EP1865100A1 - Method for removing scale from a heating element of a washing machine - Google Patents

Method for removing scale from a heating element of a washing machine Download PDF

Info

Publication number
EP1865100A1
EP1865100A1 EP06115217A EP06115217A EP1865100A1 EP 1865100 A1 EP1865100 A1 EP 1865100A1 EP 06115217 A EP06115217 A EP 06115217A EP 06115217 A EP06115217 A EP 06115217A EP 1865100 A1 EP1865100 A1 EP 1865100A1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
heating element
tub
washing machine
scale
water
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.)
Withdrawn
Application number
EP06115217A
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
Inventor
Stefano Casagrande
Roberto Bottos
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.)
Electrolux Home Products Corp NV
Original Assignee
Electrolux Home Products Corp NV
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 Electrolux Home Products Corp NV filed Critical Electrolux Home Products Corp NV
Priority to EP06115217A priority Critical patent/EP1865100A1/en
Publication of EP1865100A1 publication Critical patent/EP1865100A1/en
Withdrawn legal-status Critical Current

Links

Classifications

    • 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
    • D06F39/00—Details of washing machines not specific to a single type of machines covered by groups D06F9/00 - D06F27/00 
    • D06F39/04—Heating arrangements
    • 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
    • D06F2103/52—Parameters monitored or detected for the control of domestic laundry washing machines, washer-dryers or laundry dryers related to electric heating means, e.g. temperature or voltage
    • 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
    • D06F2105/28—Electric heating

Definitions

  • the present invention refers to a method for removing scale from a heating element of a washing machine.
  • washing machines are provided with a tub, in which a rotatable drum for receiving articles to be washed is mounted, and with heating elements for heating washing water in the tub. It is also commonly known that after a number of washing cycles calcific substances present in water, like calcium and magnesium, accumulate on the heating elements reducing the heat transfer from heating elements to water and causing sooner or later a heating elements break.
  • the aim of the present invention is therefore to provide a method for the periodical removal of scale from a heating element of a washing machine.
  • the method should be performed by the washing machine either automatically when scale presence on the heating element is detected or upon a command input by the user.
  • Another object of the present invention is to provide a method for removing scale from a heating element of a washing machine that avoids damages to articles to be washed.
  • the method for removing scale from a heating element placed in a tub of a washing machine is carried out by turning on the heating elements of the washing machine when the tub is in an empty condition, i.e. when the tub does not contain water.
  • the temperature of the heating element will increase until a predetermined value is reached. Such value is set in order to avoid the heating element to burn out because of low heat transfer due to water absence in the tub.
  • an amount of water is drained from the main water supply and admitted into the washing tub so as to flush the heating element. Since water, as available from the main water supply, has a temperature quite low in respect to that of the heating element, the latter, and in particular the scale accumulated on it, undergoes an abrupt thermal gradient causing the scale to crack. Scale fragments are drained outside the tub together with the cold water. At the end of the procedure the heating element surface is clean.
  • the evaluation of whether or not scale has formed onto the heating element can be made in various known manners.
  • the heating element can be provided with a temperature sensor for monitoring the temperature on the heating element surface. If the sensor indicates a quick increasing of the temperature it means that the heat produced by the element is not duly received by the water in the tub because of scale presence on the element surface. Once the presence of scale has been recognised, the method for removing it can be carried out as described above.
  • a washing machine can be provided with a control unit programmed for testing the presence of scale onto the heating elements with a method known per se and further programmed for carrying out the steps of the method for removing such scale.
  • the control unit can perform the test after a predetermined number of washing cycles or before starting the washing cycle itself.
  • the method for removing scale from a heating element placed in a tub of a washing machine allows the user to avoid the use of decalcifying agents preserving the articles to be washed by damages.
  • the method can advantageously be performed without the user's intervention and can be implemented in already existing washing machines simply updating their control unit.

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Textile Engineering (AREA)
  • Detail Structures Of Washing Machines And Dryers (AREA)
  • Control Of Washing Machine And Dryer (AREA)

Abstract

The present invention refers to a method for removing scale from a heating element placed in a tub of a washing machine.
The method according to the invention comprises the following steps: (a) turning on the heating element when the tub is empty until a predetermined temperature is reached; (b) flushing said heating element with water drained from the main water supply; (c) draining said water from the tub.

