ES2615506T3 - Control procedure of one or several parameters of a washing process and washing machine that implements such a control procedure - Google Patents

Abstract

Control procedure of one or several parameters of a washing process of textile material, according to a function that depends, at least, on the type and / or the amount of detergent used in said washing process, said washing process comprising a phase of washing, in which a detergent is introduced into a washing bath, followed by several rinsing phases separated by an intermediate spin, characterized in that said parameters comprise a duration (D1, D2) of intermediate spin in said washing process of textile material and / or a maximum speed (V) of rotation of a washing drum during said intermediate spin.

Description

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DESCRIPTION

“Control procedure of one or several parameters of a washing process and washing machine that puts

in practice a control procedure of this type ”

The present invention relates to a control procedure of one or more parameters of a washing process.

It also refers to a machine for washing and, in particular, for washing clothes, of the household washer or washer-dryer type, adapted to implement the control procedure according to the invention.

In general, the present invention relates to the field of washing and is intended to control one or more parameters of the washing process (washing, rinsing, spinning) to adapt it to the washing conditions.

Thus, the present invention aims, in particular, to improve the effectiveness of the washing or rinsing put into practice.

There are already known machines for washing clothes that propose various washing programs, which depend in particular on the type of textile material to be washed.

Generally, these washing programs are modified in this way in terms of the duration of the washing phase, or even of the maximum speed of rotation of the drum during a spin phase between different rinse phases.

On the other hand, these classic washing processes generally comprise several intermediate centrifuges intended to evacuate a maximum of dirty water from the clothes between different rinsing phases.

Indeed, the greater the amount of water evacuated in each rinse phase, the greater the amount of detergent extracted from the textile material during the subsequent rinse bath, and therefore the better the rinse result.

Also, in the current laundry machines, the intermediate centrifuges are relatively long, between 5 and 8 minutes, and are performed at a high speed of the rotating drum, of the order of 1050 revolutions / minute. These intermediate centrifuges have the disadvantage of accelerating the wear and tear of clothes. In addition, they cause significant noise discomfort, of the order of 70 dBA.

Machines for washing clothes are also known as those described in US 5 241 845 which, depending on the type of detergent determined, modify the duration of the washing phase.

The present invention aims to optimize the performance of a washing process while minimizing the consumption of water and energy, as well as, eventually, sound restrictions.

For this, the present invention relates to a control procedure of one or more parameters of a washing process, according to a function that depends at least on the type and / or the amount of detergent used in said washing process.

According to the invention, the parameters comprise an intermediate spin duration in a washing process of textile material and / or a maximum rotation speed of a washing drum during an intermediate spin.

The applicant has found that the type and / or amount of detergent used, which may be for example in the form of liquid, in compact or dispersed powder, has a tremendous influence on the effectiveness of rinsing and washing.

In this way it is possible to adapt the duration and the spin speed to the type of detergent used.

By adapting a parameter of the washing process to the type and / or amount of detergent used, it is possible to control the washing procedure in the best possible way and thus limit the mechanical restrictions to those strictly necessary. In addition to the duration and / or the rotational speed of the drum of an intermediate spin, the parameters of the washing process are chosen, in particular, between the duration of the washing or rinsing phases or the number of rinsing or rinsing phases. centrifuged

According to a practical embodiment of the invention, the control method comprises a step of determining the type and / or the amount of detergent used in the washing process, this determining step comprising a step of measuring the conductivity of a detergent bath.

In this way it is possible, from the measurement of the conductivity of a wash bath in which it has been

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introduced the detergent, distinguish the type of detergent used and in particular separate the liquid detergents from the powdered detergents, as well as, if necessary, classify the detergent according to the amount of detergent used.

In practice, the step of determining the type and / or amount of detergent used comprises a step of calculating a ratio of a predetermined value of the conductivity associated with the feed water and of the measured value of the conductivity of a detergent bath, and a step of comparing said ratio with one or several predetermined threshold values, thereby allowing the detergent used to be classified into different detergent categories.

When the invention is applied to the washing of textile material, preferably the value of the parameter (s) is set according to a function that, moreover, depends at least on the type of textile material and the weight of the textile material to be washed.

