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(11) | EP 0 666 358 A1 |
| (12) | EUROPEAN PATENT APPLICATION |
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| (54) | Washing machine with control of the detergent use and control method thereof |
| (57) A washing machine is described, comprising all the known elements for its functioning,
from among which a control system that supervises the carrying out of one or more
washing programmes selected by the user of the machine by way of control means, at
least one washing program that can be selected providing a phase within which the
use of a washing agent is provided, characterised in that sensor means (R) are provided
that, during the functioning of the machine, are able to detect the presence of washing
agents in the washing liquid, and in that said control system, (T, MP), as a function
of the results of the detection carried out by said sensors (R), is able to act upon
the carrying out of the selected washing program and/or to command signal means (S)
of the incorrect and/or missing addition of a washing agent in the washing liquid. |
[0001] The present invention relates to a washing machine, in particular a laundry washing machine or a domestic dish-washing machine, according to the preamble of the annexed claim 1. It is known that domestic laundry-washing machines are equipped with dispensing devises of the washing agents, such as detergents, whiteners, softeners, etc. Such dispensing devices are usually made up of a drawer-like container that is able to be charged with the washing agents, and to be successively passed over by a flow of conveying water. The drawer is usually divided in a series of compartments, each of which is charged with a dosage of detergents or additive to be utilised during the various phases of the washing program; each of such compartments is obviously placed in communication, whilst in the working position, with suitable entrance and water drainage pipes.
[0002] In function of the type of laundry to be washed, the user selects a washing program and provides for introducing to the various compartments of the dispenser the recommended quantity of said washing agent; at an appropriate moment, upon a command of the control system (of the electro-mechanical or electronic type) of the machine, the water to be introduced to the washing chamber of the machine is made to pass through each of the various compartments, so as to carry the relative washing agents in the chamber; i.e. based on the selected program, and according to the washing phases reached, the control system provides for withdrawing at appropriate times the various washing agents from the relative compartments.
[0003] It is also known that the washing programs of laundry washing machines, managed by the programmer, can provide for different phases, during which washing agents are introduced to the tub; for instance a washing program can, from among other phases, provide for:
- a pre-wash phase, with the introduction of detergents to the tub;
- an actual washing phase, with the introduction of a greater quantity of detergents to the tub compared to the pre-wash;
- an after-wash phase, with the introduction to the tub of a softener, or other additive.
[0004] Modern laundry washing machines therefore have numerous washing programmes incorporated that can be selected, comprising one or more of the aforementioned phases. The great number of such programs may at times cause the user to make mistakes; for example the case wherein the user introduces, in the various compartments of the dispenser, detergents for the pre-wash, detergents for the wash itself and a softener, and then goes on to erroneously select a program that does not provide for a pre-wash and/or after-wash with softener; also imagine the case wherein the user of a laundry washing machine, or of a dish-washer, starts a program without having introduced to the dispenser device the necessary washing agents: the consequences of such errors are in both cases easily imaginable.
[0005] It is also known that, generally speaking, the use of several washing phases, in particular the pre-wash, in modern laundry washing machines is increasingly becoming much less important than it was: it is however clear that such phases should be provided for with laundry washing machines, so as to satisfy all eventual requirements of the user.
[0006] The present invention is based on the acknowledgement of the aforementioned facts and its purpose is that of indicating a washing machine that, with simple and economic means, both being of improved functioning and reliability; further purpose of the present invention is that of indicating a washing machine in which possible operational errors of the user, in relation to the use of washing agents, can be reduced and/or corrected.
[0007] For reaching such purposes, the present invention has as its subject a washing machine and a control method having the characterizing feature of the annexed claims.
[0008] Further characteristics and advantages of the present invention shall become clear from the following description and annexed drawings, provided purely as an explanatory and non-limiting example, wherein:
- figure 1 schematically represents a device for measuring the resistivity of the washing liquid in a washing machine according to the invention;
- figure 2 represents in a simplified manner the relation existing between the resistivity of the washing liquid (detected with the device of figure 1) and the concentration of detergents in such water, expressed as grams per litre;
- figure 3 partially represents a device for dispensing the washing agents;
- figure 4 schematically represents a possible embodiment of the control system of a washing machine according to the present invention;
- figure 5 represents a logic flow diagram of the control system of the machine of figure 4.
[0009] The washing machine according to the present invention has a microcontroller type command unit, that works with fuzzy logic, and has an adequate knowledge base, obtained through the experience of technicians and by way of experimental research, and coded in the permanent memory associated to the microcontroller of the control unit; the control unit then has the use of, by way of appropriate measuring means, information relative to physical characteristics of the washing liquid.
