RU2703470C1 - Method for improved control of a domestic water appliance and a corresponding domestic appliance - Google Patents

Abstract

FIELD: control systems.

SUBSTANCE: invention relates to a method of operating a water-conducting domestic appliance (1) comprising drum (3) for receiving items to be treated, having at least one perimeter with at least one radiation-permeable portion (30, 35), control device (18), spectrometer (21) containing at least one radiation source (5, 27), at least one radiation detector (7, 28) and microcomputer (6), wherein microcomputer (6) and control device (18) are configured to exchange information with each other, which enables to exchange data between spectrometer (21) and control device (18), wherein the method comprises the following steps: (b) emitting (31) at least one radiation source (5, 27) of spectrometer (21) in a wavelength range from λ₁ up to λ₂ at least through one radiation-permeable portion (30, 35) such that objects (22, 34) in drum (3) are exposed to radiation (31), and at least one radiation detector (7, 28) detecting reflected from objects (22, 34) radiation (32) through at least one radiation-permeable section (30, 35) in at least one time interval Δt as measurement signal; (c) transmitting the measurement signal to microcomputer (6), analyzing the measurement signal by the analytical algorithm recorded in microcomputer (6), and transmitting the analyzed measurement signal to control device (18) and (d) selecting and/or adapting the operating program by control device (18) based on the analyzed measurement signal; wherein steps (b)-(d) are performed once or more times. Invention also relates to a household appliance suitable for this method.

EFFECT: method for improved control of a domestic water appliance and a corresponding domestic appliance are disclosed.

15 cl, 2 dwg

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to a method for operating a water-conducting household appliance with a drum for receiving objects to be processed, having at least one perimeter with at least one radiation-permeable portion, with a control device, a spectrometer containing at least one radiation source, at least one a radiation detector and a microcomputer, and the microcomputer and the control device are configured to exchange information with each other, which allows data exchange between ktrometrom and control device. In addition, the invention relates to a plumbing appliance suitable for implementing this method.

State of the art

Detergents and cleaning products are usually used to clean items in plumbing appliances. Such detergents and cleaners usually have a complex composition, which, in addition to active detergents, the so-called surfactants, often includes bleaching agents, enzymes, water softeners and other substances. Nevertheless, surfactants are especially important for cleaning, since they reduce the surface tension at the interface between water and fat and are therefore crucial for the optimal removal of contaminants, for example, from textiles. There are essentially three classes of surfactants, in particular ionic, nonionic and amphoteric surfactants. Moreover, anionic surfactants, in particular alkylbenzenesulfates, are used in detergents and cleaners.

For example, fat-containing contaminants are usually removed by applying surfactants to them. After this, the contaminants are surrounded by a surfactant and pass into the solution in the form of an aggregate of surfactant / contamination, that is, fat contaminants dissolve in water, for example, in the form of a grease-water emulsion and can be removed with a washing solution or a cleaning liquid.

The amount of detergent or cleaning agent (hereinafter collectively referred to as the processing agent) required for optimal cleaning, as a rule, cannot be predicted, since it depends on a number of factors, in particular, the type and degree of contamination, the load volume or material of the processed items, for example, the type textile products. In domestic use of processing means at present, in fact, the actual consumption is not precisely determined. Therefore, users often exceed the required dose, since, for example, they overestimate the degree of contamination or the volume of load. This leads to unnecessary environmental stress due to excessive consumption of processing means. In addition, if the dose is exceeded, unwanted deposits may remain on objects after cleaning. This can be a disadvantage, especially for allergy users.

In addition, when cleaning and / or drying sensitive textile products, damage to the product can easily be tolerated, for example, if the user mistakenly mixes sensitive and insensitive textile products, or if he is not familiar with the rules for caring for them. Therefore, it is desirable to be able to monitor and intervene in the treatment process in a plumbing appliance.

In addition, for example, when contaminated with microorganisms or organic pollutants, unpleasant odors occur in plumbing appliances. Non-compliance with hygiene when cleaning items can have consequences. Moreover, it often happens that such contaminants are formed in places that are difficult to access or not visible to the user at all. Therefore, it is desirable to be able to quickly and easily identify hygiene disorders in order to subsequently carry out suitable activities.

Plumbing appliances that operate with volatile chemicals such as propane in the gaseous state also have relatively high security risks. Therefore, it is also desirable to be able to detect leaks or malfunctions at an early stage.

Plumbing appliances with advanced controls are already known in the art.

DE 10 2012 017 323 A1 discloses a plumbing household appliance, in particular a laundry washing apparatus comprising a treatment area, a metering pump, at least one container for a processing agent and an indication device, the container for the processing agent serving to receive a certain amount a fluid processing agent sufficient to perform several treatments in the treatment zone. The indicating device displays the amount of processing agent supplied by the metering pump and / or the remainder of the processing agent in the container for the processing agent.

DE 10 2010 002 773 A1 discloses a dispensing system comprising a dispensing device configured to be installed inside a plumbing appliance and for dosing at least one composition inside a plumbing appliance, a cartridge configured to connect to a dispensing device and designed to store at least one fluid composition, and a conductivity sensor mounted in or on the metering device so that it is possible determine the conductivity of detergent or washing solution during operation of the water-bearing household appliance. In addition, the dosing system comprises a control unit connected to at least a conductivity sensor, wherein at least one composition has a conductivity of at least 500 μS / cm, preferably at least 750 μS / cm, particularly preferably at least 1000 μS / cm, most preferably at least 2500 μS / cm, and the metering device is configured to supply at least 20 ml, preferably at least 30 ml, particularly preferably at least 50 ml, of this composition inside the working water conductive household appliance.

Patent document DE 10 2010 039 611 A1 discloses a dishwasher, in particular a household dishwasher, with a control device in which at least one washing program is recorded, comprising a cycle of cleaning and / or drying the items to be cleaned in several stages, and with a manipulator device for entering commands for the control device. At least one command can be entered into the manipulator to perform one or more adaptation operations of at least one of the washing programs, which can improve the prevention of stains on the items being cleaned and / or the drying result of the items being cleaned during the washing cycle based on the adapted washing program .