According to another feature of the invention, the control procedure further comprises the following steps:

- periodically measure the conductivity of a rinse bath during a rinse phase;

- compare periodically measured conductivity values; Y

- determine the end of a rinse phase when at least two consecutive conductivity measurements are substantially identical.

Thus, from a measurement of the conductivity of a rinse bath, it is possible to control in the best possible way the duration of this rinse bath, and in particular to stop a rinse phase when it is no longer effective from the point of view of the detergent extraction from the textile material.

On the other hand, according to another practical feature of the invention, the control procedure comprises the following stages:

- measure the conductivity of a rinse bath during a rinse phase;

- compare the measured conductivity with a predetermined value of the conductivity associated with the feed water; Y

- implement a final rinse phase when the measured conductivity value is substantially equal to the predetermined value of the feed water conductivity.

By comparing in this way the conductivity of a rinse bath with the conductivity of the feedwater of the network, the need to implement the complementary or not rinse phases can be determined in the best possible way, and thus decrease the overall time of the washing process, and water consumption, while ensuring effective rinse.

According to a second aspect of the invention, it refers to a washing machine adapted to implement the control procedure according to the invention. This machine comprises, in particular, means for determining the type and / or the amount of detergent.

This washing machine has features and advantages analogous to those described above in reference to the control procedure it puts into practice.

Other particularities and advantages of the invention will be further derived from the following description.

In the attached drawings, provided by way of non-limiting examples:

- Figure 1 illustrates a machine for washing clothes adapted to implement the control procedure according to the invention;

- Figure 2 is a curve illustrating the evolution of the conductivity of a detergent bath for different types and / or amounts of detergent; Y

- Figure 3 is a curve illustrating the profile of the rotation speed of a drum during the period of an intermediate spin.

In the first place and in reference to Figure 1, a machine for washing clothes 10 adapted to implement the present invention will be described.

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This machine for washing clothes can be a machine for washing household clothes or a washer-dryer.

In this embodiment, a top loading machine has been illustrated. Obviously, the present invention applies to all types of washing machine, and in particular front loading.

Classically, a washing machine 10 of this type comprises a washing tank 11 and a drum 12 mounted in rotation, in this case according to a horizontal axis 13, inside this washing tank 11.

A door (not shown) located on the upper face of the machine allows the user to have access to the inside of the tank and the drum to introduce or remove the clothes.

A control panel 14 is also provided on the top of the machine.

Next, only the specific means for the implementation of the control procedure according to the invention will be described.

Obviously, the washing machine according to the invention comprises all the equipment and means necessary for the implementation of a classic washing process in a rotary drum machine of this type.

In particular, in this embodiment, the control panel 14 comprises means for determining the type of detergent.

Thus, the user can indicate with the help of a selection button the type of detergent used.

In this case, a possible choice of detergent from an assembly comprising detergents in the form of liquid, gel, compact powder (tablet) or dispersed has been illustrated as an indication.

Obviously, the present invention is not limited to this type of detergent and can be applied to any other presentation.

On the other hand, the means for determining the type of detergent may be different as long as they are adapted to classify the detergent among a set of detergents as described above.

In particular, a sensor disposed in a receptacle of the detergent could allow to determine the type of detergent used automatically, without user intervention.

Then, the user must put the detergent in the container.

In addition, the determination of the type and amount of detergent used can be done automatically, without user intervention, thanks to a conductivity sensor 16 arranged in the tank 11 and preferably in the bottom of the tank. The operation of this sensor 16 will be described later.

In particular, this sensor 16 makes it possible to periodically or continuously measure the conductivity of the wash or rinse bath present in the tank.

In addition, the washing machine comprises means for determining the type of textile material 17, illustrated in this case, in a non-limiting manner, by a selection button that allows the user to select the type of textile material from an assembly constituted for example by the type cotton, synthetic, wool.

Finally, in this embodiment, the washing machine comprises means for determining the weight of the textile material introduced into the drum.

This weight measurement can be carried out by one of the known weight measurement means by means of a pressure switch arranged in relation to the tank. Depending on the electrical value measured at the terminals of this pressure switch, it is possible to determine the weight of the clothes inserted into the drum.