[0010] In particular, in the case described, the machine according to the invention is equipped with an appropriate measuring device of the resistivity of the washing water: in figure 1 one of the possible embodiments of such device is illustrated.
[0011] Said device for measuring the resistivity of the washing water within a laundry washing machine has two electrodes, indicated in figure 1 with the letters A and B. The electrode A is constituted by an electrically conductive element, arranged in direct contact with the washing liquid, that in the case of figure 1 coincides with the same metallic body V of the machine (tub-basket complex), but could also be isolated from the same by way of an appropriate rubber seal. The electrode B is constituted by an electrically conductive element arranged in direct contact with the washing liquid and isolated with regards electrode A.
[0012] As can be noted from figure 1, connecting the electrode A to the positive pole of a continuous voltage generator E (example E=5V) and connecting the electrode B to earth (negative pole of the same voltage generator E) by way of a capacitor C of an appropriate capacity (example C=1 microfarad), and in view of the fact that the washing liquid is surely conductive, a flow of current from A and B is obtained, proportional to the resistivity of the water.
[0013] Such flow of current goes on to supply the transient charge of the capacitor C and stops when such transient has finished, i.e. when a voltage being equal to the value of E is present at the ends of the capacitor C. The duration of the charge transient depends upon the value of the capacitor C and on the value of resistivity of the means (washing water) through which the charge current flows.
[0014] Once an appropriate value of the capacitor C has been established (for instance C=1 microfarad), it is possible to obtain information on the resistivity of the washing water by measuring the duration of the charge time of the actual capacitor C . As is illustrated in figure 1, the measuring of the charge time is carried out by a common commercial microcontroller MP (architectured to 4 or 8 bits) able to measure the time with a good resolution (for instance with a resolution of 1 microsecond).
[0015] A digital input of the microcontroller MP, named INP in figure 1, is connected to the ends of the capacitor C, while its digital output, named OUT, is used for piloting a transistor Q, used as a switch, the collector of which is in turn connected to the ends of the capacitor C.
[0016] The measure of the charge time of the capacitor C is carried out by the following operations of the microcontroller MP:
- rapid discharge of the capacitor C, obtained by applying a brief impulse (for instance being of the duration of 1 millisecond) based on the transistor Q through the output OUT;
- initiating the time metering the instant in which, upon termination of the discharge impulse of the capacitor, the transistor Q returns to the cut-off state, allowing the beginning of the charge of the capacitor;
- interruption of the time metering the instant in which the voltage at the ends of the capacitor reaches the step threshold of the digital input INP, the value of which being typically equal to half of the supply voltage of the microcontroller MP (i.e. E/2=2.5V);
- the value reached by the time meter present within the MP, at the instant of the interruption of the metering, constitutes the result of the measure and is in direct relation with the actual resistivity of the washing liquid.
[0017] With this aim, as mentioned, the microcontroller MP is conveniently programmed according to the fuzzy logic technique, with an adequate knowledge base, coded in the permanent memory (ROM) of the microcontroller, for carrying out the calculation of the resistivity of the liquid in following the measure of the charge time of said capacitor.
[0018] As is understood from that described above, the laundry washing machine according to the invention has adequate means for detecting the effective introduction of washing agents to the water: in fact the value of the ionic concentration in the water, which gives an indication as to the presence of a washing agent, can be estimated, by way of the memorised knowledge base and the fuzzy logic technique, through the resistivity measure of the liquid after the introduction of said agent.
[0019] As an example, figure 2 represents in a graphical form the result of experimental research that illustrates the relation between the concentration of the detergents and the resistivity, detected with the device of figure 1, expressed in grams per litre, in the presence of a temperature of 20°C (and for a water hardness value of 30°F).
[0020] It is however to be noted that, putting aside the temperature and water hardness in normal conditions, the difference between the ionic concentration of pure water and that of water containing detergents is considerable, for which the measuring device of figure 1 is able to independently discriminate and with ease the two different conditions.
[0021] The machine according to the invention is in the case described equipped with a dispensing device of washing agents; purely as an explanatory purpose in figure 3 only the drawer of such dispenser is schematically illustrated, indicated as a whole with 10 and divided in three distinct compartments, more precisely:
- a compartment 11, associated to the detergents for an eventual pre-wash;
- a compartment 12, associated to the detergents for the actual washing phase;
- a compartment 13, associated to an eventual washing additive, such as a softener.
