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(11) | EP 3 489 406 A1 |
| (12) | EUROPEAN PATENT APPLICATION |
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| (54) | WASHING AND/OR DRYING MACHINE AND METHOD OF CONTROL |
| (57) There is disclosed a washing and/or drying machine (202). The washing and/or drying
machine (202) comprises a weighing device (250) for weighing a load to be placed in
a drum (206) of the machine. The drum (206) is separable in to two or more sections
(242, 244, 246, 248) by one or more partitions (238). A controller (230) of the machine
(202) is configured to use weight information of the load obtained from the weighing
device (250) to provide an output to a user. The output is indicative of a quantity
of the load to be placed in each of the two or more sections (242, 244, 246, 248).
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Technical Field
[0001] The present disclosure relates to a washing and/or drying machine and a method of control thereof.
Background
[0002] Washing machines are used for washing washable items, including garments such as clothes. Typically a user can select a suitable washing cycle via an interface on a front face of the washing machine. The interface usually includes a number of control knobs and/or buttons. A drying machine, also known as a tumble dryer, is operable to dry items such as garments placed therein. Some washing machines have both washing and drying functionality.
Summary
[0003] According to a first aspect disclosed herein, there is provided a washing and/or drying machine comprising: a weighing device for weighing a load to be placed in a drum of the machine, the drum being separable in to two or more sections by one or more partitions; a controller of the machine configured to use weight information of the load obtained from the weighing device to provide an output to a user, the output indicative of a quantity of the load to be placed in each of the two or more sections.
[0004] According to an example the controller is configured to cause the output to indicate an equal proportion of the load to be placed in each of the two or more sections.
[0005] According to an example the controller is configured to divide the weight of the load by a total number of the sections, so as to obtain a value of the quantity of the load to be placed in each section.
[0006] According to an example, once it has been determined by the controller that a load in a section of the two or more sections has reached a determined capacity of that section, the controller is configured to cause an indication to be output to a user to place a subsequent part of the load in to another of the two or more sections.
[0007] According to an example the drum is changeable between multiple configurations, each configuration comprising a different number of sections.
[0008] According to an example the controller is configured to control the one or more partitions to be arranged so as to provide the two or more sections.
[0009] According to an example, the one or more partitions is removable and replaceable in the drum by a user.
[0010] According to an example the one or more partitions comprises a plurality of perforations for allowing water to pass through the perforations.
[0011] According to an example the weighing device is located on an exterior of the washing machine.
[0012] According to an example the washing and/or drying machine comprises one of: a washing machine; a combined washing and drying machine; a tumble dryer.
[0013] According to a second aspect there is provided a method of controlling a washing and/or drying machine by a controller comprising: obtaining, from a weighing device of the machine, weight information of a load to be placed in a drum of the machine; and providing an output to a user, the output indicative of a quantity of the load to be placed in each of two or more sections of the drum, the two or more sections being separated by one or more partitions.
[0014] According to an example, the method comprises dividing the weight of the load by a total number of the sections, so as to obtain a value of the quantity of the load to be placed in each section.
[0015] According to an example, the method comprises causing an indication to be output to a user to place a subsequent part of the load in to another of the two or more sections, when it is determined that a load in a section of the two or more sections has reached a determined capacity of that section.
[0016] According to an example, the method comprises causing the one or more partitions to be arranged so as to provide the two or more sections.
Brief Description of the Drawings
[0017] To assist understanding of the present disclosure and to show how embodiments may be put into effect, reference is made by way of example to the accompanying drawings in which:
Figure 1 shows schematically a washing machine according to an example.
Figure 2 shows schematically a washing and/or drying machine according to an example.
Figure 3 shows schematically a drum of a washing and/or drying machine according to an example.
Figure 4 is a flow chart of a method according to an example.
Detailed Description
[0019] Washing and /or drying machines typically comprise a rotatable drum for rotating items (e.g. garments) placed in the drum during a washing or drying cycle. Prior to or during drum rotation the items often gather together at the bottom of the drum due to gravity. Then, as the drum begins to spin more quickly (for example during a spin or a drying cycle) the centrifugal force of the rotating drum causes the bundled clothing to be pushed out against an inside surface of the drum. This uneven positioning of the washing load can lead to unbalanced or uneven weight distribution of the items within the drum. This may cause vibration of the drum as it rotates, potentially leading to wear. It may also reduce the effectiveness of a washing or drying operation.
