EP3191637B1 - Method for operating a washing machine having a pressure sensor and washing machine suitable therefor - Google Patents

Method for operating a washing machine having a pressure sensor and washing machine suitable therefor Download PDF

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Publication number
EP3191637B1
EP3191637B1 EP15756413.9A EP15756413A EP3191637B1 EP 3191637 B1 EP3191637 B1 EP 3191637B1 EP 15756413 A EP15756413 A EP 15756413A EP 3191637 B1 EP3191637 B1 EP 3191637B1
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EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
washing machine
measured
position sensor
drum
pressure
Prior art date
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Application number
EP15756413.9A
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German (de)
French (fr)
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EP3191637A1 (en
Inventor
Martin Sager
Wolfram SCHUBERT
Katrin Peisert
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BSH Hausgeraete GmbH
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BSH Hausgeraete GmbH
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Priority to PL15756413T priority Critical patent/PL3191637T3/en
Publication of EP3191637A1 publication Critical patent/EP3191637A1/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
    • D06F39/00—Details of washing machines not specific to a single type of machines covered by groups D06F9/00 - D06F27/00 
    • D06F39/08—Liquid supply or discharge arrangements
    • D06F39/087—Water level measuring or regulating devices
    • 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
    • D06F2103/04—Quantity, e.g. weight or variation of weight
    • 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
    • D06F2103/18—Washing liquid 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
    • D06F2103/00—Parameters monitored or detected for the control of domestic laundry washing machines, washer-dryers or laundry dryers
    • D06F2103/24—Spin speed; Drum movements
    • 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
    • D06F2105/00—Systems or parameters controlled or affected by the control systems of washing machines, washer-dryers or laundry dryers
    • D06F2105/58—Indications or alarms to the control system or to the user
    • 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

Definitions

  • the invention relates to a method for operating a washing machine with a pressure sensor and a washing machine suitable for this purpose.
  • the invention particularly relates to a washing machine with a tub, a drum for receiving laundry, a drive motor for the drum, a pressure sensor for determining a hydrostatic pressure p as a measure of a height of an aqueous liquid in the tub, a control device and at least one position sensor for Determining a position and a behavior of a vibration system of the washing machine, which comprises the tub, the drum and the drive motor during operation of the washing machine, and a suitable for performing this method washing machine.
  • the lowest possible water requirement is important. Using less water also consumes less electrical energy to heat the water needed for a washing process.
  • the amount of water used must be sufficiently large so that laundry to be washed can be sufficiently wetted and washed. It is therefore important to know the water requirement for a laundry items to be washed as accurately as possible and also to ensure a sufficient amount of free liquor for washing.
  • the wetting phase should preferably be optimized so that each batch of laundry with a coordinated amount of water in the tub or in the drum (hereinafter referred to as “laundry drum “referred to) before the actual washing process in the shortest possible time completely and evenly wetted.
  • the amounts of water used for the wetting should also be reproducible, so that in particular a reproducible entry of heat energy is ensured in the water.
  • a wetting phase (also referred to as "net phase”) is thus to provide an optimal amount of water for the washing process and information about the load. Therefore, the wetting phase is very important for every washing program important.
  • the pressure values during the reversing of the drum and / or at standstill are often used for the interpretation.
  • the realization of the wetting is known in that after the entry of a certain amount of water in a drum containing a washing and a fürfeuchtungsphase a rotating drum is stopped. Water then drips from the laundry until an approximately stable state is reached, which can be demonstrated by a nearly constant or only slightly changing pressure value for the hydrostatic pressure of the water. Depending on the extent of the pressure increase at standstill of the drum is then decided whether the laundry items are saturated with water.
  • an electromagnetic water level controller for controlling the level of the aqueous liquid used in a washing machine (generally clean water or a wash liquor containing a surfactant to be used for cleaning) during the wetting phase and the washing phase
  • a pressure sensor for measuring a hydrostatic pressure (hereinafter abbreviated to "pressure") controls the water supply.
  • improper operating conditions are known in a washing machine, which can lead to damage or at least to a reduced life of a washing machine.
  • a heater for heating wash liquor should be put into operation only if immersion of the heater in the wash liquor is ensured. Otherwise, it could lead to overheating and thus damage to the heater.
  • Another example is the avoidance of spin or spin start on a drum still immersed in wash liquor or water. This could cause damage to the drive motor for the drum or at least reduce its life.
  • the level is often determined in a washing machine by means of a relatively high-resolution analog pressure sensor.
  • the pressure sensor detects the resulting pressure of a sealed, air-filled tube immersed in the water level Pressure chamber, wherein the pressure is dependent on the filling level in the tub of the washing machine.
  • the fill level determined with this measurement system may be inaccurate by design. For example, filling conditions due to the rotation of the drum of a washing machine can be detected as too low, when air has penetrated into the pressure chamber. Too high levels can be due to a faulty calibration of the pressure sensor, for example if the calibration was done on a non-ventilated pressure system.
  • the values of the hydrostatic pressure measured by a pressure sensor depend on the respective washing machine as well as on their installation conditions. For example, a possible skew of the washing machine, i. an inclination of the washing machine from the horizontal, affecting the measurement of hydrostatic pressure.
  • Other influencing factors which in turn can be influenced, in particular amplified, by a possible obliquity of the washing machine, are the shape and dimensions of the tub and of the pressure termination point ("air trap") of the pressure sensor.
  • air trap pressure termination point
  • the entire oscillating system which generally comprises the tub, the drum and the drive motor, and thus influence the measurement of the hydrostatic pressure by the pressure sensor. It follows, in turn, that the influence on the measurement of the hydrostatic pressure is dependent on the speed and possibly the direction of rotation of the drum and the type and amount of laundry in the drum. Finally, the position of the vibrating system varies depending on the current detent position of commonly used friction dampers, which generally varies during a washing process, depending on the load, amount of water, direction of rotation, etc.
  • the WO 2012/073200 A2 describes a washing machine with a water level sensor and with an acceleration sensor, which provides electrical signals as a measure of the vibrations of the tub or the drum. About a consideration of the measured vibrations for the water level measurement, no information is provided.
  • the US 2003/0037383 A1 describes a home appliance with a display system for use in leveling the home appliance.
  • the device includes an acceleration sensor to determine the extent of inclination of the device.
  • the DE 10 2009 028 772 A1 describes a water-conducting household appliance, in particular laundry treatment appliance for washing and / or drying laundry, with at least one housing and a resiliently suspended in the housing container, wherein at least one damper is provided, which is connected on the one hand to the housing and on the other hand with the container a deflection sensor is provided, which serves at least indirectly for detecting a deflection of the damper and wherein a control is provided which corrects a deflection value obtained by the deflection sensor, which is based on the displacement of the damper detected by the deflection sensor in a correction mode.
  • the DE 10 2010 016 672 B3 describes a method for operating a washing machine with a housing and a tub disposed therein for receiving washing liquid for treating laundry, wherein within the tub a sensor arrangement for detecting a water level (G) is arranged, comprising an initial phase, in which (a) a (b) the orientation of the washing machine is then judged on the basis of the position of the detected surface of the introduced water by means of the sensor arrangement, (c) wherein after reaching the predetermined orientation in the operating installation position of the machine a message to the user.
  • the sensors are in particular electrodes or optical means for detecting the water surface.
  • the WO 2012/084933 A1 describes a household appliance for the care of laundry with an oscillating in operation device having a drive motor, a driven by the drive motor oscillating unit and a switching unit.
  • the WO 2012/140140 A1 describes a device with an oscillating in operation device of a household appliance, which has a drive motor and a drivable by the drive motor vibration unit comprising a vibration monitoring unit, which comprises at least one acceleration sensor for monitoring the vibration behavior of the vibrating device, wherein the at least one acceleration sensor arranged on the drive motor is.
  • the WO 2013/092486 A1 describes a household appliance for the care of laundry, comprising a drum for receiving the laundry items, and a housing in which the drum is mounted with a vibrating device, wherein the oscillating device comprises means for detecting a fault condition of the oscillating device, wherein the device comprises at least one acceleration sensor , with which the direction of gravitational acceleration relative to the acceleration sensor is measurable, and depending on the result of a fault condition of the vibrating device is recognizable.
  • the DE 199 46 245 A1 discloses a method of operating a washing machine according to the preamble of claim 1 and a washing machine for carrying out such a method.
  • the object of the invention to provide an improved method for measuring the water level in a washing machine with a pressure sensor.
  • the water level measurement to the current state of the washing machine ie the location of the washing machine and device-specific properties, can be adjusted and can be corrected.
  • the object of the invention was also to show a suitable for carrying out this method washing machine.
  • standard position of the oscillating system generally means a defined position of the components tub, drum and drive motor, and preferably also a defined behavior of the oscillating system as a function of the rotational speed of the drum.
  • hydrostatic pressure As used herein to refer to hydrostatic pressure and its determination, it is meant in particular a hydrostatic pressure in which noise due to the movement of the laundry and / or the aqueous liquid during a drum rotation, in particular due to scooping, each generally with a certain periodicity, is eliminated by a suitable, in particular electronic filter device.
  • step (b) the position and the behavior of the oscillating system are measured when the drum is stationary and / or the drum is moving.
  • tub data on the shape and dimensions of the tub pressure sensor data on the design and position of the pressure sensor and a relationship between the tub container data and the pressure sensor data on the one hand and the measured pressure values on the other hand deposited so that the determination of corrected pressure values is possible.
  • shape of a tub and / or the shape or position of a pressure sensor may be such that an inclination of the washing machine from the horizontal affects different degrees.
  • the effect may in particular also be dependent on the rotation of the drum and a loading of the drum with laundry items and their distribution, as well as on the amount of water, which is an additional, the weight and thus the position of the vibrating system influencing factor.
  • the at least one position sensor is an acceleration sensor or a displacement sensor. It is more preferable that the position sensor is an acceleration sensor.
  • Various acceleration sensors are known in the prior art. A possible acceleration sensor is in the DE 101 39 388 A1 described. Such acceleration sensors not only allow the determination of the leveling of the washing machine, but also the weighing of the introduced into the washing machine laundry load and the detection of imbalances.
  • deflections of the position sensor are measured with the position sensor for different rotational speeds of the drum and / or loads with laundry items and a determination of corrected pressure values is carried out by evaluating the difference between measured deflections and stored in the control device for the different speeds L x , L y and / or L z .
  • the position sensor has at least two axes and in step (b) the deflections in the direction of the axes of the position sensor determined and evaluated by the controller. Even more preferably, the position sensor has three axes.
  • a position sensor and in particular an acceleration sensor which can detect deflections in all three spatial directions (x, y, z).
  • the position sensor is selected such that with the acceleration sensor or the displacement sensor for different rotational speeds of the drum for the three possible deflection directions (X-Y-Z) of the oscillating system deflections, i. Path signals, calculated and fed to the controller for evaluation.
  • the deflections measured by the position sensor during rotation of the drum i. the oscillatory behavior, may be periodic or irregular or chaotic, with these states can be detected safely for example by an acceleration sensor.
  • a washing machine generally has dampers, e.g. Friction damper, for the movements of tub and drum.
  • dampers e.g. Friction damper
  • the position sensor is arranged in a friction damper of the washing machine
  • the deflections measured in step (b) are evaluated by the control device with regard to taking into account the position of the friction damper.
  • some influencing factors are of particular importance, e.g. a possible inclination of the washing machine relative to the horizontal.
  • the deflections measured in step (b) are evaluated by the control device with respect to an inclination of the washing machine from the horizontal, wherein in the control device for different values of the inclination correction values for the pressure sensor in step (a) measured hydrostatic pressure are stored.
  • the position sensor can advantageously be used for leveling the washing machine, wherein the position sensor is also useful when setting up the washing machine in order to first set up the washing machine so that it is horizontal in both directions in the plane and not in one or lowered in both directions.
  • a warning signal could be generated when exceeding predetermined, still permissible deviations, for example by means of a corresponding display device, so that the user levels the washing machine accordingly.
  • the drive motor is operated by the control device such that the deviations of the deflections of the position sensor measured in step (b) from a defined oscillation state of the oscillating system do not exceed a predetermined value L lim x , L lim y and / or L lim z exceed.
  • an error message is displayed on a display device and / or the washing machine is switched off by a predetermined value L lim x , L lim y and / or lim z when the deviation of the position sensor measured in step (b) is determined by the control device.
  • the invention thus also makes it possible to detect inadmissible operating conditions and thus allows a user to take appropriate countermeasures.
  • the deviation of the deflections of the position sensor measured in step (b) from a predetermined value can have different causes. For example, they may indicate improper operation of components of the washing machine, which may manifest themselves in a very disturbing and possibly damaging the washing machine imbalance. Another possibility is an uneven distribution of the laundry items in the drum.
  • the deflections of the position sensor measured in step (b) are of a predetermined value L 1 x ⁇ L lim x , L 2 y ⁇ L lim y and / or L 3 z ⁇ L lim z a movement program for the redistribution of Laundry items performed. This can in particular consist of movements of the drum for a different period of time in different directions (reversing).
  • the deflections of the position sensor measured in step (b) are used to determine a loading amount of laundry items and the pressure values of the pressure sensor measured in step (a) are corrected by taking into account the loading quantity in that the control device correction values for different load quantities are stored.
  • the determination of the loading quantity can be carried out additionally or alternatively by measuring the weight increase of the drum due to the loading of laundry items or by analyzing the suction behavior of water by analyzing the change of the hydrostatic pressure during the addition of water to the dry laundry.
  • the hydrostatic pressure p measured with the aid of the sensor can be compared with the amount of water charged.
  • the laundry in the drum absorbs water.
  • the absorbed water can not contribute to an increase of the hydrostatic pressure.
  • the loading amount of laundry and, if necessary, the degree of moisture penetration (wetting degree) determine.
  • the correction according to the invention of the pressure values measured by the pressure sensor enables a particularly precisely controllable wetting phase.
  • a wash phase generally follows a wetting phase. If a washing program is signaled that sufficient wetting of the laundry is given, for example, by reaching a predetermined threshold value p 1 for the hydrostatic pressure p and a predetermined threshold value ( ⁇ p / ⁇ t) 1 for the temporal gradient of the hydrostatic pressure p Generally the washing phase.
  • the at least one position sensor is generally arranged in or on the drive motor, on the drum, on the tub, and / or in a friction damper and / or a spring, with which the tub is generally attached to the housing of the washing machine.
  • a washing machine used herein generally also has a heater and a liquor drain system with a drain pump located at the bottom of a tub.
  • a washing machine used herein also generally includes laundry drippers and / or scooping devices.
  • the dryer according to the invention preferably has an acoustic and / or optical display means for displaying one or more operating states.
  • An optical display means may be, for example, a liquid crystal display on which certain prompts or hints are given. It may also or alternatively light LEDs in one or more colors light up.
  • a measuring device may be present, for example a time measuring device for determining the opening period of a feed valve for the water or a liquid amount measuring device for measuring the amount of water introduced.
  • the invention has numerous advantages. Thus, it enables an increased accuracy of the measurement of the hydrostatic pressure in a washing program, in particular a wetting phase. As a result, different loads can be distinguished even faster and / or more precisely from each other. By more accurately differentiating load levels, possible procedural uncertainties are reduced, so that a washing program can be carried out more optimally. This can save water, energy and time.
  • the invention also makes it possible that an excessive, undesirable vibration behavior of the vibration system or at least a component thereof is detected early, so that a suitable countermeasure can be taken, e.g. by switching off the washing machine, performing a laundry redistribution step.
  • the invention also makes it possible that, depending on the accelerations or deflections determined for example by an acceleration sensor due to the load or imbalance, an engine speed can be controlled such that the limits of stable operation of the washing machine are not exceeded in view of an undesirable vibration behavior ,
  • the loading of the oscillating system in particular a drum with laundry items, redistributed in order to optimize the wetting phase and in particular to achieve a uniform wetting of the laundry items.
  • an imbalance can be avoided or reduced.
  • the mechanical accelerations can be achieved by a suitable control of the Drive motor and be adjusted by other components of the vibration system so that no major vibrations occur.
  • the invention makes it possible in particular for phases in a washing process in which it depends on an accurate determination of the water level that the control of the washing machine and in particular of its drive motor can be such that the deviations from a defined vibration behavior, i. Deflections, do not exceed a given value.
  • This predetermined value is generally determined so that influencing the measured pressure values of the pressure sensor is as low as possible.
  • the invention has the advantage that in different phases (for example washing phase, rinsing phase) of a washing program, generally unacceptable operating states of the washing machine can be ascertained even more precisely in a simple and reliable manner using a pressure sensor. This may be followed by appropriate remedial action (e.g., delivery or pumping of aqueous humor) depending on the present improper operating condition.
  • phases for example washing phase, rinsing phase
  • remedial action e.g., delivery or pumping of aqueous humor
  • the washing machine 1 of in FIG. 1 shown first embodiment has a tub 2, in which a drum 3 is rotatably mounted and driven by the drive motor 5.
  • the axis of rotation 19 of the drum 3 is directed from the horizontal by a small angle (eg 13 °) forwardly upwards, so that the user of the washing machine 1 has easier access and insight into the interior of the drum 3.
  • This arrangement is in Cooperation with specially shaped Wäschemit interviewn 24 and 17 scooping devices for the wash liquor on the inner surface of the drum shell also achieved an intensification of the flow of laundry items 4 with wash liquor and a reduction of the free liquor 7, which denotes the amount of wash liquor in the tub 1, through the saturated laundry items 7 can no longer be received (essentially below the lowest point of the drum 2).
  • the washing machine 1 also has a liquor inlet system comprising a water connection fitting for the domestic water network 20, an electrically controllable valve 21 and a supply line 23 to the tub 2, which may optionally also be guided via a Waschstoffein réelleschale 22, from the incoming water detergent portions in the Lye container 2 can transport.
  • a heater 16 for heating water or wash liquor.
  • the valve 21 as well as the heater 16 may be controlled by a controller 8 in response to a program schedule associated with timing and / or achieving certain measurements of parameters such as liquor level, liquor temperature, drum speed, etc. within the washing machine 1 can be bound.
  • the washing machine 1 indicates a pressure sensor, i.
  • the hydrostatic pressure p results from the level of the forming in the tub 2 free fleet 7.
  • the washing machine 1 comprises a measuring device 25 for determining the amount of water filled. It can be designed, for example, as a water meter or as a flowmeter. In the case of a flow meter, the amount of water flowed in is calculated in conjunction with a detected filling time. The flow can also be determined by measuring the time to reach a given level height, which corresponds to a certain fixed amount of water. 18 means a drain pump for pumping off the wash liquor 7.
  • Fig. 2 shows a washing machine in a partial, schematic representation according to a second embodiment.
  • the washing machine 1 has a housing 13 with a bottom plate 14 and a cover plate 15.
  • a tub 2 is arranged, in which in turn a drum 3 is placed for receiving laundry items not shown here.
  • the tub 2 is suspended by springs 12 in the region of the cover plate 15.
  • damper 10 here friction damper, available, via which the tub 2 is supported in the region of the bottom plate 15 on the housing 13.
  • the dampers 10 can in this case be charged both on pressure and on train.
  • the dampers 10 dampen a movement of the tub 2 relative to the housing 13.
  • two acceleration sensors 9 are arranged as position sensors, one of which is attached to the friction damper 10 and the second at the bottom of the tub 2.
  • a pressure sensor 5 is present.
  • a control device 8 detects the pressure values measured by the pressure sensor 5 and the deflections measured by the acceleration sensors 9 in step (b) of the method according to the invention, here likewise in three directions. Subsequently, a correction of the measured pressure values is carried out in the control device 8 on the basis of the measured deflections.

