EP2454408B1 - Method and device for choosing and selecting washing programs - Google Patents

Description

The invention relates to a method for selecting and activating an at least partially prepared and factory-stored program compilation comprising a basic program and associated program data for the program-controlled and mechanical processing of wet or dry laundry treatment processes due to stored in a memory device program compositions, each of which displayable on at least one display and can be selected by at least one selection handle and activated by a start-handle Furthermore, the invention also relates to an operating device which is suitable for performing such a method.

The publication US 2005/0109070 A1 describes a washing machine system.

The publication WO 2004/109005 A1 describes a device for selecting functional sequences and methods for controlling an electrical appliance.

By DE 199 05 533 A1 a method for setting up an operating device of a program-controlled household appliance is known, in which at least one customer-specific operating program and a name for this operating program can be set. By saving, this customer-specific operating program together with its freely chosen name can then be included in the given selection of operating programs. This known method already allows a largely individualized selection of operating programs and quick access to a desired operating program, without the user having to repeat the same individual inputs step by step for recurring program requests.

The invention is based on the object, users to facilitate the selection even further, without having to worry about individual individually compiled programs, especially since the storage capacity for individual program - as experience has shown - can not be kept large enough. In most cases, only four individual programs be stored - often too little.

The above object is achieved according to the present invention by a method described above and a corresponding operating device in such a way that a number of suitable for target groups basic programs with suitable for this target group program data to Preferred embodiments of the method and the operating device are listed in corresponding dependent claims, preferred embodiments of the method corresponding to preferred embodiments of the operating device and vice versa, and even then if not explicitly indicated herein.

According to the inventive method for selecting and activating an at least partially prepared and factory-stored program compilation comprising a basic program and associated program data for the program-controlled and mechanical processing of wet or dry laundry treatment processes due to stored in a storage device program compositions, each of which displayable on at least one display and by At least one selection handle selectable and activated by a start-handle, a number of predetermined target groups each suitable program compilations to a program group package under a name for the corresponding target group are summarized and can be retrieved under this name, and is initially one of the program group packages and a basic program with associated program data from the retrieved program package is selected and activated.

In the operating device according to the invention for selecting and activating an at least partially prepared and factory-stored program compilation comprising a basic program and associated program data for the program-controlled and mechanical processing of wet or dry laundry treatment processes due to stored in a storage device program compositions, each of which displayable on at least one display and by Accordingly, at least one selection handle can be selected and can be activated by a start handle, a number of program combinations suitable for given target groups are combined to form a program group package under a name for the corresponding target group and can be called up under this name, and is an input unit for Program group packages provided over the first one of the program group packages is retrievable, then a basic program mi t associated program data from the retrieved program package can be selected and activated.

Target groups here are users who understand comparable target content under the target group name. For example, a "family" target group will be understood to mean those laundry treatment programs that include normal laundry compositions and soiling in standard family households.

By means of the invention, the target groups form certain program group packages of programs in a compilation of basic programs, obligatory parameter values or value groups and program data or data groups individualized for the respective target group. Such target group definitions can be met at the manufacturer of laundry treatment machines or set individually in each household. It is quite possible to store a basic program in one target group with a group of temperature or rpm values for a laundry treatment, while in another target group the same basic program is stored with other values of these parameters. The same applies to other program data. As a result, with a corresponding selection of program group packages already a suitable for the basic program compilation can be found without requiring numerous individual entries. Corresponding features are described in subclaims, which further develop the method according to the invention in an advantageous manner.

Further developments are described in the characteristics of further dependent claims which, individually or combined with one another, lead to advantageous variants of the method according to the invention or an operating device for applying this method.

Fig. 1

den oberen Frontteil eines Gehäuses einer Wäschebehandlungsmaschine mit einem Bedienfeld zum Auswählen und Eingeben von Programmzusammenstellungen,

Fig. 2

eine Variante für einen Programmdaten-Abschnitt eines Bedienfeldes gemäß Fig. 1,

Fig. 3

eine weitere Variante gemäß Fig. 2 und

Fig. 4

eine Variante gemäß Fig. 2, bei der zuerst die Zielgruppenwahl und danach die Auswahl eines Grundprogrammes stattfinden.

Some such variants and their advantages are explained in more detail below with reference to the exemplary embodiments illustrated in the drawing. Show in it

Fig. 1

the upper front part of a housing of a laundry treatment machine with a control panel for selecting and entering program compositions,

Fig. 2

a variant for a program data section of a control panel according to Fig. 1 .

