EP0517205B1 - Process for water-softening and household-appliance, especially dishwasher, for carrying out this process - Google Patents
Process for water-softening and household-appliance, especially dishwasher, for carrying out this process Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- EP0517205B1 EP0517205B1 EP19920109440 EP92109440A EP0517205B1 EP 0517205 B1 EP0517205 B1 EP 0517205B1 EP 19920109440 EP19920109440 EP 19920109440 EP 92109440 A EP92109440 A EP 92109440A EP 0517205 B1 EP0517205 B1 EP 0517205B1
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- EP
- European Patent Office
- Prior art keywords
- water
- amount
- regeneration
- recovery
- hardness
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Expired - Lifetime
Links
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 title claims description 15
- XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N water Substances O XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 claims description 61
- 239000013505 freshwater Substances 0.000 claims description 10
- 150000003839 salts Chemical class 0.000 claims description 7
- 238000005342 ion exchange Methods 0.000 claims description 5
- 238000011084 recovery Methods 0.000 claims 6
- 239000000126 substance Substances 0.000 claims 1
- 230000001960 triggered effect Effects 0.000 claims 1
- 230000008929 regeneration Effects 0.000 description 37
- 238000011069 regeneration method Methods 0.000 description 37
- HPALAKNZSZLMCH-UHFFFAOYSA-M sodium;chloride;hydrate Chemical compound O.[Na+].[Cl-] HPALAKNZSZLMCH-UHFFFAOYSA-M 0.000 description 14
- 239000012267 brine Substances 0.000 description 13
- 150000002500 ions Chemical class 0.000 description 2
- 235000015598 salt intake Nutrition 0.000 description 2
- 239000008234 soft water Substances 0.000 description 2
- 238000005406 washing Methods 0.000 description 2
- BHPQYMZQTOCNFJ-UHFFFAOYSA-N Calcium cation Chemical compound [Ca+2] BHPQYMZQTOCNFJ-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 229910001424 calcium ion Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 230000001419 dependent effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000001514 detection method Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000010586 diagram Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000000694 effects Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000000977 initiatory effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000009434 installation Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000004519 manufacturing process Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000005457 optimization Methods 0.000 description 1
- 229920006395 saturated elastomer Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 239000008399 tap water Substances 0.000 description 1
- 235000020679 tap water Nutrition 0.000 description 1
Images
Classifications
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47L—DOMESTIC WASHING OR CLEANING; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47L15/00—Washing or rinsing machines for crockery or tableware
- A47L15/42—Details
- A47L15/4229—Water softening arrangements
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47L—DOMESTIC WASHING OR CLEANING; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47L2401/00—Automatic detection in controlling methods of washing or rinsing machines for crockery or tableware, e.g. information provided by sensors entered into controlling devices
- A47L2401/02—Consumable products information, e.g. information on detergent, rinsing aid or salt; Dispensing device information, e.g. information on the type, e.g. detachable, or status of the device
- A47L2401/023—Quantity or concentration of the consumable product
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47L—DOMESTIC WASHING OR CLEANING; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47L2401/00—Automatic detection in controlling methods of washing or rinsing machines for crockery or tableware, e.g. information provided by sensors entered into controlling devices
- A47L2401/11—Water hardness, acidity or basicity
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47L—DOMESTIC WASHING OR CLEANING; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47L2501/00—Output in controlling method of washing or rinsing machines for crockery or tableware, i.e. quantities or components controlled, or actions performed by the controlling device executing the controlling method
- A47L2501/34—Change machine operation from normal operational mode into special mode, e.g. service mode, resin regeneration mode, sterilizing mode, steam mode, odour eliminating mode or special cleaning mode to clean the hydraulic circuit
Definitions
- the invention relates to a method for operating a water softener installed in a domestic machine, in particular a dishwasher, according to the preamble of claim 1.
- the water softeners in dishwashers comprise an exchanger tank filled with an ion exchange mass, through which the fresh water to be softened is fed into the machine tub. After a certain time, when the ion exchange mass is saturated with calcium ions, it needs regeneration, and after a shorter time, the harder the fresh water is. From DE-A 16 28 734 it is known to count the number of washing programs that have expired by means of a counting disc and to manually set the water hardness prevailing at the place of installation of the dishwasher on a warning disc. The information disc indicates the number of program sequences available until regeneration. When these are reached, the housewife must start the regeneration device. However, this does not take into account the fact that different washing programs, e.g. Short or savings programs, the water consumption is different.
- DE-A 35 27 046 describes an arrangement in which the opening times of the fresh water supply valve are recorded by means of a mechanical timer, so as to control the initiation of the regeneration process via the inflow of fresh water.
- an input switch cooperating with the timer is provided, to take water hardness into account as an additional measure.
- the great disadvantage of this arrangement is that the tap water pressure is very different locally, so that the valve opening times are not an exact reflection of the quantities that have flowed through.
