WO2011067285A1

WO2011067285A1 - Method to control a filling of a washing machine tub with water, and washing machine that implements such method

Info

Publication number: WO2011067285A1
Application number: PCT/EP2010/068632
Authority: WO
Inventors: Luis Javier Ferreruela Blesa; Carlos DONAIRE CLAVERÍA; Pedro Luis Gascon Dominguez
Original assignee: BSH Bosch und Siemens Hausgeräte GmbH
Priority date: 2009-12-03
Filing date: 2010-12-01
Publication date: 2011-06-09
Also published as: ES2376127B1; EP2507427A1; EP2507427B1; CN102639777A; CN102639777B; EA201270645A1; ES2376127A1; PL2507427T3; EA022681B1

Abstract

The invention relates to a method for controlling a filling of a tub 20 of a washing machine 10 with water and a washing machine 10 that implements such method. The washing machine has a tub 20 tillable with water and hydraulically connected to at least two water inlets 30, 40 connectable to corresponding external water intakes 31, 41, a control valve 32, 42 in each water inlet for opening up and closing off the flow of water from the external water intakes to the tub, and a water level sensor 50 to detect a predetermined maximum water level in the tub. The method at the beginning of a wash cycle comprises the steps of opening the first control valve 32 to allow water to flow into the tub 20, measuring the water level in the tub, and if the maximum water level has been reached, continuing the wash cycle, or if the maximum water level has not been reached within a predetermined time, then opening the second control valve 42 to allow water to flow into the tub and implementing step b), namely, if the maximum water level has been reached, continuing the wash cycle, or if the maximum water level has not been reached within a predetermined time, then step b4) cancelling the wash cycle.

Description

METHOD TO CONTROL A FILLING OF A WASHING MACHINE TUB WITH WATER, AND WASHING MACHINE THAT

IMPLEMENTS SUCH METHOD The invention relates to the field of methods for controlling the addition of water to fill a tub of a washing machine, the washing machine comprising a tub fillable with water and hydraulically connected to at least two water inlets connectable to corresponding water supply intakes, a control valve in each water inlet to open up and close off the water flow from the supply intakes to the tub, and a water level sensor to detect a predetermined maximum water level in the tub, as well as to the field of washing machines using methods of this type.

Washing machines are known that have two water inlets connected upstream to corresponding water supply intakes, generally one intake for cold water and another for hot water going downstream to a tub. The purpose of the hot water intake is to reduce the consumption of electricity required by the washer to run the electrical resistance heater that heats the wash water inside the tub during the wash cycles in which hot water is required. Each of the water inlets is attached to a control valve that controls the flow of water from the supply intake to the tub. These control valves are controlled by a function timer. In known washers with two water inlets, the timer is programmed with a method to control the filling of the tub and at the beginning of the hot water wash cycle controls the opening of both valves so that the tub is filled to a predetermined level limited by a level sensor. The filling time depends on the water flow rate allowed by the supply intakes. If the flow rate is low, the time increases. If there is no flow in one of the water intakes, the machine does not continue the wash cycle and warns the user of the error. This is a problem in houses where there is no hot water supply intake since the machine will shut off. To resolve this, machines are provided with a Ύ-shaped" device to direct the water from one water supply intake to both water inlets of the machine. Another solution in some machines is simply to take water in from the connected inlet without shutting off the machine with the disadvantage that the user will not know if the machine is improperly connected if both supply intakes are connected, and with the disadvantage that a low incoming water temperature will require the resistance heater to take more time to achieve the washing temperature.

An object of the present invention thus is a method that solves the problems of the state of the art and that makes the filling of a washing machine tub more efficient. Another object is to provide a washing machine implementing such method.

These and other objects are achieved with the method and the washing machine according to the respective independent claim as appended. Preferred embodiments of the invention are subject of dependent claims as appended and of the subsequent description, with each preferred embodiment of the method corresponding to a preferred embodiment of the washing machine and vice versa even if not indicated so expressly herein.

According to the invention, these objects are achieved by a method for controlling addition of water to fill a tub of a washing machine ,the washing machine comprising a tub fillable with water and hydraulically connected to at least two water inlets connectable to corresponding external water supply intakes, a control valve in each water inlet to open up and close off the water flow from the external water supply intakes to the tub, and a water level sensor to detect a predetermined maximum water level in the tub; wherein the method, at a beginning of a wash cycle, comprises steps of:

a) opening the first control valve to allow water to flow into the tub,

b) measuring the water level in the tub, and

b1 ) if the maximum water level has been reached,

continuing the washing cycle or if the maximum water level has not been reached within a predetermined time,

b2) opening the second control valve to allow water to flow into the tub, and implementing step b)

b3) if the maximum water level has been reached, continuing the washing cycle or if the maximum water level has not been reached within a predetermined time, b4) canceling the wash cycle.

