EP3619353B1 - System for monitoring a drying promocess and method for the operation thereof - Google Patents

Description

The invention relates to a system for monitoring a drying process for damp laundry items outside of a laundry treatment appliance and a method for operating the system.

There are several options for drying items of laundry. There are tumble dryers in which the moisture content of the items of laundry can be measured in the drum containing the damp items of laundry. The laundry can be dried according to a drying program set by the user of the tumble dryer, it being possible to detect when the laundry items are dry according to this specification. However, damp laundry items can also be dried in the air inside or outside a building, i.e. "indoor" or "outdoor", on drying racks, clothes lines or the like (herein collectively referred to as "laundry hanging device"). Moreover, although numerous textiles are now suitable for use in a dryer; However, there are still some types of fibres, especially natural ones, which, due to their sensitive structure, can only be dried in the air, especially indoors.

From the CN 204 551 075 U an intelligent laundry hanging device powered by solar cells is known. The CN 105 534 239 A proves that intelligent hangers are also state-of-the-art. The CN 105 915 732 A discloses an intelligent clothes drying system with a connection to a mobile device.

However, due to insufficient information about the drying status of the laundry or due to the convenience, the path of air drying is not taken and neglected by many households.

If, for example, the place to dry is not in the living area or in the user's field of vision, the laundry can be hung on a hanging device for drying Laundry items are quickly forgotten in everyday life. It could then be forgotten to hang the laundry. Particularly when drying outdoors, it would make sense with regard to the weather and other environmental influences if a user were informed in good time that a desired degree of drying had been reached.

In addition, the possibility of checking the drying process, in particular the knowledge of drying progress and the end of drying, would be useful in general.

Against this background, it was the object of the present invention to provide a system and a method for its operation, which enable optimization of the air drying. In particular, the control of air drying should be simplified for a user, with possible risks of air drying such as rain, storms and darkness when drying outdoors or excessive humidity when drying indoors, which can promote mold growth, should preferably be able to be avoided.

According to this invention, this object is achieved by a system for monitoring a drying process for damp laundry items outside of a laundry treatment appliance and a method for its operation with the features of the corresponding independent patent claims. Preferred embodiments of the system according to the invention and of the method according to the invention are set out in the respective dependent patent claims. Preferred embodiments of the method according to the invention correspond to preferred embodiments of the system according to the invention and vice versa, even if this is not explicitly stated here.

The subject matter of the invention is therefore a system according to claim 1.

As used herein, the term "radio" is to be understood broadly. In particular, it also includes a bidirectional exchange of information. A radio device within the meaning of the invention allows in particular a wireless connection by means of WLAN, Bluetooth and/or a radio standard specially developed for household appliances. In particular, a connection to the Internet is therefore also possible in order to for example, to be able to call up information there or have evaluations carried out.

The sensor device should be close to the laundry items to be dried. The sensor device should preferably be positioned in such a way that the signals it determines, i.e. sensor signals, allow the environmental conditions to be determined as reliably as possible. The requirements for the positioning of the sensor device will depend on the one hand on the type and accuracy of the desired information about the environmental conditions, the drying process and the probable drying time. On the other hand, the type of "installation room" will also have an influence, for example whether it is a closed room or the laundry items are brought out outdoors.

If herein the sensor device is arranged in the vicinity of the damp laundry items, this preferably means that the distance between the sensor device and the damp laundry items when drying outdoors is at most two meters, preferably at most one meter and even more preferably at most 50 cm. In the case of drying in rooms where there is generally only little air flow, this distance can also be greater.

In one embodiment of the invention, the sensor device is surrounded by an at least partially open enclosure, for example a cage, in order to ensure a minimum distance between the sensor device and the damp laundry items.

The evaluation unit is preferably set up to take into account the installation conditions when evaluating the signals of the sensor device, for example the size of an installation room and the placement of items of laundry and the sensor device. This can be achieved by suitably designed software for the evaluation unit.

Immediately after the start of a drying process, the evaporation of the moisture contained in the damp laundry items will hardly have affected the ambient conditions originally present. It can therefore immediately after the start, important information about the environmental conditions can be obtained using only the sensor device. To increase the accuracy, the sensor device can also be used to measure the environmental conditions before damp items of laundry are brought out and placed in the vicinity of the sensor device. The sensor device can be started automatically if an acceleration sensor is present or directly by a user who can actuate a switch on the sensor device for this purpose or switch it on wirelessly using, for example, the first radio device.

