EP2374924B1 - Method for operating a laundry treatment device - Google Patents

Method for operating a laundry treatment device Download PDF

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Publication number
EP2374924B1
EP2374924B1 EP11002719.0A EP11002719A EP2374924B1 EP 2374924 B1 EP2374924 B1 EP 2374924B1 EP 11002719 A EP11002719 A EP 11002719A EP 2374924 B1 EP2374924 B1 EP 2374924B1
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EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
drum
unbalance
loading opening
signal
imbalance
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.)
Not-in-force
Application number
EP11002719.0A
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German (de)
French (fr)
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EP2374924A3 (en
EP2374924A2 (en
Inventor
Martin Rieser
Martin Weinmann
Hartmut Wauer
Nicola-Valeriu Olarescu
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Diehl AKO Stiftung and Co KG
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Diehl AKO Stiftung and Co KG
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Publication of EP2374924A2 publication Critical patent/EP2374924A2/en
Publication of EP2374924A3 publication Critical patent/EP2374924A3/en
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Publication of EP2374924B1 publication Critical patent/EP2374924B1/en
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    • 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
    • D06F37/00—Details specific to washing machines covered by groups D06F21/00 - D06F25/00
    • D06F37/02—Rotary receptacles, e.g. drums
    • D06F37/12—Rotary receptacles, e.g. drums adapted for rotation or oscillation about a vertical axis
    • 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
    • D06F34/00—Details of control systems for washing machines, washer-dryers or laundry dryers
    • D06F34/14—Arrangements for detecting or measuring specific parameters
    • D06F34/16—Imbalance
    • 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
    • D06F2103/26—Imbalance; Noise level
    • 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
    • D06F33/00—Control of operations performed in washing machines or washer-dryers 
    • D06F33/30—Control of washing machines characterised by the purpose or target of the control 
    • D06F33/48—Preventing or reducing imbalance or noise

