US20060075578A1 - Method of monitoring the filling of a washing machine drum with water - Google Patents

Method of monitoring the filling of a washing machine drum with water Download PDF

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Publication number
US20060075578A1
US20060075578A1 US11/247,076 US24707605A US2006075578A1 US 20060075578 A1 US20060075578 A1 US 20060075578A1 US 24707605 A US24707605 A US 24707605A US 2006075578 A1 US2006075578 A1 US 2006075578A1
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US
United States
Prior art keywords
washing
aggregate
movement
phase
drum
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Abandoned
Application number
US11/247,076
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English (en)
Inventor
Wolfgang Hellhake
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Miele und Cie KG
Original Assignee
Miele und Cie KG
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Miele und Cie KG filed Critical Miele und Cie KG
Assigned to MIELE & CIE. KG. reassignment MIELE & CIE. KG. ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST (SEE DOCUMENT FOR DETAILS). Assignors: HELLHAKE, WOLFGANG
Publication of US20060075578A1 publication Critical patent/US20060075578A1/en
Abandoned legal-status Critical Current

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    • D—TEXTILES; PAPER
    • D06—TREATMENT OF TEXTILES OR THE LIKE; LAUNDERING; FLEXIBLE MATERIALS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • D06F—LAUNDERING, DRYING, IRONING, PRESSING OR FOLDING TEXTILE ARTICLES
    • D06F33/00—Control of operations performed in washing machines or washer-dryers 
    • D06F33/30—Control of washing machines characterised by the purpose or target of the control 
    • D06F33/32—Control of operational steps, e.g. optimisation or improvement of operational steps depending on the condition of the laundry
    • D06F33/34—Control of operational steps, e.g. optimisation or improvement of operational steps depending on the condition of the laundry of water filling
    • D—TEXTILES; PAPER
    • D06—TREATMENT OF TEXTILES OR THE LIKE; LAUNDERING; FLEXIBLE MATERIALS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • D06F—LAUNDERING, DRYING, IRONING, PRESSING OR FOLDING TEXTILE ARTICLES
    • D06F37/00—Details specific to washing machines covered by groups D06F21/00 - D06F25/00
    • D06F37/42—Safety arrangements, e.g. for stopping rotation of the receptacle upon opening of the casing door
    • D—TEXTILES; PAPER
    • D06—TREATMENT OF TEXTILES OR THE LIKE; LAUNDERING; FLEXIBLE MATERIALS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • D06F—LAUNDERING, DRYING, IRONING, PRESSING OR FOLDING TEXTILE ARTICLES
    • D06F2103/00—Parameters monitored or detected for the control of domestic laundry washing machines, washer-dryers or laundry dryers
    • D06F2103/02—Characteristics of laundry or load
    • D06F2103/04—Quantity, e.g. weight or variation of weight
    • D—TEXTILES; PAPER
    • D06—TREATMENT OF TEXTILES OR THE LIKE; LAUNDERING; FLEXIBLE MATERIALS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • D06F—LAUNDERING, DRYING, IRONING, PRESSING OR FOLDING TEXTILE ARTICLES
    • D06F2103/00—Parameters monitored or detected for the control of domestic laundry washing machines, washer-dryers or laundry dryers
    • D06F2103/24—Spin speed; Drum movements
    • D—TEXTILES; PAPER
    • D06—TREATMENT OF TEXTILES OR THE LIKE; LAUNDERING; FLEXIBLE MATERIALS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • D06F—LAUNDERING, DRYING, IRONING, PRESSING OR FOLDING TEXTILE ARTICLES
    • D06F2105/00—Systems or parameters controlled or affected by the control systems of washing machines, washer-dryers or laundry dryers
    • D06F2105/58—Indications or alarms to the control system or to the user
    • D—TEXTILES; PAPER
    • D06—TREATMENT OF TEXTILES OR THE LIKE; LAUNDERING; FLEXIBLE MATERIALS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • D06F—LAUNDERING, DRYING, IRONING, PRESSING OR FOLDING TEXTILE ARTICLES
    • D06F2105/00—Systems or parameters controlled or affected by the control systems of washing machines, washer-dryers or laundry dryers
    • D06F2105/58—Indications or alarms to the control system or to the user
    • D06F2105/60—Audible signals