The water inlets are connected by water lines to the water supply intakes, which must be opened to allow water to flow into the control valves. The water supply intakes will normally provide hot and cold water, respectively. The water inlets are hydraulically connected to the tub by means of water connection lines. The control valves may be solenoid valves typically used in these appliances. The level detector may be a pressure switch connected by means of a pressure gauge chamber to the tub, which when filled with water causes the air inside the chamber to indicate the pressure and thereby the water level inside the tub.

With a method according to the present invention, a Y-shaped connection between the water connection lines and the tub is not necessary since the machine shuts off only if the required water level is not reached within a predetermined time interval. This means that either the user has not opened the water flow from the external water supply intake or the machine is not connected, or that the machine is broken and is leaking water. In any of these cases, the wash cycle is suspended. In this manner as well, the filling of the tub with water begins only from a single external water intake and there is no mixing, which is advantageous to the user.

In a more advanced embodiment, the washing machine also comprises a water flow sensor at least in the control valve of the first water inlet to detect water flow into the tub entering through the first water inlet, wherein the method, at the beginning of the wash cycle after opening the first control valve to allow water to flow into the tub, in addition comprises the steps of,

c) measuring the water flow entering the tub, and

c1 ) if incoming water flow is present, measuring the water level in the tub and if the water level maximum has been reached, then continuing the wash cycle or if the water level maximum has not been reached within a predetermined time interval, then canceling the wash cycle,

c2) or, if there is no incoming water flow, opening the second water control valve to allow water to flow into the tub, and measuring the water level in the tub, and if the maximum water level has been reached, then continuing the wash cycle or if the maximum water level has not been reached within a predetermined time, then canceling the wash cycle.

The flow sensor may be a flowmeter, which can be placed at any point in the water circuit between the external water intake and the tub inlet and which, when the control valve for the first water inlet is opened, measures the flow rate of water passing through it. Having a flow sensor such as in the present invention saves time since there is no need to wait for the predetermined time interval for filling the tub, and it immediately closes the first control valve and opens the second water inlet to fill the tub.

The washing machine preferredly also comprises an alarm device to alert the user that there is a problem with the water supply to the tub, and after canceling the wash cycle, the method also generates an alarm signal. It can also signal when the second water inlet is open to let the user know that, for whatever reason, the first water inlet is not supplying the washing machine.

In a more advanced and preferred configuration, the washing machine also comprises a water flow sensor in the control valve of the second water inlet to detect a predetermined minimum water flow entering the tub through the second water inlet, wherein after opening the second control valve to allow water to flow into the tub, the method measures the flow rate of water entering the tub and goes through the steps of measuring the water level in the tub, and if the maximum water level has been reached, continues the wash cycle or if the maximum water level has not been reached within a predetermined time, cancels the wash cycle. In the same preferred manner as previously, the flow sensor is a flowmeter that can be placed at any point in the water circuit between the external water intake and the inlet to the tub, and which, when the control valve for the second water inlet is open, measures the flow rate of water passing through it. Having a flow sensor such as in the present invention saves time since there is no need to wait to measure the predetermined time for filling the tub and, if there is no flow, the wash cycle can be canceled immediately.

Another advanced and preferred embodiment is provided in which the washing machine comprises a water flow sensor at least in the control valve of the first water inlet to detect a predetermined minimum water flow entering through the first water inlet to the tub, wherein the method at the beginning of the wash cycle after opening the first control valve to allow water to flow into the tub, in addition, comprises the steps of,

c) measuring the flow rate of water entering the tub, and

c1 ) if incoming water flow is present and it is greater than the predetermined minimum water flow, measuring the water level in the tub, and if the minimum water level is reached, then continuing the wash cycle, or if the predetermined minimum water level is not reached within a predetermined time, then canceling the wash cycle,

c2) or, if there is no water flow entering or it is less than the minimum water flow, opening up the second control valve to allow water to flow into the tub, and measuring the water level in the tub, and if the maximum water level has been reached, then continuing the wash cycle or if the maximum water level has not been reached within a predetermined time, then canceling the wash cycle.

