SE534157C2 - Suspension device, washing device and method for controlling a washing device - Google Patents

Description

534 157 2 The document DE 10 2004 047 999 A1 shows a friction damping device for a washing machine, wherein the washing machine has a drum which is inclined in its upper area by means of a el element of the washing machine. In the lower area of the drum, each damping element has a connection between the drum and the bottom of the washing machine housing. The damping element is specially designed as a friction element, the damping properties changing depending on the registered speed of the drive motor of the washing drum or the van / number of the washing drum itself, so that a measured degree of damping to reduce the oscillation amplitude of the washing drum is achieved.

Finally, the document DE 10 2005 037 144 A1 shows a pivot-inclined suspended inner unit of a washing machine, a washing drum suspended in its upper area in a housing of the washing machine by means of suspension elements usually being driven by means of an electric motor. In the lower area of the washing drum there are damping elements arranged, which are fixedly connected to the washing drum and likewise attached to the bottom of the washing machine housing. By means of at least one sensor, the oscillating movements of the washing drum during the work are registered and the corresponding registration signal is transmitted to a control device. According to the registered oscillation conditions of the washing drum, the damping properties of the damping element are adapted.

However, the suspension devices and the damping devices according to the aforementioned described prior art lead in part to an insufficient damping of the oscillations of the drum in a washing device, so that at least under certain operating conditions of the washing machine strong oscillations can occur and in these contexts a desired higher speed of drum especially when spinning the laundry is not easily achieved. Thus, in such oscillations, the oscillation amplitude of the drum of the washing device can assume significant values.

The object of the present invention is to provide such a suspension device for a drum of a washing device and such a washing device and such an associated control method as to provide an optimal pivoting ratio of the drum over the entire operating area of the washing device.

According to the invention, this is achieved by a suspension device according to the features stated in claim 1, by means of a washing device according to the features stated in claim 7 10 15 20 25 30 534 157 3 and with a method for controlling a washing device according to the claims specified in claim 13. the features.

Thus, according to a first point of view, the present invention relates to a suspension device for a washing device. The washing device comprises a drum housing elastically mounted on a main housing of the washing device by means of a suspension device and a sensor device for detecting a movement of the drum housing and outputting a corresponding registration signal to a control device, which on the one hand is designed to output control signals corresponding to a evaluation of the registration signal. The suspension device comprises at least one fastening element with a damping device and a suspension device connected to the damping device and arranged in a common housing to effect the elastic displacement of the drum housing, a first actuator connected to the damping device and a second actuator connected to the first suspension. and the second actuator is connected to the sensor device, and at least one of the first and second actuators is designed, in relation to the control signal of the control device, to change the damping properties of the damping device or the suspension properties of the suspension device.

According to the present invention, a movement or displacement (displacement) of the drum is thus registered during the operation of the washing device and during the rotation of the drum, the output signal being evaluated in a corresponding manner by sensors to register the movement of the drum. In the light of the evaluated sensor signal, for example, a resonant phenomenon can also be registered during the work of the washing device and the rotation of the drum. In relation to the registered movement of the drum or washing device, a control of the fastening element follows, in order to influence their properties regarding suspension and damping so that the movement of the drum and thus a oscillation of the drum of the washing device is substantially prevented. In particular, a resonance can occur during the work of the drum and be prevented by corresponding measures, so that extreme amplitudes of the oscillation of the drum together with a resonance can be prevented. In this way a safer operation of the washing device is possible over the entire operating range of the washing device and at all possible speeds of the drum, without excessive oscillations of the drum or the washing device itself. In particular, depending on the recorded displacement of the drum of the washing device, the control of the fastening element entails that counter-forces and especially damping forces are generated, which leads to a minimization of the displacement or the movement of the entire drum. These counter-forces, in order to dampen the oscillations of the drum, are applied in connection with a plurality of fastening elements at different places of the drum. With these fastening elements, the drum is likewise movably fastened in a corresponding drum housing on the main housing of the washing device. The actuators arranged on the fastening elements (actuators) have the task of directly adjusting the properties of the fastening elements, so that corresponding forces are exerted on the drum of the washing device, which are substantially opposite the self-movement of the washing drum and the corresponding oscillations.

By avoiding the excessive oscillation amplitude of the drum during its operation (rotation) by sensing a possible resonance, the dimensions of the washing device can be made smaller, and in this case, especially in private households, disturbing operating noise and strong oscillations of the whole washing device can be substantially reduced or effectively avoided. .

Additional designs are specified in the subclaims.

The fastening element of the suspension device can be movably connected to the main housing of the washing device by means of a first connecting element and movably connected to the drum housing by means of a second dry bonding element, so that corresponding stiffening of the drum of the washing device over its main housing is ensured.

The first actuator can thus be designed to change the damping force of the damping device and the second actuator can be designed to change the spring constant (fi resilience) of the suspension device.

