WO2016102014A1 - Procédé pour laver du linge dans une machine à laver le linge qui comprend un dispositif de dosage automatique, et machine à laver le linge - Google Patents

Procédé pour laver du linge dans une machine à laver le linge qui comprend un dispositif de dosage automatique, et machine à laver le linge Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2016102014A1
WO2016102014A1 PCT/EP2014/079220 EP2014079220W WO2016102014A1 WO 2016102014 A1 WO2016102014 A1 WO 2016102014A1 EP 2014079220 W EP2014079220 W EP 2014079220W WO 2016102014 A1 WO2016102014 A1 WO 2016102014A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
detergent
laundry
washing
water
tub
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/EP2014/079220
Other languages
English (en)
Inventor
Andrea Zattin
Elena Pesavento
Maurizio Del Pos
Original Assignee
Electrolux Appliances Aktiebolag
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 Appliances Aktiebolag filed Critical Electrolux Appliances Aktiebolag
Priority to EP14821657.5A priority Critical patent/EP3237665B1/fr
Priority to CN201480084059.1A priority patent/CN107002335B/zh
Priority to PCT/EP2014/079220 priority patent/WO2016102014A1/fr
Priority to EP18208333.7A priority patent/EP3486358B1/fr
Publication of WO2016102014A1 publication Critical patent/WO2016102014A1/fr

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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 
    • D06F39/02—Devices for adding soap or other washing agents
    • 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
    • D06F33/00—Control of operations performed in washing machines or washer-dryers 
    • D06F33/30—Control of washing machines characterised by the purpose or target of the control 
    • D06F33/32—Control of operational steps, e.g. optimisation or improvement of operational steps depending on the condition of the laundry
    • D06F33/37—Control of operational steps, e.g. optimisation or improvement of operational steps depending on the condition of the laundry of metering of detergents or additives
    • 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
    • D06F34/00—Details of control systems for washing machines, washer-dryers or laundry dryers
    • D06F34/14—Arrangements for detecting or measuring specific parameters
    • D06F34/22—Condition of the washing liquid, e.g. turbidity
    • 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 
    • D06F39/08—Liquid supply or discharge arrangements
    • D06F39/083—Liquid discharge or recirculation 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
    • D06F2103/20—Washing liquid condition, e.g. turbidity
    • 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
    • D06F2105/42—Detergent or additive supply

Definitions

  • the present invention concerns the field of laundry washing techniques.
  • the present invention refers to a method for washing laundry in a laundry washing machine equipped with a detergent automatic dosing device which is capable of performing a more efficient delivering of the detergent.
  • laundry washing machines both "simple” laundry washing machines (i.e. laundry washing machines which can only wash and rinse laundry) and laundry washing-drying machines (i.e. laundry washing machines which can also dry laundry), is widespread.
  • laundry washing machine will refer to both simple laundry washing machines and laundry washing-drying machines.
  • Laundry washing machines generally comprise an external casing provided with a washing tub which contains a rotatable perforated drum where the laundry is placed.
  • a loading/unloading door ensures access to the drum.
  • Laundry washing machines typically comprise a water supply unit and a products supply unit, preferably a drawer, for the introduction of water and washing/rinsing products (i.e. detergent, softener, rinse conditioner, etc.) into the tub.
  • a water supply unit preferably a drawer
  • washing/rinsing products i.e. detergent, softener, rinse conditioner, etc.
  • Laundry washing machines of known type are also advantageously equipped with an automatic dosing device which is able to dose powder, liquid or other kinds of wash products from a container into the tub.
  • the device comprises a container which is filled with a large amount of detergent that is then dispensed in a predetermined dose when necessary at any single washing cycle.
  • the detergent in the container is therefore advantageously sufficient for several washing cycles.
  • the detergent is typically conveyed into the tub at the beginning of the washing cycle together with a proper amount of water so that the laundry is being fully saturated or substantially fully saturated. It follows a main washing phase during which the laundry is treated by means of said solution of water and detergent.
  • the water is typically heated to a predetermined temperature based on the washing program selected by the user.
  • the drum is rotated, so as to apply also a mechanical cleaning action on the laundry.
  • the drum is typically rotated at high rotational speed, in such a way that dirty washing liquid (i.e. water mixed with detergent) is extracted from the laundry.
  • the dirty washing liquid is drained to the outside by a water draining device.
  • a successive step of the cycle typically comprises a rinsing phase which usually comprises one or more rinsing cycles.
  • clean rinse water may be first added to the laundry.
  • the rinse water is absorbed by the laundry and the rinse water removes from the laundry detergent and/or dirty particles not previously removed by washing liquid in the main washing cycle.
  • the drum is then rotated to extract water and dirty particles/detergent from the laundry: the dirty water extracted is drained from the tub to the outside by the water draining device.
  • a drawback posed by the washing cycles of the known art lies in that the same predetermined dose of detergent is dispensed at any washing cycle irrespective of the type of detergent which is currently used.
  • detergents available in the market may be of different type according to their concentration.
  • Detergents are substantially grouped by the producers in three main categories, namely: regular, concentrated or super concentrated. Producers usually suggest a preferred amount of detergent usable for each category considering the soil level, the laundry load amount and the water hardness.
  • an amount of ⁇ 120ml is suggested in case of a regular liquid detergent with soft/medium water, normal soil and a medium load (3-4 kg), an amount of ⁇ 70ml in case of a concentrated liquid detergent and an amount of 25 ⁇ 37ml in case of a super-concentrated liquid detergent.
  • Dispensing of the same predetermined dose of detergent in the tub irrespective of the type of detergent currently loaded in the container may lead to the use of an overdose of concentrated or super-concentrated detergent for washing the laundry.
  • the object of the present invention is therefore to overcome the drawbacks posed by the known technique.
  • the applicant has found that by providing a method for washing laundry in a laundry washing machine comprising an automatic dosing device which supplies detergent in a plurality of washing cycles, a mixing recirculation circuit and a concentration sensor device, wherein the method comprises an initial phase of introducing water and detergent for washing the laundry and by providing a step of detecting the concentration of the detergent through said concentration sensor device it is possible to dose the correct amount of detergent during the washing cycle.
  • the present invention relates, therefore, to a method for washing laundry during a washing cycle in a laundry washing machine comprising:
  • washing drum adapted to receive laundry
  • washing tub external to said washing drum; - a water supply unit to supply water into said washing tub;
  • an automatic dosing device to supply detergent into said washing tub comprising a compartment suitable for receiving a quantity of detergent sufficient for a plurality of washing cycles;
  • a first recirculation circuit suitable for withdrawing liquid from a bottom region of said washing tub and for re-admitting such a liquid into said bottom region of said washing tub;
  • control unit for controlling functioning of said laundry washing machine; wherein the method comprises an initial phase comprising the steps of:
  • said first prefixed quantity of detergent and/or said second quantity of detergent is determined on the base of the amount of laundry load.
  • the initial phase further comprises a step f) of introducing a second quantity of water into the washing tub for washing the laundry.
