ITRN20070022A1 - WASHING MACHINE - Google Patents

Description

DESCRIPTION

attached to a patent application for INDUSTRIAL INVENTION entitled:

"WASHING MACHINE."

The present invention relates to a washing machine, in particular a washing machine equipped with a system for detecting a detergent. Washing machines include washing appliances such as:

- washing machine for cleaning clothes, sheets, etc .;

- dishwasher for washing dishes, cutlery, pots, etc.

In particular, the washing machines called "washing machines" are suitable for carrying out at least one washing treatment of textile garments of any fiber or color and include machines called "washing machines" or machines called "washer-dryers", if they are suitable for carrying out, in addition to washing, including at least one drying treatment for textiles.

It should be noted that in the course of this discussion the expression "washing cycle" means the set of any pre-wash phase, the actual washing phase (main wash) and any rinsing phase.

It should also be noted that in the course of this discussion the expression "washing agent" refers to both detergent substances (detergents) and washing adjuvants such as bleach, descaler, softener, rinse aid.

Washing machines are known comprising a feeding line for a washing agent and a washing tank comprising a basket inside which the user introduces the clothes to be washed. The washing agent supply line flows into the washing tank and comprises a drawer at least partially removable and usually comprising four compartments accessible by the user for introducing washing agents (detergents and washing aids such as fabric softener, bleach, etc. ) to be used in the wash cycle: a first compartment for the pre-wash detergent, a second compartment for the detergent to be used in the actual wash, a third compartment for bleach and a fourth compartment for fabric softener.

The washing machines described above have some drawbacks.

In fact, the washing cycle performed by the machine is completely independent of the type of washing agents introduced into the washing drawer. In known washing machines there is no possibility for the user to communicate to the machine what type of washing agents have been introduced into the appropriate drawer.

However, the Applicant has verified that, in order to optimize their action, some of these washing agents, in particular some of these adjuvants, should be introduced into the washing tank in a particular phase of the washing cycle. This is particularly evident in the case of bleach; in fact, traditional bleach should be introduced into the washing tank during the actual washing phase, while delicate bleach, suitable for example in the presence of colored, synthetic or wool garments, should be used during the rinsing phase or alternatively during a specific pre-wash specially designed.

The purpose of the present invention is to obviate the aforementioned drawbacks, by providing a washing machine which allows to optimize the effect of the washing agents used.

Another purpose of the present invention is to provide a washing machine which allows to prevent any user errors related to the introduction of a washing agent in a compartment other than the one dedicated to it.

These objects and others besides, which will appear better in the course of the following description, are achieved, in accordance with the present invention, by a washing machine having structural and functional characteristics in accordance with the attached independent claims, further embodiments thereof being identified in the attached and corresponding dependent claims.

The invention is set out in more detail below with the help of the drawings, which represent a purely exemplary and non-limiting embodiment.

Figure 1 shows a broken view of a washing machine according to the present invention.

Figure 2 shows a schematic view of a washing machine according to the present invention.

With reference to the attached figures, the reference number 1 indicates a washing machine according to the present invention.

The washing machine 1 is preferably intended for domestic use, and comprises a washing tank 2 suitable for containing a washing liquid with which a washing treatment is carried out. This washing liquid is advantageously constituted by a mixture of water and a washing agent. The washing machine 1 comprises, inside the washing tank 2, containment means for the objects to be washed, said containment means defining at least one space intended to accommodate the objects to be washed. For example, in the case of a washing machine, the containment means comprise a rotating basket inside which the clothes to be washed are placed. Similarly, in the case of a dishwasher the containment means comprise one or more baskets which can usually be removed by means of suitable trolleys.

The washing machine 1 further comprises a line 3 for feeding at least one washing agent; the supply line 3 flows into the washing tank 2 and includes at least one compartment 30 accessible to the user to introduce the washing agent. As previously indicated with washing agent it is meant detergents and / or washing adjuvants.

The washing machine 1 can be of various types, but in the preferred solution it is a washing machine or a dishwasher.

