EP1242665B1 - Appliance for handling textiles which comprises an evaluation circuit for detecting the type of textile and/or the dampness of a laundry item - Google Patents

Abstract

A device detects properties of a textile in appliances for treating textiles is provided. The device is fitted into the appliance. Examples of appliances with which the device can be used include washing machines, laundry dryers, spin dryers, machines for dry cleaning, and machines for dying textiles. The device includes sending element and a receiving element respectively for sending and receiving electromagnetic radiation. The receiving element is connected to an evaluation circuit. The evaluation circuit evaluates the radiation reflected and/or transmitted by the textile to render properties and composition of the textile and filling level of the appliance.

Description

The invention relates to a device for treating textiles according to the preamble of expression 1.

DE 37 06 056 A1 describes a method for generating and recognizing optical ones Spectra and a switching and sensor system known, in particular for the Sewing and textile automation are provided. In the known method, a Radiation device used, the at least two, preferably three semiconductor emitters includes. These send optical radiation of different wavelengths, those from the ultraviolet range over the visible range to the infrared range reaches in, the radiation being modulated with a certain frequency. The Radiation is applied to a common surface or a single measuring point of a medium irradiated. Then the one reflected or transmitted by the medium Radiation detected by a suitably adapted receiver and one downstream electronic evaluation device supplied. With the known Processes are to be carried out using machines or robots in sewing and assembly technology, the textile industry and general production technology in the radiation spectral range from ultraviolet to infrared material and medium differences recognized become. However, it is not disclosed in what way such a deal with a Use the switching and sensor system equipped with a transmitting and a receiving element to let.

EP-A-0 612 996 describes a method and a Device for identifying unknown textiles disclosed.

It is the object of the invention to provide a device for treating textiles in who can gain insights into how to treat a textile.

This object is, as stated in claim 1, solved.

Advantageous further developments result from the subclaims and from the description.

The invention also relates to a method for recognizing properties a textile in a device for treating textiles, that's the characteristics of claim 14 contains.

According to the invention, electromagnetic radiation, i.e. H. Radiation in UV, in visible or used in the IR range to find out the properties of a textile. The textile is processed in some way in the treatment device, for example wetted with a liquid medium, dried, spun, strengthened, dry cleaned or otherwise Way changed. Accordingly, the treatment device is a laundry treatment device, for example a washing machine, a tumble dryer, a spin dryer, a lack of laundry, a machine for dry cleaning or Dyeing of textiles. If the term "laundry item" is used below, then to always understand any kind of textile medium.

The invention also relates to a method for Determining the degree of filling of a device according to claim 18. A transmitting element in the sense of the invention is any radiator, the electromagnetic one Emits radiation, for example an incandescent lamp, a halogen lamp, a Mercury vapor lamp, a light emitting diode, a laser diode, a gas laser and the like. Transmitters that emit a narrow-band spectrum are particularly suitable, or transmitters that produce monochromatic light. Monochromatic ones are suitable or narrowband transmitters in connection with one or more receivers, whereby these can be broadband, provided that they are only the bandwidth of the transmitter or radiation emitted by the transmitters. Alternatively, broadband radiators can be used and use assigned wavelength-selective receivers. Instead of wavelength selective Receivers can also use broadband transmitters and / or receivers if narrow band filters are assigned to either the transmitters or the receivers are. A plurality of transmission elements is preferably also used, wherein these either different spectra or monochromatic light different Generate wavelengths. The reception elements are corresponding to the transmission elements adjusted, this either a certain band within that of the transmitting element or detect the transmission radiation emitted by the transmission elements, or exactly capture the wavelength emitted by the transmitter element or elements, if this or these are monochromatic light sources. As receiving elements Photodiodes or phototransistors are therefore particularly suitable. If the sending element Radiation emitted in several wavelength ranges is preferably one Plurality of receiving elements, in particular photodiodes with an upstream Filters or grids, or a photodiode array or CCD's (= charged coupled devices), used that absorb light and generate corresponding electrical signals that preferably amplified and fed to the evaluation circuit. The received Light must be selected according to the wavelength. This can be done using a Filters, a prism or a diffraction grating.