From the determined values for the local air temperature, air humidity and the average wind speed, the evaluation unit can use suitable algorithms to calculate the period of time required to transport a certain amount of water. This calculated period can be communicated to the user in order to support him in his daily planning for further activities.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the system includes a further (second) sensor device which is arranged remotely from the damp laundry items. The second sensor device preferably contains the same number and type of sensors as the (first) sensor device already described. "Distantly arranged" here preferably means that the distance between the second sensor device and the damp laundry items when drying outdoors is more than 50 cm, preferably more than one meter and even more preferably more than two meters.

For example, the measured variables determined on a drying rack by means of the sensor signals of the sensor device can be compared with those of the other sensor device, which is located somewhat away from the rack, and the comparison can be used to give the user a more accurate prediction of the completion of drying and a communicate optimal ventilation of the laundry. For example, in the case of drying inside a building, an indication, in particular a recommendation, could be given via a smartphone, for example. For example, a user might be advised to open a window. This can also happen, for example, if the system is integrated into a smart home network.

The system is therefore preferably set up to take into account the sensor signals of the further sensor device as reference values for the evaluation of the sensor signals of the sensor device in the evaluation unit. This is particularly advantageous when the external conditions, such as humidity and temperature, change due to circumstances that are not due to the damp laundry items themselves. This is particularly the case when the damp items of laundry are taken out outdoors, where temperature and humidity, but in particular also the air currents, can change as a result of changes in the weather conditions.

In general, the damp laundry items are placed to dry in such a way that they cannot come into contact with contaminants, e.g. a floor surface, and also can offer their surroundings a maximum surface area for optimal evaporation of moisture. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the sensor device is therefore arranged on a laundry hanging device, e.g. In this case, the sensor device is generally hung between the damp laundry items to be dried.

The sensor device is equipped with a holder, which in a preferred embodiment is designed to be theft-proof, which allows the sensor device to be attached to the laundry hanging device by clipping. If necessary, while ensuring a sufficiently large distance from the damp laundry items, the further sensor device can also be equipped with such a holder and attached to the laundry hanging device in a similar way, but further away from the damp laundry items.

The evaluation unit evaluates the sensor signals from the sensor device. This means in particular that the sensor signals of the sensor device are evaluated, the sensor signals of an optionally present further sensor device preferably also being taken into account. Because the sensor signals from several factors can be influenced, the evaluation software of the evaluation unit and in particular also the relationships between these factors and the sensor signals stored in the evaluation unit are of particular importance. In addition to the installation conditions already discussed, these factors include other factors that can preferably be taken into account by the evaluation unit to increase the accuracy, in particular the number, size, shape and material of the damp laundry items. The software preferably also takes into account the size of a room in which the damp laundry items are brought out. In fact, these factors will generally have an impact on the speed of evaporation of the moisture contained in the damp laundry items.

The evaluation unit is set up to determine a drying time for the damp laundry items on the basis of the sensor signals. In general, the determined drying time is then displayed on the display device.

Alternatively or additionally, the evaluation unit is set up to use the sensor signals to determine when the damp laundry items have reached the end of drying and to display this on the display device.

The accuracy of the above determinations will depend on the accuracy of the sensor signals. It is true that several sensors can complement each other in that they can provide different information about the influencing factors that are important for the drying process.

In the system according to the invention, it is therefore particularly preferred that the sensor device additionally contains a temperature sensor, an air pressure sensor and/or a light sensor.

The sensor arrangement is preferably designed to measure air humidity, acceleration and temperature. The XDK sensor from Robert Bosch GmbH is particularly suitable for this purpose, and it also contains a temperature sensor, a pressure sensor (air pressure sensor), an acceleration sensor and a digital light sensor. The XDK sensor can detect the properties of the environment and communicate with an external device such as a tablet computer, a personal computer (PC) or a smartphone via WLAN and/or Bluetooth.

In addition, it can also serve as an evaluation system for signals from the sensors located in it and, due to the light-emitting diodes attached to it, also serve as a display unit. A further development of the XDK sensor, for example by adding a display or removing unnecessary sensors to reduce the overall weight, is conceivable. Thus, the XDK sensor can also be viewed as a system within the meaning of the invention, in which the components (a), (b) and (c) are present in one device. With this system, it is in principle possible for a user to follow a drying process using the display device of the system integrated in a device.