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  • Control Of Washing Machine And Dryer (AREA)

Description

Die Erfindung betrifft ein Verfahren zum Betrieb einer Waschmaschine mit einem Drucksensor sowie eine hierzu geeignete Waschmaschine. Die Erfindung betrifft insbesondere eine Waschmaschine mit einem Laugenbehälter, einer Trommel zur Aufnahme von Wäschestücken, einem Antriebsmotor für die Trommel, einem Drucksensor zur Bestimmung eines hydrostatischen Drucks p als Maß für eine Höhe einer im Laugenbehälter befindlichen wässrigen Flüssigkeit, einer Steuereinrichtung sowie mindestens einem Lagesensor zur Bestimmung einer Lage und eines Verhaltens eines Schwingsystems der Waschmaschine, welches den Laugenbehälter, die Trommel und den Antriebsmotor umfasst, während des Betriebes der Waschmaschine, sowie eine zur Durchführung dieses Verfahrens geeignete Waschmaschine.The invention relates to a method for operating a washing machine with a pressure sensor and a washing machine suitable for this purpose. The invention particularly relates to a washing machine with a tub, a drum for receiving laundry, a drive motor for the drum, a pressure sensor for determining a hydrostatic pressure p as a measure of a height of an aqueous liquid in the tub, a control device and at least one position sensor for Determining a position and a behavior of a vibration system of the washing machine, which comprises the tub, the drum and the drive motor during operation of the washing machine, and a suitable for performing this method washing machine.

Für den Betrieb einer Waschmaschine ist ein möglichst geringer Wasserbedarf wichtig. Bei Verwendung von weniger Wasser wird zudem weniger elektrische Energie zur Erwärmung des für einen Waschprozess benötigten Wassers verbraucht. Andererseits muss die eingesetzte Wassermenge ausreichend groß sein, damit zu waschende Wäschestücke ausreichend benetzt und gewaschen werden können. Es ist daher wichtig, den Wasserbedarf für einen zu waschenden Wäscheposten möglichst genau zu kennen und auch für eine zum Waschen ausreichende Menge an freier Flotte zu sorgen.For the operation of a washing machine the lowest possible water requirement is important. Using less water also consumes less electrical energy to heat the water needed for a washing process. On the other hand, the amount of water used must be sufficiently large so that laundry to be washed can be sufficiently wetted and washed. It is therefore important to know the water requirement for a laundry items to be washed as accurately as possible and also to ensure a sufficient amount of free liquor for washing.

Bei der Anpassung der zum Waschen benötigten Wassermenge an Art und Menge von zu waschenden Wäschestücken in einer programmgesteuerten Waschmaschine soll die Benetzungsphase vorzugsweise so optimiert sein, dass jeder Wäscheposten mit einer hierauf abgestimmten Wassermenge im Laugenbehälter bzw. in der Trommel (im Folgenden auch als "Wäschetrommel" bezeichnet) vor dem eigentlichen Waschprozess in möglichst kurzer Zeit vollständig und gleichmäßig benetzt wird. Die für die Benetzung eingesetzten Wassermengen sollen außerdem reproduzierbar sein, damit insbesondere auch ein reproduzierbarer Eintrag von Wärmeenergie in das Wasser gewährleistet ist.When adjusting the amount of water required for washing on the type and amount of laundry to be washed in a program-controlled washing the wetting phase should preferably be optimized so that each batch of laundry with a coordinated amount of water in the tub or in the drum (hereinafter referred to as "laundry drum "referred to) before the actual washing process in the shortest possible time completely and evenly wetted. The amounts of water used for the wetting should also be reproducible, so that in particular a reproducible entry of heat energy is ensured in the water.