[0022] The drawer 10 is contained in an appropriate hopper container, for simplicity not represented in the figure, that has a pipe in its lower section, (F, in figure 4) in communication with the interior of the washing tub of the laundry washing machine (V, in figure 1); the hopper container then has in its superior section means (W, in figure 4) apt at selectively advancing the water from the mains to the single compartments 11, 12 and 13; such water therefore provides for withdrawing the various washing agents from said compartments and for transporting them to the washing tub, by way of the said lower pipe; the control of the means for selectively advancing the water to the various compartments is carried out by the control device of the machine.
[0023] From the above, therefore, it is understandable how the dispenser according to the invention is realised with substantially known techniques, such as for instance that described in the document EP-A-0 142 006.
[0024] The function of the abovementioned washing machine illustrated above and described in the following in relation to several different methods of use of the invention.
[0025] In a first possible case, the control device of the machine and the relative commands, are of the simplified type, i.e. realised so as that the presence of a particular phase of a "standard" washing program, characterised by the introduction of a washing agent, be considered optional or, if preferred, normally not present; in the particular case the optional phase is that of the pre-wash.
[0026] The user loads the washing machine with laundry, introduces the detergents for the washing in the compartment 12 and the additive in the compartment 13, and starts the machine selecting the said "standard" program.
[0027] At least during the first instants of the first charging of the water from the mains, such water is made to pass through compartment 11: as there are no detergents in said compartment 11, the water reaches the tub substantially pure; the device of figure 1 measures the ionic concentration of the water that has reached the tub and the microcontroller, by way of its memorised rules, is able to deduct that the pre-wash has not been requested.
[0028] The control device of the machine at this point can command the dispenser so as that the water to be charged passes through the compartment 12, for removing the detergents for the washing phase, and the washing program continues in the known manner.
[0029] It is now supposed that the user wishes to carryout a pre-wash program, for example for very dirty laundry; in this case the user introduces detergents for the pre-wash in the compartment 11, the detergents for the wash in compartment 12 and the additives in compartment 13, loads the laundry and starts the machine selecting the same "standard" program as mentioned above. Also in this case, at least during the initial instants of the first charging of water from the mains, this is made to pass through the compartment 11: this time however, the first water charged in the tub conveys with it the detergents contained in the compartment 11; the device of figure 1 therefore measures the ionic concentration of the water that has reached the tub and the microcontroller, by way of its memorised rules, it understands that this time the carrying out of a pre-wash is necessary: consequently the microcontroller provides for modifying in an automatic manner the selected program, so as that the control device of the machine integrates it with the pre-wash phase which is normally not provided for.
[0030] The control device of the machine therefore commands the dispenser so as that the water charged from the mains is made to pass the compartment 11 for an amount of time that allows the removal of the detergents for the pre-wash phase, and supervises in a known way the execution of such pre-wash phase; the program then continues, still in a known way, with its other phases, such as the actual wash, the rinses, the softening phase, spinning, etc.
[0031] From the two mentioned examples it is noticed how, with the same program, and thus with simple commands for the user, the method and the machine according to the invention are able to carry out or not the pre-wash phase.
[0032] As another example of application it is supposed that the user, after having loaded the laundry to be washed in the laundry washing machine, starts a washing program completely forgetting to introduce the necessary detergents in the dispenser.
[0033] With a machine according to the known art, the washing program would be executed without the detergents, with a useless waste of time and energy, and with totally unsatisfactory results. Vice-versa, the machine according to the invention is able to understand the users mistake, and eventually signal such mistake by way of appropriate means.
[0034] In fact, the moment in which the water for the actual washing phase is charged to the tub, the sensor of figure 1 checks the absence of detergents; the control device of the machine, by way of its memorised rules is able to act signalling the user.
[0035] For example an audio signal could be provided, that signals the user, and a luminous light that signals the absence of detergents; with simple and appropriate programming of the microcontroller, the control device of the machine is also able to act upon the carrying out of the washing program, for instance to interrupt the program until the user carries out a determined operation for instance, the user can open the drawer of the dispenser, insert the necessary detergents and press an appropriate confirmation button, that commands the conveying of the detergents that have just been inserted to the tub, and then continues the program.
[0036] As an alternative, the pressing of the confirmation button could command the drainage of the water already contained in the tub, so as to repeat the program, or a single phase of which, with the correct addition of the various washing agent or agents.