Description

  • The present invention refers to a method for removing scale from a heating element of a washing machine.
  • It is known that washing machines are provided with a tub, in which a rotatable drum for receiving articles to be washed is mounted, and with heating elements for heating washing water in the tub. It is also commonly known that after a number of washing cycles calcific substances present in water, like calcium and magnesium, accumulate on the heating elements reducing the heat transfer from heating elements to water and causing sooner or later a heating elements break.
  • In order to reduce the formation of scale on heating elements and for prolonging their working efficiency, normally users add decalcifying agents to washing water for softening it. However such agents can causes damages to articles to be washed, especially to delicate clothes.
  • The aim of the present invention is therefore to provide a method for the periodical removal of scale from a heating element of a washing machine. In particular, the method should be performed by the washing machine either automatically when scale presence on the heating element is detected or upon a command input by the user.
  • Another object of the present invention is to provide a method for removing scale from a heating element of a washing machine that avoids damages to articles to be washed.
  • Advantages, objects, and features of the invention will be set forth in part in the description which follows and in part will become apparent to those having ordinary skill in the art upon examination of the following or may be learned from practice of the invention. The objects and advantages of the invention may be realised and attained as particularly pointed out in the appended claims.
  • According to the invention the method for removing scale from a heating element placed in a tub of a washing machine is carried out by turning on the heating elements of the washing machine when the tub is in an empty condition, i.e. when the tub does not contain water. The temperature of the heating element will increase until a predetermined value is reached. Such value is set in order to avoid the heating element to burn out because of low heat transfer due to water absence in the tub.
  • After the heating element has reached said predetermined temperature, an amount of water is drained from the main water supply and admitted into the washing tub so as to flush the heating element. Since water, as available from the main water supply, has a temperature quite low in respect to that of the heating element, the latter, and in particular the scale accumulated on it, undergoes an abrupt thermal gradient causing the scale to crack. Scale fragments are drained outside the tub together with the cold water. At the end of the procedure the heating element surface is clean.
  • The evaluation of whether or not scale has formed onto the heating element can be made in various known manners. For example the heating element can be provided with a temperature sensor for monitoring the temperature on the heating element surface. If the sensor indicates a quick increasing of the temperature it means that the heat produced by the element is not duly received by the water in the tub because of scale presence on the element surface. Once the presence of scale has been recognised, the method for removing it can be carried out as described above.
  • A washing machine can be provided with a control unit programmed for testing the presence of scale onto the heating elements with a method known per se and further programmed for carrying out the steps of the method for removing such scale. The control unit can perform the test after a predetermined number of washing cycles or before starting the washing cycle itself.
  • Conclusively it can be stated that the method for removing scale from a heating element placed in a tub of a washing machine according to the present invention allows the user to avoid the use of decalcifying agents preserving the articles to be washed by damages. The method can advantageously be performed without the user's intervention and can be implemented in already existing washing machines simply updating their control unit.

Claims (2)

  1. Method for removing scale from a heating element placed in a tub of a washing machine comprising the following steps: (a) turning on the heating element when the tub is empty until a predetermined temperature is reached; (b) flushing said heating element with water drained from the main water supply; (c) draining said water from the tub.
  2. A washing machine having a control unit programmed for carrying out the method of claim 1.
EP06115217A 2006-06-09 2006-06-09 Method for removing scale from a heating element of a washing machine Withdrawn EP1865100A1 (en)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
EP06115217A EP1865100A1 (en) 2006-06-09 2006-06-09 Method for removing scale from a heating element of a washing machine

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
EP06115217A EP1865100A1 (en) 2006-06-09 2006-06-09 Method for removing scale from a heating element of a washing machine

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP1865100A1 true EP1865100A1 (en) 2007-12-12

Family

ID=37401525

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP06115217A Withdrawn EP1865100A1 (en) 2006-06-09 2006-06-09 Method for removing scale from a heating element of a washing machine

Country Status (1)

Country Link
EP (1) EP1865100A1 (en)

Cited By (7)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP1959046A1 (en) * 2007-02-16 2008-08-20 Samsung Electronics Co.,Ltd. Washing machine and method for controlling the same
EP1967634A2 (en) 2007-03-05 2008-09-10 Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. Washing Machine and Method for Controlling the Same
WO2015010970A1 (en) * 2013-07-25 2015-01-29 Koninklijke Philips N.V. Apparatus for generating steam
EP2842474A1 (en) * 2013-08-29 2015-03-04 BSH Bosch und Siemens Hausgeräte GmbH Water-bearing household device with a heating device
US9420937B2 (en) 2009-12-17 2016-08-23 Whirlpool Corporation Dishwasher with dynamically controlled cycle of operation
WO2018196999A1 (en) * 2017-04-28 2018-11-01 Electrolux Appliances Aktiebolag Method for removing a deposition of scale on a heating element and a household appliance configured to perform the method
US10330308B2 (en) 2015-12-30 2019-06-25 Koninklijke Philips N.V. Apparatus for generating steam

Citations (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
DE1221156B (en) * 1963-07-17 1966-07-14 Elpag A G Thermal removal of scale deposits
WO1995016378A1 (en) * 1993-12-15 1995-06-22 Jura Elektroapparate Ag Method of detecting the calcification of hot-water generation appliances
WO1999045190A1 (en) * 1998-03-04 1999-09-10 Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V. Device for ironing laundry
WO2000017439A1 (en) * 1998-09-22 2000-03-30 Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V. Steam iron with calcification indication
WO2003027580A1 (en) * 2001-09-22 2003-04-03 Imi Vision Limited Liquid heating apparatus