  • the step f) of introducing a second quantity of water into the washing tub is carried out by means of a sequence of partial loads of water into the washing tub.
  • the step f) of introducing a second quantity of water is carried out after the step e).
  • the step f) of introducing a second quantity of water is carried out after said step c) and before said step e) for determining said amount of laundry load (L).
  • the first prefixed quantity of detergent in the step a) is determined assuming that the concentration level of the detergent is comprised in a preselected range of a plurality of concentration ranges defined by said one or more prefixed concentration levels stored in the control unit and the step e) comprises the step of either introducing a second quantity of detergent into the washing tub if the current concentration value of the detergent falls out of the preselected range or not introducing any quantity of detergent into the washing tub if the current concentration value of the detergent falls within the preselected range.
  • the first prefixed quantity of detergent in the step a) is determined assuming that the concentration level of the detergent has a preselected value and the step e) comprises the step of either introducing a second quantity of detergent into the washing tub if the current concentration value of the detergent is different from of the preselected value or not introducing any quantity of detergent into the washing tub if the current concentration value of the detergent is equal to the preselected value.
  • said one or more prefixed concentration levels stored in the control unit define respective concentration ranges.
  • said one or more prefixed concentration levels stored in the control unit are two levels which define three concentration ranges, preferably a low concentration range, a medium concentration range and a high concentration range.
  • said one or more prefixed concentration levels stored in the control unit is only one level which defines two concentration ranges, preferably a low concentration range and a high concentration range.
  • the first quantity of water plus the second quantity of water is a quantity of water required to fully saturate, or substantially fully saturate, the laundry.
  • the amount of laundry load is determined by detecting and/or estimating the amount of laundry load in the laundry drum, preferably by evaluating working parameters of the laundry washing machine.
  • the step of evaluating working parameters of the laundry washing machine comprises the step of detecting the weight of the load by means of a weight sensor associated to the laundry drum.
  • the step of evaluating working parameters of the laundry washing machine comprises the step of measuring the electrical and/or mechanical parameters of an electric drum motor, the step of measuring the electrical and/or mechanical parameters of an electric drum motor preferably comprising the step of measuring the electric current and/or the induced voltage and/or the torque of the electric drum.
  • the first prefixed quantity of detergent and/or the second quantity of detergent is determined on the base of the water hardness level.
  • the water hardness level is a parameter set by a user at the beginning of the washing cycle or at the time of installation of the laundry washing machine.
  • the water hardness level is a parameter determined by means of a water hardness sensor of the laundry washing machine.
  • the first prefixed quantity of detergent and/or the second quantity of detergent is determined on the base of the laundry soil level.
  • the laundry soil level is determined on the base of the washing cycle selected set by a user.
  • the laundry soil level is determined on the base of a soil sensor associated to the washing laundry machine.
  • the method further comprises a further step, after the initial phase, of withdrawing liquid from a bottom region of the washing tub and re- admitting such a liquid into the washing drum in order to enhances absorption of the liquid by the laundry.
  • the further step of introducing liquid into the washing drum is carried out by means of a second recirculation circuit suitable for withdrawing liquid from the bottom region of the washing tub and for re- admitting such a liquid into an upper region of the washing tub.
  • the method comprises at least a step of washing the laundry by rotating the washing drum during which the laundry is subjected to a mechanical action and at least a step of draining dirty liquid from the washing tub to the outside.
  • the step of washing the laundry further comprises a step of heating the liquid which wets the laundry
  • the laundry washing machine additionally comprises a water softening device and the method further comprises a step of conveying water through the water softening device before the water is supplied into the washing tub.
  • the present invention concerns a laundry washing machine suited to implement the method of the invention described above.
  • FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of a laundry washing machine implementing the method according to a first embodiment of the invention
  • FIG. 2 shows a schematic view of the laundry washing machine of Figure 1 ;
  • FIG. 3 shows the laundry washing machine of Figure 1 with the external casing removed
  • FIG. 4 shows the laundry washing machine of Figure 3 from another point of view
  • FIG. 5 shows a partial view of the laundry washing machine of Figure 1 with the external casing partially removed;
  • FIG. 6 is a plan view of some components of the laundry washing machine of Figure 3 isolated from the rest;
  • FIG. 6A shows a perspective view of some components of the laundry washing machine isolated from the rest according of a further embodiment of the laundry washing machine
  • FIG. 7 is a simplified flow chart of the basic operations of a method for washing laundry in the laundry washing machine of Figure 2 according to a first embodiment of the invention
  • the present invention has proved to be particularly advantageous when applied to laundry washing machines, as described below. It should in any case be underlined that the present invention is not limited to laundry washing machines. On the contrary, the present invention can be conveniently applied to laundry washing-drying machines (i.e. laundry washing machines which can also dry laundry).
  • laundry washing machine will refer to both simple laundry washing machines and laundry washing-drying machines.
  • the laundry washing machine 1 comprises an external casing or housing 2, in which a washing tub 3 is provided that contains a perforated washing drum 4 where the laundry to be treated can be loaded.
  • the tub 3 and the drum 4 both preferably have a substantially cylindrical shape. Between the tub 3 and the drum 4 a gap 55 is defined.
  • the housing 2 is provided with a loading/unloading door 8 which allows access to the drum 4.
  • the tub 3 is preferably suspended in a floating manner inside the housing 2, advantageously by means of a number of coil springs and shock-absorbers 9.
  • the drum 4 is advantageously rotated by an electric motor, not illustrated, which preferably transmits the rotating motion to the shaft of the drum 4, advantageously by means of a belt/pulley system.
  • the motor can be directly associated with the shaft of the drum 4.
  • the drum 4 is advantageously provided with holes which allow the liquid flowing therethrough. Said holes are typically and preferably homogeneously distributed on the cylindrical side wall of the drum 4.
  • the tub 3 is preferably connected to the casing 2 by means of an elastic bellows 7, or gasket.
  • the tub 3 preferably comprises two complementary hemi- shells 13 and 14 structured for being reciprocally coupled to form the tub 3.
  • the bottom region 3a of the tub 3 preferably comprises a seat 15, or sump, suitable for receiving a heating device 10, as illustrated in Figure 5.
  • the heating device 10 when activated, heats the liquid inside the sump 15.
  • the heating device 10 preferably comprises an electrical resistor of serpentine type.
  • the heating device 10 is horizontally placed in the sump 15 and it extends substantially from a front part up to a rear part of the sump 15.
  • the bottom region of the tub may be configured differently.
  • the bottom region of the tub may not comprise a seat for the heating device.
  • the heating device may be advantageously placed in the annular gap between the tub and the drum.
  • the heating device may not be present.
  • the required heated water may come from an external hot water source.
  • the heating device may be different and suitable to heat the liquid in the tub, for example a hot air stream, a steam flow, microwaves source, infra-red rays, etc..
  • a water supply unit 5 is arranged in the upper part of the laundry washing machine 1 and is suited to supply water into the tub 3 from an external supply line E.
