (5), a receptacle (8) wherein the filter (7) is disposed, a water inlet (9) through which the water coming from the circulation line (5) is taken, and a water outlet (8) which is arranged on the receptacle (8) and which enables the water passing through the filter (7) to be discharged out of the receptacle (8). The circulation pump (4) draws water from the tub (3) into the circulation line (5) and the drawn circulation water is delivered to the filtering member (6) through the circulation line (5). The filtered circulation water is delivered back to the tub (3) or out of the body (2) to be discharged by means of a delivery line (16). The filtering member (6) is disposed into a housing arranged on the body (2) so as to be accessed by the user. The user replaces the filtering member (6) with a new one when the filter (7) is full.
The washing machine (1) of the present invention comprises an overflow outlet (12) which is arranged on the receptacle (8) so as to be positioned before the water outlet (10) in the flow direction of the water and which enables some of the water in the receptacle (8) to be discharged out of the receptacle (8); a compartment (13) wherein the water coming through the overflow outlet (12) fills; a level sensor (14) which detects the level of the water in the compartment (13); and a control unit (15) which determines the fullness status of the filter (7) by calculating a filling rate related to the change of the level of the water in the compartment (13) with respect to time by means of the data received from the level sensor (14). When the receptacle (8) is at least partially filled with water, some of the water in the receptacle (8) flows into the compartment (13) through the overflow outlet (12). The permeability of the filter (7) decreases as the filter (7) retains gradually more particles and the water flows more quickly from the receptacle (8) into the compartment (13). Therefore, the rate of change of the level of the water in the compartment (13) is directly related to the clogging status of the filter (7). The control unit (15) operates the level sensor (14) after the circulation water starts to be delivered onto the filtering member (6) so as to monitor the level of the water in the compartment (13) increasing with respect to time, and determines a filling rate in proportion to the rate of increase of the water level. The control unit (15) compares the determined filling rate with at least one reference filling rate prerecorded in the memory thereof, and detects the fullness status of the filter (7), for examples whether the filter (7) is empty, partially full or completely full. At the end of the measurement, the circulation water remaining in the compartment (13) is emptied by means of a hole (17) preferably arranged at the base of the compartment (13) under the effect of gravity. Thus, the fullness of the filter (7) can be determined with great accuracy and the filtering member (6) is enabled to be used without requiring any control by the user.
In an embodiment of the present invention, the control unit (15) measures the time elapsing from the starting of the circulation pump (4) until the level of the water in the compartment (13) reaches a predetermined limit level so as to calculate the filling rate, and, if the calculated filling rate is smaller than a predetermined first critical filling rate, decides that the filter (7) is full. The producer precalculates the time elapsing from the supply of the circulation water to the filtering member (6) as the circulation pump (4) is operated when the filter (7) is almost completely full until the water overflowing from the receptacle (8) reaches a predetermined critical level, which is saved in the memory of the control unit (15) as the first critical filling rate, for example 5 seconds. Upon determining that the calculated filling rate is smaller than the first critical filling rate, the control unit (15) decides that the filter (7) is almost completely filled and clogged. Thus, the fullness status of the filter (7) is quickly detected.
In another embodiment of the present invention, the control unit (15) regulates the operation of the circulation pump (4) according to the calculated filling rate. The control unit (15) changes at least one operational parameter of the circulation pump (4) such as the operation time and idle time, operating power, speed, etc. according to different filling rates, in other words whether the filter (7) is open, partially clogged or completely clogged. Thus, the flow rate of the water delivered onto the filtering member (6) through the circulation line (5) according to the clogging status of the filter (7), and the filtering process can be securely performed without overflowing the water in the receptacle (8).
