EP1279760A2 - Method for drying laundry - Google Patents

Method for drying laundry Download PDF

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Publication number
EP1279760A2
EP1279760A2 EP02016548A EP02016548A EP1279760A2 EP 1279760 A2 EP1279760 A2 EP 1279760A2 EP 02016548 A EP02016548 A EP 02016548A EP 02016548 A EP02016548 A EP 02016548A EP 1279760 A2 EP1279760 A2 EP 1279760A2
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EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
laundry
temperature
drying process
hot air
determined
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Granted
Application number
EP02016548A
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
Other versions
EP1279760B1 (en
EP1279760A3 (en
Inventor
Engelbert Heinz
Wilfried Dreischmeier
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Herbert Kannegiesser GmbH and Co
Original Assignee
Herbert Kannegiesser GmbH and Co
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Publication date
Application filed by Herbert Kannegiesser GmbH and Co filed Critical Herbert Kannegiesser GmbH and Co
Publication of EP1279760A2 publication Critical patent/EP1279760A2/en
Publication of EP1279760A3 publication Critical patent/EP1279760A3/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP1279760B1 publication Critical patent/EP1279760B1/en
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Classifications

    • D—TEXTILES; PAPER
    • D06—TREATMENT OF TEXTILES OR THE LIKE; LAUNDERING; FLEXIBLE MATERIALS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • D06F—LAUNDERING, DRYING, IRONING, PRESSING OR FOLDING TEXTILE ARTICLES
    • D06F58/00—Domestic laundry dryers
    • D06F58/32—Control of operations performed in domestic laundry dryers 
    • D06F58/34—Control of operations performed in domestic laundry dryers  characterised by the purpose or target of the control
    • D06F58/36—Control of operational steps, e.g. for optimisation or improvement of operational steps depending on the condition of the laundry
    • D06F58/38—Control of operational steps, e.g. for optimisation or improvement of operational steps depending on the condition of the laundry of drying, e.g. to achieve the target humidity
    • D—TEXTILES; PAPER
    • D06—TREATMENT OF TEXTILES OR THE LIKE; LAUNDERING; FLEXIBLE MATERIALS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • D06F—LAUNDERING, DRYING, IRONING, PRESSING OR FOLDING TEXTILE ARTICLES
    • D06F2101/00—User input for the control of domestic laundry washing machines, washer-dryers or laundry dryers
    • D06F2101/02—Characteristics of laundry or load
    • D06F2101/06—Type or material
    • D—TEXTILES; PAPER
    • D06—TREATMENT OF TEXTILES OR THE LIKE; LAUNDERING; FLEXIBLE MATERIALS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • D06F—LAUNDERING, DRYING, IRONING, PRESSING OR FOLDING TEXTILE ARTICLES
    • D06F2103/00—Parameters monitored or detected for the control of domestic laundry washing machines, washer-dryers or laundry dryers
    • D06F2103/02—Characteristics of laundry or load
    • D06F2103/12—Temperature
    • D—TEXTILES; PAPER
    • D06—TREATMENT OF TEXTILES OR THE LIKE; LAUNDERING; FLEXIBLE MATERIALS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • D06F—LAUNDERING, DRYING, IRONING, PRESSING OR FOLDING TEXTILE ARTICLES
    • D06F2105/00—Systems or parameters controlled or affected by the control systems of washing machines, washer-dryers or laundry dryers
    • D06F2105/62—Stopping or disabling machine operation
    • D—TEXTILES; PAPER
    • D06—TREATMENT OF TEXTILES OR THE LIKE; LAUNDERING; FLEXIBLE MATERIALS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • D06F—LAUNDERING, DRYING, IRONING, PRESSING OR FOLDING TEXTILE ARTICLES
    • D06F58/00—Domestic laundry dryers
    • D06F58/32—Control of operations performed in domestic laundry dryers 
    • D06F58/34—Control of operations performed in domestic laundry dryers  characterised by the purpose or target of the control
    • D06F58/46—Control of the operating time

