ES2785032T3 - Water supply control system and automatic washing machine - Google Patents

Abstract

Water supply control system for an automatic washing machine (1) with a wash bucket (2) and a laundry drum (3), with the steps - detection of a quantity of laundry (5) loaded into the drum for the laundry (3) and - determination of a drip saturation value, which defines a water retention capacity by the laundry (5), by calculating an average value of memorized drip saturation values that are associated with a chosen wash program.

Description

DESCRIPTION

Water supply control system and automatic washing machine

The invention relates to a water supply control system and to an automatic washing machine. In a water supply control system, only a composition of the laundry loaded into the laundry drum is taken into account in a very primitive way. There is usually a difference between highly absorbent laundry, such as terry cloth to be washed, and laundry with normal absorption capacity. Document EP 1734 169 A1 describes a machine for washing laundry in which the kind of parts to be washed is checked by measuring their water absorption values under predetermined and known conditions.

However, a load of laundry in the laundry drum, in particular in the domestic environment, can have a very diverse composition of laundry pieces with different absorption capacities. Therefore, the current two-state classification is only partially adequate for determining a composition of the laundry. Also, if the load is not properly determined, an incorrect amount of load is detected. This incorrect load determination influences other process steps of a wash program and results in less than optimal water, energy and time utilization values.

The invention thus formulates the problem of providing a water supply control system and an automatic washing machine that are optimally designed.

According to the invention, this problem is solved by means of a water supply control system with the characteristics of claim 1 and an automatic washing machine with the characteristics of claim 10. Advantageous variants of configuration and improvements of the invention result from the following claims high schools.

The advantages that can be achieved with the invention consist, in addition to an adaptation to the washing behavior of a user of the automatic washing machine, in which a behavior in terms of recharging in the control system of the water supply is optimized. . A number of refill cycles can be reduced, in particular when it comes to highly absorbent laundry, since a first amount of water supplied to the wash tub can be adapted as a function of the drop saturation value. Furthermore, a better quantity dependence can be achieved, in particular in the case of laundry that is not very absorbent, because a first quantity of water supplied to the wash tub and thus the total quantity of water can be reduced.

The invention relates to a water supply control system for an automatic washing machine with a wash tub and a laundry drum, with the steps of determining a quantity of laundry loaded into the laundry drum and determining a drip saturation value, which defines a water retention capacity of the laundry, by calculating an average value of memorized drip saturation values that are associated with a chosen wash program. By determining the drip saturation value when calculating an average value of memorized drip saturation values, which are associated with the chosen wash program, the wash program can be adapted to the specific habits of the user regarding washing. The drip saturation value is a continuous process quantity, which determines the composition of the laundry batch. This process quantity can distinguish not only between highly absorbent laundry and laundry with normal absorption capacity, but variably between all intermediate steps. In addition, a learning effect can be achieved. Furthermore, an amount of water required to wash the laundry in the laundry drum can be optimally adjusted, because the amount of water to be fed into the wash tub is not only adjusted in terms of the amount loaded that is determined, but also also in terms of the absorption capacity of the laundry.

This is important in all laundering processes, but in particular in a wet laundering process, in which laundering is carried out with a laundry moisture lower than the saturation moisture and water found in the washing process. wash is held in the laundry. In wet cleaning, it must be ensured at all times, even when the water enters at the beginning of the washing process, that the water fill level in the wash tub does not reach a value for which the wash drum takes contact with washing liquid or even being immersed in the washing liquid, since otherwise the washing process is severely impaired by the foam that forms and the formation of a water envelope in the laundry drum. The water supply control system makes it possible to selectively adjust the amount of water required for the wash program to wash the laundry. As a result, a faster washing process is possible.

The determination of the drip saturation value, which defines the water holding capacity of the laundry, can be done after starting the chosen wash program, but before water enters the wash tub. Alternatively, the determination of the drip saturation value can be carried out after the water has entered, for example at the end of the washing program, associating the determined dripping saturation value with the chosen washing program and memorizing and downloading the determined drip saturation value. , associated and memorized, after a new start of the wash program, but before water begins to enter the wash tub. The average value can be constituted by forming a sum of all the memorized drip saturation values associated with the chosen washing program, or some of them and dividing by the corresponding number of drip saturation values used for the calculation. Preferably the mean value is calculated from at least ten and preferably from at least twenty last stored drip saturation values associated with the chosen wash program. Alternatively, a weighting is associated with the stored drip saturation values, which is taken into account in the calculation. For example, the last memorized drip saturation values associated with the chosen wash program are given a greater weight than the drip saturation values previously memorized and associated with the chosen wash program.

