EP3495545B1

EP3495545B1 - A washing method for washing machines

Info

Publication number: EP3495545B1
Application number: EP18200951.4A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Beril KULELI CINAR; Nizami Barkin Elmas
Original assignee: Vestel Beyaz Esya Sanayi ve Ticaret AS
Current assignee: Vestel Beyaz Esya Sanayi ve Ticaret AS
Priority date: 2017-12-07
Filing date: 2018-10-17
Publication date: 2021-05-12
Anticipated expiration: 2038-10-17
Also published as: EP3495545A1; TR201719792A2

Description

Technical Field

The present invention relates to a washing method for washing machines in which a washing program is adjusted automatically by detecting the features of a laundry to be washed.

Prior Art

As regards domestic washing machines used at the present time, users select one of the defined programmes of the washing machine depending upon the features of the laundry to be washed such as the type, structure, colour, dirt level of the fabric etc., and start the washing operation. For some machines, parameters of the selected program such as the temperature, rinsing, spinning speed may also be selected by the user. However, in the case that a user does not select a program suitable for the laundry to be washed, some cases may arise as discoloration, insufficient cleaning of the laundry, or texture deterioration.
Various practices are covered by the known art which are developed to prevent faulty program selection by the user and to determine a suitable program for the laundry to be washed in an automatic manner. One of these practices is disclosed in patent document no. EP2441871B1 . For the practice disclosed in said document, amount and type of the laundry which is received through the input unit of the washing machine are detected by the respective sensors, and the washing program is decided by assessing the detected sensor measurements with the data input by the user. However, in said practice, some type of data are required to be input by the user regarding the washing operation / laundry type, thus a washing program cannot be determined independent of the user.
EP2719812A2 discloses a method of operating a laundry treatment machine which includes primarily sensing amount of the laundry in the tub, supplying water to a first water level, sensing the level of water in the tub, secondarily sensing amount of the laundry in the tub, and judging whether the laundry includes dry laundry or wet laundry using the primarily sensed amount of laundry, secondarily sensed amount of laundry, and sensed water level. In this method, the amount of laundry is detected and this parameter is used in order to control the washing cycle. However, the amount of laundry data alone may not be sufficient for determining optimum washing parameters.
DE112015006237T5 discloses a washing machine aiming to measure the turbidity of a washing liquid more accurately by controlling the sensitivity of a turbidity sensor according to the turbidity of a detergent itself. The washing machine disclosed changes the sensitivity of a dirt sensor based on an output value of the dirt sensor in a water supply step, when a water level of an outer tub reaches a predetermined water level or when a predetermined time has passed since the start of the water supply. The washing machine disclosed provides an efficient turbidity, however this may not be sufficient for determining optimum washing parameters and additional information such as laundry amount, colour or type may be required.

Brief Description of Invention

A washing method suitable for use in washing machines which comprise at least one tub; at least one drum which is positioned inside said tub and performs washing operation by rotating around an axis; at least one motor to enable movement of the drum; at least one valve which enables to receive water into the machine for washing and rinsing operations; at least one water flow sensor to detect amount of water received into the machine; at least one water level sensor to detect pressure of the water in the drum and to convert the measured pressure value into a frequency value; at least one turbidity sensor to measure turbidity of the water in the drum; at least one colour sensor to detect colour of the laundry which is placed inside the drum; at least one temperature sensor to detect temperature of the water in the drum; at least one processing unit to which measures obtained from said water flow sensor, water level sensor, turbidity sensor, colour sensor and temperature sensor are transmitted and assessed therein, and in which said valve, motor and the drum are controlled according to said assessment, characterised by comprising the steps of:

receiving water into the tub by said valve for a first period of time (t1);
start of rotation of the drum at the end of said first period of time (t1);
for a second period of time (t2) from the start of drum rotation, measuring the pressure of water in the drum and converting it into a frequency value by said level sensor;
monitoring, by said processing unit, the frequency value which is obtained from said water level sensor, and accordingly, when said frequency value reaches to a first frequency value (f1), receiving water into the tub via the valve until said frequency value reaches to a second frequency value (f2), and repeating this operation for said second period of time (t2);
when said second period of time (t2) is completed, measuring, by said water flow sensor, the total water amount (V2) received into the machine at the end of said first period of time (t1) and said second period of time (t2), and determining a spinning speed in regard to the measured total water amount (V2) value;
performing washing operation such that the drum is moved according to a washing cycle which is determined with respect to the measured total water amount (V2) value;
at the end of the washing operation, carrying out a dirt level measurement by said turbidity sensor;
with reference to said dirt level measurement received by the turbidity sensor, determining whether to finalise the washing or perform an additional washing operation;
when the washing operation is finalised and/or the additional washing operation is completed, determining the number of rinsing depending on said dirt level measurement which is conducted by said turbidity sensor;
performing the operations of rinsing and spinning in accordance with the determined rinsing number and spinning speed.

