WO2015097634A1

WO2015097634A1 - Washing machine and method of operating such washing machine

Info

Publication number: WO2015097634A1
Application number: PCT/IB2014/067208
Authority: WO
Inventors: Miguel Javier Caparrós Ezpeleta
Original assignee: BSH Hausgeräte GmbH
Priority date: 2013-12-24
Filing date: 2014-12-22
Publication date: 2015-07-02
Also published as: ES2538901A1; ES2538901B1

Abstract

Washing machine and method of using said washing machine comprising a tub 1 inside which is defined a washing enclosure 2 adapted to receive at least one item to be washed 3 and being filled, at least partially, with a wash liquid comprising water mixed with a washing product. The washing machine comprises at least one ultrasonic device 5 intended to radiate ultrasound 6 into the wash liquid, enabling the achievement of rapid mixing of water and the washing product, as well as efficiently removing foam.

Description

WASHING MACHINE AND METHOD OF OPERATING SUCH WASHING

MACHINE

A first aspect of the present invention relates to a washing machine with an ultrasonic device, while a second aspect of the invention relates to a use of an ultrasonic device in a washing machine, having application in the automatic washing machines industry, and more specifically in the field of washing machines, enabling improvement of mixing between detergent and water in the initial wash phase, as well as minimizing the foam that inevitably forms during washing, which is particularly advantageous in a rinsing phase, all through simple means easily integrated into a washing machine at low cost and energy consumption.

Currently, during a wash cycle in both automatic washing machines, commonly referred to as laundry washers, and dishwashers, particularly during the initial phase wherein is mixing of water and washing additive, such as detergent or softener, to proceed with the cycle there is a need to minimize the time necessary to perform said mixing, i.e., so that best advantage is obtained from the amount of detergent used in a wash cycle, such that it is not necessary to provide an excessive amount of time for mixing. Said advantage can be achieved through good mixing between the water and the washing additive. Otherwise there will be a portion of the water with no washing product and the washing results will not be optimal. The drawback that arises, therefore, is that to achieve an optimal mix requires a certain time, which in turn has the negative impacts of prolonging operating times.

There are now several known solutions to solve this problem that involve blocking the water outlet duct before it enters the washing enclosure, to avoid the loss of detergent and allow sufficient time for mixing, which obviously has a negative impact on the cycle time.

Moreover, independently of the problem above, for use in washing machines and dishwashers, inevitably a foam phase already occurs in an intermediate phase of the operating cycle, wherein foam that results from stirring the mixture of water with washing additive during washing. Such foam requires the provision of additional amounts of water with respect to achieving its complete removal during the rinsing phase, which has a negative impact from the perspective of efficiency in both energy and water consumption. Without such additional assistance, that is, in the event that only the mixture of water and washing agent is removed during the rinsing phase, and not the foam, there is the drawback that detergent residues will remain on the laundry or dishes, and negative consequences can ensue from the standpoint of skin irritation and the risk of poisoning. In this sense, there are also solutions that permit the detection of foam at the end of the wash cycle and prior to rinsing, consisting of pressure or turbulence sensors that incorporate program functions according to predetermined parameters that determine whether to perform additional rinses, resulting in additional use of water and increased cycle time. In conclusion, each of the two problems previously described is treated independently at present, and in any case known solutions have a certain impact on the domestic environment and always involve increases in cycle time and water consumption, and therefore also of energy, which although possibly being considered effective, cannot be considered efficient from the perspective of obtaining optimal wash cycles.

An object of the present invention relates to a washing machine that enables simple and effective solutions to the above two problems, that is, to ensure a quick and efficient mixing of water and the washing product used during a washing cycle, and promptly removing a foam phase, especially prior to the rinsing phase, that can be integrated directly into any washing machine. Another object of the present invention relates to a method of operating such washing machine.