[0020] The following description describes some examples in more detail. Whilst the description may at certain points refer to a washing machine or washer-dryer, it will be understood that the concepts described are also applicable to a standalone drying machine or tumble dryer.
[0021] Figure 1 schematically shows a washing machine 102 according to an example. The washing machine 102 comprises a main body portion 104 and a drum 106 which is arranged to hold one or more garments or items of a washing load to be washed and/or dried. Washing detergent and/or fabric softener may also be placed directly in to the drum 106. Alternatively washing detergent and/or fabric softener may be placed in to a tray or dispenser 112 arranged for this purpose. In this example a dispenser 112 is arranged to hold washing detergent, and a dispenser 114 is arranged to hold fabric softener. A user interface 108 is provided which enables a user to select one or more washing and/or drying parameters and/or settings e.g. duration, temperature etc. A display 110 is also provided which outputs information to a user of the washing machine. For example information displayed on the display 110 may be information regarding options selected via user interface 108, and/or information regarding a washing cycle in progress such as time remaining etc. The washing machine 102 also comprises a controller 130 shown schematically at 130. The controller 130 comprises a memory and a processor. The controller 130 is configured and arranged for controlling operations of the washing machine 102.
[0022] The washing machine 102 also comprises a suitable power connection shown schematically at 120, enabling the washing machine 102 to be connected to an electricity supply such as mains electricity. The washing machine 102 also comprises a suitable water inlet shown schematically at 122, and a suitable water outlet shown schematically at 124. The water inlet 122 and water outlet 124 may for example enable connection to a mains water supply.
[0023] Some further aspects of a washing and/or drying machine will now be described with respect to Figure 2, by way of example.
[0024] The washing and/or drying machine 202 comprises a user interface 208 and a display 210. A controller is shown schematically at 230. The controller comprises a memory 232 and a processor 234. A drum 206 of the machine 202 is separable in to two or more sections by one or more partition(s) 238. The partition 238 may comprise one or more sections. For example the one or more partitions 208 may comprise one or more plates. The one or more partitions 238 may be formed of plastic. Alternatively the one or more partitions 238 may be formed of a metal. In this example the one or more partitions 238 has divided or separated the drum 206 in to four sections, namely sections 242, 244, 246 and 248. Also shown schematically is weighing device or weighing scales 250. In some examples the weighing device 250 is separate from the drum 206. In some examples the weighing device 250 is located on an exterior of the machine 202. For example the weighing device may be a shelf or the like positioned on an exterior of the machine 202. In some examples the weighing device 250 is located within the machine 202. In some examples the weighing device 250 is located in the drum 206 or in communication with the drum 206 of the machine 202. In some examples the machine 202 may comprise a first weighing device 250 separate from the drum 206 (and which may be positioned on an exterior of the machine) and a second weighing device located in or in communication with the drum 206 of the machine.
[0025] Prior to initiating a washing cycle, a user may place a washing or drying load comprising one or more garments or articles on to the weighing device 250. The weighing device 250 determines a weight of the load (for example in kg), and communicates this information with the controller 230. The controller then determines a weight of the load to be placed in each of the two or more sections. The information of a quantity of the load to be placed in each of the two or more sections of the drum 206 can then be output to a user, for example on display 210, or speech output via a speaker. A quantity of the load to be placed in each section is dependent upon the total weight of the load and a number of sections. In some examples a user may input a value of the number of sections, for example via user interface 208. In some examples the controller 230 may automatically determine a number of sections. For example the controller may automatically determine a number of sections by receiving input from one or more sensors. The one or more sensors may comprise, for example, a light sensor, and/or a camera, and/or one or more switches configured to detect the presence or absence of one or more partitions 238.
[0026] By way of example, and with reference to Figure 2, a user may place a washing load of 8kg on to weighing device 250. In this example there are four sections of the drum, namely sections 242, 244, 246 and 248, separated by partition 238 (and as explained the partition 238 may comprise one or more sections or pieces). The controller therefore determines that a load of 2kg is to be placed in to each of the sections 242, 244, 246 and 248, so as to evenly or more evenly distribute the load.
