EP3293298A1 - Method for operating a washing machine or a drying machine with improved control, as well as appropriate washing machine or dryer - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a method for operating a washing machine 1 or a washer-dryer with a tub 2, a drum 3 arranged in the tub 2 for receiving items of laundry 22 to which a treatment liquid is applied, at least one spectrometer 21, 37, comprising an evaluation unit 7, at least one radiation source 5 and at least one radiation detector 6, a control device 16, a display device 18 and a dosing unit for dosing treatment agent 8, comprising at least one treatment agent container 12, 13, 14, the treatment agent containing at least enzymes and/or bleach as treatment agent components and that Procedure includes the following steps: (a1) Measurement of dry or damp laundry items 22 in the drum 3 with the at least one spectrometer 21, 37, in that the at least one radiation source 5 emits radiation in at least one wavelength range from »1 to »2 in at least one time interval t, so that the items of laundry 22 are acted upon with it, and the at least one radiation detector 6 registers the radiation reflected and/or transmitted by the items of laundry 22 as a measurement signal; and or (a2) Measurement of the treatment liquid with the at least one spectrometer 21, 37, in that the at least one radiation source 5 emits radiation in at least one wavelength range from »1 to »2 in at least one time interval t, so that at least part of the treatment liquid is is acted upon, and the at least one radiation detector 6 registers the radiation transmitted and/or reflected by the treatment liquid as a measurement signal; (b) transmission of the measurement signal(s) obtained in step (a1) and/or (a2) to the evaluation unit 7 and evaluation of the measurement signal(s) with an evaluation routine stored in the evaluation unit 7 with regard to a recommended setting for at least one treatment parameter BP; and (c) transmission of the measurement signal(s) evaluated in step (b) to the control device 16 and outputting the recommended setting for the at least one treatment parameter BP to a user via the display device 18 and/or executing the recommended setting for the at least one treatment parameter BP; in which steps (a1) and/or (a2) to (c) are carried out once or more. The invention also relates to a washing machine or washer-dryer suitable for carrying out the method.

Description

The invention relates to a method for operating a washing machine or a washer dryer with a tub, arranged in the tub drum for receiving laundry, which are acted upon for treatment with a treatment liquid, at least one spectrometer, comprising an evaluation, at least one radiation source and at least one radiation detector , a control device, a display device and a metering unit for metering treatment agent, comprising at least one treatment agent container. The invention also relates to a washing machine suitable for carrying out the method or a suitable washer-dryer.

A common problem with washing processes is that especially stubborn soiling can often not be properly removed from laundry. In a wash load are usually laundry items that have a variety of contaminants. Each pollution actually requires an individual treatment in order to be able to be removed as completely and efficiently as possible.

Treating agents, such as heavy-duty detergents or color detergents, cope with this situation by providing a cross-section of treatment components that approximates any type of soiling on common textiles. But the result can be just enough dirt removal. Persistent stains such as those caused by red wine, soot, blood, cocoa, sebum or egg yolk can usually not completely remove even the best performance detergents when used in the currently common household washing machines or washer-dryers. Especially not when it comes to sensitive textiles.

It would therefore be desirable if, already at the start of a wash program, the optimum treatment parameters for the respective individual wash load could be determined with regard to the contaminants present therein, in particular also the amount and composition of the detergent components.

Methods for the determination of contamination are already known.

This is how the publication describes DE 198 06 560 B4 a method for washing and / or rinsing laundry in washing machines, in which light or radiation is radiated into the washing or rinsing liquor for at least one narrow band wavelength range within a band slightly wider than that of the visible light, preferably one wavelength the amount of light is detected or detected at a certain angle emerging again radiation. Based on this, the type and concentration of the ingredients of the washing or rinsing liquor are determined and the washing or rinsing process is optimized on the basis of these determined data of the ingredients, whereby the amount of light transmitted by the washing or rinsing liquor in a substantially straight direction is determined, and depending on the amount of emitted light, the concentration of at least one ingredient is determined, wherein light is emitted in the narrow-band wavelength range or in the narrow-band wavelength ranges, in which or at least one ingredient of the washing or rinsing liquor, the nature and Concentration to be determined, leading to a pronounced attenuation and / or scattering of the transmitted light.

The publication EP 1 595 137 B1 describes a method for in situ determination and monitoring of contaminant states of liquids and / or in addition to controlling liquid levels with at least two light sources and a spectrometer or similar optoelectronic receiver on a riser or bypass, wherein the emission spectrum of the light sources modified by the liquid and / or by the contaminants intentionally or unconsciously introduced into the liquid is evaluated. The light sources include a white light emitting diode, and in addition to an infrared or ultraviolet radiation emitting semiconductor injection diode, the white light emitting diode having an injection luminescence and a photoluminescence, their intensities within a selected flow range, in particular in the range of the flow currents from 0.1 mA to 100 mA, have a proportionality that is sufficiently accurate. The radiations of the light sources, after passing through the liquid, are transferred from an optical waveguide or an optical fiber into the spectrometer or the like optoelectronic receiver, and the modification of the transmitted and scattered radiation of the light sources becomes dependent on the on and off state of the light sources and Evaluated dependence of the position of the light sources.

The publication DE 103 60 563 A1 describes a method for determining the contamination state of liquids, preferably in containers (flow tubes or risers) or in the container of containers, wherein the bands of a white light emitting diode in transmission and scattering direction or in addition an ultraviolet light emitting diode or in addition an infrared light emitting diode, using of selective filters individually with an integral receiver depending on the state of contamination of the liquid.