Definitions

  • the invention relates to a method for drying laundry according to the preamble of claim 1, 10 and 12, respectively.
  • the drying of laundry including both flat linen (bed linen, table linen) and clothing (underwear and outerwear) is expected to be done both for commercial and private purposes by dryers.
  • the laundry is dried by warm air.
  • the after-treatment by cooling can be followed by the hot air treatment of the laundry, using cold air or air at ambient temperature.
  • the drying process is then composed of a warm air drying phase and a cooling phase.
  • the present invention seeks to provide methods for drying laundry, which allow a reliable automatic termination of at least the drying process in a simple manner.
  • a method for achieving this object comprises the measures of claim 1.
  • temperatures are determined in that phase of the drying process in which the laundry hot air is supplied. These temperature measurements make it possible to predetermine the preferred time of switching off the hot air supply according to the invention. As a result, an impairment, namely overheating, the laundry items is reliably avoided and it is the energy for hot air generation is limited to a minimum.
  • a suitable reference curve or reference curve is selected which is closest to the temperature readings.
  • the selected reference curve contains the previously determined, most favorable time for the completion of the drying process, in particular for switching off the hot air supply to the laundry.
  • the most favorable time of shutdown of the hot air supply can be so simple, but still be predicted with relatively high accuracy.
  • the reference curves are formed from reference temperature readings, which have preferably been previously determined separately during a complete exemplary drying process, at least the phase of the hot air supply to the laundry.
  • the reference curves are determined at least as a function of the particular type of laundry, in particular the material of the laundry. But it is also conceivable to create the reference curves in addition to the type or the material of the laundry still depending on the loading condition or loading level of the dryer. There then exist for the same type of laundry or laundry of the same material several reference curves for different loading conditions or load levels of the dryer.
  • the method is provided to determine the temperature of the laundry during a certain time interval multiple times. At least two temperature values are determined, which are at the beginning and at the end of the respective time interval. From these values, the time-related increase in temperature during the drying of the laundry can be determined. In particular, a first derivative of the temperature profile can be formed according to time and from this the slope of the temperature curve in the time interval can be determined. If more than two temperature values are determined, it is also possible to determine different gradients of the temperature profile curve in the time interval. Reliable statements about the remaining drying time, in particular the time at which the exhaust air supply to the laundry is switched off, can be determined from the determined time-related temperature increases or gradients or changes in the slope of the temperature curve in the time interval. Also in this way relatively simple predictions can be made by simple means taking into account, in particular, the material of the laundry and / or the degree of loading of the dryer over the time of completion of the drying process, in particular the termination of the hot air supply.
  • the time interval begins only after a certain start time (dead time) of the drying process.
  • start time dead time
  • reliable assumptions about the expected end of the drying process, in particular the phase of the hot air supply to the laundry, depending on such a time interval can be made by the temperature increase has sufficient explanatory power.
  • the method described above is particularly suitable for terry towels.
  • the temperature of the laundry is determined during the drying process and compared with the temperature of the supplied hot air (supply air) and / or the discharged air (exhaust air), preferably the measured temperature of the laundry of at least one of the latter temperatures subtracted. It has surprisingly been found that the resulting temperature difference is in a certain relation or in connection with the residual drying time. With decreasing temperature difference of the drying process is progressing progressively. At a certain temperature difference can then be reliably shut off the drying process, in particular a break in the hot air supply to the laundry done.
  • the temperatures of both the laundry and the supply air and / or exhaust air are determined and compared continuously or at certain successive time intervals or steps.
  • the temperature difference can be ascertained, at which a termination of the drying process, in particular a deactivation of the hot air supply to the laundry, is advantageous.
  • This temperature difference used for switching off as a function of the type and / or the material of the laundry can optionally be determined in addition to the degree of loading of the dryer.
  • At the same time determined temperatures of the laundry and the supply air and / or exhaust air compared. This increases the reliability of the method according to the invention. This method is particularly suitable for sensitive materials, especially microfibers.
  • Another method for solving the above-mentioned problem comprises the measures of claim 12.
  • This can also be a development of one or both of the previously described methods. Accordingly, the drying process is terminated when the measured temperature of the laundry has reached a predetermined temperature limit.
  • This temperature limit can be previously determined by experiment, depending on the type, in particular of the material, the laundry.
  • the temperature limit value can also be determined as a function of the loading level of the dryer. For this purpose, it is possible to previously determine comparison curves and evaluate them. By storing the comparison curves in a programmable controller of the dryer, the temperature values can be called up at any time, in particular temperature limit values. Then then a targeted shutdown of the drying process, in particular the hot air supply to the laundry done.
  • the temperature of the surface of the laundry is measured, preferably a non-contact measurement of the surface temperature of the laundry is made. In this way, temperature measurements can be determined particularly reliably without affecting the laundry, even within a relatively short time sequence, so that a temperature curve or a region thereof can be determined almost completely.
  • All of the above-described methods according to the invention are characterized by a simple operation of the dryer. It only needs the type of laundry, in particular the material of the laundry to be dried, to be entered into the controller or to be selected from the programmed in a controller types of laundry the appropriate type of laundry. Thereafter, upon reaching the intended degree of drying of the laundry, the drying process, in particular the hot air supply, is automatically and reliably terminated. If also the loading condition or degree of loading of the dryer in the determination of the shutdown of drying In the simplest case, enter a corresponding value in addition to the material type. In a preferred embodiment of the method, this value does not need to be entered.
  • the degree of loading of the drum can be derived, for example, from reference curves, namely from the slope of the same at the beginning of the curve, ie at the beginning of the drying process. But it is also possible to determine the weight of the laundry in the dryer by appropriate transducers. Under deduction of the known, constant weight of the drum is then given the weight of currently located in the same laundry and thus the degree of loading of the dryer.
  • the method preferably used for the respective type of laundry is used for the respective type of laundry.
  • practically all the previously described methods or at least some of the previously described methods are used alternatively in the control of the same dryer, namely as a function of the material or fabric of the respective laundry to be dried.
  • the drying process is then monitored and terminated according to the most favorable process specific to the product.
  • the dryer 10 shown diagrammatically in FIGS. 1 and 2 has a stationary outer housing 11 and a drum 12 which can be driven in rotation about a horizontal axis of rotation.
  • a loading door 13 in one end face of the housing 11 loads the drum 12 of the dryer 10 with the laundry 14 to be dried, which is hinted at in the figures.
  • the closing during the drying process loading door 13 for removing dried laundry 14 from the drum 12 of the dryer 10 is used.
  • the housing 11 is associated with a heater 15 from the outside. In this warm air is generated, which is passed through openings or channels not shown in the perforated drum 12. Symbolically, the hot air flow 16 is shown in the figures by arrows. The warm air at the same time forms the supply air to the dryer 10. Cooled and moisture-enriched air is led out of the housing 11 as exhaust air. By arrows, the exhaust air flow 16 is hinted and symbolically represented.
  • Heating energy is supplied in the form of steam, gas or electricity via a power supply line 18 of the heater 15.
  • a heating valve 19 (or in the case of heating with electricity another suitable means), the energy flow through the power supply line 18 is changeable and at the end of the heating or drying process completely interruptible.
  • the heating valve 19 is an actuator 20, for example, an electric servomotor assigned.
  • the actuator 20 closes and opens the heating valve 19 or changes the energy flow through the heating valve 19 and the power supply line 18.
  • the actuator 20 is controlled or regulated by a suitable means, which in the exemplary embodiment shown is a programmable logic controller (SPS 21). is.
  • SPS 21 programmable logic controller
  • a temperature-proportional measuring signal of a sensor for example a non-contact infrared sensor 22, is fed to the PLC 21.
  • a sensor for example a non-contact infrared sensor 22
  • specific drying parameters in particular temperatures, and / or several different materials or fabrics of the laundry are preferred. or programs deposited.
  • the infrared sensor 22 is associated with the dryer 10 such that it measures the temperature of the laundry 14 in the drum 12 without contact, preferably the surface temperature of the laundry 14th
  • the dryer of Fig. 2 substantially corresponds to the dryer 10 of Fig. 1.
  • the dryer 10 of FIG. 2 has two temperature sensors, preferably of the BT 100 type.
  • a temperature sensor 23 serves to measure the temperature of the warm air flow 16.
  • the other temperature sensor 24 measures the temperature of the exhaust air flow 17.
  • Temperature-proportional values of both temperature sensors 23 and 24 are also routed to SPS 21.
  • a single temperature sensor 23 or 24 is sufficient.
  • FIG. 1 A first method according to the invention is explained with reference to FIG. 1:
  • the temperature of the laundry 14 is measured by the infrared sensor 22 during at least part of a first phase of the drying process, namely during the loading of the laundry 14 with the hot air flow 16.
  • the surface temperature of the laundry 14 is determined several times at least during a representative part of the hot air application of the laundry 14, preferably by determining the surface temperature of the laundry 14 at regular intervals or in short successive times or else continuously.
  • the measured values obtained in this way which are proportional to the surface temperature of the laundry 14 at the respective time of the measurement, result in temperature measured values which are stored in the SPS 21. It is sufficient if several temperature measured values are determined within a time of a few minutes, for example 1 to 5 minutes, so that temperature measurements do not have to be determined during the entire drying period, which is basically possible.
  • reference curves are stored, which also contain temperature values or with the surface temperature of the laundry 14 proportional values. The values together give the respective reference curve.
  • reference curves for different load levels of the drum 12 of the dryer 10 with laundry 14 in the PLC 21 are stored. Then the PLC 21 receives for each type of material of the laundry 14 several reference curves, for example, for a full, half or only one-third loaded drum 12th
  • the degree of loading of the drum 12 can be determined from the initial slope of the temperature curve at the beginning of the drying process.
  • the slope of the temperature curve at the beginning of the drying process provides a reliable indication of the degree of loading of the drum 12.
  • the degree of loading of the drum 12 can also be determined if in the PLC 21 only a single reference curve for an exemplary, but known loading level is stored. Due to deviating slope of the temperature curve at the beginning of Drying process can then calculate the actual load level, without this must be entered into the PLC 21.
  • the temperature measured values (or temperature-proportional values) recorded by the infrared sensor 22 during the respective drying operation are then compared with the at least one reference curve in the SPS 21. Expediently, identical time segments are compared with one another. If temperature readings of the surface of the laundry 14 are determined during a certain period of time or only after the beginning of the drying process only during the current drying process, a comparison of the temperature measurements obtained with a temperature curve of the reference curve takes place within the associated time spectrum of the reference curves.
  • All reference curves have a switch-off time for the hot air supply to the laundry 14 in the drum 12. Based on the selected reference curve, the resulting shutdown of the hot air supply is used to interrupt the hot air supply in the current drying process, in particular to end, by the PLC 21 to the actuator 21, a signal to close the heating valve 19 and thus to interrupt the by the power supply line 18 to the heater 15 passing energy there.
  • this cooling phase can take place over a constant period of time, this constant period starting with the end of the hot air supply.
  • This constant time period is preferably dependent on the particular material of the laundry, so that a constant time duration is entered in the SPS 21 for each material.
  • the cooling duration representing a final phase of the drying process is also controlled as a function of temperature measured values or temperature-proportional measured values which are recorded by the infrared sensor 22 during the cooling phase. It is then entered a cooling temperature for the respective material of the laundry in the PLC 21 and when it reaches the end of the cooling phase.
  • the PLC 21 would also control the motor for rotating the drum 12.
  • the dryer 10 is operated as in the method described above.
  • the infrared sensor 22 also measures temperatures of the surface of the laundry 14 without contact during at least the first phase of the drying process in which hot air flow 16 is conducted to the laundry 14 into the drum 12.
  • the temperature measured values or temperature-proportional measured values determined in this way are in turn passed to the PLC 21 where they are stored and / or processed.
  • the temperature measurement of the surface of the laundry 14 takes place during drying with the hot air flow 16 only within a specific, selected time interval (time window).
  • This time window may be, for example, one to five minutes, preferably one and a half minutes of hot air drying.
  • the time interval or the time window begins only a certain time after the beginning of the drying process, in particular from the time of the beginning of the supply of hot air flow 16 to the laundry 14, for example, five to ten minutes later. This eliminates a dead time at the beginning of drying with hot air.
  • the infrared sensor 22 determines a slope of the temperature profile or a temporal temperature rise. This corresponds to the first derivative of the temperature difference between two consecutive temperature measurements over time. From this, the degree of loading of the drum 12 can be derived.
  • the remaining duration of the drying process with hot air is determined on the basis of differential values or empirical values stored in the SPS 21.
  • the further energy supply to the heater 15 is interrupted by closing the heating valve 19 and the first portion of the drying of the laundry 14 which ends with hot air is ended. It may then be followed by a cooling phase, which extends over a constant period or as described in more detail above is controlled. It is also conceivable, however, to complete the drying process immediately after completion of the hot air supply to the laundry 14 in the drum 12 when the drying process has only one working with hot air drying area.
  • the method described is based on the knowledge that the temperature difference between the temperature of the hot air flow 16 and / or the exhaust air flow 17 and the temperature at the surface of the laundry 14 decreases towards the end of the drying. If a predetermined temperature difference is reached, either the working with hot air drying process is terminated immediately, that is, the heater 15 is turned off, or even dried over a predetermined period of time. This period is preferably dependent on the material of the laundry 14 and / or the degree of loading of the drum 12.
  • the degree of loading of the drum 12 can be determined mathematically from the measured temperatures or by weighing the drum after loading the same with the dry laundry 14 can be determined, so no input to the control panel of the dryer 10 requires the type of material of the laundry 14 is entered beforehand , This also applies to the previously described procedures of the invention.
  • the temperature of the surface of the laundry 14 is kept constant throughout the hot air drying process, i. continuously or at regular (even) intervals.
  • the temperature measured values obtained are compared in SPS 21 with preset limit values. These limit values are determined by previous tests or sample drying with laundry 14 of different materials and / or different loading grades of the drum 12. It is entered manually only at the beginning of the drying process in the control panel of the dryer 10, which material consists of the laundry 14 to be dried. If you work with the degree of loading of the drum 10, this is determined automatically, as has already been described above.
  • the PLC 21 now selects depending on the material of the laundry to be dried 14 and possibly the degree of loading of the drum 12 from the appropriate limit.
  • the SPS 21 now compares the surface temperatures of the laundry 14, measured without contact during drying with hot air by the infrared sensor 22, with the selected limit value. Once a match is achieved, the PLC 21 shuts off the hot air drying operation by interrupting the power to the heater 15. Subsequently, a cooling phase can still be run through. This is also done in this method preferably over a predetermined period of time, which may be dependent on the material of the laundry 14 and / or the degree of loading of the drum 12, if necessary.
  • the dryer 10 may operate according to one of the methods described above. Then in the dryer 10 all types of laundry, especially laundry of different materials, dried by the same process, in particular the completion of the drying process controlled by the same method.
  • the dryer 10 works according to several, preferably all methods described above.
  • the PLC 21 is then programmed to control the dryer 10 by several or all methods. It is then worked alternatively by a suitable method.
  • the selection of the method preferably takes place according to the type of material or type of fabric of the laundry to be dried in each case. For example, in microfiber, a method is used in which the temperature difference of the temperature of the surface of the laundry 14 and the temperature of the exhaust air and / or the supply air is used to terminate the drying process. For terryclothes, on the other hand, a process is used in which the temperature rise in a time window is used to determine the most favorable end of the drying phase. Other methods are preferred for other types of laundry.
  • the eligible types of laundry are programmed into the PLC 21. It is then before starting the drying only in the controller, that is, the PLC 21, each to be dried laundry type that corresponds to an entered type of laundry to select. Thereafter, the drying process is automatically controlled by the PLC 21 performs the drying of a suitable method for the type of laundry or the material of the laundry, which has been assigned in the programming of the SPS 21 of each stored therein type of goods (type of material and / or type of fabric) is. According to the applicable method described above, the drying operation is then controlled, in particular, the end of the drying process precalculated and the drying process finished at the calculated time.
  • the prediction of the end of the drying process is thus carried out according to the invention always according to such a method that is particularly suitable for the particular laundry to be dried or has been found to be particularly suitable.
  • the cooling phase is controlled by the PLC 21 as a function of the material or fabric of the respectively dried item of the laundry. Due to the selected type of laundry follows as needed, so if it is for the respective Goods is provided on the dry phase, a cooling phase, in a manner provided for the respective type of goods, in particular Zeidauer.
  • the methods described above are suitable for both dryers 10 used in commercial laundries and dryers in the home (household dryers).
  • the invention is not limited to the initially described by way of example dryer 10; is more suitable for any dryer.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Textile Engineering (AREA)
  • Control Of Washing Machine And Dryer (AREA)
  • Drying Of Solid Materials (AREA)

Abstract

The method involves subjecting the moist wash to hot air, measuring at least the temperature of the washing and finally cooling the washing if appropriate. Several temperatures of the washing are measured at least during a defined period of the drying process and a time point at which to terminate the drying process is derived from the temperature measurement values.

Description

Die Erfindung betrifft ein Verfahren zum Trocknen von Wäsche gemäß dem Oberbegriff des Anspruchs 1,10 bzw. 12.The invention relates to a method for drying laundry according to the preamble of claim 1, 10 and 12, respectively.

Das Trocknen von Wäsche, worunter sowohl Flachwäsche (Bettwäsche, Tischwäsche) als auch Bekleidungsstücke (Unter- und Oberbekleidungsstücke) zu rechnen sind, erfolgt sowohl zu gewerblichen als auch privaten Zwecken durch Trockner. In den Trocknern erfolgt eine Trocknung der Wäsche durch Warmluft. Gegebenenfalls kann an die Warmluftbehandlung der Wäsche eine Nachbehandlung durch Abkühlen anschließen, wozu Kaltluft oder Luft mit Umgebungstemperatur verwendet wird. Der Trocknungsvorgang setzt sich dann aus einer Warmlufttrocknungsphase und einer Kühlphase zusammen.The drying of laundry, including both flat linen (bed linen, table linen) and clothing (underwear and outerwear) is expected to be done both for commercial and private purposes by dryers. In the dryers, the laundry is dried by warm air. Optionally, the after-treatment by cooling can be followed by the hot air treatment of the laundry, using cold air or air at ambient temperature. The drying process is then composed of a warm air drying phase and a cooling phase.