The damping device can in this case be in active connection with the suspension device and the corresponding change of the damping properties and the suspension properties through the first and second actuators can be carried out separately from each other. In this case, a more accurate and more sensitive adjustment of the damping properties and the suspension properties is possible independently of each other. The suspension device further comprises a sensor device first assigned to the damping device, which is designed to register the operating conditions of the damping device, and a sensor device assigned to the second suspension device, which is designed to register the operating conditions of the suspension device. The first and second sensor devices can generate registration signals which are applied to the control device of the washing device for processing.

According to a second point of view, the present invention relates to a washing device with a drum housing elastically mounted on a main housing of the washing machine, a sensor device for detecting movement of the drum housing and emitting a corresponding registration signal, a control device for emitting control signals corresponding to an evaluation of the registration signal, setting element for elastic displacement of the drum housing with a damping device and an active connection associated with the first actuator, and a suspension device and a second actuator standing therewith in active connection, wherein at least one of the first and second actuators changes the damping properties of the damping device and the suspension properties of the suspension device in relation to the control signal of the control device.

In this case, the damping device and the suspension device can be arranged in a common housing and the suspension device is movably connectable to the main housing of the washing device by means of a first connecting element and movably connectable to the drum housing by means of a second connecting element.

In particular, the damping device, the suspension device and the first and second actuators can be arranged in a common housing, and the damping device and the suspension device can be in active communication with each other.

The drum housing and the fastening device can form an oscillation system, and the control device can be designed to control the first and second actuators for corresponding change of the damping properties and the suspension properties separately from each other and for changing the resonant frequency of the oscillating system.

The fastening element may further have a sensor device first assigned to the damping device, which is designed to register the operating conditions of the damping device, and a sensor device assigned to the second suspension device, which is designed to register the operating conditions of the suspension device.

The sensor device can be a multidimensional measuring sensor device.

The present invention relates according to a third point of view to a method for controlling a washing device with a drum housing electrically stored on a main housing of the washing device by means of a suspension device and a sensor device for detecting a movement of the drum housing, with the steps of: corresponding registration signal, comparing the registration signal with a predetermined threshold value, generating a control signal for the suspension device, when the registration signal exceeds the threshold value, and controlling the suspension device by means of the control signal to change at least one value of a damping property and a spring property way.

With the washing device, the drum housing and the suspension device (fastening element) can form an oscillation-prone system. In this context, the recording step may comprise a step of recording the range of a resonant frequency of the oscillating system, and further the controlling step may comprise a step of changing at least one value of damping properties and the tethering property of changing the resonant frequency of the oscillating system. .

Furthermore, the generating step may comprise a step of emitting a control signal depending on at least one predefined sensing field to change the resonant frequency of the oscillating system in a predetermined manner.

The present invention will be described in detail below by means of exemplary embodiments using the figures. They show: Fig. 1 a compilation of the washing device with the suspension device according to an embodiment of the present invention, Fig. 2 a detail of a fastening element of the suspension device for a washing device according to Fig. 1 corresponding to the first embodiment Fig. 3 is a fastening element of the suspension device of the washing device according to Fig. 1 corresponding to a second exemplary embodiment, and Fig. 4 is a flow diagram with steps for controlling the washing device according to the present invention. In the following, the suspension device for a washing device by means of embodiments will be described in detail.

Fig. 1 shows in a schematic view the arrangement of a washing device in the form of a drum washing machine with fastening elements belonging to the suspension device.

According to the view in Fig. 1, a washing device W comprises a main housing 1, as according to Fig. 1, which is only schematically shown in the form of attachment points for different components of the washing device W.

The washing device W further comprises a washing drum 3 rotatably mounted in a drum housing 2, in which laundry goods can be arranged during the washing. The rotatably mounted washing drum 3 is driven in a known manner by means of an electric motor for different directions of rotation and speed, the electric motor M with its attachment to the main housing 1 of the washing device W being shown schematically in Fig. 1 for simplifying purpose.

The drum 3 is movably fastened with its drum housing 2, i.e. prone to oscillation (elastic), with a number of fastening elements at the main housing 1 of the washing device 1. The fastening element 4, as in Fig. 1, which for example is arranged four in distributed device 3, forms the suspension device 5, which is designed for movable displacement of the drum housing 2 and thus the drum 3. The fastening element 4 can also constitute support elements for supporting the drum housing 2 against the main housing 1 of the washing device W.

The average number of fastening elements 4 is thus the drum housing 2 elastic in relation to the main housing 1 of the washing device W and movably mounted in the three room directions, while the drum 3 is rotatably mounted relative to the drum housing 2 and is rotatable by the electric motor M.