Fig. 3

another variant according to Fig. 2 and

Fig. 4

a variant according to Fig. 2 in which first the target group selection and then the selection of a basic program take place.

The upper part of the front side of a front-to-front washing machine regularly contains an operating device 1 and the handle plate 2 of a Waschmitteileinspüleinrichtung hidden behind it. The operating device 1 can communicate via a communication link shown here only as an active connection 24 with a program control device 25 shown schematically. In Fig. 1 the operating device 1 is subdivided into a control panel 3 for basic programs and a control panel 4 for program group packages and program data. The control panel 3 contains a display 5 for the list-like display of basic programs. In it, the active basic program is highlighted on the one hand by bold and / or by rich color representation in contrast to the pale color representation of the non-active basic programs.

In addition, the active basic program also displays the values of mandatory program parameters, here the temperature, the drum rotation speed and the program end time. In this variant, it can still be provided that those parameter values which still permit a change flash until they, for. B., be acknowledged by the OK button in the multi-input handle 6. This is indicated here at the temperature value 60 ° by the dot-dashed frame. Otherwise, they can be changed before and during the blinking phase by operating the up or down keys in this handle 6. The right and left keys of the handle 6 allow the continuation of the activity among the mandatory program parameters. In the process, the value of the parameter is acknowledged and recorded automatically, which is just left by the indexing. If the next parameter can be varied, the flashing frame switches there to document that this parameter value can be changed.

In the control panel 3 also two buttons 7 and 8 are arranged, of which the key 7 "on" for the general switching on the control device 1 is provided. The key 8 "menu" finally brings the user to the control panel 4, through which the remaining program data can be determined. The button 8 switches on each actuation in each case the upper (9) or lower line 10 - indicated by the arrow 11 to the left of the display 12 - active. In Fig. 1 the upper arrow is highlighted, so the upper line 9 is active. Thus, by pressing one of the keys 13 to 17, the respectively associated column 18 to 22 are activated. With active line 9 is in Fig. 1 column 13 has been activated when key 13 is pressed, so that the "family" indication is highlighted for a program group package in which a certain combination of parameters and data for the basic programs "cooking", "colorful", "easy to clean", "fine""," Wool "," silk "and" curtains "is offered. Therefore, only these basic programs are displayed in the display 5 in the list, which can be scrolled beyond the number of displayable lines due to the preponderance of basic programs.

Accordingly, the group package "sport" would be highlighted in the display 12 when the key 14 is pressed in the row 9 / column 19 and the basic programs "colored", easy-care "and" fast "are displayed in the display 5. This limited list then no longer has to be at its end The following table shows the basic programs assigned to the group packages, where, to avoid scrolling, it may be provided that the number of lines in the display is limited, for example four, in the fourth line of the first part of the list "more" is, which immediately activates the second part of the list with the other basic programs, which are indicated in Table 1 by bracketed crosses. Table 1 Group package (Z.9) cook Colorful Easy care Fine Wool silk curtains Fast Sterile Further Family X X X (X) (X) (X) (X) X Sports X X X - Business X X X (X) (X) X infant X X X X - Heavy X X -

If the actuated key 8 "menu" switches on the line 10 in the display 12, then the lower of the two arrows 11 is highlighted. Accordingly, the columns 18 to 22 of the line 10 are activated. At the same time, the previous selection of the group package is determined and acknowledged, in this case the group "family". In line 10, the program data "pre-wash", "extra rinse", "maximum", "intensive" and "sensitive" are now displayed, which can be individually assigned to the basic program. Becomes "Pre-wash" selected by pressing the button 13, then this information is highlighted. The other options of program data are retained. A multiple choice from this line 10 is therefore possible. In the same way, therefore, "extra rinsing" can be selected, and the remaining options are retained.

If, however, the key 15 is pressed, the option "maximum" is highlighted, which stands for an extension of the washing program. Pressing the button 16 for "intensive" simultaneously deactivates the option "sensitive" because it excludes "intensive". The same happens in the opposite direction when selecting the option "intensive" by the key 17. For these options concern the mechanical treatment of the laundry; at the same time, it can not be intense for enhancing the mechanical treatment of the laundry and sensitive for reducing the mechanical treatment. The other options "pre-wash" and "extra rinse" - if not already selected - would be retained and could still be chosen. If more options are also possible here than columns in the display 12, then in the last column 22 of the line 10 by the button 17 "further" can be selected, so that thereafter further options in this line 10 can be selected, which can be selected on the basis of the previously made choices can still be offered. The same applies, of course, to the options of line 9. If there are more group packages than there are columns, then the same measures should be taken.