Finally, the sensor device of the system according to the invention contains an acceleration sensor. This is beneficial for several reasons.

In this case, the air circulation can be taken into account for monitoring a drying process, since the air circulation can advantageously be inferred from the movement of the acceleration sensor. The moisture transported away with the air can then be estimated from this. For this case, suitable software is generally stored in the evaluation unit, in which case in particular empirical values relating to the connection between air circulation and the removal of moisture are also taken into account.

In addition, acceleration signals from the acceleration sensor are evaluated with regard to the occurrence of wind that is too strong or other disturbances, and a warning signal is displayed to a user on the display device. In this case, the evaluation device can also issue a suitable alarm signal, which can be displayed on the display device. When strong winds occur, this alarm signal on the display device can be combined with a request to bring in the laundry. In the event of other faults, for example the wind covering the sensor with items of laundry, this alarm signal on the display device can be combined with the request to check the condition of the damp items of laundry. Such a function can also be set, for example, to remind a user when the end of drying has already been reached.

1. (i) Outdoor-Modus, bei welchem die Außenbedingungen an einem Ausbringungsort der feuchten Wäschestücke berücksichtigt werden, indem die Sensorvorrichtung, insbesondere die erste Sensorvorrichtung, als Außenbedingungen die Temperatur, den Druck, die Beschleunigung und/oder die Lichtstärke am Ausbringungsort misst, welche Sensorsignale dann in der Auswerteeinheit berücksichtigt werden;
2. (ii) Indoor-Modus, bei welchem die Raumbedingungen am Ausbringungsort der feuchten Wäschestücke berücksichtigt werden, indem die Sensorvorrichtung als Raumbedingungen die Temperatur, die Beschleunigung und/oder die Lichtstärke am Ausbringungsort misst, welche Sensorsignale dann in der Auswerteeinheit berücksichtigt werden;
3. (iii) Basis-Modus, bei welchem nur die Trocknungsdauer und/oder das Trocknungsende der feuchten Wäschestücke, beispielsweise basierend auf einer Datenbank oder einer Stundenvorgabe, bestimmt werden.

The aforementioned system with a sensor device with at least two sensors, in particular its evaluation unit, is preferably set up to enable a user to select one of the following application modes,

1. (i) Outdoor mode, in which the external conditions at a place where the damp laundry items are delivered are taken into account in that the sensor device, in particular the first sensor device, measures the temperature, the pressure, the acceleration and/or the light intensity at the place of delivery as outdoor conditions, which sensor signals then be taken into account in the evaluation unit;
2. (ii) Indoor mode, in which the room conditions at the place of delivery of the damp laundry items are taken into account in that the sensor device measures the temperature, the acceleration and/or the light intensity at the place of delivery as room conditions, which sensor signals are then taken into account in the evaluation unit;
3. (iii) Basic mode, in which only the drying time and/or the drying end of the damp laundry items are determined, for example based on a database or an hourly specification.

In these modes, a user can preferably specify different degrees of drying or laundry types (thin, thick, mixed, material) in the system, which correspond to a drying end to be determined and displayed.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, which is particularly suitable for use outside, the solar radiation is also measured at least at the beginning of the method using a temperature and/or a light sensor, for example also over the course of the day.

In the outdoor mode, the first sensor device and evaluation unit are preferably set up to detect when it is getting dark outside and/or it is starting to rain, so that the items of laundry should be brought back into the house. After such a detection, a corresponding request is then generally sent to the user via the display device.

In the indoor mode, the first sensor device can be set up in particular, in addition to monitoring the progress of drying, the ambient conditions in the Monitor the drying room. After all, drying the damp laundry should not encourage mold to form. The sensor system can therefore be set up to emit an alarm signal when a predetermined maximum air humidity is reached in the drying room.

In general, the evaluations mentioned under (i), (ii) and (iii) are also displayed on the display device.

In a preferred embodiment of the aforementioned system, the evaluation unit is set up in outdoor mode (i) to request weather information from the Internet and to take this weather information into account when evaluating the sensor signals. The weather information includes in particular current and future local data on temperature, humidity and wind speed, since these parameters have a significant influence on the drying speed of the damp laundry items in the open air. The higher the outside air temperature and the lower the humidity, the higher the drying speed, since the substance flux density is proportional to the substance concentration gradient. Furthermore, the wind strength has a significant influence on the speed at which the water molecules are transported away via the forced convection.