- each regeneration cycle includes a final rinsing process in which the brine in the exchanger tank is rinsed out and pumped out with two or three liters of water, for example. The more often one regenerates, the greater the rinse water consumption.
- the invention is based on DE-A 18 03 106, according to which regeneration is carried out regardless of the number of rinsing cycles carried out. Rather, in this known arrangement, a count is formed as a function of the softened amount of water and this is adjusted by means of a multiplier gear to the hardness of the fresh water used in each case. If the count reaches a predetermined, the capacity of the ion exchanger corresponding value, the regeneration process is initiated after the end of the currently running washing program, namely by opening a special valve through which fresh water flows from the feed line into the salt container.
- an impeller meter is arranged in the inlet pipe, which emits speed-dependent impulses.
- a branch line is provided parallel to the meter, or a variable multiplier is installed to determine the amount of water.
- the invention is based on the object of proposing a method which makes it possible to sustainably reduce the salt consumption and the water consumption for regeneration with a relatively simple softening device.
- the regeneration device additionally has a regeneration tank filled with water, the contents of which are emptied into the brine tank as a result of a gradient, as a result of which a corresponding amount of brine for regeneration in the exchanger tank is introduced.
- the load of the exchanger mass is always the same, and this enables the water softener to be optimized with regard to the density and the amount of brine used for regeneration in such a way that overall a salt saving of up to 50% attainable appears.
- the device is considerably simplified in comparison to the common household machines in that the regeneration volume is unchangeable, that is to say the container has only one always filled chamber and the known changeover valve is omitted.
- the detection of the water consumption amounts can be done by adding electrical calculation quantities corresponding to the water consumption amounts assigned to the individual programs, multiplying them by the water hardness to be reduced and can be compared with a predetermined capacity value, expressed by liter x ° dH, and that the regeneration is carried out after the end of the program or program section running when the tie has been reached. It is therefore also conceivable to define the desired loading state of the exchanger mass so precisely that regeneration is carried out between two program sections during a washing program.
- the above-mentioned arithmetic processes can be carried out electronically, which is particularly useful in modern machines with a high proportion of electronics, because with a structural simplification, more manufacturing costs can generally be saved than must be spent by the electronic effort.
- the amount of water is traditionally determined by level switches, pressure sockets or the like.
- a signal transmitter is proposed, on which the raw water hardness is set once, for example according to the information from the waterworks concerned, when the machine is installed.
- the raw water hardness is set once, for example according to the information from the waterworks concerned, when the machine is installed.
- the optimization of the water softener also includes a certain residual hardness, which the soft water may still have. This fixed one Residual hardness value is subtracted from the signal generator or a subordinate computing device from the set or measured raw hardness value and the difference is used as a multiplier for the added amount of water.
- This water softener comprises a exchanger tank 1 with a liter content and a brine tank 2 filled with saturated brine.
- the arrangement is connected to a water supply network 3 and has a machine-own, magnetically controlled inlet valve 4 in the vicinity of the connection point and then an impeller meter 5 and one Free air gap 6.
- a line 7 leads from the receiving nozzle of the free air gap to the exchanger tank 1.
- Under the free air gap 6 there is a regeneration tank 9 which is filled with the peeling water of the free air gap 6. It contains about 0.5 l of water and has an overflow threshold 10. The overflow water also flows through a line 11 into the machine tub, not shown.
- the regeneration tank 9 is connected to the brine tank 2 via an outlet line 12 which contains a magnetically controlled regeneration valve 13.
- a brine line 14 leads into the exchanger tank 1 from the opposite side thereof.
- the amount of water measured by the impeller 5 and the raw water hardness set on an actuator 15 are supplied as electrical signals to an electronic computing unit 16.
- the specified residual hardness is subtracted from the raw water hardness and the difference is multiplied by the amount of water.
- the result is a value to be expressed in liters x ° dH, which corresponds to that of the container dimensions and the one used Ion exchange mass specified capacity value is compared.
- a regeneration signal 17 is given which triggers a regeneration process after the relevant program section or program has run.
- the regeneration process includes that the regeneration valve 13 is opened when the inlet valve 4 is closed.
- the content of the regeneration tank 9 flows through the open valve into the brine tank 2 and pushes a corresponding amount of brine through the line 14, in which a check valve (not shown) is installed, into the exchanger tank 1.
- the overflowing water from the exchanger tank flows through the line 8 in the vat.
- the regeneration valve 13 is closed again.
- the used brine is rinsed out of the exchanger tank 1 by opening the inlet valve 4. About 2 liters of fresh water are required for this.
- the impeller counter also measures this and controls the closing time of the inlet valve 4.