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a method of operating a laundry treating appliance and to a laundry treating appliance capable of performing such a process.
  • the rotational position of the laundry drum and thus its loading opening must be detectable, so that it can be ensured that the loading opening of the laundry drum for loading or unloading of the device is in the region of a feed opening of the housing.
  • a position detection of the loading opening of the laundry drum can be used to stop the laundry drum targeted.
  • the EP 0 071 308 B1 and the DE 42 21 772 A1 A method of detecting an imbalance in a laundry treating appliance by detecting changes in speed or speed during a phase having a constantly controlled engine speed or within reversing directions of rotation.
  • the WO 95/08663 A1 describes a system and method for detecting imbalance in a laundry treating appliance via pressure generation in specific fluid components coupled to the tub and detection of fluid pressure by actuators coupled to a switch.
  • a top loading laundry treating appliance with a position sensor for determining the position of the loading opening is known. Before the spin cycle, the laundry drum is rotated at a slow rate of rotation and wash from the drum inner wall solved so that the laundry collects on the opposite side of the loading opening and thus can not act on the loading opening.
  • this object is achieved by a method with the features of claim 1.
  • Advantageous embodiments and further developments of the invention are the subject of the dependent claims 2 to 5.
  • the method of operating a laundry treating appliance having a drum rotatable about a rotation axis for treating laundry and a loading opening with a closure arranged in the peripheral wall of the drum comprises the steps of detecting at least one position signal from which a rotational position of the loading opening of the drum can be derived; detecting an imbalance signal indicative of an imbalance of the drum; determining a phase difference between the position signal and the unbalance signal; and detecting an unbalance of the drum critical to the closure of the loading opening of the drum when the phase difference between the position signal and the unbalance signal is within a predetermined range.
  • the position signal indicative of the rotational position of the loading opening of the drum is also used to determine the absolute imbalance position.
  • the unbalance signal caused by an imbalance of the drum has the same frequency as the position signal. From the phase difference between the position signal and the unbalance signal, therefore, the position of the imbalance of the drum can be determined. If this phase difference is in a predetermined range, it can be concluded that the Imbalance mass is positioned in the drum in the region of the loading opening of the drum and thus presses against the closure of the loading opening due to the centrifugal forces, ie there is a critical for the loading opening of the drum imbalance.
  • the use of more than one rotary position detection device there are more evaluable position signals that allow a better resolution in determining the imbalance position.
  • phase difference between the position signal and the unbalance signal When evaluating the phase difference between the position signal and the unbalance signal, it should be noted that the zero points of the two signal profiles do not necessarily coincide depending on the design and positioning of the two detection systems. In addition, in the evaluation of this phase difference, of course, the size of the loading opening of the drum to pay attention.
  • a phase difference to be assessed as critical can be, for example, in a value range from about -30 degrees to about +30 degrees or in a value range from about +45 degrees to about +135 degrees.
  • the laundry treatment device can be operated with the aid of the operating method according to the invention with larger imbalances and / or higher rotational speeds, since it can be ensured that the imbalance mass does not press against the closure of the loading opening of the drum.
  • the loading opening or its closure can be made simpler and more cost-effective, since with the operating method according to the invention, large unbalanced loads can be excluded therefrom.
  • the method is advantageously applicable to "laundry treating appliances" such as washing machines, clothes dryers and combined laundry dryers having a laundry drum in which the loading opening is arranged in its peripheral wall. These are mostly so-called top loader laundry treatment devices in which the axis of rotation of the drum is oriented substantially horizontally.
  • the method according to the invention can also be used in the same way for differently oriented drums as far as vertically extending axes of rotation.
  • the imbalance signal represents a time profile of a torque and / or a rotational speed of the drum.
  • the imbalance signal can be generated, for example, by the control of the electric motor driving the drum itself.
  • all imbalance detection systems can be used for carrying out the method according to the invention, which generate a periodic unbalance signal whose frequency corresponds to that of the position signal for the charging opening.
  • a size or a measure of the unbalance of the drum is detected in addition to the presence and the position of the unbalanced mass in the drum. Then, an unbalance of the drum critical to the loading opening of the drum is detected when the phase difference between the position signal and the unbalance signal is in a predetermined range and at the same time the magnitude of the imbalance of the drum exceeds a predetermined value. That in the case of small imbalance masses, it may not be dangerous if they are positioned in the region of the loading opening of the drum, so that in this case, for example, the spinning process can continue.
  • the unbalance of the drum in addition to the presence and the position of the imbalance mass in the drum and possibly also the size the unbalance of the drum also detects a rotational speed of the drum. Then, a critical for the loading opening of the drum imbalance of the drum is detected when the phase difference between the position signal and the unbalance signal in a predetermined range and at the same time the rotational speed of the drum exceeds a predetermined value (and possibly also the size of the imbalance of the drum exceeds predetermined value). At low speeds, it may be harmless if the imbalance mass is positioned in the region of the loading opening of the drum, so that in this case the operation of the laundry treatment device can still be continued.
  • An imbalance of the drum is particularly critical at high speeds, such as occur when spinning.
  • a spin startup can be stopped and restarted.
  • the laundry treating appliance such as a washing machine, a tumble dryer or a washer dryer, comprises a tumble drum rotatable about an axis of rotation, a loading opening with a shutter disposed in the peripheral wall of the drum, at least one rotary position detecting means for detecting a rotational position of the loading opening of the drum; an imbalance detecting means for detecting an imbalance of the drum and a controller for controlling the operation of the laundry treating appliance.
  • the controller is designed such that it can determine a phase difference between at least one position signal of the at least one rotary position detection device and an imbalance signal of the imbalance detection device and a critical for the closure of the loading opening of the drum imbalance Can detect drum when the phase difference between the position signal and the unbalance signal is in a predetermined range.
  • This laundry treating appliance is designed in particular for carrying out the operating method described above. This means that the same comments and benefits apply, without them having to be repeated here.
  • the imbalance detection device is designed such that it can detect a time profile of a torque and / or a rotational speed of the drum.
  • controller may be coupled to or include such imbalance quantity detecting means for detecting a magnitude of the imbalance of the drum and / or a rotational speed detecting means for detecting a rotational speed of the drum.
  • FIG. 1 and 2 are the essential components for explaining the invention of a washing machine as an example of a laundry treatment device shown, wherein FIG. 1 shows a situation of an uncritical position of the imbalance mass in the drum and FIG. 2 shows a situation of a critical position of the imbalance mass in the drum.
  • a drum 2 is arranged, which is rotatably mounted about a substantially horizontally extending axis of rotation 3.
  • a generally existing tub is omitted for clarity in the drawings.
  • a loading opening 4 is provided, which is closable and lockable by means of a closure 5 in the form of doors or flaps.
  • a charging opening 6 is provided, which is the loading opening 4 of the drum 2 arranged correspondingly.
  • the loading opening 4 of the drum 2 is substantially in the upper position, as in the Figures 1 and 2 illustrated, the shutter 5 of the loading port 4 can be opened through the charging port 6 through to give laundry in the drum 2 or remove from the drum 2.
  • the drum 2 is driven by an electric motor 7, which is controlled by a controller 8.
  • the controller 8 controls in particular the speed and the direction of rotation of the electric motor 7 depending on the program selection and program progress of the washing machine.
  • the controller 8 is also connected to a position sensor 9 (as a rotational position detecting device of the invention) which outputs a position signal indicative of the rotational position of the loading port 4 of the drum 2.
  • a position sensor 9 for example, a mounted on the drum 2 signal generator and a stationary in the washing machine housing 1 arranged signal receiver, as in the Figures 1 and 2 indicated.
  • the position sensor 9 of the loading port 4 is positioned exactly opposite to the drum 2. Of course, other positioning of the position sensor 9 relative to the loading opening 4 are possible.
  • Reference numeral 10 denotes an imbalance mass in the drum 2 which is generated, for example, by a random uneven laundry distribution in the drum 2 and by the centrifugal forces when the drum 2 is rotated against the drum wall 5 of the loading opening 4 pushes outwards. These imbalance loads increase with increasing imbalance mass and higher speeds. In particular, in the area of the loading opening 4 of the drum 2, this can lead to critical loads.
  • the washing machine is therefore operated by the controller 8 as follows.
  • the position sensor 9 With the position sensor 9, the position of the loading opening 4 of the drum 2 is constantly detected. As a result, the position sensor 9 outputs to the controller 8 a position signal having a constant frequency at constant speed control of the electric motor 7 by the controller 8. In addition, the loading port 4 of the drum 2 can be rotated from this information at the end of the washing program to the desired position corresponding to the charging port 6 in the housing wall 1 of the washing machine.
  • the controller 8 is configured to detect a torque or a rotational speed of the drum 2 (imbalance detection device of the invention).
  • the corresponding unbalance signal 7 shows torque or rotational speed fluctuations even at a constant speed control of the electric motor.
  • the frequency of these fluctuations in the unbalance signal corresponds to the frequency of the position signal.
  • the controller 8 can then calculate the position of the imbalance mass 10 in the drum 2 relative to the loading port 4.
  • the zero point positions of the two signals are taken into account, which need not necessarily coincide in time.
  • the imbalance mass 10 is located in the region of the loading opening 4 of the drum (see. FIG. 2 ), ie, the phase difference between the position signal and the unbalance signal in a predetermined range of values, which is determined by the size of the loading port 4 and on the other hand by the phase difference between the zero points of the two signals, so for example, a spin startup can be aborted and restarted ,
  • the controller 8 determines that the phase difference is outside the predetermined range, that is, the imbalance mass 10 does not press against the shutter 5 of the loading opening 4 of the drum 2 (see FIG. FIG. 1 ), so is the imbalance mass 10 for the loading port 4 to be regarded as uncritical and the spinning process can be continued.
  • more than one position sensor 9 for deriving the rotational position of the loading opening 4 of a drum 2 can be used.
  • the above description of the embodiment applies analogously to the case that more than one position sensor 9 is used.

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

Description

Die vorliegende Erfindung betrifft ein Verfahren zum Betrieb eines Wäschebehandlungsgerätes sowie ein Wäschebehandlungsgerät, das ein solches Verfahren ausführen kann.The present invention relates to a method of operating a laundry treating appliance and to a laundry treating appliance capable of performing such a process.

Bei den Wäschebehandlungsgeräten wie Waschmaschinen, Waschtrocknern und Wäschetrockner unterscheidet man zwischen so genannten Frontladern, bei denen sich die Wäschetrommel um eine im Wesentlichen horizontale Achse dreht und die Ladeöffnung an einer Stirnseite der Wäschetrommel angeordnet ist, sodass die Trommel von vorne beladen werden kann, und so genannten Topladern, bei denen sich die Wäschetrommel um eine im Wesentlichen horizontale Achse dreht und die Ladeöffnung an einer Umfangswand der Wäschetrommel angeordnet ist, sodass die Trommel von oben beladen werden kann.In the laundry treatment appliances such as washing machines, washer-dryers and tumble dryers, a distinction is made between so-called front loaders in which the laundry drum rotates about a substantially horizontal axis and the loading opening is arranged on an end face of the laundry drum, so that the drum can be loaded from the front, and so on said top loaders, wherein the laundry drum rotates about a substantially horizontal axis and the loading opening is disposed on a peripheral wall of the laundry drum, so that the drum can be loaded from above.