Aus Gründen der Wirtschaftlichkeit ist man bemüht, die Phase der Warmluftbeaufschlagung der Wäsche während des Trocknungsvorgangs so kurz wie möglich zu halten. Aber auch zum Zwecke der größtmöglichen Schonung, insbesondere temperaturempfindlicher Wäsche, ist man bemüht, die Wäsche nur eine kürzest mögliche Zeit mit Warmluft zu beaufschlagen, damit die Wäsche nicht überhitzt wird. Die Beendigung des Trocknungsvorgangs, insbesondere die Abschaltung der Warmluftzufuhr zur Wäsche, ist aus den genannten Gründen besonders wichtig. Es sind bereits verschiedene Verfahren zur Steuerung des Trocknungsvorgangs bekannt. Diese haben jedoch den Nachteil, dass sie entweder zu aufwendig sind oder die Eingabe verschiedenster Daten in die Steuerung des Trockners erfordern, was bedienungsaufwendig ist und bei Fehleingaben zu einer Beschädigung der Wäsche führen kann.For reasons of economy, it is endeavored to keep the phase of the warm air of the laundry during the drying process as short as possible. But also for the purpose of the greatest possible protection, especially temperature-sensitive laundry, it is endeavored to apply the laundry only a shortest possible time with hot air, so that the laundry is not overheated. The termination of the drying process, in particular the shutdown of the hot air supply to the laundry, is particularly important for the reasons mentioned. Various methods for controlling the drying process are already known. However, these have the disadvantage that they are either too expensive or require the input of various data in the control of the dryer, which is user-consuming and can lead to incorrect entries to damage the laundry.

Hiervon ausgehend liegt der Erfindung die Aufgabe zugrunde, Verfahren zum Trocknen von Wäsche zu schaffen, die auf einfache Weise eine zuverlässige automatische Beendigung mindestens des Trocknungsvorgangs ermöglichen.On this basis, the present invention seeks to provide methods for drying laundry, which allow a reliable automatic termination of at least the drying process in a simple manner.

Ein Verfahren zur Lösung dieser Aufgabe weist die Maßnahmen des Anspruchs 1 auf. Durch die Ermittlung mehrerer Temperaturen der Wäsche während eines bestimmten Zeitraums des Trocknungsvorgangs erhält man Aussagen darüber, wie rasch der konkrete Trocknungsvorgang abläuft. Daraufhin lassen sich zuverlässige Voraussagen hinsichtlich des Endes des Trocknungsvorgangs treffen, so dass anhand der Temperaturmesswerte der Trocknungsvorgang gezielt gesteuert beendet werden kann, ohne dass die Gefahr der Überhitzung der Wäsche besteht und keine unnötige Wärmezufuhr nötig ist.A method for achieving this object comprises the measures of claim 1. By determining several temperatures of the laundry during a certain period of the drying process, one obtains statements about how fast the concrete drying process takes place. As a result, reliable predictions regarding the end of the drying process can be made, so that the drying process can be finely controlled on the basis of the temperature measured values, without the risk of overheating of the laundry and no unnecessary heat supply being necessary.

Bevorzugt werden mehrere Temperaturen in derjenigen Phase des Trocknungsvorgangs ermittelt, in der der Wäsche Warmluft zugeführt wird. Diese Temperaturmesswerte ermöglichen es, erfindungsgemäßen den bevorzugten Zeitpunkt der Abschaltung der Warmluftzufuhr vorherzubestimmen. Dadurch wird zuverlässig eine Beeinträchtigung, nämlich Überhitzung, der Wäschestücke vermieden und es wird die Energie zur Warmlufterzeugung auf ein Minimum begrenzt.Preferably, several temperatures are determined in that phase of the drying process in which the laundry hot air is supplied. These temperature measurements make it possible to predetermine the preferred time of switching off the hot air supply according to the invention. As a result, an impairment, namely overheating, the laundry items is reliably avoided and it is the energy for hot air generation is limited to a minimum.

Es ist weiterhin vorgesehen, die während der Warmluftbeaufschlagung der Wäsche ermittelten Temperaturmesswerte mit idealen Vorgaben zu vergleichen und dadurch den passenden Zeitpunkt zur Beendigung des Trocknungsvorgangs zu bestimmen. Vorzugsweise erfolgt Vergleich mit Referenzkurven. Es wird eine passende Referenzkurve oder eine solche Referenzkurve ausgewählt, die am dichtesten an die Temperaturmesswerte herankommt. Die ausgewählte Referenzkurve enthält den zuvor ermittelten, günstigsten Zeitpunkt zur Beendigung des Trocknungsvorgangs, insbesondere zur Abschaltung der Warmluftzufuhr zur Wäsche. Der günstigste Zeitpunkt der Abschaltung der Warmluftzufuhr kann so einfach, aber gleichwohl mit verhältnismäßig großer Genauigkeit vorherbestimmt werden. Es ist auch möglich, anhand der Referenzkurve die Zeitdauer der Abkühlphase zu bestimmen und diese entsprechend zu steuern. Möglich ist es auch, anhand der anfänglichen Steigung der ausgewählten Referenzkurve oder auch der aus den zuerst gemessenen Temperaturwerten ermittelten Anfangssteigung der gemessenen Temperaturkurve den Beladungsgrad der Trommel oder das Gewicht des Wäschepostens zu bestimmen.It is further provided to compare the temperature readings determined during the hot air application of the laundry with ideal specifications and thereby to determine the appropriate time for the completion of the drying process. Preferably done comparison with reference curves. A suitable reference curve or reference curve is selected which is closest to the temperature readings. The selected reference curve contains the previously determined, most favorable time for the completion of the drying process, in particular for switching off the hot air supply to the laundry. The most favorable time of shutdown of the hot air supply can be so simple, but still be predicted with relatively high accuracy. It is also possible to use the reference curve to determine the duration of the cooling phase and to control it accordingly. It is also possible, on the basis of the initial slope of the selected reference curve or of the initial slope of the measured temperature curve determined from the first measured temperature values, to determine the degree of loading of the drum or the weight of the laundry item.

Die Referenzkurven werden gebildet aus Referenztemperaturmesswerten, die vorzugsweise während eines vollständigen exemplarischen Trocknungsvorgangs, mindestens der Phase der Warmluftzufuhr zur Wäsche, zuvor separat ermittelt worden sind. Die Referenzkurven werden mindestens in Abhängigkeit von der jeweiligen Wäscheart, insbesondere des Materials der Wäsche, ermittelt. Es ist aber auch denkbar, die Referenzkurven zusätzlich zur Art bzw. zum Material der Wäsche noch in Abhängigkeit vom Beladezustand bzw. Beladegrad des Trockners zu erstellen. Es existieren dann für die gleiche Wäscheart bzw. Wäsche gleichen Materials mehrere Referenzkurven für unterschiedliche Beladezustände bzw. Beladegrade des Trockners.The reference curves are formed from reference temperature readings, which have preferably been previously determined separately during a complete exemplary drying process, at least the phase of the hot air supply to the laundry. The reference curves are determined at least as a function of the particular type of laundry, in particular the material of the laundry. But it is also conceivable to create the reference curves in addition to the type or the material of the laundry still depending on the loading condition or loading level of the dryer. There then exist for the same type of laundry or laundry of the same material several reference curves for different loading conditions or load levels of the dryer.

Gemäß einer weiteren bevorzugten Ausgestaltung des Verfahrens ist vorgesehen, die Temperatur der Wäsche während eines bestimmten Zeitintervalls mehrfach zu ermitteln. Zumindest werden zwei Temperaturwerte ermittelt, die am Anfang und am Ende des jeweiligen Zeitintervalls liegen. Aus diesen Werten lässt sich der zeitbezogene Temperaturanstieg bei der Trocknung der Wäsche ermitteln. Insbesondere lässt sich eine erste Ableitung des Temperaturverlaufs nach der Zeit bilden und daraus die Steigung der Temperaturkurve im Zeitintervall ermitteln. Werden mehr als zwei Temperaturwerte ermittelt, können auch unterschiedliche Steigungen der Temperaturverlaufskurve im Zeitintervall festgestellt werden. Aus den ermittelten zeitbezogenen Temperaturanstiegen bzw. Steigungen oder Steigungsänderungen der Temperaturkurve im Zeitintervall lassen sich zuverlässige Aussagen über die restliche Trocknungsdauer, insbesondere den Zeitpunkt der Abschaltung der Abluftzufuhr zur Wäsche, treffen. Auch auf diese Weise lassen sich mit einfachen Mitteln verhältnismäßig genaue Vorhersagen unter Berücksichtigung insbesondere des Materials der Wäsche und/oder des Beladungsgrads des Trockners über den Zeitpunkt der Beendigung des Trocknungsvorgangs, insbesondere der Beendigung der Warmluftzufuhr, treffen.According to a further preferred embodiment of the method is provided to determine the temperature of the laundry during a certain time interval multiple times. At least two temperature values are determined, which are at the beginning and at the end of the respective time interval. From these values, the time-related increase in temperature during the drying of the laundry can be determined. In particular, a first derivative of the temperature profile can be formed according to time and from this the slope of the temperature curve in the time interval can be determined. If more than two temperature values are determined, it is also possible to determine different gradients of the temperature profile curve in the time interval. Reliable statements about the remaining drying time, in particular the time at which the exhaust air supply to the laundry is switched off, can be determined from the determined time-related temperature increases or gradients or changes in the slope of the temperature curve in the time interval. Also in this way relatively simple predictions can be made by simple means taking into account, in particular, the material of the laundry and / or the degree of loading of the dryer over the time of completion of the drying process, in particular the termination of the hot air supply.

Gemäß einer bevorzugten Weiterbildung des Verfahrens ist vorgesehen, das Zeitintervall erst nach einer bestimmten Anfangszeit (Totzeit) des Trocknungsvorgangs beginnen zu lassen. Es werden so anfängliche Ungenauigkeiten, die eine Voraussage des Endes der Trocknung nicht zulassen, eliminiert. Statt dessen können zuverlässige Annahmen über das voraussichtliche Ende des Trocknungsvorgangs, insbesondere der Phase der Warmluftzufuhr zur Wäsche, in Abhängigkeit von einem solchen Zeitintervall getroffen werden, indem der Temperaturanstieg eine ausreichende Aussagekraft besitzt. Das vorstehend beschriebene Verfahren eignet sich besonders für Frotteewäsche.According to a preferred embodiment of the method, it is provided to let the time interval begin only after a certain start time (dead time) of the drying process. Thus, initial inaccuracies that do not allow prediction of the end of drying are eliminated. Instead, reliable assumptions about the expected end of the drying process, in particular the phase of the hot air supply to the laundry, depending on such a time interval can be made by the temperature increase has sufficient explanatory power. The method described above is particularly suitable for terry towels.