Ziel einer Benetzungsphase (auch als "Netzphase" bezeichnet) ist somit die Bereitstellung einer optimalen Wassermenge für den Waschprozess sowie von Informationen zur Beladungsmenge. Daher ist die Benetzungsphase für jedes Waschprogramm sehr wichtig. Um eine optimale Wassermenge zur Verfügung stellen zu können, werden häufig die Druckwerte, während des Reversierens der Trommel und/oder im Stillstand, zur Interpretation herangezogen.The aim of a wetting phase (also referred to as "net phase") is thus to provide an optimal amount of water for the washing process and information about the load. Therefore, the wetting phase is very important for every washing program important. In order to be able to provide an optimal amount of water, the pressure values during the reversing of the drum and / or at standstill are often used for the interpretation.

Bekannt ist beispielsweise die Realisierung der Benetzung dadurch, dass nach dem Einlauf einer bestimmten Wassermenge in einer Wäsche enthaltenden Trommel und einer Durchfeuchtungsphase eine sich drehende Trommel angehalten wird. Wasser tropft dann aus den Wäschestücken ab, bis ein annähernd stabiler Zustand erreicht wird, der anhand eines nahezu konstanten oder sich nur geringfügig ändernden Druckwertes für den hydrostatischen Druck des Wassers nachgewiesen werden kann. In Abhängigkeit vom Ausmaß der Druckzunahme beim Stillstand der Trommel wird dann entschieden, ob die Wäschestücke mit Wasser gesättigt sind.For example, the realization of the wetting is known in that after the entry of a certain amount of water in a drum containing a washing and a Durchfeuchtungsphase a rotating drum is stopped. Water then drips from the laundry until an approximately stable state is reached, which can be demonstrated by a nearly constant or only slightly changing pressure value for the hydrostatic pressure of the water. Depending on the extent of the pressure increase at standstill of the drum is then decided whether the laundry items are saturated with water.

Für die Regelung des Füllstandes der in einer Waschmaschine verwendeten wässrigen Flüssigkeit (im Allgemeinen sauberes Wasser oder eine Waschlauge, welche ein zur Reinigung zu verwendendes Tensid enthält) während der Benetzungsphase und der Waschphase wird im Allgemeinen ein elektromagnetischer Wasserstandregler (Wasserstandsensor) verwendet, der unter Benutzung eines Drucksensors für die Messung eines hydrostatischen Druckes (im Folgenden auch als "Druck" abgekürzt) die Wasserzufuhr steuert.For controlling the level of the aqueous liquid used in a washing machine (generally clean water or a wash liquor containing a surfactant to be used for cleaning) during the wetting phase and the washing phase, an electromagnetic water level controller (water level sensor) is generally used a pressure sensor for measuring a hydrostatic pressure (hereinafter abbreviated to "pressure") controls the water supply.

Überdies sind in einer Waschmaschine unzulässige Betriebszustände bekannt, die zu Schäden oder zumindest zu einer verringerten Lebensdauer einer Waschmaschine führen können. Beispielsweise sollte eine Heizeinrichtung für die Erwärmung von Waschlauge nur dann in Betrieb genommen werden, wenn das Eintauchen der Heizeinrichtung in die Waschlauge sichergestellt ist. Andernfalls könnte es zu einer Überhitzung und damit Schädigung der Heizeinrichtung kommen. Ein weiteres Beispiel ist die Vermeidung von Schleudern oder von Schleuderanläufen bei einer noch in Waschlauge oder Wasser eingetauchten Trommel. Dies könnte zu Schäden am Antriebmotor für die Trommel oder zumindest zu einer Verringerung von dessen Lebensdauer führen.Moreover, improper operating conditions are known in a washing machine, which can lead to damage or at least to a reduced life of a washing machine. For example, a heater for heating wash liquor should be put into operation only if immersion of the heater in the wash liquor is ensured. Otherwise, it could lead to overheating and thus damage to the heater. Another example is the avoidance of spin or spin start on a drum still immersed in wash liquor or water. This could cause damage to the drive motor for the drum or at least reduce its life.

Der Füllstand wird in einer Waschmaschine oft mittels eines relativ hochauflösenden analogen Drucksensors ermittelt. Der Drucksensor erfasst den resultierenden Druck einer in den Wasserspiegel eingetauchten, abgeschlossenen, mit Luft gefüllten Röhre als Druckraum, wobei der Druck abhängig vom Füllniveau im Laugenbehälter der Waschmaschine ist. Das Füllniveau, welches mit diesem Messsystem bestimmt wird, kann konstruktionsbedingt ungenau sein. Beispielsweise können Füllzustände aufgrund der Drehung der Trommel einer Waschmaschine als zu niedrig erkannt werden, wenn Luft in den Druckraum eingedrungen ist. Zu hoch erkannte Füllstände können auf eine fehlerhafte Kalibrierung des Drucksensors zurückzuführen sein, wenn beispielsweise die Kalibrierung bei einem nicht belüfteten Drucksystem stattgefunden hat.The level is often determined in a washing machine by means of a relatively high-resolution analog pressure sensor. The pressure sensor detects the resulting pressure of a sealed, air-filled tube immersed in the water level Pressure chamber, wherein the pressure is dependent on the filling level in the tub of the washing machine. The fill level determined with this measurement system may be inaccurate by design. For example, filling conditions due to the rotation of the drum of a washing machine can be detected as too low, when air has penetrated into the pressure chamber. Too high levels can be due to a faulty calibration of the pressure sensor, for example if the calibration was done on a non-ventilated pressure system.

Die von einem Drucksensor gemessenen Werte des hydrostatischen Druckes hängen von der jeweiligen Waschmaschine sowie von deren Aufstellbedingungen ab. Beispielsweise kann ein möglicher Schiefstand der Waschmaschine, d.h. eine Neigung der Waschmaschine von der Horizontalen, die Messung des hydrostatischen Druckes beeinflussen. Weitere Einflussfaktoren, die wiederum von einem möglichen Schiefstand der Waschmaschine beeinflusst, insbesondere verstärkt, sein können, sind Form und Abmessungen des Laugenbehälters sowie des Druckabschlusspunktes ("Luftfalle") des Drucksensors. Zudem gibt es gerätespezifische Eigenschaften, die sich durch den jeweils vorhandenen Antriebsmotor für die Trommel, Federn, Reibedämpfer usw. ergeben. Auch diese haben einen Einfluss auf das Verhalten des gesamten Schwingsystems, das im Allgemeinen den Laugenbehälter, die Trommel und den Antriebsmotor umfasst, und beeinflussen damit die Messung des hydrostatischen Druckes durch den Drucksensor. Daraus ergibt sich wiederum, dass der Einfluss auf die Messung des hydrostatischen Druckes abhängig ist von der Drehzahl und möglicherweise der Drehrichtung der Trommel sowie der Art und Menge von Wäschestücken in der Trommel. Schließlich variiert die Position des Schwingsystems in Abhängigkeit von der aktuellen Rastposition von üblicherweise verwendeten Reibdämpfern, die während eines Waschprozesses im Allgemeinen variiert, je nach Beladung, Wassermenge, Drehrichtung usw.The values of the hydrostatic pressure measured by a pressure sensor depend on the respective washing machine as well as on their installation conditions. For example, a possible skew of the washing machine, i. an inclination of the washing machine from the horizontal, affecting the measurement of hydrostatic pressure. Other influencing factors, which in turn can be influenced, in particular amplified, by a possible obliquity of the washing machine, are the shape and dimensions of the tub and of the pressure termination point ("air trap") of the pressure sensor. In addition, there are device-specific properties that result from the existing drive motor for the drum, springs, friction damper, etc. These also have an influence on the behavior of the entire oscillating system, which generally comprises the tub, the drum and the drive motor, and thus influence the measurement of the hydrostatic pressure by the pressure sensor. It follows, in turn, that the influence on the measurement of the hydrostatic pressure is dependent on the speed and possibly the direction of rotation of the drum and the type and amount of laundry in the drum. Finally, the position of the vibrating system varies depending on the current detent position of commonly used friction dampers, which generally varies during a washing process, depending on the load, amount of water, direction of rotation, etc.

Diese Faktoren haben einen Einfluss auf die Lage des Schwingsystems, so dass es zu Fehlern oder Ungenauigkeiten in der Interpretation des vom Drucksensor gemessenen Druckwertes kommen kann. Bislang werden die vorgenannten Einflussfaktoren bei der Messung des Wasserstandes nicht berücksichtigt. Um möglichst präzise und damit in Hinblick auf den Wasserstand aussagekräftige Werte des vom Drucksensor gemessenen hydrostatischen Druckes zu erhalten, wäre es wünschenswert, die Einwirkung dieser Einflussfaktoren nicht nur qualitativ sondern auch quantitativ zu ermitteln und die Messung der vom Drucksensor gemessenen Druckwerte entsprechend zu korrigieren.These factors have an influence on the position of the vibration system, so that errors or inaccuracies in the interpretation of the pressure value measured by the pressure sensor can occur. So far, the aforementioned influencing factors are not taken into account when measuring the water level. In order to obtain values of the hydrostatic pressure measured by the pressure sensor as precisely as possible and thus with regard to the water level, it would be desirable to have the effect of this Not only to determine influencing factors qualitatively but also quantitatively and to correct the measurement of the pressure values measured by the pressure sensor accordingly.

Die WO 2012/073200 A2 beschreibt eine Waschmaschine mit einem Wasserstandsensor sowie mit einem Beschleunigungssensor, welcher als Maß für die Schwingungen des Laugenbehälters oder der Trommel elektrische Signale zur Verfügung stellt. Über eine Berücksichtigung der gemessenen Schwingungen für die Wasserstandmessung sind keine Angaben gemacht.The WO 2012/073200 A2 describes a washing machine with a water level sensor and with an acceleration sensor, which provides electrical signals as a measure of the vibrations of the tub or the drum. About a consideration of the measured vibrations for the water level measurement, no information is provided.

Die US 2003/0037383 A1 beschreibt ein Haushaltsgerät mit einem Displaysystem zur Verwendung bei der Nivellierung des Haushaltsgerätes. Dazu beinhaltet das Gerät einen Beschleunigungssensor, um das Ausmaß einer Neigung des Gerätes zu bestimmen.The US 2003/0037383 A1 describes a home appliance with a display system for use in leveling the home appliance. For this, the device includes an acceleration sensor to determine the extent of inclination of the device.

Die DE 10 2009 028 772 A1 beschreibt ein wasserführendes Hausgerät, insbesondere Wäschebehandlungsgerät zum Waschen und/oder Trocknen von Wäsche, mit zumindest einem Gehäuse und einem in dem Gehäuse federnd aufgehängtem Behälter, wobei zumindest ein Dämpfer vorgesehen ist, der einerseits mit dem Gehäuse und andererseits mit dem Behälter verbunden ist, wobei ein Auslenkungssensor vorgesehen ist, der zumindest mittelbar zum Erfassen einer Auslenkung des Dämpfers dient und wobei eine Steuerung vorgesehen ist, die in einer Korrektur-Betriebsart einen von dem Auslenkungssensor erhaltenen Auslenkungswert, der auf der vom dem Auslenkungssensor erfassten Auslenkung des Dämpfers basiert, korrigiert.The DE 10 2009 028 772 A1 describes a water-conducting household appliance, in particular laundry treatment appliance for washing and / or drying laundry, with at least one housing and a resiliently suspended in the housing container, wherein at least one damper is provided, which is connected on the one hand to the housing and on the other hand with the container a deflection sensor is provided, which serves at least indirectly for detecting a deflection of the damper and wherein a control is provided which corrects a deflection value obtained by the deflection sensor, which is based on the displacement of the damper detected by the deflection sensor in a correction mode.