Landscapes
- Treatment Of Water By Ion Exchange (AREA)
Description
Die Erfindung betrifft ein Verfahren zum Betrieb eines in eine Haushaltsmaschine, insbesondere einen Geschirrspüler, eingebauten Wasserenthärters nach dem Oberbegriff des Anspruchs 1.The invention relates to a method for operating a water softener installed in a domestic machine, in particular a dishwasher, according to the preamble of
Die Wasserenthärter von Geschirrspülmaschinen umfassen einen mit einer Ionenaustauschermasse gefüllten Tauscherbehälter, durch welchen das zu enthärtende Frischwasser in den Maschinenbottich geleitet wird. Nach einer gewissen Zeit, wenn die Ionenaustauschermasse mit Kalziumionen gesättigt ist, bedarf sie der Regenerierung und zwar nach einer um so kürzeren Zeit, je härter das Frischwasser ist. Aus der DE-A 16 28 734 ist es bekannt, die Zahl der abgelaufenen Spülprogramme mittels einer Zählscheibe zu zählen und die am Aufstellungsort der Geschirrspülmaschine vorherrschende Wasserhärte an einer Merkscheibe von Hand einzustellen. Die Merkscheibe gibt die Anzahl der bis zur Regenerierung verfügbaren Programmabläufe an. Wenn diese erreicht sind, muß die Hausfrau die Regeneriereinrichtung in Gang setzen. Allerdings wird dabei nicht berücksichtigt, daß bei verschiedenen Spülprogrammen, z.B. Kurz- oder Sparprogrammen, der Wasserverbrauch unterschiedlich ist.The water softeners in dishwashers comprise an exchanger tank filled with an ion exchange mass, through which the fresh water to be softened is fed into the machine tub. After a certain time, when the ion exchange mass is saturated with calcium ions, it needs regeneration, and after a shorter time, the harder the fresh water is. From DE-A 16 28 734 it is known to count the number of washing programs that have expired by means of a counting disc and to manually set the water hardness prevailing at the place of installation of the dishwasher on a warning disc. The information disc indicates the number of program sequences available until regeneration. When these are reached, the housewife must start the regeneration device. However, this does not take into account the fact that different washing programs, e.g. Short or savings programs, the water consumption is different.
Die DE-A 35 27 046 beschreibt eine Anordnung, bei der mittels eines mechanischen Zeitschaltwerkes die Öffnungszeiten des Frischwasserzulaufventils erfaßt werden, um so über die eingeströmte Frischwassermenge die Einleitung des Regeneriervorganges zu steuern. Außerdem ist ein mit dem Zeitschaltwerk zusammenwirkender Eingabeschalter vorgesehen, um auch die Wasserhärte als zusätzliches Maß mit zu berücksichtigen. Der große Nachteil dieser Anordnung besteht darin, daß der Leitungswasserdruck örtlich sehr unterschiedlich ist, so daß die Ventilöffnungszeiten kein genaues Abbild der durchgeflossenen Mengen sind.DE-A 35 27 046 describes an arrangement in which the opening times of the fresh water supply valve are recorded by means of a mechanical timer, so as to control the initiation of the regeneration process via the inflow of fresh water. In addition, an input switch cooperating with the timer is provided, to take water hardness into account as an additional measure. The great disadvantage of this arrangement is that the tap water pressure is very different locally, so that the valve opening times are not an exact reflection of the quantities that have flowed through.
Im Gegensatz zu den genannten Schriften beschreibt die DE-A 29 47 410 und weitgehend inhaltsgleich die GB-A 20 28 160 eine Enthärtungseinrichtung, die bei heutigen Haushaltsgeschirrspülmaschinen sehr verbreitet ist. Danach findet eine Regenerierung grundsätzlich nach Ablauf jedes Spülprogramms statt. Die Regeneriereinrichtung umfaßt einen durch geeignete Nachfüllmaßnahmen ständig mit Wasser gefüllten Regenerierbehälter und ein Regenerierventil, durch welches der Inhalt des Regenerierbehälters infolge Gefälles in den Solebehälter entleert werden kann. Damit läßt sich zwar die wirksam werdende Solemenge sehr genau, nämlich nach dem Volumen des Regenerierbehälters festlegen. Der Einfluß der unterschiedlichen Frischwasserhärte und des unterschiedlichen Wasserverbrauchs bei verschiedenen Programmen wird jedoch nicht berücksichtigt, so daß insoweit ein unnötiger Salzverbrauch stattfindet. Außerdem umfaßt jeder Regenerierzyklus einen abschließenden Spülvorgang bei dem die Sole im Tauscherbehälter mit beispielsweise zwei oder drei Liter Wasser in den Bottich ausgespült und abgepumpt wird. Je häufiger regeneriert wird, desto größer ist auch der Spülwasserverbrauch.In contrast to the cited documents, DE-A 29 47 410 and largely the same content GB-A 20 28 160 describes a softening device which is very common in today's household dishwashers. Thereafter, regeneration basically takes place after the end of each washing program. The regeneration device comprises a regeneration container which is constantly filled with water by suitable refilling measures and a regeneration valve through which the content of the regeneration container can be emptied as a result of a gradient into the brine container. This allows the amount of brine that takes effect to be determined very precisely, namely according to the volume of the regeneration container. The influence of the different fresh water hardness and the different water consumption in different programs is not taken into account, so that an unnecessary salt consumption takes place. In addition, each regeneration cycle includes a final rinsing process in which the brine in the exchanger tank is rinsed out and pumped out with two or three liters of water, for example. The more often one regenerates, the greater the rinse water consumption.