These means for determining the weight of textile material can be adapted to define load families associated with a weight range.

For example, a first family CV1 corresponds to a load of textile material between 0 and 2 kilos, a second family CV2 corresponds to a load of textile material between 2 and 3 kilos, a third family CV3 corresponds to a load of textile material between 3 and 4 kilos and a fourth family CV4 corresponds to a load of textile material between 4 and 5 kilos.

Obviously, these values are given by way of examples and are not at all limiting.

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The weight and conductivity measurement sensors described above and the selection buttons are joined at the entrance of a control circuit which in particular comprises a microprocessor adapted to implement, from the different measured parameters, the washing process . This particular microprocessor is adapted to control the speed of rotation of the drum, the operation of the heating elements, the duration and succession of the different washing, rinsing and spinning phases in the washing process, the feeding and the evacuation of the different wash or rinse baths ...

Preferably, this control circuit is integrated in an electronic card arranged at the level of the control panel 14.

Now the control procedure put into practice in a machine for washing clothes as described above will be described.

In principle, the control procedure according to the invention is adapted to control the value of at least one parameter of the washing process depending on at least the type and / or amount of detergent used in the washing process.

In general, a washing process can be developed as follows:

- a washing phase (possibly preceded by a prewash phase);

- an intermediate spin;

- a first rinse phase;

- an intermediate spin;

- a second rinse phase;

- an intermediate spin;

- a final rinse phase; Y

- a final spin.

Obviously, the number of rinse phases in a classic program may be different, and in particular greater than three.

As can be seen below, the number of rinse phases can also be determined by the control procedure itself.

First, the procedure for determining the type and / or amount of detergent used in the washing process will be described in the context of the control procedure according to the invention.

Today, there are different types of detergents on the market that can be used and, in particular, liquid detergents, detergents in encapsulated gel form and dispersed or compact powdered detergents in the form of tablets.

Obviously, the present invention is not limited to the aforementioned detergent forms.

Generally, in a washing process the detergent is introduced by the user at the beginning of the process, either directly into the drum 13 containing the clothes, or into a receiving container intended for it.

The detergent type can be determined directly by the user with the help of the selection button 15 described above.

Preferably, this can be done automatically thanks to the measurement of the conductivity of a detergent bath with the help of the conductivity sensor 16.

In this regard, the evolution of the conductivity of a wash bath, as a function of the type of detergent used and its dosage, has been illustrated in Figure 2, by way of non-limiting example.

In this practical embodiment, conductivity is measured thanks to a sensor integrated in an oscillator assembly. The frequency generated by this oscillator is proportional to the conductivity of the bath, in such a way that the microprocessor of the electronic card can determine the conductivity of the bath from the

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frequency, or period, of the signal measured at the output of the oscillator.

In figure 2 the value of the conductivity measured by the sensor immersed in different detergent baths has been schematically represented.

In this case, the signal period is represented as a function of time in seconds.

As an indication, the Y0 value of the sensor in the air has been illustrated.

The conductivity increases slightly when the sensor is submerged in water and has a Y value.

The Y value of the water conductivity of the supply network is taken into account according to the control procedure to be described.

This value is measured and memorized during a previous wash cycle, during the last rinse phase.

In addition, a default value can be memorized to start the process. This default value corresponds, in this case for example, to a period of 1700 s.

Next, the evolution of the conductivity in the detergent bath for different types and amounts of detergent has been illustrated.

Thus, the continuous line curve illustrates the evolution of conductivity for a liquid or gel detergent, in an amount between 50 and 80 ml.

The dashed line curve illustrates the evolution of conductivity for a detergent in the form of a compact powder in an amount of 40 g.

The discontinuous thick line curve illustrates the evolution of conductivity for a powder detergent dispersed in an amount of approximately 100 g.

Finally, the continuous thick line curve illustrates the evolution of the conductivity for a powder detergent in an amount greater than 200 g, corresponding, in practice, to a detergent overdose.

The evolution of the conductivity illustrated in this way corresponds to the beginning of a washing phase of a washing process. The beginning of the washing process can be broken down as follows.

A first phase corresponds to the filling with water of the tank, the drum being immobile. The detergent introduced into the receiving container is thus taken to the water in the tank. A violent rise in conductivity corresponding to the passage of the detergent to the wash bath is then observed.