After selecting all desired program groups and data, the program thus compiled can be started by pressing the button 23. Any non-selected options would then go out of the displays 5 and 12, so that during the execution of the treatment program is always to recognize which choice had been made.

In Fig. 2 to 4 only variants for the control panel 4 are shown. Assuming the presence of a control panel 3 for basic programs such as or similar to that in Fig. 1 shows the display 12 in Fig. 2 in line 10 also the options "super fast" for an extremely short program without guarantee of purity, "spots" for a program section that is especially designed for spot treatment, "short" for a slight shortening of the main section "washing", "intensive" for an extension of the main section "Washing" and "Micro" for special measures for the treatment of microfiber linen. The following Table 2 of the group package "family" provides information on the respective assignments of such program data to basic programs of this group package: <b> Table 2 </ b> Family cook Colorful Easy care Further Fine Wool silk curtains temperature ... 90 ... 60 ... 40 ... 40 ... 30 ... 30 ... 40 number of revolutions ... 1400 ... 1200 ... 600 ... 600 - - - Maximum + 15 min +10 min - - - - - Intensive very strong strongly - - - - - Sensitive very mild mild mild mild - - - Further With VW + + - + - - - stains + + + - - - extra rinse + + - + - - -

The assignments of the group packages "sport", "business", "baby" and "heavy" are more limited, as the following tables 3 to 6 show: <b> Table 3 </ b> Sports Colorful Easy care Fast temperature ... 60 ... 40 ... 40 number of revolutions ... 1400 ... 600 ... 600 Maximum +10 min - - Intensive strongly strongly very strong Sensitive mild mild mild Further With VW + - - stains - - + microfiber + + + Business cook Colorful Easy care Further Fast Sterile temperature ... 90 ... 60 ... 40 ... 40 ... 95 number of revolutions ... 1600 ... 1400 ... 600 ... 1000 ... 1600 Maximum + 15 min +10 min - - + 15 min Intensive very strong strongly - - very strong Sensitive very mild mild mild mild - Further With VW + + - - + microfiber - + + + stains + - - + + Business cook Colorful Easy care Further Fast Sterile extra rinse + + - - + infant cook Colorful Fine Sterile temperature ... 90 ... 60 ... 40 ... 95 number of revolutions ... 1400 ... 1200 ... 600 ... 1600 Maximum + 15 min +10 min - + 15 min Intensive very strong strongly - very strong Sensitive very mild mild mild - Further With VW + + + + stains + - - + extra rinse + + + + Heavy cook Colorful easy to care temperature ... 90 ... 60 ... 40 number of revolutions ... 1600 ... 1400 ... 600 Maximum + 15 min +10 min - Intensive very strong strongly - Sensitive very mild mild mild Further With VW + + + stains + - - extra rinse + + +

Thus, the selected program group package "business" according Fig. 3 the options temperature, here currently displayed "60 °", spin speed, here currently displayed "1400 rpm", setting of the duration of the washing process, currently displayed here "maximum", reinforcement of the mechanical action, currently displayed here "intensive", or Reduction of the mechanical action, here currently displayed "sensitive" assigned. The current ads appear as suggestions immediately after selecting the program group package "business". The suggestions can be switched on or off by one or more presses of the associated key by one level, respectively, when the line 10 is activated, which is indicated by the arrow 11, left of the display 12.

Fig. 4 shows that in another variant of the assignments for the appropriate program programs can be proposed initially suitable basic programs. By this arrangement, the division of the control panels could be abandoned, so that only the control panel 4 is used. Accordingly, the obligatory program parameters can be included in the respective proposals for the program data and always be displayed first. In this way, if the proposal is accepted without further input, the program can already be started in the proposed compilation.

If a user has now selected the program group package "family" in this variant, then the basic programs "cook", "colorful", "easy-care", "fine" and "others" are initially offered according to line 10. "Further" only appears if further basic programs can be offered under the selected program group package. By the key 14, the user can choose, for example, "colorful". The input device can now be prepared so that after this input all other options of line 10 go out and in line 9 instead of the program group packages now further options are proposed, which define the selected basic program "Colorful" in another way, eg. Eg with the options "temperature", "spin speed", "program duration", "mechanical treatment intensity" and so on. Again, it is envisaged that after the election of a generic option always only permissible sub-options are proposed.