[0037] It is clear that the control system of the washing machine according to the invention provides at appropriate moments for measuring the ionic concentration of the washing liquid, once the resistivity value has been detected, by way of the device of figure 1, and carries out the necessary eventual comparisons; as mentioned such measures can for example take place during the initial phase of the first loading of the water (so as to verify whether a pre-wash is necessary) and at the beginning of every single phase that requires the introduction of washing agents, for detecting the effective presence of such.
[0038] Figure 4 illustrates an explanatory example of a possible embodiment of the control system of a washing machine, in particular a laundry washing machine, realised according to the present invention.
[0039] In such figure 4, W indicates a supply pipe, apt at selectively advancing water coming from the mains to the various compartments (11-13) of the detergents dispenser 10; with F the said pipe which connects the distributor 10 to the washing tub V of the machine; R indicates the group of the components E,A,B,C and Q of the water resistivity measuring device, described with reference to figure 1; MP indicates said microcontroller, while ROM indicates the permanent memory associated to the microprocessor MP; the ROM memory contains criterion for measuring the resistivity of the washing water and for deducing its ionic concentration.
[0040] T indicates a programming device of the washing machine, for example of the electromechanical type, connected to the microcontroller MP (the presence of an electromechanical timer is obviously not necessary in the case of machines equipped with an electronic programmer); S indicates the said signalling device, for example an indicator lamp, whilst U indicates a command device, such as a confirmation button.
[0041] In figure 5 a possible logic flow diagram of the microprocessor MP of figure 4 is represented during the aforementioned "standard" phase of the washing program.
[0042] With 20 the starting block of the program is indicated; block 21 indicates the pre-wash phase, or better the admission of water coming from W in the compartment 11 of the dispenser 10: the water passes through the compartment 11 and reaches, through pipe F, the tub V of the machine; block 22 indicates the liquid resistivity measuring phase and that of deducing the presence of detergents, by way of R and MP (as described with reference to figure 1); block 23 is a control block, for deciding whether to execute the pre-wash phase: if the microcontroller MP does not detect the presence of detergents in the washing liquid that has reached the tub V (No output), the control passes to block 24, that indicates the execution of the actual washing phase; if on the other hand MP deduces the presence of detergents (YES output), control passes to block 25, that indicates execution of the pre-wash phase.
[0043] The control therefore passes to block 26, that indicates a new resistivity measuring phase of the washing liquid, for deducing the eventual presence of detergents; block 27 indicates a control block, for deciding whether to continue with the selected washing program; if the presence of detergents is deduced (YES output), control passes to block 28, for the continuation of the "standard" program; vice-versa, if no presence of detergents id detected (NO output), control passes to block 29, that indicates the activation of signalling means S and the interruption of the washing program; block 30 is a control block, for controlling whether the user has pressed the confirmation button U: the pressing of such button is an indication of the fact that the user has received the signal (and has taken the necessary measures, such as introducing the missing detergents); when the button U is pressed (YES output), control passes to block 31, that the eliminates signalling condition and passes the control to block 26. 31 indicates the end of the "standard" wash program.
[0044] It is clear that the feature described above, of warning the user and of correcting the absence of detergents, can easily be implemented for use in a dish-washing machine, even if in such machines the addition of detergents is sometimes carried out manually, directly in the tub, before the beginning of the washing cycle, or normally during the wash by way of a dispenser in which water does not pass.
[0045] It is in fact clear that the measuring of the ionic concentration of the washing liquid can be carried out with a device similar to that of figure 1, in a moment established by the control system of the dish-washer; even in this case, in conditions of an absence of detergents, the control device of the machine can provide for warning the user and/or interrupting the program and/or draining the water already present in the tub, thus allowing the addition of detergents.
[0046] As modern dish-washing machines are almost all equipped with a microcontroller, it is clear how such machine, appropriately programmed, allows for obtaining the requested information: the innovative idea could therefore have an application with washing machines having electronic control systems or, as in the case of figure 4, with the more traditional type machines, equipped with electromechanical cyclic timers, however characterised by the presence of a microcontroller in one of its electronic sub-sections (for instance the microcontroller present in a digital electronic module for controlling the motor speed in dish-washing machines).
[0047] With this purpose it is also to be noted that the implementation of the invention, according to the abovementioned advantageous embodiment, results in being very cost effective, due to the fact that its constituting elements are already normally part of almost all dish-washing machines; in fact the cost of the microcontroller (when not provided with the dish-washing machine) costs approximately one dollar, and, in the same way, the cost of the components of the water resistivity measuring device are practically considered to be insignificant with regards the benefits, in terms of usefulness and efficiency, offered by the control system of the machine subject of the present invention.
