WO2017153276A1

WO2017153276A1 - A washer

Info

Publication number: WO2017153276A1
Application number: PCT/EP2017/055026
Authority: WO
Inventors: Leman Isil ERCAN; Hakan Amac
Original assignee: Arcelik AS
Current assignee: Arcelik AS
Priority date: 2016-03-08
Filing date: 2017-03-03
Publication date: 2017-09-14
Anticipated expiration: 2018-09-08

Abstract

The present invention relates to a washer (1) comprising a body; a tub (3) that is disposed in the body (2) and wherein the washing process is realized; a cold water inlet (4) that provides the intake of the mains water into the body (2); a hot water inlet (5) that provides the intake of the water supplied from a heater (H), and a temperature sensor (6) that measures the temperature of the water received from the hot water inlet (5).

Description

A WASHER

The present invention relates to a washer having dual water inlet.

In washers having dual water inlet such as laundry washing machines or dishwashers, the water used in the washing process is supplied from two separate lines, namely, a cold water inlet from which the mains water is taken and a hot water inlet from which the hot water is supplied from an appliance such as combi boiler, solar thermal heater, storage water heater, instantaneous water heater, etc. Since the washers having dual water inlet consume less energy for the water to be used in the washing process to reach the target washing temperature, this kind of washers enable the users to save from the energy costs. However, in this type of washers, since the characteristics of the hot water supplied from different type of heaters, the hot water cannot be used efficiently. For example, in case the hot water is supplied from a heater such as instantaneous water heater, that heats the water during usage, the water intake process may be completed before the heater completely heats the water. Similarly, in case the hot water is supplied from the solar water heater, the water may be received into the washer at a temperature much higher than the target washing temperature and therefore, more cold water may be required to be supplied in order to reach the target temperature. Consequently, a washer wherein the hot water is efficiently used is needed.

In the state of the art European Patent No. EP1683904, a shutter control method suitable for use in washers with dual water inlet is disclosed. By means of a revolving shutter structure, the water inlets can be opened/closed in a controlled manner.

The aim of the present invention is the realization of a washer having dual water inlet with improved energy efficiency.

The washer realized in order to attain the aim of the present invention, explicated in the claims, comprises a body; a tub that is disposed in the body and wherein the washing process is realized; a cold water inlet that provides the intake of the mains water into the body; a hot water inlet that provides the intake of the water supplied from a heater such as instantaneous water heater, storage water heater, solar thermal heater, etc., into the body and a temperature sensor that measures the temperature of the water received from the hot water inlet.

The washer of the present invention comprises a control unit that monitors the instantaneous temperature data received from the temperature sensor and that determines the type of the heater from which the hot water is supplied by comparing the sensor data with the data stores in its memory. By opening/closing the hot water inlet and the cold water inlet according to the water heater type, the control unit enables the right amount of hot water to be taken into the tub. Thus, savings in energy and time required for the water to be used in the washing process to reach the target washing temperature are provided.

In an embodiment of the present invention, the washer is a washing machine and comprises a drum that is disposed in the tub and wherein the laundry is placed and a hot water line that enables the water supplied from the hot water inlet to be transferred to the lower part of the tub. The temperature sensor measures the temperature of the water received from the hot water line into the tub and the control unit determines the type of the heater according to the data received from the temperature sensor. Thus, the type of the heater can be easily determined without installing an additional mixing chamber, valve, etc. into the body.

In an embodiment of the present invention, the temperature sensor is disposed so as to be before the hot water line in the tub. Thus, the temperature of the mixture of the cold water and the hot water inside the tub and the temperature of the water supplied from the hot water inlet can be measured with a single temperature sensor. Thus, cost advantage and ease of assembly are provided.

In another embodiment of the present invention, the control unit determines that the heater is an instantaneous water heater that heats the water during usage upon detecting by means of the temperature sensor that the temperature of the water received from the hot water inlet first decreases and then rises, and provides the intake of water from the hot water inlet in an amount sufficient for reaching the inside of the drum. Thus, in case the water is heated in a delayed manner, until the hot water reaches the washer, the water intake process continues and the hot water is enabled to be efficiently used.