Im Fall der Toplader-Wäschebehandlungsgeräte muss die Drehstellung der Wäschetrommel und damit deren Ladeöffnung erfassbar sein, damit gewährleistet werden kann, dass sich die Ladeöffnung der Wäschetrommel zum Be-oder Entladen des Gerätes im Bereich einer Beschickungsöffnung des Gehäuses befindet. Wie zum Beispiel in der DE 102 42 854 B3 beschrieben, kann eine solche Positionserkennung der Ladeöffnung der Wäschetrommel dazu benutzt werden, die Wäschetrommel gezielt anzuhalten.In the case of the top loader laundry treatment devices, the rotational position of the laundry drum and thus its loading opening must be detectable, so that it can be ensured that the loading opening of the laundry drum for loading or unloading of the device is in the region of a feed opening of the housing. Like in the DE 102 42 854 B3 described, such a position detection of the loading opening of the laundry drum can be used to stop the laundry drum targeted.

Weiter ist bei Wäschebehandlungsgeräten das Problem einer ungleichmäßigen Wäscheverteilung in der Trommel bekannt, was zu einer Unwucht der Trommel führt. Eine derartige Unwucht der Trommel führt insbesondere bei hohen Drehzahlen wie beispielsweise beim Schleudern zu unerwünschten Vibrationen und Geräuschen.Further, in laundry treating appliances, the problem of uneven laundry distribution in the drum is known, resulting in imbalance of the drum. Such imbalance of the drum leads in particular at high speeds such as when spinning to unwanted vibration and noise.

Aus dem Stand der Technik sind verschiedene Verfahren bekannt, eine derartige Unwucht in einer Trommel eines Wäschebehandlungsgerätes zu erkennen. So offenbaren zum Beispiel die EP 0 071 308 B1 und die DE 42 21 772 A1 Verfahren zum Erkennen einer Unwucht in einem Wäschebehandlungsgerät durch Erfassen von Drehzahl- oder Geschwindigkeitsänderungen während einer Phase mit einer konstant gesteuerten Motorgeschwindigkeit bzw. innerhalb von Drehrichtungsumkehrvorgängen. Die WO 95/08663 A1 beschreibt ein System und ein Verfahren zum Erfassen einer Unwucht in einem Wäschebehandlungsgerät über eine Druckerzeugung in speziellen Fluidkomponenten, die mit dem Laugenbehälter gekoppelt sind, und eine Erfassung des Fluiddrucks durch Aktuatoren, die mit einem Schalter gekoppelt sind.From the prior art, various methods are known to detect such imbalance in a drum of a laundry treatment appliance. For example, the EP 0 071 308 B1 and the DE 42 21 772 A1 A method of detecting an imbalance in a laundry treating appliance by detecting changes in speed or speed during a phase having a constantly controlled engine speed or within reversing directions of rotation. The WO 95/08663 A1 describes a system and method for detecting imbalance in a laundry treating appliance via pressure generation in specific fluid components coupled to the tub and detection of fluid pressure by actuators coupled to a switch.

Bei den Toplader-Wäschebehandlungsgeräten, bei denen die Ladeöffnung in der Umfangswand der Wäschetrommel angeordnet ist, besteht ein zusätzliches Problem darin, dass die Unwuchtmasse auf die Ladeöffnung bzw. deren Verschluss drücken kann. Dies kann ggf. sogar zu einem unerwünschten Öffnen der Ladeöffnung oder zu Beschädigungen an der Ladeöffnung, deren Verschluss oder dem Gehäuse führen. Um eine übermäßig hohe Belastung auf die Verriegelung der Ladeöffnung der Wäschetrommel zu vermeiden, werden bei herkömmlichen Toplader-Wäschebehandlungsgeräten die Unwuchten zum Beispiel durch die oben beschriebenen Verfahrensweisen erkannt und nach Möglichkeit beseitigt. Alternativ oder zusätzlich ist es auch möglich, eine Einfüllöffnung am Laugenbehälter, wie beispielhaft in der DE 10 2006 036 133 B3 vorgeschlagen, oder den Verschluss der Ladeöffnung und seine Verriegelung zu verstärken, was jedoch die Herstellungskosten solcher Wäschebehandlungsgeräte erhöht.In the top loader laundry treating apparatuses in which the loading port is disposed in the peripheral wall of the laundry drum, there is an additional problem that the unbalanced mass can press on the loading port or its shutter. This may possibly even lead to an unwanted opening of the loading opening or to damage to the loading opening, its closure or the housing. In order to avoid an excessive burden on the locking of the loading opening of the laundry drum, the imbalances are recognized in conventional top-loading laundry treatment appliances, for example by the procedures described above and eliminated if possible. Alternatively or additionally, it is also possible, a filling opening on the tub, as exemplified in the DE 10 2006 036 133 B3 proposed to increase or the closure of the loading opening and its locking, but this increases the cost of such laundry treatment appliances.

Aus der EP 0 736 625 A1 ist ein Toplader-Wäschebehandlungsgerät mit einem Positionssensor zur Bestimmung der Position der Ladeöffnung bekannt. Vor dem Schleuderzyklus wird die Wäschetrommel mit einer geringen Umdrehungsgeschwindigkeit gedreht und Wäsche von der Trommelinnenwand gelöst, so dass sich die Wäsche an der der Ladeöffnung gegenüber liegenden Seite sammelt und somit nicht auf die Ladeöffnung einwirken kann.From the EP 0 736 625 A1 For example, a top loading laundry treating appliance with a position sensor for determining the position of the loading opening is known. Before the spin cycle, the laundry drum is rotated at a slow rate of rotation and wash from the drum inner wall solved so that the laundry collects on the opposite side of the loading opening and thus can not act on the loading opening.

Eine Aufgabe der vorliegenden Erfindung ist, ein verbessertes Verfahren zum Betrieb eines Toplader-Wäschebehandlungsgeräies zu schaffen, mit dem kritische Belastungen aufgrund einer Unwucht der Trommel vermieden werden können. Es ist eine weitere Aufgabe der vorliegenden Erfindung, ein verbessertes Wäschebehandlungsgerät zu schaffen, mit dem ein solches Betriebsverfahren durchgeführt werden kann.It is an object of the present invention to provide an improved method of operating a top load laundry treating machine that can avoid critical stresses due to drum imbalance. It is another object of the present invention to provide an improved laundry treating appliance with which such an operating method can be performed.

Gemäß einem ersten Aspekt der Erfindung wird diese Aufgabe gelöst durch ein Verfahren mit den Merkmalen des Anspruchs 1. Vorteilhafte Ausgestaltungen und Weiterbildungen der Erfindung sind Gegenstand der abhängigen Ansprüche 2 bis 5.According to a first aspect of the invention, this object is achieved by a method with the features of claim 1. Advantageous embodiments and further developments of the invention are the subject of the dependent claims 2 to 5.

