WO2011154251A1

WO2011154251A1 - Domestic appliance operated with water having a turbidity sensor

Info

Publication number: WO2011154251A1
Application number: PCT/EP2011/058514
Authority: WO
Inventors: Thorsten Schiegl; Stephan Sommer; Cornelia Witt
Original assignee: BSH Bosch und Siemens Hausgeräte GmbH
Priority date: 2010-06-09
Filing date: 2011-05-25
Publication date: 2011-12-15
Also published as: DE102010029890A1

Abstract

A domestic appliance 1 which is operated with water and serves, in particular, as a laundry treatment appliance 1 for washing laundry, comprises a treatment region 3, a turbidity sensor 14 and a controller 7. Here, the controller 7 carries out at least one program sequence. Here, at least one rinsing liquid can be guided into the treatment region 3 in accordance with a rinsing cycle of the program sequence, wherein a turbidity of the rinsing liquid which is guided into the treatment region 3 can be detected at least approximately by the turbidity sensor 14. Moreover, the program sequence can be set by a user, wherein, in the case of a setting of the program sequence, in which an automatic adaptation of a rinsing cycle number of the rinsing cycles is set by the user, the controller 7 adapts the rinsing cycle number of the rinsing cycles during the program sequence as a function of the turbidity which is detected by the turbidity sensor 14, and wherein, in the case of a setting of the program sequence, in which a user-selectable rinsing cycle number of the rinsing cycles is set by the user, the controller 7 carries out the rinsing cycle number selected by the user of the rinsing cycles in the program sequence. The user therefore has the possibility, in addition to a manual setting of the rinsing cycle number, of also setting an automatic adaptation of the rinsing cycle number.

Description

Water-bearing household appliance with a turbidity sensor

The invention relates to a water-conducting domestic appliance, in particular a laundry treatment appliance for washing laundry, which may optionally additionally serve for drying laundry. Specifically, the invention relates to the field of washing machines and washer-dryers.

From EP 1 209 275 A2 a household appliance in the form of a washing machine with a Laugenabpumpstrang is known. Here, a washing drum is rotatably mounted about a horizontal axis in a drum-shaped tub of the washing machine. The tub can be fed via a line, a solenoid valve and a Waschmitteleinspüleinrichtung water. At the bottom of the tub, a drain line is connected, which leads via a Flusenabscheider to the suction side of a drain pump. On the pressure side of the drain pump, a drain hose is connected, wherein the upper Abpumpleitungsstück can be connected to a drain or hung in a water drainage basin.

In a washing machine, as known from EP 1 209 275 A2, it is conceivable that a user increases the number of rinses to be carried out for rinsing the laundry. In this case, it is conceivable, for example, for one or more additional rinse cycles to be added to a program-specific basic rinse cycle number by selecting the user. However, this embodiment has the disadvantage that the user can usually only make this addition of the additional number of rinses after feeling, so that the laundry treatment in terms of the treatment result and the resources required for this purpose, especially water consumption, uneconomical.

An object of the invention is to provide a water-conducting domestic appliance, which allows both an economical operation as well as an adaptation to the needs of a user.

The object is achieved by a water-conducting domestic appliance, in particular a laundry treatment appliance for washing laundry, in which at least one Treatment area, at least one turbidity sensor and a controller are provided, wherein the controller is configured to perform at least one program flow, wherein in the treatment area corresponding to a rinse cycle of the program flow at least one rinsing fluid is feasible, at least approximately by the turbidity sensor, a turbidity in the treatment area guided flushing liquid is detected, wherein the program flow is adjustable by a user, wherein the controller is set at a setting of the program flow, in which the user automatically adjusting a Spülgangsanzahl the rinses, the Spülgangsanzahl the rinses during the program flow in dependence of at least the adjusted turbidity detected by the turbidity sensor and wherein the controller at a setting of the program flow, in which the user has set a user-selectable number of rinse cycles, the executed by the user selected rinse cycle number of rinses in the program flow. The measures listed in the dependent claims advantageous developments of the water-conducting household appliance according to the invention are possible.

Advantageously, the user selectable number of wash cycles between a predetermined minimum value for the Spülgangsanzahl and a predetermined maximum value for the Spülgangsanzahl is adjustable. This allows the user to vary the number of flushes within a reasonable range. In this way, on the one hand, a sufficient treatment result can be achieved. On the other hand, excessive resource consumption can be prevented. This also allows the user to intervene.