Ein weiteres Verfahren zur Lösung der eingangs genannten Aufgabe weist die Maßnahmen des Anspruchs 10 auf. Hierbei kann es sich auch um eine Weiterbildung des vorstehend beschriebenen Verfahrens handeln. Demnach wird während des Trocknungsvorgangs die Temperatur der Wäsche ermittelt und mit der Temperatur der zugeführten Warmluft (Zuluft) und/oder der abgeführten Luft (Abluft) verglichen, vorzugsweise die gemessene Temperatur der Wäsche von mindestens einer der letztgenannten Temperaturen subtrahiert. Es hat sich überraschend gezeigt, dass die sich dabei ergebende Temperaturdifferenz in einer bestimmten Relation bzw. im Zusammenhang mit der Resttrockendauer steht. Mit geringerwerdender Temperaturdifferenz ist der Trocknungsvorgang zunehmend vorangeschritten. Bei einer bestimmten Temperaturdifferenz kann daraufhin der Trocknungsvorgang zuverlässig abgeschaltet werden, insbesondere eine Unterbrechung der Warmluftzufuhr zur Wäsche erfolgen.Another method for solving the above-mentioned problem comprises the measures of claim 10. This may also be a development of the method described above. Accordingly, the temperature of the laundry is determined during the drying process and compared with the temperature of the supplied hot air (supply air) and / or the discharged air (exhaust air), preferably the measured temperature of the laundry of at least one of the latter temperatures subtracted. It has surprisingly been found that the resulting temperature difference is in a certain relation or in connection with the residual drying time. With decreasing temperature difference of the drying process is progressing progressively. At a certain temperature difference can then be reliably shut off the drying process, in particular a break in the hot air supply to the laundry done.

Vorzugsweise werden die Temperaturen sowohl der Wäsche als auch der Zuluft und/oder Abluft fortlaufend bzw. in bestimmten aufeinanderfolgenden Zeitabständen oder Schritten ermittelt und verglichen. Aufgrund vorangegangener Trocknungsversuche oder Erfahrungswerte lässt sich die Temperaturdifferenz feststellen, bei der eine Beendigung des Trocknungsvorgangs, insbesondere eine Abschaltung der Warmluftzufuhr zur Wäsche, vorteilhaft ist. Diese zur Abschaltung herangezogene Temperaturdifferenz in Abhängigkeit von der Art und/oder vom Material der Wäsche kann gegebenenfalls zusätzlich zum Beladungsgrad des Trockners ermittelt werden. Vorzugsweise werden zeitgleich ermittelte Temperaturen der Wäsche sowie der Zuluft und/oder Abluft miteinander verglichen. Dadurch wird die Zuverlässigkeit des erfindungsgemäßen Verfahrens erhöht. Dieses Verfahren eignet sich besonders für empfindliche Materialien, wie insbesondere Micorfasern.Preferably, the temperatures of both the laundry and the supply air and / or exhaust air are determined and compared continuously or at certain successive time intervals or steps. On the basis of preceding drying tests or empirical values, the temperature difference can be ascertained, at which a termination of the drying process, in particular a deactivation of the hot air supply to the laundry, is advantageous. This temperature difference used for switching off as a function of the type and / or the material of the laundry can optionally be determined in addition to the degree of loading of the dryer. Preferably At the same time determined temperatures of the laundry and the supply air and / or exhaust air compared. This increases the reliability of the method according to the invention. This method is particularly suitable for sensitive materials, especially microfibers.

Ein weiteres Verfahren zur Lösung der eingangs genannten Aufgabe weist die Maßnahmen des Anspruchs 12 auf. Hierbei kann es sich auch um eine Weiterbildung eines oder beider zuvor beschriebenen Verfahren handeln. Demnach wird der Trocknungsvorgang beendet, sobald die gemessene Temperatur der Wäsche einen vorgegebenen Temperaturgrenzwert erreicht hat. Dieser Temperaturgrenzwert kann vorher durch Versuche festgelegt werden, und zwar in Abhängigkeit von der Art, insbesondere vom Material, der Wäsche. Zusätzlich kann der Temperaturgrenzwert auch in Abhängigkeit vom Beladegrad des Trockners ermittelt werden. Dazu ist es möglich, vorher Vergleichskurven zu ermitteln und diese auszuwerten. Durch Abspeichern der Vergleichskurven in einer programmierbaren Steuerung des Trockners sind die Temperaturwerte jederzeit aufrufbar, und zwar insbesondere Temperaturgrenzwerte. Danach kann dann eine gezielte Abschaltung des Trocknungsvorgangs, insbesondere der Warmluftzufuhr zur Wäsche, erfolgen.Another method for solving the above-mentioned problem comprises the measures of claim 12. This can also be a development of one or both of the previously described methods. Accordingly, the drying process is terminated when the measured temperature of the laundry has reached a predetermined temperature limit. This temperature limit can be previously determined by experiment, depending on the type, in particular of the material, the laundry. In addition, the temperature limit value can also be determined as a function of the loading level of the dryer. For this purpose, it is possible to previously determine comparison curves and evaluate them. By storing the comparison curves in a programmable controller of the dryer, the temperature values can be called up at any time, in particular temperature limit values. Then then a targeted shutdown of the drying process, in particular the hot air supply to the laundry done.

Bei allen vorstehend beschriebenen Verfahren ist es vorteilhaft, wenn die Temperatur der Oberfläche der Wäsche gemessen wird, wobei vorzugsweise eine berührungslose Messung der Oberflächentemperatur der Wäsche vorgenommen wird. Auf diese Weise lassen sich besonders zuverlässig ohne Beeinträchtigung der Wäsche Temperaturmesswerte ermitteln, und zwar auch innerhalb verhältnismäßig kurzer zeitlicher Aufeinanderfolge, so dass nahezu lückenlos eine Temperaturkurve oder ein Bereich derselben ermittelt werden kann.In all the methods described above, it is advantageous if the temperature of the surface of the laundry is measured, preferably a non-contact measurement of the surface temperature of the laundry is made. In this way, temperature measurements can be determined particularly reliably without affecting the laundry, even within a relatively short time sequence, so that a temperature curve or a region thereof can be determined almost completely.

Alle vorstehend beschriebenen erfindungsgemäßen Verfahren zeichnen sich durch eine einfache Bedienung des Trockners aus. Es braucht lediglich die Wäscheart, insbesondere das Material der zu trocknenden Wäsche, in die Steuerung eingegeben zu werden oder aus den in einer Steuerung einprogrammierten Wäschearten die zutreffende Wäscheart ausgewählt zu werden. Danach wird beim Erreichen des vorgesehenen Trocknungsgrads der Wäsche automatisch und zuverlässig der Trocknungsvorgang, insbesondere die Warmluftzufuhr, beendet. Sofern auch der Beladungszustand bzw. Beladungsgrad des Trockners in die Ermittlung des Abschaltvorgangs der Trocknung einfließen soll, ist im einfachsten Falle ein entsprechender Wert zusätzlich zur Materialart einzugeben. Bei einer bevorzugten Ausgestaltung des Verfahrens braucht dieser Wert aber nicht eingegeben zu werden. Der Beladungsgrad der Trommel kann beispielsweise aus Referenzkurven abgeleitet werden, und zwar aus der Steigung derselben am Anfang der Kurve, also am Beginn des Trocknungsvorgangs. Es ist aber auch möglich, das Gewicht der Wäsche im Trockner durch entsprechende Messwertaufnehmer zu ermitteln. Unter Abzug des bekannten, konstanten Gewichts der Trommel ergibt sich dann das Gewicht der sich momentan in derselben befindlichen Wäsche und damit der Beladungsgrad des Trockners.All of the above-described methods according to the invention are characterized by a simple operation of the dryer. It only needs the type of laundry, in particular the material of the laundry to be dried, to be entered into the controller or to be selected from the programmed in a controller types of laundry the appropriate type of laundry. Thereafter, upon reaching the intended degree of drying of the laundry, the drying process, in particular the hot air supply, is automatically and reliably terminated. If also the loading condition or degree of loading of the dryer in the determination of the shutdown of drying In the simplest case, enter a corresponding value in addition to the material type. In a preferred embodiment of the method, this value does not need to be entered. The degree of loading of the drum can be derived, for example, from reference curves, namely from the slope of the same at the beginning of the curve, ie at the beginning of the drying process. But it is also possible to determine the weight of the laundry in the dryer by appropriate transducers. Under deduction of the known, constant weight of the drum is then given the weight of currently located in the same laundry and thus the degree of loading of the dryer.

Gemäß einer Weiterbildung der Erfindung ist vorgesehen, für verschiedene Wäschearten unterschiedliche Programme in einer Steuerung des Trockners vorzusehen. Diese Programme können nach den zuvor beschriebenen Verfahren arbeiten. Dabei wird zu der jeweiligen Wäscheart das für die betreffende Wäscheart bevorzugt anzuwendende Verfahren eingesetzt. Dann kommen praktisch alle zuvor beschriebenen Verfahren oder wenigstens einige der zuvor beschriebenen Verfahren in der Steuerung des gleichen Trockners alternativ zum Einsatz, nämlich in Abhängigkeit von dem Material bzw. Gewebe der jeweils zu trocknenden Wäsche. Der Trocknungsvorgang wird dann nach dem warenspezifisch günstigsten Verfahren überwacht und beendet.According to one embodiment of the invention is provided for different types of laundry different programs in a control of the dryer. These programs can work according to the methods described above. In this case, the method preferably used for the respective type of laundry is used for the respective type of laundry. Then practically all the previously described methods or at least some of the previously described methods are used alternatively in the control of the same dryer, namely as a function of the material or fabric of the respective laundry to be dried. The drying process is then monitored and terminated according to the most favorable process specific to the product.

Bevorzugte erfindungsgemäße Verfahren werden nachfolgend unter Bezugnahme auf die Zeichnung näher erläutert. In dieser zeigen:

Fig. 1
ein Prinzipschema eines Trockners mit Teilen einer Steuerung, und
Fig. 2
ein alternatives Prinzipschema gemäß Fig. 1.
Preferred methods according to the invention are explained in more detail below with reference to the drawing. In this show:
Fig. 1
a schematic diagram of a dryer with parts of a controller, and
Fig. 2
an alternative schematic diagram of FIG. 1.

Der schematisch in den Fig. 1 und 2 dargestellte Trockner 10 verfügt über ein stillstehendes äußeres Gehäuse 11 und eine darin um eine horizontale Drehachse drehend antreibbare Trommel 12. Durch eine Beladetür 13 in einer Stirnseite des Gehäuses 11 erfolgt eine Beladung der Trommel 12 des Trockners 10 mit der zu trocknenden Wäsche 14, die andeutungsweise in den Figuren dargestellt ist. Ebenso dient die während des Trocknungsvorgangs verschließbare Beladetür 13 zum Entnehmen getrockneter Wäsche 14 aus der Trommel 12 des Trockners 10.The dryer 10 shown diagrammatically in FIGS. 1 and 2 has a stationary outer housing 11 and a drum 12 which can be driven in rotation about a horizontal axis of rotation. A loading door 13 in one end face of the housing 11 loads the drum 12 of the dryer 10 with the laundry 14 to be dried, which is hinted at in the figures. Likewise, the closing during the drying process loading door 13 for removing dried laundry 14 from the drum 12 of the dryer 10 is used.