With the present method, required operations are conducted by determining the optimal washing, rinsing and spinning cycles, without requiring any data input by the user regarding the laundry type, laundry amount etc.

Object of Invention

An object of the present invention is to provide a washing machine in which a washing program is adjusted automatically by detecting the features of a laundry.
Another object of the present invention is to provide a washing machine in which a washing program is determined according to the features of a laundry to be washed without requiring any data input by the user.

Description of Drawings

An exemplary embodiment of the washing method according to the present invention is illustrated in the attached figure, in which:

Figure 1; is an exemplary graphical view indicating the frequency value obtained from the water level sensor, and water intake operation and the total water amount detection which are performed according to this value for the washing method according to the invention.

All the parts illustrated in figures are individually assigned a reference numeral and the corresponding terms of these numbers are listed below:

First frequency (f1)
Second frequency (f2)
First period of time (t1)
Second period of time (t2)
Total water amount (V2)

Description of Invention

As regards domestic washing machines used at the present time, a washing operation is performed depending on the washing parameters determined by the user or the selected washing program. However, in case that the user does not select the parameters so as to be suitable for the laundry type to be washed or the dirt level, an efficient washing operation cannot be performed or some problems may arise such as discoloration or texture deterioration. For that reason, with the present invention, there is developed an operation method for a washing machine in which a suitable washing program is determined by detecting the features of the laundry to be washed, without requiring any parameter to be input by the user.
The washing method according to the present invention is suitable for use in washing machines which comprise at least one tub; at least one drum which is positioned inside said tub and performs washing operation by rotating around an axis; at least one motor to enable movement of the drum; at least one valve which enables to receive water into the machine for washing and rinsing operations; at least one water flow sensor to detect amount of water received into the machine; at least one water level sensor (an electronic pressure sensor) to detect pressure of the water in the drum and to convert the measured pressure value into a frequency value; at least one turbidity sensor to measure turbidity of the water in the drum; at least one colour sensor to detect colour of the laundry which is which is placed inside the drum; at least one temperature sensor to detect temperature of the water in the drum; at least one processing unit to which measures obtained from said water flow sensor, water level sensor, turbidity sensor, colour sensor and temperature sensor are transmitted and assessed therein, and in which said valve, motor and the drum are controlled according to said assessment. Said washing method comprises the steps of:

receiving water into the tub by said valve for a first period of time (t1) (this first period of time (t1) is, preferably, within the range of 59 seconds to 81 seconds);
start of rotation of the drum at the end of said first period of time (t1);
for a second period of time (t2) from the start of drum rotation, measuring the pressure of water in the drum and converting it into a frequency value by said level sensor;
monitoring, by said processing unit, the frequency value which is obtained from said water level sensor, and accordingly, when said frequency value reaches to a first frequency value (f1), receiving water into the tub via the valve until said frequency value reaches to a second frequency value (f2), and repeating this operation for said second period of time (t2) (this second period of time (t2) is, preferably, within the range of 9 minutes to 11 minutes);
when said second period of time (t2) is completed, measuring, by said water flow sensor, the total water amount (V2) received into the machine at the end of said first time (t1) and said second period of time (t2), and determining a spinning speed in regard to the measured total water amount (V2) value;
performing washing operation such that the drum is moved according to a washing cycle which is determined with respect to the measured total water amount (V2) value;
at the end of the washing operation, carrying out a dirt level measurement by said turbidity sensor;
with reference to said dirt level measurement received by the turbidity sensor, determining whether to finalise the washing or perform an additional washing operation;
when the washing operation is finalised and/or the additional washing operation is completed, determining the number of rinsing depending on said dirt level measurement which is conducted by said turbidity sensor;
performing the operations of rinsing and spinning in accordance with the determined rinsing number and spinning speed.