The washing device W further comprises a central control device 6. This performs the entire control of the washing machine W and in particular the control of the motor M during different washing processes and treatment processes of the washing device W, as well as control of the fastening element 4. The control of the fastening elements 4 is performed by the control device. so that the properties of the fastening elements 4 can be changed directly. The central control device 6 is connected to each fastening element 4 over each control unit 7. Preferably, each fastening element 4 is associated with a control unit 7 and arranged on the fastening element 4 or in its vicinity.

The washing device W according to the view in Fig. 1 further comprises a device for recording the movement of the drum housing 2 and thus the drum 3. The movement of the drum 3 and the drum housing 2 of the washing device W, which generally results in an uneven laundry distribution of the drum 3 during operation. can be detected by a multidimensional measuring sensor 8, for example by a magnetic sensor device. In particular, the movements of the drum 3 and the drum housing 2 of the washing device W comprise a rotation and a shaking (oscillation) in all three room directions.

The magnetic sensor device according to the exemplary embodiment shown in Fig. 1 comprises a dimensionally measuring measuring sensor 9, which is mounted on the main housing 1 of the washing device 1. The magnetic sensor device further comprises a magnetic field generating device 10 the main housing 1 of the device W likewise performs a relative movement to the magnetic sensor 9.

The magnetic field generating device 10 can thus be a permanent magnet or an electromagnet, and can in particular generate a magnetic field extending in several spatial directions. The embodiment shown in Fig. 1 is the magnetic field generating device 10 attached to the drum housing 2. while the magnetic sensor 9 is mounted relative thereto on the main housing 1 of the washing device W. However, the present invention is not limited to this device and it is in particular also possible, to fasten the magnetic field generating device 10 to the main housing 1 of the washing device W, while the magnetic sensor 9 is fixed to the drum housing 2, to follow the movement of the drum housing 2 during operation of the washing device W (regarding rotation and shaking in all three room directions).

In both cases it is required that the magnetic sensor 9 has a connection with the central control device 6, whereby in the case when an electromagnet is used, it is also required that the magnetic field generating device 10 has an electrical connection with the central control device 6. In the central control device 6 is special, in order to evaluate the output signal of the magnetic sensor 9, an evaluation device 11 is provided, which picks up the output signal from the magnetic sensor device and in particular from the magnetic sensor 9 and is processed in a corresponding manner. The magnetic sensor device is preferably arranged on the end of the drum housing 2, at which the load from the drum 3 acts.

During the operation of the washing device W, the magnetic sensor device comprises all movements of the drum housing 2 (and thus also the drum 3) in relation to the main housing 1 of the washing device W. electronic evaluation device 11 of the central control device 6 and converts in a corresponding information regarding the drum movement. Corresponding results for evaluation of the magnetic sensor of the magnetic sensor device can also be calculated at least temporarily in the evaluation device 11.

However, the present invention is not limited to the use of the magnetic sensor device and a magnetic sensor 9 as the multidimensional measuring sensor 8, but instead the movement of the drum housing 2 in all three spatial directions can also be detected by other types of sensors 8. 534 15? The registration of the three-dimensional movement and the rotational movement of the drum housing 2 can also be performed by means of a plurality of approximation sensors (not shown), with which a continuous distance measurement is performed while the washing device W is operated and even in these cases, the measurement result present as electrical signals. is added to the central control device 6 for further evaluation. Such approximation sensors thus enable a non-contact detection of the three-dimensional movement of the washing drum 3 in relation to the main housing 1 of the washing device W during its operation, wherein at least one approximation sensor is arranged. and a number of sensors may be distributed in the main housing 1 of the washing device W.

Furthermore, it is possible to register the three-dimensional movement of the drum housing 2 by means of a corresponding optical registration. with a photosensitive sensor arranged on the main housing 1 can be sensed. The output signal of the photosensitive sensor is also applied to the central control device 6 for further evaluation. A device similar to optical sensors (not shown) likewise enables a non-contact recording of the three-dimensional movement of the drum housing 2.

A further possibility to determine an information concerning the conditions of movement and oscillation between the drum 3 and the drum housing 2 consists in determining the inflow amount of water to form the detergent, so that at least this weight component (mass) corresponding to the amount of water introduced can registered.

As stated above, the registration of the three-dimensional movement of the drum housing 2 and the evaluation of the corresponding sensor signal, regardless of the type of sensor and the registration thereto, correspondingly influence the fastening element 4 so that the oscillation ratio between the drum housing 2 and the drum 3 advantageously acted and especially attenuated.

In this way the generated control signal is generated as a dependence on the generated three-dimensional movement of the drum housing 2 during the operation of the washing device W, which is fed to each control unit 7 of the fastening device 4. By means of the control signal the properties of the fastening element 4 resp. changes in a predetermined way. 10 15 20 25 30 534 157 11 In the following, the structure and function of the fastening element 4 will be described in connection with Fig. 2.

