Method for reducing the quantity of rinsing water, especially in the case of washing machines

摘要

One way of reducing the quantity of rinsing water used in known methods is to use the time it takes to heat up the soapy water to a predetermined temperature as a criterion for the quantity of rinsing water which must subsequently be introduced. This parameter is output-dependent, i.e. the heating-up time is subject to the tolerances of the heating element rated output capacity and provides fluctuating measurements. In the case of the method according to the invention, an output-independent criterion is used to determine the minimum quantity of rinsing water. By means of a water quantity meter which is installed directly at the water outlet of the pump, the quantity of waste water which is drawn off the washing after the pre-washing operation by means of spin drying, is fed as a measured variable (Q) to a regulating and control unit. The measured variable (Q) is logically connected to a variable triggering period for the solenoid valve of the incoming water. The larger the quantity of waste water, the shorter the triggering period for the valve and/or the smaller the quantity of rinsing water which is subsequently required. The new method is suitable for minimising the amount of rinsing water used in washing machines. <IMAGE>