In another embodiment of the present invention, the control unit determines that the heater is a type of heater such as storage water heater, central heating, etc. where the hot water is ready to be used if the temperature of the water supplied from the hot water inlet increases slowly in a predetermined time period and then remains almost constant. Thus, the control unit provides that the water is taken into the tub from the hot water inlet at the level almost in contact with the drum. Thus, the need for heating the water again in the body is minimized.

In another embodiment of the present invention, the control determines that the hot water source is a solar energy heater such as solar thermal heater if the instantaneous temperature values measured by the temperature sensor quickly increase so as to exceed a threshold temperature value in a predetermined time. Thus, a small amount of water is enabled to be taken into the tub so as not to reach the level of the drum. Consequently, the need for taking additional water from the cold water inlet so as to obtain the water at the washing temperature is eliminated and the target washing temperature can be quickly reached.

In another embodiment of the present invention, the temperature of the water taken from the cold water inlet is measured by means of a temperature sensor and the control unit compares the temperatures of the water supplied from the hot water inlet and of the water supplied from the cold water inlet. Upon detecting that the water taken from the cold water inlet is hotter than the water taken from the hot water inlet, the control unit provides that water is taken into the tub only from the cold water inlet. Thus, energy required to be consumed to heat the water inside the tub is saved.

In another embodiment of the present invention, in case the temperature of the water taken into the tub is close to the target washing temperature, the control unit provides that the washing program is extended for a predetermined time. Thus, the washing efficiency is prevented from decreasing due to shortening of the washing time.

By means of the present invention, a washer is realized, wherein the amount of hot water to be taken into the body is determined according to the type of the heater from which the hot water is supplied. Thus, by obtaining maximum efficiency from the hot water, savings in energy and water are provided.

The washer realized in order to attain the aim of the present invention is illustrated in the attached figures, where:

Figure 1 – is the front partial schematic view of the washer related to an embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 2 – is the top partial schematic view of the washer related to an embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 3 - is the sideways partial schematic view of the washer related to another embodiment of the present invention.

The elements illustrated in the figures are numbered as follows:

Washer
Body
Tub
Cold water inlet
Hot water inlet
Temperature sensor
Control unit
Drum
Hot water line

H: Heater

The washer (1) comprises a body; a tub (3) that is disposed in the body (2) and wherein the washing process is realized; a cold water inlet (4) that provides the intake of the mains water into the body (2); a hot water inlet (5) that provides the intake of the water supplied from a heater (H) into the body (2), and a temperature sensor (6) that measures the temperature of the water received from the hot water inlet (5). The heater (H) can be different types of heater such as combi boiler, storage water heater, instantaneous water heater, central heating, solar energy heater, etc. connected to the household line. By mixing the hot water and the cold water taken into the body (2), the target washing water temperature is attained and the water is used in the washing process (Figure 2).

The washer (1) of the present invention comprises a control unit (7) that detects the type of the heater (H) by comparing the instantaneous temperature data received from the temperature sensor (6) with the data prerecorded in the memory by the producer and determines the amount of water to be taken from the hot water inlet (5) according to the heater (H) type. The highest temperatures the water received from different types of heaters (H) reach and the change of the temperatures in time are different from each other. The control unit (7) continuously monitors the temperature of the water taken from the hot water inlet (5) by means of the temperature sensor (6) and determines the type of the heater (H) by defining the increase-decrease profile in the temperature. Thus, the amount of water to be taken into the body (2) from the hot water inlet (5) depending on the type of the heater (H) and the highest efficiency is obtained from the hot water.