Fig. 2 shows the device resp. the construction in a schematic manner of a fastening element 4, which provides a connection between the drum housing 2 of the drum 3 and the main housing 1 of the washing device W.

Preferably, the control unit 7 is likewise arranged in a housing on a main housing 12 of the fastening element 4, a connection to the central control device 6 being provided via connecting lines 13. Over these connecting lines signals can be transmitted from the control unit 7 to the central control device 6 and corresponding instructions ( for example instruction signals) are received.

The fastening element 4 is connected on the one hand by means of a first connecting element 14 to the main housing 1 of the washing device W, and on the other hand to a second connecting element 15 connected to the drum housing 2. By means of the first and second connecting elements 14 and 15 are thus supported the fastening element 4 on the main housing 1 of the washing device W and carries the drum housing 2 with the drum 3.

The fastening element 4 comprises inside its housing 12 a damping device 16 and a suspension device 17, which in the longitudinal direction of the extension of the fastening element 4 and likewise in the longitudinal direction of the first and second connecting elements 14 and 15 and thus in the force direction are arranged one after the other. The damping element 16 can, for example, be designed as a shock absorber and likewise be designed as a friction damper. hydraulic damper, magnetic damper or a capacitive damper.

The fastening element for the washing device W thus exists as a unit.

According to the view in Fig. 2, a first operating device or a first actuator 18 is arranged on the damping device 16 of the fastening element 4, with which the properties, i.e. the damping properties of the damping device 16 can be adjusted and changed depending on the technical design of the damping device 16. The first actuator 18 has an electrical connection to the control unit 7, and can thus leave from the central control device 16 and in the control unit 7 on each actuator convert appropriate instruction signals into a corresponding change of the special properties of the damping device 16.

In a similar manner, the suspension device 17 comprises a second operating device or a second actuator 19, with which the properties of the suspension device 17, i.e. the suspension properties can be set or changed. The second actuator 19 likewise shows an electrical connection with the control unit 7 of the fastening element 4, so that in a corresponding manner, likewise instruction signals can be converted for a change of the suspension properties of the suspension device 17. In the following the mode of operation of the fastening element 4 The structure shown and previously described in Fig. 2 is explained in more detail. It is thus assumed that a plurality of substantially similar fastening elements 4 are arranged on the drum housing 2 (and thus also on the main housing 1 of the washing device W), which is schematically shown in Fig. 1 in connection with four fastening elements 4. Each fastening element 4 comprises a similar construction, and there is a control of the fastening elements 4 regarding their properties (damping, suspension) depending on the present operating conditions of the washing device W. The operating conditions especially include oscillations and whole movements (including rotations) of the drum housing 2 and the drum 3 of the washing device W, detected by the sensors 8.

The operation of the washing device W essentially comprises two operating areas. One of these is the washing process with low speeds, whereby in a predetermined manner, by a corresponding control of the electric motor M, a reversal of rotation is achieved and thus a changed direction of rotation of the drum 3 is achieved.

The operating conditions of the washing device further comprise the operation of the electric motor M at higher speeds, where the drum 3 is controlled for a centrifugation process with higher speeds, which are substantially higher than the speeds during pure washing work. When most often when the centrifugation operation is started at the washing device W, the laundry is arranged in a temporary distribution inside the drum 3 and then with a very high probability there is a different distribution, which leads to an imbalance of the drum 3 including its load, oscillations occur during the centrifugation operation. , which leads to significant amplitudes and further (three-dimensional) movements and rotational movements of the drum 3 and thus also the drum housing 2. In the washing device W the drum housing 2 forms with the drum 3 (including the laundry) and the fastening elements 4 with the The elastic suspension formed a so-called suspension-mass system and thus a system inclined to oscillation. In particular, any oscillation-prone system such as the above-mentioned has at least one resonant frequency at which the oscillation amplitude of the drum housing 2 can assume maximum and intolerable values. It is therefore necessary to thereby determine the properties of the fastening element 4, so that the essential oscillation amplitudes of the drum housing 2 in the region of a resonance (connection to the resonant frequency range of the oscillating system) are reduced or at least attenuated. In this case, the amplitude of the oscillation of the drum housing 2 must not exceed a predetermined value or a predetermined dimension. The predetermined dimension can be determined depending on the constructive properties of the washing device W (the deflection of the drum housing 2).

In the case of known fastening elements 4 which are known and immutable in their properties, a sufficient damping is set for safety, and a considerable damping is provided for the case of a resonance, so that optimal damping conditions in the other operating conditions are not always optimal.

According to the present invention and as shown above by the construction of the described fastening elements 4, it is possible to change both main properties of the fastening elements 4, i.e. the damping properties and the egenskaper resilience properties in a corresponding manner.