A second phase corresponds to a phase of mixing of the water and the detergent, the drum being operated in rotation so that the water is absorbed by the clothes and that the detergent dissolves little by little.

In this regard, it will be noted that a liquid detergent dissolves relatively progressively in water. On the other hand, the solution of a compact powder detergent (tablet) is relatively longer than that of a dispersed powder.

After this agitation, a third phase consists of adding water in the tank, keeping the drum still.

Then, a fourth phase is implemented with stirring at fno and different water additions, the drum being operated at a reduced rotation speed. The mixture of water and detergent is homogenized gradually.

Finally, a fifth phase of agitation is implemented with the onset of water heating.

The drum is also operated in rotation during this fifth phase.

In this way, a conductivity measurement of the detergent bath can be performed after the stirring phases, and for example after the heating of the detergent bath, for example at a temperature substantially equal to 30 ° C.

In this way, a conductivity measurement Y 'is obtained, this conductivity value presenting a different value depending on the type and amount of detergent used.

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In practice, the microprocessor implements a step of calculating a ratio of this measured value Y 'of the conductivity of the detergent bath and the predetermined value Y of the conductivity associated with the feed water.

Next, a step of comparing this ratio is implemented based on different predetermined threshold values that allow the detergents to be classified.

These threshold values depend on the value measured at the oscillator terminals that integrate the conductivity sensor and which is taken into account by the microprocessor.

These predetermined threshold values can be calibrated during machine manufacturing, through tests and measurement routines accessible to the person skilled in the art.

In practice, when the Y / Y 'ratio is less than a minimum threshold value, the detergent is of the liquid or gel type, referred to below as DT1. This minimum threshold value is for example equal to 1.2.

When the ratio Y / Y 'is between this minimum threshold value and an average threshold value, the detergent used is a compact powder, referred to below as DT2. This average threshold value is for example equal to 1.5.

When the ratio Y / Y 'is between the average threshold value and a maximum threshold value, the detergent used is a dispersed powder, used at a normal dose of the order of 100 g, referred to below as DT3. This maximum threshold value is for example equal to 3.5.

Finally, when the ratio Y / Y 'is greater than the maximum threshold value, the detergent used is an overdosed dispersed powder, in an amount greater than 150 g, for example, referred to below as DT4.

Obviously, the procedure for determining the type of detergent and classifying detergents in the different categories DT1, DT2, DT3, DT4, is hereby provided by way of non-limiting example. In particular, the determination process could be refined taking into account other conductivity measurements of the detergent bath at different times of the washing process, and for example taking into account a conductivity measurement made at the end of the second phase, after stirring. and before the third phase of water extraction, thus allowing to distinguish compact powders from dispersed powders depending on their dissolution more or less quickly in water.

In principle, the process for determining the type and amount of detergent is based on the fact that powder detergents have a richer and more diversified composition than liquid-shaped detergents. In addition, liquid detergents are diluted on a regular basis in each addition of water unlike detergents in the form of compact powder that disintegrate before dissolving in the bath.

Thus, the classification of detergents DT1, DT2, DT3, DT4 makes it possible in particular to classify detergents according to their dissolution speed in water, from the fastest to the slowest.

Thanks to this recognition of the type and amount of detergent used, it is possible to control parameters of the washing process. In practice, not only the type of detergent and its dosage can be taken into account, but also the hardness of the feed water used in the machine, the type of textile material (cotton, synthetic, wool) and its quantity, which can be defined according to the load family CV1, CV2, CV3, CV4, as indicated above.

In particular, one of the parameters that can be controlled taking into account the type and / or the amount of detergent is the number of rinse phases programmed in a washing process.

In practice, a theoretical washing process is programmed at the microprocessor level, when the user chooses a predefined program. Generally, this predefined washing program takes into account the type of textile material to be washed, a washing temperature indicated by the user as well as, eventually, other parameters.

Thanks to the classification of the detergent used, the control procedure can be adapted to reduce or increase the number of rinse phases of the theoretical washing process.