The publication DE 197 56 515 A1 describes a method for determining the color of goods to be treated in washing machines, in which these goods are irradiated with light having at least one narrow band, substantially monochromatic spectral component of varying wavelength, and the strength of the light reflected from the goods is measured, and is determined by at least two different wavelengths of the emitted spectral components and the respectively measured reflection light intensities, the color of the goods to be treated.

Against this background, it was an object of the present invention to provide a method for operating a washing machine or a washer-dryer with improved control. Preferably, this should make possible a more environmentally friendly and more efficient operation. It was also an object to provide a suitable washing machine or a suitable washer-dryer for carrying out the method.

The solution of this object is achieved according to this invention by a method and a suitable for performing this method washing machine or a suitable washer-dryer with the features of the corresponding independent claims. Preferred embodiments of the method according to the invention as well as the washing machine according to the invention or the washer-dryer according to the invention are listed in the respective dependent claims. Preferred embodiments of the method according to the invention correspond to preferred embodiments of the washing machine or the washer dryer according to the invention and vice versa, although this is not explicitly stated herein.

• (a1) Vermessen von trockenen oder feuchten, vorzugsweise trockenen, Wäschestücken in der Trommel mit dem mindestens einen Spektrometer, indem von der mindestens einen Strahlungsquelle Strahlung in mindestens einem Wellenlängenbereich von λ₁ bis λ₂ in mindestens einem Zeitintervall Δt emittiert wird, so dass die Wäschestücke damit beaufschlagt werden, und der mindestens eine Strahlungsdetektor die von den Wäschestücken reflektierte und/oder transmittierte Strahlung als Messsignal registriert; und/oder
• (a2) Vermessen der Behandlungsflüssigkeit mit dem mindestens einen Spektrometer, indem von der mindestens einen Strahlungsquelle Strahlung in mindestens einem Wellenlängenbereich von λ₁ bis λ₂ in mindestens einem Zeitintervall Δt emittiert wird, so dass mindestens ein Teil der Behandlungsflüssigkeit damit beaufschlagt wird, und der mindestens eine Strahlungsdetektor die durch die Behandlungsflüssigkeit transmittierte und/oder reflektierte Strahlung als Messsignal registriert;
• (b) Übermitteln des oder der im Schritt (a1) und/oder (a2) erhaltenen Messsignale an die Auswerteeinheit und Auswerten des oder der Messsignale mit einer in der Auswerteeinheit hinterlegten Auswerteroutine in Hinblick auf eine empfohlene Einstellung für mindestens einen Behandlungsparameter B_P; und
• (c) Übermitteln des oder der im Schritt (b) ausgewerteten Messsignale an die Steuereinrichtung und Ausgeben der empfohlenen Einstellung für den mindestens einen Behandlungsparameter B_P an einen Benutzer über die Anzeigevorrichtung und/oder Ausführen der empfohlenen Einstellung für den mindestens einen Behandlungsparameter B_P; wobei

die Schritte (a1) und/oder (a2) bis (c) einmal oder mehrmals durchgeführt werden.The invention thus relates to a method for operating a washing machine or a washer dryer with a tub, a drum arranged in the tub for receiving laundry, which are acted upon by a treatment liquid, at least one spectrometer, comprising an evaluation unit, at least one radiation source and at least one radiation detector , a control device, a display and a metering unit for metering treatment agent, comprising at least one treatment agent container, wherein the treatment agent contains at least enzymes and / or bleach as the treatment agent component and the method comprises the following steps:

• (a1) Measuring dry or moist, preferably dry, laundry items in the drum with the at least one spectrometer by emitting radiation from the at least one radiation source in at least one wavelength range from λ ₁ to λ ₂ in at least one time interval Δt, so that the Laundry items are subjected to it, and the at least one radiation detector registers the radiation reflected and / or transmitted by the items of laundry as a measurement signal; and or
• (a2) measuring the treatment liquid with the at least one spectrometer by emitting radiation from the at least one radiation source in at least one wavelength range of λ ₁ to λ ₂ in at least one time interval Δt, so that at least a part of the treatment liquid is applied thereto, and the at least one radiation detector registers the radiation transmitted and / or reflected by the treatment liquid as a measurement signal;
• (b) transmitting the measurement signal or signals obtained in step (a1) and / or (a2) to the evaluation unit and evaluating the measurement signal (s) with an evaluation routine stored in the evaluation unit with regard to a recommended setting for at least one treatment parameter B _P ; and
• (c) transmitting the measurement signal (s) evaluated in step (b) to the controller and outputting the recommended setting for the at least one treatment parameter B _P to a user via the display device and / or performing the recommended setting for the at least one treatment parameter B _P ; in which

the steps (a1) and / or (a2) to (c) are carried out one or more times.

According to the invention, the steps (a1) and (a2) can both be carried out or else alternatively to one another. If both steps are carried out within the method according to the invention, the time sequence or the sequence of steps (a1) and (a2) is not restricted.

However, the step (a1) is preferably carried out in particular when there is no treatment liquid in the tub, that is to say, for example, after pumping off washing or rinsing liquor or else before carrying out a treatment program. The step (a2), however, is preferably carried out in particular when the treatment liquid is in the tub or a corresponding line leading treatment liquid, that is, for example, in a pumping system or a bypass line. This is the case, for example, during a washing or rinsing phase, but also during a spin phase in which the centrifuged water can collect in the tub.

In a preferred embodiment of the method according to the invention, the laundry items in step (a1) are untreated items of laundry and the measurement with the at least one spectrometer is carried out before the execution of a treatment program. The untreated items of laundry are preferably dry. In this way, treatment parameters can be optimally adapted to the items of laundry and their degree of soiling already at the start of a treatment program.