The light emitted by the transmitting element or elements is emitted by the Textiles, especially laundry items, are partly absorbed, but partly reflected or transmitted. The reflected light is primarily for detection suitable because the transmitted light only a small fraction of the transmitted radiation and the proportion of the transmitted with increasing thickness of the textiles Radiation decreases sharply.

Because of the spectra reflected by the textiles from a transmitted spectrum or wavelengths can be inferred from the properties of the textiles. This also applies for the transmission spectra. The spectra are either over a specific one spectral range evaluated or only at certain frequencies or wave numbers. Properties of textiles within the meaning of the invention include both permanent ones Understand properties of textiles, d. H. their chemical composition from different fibers, e.g. cotton, wool, silk, synthetic fiber, or their type of tissue as well as temporary properties that are characterized by the Treated by certain media. Wetting is particularly relevant here by water or an organic solvent, by alkali or by treatment by starch or other equipment.

The evaluation circuit obtains a signal from the received signals, which either is of immediate importance to the operator or for the further treatment of Textiles is relevant. For example, a signal can be obtained to present the operator to incorrectly program the treatment device. When using the evaluation circuit in a washing machine the evaluation circuit wins from the received one electromagnetic radiation, for example in the IR range, information about the type of textile, for example silk, and gives an optical or acoustic signal, if provided the operator sets a temperature at which silk would be damaged. In another Fall will automatically heat the washing machine to a temperature above the temperature permitted for silk and prevented by the evaluation circuit Program carried out based on the properties of the laundry drum Textiles take care so that none of the textiles are damaged, discolored etc.

The detection of temporary properties of textiles, such as the Humidity, is taken into account according to a particular embodiment of the invention, treatment in the washing machine adapted to the desired residual moisture or the tumble dryer. Provided that the operator has a certain residual moisture has been set during the spinning or drying process continuously or at certain intervals, the respective moisture status based on the electromagnetic radiation reflected and / or transmitted by the textiles recorded and from this a remaining running time of the spinning or drying program calculated. When the residual moisture is reached, the spinning or drying canceled.

According to the invention, the level or the loading of a laundry treatment machine can also be to capture. This happens, for example, when the machine is being filled, if each item of laundry has a sensor, preferably a plurality of Sensors are detected so that there is information about the textiles can determine the area occupied within the laundry drum. In the volumetric determination of the drum level are those of the Reflections caused by the drum rear wall are taken into account. The evaluation circuit or an existing control circuit then calculates the one for cleaning the amount of water required for the textiles, the amount of detergent, the type of mechanical treatment, taking into account the maximum permissible temperature the type or type of textile. Finally, the evaluation circuit differentiates between Duration of the laundry treatment, for example washing, spinning, Drying, cleaning.

In addition, information obtained from the textiles can be linked to other information already present in the laundry treatment machine, for example about the turbidity of the wash liquor, the duration and / or the temperature to determine the washing process. According to one embodiment of a Laundry treatment device is the evaluation circuit with the Program selection control connected that based on the detected laundry items Depending on the material or the moisture of the laundry items a certain Program is selected by the laundry treatment device. This means that, if, for example, one of the items of laundry is detected from silk, the maximum temperature of the program selected by the program selection control is that the piece of laundry made of silk does not shrink due to too high a temperature or is damaged.

Another advantage of the device is that the device for detecting Properties of a textile can also be used if the textile does not undergo any treatment should be subjected to, but only the material composition of the textile recognized should be if the label in the textile that the material composition reproduces, is no longer available, for example, has been torn off. Through the The user then experiences equipment in connection with a display unit which materials the textile is made of and can then decide which ones further treatment should receive this.

Especially in the case of such a single textile measurement, but also for others It is suitable for detection purposes if the point irradiated with infrared radiation for the User is made recognizable by simultaneous emission of visible radiation. For this purpose, for example, a point in the area irradiated by IR radiation becomes Visible lighting around the textile is created on the textile. Likewise, the spot irradiated by infrared radiation through a spot generated by an LED diode Mark the red dot.