Das Verfahren zum Betrieb eines Wäschebehandlungsgerätes mit einer um eine Drehachse drehbaren Trommel zum Behandeln von Wäsche und einer in der Umfangswand der Trommel angeordneten Ladeöffnung mit einem Verschluss umfasst die Verfahrensschritte des Erfassens wenigstens eines Positionssignals, von dem sich eine Drehstellung der Ladeöffnung der Trommel ableiten lässt; des Erfassens eines Unwuchtsignals, welches eine Unwucht der Trommel angibt; des Bestimmens einer Phasendifferenz zwischen dem Positionssignal und dem Unwuchtsignal; und des Erkennens einer für den Verschluss der Ladeöffnung der Trommel kritischen Unwucht der Trommel, wenn die Phasendifferenz zwischen dem Positionssignal und dem Unwuchtsignal in einem vorbestimmten Bereich liegt.The method of operating a laundry treating appliance having a drum rotatable about a rotation axis for treating laundry and a loading opening with a closure arranged in the peripheral wall of the drum comprises the steps of detecting at least one position signal from which a rotational position of the loading opening of the drum can be derived; detecting an imbalance signal indicative of an imbalance of the drum; determining a phase difference between the position signal and the unbalance signal; and detecting an unbalance of the drum critical to the closure of the loading opening of the drum when the phase difference between the position signal and the unbalance signal is within a predetermined range.

Gemäß der Erfindung wird das Positionssignal, welches die Drehstellung der Ladeöffnung der Trommel angibt, auch zur Bestimmung der absoluten Unwuchtlage verwendet. Das durch eine Unwucht der Trommel verursachte Unwuchtsignal hat die gleiche Frequenz wie das Positionssignal. Aus der Phasendifferenz zwischen dem Positionssignal und dem Unwuchtsignal kann daher die Position der Unwucht der Trommel bestimmt werden. Liegt diese Phasendifferenz in einem vorbestimmten Bereich, kann daraus geschlossen werden, dass die Unwuchtmasse in der Trommel im Bereich der Ladeöffnung der Trommel positioniert ist und damit aufgrund der Zentrifugalkräfte gegen den Verschluss der Ladeöffnung drückt, d.h. eine für die Ladeöffnung der Trommel kritische Unwucht vorliegt. Durch den Einsatz von mehr als einer Drehstellungserfassungseinrichtung, liegen mehr auswertbare Positionssignale vor, die eine bessere Auflösung bei der Bestimmung der Unwuchtlage ermöglichen.According to the invention, the position signal indicative of the rotational position of the loading opening of the drum is also used to determine the absolute imbalance position. The unbalance signal caused by an imbalance of the drum has the same frequency as the position signal. From the phase difference between the position signal and the unbalance signal, therefore, the position of the imbalance of the drum can be determined. If this phase difference is in a predetermined range, it can be concluded that the Imbalance mass is positioned in the drum in the region of the loading opening of the drum and thus presses against the closure of the loading opening due to the centrifugal forces, ie there is a critical for the loading opening of the drum imbalance. The use of more than one rotary position detection device, there are more evaluable position signals that allow a better resolution in determining the imbalance position.

Bei der Auswertung der Phasendifferenz zwischen dem Positionssignal und dem Unwuchtsignal ist zu beachten, dass die Nullpunkte der beiden Signalverläufe je nach Ausgestaltung und Positionierung der beiden Erfassungssysteme nicht notwendigerweise zusammenfallen. Außerdem ist bei der Auswertung dieser Phasendifferenz natürlich die Größe der Ladeöffnung der Trommel zu beachten. So kann eine als kritisch zu beurteilende Phasendifferenz beispielsweise in einem Wertebereich von etwa - 30 Grad bis etwa + 30 Grad oder in einem Wertebereich von etwa + 45 Grad bis etwa + 135 Grad liegen.When evaluating the phase difference between the position signal and the unbalance signal, it should be noted that the zero points of the two signal profiles do not necessarily coincide depending on the design and positioning of the two detection systems. In addition, in the evaluation of this phase difference, of course, the size of the loading opening of the drum to pay attention. For example, a phase difference to be assessed as critical can be, for example, in a value range from about -30 degrees to about +30 degrees or in a value range from about +45 degrees to about +135 degrees.

Im Fall von herkömmlichen Verfahren muss die maximal zulässige Unwucht immer unter der für die Ladeöffnung gefährlichen Schwelle liegen, da die Lage der Unwuchtmasse nicht berücksichtigt wird und deshalb schlimmstenfalls davon ausgegangen werden muss, dass diese Unwuchtmasse gegen den Verschluss der Ladeöffnung drückt. Im Gegensatz dazu kann das Wäschebehandlungsgerät mit Hilfe des erfindungsgemäßen Betriebsverfahrens mit größeren Unwuchten und/oder größeren Drehzahlen betrieben werden, da sichergestellt werden kann, dass die Unwuchtmasse nicht gegen den Verschluss der Ladeöffnung der Trommel drückt. Alternativ oder zusätzlich kann die Ladeöffnung bzw. deren Verschluss einfacher und kostengünstiger ausgestaltet werden, da mit dem erfindungsgemäßen Betriebsverfahren große Unwuchtbelastungen auf diese ausgeschlossen werden können.In the case of conventional methods, the maximum permissible imbalance must always be below the dangerous threshold for the loading opening, since the position of the imbalance mass is not taken into account and therefore, in the worst case, must be assumed that this imbalance mass presses against the closure of the loading opening. In contrast, the laundry treatment device can be operated with the aid of the operating method according to the invention with larger imbalances and / or higher rotational speeds, since it can be ensured that the imbalance mass does not press against the closure of the loading opening of the drum. Alternatively or additionally, the loading opening or its closure can be made simpler and more cost-effective, since with the operating method according to the invention, large unbalanced loads can be excluded therefrom.

Da sowohl die Unwuchterkennung der Trommel als auch die Drehstellungsbestimmung der Ladeöffnung übliche Bestandteile von Wäschebehandlungsgeräten sind, sind zur Durchführung des erfindungsgemäßen Betriebsverfahrens keine zusätzlichen Bauteile oder konstruktive Modifikationen erforderlich. Eine Anpassung der Hardware und/oder Software der Steuerung ist hierzu im Allgemeinen ausreichend.Since both the unbalance detection of the drum and the rotational position determination of the loading opening are common components of laundry treatment equipment, no additional components or structural modifications are required to carry out the operating method according to the invention. A Adjustment of the controller hardware and / or software is generally sufficient.