[0048] From the given description the characteristics and advantages of the present invention result in being clear, consisting in particular in the fact that, with simple and economic means, the efficiency and reliability of a washing machine is assured, even reducing the possibility of operative errors by the user.
[0049] Finally it is clear that numerous variants can be made to the washing machine subject of the present invention, without for this departing from the novelty principles inherent in the innovative idea.
[0050] For example it is to be mentioned the possibility of utilising the control method according to the invention in washing machines equipped with automatic dispensers, with a long autonomy, of washing agents. In such dispensers it may in fact occur that the quantity of one or more of the washing agents be finished, without the user being aware of such fact, or that the formation of lumps in the tank hinders the conveyance of the washing agents: in such case, therefore, there is the risk of washing without detergents: it is clear how according to the invention such risks can be avoided, in the above described ways.
[0051] In more sophisticated embodiments of the invention, the measure of the ionic concentration of the water could be improved, or integrated with other information, such as the water hardness and its temperature, the quantity of water charged, the type of laundry to be washed, the type of soil associated to the fabric, etc.
[0052] For instance:
- the value of the water hardness can be determined by way of measuring its initial resistivity (i.e. before the introduction of detergents), utilising the device of figure 1;
- the total quantity of water charged in the laundry washing machine can be determined with the use of an appropriate turbine flow measuring device (for example of the Hall type or of infrared rays) or using the information relating to restoring the washing water levels managed by a first level electromechanical pressure switch (note for example Italian patent application TO93A000796 in the name of the same applicant);
- the type of laundry loaded can on the other hand be detected by studying its dynamics of water absorption (note abovementioned Italian patent application TO93A000796 in the name of the same applicant);
- the type of dirt or stains and its entity, even though being entities which are difficult to measure in a direct manner, can be estimated by way of indirect measures, such as the optical detection of the turbidity of the washing liquid. An alternative method to the optical one, is based on measuring the water resistivity which is already carried out by way of the measuring device described above with reference to the figure, and therefore without the necessity of additional costs. The detection of the dirt/stains entity, by way of the said device takes on a significant importance in abnormal conditions of dirt or stains, for instance for cases in which the laundry to be washed is very dirty;
- the value of the washing water temperature can be determined by way of appropriate low cost sensors, for example based on a thermal-sensitive element of the NTC type, i.e. made up of a mixture of oxides the resistance of which varies in an inverse manner to the temperature according to an exponential type law.
[0053] It therefore appears clear how the measuring of the ionic concentration of the washing water can reach a very high level of precision, by way of appropriate elaboration of the information mentioned above (hardness, temperature, turbidity, etc.): this could also allow the washing machine to recognise the type of washing agent introduced to the tub, and for the carrying out of eventual comparisons/controls with the selected program (for example signalling whether the user has introduced a washing agent in a wrong compartment of the drawer).
[0054] As already mentioned, an excellent method for enabling the coding in a compact form of the substantial mass of information that the control unit has to treat is that offered by the technology based on fuzzy logic; the knowledge base of the method according to the invention is coded, in the permanent memory of the microcontroller under the form of "rules" (IF...THEN rules) by way of the fuzzy logic technique.
1. Washing machine, comprising all the known elements for its functioning, from among
which a control system that supervises the carrying out of one or more washing programmes
selected by the user of the machine by way of control means, at least one washing
program that can be selected providing a phase within which the use of a washing agent
is provided, characterised in that sensor means (R) are provided that, during the
functioning of the machine, are able to detect the presence of washing agents in the
washing liquid, and in that said control system, (T, MP), as a function of the results
of the detection carried out by said sensors (R), is able to act upon the carrying
out of the selected washing program and/or to command signal means (S) of the incorrect
and/or missing addition of a washing agent in the washing liquid.
2. Washing machine, according to claim 1, characterised in that one or more of said washing
programs have at least one optional phase (pre-wash) during which the introduction
of a washing agent is provided, said optional phase being automatically selected by
the control system (T,MP) by the machine whenever said sensor means (R) detect the
presence of a washing agent in the washing water.
3. Washing machine, according to claim 1 or 2, characterised in that said sensor means
(R) are able to detect the presence of a washing agent by way of measuring the ionic
concentration of the washing water.
4. Washing machine, according to at least one of the previous claims, characterised in
that said sensor means (R) comprise a device for measuring the resistivity of the
washing water, the presence of the washing agent being in particular detected in an
indirect manner by way of the measure of the resistivity.