Dem Gehäuse 11 ist von außen eine Heizung 15 zugeordnet. In dieser wird Warmluft erzeugt, die durch nicht näher dargestellt Öffnungen bzw. Kanäle in die perforierte Trommel 12 geleitet wird. Symbolisch ist in den Figuren durch Pfeile die Warmluftströmung 16 dargestellt. Die Warmluft bildet gleichzeitig die Zuluft zum Trockner 10. Abgekühlte und mit Feuchtigkeit angereicherte Luft wird als Abluft aus dem Gehäuse 11 herausgeführt. Durch Pfeile ist die Abluftströmung 16 andeutungsweise und symbolisch dargestellt.The housing 11 is associated with a heater 15 from the outside. In this warm air is generated, which is passed through openings or channels not shown in the perforated drum 12. Symbolically, the hot air flow 16 is shown in the figures by arrows. The warm air at the same time forms the supply air to the dryer 10. Cooled and moisture-enriched air is led out of the housing 11 as exhaust air. By arrows, the exhaust air flow 16 is hinted and symbolically represented.

Heizenergie ist in Form von Dampf, Gas oder Elektrizität über eine Energieversorgungsleitung 18 der Heizung 15 zuführbar. Durch ein Heizventil 19 (oder im Falle der Heizung mit Strom ein anderes geeignetes Mittel) ist der Energiefluss durch die Energieversorgungsleitung 18 veränderbar und am Ende des Heiz- bzw. Trocknungsvorgangs ganz unterbrechbar. Dem Heizventil 19 ist ein Stellorgan 20, beispielsweise ein elektrischer Stellmotor, zugeordnet. Das Stellorgan 20 schließt und öffnet das Heizventil 19 bzw. verändert den Energiedurchfluss durch das Heizventil 19 und die Energieversorungsleitung 18. Gesteuert oder geregelt wird das Stellorgan 20 über ein geeignetes Mittel, bei dem es sich im gezeigten Ausführungsbeispiel um eine speicherprogrammierbare Steuerung (SPS 21) handelt. In die SPS 21 gelangt im Beispiel der Fig. 1 ein temperaturproportionales Messsignal eines Sensors, und zwar zum Beispiel eines berührungslos arbeitenden Infrarotsensors 22. In der SPS 21 sind vorzugsweise zu mehreren unterschiedlichen Materialien bzw. Geweben der Wäsche spezifische Trocknungsparameter, insbesondere Temperaturen, und/oder Programme hinterlegt. Der Infrarotsensor 22 ist derart dem Trockner 10 zugeordnet, dass dieser die Temperatur der Wäsche 14 in der Trommel 12 berührungslos misst, und zwar vorzugsweise die Oberflächentemperatur der Wäsche 14.Heating energy is supplied in the form of steam, gas or electricity via a power supply line 18 of the heater 15. By a heating valve 19 (or in the case of heating with electricity another suitable means), the energy flow through the power supply line 18 is changeable and at the end of the heating or drying process completely interruptible. The heating valve 19 is an actuator 20, for example, an electric servomotor assigned. The actuator 20 closes and opens the heating valve 19 or changes the energy flow through the heating valve 19 and the power supply line 18. The actuator 20 is controlled or regulated by a suitable means, which in the exemplary embodiment shown is a programmable logic controller (SPS 21). is. In the example of FIG. 1, a temperature-proportional measuring signal of a sensor, for example a non-contact infrared sensor 22, is fed to the PLC 21. In the SPS 21, specific drying parameters, in particular temperatures, and / or several different materials or fabrics of the laundry are preferred. or programs deposited. The infrared sensor 22 is associated with the dryer 10 such that it measures the temperature of the laundry 14 in the drum 12 without contact, preferably the surface temperature of the laundry 14th

Der Trockner der Fig. 2 entspricht im Wesentlichen dem Trockner 10 der Fig. 1. Für gleiche Teile werden deshalb gleiche Bezugsziffern verwendet. Zusätzlich verfügt der Trockner 10 der Fig. 2 über zwei Temperatursensoren, und zwar vorzugsweise der Type BT 100. Ein Temperatursensor 23 dient der Messung der Temperatur der Warmluftströmung 16. Der andere Temperatursensor 24 dient zur Messung der Temperatur der Abluftströmung 17. Temperaturproportionale Werte beider Temperatursensoren 23 und 24 werden ebenfalls zur SPS 21 geleitet. Gegebenenfalls reicht ein einziger Temperatursensor 23 oder 24 aus.The dryer of Fig. 2 substantially corresponds to the dryer 10 of Fig. 1. For identical parts, therefore, like reference numerals are used. In addition, the dryer 10 of FIG. 2 has two temperature sensors, preferably of the BT 100 type. A temperature sensor 23 serves to measure the temperature of the warm air flow 16. The other temperature sensor 24 measures the temperature of the exhaust air flow 17. Temperature-proportional values of both temperature sensors 23 and 24 are also routed to SPS 21. Optionally, a single temperature sensor 23 or 24 is sufficient.

Ein erstes erfindungsgemäßes Verfahren wird anhand der Fig. 1 erläutert:A first method according to the invention is explained with reference to FIG. 1:

Hierbei wird während mindestens eines Teils einer ersten Phase des Trocknungsvorgangs, nämlich während der Beaufschlagung der Wäsche 14 mit der Warmluftströmung 16, die Temperatur der Wäsche 14 vom Infrarotsensor 22 gemessen. Dieser misst berührungslos die Oberflächentemperatur der Wäsche 14 während der Trocknung mit Warmluft. Es wird mindestens während eines repräsentativen Teils der Warmuftbeaufschlagung der Wäsche 14 mehrfach die Oberflächentemperatur der Wäsche 14 ermittelt, indem vorzugsweise in regelmäßigen Abständen bzw. kurz aufeinanderfolgenden Zeitpunkten oder auch kontinuierlich die Oberflächentemperatur der Wäsche 14 ermittelt wird. Die so gewonnenen Messwerte, die mit der Oberflächentemperatur der Wäsche 14 zum jeweiligen Zeitpunkt der Messung proportional sind, ergeben Temperaturmesswerte, die in der SPS 21 abgespeichert werden. Es reicht, wenn mehrere Temperaturmesswerte innerhalb einer Zeit von wenigen Minuten, zum Beispiel 1 bis 5 Minuten, ermittelt werden, so dass nicht während der ganzen Trocknungsdauer Temperaturmesswerte ermittelt werden müssen, was grundsätzlich jedoch möglich ist.In this case, the temperature of the laundry 14 is measured by the infrared sensor 22 during at least part of a first phase of the drying process, namely during the loading of the laundry 14 with the hot air flow 16. This measures contactless the surface temperature of the laundry 14 during drying with hot air. The surface temperature of the laundry 14 is determined several times at least during a representative part of the hot air application of the laundry 14, preferably by determining the surface temperature of the laundry 14 at regular intervals or in short successive times or else continuously. The measured values obtained in this way, which are proportional to the surface temperature of the laundry 14 at the respective time of the measurement, result in temperature measured values which are stored in the SPS 21. It is sufficient if several temperature measured values are determined within a time of a few minutes, for example 1 to 5 minutes, so that temperature measurements do not have to be determined during the entire drying period, which is basically possible.

In der SPS 21 sind Referenzkurven abgespeichert, die ebenfalls Temperaturwerte bzw. mit der Oberflächentemperatur der Wäsche 14 proportionale Werte enthalten. Die Werte zusammen ergeben die jeweilige Referenzkurve. Es sind mehr mehrere Referenzkurven in der SPS 21 abgespeichert, und zwar solche für unterschiedliche Materialien bzw. Gewebe der Wäsche 14. Zusätzlich können auch noch Referenzkurven für unterschiedliche Beladungsgrade der Trommel 12 des Trockners 10 mit Wäsche 14 in der SPS 21 abgespeichert seien. Dann erhält die SPS 21 für jede Materialart der Wäsche 14 mehrere Referenzkurven, beispielsweise für eine voll, halb oder nur zu einem Drittel beladene Trommel 12.In the PLC 21 reference curves are stored, which also contain temperature values or with the surface temperature of the laundry 14 proportional values. The values together give the respective reference curve. There are more several reference curves stored in the PLC 21, and those for different materials or fabric of the laundry 14. In addition, even reference curves for different load levels of the drum 12 of the dryer 10 with laundry 14 in the PLC 21 are stored. Then the PLC 21 receives for each type of material of the laundry 14 several reference curves, for example, for a full, half or only one-third loaded drum 12th

Beim beschriebenen Verfahren kann der Beladungsgrad der Trommel 12 aus der anfänglichen Steigung der Temperaturkurve zu Beginn des Trocknungsvorgangs ermittelt werden. Die Steigung der Temperaturkurve zu Beginn des Trocknungsvorgangs liefert eine zuverlässige Aussage über den Beladungsgrad der Trommel 12. Der Beladungsgrad der Trommel 12 kann so auch ermittelt werden, wenn in der SPS 21 nur eine einzige Referenzkurve für einen exemplarischen, aber bekannten Beladungsgrad hinterlegt ist. Durch hiervon abweichende Steigung der Temperaturkurve zu Beginn des Trocknungsvorgangs lässt sich dann der tatsächliche Beladungsgrad errechnen, ohne dass dieser in die SPS 21 eingegeben werden muss.In the method described, the degree of loading of the drum 12 can be determined from the initial slope of the temperature curve at the beginning of the drying process. The slope of the temperature curve at the beginning of the drying process provides a reliable indication of the degree of loading of the drum 12. The degree of loading of the drum 12 can also be determined if in the PLC 21 only a single reference curve for an exemplary, but known loading level is stored. Due to deviating slope of the temperature curve at the beginning of Drying process can then calculate the actual load level, without this must be entered into the PLC 21.

Es werden nun die beim jeweiligen Trocknungsvorgang vom Infrarotsensor 22 aufgenommenen Temperaturmesswerte (oder temperatur-proportionale Werte) verglichen mit der mindestens einen Referenzkurve in der SPS 21. Zweckmäßigerweise werden gleiche Zeitabschnitte miteinander verglichen. Wenn nämlich nur beim laufenden Trocknungsvorgang Temperaturmesswerte der Oberfläche der Wäsche 14 während eines bestimmten Zeitraums ab oder eine Zeitlang nach Beginn des Trocknungsvorgangs ermittelt werden, findet ein Vergleich der dabei erhaltenen Temperaturmesswerte mit einem Temperaturverlauf der Referenzkurve innerhalb des dazugehörenden Zeitspektrums der Referenzkurven statt. Beim geschilderten Vergleich wird entweder eine gleiche Referenzkurve ermittelt, wozu dann weitere Referenzkurven nicht mehr mit den aufgenommenen Temperaturwerten verglichen werden müssten, oder es werden alle Referenzkurven mit den aufgenommenen Temperaturwerten verglichen und diejenige Referenzkurve ausgewählt, die im interessierenden Bereich oder Abschnitt am dichtesten an die gemessenen Temperaturwerten des laufenden Trocknungsvorgangs herankommt.The temperature measured values (or temperature-proportional values) recorded by the infrared sensor 22 during the respective drying operation are then compared with the at least one reference curve in the SPS 21. Expediently, identical time segments are compared with one another. If temperature readings of the surface of the laundry 14 are determined during a certain period of time or only after the beginning of the drying process only during the current drying process, a comparison of the temperature measurements obtained with a temperature curve of the reference curve takes place within the associated time spectrum of the reference curves. In the described comparison, either a same reference curve is determined, for which then no further reference curves would have to be compared with the recorded temperature values, or all reference curves are compared with the recorded temperature values and that reference curve is selected which is closest to the measured region or section of interest Temperature values of the current drying process approaches.