DE 10 2014 212 294 A1 discloses a plumbing household appliance with several actuators for executing several washing programs, comprising a user interface for selecting one of the washing programs, a sensor for supplying a signal describing a parameter of the washing solution used to wash the items to be cleaned, a determination module one of several predefined sensor settings, a control module configured to actuate actuators for execution in the selected washing program by processing the sensor signal, and an adaptation module for adapting the signal processing depending on the specific sensor setting.

In the prior art it is known to use radiation sensors, for example, infrared sensors to determine the types of textiles, the level and amount of water in the drums of washing and drying machines.

Patent document WO 2001/046509 A1 discloses a device for processing textile products with a device for determining the properties of textile products, the device comprising at least one transmitting and at least one receiving element for transmitting or receiving electromagnetic radiation, as well as an analytical device connected to the receiving element, and the radiation emitted by the transmitting element and reflected and / or transmitted by the textile product can be received by the receiving element and analyzed iticheskim device.

DE 10 2015 100 395 A1 discloses a spectrometer, in particular, intended for installation in a sensor module with a radiation source and the following components that determine the path of the beam or are located along the path of the beam: a chamber for the fluid under investigation, a first lens, a diffractive element, and a second lens and a detector. A restrictive aperture is provided between the sample chamber and the diffraction element to limit the effective diameter of the beam of rays incident on the diffraction element.

Patent document EP 0 816 551 B1 discloses a method for infrared temperature determination for controlling a tumble dryer, in particular a rotary drum tumble dryer for receiving and centrifuging wet products to be dried, a heating device for heating the products, an air blower for transmitting air above the products in the drum, and an infrared detection device that supplies a control signal corresponding to the temperature of the products in the drum. In addition, the application discloses a method for determining the completeness of the drying process in a dryer with a rotating drum and an infrared detection device that measures the temperature of the products in the drum.

Patent document EP 1 242 665 B1 discloses a device for processing textile products with an analytical device for determining the type of textile products and / or humidity of linen. The device uses transmitting and receiving elements for transmitting or receiving electromagnetic radiation, as well as an analytical device connected to the receiving element. A method for recognizing the properties of a textile product, for example, in a washing or drying machine, is also disclosed.

US patent No. 5,396,715 discloses a microwave dryer for clothes and a fire protection method in which the temperature inside the drum is measured by an infrared sensor, and upon reaching a predetermined value indicating ignition of the laundry, the dryer is stopped.

Patent Document JP 2010 223871 A discloses a pollution detector, a pollution elimination system, and a washing machine. The detector includes, inter alia, a light source for irradiating light with a contaminated detection point and a light receiving portion for detecting a spectrum of reflected and / or transmitted light of this light source. The washing machine shown in figure 6, contains a drum mounted in the tank for washing solution with the possibility of rotation around a vertical axis. This upward tapering drum contains in the upper part around the perimeter several openings for water drainage. To drain the water-containing liquid rises up during the rotation of the drum under the action of centrifugal forces and is discharged through the holes for water drainage. Since the area around these water drainage openings is susceptible to the accumulation of biological contaminants, the detection device in the washing solution tank should emit light from the light source into the areas around the drainage openings and analyze the reflected light.

According to paragraph 1 of the formula, patent document US 2013/0312202 A1 discloses a method of operating a laundry care device with a drum rotatably mounted, at least partially defining a processing chamber and intended to be received for processing in an automated cycle, the method comprising the following steps: receiving a mass signal indicating the mass of each item of laundry inside the processing chamber from the mass determination device inside the laundry care device; receiving a volume signal indicative of the volume of each item of laundry inside the processing chamber from the volume determining device inside the laundry care device; and determining a quantitative load of laundry into the processing chamber based on the mass and volume signals. The figure 13 shows that to obtain the volume signal, in particular, a diode device is used, the LEDs of which emit radiation in the direction of the side surface of the drum, and the LEDs are oriented so that the light emitted by them falls on different parts of the drum.

Disclosure of the invention

In this regard, the objective of the present invention is to develop a method that improves the control of a plumbing appliance. In this case, preferably, it is necessary to provide for the possibility of a more environmentally friendly and safer operation of the household appliance. In addition, it is necessary to develop a household appliance suitable for implementing this method.

According to the present invention, the problem is solved by the method of operation of a plumbing household appliance and a household appliance suitable for its implementation, with the features disclosed in the respective independent claims. Preferred embodiments of the method according to the invention and the household appliance according to the invention are listed in the respective dependent claims. Preferred embodiments of the method according to the invention correspond to preferred embodiments of a household appliance according to the invention and vice versa, even if not explicitly indicated.

Thus, the invention relates to a method of operating a plumbing appliance comprising a drum for receiving objects to be treated, having at least one perimeter with at least one radiation-permeable portion, a control device, a spectrometer containing at least one radiation source, at least one radiation detector and a microcomputer, the microcomputer and the control device being configured to exchange information with each other, which allows for ene data between the spectrometer and control device, the method comprising the steps of:

(b) emit radiation from at least one radiation source of the spectrometer in the wavelength range from λ ₁ to λ ₂ through at least one radiation-permeable portion, so that objects in the drum are exposed to radiation, and at least one radiation detector records reflected radiation from objects through at least one radiation-permeable portion in at least one time interval Δt as a measurement signal;

(c) transmitting the measurement signal to the microcomputer, analyzing the measurement signal with an analytical algorithm recorded in the microcomputer, and transmitting the analyzed measurement signal to the control device; and

(d) selecting and / or adapting the work program to the control device based on the analyzed measurement signal;

wherein steps (b) - (d) are performed once or repeatedly.

The term “radiation-permeable portion” or “radiation-permeable” is broadly understood. "Permeable to radiation" in the sense of the invention may mean permeability to radiation in the entire spectral range of wavelengths or may refer, for example, to one or more specific ranges of wavelengths of the spectrum, in particular infrared or ultraviolet radiation.