  • the water supply unit 5 advantageously comprises a controlled supply valve 5a which is properly controlled, opened and closed, during the washing cycle.
  • the water supply unit 5 also preferably comprises a water flow sensor (not shown), for example a flow meter, which makes it possible to calculate the quantity of water supplied into the tub 3.
  • the water supply unit 5 may then preferably comprise a water softening device for removal of calcium, magnesium and/or certain other metal cations in hard water before entering the tub.
  • the water softening device advantageously comprises water softening agents for reducing the hardness degree of the water to be supplied to the washing tub.
  • the water softening device basically comprises a water- softening agent container and a regeneration- agent reservoir.
  • the water- softening agent container is crossed by the fresh water arriving from the external water supply line.
  • the water- softening agent container is filled with a water softening agent able to reduce the hardness degree of the fresh water flowing through the same water- softening agent container.
  • the regeneration-agent reservoir instead is fluidly connected to the water- softening agent container and is structured for receiving a given quantity of salt or other regeneration agent which is able to regenerate the water softening function of the water softening agent stored inside the water- softening agent container.
  • the water supply unit 5 may then preferably comprise a water hardness sensor which detects the water hardness entering the laundry washing machine 1.
  • the water hardness sensor may be a sensor based on impedance and/or conductivity water analysis.
  • the water supply unit of a laundry washing machine is well known in the art, and therefore it will not be further described in detail.
  • the laundry washing machine 1 advantageously comprises a wash products supplier 59 to supply wash products during a washing cycle, such as detergent, rinse additives, fabric softener or fabric conditioners, waterproofing agents, fabric enhancers, rinse sanitization additives, chlorine-based additives, etc..
  • the wash products supplier 59 advantageously comprises a detergent supplier 60 to supply detergent D into the tub 3 and a rinse additive supplier 70 to supply at least one rinse additive S into the tub 3.
  • the rinse additive S may comprise a softener.
  • the detergent supplier 60 and the rinse additive supplier 70 are part of a removable drawer 6 provided with various compartments suited to be filled with said detergent D and rinse additive S.
  • the removable drawer may comprise further compartments suited to be filled with other type of wash products, such as fabric conditioners, waterproofing agents, fabric enhancers, rinse sanitization additives, chlorine-based additives, i.e. products which are suitable to be used in the washing cycle.
  • wash products such as fabric conditioners, waterproofing agents, fabric enhancers, rinse sanitization additives, chlorine-based additives, i.e. products which are suitable to be used in the washing cycle.
  • each compartment of the drawer 6 is filled with a large amount of wash product, detergent D or softener S, which is then dispensed in a predetermined dose during the washing cycle.
  • the detergent D and the softener S in the compartments are advantageously sufficient for multiple washing cycles.
  • the wash products supplier 59 therefore define an automatic dosing device 58 which is suited to dose the detergent D or the softener S from the respective compartment of the drawer 6 into the tub 3.
  • the automatic dosing device 58 preferably comprises a flushing chamber 57.
  • the flushing chamber 57 is advantageously defined by the bottom of the housing 6a which receives the removable drawer 6.
  • the flushing chamber may be a separate mixing chamber.
  • a dose of detergent D is preferably conveyed from the compartment of the drawer 6 into the flushing chamber 57 by activating a first feeding pump 60a.
  • a dose of softener S is preferably conveyed from the compartment of the drawer 6 into the flushing chamber 57 by activating a second feeding pump 70a.
  • the water is supplied into the tub 3 from the water supply unit 5 by making it flow through the flushing chamber 57 and then through a supply pipe 18 together with the dose of detergent D, or the dose of softener S.
  • the water which reaches the tub 3 can be clean water if the wash products are not conveyed into the flushing chamber 57 from the respective compartment.
  • a further separate water supply pipe can be provided, which supplies exclusively clean water into the tub 3, thus bypassing the flushing chamber 57.
  • the automatic dosing device 58 here described is only one of the possible preferred embodiments. In different embodiments, nevertheless, the automatic dosing device may be differently realized, as known in the art.
  • the supply pipe 18, as schematically illustrated in figure 2 and visible in Figure 4, is preferably arranged laterally with respect to the tub 3 and preferably terminates at an upper region 3b of the tub 3. More preferably, the supply pipe 18 terminates at a rear side of the washing tub 3.
  • Laundry washing machine 1 advantageously comprises a water outlet circuit 25 suitable for withdrawing liquid from the bottom region 3 a of the tub 3.
  • the water outlet circuit 25 preferably comprises a main pipe 17, a draining pump 26 and an outlet pipe 28 ending outside the housing 2.
  • the water outlet circuit 25 preferably further comprise a filtering device 12 arranged between the main pipe 17 and the draining pump 26.
  • the filtering device 12 is adapted to retain all the undesirable bodies (for example buttons that have come off the laundry, coins erroneously introduced into the laundry washing machine, etc.).
  • This filtering device 12 can preferably be removed, and then cleaned, through a gate 14 placed advantageously on the front wall of the housing 2 of the laundry washing machine 1, as illustrated in Figure 1.
  • the main pipe 17 connects the bottom region 3 a of the tub 3 to the filtering device 12.
  • An inlet end 17a of the main pipe 17 is advantageously positioned at the lower point of the tub 3, more preferably at the lower point of the sump 15.
  • An outlet end 17b of the main pipe 17 is connected to a front part 12a of the filtering device 12, as illustrated in Figure 6.
  • the filtering device 12 may be provided directly in the tub 3, preferably obtained in a single piece construction with the latter. In this case the filtering device 12 is fluidly connected to the outlet of the tub 3, in such a way that water and washing liquid drained from the tub 3 enters the filtering device 12.
  • the draining pump 26 is preferably connected to a rear part 12b of the filtering device 12 and conveys the liquid to the outlet pipe 28 through an outlet 29, the latest better visible in Figure 5 where the outlet pipe 28 has been removed.
  • Laundry washing machine 1 advantageously comprises a first recirculation circuit 30, or mixing circuit 30.
  • the mixing circuit 30 is adapted to drain liquid from the bottom region 3 a of the tub 3 and to re- admit such a liquid (recirculated mixing liquid) into a first region of the tub 3, which corresponds substantially to the same bottom region 3 a of the tub 3.
  • the mixing circuit 30 is adapted to drain liquid from the bottom of the sump 15 and to re-admit such a liquid again into the sump 15. More preferably, the liquid is re-admitted again into the sump 15 below the heating device 10.
  • the mixing circuit 30 preferably comprises a first recirculation pump 31, a first pipe 32 connecting the filtering device 12 to the first recirculation pump 31 and a second recirculation pipe 33 advantageously provided with a terminal portion 34, or nozzle, better visible in Figure 5.
  • the terminal portion 34 advantageously ends inside the sump 15, as mentioned above.
  • the liquid from the bottom region 3 a of the tub 3 is conveyed again towards the bottom region 3 a of the tub 3 by activation of the first recirculation pump 31.