In a particularly preferred embodiment of the system according to the invention, the sensor device has an air pressure sensor for detecting a weather forecast and/or a drop sensor for detecting raindrops.

If the first sensor arrangement can also be used to determine the chemical characteristics of the environment around the damp laundry items (e.g. determination of an ozone and/or oxygen concentration in the environment), it can also be determined how hygienically the drying process is taking place.

It is also preferred if the evaluation unit uses the data received from the first sensor device, optionally in connection with weather data from the Internet and/or from a second sensor device, to calculate an expected drying time for air drying the damp laundry items.

In the system according to the invention, the evaluation device is preferably set up to send an alarm signal to the display device when a predetermined upper limit value _Hlim for the air humidity is exceeded, when it begins to rain and/or when darkness sets in. These situations are often associated with an increase in humidity. As a rule, this alarm signal is then displayed on the display device. In particular, the requirement to bring in the laundry can be specified.

In order to enable a drying program to be tracked, the development of the humidity over time at the location of the first sensor device is preferably stored in a storage unit, for example in the evaluation unit, for different moisture contents of the laundry items, so that this relationship can also be used for the evaluation. In this context, it makes sense to also take into account the quantity and preferably also the arrangement of the items of laundry in relation to the first sensor device.

In any case, the humidity increases over time and decreases with the drying process towards the end. Depending on the air humidity in the area surrounding the first sensor arrangement over time, it can be detected when there is no longer a local increase in air humidity and the drying process is complete. To this end, a gradient for the increase in air humidity over time can advantageously be specified and stored in the evaluation unit. In addition, other parameters can be used to detect the drying status of the laundry and to predict when the laundry will be approximately dry.

Finally, the system according to the invention also enables a user to set different degrees of drying, which are to be assigned to a drying end to be determined by the evaluation unit. A user can thus specify when the desired degree of drying has been reached.

According to the invention, it is also preferred that the display device is set up to display evaluation signals from the evaluation unit in the form of sounds, light signals, characters, symbols and/or vibrations. The display device and the type of representation are therefore to be interpreted broadly according to the invention. That's how she can Display device in particular be an optical, acoustic and / or vibrating display device.

In the system according to the invention, sensor system and evaluation unit, but also sensor system, evaluation unit and display system can be integrated in one housing. In both cases, however, a display system is preferably arranged alternatively or additionally in an external device which is connected to the sensor system and the evaluation unit via a wireless connection. This can be achieved in particular by using a mobile end device such as a smartphone, a tablet computer or a special device for controlling several household appliances in a networked household, so-called smart home technology.

Likewise, the evaluation unit can be placed together with the sensor system in one device or else separately. For example, the evaluation unit could also be located on one of the aforementioned mobile terminals, ie a smartphone, a tablet computer or a special device for controlling a number of household appliances in a networked household. Finally, the possibility of connecting to the Internet also creates the possibility of carrying out the evaluation of the sensor signals in a so-called cloud, which in turn can then be wirelessly connected to the display device. The information about the average time required to dry the laundry and other evaluation parameters can be used in the cloud, for example to optimize the predictive ability of the algorithm used.

In a particularly preferred embodiment, the system according to the invention is integrated into a system of household appliances that are networked with one another. In this way, the system according to the invention is able to exchange data with other household appliances, for example a washing machine, in order to obtain information from these appliances, for example, about the type and nature of the items of laundry to be dried.

In addition, the system according to the invention can be connected to an external household computer system. An external computer system often has a comparatively larger computing capacity. So can too more complex calculation-intensive algorithms are executed and the results are fed to the system, which is relieved in this way. In addition, an external computer system can be used to record large amounts of data from the Internet and process them appropriately. It is conceivable to call up different weather forecast systems in order to enable the data situation to be compared and to improve the reliability of the information received.

Conventional batteries or accumulators, in particular chargeable lithium-ion accumulators, are suitable for supplying energy to the system and its components. However, in principle, a self-sufficient energy supply can also be used.

The subject of the invention is also a method according to claim 8.

The invention has numerous advantages. In this way, a drying time can be at least approximately predicted depending on the environmental conditions. A desired end of drying can also be displayed to a user. Unforeseen or undesired events can also be taken into account. In any case, a user can be prompted to initiate measures such as bringing in the laundry items in good time. In embodiments of the invention, the user can obtain precise information about the course of the drying process.