Die Erfindung geht von der DE-A 18 03 106 aus, wonach unabhängig von der Anzahl der durchgeführten Spülgänge regeneriert wird. Vielmehr wird bei dieser bekannten Anordnung in Abhängigkeit von der enthärteten Wassermenge ein Zählwert gebildet und dieser mittels eines Multiplikatorgetriebes der Härte des jeweils verwendeten Frischwassers angepaßt. Erreicht der Zählwert einen vorgegebenen, der Kapazität des Ionenaustauschers entsprechenden Wert, so wird nach Beendigung des gerade laufenden Spülprogramms der Regeneriervorgang eingeleitet, und zwar durch Öffnung eines speziellen Ventils, durch das Frischwasser aus der Zulaufleitung in den Salzbehälter einströmt.The invention is based on DE-A 18 03 106, according to which regeneration is carried out regardless of the number of rinsing cycles carried out. Rather, in this known arrangement, a count is formed as a function of the softened amount of water and this is adjusted by means of a multiplier gear to the hardness of the fresh water used in each case. If the count reaches a predetermined, the capacity of the ion exchanger corresponding value, the regeneration process is initiated after the end of the currently running washing program, namely by opening a special valve through which fresh water flows from the feed line into the salt container.
Während bei dieser Anordnung die enthärtete Wassermenge - unzuverlässig - über die Öffnungszeiten des Frischwasserventils erfaßt wird, ist nach der FR-A 1 594 368 im Zulaufrohr ein Flügelradzähler angeordnet, der drehzahlabhängige Impulse abgibt. Um während der Regenerierung der erreichten Wasserhärte am Ausgang Rechnung zu tragen, ist eine Zweigleitung parallel zum Zähler vorgesehen, oder es ist zur Bestimmung der Wassermenge ein variabler Multiplikator installiert.While in this arrangement the softened amount of water is recorded - unreliably - via the opening times of the fresh water valve, according to FR-
Der Erfindung liegt die Aufgabe zugrunde, ein Verfahren vorzuschlagen, das es erlaubt, mit einer verhältnismäßig einfachen Enthärtervorrichtung den Salzverbrauch und den Wasserverbrauch zum Regenerieren nachhaltig zu senken.The invention is based on the object of proposing a method which makes it possible to sustainably reduce the salt consumption and the water consumption for regeneration with a relatively simple softening device.
Diese Aufgabe wird bei einer Haushaltsmaschine der einleitend bezeichneten Art, insbesondere einem Geschirrspüler, erfindungsgemäß dadurch gelöst, daß die Regeneriereinrichtung zusätzlich einen mit Wasser gefüllten Regenerierbehälter aufweist, dessen Inhalt infolge Gefälles in den Solebehälter entleert wird, wodurch eine entsprechende Menge Sole zur Regenerierung in den Tauscherbehälter eingebracht wird. Das bedeutet, daß der Vorteil der hochgenauen Bestimmung des Regeneriervolumens, der einer Einrichtung mit Regenerierbehälter innewohnt, auf die bisher weniger gebräuchlichen Wasserenthärtungssysteme übertragen wird, welche durch die Erfassung des Wasserverbrauchs die programmspezifischen Belastungen des Ionenaustauschers berücksichtigen. Die Regenerierung findet nur statt, wenn sie notwendig ist, weil die Ionenaustauschermasse ihren vollen Beladezustand erreicht hat. Wenn die Rohwasserhärte verhältnismäßig gering ist, können mehrere Programme ablaufen, bis regeneriert werden muß, so daß im Ergebnis weniger Regeneriervorgänge stattfinden und demzufolge weniger Spülwasser und weniger Salz verbraucht wird.This object is achieved in a household machine of the type described in the introduction, in particular a dishwasher, according to the invention in that the regeneration device additionally has a regeneration tank filled with water, the contents of which are emptied into the brine tank as a result of a gradient, as a result of which a corresponding amount of brine for regeneration in the exchanger tank is introduced. This means that the advantage of the highly precise determination of the regeneration volume, which is inherent in a device with a regeneration tank, is transferred to the previously less common water softening systems, which take into account the program-specific loads of the ion exchanger by recording the water consumption. The regeneration only takes place if it is necessary because the ion exchange mass is full Has reached loading state. If the raw water hardness is relatively low, several programs can be run until it has to be regenerated, so that as a result fewer regeneration processes take place and consequently less rinse water and less salt are used.