With these and other objects in view there is provided, in accordance with the invention, a washing machine and a method as defined in the respective independent claim. Develop- ments and embodiments of the washing machine and the method are defined in respective dependent claims, the subsequent description and the Figures of the attached drawing. As far as technically possible, embodiments of the inventive washing machine imply embodiments of the inventive method and vice versa, even if not elaborated upon herein in detail. The washing machine proposed by the invention, which can be a laundry washer as well as a dishwasher, comprises a tub inside which is defined a washing enclosure adapted to be filled, at least partially, with wash liquid comprising water mixed with washing additive; furthermore, said washing enclosure is adapted to receive at least one item to be washed. In addition the washing machine comprises at least one ultrasound device intended to radiate ultrasound into the wash liquid. Thus, according to the invention, provision is made for radiating ultrasound into said wash liquid with the ultrasound intended for supporting mixing of washing additive into water for providing an essentially uniform washing liquid quickly, or for supporting removal of foam from the washing machine that might have formed by the washing liquid being stirred during operation of the washing machine.

In one embodiment of the invention the ultrasonic device can be located at the perimeter of the washing enclosure and be operatively oriented so as to be able to radiate ultrasound, especially to transmit a plurality of ultrasonic waves, into an area of the washing enclosure capable of receiving items to be washed and washing liquid, especially to a lower zone of said washing enclosure.

Radiation of ultrasound into the wash liquid, especially in a liquid phase of the wash liq- uid, generates ultrasonic waves in the water without generating noise audible by human beings. A plurality of small waves thus formed may produce bubbles and agitation of the water, which enhances and accelerates the mixing effect between water and washing additive, especially detergent. This streamlines the use of washing additive, especially detergent, since no additional inputs are required to achieve effective mixing, all of which enables increased efficiency and shorter operating cycle programs. Preferably, ultrasonic irradiation can be performed at an early stage of washing, that is, when tub is filled with water and detergent, with the resultant savings in time and energy that entails.

Moreover, in accordance with another embodiment of the invention the ultrasonic device can be provided for radiating ultrasound into a foam phase of the wash liquid, particularly foam that forms on the surface of the mixture of water and washing product. In this way, the foam phase can be eliminated by the ultrasonic waves, which likewise contributes to shorten cycle times, avoiding additional expenses for water needed to dilute said foam in the water, and in any case avoiding detergent residues, so that users can avoid itchy clothing or a risk of adverse affection of food on a dish if there is detergent left on the dish from washing in a dishwasher. Preferably the ultrasound irradiation dedicated to removing foam can be achieved after the washing step, and thus prior to rinsing, enabling the efficient removal of foam that has formed. In a further embodiment of the invention at least one ultrasonic device is provided for radiating ultrasound into a wash liquid that is in the washing enclosure. It is envisioned that the ultrasonic device can be provided for radiating ultrasound from above a surface level of a wash liquid that is in the washing enclosure. It is also envisioned in accordance with the invention that the ultrasonic device can be provided for radiating ultrasound from below a surface level of a wash liquid that is in the washing enclosure. In this sense, it is also envisioned in accordance with the invention that the ultrasonic device is provided for radiating ultrasound into a wash liquid that is in an area between the tub and the drum of a laundry washer.

In yet another embodiment of the invention the ultrasonic device can be located at a position corresponding to an opening for loading items to be washed comprising the tub. This can be fixed, for example, to the tub or the loading door.

In other embodiments, the washing machine comprises a wash liquid path to the tub for introducing the wash liquid into the tub. At least one ultrasound device can be provided for radiating ultrasound into a wash liquid that is in the wash liquid path. For this the ultrasonic device can be fixed to the detergent compartment or the tub. In the detergent compartment, the ultrasonic device can be fixed to a fixed part of the detergent compartment.

With the objects specified above in view there is also provided, in accordance with the invention, a method of using a washing machine. Said method comprises:

mixing water with a washing product to obtain a wash liquid, and

radiating ultrasound into the wash liquid by means of an ultrasound device.

This method can achieve efficient mixing of water and detergent, particularly rapid mixing, and said function can be incorporated in the operating cycles or wash programs. It is also possible to achieve elimination of foam that can appear during washing as a result of the mixing of water with the washing additive.

In accordance with an embodiment of the invention the method comprises filling wash liquid into a washing enclosure that is adapted to receive at least one item to be washed, and radiating ultrasound into the wash liquid during at least one filling period. The ultrasound device can be activated at the time of filling the washing enclosure with wash liquid. In accordance with the invention the possibility is envisioned that the method comprises deactivating said ultrasonic device once the wash liquid reaches a certain maximum level in the washing enclosure.

In accordance with another embodiment of the invention it is envisioned that the method comprises ultrasonic irradiation of at least a liquid phase of the wash liquid. In this way, the mixing of the water with the washing product can be accelerated.