Definitions

  • the invention in general, relates to a method of monitoring the filling of a washing machine drum with water and, more particularly, to a method of the kind referred to in a washing machine provided with a housing, a washing aggregate including a tub mounted for oscillatory movement within the housing and including a drum rotatably mounted therein for receiving laundry and/or washing fluid and sensor for detecting a movement of the aggregate and for discontinuing any washing program upon recognition of an impermissible movement during a first phase of the washing program, with the drum being either stationary or rotating to and fro during the first phase.
  • Patent Abstracts of Japan No. JP 2004065408 A Such a method is generally known from the disclosure of Patent Abstracts of Japan No. JP 2004065408 A. It is provided with a sensor for detecting an impermissible movement of the drum or of the washing fluid tub during an idle time between initiation and execution of the washing program. A similar method has been disclosed by Patent Abstracts of Japan No. JP 10179978 A. A motion sensor or acceleration sensor mounted at an upper portion of the tub recognizes a detected movement as originating from a child within the drum. Its proper function is, however, dependent upon movements of the child.
  • the invention provides a method of monitoring the filling of a washing machine drum with water and, more particularly, to a method of the kind referred to in a washing machine provided with a housing, a washing aggregate including a tub mounted for oscillatory movement within the housing and including a drum rotatably mounted therein for receiving laundry and/or washing fluid and sensor for detecting a movement of the aggregate and for discontinuing any washing program upon recognition of an impermissible movement during a first phase of the washing program, with the drum being either stationary or rotating to and fro during the first phase, the method including the step of introducing a predetermined quantity of water into the tub during the first phase of the washing program.
  • the advantage derived from the method in accordance with the invention is that a very reliable recognition of a child or pet within the drum of a washing machine results in high safety and the prevention of possible hazards and injuries.
  • a further advantage is that the method is extremely simple and cost-efficient, since it depends upon the utilization of sensors and/or detectors for the weight of laundry or out of round movement of the drum which are standard features of current washing machines.
  • the method is advantageously characterized the fact that a child sleeping in the drum will be woken and stimulated to move. This is accomplished in a simple manner by water, in particular cold water being introduced into the tub and drum after initiation of a washing program, i.e. after actuating a start button.
  • the drum Since during this first phase the drum is not yet moved by its drive, any detected movement will result in termination of a selected washing program.
  • the first phase of the washing program may include movements of the drum, especially rocking motions, in order effectively to induce any child in the drum to move. There are no possibilities of the child being hurt or injured by such movements.
  • a visible or audible alarm may be issued or the loading door may be automatically unlatched and opened.
  • the quantity and temperature of the water are limited so that any child in the drum can neither drown nor be injured in any other way.
  • the quantify of introduced water is only a partial portion of the washing liquid required for executing a washing program.
  • the duration of the first phase of the washing program is such that at the beginning of the first phase water is fed in, e.g., for about 30 seconds and that the machine remains idle thereafter, for instance for about 60 seconds prior to commencement of the second phase which includes the washing program proper.
  • the entire first phase i.e. for about 90 seconds, the any movement of the washing aggregate or of drum will be monitored and upon detection of any movement caused by a child the second phase of the washing program will not be commenced.
  • the first phase may be terminated or interrupted immediately upon detection of impermissible movements in order to shorten the first phase and any time a child may be in the tub or drum and thus to reduce or prevent any traumatic experience.
  • a path sensor is used for detecting the movement.
  • sensors are customarily provided between the washing aggregate and the housing.
  • the detection may also be brought about by other means, such as, for example, tachometers, motion sensors, acceleration meters, pressure gages, power sensors or torsion sensors.
  • the detection or recognition of a child being impermissibly present in the drum and subject to harm therein is fed to an evaluation unit.
  • the method is not limited in its application to the recognition of a child or animal being present in the drum of a washing machine, but it may be utilized to equal advantage to the detection of dogs, cats, rabbits birds or anything else which causes a washing machine drum to move impermissibly at a time when it should be stationary.
  • FIG. 1 is a schematic presentation of the arrangement of a washing aggregate within a housing
  • FIG. 2 exemplarily depicts a diagram of the condition of a washing program in a normal situation
  • FIG. 3 exemplarily depicts a diagram of the condition of a washing program in a faulty situation.
  • the washing aggregate or washing fluid tub 2 is suspended by springs 3 for oscillatory movements within the housing 1 of a washing machine housing from housing components not shown.
  • the washing aggregate consists of a washing fluid tub 2 and a drum 16 mounted for rotary movement within the tub 2 .
  • Rotary movement is at times imparted to the drum 16 by a motor 19 by way of a belt drive.
  • Shock absorbers 4 are provided to prevent excessive oscillations in case of imbalanced loads in the drum 16 .
  • a path sensor 6 detects not only any imbalance or the condition of a load within the drum 16 but also movements of the washing aggregate 2 or of the drum 16 .
  • An evaluation unit 5 is connected by way of a connecting line 7 to the path sensor 6 to receive from it any detected values.
  • a detergent chamber 15 is provided to receive and during a washing operation to dispense predetermined amounts of detergent and/or other washing agents.
  • a loading opening 17 is closed after loading the laundry into the drum 16 and before starting a selected washing program.
  • FIG. 2 schematically depicts the chronological sequence of a washing program.
  • the washing machine is either switched off or the user has nor yet started the washing program.
  • the start button 9 is actuated which activates the first phase 10 of the washing program.
  • means such as the path sensor 6 and an evaluation circuit 5 are activated for detecting any movement of the washing aggregate or of the drum 16 .
  • water more particularly cold water, is fed to the washing fluid tub and into the drum 16 at the beginning of the first phase. The time during which water is fed and the quantity of the water are measured such that while a child or pet possibly present in the drum 16 will be drenched and woken and startled to move, it will not drown or undercooled.
  • the second phase includes the actual washing program selected by the user.
  • the second phase 12 and the washing program which includes washing, rinsing and spinning cycles with strong drum movements will run completely until its programmed termination 13 .
  • FIG. 3 by way of example depicts the chronological sequence of a program abortion 14 .
  • an audible or visible alarm 18 may be issued and/or the loading opening 17 may be automatically unlatched or opened.
US11/247,076 2004-10-11 2005-10-11 Method of monitoring the filling of a washing machine drum with water Abandoned US20060075578A1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
DE102004049647.1 2004-10-11
DE102004049647A DE102004049647B3 (de) 2004-10-11 2004-10-11 Verfahren zum Betreiben einer Waschmaschine