Untreated items of laundry according to the invention are items of laundry which have been inserted by a user in the drum of the washing machine or the washer dryer, but still no treatment has been done. The laundry items are then usually dry and / or dirty.

If both steps (a1) and (a2) are carried out within the method according to the invention, it is advantageous if the steps are carried out alternately, preferably starting with step (a1). Step (a1) is then carried out particularly advantageously after inserting the items of laundry into the drum on the untreated items of laundry. Subsequently, for example, a first washing phase can then be carried out in which the at least one treatment parameter is selected taking into account the recommended setting determined in step (a1). This can then be, for example, an amount of treatment agent, a specific composition or even a specific treatment temperature. During the washing phase, it is then advantageously possible to carry out step (a2) of the process according to the invention. In this way, the setting determined in step (a1) for the at least one treatment parameter B _{P can be} verified or adjusted. After completion of the washing phase, for example, process step (a1) can then again be carried out after pumping off the washing liquid from the tub. In this way, a treatment program can be adapted very precisely to the individually present in the drum wash load and thus the washing efficiency can be increased.

In any case, in step (a1) and / or in step (a2) radiation is emitted from the at least one radiation source in at least one wavelength range from λ ₁ to λ ₂ in at least one time interval Δt.

The width of the at least one wavelength range and its position in the spectrum are not restricted according to the invention. In a preferred embodiment, however, at least λ _{1 is} in the ultraviolet.

Advantageously, therefore, both λ ₁ , and λ _{2 are} in the ultraviolet range, ie, the at least one wavelength range in which the at least one radiation source emits radiation, may also be entirely in the ultraviolet range.

However, λ ₂ can also be in the visible range, for example. In this way, the at least one wavelength range in which the at least one radiation source emits radiation can then also include the UV / VIS range.

In a further preferred embodiment of the method according to the invention, at least λ _{2 is} in the infrared.

Advantageously, therefore, both λ ₁ , and λ _{2 are} in the infrared, ie, the at least one wavelength range in which the at least one radiation source emits radiation, may also be entirely in the infrared range. Particularly advantageous is the infrared range then the near infrared range.

However, λ ₁ can also be, for example, in the visible range or else in the ultraviolet range. In this way, the at least one wavelength range in which the at least one radiation source emits radiation can then also encompass the entire range from ultraviolet to infrared. Alternatively, however, it is also possible to use two radiation sources, one in the ultraviolet range and one in the infrared range.

In that case, it is also advantageous if in each case a radiation detector working in the ultraviolet range and in the infrared range is used. A structure with two different radiation sources and two different radiation detectors can be realized either in the form of a single spectrometer, but it can also be used in each case a UV and an IR spectrometer for carrying out the method according to the invention.

When using two spectrometers, a UV and an IR spectrometer, they can advantageously also be arranged together in a sensor node. In that case, both spectrometers can be arranged in such a way that they sense the same measuring point, so that an improved correlation of the two different measuring signals and thus a higher accuracy can be achieved as a result.

Moreover, it is not restricted according to the invention whether broadband is excited in the at least one wavelength range from λ ₁ to λ ₂ , or whether narrow bands of discrete bands of the compounds to be investigated are excited in several wavelength ranges.

Also, the at least one period .DELTA.t, in which the at least one radiation source emits radiation, is not restricted according to the invention. However, the length of this period is generally chosen so that the measurement signal to noise ratio is as optimal as possible. For this one can orient oneself for example at the so-called Allan variance.

According to the invention, the radiation reflected and / or transmitted in steps (a1) and (a2) is registered by the at least one radiation detector as a measurement signal.

Thus, according to the invention, it is not restricted which spectrometer configuration is used to measure the laundry items in step (a1) and / or the treatment liquid in step (a2). However, the laundry items are preferably measured in reflection in step (a1).

According to step (b) of the method according to the invention, the measurement signal or signals obtained in step (a1) and / or (a2) are transmitted to the evaluation unit and the one or more measurement signals are stored with an evaluation routine stored in the evaluation unit with regard to a recommended setting for at least one Treatment parameters B _P evaluated.

The term "treatment parameter B _P " is to be interpreted broadly herein. A treatment parameter according to the invention corresponds to a parameter which serves in a treatment program to achieve the treatment goal. In general, in washing processes, for example, the washing temperature, the spin speed, the drum speed and / or the reversing speed of the drum, a quantity of water in the washing phase and / or the rinsing phase, but also a number of rinses, a program duration or an amount of one Be treatment agent. Here, the term "a treating agent" also includes the kind of the treating agent.

The inventors have found in this context that in particular the composition of the treatment agent, so for example a detergent, for the achievement of a treatment goal and thus also for the washing efficiency of great importance. According to the invention, the components of a treatment agent are also to be regarded as treatment parameters B _P.

In a preferred embodiment of the method according to the invention, therefore, the at least one treatment parameter is selected from the group consisting of treatment temperature, drum speed, reversing speed, amount of water M _W and amount M _{D of} at least one treatment agent component.

In general, a treating agent consists of several components, i. Treatment agent components. If the treatment agent is a laundry detergent, this is usually designed to be able to effectively remove a range of soiling at different temperatures while protecting and maintaining the different textiles, their texture and color.