In another embodiment of the present invention, the control unit (15) stops the circulation pump (4) if the filter (7) is detected to be full. Upon detecting that the filter (7) is almost completely clogged, the control unit (15) stops the operation of the circulation pump (4) and transmits the user fullness information via the interface indicating that the filtering member (6) must be replaced. Thus, the filtering process is interrupted when the filter (7) is full, and the problems such as the circulation water overflowing from the filtering member (6) so as to flow back to the circulation line (5), mixing with the clean water, etc. are prevented.
In another embodiment of the present invention, the control unit (15) intermittently operates the circulation pump (4) if the calculated filling rate is smaller than a predetermined second critical filling rate. The second critical filling rate, for example as 20 seconds, is determined by the producer precalculating the time elapsing from the supply of the circulation water to the filtering member (6) as the circulation pump (4) is operated when the filter (7) is partially full until the water overflowing from the receptacle (8) reaches a predetermined critical level in the compartment (13). Upon determining that the calculated filling rate is smaller than the second critical filling rate, the control unit (15) decides that the filter (7) is partially full and operates the circulation pump (4) intermittently. Thus, in case the filter (7) is partially full, sufficient time for filtering the water in the receptacle (8) and then emptying the receptacle (8) is provided, and water is supplied again to the receptacle (8). Consequently, the circulation water is enabled to be supplied to the filtering member (6) in a controlled manner.
In another embodiment of the present invention, the washing machine (1) comprises an interface (11) which informs the user of the operational status of the washing machine (1), and the control unit (15) which contains the fullness parameters corresponding to different filling rates and predetermined by the producer in the memory thereof and which informs the user of the fullness parameter corresponding to the calculated filling rate via the interface (11). The fullness parameters is proportional to the filling rate, allowing the monitoring of the fullness rate of the filter (7) in a gradual and proportional manner. The interface (11) has a screen which is disposed on the body (2) and which enables the user to control and monitor the operational status of the washing machine (1). The control unit (15) informs the user of the fullness parameter corresponding to the measured filling rate via the screen. In another embodiment of the present invention, the fullness parameters are fullness ratios indicating the percentage of the fullness status of the filter (7) corresponding to different filling rates. The fullness ratios indicating the percentage of the fullness status of the filter (7) and calculated corresponding to different filling rates are predetermined by the producer and saved in the memory of the control unit (15). For example, the fullness ratio of the filter (7) is determined as 25% for a filling rate measured as 30 seconds, the fullness ratio of the filter (7) is determined as 50% for a filling rate measured as 20 seconds, the fullness ratio of the filter (7) is determined as 75% for a filling rate measured as 12 seconds, and the fullness ratio of the filter (7) is determined as 100% for a filling rate measured as equal to the first critical filling rate in case the filter (7) is almost completely full. By means of the fullness ratio displayed for the user via the interface (11), the user is enabled to regularly monitor the fullness status of the filter (7).
In another embodiment of the present invention, the fullness parameters are the number of remaining cycles indicating the number of remaining washing cycles until the filter (7) is completely full corresponding to different filling rates. The number of remaining cycles indicating at the end of approximately how many washing cycles the filter (7) will be completely full for different calculated filling rates is precalculated by the producer and saved in the memory of the control unit (15). For example, the number of remaining washing cycles is determined as 40 for a filling rate measured as 30 seconds, the number of remaining washing cycles is determined as 25 for a filling rate measured as 20 seconds, the number of remaining washing cycles is determined as 10 for a filling rate measured as 12 seconds, and the number of remaining washing cycles is determined as 0 for a filling rate measured as equal to the first critical filling rate when the filter (7) is almost completely full. By means of the number of remaining cycles displayed for the user via the interface (11), the user is enabled to know the exact time for the replacement of the filtering member (6).
By means of the present invention, a washing machine (1) is realized, wherein the fullness status of the filter (7) is automatically determined and the use of the filtering member (6) is facilitated. Thus, it is ensured that the user needs to handle the filtering member (6) only when replacement is required, preventing any concerns about appearance and that the filtering member (6) is enabled to be used in a correct and easy manner.