Preferably, when calculating an average value from memorized drip saturation values associated with the chosen washing program, those memorized drip saturation values that lie within a predetermined range of values are taken into account and are not taken into account. the memorized drip saturation values associated with the chosen washing program that are outside the predetermined range of values. Preferably, each washing program is associated or associated with its own range of values.

In a preferred embodiment, the determined load quantity is associated with the chosen washing program and the associated load quantity is stored. Preferably, when determining the drip saturation value, the quantity of load determined associated with the washing program and stored is taken into account. For example, memorized drip saturation values associated with the washing program that have been determined for the same or similar load amount receive a greater weight than memorized drip saturation values associated with the washing program that have been determined for a different load quantity. For example, ranges of load quantity values are formed for each wash program or are archived in the automatic washing machine, whereby load quantities that fall within a range of load quantity values are listed as the same or similar and cargo quantities, which are outside this range of cargo quantity values, are classified as distinct.

Preferably, the determination of a quantity of laundry loaded into the laundry drum includes a determination of a moment of inertia of the laundry mass. For example, the amount loaded is determined in a mass inertia procedure by evaluating the power of the drum loaded with the laundry during an acceleration phase and a plateau phase. Alternatively, the determination of a quantity of laundry loaded into the laundry drum preferably includes a weighing of the laundry into the laundry drum, for example using force measurement sensors mounted on the automatic washing machine. The amount loaded can be determined by calculation based on a measurement of the decline of the washing group loaded with the laundry.

In a preferred embodiment, the determination of the amount of laundry loaded into the laundry drum includes a calculation of an average value from stored load amounts that are associated with the chosen wash program, when a missing when determining or after determining the amount of laundry loaded into the laundry drum by means of a moment of inertia of the laundry mass or a weighing of the laundry in the laundry drum. In this way, the amount charged can be determined as a function of the specific behavior of the user and represent a continuous, self-learning process variable. In this way, the contribution of water and / or energy during the washing process can also be optimized, as well as its duration.

Preferably, a quantity of water is supplied to the wash basin as a function of the determined or discharged drip saturation value and of the determined amount of load.

Preferably, an amount of base water is added as a function of the determined or discharged drop saturation value and the determined load quantity, then a fill level of the water in the wash tank is measured and then filled with water. depending on the measured fill level.

In another preferred embodiment, a quantity of base water is supplied to the wash basin as a function of the determined or discharged drip saturation value and the determined load quantity and then another drip saturation value is determined and topped up with water based on the other determined drip saturation value. The determination of the other drip saturation value has the following stages: turning the drum for the laundry, increasing the turning speed of the drum, detection of a fill level of water in the wash basin during the increase of the drum rotational speed and determination of an interrupt rotational speed, for which the detected fill level is greater than a fill level previously determined; determination of a laundry saturation value that indicates a degree of saturation of the laundry with water, by means of the determined interruption speed and the amount of load detected, and determination of the other drip saturation value, by the amount of water supplied, the determined saturation value and the amount of charge detected.

In a preferred embodiment, the other determined drip saturation value is associated with the chosen wash program and stored. In this way the self-learning trickle saturation value can be set. The associated and memorized drip saturation value can be included for the determination of the drip saturation value for a new washing process with the wash program associated with the drip saturation value.

While the amount loaded and the drip saturation value are determined and / or discharged before starting the water supply to the wash bucket, it is associated with the chosen wash program and the other drip saturation value is memorized after the addition. of water with the amount of base water. The determined drip saturation value or the other determined drip saturation value preferably acts as the drip saturation value in process functions during the execution of the washing program. With the method it is possible to determine the water absorption capacity of the laundry by means of the physical value of the drip saturation. This value is a continuous quantity and it also correctly describes mixed batches of laundry.