In another embodiment of the present invention, the washer (1) is a washing machine comprising a drum (8) that is disposed in the tub (3) and wherein the laundry is placed, a hot water line (9) that enables the water supplied from the hot water inlet (5) to be transferred to the lower part of the tub (3), and the temperature sensor (6) that measures the temperature of the water supplied from the hot water line (9). When a washing process is started in the washer (1), first water is taken from the hot water inlet (5) and the water is delivered directly to the base of the tub (3) by means of the hot water line (9). The control unit (7) determines the type of the heater (H) by monitoring the change in the temperature of the water and provides the intake of hot water into the tub (3) in a predetermined amount. When the hot water intake process is completed, the cold water inlet (4) is opened. The cold water is delivered to the detergent drawer wherein cleaning agents such as detergent, softener, etc. are placed and is sent onto the laundry in the drum (8) after sweeping the detergent. According to the temperature of the mixture of cold water and hot water accumulated in the tub (3), the control unit (7) may decide to take water from the hot water inlet (5) or from the cold water inlet (4) again (Figure 1, Figure 3).

In another embodiment of the present invention, the temperature sensor (6) is disposed in the tub (3) so as to be close to the port of the hot water line (9) opening into the tub (3). Thus, both the temperature of the hot water coming from the hot water line (9) and the temperature of the mixture of cold water and hot water accumulated in the tub (3) can be measured by the temperature sensor (6) disposed in the tub (3).

In another embodiment of the present invention, upon detecting that the instantaneous temperature values measured by means of the temperature sensor (6) first decrease and then increase, the control unit (7) decides that the heater (H) is of a type that heats the water during the usage and enables the water to be taken from the hot water inlet (5) until the water level inside the tub (3) reaches a level to wet the laundry in the drum (8). In case the hot water is supplied from a instantaneous water heater (H), first the water in the ambient temperature waiting in the pipes of the household line reaches the body (2). Since the heater (H) is activated after an amount of water passes therethrough, the cold water reaches the body (2) after the warm water and the water starts heating up. Thus, in case the temperature of the water taken from the hot water inlet (5) first decrease and then increase, the control unit (7) decides that the heater (H) is of a type that heats the water during the usage and enables the water to be taken into the tub (3) until the water level reaches a certain height in the drum (8). Thus, water intake continues for the time required to supply hot water in the sufficient amount from the heater (H).

In another embodiment of the present invention, upon detecting that the instantaneous temperature values measured by means of the temperature sensor (6) increase in a predetermined time period and then stays almost constant, the control unit (7) decides that the heater (H) is of a type that supplies hot water ready to use and enables the water to be taken from the hot water inlet (5) until the water level inside the tub (3) reaches almost the lowermost point of the drum (8). In case the hot water is supplied from a heater (H) that supplies ready-to-use hot water, first the water in the ambient temperature waiting in the pipes of the household line reaches the body (2) and then, the water heats up and reaches a constant temperature in a few minutes. In case the temperature of the water taken from the hot water inlet (5) slowly increases and stays almost constant at a temperature in the range of 30°C – 70°C, the control unit (7) detects that the heater (H) is of a type such as storage water heater, combi boiler, central heating, etc. and enables the minimum amount of water required for the laundry to touch the water to be taken into the tub (3) from the hot water inlet (5).

In another embodiment of the present invention, upon detecting that the instantaneous temperature values measured by means of the temperature sensor (6) increase in a predetermined time period and then exceeds a critical temperature value, the control unit (7) decides that the heater (H) is of solar power type and enables the water to be taken from the hot water inlet (5) until the water level inside the tub (3) stays below the lowermost point of the drum (8). In case the hot water is supplied from a solar powered heater (H), the temperature of the water taken from the hot water inlet (5) quickly reaches a temperature around 90°C. In this case, the control unit (7) detects that the heater (H) is of a solar thermal type and enables the water to be taken into the tub (3) so as not to contact the laundry in the drum (8). Thus, the laundry is prevented from directly contacting the water at very high temperatures.