  • the liquid from the bottom region 3a of the tub 3 is conveyed towards the bottom region 3a of the tub 3 in the gap 55 between the tub 3 and the drum 4.
  • the mixing circuit may comprise a dedicated pipe connecting the bottom region of the tub to the recirculation pump; in this case the mixing circuit is advantageously completely separated from the water outlet circuit, i.e. completely separated from the filtering device 12 and the main pipe 17.
  • the mixing circuit is preferably realized for transferring a portion of a liquid from a bottom region of the tub to the same bottom region for mixing and/or dissolution of the products, as better described below.
  • the mixing circuit is preferably realized for transferring liquid from a bottom region of the tub and for re- admitting such a liquid into the washing tub such that at least a portion of the re-admitted liquid reaches the bottom region of the washing tub without entering the washing drum.
  • the mixing circuit is realized for transferring liquid from a bottom region of the tub and for re- admitting such a liquid into the washing tub such that all, or substantially all, the re-admitted liquid reaches the bottom region of the washing tub without entering the washing drum.
  • laundry washing machine 1 preferably comprises a concentration sensor 80 for determining the concentration of a product (wash product) mixed/dissolved in water.
  • concentration sensor 80 is preferably arranged in the first recirculation circuit 30, for example along the second recirculation pipe 33 as illustrated in Figure 2.
  • the concentration sensor 80 is preferably arranged in the first recirculation circuit 30 along the first pipe 32, more preferably close to the to the first recirculation pump 31.
  • the concentration sensor may be arranged in other suitable zones at the bottom region 3 a of the tub 3, preferably inside the tub 3 and in the gap 55.
  • concentration sensor may be an electrical conductivity sensor preferably having a pair of electrodes.
  • concentration sensors may comprise a pH sensor, an oxidation/reduction sensor, a chemical sensor, and the like, capable of generating a signal proportional to the concentration of the wash product.
  • a water hardness sensor may be also arranged in suitable zones at the bottom region 3a of the tub 3, rather than in the water supply unit 5 as mentioned above.
  • the water hardness sensor may eventually coincide with the concentration sensor.
  • the sensor may detect the water hardness from a quantity of clean water opportunely introduced into the tub 3.
  • the water hardness detection may be advantageously carried out at the beginning of the washing cycle or more preferably by means of a dedicated hardness cycle carried out just after the installation of the laundry washing machine and its connection to the external supply line E.
  • Laundry washing machine 1 preferably comprises a second recirculation circuit 20 adapted to drain liquid from the bottom region 3 a of the tub 3 and to re- admit such a liquid into a second region 3b, or upper region, of the tub 3.
  • the second recirculation circuit 20 preferably comprises a second recirculation pump 21, a second pipe 22 connecting the filtering device 12 to the second recirculation pump 21 and a second recirculation pipe 23, preferably provided with a terminal nozzle 23 a arranged preferably at the upper region 3b of the tub 3.
  • the terminal nozzle 23a is opportunely arranged so that the liquid is sprayed directly into the drum 4 through its holes. More preferably the terminal nozzle 23a is integrally formed in the bellows 7, as visible in Figure 3, and the liquid is therefore advantageously sprayed in a direction against the perforated drum 4.
  • the terminal nozzle 23 a therefore, enhances distribution of liquid over the laundry through the perforated drum 4.
  • the liquid from the bottom region 3 a of the tub 3 is conveyed towards the upper region 3b of the tub 3 by activation of the second recirculation pump 21.
  • the second recirculation circuit 20 is advantageously activated in order to improve wetting of the laundry inside the drum 4 and for reducing the water required in the whole washing cycle.
  • the second recirculation circuit is properly realized for transferring a portion of a liquid from a bottom region of the tub, preferably from the sump, to an upper region of the tub in order to enhance absorption of the liquid by the laundry.
  • laundry washing machine 1 comprises a device 19 suited to sense (or detect) the liquid level inside the tub 3.
  • the sensor device 19 preferably comprises a pressure sensor which senses the pressure in the tub 3. From the values sensed by the sensor device 19 it is possible to determine the liquid level of the liquid inside the tub 3.
  • laundry washing machine may preferably comprise (in addition to or as a replacement of the pressure sensor) a level sensor (for example mechanical, electro-mechanical, optical, etc.) adapted to sense (or detect) the liquid level inside the tub 3.
  • laundry washing machine 1 further comprises a load amount detection device.
  • the load amount detection device gives indication of the amount of load (weight) of the laundry.
  • the load amount detection device may comprise, for example, a weight sensor placed on the dampers (coil springs and shock-absorbers 9). In different embodiments, measurements may be carried out using Hall sensors, magnet sensors or using strain gage devices.
  • the amount of load may be determined by measuring the electrical parameters of the electric drum motor, like the electric current and/or the induced voltage.
  • the electrical current through the electric drum motor is at least approximately proportional to the torque of the electric drum motor. For example, the electric current measured gives a measure of the torque of the electric drum motor and from the torque the amount of load is determined.
  • the torque of the electric drum motor may be detected and/or calculated differently, for example by means of a torque sensor associated to the drum motor.
  • Laundry washing machine 1 advantageously comprises a control unit 11 connected to the various parts of the laundry washing machine 1 in order to ensure its operation.
  • the control unit 11 is preferably connected to the water supply unit 5, the water outlet circuit 25, the recirculation circuits 30, 20, the heating device 10 and the electric motor and receives information from the various sensors provided on the laundry washing machine 1, like the concentration sensor 80, the pressure sensor 19, the water hardness sensor, the load amount detection device, a temperature sensor, etc.
  • Laundry washing machine 1 advantageously comprises an interface unit 16, connected to the control unit 11, accessible to the user and by means of which the user may select and set the washing parameters, like for example a desired washing program.
  • the washing parameters like for example a desired washing program.
  • other parameters can optionally be inserted by the user, for example the washing temperature, the spinning speed, the load in terms of weight of the laundry to be washed, etc..
  • control unit 11 sets and controls the various parts of the laundry washing machine 1 in order to carry out the desired washing program.
  • the laundry to be washed is first placed inside the drum 4 (step 100 of Figure 7).
  • the user fills, or has already previously filled, the compartments of the drawer 6 with the wash products, i.e. detergent D and softener S, needed for a plurality of washing cycles of the laundry.
  • the wash products i.e. detergent D and softener S
  • the user does not have to worry about the type of detergent D is using.
  • the user may indifferently fill the compartment of the drawer 6 with a regular, or a concentrated or a super concentrated detergent D.
  • the user selects the desired washing program (step 110) depending, for example, on the type and on the soil level of the laundry to wash. Furthermore, as said before, in a preferred embodiment it is possible for the user to insert some parameters directly by the interface unit 16, for example the value of the washing temperature, the rotating speed of the drum 4 in the spinning phase, the duration of the washing program, etc.
  • control unit 11 sets the laundry washing machine 1 so that it may start the washing program.
  • the selection of the desired washing program may be performed before placing the laundry into the drum 4 (step 100).