The determined drip saturation value or the other determined drip saturation value can be used to optimize all phases of a washing process. For example, the determined drip saturation value or the other determined drip saturation value affects process functions such as:

• Parameterization of the water supply, for example by determining an amount of water supply to wash the laundry in the wash basin in one or more portions,

• parameterization of the heating phase, for example by choosing a heating program,

• parameterization of the washing rate, for example by setting a maximum rotation speed of the washing drum, a total duration of rotation of the drum, a duration of rotation of the drum for a specific rotation speed of the drum or a range of specific drum rotation speeds and / or a duration of the drum stop for the laundry during a change of rotation of the drum for the laundry,

• parameterization of a transfer system, for example by setting a duration of operation of the transfer system during the wash program and / or of a volumetric flow that is conducted from a first zone of the wash tank to a second zone of the wash tank. washing, • metered addition of a detergent, as well as a fabric softener from a metering system to the automatic washing machine,

• parameterization of a spin process for example in a wash phase and / or parameterization of a spin process / spin phase of the wash program.

The determined drip saturation value and the other determined drip saturation value are preferably determined as physical quantity I (liters) of water per kg (kilogram) of dry weight of laundry. The step of detecting a quantity of laundry loaded into the laundry drum is therefore carried out before the addition of water and / or a quantity of base water to the wash tub, as a function of the saturation value of Drip determined or discharged, so that the amount loaded can be determined as a dry weight. After adding the water and / or the amount of base water to the wash tub, the laundry drum is rotated by increasing the rotation speed of the drum, the level of water filling in the wash tub is detected during the increase in the rotational speed of the drum and the interruption rotational speed is determined, for which the detected filling level is higher than the previously determined filling level.

The level of filling of water in the wash basin during the increase in the rotation speed of the drum is detected continuously or at predetermined intervals of time, for example using a pressure sensor. Preferably, the fill level is measured in millimeters of water column with a pressure sensor positioned in the lower zone of the washing tub, referred to the location position corresponding to the operation of the automatic washing machine. From the interrupt rotational speed and the loaded quantity, the degree of saturation of the laundry can be determined, because there is approximately the same interrelation between the interrupt rotational speed, the loaded quantity and the saturation value. The other drop saturation value is then determined using the amount of water supplied, the determined saturation value and the determined loaded amount. The amount of water supplied to the wash basin can be determined for example by means of a volumetric flow meter. The term "water" used here also includes liquids containing water, such as washing liquid and / or soapy water, in which the water is mixed with one or more various other components. The position and direction indications refer to the installation position corresponding to the operation of the automatic washing machine.

In a preferred embodiment, the other dropping saturation value is determined based on formula (1):

Drip saturation value = Amount of water supplied / (amount loaded * saturation value) (formula 1)

The drip saturation value is determined in the unit l / kg (liters per kilogram).

The saturation value is a value that indicates a degree of saturation with water of the laundry in the laundry drum. Preferably, in order to determine the saturation value, the saturation value is extracted as a function of the interruption speed of rotation and the amount loaded from a data memory of the automatic washing machine.

When the rotational speed of the drum during the increase in the rotational speed of the drum reaches a predetermined final rotational speed, that is, it is equal to the predetermined final rotational speed and the detected filling level is equal to or less than the level of predetermined filling, preferably another additional quantity of water is supplied to the washing tub and the rotation of the drum for laundry is repeated by increasing the rotation speed of the drum, detecting the level of water filling in the washing tub during the Increasing the drum turning speed and determining the interrupting turning speed. The steps are repeated until it can be determined that the rotational speed is the cut-off, that is, until the detected fill level is greater than the predetermined fill level. The predetermined final rotation speed is preferably the technically possible final rotation speed for the automatic washing machine.

In a preferred embodiment, the determined drip saturation value or the other determined drip saturation value indicates the water content in the laundry, which is the maximum for a drum rotation speed of 40 min-1 and for which the water in the laundry drum remains in the laundry drum. By the formulation "for which the water in the laundry tub remains in the laundry tub" it is meant that no water at all comes out of a surface of the laundry tub cover.

Preferably, the amount of water supplied to the wash basin is detected. This can be done for example by means of a volumetric flow meter.

In a preferred embodiment, the other determined drip saturation value is associated with a chosen wash program and stored. Alternatively or additionally, the amount of load also determined is preferably associated with the chosen wash program and stored. In this way, on the one hand, the washing behavior of the user of the automatic washing machine can be documented. And on the other hand, the memorized and associated data can be included below to determine the drop saturation value and / or the amount of charge.

The invention also relates to an automatic washing machine with a washing tub, a drum for the laundry and a control equipment, which is prepared to control the aforementioned water supply control system according to one or more of the embodiments described.

The automatic washing machine can be a washing machine or a combined appliance, for example a washer dryer.