[0027] In an example where the weighing device 250 is separate from the drum 206, the controller may determine how much of the load has been placed in the drum 206 based on how much of the load has been removed from the weighing device 250. For example, and with reference to the example above with reference to Figure 2 and a washing load of 8kg, the controller may cause an initial instruction to be output to a user to start placing one or more items in to one of the sections 242, 244, 246 and 248. Once it has been detected that the weight on device 250 has fallen to 6kg, the controller determines that 2kg of the load has been placed in to one of the sections 242, 244, 246 and 248. In response to this, the controller may then cause a prompt to the user to then start putting subsequent items in to another of the sections 242, 244, 246 and 248, and so on. Or in other words, once it has been determined by the controller 230 that a load in a section of the two or more sections has reached a weight capacity or weight allocation of that section, the controller 230 is configured to cause an indication to be output to a user to place a subsequent part of the load in to another of the two or more sections.
[0028] In examples where the drum 206 comprises a weighing device, then the controller may determine how much of the load has been placed in the drum using the weighing device of the drum 206. In such an example, the controller may cause an initial instruction to be output to a user to start placing one or more items in to one of the sections 242, 244, 246 and 248. Again using the above example of a washing load of 8kg and four sections of the drum 206, each time 2kg is placed in the drum (as detected by the weighing device in the drum) then the controller may cause a prompt to the user to then start putting subsequent items in to another of the sections 242, 244, 246 and 248, and so on.
[0029] Figure 3 is a perspective view showing in more detail a drum 306 comprising a partition 338. In this example the partition 338 comprises four sections or plates 360, 362, 364 and 366. The partition 338 divides or separates the drum in to four sections 342, 344, 346 and 348. In other examples the partition 338 may split the drum 306 in to a different number of sections e.g, two, three, five, six, seven, eight sections etc. In the example of Figure 3 the partition 338 comprises a plurality of perforations or holes 370, arranged to allow water and/or air to pass through the partition 338. In some examples the drum 306 is changeable between multiple configurations, each configuration comprising a different number of sections. This enables a configuration to be chosen based upon the content of the washing or drying load. For example, if the load comprises one or more large items such as a quilt and/or a bedsheet, then the drum may be split in to a relatively small number of sections (e.g. two) so that the large item can fit. If the load comprises small items e.g. socks, then the drum may be split in to a relatively large number of sections (e.g. four, six or eight) so that the small items can be evenly distributed.
[0030] In some examples the machine 202 is constructed and configured to arrange the partitions so as to provide the two or more sections. For example the one or more partitions may have a retracted or inactive state (in which they do not provide a function of partitioning the drum) and an extended or active state (in which they do provide a function of partitioning the drum). In such an example the controller may cause the one or more partitions to move between their retracted and extended states. This may be in response to user input via user interface 208 e.g. a user request for a certain number of sections.
[0031] In some examples the one or more partitions 228 are removable and replaceable in the drum 206 by a user. For example a user may be able to slide in or slot in the one or more partitions 228 in to corresponding location features in the drum 206. In such an example a user may manually arrange the one or more partitions so as to provide a desired number of sections in the drum.
[0032] Figure 4 is a flow chart of a method according to an example. The flow chart is described with respect to Figure 2. The method may be considered from a perspective of the controller 230.
[0033] At S 1, a load (e.g. one or more items or garments to be washed and/or dried) is placed on to a weighing device 250 of a washing and/or drying machine 202.
[0034] At S2, the weighing device 250 weighs the load, and this information is communicated to controller 230.
[0035] At S3, the controller determines a weight of the load to be placed in each section of the drum 206. For example, as described above, the controller 230 may perform this determination by dividing the total weight of the load by a number of sections in the drum.
[0036] At S4, the controller causes an output to be provided to a user, the output indicative of a quantity of the load to be placed in each of two or more sections of the drum 206.
[0037] The output at S4 may comprise an indication to a user to place a subsequent part of the load in to another of the two or more sections, when it is determined that a load in a section of the two or more sections has reached a capacity of that section.
[0038] As discussed above the described washing and/or drying machine and method of control thereof assists with even distribution of a load within the machine. This may reduce wear on the machine caused by vibrations of the drum, and/or may improve washing and/or drying efficiency of the machine.
[0039] It will be understood that the processor or processing system or circuitry referred to herein may in practice be provided by a single chip or integrated circuit or plural chips or integrated circuits, optionally provided as a chipset, an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), field-programmable gate array (FPGA), digital signal processor (DSP), graphics processing units (GPUs), etc. The chip or chips may comprise circuitry (as well as possibly firmware) for embodying at least one or more of a data processor or processors, a digital signal processor or processors, baseband circuitry and radio frequency circuitry, which are configurable so as to operate in accordance with the exemplary embodiments. In this regard, the exemplary embodiments may be implemented at least in part by computer software stored in (non-transitory) memory and executable by the processor, or by hardware, or by a combination of tangibly stored software and hardware (and tangibly stored firmware).