  • control unit 11 may evaluate other working parameters which may be advantageously used during the washing cycle.
  • Working parameters which may advantageously used are, for example, the soil level of the laundry, the amount of load of the laundry L (for example half or full load), the water hardness etc..
  • laundry load amount L the laundry load amount L, preferably in terms of laundry weight (Kg) is detected or evaluated.
  • This step may comprise either a direct measurement in case a load amount detection device is present or an indirect evaluation of the laundry load amount, as explained above.
  • a first prefixed quantity Qld of detergent D (step 130) and a first prefixed quantity Qlw of water W (step 140) are introduced into the tub 3.
  • the first prefixed quantity Qld of detergent D introduced into the tub 3 at this stage may be preferably evaluated as the quantity of detergent D required to wash the predetermined laundry load amount L, assuming that the detergent D is a super concentrated detergent.
  • the first quantity Qld of detergent D may be set at 30ml. Such a value is preferably determined according to the amount of super concentrated liquid detergent suggested by the detergent suppliers.
  • the first quantity Qld of detergent D and its relation with the laundry load amount L is advantageously stored in the memory of the control unit 11 or is adequately calculated by a suitable algorithm before its introduction into the tub 3.
  • the following table exemplary shows a correlation between the detergent liquid type and the amount of detergent for a medium load (3 -4kg) suggested by a supplier (which may hence be advantageously stored in the memory of the control unit 11):
  • the memory then preferably comprises one or more analogous tables storing the correlation between the detergent liquid type and the amount of detergent for different loads L. For example for a high load (load>4kg):
  • the amount of detergent for different loads may be calculated by a suitable algorithm starting from a standard situation. For example, the amount of detergent for a high load may be calculated adding a percentage of 30% to the standard medium load value or analogously the amount of detergent for a low load may be calculated subtracting a percentage of 40% to the standard medium load value.
  • the first prefixed quantity Qld of detergent D introduced into the tub 3 may be preferably set at a fixed minimum value assuming a minimum laundry load amount L and assuming that the detergent D is a super concentrated detergent D.
  • the first quantity Qld of detergent D may be set at 20ml which substantially corresponds to the use of a super concentrated detergent D with a low load L (for example 1-2 kg).
  • the first quantity Qlw of water W is a known prefixed quantity of water, for example 10 litres.
  • the introduction of the first quantity Qld of detergent D takes place preferably through the detergent supplier 60: the first quantity Qld of detergent D, preferably liquid detergent, is conveyed from the respective compartment of the drawer 6 into the flushing chamber 57 by activating the first feeding pump 60a; the first prefixed quantity Qlw of water W is supplied into the tub 3 from the water supply unit 5 by making it flow through the flushing chamber 57 and then through the supply pipe 18 together with the first quantity Qld of detergent D.
  • the first quantity Qlw of water W is conveyed to the flushing chamber 57 by activating (opening) the supply valve 5a of the water supply unit 5.
  • the supply valve 5a is activated for a predetermined water supplying time, for example 60 sec.
  • the water supplying time obviously depends on the flow rate of the supply valve 5a.
  • the first quantity Qld of detergent D and the first quantity Qlw of water W are introduced into the tub 3 through the supply pipe 18.
  • the first quantity Qld of detergent D and the first quantity Qlw of water W may be advantageously introduced singularly into the tub 3 in different times.
  • a small quantity of detergent D introduced into the tub 3 and flowing inside the gap 55 may enter the drum 4, due to the position of the supply pipe 18.
  • a relevant quantity of detergent D introduced into the tub 3 reaches in any case the bottom region 3a of the tub 3, filling the sump 15.
  • the mixing circuit 30 is then activated (step 150).
  • Activation of the mixing circuit 30 is advantageously carried out through activation of the first recirculation pump 31.
  • activation of the mixing circuit 30 preferably starts at the same time of activation of the supply valve 5a.
  • activation of the mixing circuit 30 more preferably starts after a delay time from activation of the supply valve 5a, for example after a delay time of 20 sec.
  • the delay time ensures that the first recirculation pump 31 is working properly, i.e. guarantees that a quantity of liquid (detergent D and/or water W) reaches the sump 15 when the first recirculation pump 31 is activated.
  • the activation of the mixing circuit 30 may start even before activation of the supply valve 5a or, on the contrary, activation of the mixing circuit 30 may start after the supply valve 5 a has been de-activated (closed). In the latter, the mixing circuit 30 is activated after all the quantity Qld of detergent D and all the first quantity Qlw of water W have been introduced into the tub 3.
  • the wash liquid (water W and detergent D) is drained from the bottom region 3a of the tub 3 and re-admitted into to the same bottom region 3 a of the tub 3.
  • the liquid (water W and detergent D) is drained from sump 15 and re-admitted again into the sump 15.
  • the wash liquid (water W and detergent D) is drained from sump 15 and re-admitted again into the sump 15 below the heating device 10.
  • Activation of the mixing circuit 30 advantageously mixes the detergent D and the water W at the bottom region 3 a of the tub 3, more preferably inside the sump 15.
  • the mixing action causes the quantity Qld of detergent D to be properly and homogeneously diluted in the first quantity Qlw of water W.
  • the concentration sensor 80 is activated for detection of the wash liquid concentration flowing through the second recirculation pipe 33 (step 150).
  • the control unit 11 from the values coming from the concentration sensor 80 may evaluate the current type of detergent D (step 160), i.e. may evaluate the concentration of the detergent D.
  • the detergent D is a regular or a concentrated or a super concentrated detergent D.
  • step 180 the method proceeds with the introduction of a second quantity Q2w of water W (step 180). This means, in fact, that the first prefixed quantity Qld of detergent D previously introduced into the tub 3 (step 130) was the correct required dose since it was correctly assumed to be a super concentrated detergent D.
  • the second quantity Q2w of water W is supplied into the tub 3 from the water supply unit 5 by making it flow through the flushing chamber 57 and then through the supply pipe 18.
  • the second quantity Q2w of water W is preferably a quantity of water that together with the first quantity Qlw of water W already introduced into the tub 3 fully saturate, or substantially fully saturate, the laundry.
  • the second quantity Q2w of water W introduced into the tub 3 may be differently determined.
  • step 190 the method proceeds with the adjustment of the quantity of detergent D inside the tub 3 (step 190) with the introduction of a second quantity Q2d of detergent D into the tub 3.
  • the second quantity Q2d of detergent D is preferably a quantity of detergent that added to the first quantity Qld of detergent D already introduced into the tub 3 guarantees the best performance of the detergent D having the current concentration level as previously detected (step 160).
  • the introduction of the second quantity Q2d of detergent D takes place preferably through the detergent supplier 60: the second quantity Q2d of detergent D is conveyed from the respective compartment of the drawer 6 into the flushing chamber 57 by activating the first feeding pump 60a; the second quantity Q2w of water W is supplied into the tub 3 (step 180) from the water supply unit 5 by making it flow through the flushing chamber 57 and then through the supply pipe 18 together with the second quantity Q2d of detergent D.