Die DE 10 2010 016 672 B3 beschreibt ein Verfahren zum Betreiben einer Waschmaschine mit einem Gehäuse und einem darin angeordneten Laugenbehälter zur Aufnahme von Waschflüssigkeit zum Behandeln von Wäsche, wobei innerhalb des Laugenbehälters eine Sensoranordnung zur Erfassung eines Wasserstandes (G) angeordnet ist, umfassend eine Initialphase, in der (a) eine vorbestimmte Menge Wasser in den Laugenbehälter eingelassen wird, und (b) anschließend anhand der Lage der erfassten Oberfläche des eingelassenen Wassers mittels der Sensoranordnung die Ausrichtung der Waschmaschine beurteilt wird, (c) wobei nach Erreichen der vorgegebenen Ausrichtung in die betriebsgemäße Aufstellposition der Maschine eine Mitteilung an den Benutzer erfolgt. Die Sensoren sind insbesondere Elektroden oder optische Mittel zur Erfassung der Wasseroberfläche.The DE 10 2010 016 672 B3 describes a method for operating a washing machine with a housing and a tub disposed therein for receiving washing liquid for treating laundry, wherein within the tub a sensor arrangement for detecting a water level (G) is arranged, comprising an initial phase, in which (a) a (b) the orientation of the washing machine is then judged on the basis of the position of the detected surface of the introduced water by means of the sensor arrangement, (c) wherein after reaching the predetermined orientation in the operating installation position of the machine a message to the user. The sensors are in particular electrodes or optical means for detecting the water surface.

Die WO 2012/084933 A1 beschreibt ein Haushaltsgerät zur Pflege von Wäschestücken mit einer im Betrieb schwingenden Vorrichtung, die einen Antriebsmotor, eine durch den Antriebsmotor antreibbare Schwingeinheit und eine Schalteinheit aufweist.The WO 2012/084933 A1 describes a household appliance for the care of laundry with an oscillating in operation device having a drive motor, a driven by the drive motor oscillating unit and a switching unit.

Die WO 2012/140140 A1 beschreibt eine Einrichtung mit einer im Betrieb schwingenden Vorrichtung eines Haushaltsgeräts, welche einen Antriebsmotor aufweist und eine durch den Antriebsmotor antreibbare Schwingeinheit umfasst, mit einer Schwingungsüberwachungseinheit, welche zumindest einen Beschleunigungssensor zur Überwachung des Schwingverhaltens der schwingenden Vorrichtung umfasst, wobei der zumindest eine Beschleunigungssensor am Antriebsmotor angeordnet ist.The WO 2012/140140 A1 describes a device with an oscillating in operation device of a household appliance, which has a drive motor and a drivable by the drive motor vibration unit comprising a vibration monitoring unit, which comprises at least one acceleration sensor for monitoring the vibration behavior of the vibrating device, wherein the at least one acceleration sensor arranged on the drive motor is.

Die WO 2013/092486 A1 beschreibt ein Haushaltsgerät zur Pflege von Wäschestücken, mit einer Trommel zur Aufnahme der Wäschestücke, und einem Gehäuse, in dem die Trommel mit einer Schwingvorrichtung gelagert ist, wobei die Schwingvorrichtung eine Einrichtung zur Erkennung eines Fehlerzustandes der Schwingvorrichtung aufweist, wobei die Einrichtung zumindest einen Beschleunigungssensor umfasst, mit welchem die Richtung der Erdbeschleunigung relativ zum Beschleunigungssensor messbar ist, und abhängig von dem Ergebnis ein Fehlerzustand der Schwingvorrichtung erkennbar ist.The WO 2013/092486 A1 describes a household appliance for the care of laundry, comprising a drum for receiving the laundry items, and a housing in which the drum is mounted with a vibrating device, wherein the oscillating device comprises means for detecting a fault condition of the oscillating device, wherein the device comprises at least one acceleration sensor , with which the direction of gravitational acceleration relative to the acceleration sensor is measurable, and depending on the result of a fault condition of the vibrating device is recognizable.

Die DE 199 46 245 A1 offenbart ein Verfahren zum Betrieb einer Waschmaschine nach dem Oberbegriff des Anspruchs 1 und eine Waschmaschine zur Durchführung eines solchen Verfahrens.The DE 199 46 245 A1 discloses a method of operating a washing machine according to the preamble of claim 1 and a washing machine for carrying out such a method.

Vor diesem Hintergrund war es Aufgabe der Erfindung, ein verbessertes Verfahren zur Messung des Wasserstandes in einer Waschmaschine mit einem Drucksensor bereitzustellen. Vorzugsweise soll die Wasserstandmessung an den aktuell vorliegenden Zustand der Waschmaschine, d.h. die Lage der Waschmaschine sowie gerätespezifische Eigenschaften, angepasst werden können und korrigiert werden können. Vorzugsweise soll es möglich sein, dass sich ein gemessener Druckwert und damit Wasserstand für eine verbesserte Vergleichbarkeit auf eine Standard-Systemlage, d.h. eine Standardlage von Waschmaschine sowie deren Schwingsystem, bezieht. Aufgabe der Erfindung war es außerdem, eine zur Durchführung dieses Verfahrens geeignete Waschmaschine aufzuzeigen.Against this background, it was an object of the invention to provide an improved method for measuring the water level in a washing machine with a pressure sensor. Preferably, the water level measurement to the current state of the washing machine, ie the location of the washing machine and device-specific properties, can be adjusted and can be corrected. Preferably, it should be possible for a measured pressure value and thus water level for improved comparability to a standard system location, ie, a standard situation of washing machine and its vibration system relates. The object of the invention was also to show a suitable for carrying out this method washing machine.

Erfindungsgemäß wird diese Aufgabe durch ein Verfahren und eine Waschmaschine gemäß den unabhängigen Patentansprüchen gelöst. Bevorzugte Ausgestaltungen der Erfindung sind in den jeweils abhängigen Patentansprüchen aufgeführt. Bevorzugten Ausgestaltungen des Verfahrens entsprechen bevorzugte Ausgestaltungen der Waschmaschine, auch wenn hierin darauf nicht jeweils gesondert hingewiesen wird.According to the invention, this object is achieved by a method and a washing machine according to the independent patent claims. Preferred embodiments of the invention are listed in the respective dependent claims. preferred Embodiments of the method correspond to preferred embodiments of the washing machine, even if it is not pointed out here separately.

Die Erfindung betrifft somit ein Verfahren zum Betrieb einer Waschmaschine mit einem Laugenbehälter, einer Trommel zur Aufnahme von Wäschestücken, einem Antriebsmotor für die Trommel, einem Drucksensor zur Bestimmung eines hydrostatischen Drucks p als Maß für eine Höhe einer im Laugenbehälter befindlichen wässrigen Flüssigkeit, einer Steuereinrichtung sowie mindestens einem Lagesensor zur Bestimmung einer Lage und eines Verhaltens eines Schwingsystems der Waschmaschine, welches den Laugenbehälter, die Trommel und den Antriebsmotor umfasst, während des Betriebes der Waschmaschine, wobei im Verfahren die folgenden Schritte durchgeführt werden:

  1. (a) Messung des hydrostatischen Drucks der wässrigen Flüssigkeit im Laugenbehälter mittels des Drucksensors;
  2. (b) Messen der Lage und des Verhaltens des Schwingsystems mit dem mindestens einen Lagesensor;
  3. (c) Weiterleitung der im Schritt (b) gemessenen Lagesensor-Signale an die Steuereinrichtung; und
  4. (d) Analyse der Lagesensor-Signale durch die Steuereinrichtung und Korrektur der im Schritt (a) gemessenen Druckwerte derart, dass sich die korrigierten Druckwerte auf eine vorgegebene Normlage des Schwingsystems beziehen.
The invention thus relates to a method for operating a washing machine with a tub, a drum for receiving laundry, a drive motor for the drum, a pressure sensor for determining a hydrostatic pressure p as a measure of a height of an aqueous liquid in the tub, a control device and at least one position sensor for determining a position and a behavior of a vibration system of the washing machine, which comprises the tub, the drum and the drive motor, during operation of the washing machine, wherein the following steps are performed in the method:
  1. (a) measuring the hydrostatic pressure of the aqueous liquid in the tub by means of the pressure sensor;
  2. (b) measuring the attitude and behavior of the vibrating system with the at least one position sensor;
  3. (c) forwarding the position sensor signals measured in step (b) to the control device; and
  4. (d) analysis of the position sensor signals by the control device and correction of the pressure values measured in step (a) such that the corrected pressure values relate to a predetermined standard position of the vibration system.

Hierbei bedeutet "Normlage des Schwingsystems" im Allgemeinen eine definierte Lage der Komponenten Laugenbehälter, Trommel und Antriebsmotor sowie vorzugsweise auch ein definiertes Verhalten des Schwingsystems in Abhängigkeit von der Drehzahl der Trommel.In this case, "standard position of the oscillating system" generally means a defined position of the components tub, drum and drive motor, and preferably also a defined behavior of the oscillating system as a function of the rotational speed of the drum.

Wenn hierin vom hydrostatischen Druck und seiner Bestimmung die Rede ist, ist insbesondere ein hydrostatischer Druck gemeint, bei dem ein Rauschen aufgrund der während einer Trommeldrehung stattfindenden Bewegungsvorgänge der Wäsche und/oder der wässrigen Flüssigkeit, insbesondere aufgrund von Schöpfvorgängen, die jeweils im Allgemeinen mit einer gewissen Periodizität stattfinden, durch eine geeignete, insbesondere elektronische Filtervorrichtung eliminiert ist.As used herein to refer to hydrostatic pressure and its determination, it is meant in particular a hydrostatic pressure in which noise due to the movement of the laundry and / or the aqueous liquid during a drum rotation, in particular due to scooping, each generally with a certain periodicity, is eliminated by a suitable, in particular electronic filter device.

In einer bevorzugten Ausführungsform des Verfahrens werden im Schritt (b) die Lage und das Verhalten des Schwingsystems bei stillstehender Trommel und/oder bei sich bewegender Trommel gemessen.In a preferred embodiment of the method, in step (b), the position and the behavior of the oscillating system are measured when the drum is stationary and / or the drum is moving.