The central control device 6 determines from the registered measured values from the (multidimensionally measuring) sensor device 8 an operating state of the oscillating system, i.e. in particular the movements of the drum housing 2, which encloses the drum 3 and the laundry, and it generates corresponding control signals, by means of the damping properties and the suspension properties of the fastening elements 4 can be adjusted. The control signal is applied to each control unit 7 on the fastening elements 4 and a corresponding further processing and / or preparation of the control signal occurs by means of the control unit 7 to directly control each actuator (first and second actuators 18 and 19). in the fastening elements 4.

The actuators drive a resp. adjustment of the damping properties and the suspension properties of resp. fastening element 4 so that counter-forces are exerted relative to the oscillation of the drum housing 2, which counteracts the oscillation. In the same way, the properties of the fastening elements 4 are likewise adjusted so that a sufficient pivot coupling is provided between the drum housing 2 and the main housing 1 of the washing device W. Each power transmission is effected by means of the first and second connecting elements 14 and 15 (Fig. 2).

In detail, in view of the registered oscillation situation of the drum housing 2 through the central control device 6, a signal processing with the subsequent generation of the control signal leads. In this case, both the first actuator 18 of the damping device 16 and also the second actuator 19 of the suspension device 17 are controlled in a suitable manner, in order to change the resp. the properties. Furthermore, it is also possible, depending on certain registered operating states (oscillation states) of the drum housing 2, to only change either the damping properties or the suspension properties of each fastening element. In these cases, the corresponding control signal of the central control device 6 contains the information that only each of the required actuators is operated with simplicity in order to achieve the desired adjustment. The actuators 18 and 19 are thus separated and controllable independently of each other.

Depending on the registered operating conditions, there is the further possibility to easily control the individual fastening elements 4 in order to change their resp. operating parameters (damping and suspension characteristics) and bring about a change. In this context, the central control device 6 may have a memory device in which, in view of the previously stored characteristics which can be determined by each suitable control signal to allow the required counterforces for each operating state of the drum housing 2 through the actuators 18 and 19. determined or a work of the washing device W in the vicinity of a resonant frequency of the oscillating system. If the oscillation amplitude is determined on the basis of the type and size, that the washing device operates in the vicinity of a resonant frequency, the movements of the drum housing 2 and especially the oscillation amplitude can also be minimized in the vicinity and especially immediately in the region of the resonant frequency. Depending on resp. embodiment of the damping device and suspension device of the fastening elements 4, the counter-forces can be generated as frictional forces, damping forces, changes in resilience or magnetic forces. The change of the properties of the damping device 16 and the suspension device 17 of the fastening element 4 can be effected steplessly by means of the actuators 18 and 19 at corresponding control, or can be effected in predetermined steps and also with predetermined time change (maximum or minimum change per unit time).

When the central control device 6 after the start of the washing device W, sufficient information is available with regard to the weight of the laundry, including the amount of water supplied, which can likewise be calculated by means of a through fl meter, and can in connection with an actual present setting of damping and suspension properties. the properties of the fastening element 4, preferably in connection with a previously stored corresponding characteristic, an expected resonant frequency of the previously described oscillation-prone system can at least approximately be closed.

When the influence of the properties of the fastening element 4 occurs through the central control device 6 in the light of the actual and currently determined measured values regarding the movement of the drum housing, the magnitude of the movement and especially the oscillation amplitude of the drum housing 2 can be regulated.

It is possible in this way to compensate for the problem (oscillation amplitude) with the resonant frequency by this control, especially when the resonance of the oscillating system changes during the operation of the washing device W. This is possible because the laundry at the beginning of the centrifugation has a higher water content than during the course of the centrifugation, whereby the mass of the system prone to oscillation changes. 10 15 20 25 30 534 157 16 They are further arranged by means of a regulation of the aforementioned effect of the damping and suspension properties of the fastening element 4 by the central control device 6, furthermore also after a displacement of the resonant frequency to smaller or higher excitation frequencies. This is achieved by changing the operating parameter of the fastening element 4. This means that during the operation of the washing device W performs a change of the damping and suspension properties of the fastening element 4 so that the resonant frequency (at least one or more resonant frequencies) of the oscillating system changes continuously or in steps in a predetermined direction to higher or lower frequencies. so that in operation (ie with the mechanical oscillation pulse resulting in operation of the washing device) there is always a desired distance to the actual resonant frequency of the aforementioned oscillation-prone system.

If the proximity to a resonant frequency is mediated by the evaluation of the measured values of the sensor device 8, this resonant frequency can be shifted by the appropriate adjustment of the damping and suspension properties of the fastening element 4, so that it has a predetermined minimum distance to the excitation frequency. the actual speed of the drum. In this context, it is also possible, preferably in connection with a previously stored characteristic, also to be able to change the speed of the electric motor M for operating the drum 3 at least twice after a shift of the resonant frequency of the oscillating system to the transition of the desired or required centrifugation speed. Thus, the operation of the electric motor M may likewise include the control and regulation process.