Furthermore, it is advantageous in this case for the controller to enable a selection of a treatment program for the program sequence from a plurality of treatment programs for the user and for the program sequence the minimum value for the number of flushes for the program flow and / or the maximum value for the number of flush cycles for the program sequence as a function of the selected treatment program are predetermined. As a result, treatment-program-specific, suitable minimum and maximum values can be predetermined. to always define meaningful areas for the number of flushes. Within these meaningful areas, on the one hand, a sufficient treatment result and, on the other, a limitation of resource consumption are guaranteed.

It is also advantageous that the controller adapts a rinse cycle duration of at least one rinse cycle of the program sequence as a function of at least the turbidity detected by the turbidity sensor. As a result, an advantageous adaptation can be ensured during the program run in order to achieve a desired treatment result and to optimize the consumption of resources. In addition, it is advantageous that a display is provided which indicates an activity of the turbidity sensor for detecting the turbidity of the rinsing liquid. Here, it is also advantageous that the display is designed as a light-emitting element. For example, the display can be designed as a light-emitting diode. This allows the user to advantageously illustrate the additional functionality provided by the turbidity sensor. As a result, this functionality is made visible to the user, so that he can perceive this differentiating feature in daily operation. In addition, the user can thereby be displayed in a simple manner, whether a program sequence is performed with or without detecting the turbidity of the rinsing liquid.

It is advantageous that a display is provided and that at the end of the program sequence, the controller outputs the executed number of rinse cycles of the rinse cycles via the display. As a result, the user can be shown the actually executed number of rinses at a time at which he can check the treatment result. In this way, the user is also facilitated the decision as to whether he should optionally specify a greater or lesser number of rinses by manual adjustment in the future in order to achieve the treatment result desired by him in relation to the resources required for this purpose. In addition, it is advantageous that an input device and a display device are provided, that via the input device at least one setting of the program sequence with respect to the number of rinse cycle is made possible that the control as a basic setting to the user via the display device automatic Indicates adjustment of the number of flushes and that the user is allowed to set the automatic adjustment of the number of flushes by confirmation or to adjust the number of flushes by a modification. Thus, initially an automatic adjustment of the number of rinsing can be predetermined, which the user only has to confirm. A user-desired manual specification of the number of flushes is then possible by a modification. This allows a simple and intuitive operation.

It is also advantageous in this case that the user is enabled to set the number of flushing cycles by stepwise increasing and decreasing by means of an increase button and a reduction button. As a result, the operation is further simplified.

It is also advantageous for the user to be able, at least indirectly, to make a setting in which the controller carries out the set number of flushing cycles of the flushing courses independently of the turbidity detectable by the turbidity sensor. Thus, the user can turn off the functionality of the turbidity sensor directly or indirectly.

Preferred embodiments of the invention are explained in more detail in the following description with reference to the accompanying drawings. 1 shows a water-conducting household appliance in an abstract, schematic

Presentation.

Fig. 1 shows a water-conducting domestic appliance 1 in a schematic representation. The water-bearing domestic appliance 1 can be configured in particular as a laundry treatment appliance and serve for washing and optionally additionally for drying laundry. Specifically, the domestic appliance 1 can be configured as a washing machine or as a washer-dryer. However, the domestic appliance 1 is also suitable for other applications, in particular, it can be configured as a dishwasher. The water-bearing domestic appliance 1 has a housing in which a treatment container 2, in particular a tub 2, is arranged. The tub 2 surrounds a treatment area 3. Here, within the Lye container 2 may be provided a rotatably mounted drum can be inserted into the laundry or the like for treating.