Transmitting and receiving elements can be in different positions within or use outside the treatment device. Are advantageous in a tumble dryer the receiving element or the receiving elements in the ceiling area of the filling opening arranged. Likewise, a transmission element is also arranged there, in particular also a lamp provided for illuminating the inside of the laundry drum suitable as a transmission element. Alternatively, sending and / or receiving elements can be in the Insert the area above the filling opening of the rear bottom wall of the laundry drum, especially if there is already a lamp for drum interior lighting is provided. If this lamp is a halogen lamp or another broadband Spotlight, it is already suitable as a transmitting element. But in order to detect the Textiles undesirable, for example through the porthole of the washing machine Switching off intrusive extraneous light influences, that of the transmitting element emitted light modulated in a certain way and the reflected or emitted light is only used if it has the same modulation.

Transmitting and receiving elements are preferably used in connection with optical devices, in particular focusing lenses, optical fibers and optical and / or electrical arrangements used to amplify optical or electrical signals. Filters are also advantageously used to separate out narrow spectral ranges. Diffraction gratings are suitable as filters, for example, at different angles different wavelengths are transmissive, prisms, holographic filters, gratings and like. Graduated filters from which radiated in are also particularly suitable broadband light is coupled out at various points. Preferably be optical fibers are also used, which allow transmitting and receiving elements a place exposed to only slight mechanical loads within the Arrange treatment device and the electromagnetic radiation in the area in to which the textiles are treated, to be coupled out via an optical waveguide and / or to lead from this area via an optical waveguide to the receiving element.

The use of optical fibers has the further advantage that high temperatures, which often be used in the treatment of textiles, for example within the laundry drum a washing machine or the dryer drum of a tumble dryer the optical elements, such as. B. the transmitting and receiving elements and the associated optical means, do not influence, so that no measures are necessary are to compensate for temperature fluctuations at the transmitting and / or receiving elements or to compensate. Another advantage of this is that it is inexpensive Let transmit and / or receive elements use the lower requirements provide temperature stability and therefore have to be less stable against the influences, like inside the drum of a clothes dryer or washing machine are present and can influence negative transmission and reception elements. the same Another advantage is the use of one of the respective transmitting and receiving elements assigned control or evaluation electronics.

However, it is not excluded according to the invention that the evaluation circuits including of the transmitting and receiving elements directly in the treatment area of the Textiles are arranged.

Transmit and receive elements are preferably located in front of the treatment room protecting the textiles from soiling in the form of lint and dust, by passing an air stream past the transmitting or receiving elements. Inside a tumble dryer, the tumble dryer air or one of Outside airflow that circulates the dryer air, for example, in a counterflow process lapped. Ambient air or is preferably cleaned by a filter Dryer air first past the transmitting and receiving elements and then into the Blow in the dryer drum. However, the send and receive elements also by washing items moving past them during the cleaning process. In the case of a washing machine, the tub can be guided Provide filling water jet so that it is the IR radiation source shielding cover rinses.

A protective glass is preferably also provided, the transmitting and / or receiving elements shields from the treatment room and preferably from the user is removable so that it can be cleaned.

There is also preferably an automatic comparison between a transmission signal and a received signal in the absence of textiles to be treated, so that Faults due to contamination within the treatment room, i. H. in particular on a transmitting and receiving element shielding glass, result in the subsequent measurement on textiles as difference signals from the then measured Signals can be deducted. The sending and / or receiving elements can be calibrated each time the device is switched on, for example.

Wavelengths in the near and middle infrared range are particularly suitable for textile recognition (NIR and MIR area). Within this wavelength range organic matter, d. H. Put textiles into molecular vibrations by means of external energy. Depending on the type of textile, it absorbs depending on its chemical Composition corresponding spectral components from an electromagnetic Radiation with which it has been irradiated or reflects and / or transmitted this. The energy is coupled into the textiles preferably by means of a Broadband radiator, for example an incandescent lamp, a halogen lamp or one Light-emitting diode, however, other narrow-band spotlights are also suitable. The textiles and absorb the water it contains over the entire radiated spectral range Area of light source energy from electromagnetic radiation. That was not absorbed Light is reflected and / or transmitted, a part of this light using of the receiving element or elements to which the evaluation circuit is routed. There, if the received radiation represents a spectrum, preferably a spectral decomposition of the received spectrum. The is particularly suitable Fourier transform of the spectra (FTIR). This can be broken down as follows Principles take place: Using a filter or using several filters, the electromagnetic signals radiated onto the receiving elements, for example are formed by individual receiving diodes or individual phototransistors or by receiving elements arranged in the form of a CCD array. Instead of the Diffraction gratings can also be provided upstream of filters.