The basic components of a detergent are usually detergent substances, such as surfactants. Here mainly linear alkylbenzenesulfonates (LAS) are used. Enzymes are usually also included, such as proteases, amylases, lipases or cellulases. In addition to enzymes, most detergents also use bleach. Bleaching is mainly used to remove colored stains, such as those caused by red wine, ink, grass or the like. Common bleaching agents are sodium peroborate and sodium percarbonate. However, for this reason, bleaching is usually not used in color detergents, as bleaching can also impair the color of the fabric. Water softeners are usually also added to allow for very hard water a good wash performance. Furthermore, optical brighteners, graying and discoloration inhibitors, stabilizers, foam inhibitors, fragrances, dyes, corrosion inhibitors or fillers are usually also included. Also other special performance chemicals, such as chemicals that Smooth fabric fibers and thus protect textiles even with frequent washing, can be included.

In a preferred embodiment of the method according to the invention, in any case, the at least one treatment parameter is the amount M _{D of} at least one treatment agent component.

The inventors have found in this context that in particular the proportion of bleach and / or the proportion of enzymes in a treatment agent can have a very positive effect on the washing efficiency. Thus, for example, in heavily colored contaminants, such as dried red wine, cocoa or ink stains, a higher proportion of bleach in the treatment agent can be very beneficial. With soiling such as blood or egg yolk, however, a higher proportion of enzymes can be very beneficial.

In a particularly preferred embodiment of the method according to the invention, therefore, the at least one treatment agent component is bleach or enzymes.

In step (b) of the method according to the invention, the measurement signal (s) obtained in step (a1) and / or step (a2) are evaluated with an evaluation routine stored in the evaluation unit with regard to a recommended setting for at least one treatment parameter B _P.

In general, the measured signal is converted into a spectrum by means of the stored evaluation routine. Based on the location and nature of specific bands in the respective spectrum then qualitative and / or quantitative information about the respective compound can be obtained.

The evaluation of the specific bands preferably takes place on the basis of the associated calibration spectra for the respective connection and / or data of their wavelength-dependent reflection and / or transmission behavior. These data are preferably stored in the evaluation unit.

The compounds investigated in the method according to the invention include specific contaminants whose calibration spectra and / or data of their wavelength-dependent reflection and / or transmission behavior are based on standard contaminants. Such standard contaminants are, for example, red wine, cocoa, coffee, blood, sebum, soot, egg yolk, fat or even ink.

In particular, according to the invention, not only the type of contamination but also its quantity can be evaluated. If, in addition to the type of contamination, its strength is also known, then a very precise recommendation for setting the at least one treatment parameter can be given.

In a preferred embodiment, the compounds investigated in the method according to the invention may also include treatment component components whose calibration spectra and / or data of their wavelength-dependent reflection and / or transmission behavior are then also stored.

Particularly preferred are the treatment agent components surfactants, enzymes and bleach. In that case, it is then possible to conclude from a concentration course of one of these components in the treatment liquid to the washing out / disappearance of a contamination.

However, the concentration of such a treatment agent component is often low, especially in the treatment liquid. The inventors have found in this context advantageous that the intensity of the measurement signal of the respective treatment agent component can be increased by the addition of indicator chemicals. Thus, a quantitative evaluation of the measurement signals is possible even at low concentrations.

In a preferred embodiment of the method according to the invention, therefore, at least one indicator chemical is added to the treatment liquid in step (a2) prior to measurement with the at least one spectrometer.

It is advantageous if, in addition to the recommended setting for the at least one treatment parameter B _P , the type of textile of the laundry items in the drum is also advantageous is determined. In particular, in addition, in the recommended setting for the at least one treatment parameter B _P, it may additionally be considered whether a gentle treatment program has to be carried out. Depending on the detected contamination, an extension of the washing phase can then be recommended, for example instead of a temperature or speed increase.

The method according to the invention further provides that in step (c) the measurement signal or signals evaluated in step (b) are transmitted to the control device and the control device outputs the recommended setting for the at least one treatment parameter B _P to a user via the display device and / or the recommended setting for the at least one treatment parameter B _P.

In a preferred embodiment of the method according to the invention, the at least one treatment parameter B _{P is} a treatment agent component, in particular bleach. The transmitted evaluated measurement signal indicates, for example, based on the intensity of a band in the spectrum of heavy contamination of a laundry with a red wine stain. In the control device is then preferably deposited that such a strong red wine contamination is advantageous to remove when a predetermined amount of M _{D is} bleach bleach in addition to the provided for the corresponding treatment program amount of treatment agent. Via a display, this dosage recommendation can then be output to a user. If the washing machine or the washer-dryer has an automatic dosing unit with separate chambers for treatment agent components, then the predetermined amount M _D of bleach can also be dosed automatically by the control device.

In a further preferred embodiment of the method according to the invention, the measurement signal registered and evaluated in step (a1) indicates a blood spot and an ink spot. The controller then outputs as a recommended setting to a user the dosage of a predetermined amount of M _D of enzyme and bleach according to the size of the spots. Subsequently, a washing phase is started at low temperature and step (a2) of the method according to the invention is carried out. At this time, in step (a2), the treatment liquid becomes a Indicator chemical added to determine the enzyme activity and evaluated the resulting measurement signal in terms of enzyme activity and transmitted to the controller. As soon as the transmitted evaluated measurement signal indicates that the enzyme reaction has been completed, the control device initiates a temperature increase. After the temperature has increased, step (a2) of the process according to the invention is again carried out, the treatment liquid now being added with an indicator of bleaching. As soon as the transmitted evaluated measurement signal indicates that the bleaching reaction has been completed, the washing phase is ended.

If, in step (a1), the type of textile of the soiled items of laundry is also determined, then the temperature increase after completion of the enzyme reaction can be advantageously adapted to the type of textile. In the case of cotton, for example, a particularly high temperature in the range of ≥ 60 ° C can be controlled, but in the case of silk alternatively a temperature of ≤ 30 ° C can be activated and the period of the washing phase can be extended until the bleaching reaction is completed is.