The washing machine 1 further comprises at least one sensor 4 for recognizing predetermined chemical and / or physical properties of said at least one washing agent. Said sensor 4 is placed upstream of the washing tank 2 with respect to the direction of outflow of the washing agent along the supply line 3. The outflow of the washing agent along the supply line 3 occurs from said at least one compartment 30 to the washing tank 2.

Preferably the sensor 4 is placed in correspondence with said at least one compartment 30 intended to accommodate the washing agent. Furthermore, this sensor 4 is operatively associated with said compartment 30 intended to accommodate the washing agent, meaning that the sensor 4 is able to analyze the contents of the compartment 30.

The evaluation of the type of washing agent before starting the washing cycle allows you to adjust the washing cycle in order to optimize the properties of the washing agent itself. The sensor 4, while being capable of detecting the properties of solid washing agents, provides the best results with liquid-type washing agents.

Although the solution described above is the preferred one, the sensor 4 could also not be directly obtained in correspondence with said compartment 30, but downstream of the latter, for example in an intermediate chamber between the compartment 30 and the washing tank 2, in in this case, this chamber should be equipped with blocking means which authorize the entry or not of the washing agent taken from the compartment 30 into the washing tank 2.

The sensor 4 is operationally connected to a data processing center which processes the information provided by the sensor 4,

Advantageously, the data processing center is part of an electronic control system of the washing machine 1.

The data processing center may be able to manage the parameters of the washing cycle on the basis of information provided by sensor 4. The expression 'manage the parameters of the washing cycle "also means the possibility of determining which is the improved phase of the washing cycle for the removal of the washing agent from the compartment 30 and its introduction into the washing tank 2. Preferably within the selected phase, the washing machine 1 is also able to determine the best time for the removal of the washing agent from the compartment 30: for example at the beginning of the phase, or at the end of the phase, etc.

In particular, the data processing center activates the release into the washing tank 2 of the washing agent contained in said at least one compartment 30, said release occurring in a pre-determined phase of the washing cycle, the choice of this phase being determined in function of the information received from said sensor 4. This information relates to the chemical and / or physical characteristics of the washing agent placed in the specific compartment 30 whose contents are released into the washing tank. For example, to optimize the effect, a certain washing agent should be introduced during the pre-wash, while another washing agent should be introduced during the rinsing and so on. As already mentioned above, the Applicant has verified that, to optimize its effect, traditional bleach must be introduced into the washing tank 2 during the actual washing, while the delicate bleach must be introduced into the washing tank 2 during rinsing. or during a specific pre-wash. In a particular and non-limiting constructive solution, the fact that the data processing center manages the parameters of the washing cycle can imply, for example, that the detection of delicate bleach in the compartment 30 automatically determines the 1 withdrawal of the same during the 1 rinsing and not during actual washing. Alternatively, the detection of delicate bleach could automatically determine the withdrawal of the same during the pre-wash and start the execution of a particular type of pre-wash specially designed to optimize the characteristics of the delicate bleach. In the presence of delicate bleach, the choice between these two possibilities is left to the manufacturer and depends on how the machine is programmed.

The data processing center comprises means for comparing the chemical and / or physical properties measured by the sensor 4 and the information stored in an archive and previously associated with the presence of a corresponding washing agent. In this way the washing machine 1 can detect the presence of a certain washing agent previously inserted in said file. The data processing center through an explicit user interface information relating to the washing agents detected.

Advantageously, the data processing center communicates to the user interface the possible presence in said at least one compartment 30 of a washing agent with chemical and / or physical properties detected by the sensor 4 different from those expected inside that specific compartment 30, This allows for example to warn the user in the event that the latter, due to distraction or inexperience, has introduced bleach or another washing aid into the compartment intended for the actual washing detergent. In a particular constructive solution in which a plurality of compartments 30 is provided, the washing machine 1 can, on the basis of the information supplied by the sensor 4, ascertain the contents of each compartment 30. The sensor 4 indicates to the washing machine in which compartment the detergent was introduced, in which compartment the softener was introduced, in which compartment the bleach was introduced (and if it is of the traditional or delicate type), etc. In this way it is the washing machine 1 that chooses when , and from which compartment 30, withdraw the washing agent based on the information of the sensor 4.