In Figur 1

ist ein Wäscheständer als beispielhafte Wäscheaufhängvorrichtung gezeigt, bei welchem der Trocknungsprozess von aufgehängten feuchten Wäschestücken mit einem erfindungsgemäßen System verfolgt werden kann.

In Figur 2

ist ein beispielhaftes erfindungsgemäßes System schematisch dargestellt, welches am Wäscheständer der Fig. 1 verwendet wird.

In Fig. 3

ist ein Smartphone dargestellt, welches die Bestandteile Auswerteeinheit und Anzeigevorrichtung des erfindungsgemäßen Systems enthält.

Further details of the invention emerge from the following description of non-limiting embodiments. Reference is made to the Figures 1 to 3 .

In Figure 1

a drying rack is shown as an exemplary laundry hanging device, in which the drying process of hung damp laundry items can be monitored with a system according to the invention.

In Figure 2

an exemplary system according to the invention is shown schematically, which is on the drying rack 1 is used.

In figure 3

a smartphone is shown, which contains the components of the evaluation unit and the display device of the system according to the invention.

figure 1 shows a drying rack 11 as an exemplary laundry hanging device, on which damp items of laundry 2 are hung for drying in air. A system 1 according to the invention is arranged between the damp laundry items 2, in which the three components sensor device 4, evaluation unit and display device, which are not shown here in detail, are arranged in one device. This device therefore also contains a first radio device, with which the connection to a wireless network is possible via WLAN or Bluetooth, for example. However, the display device is essentially limited here to a few LEDs for displaying status information, for example about the charging status of a lithium-ion battery (also not shown here) and/or a drying status of the laundry items that has been reached.

The sensor device, here a first sensor device 3, is equipped with a holder 13 with which the system 1 is attached to the drying rack.

At the in the 1 shown embodiment of the invention, a second sensor device 4 is additionally used, which is also equipped with a holder 13. The second sensor device 4 is also attached to the clothes horse 13 via the holder 13, but further away from the damp laundry items 2. In this way, the second sensor device 4 is suitable for determining reference data on the ambient conditions. Not shown in detail here, the sensor device 4 and a further evaluation unit for evaluating the sensor signals of the sensor device 4 and a second radio device are also integrated in one device.

Both sensor devices 3 and 4 are designed to communicate wirelessly with an external display device, e.g. a smartphone.

2 shows that in 1 used exemplary system according to the invention in a non-limiting embodiment, in which a first sensor device 3 comprises, in addition to a humidity sensor 5, a temperature sensor 14, an air pressure sensor 15, an acceleration sensor 16 and a light sensor 17, and a first radio device 6. The system 1 shown here as an example contains, in addition to the first sensor device 3, an evaluation unit 9 and integrated into the same device integrated display device 10, the latter not shown here essentially contains light-emitting diodes for displaying status information. A built-in loudspeaker also enables the output of acoustic signals, eg warning signals when it starts to rain or when it gets dark.

In 3 a smartphone 18 is shown, which contains the components of the evaluation unit and display device of the system according to the invention. These are thus an external evaluation unit 7 and an external display device 8. In particular, the external display device 8 allows a user to monitor a remote, for example on the drying rack of 1 , taking place drying process. For this purpose, the display device 8 is equipped with acoustic, optical and vibration-capable display means. In the embodiment shown here, the smartphone 18 contains an external evaluation unit 7 whose evaluations can be communicated to a user via the display device 8 . The second radio device 12 shown here thus represents in particular a radio connection with a sensor device not shown here on, for example, a drying rack or a network, for example the Internet .

Reference sign

1

System for monitoring a drying process

2

damp laundry

3

Sensor device, first sensor device

4

further sensor device, second sensor device

5

humidity sensor

6

first radio device

7

External evaluation unit, e.g. smartphone, tablet computer

8th

external display device

9

Evaluation unit, integrated

10

Display device, integrated

11

Laundry hanging device, drying rack

12

second radio device

13

bracket

14

temperature sensor

15

air pressure sensor

16

accelerometer

17

light sensor

18

smartphone

Claims (8)

1. System (1) for monitoring a drying process for damp laundry items (2) outside a laundry treatment appliance, comprising as components, which can be located in a plurality of appliances that are spatially separate from one another,