The water-bearing domestic appliance 1 has an inflow line 4 with a connection 5. The connection 5 is connected, for example, to a fresh water line. In the inflow line 4, a check valve 6 is arranged, which is designed for example as a solenoid valve 6. Further, a controller 7 is provided which serves, among other things, for driving the check valve 6. When the controller 7 orders opening of the check valve 6, then fresh water flows through the inlet line 4 and over a free path in a dispensing tray 8. Here, depending on the program flow in the dispenser 8 at least one treatment agent be stored, which together with the fresh water via a Connecting piece 9 passes into the treatment area 3. For example, with regard to successively executed washes, a detergent and a softener can be rinsed into the treatment area 3 via the dispenser tray 8. In addition, rinses are performed in accordance with the program sequence, in which preferably no treatment agent with the fresh water is fed into the treatment area 3. During a rinse, therefore, preferably pure fresh water enters the treatment area 3 in the treatment tank 2. In addition, a pumping line 10 is provided which can be connected via a connection 1 1 with a sewer line. In the pumping line 10, a pump 12 is arranged to pump the liquid from the tub 2 to the terminal 1 1. In this case, optionally, a pumping function can be realized via a directional control valve, so that pumping back into the tub 2 is made possible by the pump 12 at a corresponding switching position. At an underlying outlet 13 of the tub 2, a turbidity sensor 14 is mounted in this embodiment, for example, a transmitter 15 and a receiver 16 which are arranged on a transparent portion 17 of the pumping line 10. The portion 17 is in this case directly at the outlet 13, so that the turbidity sensor 14 can at least approximately detect the turbidity of the liquid in the treatment area 3. However, the turbidity sensor 14 may also be arranged at a different location of the tub 2. The turbidity sensor 14 is connected to the controller 7 via a signal line 18. The controller 7 is in this embodiment able to execute several different treatment programs. In this case, a user can select a desired treatment program and optionally influence the subsequent program sequence of the selected treatment program by one or more parameters. For example, a full washing program, a color washing program, a wool washing program and a gentle program may be available as treatment programs. As variable parameters, for example, a washing temperature, a spin speed for a spin cycle and a protective option can be available. In this embodiment, a display device 19 in the form of a screen 19 and an input device 20 are attached to the controller 7. The input device 20 has buttons 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26. In this case, the buttons 21 to 26 may be designed as mechanical buttons 21 to 26. However, the buttons 21 to 26 can also be realized in other ways, for example by touch-sensitive fields. For example, the display device 19 and the input device 20 may be configured together as a touch-sensitive display and input device 19, 20.

In this embodiment, the button 21 is configured as a confirmation button 21. The button 22 is designed as an increase button 22. Furthermore, the button 23 is designed as a reduction button. The program parameters can be set via the buttons 21 to 26, wherein the display device 19 can display the parameter currently to be changed and its instantaneous value. The controller 7 also allows the setting of a Spülgangsanzahl. In this case, after the selection of a treatment program as part of the setting of the parameters for the selected treatment program and the number of flushing cycles can be set. With regard to the selected treatment program, a minimum value for the number of rinse cycles and a maximum value for the number of rinsing cycles are preferably specified. With regard to the number of flushes, the user is preferably initially proposed to automatically adjust the number of flushes. This will be the user displayed via the screen 19. For example, screen 19 may display the words "Rinse Count" and "Automatic" to the user. By actuating the actuating button 21, the user then sets an automatic adjustment of the number of flushes of the rinse cycles for the program sequence of the selected treatment program.

On the other hand, when the user presses the increase button 22 or the decrease button 23, the user can gradually change the desired number of wash cycles by increasing and decreasing. This modification is possible within the range specified by the minimum value and the maximum value. By pressing the confirmation button 21 then the Spülgangsanzahl is set to the currently displayed value. In this case, a manual setting of the number of flushes has been made within the possible range.

In the subsequent execution of the program sequence, the controller 7 takes into account whether an automatic adjustment of the number of rinse cycles of the rinses is set or whether the Spülgangsanzahl is specified by the user. With automatic adjustment of the number of flushes, the controller 7 adjusts the number of flushes with respect to the turbidity detected by the turbidity sensor 14. Thus, a larger or smaller number of rinses can be performed as needed.

On the other hand, if the user has set a specific value for the number of flushes, then the controller 7 will execute this predetermined number of flushes on flushes. For example, if a user has set the number of flushes to "3", then three rinses are performed.

For each rinse, fresh water is first fed into the treatment area 3 in the substantially empty pumped tub 2. Then, for example, the drum provided in the treatment area 3 is operated to perform the rinse cycle. Optionally, the laundry to be rinsed may also temporarily rest in the rinse water. To stop the rinse, the rinse water is pumped off via the pump 12. Subsequently, another rinse can be performed. Depending on the configuration of the water-conducting domestic appliance 1, however, a rinse cycle can also be carried out differently. The domestic appliance 1 of the exemplary embodiment has a separate display 30, which is configured as a light-emitting element 30, in particular as a light-emitting diode 30. When the controller 7 activates the turbidity sensor 14 to detect the turbidity of the liquid in the treatment area 3, in this embodiment also the display 30 is activated. As a result, the activation of the turbidity sensor 14 is displayed to the user. Thus, the additional functionality of the domestic appliance 1, namely that turbidity detection via the turbidity sensor 14 is possible, can be made visible. In addition, the user may also observe this in a program sequence in which no activation of the turbidity sensor 14 takes place.

Thus, a water-conducting domestic appliance 1 can be realized, in which a user can set the program-specific number of flushes. Specifically, one or more additional rinses can be added to a predetermined minimum number. It is also possible that the user, starting from a mean value for the number of flushes by increasing or decreasing sets a larger or smaller number of rinses.