According to the invention, the configuration of at least one radiation-permeable portion is not limited. Such a portion may be a cut in the material of the drum or, for example, an insert of a radiation-permeable material, for example, silica glass or plastic. According to the invention, the radiation-permeable portion is usually located on the side wall of the drum.

In addition, the invention does not limit the shape of the radiation-permeable portion, which may be a circular hole, an elliptical notch, or a perimeter rectangular / annular insert. Similarly, the size is essentially limited to a value that is reasonable or acceptable for a given operating mode.

In any case, according to the invention, at least one radiation-permeable portion serves to transmit radiation from the radiation source into the drum and to discharge reflected radiation from the drum.

The invention does not limit whether the drum is at rest or in motion during the process, that is, it rotates in the forward or reverse direction. Essentially, the method according to the invention can be carried out with both a stationary and a rotating drum.

In a preferred embodiment of the method according to the invention, the method further comprises a step (a) in which the drum is rotated at a predetermined rotation frequency Dz.

If the drum rotates, then, depending on the frequency of rotation of the drum Dz, at least one radiation-permeable portion will pass with a certain frequency ΔvS through a position that allows step (b) of the method according to the invention to allow radiation to enter and exit the drum. The same applies to rotating the drum in the opposite direction. This position is hereinafter referred to as the corresponding provision.

In a preferred embodiment of the method according to the invention, in step (a), the drum is rotated with a rotation frequency Dz from 20 to 200 rpm, more preferably with a rotation frequency Dz from 40 to 80 rpm.

Step (b) of the method according to the invention provides for the emission of radiation by at least one radiation source in the wavelength range from λ ₁ to λ ₂ .

In a preferred embodiment of the method according to the invention, in step (b), the radiation is emitted continuously.

By "continuous emission" in the context of the invention it is understood that at least one radiation source of the spectrometer emits radiation without interruption during the implementation of the method according to the invention. This ensures that when the drum moves independently of ΔvS, the radiation will in any case enter the drum when at least one radiation-permeable portion is in the corresponding position.

In a further preferred embodiment of the method according to the invention, in step (b), the radiation is emitted at a predetermined frequency ΔvE of the radiation pulses.

The invention does not limit the magnitude of the pulse frequency. However, if the drum rotates, for example, with a rotation frequency Dz, it is preferable to select the radiation pulse frequency ΔvE so that it coincides with the frequency ΔvS with which at least one radiation-permeable portion passes through the corresponding position. Therefore, in a preferred embodiment of the method according to the invention, a relationship is recorded in the control device that synchronizes the frequency ΔvE of the radiation pulses with a frequency ΔvS, depending on the frequency Dz of rotation of the drum. In this case, preferably, a predetermined initial position of the drum is taken into account.

In addition, the invention does not limit whether radiation is emitted in step (b) over the entire wavelength range from λ ₁ to λ ₂ and / or at several separate wavelengths and / or in several separate subbands of this wavelength range.

In any case, according to the invention, the radiation detector registers, as a measurement signal, the radiation reflected by objects in the drum for at least a period Δt. The invention does not limit the duration of the period Δt. However, it will depend on various variables.

The length of the period may depend, in particular, on whether the drum is at rest or in motion. If the drum rotates, for example, with a rotation frequency Dz so that at least one radiation-permeable portion passes with a frequency ΔvS through a position that allows radiation to enter and exit the drum in step (b) of the method according to the invention, then the length of the period Δt, of course, will depend on this frequency. It is true that the duration Δt can decrease with increasing frequency ΔvS, that is, increasing the frequency Dz of rotation.

In addition, the duration of the period Δt can also increase with increasing size of at least one radiation-permeable portion. If, for example, at a constant frequency Dz of rotation of the drum, the size of at least one radiation-permeable section is increased, then Δt will also increase, since the reflected radiation can exit from the inside of the drum towards at least one radiation detector for a longer time period of time.

In addition, the duration of the period Δt, of course, will also depend on the technical design of the radiation detector, since radiation detectors of higher quality are able, for example, to recognize measurement signals with high accuracy even for relatively short periods.

In a particularly preferred embodiment, the duration of at least one period Δt is from 1 to 100 ms. In a most preferred embodiment, Δt is from 1 to 10 ms.

сигналов измерения, полученных в первом временном интервале i периода Δт, со средним значением

сигналов измерения, полученных во втором временном интервале i+1 периода Δт, и количеством временных интервалов М по следующей формуле (1):In addition, the duration of the period Δt can also be based, for example, on the dispersion of Allan. Allan variance establishes a mean relationship

measurement signals received in the first time interval i of the period Δt, with an average value

measurement signals received in the second time interval i + 1 of the period Δt, and the number of time intervals M according to the following formula (1):

Moreover, depending on the length of the period Δt, the statistical error of the measurement signals can be reduced to the level of 1 / f. Thus, the signal-to-noise ratio can be advantageously adjusted by changing the period duration Δt to t _Allan and, thereby, improve the quality of the measurement signals.

In any case, radiation reflected by objects in the drum is detected by at least one radiation detector as a measurement signal.

It should also be noted that the invention allows to determine the properties of a water-containing liquid, such as a washing solution, or a gas phase in a water-conducting household appliance. In this case, you can use the fact that part of the emitted radiation is reflected by the drum, that is, it does not pass through the areas that are permeable to radiation. Further, the radiation reflected by the drum can be analyzed essentially with respect to the components of the aqueous liquid or the gas phase.

The method according to the invention allows to measure objects located in the drum before, during and / or after processing in a plumbing appliance. The measurement implies the supply of radiation from at least one radiation source of the spectrometer, as well as the registration of the measurement signal in at least one period Δt by at least one radiation detector.

Under the items prior to processing in the sense of this application, we understand objects that have not yet undergone any processing in a plumbing appliance. Subjects to be treated can be understood to be objects requiring, for example, refreshment, containing contaminants of one or more species or other similar substances. In this case, the objects to be processed, as a rule, are at least partially dry. Depending on the type and / or degree of contamination, it may happen that the presence of liquid contaminants caused, for example, by spilled drinks, leads to the presence of a certain amount of moisture.