A coupling optic is preferably provided which, in addition to a grating or a filter also includes a lens system, for example a converging lens.

Which spectral ranges actually depend on the object to be detected used for the receiving elements or must be hidden. Provided accordingly it is known what types of textiles for the treatment device in Correspondingly narrow-band receiving elements can be considered provide that absorb specifically in the wavelength ranges relevant to these textiles, thus an analysis of the chemical composition or the current Allow condition of the textile. It is also possible to use certain types of Determine contamination of a textile, for example protein or fat-containing Dirt. The same applies to the evaluation circuit. It is the same possible the spectroscopic examination of the textiles in the visible area to be able to determine the color of the textiles.

Since there is also an influence on the moisture content of a textile on its absorption and / or Transmission spectrum takes place in a certain wavelength range, are preferred for measuring moisture on the one hand and the type of textile on the other those wavelength ranges are selected in which either none There is dependency or at least no noticeable influence on each other Different types of textiles can be distinguished.

Alternatively, there is also information that shows the dependence of the spectrum of a textile take into account the moisture absorbed in one of the evaluation circuits assigned memory unit stored to spectral measurements accordingly the desired data be it about the type of textile or be it about the moisture content, to correct.

Various properties of the spectra are suitable for evaluating the spectra, for example, their slope, the height of peaks, the height ratio of different ones Peaks, derivation functions from the spectra, size obtained from the spectra, a factor analysis of the spectra is preferably also carried out. All won in the process Data can be stored in the storage unit and is then available Comparison with later measurement results available.

In a particularly preferred embodiment of the invention, the evaluation unit comprises a fuzzy logic or a neural network in which various properties are used Detection of permanent properties of textiles, such as their chemical composition, or temporary properties of textiles, such as their moisture content or temperature or wetting by a liquid medium. Preferably there are spectra for different types of textiles, especially for different ones Moisture levels of these textiles in the storage unit before or during the operation of the treatment device is successively stored and during processing or processing of textiles are taken into account.

By means of the device for recognizing the properties of textiles, the Determine the drum fill level of a washing machine or dryer by the intensity of the reflected light is determined. This takes advantage of textiles scatter the light far more than the laundry drum, which is made of stainless steel. Basically, the difference in the materials of the drum and Items of laundry can be used to determine the volume filled by laundry within the Detect laundry treatment device. This is preferably an integral Measurement of the spectra made.

The device is also suitable for detecting a drum standstill, as in this case, the measured spectra do not change over time. Such one Drum stoppage can be caused by a break in the drive belt.

In the event of smoke developing inside the washing drum, the spectrometer can be in Connection with the evaluation circuit can also be used as a smoke detector because The spectra of the laundry items no longer reach a certain smoke density be recognized. The evaluation circuit then generates a signal that, if that Home appliance is connected to a data network, at a receiver, for example in a fire station, triggers a fire alarm. Alternatively, an acoustic one Fire detectors connected to the laundry treatment device or in the household intended.

Fig. 1

einen Wäschetrockner,

Fig. 2 bis 15

Absorptions- und Transmissionsspektren von Textilien und Wasser.

The invention is explained in more detail in an exemplary embodiment with reference to the drawings. Show it:

Fig. 1

a dryer,

2 to 15

Absorption and transmission spectra of textiles and water.

A clothes dryer 1 (FIG. 1) is equipped with a rotatably mounted drum 2 for receiving laundry to be dried 3. The drum 2 has a drum base 4 on, which is perforated in its central region 5. The perforation is used to filter one Dry air flow. On the side opposite the drum base 4 is one opening which can be closed by a loading door 6. During operation the dry air flow is generated by a blower 7, which is generated by a circulating air circuit 8 to a heating device 9 for heating the dry air and then through the middle region 5 of the drum base 4 flows into the drum 2.