Das Verfahren ist in vorteilhafter Weise bei "Wäschebehandlungsgeräten" wie Waschmaschinen, Wäschetrocknern und kombinierten Waschtrocknern anwendbar, die eine Wäschetrommel aufweisen, bei welcher die Ladeöffnung in deren Umfangswand angeordnet ist. Dabei handelt es sich zumeist um so genannte Toplader-Wäschebehandlungsgeräte, bei denen die Drehachse der Trommel im Wesentlichen horizontal ausgerichtet ist. Das erfindungsgemäße Verfahren ist aber in gleicher Weise auch bei anders ausgerichteten Trommeln bis hin zu vertikal verlaufenden Drehachsen einsetzbar.The method is advantageously applicable to "laundry treating appliances" such as washing machines, clothes dryers and combined laundry dryers having a laundry drum in which the loading opening is arranged in its peripheral wall. These are mostly so-called top loader laundry treatment devices in which the axis of rotation of the drum is oriented substantially horizontally. However, the method according to the invention can also be used in the same way for differently oriented drums as far as vertically extending axes of rotation.

In einer bevorzugten Ausgestaltung der Erfindung stellt das Unwuchtsignal einen zeitlichen Verlauf eines Drehmoments und/oder einer Drehgeschwindigkeit der Trommel dar. In diesem Fall kann das Unwuchtsignal zum Beispiel von der Steuerung des die Trommel antreibenden Elektromotors selbst generiert werden. Grundsätzlich sind zur Durchführung des erfindungsgemäßen Verfahrens aber alle Unwuchterfassungssysteme einsetzbar, die ein periodisches Unwuchtsignal erzeugen, dessen Frequenz jener des Positionssignals für die Ladeöffnung entspricht.In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the imbalance signal represents a time profile of a torque and / or a rotational speed of the drum. In this case, the imbalance signal can be generated, for example, by the control of the electric motor driving the drum itself. In principle, however, all imbalance detection systems can be used for carrying out the method according to the invention, which generate a periodic unbalance signal whose frequency corresponds to that of the position signal for the charging opening.

In einer weiteren Ausgestaltung der Erfindung wird neben dem Vorhandensein und der Lage der Unwuchtmasse in der Trommel außerdem eine Größe bzw. ein Maß der Unwucht der Trommel erfasst. Dann wird eine für die Ladeöffnung der Trommel kritische Unwucht der Trommel erkannt, wenn die Phasendifferenz zwischen dem Positionssignal und dem Unwuchtsignal in einem vorbestimmten Bereich liegt und gleichzeitig die Größe der Unwucht der Trommel einen vorbestimmten Wert übersteigt. D.h. bei kleinen Unwuchtmassen kann es ungefährlich sein, wenn sie im Bereich der Ladeöffnung der Trommel positioniert sind, sodass in diesem Fall beispielsweise der Schleudervorgang fortgesetzt werden kann.In a further embodiment of the invention, in addition to the presence and the position of the unbalanced mass in the drum, a size or a measure of the unbalance of the drum is detected. Then, an unbalance of the drum critical to the loading opening of the drum is detected when the phase difference between the position signal and the unbalance signal is in a predetermined range and at the same time the magnitude of the imbalance of the drum exceeds a predetermined value. That in the case of small imbalance masses, it may not be dangerous if they are positioned in the region of the loading opening of the drum, so that in this case, for example, the spinning process can continue.

In einer noch weiteren Ausgestaltung der Erfindung wird neben dem Vorhandensein und der Lage der Unwuchtmasse in der Trommel und ggf. auch der Größe der Unwucht der Trommel außerdem eine Drehzahl der Trommel erfasst. Dann wird eine für die Ladeöffnung der Trommel kritische Unwucht der Trommel erkannt, wenn die Phasendifferenz zwischen dem Positionssignal und dem Unwuchtsignal in einem vorbestimmten Bereich liegt und gleichzeitig die Drehzahl der Trommel einen vorbestimmten Wert übersteigt (und ggf. auch die Größe der Unwucht der Trommel einen vorbestimmten Wert übersteigt). Bei kleinen Drehzahlen kann es ungefährlich sein, wenn die Unwuchtmasse im Bereich der Ladeöffnung der Trommel positioniert ist, sodass in diesem Fall der Betrieb des Wäschebehandlungsgerätes dennoch fortgesetzt werden kann.In a still further embodiment of the invention, in addition to the presence and the position of the imbalance mass in the drum and possibly also the size the unbalance of the drum also detects a rotational speed of the drum. Then, a critical for the loading opening of the drum imbalance of the drum is detected when the phase difference between the position signal and the unbalance signal in a predetermined range and at the same time the rotational speed of the drum exceeds a predetermined value (and possibly also the size of the imbalance of the drum exceeds predetermined value). At low speeds, it may be harmless if the imbalance mass is positioned in the region of the loading opening of the drum, so that in this case the operation of the laundry treatment device can still be continued.

Eine Unwucht der Trommel ist insbesondere bei hohen Drehzahlen kritisch, wie sie zum Beispiel beim Schleudern auftreten. In einer bevorzugten Ausgestaltung der Erfindung kann daher beim Erkennen einer für die Ladeöffnung der Trommel kritischen Unwucht ein Schleuderhochlauf abgebrochen und neu gestartet werden.An imbalance of the drum is particularly critical at high speeds, such as occur when spinning. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, therefore, upon detection of a critical for the loading opening of the drum imbalance a spin startup can be stopped and restarted.

Gemäß einem zweiten Aspekt der Erfindung wird die obige Aufgabe gelöst durch ein Wäschebehandlungsgerät mit den Merkmalen des Anspruchs 6. Vorteilhafte Ausgestaltungen und Weiterbildungen der Erfindung sind In den abhängigen Ansprüchen 7 und 8 angegeben.According to a second aspect of the invention, the above object is achieved by a laundry treatment appliance having the features of claim 6. Advantageous embodiments and further developments of the invention are specified in the dependent claims 7 and 8.

Das Wäschebehandlungsgerät, wie beispielsweise eine Waschmaschine, ein Wäschetrockner oder ein Waschtrockner, umfasst eine um eine Drehachse drehbare Trommel zum Behandeln von Wäsche, eine in der Umfangswand der Trommel angeordnete Ladeöffnung mit einem Verschluss, wenigstens eine Drehstellungserfassungseinrichtung zum Erfassen einer Drehstellung der Ladeöffnung der Trommel, eine Unwuchtenfassungseinrichtung zum Erfassen einer Unwucht der Trommel und eine Steuerung zum Steuern des Betriebs des Wäschebehandlungsgerätes. Erfindungsgemäß ist die Steuerung derart ausgebildet, dass sie eine Phasendifferenz zwischen wenigstens einem Positionssignal der wenigstens einen Drehstellungserfassungseinrichtung und einem Unwuchtsignal der Unwuchterfassungseinrichtung bestimmen kann und eine für den Verschluss der Ladeöffnung der Trommel kritische Unwucht der Trommel erkennen kann, wenn die Phasendifferenz zwischen dem Positionssignal und dem Unwuchtsignal in einem vorbestimmten Bereich liegt.The laundry treating appliance, such as a washing machine, a tumble dryer or a washer dryer, comprises a tumble drum rotatable about an axis of rotation, a loading opening with a shutter disposed in the peripheral wall of the drum, at least one rotary position detecting means for detecting a rotational position of the loading opening of the drum; an imbalance detecting means for detecting an imbalance of the drum and a controller for controlling the operation of the laundry treating appliance. According to the invention, the controller is designed such that it can determine a phase difference between at least one position signal of the at least one rotary position detection device and an imbalance signal of the imbalance detection device and a critical for the closure of the loading opening of the drum imbalance Can detect drum when the phase difference between the position signal and the unbalance signal is in a predetermined range.