By objects during and / or after processing, on the other hand, is meant all objects subjected to and / or subjected to at least one processing in a household appliance. The term "processing" in this case has a broad interpretation. According to the invention, the processing is carried out under the control of a control device. It can be a matter of simply moistening with a predetermined amount of water W _F , or of a partial or complete implementation of a treatment program.

The invention does not limit the appearance of objects. However, laundry items are particularly preferred.

Processing programs in the sense of the invention are part of work programs that can be executed in a plumbing appliance. A processing program can be a processing program recorded in a water-supplying household appliance at the factory, one or more additional options, or even a user-defined processing program. Thus, the term “processing program” should also have a very broad interpretation. Depending on the type and design of the plumbing appliance, a different number of processing programs will be recorded in the control device. For example, a more expensive household appliance will have more processing programs than a less expensive one.

According to the invention, a variant is advantageous in which data characterizing a wavelength-dependent radiation reflection coefficient of at least one type of textile product is recorded in a control device and / or on an external server, preferably for several types of textile products located in a drum, which makes it possible to use them for measurement in step (b) and analysis in step (c) of the method according to the invention.

Moreover, under the types of textiles are understood, for example, cotton, silk, polyester, linen, acrylic or mixed fabrics. The method according to the invention allows, for example, to identify individual textiles located in the drum, based on the analyzed signal (s) measurement.

In this case, preferably, data characterizing a wavelength-dependent reflection coefficient of radiation is recorded so that several individual wavelengths and / or subranges of the wavelength range from λ ₁ to λ ₂ contain at least one wavelength whose radiation is not reflected . It is also preferable variant in which several individual wavelengths and / or subranges of the wavelength range from λ ₁ to λ ₂ contain at least five wavelengths or wavelength ranges.

In a preferred embodiment of the method according to the invention, the wavelength range from λ ₁ to λ ₂ is in the infrared part of the spectrum.

In a preferred embodiment of the method according to the invention, the wavelength range from λ ₁ to λ ₂ comprises at least one absorption region of at least one type of textile product.

In particular, a variant is advantageous in which data is stored in the control device and / or on the external server, characterizing the wavelength-dependent radiation reflection coefficient of at least one type of textile products at least at two humidity levels, which allows them to be used for measurement on step (b) and analysis in step (c) of the method according to the invention.

If the household water supply device is, for example, a washer-dryer, then the proposed method allows, for example, to very accurately control the drying process in relation to the desired level of residual moisture. In addition, you can determine the moisture level before the drying process, which allows you to very accurately adapt the drying program to the type of fabric and humidity level.

In a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, if data characterizing the wavelength-dependent radiation reflection coefficient of at least one processing means for objects in the drum is stored in a control device and / or on an external server, then this data can be used for measurement in step ( b) and analysis in step (c) of the method according to the invention.

In this case, preferably, the wavelength range from λ ₁ to λ ₂ will contain at least two absorption regions of the processing means. This allows you to more accurately determine the content of the processing means.

The term "processing agent" in the sense of the invention has a broad interpretation and includes any solid and / or liquid compositions suitable for achieving the result of processing objects to be processed in a plumbing appliance. Thus, the processing agent is, for example, a detergent or a cleaning agent. In such compositions, a high proportion of surfactants, in particular anionic surfactants, for example, alkylbenzenesulfates, which, as a rule, exceeds 80%. Thus, for example, the concentration of a surfactant can be used to determine the amount of processing agent.

There are many different processing means that differ, in particular, in the vibrational behavior of their molecules. Therefore, the measurement signals will be very dependent on the processing means. Advantageously, the properties of reflection and absorption of at least one, preferably several processing means are recorded in a control device and / or on an external server, which makes it possible to use these properties for measurement in step (b) and analysis in step (c).

Of course, for the sake of simplicity, it is possible to limit the implementation of the method according to the invention to the most common processing means, in particular detergents, and take them, if necessary, as the reference value of the amount of processing means.

Among surfactants, the most common are alkylbenzenesulfonates (LAS = linear alkylbenzenesulfonates). They have a sulfone group bonded to the benzene ring. Therefore, it is particularly preferable that the wavelength range from λ ₁ to λ ₂ contains vibration bands lying in the range of 1100 nm, 1400 nm, 1700 nm, 1900 nm, 2100 nm or in the range from 2300 to 2500 nm, in particular two vibration bands. This allows, in particular, to accurately determine the amount of such surfactants.

In addition, an advantageous variant is that in the control device and / or on an external server data is stored characterizing the wavelength-dependent radiation reflection coefficient for at least one, preferably for several standard types of contaminants, which makes it possible to use them for measurement at the stage ( b) and analysis in step (c) of the method according to the invention.

Under the standard pollution in the sense of the invention understand pollution, the properties of which cover the entire spectrum of possible pollutants on objects to be processed. Standard contaminants include, for example, fats or oils from food debris, colorants, in particular tomatoes, red wine or grass, protein contaminants, in particular egg yolk, etc.

In particular, it is also advantageous that the control device and / or the external server stores data characterizing a wavelength-dependent radiation reflection coefficient for at least one, preferably several toxins and / or allergens, which allows the control device to output to the user information on the presence of such substances, for example, through an indicating device, and adjust the processing program in step (d) of the method according to the invention, for example, by introducing an additional strip step Niya in the washing machine.

In particular, it is also preferred that the user selects recognizable allergens through an input device. This allows him to further modify the method according to the invention in accordance with his needs.

In addition, a variant is advantageous in which data is stored in the control device and / or on an external server, characterizing the wavelength-dependent radiation reflection coefficient for at least one, preferably several volatile substances, which makes it possible to use them for measurement in step (b ) and analysis in step (c) of the method according to the invention.

Volatile substances can be understood, for example, aromatic substances released by organic impurities or microorganisms. In this case, in step (d) of the method according to the invention, the control device can select, for example, a self-cleaning program or adapt it accordingly to eliminate these contaminants and thereby warn the user of an inappropriate level of hygiene.