   (a) a sensor device (3) comprising at least one air humidity sensor (5) and a first radio unit (6) for a wireless information exchange with an external evaluation unit (7) and/or an external display device (8) which, to this end, contain at least one second radio unit (12), wherein the sensor device (3) can be arranged in the vicinity of the damp laundry items (2);

   (b) an evaluation unit (9) for sensor signals from the sensor device (3); and

   (c) a display device (10) for displaying information for a user of the system (1),

   characterised in that

   - the sensor device (3) is provided with a mounting (13) which permits the attachment of the sensor device (3) to a laundry hanging device (11) by means of clips, said laundry hanging device being used to dry the damp laundry items (2),

   - wherein the evaluation unit (9) is designed to determine a drying period of the damp laundry items (2) and/or when the end of a drying process of the damp laundry items (2) has been reached using the sensor signals of the sensor device and

   - the display device is designed to display the drying period and/or the end of a drying process on the display device (10),

   - wherein the sensor device (3) contains an acceleration sensor (16) and is designed to evaluate acceleration signals of the acceleration sensor (16) in respect of the occurrence of an excessively strong wind or other disturbances and to display a warning signal in this regard to a user on the display device (10).
2. System (1) according to claim 1, characterised in that
   the sensor device (3) additionally contains a temperature sensor (14), an air pressure sensor (15) and/or a light sensor (17).
3. System (1) according to claim 2, characterised in that it is designed to permit a user to choose one of the following application modes:

   (i) outdoor mode in which the external conditions at a location where the damp laundry items (2) are hung out are taken into account, by the sensor device (3) measuring the temperature, the pressure, the acceleration and/or the light intensity as external conditions at the location where the damp laundry items are hung out, which sensor signals are then taken into account in the evaluation unit (7, 9);

   (ii) indoor mode in which the spatial conditions at the location where the damp laundry items are hung out (2) are taken into account, by the sensor device (3) measuring the temperature, the acceleration and/or the light intensity as spatial conditions at the location where the damp laundry items are hung out, which sensor signals are then taken into account in the evaluation unit (7, 9);

   (iii) basic mode in which only the drying period and/or the end of the drying process of the damp laundry items (2) are determined.
4. System (1) according to claim 3, characterised in that in outdoor mode (i) the evaluation unit (7, 9) is designed to request weather information from the Internet and to take this weather information into account when evaluating the sensor signals of the sensor device.
5. System (1) according to claim 3 or 4, characterised in that the sensor device (3) has an air pressure sensor (15) for detecting a weather forecast and/or a water droplet sensor for detecting raindrops.
6. System (1) according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterised in that the display device (8) is designed to display evaluation signals of the evaluation unit (7, 9) in the form of sounds, light signals, text, symbols and/or vibrations.
7. System (1) according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterised in that the evaluation unit (7, 9) is designed to transmit an alarm signal to the display device (10) when a predetermined upper limit value H_lim for the air humidity is exceeded in the event of rain and/or darkness.
8. Method for operating a system (1) for monitoring a drying process for damp laundry items (2) outside a laundry treatment appliance, containing as components, which can be located in a plurality of appliances that are spatially separate from one another,

   (a) a sensor device (3) comprising at least one air humidity sensor (5), an acceleration sensor (16) and a first radio unit (6) for a wireless information exchange with an external evaluation unit (7) and/or an external display device (8) which, to this end, contain at least one second radio unit (12), wherein the sensor device (3) is provided with a mounting (13) with which it can be arranged in the vicinity of the damp laundry items (2) by clipping onto a laundry hanging device (11);

   (b) an evaluation unit (9) for sensor signals from the sensor device (3); and

   (c) a display device (10) for displaying information for a user of the system (1), wherein the method contains the steps

   (i) hanging out the damp laundry items (2) at a location where the damp laundry items are hung out;

   (ii) attaching the sensor device (3) to the laundry hanging device (11) by clips and switching on the sensor device (3);

   (iii) measurement of the sensor signals by the sensor device (3); and

   (iv) evaluation of the sensor signals by the evaluation unit (9) at least regarding a probable drying period and/or an end of the drying process;

   (v) displaying whether the end of the drying process of the damp laundry items (2) determined using the sensor signals has been reached on the display device (10);

   (vi) evaluating acceleration signals of the acceleration sensor (16) with regard to the occurrence of excessively strong wind or other disturbances and

   (vii) displaying a warning signal in this regard on the display device (10) for a user.

Images