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
US20060075578A1 true US20060075578A1 (en) 2006-04-13

Family

ID=35511671

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
US11/247,076 Abandoned US20060075578A1 (en) 2004-10-11 2005-10-11 Method of monitoring the filling of a washing machine drum with water

Country Status (6)

Country Link
US (1) US20060075578A1 (de)
EP (1) EP1645676B1 (de)
AT (1) ATE493532T1 (de)
DE (2) DE102004049647B3 (de)
ES (1) ES2354431T3 (de)
PL (1) PL1645676T3 (de)

Cited By (8)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US20080127428A1 (en) * 2004-10-11 2008-06-05 Wolfgang Hellhake Method of monitoring the rotational movement of a washing machine drum
EP2048274A1 (de) * 2007-10-09 2009-04-15 Electrolux Home Products Corporation N.V. Haushaltsgerät mit Detektionssystem der Anwesenheit eines Lebewesens und Betriebsverfahren dafür
US20140379142A1 (en) * 2013-06-25 2014-12-25 Whirlpool Corporation Method of operation for a laundry treating appliance
US10480112B2 (en) 2013-12-17 2019-11-19 Miele & Cie. Kg Method for operating a domestic appliance, and domestic appliance
CN110541277A (zh) * 2018-05-28 2019-12-06 青岛海尔滚筒洗衣机有限公司 一种门体控制方法及洗衣机
CN111621955A (zh) * 2019-02-28 2020-09-04 青岛海尔洗衣机有限公司 一种洗衣机安全防护控制方法及洗衣机
CN113529334A (zh) * 2020-04-14 2021-10-22 青岛海尔洗衣机有限公司 一种衣物处理装置的控制方法及衣物处理装置
US20220042232A1 (en) * 2020-08-07 2022-02-10 Whirlpool Corporation Color Sensor For Washing Machines

Families Citing this family (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
PL1882769T3 (pl) * 2006-07-25 2012-05-31 Electrolux Home Products Corp Nv Maszyna pralnicza z czujnikiem ruchu
DE102013013666B4 (de) * 2013-08-16 2021-09-30 Diehl Ako Stiftung & Co. Kg Wäschebehandlungsgerät und Verfahren zum Steuern des Betriebs eines Wäschebehandlungsgerätes