For example, the program group package "business" in line 9 of the Fig. 4 have been chosen. Then the basic programs "Cook", "Colorful", "Easy to clean", "Fast" and "Sterile" according to Table 4 are proposed immediately. Since no other basic programs are assigned, this display is exhaustive. After choosing one of the basic programs, the same measures can be taken as above. For example, the "Easy Care" program may be selected and the other options of basic programs of line 10 may be canceled. Correspondingly, in line 9, instead of the program group packages, options of program data are displayed for the further definition of the selected basic program "easy-care". According to Table 4, first the proposals "40 °" for temperature, "600 rpm" for the spin speed, "- 5 min" for the sensitive stage and "more" are offered. The displayed parameter values can still be changed in the manner described within permitted limits before the start by the key 23.

Assuming that the program group package "heavy" was chosen. Then according to Table 1, only the basic programs "Cook", "Colorful" and "Easy to clean" are proposed. Two of the columns in line 9 then remain unoccupied, d. H. there will be no display. The further selection may proceed according to the same sequences as described above.

The compilations of the program group packages and the assignments of the individual options for program data and parameters or their values are arbitrary in the examples described above. Depending on the present needs, other combinations may be possible or even more useful. The same applies to the arrangement, shaping and linking of the elements on and on the operating device or the control panels, if only the inventive idea is met. Also, the method according to the invention can readily be applied to laundry drying machines or combinations of washing and laundry drying machines.

Claims (10)

1. Method for selecting and activating an at least partially prepared and factory-loaded program combination comprising a base program and associated program data for program-controlled and machine processing of wet or dry laundry treatment processes on the basis of program combinations stored in a storage device (25), each of which can be displayed on at least one display (5, 12) and selected by at least one selecting actuator (6, 13 to 17) and activated by a start actuator (23), wherein a number of program combinations each suitable for prespecified target groups of users are combined into one program group packet under a name for the corresponding target group and can be called up by said name, and that one of the program group packets is called up first and a base program having associated program data is selected from the called-up program packet and activated, wherein the base programs are selected via their own input unit (3) and the associated program data is assigned via a further input unit (4), wherein the further input unit (4) comprises a multi-column and at least two-line display (12) and a multi-part input actuator (13 to 17), characterised in that the columns (18 to 22) of one line (9) of the display (12) are provided for the display of the target groups and the columns (18 to 22) of at least one further line (10) are provided for the display of the program data.
2. Method according to claim 1, characterised in that each base program, which is displayed by calling up a program group packet, is only assigned the program data which is significant for the program group packet in question and can be acknowledged.
3. Method according to claim 2, characterised in that parameters of program data, which permit a plurality of values in the program group packet in question, can be changed by the selecting actuator (6, 13 to 17).
4. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the base programs are assigned program data, which is values of mandatory program parameters, automatically, while program data, which is values of parameters that can be varied by a user, are selected via the further input unit (4).
5. Method according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterised in that the associated program data is selected and acknowledged via a multi-function input unit (4).
6. Operating device for selecting and activating an at least partially prepared and factory-loaded program combination comprising a base program and associated program data for program-controlled and machine processing of wet or dry laundry treatment processes on the basis of program combinations stored in a storage device (25), each of which can be displayed on at least one display (5, 12) and selected by at least one selecting actuator (6, 13 to 17) and activated by a start actuator (23), wherein a number of program combinations each suitable for prespecified target groups of users are combined into a program group packet under a name for the corresponding target group and can be called up by said name, and that an input unit (4) for program group packets is provided, by means of which one of the program group packets can be called up first and subsequently a base program having associated program data can be selected from the called-up program packet and activated, wherein a further input unit (4) is provided for the selection of program data, wherein the further input unit (4) comprises a multi-column and at least two-line display (12) and a multi-part input actuator (13 to 17), characterised in that the columns (18 to 22) of one line (9) of the display (12) are provided for the display of the target groups and the columns (18 to 22) of at least one further line (10) are provided for the display of the program data.
7. Operating device according to claim 6, characterised in that the input unit (3, 4) for program group packets comprises a multi-line display (5, 12) and an assigned multi-function actuator (6, 13 to 17), by means of which the respective program group packets displayed on the display (5, 12) can be advanced from a list, individually marked and finally acknowledged.
8. Operating device according to claim 7, characterised in that the program group packets are able to display the name of the respective base program and the values of the mandatory program parameters on the display (5, 12) and the values of these program parameters can be varied within limits assigned to the base program.
9. Operating device according to one of claims 6 to 8, characterised in that the lines (9, 10) can be switched to active by an input actuator (8).
10. Operating device according to one of claims 6 to 9, characterised in that each column (18 to 22) is assigned an input key (13 to 17).

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