In addition, volatiles can be gases, for example propane, which can be used in heat pump dryers. In this case, for example, in step (d) of the method according to the invention, the executable program may be interrupted and a warning may be displayed to the user. The warning can be realized by an optical indication, that is, text and / or image and / or light signals, as well as a warning sound signal.

If the household appliance according to the invention is connected to a wireless network, it is possible to send a warning to the user, for example, through an application or SMS, and / or send a notification to the fire department.

In any case, step (d) of the method according to the invention provides that the control device selects and / or adapts the work program for items in the drum based on the measurement signal analyzed and transmitted in step (c).

The term "work program" in this case should be understood more broadly than the above-described term "processing program". Work programs include treatment programs and procedures implemented in a plumbing appliance in addition to treatment programs. Thus, for example, the work program can be a self-cleaning program or an operation for outputting information to a user, for example, through an indicating device, or transmitting information, for example, via a wireless connection within a network connection. Thus, the work programs contain all the actions that can be performed by the control device in the household appliance according to the invention.

If the plumbing appliance of the present invention is, for example, a washing machine, and the user accidentally puts silk underwear in the drum along with cotton, selects and has already started the appropriate cotton processing program, the control device can, for example, adapt the processing program to silk processing, to prevent damage to linen from this fabric. This can be done, for example, by adjusting the temperature and / or speed and / or the rhythm of rotation.

It is also possible that the control device displays a warning about the detection of silk before starting it and, accordingly, offers a program for more gentle processing. In this case, the user has the opportunity to remove silk linen from the drum.

It is also possible, for example, that the user can put a single piece of laundry in the drum to identify the type of fabric. This is especially convenient if, for example, a garment label is missing on the item. In this case, the control device may additionally offer an appropriate processing program.

To analyze the measurement signals in step (c), the microcomputer typically first generates at least one spectrum from the spectral measurement signal. According to the invention, the number of generated spectra is not limited, but depends, in particular, on the number and duration of time intervals Δt.

To quantify, the spectrum is usually brought to standard. This allows you to compare the recorded spectrum, for example, with a calibration spectrum, as well as several recorded spectra among themselves, for example, to track the flow of a certain amount of substance.

If the wavelength range from λ ₁ to λ ₂ is in the infrared part of the spectrum, then it is preferable to use a spectralon as a standard.

Advantageously, before implementing the method according to the invention, a baseline can be recorded. In particular, the accuracy of the analysis can be improved by subtracting the baseline from the analyzed measurement signals.

In order to obtain the most complete spectroscopic display of several objects in the drum, in particular with a large loading volume, it is preferable to briefly rotate the drum in the opposite direction after each cycle of the process. This allows you to achieve good mixing of objects in the drum and, therefore, to obtain good measurement statistics. Therefore, this method is preferably repeated until significant changes in the analyzed measurement results have ceased.

If the plumbing appliance is a washing machine or a washer dryer, appropriately positioned laundry grippers may be provided in the drum to improve mixing of the laundry items.

The algorithms for the qualitative and quantitative analysis of spectra are, as a rule, diverse and depend on the received measurement signals. Thus, the analysis algorithm is also not limited to the invention. Preferably, the analysis is performed according to the Lambert-Behr law with the implementation of multivariate data analysis, that is, for example, analysis of the main components with a non-linear iterative partial least squares algorithm and subsequent regression of partial least squares, according to which a characteristic matrix is obtained.

Advantageously, the control device is configured to store the analyzed measurement signals. Thus, the control device can collect empirical values that can continuously optimize the operation of a plumbing appliance. This allows you to take into account the individual needs of the user and to ensure the most environmentally friendly operation of the household appliance.

In a preferred embodiment, the method according to the invention further comprises a step (e) of cleaning the spectrometer.

Methods for cleaning the spectrometer optics are not limited to the invention. For example, cleaning can be carried out by contact with an aqueous liquid during a treatment program if the household appliance according to the invention is, for example, a washing machine or a washer-dryer.

For example, the washing liquid can be piped directly to the spectrometer optics for its separate washing.

In addition, in a suitable place on the outside of the drum, a sponge or other similar soft material may be attached, “wiping” the spectrometer optics during rotation of the drum.

In addition, the invention relates to a plumbing appliance comprising a drum for receiving objects to be treated, having at least one perimeter with at least one radiation permeable portion, a control device, a spectrometer containing at least one radiation source, at least one radiation detector and a microcomputer, the microcomputer and the control device being configured to exchange information with each other, which allows data exchange between the spectrum meter and control device, and the control device is configured to implement a method comprising the following steps:

(b) emitting radiation by at least one radiation source of the spectrometer in the wavelength range from λ ₁ to λ ₂ through at least one radiation-permeable portion, so that objects in the drum are exposed to radiation, and registering at least one radiation detector of the reflected from radiation objects through at least one radiation-permeable portion in at least one time interval Δt as a measurement signal;

(c) transmitting the measurement signal to the microcomputer, analyzing the measurement signal with an analytical algorithm recorded in the microcomputer, and transmitting the analyzed measurement signal to the control device; and

(d) selection and / or adaptation of the work program by the control device based on the analyzed measurement signal;

moreover, provides for a single or multiple execution of steps (b) to (d).

According to the invention, a plumbing appliance is preferably selected from the group consisting of a washing machine, a washer dryer, a dryer and a dishwasher. Preferably, the plumbing appliance is a washing machine or a washer-dryer. In a most preferred embodiment, the plumbing appliance is a washing machine.

A household appliance according to the invention typically comprises a container for the processing agent and, preferably, a metering device. The invention does not limit the type and design of the metering device. This may be a device for manual dosing of the processing agent or an automatic dosing device.

In a preferred embodiment of the plumbing appliance according to the invention, the dispensing device is an automatic dispensing device connected to a control device and configured to control this device to dispense the processing means, for example, if the optimum dosage amount C _{opt has} not been reached.

In a further preferred embodiment of the household appliance according to the invention, the drum has a predetermined start / stop position.

Methods for implementing such a drum start / stop position in a plumbing appliance are not limited to the invention. You can use, for example, a mechanical structure or register in the control device a specific position of the drum, in which the drum is brought, for example, before implementing the method according to the invention.

