A washing machine with a strain sensor.

Abstract

This invention is based on the body (2), located inside the body (2), in which the washing process takes place. a cauldron (3) in which it is done, located in cauldron (3) into which to be washed a drum (4) suitable for placing laundry, located on the body (2), a loading opening (5) that allows access to the inside of the drum (4), loading A cover (6) that allows the opening (5) of 10 openings to be opened and closed, with loading opening (5) A bellows (7) located between the boiler (3) and the lid (6) to ensure a leak-proof seal (2) a hinge group (8) that enables it to be attached in a rotatable manner It is related to the washing machine (1).

Description

1 TARIFF A washing machine with a strain sensor. This invention features a mechanism that detects when laundry gets stuck between the bellows and the lid. It is related to a washing machine. 5 When a washing cycle is started in the washing machine, the drum fills with washing water. It is circulated inside the boiler. The water used in the washing process flows through the body. a flexible tube surrounding the boiler and loading opening to prevent it from escaping inside The bellows are installed. However, before the washing process, the washing machine door 10 When closing, laundry can get caught between the door glass and the bellows. After the machine starts the program, the cover glass and the rotating drum... The laundry, trapped between the bellows, tries to move and pull the bellows. Forcing it can cause deformation in both the fabric and the bellows. Laundry that falls into the gap between the bellows and the lid during the washing process should be correctly 15 Because it is not washed properly, it remains dirty. This situation leads to dissatisfaction among users. This leads to problems if the laundry gets stuck between the bellows and the lid. The bellows can be damaged due to the drum rotating too forcefully. The drum... The motor that rotates the vehicle can also be damaged due to this stress. Therefore, the technique... In its known state, the laundry extends from the bellows to the lid, between the bellows and the lid 20 Flexible barriers are used to prevent them from getting in the way. However, these barriers... Over time, it deforms and loses its function. In the current state of technology, with bellows... It uses different sensors to detect when laundry gets stuck between the lid and the door. There are washing machines. However, laundry is not included in these washing machines. The detection of the jamming cannot be carried out quickly enough. 25 European patent number EP1500738A1, which is included in the prior art. in the application, the structure that detected laundry getting stuck between the bellows and the cover A washing machine with a built-in washing machine is described. 2 The purpose of this invention is to prevent laundry from getting caught between the bellows and the lid during the washing process. a washing machine in which jamming is quickly and effectively identified It is the realization of. The first request made to achieve the purpose of this invention and the 5 related to that request The washing machine described in the specifications consists of a housing, into which laundry is placed. a drum suitable for placement, a boiler in which the drum is rotated, a cauldron a bellows that provides a seal between the body and the drum, and allows access to the inside of the drum. a rotatable flap that allows the loading opening to be opened and closed It includes a hinge assembly that allows it to be attached to the body in this way. Laundry 10 The machine also allows for the measurement of forces applied to the hinge group. It includes a strain sensor. In the preferred application of the invention, the strain sensor, It is a standard strain gauge sensor. However, it affects the hinge assembly. Sensors such as pressure sensors, force sensors, etc. are also used to measure forces. It can be used. The strain sensor is a mechanical 15 applied to the hinge assembly. It converts the pulling and / or compressive force into an electrical signal. Bellows and cover. When laundry gets caught between them, the rotation of the drum causes pressure to be applied to the hinge assembly. The force is increasing. Using the data received from the strain sensor, it applies pressure to the hinge assembly. the applied forces exceeding a threshold value predetermined by the manufacturer The result is that laundry is stuck between the bellows and the lid, as detected by the control unit. 20 This is determined. Thus, the situation of laundry getting stuck between the bellows and the lid is prevented. It can be detected by a sensor located on the outside. In this way, This refers to the situation where laundry gets caught between the bellows and the lid, which occurs in the known state of the technology. It is perceived as being much faster and less costly compared to other washing machines. A washing machine with a detected laundry jamming problem has been obtained. 