After contact with the laundry 3, the dry air flows through the loading door 6, which has openings on the inside and the bottom, through a further section of the circulating air circuit 8 to a condenser in which the dry air for condensation is cooled by the laundry moisture contained in it. The capacitor 10 will for this purpose flows through cooling air, which is sucked in from the surroundings of the clothes dryer 1 becomes. After the condenser 10, the dry air is sucked in again by the fan. A lamp 11 is provided in the area of the loading opening, for example a broadband radiator, in particular a light bulb, a halogen lamp or a light emitting diode. This emits electromagnetic radiation on the one to be dried Wash 3 inside the drum 2. According to the type of textile and the moisture a part of the radiation is reflected in the laundry 3, a certain part of the reflected Radiation reaches receiving elements 12, 13. The receiving elements 12, 13 are sensitive in different spectral ranges, such as in the case of a silicon diode in a bandwidth of less than 1100 nm or in the case of an InGaAs diode in a bandwidth of 800 nm to 1700 nm. By placing a filter on the Radiation input side of the receiving elements 12, 13 can be achieved that only a certain one narrow band or only a certain wavelength through the respective transmission element 12, 13 is receivable. The wavelength ranges in which the receiving elements 12, 13 are sensitive, choose such that, for example, that Receiving element 12 is sensitive in a wavelength range from 800 to 1700 nm and detects different types of textiles, such as cotton, linen, silk, Viscose, wool or polyamide or other textile materials.

2 to 5 show transmission spectra of polycarbonate, polyamide 6, polyurethane and polyamide 66 in the wavenumber range from 4000 to 500 cm ^-1 . The spectra as a function of the wavenumber each show characteristic peaks, slopes, minima that are material-specific and allow tissue to distinguish such materials from other fabrics.

The received spectra can also be used in an evaluation circuit 15 (FIG. 1) other functions, for example the derivative function dA / dk (A = absorption, k = Wavenumber) or higher derivatives. This allows extreme values Gain slopes, inflection points etc. of the spectra.

6 shows the reflectance spectrum of four polyester pieces, that of different ones Tissues originate. Different scattering of light creates each other reflectance spectra shifted in parallel. In from these spectra The derivation functions obtained (FIG. 7) then show the agreement again in the material.

8 shows reflection spectra of a moist and a dry polyester fabric, which also show differences in their derivative functions (FIG. 9).

Different materials can be detected by spectroscopy in the near infrared range separated from each other by a main component analysis, such as from the book "Detection of plastics - Qualitative plastics analysis with simple Means ", by Dietrich Braun, 1998, 3rd edition, are known. It shows that the Wavelength range from 1500 nm to 1800 nm is moisture-independent.

10 shows reflectance or reflection spectra of polyamide 6 and polyamide 6.6, the separable from each other only in a wavelength range between 2400 and 2500 nm are.

11 and 12 show reflection spectra of viscose and polyacrylonitrile in the Minimum reflection of the water band depending on the moisture content of the fibers, how it can be determined by means of the evaluation circuit 15.

13 shows an absorption spectrum of polyethylene in the wave number range from 3500 to 500 cm ⁻¹ .

14 shows a reflection spectrum of cotton in the dry and moist state, the cotton in the dryer 1 still has a certain residual moisture. If the spectrum for dry cotton is thus in one of the evaluation circuit 15 assigned memory is stored, can be from the respective measured spectrum by comparing it with the spectrum for dry cotton, see if the Drying process must be continued or whether the desired residual moisture, for example, the ironing moisture or cabinet moisture has already been reached.

15 shows a transmission spectrum for water, which is two characteristic Has minima at 1450 nm and 1930 nm. This measurement can be carried out with a Receiving element, which is below the laundry introduced into the drum 2 or on the lower side of the filling opening is arranged so that this when the transmitting element 11 emits electromagnetic radiation, the let through of the laundry 3 Receives radiation.

Instead of the transmission spectrum, one of the receiving elements 12, 13 in this wavelength range also measurements of the reflection spectrum of Carry out water.

The receiving elements 12, 13 are connected to the evaluation circuit 15 via lines 14 connected. The evaluation circuit 15 contains evaluation electronics, on the basis of which the Spectra of the textile or particularly relevant parts can be seen in the spectra. Preferably, the evaluation circuit 15 is also assigned a memory in which Known spectra are stored, so that the evaluation unit 15 by comparison of the received spectra with the stored spectra a certain type of textile can detect.