Durch die genauere Erfassung der Weichwassermenge und der Rohwasserhärte wird ein immer gleich hoher Beladungsgrad der Tauschermasse erreicht und das bietet die Möglichkeit, den Wasserenthärter hinsichtlich der Dichte und der Menge der zu einer Regenerierung aufgewendeten Salzsole derart zu optimieren, daß insgesamt gesehen eine Salzersparnis von bis zu 50 % erreichbar erscheint.Due to the more precise recording of the amount of soft water and the raw water hardness, the load of the exchanger mass is always the same, and this enables the water softener to be optimized with regard to the density and the amount of brine used for regeneration in such a way that overall a salt saving of up to 50% attainable appears.
Bei alledem ist zu berücksichtigen, daß die Vorrichtung im Vergleich zu den gängigen Haushaltsmaschinen dadurch wesentlich vereinfacht wird, daß das Regeneriervolumen unveränderlich ist, der Behälter also nur eine stets gefüllte Kammer hat und das bekannte Umstellventil entfällt.In all this, it must be taken into account that the device is considerably simplified in comparison to the common household machines in that the regeneration volume is unchangeable, that is to say the container has only one always filled chamber and the known changeover valve is omitted.
Die Erfassung der Wasserverbrauchsmengen kann dadurch erfolgen, daß elektrische Rechengrößen, die den einzelnen Programmen zugeordneten Wasserverbrauchsmengen entsprechen, addiert, mit der abzubauenden Wasserhärte multipliziert und mit einem vorgegebenen Kapazitätswert, ausgedrückt durch Liter x ° dH, verglichen werden, und daß nach Beendigung des bei Erreichen des Gleichstandes laufenden Programms oder Programmabschnitts die Regenerierung durchgeführt wird. Es ist also auch denkbar, den anzustrebenden Beladungszustand der Tauschermasse so genau zu definieren, daß während eines Spülprogramms zwischen zwei Programmabschnitten regeneriert wird.The detection of the water consumption amounts can be done by adding electrical calculation quantities corresponding to the water consumption amounts assigned to the individual programs, multiplying them by the water hardness to be reduced and can be compared with a predetermined capacity value, expressed by liter x ° dH, and that the regeneration is carried out after the end of the program or program section running when the tie has been reached. It is therefore also conceivable to define the desired loading state of the exchanger mass so precisely that regeneration is carried out between two program sections during a washing program.
Die genannten Rechenvorgänge können elektronisch durchgeführt werden, was sich vor allem bei modernen Maschinen mit hohem Elektronikanteil anbietet, weil mit einer konstruktiven Vereinfachung in der Regel mehr an Fertigungskosten eingespart werden kann, als durch den elektronischen Aufwand ausgegeben werden muß. Die Wassermenge wird traditionell durch Niveauschalter, Druckdosen o. dgl. bestimmt. Demgegenüber ist es im Hinblick auf Programme mit unterschiedlichem Wasserbedarf zweckmäßiger, am Wassereinlaß einen Mengenzähler, insbesondere Flügelradzähler, anzuordnen. Dieser erlaubt es, unabhängig vom Wassernetzdruck die Wassermenge durch Öffnen und Schließen des Einlaßventils zu bestimmen. Wenn überdies das gesamte Wasser über den Tauscherbehälter geleitet wird, so kann auch der Spülvorgang beim Regenerieren ohne zusätzliches Magnetventil mit dem einzigen Einlaßventil genau gesteuert werden.The above-mentioned arithmetic processes can be carried out electronically, which is particularly useful in modern machines with a high proportion of electronics, because with a structural simplification, more manufacturing costs can generally be saved than must be spent by the electronic effort. The amount of water is traditionally determined by level switches, pressure sockets or the like. In contrast, with regard to programs with different water requirements, it is more expedient to arrange a quantity meter, in particular an impeller meter, at the water inlet. This allows the amount of water to be determined by opening and closing the inlet valve regardless of the water network pressure. If, in addition, all the water is passed through the exchanger tank, the rinsing process during regeneration can also be precisely controlled with the single inlet valve without an additional magnetic valve.