The location of the spectrometer in a water-conducting household appliance according to the present invention is limited only by the condition that exposure to radiation in the wavelength range from λ ₁ to λ ₂ through at least one radiation-permeable portion and registration of radiation reflected by objects inside the drum through at least one a radiation-permeable portion should be possible in at least one time interval Δt. The location may vary depending on the embodiment of the household appliance and, in particular, depends on the type and design of the plumbing appliance.

In a preferred embodiment, the plumbing appliance is a washing machine or washer-dryer containing a washing solution tank and a drum for receiving laundry, and a spectrometer is mounted in a recess of the shell of the washing solution tank.

Preferably, the spectrometer is rotatably mounted, and the control device is adapted to adjust the orientation of the spectrometer so that it can capture, preferably, several perimeters of the drum, essentially separated from each other in a direction perpendicular to the perimeter and containing, preferably, several permeable for radiation sections, in particular, holes each.

The configuration of at least one radiation permeable portion is not limited to the invention.

In a preferred embodiment of the plumbing appliance of the invention, the at least one radiation permeable portion is a circular opening. In a further preferred embodiment of the plumbing appliance according to the invention, the diameter of the hole along the outside of the drum, that is, in particular along the surface of the shell of the drum, is from 2 to 8 mm.

Several openings may be provided along at least one perimeter of the drum. In a preferred embodiment, a plumbing appliance according to the invention, at least one perimeter is made in the form of a perforated ring. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the drum contains several such perforated rings.

In a further preferred embodiment of the plumbing appliance of the invention, the at least one radiation permeable portion is an elliptical hole.

In this case, preferably, the semimajor axis has a length of ≤ 10 mm, in particular from 2 to 5 mm, and the semiminor axis preferably has a length of ≤ 2 mm.

In a further preferred embodiment of the plumbing appliance of the invention, the at least one radiation permeable portion is a transparent plastic insert.

Moreover, the shape and size of the transparent plastic tab are not limited to the invention. The insert may be in the form of an elongated ellipse or an elongated rectangle, the longer side being preferably oriented in the perimeter direction. The plastic insert may be, for example, a plastic ring.

In a particularly preferred embodiment, the plastic used to make the inlay is permeable to infrared rays.

The arrangement of the at least one radiation source and the at least one radiation detector relative to each other is selected in accordance with the invention so that reflected radiation can be recognized.

However, the invention does not limit the choice of at least one radiation source, which makes it possible to use, for example, a radiation source in the infrared (IR), ultraviolet (UV) or ultraviolet and visible part of the spectrum (UV-VIS).

At least one radiation source may be a broadband, adaptable or narrowband radiation source, for example, an infrared LED. In addition, the radiation source may contain additional optical elements, for example, focusing optics, filter plates, filter films or varnishes, as well as a Fabry-Perot micro-optoelectromechanical frequency filter, which allows you to set the wavelength range. In addition, the spectrometer may contain several similar radiation sources, which may differ from each other.

In a preferred embodiment of the plumbing appliance of the invention, the at least one radiation source is a broadband infrared source.

In a particularly preferred embodiment, the radiation source is used for radiation in the near infrared spectrum and is selected from the group consisting of a tungsten-halogen lamp and a micro-optoelectromechanical emitter in the form of a model of a completely black body.

In addition, the invention does not limit the selection of at least one radiation detector. The radiation detector may be, for example, a broadband detector with at least one sensitive surface N of the detector. In addition, the radiation detector may contain several sensitive surfaces N or even a linear matrix of surfaces N of the detector, for example, in the form of pixels. The detector may also contain additional optical means, for example, a Fabry-Perot micro-optoelectromechanical frequency filter, narrow-band filters, or even a dispersion wedge. The radiation detector material is also not limited to the invention. In this case, preferably, the radiation detector is made of at least one semiconductor material.

If the spectrometer is an infrared spectrometer, then a tungsten-halogen lamp with 5 filter plates for narrow-band excitation can serve as a radiation source. In this case, the radiation detector usually contains five sensitive surfaces of the detector, allowing the detection of reflected radiation.

In the case of an infrared spectrometer, the radiation source may also comprise narrow-band infrared LEDs, and preferably five such LEDs have a multiplexing function. In this case, the radiation detector contains N sensitive surfaces of the detector and is at least partially made of indium gallium arsenide.

The source of radiation from the spectrometer can also be a microoptoelectromechanical emitter in the form of a model of a completely black body. In this case, the radiation detector preferably consists of a sensitive surface N of the detector and contains a Fabry-Perot micro-optoelectromechanical frequency filter. Thus, it is possible to realize a narrowband frequency sweep in a wide band.

Similarly, a distributed feedback laser may serve as a radiation source, and a radiation detector may comprise a sensitive surface N of the detector. In this case, preferably, the sensitive surface of the detector consists at least partially of germanium. This allows, preferably, to take measurements as a function of time.

In particular, in a household with a household appliance networked, a plumbing appliance preferably further comprises an interface for wireless data transmission, the microcomputer and the control device being configured to wirelessly exchange data with each other. Preferably, the microcomputer may be an external server or be implemented on an external server. Thus, a plumbing household appliance is also suitable for networking and can be controlled by an external input device, such as a mobile phone and / or tablet, preferably through an application.

In a particularly preferred embodiment, the plumbing household appliance is connected to a home network, which includes at least one other household appliance. In this case, it is possible to advantageously transfer information on managing work programs from one household appliance to another.

If the household appliance is, for example, a washing machine, then, for example, the detected presence of residual moisture in the laundered laundry can be transferred to the dryer via the home network, which will allow you to accurately adapt the drying program to the presence of residual moisture.

Essentially, household appliances contain at least one display device, configured to output information in the form of text, images and / or characters, color and / or black and white, static and / or animated. Preferably, the display device allows to inform the user of information and / or warnings. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the display device is an external display device, for example, a touch screen display of a smartphone or tablet.