Citations (7)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US5870906A (en) * 1996-04-03 1999-02-16 Denisar; Richard A. Automatic dispensing device
US6029298A (en) * 1998-04-14 2000-02-29 General Electric Company System and method for determining a liquid level setting in a washing machine
US6327729B1 (en) * 1999-03-31 2001-12-11 Maytag Corporation Washer lid having fluid dispenser and method for using same
US6460381B1 (en) * 1999-03-29 2002-10-08 Sanyo Electric Co., Ltd. Washing machine or an apparatus having a rotatable container
US6564413B2 (en) * 2000-11-15 2003-05-20 Whirlpool Corporation Method for operating a front-loading washing machine
US20030154557A1 (en) * 2002-02-19 2003-08-21 Sears Jeffrey L. Washing machine with pay activated bulk detergent dispenser
US20080127428A1 (en) * 2004-10-11 2008-06-05 Wolfgang Hellhake Method of monitoring the rotational movement of a washing machine drum

Family Cites Families (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
DE4225769C2 (de) * 1992-08-04 1997-02-20 Bosch Siemens Hausgeraete Automatisch gesteuerte Wäschebehandlungsmaschine
JP3389434B2 (ja) * 1996-12-25 2003-03-24 シャープ株式会社 ドラム式洗濯機
JP2004065408A (ja) * 2002-08-05 2004-03-04 Sanyo Electric Co Ltd 洗濯機

Patent Citations (7)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US5870906A (en) * 1996-04-03 1999-02-16 Denisar; Richard A. Automatic dispensing device
US6029298A (en) * 1998-04-14 2000-02-29 General Electric Company System and method for determining a liquid level setting in a washing machine
US6460381B1 (en) * 1999-03-29 2002-10-08 Sanyo Electric Co., Ltd. Washing machine or an apparatus having a rotatable container
US6327729B1 (en) * 1999-03-31 2001-12-11 Maytag Corporation Washer lid having fluid dispenser and method for using same
US6564413B2 (en) * 2000-11-15 2003-05-20 Whirlpool Corporation Method for operating a front-loading washing machine
US20030154557A1 (en) * 2002-02-19 2003-08-21 Sears Jeffrey L. Washing machine with pay activated bulk detergent dispenser
US20080127428A1 (en) * 2004-10-11 2008-06-05 Wolfgang Hellhake Method of monitoring the rotational movement of a washing machine drum

Cited By (11)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US20080127428A1 (en) * 2004-10-11 2008-06-05 Wolfgang Hellhake Method of monitoring the rotational movement of a washing machine drum
US7610643B2 (en) 2004-10-11 2009-11-03 Miele & Cie. Kg Method of monitoring the rotational movement of a washing machine drum
EP2048274A1 (de) * 2007-10-09 2009-04-15 Electrolux Home Products Corporation N.V. Haushaltsgerät mit Detektionssystem der Anwesenheit eines Lebewesens und Betriebsverfahren dafür
US20140379142A1 (en) * 2013-06-25 2014-12-25 Whirlpool Corporation Method of operation for a laundry treating appliance
US9493897B2 (en) * 2013-06-25 2016-11-15 Whirlpool Corporation Method of operation for a laundry treating appliance having a ball balance ring
US10480112B2 (en) 2013-12-17 2019-11-19 Miele & Cie. Kg Method for operating a domestic appliance, and domestic appliance
CN110541277A (zh) * 2018-05-28 2019-12-06 青岛海尔滚筒洗衣机有限公司 一种门体控制方法及洗衣机
CN111621955A (zh) * 2019-02-28 2020-09-04 青岛海尔洗衣机有限公司 一种洗衣机安全防护控制方法及洗衣机
CN113529334A (zh) * 2020-04-14 2021-10-22 青岛海尔洗衣机有限公司 一种衣物处理装置的控制方法及衣物处理装置
US20220042232A1 (en) * 2020-08-07 2022-02-10 Whirlpool Corporation Color Sensor For Washing Machines
US11578448B2 (en) * 2020-08-07 2023-02-14 Whirlpool Corporation Color sensor for washing machines

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
DE502005010746D1 (de) 2011-02-10
DE102004049647B3 (de) 2006-01-26
EP1645676A3 (de) 2008-05-07
ES2354431T3 (es) 2011-03-14
ATE493532T1 (de) 2011-01-15
EP1645676B1 (de) 2010-12-29
PL1645676T3 (pl) 2011-04-29
EP1645676A2 (de) 2006-04-12

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Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
AS Assignment

Owner name: MIELE & CIE. KG., GERMANY

Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNOR:HELLHAKE, WOLFGANG;REEL/FRAME:017180/0646

Effective date: 20051004

STCB Information on status: application discontinuation

Free format text: ABANDONED -- AFTER EXAMINER'S ANSWER OR BOARD OF APPEALS DECISION