An exemplary embodiment of the invention is represented in the drawing simply schematically and will be described in more detail below. It is shown in

Figure 1 a partial sketched representation, schematic and not to scale, of an automatic washing machine. Figure 1 shows a partially sketched, schematic and not to scale representation of an automatic washing machine. The automatic washing machine 1 has a wash basin 2 to house water (not shown) and a laundry drum 3 to house the laundry 5. The wash basin 2 is coupled with a water inlet, which has a dispenser box 8 and a hose 9 that connects the dispenser box 8 and the washing tub 2. Furthermore, the washing tub 2 is coupled with a drainage device 6, through which the water can be drained from the automatic washing machine 1. Furthermore, in the area bottom of the washing tub 2, referring to the position corresponding to the operation of the automatic washing machine 1, a pressure sensor 10 is arranged to detect a pressure value and / or a water fill level in the washing tub. wash 2.

In the lower zone of the washing tub 2, in relation to the position corresponding to the operation of the automatic washing machine 1, an element is optionally also arranged heater 10 for heating the water in the wash tub 2. However, the heating of the water can also be carried out in different ways, which are not shown here. Optional, but not necessarily, the automatic washing machine 1 also has a transfer equipment 4, which is designed to transport water from a lower zone of the wash basin 2 to an upper zone of the wash basin 2, referred to the position of location corresponding to the operation of the automatic washing machine 1.

In a first variant, a washing program chosen by the user is started, in particular when using a wet washing process. A quantity of laundry 5 loaded into the drum for laundry 3 is detected. In addition, a drop saturation value is determined, which defines a water holding capacity by laundry 5, by calculating an average value of values of memorized drip saturation that are associated with the chosen wash program. Subsequently, a quantity of base water is supplied in an amount that depends on the quantity of charge determined and the value of the determined drip saturation. If necessary, it is refilled with more water. It can be refilled based on a fill level measured for the water in the wash basin after adding the amount of base water or preferably based on another drop saturation value. To determine the other drip saturation value, the laundry drum 3 is rotated by increasing the rotation speed of the drum, meanwhile detecting a water fill level in the wash tub 2 continuously or at predetermined time intervals. When the detected fill level is higher than a previously determined fill level, an interrupt rotational speed is determined, in which the detected fill level is higher than a previously determined fill level.

When the technically possible final rotational speed for the automatic washing machine 1 is reached, without the detected filling level being higher than the previously determined filling level, the washing drum 3 is brought to a stop. Subsequently, water is fed into the wash tub 2 again, the laundry drum 3 is rotated again by increasing the rotational speed of the drum and a level of water fill in the wash tub 2 is continuously detected again. or to predetermined time intervals during the increase of the rotational speed. These steps are repeated, if necessary, until the detected fill level is higher than the previously determined fill level, whereby the interrupt rotational speed can be determined. After determining the interruption speed of rotation, the saturation value of the laundry 5, which indicates a degree of saturation of the laundry 5 with water, is determined by the determined interruption speed of rotation and the determined loaded amount. The saturation value is extracted as a function of the interrupt spin speed and the amount loaded from a data memory (not shown) of the automatic washing machine 1. The other drip saturation value is then determined by the amount of water supplied, the saturation value determined and the quantity charged determined, the other value of drip saturation being equal to the quantity of water supplied divided by (quantity charged multiplied by saturation value). The other drip saturation value is associated with the chosen wash program and is memorized. The quantity of load determined is also associated with the chosen wash program and is memorized.

In a second variant, a washing program chosen by the user is started, in particular when using a wet cleaning process. A quantity of laundry 5 loaded into the laundry drum 3 is detected, associated with the chosen wash program and stored. In addition, a drip saturation value is downloaded, which defines a water retention capacity by the laundry 5 and which was determined the last time the chosen wash program was executed by calculating an average value of saturation values. drip lines that are associated with the chosen wash program. Subsequently, a quantity of base water is supplied in a measure that depends on the quantity of charge determined and the value of the drip saturation discharged.

If necessary, it is refilled with more water. It can be refilled based on a fill level measured for the water in the wash tub after adding the amount of base water or preferably based on another saturation value. To determine the other drop saturation value, the laundry drum 3 is rotated by increasing the rotation speed of the drum, meanwhile detecting a water fill level in the washing tub 2 continuously or at certain time intervals. When the detected fill level is higher than a previously determined fill level, an interrupt rotational speed is determined, in which the detected fill level is higher than a previously determined fill level. When the technically possible final rotational speed for the automatic washing machine 1 is reached, without the detected filling level being higher than the previously determined filling level, the washing drum 3 is brought to a stop. Thereafter, water is returned to the wash tub 2, the laundry drum 3 is rotated again by increasing the rotational speed of the drum and a level of water filling in the wash tub 2 is continuously detected again. or to predetermined time intervals during the increase of the rotational speed. These steps are repeated, if necessary, until the determined fill level is greater than the predetermined fill level, whereby the interrupt rotational speed can be determined.