In the method according to the invention, pressure of the water in the drum is measured by said water level sensor to convert it into a frequency value, and with respect to said frequency value, water intake operation is performed by the control unit for said second period of time (t2). As the amount of water in the drum increases, the pressure of water generated increases as well, while said frequency value changes inversely proportional to the measured water pressure.
In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, preferably, when the measured total water amount (V2) value equals to or less than 10 litres, the washing operation comprises the steps of running the motor at 53 rpm for 10 seconds in anticlockwise direction, stopping it for 10 seconds, running it at 53 rpm for 10 seconds in clockwise direction, and stopping it for 10 seconds, respectively and in a repeated manner for 30 minutes. Here, said spinning speed is preferably 800 rpm.
In another exemplary embodiment of the invention, preferably, when the measured total water amount (V2) value is greater than 10 litres and less than or equals to 14 litres, the washing operation comprises the steps of running the motor at 53 rpm for 15 seconds in anticlockwise direction, stopping it for 9 seconds, running it at 53 rpm for 10 seconds in clockwise direction, stopping it for 6 seconds, respectively and in a repeated manner for 20 minutes, and of running the motor at 53 rpm for 10 seconds in anticlockwise direction, stopping it for 6 seconds, running it at 53 rpm for 15 seconds in clockwise direction and stopping it for 9 seconds, respectively and in a repeated manner for the next 20 minutes. Here, said spinning speed is preferably 800 rpm.
In another alternative embodiment of the invention, preferably, when the measured total water amount (V2) value is greater than 14 litres and less than or equals to 20 litres, the washing operation comprises the steps of running the motor at 53 rpm for 15 seconds in anticlockwise direction, stopping it for 9 seconds, running it at 53 rpm for 10 seconds in clockwise direction, stopping it for 6 seconds, respectively and in a repeated manner for 20 minutes, and of running the motor at 53 rpm for 10 seconds in anticlockwise direction, stopping it for 6 seconds, running it at 53 rpm for 15 seconds in clockwise direction and stopping it for 9 seconds, for the next 20 minutes. Here, said spinning speed is preferably 1200 rpm.
In a further alternative embodiment of the invention, preferably, when the measured total water amount (V2) value is greater than 20 litres, the washing operation comprises the steps of running the motor at 53 rpm for 15 seconds in anticlockwise direction, stopping it for 9 seconds, running it at 53 rpm for 10 seconds in clockwise direction, stopping it for 6 seconds, respectively and in a repeated manner for 30 minutes, and of running the motor at 53 rpm for 10 seconds in anticlockwise direction, stopping it for 6 seconds, running it at 53 rpm for 15 seconds in clockwise direction and stopping it for 9 seconds, for the next 30 minutes. Here, said spinning speed is preferably 1200 rpm.
In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, preferably, at the end of the washing operation, the dirt level obtained as a result of said measurement which is performed by said turbidity sensor is compared to a threshold value, and if the measurement value is greater than said threshold value, said additional washing operation is determined to be performed.
In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, preferably, the additional washing operation comprises the steps of running the motor at a speed of 53 rpm for 10 seconds in anticlockwise direction, stopping it for 10 seconds, running it at a speed of 53 rpm for 10 seconds in clockwise direction and stopping it for 10 seconds, respectively.
In a preferred embodiment of the invention, said method comprises the steps of determining, by said colour sensor, the colours of the laundry which is received into the machine, and changing the washing temperature according to determined colour of the laundry.
In the washing method of the invention, it is provided to monitor the water pressure in the drum for a certain time by measurements obtained by a water level sensor, to perform water intake operation depending on a change of the frequency value obtained by said water level sensor, and by this way, the need to have the laundry type or laundry amount data is eliminated. With the present method, required operations are conducted by determining the optimal washing, rinsing and spinning cycles for the laundry received into the machine, without requiring any data input by the user regarding the type, amount and colour of the laundry etc.

Claims

A washing method suitable for use in washing machines which comprise at least one tub; at least one drum which is positioned inside said tub and performs washing operation by rotating around an axis; at least one motor to enable movement of the drum; at least one valve which enables to receive water into the machine for washing and rinsing operations; at least one water flow sensor to detect amount of water received into the machine; at least one water level sensor to detect pressure of the water in the drum and to convert the measured pressure value into a frequency value; at least one turbidity sensor to measure turbidity of the water in the drum; at least one colour sensor to detect colour of the laundry which is placed inside the drum; at least one temperature sensor to detect temperature of the water in the drum; at least one processing unit to which measures obtained from said water flow sensor, water level sensor, turbidity sensor, colour sensor and temperature sensor are transmitted and assessed therein, and in which said valve, motor and the drum are controlled according to said assessment, characterised by comprising the steps of:
- receiving water into the tub by said valve for a first period of time (t1);

- start of rotation of the drum at the end of said first period of time (t1);

- for a second period of time (t2) from the start of drum rotation, measuring the pressure of water in the drum and converting it into a frequency value by said level sensor;

- monitoring, by said processing unit, the frequency value which is obtained from said water level sensor, and accordingly, when said frequency value reaches to a first frequency value (f1), receiving water into the tub via the valve until said frequency value reaches to a second frequency value (f2), and repeating this operation for said second period of time (t2);