Zur Erzeugung eines der abzubauenden Wasserhärte entsprechenden elektrischen Signals wird ein Signalgeber vorgeschlagen, an welchem die Rohwasserhärte, beispielsweise nach den Angaben des betreffenden Wasserwerks, bei Aufstellung der Maschine einmal eingestellt wird. Es ist aber auch möglich, die Rohwasserhärte mittels eines entsprechenden Sensors selbsttätig und ständig zu messen und diesen Meßwert dem Signalgeber zuzuführen. Die Optimierung des Wasserenthärters beinhaltet auch eine bestimmte Resthärte, welche das Weichwasser noch haben darf. Diesen festliegenden Resthärtewert subtrahiert der Signalgeber oder eine nachgeordnete Recheneinrichtung von dem eingestellten oder gemessenen Rohhärtewert und die Differenz wird als Multiplikator für die aufaddierte Wassermenge verwendet.To generate an electrical signal corresponding to the water hardness to be reduced, a signal transmitter is proposed, on which the raw water hardness is set once, for example according to the information from the waterworks concerned, when the machine is installed. However, it is also possible to measure the raw water hardness automatically and continuously by means of a corresponding sensor and to supply this measured value to the signal transmitter. The optimization of the water softener also includes a certain residual hardness, which the soft water may still have. This fixed one Residual hardness value is subtracted from the signal generator or a subordinate computing device from the set or measured raw hardness value and the difference is used as a multiplier for the added amount of water.
Ein Ausführungsbeispiel der Erfindung wird nachfolgend anhand der einzigen Zeichnung erläutert, welche das Leitungsschema eines Wasserenthärters einer Geschirrspülmaschine zeigt.An embodiment of the invention is explained below with reference to the single drawing, which shows the wiring diagram of a water softener of a dishwasher.
Dieser Wasserenthärter umfaßt einen Tauscherbehälter 1 mit einem Liter Inhalt und einen mit gesättigter Salzsole gefüllten Solebehälter 2. Die Anordnung ist an ein Wasserleitungsnetz 3 angeschlossen und hat in der Nähe der Anschlußstelle ein maschineneigenes, magnetisch gesteuertes Einlaßventil 4 und an dieses anschließend einen Flügelradzähler 5 und eine freie Luftstrecke 6. Von der Aufnahmedüse der freien Luftstrecke führt eine Leitung 7 zum Tauscherbehälter 1. Unter der freien Luftstrecke 6 befindet sich ein Regenerierbehälter 9, der mit dem Schälwasser der freien Luftstrecke 6 gefüllt wird. Er beinhaltet etwa 0,5 l Wasser und hat eine Überlaufschwelle 10. Das Überlaufwasser fließt durch eine Leitung 11 ebenfalls in den nicht dargestellten Maschinenbottich. Der Regenerierbehälter 9 ist über eine Auslaufleitung 12, welche ein magnetisch gesteuertes Regenerierventil 13 enthält mit dem Solebehälter 2 verbunden. Von dessen gegenüberliegender Seite führt eine Soleleitung 14 in den Tauscherbehälter 1.This water softener comprises a
Die von dem Flügelradzähler 5 gemessene Wassermenge und die an einem Stellorgan 15 eingestellte Rohwasserhärte werden als elektrische Signale einer elektronischen Recheneinheit 16 zugeführt. Hierin wird die vorgegebene Resthärte von der Rohwasserhärte subtrahiert und die Differenz mit der Wassermenge multipliziert. Das Ergebnis ist ein in Liter x ° dH auszudrückender Wert, der mit dem durch die Behälterabmessungen und durch die verwendete Ionentauschermasse festgelegten Kapazitätswert verglichen wird. Sobald der während der Programmabläufe ansteigende Rechenwert den Kapazitätswert erreicht, wird ein Regeneriersignal 17 gegeben, welches nach Ablauf des betreffenden Programmabschnitts oder Programms einen Regeneriervorgang auslöst.The amount of water measured by the
Der Regeneriervorgang beinhaltet, daß bei geschlossenem Einlaßventil 4 das Regenerierventil 13 geöffnet wird. Dadurch strömt der Inhalt des Regenerierbehälters 9 über das geöffnete Ventil in den Solebehälter 2 und schiebt eine entsprechende Menge Sole durch die Leitung 14, in welcher ein nicht dargestelltes Rückschlagventil eingebaut ist, in den Tauscherbehälter 1. Das überlaufende Wasser aus dem Tauscherbehälter fließt durch die Leitung 8 in den Bottich. Das Regenerierventil 13 wird wieder geschlossen. Nach einer bestimmten Zeit, wenn die Salzsole auf die Tauschermasse eingewirkt hat, wird durch Öffnen des Einlaßventils 4 die verbrauchte Sole aus dem Tauscherbehälter 1 ausgespült. Dazu sind etwa 2 l Frischwasser erforderlich. Auch diese mißt der Flügelradzähler und steuert den Schließzeitpunkt des Einlaßventils 4.The regeneration process includes that the
Im Falle dieses Ausführungsbeispiels ergibt sich, daß bei einer Rohwasserhärte von 38° dH nach Ablauf von zwei Maschinenprogrammen die Kapazitätsgrenze erreicht ist und regeneriert werden muß. Beträgt die Rohwasserhärte dagegen 22° dH so braucht erst nach drei Maschinenprogrammen und bei 15° dH erst nach Ablauf von sechs Maschinenprogrammen die Regenerierung durchgeführt zu werden.In the case of this exemplary embodiment, it follows that with a raw water hardness of 38 ° dH after two machine programs, the capacity limit is reached and must be regenerated. If, on the other hand, the raw water hardness is 22 ° dH, regeneration only needs to be carried out after three machine programs and at 15 ° dH only after six machine programs.