• (a1) Vermessen von trockenen oder feuchten Wäschestücken in der Trommel mit dem mindestens einen Spektrometer, indem von der mindestens einen Strahlungsquelle Strahlung in mindestens einem Wellenlängenbereich von λ₁ bis λ₂ in mindestens einem Zeitintervall Δt emittiert wird, so dass die Wäschestücke damit beaufschlagt werden, und der mindestens eine Strahlungsdetektor die von den Wäschestücken reflektierte und/oder transmittierte Strahlung als Messsignal registriert; und/oder
• (a2) Vermessen der Behandlungsflüssigkeit mit dem mindestens einen Spektrometer, indem von der mindestens einen Strahlungsquelle Strahlung in mindestens einem Wellenlängenbereich von λ₁ bis λ₂ in mindestens einem Zeitintervall Δt emittiert wird, so dass mindestens ein Teil der Behandlungsflüssigkeit damit beaufschlagt wird, und der mindestens eine Strahlungsdetektor die durch die Behandlungsflüssigkeit transmittierte und/oder reflektierte Strahlung als Messsignal registriert;
• (b) Übermitteln des oder der im Schritt (a1) und/oder (a2) erhaltenen Messsignale an die Auswerteeinheit und Auswerten des oder der Messsignale mit einer in der Auswerteeinheit hinterlegten Auswerteroutine in Hinblick auf eine empfohlene Einstellung für mindestens einen Behandlungsparameter B_P; und
• (c) Übermitteln des oder der in Schritt (b) ausgewerteten Messsignale an die Steuereinrichtung und Ausgeben der empfohlenen Einstellung für den mindestens einen Behandlungsparameter B_P an einen Benutzer über die Anzeige und/oder Ausführen der empfohlenen Einstellung für den mindestens einen Behandlungsparameter B_P; wobei

die Schritte (a1) und/oder (a2) bis (c) einmal oder mehrmals durchgeführt werden.The invention furthermore relates to a washing machine or a washer-dryer with a tub, a drum arranged in the tub for receiving laundry items which are exposed to a treatment liquid, at least one spectrometer, comprising an evaluation unit, at least one radiation source and at least one radiation detector, a control device, a display device and a metering unit for metering treatment agent, comprising at least one treatment agent container, wherein the treatment agent contains at least enzymes and / or bleach as the treatment agent component, and wherein the control device is set up to carry out a method comprising the following steps:

• (a1) Measuring dry or moist laundry items in the drum with the at least one spectrometer, by emitting radiation from the at least one radiation source in at least one wavelength range from λ ₁ to λ ₂ in at least one time interval Δt, so that the laundry items are subjected to it , and the at least one radiation detector registers the radiation reflected and / or transmitted by the items of laundry as a measurement signal; and or
• (a2) measuring the treatment liquid with the at least one spectrometer by emitting radiation from the at least one radiation source in at least one wavelength range of λ ₁ to λ ₂ in at least one time interval Δt, so that at least a part of the treatment liquid is applied thereto, and the at least one radiation detector registers the radiation transmitted and / or reflected by the treatment liquid as a measurement signal;
• (b) transmitting the measurement signal or signals obtained in step (a1) and / or (a2) to the evaluation unit and evaluating the measurement signal (s) with an evaluation routine stored in the evaluation unit with regard to a recommended setting for at least one treatment parameter B _P ; and
• (c) transmitting the measurement signal (s) evaluated in step (b) to the controller and outputting the recommended setting for the at least one treatment parameter B _P to a user via the display and / or the recommended setting for the at least one treatment parameter B _P ; in which

the steps (a1) and / or (a2) to (c) are carried out one or more times.

According to the invention, the washing machine or the washer-dryer has a metering unit for metering treatment agent, comprising at least one treatment agent container. The type of dosing unit is not limited, but the dosing unit is preferably an automatic dosing unit.

In a preferred embodiment, the dosing unit comprises at least 3 treatment agent containers, wherein each treatment agent container can receive a treatment agent component. Then, a predetermined amount M _{D of} a treatment agent component can be metered separately and fed to the tub. Preferably, a modular system is used as the treatment agent.

The arrangement of the at least one spectrometer in the washing machine or the washer-dryer is not restricted according to the invention. The at least one spectrometer can be placed at any position as long as the method according to the invention can be carried out.

In a preferred embodiment, the at least one spectrometer is arranged in the tub. The spectrometer is then preferably arranged below the maximum liquid level of the tub, so that it can come into contact with treatment liquid during the execution of a treatment program, for example at the bottom of the tub. In a further preferred embodiment of the washing machine according to the invention or the washer dryer according to the invention, the at least one spectrometer is arranged in a recess in the tub container jacket.

In a further preferred embodiment of the washing machine according to the invention or the washer dryer according to the invention, the washing machine or the washer-dryer additionally comprises a circulating pump system and the at least one spectrometer is arranged in the circulating pump system. In this way, a particularly accurate measurement of the treatment liquid can be made possible because concentration gradients are avoided by pumping the treatment liquid.

In a further preferred embodiment of the washing machine according to the invention or the washer dryer according to the invention, the at least one spectrometer is arranged in a separate container with at least one chamber which can be filled with treatment liquid and has a device for adding at least one indicator chemical.