25 In one application of the invention, the hinge assembly consists of a hinge base attached to the housing and It includes at least one hinge arm that extends outwards from the hinge base. The strain sensor is located on the hinge arm. Between the bellows and the cover... When laundry gets stuck, the 30 applied to the hinge assembly due to drum rotation. When the forces were modeled, it was determined that the greatest force was applied to the hinge arm. 3 This is achieved thanks to a strain sensor placed on the hinge arm, using a single sensor. tensile and / or compressive forces applied to the hinge assembly using This ensures accurate measurement. In another application of the invention, the hinge group is connected to each other with respect to a vertical axis. an upper hinge arm positioned on the hinge base in a stacked manner and includes a lower hinge arm. The vertical axis is mounted on top of the washing machine. It extends vertically upwards from the ground on which it is placed. Both There is at least one strain sensor on both the upper and lower hinge arms. It receives. Thus, pulling and / or pressing from different points of the hinge assembly 10 By measuring the forces, it is possible to detect laundry jams more quickly. This is done to prevent the control unit from making a possible erroneous decision. It is being passed. In another application of the invention, the washing machine is positioned with the drum's axis of rotation 15°. an upper hinge arm located on it, equipped with at least one strain sensor, and a sub-seam located below the drum's axis of rotation, equipped with at least a strain sensor It includes a hinge arm. In a preferred version of the invention, the upper hinge arm and The lower hinge arm is positioned symmetrically on the hinge base with respect to the axis of rotation. This allows the drum to rotate 20 degrees if laundry gets stuck between the bellows and the lid. When rotated, the upper hinge arm and the lower hinge arm have almost the same amplitude. However, forces are applied in different directions. Thus, any force on the hinge group... When forces are applied for various reasons, the control unit a false positive signal indicating a laundry jam is given is being blocked. 25 In another application of the invention, the strain sensor is placed on the hinge arm at the hinge base. It is positioned close to the end to which it is attached. The hinge arm is a It is attached to the hinge base at one end and to the lid at the other end. With a strain sensor. The distance between the end where the hinge arm connects to the hinge base, the strain is 30. depending on the distance between the sensor and the end where the hinge arm connects to the lid 4 There are few of them. Thanks to this, when laundry gets stuck between the lid and the bellows, the strain sensor activates. The force acting on it is increased. In another application of the invention, the strain sensor is located between the hinge arm and the hinge base. It is located on the base connection point where they join. This allows the cover and the bellows to connect. 5 When a piece of laundry gets caught between them, the force acting on the strain sensor is increased. In another application of the invention, at least one sensor housing is located on the hinge arm. The strain sensor is mounted and removed from the sensor housing. It is positioned in this way. This allows both the strain sensor and the hinge arm to be positioned on top of each other. Installation is simplified, and in the event of a possible strain sensor failure, the strain is also reduced. The sensor can be easily removed and repaired or a new strain gauge can be installed. The sensor has been replaced. In another application of the invention, the lower hinge arm and the upper hinge arm are connected to each other by 15 They are identical. Both hinge arms are made of the same material. The preferred method of the invention. In one version, the hinge arms are made of metal or steel. This In this way, the hinge is protected against forces acting on the hinge arms as a result of various factors. Their arms are made to offer more resistance. In another application of the invention, strain sensors are used at the top and bottom hinges. They are placed in the same locations on the arms. This ensures equal readings from the strain sensors. The data obtained under these conditions are compared by the control unit. In another application of the invention, the strain sensor is a badge-type strain sensor. This 25 This makes it easier to mount the strain sensor onto the hinge arm. In another application of the invention, the control unit holds laundry between the bellows and the lid. When it is determined that the drum is jammed, it stops rotating. This allows both the bellows and the drum to stop rotating. By eliminating the forces applied both on the hinge group and on the hinge assembly, the word 30 The aim is to prevent damage to the equipment. The invention is a preferred method. In this application, after the drum rotation is stopped by the control unit, the drum It is rotated slightly in the opposite direction. This allows the compressed laundry to be freed by the bellows and lid. It is automatically freed from between them. In another application of the invention, the control unit holds the laundry between the bellows and the lid. When it detects that the system is stuck, it sends a written or audible warning to the user. This prevents damage to both the laundry and the washing machine components. It is being blocked. Thanks to this invention, 10 strain sensors placed on the hinge assembly can be used. A laundry bag that can quickly detect laundry stuck between the bellows and the lid. The machine has been obtained. The washing machine, as shown in the attached figures, was created to achieve the purpose of this invention. shown, and of these figures; 15 Figure 1 – Schematic view of a washing machine representing an application of the invention. Figure 2 – Perspective view of a washing machine representing an application of the invention. Figure 3 – Perspective view of another washing machine body from the invention. Figure 4 – Detail view of detail A given in Figure 3. Figure 5 – Perspective view of a hinge assembly belonging to an application of the invention. 