In practice, for example, when the detergent is of type DT3 or DT4, the number of rinse phases can be increased, and for example be of a number of four, while, when the detergent is of type DT1, the number of Rinsing phases can be reduced, and for example equal to two.

Likewise, the theoretical duration programmed for each rinse phase can be increased or reduced from the

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knowledge of the type of detergent used.

The control procedure allows to regulate parameters of an intermediate spin in a washing process of textile material.

As illustrated in Figure 3, an intermediate spin has different levels of variable duration, corresponding to different speeds of drum rotation.

In the exemplary embodiment illustrated in Figure 3, the intermediate centrifuge comprises a first phase of duration D1 for a drum rotation speed of the order of 800 revolutions / minute, then a second phase of duration D2 for a maximum rotation speed V of the drum, illustrated in Figure 3 at 1050 revolutions / minute.

In particular, the control procedure allows, in this way, to regulate the values of parameters D1, D2 and V.

In particular, the duration parameter D1 and / or D2 of intermediate centrifugation can be adjusted as follows.

The duration varies between a minimum threshold value for a weight of textile material to be washed less than 2 kilos (CV1 load) and a quick dissolving detergent (DT1) and a maximum threshold value for a weight of textile material to be washed. greater than 4 kilos (CV4) and a slow dissolving detergent (DT3).

Thus, the duration D1 can vary from 20 seconds, for a load of type CV1 and a detergent of type DT1, to 120 seconds for a load of type CV4 and a detergent of type DT3.

Also, the duration parameter D2 can vary from 20 seconds, for a load of type CV1 and a detergent of type DT1, to 200 seconds for a load of type CV4 and a detergent of type DT3.

The maximum speed parameter V of rotation of the washing drum can also be regulated by the control procedure.

This rotation parameter V can vary between a minimum threshold value for a weight of textile material to be washed less than 2 kilos (load type CV1) and a quick dissolving detergent (DT1) and a maximum threshold value for a weight of textile material to be washed over 4 kilos (CV4 type load) and a slow dissolving detergent (DT3).

Thus, the speed V can vary from 1050 revolutions / minute, for a load of type CV3 and a detergent of type DT3, to 800 revolutions / minute for a load of type CV1 and a detergent of type DT1.

Finally, in the case of the determination of an overdosed DT4 detergent, the maximum speed can be limited to 800 revolutions / minute for example, in order to avoid an important foam creation.

Previously, the variation in the duration and speed of rotation of the drum during an intermediate centrifugation phase that depends on the weight of textile material to be washed and the type and amount of detergent used has been indicated.

Obviously, the type of textile material to be washed can also be taken into account to modify the values of the different parameters.

On the other hand, the control procedure can also take into account different periodic measurements of the conductivity of a rinse bath with the help of the conductivity sensor 16 described above.

Thus, from a periodic measurement of the conductivity of a rinse bath during a rinse phase, the control procedure implements a step of comparing the conductivity values measured periodically and successively, in order to determine the end of a rinsing phase when at least two consecutive conductivity measurements are substantially identical.

In fact, during a rinsing phase, the detergent trapped in the fibers of the textile material is gradually extracted. The ideal agitation time of a rinse phase corresponds to the moment in which there is a balance between the concentration of detergent in the rinse bath and the content in the clothes, therefore a complementary extraction of detergent is impossible.

In practice, this equilibrium phase translates into a conductivity value of the rinse bath that no longer evolves. Also, when calculating the difference between two successive values of conductivity measurement, with a predetermined periodicity of the order of 1 minute for example, it is possible to determine the end of the phase

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of rinse when this difference is less than a preset threshold value.

This control procedure thus allows to reduce the theoretical, or predetermined, duration at the beginning of a washing process as indicated above, in order to take into account the actual evolution of the rinse phase.

It allows to shorten the rinsing phases when they are no longer effective and thus reduce the total duration of the washing process and the consumption of water, without harming the quality of the rinsing.

Also, the control procedure is adapted, from the measurement of the conductivity of a rinse bath during a rinse phase, to compare the value of the measured conductivity with the predetermined value Y of the conductivity associated with the feed water, to identify the penultimate rinse needed.