The evaluation unit is preferably with a system capable of learning or a fuzzy box equipped or comprises a neural network. If the evaluation circuit 15 a is self-learning system, it can be trained to use spectra later recognizes. The evaluation circuit 15 has a control circuit 16 for control of the dryer 1 in connection. In particular, she also has access to the Memory of the control circuit 16 to compare and evaluate spectra.

If the evaluation circuit 15 has a spectrum in a certain program state recognizes, it can influence the further program flow. When a achieved one is recognized Residual moisture through one of the receiving elements 12, 13 and after detection by the evaluation circuit 15 gives this a corresponding signal to the control circuit 16, so that this continues the drying process until the desired Residual moisture is reached, which the operator has set. It is also possible that the Evaluation unit 15 an alarm signal when a certain operating state is reached triggers or ends the currently running program. In this way you can prevent that textiles are overused or damaged. This is particularly so important if the operator has textiles of different compositions has introduced into the drum 2 without noticing it, so that in this case the Program can cancel, so that not even the most delicate of the introduced textiles is damaged. The receiving elements 12, 13 are either individual diodes or are composed of arrays of many diodes or photo transistors or the like Receivers. A coupling optic is arranged upstream of the receiving elements 12, 13, which, for example, a focusing lens, a diffraction grating and / or an optical waveguide includes. Using a flexible optical fiber, electromagnetic Rays also capture in such places that are necessary for the attachment of the receiving elements 12, 13 are less suitable. The spectra of the textiles are either selective or the measurement signals are integrated across the room.

In order to always ensure good light coupling during operation of the tumble dryer 1 the receiving elements 12, 13 as well as a flawless emission of light To ensure the transmission element 10, part of the air flow is via a for this separately provided flow channel 17 deflected so that it is on the receiving elements 12, 13 and the transmission element 10 swept past and free of dirt holds. Alternatively, outside air can also be used for cleaning, the circulating air can also be used, in particular also in a countercurrent process. After passing a filter, the cleaned ambient air or dryer circulating air from the direction of the receiving elements 12, 13 and the transmitting element 10 in the Blown in drum 2.

According to the invention, a method for recognizing properties of a Textile created, which can be found in various treatment devices, for example in Washing machines, tumble dryers, spin dryers, or machines for chemical Can be used for cleaning with a non-aqueous solvent. In any case the type of textile can be checked, it can also be checked whether the one set by the user Program selection matches the type of textile introduced and is compatible is. In the event of impending damage to the textile, the device generates a warning - visually or acoustically, or the treatment device independently carries out a program correction by. It is also possible that the treatment device independently that of the present one Selects and carries out a program adapted to the textile. This can make sure overheating and consequent damage to a textile, for example in in a tumble dryer or in a washing machine. The moisture determination goes with the washing machine in the remaining time of the spin cycle when Tumble dryer 1 in the remaining duration of the drying process.

The invention provides a non-contact measurement with electromagnetic radiation carried out, which allows conclusions to be drawn about various properties of the textiles, such as their moisture, chemical composition etc. In the case of a clothes dryer the entire dryer content of the laundry 3 to be dried can either in the filled state or when filling a laundry item 3a while the loading door 6 is open.

By detecting the properties of the laundry items 3, 3a by the evaluation circuit 15 can, especially in connection with the control circuit 16, the dry process in the dryer 1 with regard to the drying performance used and optimize the drying time or in a washing machine the washing process. Energy, water consumption, the type and amount of detergent and the type of mechanical Treatment and the duration of treatment are determined by an evaluation circuit or Control circuit in the washing machine automatically or in connection with a specification Operator taking into account the measured spectra.

Claims (18)