Alle Referenzkurven weisen einen Abschaltzeitpunkt für die Warmluftzufuhr zur Wäsche 14 in der Trommel 12 auf. Anhand der ausgewählten Referenzkurve wird der sich hieraus ergebende Abschaltzeitpunkt der Warmluftzufuhr verwendet, um die Warmluftzufuhr im laufenden Trocknungsvorgang zu unterbrechen, insbesondere zu beenden, indem die SPS 21 an das Stellorgan 21 ein Signal zum Schließen des Heizventils 19 und damit zum Unterbrechen der durch die Energieversorungsleitung 18 zur Heizung 15 gelangenden Energie gibt.All reference curves have a switch-off time for the hot air supply to the laundry 14 in the drum 12. Based on the selected reference curve, the resulting shutdown of the hot air supply is used to interrupt the hot air supply in the current drying process, in particular to end, by the PLC 21 to the actuator 21, a signal to close the heating valve 19 and thus to interrupt the by the power supply line 18 to the heater 15 passing energy there.

Schließt sich an die Phase des Trocknungsvorgangs, in der der Wäsche 14 Warmluft zugeführt wird, eine Abkühlphase ohne eine Warmluftzufuhr zur Wäsche 14 an, kann diese Abkühlphase über einen konstanten Zeitraum hinweg erfolgen, wobei dieser konstante Zeitraum mit der Beendigung der Warmluftzufuhr beginnt. Diese konstante Zeitdauer ist vorzugsweise vom jeweiligen Material der Wäsche abhängig, so dass für jedes Material eine konstante Zeitdauer in der SPS 21 eingegeben ist. Es ist aber auch denkbar, die Dauer der Abkühlphase in Abhängigkeit vom Material der Wäsche 14 bzw. dem Beladungsgrad der Trommel 12 zu steuern, und zwar vorzugsweise wiederum anhand der jeweils ausgewählten Referenzkurve. Darüber hinaus ist es aber auch denkbar, die eine Endphase des Trocknungsvorgangs darstellende Abkühldauer zu steuern in Abhängigkeit von Temperaturmesswerten oder temperaturproportionalen Messwerten, die während der Abkühlphase vom Infrarotsensor 22 aufgenommen werden. Es wird dann eine Abkühltemperatur für das jeweilige Material der Wäsche in die SPS 21 eingegeben und beim Erreichen derselben die Abkühlphase beendet. In diesem Falle würde vorzugsweise die SPS 21 auch den Motor zum drehenden Antrieb der Trommel 12 steuern.If the phase of the drying process in which hot air is supplied to the laundry 14 is followed by a cooling phase without a supply of hot air to the laundry 14, this cooling phase can take place over a constant period of time, this constant period starting with the end of the hot air supply. This constant time period is preferably dependent on the particular material of the laundry, so that a constant time duration is entered in the SPS 21 for each material. However, it is also conceivable to control the duration of the cooling phase as a function of the material of the laundry 14 or the degree of loading of the drum 12, preferably again on the basis of the respectively selected reference curve. But it is also It is conceivable to control the cooling duration representing a final phase of the drying process as a function of temperature measured values or temperature-proportional measured values which are recorded by the infrared sensor 22 during the cooling phase. It is then entered a cooling temperature for the respective material of the laundry in the PLC 21 and when it reaches the end of the cooling phase. In this case, preferably, the PLC 21 would also control the motor for rotating the drum 12.

Ein anderes erfindungsgemäßes Verfahren wird ebenfalls anhand der Fig. 1 erläutert. Grundsätzlich wird dabei der Trockner 10 betrieben wie beim vorstehend beschriebenen Verfahren. Es werden vom Infrarotsensor 22 auch während mindestens der ersten Phase des Trockensvorgangs, in der Warmluftströmung 16 zur Wäsche 14 in die Trommel 12 geleitet wird, Temperaturen der Oberfläche der Wäsche 14 berührungslos gemessen. Die so ermittelten Temperaturmesswerte oder temperaturproportionalen Messwerte werden wiederum zur SPS 21 geleitet und dort gespeichert und/oder verarbeitet.Another inventive method is also explained with reference to FIG. 1. Basically, the dryer 10 is operated as in the method described above. The infrared sensor 22 also measures temperatures of the surface of the laundry 14 without contact during at least the first phase of the drying process in which hot air flow 16 is conducted to the laundry 14 into the drum 12. The temperature measured values or temperature-proportional measured values determined in this way are in turn passed to the PLC 21 where they are stored and / or processed.

Beim hier beschriebenen Verfahren erfolgt die Temperaturmessung der Oberfläche der Wäsche 14 während der Trocknung mit der Warmluftströmung 16 nur innerhalb eines bestimmten, ausgewählten Zeitintervalls (Zeitfenster). Dieses Zeitfenster kann beispielsweise ein bis fünf Minuten, vorzugsweise eineinhalb Minuten der Trocknung mit Warmluft betragen. Das Zeitintervall bzw. das Zeitfenster beginnt erst eine gewisse Zeit nach dem Beginn des Trockensvorgangs, insbesondere ab dem Zeitpunkt des Beginns der Zufuhr der Warmluftströmung 16 zur Wäsche 14, beispielsweise fünf bis zehn Minuten später. Dadurch wird eine Totzeit am Anfang des Trockensvorgangs mit Warmluft eliminiert.In the method described here, the temperature measurement of the surface of the laundry 14 takes place during drying with the hot air flow 16 only within a specific, selected time interval (time window). This time window may be, for example, one to five minutes, preferably one and a half minutes of hot air drying. The time interval or the time window begins only a certain time after the beginning of the drying process, in particular from the time of the beginning of the supply of hot air flow 16 to the laundry 14, for example, five to ten minutes later. This eliminates a dead time at the beginning of drying with hot air.

Innerhalb des Zeitintervalls bzw. Zeitfensters werden mindestens zwei Messungen der Oberflächentemperatur der Wäsche 14 vom Infrarotsensor 22 vorgenommen. Vorzugsweise finden in regelmäßigen kurzen Zeitabständen mehr als zwei Temperaturmessungen innerhalb des vorgegeben Zeitintervalls statt. Aus den Temperaturmesswerten ermittelt die SPS 21 eine Steigung des Temperaturverlaufs bzw. einen zeitlichen Temperaturanstieg. Dieser entspricht der ersten Ableitung der Temperaturdifferenz zwischen zwei aufeinanderfolgenden Temperaturmessungen nach der Zeit. Hieraus kann auch der Beladungsgrad der Trommel 12 abgeleitet werden.Within the time interval or time window, at least two measurements of the surface temperature of the laundry 14 are made by the infrared sensor 22. Preferably, more than two temperature measurements within the predetermined time interval take place at regular short time intervals. From the temperature measured values, the PLC 21 determines a slope of the temperature profile or a temporal temperature rise. This corresponds to the first derivative of the temperature difference between two consecutive temperature measurements over time. From this, the degree of loading of the drum 12 can be derived.

Anhand der gemessenen bzw. errechneten Steigung des Temperaturverlaufs oder gegebenenfalls auch Änderungen der Steigung wird anhand von in der SPS 21 hinterlegten Differenzwerten oder Erfahrungswerten die Restdauer des mit Warmluft erfolgenden Trocknungsvorgangs ermittelt. Nach Ablauf der so ermittelten Zeit wird durch Schließen des Heizventils 19 die weitere Energiezufuhr zur Heizung 15 unterbrochen und der mit Warmluft erfolgende erste Abschnitt der Trocknung der Wäsche 14 beendet. Es kann sich dann eine Abkühlphase anschließen, die sich über einen konstanten Zeitraum erstreckt oder wie weiter oben näher beschrieben gesteuert wird. Denkbar ist es aber auch, den Trocknungsvorgang unmittelbar nach Beendigung der Warmluftzufuhr zur Wäsche 14 in die Trommel 12 abzuschließen, wenn der Trocknungsvorgang nur über einen mit Warmluft arbeitenden Trocknungsbereich verfügt.On the basis of the measured or calculated slope of the temperature profile or possibly also changes in the slope, the remaining duration of the drying process with hot air is determined on the basis of differential values or empirical values stored in the SPS 21. After the time thus determined, the further energy supply to the heater 15 is interrupted by closing the heating valve 19 and the first portion of the drying of the laundry 14 which ends with hot air is ended. It may then be followed by a cooling phase, which extends over a constant period or as described in more detail above is controlled. It is also conceivable, however, to complete the drying process immediately after completion of the hot air supply to the laundry 14 in the drum 12 when the drying process has only one working with hot air drying area.

Ein weiteres erfindungsgemäßes Verfahren wird anhand der Fig. 2 erläutert. Hier wird während der Trocknung mit Heißluft nicht nur die Temperatur der Oberfläche der Wäsche 14 durch den Infrarotsensor 22 ermittelt, vielmehr wird durch den Temperatursensor 23 die Temperatur der warmen Zuluft, also der Warmluftströmung 16, ermittelt und über den Temperatursensor 24 die Temperatur in der Abluft, also der Abluftströmung 17, festgestellt. Alternativ kann es ausreichen, nur die Temperatur der Warmluftströmung 16 oder die Temperatur der Abluftströmung 17 zu ermitteln. Die gemessenen Temperaturwerte werden in der SPS 21 gesammelt und abgespeichert. Des Weiteren erfolgt ein ständiger Vergleich der Temperaturwerte des Infrarotsensors 22 mit dem Temperaturwert der Warmluftströmung 16 und/oder der Abluftströmung 17. Aus diesem Vergleich wird während des Trocknungsvorgangs, und zwar in der Trocknungsphase, in der Warmluft der Wäsche 14 der Trommel 12 zugeführt wird, ständig eine Temperaturdifferenz von der SPS 21 errechnet.Another inventive method will be explained with reference to FIG. 2. Here, not only the temperature of the surface of the laundry 14 is determined by the infrared sensor 22 during drying with hot air, but the temperature of the warm supply air, ie the warm air flow 16, and determined by the temperature sensor 24, the temperature in the exhaust air through the temperature sensor 23 , So the exhaust air flow 17, found. Alternatively, it may be sufficient to determine only the temperature of the hot air flow 16 or the temperature of the exhaust air flow 17. The measured temperature values are collected and stored in the PLC 21. Furthermore, a constant comparison of the temperature values of the infrared sensor 22 with the temperature value of the hot air flow 16 and / or the exhaust air flow 17 takes place. From this comparison, the drum 14 is supplied to the drum 12 during the drying process, namely in the drying phase, in the hot air. constantly calculated a temperature difference from the PLC 21.