Dieses Wäschebehandlungsgerät ist insbesondere zum Ausführen des oben beschriebenen Betriebsverfahrens ausgebildet. D.h. es gelten die gleichen Anmerkungen und Vorteile, ohne dass sie an dieser Stelle nochmals wiederholt werden müssten.This laundry treating appliance is designed in particular for carrying out the operating method described above. This means that the same comments and benefits apply, without them having to be repeated here.

In einer bevorzugten Ausgestaltung der Erfindung ist die Unwuchterfassungseinrichtung derart ausgebildet, dass sie einen zeitlichen Verlauf eines Drehmoments und/oder einer Drehgeschwindigkeit der Trommel erfassen kann.In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the imbalance detection device is designed such that it can detect a time profile of a torque and / or a rotational speed of the drum.

Ferner kann die Steuerung mit einer Unwuchtgrößenerfassungseinrichtung zum Erfassen einer Größe bzw. eines Maßes der Unwucht der Trommel und/oder einer Drehzahlerfassungseinrichtung zum Erfassen einer Drehzahl der Trommel gekoppelt sein oder solche Einrichtungen aufweisen.Further, the controller may be coupled to or include such imbalance quantity detecting means for detecting a magnitude of the imbalance of the drum and / or a rotational speed detecting means for detecting a rotational speed of the drum.

Obige sowie weitere Merkmale, Vorteile und Anwendungsmöglichkeiten der Erfindung werden aus der nachfolgenden Beschreibung eines bevorzugten, nicht-einschränkenden Ausführungsbeispiels unter Bezugnahme auf die beiliegenden Zeichnungen besser verständlich. Darin zeigen:

Fig. 1
eine schematische, ausschnittweise Schnittansicht eines Wäschebehandlungsgerätes gemäß der vorliegenden Erfindung für den Fall einer unkritischen Position der Unwuchtmasse; und
Fig. 2
eine schematische, ausschnittweise Schnittansicht des Wäschebehandlungsgerätes von Fig. 1 für den Fall einer kritischen Position der Unwuchtmasse.
The above and other features, advantages and applications of the invention will become more apparent from the following description of a preferred, non-limiting embodiment thereof with reference to the accompanying drawings. Show:
Fig. 1
a schematic, fragmentary sectional view of a laundry treatment appliance according to the present invention for the case of an uncritical position of the imbalance mass; and
Fig. 2
a schematic, fragmentary sectional view of the laundry treatment appliance of Fig. 1 in the event of a critical position of the imbalance mass.

In den Figuren 1 und 2 sind die für die Erläuterung der Erfindung wesentlichen Komponenten einer Waschmaschine als Beispiel für ein Wäschebehandlungsgerät dargestellt, wobei Figur 1 eine Situation einer unkritischen Position der Unwuchtmasse in der Trommel zeigt und Figur 2 eine Situation einer kritischen Position der Unwuchtmasse in der Trommel zeigt.In the Figures 1 and 2 are the essential components for explaining the invention of a washing machine as an example of a laundry treatment device shown, wherein FIG. 1 shows a situation of an uncritical position of the imbalance mass in the drum and FIG. 2 shows a situation of a critical position of the imbalance mass in the drum.

Innerhalb des Waschmaschinengehäuses 1 ist eine Trommel 2 angeordnet, die um eine im Wesentlichen horizontal verlaufende Drehachse 3 drehbar gelagert ist. Ein im Allgemeinen vorhandener Laugenbehälter ist der besseren Übersichtlichkeit halber in den Zeichnungen weggelassen.Within the washing machine housing 1, a drum 2 is arranged, which is rotatably mounted about a substantially horizontally extending axis of rotation 3. A generally existing tub is omitted for clarity in the drawings.

In der Umfangswand der Trommel 2 ist eine Ladeöffnung 4 vorgesehen, die mittels eines Verschlusses 5 in Form von Türen bzw. Klappen verschließbar und verriegelbar ist. In der oberen Wand des Waschmaschinengehäuses 1 ist eine Beschickungsöffnung 6 vorgesehen, welche der Ladeöffnung 4 der Trommel 2 korrespondierend angeordnet ist. Befindet sich die Ladeöffnung 4 der Trommel 2 im Wesentlichen in der oberen Stellung, wie in den Figuren 1 und 2 veranschaulicht, so kann der Verschluss 5 der Ladeöffnung 4 durch die Beschickungsöffnung 6 hindurch geöffnet werden, um Wäsche in die Trommel 2 zu geben oder aus der Trommel 2 zu entnehmen.In the peripheral wall of the drum 2, a loading opening 4 is provided, which is closable and lockable by means of a closure 5 in the form of doors or flaps. In the upper wall of the washing machine housing 1, a charging opening 6 is provided, which is the loading opening 4 of the drum 2 arranged correspondingly. The loading opening 4 of the drum 2 is substantially in the upper position, as in the Figures 1 and 2 illustrated, the shutter 5 of the loading port 4 can be opened through the charging port 6 through to give laundry in the drum 2 or remove from the drum 2.

Die Trommel 2 wird durch einen Elektromotor 7 angetrieben, der von einer Steuerung 8 angesteuert wird. Die Steuerung 8 steuert insbesondere die Drehzahl und die Drehrichtung des Elektromotors 7 je nach Programmwahl und Programmfortschritt der Waschmaschine.The drum 2 is driven by an electric motor 7, which is controlled by a controller 8. The controller 8 controls in particular the speed and the direction of rotation of the electric motor 7 depending on the program selection and program progress of the washing machine.