However, the separate container particularly preferably has at least 3 chambers which can be filled with treatment liquid and in each case one device for adding one indicator chemical per chamber. In this way, for example, the course of a surfactant concentration, an enzyme activity or a bleaching reaction can be monitored during a treatment program. From this conclusions can be drawn in particular on the washing out / disappearance of stains. If appropriate, it is then also possible to issue a further recommendation for the setting of a treatment parameter B _P , for example the subsequent dosing of a treatment agent component.

Preferably, the at least one spectrometer is then arranged so that items of laundry in the drum through a hole in a perimeter of the drum with Radiation from the at least one radiation source of the spectrometer can be acted upon and reflected and / or transmitted radiation can be registered as a measurement signal from the at least one radiation detector.

Particularly preferably, a relationship is also stored in the control device, which relates a drum speed and a drum position with the position of the spectrometer such that a synchronously pulsed operation of the at least one spectrometer in dependence on the drum speed is made possible. That is, radiation may enter and exit the interior of the drum whenever there is a hole in the position of the spectrometer.

According to the invention, the number of spectrometers in the washing machine or the washer-dryer is not limited. Two or more spectrometers may also be placed at the same position or at different positions.

If several spectrometers are used in the washing machine or the washer-dryer, they can advantageously also be arranged in a sensor node and be designed as micromechanical sensors.

According to the invention, the structure of the at least one spectrometer is not further limited. It may be a structure in reflection and / or transmission, but also a structure that allows, for example, a measurement with evanescent field can be used.

The at least one radiation source is likewise not restricted according to the invention, so that, for example, an infrared (IR), ultraviolet (UV) or UV-VIS (ultraviolet and visible range) radiation source can be used.

The at least one radiation source may be a broadband source, a tunable radiation source, but also a narrowband radiation source, such as an IR LED or a UV LED. In addition, the radiation source can also have optical aids, such as a focusing optics, filter plates, filter films or coatings, or also a MOEMS Fabry-Perot frequency filter, which can enable adjustment of a wavelength range. The spectrometer can also have a plurality of such radiation sources, which may also be different.

When the at least one radiation source is a radiation source for emitting IR radiation, it is preferable to use a near-infrared radiation source selected from the group consisting of a tungsten-halogen lamp and a MOEMS blackbody radiator.

In a preferred embodiment, the at least one radiation source is a UV or UV / VIS radiation source. Particularly preferred is an LED source is used.

In particular, it is preferable if the radiation source covers the entire range from near infrared to ultraviolet.

Also, the at least one radiation detector is not restricted according to the invention. The radiation detector can, for example, be a broadband detector with at least one sensitive detector surface N. However, the radiation detector can also have a plurality of sensitive surfaces N, or else a linear array of detector surfaces N, for example in the form of pixels. The detector may additionally comprise optical aids, such as a MOEMS Fabry-Perot frequency filter, narrow-band filters or a dispersive wedge. The material from which the radiation detector is made, is not limited according to the invention. However, the radiation detector preferably consists at least of a semiconductive material.

If the at least one spectrometer has two different radiation sources, it is likewise preferred that the at least one spectrometer also has two radiation detectors which are designed for the detection of the respective radiation.

The invention has numerous advantages. By identifying soils in laundry items to be treated, the invention allows for individual adjustment of the treating agent composition, as well as other treatment parameters such as temperature or spin speed, in the type and intensity of identified soiling. In embodiments, even before the start of a Treatment program. Furthermore, the spectroscopic monitoring of the reaction and concentration characteristics of individual treatment agent components also makes it possible for the invention to subsequently adapt the treatment parameters recommended at the beginning. In this way, an optimal washing efficiency can be made possible by the invention, even for different contaminants within a wash load. The invention also allows by the optimal adaptation of the treatment parameters, a conservation of the environment and resources, since only those amounts of water, treatment agents and energy are consumed, which are required for the particular treatment program performed.

• Figur 1 zeigt in einer ersten Ausführungsform eine erfindungsgemäße Waschmaschine, mit welcher das erfindungsgemäße Verfahren durchgeführt werden kann. In dieser nicht einschränkenden Ausführungsform weist die Waschmaschine ein Spektrometer auf, welches im Laugenbehältermantel angeordnet ist.
• Figur 2 zeigt in einer zweiten Ausführungsform eine erfindungsgemäße Waschmaschine, mit welcher das erfindungsgemäße Verfahren durchgeführt werden kann. In dieser nicht einschränkenden Ausführungsform weist die Waschmaschine ein Spektrometer auf, welches in einem separaten Behälter angeordnet ist.

Further details of the invention will become apparent from the following description of non-limiting embodiments. Here, reference is made to the FIGS. 1 and 2 ,

• FIG. 1 shows a first embodiment of a washing machine according to the invention, with which the inventive method can be performed. In this non-limiting embodiment, the washing machine has a spectrometer which is arranged in the tub container jacket.
• FIG. 2 shows a second embodiment of a washing machine according to the invention, with which the inventive method can be performed. In this non-limiting embodiment, the washing machine comprises a spectrometer which is arranged in a separate container.

FIG. 1 shows in one embodiment a suitable for carrying out the method according to the invention washing machine 1 according to a first non-limiting embodiment. The washing machine 1 has a housing 28, in which a tub 2 is arranged, in which a drum 3 for receiving laundry items 22 is rotatably mounted about an axis perpendicular to the plane axis. The highest achievable in the tub 2 water level 30 is shown schematically by a horizontal solid line.

In the embodiment shown here, a lye container drain line 17 is connected to a drain opening 26 in a bottom of the tub 2, which via a Flusenabscheider 19 leads to a suction side of a pump 25. To a pressure side of the pump 25, a drain line 29 is connected. The pump 25 is drivingly connected to a speed-controlled drive motor 20, which may be configured for example as a permanent-magnet, multi-phase synchronous motor with MOSFET device and a power detector 15. The drain line 29 opens outside the housing, not shown here, in a domestic drainage or a floor drainage.