  • the evaluation of the detergent concentration gives the indication that the detergent D is a regular or a concentrated or a super concentrated detergent D (or, in other words, it has a low, a medium or a high concentration).
  • the second quantity Q2d of detergent D is selected between two values, for example the choice is between 80ml and 70ml (as described above). Therefore the adjustment phase (step 190) comprises a discrete optimization.
  • the prefixed levels Tl and T2 are advantageously stored in the control unit 11.
  • the evaluation of the detergent concentration (step 160) may give continuous values of concentration for the detergent D. Accordingly, the choice of the second quantity Q2d of detergent D (step 190) is based on continuous concentrations, i.e. the adjustment phase (step 190) comprises a continuous optimization.
  • the introduction of the second quantity Q2d of detergent D is performed (step 180).
  • the washing cycle then continues (step 200) according to the washing cycle selected up to the end of the cycle.
  • the second recirculation circuit 20 is advantageously activated.
  • the wash liquid comprising the total amount of water and detergent from the bottom region 3 a of the tub 3 is conveyed towards the upper region 3b of the tub 3 by activation of the second recirculation pump 21.
  • the second recirculation circuit 20 is advantageously activated in order to improve wetting of the laundry inside the drum 4.
  • the laundry is also subjected to a mechanical action by rotating the washing drum 4.
  • the washing cycle then advantageously comprises one or more rinsing cycles during which clean rinse water is added to the laundry and drum is rotated to extract water and dirty particles/detergent from the laundry: the dirty water extracted is drained from the tub to the outside by the water draining device.
  • a drying phase (step 210) may be also preferably performed.
  • the method according to the steps above described advantageously, automatically doses the correct amount Qd of detergent D on the base of the detected/evaluated concentration of the same detergent D.
  • the user does not have to worry about the type of detergent D with which he fills the drawer 6 and at the same time the method assures that the washing cycle is carried out avoiding the use of overdose of detergent, in particular overdoses of concentrated or super-concentrated detergent.
  • the use of correct amount of detergent avoids any excess of residuals on the laundry after the rinsing phase. This makes it possible to maintain the duration of the rinsing phase at the expected duration.
  • Phases and/or steps with the same reference numbers of the first embodiment correspond to phases and/or steps described above for the first embodiment.
  • the detergent D may be of two types, namely regular or concentrated.
  • the first prefixed quantity Ql 'd of detergent D introduced into the tub 3 is preferably evaluated as the quantity of detergent D required to wash the predetermined laundry load amount L, assuming that the detergent D is a concentrated detergent.
  • the first quantity Ql'd of detergent D may be set at 70ml, here again according to the amount of concentrated liquid detergent suggested by the detergent supplier (as illustrated in Table 1).
  • the successive evaluation of the detergent concentration gives the indication that the detergent D is a regular or a concentrated detergent D (i.e. it has a low or a high concentration). This may preferably carried out by comparing the values V coming from the sensor 80 with a prefixed level ⁇ which define two ranges: if V ⁇ T1 ' the detergent is a regular detergent; if V>T1' the detergent is a concentrated detergent.
  • the prefixed level ⁇ is advantageously stored in the control unit 11.
  • the second quantity Q2'd of detergent D is preferably a quantity of detergent that added to the first quantity Ql'd of detergent D already introduced into the tub 3 guarantees the best performance of the detergent D.
  • the second quantity Q2'd of detergent D is therefore advantageously a unique predetermined value.
  • the soil level parameter is a parameter which is detected/evaluated during each washing cycle, as indicated with block 123.
  • the level soil parameter is evaluated on the base of the desired washing cycle selected by the user.
  • the level soil parameter may be detected by means of a suitable soil sensor.
  • any suitable soil sensor may be used.
  • the soil sensor may be an optical sensor.
  • the level soil parameter is advantageously used, further to the predetermined laundry load amount L, for determining the first prefixed quantity Qld of detergent D which is introduced into the tub 3 in step 130".
  • the same level soil parameter is then advantageously used for determining the second quantity Q2d of detergent D which is introduced into the tub 3 in the adjustment step 190".
  • the first quantity Qld of detergent D for a medium load (3 -4kg) is selected according to the soil level (normal, very):
  • One or more analogous tables are then stored in the memory for different loads (for example a table for high load, i.e. load L>4kg).
  • the water hardness parameter is considered a parameter already stored in the memory of the control unit 11, as indicated with block 101 in dashed line.
  • the water hardness may be set by the user at the time of the installation of the machine and its connection to the external water supply line E. More preferably, the water hardness may be measured by means of a suitable water hardness sensor.
  • the water hardness parameter is advantageously used, further to the predetermined laundry load amount L, for determining the first prefixed quantity Qld of detergent D which is introduced into the tub 3 in step 130.
  • the water hardness parameter is then advantageously used for determining the second quantity Q2d of detergent D which is introduced into the tub 3 in the adjustment step 130.
  • the first quantity Qld of detergent D for a medium load (3 -4kg) is selected according to the detected water hardness (soft, medium or hard):
  • One or more analogous tables are then stored in the memory for different loads (for example a table for high load, i.e. load L>4kg).
  • the water hardness parameter is a parameter which is detected/evaluated during each washing cycle, as indicated with block 125.
  • the water hardness may be measured by means of a suitable water hardness sensor opportunely arranged in the water supply unit 5, for example downstream of the supply valve 5a.
  • the water hardness may be measured by means of the same concentration sensor 80, in case the concentration sensor 80 is suitable for the purpose.
  • This embodiment substantially corresponds to the combination of the methods previously described with reference to Figures 9 and 10.
  • both the soil level parameter (step 123) and the water hardness parameter (step 101) are advantageously used, further to the predetermined laundry load amount L, for determining the first prefixed quantity Qld of detergent D which is introduced into the tub 3 (step 130"').
  • the same parameters are then advantageously used for determining the second quantity Q2d of detergent D which is introduced into the tub 3 in the adjustment step (step 190"').
  • the laundry to be washed is first placed inside the drum 4 (step 100).
  • the user fills, or has already previously filled, the compartments of the drawer 6 with the wash products, i.e. detergent D and softener S, needed for a plurality of washing cycles of the laundry, as already explained above.
  • the wash products i.e. detergent D and softener S
  • the user selects the desired washing program (step 110) depending, for example, on the type and on the soil level of the laundry to wash. Furthermore, as said before, in a preferred embodiment it is possible for the user to insert some parameters directly by the interface unit 16, for example the value of the washing temperature, the rotating speed of the drum 4 in the spinning phase, the duration of the washing program, etc.
  • control unit 11 sets the laundry washing machine 1 so that it may start the washing program.
  • a first prefixed quantity Qld of detergent D (step 130 IV ) and a first prefixed quantity Qlw of water W (step 140) are introduced into the tub 3.
  • the first prefixed quantity Qld of detergent D introduced into the tub 3 may be a minimum quantity of detergent D (for example 20ml).