In the event of a change in the suspension properties of the suspension device 17, for example (depending on the shape and additional properties depending on the suspension device) the suspension constant or suspension constant) can be changed with the second actuator 19.

Since the oscillating system as the device of the drum housing 2 of the washing device W can usually have several different resonant frequencies, the present invention also has the possibility of taking into account this plurality of resonant frequencies, as long as these resonant frequencies are in a range in which the oscillation impulse controlled higher centrifugal speeds are. By means of the control according to the present invention and in connection with the fastening element 4, at which the damping device 16 and the suspension device 17 in the housing 12 are arranged and thus the fastening element 4 is thus made in one piece with damping and suspension, the oscillations of the drum housing 2 as well as the drum 3 and the laundry can be controlled more safely and especially limited, when on the one hand a sufficient damping is applied and on the other hand by a corresponding adjustment of the damping and suspension properties which can change the resonant frequency of the oscillating frequency in a desired manner and depending on the registered operating condition of the washing device W can be shifted to higher or lower frequencies. In this way the oscillations of the drum housing 2 can be minimized, so that the sum of the work of the washing device W at each possible load of the drum 3 and each possible working speed of the drum 3 leads to less noise and thus the smaller oscillation amplitude of the drum housing 2 the size of the main housing 1 of the washing device W can be made smaller.

Furthermore, since the fastening element 4 is designed as a combination element and has both the damping device 16 and the tethering device 17, both corresponding to actuators required for adjustment (first and second actuators 18 and 19) in the common housing 12, the fastening element 4 can be made more compact, so that in In addition to a reduction in the installation space and weight, more favorable costs can also be obtained, since with the introduction of a number of similar fastening elements, the cost reduction for the production of each part can be increased. Thus, through the use of a combination element with damping and suspension properties, both a weight saving and a reduced price can be expected, when each element can be manufactured in large numbers. Furthermore, it is possible, within the scope of the present invention, to provide a compact actuator where both functions are present, which provide both a damping and also a suspension. Such an actuator with a dual function can thus be controlled and adjusted with respect to damping and suspension.

If the actuators are arranged separately according to the view in Fig. 2, there is also the possibility of arranging them in separate housings. Thus, according to the present invention, the frequency characteristic of the aforementioned oscillating system, i.e. especially its resonant frequency, is changed or shifted, and this is achieved within the framework of a control which is operationally dependent on the basis of the corresponding current measured value recorded by the sensor device 8. This can likewise be achieved depending on the (previously registered) load of the drum 3 in advance or only at determined oscillations. The resonance reduction, especially through changed frequency characteristics and shifting of the resonant frequency, thus results in safer operation of the washing device with a smaller operating restriction.

Thus, the goal can be obtained, to achieve a calm oscillation ratio at each van / speech and load of the drum 3 of the washing device W.

Fig. 3 shows the device and the design of a fastening element 4 according to a second exemplary embodiment of the present invention. In Fig. 3, the same components and elements as in Fig. 2 are denoted by the same reference numerals, so that a detailed description of these details is omitted.

The fastening element 4 according to the second embodiment and the view in Fig. 3 comprise similar parts as of the fastening element 4 of the first embodiment according to Fig. 2. The fastening element 4 according to the second embodiment further comprises a first and second sensor screen devices 20 and 21. arranged on or in direct operating connection with the damping device 16. The first sensor device 20 acts to register the operating conditions (operating conditions) or the setting of the damping device 16. In view of the corresponding sensor signals of the first sensor device 20, which is supplied to the central control device. 6 over the control unit 7, for further processing, an information is obtained regarding the current setting and operating conditions of the damping device 16. Similarly, the second sensor device 21 of the suspension device 17 is arranged or is in immediate position. Operation connection with this. By means of the second sensor device 21, the operating conditions such as the actual setting of the suspension device 17, in particular the set fi suspension property (fi change constant), can be transmitted and applied to the central control device 6 over the control unit 7 in the form of a corresponding electrical registration signal.

By means of the first and second sensor devices 20 and 21, the central control device 6 thus receives information regarding each setting of the damping device 16 and the suspension device 17, so that the central control device 6 by means of these sensors obtains an accurate image of the plurality of fastening elements 4.

It is further possible by means of the first and second sensor devices 20 and 21, during the operation of the washing device W and in particular the centrifugation, while the control of the oscillation amplitude of the drum housing 2 is carried out, to check whether a change of each feature of the damping device 16 and / or the suspension device 17 is actually performed by means of each actuator 18 and 19, and what actual setting is present in each fastening element 4.

This information enables the central control device 6 to at least approximately determine in advance which resonant frequency the oscillating system assumes.