- when said second period of time (t2) is completed, measuring, by said water flow sensor, the total water amount (V2) received into the machine at the end of said first period of time (t1) and said second period of time (t2), and determining a spinning speed in regard to the measured total water amount (V2) value;

- performing washing operation such that the drum is moved according to a washing cycle which is determined with respect to the measured total water amount (V2) value;

- at the end of the washing operation, carrying out a dirt level measurement by said turbidity sensor;

- with reference to said dirt level measurement received by the turbidity sensor, determining whether to finalise the washing or perform an additional washing operation;

- when the washing operation is finalised and/or the additional washing operation is completed, determining the number of rinsing depending on said dirt level measurement which is conducted by said turbidity sensor;

- performing the operations of rinsing and spinning in accordance with the determined rinsing number and spinning speed.
A washing method according to Claim 1, characterised in that said first period of time (t1) is in the range of 59 seconds to 81 seconds.
A washing method according to Claim 1 or 2, characterised in that said second period of time (t2) is in the range of 9 minutes to 11 minutes.
A washing method according any of the preceding claims, characterised in that when the measured total water amount (V2) value equals to or less than 10 litres, the washing operation comprises the steps of running the motor at 53 rpm for 10 seconds in anticlockwise direction, stopping it for 10 seconds, running it at 53 rpm for 10 seconds in clockwise direction, and stopping it for 10 seconds, respectively and in a repeated manner for 30 minutes.
A washing method according any of the preceding claims, characterised in that when the measured total water amount (V2) value equals to or less than 10 litres, the spinning speed is 800 rpm.
A washing method according any of the preceding claims, characterised in that when the measured total water amount (V2) value is greater than 10 litres and less than or equals to 14 litres, the washing operation comprises the steps of running the motor at 53 rpm for 15 seconds in anticlockwise direction, stopping it for 9 seconds, running it at 53 rpm for 10 seconds in clockwise direction, stopping it for 6 seconds, respectively and in a repeated manner for 20 minutes, and of running the motor at 53 rpm for 10 seconds in anticlockwise direction, stopping it for 6 seconds, running it at 53 rpm for 15 seconds in clockwise direction and stopping it for 9 seconds, respectively and in a repeated manner for the next 20 minutes.
A washing method according any of the preceding claims, characterised in that when the measured total water amount (V2) value is greater than 10 litres and less than or equals to 14 litres, the spinning speed is 800 rpm.
A washing method according any of the preceding claims, characterised in that when the measured total water amount (V2) value is greater than 14 litres and less than or equals to 20 litres, the washing operation comprises the steps of running the motor at 53 rpm for 15 seconds in anticlockwise direction, stopping it for 9 seconds, running it at 53 rpm for 10 seconds in clockwise direction, stopping for 6 seconds, respectively and in a repeated manner for 20 minutes, and of running the motor at 53 rpm for 10 seconds in anticlockwise direction, stopping for 6 seconds, running at 53 rpm for 15 seconds in clockwise direction and stopping for 9 seconds, for the next 20 minutes.
A washing method according any of the preceding claims, characterised in that when the measured total water amount (V2) value is greater than 14 litres and less than or equals to 20 litres, the spinning speed is 1200 rpm.
A washing method according any of the preceding claims, characterised in that when the measured total water amount (V2) value is greater than 20 litres, the washing operation comprises the steps of running the motor at 53 rpm for 15 seconds in anticlockwise direction, stopping it for 9 seconds, running it at 53 rpm for 10 seconds in clockwise direction, stopping it for 6 seconds, respectively and in a repeated manner for 30 minutes, and of running the motor at 53 rpm for 10 seconds in anticlockwise direction, stopping it for 6 seconds, running it at 53 rpm for 15 seconds in clockwise direction and stopping it for 9 seconds, for the next 30 minutes.
A washing method according any of the preceding claims, characterised in that when the measured total water amount (V2) value is greater than 20 litres, the spinning speed is 1200 rpm.
A washing method according any of the preceding claims, characterised by comprising the step of comparing, at the end of the washing operation, the dirt level obtained as a result of said measurement which is performed by said turbidity sensor to a threshold value, and if the measurement value is greater than said threshold value, determining to perform said additional washing operation.
A washing method according any of the preceding claims, characterised in that said additional washing operation comprises the steps of running the motor at a speed of 53 rpm for 10 seconds in anticlockwise direction, stopping it for 10 seconds, running it at a speed of 53 rpm for 10 seconds in clockwise direction and stopping it for 10 seconds, respectively.
A washing method according any of the preceding claims, characterised by comprising the steps of determining, by said colour sensor, the colours of the laundry which is received into the machine, and changing the washing temperature according to determined colour of the laundry.