In accordance with a further embodiment of the invention the method comprises:

emptying the wash liquid into a washing enclosure adapted to receive at least one item to be washed,

rinsing the items to be washed with wash liquid, introducing water into the washing enclosure, and

radiating ultrasound into the wash liquid during at least one emptying or rinsing period.

It is also envisioned in accordance with yet another embodiment of the invention that the method comprises radiating ultrasound into at least one foam phase of the wash liquid to reduce the foam phase. This results in achieving a fast and effective elimination of the foam residues present on the surface of the mixture without the need for additional costs for water or prolonging the cycle time.

In accordance with a further embodiment of the invention the possibility is envisioned that once a washing step has been completed with a mixture of water and detergent, said mixture reaches a maximum level inside a washing enclosure, activating the ultrasound device prior to a rinsing phase, and radiating ultrasound from an upper region onto the surface defined by said maximum level.

In accordance with yet another embodiment of the invention the possibility is also envisioned that the method comprises deactivating said ultrasound device at least once the volume of foam formed by the mixing above said wash liquid level is reduced to a predetermined level. To complement the description given above and to aid better understanding of the characteristics of the invention according to a preferred practical embodiment thereof, the description is accompanied by a drawing including a set of Figures as an integral part thereof, the character of which is illustrative and non-limiting. The Figures show as follows:

Figure 1 shows a schematic view of a longitudinal section of a first embodiment of the washing machine including the representation of laundry in the washing machine during the wash cycle and the level of wash liquid, being particularly suitable to achieve to a greater extent the effect of mixing of water and laundry product.

Figure 2 shows a schematic view of a longitudinal section, similar to that of the previous figure, of a second embodiment of the washing machine, being especially suitable to achieve the effect of elimination of foam. Figure 3 shows a schematic view of a longitudinal section, similar to that of the previous figures, of a third embodiment of the washing machine, being equally suitable to achieve the effect of elimination of foam.

Figure 4 shows a schematic view of a cross-section of a fourth embodiment of the washing machine, including the representation of laundry in the washing machine during the wash cycle and the level of wash liquid, being particularly suitable to achieve to a greater extent the effect of mixing of water and laundry product.

In view of the aforementioned figures, it can be observed how in one of the possible embodiments the washing machine proposed by the invention comprises a tub 1 inside which is defined a wash enclosure 2 capable of being filled during a wash cycle, at least partially, with water to a level 4 of wash liquid.

Likewise, said washing enclosure 2 is capable of accommodating in a lower region inside the tub 1 at least one item to be washed 3.

The washing machine comprises at least one ultrasound device 5 located on the perimeter of washing enclosure 2 and being operatively aligned so as to be able to radiate ultrasound 6 towards the lower region of the washing enclosure 2 that is capable of accommodating the items to be washed 3. As shown in Figures 2 and 3, according to a second and third embodiment, at least one ultrasound device 5 is located above the maximum level 4 of wash liquid can reach the water inside the tub 1 , according to normal operation of the washing machine, especially thereby achieving an optimum elimination of foam, although waves are also transmitted into the interior of the water to enhance mixing, although with less intensity. The different arrangement between the second and third embodiment determines the intensity with which the surface is acted upon, and the possibility in the second embodiment that the level can rise above the ultrasound device 5, which could perform the dual function of mixing and elimination of foam depending on the time of activation and the status of the wash liquid level 4.

Likewise, as shown in Figure 1 , according to a first embodiment, at least one ultrasound device 5 is located below the maximum wash liquid level 4 that can reach the water inside of tub 1 , thereby enhancing the effect of mixing of detergent and water.

Obviously, any combination of the embodiments shown in Figures 1 through 4 is envisioned with regard to the arrangement of the ultrasound devices 5.

According to one embodiment wherein the washing machine is a washer, in which case the items to be washed 3 are garments, as shown in the Figures, the machine comprises a drum 7 located inside the tub 1 that can rotate around an axis 8, wherein said drum 7 comprises a plurality of openings through which water can pass, where the items to be washed 3 can be located in a lower area inside the drum 7. In such a case, it is envisioned that at least one ultrasound device 5 is located below the maximum wash liquid level 4 that can reach the water inside the tub 1 and above the space tub existing below in between the tub 1 and the drum 7, such as is depicted in the first embodiment shown in Figure 1. Likewise, as depicted in Figure 3, it is envisioned that at least one ultrasound device 5 is located in an upper region corresponding to an opening 9 for the filling of items to be washed 3 comprising the tub 1 and the drum 7.