More generally, the washing machine activates the release into the washing tank 2 only of the contents of the compartment 30 in which there is a washing agent whose chemical and / or physical properties detected by the sensor 4 are compatible with those of the cleaning agent. washing required by the washing cycle. Different types of sensors can be provided.

In a first exemplary case, said sensor 4 comprises an optical sensor. This optical sensor conducts measurements based on the color or turbidity of the washing agent placed in a corresponding compartment 30.

In an alternative exemplary solution the sensor 4 comprises an electrical conductivity sensor. In particular, this sensor measures the electrical conductivity of the washing agent placed in the corresponding compartment 30. A possible drawback of this electrical conductivity sensor is that to conduct measurements it is necessary that two electrodes are physically in contact with the washing agent.

In the preferred constructive solution, the sensor 4 comprises a sensor for the concentration of a gas / vapor in an atmosphere.

This gas / vapor concentration sensor allows for example to distinguish whether traditional bleach or delicate bleach is placed in the compartment. Based on this information, the data processing center activates a procedure that provides for the release, in the washing tank 2, of the washing agent contained in said compartment 30, said release occurring in a predetermined phase of the washing cycle.

Advantageously, the release of the washing agent provided for by said procedure takes place:

- during the main wash if sensor 4 has detected the presence of traditional bleach;

- during the rinse or pre-wash phase if sensor 4 has detected the presence of delicate bleach.

The concentration sensor is able to discriminate between traditional bleach and delicate bleach by virtue of the different chemical composition of these two substances. In fact, by virtue of this different chemical composition, the vapors of these two different types of bleach are very different from each other. The possibility of discriminating between the two types of bleaches lies in the ability of the gas / vapor concentration sensor to recognize a characteristic component of each product (or more generally a different concentration of the same component). In particular, traditional bleach is a solution comprising sodium hypochlorite and water, while delicate bleach is a solution comprising distilled water, hydrogen peroxide and non-ionic surfactants.

Depending on the concentration of a gas to which this sensor is sensitive, the gas / vapor concentration sensor increases the electrical conductivity of a specific receptor connected to a transducer which transforms this electrical variation into a concentration signal of a specific gas / vapor. The concentration sensor is sensitive to temperature and relative humidity. In order to minimize the influence of these variables, there is a resistance which, when heated, keeps the sensor always at the optimal temperature. Alternatively, it is possible to insert a sensor for measuring the temperature and relative humidity that allows to compensate the value measured by the concentration sensor.

Two or more sensors 4 of various types can also be associated with the same compartment 30.

As already mentioned previously, the washing machine 1 can comprise a plurality of compartments 30. For example, in the exemplary and non-limiting solution illustrated in Figure 1, the washing machine comprises four compartments; one for the detergent needed for the prewash, one for the detergent needed for the actual washing, one for fabric softener and one for bleach. The various compartments 30 are mutually separated to prevent their contents from mixing.

Advantageously, the four compartments are obtained in a single drawer. This drawer can be extracted by the user for the introduction of the washing agents and subsequently closed again. The various compartments 30 could however be accessible by the user independently of one another; for example they could be obtained in separate drawers. Furthermore, each compartment 30 could be part of a power supply line 3 independent from that of the other compartments 30.

Preferably, as shown schematically in Figure 2, these compartments 30 are all connected to a common conduit 5 of the supply line 3. In the washing machine sector, this common duct 5 is commonly referred to as the loading hopper. Advantageously, said at least one sensor 4 is placed inside the compartment housing the drawer, preferably in the upper part of said compartment in correspondence with said at least one compartment 30. In a first exemplary construction solution not shown, the sensor 4 is operatively associated with at least two compartments 30, preferably said sensor 4 is operatively associated with all compartments 30; in this case it is appropriate that all the compartments 30 are obtained in the same drawer and the sensor 4 must be able to discriminate the information coming from each compartment 30.

in an exemplary constructive solution, the washing machine 1 comprises a plurality of sensors 4 each operatively associated with, and located in correspondence with, a corresponding compartment 30.

In general, during use, the user introduces the washing agents into the special compartments that will be used by the washing machine in the next washing cycle.