The invention has many advantages. Until now, it was not possible to measure the parameters of objects in the drum of a plumbing household appliance at a short distance using a spectrometer even with a rotating drum. The invention allows measurement directly at a small distance between the sample and the detector. This allows you to manage the executable processing program in an individual way and, for example, to reduce the consumption of processing means by individually controlling the amount of processing agent at the dosing stage in accordance with the existing conditions, that is, for example, the load volume and the degree of contamination of the laundry. This is because users have been found to tend to exceed the dose of the processing agent. As a result, the processing of objects in a plumbing appliance, such as a washing machine according to the invention, can be performed in a more environmentally friendly manner.

In addition, the determination of the type of textile products prevents damage to the textile product in case of improper loading by the user, for example, in case of accidental loading of silk with wool. In addition, the safety for the user is increased, since the method according to the invention allows the detection of volatile substances, in particular propane, which can be released, for example, when the dryer is operated with a propane heat pump. In addition, the detection of microbiologically significant substances increases the level of hygiene in a household appliance. In addition, the determination of the humidity level allows you to adapt the settings of the washing and drying programs.

Brief Description of the Drawings

Other features of the invention result from the following description of non-limiting embodiments, with reference to figures 1-2, which depict:

Figure 1: a non-limiting embodiment of a plumbing appliance suitable for carrying out the method according to the invention and made in the form of a washing machine in which a spectrometer is installed in the recess of the shell of the washing solution tank.

Figure 2: schematic representation of the measuring principle underlying the method according to the invention.

The implementation of the invention

The figure 1 shows a plumbing household appliance 1, made in the form of a washing machine for implementing the method according to the invention. The washing machine 1 comprises a housing 12 in which a washing solution tank 2 is installed, in which a drum 3 for receiving laundry is mounted rotatably around an axis perpendicular to the plane of the figure. The maximum possible level of 25 water in the tank 2 for the washing solution is schematically shown by a solid horizontal line.

In the presented embodiment, a drain pipe 17 of the tank is connected to the drain hole 26 in the bottom of the washing solution tank 2, leading through the villus catcher 19 to the suction side of the pump 14. A discharge pipe 13 is connected to the discharge side of the pump 14. frequency-adjustable drive motor 20, which can be performed, for example, in the form of a multiphase synchronous motor with excitation from permanent magnets, a MOSFET element and a power detector 15. The discharge pipe 13 exits outside the housing into a household sewer network or drain hole in the floor (not shown in the figure).

In addition, FIG. 1 shows an automatic dispensing device 8 for a processing agent connected to the washing tray 11. Through the washing tray 11, water from the clean water pipe 10 can flow into the washing solution tank 2. To do this, a shut-off valve 9 is inserted into the pure water pipe 10, which is actuated by the control device 18 in accordance with the sequence of the processing program.

In the shell of the washing solution tank 2 there is a recess 4, in which an infrared spectrometer 21 is installed. The infrared spectrometer 21 contains a broadband radiation source 5 capable of emitting infrared radiation in the near infrared region of the spectrum and made in this embodiment, which is not restrictive, in the form tungsten halogen lamp. Thus, the infrared spectrometer 21 is capable of emitting in the continuous spectrum from 300 nm to 3 μm.

Moreover, in this embodiment, the broadband infrared radiation source should excite the absorption bands of the polyester in a wide range. The polyester has, in particular, the following absorption bands: 1180 nm, 1237 nm, 1266 nm, 1285 nm, 1322 nm, 1387 nm, 1410 nm, 1483 nm, 1514 nm, 1594 nm, 1661 nm, 1908 nm, 1953 nm, 2083 nm and 2136 nm. Other types of tissues exhibit corresponding characteristic absorption bands in this wavelength range, which can also be excited over a wide range in different embodiments.

In addition, the absorption bands of the often used surfactant LAS (linear alkylbenzenesulfonates) can be used for measurement. These bands are in the range of 1100 nm, 1400 nm, 1700 nm, 1900 nm, 2100 nm and from 2300 to 2500 nm. Preferably, the measurement range (from λ ₁ to λ ₂ ) is from 900 to 1700 nm. Thus, in embodiments, in addition to identifying tissue types, it is also possible to determine, for example, the type and / or amount of processing agent.

In addition, in other embodiments, the degree of humidity can be determined by applying water strips based on a decrease in the broadband intensity of the tissue strips with increasing water content.

In addition, the infrared spectrometer 21 comprises a radiation detector 7, which in this non-limiting embodiment is an uncooled single-pixel detector made of indium gallium arsenide. You can also use a matrix detector, in particular a matrix sensor with a linear horizontal matrix. In front of the detector 7 included microoptoelectromechanical frequency filter Fabry-Perot (not shown in the figure). Thus, in this embodiment, it is possible to obtain a time-dependent broadband spectrum by varying the pitch of the resonator plate.

In this embodiment, the drum 3 comprises a perforated ring 35, the holes being circular in shape with a diameter on the outside of the drum of 2 to 5 mm, for example 2 mm. The infrared spectrometer 21 is positioned so that the infrared radiation continuously emitted by the infrared source 5 can penetrate into the drum 3 through each hole of the perforated ring 35, that is, act on laundry items 22 in the drum 3, and the radiation detector 7 can detect reflected radiation through the hole as a measurement signal. In this embodiment, the drum 3 rotates at a speed of 60 rpm in the direction indicated by arrow 23. The period Δt during which the radiation detector 7 subsequently registers each measurement signal, in this embodiment, is 1 ms.

The measurement signals recorded by the radiation detector 7, in this case, come in the form of a sensor signal (reflection) as a function of time t, after which they can be converted into a broadband spectrum and analyzed by an algorithm recorded in microcomputer 6. Microcomputer 6 in this case is built into the spectrometer 21 .