Das beschriebene Verfahren geht von der Erkenntnis aus, dass zum Trocknungsende hin die Temperaturdifferenz zwischen der Temperatur der Warmluftströmung 16 und/ oder der Abluftströmung 17 und der Temperatur an der Oberfläche der Wäsche 14 abnimmt. Ist eine vorgegebene Temperaturdifferenz erreicht, wird entweder der mit Warmluft arbeitende Trockungsvorgang sofort beendet, das heißt die Heizung 15 abgeschaltet, oder noch über einen vorgegebenen Zeitraum hinweg nachgetrocknet. Dieser Zeitraum ist vorzugsweise abhängig von dem Material der Wäsche 14 und/oder vom Beladungsgrad der Trommel 12.The method described is based on the knowledge that the temperature difference between the temperature of the hot air flow 16 and / or the exhaust air flow 17 and the temperature at the surface of the laundry 14 decreases towards the end of the drying. If a predetermined temperature difference is reached, either the working with hot air drying process is terminated immediately, that is, the heater 15 is turned off, or even dried over a predetermined period of time. This period is preferably dependent on the material of the laundry 14 and / or the degree of loading of the drum 12.

Während der Beladungsgrad der Trommel 12 rechnerisch aus den gemessenen Temperaturen ermittelbar ist oder durch Wiegen der Trommel nach dem Beladen derselben mit der zu trockenen Wäsche 14 ermittelbar ist, also keine Eingabe in das Bedienfeld des Trockners 10 erfordert, ist die Materialart der Wäsche 14 vorher einzugeben. Das gilt auch für die zuvor beschriebenen Verfahrensweisen der Erfindung.While the degree of loading of the drum 12 can be determined mathematically from the measured temperatures or by weighing the drum after loading the same with the dry laundry 14 can be determined, so no input to the control panel of the dryer 10 requires the type of material of the laundry 14 is entered beforehand , This also applies to the previously described procedures of the invention.

Schließlich ist nach einem weiteren erfindungsgemäßen Verfahren vorgesehen, zumindest die mit Warmluft arbeitende Phase des Trocknungsvorgangs abzuschalten, wenn die vom Infrarotsensor 22 gemessene Temperatur der Oberfläche der Wäsche 14 einen bestimmten Wert erreicht hat. Dazu reicht es aus, wenn gemäß der Fig. 1 nur der Infrarotsensor 22 vorgesehen ist. Die Temperatursensoren 23 und 24 der Fig. 2 können bei diesen Verfahren entfallen.Finally, according to a further method of the invention, it is provided to switch off at least the phase of the drying process which operates with hot air when the temperature of the surface of the laundry 14 measured by the infrared sensor 22 has reached a specific value. For this purpose, it is sufficient if, according to FIG. 1, only the infrared sensor 22 is provided. The temperature sensors 23 and 24 of Fig. 2 can be omitted in these methods.

Die Temperatur der Oberfläche der Wäsche 14 wird während des gesamten mit Warmluft arbeitenden Trocknungsvorgangs ständig, d.h. fortlaufend oder in regelmäßigen (gleichmäßigen) Zeitabständen, ermittelt. Die gewonnen Temperaturmesswerte werden in der SPS 21 verglichen mit vorgegebenen Grenzwerten. Diese Grenzwerte werden durch vorherige Versuche bzw. Probetrocknungen mit Wäsche 14 unterschiedlicher Materialien und/oder verschiedenen Beladegraden der Trommel 12 ermittelt. Es wird nur zu Beginn des Trocknungsvorgangs in das Bedienfeld des Trockners 10 manuell eingegeben, aus welchem Material die zu trocknende Wäsche 14 besteht. Wird mit dem Beladungsgrad der Trommel 10 gearbeitet, wird dieser automatisch ermittelt, wie das bereits vorstehend beschrieben worden ist.The temperature of the surface of the laundry 14 is kept constant throughout the hot air drying process, i. continuously or at regular (even) intervals. The temperature measured values obtained are compared in SPS 21 with preset limit values. These limit values are determined by previous tests or sample drying with laundry 14 of different materials and / or different loading grades of the drum 12. It is entered manually only at the beginning of the drying process in the control panel of the dryer 10, which material consists of the laundry 14 to be dried. If you work with the degree of loading of the drum 10, this is determined automatically, as has already been described above.

Die SPS 21 wählt nun in Abhängigkeit von dem Material der zu trocknenden Wäsche 14 und ggf. dem Beladungsgrad der Trommel 12 den passenden Grenzwert aus. Die SPS 21 vergleicht nun die bei der Trocknung mit Warmluft vom Infrarotsensor 22 berührungslos gemessenen Oberflächentemperaturen der Wäsche 14 mit dem ausgewählten Grenzwert. Sobald eine Übereinstimmung erzielt ist, schaltet die SPS 21 den mit Warmluft erfolgenden Trocknungsvorgang durch Unterbrechung der Energiezufuhr zur Heizung 15 ab. Anschließend kann noch eine Kühlphase durchlaufen werden. Diese erfolgt auch bei diesem Verfahren vorzugsweise über eine vorgegebene Zeitdauer, die bei Bedarf von dem Material der Wäsche 14 und/oder vom Beladungsgrad der Trommel 12 abhängig sein kann.The PLC 21 now selects depending on the material of the laundry to be dried 14 and possibly the degree of loading of the drum 12 from the appropriate limit. The SPS 21 now compares the surface temperatures of the laundry 14, measured without contact during drying with hot air by the infrared sensor 22, with the selected limit value. Once a match is achieved, the PLC 21 shuts off the hot air drying operation by interrupting the power to the heater 15. Subsequently, a cooling phase can still be run through. This is also done in this method preferably over a predetermined period of time, which may be dependent on the material of the laundry 14 and / or the degree of loading of the drum 12, if necessary.

Der Trockner 10 kann nach einem der vorstehend beschriebenen Verfahren arbeiten. Dann werden in dem Trockner 10 sämtliche Wäschearten, insbesondere Wäsche unterschiedlicher Materialien, nach dem gleichen Verfahren getrocknet, insbesondere die Beendigung des Trocknungsvorgangs nach dem gleichen Verfahren gesteuert.The dryer 10 may operate according to one of the methods described above. Then in the dryer 10 all types of laundry, especially laundry of different materials, dried by the same process, in particular the completion of the drying process controlled by the same method.

Es ist aber bevorzugt erfindungsgemäß vorgesehen, dass der Trockner 10 nach mehreren, vorzugsweise allen vorstehend beschriebenen Verfahren arbeitet. Die SPS 21 ist dann so programmiert, dass sie den Trockner 10 nach mehreren oder allen Verfahren steuern kann. Es wird dann alternativ nach einem geeigneten Verfahren gearbeitet. Vorzugsweise erfolgt die Auswahl des Verfahrens nach der Materialart bzw. Gewebeart der jeweils zu trocknenden Wäsche. Beispielsweise wird bei Microfaser ein Verfahren verwendet, bei dem die Temperaturdifferenz der Temperatur der Oberfläche der Wäsche 14 und der Temperatur der Abluft- und/oder der Zuluft zur Beendigung des Trockenvorgangs herangezogen wird. Bei Frotteewäsche hingegen wird nach einem Verfahren gearbeitet, bei dem der Temperaturanstieg in einem Zeitfenster herangezogen wird, um das günstigste Ende der Trocknungsphase zu ermitteln. Andere Verfahren werden für weitere Wäschearten bevorzugt.However, it is preferably provided according to the invention that the dryer 10 works according to several, preferably all methods described above. The PLC 21 is then programmed to control the dryer 10 by several or all methods. It is then worked alternatively by a suitable method. The selection of the method preferably takes place according to the type of material or type of fabric of the laundry to be dried in each case. For example, in microfiber, a method is used in which the temperature difference of the temperature of the surface of the laundry 14 and the temperature of the exhaust air and / or the supply air is used to terminate the drying process. For terryclothes, on the other hand, a process is used in which the temperature rise in a time window is used to determine the most favorable end of the drying phase. Other methods are preferred for other types of laundry.

Die in Betracht kommenden Wäschearten werden in die SPS 21 einprogrammiert. Es ist dann vor Beginn der Trocknung lediglich in die Steuerung, das heißt die SPS 21, die jeweils zu trocknende Wäscheart, die einer eingegebenen Wäscheart entspricht, auszuwählen. Danach wird der Trocknungsvorgang automatisch gesteuert, indem die SPS 21 die Trocknung nach einem für die betreffende Wäscheart bzw. das Material der Wäsche geeignete Verfahren durchführt, das bei der Programmierung der SPS 21 der jeweils darin abgelegten Warenart (Materialart und/oder Gewebeart) zugeordnet worden ist. Gemäß dem zutreffenden vorstehend beschriebenen Verfahren wird dann der Trocknungsvorgang gesteuert, insbesondere das Ende des Trocknungsvorgangs vorausberechnet und der Trocknungsvorgang zur berechneten Zeit beendet. Die Vorausberechnung des Endes des Trocknungsvorgangs erfolgt somit erfindungsgemäß stets nach einem solchen Verfahren, das sich für die jeweils zu trocknende Wäsche besonders eignet bzw. als besonders geeignet herausgestellt hat. In analoger Weise zum vorstehend Beschriebenen wird von der SPS 21 die Abkühlphase in Abhängigkeit vom Material bzw. Gewebe des jeweils getrockneten Postens der Wäsche gesteuert. Aufgrund der ausgewählten Warenart der Wäsche folgt bei Bedarf, also wenn es für die jeweilige Warenart vorgesehen ist, auf die Trockenphase eine Abkühlphase, und zwar in einer für die jeweilige Warenart vorgesehenen Weise, insbesondere Zeidauer.The eligible types of laundry are programmed into the PLC 21. It is then before starting the drying only in the controller, that is, the PLC 21, each to be dried laundry type that corresponds to an entered type of laundry to select. Thereafter, the drying process is automatically controlled by the PLC 21 performs the drying of a suitable method for the type of laundry or the material of the laundry, which has been assigned in the programming of the SPS 21 of each stored therein type of goods (type of material and / or type of fabric) is. According to the applicable method described above, the drying operation is then controlled, in particular, the end of the drying process precalculated and the drying process finished at the calculated time. The prediction of the end of the drying process is thus carried out according to the invention always according to such a method that is particularly suitable for the particular laundry to be dried or has been found to be particularly suitable. In an analogous manner to what has been described above, the cooling phase is controlled by the PLC 21 as a function of the material or fabric of the respectively dried item of the laundry. Due to the selected type of laundry follows as needed, so if it is for the respective Goods is provided on the dry phase, a cooling phase, in a manner provided for the respective type of goods, in particular Zeidauer.

Die vorstehend beschriebenen Verfahren eignen sich sowohl für Trockner 10, die in gewerblichen Wäschereien eingesetzt werden als auch für Trockner im privaten Bereich (Haushaltstrockner). Die Erfindung ist dabei nicht auf den eingangs beispielhaft beschriebenen Trockner 10 beschränkt; eignet sich vielmehr für jedweden Trockner.The methods described above are suitable for both dryers 10 used in commercial laundries and dryers in the home (household dryers). The invention is not limited to the initially described by way of example dryer 10; is more suitable for any dryer.