This test is based on the principle that the closer the value of the conductivity measured in the rinse bath is to the value of the conductivity Y of the feedwater, the less detergent is removed from the laundry. By comparing the water conductivity of a rinse bath at the end of each rinse phase, it is possible to determine whether the next rinse can be the last rinse.

Thus, when the measured conductivity value is substantially equal to the predetermined value Y of the feed water conductivity, a final rinse phase is put into practice, during which, eventually, a softener can be introduced.

This control procedure also allows controlling the number of theoretical rinse phases, or predetermined at the beginning of the washing procedure as indicated above.

In this way, the number of rinse phases can be limited, and the duration of the washing process and the amount of water consumption can be reduced, without affecting the quality of the rinse.

The present invention thus allows, by measuring the conductivity of the rinse and wash baths throughout the entire washing process, to control different parameters of this washing process with the particular objective of limiting the mechanical restrictions on the clothes and limit the acoustic discomfort.

Obviously, numerous modifications can be made to the embodiment described above without departing from the scope of the invention.

In particular, the invention has been described for a machine for washing clothes. It can also be applied to a dishwasher, the control procedure being adapted to regulate for example the duration of the washing phase or the number and duration of the rinsing phases depending on the type and / or the amount of detergent used.

Claims (10)

10 2. 15 3. twenty Four. 25 5. 6. 30 7. 35 8. 40 9. Four. Five fifty 10. 55 60 Control procedure of one or more parameters of a washing process of textile material, according to a function that depends, at least, on the type and / or the amount of detergent used in said washing process, said washing process comprising a phase of washing, in which a detergent is introduced into a washing bath, followed by several rinsing phases separated by an intermediate spin, characterized in that said parameters comprise a duration (D1, D2) of intermediate spin in said washing process of textile material and / or a maximum speed (V) of rotation of a washing drum during said intermediate spin. Control method according to claim 1, characterized in that it comprises a step of determining the type and / or the amount of detergent used in said washing process, said determining step comprising a step of measuring the conductivity of a detergent bath. Control method according to claim 2, characterized in that said step of determining the type and / or amount of detergent used further comprises a step of calculating a ratio of a predetermined value (Y) of the conductivity associated with the feed water and the value measured (Y ') of said conductivity of a detergent bath, and a step of comparing said ratio with one or more predetermined threshold values. Control method according to one of claims 2 to 3, characterized in that said step of measuring the conductivity of a detergent bath is implemented after stirring of said detergent bath. Control method according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the value of the parameter or parameters of a washing process of textile material is set according to a function which, moreover, depends at least on the type of textile material and the weight of textile material to be washed. Control method according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that said duration is between a minimum threshold value for a weight of textile material to be washed less than 2 kg and a quick dissolving detergent and a maximum threshold value for a weight of textile material to be washed greater than 4 kg and a slow dissolving detergent. Control method according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the maximum speed (V) of rotation of the drum (12) varies between a minimum threshold value for a weight of textile material for washing of less than 2 kg and a detergent of dissolution. fast and a maximum threshold value for a weight of textile material to be washed greater than 4 kg and a slow dissolving detergent. Control method according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that said parameters further comprise the number of rinse phases of a washing process and the respective duration of said rinse phases. Control method according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that it also comprises the following steps: - periodically measure the conductivity of a rinse bath during a rinse phase; - compare said conductivity values (Y ') measured periodically; Y - determine the end of said rinsing phase when at least two consecutive conductivity measurements are substantially identical. Control method according to one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that it comprises the following steps: - measure the conductivity of a rinse bath during a rinse phase; - comparing said measured value (Y ') of conductivity with a predetermined value (Y) of the conductivity associated with the feed water; Y - implement a final rinse phase when said measured conductivity value (Y ') is substantially equal to the predetermined value (Y) of the feed water conductivity. Machine for washing clothes, characterized in that it comprises means for determining the type and / or amount of detergent and a microprocessor adapted to implement the control procedure according to one of claims 1 to 10. 12. Washing machine according to claim 11, characterized in that it also comprises means for determining the weight of textile material to be washed and means for determining the type of textile material. 5 13. Washing machine according to one of claims 11 or 12, characterized in that said means for determining the type of detergent are adapted to select said detergent from a set of detergents comprising at least liquid or powder detergents, compact or dispersed powder . 10