20 The parts in the figures are individually numbered, and the corresponding numbers are listed below. It has been given. 1. Washing machine 2. Body 25 3. Kazan 4. Drum 5. Loading opening 6. Cover 7. Bellows 30 8. Hinge group 6 81. Hinge base 82. Upper hinge arm 83. Lower hinge arm 84. Base connection section 9. Strain sensor 5 91. Sensor housing 10. Control unit X. Vertical axis I. Axis of Rotation Washing machine (1), a body (2), inside the body (2) washing a boiler (3) in which the process is carried out, located inside the boiler (3), into a drum (4) suitable for placing laundry to be washed, located on the body (2) the area, a loading opening (5) which allows access to the inside of the drum (4), loading a cover (6) that allows the opening (5) to be opened and closed, loading opening (5) and 15 A bellows (7) located between the boiler (3) and the lid (6) to ensure a leak-proof seal (2) includes a hinge group (8) that allows it to be attached in a rotatable manner. The bellows (7) prevents the washing water inside the boiler (3) from leaking into the shell (2). It prevents. The bellows (7) is located on the body (2) above the loading opening (5) It is located between the front wall and the boiler (3). The bellows (7) is made of a flexible material 20 It is produced. The washing machine (1) that is the subject of the invention has a hinge assembly (8) on which the hinge is located. at least one strain sensor that enables the measurement of the forces acting on group (8) (9) and using the data it receives from the strain sensor (9), it puts 25 between the bellows (7) and the cover (6). a control unit configured to detect if laundry is jammed (10) It contains. When laundry gets stuck between the bellows (7) and the lid (6), the drum (4) pulling and / or pressing on the hinge assembly (8) as it continues to be rotated Forces are applied. As a result of tensile and / or compressive forces, the hinge... The dimensions of the group (8) change instantaneously. The said tensile and compressive 30 forces are detected by means of the strain sensor (9) placed on the hinge group (8). 7 The data obtained from the strain sensor (9) is measured. The data obtained from the strain sensor is determined in advance by the manufacturer. when a specified threshold value is reached or exceeded, control The laundry is stuck between the bellows (7) and the cover (6) by the unit (10) Detection is made. If laundry gets stuck between the bellows (7) and the cover (6), The tensile and compressive forces acting on the hinge group (8) are significant. It is increasing. In this way, laundry can be placed between the bellows (7) and the lid (6) very quickly. The jamming condition can be detected by the control unit (10). In one application of the invention, the washing machine (1) has a hinge attached to the body (2). base (81), at least one hinge arm extending between the hinge base (81) and the cover (6) 10 strain on hinge assembly (8) and hinge arm (82,83) containing (82,83) It includes the sensor (9). The hinge arm (82,83) runs from one end to the hinge base (81) by attaching the lid (6) to the body (2) from the other end It provides at least one of the hinge arms (82,83) that forms the axis of rotation of the lid (6). The shaft is attached. The hinge arm (82,83) extends 15 degrees outwards from the hinge base (81). The hinge arm (82,83) and the hinge base (81) are almost touching each other. It extends to form a right angle. Between the bellows (7) and the cover (6) When the laundry is compressed and the drum (4) is rotated, the hinge assembly (8) is affected A significant portion of the tensile and / or compressive forces is placed on the hinge arm (82,83). It is implemented. The strain sensor (9) is placed on the hinge arm (82,83) 20 thanks to which the forces applied to the hinge group (8) can be measured more precisely. is provided. In another application of the invention, the washing machine (1) is mounted on a vertical axis (X). They are positioned on the hinge base (81) in alignment with each other, and have at least 25 an upper hinge arm (82) and a lower hinge arm each containing a strain sensor (9) The hinge group (8) includes (83). As can be seen in Figure 1, the vertical axis (X) extends parallel to the height direction of the body (2). Bellows (7) and cover When laundry gets stuck between (6), the upper hinge arm (82) and the lower hinge arm (83) are different It is subjected to a certain amount of force. The upper hinge arm is 30 by the control unit (10). By determining the difference of the forces acting on (82) and the lower hinge arm (83), the bellows 8 Laundry jamming is detected between (7) and the lid (6). In this way, different For these reasons, the forces acting on the hinge group (8) and the bellows (7) and the cover (6) Forces acting on the hinge group (8) in case laundry gets stuck between them By ensuring that they are separated, the control unit (10) correctly controls the laundry It enables the detection of any jamming. 