Claims

1. A washing machine (1) comprising a body (2); a tub (3) which is disposed in the body (2) and wherein the washing process is performed; a circulation line (5) wherein the water taken from the tub (3) is circulated by means of a circulation pump (4); and a filtering member (6) having at least one filter (7) which filters the circulation water taken from the circulation line (5), a receptacle (8) wherein the filter (7) is disposed, a water inlet (9) through which the water coming from the circulation line (5) is taken, and a water outlet (8) which is arranged on the receptacle (8) and which enables the water passing through the filter (7) to be discharged out of the receptacle (8), characterized by an overflow outlet (12) which is arranged on the receptacle (8) so as to be positioned before the water outlet (10) in the flow direction of the water and which enables some of the water in the receptacle (8) to be discharged out of the receptacle (8); a compartment (13) wherein the water coming through the overflow outlet (12) fills; a level sensor (14) which detects the level of the water in the compartment (13); and a control unit (15) which determines the fullness status of the filter (7) by calculating a filling rate related to the change of the level of the water in the compartment (13) with respect to time by means of the data received from the level sensor (14).
2. A washing machine (1) as in Claim 1, characterized by the control unit (15) measuring the time elapsing from the starting of the circulation pump (4) until the level of the water in the compartment (13) reaches a predetermined limit level so as to calculate the filling rate, and, if the calculated filling rate is smaller than a predetermined first critical filling rate, deciding that the filter (7) is full.
3. A washing machine (1) as in Claim 1 or Claim 2, characterized by the control unit (15) which regulates the operation of the circulation pump (4) according to the calculated filling rate.
4. A washing machine (1) as in Claim 3, characterized by the control unit (15) which stops the circulation pump (4) if the filter (7) is detected to be almost completely full.
5. A washing machine (1) as in Claim 3 or Claim 4, characterized by the control unit (15) which intermittently operates the circulation pump (4) if the calculated filling rate is smaller than a predetermined second critical filling rate.
6. A washing machine (1) as in any one of the above claims, characterized by an interface (11) which informs the user of the operational status of the washing machine (1), and the control unit (15) which contains the fullness parameters corresponding to different filling rates and predetermined by the producer in the memory thereof and which informs the user of the fullness parameter corresponding to the calculated filling rate via the interface (11).
7. A washing machine (1) as in Claim 6, characterized by the fullness parameters which are fullness ratios indicating the percentage of the fullness status of the filter (7) corresponding to different filling rates.
8. A washing machine (1) as in Claim 6 or Claim 7, characterized by the fullness parameters which are the number of remaining cycles indicating the number of remaining washing cycles until the filter (7) is completely full corresponding to different filling rates.
EP20823523.4A 2019-06-14 2020-07-06 A washing machine comprising a filtering member Pending EP3983602A4 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

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TR201908896 2019-06-14
PCT/TR2020/050583 WO2020251508A1 (en) 2019-06-14 2020-07-06 A washing machine comprising a filtering member

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EP3983602A1 true EP3983602A1 (en) 2022-04-20
EP3983602A4 EP3983602A4 (en) 2023-07-05

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US11885063B2 (en) * 2021-10-18 2024-01-30 Haier Us Appliance Solutions, Inc. Microfiber filtration system

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DE10244242A1 (en) * 2002-09-24 2004-03-25 Aweco Appliance Systems Gmbh & Co. Kg Domestic machine, e.g. dishwasher, washing machine, has dirt filter(s), sensor for detecting filter condition as optical or mechanical level sensor or inductive and/or capacitive conductivity sensor
KR20050014500A (en) * 2003-07-31 2005-02-07 삼성전자주식회사 Drum washing machine and control method thereof
US20060027512A1 (en) * 2004-08-05 2006-02-09 Sharkey James P Methods and apparatus for removing fine particulate contaminants from commercial laundry waste water
KR100598233B1 (en) * 2004-10-08 2006-07-07 엘지전자 주식회사 Drum type washing machine for having dry function
CN106319880B (en) * 2015-07-01 2020-10-16 青岛海尔洗衣机有限公司 Filter device of flocculation washing machine and washing machine
KR20170095686A (en) * 2016-02-15 2017-08-23 동부대우전자 주식회사 Washing machine and apparatus for injection liquid additive in the washing machine

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