As shown in Figures 1 through 3, the ultrasound device can be fixed for example to the tub 1 or a loading door 10 provided to close the wash enclosure 2. Figure 4 shows an arrangement of the ultrasound device intended for radiate ultrasound into a wash liquid that is in a wash liquid path 11 to the tub 2. The wash liquid path 11 hydrau- lically connects a washing product compartment 12 with the tub 1. The ultrasound device 6 can be fixed, for example, to the detergent compartment.

Finally, although not shown, any of the embodiments shown in Figures 1 to 4 can refer to a dishwasher, in which case the items to be washed 3 are items of dishware and cutlery. In view of this description and set of figures, persons skilled in the art will understand that the embodiments of the invention that have been described can be combined in many ways within the scope of the invention. The invention has been described according to preferred embodiments thereof, but for a person skilled in the art it will be evident that multiple variations can be introduced in said preferred embodiments without exceeding the object of the claimed invention.

Claims

1. Washing machine comprising a tub (1) inside which is defined a washing enclosure (2) adapted to receive at least one item to be washed (3) and being filled at least partially with a wash liquid comprising a water mixed with a washing product,

characterized in that the washing machine comprises at least one ultrasound device (5) intended to radiate ultrasound (6) into the wash liquid.

2. Washing machine according to claim 1 , characterized in that at least one ultrasound device (5) is provided for radiating ultrasound (6) into a wash liquid that is in the washing enclosure (2).

3. Washing machine according to claim 2, characterized in that the ultrasound device (5) is provided for radiating ultrasound (6) from above a level surface (4) of a wash liquid that is in the washing enclosure (2).

4. Washing machine according to claim 2, characterized in that at least one ultra- sound device (5) is provided for radiating ultrasound (6) from below a surface level (4) of a wash liquid that is in the washing enclosure (2).

5. Washing machine according to any one of claims 2 through 4, comprising a drum (7) rotating inside the tub (1), characterized in that at least one ultrasound device (5) is provided for radiating ultrasound (6) into a wash liquid that is in an area between the tub (1) and the drum (7).

6. Washing machine according to any one of claims 2 through 5, characterized in that at least one ultrasound device (5) is located in an area corresponding to an opening (9) for the loading of items to be washed (3) comprising the tub (1).

7. Washing machine according to claim 1 comprising a wash liquid path (12) to the tub (1), characterized in that at least one ultrasound device (5) is provided for radiating ultrasound (6) into a wash liquid is in the wash liquid path (1 1).

8. Washing machine according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the ultrasound device (5) is provided for radiating ultrasound (6) into a liquid phase of the wash liquid.

9. Washing machine according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the ultrasound device (5) is provided for radiating ultrasound (6) into a foam phase of the wash liquid.

10. Washing machine according to any of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the washing machine is a washer.

11. Method of operating a washing machine, particularly a washing machine defined in any one of the preceding claims, characterized in comprising:

mixing water with a washing product to obtain a wash liquid, and

radiating ultrasound (6) into the wash liquid by means of an ultrasound device

(6).

12. Method of using a washing machine according to claim 1 1 , characterized in comprising:

filling the wash liquid into a washing enclosure (2) adapted to receive at least one item to be washed (3)

radiating ultrasound (6) into the wash liquid during at least one filling period.

13. Method of using a washing machine according to any one of claims 1 1 and 12, characterized in comprising:

radiating ultrasound into at least one liquid phase of the wash liquid to accelerate the mixing of the water with the washing product.

14. Method of using a washing machine according to any one of claims 1 1 through 13, characterized in comprising:

empting the wash liquid into a washing enclosure (2) adapted to receive at least one item to be washed (3), rinsing the items to be washed (3) with wash liquid, introducing water into the washing enclosure (2), and

radiating ultrasound (6) into the wash liquid during at least one emptying or rinsing period.

15. Method of using a washing machine according to any one of claims 1 1 through 14, characterized in comprising:

radiating ultrasound into at least one foam phase of the wash liquid to reduce the foam phase.