Vorzugsweise sind in der Steuereinrichtung Laugenbehälter-Daten zu Form und Abmessungen des Laugenbehälters, Drucksensor-Daten zu Ausgestaltung und Position des Drucksensors sowie ein Zusammenhang zwischen den Laugenbehälter-Daten und den Drucksensor-Daten einerseits und den gemessenen Druckwerten andererseits hinterlegt, so dass die Bestimmung von korrigierten Druckwerten möglich ist. Beispielsweise kann die Form eines Laugenbehälters und/oder die Form oder Position eines Drucksensors derart sein, dass sich eine Neigung der Waschmaschine von der Horizontalen unterschiedlich stark auswirkt. Die Auswirkung kann dabei insbesondere auch von der Drehung der Trommel sowie einer Beladung der Trommel mit Wäschestücken und deren Verteilung, sowie von der Menge an Wasser, die ein zusätzlicher, das Gewicht und damit die Lage des Schwingsystems beeinflussender, Faktor ist, abhängig sein.Preferably, in the control device, tub data on the shape and dimensions of the tub, pressure sensor data on the design and position of the pressure sensor and a relationship between the tub container data and the pressure sensor data on the one hand and the measured pressure values on the other hand deposited so that the determination of corrected pressure values is possible. For example, the shape of a tub and / or the shape or position of a pressure sensor may be such that an inclination of the washing machine from the horizontal affects different degrees. The effect may in particular also be dependent on the rotation of the drum and a loading of the drum with laundry items and their distribution, as well as on the amount of water, which is an additional, the weight and thus the position of the vibrating system influencing factor.

Erfindungsgemäß ist es bevorzugt, dass der mindestens eine Lagesensor ein Beschleunigungs- oder ein Weg-Sensor ist. Dabei ist es mehr bevorzugt, dass der Lagesensor ein Beschleunigungs-Sensor ist. Es sind im Stand der Technik verschiedene Beschleunigungssensoren bekannt. Ein möglicher Beschleunigungssensor ist in der DE 101 39 388 A1 beschrieben. Solche Beschleunigungssensoren ermöglichen nicht nur die Bestimmung der Nivellierung der Waschmaschine, sondern auch die Wägung der in die Waschmaschine eingebrachten Wäscheladung und die Erkennung von Unwuchten.According to the invention, it is preferred that the at least one position sensor is an acceleration sensor or a displacement sensor. It is more preferable that the position sensor is an acceleration sensor. Various acceleration sensors are known in the prior art. A possible acceleration sensor is in the DE 101 39 388 A1 described. Such acceleration sensors not only allow the determination of the leveling of the washing machine, but also the weighing of the introduced into the washing machine laundry load and the detection of imbalances.

In einer bevorzugten Ausführungsform des erfindungsgemäßen Verfahrens werden mit dem Lagesensor für verschiedene Drehzahlen der Trommel und/oder Beladungen mit Wäschestücken Auslenkungen des Lagesensors gemessen und eine Bestimmung von korrigierten Druckwerten erfolgt durch eine Auswertung der Differenz zwischen gemessenen und in der Steuereinrichtung für die verschiedenen Drehzahlen hinterlegten Auslenkungen Lx, Ly und/oder Lz.In a preferred embodiment of the method according to the invention, deflections of the position sensor are measured with the position sensor for different rotational speeds of the drum and / or loads with laundry items and a determination of corrected pressure values is carried out by evaluating the difference between measured deflections and stored in the control device for the different speeds L x , L y and / or L z .

Erfindungsgemäß ist es bevorzugt, dass der Lagesensor mindestens zwei Achsen aufweist und im Schritt (b) die Auslenkungen in Richtung der Achsen des Lagesensors bestimmt und durch die Steuereinrichtung ausgewertet werden. Noch mehr bevorzugt weist der Lagesensor drei Achsen auf.According to the invention, it is preferred that the position sensor has at least two axes and in step (b) the deflections in the direction of the axes of the position sensor determined and evaluated by the controller. Even more preferably, the position sensor has three axes.

Ganz besonders bevorzugt wird erfindungsgemäß ein Lagesensor und insbesondere ein Beschleunigungssensor eingesetzt, der Auslenkungen in allen drei Raumrichtungen (x,y,z) erfassen kann. Vorzugsweise ist der Lagesensor so gewählt, dass mit dem Beschleunigungssensor oder dem Wegesensor für unterschiedliche Drehzahlen der Trommel für die drei möglichen Auslenkungsrichtungen (X-Y-Z) des Schwingsystems Auslenkungen, d.h. Wegesignale, errechnet und der Steuereinrichtung zur Auswertung zugeführt werden.According to the invention, it is very particularly preferable to use a position sensor and in particular an acceleration sensor which can detect deflections in all three spatial directions (x, y, z). Preferably, the position sensor is selected such that with the acceleration sensor or the displacement sensor for different rotational speeds of the drum for the three possible deflection directions (X-Y-Z) of the oscillating system deflections, i. Path signals, calculated and fed to the controller for evaluation.

Die vom Lagesensor gemessenen Auslenkungen während der Rotation der Trommel, d.h. das Schwingverhalten, kann periodisch oder aber unregelmäßig oder chaotisch sein, wobei sich diese Zustände beispielsweise durch einen Beschleunigungssensor sicher detektieren lassen.The deflections measured by the position sensor during rotation of the drum, i. the oscillatory behavior, may be periodic or irregular or chaotic, with these states can be detected safely for example by an acceleration sensor.

Eine Waschmaschine weist im Allgemeinen Dämpfer, z.B. Reibdämpfer, für die Bewegungen von Laugenbehälter und Trommel auf. In einer bevorzugten Ausführungsform, bei welcher der Lagesensor in einem Reibedämpfer der Waschmaschine angeordnet ist, werden die im Schritt (b) gemessenen Auslenkungen von der Steuereinrichtung in Hinblick auf eine Berücksichtigung der Stellung der Reibedämpfer ausgewertet.A washing machine generally has dampers, e.g. Friction damper, for the movements of tub and drum. In a preferred embodiment, in which the position sensor is arranged in a friction damper of the washing machine, the deflections measured in step (b) are evaluated by the control device with regard to taking into account the position of the friction damper.

Für die Korrektur der vom Drucksensor gemessenen Druckwerte sind einige Einflussfaktoren von besonderer Bedeutung, z.B. eine mögliche Neigung der Waschmaschine gegenüber der Horizontalen.For the correction of the pressure values measured by the pressure sensor, some influencing factors are of particular importance, e.g. a possible inclination of the washing machine relative to the horizontal.

In einer bevorzugten Ausführungsform des Verfahrens werden daher die im Schritt (b) gemessenen Auslenkungen von der Steuereinrichtung in Hinblick auf eine Neigung der Waschmaschine von der Horizontalen ausgewertet, wobei in der Steuereinrichtung für verschiedene Werte der Neigung Korrekturwerte für den vom Drucksensor im Schritt (a) gemessenen hydrostatischen Druck hinterlegt sind.In a preferred embodiment of the method, therefore, the deflections measured in step (b) are evaluated by the control device with respect to an inclination of the washing machine from the horizontal, wherein in the control device for different values of the inclination correction values for the pressure sensor in step (a) measured hydrostatic pressure are stored.

Bei dieser Ausführungsform kann der Lagesensor vorteilhaft zu einer Nivellierung der Waschmaschine herangezogen werden, wobei der Lagesensor auch beim Aufstellen der Waschmaschine nützlich ist, um dabei erstmals die Waschmaschine so aufzustellen, dass sie in beiden Richtungen in der Ebene waagerecht steht und sich nicht in einer oder in beiden Richtungen abgesenkt hat. Im letzteren Fall könnte beim Überschreiten von vorgegebenen, noch zulässigen Abweichungen ein Warnsignal erzeugt werden, beispielsweise mittels einer entsprechenden Anzeigevorrichtung, damit der Benutzer die Waschmaschine entsprechend neu nivelliert.In this embodiment, the position sensor can advantageously be used for leveling the washing machine, wherein the position sensor is also useful when setting up the washing machine in order to first set up the washing machine so that it is horizontal in both directions in the plane and not in one or lowered in both directions. In the latter case, a warning signal could be generated when exceeding predetermined, still permissible deviations, for example by means of a corresponding display device, so that the user levels the washing machine accordingly.

Bei einer weiteren bevorzugten Ausführungsform wird der Antriebsmotor von der Steuereinrichtung so betrieben, dass die Abweichungen der im Schritt (b) gemessenen Auslenkungen des Lagesensors von einem definierten Schwingungszustand des Schwingsystems einen vorgegebenen Wert Llim x,Llim y und/oder Llim z nicht überschreiten.In a further preferred embodiment, the drive motor is operated by the control device such that the deviations of the deflections of the position sensor measured in step (b) from a defined oscillation state of the oscillating system do not exceed a predetermined value L lim x , L lim y and / or L lim z exceed.

Erfindungsgemäß wird vorzugsweise bei einer von der Steuereinrichtung festgestellten Abweichung der im Schritt (b) gemessenen Auslenkungen des Lagesensors von einem vorgegebenen Wert Llim x, Llim y und/oder Llim z eine Fehlermeldung auf einer Anzeigevorrichtung angezeigt und/oder die Waschmaschine abgeschaltet.According to the invention, an error message is displayed on a display device and / or the washing machine is switched off by a predetermined value L lim x , L lim y and / or lim z when the deviation of the position sensor measured in step (b) is determined by the control device.

Die Erfindung ermöglicht somit zusätzlich auch die Auffindung von unzulässigen Betriebszuständen und gestattet es somit einem Benutzer, geeignete Gegenmaßnahmen zu ergreifen.The invention thus also makes it possible to detect inadmissible operating conditions and thus allows a user to take appropriate countermeasures.

Die Abweichung der im Schritt (b) gemessenen Auslenkungen des Lagesensors von einem vorgegebenen Wert kann verschiedene Ursachen haben. Beispielsweise können sie auf einen nicht ordnungsgemäßen Betrieb von Komponenten der Waschmaschine hinweisen, die sich in einer sehr störenden und möglicherweise die Waschmaschine schädigenden Unwucht äußern können. Eine weitere Möglichkeit ist eine ungleichmäßige Verteilung der Wäschestücke in der Trommel.The deviation of the deflections of the position sensor measured in step (b) from a predetermined value can have different causes. For example, they may indicate improper operation of components of the washing machine, which may manifest themselves in a very disturbing and possibly damaging the washing machine imbalance. Another possibility is an uneven distribution of the laundry items in the drum.

In einer bevorzugten Ausführungsform des erfindungsgemäßen Verfahrens wird daher bei einer von der Steuereinrichtung festgestellten Abweichung der im Schritt (b) gemessenen Auslenkungen des Lagesensors von einem vorgegebenen Wert L1 x < Llim x, L2 y < Llim y und/oder L3 z < Llim z ein Bewegungsprogramm zur Umverteilung der Wäschestücke durchgeführt. Dies kann insbesondere aus Bewegungen der Trommel für eine unterschiedliche Zeitdauer in unterschiedlicher Richtung (Reversieren) bestehen.In a preferred embodiment of the method according to the invention, therefore, with a deviation determined by the control device, the deflections of the position sensor measured in step (b) are of a predetermined value L 1 x <L lim x , L 2 y <L lim y and / or L 3 z <L lim z a movement program for the redistribution of Laundry items performed. This can in particular consist of movements of the drum for a different period of time in different directions (reversing).

In einer bevorzugten Ausführungsform des erfindungsgemäßen Verfahrens werden die im Schritt (b) gemessenen Auslenkungen des Lagesensors zur Bestimmung einer Beladungsmenge mit Wäschestücken herangezogen und die Korrektur der im Schritt (a) gemessenen Druckwerte des Drucksensors wird vorgenommen, indem die Beladungsmenge dadurch berücksichtigt wird, dass in der Steuereinrichtung Korrekturwerte für unterschiedliche Beladungsmengen hinterlegt sind.In a preferred embodiment of the method according to the invention, the deflections of the position sensor measured in step (b) are used to determine a loading amount of laundry items and the pressure values of the pressure sensor measured in step (a) are corrected by taking into account the loading quantity in that the control device correction values for different load quantities are stored.