[0040] Reference is made herein to data storage for storing data, such as memory. This may be provided by a single device or by plural devices. Suitable devices include for example a hard disk and non-volatile semiconductor memory.
[0041] Although at least some aspects of the embodiments described herein with reference to the drawings comprise computer processes performed in processing systems or processors, the invention also extends to computer programs, particularly computer programs on or in a carrier, adapted for putting the invention into practice. The program may be in the form of non-transitory source code, object code, a code intermediate source and object code such as in partially compiled form, or in any other non-transitory form suitable for use in the implementation of processes according to the invention. The carrier may be any entity or device capable of carrying the program. For example, the carrier may comprise a storage medium, such as a solid-state drive (SSD) or other semiconductor-based RAM; a ROM, for example a CD ROM or a semiconductor ROM; a magnetic recording medium, for example a floppy disk or hard disk; optical memory devices in general; etc.
[0042] The examples described herein are to be understood as illustrative examples of embodiments of the invention. Further embodiments and examples are envisaged. Equivalent features in different drawings may be given an equivalent reference numeral, albeit 100 series higher e.g. drum 106, 206, 306. Any feature described in relation to any one example or embodiment may be used alone or in combination with other features. In addition, any feature described in relation to any one example or embodiment may also be used in combination with one or more features of any other of the examples or embodiments, or any combination of any other of the examples or embodiments. Furthermore, equivalents and modifications not described herein may also be employed within the scope of the invention, which is defined in the claims.
1. A washing and/or drying machine comprising:
a weighing device for weighing a load to be placed in a drum of the machine, the drum being separable in to two or more sections by one or more partitions;
a controller of the machine configured to use weight information of the load obtained from the weighing device to provide an output to a user, the output indicative of a quantity of the load to be placed in each of the two or more sections.
2. A washing and/or drying machine according to claim 1, wherein the controller is configured
to cause the output to indicate an equal proportion of the load to be placed in each
of the two or more sections.
3. A washing and/or drying machine according to claim 1 or claim 2, the controller configured
to divide the weight of the load by a total number of the sections, so as to obtain
a value of the quantity of the load to be placed in each section.
4. A washing and/or drying machine according to any of claims 1 to 3, wherein once it
has been determined by the controller that a load in a section of the two or more
sections has reached a determined capacity of that section, the controller is configured
to cause an indication to be output to a user to place a subsequent part of the load
in to another of the two or more sections.
5. A washing and/or drying machine according to any of claims 1 to 4, the drum being
changeable between multiple configurations, each configuration comprising a different
number of sections.
6. A washing and/or drying machine according to any of claims 1 to 5, the controller
configured to control the one or more partitions to be arranged so as to provide the
two or more sections.
7. A washing and/or drying machine according to any of claims 1 to 5, the one or more
partitions being removable and replaceable in the drum by a user.
8. A washing and/or drying machine according to any of claims 1 to 7, the one or more
partitions comprising a plurality of perforations for allowing water to pass through
the perforations.
9. A washing and/or drying machine according to any of claims 1 to 8, the weighing device
located on an exterior of the washing machine.
10. A washing and/or drying machine according to any of claims 1 to 9 comprising one of:
a washing machine; a combined washing and drying machine; a tumble dryer.
11. A method of controlling a washing and/or drying machine by a controller comprising:
obtaining, from a weighing device of the machine, weight information of a load to be placed in a drum of the machine; and
providing an output to a user, the output indicative of a quantity of the load to be placed in each of two or more sections of the drum, the two or more sections being separated by one or more partitions.
12. A method according to claim 11, comprising dividing the weight of the load by a total
number of the sections, so as to obtain a value of the quantity of the load to be
placed in each section.
13. A method according to claim 11 or claim 12, comprising causing an indication to be
output to a user to place a subsequent part of the load in to another of the two or
more sections, when it is determined that a load in a section of the two or more sections
has reached a determined capacity of that section.
14. A method according to any of claims 11 to 13, comprising causing the one or more partitions
to be arranged so as to provide the two or more sections.