Die Steuerung 8 ist zudem mit einem Positionssensor 9 (als Drehstellungserfassungseinrichtung der Erfindung) verbunden, der ein Positionssignal ausgibt, das die Drehstellung der Ladeöffnung 4 der Trommel 2 angibt. Zu diesem Zweck weist der Positionssensor 9 zum Beispiel einen an der Trommel 2 befestigten Signalgeber und einen ortsfest im Waschmaschinengehäuse 1 angeordneten Signalempfänger auf, wie in den Figuren 1 und 2 angedeutet. In diesem Ausführungsbeispiel ist der Positionssensor 9 der Ladeöffnung 4 genau gegenüber liegend an der Trommel 2 positioniert. Selbstverständlich sind auch andere Positionierungen des Positionssensors 9 relativ zur Ladeöffnung 4 möglich.The controller 8 is also connected to a position sensor 9 (as a rotational position detecting device of the invention) which outputs a position signal indicative of the rotational position of the loading port 4 of the drum 2. For this purpose, the position sensor 9, for example, a mounted on the drum 2 signal generator and a stationary in the washing machine housing 1 arranged signal receiver, as in the Figures 1 and 2 indicated. In this embodiment, the position sensor 9 of the loading port 4 is positioned exactly opposite to the drum 2. Of course, other positioning of the position sensor 9 relative to the loading opening 4 are possible.

Mit der Bezugsziffer 10 ist eine Unwuchtmasse in der Trommel 2 gekennzeichnet, welche zum Beispiel durch eine zufällige ungleichmäßige Wäscheverteilung bzw. einen Wäscheklumpen in der Trommel 2 erzeugt wird und durch die Zentrifugalkräfte beim Drehen der Trommel 2 gegen die Trommelwand bzw. den Verschluss 5 der Ladeöffnung 4 nach außen drückt. Diese Unwuchtbelastungen nehmen mit zunehmender Unwuchtmasse und höheren Drehzahlen zu. Insbesondere im Bereich der Ladeöffnung 4 der Trommel 2 kann es hierbei zu kritischen Belastungen kommen.Reference numeral 10 denotes an imbalance mass in the drum 2 which is generated, for example, by a random uneven laundry distribution in the drum 2 and by the centrifugal forces when the drum 2 is rotated against the drum wall 5 of the loading opening 4 pushes outwards. These imbalance loads increase with increasing imbalance mass and higher speeds. In particular, in the area of the loading opening 4 of the drum 2, this can lead to critical loads.

Die Waschmaschine wird deshalb durch die Steuerung 8 wie folgt betrieben.The washing machine is therefore operated by the controller 8 as follows.

Mit dem Positionssensor 9 wird ständig die Position der Ladeöffnung 4 der Trommel 2 erfasst. Als Ergebnis gibt der Positionssensor 9 an die Steuerung 8 ein Positionssignal aus, das bei konstanter Drehzahlsteuerung des Elektromotors 7 durch die Steuerung 8 eine konstante Frequenz hat. Außerdem kann die Ladeöffnung 4 der Trommel 2 anhand dieser Informationen am Ende des Waschprogramms an die gewünschte Position, die der Beschickungsöffnung 6 in der Gehäusewand 1 der Waschmaschine korrespondiert, gedreht werden.With the position sensor 9, the position of the loading opening 4 of the drum 2 is constantly detected. As a result, the position sensor 9 outputs to the controller 8 a position signal having a constant frequency at constant speed control of the electric motor 7 by the controller 8. In addition, the loading port 4 of the drum 2 can be rotated from this information at the end of the washing program to the desired position corresponding to the charging port 6 in the housing wall 1 of the washing machine.

Außerdem ist die Steuerung 8 so ausgebildet, dass sie ein Drehmoment oder eine Drehgeschwindigkeit der Trommel 2 erfassen kann (Unwuchterfassungseinrichtung der Erfindung). Im Fall einer Unwucht der Trommel 2 zeigt das entsprechende Unwuchtsignal auch bei einer konstanten Drehzahlsteuerung des Elektromotors 7 Drehmoment- bzw. Drehgeschwindigkeitsschwankungen. Die Frequenz dieser Schwankungen im Unwuchtsignal entspricht der Frequenz des Positionssignals.In addition, the controller 8 is configured to detect a torque or a rotational speed of the drum 2 (imbalance detection device of the invention). In the case of an imbalance of the drum 2, the corresponding unbalance signal 7 shows torque or rotational speed fluctuations even at a constant speed control of the electric motor. The frequency of these fluctuations in the unbalance signal corresponds to the frequency of the position signal.

Aus der Phasendifferenz zwischen dem Positionssignal und dem Unwuchtsignal, d.h. dem zeitlichen Unterschied zwischen dem Auftreten der Maxima und Minima in den beiden Signalen, kann die Steuerung 8 dann die Position der Unwuchtmasse 10 in der Trommel 2 relativ zur Ladeöffnung 4 berechnen. Hierbei sind die Nullpunktlagen der beiden Signale zu berücksichtigen, die nicht notwendigerweise zeitlich zusammenfallen müssen.From the phase difference between the position signal and the unbalance signal, i. the time difference between the occurrence of the maxima and minima in the two signals, the controller 8 can then calculate the position of the imbalance mass 10 in the drum 2 relative to the loading port 4. Here, the zero point positions of the two signals are taken into account, which need not necessarily coincide in time.

Befindet sich die Unwuchtmasse 10 im Bereich der Ladeöffnung 4 der Trommel (vgl. Figur 2), d.h. liegt die Phasendifferenz zwischen dem Positionssignal und dem Unwuchtsignal in einem vorbestimmten Wertebereich, der einerseits durch die Größe der Ladeöffnung 4 und andererseits durch die Phasendifferenz zwischen den Nullpunkten der beiden Signale vorgegeben wird, so kann zum Beispiel ein Schleuderhochlauf abgebrochen und neu gestartet werden. Stellt die Steuerung 8 dagegen fest, dass die Phasendifferenz außerhalb des vorbestimmten Bereichs liegt, d.h. die Unwuchtmasse 10 nicht gegen den Verschluss 5 der Ladeöffnung 4 der Trommel 2 drückt (vgl. Figur 1), so ist die Unwuchtmasse 10 für die Ladeöffnung 4 als unkritisch anzusehen und der Schleudervorgang kann fortgesetzt werden.The imbalance mass 10 is located in the region of the loading opening 4 of the drum (see. FIG. 2 ), ie, the phase difference between the position signal and the unbalance signal in a predetermined range of values, which is determined by the size of the loading port 4 and on the other hand by the phase difference between the zero points of the two signals, so for example, a spin startup can be aborted and restarted , On the other hand, if the controller 8 determines that the phase difference is outside the predetermined range, that is, the imbalance mass 10 does not press against the shutter 5 of the loading opening 4 of the drum 2 (see FIG. FIG. 1 ), so is the imbalance mass 10 for the loading port 4 to be regarded as uncritical and the spinning process can be continued.