1. Washing machine, laundry drier, laundry spin-drier or machine for the chemical cleaning or the dyeing of textiles (3, 3a) in a drum (2) with equipment for recognition of characteristics of a textile (3, 3a), wherein the equipment comprises at least one transmitting element (11) and at least one receiving element (12, 13) for transmission or reception respectively of electromagnetic radiation as well as an evaluating circuit (15) connected with the receiving element (12, 13), wherein the radiation transmitted by the transmitting element (11) and reflected and/or transmitted by the textile (3, 3a) can be received by the receiving element (12, 13) and evaluated in the evaluating circuit (15), characterised in that the transmitting element (11) and/or the receiving element (12, 13) is or are arranged in the region of a filling opening (18), particularly at the upper side of the filling opening (18), or at a base wall (4) of the drum (2) or on the inner side of a loading door (6).
2. Apparatus according to claim 1, characterised in that the at least one transmitting element (11) and the at least one receiving element (12, 13) are arranged in such a manner that electromagnetic radiation can be radiated into the interior space of the apparatus and reflected and/or transmitted by textile (3, 3a), which is deposited stored in the interior space, onto the at least one receiving element (12, 13).
3. Apparatus according to one of claims 1 and 2, characterised in that the transmitting element (11) is a wide-range radiator, particularly a light bulb, a halogen lamp or a light-emitting diode.
4. Apparatus according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterised in that the receiving element (12, 13) is a narrow-range receiver, particularly a photodiode or a phototransistor.
5. Apparatus according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterised in that the receiving element (12, 13) is constructed as an array of a plurality of receiving components.
6. Apparatus according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterised in that the transmitting element (11) and/or the receiving element (12, 13) is or are constructed with an optical component, particularly a focussing lens, which couples in or couples out the electromagnetic radiation.
7. Apparatus according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterised in that the receiving element (12, 13) is equipped with an optical filter, a graduated filter, a diffraction grating or a prism for spectral resolution of the incident electromagnetic radiation.
8. Apparatus according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterised in that the transmitting element (11) or the receiving element (12, 13) is equipped with an optical waveguide for coupling or feeding in the electromagnetic radiation.
9. Apparatus according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterised in that the evaluating circuit (15) is connected with a control circuit (16) for controlling the apparatus.
10. Apparatus according to claim 9, characterised in that either the evaluating circuit (15) or the control circuit (16) has a memory for storing predetermined spectra for calibrating purposes or for storing measured spectra.
11. Apparatus according to one of claims 1 to 10, characterised in that the transmitting element (11) and/or the receiving element (12, 13) is or are equipped with means for protection against contamination.
12. Apparatus according to claim 11, characterised in that the means for protection against contamination is formed by an air flow, particularly ambient air, which is fed in a flow channel (11), in a laundry drier or by externally inducted air.
13. Apparatus according to one of claims 1 to 12, characterised in that evaluating circuit (15) or the control circuit (16) comprises a fuzzy logic and/or a neuronal network.
14. Method of recognising characteristics of a textile (3, 3a) in a washing machine, laundry drier, a laundry spin-drier or a machine for chemical cleaning or dying or textiles (3, 31) in a drum (2), in which at least one transmitting element (11) irradiates the textile (3, 3a) with electromagnetic radiation, at least one receiving element (12, 13) receives radiation reflected and/or transmitted by the textile (3, 3a) and an evaluating circuit (15) evaluates this radiation, characterised in that the characteristics of the textile (3, 3a) with respect to its degree of wetting by a liquid are obtained in the evaluating circuit (15) from the electromagnetic radiation.
15. Method according to claim 14, characterised in that the characteristics of the textile (3, 3a) with respect to its chemical composition are obtained in the evaluating circuit (15) from the electromagnetic radiation.
16. Method according to claim 14 or 15, characterised in that on the basis of the detected characteristics of the textile (3, 3a) by the evaluating circuit (15) or by a control circuit (16) the drying process in a laundry drier (1) or the washing process in the washing machine is determined with respect to energy consumption, water consumption, kind and quantity of washing agent and kind of mechanical treatment as well as the treatment duration for the drying process with respect to the drying power used and the duration of drying.
17. Method according to one of claims 14 to 16, characterised in that a filling state of the drum (2) is determined from the radiation reflected and/or transmitted by the textiles (3, 3a).
18. Method of determining the degree of filling in a laundry drum of a laundry treatment apparatus, characterised in that at least one transmitting element (11) irradiates the inner space of the drum and the textiles (3, 3a) contained therein by electromagnetic radiation, wherein at least one receiving element (12, 13) receives radiation reflected and/or transmitted from the textiles (3, 3a) and an evaluating circuit (15) evaluates this radiation and the proportion of radiation reflected and/or adsorbed by the drum walls is set into relation with the radiation reflected and transmitted by the textiles (3, 3a) and the degree of filling of the drum is ascertained therefrom.

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