METHOD FOR CONTROLLING A WASHING MACHINE
First Claim
1. A method for controlling operation of a washing machine, said washing machine having a control unit, a washing liquid container and a conductance sensor being located in a lower area of said washing liquid container, comprising the steps of:
- using a conductance sensor to measure a water level in said washing liquid container;
determining, by said control unit, said water level is lower than a position of said conductance sensor; and
stopping a pump pumping out the water in said washing liquid container.
1 Assignment
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
A washing machine is constructed with a special control unit and a conductance sensor in a washing liquid container for detecting a water level including whether there the water is above or below a given water level, and the presence of foam during a washing cycle. The control unit controls the operation of a pump, as well as the addition of fresh water, for eliminating excessive foam in the washing liquid container and in the drum. It is also possible to stop the pump from discharging this disturbing foam.
15 Citations
18 Claims
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1. A method for controlling operation of a washing machine, said washing machine having a control unit, a washing liquid container and a conductance sensor being located in a lower area of said washing liquid container, comprising the steps of:
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using a conductance sensor to measure a water level in said washing liquid container; determining, by said control unit, said water level is lower than a position of said conductance sensor; and stopping a pump pumping out the water in said washing liquid container. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3)
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4. A method for controlling operation of a washing machine, said washing machine having a control unit, a washing liquid container and a conductance sensor being located in a lower area of said washing liquid container, comprising the steps of:
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determining a water level in said washing liquid container using said control unit; determining using said control unit during a washing process that said sensor is surrounded by foam; and adding fresh water into said washing liquid container for diluting said foam. - View Dependent Claims (5)
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6. A method for controlling operation of a washing machine, said washing machine having a control unit, a washing liquid container and a conductance sensor located in a lower area of said washing liquid container comprising the steps of:
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measuring values of said conductance sensor by said control unit; determining a surface tension of water in said washing liquid container by a detection of an ionic concentration of said water; determining whether said surface tension exceeds a threshold limit associated with the ending of said washing cycle; and determining a rinsing process based on said surface tension.
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7. A method for controlling operation of a washing machine, said washing machine having a control unit, a washing liquid container and a conductance sensor being located in a lower area of said washing liquid container, comprising the steps of:
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determining a value measured by said conductance sensor by said control unit; and adjusting a drying speed so that said conductance sensor is surrounded by water. - View Dependent Claims (8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14)
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15. A method for controlling operation of a washing machine, said washing machine having a control unit, a washing liquid container and a conductance sensor being located in a lower area of said washing liquid container, comprising the steps of:
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detecting a measured value of said conductance sensor; providing said measured value to said control unit; and determining by said control unit whether said conductance sensor is surrounded by water, foam, or air, whereupon detection of said foam a drying speed of said drum is reduced as a countermeasure for reduction of said foam. - View Dependent Claims (16, 17)
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18. A method for controlling operation of a washing machine, said washing machine having a control unit, a rotating drum controlled by said control unit, a washing liquid container and a conductance sensor being located in a lower area of said washing liquid container, comprising the steps of:
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interrupting a washing or rinsing process at a first time period of said washing machine wherein rotation of said drum is stopped; measuring a first value of said conductance sensor when said drum is not rotating and supplying said first value to said control unit; resuming said washing or rinsing process of said washing machine wherein said drum is rotating; interrupting said washing or rinsing process at a second time period wherein said drum of said washing machine is stopped; and measuring a second value of said conductance sensor when said drum is not rotating and supplying said second value to said control unit.
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Specification