Another object of the present invention is a washing machine with a method for controlling a water filling that solves the problems of the machines of the state of the art and that operates more efficiently.

This object and other objects are achieved, in accordance with the invention, by a washing machine that has a tub that is fillable with water and is hydraulically connected to at least two water inlets that are connectable to corresponding external water intakes, a control valve in each water inlet to open up and close off the flow of water from the external water intakes to the tub, and a water level sensor to detect a predefined maximum water level in the tub, and control means for implementing the method of the present invention.

In a preferred embodiment, the washing machine also comprises a water flow sensor at least in the first control valve of the first water inlet to detect water flow entering the tub through the first water inlet. Moreover, the first water inlet is connectable to a hot water supply intake and the second inlet is connectable to a cold water supply intake. This gives the washing machine of the present invention increased energy efficiency since the purpose of the hot water intake is to reduce the consumption of electricity needed by the washer to run the electrical resistance heater that heats the wash water inside the tub during the wash cycles in which hot water is required, and when all the intake water supplied is hot water, the temperature of the water will be greater than if it is mixed as in washers of the state of the art.

In another different embodiment, the first water inlet is connectable to a water reservoir tank and the second water inlet is connectable to a cold water supply intake, and in an advanced version, the water reservoir tank is a recycled water reservoir tank. This is advantageous for locations where it is possible to recycle previously used water suitable for the first part of the wash cycle. These cases require a pressure pump that is activated by opening the control valve, to pump the water to the tub.

The washing machine is provided with control means including an alarm device to provide an alarm when the wash cycle is canceled, and also when the control valve of the second water inlet has opened because the first inlet did not fill the tub. In this case, it is desirable for the alarm signal to be produced only on time in the first wash cycle in which no water has entered yet through the hot water supply intake. Thus, the user will check the connection if a hot water supply intake if present, and if it is not present, an alarm signal will not be observed at the beginning of every wash cycle.

Other advantages of the invention can be inferred from the following detailed description of preferred embodiments of the invention together with the figure shown in the appended drawing. The drawing, the description and the claims contain combinations of numerous characteristics. One skilled in the art could advantageously also consider the characteristics individually and recombine them in other reasonable combinations without departing from the scope of the invention. In the drawing,

Figure 1 shows a washing machine with two water inlets.

Figure 1 shows a washing machine 10 that has a tub 20 fillable with water and hydraulically connected to at least two water inlets 30, 40 connectable to corresponding water supply intakes 31 , 41 , one with hot water 31 and one with cold water 41. The washing machine also has a control valve 32, 42 in each water inlet, a first control valve 32 for opening up and closing off the flow of water from the hot water intake 31 to the tub 20, and a second control valve 42 for opening up and closing off the flow of water from the cold water intake 41 to the tub 20. Moreover, the washing machine 10 has a water level sensor 50 to detect the predefined maximum water level in the tub 20, and in addition a first water flow sensor 33 in the first control valve 32 of the first water inlet 30 to detect a water flow passing through the first water inlet 30 to the tub 20, and a second water flow sensor 43 in the second control valve 42 of the second water inlet 40 to detect water flow passing through the second water inlet 40 to the tub 20. The washing machine has a control means 60 for implementing the method for controlling the filling of the tub 20. The control method is utilized especially in wash cycles in which it is desired to wash with water at a temperature above 40 °C. Water from the hot water supply inlet is normally supplied at this temperature. The method comprises the steps of opening the hot water control valve 32 to allow water to flow to the tub 20, measuring the water flow with the flow sensor 33, and if there is hot water flow, measuring the water level with the level sensor 50 in the tub 20, and if a predefined maximum water level has been reached, continuing the wash cycle. If the maximum water level has not been reached within a predetermined time, the wash cycle is canceled since a malfunction of the machine is assumed. If no water flow is read by the flow sensor 33, the cold water control valve 42 is opened to allow cold water to flow to the tub 20, the water flow is measured with the flow sensor 43, and if cold water is flowing, then the water level in the tub 20 is measured by the level sensor 50, and if the predefined maximum water level has been reached, the wash cycle is continued. If the maximum water level has not been reached within a predetermined time, the wash cycle is canceled since a malfunction of the machine is assumed. When the cold water valve 32 is opened, the control means 60 is provided with an alarm device to alert the user during the first wash cycle that there is no hot water intake. No alarm will be given in future wash cycles unless in a future wash cycle the user should connect the hot water intake 31 to the first water inlet 30 and then disconnect it in a later cycle. The alarm device that is provided for, moreover, warns that the wash cycle has been canceled.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMERALS

10 Washing machine

20 Tub

30, 40 Water inlets

31 , 41 External water intakes

32, 42 Control valves

33, 43 Flow sensors

50 Level sensor

60 Control means

Claims

Method for controlling a water filling of a washing tub (20) of a washing machine (10), said washing machine (10) comprising

a washing tub (20) fillable with water and in hydraulic connection with at least two water inlets (30, 40) connectable to corresponding external water intakes (31 , 41 ), a control valve (32, 42) at each water inlet for opening and closing the water flow- through from the external water intakes towards the washing tub,

and a water level sensor (50) for detecting a pre-determined maximum water level in the washing tub;

characterized in that

the method, at a beginning of a washing cycle, comprises the steps of

a) opening the first control valve (32) to let flow the water into the washing tub (20),

b) measuring the water level in the washing tub, and

b1 ) if the maximum water level is reached, continuing the washing cycle, or if the maximum water level is not reached within a predetermined time period,

b2) opening the second control valve (42) to allow water flow-through into the washing tub, and carrying out step b)

b3) if the maximum water level is reached, continuing the washing cycle, or if the maximum water level is not reached within the predetermined time period,

b4) cancelling the washing cycle.

Method according to claim 1 , characterized in that the washing machine also comprises a water flow volume sensor (33, 43) at least at the first control valve (32) of the first water inlet (30) for detecting a flow volume of water inflow entering the washing tub (20) through the first water inlet,

wherein the method, at the beginning of the washing cycle, after step a), also comprises the steps of c) measuring the water flow volume entering the washing tub, and

c1 ) if there is flow volume of inflow water, carrying out steps b) and b1 ), or b4), or

c2) if there is no flow volume of inflow water, carrying out steps b2) and b3), or b4).

3. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the washing machine (10) also comprises a warning device, and the method, after step b4), also comprises the steps of

d) emitting a warning signal.

4. Method according to one of claims 2 or 3, characterized in that the washing machine also comprises a water flow volume sensor (43) at the second control valve (42) of the second water inlet for detecting a pre-determined minimum water flow volume entering the washing tub (20) through the second water inlet (40), wherein the method, after opening the second control valve to allow water flow- through into the washing tub, comprises the steps of

e) measuring the water flow volume entering the washing tub, and carrying out steps b2) and b3) or b4).

5. Method according to claim 1 , characterized in that the washing machine also comprises a water flow volume sensor (33, 43) at least at the first control valve (32) of the first water inlet for detecting a pre-determined minimum water flow volume entering the washing tub through the first water inlet,

wherein the method, at the beginning of the washing cycle, after step a), also comprises the steps of

c) measuring the water flow volume entering the washing tub, and

c1 ) if there is water flow volume entering the washing tub and it is equal to or greater than the minimum water flow volume, carrying out steps b) and b1 ), or b4), or

c2) if there is no water flow volume entering the washing tub, or if there is water flow volume entering the washing tub but it is lower than the minimum water flow volume, carrying out steps b2) and b3), or b4). Washing machine comprising a washing tub (20) tillable with water and in hydraulic connection with at least two water inlets (30, 40) connectable to corresponding external water intakes (31 , 41 ),

a control valve (32, 42) at each water inlet for opening and closing the water flow- through from the external water intakes towards the washing tub,

and a water level sensor (50) for detecting a pre-defined maximum water level in the washing tub;

characterized in that

the washing machine (10) also comprises control means (60) which implement the method, at a beginning of a washing cycle, comprising the steps of

b) measuring the water level in the washing tub, and

b4) cancelling the washing cycle.

Washing machine according to claim 6, characterized in that the washing machine also comprises a water flow volume sensor (33, 43) at least at the first control valve (33) of the first water inlet for detecting a pre-determined minimum water flow volume entering the washing tub through the first water inlet.

Washing machine according to one of claims 6 or 7, characterized in that the first water inlet (30) is connectable to a water intake of warm water mains (31 ) and the second water inlet (40) is connectable to a water intake of cold water mains (41 ). Washing machine according to one of claims 6 to 8, characterized in that the first water inlet (30) is connectable to a water reservoir and the second water inlet (40) is connectable to a water intake of cold water mains (41 ).

0. Washing machine according to claim 9, characterized in that the water reservoir is a reservoir of recycled water.

1. Washing machine according to one of claims 6 to 10, characterized in that the control means (60) have a warning device.