Claims (3)
- Process for using a water softener installed in a household appliance, in particular a dishwasher, which has an exchanger vessel (1) filled with an ion exchanging substance and a recovery device (2, 13) comprising a salt water container (2) filled with salt, whereby the product is formed from the amount of water used and the water hardness to be extracted, compared with the capacity of the water softener and on reaching the capacity value the recovery process is triggered at the end of a machine programme cycle, characterised in that the recovery device also has a recovery vessel (9) filled with water, the content of which is emptied into the salt water container (2) as a result of a downward gradient, whereby a corresponding amount of salt water enters the exchanger vessel (1) for recovery.
- Process according to Claim 1, characterised in that the amount of water used by individual programmes or sections of programme is continually added up, multiplied by the water hardness to be extracted and compared with a predetermined water softener capacity value and when the programme or programme section has been completed at which the values are equal the recovery process is carried out.
- Process according to Claim 1, characterised in that the amount of used water at the entry of the water softener is measured by means of a rotating vane meter (5) and that this rotating vane meter (5) also measures the amount of fresh water required for rinsing out the exchanger vessel (1).
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| DE19914118586 DE4118586C2 (en) | 1991-06-06 | 1991-06-06 | Process for water softening and household appliance, especially dishwasher, for carrying out this process |
| DE4118586 | 1991-06-06 |
Publications (2)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| EP0517205A1 EP0517205A1 (en) | 1992-12-09 |
| EP0517205B1 true EP0517205B1 (en) | 1995-08-30 |
Family
ID=6433320
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| EP19920109440 Expired - Lifetime EP0517205B1 (en) | 1991-06-06 | 1992-06-04 | Process for water-softening and household-appliance, especially dishwasher, for carrying out this process |
Country Status (2)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| EP (1) | EP0517205B1 (en) |
| DE (1) | DE4118586C2 (en) |
Cited By (1)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| WO2003087460A1 (en) * | 2002-04-10 | 2003-10-23 | Fisher & Paykel Appliances Limited | Washing appliance water softener |
Families Citing this family (18)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DE4303628C2 (en) * | 1993-02-09 | 2002-01-10 | Miele & Cie | Method for regenerating the softener of a program-controlled dishwasher |
| DE4401411A1 (en) * | 1994-01-19 | 1995-07-20 | Licentia Gmbh | Washing machine program |
| DE4446731C2 (en) * | 1994-12-24 | 2003-01-09 | Miele & Cie | Household appliance, in particular program-controlled dishwasher with a water softening device |
| DE19512011C2 (en) * | 1995-03-31 | 2000-07-27 | Aweco Appliance Sys Gmbh & Co | Process for preparing soft water in dishwashers or washing machines |
| IT1279192B1 (en) * | 1995-05-09 | 1997-12-04 | Merloni Elettrodomestici Spa | SYSTEM FOR INDICATING THE CONCENTRATION OF SALT WHICH IS USED FOR THE REGENERATION OF RESINS IN A WASHING MACHINE. |
| DE19601072C2 (en) * | 1996-01-13 | 2000-06-08 | Aweco Appliance Sys Gmbh & Co | Water supply vessel |
| FR2758742B1 (en) * | 1997-01-28 | 1999-04-23 | Esswein Sa | REDUCED DIMENSIONS SOFTENER FOR ELECTRO-DOMESTIC MACHINE |
| DE19825981C2 (en) * | 1998-06-10 | 2003-04-10 | Bsh Bosch Siemens Hausgeraete | Process and water-bearing household appliance for water softening |
| DE19905979A1 (en) * | 1999-02-12 | 2000-08-17 | Bsh Bosch Siemens Hausgeraete | Water-bearing household appliance, especially a dishwasher or washing machine |
| DE10027844A1 (en) * | 1999-12-18 | 2001-06-28 | Aweco Appliance Sys Gmbh & Co | Domestic machine has regeneratable ion exchanger with regeneration state with which soft water with defined degree of hardness can be directly delivered; regeneration states is controllable |