  • the first quantity Qlw of water W is a known prefixed quantity of water, for example 10 litres.
  • the mixing circuit 30 is then activated (step 150). Activation of the mixing circuit 30 is advantageously carried out through activation of the first recirculation pump 31.
  • Activation of the mixing circuit 30 causes the quantity Qld of detergent D to be properly and homogeneously diluted in the first quantity Qlw of water W.
  • the concentration sensor 80 is activated for detection of the wash liquid concentration flowing through the second recirculation pipe 33 (step 150).
  • control unit 11 may evaluate the current type of detergent D (step 160), i.e. may evaluate the concentration of the detergent D.
  • the method proceeds with the introduction of a second quantity Q2w of water W (step 180). This means, in fact, that the first prefixed quantity Qld of detergent D previously introduced into the tub 3 (step 130 IV ) was the correct required dose.
  • the second quantity Q2w of water W is preferably a quantity of water that together with the first quantity Qlw of water W already introduced into the tub 3 fully saturate, or substantially fully saturate, the laundry.
  • the method proceeds with the adjustment of the quantity of detergent D inside the tub 3 (step 190 IV ) with the introduction of a second quantity Q2d of detergent D into the tub 3.
  • the second quantity Q2d of detergent D2 is preferably a quantity of detergent that added to the first quantity Qld of detergent D already introduced into the tub 3 guarantees the best performance of the detergent D having the current concentration level as previously detected in step 160.
  • the evaluation of the detergent concentration gives the indication that the detergent D is a regular or a concentrated or a super concentrated detergent D.
  • this may preferably carried out by comparing the values V coming from the sensor 80 with two prefixed levels Tl and T2: if V ⁇ T1 the detergent is a regular detergent; if T1 ⁇ V ⁇ T2 the detergent is a concentrated detergent; if V>T2 the detergent is a super concentrated detergent.
  • the second quantity Q2d of detergent D is selected between three values, for example the choice is between 100ml, 50ml and 10ml (as described above).
  • the introduction of the second quantity Q2d of detergent D is performed (step 180).
  • the washing cycle then continues (step 200) according to the washing cycle selected up to the end of the cycle, as already explained above.
  • a drying phase (step 210) may be also preferably performed.
  • the method according to the steps above described advantageously, automatically doses the correct amount Qd of detergent D on the base of the detected/evaluated concentration of the same detergent D.
  • step 130 IV The introduction of the first quantity Qld in step 130 IV is substantially carried out exclusively for detecting its concentration in the following step 160.
  • the user does not have to worry about the type of detergent D with which he fills the drawer 6 and at the same time the method assures that the washing cycle is carried out avoiding the use of overdose of detergent, in particular overdoses of concentrated or super-concentrated detergent.
  • the use of correct amount of detergent avoid to take actions on the rinsing phase to eliminate the excess of detergent residuals trapped into the laundry. This makes it possible to maintain the duration of the rinsing phase at the expected duration.
  • This embodiment differs from the embodiments previously described, among other features, in the way the load amount of the laundry L is evaluated.
  • the laundry to be washed is first placed inside the drum 4 (step 100).
  • the user fills, or has already previously filled, the compartments of the drawer 6 with the wash products, i.e. detergent D and softener S, needed for a plurality of washing cycles of the laundry, as explained above.
  • the wash products i.e. detergent D and softener S
  • the user selects the desired washing program (step 110) depending, for example, on the type and on the soil level of the laundry to wash. Furthermore, as said before, in a preferred embodiment it is possible for the user to insert some parameters directly by the interface unit 16, for example the value of the washing temperature, the rotating speed of the drum 4 in the spinning phase, the duration of the washing program, etc.
  • control unit 11 sets the laundry washing machine 1 so that it may start the washing program.
  • the selection of the desired washing program may be performed before placing the laundry into the drum 4 (step 100).
  • a first prefixed quantity Qld of detergent D (step 130 v ) and a first prefixed quantity Qlw of water W (step 140) are introduced into the tub 3.
  • the first prefixed quantity Qld of detergent D introduced into the tub 3 at this stage may be preferably a minimum quantity of detergent, assuming that the detergent D is a super concentrated detergent.
  • the first quantity Qld of detergent D may be set at 20ml. Such a value is preferably determined according to the amount of super concentrated liquid detergent suggested by the detergent suppliers for a low laundry load amount.
  • the first quantity Qlw of water W is a known prefixed quantity of water, for example 10 litres.
  • the introduction of the first quantity Qld of detergent D takes place preferably through the detergent supplier 60: the first quantity Qld of detergent D, preferably liquid detergent, is conveyed from the respective compartment of the drawer 6 into the flushing chamber 57 by activating the first feeding pump 60a; the first prefixed quantity Qlw of water W is supplied into the tub 3 from the water supply unit 5 by making it flow through the flushing chamber 57 and then through the supply pipe 18 together with the first quantity Qld of detergent D.
  • the first quantity Qld of detergent D and the first quantity Qlw of water W introduced into the tub 3 in said phases fall down on the bottom region 3a of the tub 3 by flowing inside the gap 55 between the tub 3 and the drum 4, as said above.
  • the mixing circuit 30 is then activated (step 150).
  • Activation of the mixing circuit 30 is advantageously carried out through activation of the first recirculation pump 31.
  • Activation of the mixing circuit 30 advantageously mixes the detergent D and the water W at the bottom region 3 a of the tub 3, more preferably inside the sump 15.
  • the mixing action causes the quantity Qld of detergent D to be properly and homogeneously diluted in the first quantity Qlw of water W.
  • the concentration sensor 80 is activated for detection of the wash liquid concentration flowing through the second recirculation pipe 33 (step 150).
  • the control unit 11 from the values coming from the concentration sensor 80 may evaluate the current type of detergent D (step 160), i.e. may evaluate the concentration of the detergent D.
  • the detergent D is a regular or a concentrated or a super concentrated detergent D.
  • a wetting phase comprising a sequence of partial loads of water into the tub 3.
  • Each partial load provides for loading a corresponding water amount in the washing tub 3 and each water load phase is followed (or partially superimposed) by a water absorption phase.
  • the level of free water inside the washing tub 3 is measured, preferably through said pressure sensor 19.
  • the free water corresponds to the water inside the gap 55, between the tub 3 and the drum 4, which is not absorbed by the laundry.
  • the course of the free water inside the tub 3 and the duration of said water absorption phases give an indication of the water absorption capacity by the laundry and therefore an indication of the type of laundry (for example by comparing the duration of the water absorption phases with experimental data stored in the control unit 11).
  • control unit 11 may evaluate (estimate) the laundry load amount L (step 120") in terms of weight (kg).
  • the total water introduced into the tub 3 is advantageously calculated.
  • the total water introduced into the tub 3 corresponds to a second quantity Q2w of water W.
  • the laundry is preferably fully saturate, or substantially fully saturate, with water.
  • the control step 170 of the detergent concentration previously detected (step 160) is performed.
  • the method proceeds according to the washing cycle selected up to the end of the cycle (step 200).