After determining the interruption speed of rotation, the saturation value of the laundry 5, which indicates a degree of saturation of the laundry 5 with water, is determined by the determined interruption speed of rotation and the determined loaded amount. The saturation value is extracted as a function of the Interrupt spin speed and amount loaded from a data memory (not shown) of automatic washing machine 1.

The other drip saturation value is then determined by means of the amount of water supplied, the saturation value determined and the quantity charged determined, the other value of the saturation drip being equal to the quantity of water supplied divided by (quantity charged multiplied by saturation value). The other drip saturation value is associated with the chosen wash program and is memorized. The drip saturation value is then determined by calculating an average value of the memorized drip saturation values that are associated with the chosen wash program, associated with the chosen wash program and memorized, thus the saturation value of A determined drip can be discharged when the chosen wash program is started again. That is, when the user selects the washing program again, to wash laundry 5 again in the automatic washing machine 1 with that washing program, a quantity of laundry 5 loaded into the laundry drum 3 is again detected and adds water in an amount that depends on the amount of load now detected and the last memorized drip saturation value, which was determined and memorized at the end of the last execution of the wash program.

List of references

1 automatic washing machine

2 wash basin

3 drum for laundry

4 transfer equipment

5 casting

6 drain device

7 heating element

8 dispenser box

9 hose

10 pressure sensor

Claims (10)

1. Water supply control system for an automatic washing machine (1) with a wash bucket (2) and a laundry drum (3), with the stages - detection of a quantity of laundry (5) loaded into the laundry drum (3) and - determination of a drip saturation value, which defines a water retention capacity of the laundry (5), by calculating an average value of memorized drip saturation values that are associated with a chosen washing program . 2. Water supply control system according to claim 1, characterized in that when calculating an average value from memorized drip saturation values, which are associated with the chosen wash program, the memorized drip saturation values associated with the chosen wash program that are within a range of predetermined values and the memorized drip saturation values associated with the chosen washing program that are outside the predetermined value range are not taken into account. 3. Water supply control system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the determined load quantity is associated with the chosen washing program and the associated load quantity is memorized. Water supply control system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the determination of a quantity of laundry (5) loaded into the laundry drum (3) includes a determination of a mass moment of inertia of the laundry (5) or weighing the laundry (5) into the laundry drum (3). 5. Water supply control system according to claim 4, characterized in that the determination of the amount of laundry (5) loaded into the laundry drum (3) includes a calculation of an average value from stored load amounts that are associated with the chosen wash program, when a warning is generated fault when determining or after determining the quantity of laundry (5) loaded into the laundry drum (3) by means of the moment of inertia of the laundry mass (5) or by weighing the laundry (5) into the laundry drum (3). 6. Water supply control system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a quantity of base water is supplied to the wash basin as a function of the determined drip saturation value and of the determined load quantity. 7. Water supply control system according to claim 6, characterized in that after supplying a quantity of base water, a fill level of the water in the wash tub is measured and then filled with water as a function of the measured fill level. 8. Water supply control system according to claim 6, characterized in that after providing the amount of base water, another drip saturation value is determined and it is filled with water based on the other determined drip saturation value, the determination of the other drip saturation value having the following stages: turning the laundry drum (3) by increasing the rotation speed of the drum, detection of a level of water filling in the washing tub (2) during the increase of the drum rotation speed and determination of an interruption rotation speed , for which the detected fill level is greater than a previously determined fill level; determination of a laundry saturation value (5) that indicates a degree of saturation of the laundry (5) with water, by means of the determined interruption speed and the amount of load detected and determination of the other drip saturation value , by means of the amount of water supplied, the determined saturation value and the amount of charge detected. 9. Water supply control system according to claim 8, characterized in that the other drip saturation value is associated with the chosen wash program and is memorized. 10. Automatic washing machine (1) with a washing tub (2), a laundry drum (3) and a control device, which is prepared to control a control system of the water supply according to one of claims 1 to 9.