Thus, in addition to a manual adjustment for the Spülgangsanzahl a setting for the automatic adjustment of Spülgangsanzahl be offered. The automatic adjustment of the number of flushes is hereby preferably set as a basic setting, so that this is offered to the user first. Only if the user desires a modification by operating the increase button 22 and / or the reduction button 23, then instead of the automatic adjustment, the number of flushes set manually by the user in the program sequence is taken as the basis. In this case, a setting within the manual range between the program-specific minimum value and the program-specific maximum value is possible. In the automatic mode for adjusting the number of wash cycles, an automatic adjustment of the wash cycle duration and the number of wash cycles takes place by means of a sensor. The activity of the turbidity sensor 14 can be displayed via the display 30 here. Furthermore, at the end of the program, the number of flushes actually carried out can be output via the display device 19. Thus, the functionality of the turbidity sensor 14 with regard to the flushing process can be made visible to the user. This also allows a plausible marketing of this special property. It also allows a visible and plausible differentiation of other water-bearing household appliances that have no turbidity sensor functionality. In this case, the user also has the choice of influencing the program sequence and, if appropriate, deliberately switching off the turbidity sensor functionality.

The invention is not limited to the described embodiments.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1 water-carrying household appliance

2 treatment tanks (tubs)

3 treatment area

4 inflow line

5 connection

6 check valve (solenoid valve)

7 control

8 induction bowl

9 connecting pieces

10 pumping line

1 1 connection

12 pump

13 output

14 turbidity sensor

15 stations

16 recipients

17 section

18 signal line

19 display device (screen)

20 input device

21 actuating button

22 increase push-buttons

23 reduction buttons

24 - 26 buttons

30 indicator (LED)

Claims

1. Water-conducting household appliance (1), in particular laundry treatment appliance for washing laundry, with at least one treatment area (3), at least one turbidity sensor (14) and a controller (7), wherein the controller (7) is designed to perform at least one program sequence, wherein at least one rinsing liquid can be guided into the treatment area (3) corresponding to a rinse cycle of the program sequence, at least approximately a turbidity of the rinsing liquid guided into the treatment area (3) being detectable by the turbidity sensor (14), the program sequence being adjustable by a user, wherein the controller (7) adjusts the number of flushes of the rinses during program execution in response to at least the haze detected by the turbidity sensor (14) at a setting of the program flow in which the user automatically adjusts a rinse cycle number of the rinses, and wherein the control ( 7) at a setting of the program flow in which the user sets a user-selectable number of rinses of the rinses, the rinse cycle number of rinses selected by the user in the program sequence.

2. Water-conducting household appliance (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the user-selectable number of wash cycles between a predetermined minimum value for the Spülgangsanzahl and a predetermined maximum value for the Spülgangsanzahl is adjustable.

3. Water-conducting household appliance (1) according to claim 2, characterized in that the controller (7) allows a selection of a treatment program for the program flow of several treatment programs for the user and that the minimum value for the Spülgangsanzahl for the program flow and / or the maximum value for the number of rinsing cycles for the program sequence are predetermined as a function of the selected treatment program.

4. Water-conducting domestic appliance (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the controller (7) adapts a wash cycle duration of at least one wash cycle of the program sequence as a function of at least the turbidity detected by the turbidity sensor (14).

5. Water-conducting domestic appliance (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a display (30) is provided which indicates an activity of the turbidity sensor (14) for detecting the turbidity of the rinsing liquid.

6. Water-conducting household appliance (1) according to claim 5, characterized in that the display (30) is designed as a light-emitting element.

7. Water-conducting domestic appliance (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a display (19) is provided and that the controller (7) at the end of the program cycle, the executed rinse cycle number of rinses on the display (19) outputs.

8. Water-conducting domestic appliance (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that an input device (20) and a display device (19) are provided that on the input device (20) at least one setting of the program sequence is made possible with respect to the Spülgangsanzahl in that the controller (7) as a basic setting indicates to the user via the display device (19) the automatic adjustment of the number of wash cycles and that the user is enabled to set the automatic adjustment of the number of washings by confirming or to adjust the wash cycle number by a modification.

9. Water-conducting domestic appliance (1) according to claim 8, characterized in that the user is enabled, via a increase button 22 and a reduction button (23) set the Spülgangsanzahl by gradually increasing and decreasing.

10. Water-conducting domestic appliance (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the user is at least indirectly a setting is made possible, in which the controller (7) performs the set number of wash cycles irrigation regardless of the turbidity sensor (14) detectable turbidity ,