In another embodiment of the present invention, the washer (1) comprises a temperature sensor (6) that measures the temperature of the water taken from the cold water inlet (4) and the control unit (7) stops the water intake from the hot water inlet (5) upon detecting that the temperature of the water taken from the cold water inlet (4) is higher than the temperature of the water taken from the hot water inlet (5). In case the heater (H) is turned off or out of order and in winter conditions where the solar powered heater (H) cannot heat the water, the water supplied from the cold water inlet (4) can be hotter than the water supplied from the hot water inlet (5). In these cases, by closing the hot water inlet (5), the water is taken into the tub (3) only from the cold water inlet (4) and thus, the washing process is performed so as to be affected from adverse conditions at minimum.

In another embodiment of the present invention, the control unit (7) extends the washing process for a certain time in case the water inside the tub (3) reaches the target washing temperature in a predetermined time. Thus, if the target washing temperature is reached immediately, the drum (8) movements that could not be performed are added to the washing program and the washing efficiency is prevented from decreasing.

In the washer (1) of the present invention, without requiring an additional temperature sensor (6), the type of the heater (H) from which the hot water is supplied is determined and the amount of hot water to be taken into the body (2) according to the type of the heater (H) is determined. Thus, excessive water and energy consumption due to taking hot water into the body (2) in an amount less or more than the required amount is prevented.

Claims

A washer (1) comprising a body; a tub (3) that is disposed in the body (2) and wherein the washing process is realized; a cold water inlet (4) that provides the intake of the mains water into the body (2); a hot water inlet (5) that provides the intake of the water supplied from a heater (H) into the body (2), and a temperature sensor (6) that measures the temperature of the water received from the hot water inlet (5), characterized by a control unit (7) that detects the type of the heater (H) by comparing the instantaneous temperature data received from the temperature sensor (6) with the data prerecorded in the memory by the producer and determines the amount of water to be taken from the hot water inlet (5) according to the heater (H) type.
A washer (1) as in Claim 1, which is a washing machine, characterized by a drum (8) that is disposed in the tub (3) and wherein the laundry is placed, a hot water line (9) that enables the water supplied from the hot water inlet (5) to be transferred to the lower part of the tub (3), and the temperature sensor (6) that measures the temperature of the water supplied from the hot water line (9).
A washer (1) as in Claim 2, characterized by the temperature sensor (6) that is disposed in the tub (3) so as to be close to the port of the hot water line (9) opening into the tub (3).
A washer (1) as in Claim 2 or Claim 3, characterized by the control unit (7), upon detecting that the instantaneous temperature values measured by means of the temperature sensor (6) first decrease and then increase, that decides that the heater (H) is of a type that heats the water during the usage and that enables the water to be taken from the hot water inlet (5) until the water level inside the tub (3) reaches a level to wet the laundry in the drum (8).
A washer (1) as in Claim 3, characterized by the control unit (7), upon detecting that the instantaneous temperature values measured by means of the temperature sensor (6) increase in a predetermined time period and then stays almost constant, that decides that the heater (H) is of a type that supplies hot water ready to use and enables the water to be taken from the hot water inlet (5) until the water level inside the tub (3) reaches almost the lowermost point of the drum (8).
A washer (1) as in Claim 2 or Claim 3, characterized by the control unit (7), upon detecting that the instantaneous temperature values measured by means of the temperature sensor (6) increase in a predetermined time period and then exceeds a critical temperature value, that decides that the heater (H) is of solar power type and enables the water to be taken from the hot water inlet (5) until the water level inside the tub (3) stays below the lowermost point of the drum (8).
A washer (1) as in any one of the above claims, characterized by a temperature sensor (6) that measures the temperature of the water taken from the cold water inlet (4) and the control unit (7) that stops the water intake from the hot water inlet (5) upon detecting that the temperature of the water taken from the cold water inlet (4) is higher than the temperature of the water taken from the hot water inlet (5).
A washer (1) as in any one of the above claims, characterized by the control unit (7) that extends the washing process for a certain time in case the water inside the tub (3) reaches the target washing temperature in a predetermined time.