Patent Citations (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
DE1221156B (en) * 1963-07-17 1966-07-14 Elpag A G Thermal removal of scale deposits
WO1995016378A1 (en) * 1993-12-15 1995-06-22 Jura Elektroapparate Ag Method of detecting the calcification of hot-water generation appliances
WO1999045190A1 (en) * 1998-03-04 1999-09-10 Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V. Device for ironing laundry
WO2000017439A1 (en) * 1998-09-22 2000-03-30 Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V. Steam iron with calcification indication
WO2003027580A1 (en) * 2001-09-22 2003-04-03 Imi Vision Limited Liquid heating apparatus

Cited By (11)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP1959046A1 (en) * 2007-02-16 2008-08-20 Samsung Electronics Co.,Ltd. Washing machine and method for controlling the same
EP1967634A2 (en) 2007-03-05 2008-09-10 Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. Washing Machine and Method for Controlling the Same
EP1967634A3 (en) * 2007-03-05 2009-09-09 Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. Washing Machine and Method for Controlling the Same
US7962985B2 (en) 2007-03-05 2011-06-21 Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. Washing machine and method for controlling the same
US9420937B2 (en) 2009-12-17 2016-08-23 Whirlpool Corporation Dishwasher with dynamically controlled cycle of operation
WO2015010970A1 (en) * 2013-07-25 2015-01-29 Koninklijke Philips N.V. Apparatus for generating steam
US9719675B2 (en) 2013-07-25 2017-08-01 Koninklijke Philips N.V. Apparatus for generating steam
RU2655224C2 (en) * 2013-07-25 2018-05-24 Конинклейке Филипс Н.В. Apparatus for generating steam
EP2842474A1 (en) * 2013-08-29 2015-03-04 BSH Bosch und Siemens Hausgeräte GmbH Water-bearing household device with a heating device
US10330308B2 (en) 2015-12-30 2019-06-25 Koninklijke Philips N.V. Apparatus for generating steam
WO2018196999A1 (en) * 2017-04-28 2018-11-01 Electrolux Appliances Aktiebolag Method for removing a deposition of scale on a heating element and a household appliance configured to perform the method

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
EP1865100A1 (en) Method for removing scale from a heating element of a washing machine
RU2509522C2 (en) Water-conductive household device, in particular - dishwashing machine or washing machine
CN105177920B (en) Washing machine and its control method
US8778090B2 (en) Method for operating a dishwasher
US8948922B2 (en) Method for identifying operating conditions of a domestic appliance
CN110863322A (en) Clothes treating apparatus and method of operating the same
EP2657392B1 (en) Method for washing laundry in a laundry washing machine and laundry washing machine
CN102112032B (en) Method for operating a water-carrying household appliance
US8800083B2 (en) Method and apparatus for using steam in a commercial laundry machine as an environmentally-friendly replacement of conventional dry cleaning or wet cleaning processes
WO2006006126A1 (en) A dishwasher and a method of washing dishware having baked-on food remains
RU2011103712A (en) METHOD OF CLEANING FOR A WATER-HOUSING HOUSEHOLD APPLIANCE, IN PARTICULAR OF A DISHWASHING MACHINE
CN1969080B (en) Laundry machine and method for controlling the same
US20060101590A1 (en) Method for washing sportswear
CN102057099B (en) Method for cleaning the heat exchanger of a dryer
TR201718097T3 (en) A washer and dryer with an air-cooled condenser.
EP2500460A1 (en) Foam detection and elimination method for washing machines
KR101290568B1 (en) Control device for a dishwasher appliance and associated method
EP2716809B1 (en) Electrical household appliance for washing and drying linen
EP2503048B1 (en) Method for washing laundry in a laundry washing machine and laundry washing machine
JP2007236702A (en) Washing machine
EP0914799A1 (en) Method for recovering rinse-aid containing water in an automatic dishwashing machine
EP2746442A1 (en) Method for controlling a washing machine for eliminating odours
EP4375408A1 (en) A washing machine connected to a laundry dryer and the control method thereof
KR101220721B1 (en) Dry time controlling method of a dishwasher
CN110537884B (en) Washing method and dish washing machine

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
PUAI Public reference made under article 153(3) epc to a published international application that has entered the european phase

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009012

STAA Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent

Free format text: STATUS: THE APPLICATION HAS BEEN PUBLISHED

AK Designated contracting states

Kind code of ref document: A1

Designated state(s): AT BE BG CH CY CZ DE DK EE ES FI FR GB GR HU IE IS IT LI LT LU LV MC NL PL PT RO SE SI SK TR

AX Request for extension of the european patent

Extension state: AL BA HR MK YU

AKX Designation fees paid
REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: DE

Ref legal event code: 8566

STAA Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent

Free format text: STATUS: THE APPLICATION IS DEEMED TO BE WITHDRAWN

18D Application deemed to be withdrawn

Effective date: 20080613