5 In another application of the invention, the washing machine (1) is mounted relative to the vertical axis (X), an upper one that remains on a rotational axis (I) around which the drum (3) is rotated The hinge arm (82) and a lower part of the rotation axis (I) relative to the vertical axis (X). It includes a hinge handle (83). Both hinge handles (82,83) have at least one 10 The strain sensor (9) is located. As can be seen in Figure 1, the axis of rotation (I) It passes through the exact midpoint of the drum (4). The axis of rotation (I) and the vertical axis (X) They form a right angle to each other. Laundry between bellows (7) and cover (6) When compressed and the drum (4) is rotated, the upper part remains on the axis of rotation (I). opposite to the hinge arm (82) and the lower hinge arm (83) located below the axis of rotation (I) 15 Forces are applied in one direction. For example, when the drum (4) is rotated clockwise Positive data is obtained from the strain sensor (9) located on the upper hinge arm (82), Negative data is obtained from the strain sensor located in the lower hinge arm (83). In other words, one of the hinge arms (82,83) is subjected to the pulling force and the other to the pulling force. It is subjected to compressive force. The strain is 20 by the control unit (10). When force values ​​are obtained in opposite directions from the sensors (9), the bellows (7) and the cover (6) It is determined that laundry gets stuck between them. Thanks to this arrangement, with bellows (7) Laundry jamming between the lid (6) is detected quickly and accurately. In another application of the invention, the washing machine (1) has a hinge base (81) of 25 hinge arm (82,83) such that its distance is less than its distance with the cover (6) It includes a strain sensor (9) located on it. Simulations and force As a result of the analyses, when laundry gets stuck between the bellows (7) and the lid (6) and the drum (4) When rotated, a large part of the force acting on the hinge arm (82,83) The hinge arm (82,83) increases in length towards the part where it is attached to the hinge base (81) 30 The distance to the hinge base (81) is determined from the distance to the cover (6). 9 strain sensor (9) located on the hinge arm (82,83) which will be less thanks to its placement, the pulling and / or pressing applied to the hinge arm (82,83) The accuracy of the force measurement process has been increased. In another application of the invention, the washing machine (1) has a hinge arm (82,83) 5 located on a base connection part (84) to which it is attached to the hinge base (81) It includes a strain sensor (9). Simulations and force analyses were performed. As a result, laundry gets stuck between the bellows (7) and the lid (6) and the drum (4) When rotated, the force acting on the hinge arm (82,83) is the base connection It was determined that the maximum is in part (84). 10 on the base connection part (84). thanks to the placement of the strain sensor (9), applied to the hinge arm (82,83) The accuracy of measuring tensile and / or compressive forces has been improved. In another application of the invention, the washing machine (1) has a hinge arm (82,83) on it. located, a sensor housing (91) suitable for mounting the strain sensor (9) 15 It includes a sensor housing (91) in a recess created on the hinge arm (82,83). It is in this form. In this way, the strain sensor (9) is mounted on the hinge arm (82,83). Installation is made easier. In one application of the invention, the strain sensor (9) The sensor is fitted into the sensor housing (91) using a tight-fitting method. In this way, strain any additional mechanical connection on the hinge arm (82,83) of the sensor (9) 20 It is secured without the need for any additional components. In another application of the invention, the washing machine (1) consists of tops that are identical to each other. It includes the hinge arm (82) and the lower hinge arm (83). As can be seen in Figures 4 and 5. Thus, the geometric shapes of both hinge arms (82,83) are identical. 25 Thus, the forces applied to both hinge arms (82,83) are similar under similar conditions. An evaluation is provided. In another application of the invention, the washing machine (1) hinge arms (82,83) It includes at least two strain sensors (9) placed in the same regions. Another 30 In other words, the strain sensors (9) rotate the upper hinge arm (82) and the lower hinge arm (83). It is positioned symmetrically with respect to its axis (I). Thus, the upper hinge Forces applied to the arm (82) and the lower hinge arm (83) under similar conditions An evaluation is provided. In another application of the invention, the washing machine (1) uses a rosette type strain sensor (9) 5 It includes. In this way, the pull acting on the hinge group (8) is effectively reduced. and / or measurement of compressive forces is provided. In another application of the invention, the washing machine (1) is placed between the bellows (7) and the lid (6). When it is determined that laundry is jammed, 10 to ensure that the drum (4) stops rotating. It includes a configured control unit (10). Thus, both the laundry and Damage to the components of the washing machine (1) is prevented. In another application of the invention, the washing machine (1) is placed between the bellows (7) and the lid (6). When it is determined that laundry is jammed, the user will be informed in writing and / or verbally. It includes a control unit (10) configured to give a warning. In this way By ensuring the user is informed, the washing process is carried out by the user. to stop, open the lid (6) and remove the stuck laundry is provided. Thanks to this invention, when laundry gets stuck between the bellows (7) and the lid (6), the hinge assembly Thanks to the data received from the strain sensor (7) placed on (6) the laundry a washing machine in which the jamming situation is quickly determined (1) This has been realized. Thus, both the components of the washing machine (1) and By preventing damage to the laundry inside the drum (4), their service life is extended to 25 is being increased.