FIG. 1 also shows an automated dosing unit 8 for treatment agent, which has three treatment agent containers 12, 13, 14. The treatment agent containers 12, 13, 14 are designed such that in each case a treatment agent component can be accommodated therein and metered independently. For example, the first treatment agent tank 12 may contain a base detergent, the second treatment agent tank 13 may contain enzymes, and the third treatment agent tank 14 may contain bleach.

Via a dispensing dish 11, the liquor container 2 can also be supplied with water originating from a fresh water line 10. For this purpose, there is a check valve 9 in the fresh water line 10, which is controlled by a control device 16 in accordance with a treatment program sequence.

In the jacket of the tub 2 is a recess 4, in which a UV / VIS spectrometer 21 is mounted. The UV / VIS spectrometer 21 has a reflection structure and is arranged such that radiation from the radiation source 5 can pass through a hole in the perimeter of the drum 27 into the interior of the drum. Reflected radiation can then also be registered by the radiation detector 6 as a measuring signal through the hole in the perimeter of the drum 27. The arrangement of the spectrometer 21 in the tub recess 4 is chosen so that the spectrometer 21 is at the highest water level 30 in the tub 2 below the liquid level. In this way, both untreated items of laundry, treated items of laundry, and treatment liquid can be measured with the spectrometer 21.

If, for example, the drum 3 rotates at a speed of 60 rpm in the direction of rotation indicated by the arrow 23, then the radiation detector 7 can in each case register the measuring signal within 1 ms.

In this non-limiting embodiment, radiation is emitted from the UV / VIS radiation source in a wavelength range of 270 to 830 nm. The radiation source is realized in this embodiment as a broadband LED source.

By means of the UV / VIS radiation, in particular the bands of specific soiling, such as sebum, soot, blood, cocoa, ink and red wine are to be excited. From the measurement signals obtained, the presence of such contamination, as well as their strength, can then be determined on the basis of the intensity of the bands and calibration spectra stored in the evaluation unit 7.

Depending on the detected pollution and its strength can then be issued by a controller 16, a recommendation for dosing a certain amount of M _D a treatment agent component B _P. In case of soiling with red wine or ink, such as a lot of bleach. This can then be added via the corresponding treatment agent container 14 to the basic detergent.

In an alternative embodiment, the spectrometer 21 may also comprise two radiation sources and two radiation detectors. One of the two radiation sources is then preferably an IR LED and the other is a UV LED, each with correspondingly designed radiation detectors.

In that case, it is particularly possible to determine a contamination, a treatment agent component and a textile type independently of one another, since the severity of the bands of contamination in the UV / VIS range is pronounced, whereas surfactants, enzymes or even bleaches, as well as textiles in the IR range, are good are detectable.
18 means a display device.

FIG. 2 shows in one embodiment a suitable for carrying out the method according to the invention suitable washing machine 1. Since the structure of the washing machine 1 of those FIG. 1 is similar, in the following only the differences to the in FIG. 1 illustrated embodiment explained.

FIG. 2 shows a arranged in a separate container 33 spectrometer 37. The container 33 has three separate chambers 34, 35, 36 which are each filled with treatment liquid from the tub 2 via a container feed line 32. The container 33 also has a device for the addition of indicator chemicals 39.

The spectrometer 37, in this non-limiting embodiment, is a UV / Vis spectrometer which can measure in both reflection and transmission. If treatment liquid is present in the suds container 2, for example during a washing or rinsing phase, then it can be conducted into the container 33 via the container feed line 32. Indicator of surfactant LAS (linear alkyl benzene sulfonate), protease, amylase, lipase and cellulase enzyme classes, as well as bleaching, sodium peroxoborate and sodium percarbonate are then preferably present in the device for the addition of indicator chemicals 39.

If the chambers 34, 35 and 36 are filled with treatment liquid, one or more indicator chemicals can be added to the respective chambers 34, 35, 36 via the device 39 by the control device 16. The result of the indicator reaction can then be determined via the UV / VIS spectrometer 37.

Thus, for example, during a treatment program, the course of an enzymatic reaction, the consumption of surfactant or the course of a bleaching reaction can be followed and, if appropriate, the corresponding treatment agent component can be replenished via the metering unit 8 from one of the treatment agent containers 12, 13, 14.
18 means a display device.

reference numeral

1

Washing machine

2

tub

3

drum

4

Recess in the tub jacket

5

radiation source

6

radiation detector

7

evaluation

8th

dosing

9

Fresh water valve

10

Fresh water pipe

11

dispenser tray

12

Treatment agent container, basic detergent

13

Treatment agent container, enzymes

14

Treatment agent container, bleach

15

power detector

16

control device

17

Tub drain line

18

display device

19

Fluff

20

drive motor

21

spectrometer

22

laundry

23

Direction of rotation of the drum

24

laundry agitator

25

pump

26

drain hole

27

Hole in a drum perimeter

28

casing

29

drain line

30

Highest water level in the tub

31

Lowest water level in the tub

32

Container supply line

33

container

34

chamber

35

chamber

36

chamber

37

spectrometer

38

Container drain line

39

Device for the addition of indicator chemicals

Claims (15)