Die Bestimmung der Beladungsmenge kann ergänzend oder alternativ durch Messung der Gewichtszunahme der Trommel aufgrund der Beladung mit Wäschestücken erfolgen oder aber durch Analyse des Saugverhaltens von Wasser, indem während einer Zugabe von Wasser zur trockenen Wäsche die Änderung des hydrostatischen Drucks analysiert wird. So kann beispielsweise im Verfahrensschritt (a) der mit Hilfe des Sensors gemessene hydrostatische Druck p mit der eingefüllten Wassermenge verglichen werden. Die in der Trommel befindliche Wäsche saugt Wasser auf. Das aufgesaugte Wasser kann nicht zu einer Erhöhung des hydrostatischen Drucks beitragen. Durch den Vergleich des gemessenen hydrostatischen Drucks p und der zugelaufenen Wassermenge - der absoluten Werte und deren zeitlicher Änderung - mit entsprechenden, in der Steuereinrichtung der Waschmaschine gespeicherten Werten für die Durchfeuchtung von Wäsche lässt sich die Beladungsmenge an Wäsche und ggf. deren Durchfeuchtungsgrad (Benetzungsgrad) ermitteln. Dabei ermöglicht die erfindungsgemäße Korrektur der vom Drucksensor gemessenen Druckwerte eine besonders genau steuerbare Benetzungsphase.The determination of the loading quantity can be carried out additionally or alternatively by measuring the weight increase of the drum due to the loading of laundry items or by analyzing the suction behavior of water by analyzing the change of the hydrostatic pressure during the addition of water to the dry laundry. For example, in method step (a), the hydrostatic pressure p measured with the aid of the sensor can be compared with the amount of water charged. The laundry in the drum absorbs water. The absorbed water can not contribute to an increase of the hydrostatic pressure. By comparing the measured hydrostatic pressure p and the accumulated amount of water - the absolute values and their temporal change - with corresponding values stored in the control device of the washing machine for the moistening of laundry, the loading amount of laundry and, if necessary, the degree of moisture penetration (wetting degree) determine. In this case, the correction according to the invention of the pressure values measured by the pressure sensor enables a particularly precisely controllable wetting phase.

Eine Waschphase schließt sich im Allgemeinen an eine Benetzungsphase an. Sofern einem Waschprogramm signalisiert wird, dass eine ausreichende Benetzung der Wäsche gegeben ist, indem beispielsweise ein vorgegebener Schwellenwert p1 für den hydrostatischen Druck p und ein vorgegebener Schwellenwert (Δp/Δt)1 für den zeitlichen Gradienten des hydrostatischen Druckes p erreicht sind, beginnt im Allgemeinen die Waschphase.A wash phase generally follows a wetting phase. If a washing program is signaled that sufficient wetting of the laundry is given, for example, by reaching a predetermined threshold value p 1 for the hydrostatic pressure p and a predetermined threshold value (Δp / Δt) 1 for the temporal gradient of the hydrostatic pressure p Generally the washing phase.

Gegenstand der Erfindung ist außerdem eine Waschmaschine mit einem Laugenbehälter, einer Trommel zur Aufnahme von Wäschestücken, einem Antriebsmotor für die Trommel, einem Drucksensor zur Bestimmung eines hydrostatischen Drucks p als Maß für eine Höhe einer im Laugenbehälter befindlichen wässrigen Flüssigkeit, einer Steuereinrichtung sowie mindestens einem Lagesensor zur Bestimmung einer Lage und eines Verhaltens eines Schwingsystems der Waschmaschine, welches den Laugenbehälter, die Trommel und den Antriebsmotor umfasst, während des Betriebes der Waschmaschine, wobei die Steuereinrichtung eingerichtet ist zur Durchführung eines Verfahrens, welches die folgenden Schritte umfasst:

  1. (a) Messung des hydrostatischen Drucks der wässrigen Flüssigkeit im Laugenbehälter mittels des Drucksensors;
  2. (b) Messen der Lage und des Verhaltens des Schwingsystems mit dem mindestens einen Lagesensor;
  3. (c) Weiterleitung der im Schritt (b) gemessenen Lagesensor-Signale an die Steuereinrichtung; und
  4. (d) Analyse der Lagesensor-Signale durch die Steuereinrichtung und Korrektur der im Schritt (a) gemessenen Druckwerte derart, dass sich die korrigierten Druckwerte auf eine vorgegebene Normlage des Schwingsystems beziehen.
The invention also relates to a washing machine with a tub, a drum for receiving laundry items, a drive motor for the drum, a pressure sensor for determining a hydrostatic pressure p as a measure of a height of an aqueous liquid in the tub, a control device and at least one position sensor for determining a position and a behavior of a vibration system of the washing machine, which comprises the tub, the drum and the drive motor, during the operation of the washing machine, wherein the control device is adapted to carry out a method comprising the following steps:
  1. (a) measuring the hydrostatic pressure of the aqueous liquid in the tub by means of the pressure sensor;
  2. (b) measuring the attitude and behavior of the vibrating system with the at least one position sensor;
  3. (c) forwarding the position sensor signals measured in step (b) to the control device; and
  4. (d) analysis of the position sensor signals by the control device and correction of the pressure values measured in step (a) such that the corrected pressure values relate to a predetermined standard position of the vibration system.

Bei der erfindungsgemäßen Waschmaschine ist der mindestens eine Lagesensor im Allgemeinen in oder am Antriebsmotor, an der Trommel, am Laugenbehälter, und/oder in einem Reibedämpfer und/oder einer Feder, mit welchen der Laugenbehälter im Allgemeinen am Gehäuse der Waschmaschine befestigt ist, angeordnet.In the washing machine according to the invention, the at least one position sensor is generally arranged in or on the drive motor, on the drum, on the tub, and / or in a friction damper and / or a spring, with which the tub is generally attached to the housing of the washing machine.

Eine hierin verwendete Waschmaschine weist im Allgemeinen auch eine Heizung sowie ein am Boden eines Laugenbehälters angeordnetes Laugenablaufsystem mit einer Laugenpumpe auf. Außerdem weist eine hierin verwendete Waschmaschine im Allgemeinen auch Wäschemitnehmer und/oder Schöpfvorrichtungen auf.A washing machine used herein generally also has a heater and a liquor drain system with a drain pump located at the bottom of a tub. In addition, a washing machine used herein also generally includes laundry drippers and / or scooping devices.

Der erfindungsgemäße Trockner weist vorzugsweise ein akustisches und/oder optisches Anzeigemittel zur Anzeige von einem oder mehreren Betriebszuständen auf. Ein optisches Anzeigemittel kann beispielsweise ein Flüssigkristalldisplay sein, auf dem bestimmte Aufforderungen oder Hinweise angegeben sind. Es können zudem oder alternativ Leuchtdioden in einer oder mehreren Farben aufleuchten.The dryer according to the invention preferably has an acoustic and / or optical display means for displaying one or more operating states. An optical display means may be, for example, a liquid crystal display on which certain prompts or hints are given. It may also or alternatively light LEDs in one or more colors light up.

Neben der Messung des hydrostatischen Druckes ist für eine optimale Gestaltung der Benetzungsphase häufig auch die Kenntnis der tatsächlich in den Laugenbehälter bzw. die Trommel eingefüllten Wassermenge von Bedeutung. Für die Ermittlung der eingefüllten Wassermenge kann eine Messvorrichtung vorhanden sein, beispielsweise eine Zeitmessvorrichtung zum Bestimmen des Öffnungszeitraums eines Zulaufventils für das Wasser oder eine Flüssigkeitsmengenmessvorrichtung zur Messung der eingefüllten Menge an Wasser.In addition to the measurement of the hydrostatic pressure is often important for an optimum design of the wetting phase, the knowledge of the actually filled into the tub or the drum amount of water. For the determination of the filled amount of water, a measuring device may be present, for example a time measuring device for determining the opening period of a feed valve for the water or a liquid amount measuring device for measuring the amount of water introduced.

Die Erfindung hat zahlreiche Vorteile. So ermöglicht sie eine erhöhte Genauigkeit der Messung des hydrostatischen Drucks in einem Waschprogramm, insbesondere einer Benetzungsphase. Dadurch können unterschiedliche Beladungen noch rascher und/oder genauer voneinander unterschieden werden. Durch eine genauere Unterscheidung von Beladungsmengen werden mögliche Verfahrensunsicherheiten verringert, so dass ein Waschprogramm optimaler durchgeführt werden kann. Dadurch können Wasser, Energie und Zeit eingespart werden.The invention has numerous advantages. Thus, it enables an increased accuracy of the measurement of the hydrostatic pressure in a washing program, in particular a wetting phase. As a result, different loads can be distinguished even faster and / or more precisely from each other. By more accurately differentiating load levels, possible procedural uncertainties are reduced, so that a washing program can be carried out more optimally. This can save water, energy and time.

Überdies ermöglicht es die Erfindung auch, dass ein zu starkes, unerwünschtes Schwingverhalten des Schwingsystems oder zumindest einer Komponente davon frühzeitig erkannt wird, so dass eine geeignete Gegenmaßnahme ergriffen werden kann, z.B. durch Abschaltung der Waschmaschine, Durchführung eines Wäscheumverteilungsschrittes.Moreover, the invention also makes it possible that an excessive, undesirable vibration behavior of the vibration system or at least a component thereof is detected early, so that a suitable countermeasure can be taken, e.g. by switching off the washing machine, performing a laundry redistribution step.

Die Erfindung ermöglicht es überdies, dass in Abhängigkeit von den beispielsweise durch einen Beschleunigungssensor ermittelten Beschleunigungen bzw. Auslenkungen aufgrund der Beladung oder der Unwucht eine Motordrehzahl so gesteuert werden kann, dass die Grenzen eines stabilen Betriebes der Waschmaschine im Hinblick auf ein unerwünschtes Schwingungsverhalten nicht überschritten werden.The invention also makes it possible that, depending on the accelerations or deflections determined for example by an acceleration sensor due to the load or imbalance, an engine speed can be controlled such that the limits of stable operation of the washing machine are not exceeded in view of an undesirable vibration behavior ,

Darüber hinaus wird es möglich, dass die Beladung des Schwingsystems, insbesondere einer Trommel mit Wäschestücken, neu verteilt wird, um die Benetzungsphase zu optimieren und insbesondere eine gleichmäßige Benetzung der Wäschestücke zu erreichen. Außerdem kann eine Unwucht vermieden oder verringert werden. Die mechanischen Beschleunigungen können durch eine geeignete Ansteuerung des Antriebsmotors und von weiteren Komponenten des Schwingsystems so eingestellt werden, dass keine größeren Schwingungen auftreten.Moreover, it becomes possible that the loading of the oscillating system, in particular a drum with laundry items, redistributed in order to optimize the wetting phase and in particular to achieve a uniform wetting of the laundry items. In addition, an imbalance can be avoided or reduced. The mechanical accelerations can be achieved by a suitable control of the Drive motor and be adjusted by other components of the vibration system so that no major vibrations occur.

Damit ermöglicht es die Erfindung insbesondere für Phasen in einem Waschprozess, in denen es auf eine genaue Bestimmung des Wasserstandes ankommt, dass die Steuerung der Waschmaschine und insbesondere von deren Antriebsmotor so erfolgen kann, dass die Abweichungen von einem definierten Schwingungsverhalten, d.h. Auslenkungen, einen vorgegebenen Wert nicht überschreiten. Dieser vorgegebene Wert wird dabei im Allgemeinen so festgelegt, dass eine Beeinflussung der gemessenen Druckwerte des Drucksensors möglichst gering ist.Thus, the invention makes it possible in particular for phases in a washing process in which it depends on an accurate determination of the water level that the control of the washing machine and in particular of its drive motor can be such that the deviations from a defined vibration behavior, i. Deflections, do not exceed a given value. This predetermined value is generally determined so that influencing the measured pressure values of the pressure sensor is as low as possible.