| ES2268568T3 (en) † | 2002-05-16 | 2007-03-16 | Electrolux Home Products Corporation N.V. | DISHWASHER AND PROCEDURE FOR THE OPERATION OF A DISHWASHER USING A PREPARED COMBINED WITH VARIOUS ACTIVE SUBSTANCES. |
| DE102004021200A1 (en) * | 2004-04-29 | 2005-11-24 | Aweco Appliance Systems Gmbh & Co. Kg | Water-treatment system for e.g. dishwashers comprises water supply connected to sol container for regenerating ion exchanger, control unit and valve regulating supply of water which forces sol from container to ion exchanger |
| ITTO20050805A1 (en) * | 2005-11-15 | 2007-05-16 | T & P Spa | SYSTEM TO FASTEN THE HARDNESS OF WASHING WATER IN A WASHING MACHINE IN PARTICULAR A DISHWASHER AND ITS METHOD |
| DE102007052085A1 (en) | 2007-10-31 | 2009-05-07 | BSH Bosch und Siemens Hausgeräte GmbH | Method for operating a water-conducting household appliance |
| US9420937B2 (en) | 2009-12-17 | 2016-08-23 | Whirlpool Corporation | Dishwasher with dynamically controlled cycle of operation |
| ITTO20130338A1 (en) * | 2013-04-24 | 2014-10-25 | Bitron Spa | WATER SUPPLY AND TREATMENT SYSTEM FOR A WASHING MACHINE, IN PARTICULAR A DISHWASHER MACHINE |
| ITTO20130339A1 (en) * | 2013-04-24 | 2014-10-25 | Bitron Spa | POWER AND WATER TREATMENT SYSTEM FOR A DISHWASHER MACHINE |
| PL3228741T3 (en) * | 2016-04-04 | 2020-08-10 | Electrolux Appliances Aktiebolag | Laundry treating machine and method for controlling thereof |
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| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DE1628734A1 (en) * | 1966-07-20 | 1970-12-03 | Neff Werke | Counter with display for the regeneration time of the rinse water for dishwashers and washing machines |
| DE1628532A1 (en) * | 1968-02-15 | 1971-11-25 | Bosch Hausgeraete Gmbh | Dishwasher |
| DE1692960A1 (en) * | 1968-03-06 | 1970-01-02 | Holzer & Co Kg W | Device for controlling water softeners |
| DE1803106A1 (en) * | 1968-10-15 | 1970-04-16 | Bosch Hausgeraete Gmbh | Dishwasher |
| DE2501269C3 (en) * | 1975-01-15 | 1984-10-04 | Bosch-Siemens Hausgeräte GmbH, 7000 Stuttgart | dishwasher |
| DE2834437C2 (en) * | 1978-08-05 | 1982-12-30 | Bosch-Siemens Hausgeräte GmbH, 7000 Stuttgart | Softening device for program-controlled household appliances, in particular for dishwashers and washing machines |
| DE2947410C2 (en) * | 1979-11-24 | 1983-09-15 | Bosch-Siemens Hausgeräte GmbH, 7000 Stuttgart | Softening device, in particular for dishwashers |
| FR2519964A1 (en) * | 1982-01-15 | 1983-07-22 | Permo Sa | APPARATUS FOR THE TREATMENT OF LIQUIDS BY ION EXCHANGE RESIN, PARTICULARLY APPARATUS DOMESTIC WATER SOFTENER |
| DE3209501C2 (en) * | 1982-03-16 | 1984-01-05 | Bosch-Siemens Hausgeräte GmbH, 7000 Stuttgart | Softening device for household appliances, in particular for dishwashers |
| DE3209563C2 (en) * | 1982-03-16 | 1984-04-26 | Bosch-Siemens Hausgeräte GmbH, 7000 Stuttgart | Softening device for household appliances, in particular for dishwashers |
| DE3209500C2 (en) * | 1982-03-16 | 1983-12-29 | Bosch-Siemens Hausgeräte GmbH, 7000 Stuttgart | Softening device for household appliances, in particular for dishwashers |
| DE3527046A1 (en) * | 1985-07-27 | 1987-02-05 | Licentia Gmbh | Programme-controlled washing machine or dishwasher |
| SU1620102A1 (en) * | 1989-02-03 | 1991-01-15 | Э.М. Константинов | Softening agent for dish washing machine |
| DE3925054A1 (en) * | 1989-07-28 | 1991-01-31 | Licentia Gmbh | Dishwasher etc. - has storage container for softened water which is connected to recycled water chamber with top opening |
-
1991
- 1991-06-06 DE DE19914118586 patent/DE4118586C2/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
-
1992
- 1992-06-04 EP EP19920109440 patent/EP0517205B1/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
Cited By (1)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| WO2003087460A1 (en) * | 2002-04-10 | 2003-10-23 | Fisher & Paykel Appliances Limited | Washing appliance water softener |
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| DE4118586C2 (en) | 2003-02-20 |
| DE4118586A1 (en) | 1992-12-10 |
| EP0517205A1 (en) | 1992-12-09 |
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