Method for operating a washing machine (1) or a washer-dryer with a suds container (2), a drum (3) arranged in the suds container (2) for receiving items of laundry (22) which are exposed to a treatment liquid, at least one spectrometer (21, 37), comprising an evaluation unit (7), at least one radiation source (5) and at least one radiation detector (6), a control device (16), a display device (18) and a metering unit (8) for metering treatment agent comprising at least one treatment agent container (12, 13, 14), characterized in that the treatment agent contains at least enzymes and / or bleach as the treatment agent component and the method comprises the following steps: (a1) measuring dry or moist laundry items (22) in the drum (3) with the at least one spectrometer (21, 37) by radiation from the at least one radiation source (5) in at least one wavelength range from λ ₁ to λ ₂ in at least one time interval .DELTA.t is emitted, so that the items of laundry (22) are charged with it, and the at least one radiation detector (6) registers the radiation reflected and / or transmitted by the items of laundry (22) as a measurement signal; and or (a2) measuring the treatment liquid with the at least one spectrometer (21, 37) by emitting radiation from at least one radiation source (5) in at least one wavelength range from λ ₁ to λ ₂ in at least one time interval Δt, so that at least one part the treatment liquid is thus acted upon, and the at least one radiation detector (6) registers the radiation transmitted and / or reflected by the treatment liquid as a measurement signal; (b) transmitting the measurement signal or signals obtained in step (a1) and / or (a2) to the evaluation unit (7) and evaluating the measurement signal (s) with an evaluation routine stored in the evaluation unit (7) with regard to a recommended setting for at least a treatment parameter B _P ; and (c) transmitting the measurement signal (s) evaluated in step (b) to the controller (16) and outputting the recommended setting for the at least one treatment parameter B _P to a user via the display device (18) and / or executing a treatment program with the recommended one Setting for the at least one treatment parameter B _P ; in which the steps (a1) and / or (a2) to (c) are carried out one or more times. A method according to claim 1, characterized in that at least λ _{1 is} in the ultraviolet range. A method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in characterized in that λ ₂ is in the infrared region at least. Method according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the laundry items (22) in step (a1) are untreated items of laundry (22) and the measurement is carried out with the at least one spectrometer (21, 37) before the execution of a treatment program. Method according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the at least one treatment parameter B _{P is} selected from the group consisting of treatment temperature, drum speed, reversing speed, amount of water M _W and amount M _D at least one treatment agent component. A method according to claim 5, characterized in that the at least one treatment parameter B _{P is} the amount M _D at least one treatment agent component. A method according to claim 6, characterized in that the at least one treatment agent component is bleach or enzymes. Method according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that in step (a2) of the treatment liquid before measuring with the at least one spectrometer (21, 37) at least one indicator chemical is added. Washing machine (1) or washer-dryer with a suds container (2), a drum (3) arranged in the suds container (2) for receiving items of laundry (22) to which a treatment liquid is applied, at least one spectrometer (21, 37) comprising one Evaluation unit (7), at least one radiation source (5) and at least one radiation detector (6), a control device (16), a display device (18) and a metering unit for metering treatment agent (8) comprising at least one treatment agent container (12, 13, 14), wherein the treatment agent contains at least enzymes and / or bleaches as the treatment agent component, characterized in that the control device (16) is set up to carry out a method comprising the following steps: (a1) measuring dry or moist laundry items (22) in the drum (3) with the at least one spectrometer (21, 37) by radiation from the at least one radiation source (5) in at least one wavelength range from λ ₁ to λ ₂ in at least one time interval .DELTA.t is emitted, so that the items of laundry (22) are charged with it, and the at least one radiation detector (6) registers the radiation reflected and / or transmitted by the items of laundry (22) as a measurement signal; and or (a2) measuring the treatment liquid with the at least one spectrometer (21, 37) by emitting radiation from at least one radiation source (5) in at least one wavelength range from λ ₁ to λ ₂ in at least one time interval Δt, so that at least one part the treatment liquid is thus acted upon, and the at least one radiation detector (6) registers the radiation transmitted and / or reflected by the treatment liquid as a measurement signal; (b) transmitting the measurement signal or signals obtained in step (a1) and / or (a2) to the evaluation unit (7) and evaluating the measurement signal (s) with an evaluation routine stored in the evaluation unit (7) a recommended setting for at least one treatment parameter B _P ; and (c) transmitting the measurement signal (s) evaluated in step (b) to the controller (16) and outputting the recommended setting for the at least one treatment parameter B _p to a user via the display device (18) and / or performing the recommended setting for the user at least one treatment parameter B _P ; in which the steps (a1) and / or (a2) to (c) are carried out one or more times. Washing machine (1) or washer-dryer according to claim 9, characterized in that the dosing unit (8) comprises at least 3 treatment agent containers (12, 13, 14), wherein each treatment agent container (12, 13, 14) can receive a treatment agent component. Washing machine (1) or washer-dryer according to claim 9 or 10, characterized in that the at least one spectrometer (21, 37) in the tub (2) is arranged. Washing machine (1) or washer-dryer according to claim 11, characterized in that the at least one spectrometer (21, 37) is arranged in a recess in the tub casing (4). Washing machine (1) or washer-dryer according to one of claims 9 to 12, characterized in that the washing machine (1) or the washer-dryer additionally comprises a pumping system and the at least one spectrometer (21, 37) is arranged in the pumping system. Washing machine (1) or washer-dryer according to one of Claims 9 to 13, characterized in that the at least one spectrometer (21, 37) is arranged in a separate container (33), with at least one chamber (34, 35, 36) which can be filled with treatment liquid ) having an apparatus for adding at least one indicator chemical. Washing machine (1) or washer-dryer according to one of claims 9 to 14, characterized in that the at least one radiation source (5) is a UV or UV / VIS radiation source.

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