Die Erfindung hat schließlich den Vorteil, dass in unterschiedlichen Phasen (z.B. Waschphase, Spülphase) eines Waschprogramms generell unzulässige Betriebszustände der Waschmaschine auf einfache und sichere Weise unter Benutzung eines Drucksensors noch präziser festgestellt werden können. Hierauf können je nach vorliegendem unzulässigem Betriebszustand geeignete Abhilfemaßnahmen ergriffen werden (z.B. Zufuhr oder Abpumpen von wässriger Flüssigkeit).Finally, the invention has the advantage that in different phases (for example washing phase, rinsing phase) of a washing program, generally unacceptable operating states of the washing machine can be ascertained even more precisely in a simple and reliable manner using a pressure sensor. This may be followed by appropriate remedial action (e.g., delivery or pumping of aqueous humor) depending on the present improper operating condition.

Die Erfindung wird im Folgenden anhand der in den Figuren 1 und 2 gezeigten nicht einschränkenden Ausführungsformen illustriert.

  • Fig. 1 ist eine schematische Darstellung der für die Erfindung relevanten Teile einer ersten Ausführungsform einer erfindungsgemäßen Waschmaschine, in der ein erfindungsgemäßes Verfahren durchgeführt werden kann.
  • Fig. 2 zeigt eine Waschmaschine in einer auszugsweisen, schematischen Darstellung entsprechend einer zweiten Ausführungsform.
The invention will be described below with reference to the in the FIGS. 1 and 2 illustrated non-limiting embodiments.
  • Fig. 1 is a schematic representation of the relevant parts of the invention for a first embodiment of a washing machine according to the invention, in which a method according to the invention can be carried out.
  • Fig. 2 shows a washing machine in a partial, schematic representation according to a second embodiment.

Die Waschmaschine 1 der in Figur 1 gezeigten ersten Ausführungsform weist einen Laugenbehälter 2 auf, in dem eine Trommel 3 drehbar gelagert und durch den Antriebsmotor 5 antreibbar ist. Für eine verbesserte Ergonomie ist die Drehachse 19 der Trommel 3 aus der Horizontalen um einen kleinen Winkel (z.B. 13°) nach vorne oben gerichtet, so dass der Benutzer der Waschmaschine 1 einen leichteren Zugang und Einblick in das Innere der Trommel 3 hat. Durch diese Anordnung wird im Zusammenwirken mit besonders geformten Wäschemitnehmern 24 und Schöpfeinrichtungen 17 für die Waschlauge an der Innenfläche des Trommelmantels außerdem auch eine Intensivierung der Durchflutung der Wäschestücke 4 mit Waschlauge und eine Verminderung der freien Flotte 7 erreicht, welche diejenige Menge an Waschlauge im Laugenbehälter 1 bezeichnet, die durch die gesättigten Wäschestücke 7 nicht mehr aufgenommen werden kann (im Wesentlichen unterhalb des tiefsten Punktes der Trommel 2).The washing machine 1 of in FIG. 1 shown first embodiment has a tub 2, in which a drum 3 is rotatably mounted and driven by the drive motor 5. For improved ergonomics, the axis of rotation 19 of the drum 3 is directed from the horizontal by a small angle (eg 13 °) forwardly upwards, so that the user of the washing machine 1 has easier access and insight into the interior of the drum 3. This arrangement is in Cooperation with specially shaped Wäschemitnehmern 24 and 17 scooping devices for the wash liquor on the inner surface of the drum shell also achieved an intensification of the flow of laundry items 4 with wash liquor and a reduction of the free liquor 7, which denotes the amount of wash liquor in the tub 1, through the saturated laundry items 7 can no longer be received (essentially below the lowest point of the drum 2).

Die Waschmaschine 1 weist zudem ein Laugenzulaufsystem auf, das eine Wasseranschlussarmatur für das Hauswassernetz 20, ein elektrisch steuerbares Ventil 21 und eine Zuleitung 23 zum Laugenbehälter 2 umfasst, die gegebenenfalls auch über eine Waschmitteleinspülschale 22 geführt sein kann, aus der das zulaufende Wasser Waschmittelportionen in den Laugenbehälter 2 transportieren kann. Außerdem befindet sich im Laugenbehälter 2 eine Heizeinrichtung 16 zur Erwärmung von Wasser oder Waschlauge. Das Ventil 21 wie auch die Heizeinrichtung 16 können durch eine Steuereinrichtung 8 in Abhängigkeit von einem Programmablaufplan gesteuert werden, der an ein Zeitprogramm und/oder an das Erreichen von gewissen Messwerten von Parametern wie Laugenniveau, Laugentemperatur, Drehzahl der Trommel usw. innerhalb der Waschmaschine 1 gebunden sein kann.The washing machine 1 also has a liquor inlet system comprising a water connection fitting for the domestic water network 20, an electrically controllable valve 21 and a supply line 23 to the tub 2, which may optionally also be guided via a Waschmitteleinspülschale 22, from the incoming water detergent portions in the Lye container 2 can transport. In addition, in the tub 2, a heater 16 for heating water or wash liquor. The valve 21 as well as the heater 16 may be controlled by a controller 8 in response to a program schedule associated with timing and / or achieving certain measurements of parameters such as liquor level, liquor temperature, drum speed, etc. within the washing machine 1 can be bound.

6 bedeutet einen Drucksensor, d.h. einen Sensor für die Messung des hydrostatischen Druckes, im Laugenbehälter 2. Der hydrostatische Druck p ergibt sich aus dem Füllstand der sich im Laugenbehälter 2 ausbildenden freien Flotte 7. Darüber hinaus umfasst die Waschmaschine 1 eine Messeinrichtung 25 zum Ermitteln der eingefüllten Wassermenge. Sie kann beispielsweise als ein Wassermengenzähler oder als ein Durchflussmesser ausgebildet sein. Im Falle einen Durchflussmessers wird die eingeflossene Wassermenge in Verbindung mit einer erfassten Füllzeit berechnet. Der Durchfluss kann auch durch Messung der Zeit bis zum Erreichen einer vorgegeben Niveauhöhe, die einer bestimmten festen Wassermenge entspricht, bestimmt werden. 18 bedeutet eine Laugenpumpe zum Abpumpen der Waschlauge 7.6 indicates a pressure sensor, i. The hydrostatic pressure p results from the level of the forming in the tub 2 free fleet 7. In addition, the washing machine 1 comprises a measuring device 25 for determining the amount of water filled. It can be designed, for example, as a water meter or as a flowmeter. In the case of a flow meter, the amount of water flowed in is calculated in conjunction with a detected filling time. The flow can also be determined by measuring the time to reach a given level height, which corresponds to a certain fixed amount of water. 18 means a drain pump for pumping off the wash liquor 7.

In Fig. 1 bezeichnet 9 einen Lagesensor, der hier als Beschleunigungssensor ausgebildet und am Laugenbehälter 2 angeordnet ist. Zur Ausführung des erfindungsgemäßen Verfahrens werden die Signale von Antriebsmotor 5, Drucksensor 6, Beschleunigungssensor 9 und ggf. der Messeinrichtung 25 der Steuereinrichtung 8 zugeführt. Die Steuereinrichtung 8 führt dann wie hierin beschrieben eine Korrektur der vom Drucksensor 6 gemessenen Druckwerte anhand der vom Beschleunigungssensor 9 gemessenen Auslenkungen, hier in den drei unterschiedlichen Richtungen x, y und z, durch.

  • 11 bedeutet eine Anzeigevorrichtung, mit der Verfahrensparameter, aber insbesondere auch durch den Beschleunigungssensor 9 ermittelte Eigenschaften des Schwingsystems 2,3,5 angezeigt werden können, insbesondere auch unzulässige Betriebszustände.
In Fig. 1 9 denotes a position sensor, which is designed here as an acceleration sensor and arranged on the tub 2. For carrying out the method according to the invention, the signals from drive motor 5, pressure sensor 6, Acceleration sensor 9 and possibly the measuring device 25 of the control device 8 supplied. As described herein, the control device 8 then carries out a correction of the pressure values measured by the pressure sensor 6 on the basis of the deflections measured by the acceleration sensor 9, here in the three different directions x, y and z.
  • 11 means a display device with which process parameters, but in particular also properties detected by the acceleration sensor 9 of the oscillating system 2, 3, 5 can be displayed, in particular also impermissible operating states.

Fig. 2 zeigt eine Waschmaschine in einer auszugsweisen, schematischen Darstellung entsprechend einer zweiten Ausführungsform. Die Waschmaschine 1 weist ein Gehäuse 13 mit einer Bodenplatte 14 und einer Deckplatte 15 auf. In dem Gehäuse 13 ist ein Laugenbehälter 2 angeordnet, in dem wiederum eine Trommel 3 zur Aufnahme von hier nicht gezeigten Wäschestücken platziert ist. Der Laugenbehälter 2 ist über Federn 12 im Bereich der Deckplatte 15 aufgehängt. Ferner sind Dämpfer 10, hier Reibedämpfer, vorhanden, über die der Laugenbehälter 2 im Bereich der Bodenplatte 15 an dem Gehäuse 13 abgestützt ist. Die Dämpfer 10 können hierbei sowohl auf Druck als auch auf Zug belastet werden. Die Dämpfer 10 dämpfen dabei eine Bewegung des Laugenbehälters 2 relativ zu dem Gehäuse 13. Fig. 2 shows a washing machine in a partial, schematic representation according to a second embodiment. The washing machine 1 has a housing 13 with a bottom plate 14 and a cover plate 15. In the housing 13, a tub 2 is arranged, in which in turn a drum 3 is placed for receiving laundry items not shown here. The tub 2 is suspended by springs 12 in the region of the cover plate 15. Further, damper 10, here friction damper, available, via which the tub 2 is supported in the region of the bottom plate 15 on the housing 13. The dampers 10 can in this case be charged both on pressure and on train. The dampers 10 dampen a movement of the tub 2 relative to the housing 13.

In der Waschmaschine 1 sind als Lagesensoren zwei Beschleunigungssensoren 9 angeordnet, wovon einer am Reibedämpfer 10 angebracht ist und der zweite am Boden des Laugenbehälters 2. Zur Messung des Wasserstands ist im Laugenbehälter 2 ein Drucksensor 5 vorhanden. Eine Steuereinrichtung 8 erfasst die vom Drucksensor 5 gemessenen Druckwerte sowie die von den Beschleunigungssensoren 9 im Schritt (b) des erfindungsgemäßen Verfahrens gemessenen Auslenkungen, hier ebenfalls in drei Richtungen. Anschließend wird in der Steuereinrichtung 8 anhand der gemessenen Auslenkungen eine Korrektur der gemessenen Druckwerte durchgeführt.In the washing machine 1, two acceleration sensors 9 are arranged as position sensors, one of which is attached to the friction damper 10 and the second at the bottom of the tub 2. To measure the water level in the tub 2, a pressure sensor 5 is present. A control device 8 detects the pressure values measured by the pressure sensor 5 and the deflections measured by the acceleration sensors 9 in step (b) of the method according to the invention, here likewise in three directions. Subsequently, a correction of the measured pressure values is carried out in the control device 8 on the basis of the measured deflections.