5. Washing machine, according to the previous claim, characterised in that said device
for measuring the resistivity of the washing water comprises two electrodes (A,B),
arranged in contact with the washing water and inserted in the charging circuit of
a capacitor (C) and means (MP,Q) for measuring the charge time (Tc) of said capacitor
(C), the measure of the resistivity being obtained in an indirect manner by way of
measuring the charge time (Tc).
6. Washing machine, according to one or more of the previous claims, characterised in
that it comprises a microcontroller (MP), that in particular carries out the metering
of said charge time (Tc) of said capacitor (C).
7. Washing machine, according to the previous claim, characterised in that it comprises
permanent memory means (ROM) associated to said microcontroller (MP), in said memory
means being coded, in particular under the form of "rules", the criterion for:
- verifying the presence and/or measuring the concentration of a washing agent in the washing water, and/or
- modify, in function of the results of the detection carried out by said sensor means (R), the carrying out of the selected washing program, and/or
- command, in function of the results of the detection carried out by said sensor means (R), signalling means (S) of the incorrect and/or missing introduction of detergents in the washing water.
8. Washing machine, according to claim 1, characterised in that it has a dispensing device
(10) of washing agents, comprising a plurality of distinct compartments (11-13), provided
for containing washing agents to be introduced to the washing water during the distinct
phases of the selected washing program, means (W)apt at selectively transporting the
water from the mains to the single compartments (11-13) in function of the phase of
the selected washing program, means (F) for conveying to the washing tub (V) the water
that passes through said compartments (11-13), with the relative washing agent, the
presence of a washing agent in one (11) of said compartments (11-13) being, in relation
to a particular washing program, considered optional.
9. Washing machine, according to at least one of the previous claims, characterised in
that it provides:
- means for detecting the hardness of the washing water (R,MP) and/or
- means for detecting the quantity of water charged and/or
- means for detecting the quantity and/or type of laundry and/or
- means for detecting the temperature of the water and/or
- means for detecting the level of soil (R,MP) associated to the laundry.
10. Control method of the operation of a washing machine, characterised in that, during
the functioning of the machine, the control system of the machine provides by way
of sensor means for verifying the presence and/or for measuring the concentration
of a washing agent in the washing water, and in that, in function of the results of
the verification and/or measurement, the control system provides for eventually modifying
the carrying out of the previously selected washing program, and/or for the eventual
activation of signalling means (S) of the incorrect and/or missing introduction of
the washing agent in the washing water.
11. Method, according to claim 10, characterised in that said sensor means (R) provide
for verifying the presence of the washing agent in the washing water, or for measuring
the concentration, at least in the initial part of a single phase of the selected
washing program, during which the introduction of a washing agent to the washing water
is expected.
12. Method, according to claim 10 or 11, characterised in that the control system (T,MP)
of the machine provides, in function of the reached phase of the washing program and
by way of said sensor means, (R), for verifying the presence and/or measuring the
concentration of a washing agent in the washing water and to control whether in said
phase the introduction of a washing agent and/or a determined concentration of washing
agent is foreseen, and that, in particular,.
- if for said phase the introduction of a washing agent is provided and said sensor means (R) verify its presence and/or its correct concentration, the control system of the machine (T,MP) provides for the normal execution of the washing program, or
- if for said phase the introduction of a washing agent is provided and said sensor means (R) do not verify its presence and/or measure its incorrect concentration, the control system of the machine (T,MP) provides for acting on the execution of the selected washing program, in particular for interrupting it, or modifying it, or for controlling signalling means (S) of the sound and/or visual type.
13. Method, according to the previous claim, characterised in that the washing cycle provides
for at least one optional phase in which the introduction of a washing agent is provided
and in the fact that
- if said sensor means (R) do not verify the presence of a washing agent in the washing water during said phase, the control system of the machine (T,MP) provides for the normal execution of the washing program, or
- if said sensor means (R) verify the presence of a washing agent in the washing water during said phase, the control system of the machine (T,MP) provides for including in the washing program said optional phase.
14. Method, according to claim 12, characterised in that the washing program is interrupted
until the control system of the machine (T,MP) does not detect the execution of a
certain operation by the user, such as the activation of an appropriate command device
(U).
15. Method, according to the previous claim, characterised in that the measuring of the
ionic concentration of the washing water is provided, said measuring being in particular
integrated with information relative to the hardness of the washing water and/or the
quantity of water charged and/or the temperature of the water and/or the type of laundry
loaded and/or the type of soil associated to the fabric.