  • the method proceeds with the adjustment of the quantity of detergent D inside the tub 3 (step 195) with the introduction of a second quantity Q2d of detergent D into the tub 3 taking into account of the laundry load amount L as previously evaluated in step 120" .
  • the second quantity Q2d of detergent D2 is preferably a quantity of detergent that added to the first quantity Qld of detergent D already introduced into the tub 3 guarantees the best performance of the super concentrated detergent D for the laundry load amount L as evaluated in step 120".
  • the method then proceeds according to the washing cycle selected up to the end of the cycle (step 200).
  • the method proceeds with the adjustment of the quantity of detergent D inside the tub 3 (step 190 v ) with the introduction of a second quantity Q2d of detergent D into the tub 3 taking into account of its concentration as detected in step 160 and also of the laundry load amount L as previously evaluated in step 120" .
  • the second quantity Q2d of detergent D2 is preferably a quantity of detergent that added to the first quantity Qld of detergent D already introduced into the tub 3 guarantees the best performance of the detergent D having the detected concentration level and for the estimated laundry load amount L.
  • the method according to the steps above described advantageously, automatically doses the correct amount of detergent on the base of the detected/evaluated concentration of the same detergent and of the estimated laundry load amount.
  • the user does not have to worry about the type of detergent D with which he fills the drawer 6 and at the same time the method assures that the washing cycle is carried out avoiding the use of overdose of detergent, in particular overdoses of concentrated or super-concentrated detergent.
  • the use of correct amount of detergent avoid the prolonging of the rinsing phase to eliminate surplus detergent from the laundry. This makes it possible to maintain the duration of the rinsing phase at the expected duration. In turn, this makes it possible to maintain the water and/or energy consumption during the rinsing phase at the expected values.
  • the present invention allows all the set objects to be achieved.
  • it makes it possible to provide a method for washing laundry in a laundry washing machine equipped with an automatic dosing device which doses the correct amount of detergent in any single washing cycle according to the concentration of the same detergent.
  • laundry washing machines illustrated in the enclosed figures, and with reference to which some embodiments of the method according to the invention have been described, are of the front-loading type; however it is clear that the method according to the invention can be applied as well to a top- loading washing machine, substantially without any modification.

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

Abstract

La présente invention concerne un procédé pour laver le linge durant un cycle de lavage dans une machine à laver le linge (1) qui comprend un tambour de lavage (4) ; une cuve de lavage (3) à l'extérieur du tambour de lavage (4) ; une unité d'alimentation en eau (5) pour fournir de l'eau (W) dans la cuve de lavage (3) ; un dispositif de dosage automatique (58) qui comprend un compartiment approprié pour recevoir une quantité de détergent (D) suffisante pour une pluralité de cycles de lavage ; un circuit de recirculation (30) et un dispositif capteur de concentration (80). Le procédé comprend les étapes suivantes : l'introduction d'une première quantité prédéterminée (Q1d) de détergent (D) et d'une première quantité prédéterminée (Q1w) d'eau (W) dans la cuve de lavage (3) ; l'activation du circuit de recirculation (30) pour mélanger la première quantité prédéterminée (Q1d) de détergent (D) avec la première quantité prédéterminée (Q1w) d'eau (W) ; la détermination de la valeur de concentration de courant (V) du détergent (D) ; la comparaison de la valeur de concentration de courant (V) à un ou plusieurs niveaux de concentration prédéterminés (T1, T2) et l'introduction ou la non-introduction d'une seconde quantité (Q2d) de détergent (D) dans la cuve de lavage (3) selon le résultat de la comparaison. La première quantité prédéterminée (Q1d) de détergent (D) et/ou la seconde quantité (Q2d) de détergent (D) sont déterminées en fonction de la quantité de charge de linge (L). (FIG. 2)
PCT/EP2014/079220 2014-12-23 2014-12-23 Procédé pour laver du linge dans une machine à laver le linge qui comprend un dispositif de dosage automatique, et machine à laver le linge WO2016102014A1 (fr)

Priority Applications (4)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
EP14821657.5A EP3237665B1 (fr) 2014-12-23 2014-12-23 Procédé pour laver du linge dans une machine à laver le linge qui comprend un dispositif de dosage automatique, et machine à laver le linge
CN201480084059.1A CN107002335B (zh) 2014-12-23 2014-12-23 用于在具有自动投量装置的洗衣机中洗涤衣物的方法和洗衣机
PCT/EP2014/079220 WO2016102014A1 (fr) 2014-12-23 2014-12-23 Procédé pour laver du linge dans une machine à laver le linge qui comprend un dispositif de dosage automatique, et machine à laver le linge
EP18208333.7A EP3486358B1 (fr) 2014-12-23 2014-12-23 Procédé de nettoyage du linge dans une machine à laver le linge, dispositif de dosage automatique et machine à laver le linge

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
PCT/EP2014/079220 WO2016102014A1 (fr) 2014-12-23 2014-12-23 Procédé pour laver du linge dans une machine à laver le linge qui comprend un dispositif de dosage automatique, et machine à laver le linge

Related Child Applications (1)

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EP18208333.7A Previously-Filed-Application EP3486358B1 (fr) 2014-12-23 2014-12-23 Procédé de nettoyage du linge dans une machine à laver le linge, dispositif de dosage automatique et machine à laver le linge

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WO2016102014A1 true WO2016102014A1 (fr) 2016-06-30

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CN109137402A (zh) * 2017-06-19 2019-01-04 杭州神林电子有限公司 一种洗涤剂投放装置
CN109689962A (zh) * 2016-09-13 2019-04-26 伊莱克斯家用电器股份公司 用于操作使用单位剂量包的洗衣机的方法以及实施该方法的洗衣机
CN111212941A (zh) * 2017-10-12 2020-05-29 Lg电子株式会社 洗衣机以及洗衣机的动作方法

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CN107447449A (zh) * 2017-09-25 2017-12-08 芜湖职业技术学院 用于洗衣机的洗衣粉自动添加***
JP7169790B2 (ja) * 2018-07-02 2022-11-11 東芝ライフスタイル株式会社 洗濯機
JP6993996B2 (ja) 2019-02-25 2022-01-14 パナソニック株式会社 使用済み紙おむつ処理装置
AU2019431966A1 (en) * 2019-02-27 2021-07-29 Electrolux Appliances Aktiebolag A method for washing laundry in a laundry washing machine and laundry washing machine implementig the method
EP3715521A1 (fr) 2019-03-27 2020-09-30 Electrolux Appliances Aktiebolag Appareil de traitement du linge ayant une estimation sèche de la quantité de charge de linge
JP7132899B2 (ja) 2019-09-19 2022-09-07 パナソニックホールディングス株式会社 使用済み紙おむつ処理装置
EP4038232A1 (fr) * 2019-10-04 2022-08-10 Electrolux Professional AB (publ) Récipient de pesée et son procédé d'utilisation
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CN107002335A (zh) 2017-08-01
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