In addition, it is likewise necessary to register the load of the drum 3 resp. the amount of water can on the one hand be obtained by a flow rate measurement, and on the other hand the whole weight load can also be determined by means of any second sensor device 21 on the suspension device 17 of the fastening element 4, in which the deflection of the whole drum housing including the drum 3, laundry and laundry the agent is registered and thus the load of the washing device W can be contained.

It is further possible to evaluate the sensor signal both the sensor device 8 and also the first and second sensor devices 20 and 21 in such a way that a weight registration function regarding the load of the drum 3 can be performed. In this way, independently of a measurement of the amount of water to form the washing water on the mass arranged in the drum housing 2 and thus inclined to oscillation, it can be enclosed. According to a further aspect of the present invention, the properties of the damping device 16 in connection with a hysteresis can be changed, in order to reduce oscillation problems and larger amplitudes, especially in a decrease of the oscillating mass by centrifugation of water during the centrifugation process of the washing device W and thereby reduce the change in the resonant frequency of the oscillating system.

In Fig. 3, the first and second sensor devices 20 and 21 are arranged inside the housing of the fastening element 4. Alternatively, the first and second sensor devices 20 and 21 may also be provided on the outside of the housing, as long as a measurement of the adjustment of each damping device 16 or the tethering device 17 (the operating connection) is ensured.

The first and second sensor devices 20 and 21 can even after a corresponding evaluation of their respective sensor signals are used to determine the oscillation ratio of the drum housing 2 and the drum 3.

Fig. 3 shows resp. actuators 18 and 19 in a device in the housing of the fastening element 4. Alternatively, each actuator 18 and 19 can also be arranged separately and thus arranged in separate housings. According to a further alternative, only one actuator can be provided, which uses the functions of both actuators 18 and 19.

The present invention relating to a suspension device can, for example, describe a suspension device for the drum housing 2 and the drum 3 of a washing device W.

However, it is conceivable that a similar suspension device is also useful for other oscillation-prone systems in a similar manner, in which oscillations with a partially changing resonant frequency are to be expected during the operation of the device.

With respect to the procedure of controlling the washing device. what the previously described suspension device 5 shows, Fig. 4 shows the corresponding procedure steps.

After the start, the registration of the movement of the drum housing 2 relative to the main housing 1 of the washing device W occurs first by means of the sensor device 8 under control through the central control device 6, whereby a corresponding registration signal is formed and applied to the control device 6 (step S1). This is followed in step S2 by a comparison of the registration signal with a predetermined threshold value. In this case, a comparison can be made in detail through the control device 6 10 15 20 25 30 534 'l57 21 such that the threshold value is derived from a previously stored characteristic.

Thereafter, the generation of a control signal for controlling the suspension device arises, when the registration signal exceeds the predetermined threshold value (step S3).

By means of the control signal formed by the control device 6, the control of the suspension device follows, whereby at least one of the value or parameter of the damping property and the tethering property of the suspension device changes in a predetermined manner. Thus, one or both parameters change damping property or suspension property, or both parameters depending on the registration signal or the evaluation of the registration signal (step S4). In detail, in the recording step (step S1), especially the range of a resonant frequency of the oscillating system can be recorded, and in connection with the control step (step S4) at least one of the parameters damping property and suspension property can be changed in such a way that the resonant frequency of the oscillating system the voice changes. In this case, likewise, in connection with step S2, by comparing the recording signal with a predetermined threshold value, the obtained or in the vicinity of a resonant frequency can be determined. In detail, in connection with the generating step (S3), the control signal can then be generated in dependence on at least one previously stored characteristic in order to change the resonant frequency of the system prone to oscillation in a predetermined manner. Thus, the predetermined value, which can for example be calculated and / or experimentally determined, can generate data for controlling the suspension device 5, by means of the corresponding control of the damping device 16 and the suspension device 17 by the respective actuators 18 and 19 expediently change the resonant frequency of the oscillating system.

The method according to the above-described described method in connection with Fig. 4 thus leads in the embodiment to the advantages of the present invention mentioned in connection with the suspension device 5 of the washing device W. In summary, depending on the registered displacement of the drum 3 of the washing device W, the control of the fastening element 4 arises so that counter-forces and especially damping forces are generated, which lead to a minimization of the displacement or the entire movement of the drum 3. These counter-forces for damping the oscillation of the drum 3 are applied in connection with a number of fastening elements 4 at different places of the drum 3. Through the fastening elements 4, the drum 3 in the corresponding drum housing 2 is likewise movably fastened to the main housing 1 of the washing device W.

The present invention is described above with the aid of exemplary embodiments in connection with associated figures, the views being schematic and the present invention not being limited to the dimensions and proportions. It is to be understood, however, that the design of the present invention as described above and the reference numerals used for each detail and component in the figures are not limited in the description and claims, as well as the examples given. In addition, all embodiments and variants that fall under the appended claims are considered to belong to the invention.