Claims

11 REQUESTS 1. A body (2), located inside the body (2), in which the washing process takes place a cauldron (3) in which it was made, located inside cauldron (3), inside 5 a drum (4) suitable for placing laundry to be washed, body (2) a loading that allows access to the inside of the drum (4) located on it opening (5), a cover (6) that allows the loading opening (5) to be opened and closed, a leak-proof seal located between the loading opening (5) and the boiler (3) bellows (7) allows the cover (6) to be attached to the body (2) in a rotatable manner. 10 containing a hinge group (8) that provides, located on the hinge group (8), At least one that enables the measurement of the forces acting on the hinge group (8) strain sensor (9) and using the data it receives from the strain sensor (9) the bellows Configured to detect if laundry gets stuck between (7) and the lid (6) a washing machine (1) characterized by a control unit (10). 15 2. A hinge base (81) attached to the body (2), hinge base (81) and cover (6) hinge group (8) containing at least one hinge arm (82,83) extending between them and Characterized by the strain sensor (9) located on the hinge arm (82,83). A washing machine as in Claim 1 (1). 20 3. The hinge base (81) is aligned with each other on a vertical axis (X) positioned on it, each with at least one strain sensor (9) Hinge group (8) which includes an upper hinge arm (82) and a lower hinge arm (83) a washing machine as in Claim 2, characterized by (1). 25 4. A rotation around which the drum (3) is rotated with respect to the vertical axis (X). an upper hinge arm (82) remaining on the axis (I) and relative to the vertical axis (X) It is characterized by a lower hinge arm (83) located below the axis of rotation (I). A washing machine as in Claim 3 (1). 30 12 5. The distance to the hinge base (81) is less than the distance to the lid (6). with the strain sensor (9) located on the hinge arm (82,83) a washing machine as characterized in any of Claims 2 to 4. (1).

6. A base connection where the hinge arm (82,83) is attached to the hinge base (81). Claim 2 is characterized by the strain sensor (9) located on part (84). a washing machine like any of 5 (1).

7. Located on the hinge arm (82,83), on which the strain sensor (9) 10 Claim 2 to is characterized by a sensor housing (91) suitable for its placement. A washing machine like any of the 6 (1).

8. With the upper hinge arm (82) and the lower hinge arm (83) which are identical to each other. A laundry item as characterized in any of Claims 2 to 7 is 15 machine (1).

9. At least two strain gauges placed in the same regions of the hinge arms (82,83) like any of Claims 2 to 8 characterized by its sensor (9) washing machine (1). 20 10. From the above requirements characterized by the rosette type strain sensor (9) a washing machine like any other (1).

11. When laundry is found to be stuck between the bellows (7) and the lid (6), the drum (4) 25 control unit configured to stop the rotation (10) like any of the above-mentioned claims characterized by washing machine (1).

12. If laundry is found to be stuck between the bellows (7) and the lid (6), the user will be notified 30 configured to provide written and / or audible warnings to inform any of the above requirements characterized by the control unit (10) a washing machine like one of them (1).

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