Mit diesem Betriebsverfahren ist es möglich, das Waschprogramm auch mit größeren Unwuchtmassen fortsetzen (wenn festgestellt wird, dass diese nicht im Bereich der Ladeöffnung 4 liegen), das Waschprogramm mit höheren Drehzahlen zu betreiben (wenn festgestellt wird, dass die Unwuchtmasse 10 nicht im Bereich der Ladeöffnung 4 der Trommel 2 liegt) und/oder die Ladeöffnung 4 bzw. deren Verschluss 5 ohne zusätzliche Verstärkungs- oder Versteifungsmaßnahmen auszugestalten.With this operating method, it is possible to continue the washing program even with larger imbalance masses (if it is determined that they are not in the area of the loading opening 4) to operate the washing program at higher speeds (if it is determined that the imbalance mass 10 is not in the range Loading opening 4 of the drum 2 is located) and / or the loading opening 4 or its closure 5 without additional reinforcing or reinforcing measures to design.

Zum Zweck der exakteren Bestimmung der Drehstellung können mehr als ein Positionssensor 9 zum Ableiten der Drehstellung der Ladeöffnung 4 einer Trommel 2 eingesetzt sein. Die vorstehende Beschreibung des Ausführungsbeispiels gilt analog für den Fall, dass mehr als ein Positionssensor 9 genutzt wird.For the purpose of more accurate determination of the rotational position, more than one position sensor 9 for deriving the rotational position of the loading opening 4 of a drum 2 can be used. The above description of the embodiment applies analogously to the case that more than one position sensor 9 is used.

Claims (8)

  1. Method for operating a laundry treatment device having a drum (2), which can rotate about a rotation axis (3), for treating laundry and having a loading opening (4) which is arranged in the circumferential wall of the drum (2) and has a closure (5), comprising the method steps of:
    detecting at least one position signal from which a rotation position of the loading opening (4) of the drum (2) can be derived;
    detecting an unbalance signal which indicates an unbalance of the drum (2);
    determining a phase difference between the position signal and the unbalance signal; and
    identifying an unbalance of the drum (2), which unbalance is critical for the closure (5) of the loading opening (4) of the drum (2), when the phase difference between the position signal and the unbalance signal is in a predetermined range.
  2. Method according to Claim 1,
    characterized in that
    the unbalance signal represents a time profile of a torque and/or of a rotation speed of the drum (2).
  3. Method according to Claim 1 or 2,
    characterized in that
    a magnitude of the unbalance of the drum (2) is also detected; and
    an unbalance of the drum (2), which unbalance is critical for the loading opening (4) of the drum (2), is identified when the phase difference between the position signal and the unbalance signal is in a predetermined range and, at the same time, the magnitude of the unbalance of the drum (2) exceeds a predetermined value.
  4. Method according to one of the preceding claims,
    characterized in that
    a rotation speed of the drum (2) is also detected; and an unbalance of the drum (2), which unbalance is critical for the loading opening (4) of the drum (2), is identified when the phase difference between the position signal and the unbalance signal is in a predetermined range and, at the same time, the rotation speed of the drum (2) exceeds a predetermined value.
  5. Method according to one of the preceding claims,
    characterized in that
    run-up to spinning speed is interrupted and restarted when an unbalance of the drum (2), which unbalance is critical for the loading opening (4) of the drum (2), is identified.
  6. Laundry treatment device having a drum (2), which can be rotated about a rotation axis (3), for treating laundry, having a loading opening (4) which is arranged in the circumferential wall of the drum (2) and has a closure (5), having at least one rotation position detection device (9) for detecting a rotation position of the loading opening (4) of the drum (2), having an unbalance detection device for detecting an unbalance of the drum (2), and having a controller (8) for controlling the operation of the laundry treatment device,
    characterized in that
    the controller (8) is designed to determine a phase difference between at least one position signal of the at least one rotation position detection device (9) and an unbalance signal of the unbalance detection device, and to identify an unbalance of the drum (2), which unbalance is critical for the closure (5) of the loading opening (4) of the drum (2), when the phase difference between the position signal and the unbalance signal is in a predetermined range.
  7. Laundry treatment device according to Claim 6,
    characterized in that
    the unbalance detection device is designed to detect a time profile of a torque and/or of a rotation speed of the drum (2).
  8. Laundry treatment device according to Claim 6 or 7,
    characterized in that
    the controller (8) is also coupled to an unbalance magnitude detection device for detecting a magnitude of the unbalance of the drum (2) and/or to a rotation speed detection device for detecting a rotation speed of the drum (2), or has an unbalance magnitude detection device or rotation speed detection device of the said kind.
EP11002719.0A 2010-04-06 2011-04-01 Method for operating a laundry treatment device Not-in-force EP2374924B1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
DE102010013933A DE102010013933B4 (en) 2010-04-06 2010-04-06 Method for operating a laundry treatment appliance

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EP2374924A2 EP2374924A2 (en) 2011-10-12
EP2374924A3 EP2374924A3 (en) 2012-08-08
EP2374924B1 true EP2374924B1 (en) 2015-11-11

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Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
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Family Cites Families (8)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB2102985A (en) 1981-07-31 1983-02-09 Philips Electronic Associated Drum speed control system for a washing machine
DE8718047U1 (en) * 1987-12-22 1993-01-21 Bosch-Siemens Hausgeraete Gmbh, 8000 Muenchen, De
FR2656010B1 (en) * 1989-12-15 1992-02-28 Ciapem PROCESS FOR STOPPING A DRUM OF A WASHING MACHINE PUTTING THE DRUM GATE IN FRONT OF THE WASHING MACHINE AND WASHING MACHINE IMPLEMENTING SUCH A PROCESS.
DE4221772A1 (en) 1992-07-02 1994-01-05 Licentia Gmbh Registering imbalance in household washing machines - by measuring speed fluctations of the two reversing directions of rotation in washing and rinsing processes, etc.
US5375282A (en) 1993-09-20 1994-12-27 General Electric Company System and method for detecting and interrupting an out-of-balance condition in a washing machine
IT1282416B1 (en) * 1995-04-06 1998-03-23 Zanussi Elettrodomestici TOP LOADING WASHING MACHINES WITH PERFECTED ANTI-UNBALANCING MEANS
DE10242854B3 (en) 2002-09-14 2004-07-01 Diehl Ako Stiftung & Co. Kg Control system for washing drum of top loading washing machine stops drum at desired angle with loading aperture at top and uses sensors and electronic circuits regulating short drive phases
DE102006036133B3 (en) 2006-08-01 2007-09-06 Miele & Cie. Kg Case loading washing machine or top loading horizontal axis washing machine has drum, and reinforcing medium formed as separate part is provided for hardening of opening area around filler opening

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EP2374924A2 (en) 2011-10-12
DE102010013933B4 (en) 2011-11-24
DE102010013933A1 (en) 2011-10-06

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