Claims (15)

10 15 20 25 30 534 157 23 Patent claims Suspension device for a washing device (VV) with a drum housing (2) elastically mounted on a main housing (1) of the washing device by means of a suspension device (5) and a sensor device (8) for detecting a movement of the drum housing and emitting a corresponding registration signal to a control device (6, 11) for emitting control signals corresponding to an evaluation of the control signal, the suspension device comprising: at least one fastening element (4) with a damping device (16) and one connected to the damping device and in a common housing (12 ) provided a tethering device (17) for effecting the elastic displacement of the drum housing (2), a first actuator (18) connected to the damping device (16) and a second actuator (19) connected to the suspension device (17), the first and second the actuator (18, 19) is connected to the control device (6), and at least one of the first and second actuators (18, 19) is designed, in relation to the control device control signal of the (6, 11), to change the damping properties of the damping device (16) or the suspension properties of the suspension device (17). Device according to claim 1, wherein the fastening element (4) is movably connectable to the main housing of the washing device (w) by means of a first connecting element (14) and movably connectable to the drum housing (2) by means of a second connecting element (15). Device according to claim 1, wherein the first actuator (18) is designed to change the damping force of the damping device (16) and the second actuator (19) is designed to change the respiration constant of the tethering device (17). Device according to claim 1, wherein the damping device (16) is in active communication with the suspension device (17), and the corresponding change of the damping properties and the ensk suspension properties by the first and second actuators (18, 19) is performed separately from each other. 10 15 20 25 30 534 157 24 The device according to claim 1, further comprising a sensor device (20) first assigned to the damping device (16), which is designed to record the operating conditions of the damping device, and a sensor device (21) secondly assigned to the suspension device, which is designed to register drifts operating conditions of the breathing apparatus. Device according to claim 1, wherein the first and second sensor devices (20, 21) generate registration signals which are fed to the control device (6) of the washing device (VV) for processing. Washing device, comprising: a drum housing (2) elastically mounted on the main housing (1) of the washing device, a sensor device (8) for detecting a movement of the drum housing and emitting a corresponding registration signal, a control device (6) for emitting control signals corresponding to a evaluation of the registration signal, fastening element (4) for elastic displacement of the drum housing (2) with a damping device (16) and a first actuator (18) connected thereto in active connection, and a ings suspension device (17) and an active connection standing actuator (19), wherein at least one of the first and second actuators (18, 19) changes the damping properties of the damping device (16) and the fi suspension properties of the fi suspension device (17) relative to the control signal of the control device (6). Washing device according to claim 7, wherein the damping device (16) and the suspension device (17) are arranged in a common housing (12), and the suspension device is movably connectable to the main housing of the washing device (w) by means of a first connecting element (14) and movably connectable to the drum housing (2) by means of a second connecting element (15). 10 15 20 25 30 534 157 25 Washing device according to claim 7, wherein the damping device (16), the tethering device (17) and the first and second actuators (18, 19) are arranged in a common housing (12), and the damping device (16) and the an suspension device (17) stand active connection with each other. Washing device according to claim 7, wherein the drum housing (2) and the fastening device (4) form a pivoting system, and the control device (6) is designed to control the first and second actuators (18, 19) for corresponding change of the damping properties and the air properties separately from each other. and for changing the resonant frequency of the oscillating system. Washing device according to claim 7, wherein the fastening device (4) further comprises a sensor device (20) associated with the damping device (16), which is designed to register the operating conditions of the damping device, and a sensor device (21) second associated with the suspension device (17). ), which is designed to record the operating conditions of the fi device. A washing device according to claim 7, wherein the sensor device (8) is a dimensionally measuring sensor device. Method for controlling a washing device with a drum housing (2) elastically mounted on a main housing (1) of the washing device (VV) by means of a suspension device (5) and a sensor device (8) for detecting a movement of the drum housing, with the steps: detecting (S1) the motion of the drum housing and generating a corresponding recording signal, comparing (S2) the recording signal with a predetermined threshold value, generating (S3) a control signal for the suspension device, when the recording signal exceeds the threshold value, and control (S4) of the suspension device by means of the control signal for changing at least one value of a damping property and a fi weathering property of the suspension device in a predetermined manner. 10 534 157 26 A method according to claim 13, wherein the drum housing (2) and the suspension device form an oscillating system, and wherein the recording step comprises a step of recording the range of a resonant frequency of the oscillating system, and the control step (S4) comprises a step of changing at least a value for the damping property and the eg respiration property to change the resonant frequency of the oscillating system. The method of claim 14, wherein the generating step (S3) further comprises a step of emitting a control signal depending on at least one predetermined sensing field to change the resonant frequency of the oscillating system in a predetermined manner.