Werden Wäschestücke in die Waschmaschine 1 eingefüllt, wird die Trommel 3 in Richtung auf die Bodenplatte 14 belastet. Dadurch werden die Federn 12 gedehnt und die Reibedämpfer 12 auf Druck belastet. Die Richtung der Kraft F ist durch einen Pfeil angezeigt.If items of laundry are filled into the washing machine 1, the drum 3 is loaded in the direction of the bottom plate 14. As a result, the springs 12 are stretched and the friction damper 12 loaded on pressure. The direction of the force F is indicated by an arrow.

BezugszeichenlisteLIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

11
WaschmaschineWashing machine
22
Laugenbehältertub
33
Trommeldrum
44
Wäschestückelaundry
55
Antriebsmotordrive motor
66
Drucksensorpressure sensor
77
wässrige Flüssigkeit, freie Flotte, Waschlaugeaqueous liquid, free liquor, wash liquor
88th
Steuereinrichtungcontrol device
99
Lagensensor, z.B. Beschleunigungssensor oder WegesensorLayer sensor, e.g. Acceleration sensor or travel sensor
1010
Reibedämpfergrater damper
1111
Anzeigevorrichtungdisplay device
1212
Federnfeathers
1313
Gehäusecasing
1414
Bodenplattebaseplate
1515
Deckplattecover plate
1616
Heizeinrichtungheater
1717
Mitnehmer mit SchöpfeinrichtungCarrier with scooping device
1818
Pumpe, LaugenpumpePump, drain pump
1919
Drehachseaxis of rotation
2020
Wasserzuleitung, HauswassernetzWater supply, domestic water network
2121
(elektrisch steuerbares) Ventil(electrically controllable) valve
2222
(Waschmittel)Einspülschale(Detergent) dispensing shell
2323
Zuleitung zum LaugenbehälterSupply line to the tub
2424
Wäschemitnehmerlaundry agitator
2525
Messvorrichtung zum Ermitteln der eingefüllten WassermengeMeasuring device for determining the amount of water filled

Claims (15)

  1. Method for operating a washing machine (1) having an outer tub (2), a drum (3) for receiving items to be washed (4), a drive motor (5) for the drum (3), a pressure sensor (6) for determining a hydrostatic pressure p as a measure of a level of an aqueous liquid (7) located in the outer tub (2), a control facility (8) and at least one position sensor (9) for determining a position and a behaviour of an oscillating system (2, 3, 5) of the washing machine (1), which comprises the outer tub (2), the drum (3) and the drive motor (5), during the operation of the washing machine (1), in which the following steps are carried out:
    (a) measuring the hydrostatic pressure of the aqueous liquid (7) in the outer tub (2) using the pressure sensor (6);
    (b) measuring the position and behaviour of the oscillating system (2, 3, 5) with the at least one position sensor (9);
    (c) forwarding the position sensor signals measured in step (b) to the control facility (8); and
    (d) analysing the position sensor signals by means of the control facility (8)
    characterised in that
    in step (d) a correction of the pressure values measured in step (a) is carried out such that the corrected pressure values relate to a predetermined normal position of the oscillating system (2, 3, 5).
  2. Method according to claim 1, characterised in that in step (b) the position and the behaviour of the oscillating system (2, 3, 4) are measured when the drum (3) is stationary and/or when the drum (3) is moving.
  3. Method according to claim 1 or 2, characterised in that stored in the control facility (8) are outer tub data relating to the shape and dimensions of the outer tub (2), pressure sensor data relating to the design and position of the pressure sensor (6) and a relationship between the outer tub data and the pressure sensor data on the one hand and the measured pressure values on the other hand, so that the determination of corrected pressure values is possible.
  4. Method according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterised in that the at least one position sensor (9) is an acceleration and/or a displacement sensor.
  5. Method according to claim 4, characterised in that the position sensor (9) is an acceleration sensor.
  6. Method according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterised in that deflections of the position sensor (9) are measured with the position sensor (9) for various rotational speeds of the drum (3) and/or load quantities with items of laundry (4) and a determination of corrected pressure values is carried out by evaluating the difference between measured deflections and deflections Lx, Ly and/or Lz stored in the control facility (8) for the various rotational speeds.
  7. Method according to claim 6, characterised in that the position sensor (9) has at least two axes and in step (b) the deflections in the direction of the axes of the position sensor (9) are determined and evaluated by the control facility (8).
  8. Method according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterised in that the position sensor (9) is arranged in a frictional damper (10) of the washing machine (1) and the deflections measured in step (b) are evaluated by the control device (8) to take into account the position of the frictional dampers (10).
  9. Method according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterised in that the deflections measured in step (b) are evaluated by the control facility (8) with respect to an inclination of the washing machine (1) from the horizontal, wherein stored in the control facility (8) for various values of the inclination are correction values for the hydrostatic pressure measured by the pressure sensor (6) in step (a).
  10. Method according to one of claims 1 to 9, characterised in that the drive motor (5) is operated by the control facility (8) such that the deviations in the deflections of the position sensor (9), measured in step (b), from a defined oscillating state of the oscillating system (2, 3, 5) do not exceed a predetermined value Llimx, Llimy and/or Llimz.
  11. Method according to one of claims 1 to 9, characterised in that with a deviation of the deflections of the position sensor (9), measured in step (b) and determined by the control facility (8), from a predetermined value Llimx, Llimy and/or Llimz, an error message is displayed on a display apparatus (11) and/or the washing machine (1) is switched off.
  12. Method according to one of claims 1 to 9, characterised in that with a deviation, determined by the control facility (8), of the deflections of the position sensor (9), measured in step b, from a predetermined value L1x<Llimx, L2y<Llimy and/or L3z<Llimz, a movement program for redistributing the items of laundry (4) is carried out.
  13. Method according to one of claims 1 to 10, characterised in that the deflections of the position sensor (9), measured in step (b), are used to determine a load quantity with items of laundry (4), and the correction of the pressure values of the pressure senor (6) measured in step (a) is carried out by the load quantity being taken into account such that correction values for different load quantities are stored in the control facility (8).
  14. Washing machine (1) with an outer tub (2), a drum (3) for receiving items of laundry (4), a drive motor (5) for the drum (3), a pressure sensor (6) for determining a hydrostatic pressure p as a measure of a level of an aqueous liquid (7) located in the outer tub (2), a control facility (8) and at least one position sensor (9) for determining a position and a behaviour of an oscillating system (2, 3, 5) of the washing machine (1), which comprises the outer tub (2), the drum (3) and the drive motor (5), during operation of the washing machine (1), wherein the control facility (8) is configured to carry out a method, which comprises the following steps:
    (a) measuring the hydrostatic pressure of the aqueous liquid (7) in the outer tub (2) by means of the pressure sensor (6);
    (b) measuring the position and behaviour of the oscillating system (2, 3, 5) with the at least one position sensor (9);
    (c) forwarding the position sensor signals, measured in step (b), to the control facility 8); and
    (d) analysing the position sensor signals by means of the control facility (8)
    characterised in that
    a correction of the pressure values measured in step (a) is carried out such that the corrected pressure values relate to a predetermined normal position of the oscillating system (2, 3, 5).
  15. Washing machine according to claim 14, characterised in that the at least one position sensor (9) is arranged in or on the drive motor (5), on the drum (3), on the outer tub (2) and/or in a frictional damper (10) and/or on a spring (12) with which the outer tub (2) is fastened to the housing (13) of the washing machine (1).
EP15756413.9A 2014-09-08 2015-08-31 Method for operating a washing machine having a pressure sensor and washing machine suitable therefor Active EP3191637B1 (en)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
PL15756413T PL3191637T3 (en) 2014-09-08 2015-08-31 Method for operating a washing machine having a pressure sensor and washing machine suitable therefor

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
DE102014217943.2A DE102014217943A1 (en) 2014-09-08 2014-09-08 Method for operating a washing machine with a pressure sensor and suitable for this purpose washing machine
PCT/EP2015/069828 WO2016037877A1 (en) 2014-09-08 2015-08-31 Method for operating a washing machine having a pressure sensor and washing machine suitable therefor

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP3191637A1 EP3191637A1 (en) 2017-07-19
EP3191637B1 true EP3191637B1 (en) 2018-10-10

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EP15756413.9A Active EP3191637B1 (en) 2014-09-08 2015-08-31 Method for operating a washing machine having a pressure sensor and washing machine suitable therefor

Country Status (7)

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EP (1) EP3191637B1 (en)
CN (1) CN106687639B (en)
DE (1) DE102014217943A1 (en)
ES (1) ES2699384T3 (en)
PL (1) PL3191637T3 (en)
TR (1) TR201816476T4 (en)
WO (1) WO2016037877A1 (en)

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Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
DE102016225146B3 (en) 2016-12-15 2018-05-03 BSH Hausgeräte GmbH Laundry care device with a controller
DE102017211571A1 (en) * 2017-07-06 2019-01-10 BSH Hausgeräte GmbH A method for operating a water-conducting household appliance with improved determination of an idling load of a pump and household appliance therefor

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DE10139388A1 (en) 2001-08-10 2003-02-27 Bsh Bosch Siemens Hausgeraete Laundry treatment device with unbalance monitoring, with detection of the level or with detection of the load
US6654975B2 (en) 2001-08-24 2003-12-02 Maytag Corporation Appliance incorporating leveling display system
DE102007057331A1 (en) * 2007-11-28 2009-06-04 BSH Bosch und Siemens Hausgeräte GmbH Method and device for determining the optimum rotational speed of the drum of a laundry treatment device
DE102008013557A1 (en) * 2008-03-11 2009-09-17 BSH Bosch und Siemens Hausgeräte GmbH Laundry treatment device with a drum and a sensor and method for its operation
DE102009028772A1 (en) 2009-08-21 2011-02-24 BSH Bosch und Siemens Hausgeräte GmbH Water-bearing household appliance, particularly laundry operating device for washing or drying laundry, has housing and container that is mounted elastically in housing
DE102010016672B3 (en) 2010-04-28 2011-05-05 Miele & Cie. Kg Method for operating washing machine, particularly front loading horizontal axis washing machine, involves inserting predetermined amount of water in suds container
IT1403157B1 (en) 2010-12-01 2013-10-04 Elbi Int Spa MACHINE WASHING MACHINE WITH DETECTION OF THE VIBRATIONS OF THE BATH OR WASHING CHAMBER.
DE102010063945A1 (en) 2010-12-22 2012-06-28 BSH Bosch und Siemens Hausgeräte GmbH Switching unit for switching a drive motor of a vibrating device, device for a household appliance and household appliance
DE102011007515A1 (en) 2011-04-15 2012-10-18 BSH Bosch und Siemens Hausgeräte GmbH Device for monitoring an operating device of a household appliance, domestic appliance for the care of laundry items and method for operating a household appliance
DE102011089624A1 (en) * 2011-12-22 2013-06-27 BSH Bosch und Siemens Hausgeräte GmbH Household appliance for the care of laundry items and method for determining a fault condition of a vibrating device of a household appliance
DE102012112199B4 (en) * 2012-12-13 2016-01-14 Miele & Cie. Kg Laundry treatment machine, in particular tumble dryer

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Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
DE102014217943A1 (en) 2016-03-10
PL3191637T3 (en) 2019-03-29
TR201816476T4 (en) 2018-11-21
ES2699384T3 (en) 2019-02-11
CN106687639B (en) 2019-02-15
WO2016037877A1 (en) 2016-03-17
CN106687639A (en) 2017-05-17
EP3191637A1 (en) 2017-07-19

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