Figure 2 schematically shows the measuring principle underlying the method according to the invention. The measurement principle is based on reflection measurement. By the radiation source S, 27, the textile product 34 located in the drum of the plumbing appliance is exposed to radiation 31. In this case, radiation 31 is carried out through the hole in the outer wall 30 of the drum with a diameter D _L , whereby the most accurate beam passage through the hole is beneficial. After the interaction of radiation with a textile product 34, the diffuse reflection of radiation is described by the Lambert-Behr law. After that, the diffusely reflected radiation 32 is detected by the radiation detector D, 28 within the reception angle of the detector, in this case called the measurement spot 36. Arrow 33 indicates the direction of rotation of the drum. If the drum rotates with a rotation frequency Dz, then the period Δt in this embodiment is determined by the formula D _L / U * Dz, where U is the drum circumference. The period Δt may vary, for example, due to a change in the rotational speed Dz, the circumference U of the drum and the diameter D _{L of the} hole. Thus, it is possible to flexibly change the design for different types of spectrometers and plumbing appliances.

Reference List

1 plumbing appliance, washing machine

2 tank for washing solution

3 drum

4 recess (recess) in the tank for washing solution

5 radiation source, infrared radiation source

6 microcomputer

7 radiation detector

8 (automatic) dosing device

9 shutoff valve

10 clean water pipeline

11 flushing tray

12 building

13 discharge pipe

14 pump

15 power detector

16 indicator

17 drain line of the tank for washing solution

18 control device

19 villi catcher

20 drive motor

21 spectrometer, infrared spectrometer

22 items of linen

23 drum rotation direction

24 grips for linen

25 water level

26 drain hole in the bottom of the tank for washing solution

27 radiation source, infrared radiation source

28 radiation detector

29 outer wall of the drum

30 hole in the drum, hole in the shell of the drum

31 emitted radiation, infrared radiation

32 detected reflected radiation

33 drum rotation direction

34 piece of linen inside the drum

35 perforated ring

36 spot measurement within the detector reception angle

Claims (23)

1. A method of operating a household water supply device (1) containing a drum (3) for receiving objects to be processed, having at least one perimeter with at least one radiation permeable portion (30, 35), a control device (18), a spectrometer (21) comprising at least one radiation source (5, 27), at least one radiation detector (7, 28) and a microcomputer (6), the microcomputer (6) and the control device (18) being configured to exchange information with each other, which allows for the exchange of data and between the spectrometer (21) and the control device (18), characterized in that the method comprises the following steps: (b) emit radiation (31) by at least one radiation source (5, 27) of the spectrometer (21) in the wavelength range from λ_one up to λ₂ through at least one radiation-permeable portion (30, 35), so that objects (22, 34) in the drum (3) are exposed to radiation (31), and at least one radiation detector (7, 28) registers objects (22, 34) radiation (32) through at least one radiation-permeable portion (30, 35) in at least one time interval Δt as a measurement signal; (c) transmit the measurement signal to the microcomputer (6), analyze the measurement signal with an analytical algorithm recorded in the microcomputer (6), and transmit the analyzed measurement signal to the control device (18); and (d) select and / or adapt the work program to the control device (18) based on the analyzed measurement signal; wherein steps (b) - (d) are performed once or repeatedly. 2. The method according to p. 1, characterized in that in step (b) emit radiation (31) with a given frequency ΔvE of the radiation pulses. 3. The method according to p. 1, characterized in that in step (b) the radiation (31) is emitted continuously. 4. The method according to one of the preceding paragraphs, characterized in that the wavelength range from λ_one up to λ₂ contains at least one absorption band of at least one type of textile product. 5. The method according to one of the preceding paragraphs, characterized in that the method further comprises a step (a), in which the drum (3) is rotated with a given rotation frequency Dz. 6. The method according to p. 5, characterized in that at step (a) the drum (3) is rotated with a rotation frequency Dz from 20 to 200 rpm. 7. The method according to one of the preceding paragraphs, characterized in that the method further comprises a step (e), in which the spectrometer (21) is cleaned. 8. A plumbing household appliance (1) containing a drum (3) for receiving objects to be processed, having at least one perimeter with at least one radiation-permeable portion (30, 35), a control device (18), a spectrometer (21 ) containing at least one radiation source (5, 27), at least one radiation detector (7, 28) and a microcomputer (6), the microcomputer (6) and the control device (18) being configured to exchange information with each other another, which allows data exchange between the spectrometer (21) and a control device (18), characterized in that the control device (18) is configured to implement a method comprising the following steps: (b) emission of radiation (31) by at least one radiation source (5, 27) of spectrometer (21) in the wavelength range from λ_one up to λ₂ through at least one radiation-permeable portion (30, 35), so that objects (22, 34) in the drum (3) are exposed to radiation (31), and at least one detector (7, 28) detects radiation reflected from radiation objects (22, 34) (32) through at least one radiation-permeable portion (30, 35) in at least one time interval Δt as a measurement signal; (c) transmitting the measurement signal to the microcomputer (6), analyzing the measurement signal with an analytical algorithm recorded in the microcomputer (6), and transmitting the analyzed measurement signal to the control device (18); and (d) selection and / or adaptation of the work program by the control device (18) based on the analyzed measurement signal; moreover, provides for a single or multiple execution of steps (b) to (d). 9. A household appliance (1) according to claim 8, characterized in that the household appliance (1) comprises a container for the processing agent and an automatic metering device (8) for dispensing the processing agent connected to the control device (18). 10. Household appliance (1) according to one of paragraphs. 8-9, characterized in that at least one source (5, 27) of radiation is a broadband source for emitting radiation (31) in the infrared region. 11. Household appliance (1) according to one of paragraphs. 8-10, characterized in that the household appliance (1) is a washing or washing-drying machine with a tank (2) for washing solution, the spectrometer (21) being installed in a recess (4) of the shell of the washing solution tank. 12. The household appliance (1) according to one of paragraphs. 8-11, characterized in that the drum (3) has a predetermined start / stop position. 13. Household appliance (1) according to one of paragraphs. 8-12, characterized in that at least one radiation-permeable portion (30, 35) is an opening (30). 14. A household appliance (1) according to claim 13, characterized in that the hole (30) has the shape of an ellipse. 15. A household appliance (1) according to one of paragraphs. 8-12, characterized in that at least one radiation-permeable portion (30, 35) is a transparent plastic insert.

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