The sensors analyze the washing agents introduced and on the basis of this information the washing machine is able to adapt the washing cycle it is about to perform. For example, if delicate bleach is introduced into the bleach compartment, it will be advisable to introduce it into the washing tank during the rinsing phase or a dedicated pre-wash must be provided. Alternatively, if traditional bleach is introduced, the latter will be introduced during the washing phase.

The invention achieves important advantages.

First of all, it allows to optimize the action of the washing agents and in particular of the washing aids used.

Another important advantage is that it prevents any errors made by the user in filling the compartments.

The invention thus conceived is susceptible of numerous modifications and variations, all falling within the scope of the inventive concept that characterizes it.

Furthermore, all the details can be replaced by other technically equivalent elements. In practice, all the materials used, as well as the dimensions, may be any according to requirements.

Claims (17)

CLAIMS 1. Washing machine, preferably intended for domestic use, comprising: - a washing tank (2) suitable for containing a washing liquid with which a washing treatment is carried out; - a supply line (3) for at least one washing agent, said supply line (3) flowing into the washing tank (2) and including at least one compartment (30) accessible to the user to introduce the washing agent; characterized in that it comprises at least one sensor (4) for recognizing predetermined chemical and / or physical properties of said at least one washing agent, said sensor (4) being placed upstream of the washing tank (2) with respect to the flow direction washing agent along the feed line (3). 2. Washing machine according to claim 1, characterized by the fact that said sensor (4) is placed in correspondence with and operatively associated with said at least one compartment (30) intended to accommodate the washing agent. 3. Washing machine according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the sensor (4) is operatively connected with a data processing center which processes the information provided by the sensor (4). 4. Washing machine according to claim 3, characterized in that the data processing center manages the parameters of the washing cycle on the basis of information supplied by the sensor (4). 5. Washing machine according to claim 3 or 4, characterized in that the data processing center activates the release into the washing tank of the washing agent contained in said at least one compartment (30), said release occurring in a pre -determined phase of the washing cycle, the choice of this phase being determined according to the information received from said sensor (4) and relating to the chemical and / or physical characteristics of the washing agent placed in the specific compartment (30) whose content is released into the washing tank (2), 6. Washing machine according to claim 3 or 4 or 5, characterized in that the data processing center comprises means for comparing the chemical and / or physical properties measured by the sensor (4) and the information stored in an archive and previously associated with the presence of a corresponding washing agent. 7. Washing machine according to any one of claims 3 to 6, characterized in that the data processing center communicates to a user interface the possible presence in said at least one compartment (30) of a washing agent with chemical properties and / or physical values detected by the sensor (4), different from those expected inside that specific compartment (30). Washing machine according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said at least one washing agent comprises a washing aid. 9. Washing machine according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said sensor (4) comprises an optical sensor. 10. Washing machine according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said sensor (4) comprises an electrical conductivity sensor. 11. Washing machine according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said sensor (4) comprises a sensor for the concentration of a gas / vapor in an atmosphere. 12. Washing machine according to claim 11 when it depends directly or indirectly on any claim from 3 to 7, characterized in that said gas / vapor concentration sensor allows to distinguish whether traditional bleach or delicate bleach is placed in the compartment (30) , according to this information, the data processing center activating a procedure which provides for the release, in the washing tank (2), of the washing agent contained in said compartment (30), said release occurring in a predetermined phase of the washing cycle wash. 13. Washing machine according to claim 12, characterized in that the release of the washing agent provided for by said procedure takes place: - during the main wash if the sensor (4) has detected the presence of traditional bleach; - during the rinse or pre-wash phase if the sensor (4) has detected the presence of delicate bleach. 14. Washing machine according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises a plurality of compartments (30). 15. Washing machine according to claim 14, characterized in that said sensor (4) is operatively associated with at least two compartments (30), preferably said sensor (4) is operatively associated with all compartments (30). 16. Washing machine according to claim 14, characterized in that it comprises a plurality of sensors (4) each operatively associated with, and located in correspondence with, a corresponding compartment (30). 17. Washing machine according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises a washing machine or a dishwasher.