Bezugszeichenliste:LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1010
Trocknerdryer
1111
Gehäusecasing
1212
Trommeldrum
1313
Beladetürloading door
1414
WäscheLaundry
1515
Heizungheater
1616
WarmluftströmungWarm air flow
1717
Abluftströmungexhaust air flow
1818
EnergieversorgungsleitungPower line
1919
Heizventilheating valve
2020
Stellorganactuator
2121
SPSSPS
2222
Infrarotsensorinfrared sensor
2323
Temperatursensortemperature sensor
2424
Temperatursensortemperature sensor

Claims (15)

Verfahren zum Trocknen von Wäsche, wobei die feuchte Wäsche mit Warmluft beaufschlagt wird, dabei mindestens die Temperatur der Wäsche gemessen wird und anschließend gegebenenfalls die Wäsche abgekühlt wird, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass mindestens während eines bestimmten Zeitraums des Trocknungsvorgangs mehrere Temperaturen der Wäsche (14) gemessen werden und aus diesen Temperaturmesswerten ein Zeitpunkt zur Beendigung des Trocknungsvorgangs ermittelt wird.Method for drying laundry, wherein the moist laundry is supplied with hot air, thereby at least the temperature of the laundry is measured and then optionally the laundry is cooled, characterized in that measured at least during a certain period of the drying process, several temperatures of the laundry (14) and from these temperature measurements, a time to complete the drying process is determined. Verfahren nach Anspruchs 1, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass die Temperatur vorzugsweise an der Oberfläche der Wäsche (14) die Temperatur in derjenigen Phase des Trocknungsvorgangs ermittelt wird, in der der Wäsche (14) Warmluft (Warmluftströmung 16) zugeführt wird.A method according to claim 1, characterized in that the temperature is preferably determined on the surface of the laundry (14), the temperature in that phase of the drying process in which the laundry (14) warm air (hot air flow 16) is supplied. Verfahren nach Anspruch 1 oder 2, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass unter Verwendung der ermittelten Temperatur der Wäsche (14) der Zeitpunkt der Beendigung des Trocknungsvorgangs, insbesondere der Unterbrechnung der Zufuhr von Warmluft (Warmluftströmung 16), anhand vorgegebener Werte, wie zum Beispiel Temperaturwerte, ermittelt wird.A method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that using the determined temperature of the laundry (14) determines the time of completion of the drying process, in particular the interruption of the supply of hot air (hot air flow 16), based on predetermined values, such as temperature values becomes. Verfahren nach einem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass die Temperaturmesswerte der Wäsche (14) mit Referenzkurven verglichen werden und der passenden bzw. nächstkommenden Referenzkurve der Zeitpunkt zur Beendigung des Trocknungsvorgangs, insbesondere der Beendigung des Trocknungsvorgangs mit Warmluft (Warmluftströmung 16) entnommen wird.Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the temperature measured values of the laundry (14) are compared with reference curves and the appropriate or next coming reference curve, the time to complete the drying process, in particular the completion of the drying process with hot air (hot air flow 16) is removed. Verfahren nach einem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass aus den Temperaturmesswerten der Wäsche (14) ein Kurvenzug ermittelt bzw. gebildet wird und dieser Kurvenzug mit den Referenzkurven verglichen wird, wobei vorzugsweise diejenige Referenzkurve ausgewählt wird, die den jeweiligen Kurvenzug aufweist, der diesem am nächsten kommt.Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that from the temperature measured values of the laundry (14) a curve is determined or formed and this curve is compared with the reference curves, wherein preferably that reference curve is selected having the respective curve, the this comes closest. Verfahren nach einem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass die Referenzkurven aus Referenz-Temperaturmesswerten während des Trocknungsvorgangs, vorzugsweise des gesamten Trocknungsvorgangs mit mindestens Warmluft (Warmluftströmung 16), ermittelt werden in Abhängigkeit von der Art, insbesondere dem Material, der Wäsche (14) und/oder der Beladung des Trockners (10), vorzugsweise der Trommel (12).Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the reference curves are determined from reference temperature measured values during the drying process, preferably the entire drying process with at least warm air (warm air flow 16), depending on the type, in particular the material, of the laundry (14). and / or the loading of the dryer (10), preferably the drum (12). Verfahren nach einem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass die Temperatur der Wäsche (14) während eines bestimmten Zeitintervalls mehrfach, mindestens zwei Mal, gemessen wird und aus diesen Temperaturmesswerten der zeitbezogene Temperaturanstieg, insbesondere die Steigung des Temperaturverlaufs, ermittelt wird und aus dem zeitbezogenen Temperaturanstieg der Zeitpunkt zur Beendigung des Trocknungsvorgangs, insbesondere der Abschaltung der Warmluftzufuhr (Warmluftströmung 16) ermittelt wird, wobei vorzugsweise das Zeitintervall erst nach einer bestimmten Anfangszeit des Trocknungsvorgangs beginnt.Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the temperature of the laundry (14) during a certain time interval several times, at least twice, is measured and from these temperature measurements of the time-related temperature increase, in particular the slope of the temperature profile is determined and from the time-related Temperature rise, the time to complete the drying process, in particular the shutdown of the hot air supply (hot air flow 16) is determined, wherein preferably the time interval begins after a certain start time of the drying process. Verfahren nach einem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass in Abhängigkeit vom zeitlichen Temperaturanstieg der Zeitpunkt zur Beendigung des Trocknungsvorgangs, insbesondere zur Abschaltung der Warmluftzufuhr (Warmluftströmung 16), unter Berücksichtigung der Art der Wäsche, vorzugsweise des Materials der Wäsche(14), und/oder des Beladungsgrads des Trockners (10) bestimmt wird.Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that , depending on the temporal temperature increase, the time to complete the drying process, in particular for switching off the hot air supply (hot air flow 16), taking into account the type of laundry, preferably the material of the laundry (14), and / or the degree of loading of the dryer (10) is determined. Verfahren nach einem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass der Zeitpunkt der Beendigung der Warmluftzufuhr zur Wäsche (14) in Abhängigkeit vom zeitlichen Temperaturanstieg innerhalb des bestimmten Zeitintervalls bestimmt, insbesondere vorherbestimmt wird.Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the time of termination of the hot air supply to the laundry (14) in dependence on the temporal temperature increase determined within the specific time interval, in particular predetermined. Verfahren zum Trocknen von Wäsche, wobei die feuchte Wäsche mit Warmluft beaufschlagt wird, dabei mindestens die Temperatur der Wäsche gemessen wird und anschließend gegebenenfalls die Wäsche eine vorbestimmte Zeit abgekühlt wird, insbesondere nach einem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass während des Trocknungsvorgangs die Temperatur der Wäsche (14) ermittelt wird und mit der Temperatur der zugeführten Warmluft (Warmluftströmung 16) und/oder der abgeführten Luft (Abluftströmung 17) verglichen wird, und bei einer bestimmten Temperaturdifferenz der Trocknungsvorgang beendet wird.Method for drying laundry, wherein the moist laundry is supplied with hot air, thereby at least the temperature of the laundry is measured and then optionally the laundry is cooled for a predetermined time, in particular according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that during the drying process, the temperature the laundry (14) is determined and compared with the temperature of the hot air supplied (warm air flow 16) and / or the discharged air (exhaust air flow 17), and is terminated at a certain temperature difference of the drying process. Verfahren nach einem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass die Temperaturen fortlaufend bzw. in aufeinanderfolgenden, vorzugsweise gleichmäßigen, Zeitabständen ermittelt und verglichen werden, wobei insbesondere zeitgleich ermittelte Temeraturen verglichen werden, und vorzugsweise bei Erreichen einer bestimmten Temperaturdifferenz der Trocknungsvorgang, insbesondere die Warmluftzufuhr (Warmluftströmung 16), beendet wird.Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the temperatures are continuously determined and compared in successive, preferably uniform, time intervals, in particular simultaneously determined temperatures are compared, and preferably upon reaching a certain temperature difference of the drying process, in particular the hot air supply ( Warm air flow 16) is terminated. Verfahren zum Trocknen von Wäsche, wobei die feuchte Wäsche mit Warmluft beaufschlagt wird, dabei eine Messung der Temperatur der Wäsche erfolgt und anschließend gegebenenfalls die Wäsche eine vorbestimmte Zeit abgekühlt wird, insbesondere nach einem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass der Trocknungsvorgang beendet wird, sobald die gemessene Temperatur der Wäsche (14) einen vorgegebenen Temperaturgrenzwert erreicht hat.Method for drying laundry, wherein the moist laundry is supplied with hot air, thereby measuring the temperature of the laundry is carried out and then optionally the laundry is cooled for a predetermined time, in particular according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the drying process is terminated, as soon as the measured temperature of the laundry (14) has reached a predetermined temperature limit. Verfahren nach einem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass der Temperaturgrenzwert in Abhängigkeit von der Art, insbesondere des Materials, der Wäsche (14) ermittelt wird.Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the temperature limit value is determined as a function of the type, in particular of the material, of the laundry (14). Verfahren nach einem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass der Temperaturgrenzwert anhand von Versuchskurven der jeweiligen Art, insbesondere des jeweiligen Materials, der Wäsche (14) und/oder des Beladungsgrads des Trockners (10) ermittelt wird.Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the temperature limit value is determined on the basis of test curves of the respective type, in particular of the respective material, the laundry (14) and / or the degree of loading of the dryer (10). Verfahren nach einem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass die Temperatur der Wäsche (14) an der Oberfläche derselben berührungslos ermittelt wird, vorzugsweise durch mindestens einen Infrarotsensor (22).Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the temperature of the laundry (14) on the surface thereof is determined without contact, preferably by at least one infrared sensor (22).
EP02016548A 2001-07-24 2002-07-24 Method for drying laundry Expired - Lifetime EP1279760B1 (en)

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WO2009056443A1 (en) * 2007-10-31 2009-05-07 BSH Bosch und Siemens Hausgeräte GmbH Method for determining the switch-off moment of a care process
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US8245415B2 (en) 2009-12-18 2012-08-21 Whirlpool Corporation Method for determining load size in a clothes dryer using an infrared sensor
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WO2009056443A1 (en) * 2007-10-31 2009-05-07 BSH Bosch und Siemens Hausgeräte GmbH Method for determining the switch-off moment of a care process
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US8245415B2 (en) 2009-12-18 2012-08-21 Whirlpool Corporation Method for determining load size in a clothes dryer using an infrared sensor
US8549770B2 (en) 2009-12-18 2013-10-08 Whirlpool Corporation Apparatus and method of drying laundry with drying uniformity determination
EP2450485A1 (en) * 2010-11-08 2012-05-09 Whirlpool Corporation End of cycle detection for a laundry treating appliance
EP3330429A1 (en) * 2016-12-02 2018-06-06 BSH Hausgeräte GmbH Laundry care appliance comprising an infrared sensor and method for operating same
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CN108149457B (en) * 2016-12-02 2021-05-04 Bsh家用电器有限公司 Clothes care appliance with infrared sensor and operation method thereof
CN108239867A (en) * 2016-12-26 2018-07-03 青岛海尔洗衣机有限公司 The control method and Quick clothes dryer of a kind of Quick clothes dryer
CN108239867B (en) * 2016-12-26 2021-03-02 青岛海尔洗衣机有限公司 Control method of quick clothes dryer and quick clothes dryer

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DE10134971A1 (en) 2003-02-06
ES2295265T3 (en) 2008-04-16
EP1279760A3 (en) 2003-10-29
ATE378455T1 (en) 2007-11-15
DE50211187D1 (en) 2007-12-27

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