Laundry care appliance with a controller

Abstract

The invention relates to a laundry care appliance having a liquor container for receiving a washing liquor, a washing liquor supply device for supplying washing liquor to the liquor container, a laundry drum for receiving laundry, which is arranged in the liquor container, a weight determination device for determining the weight of the laundry received in the laundry drum, and a controller, which is connected to the washing liquor supply device and to the weight determination device in terms of control engineering. The weight determination device determines the weight of the laundry received in the laundry drum during a determination time section. The controller activates the washing liquor supply device during a basis time section, which follows the determination time section, for supplying a basis amount of washing liquor to the liquor container. The controller activates the washing liquor supply device during a wetting time section, which follows the basis time section, for supplying a wetting amount of washing liquor to the liquor container, the wetting amount being determined by the controller depending on the determined weight of the laundry received in the laundry drum during the wetting time section.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a laundry care appliance with a controller. Background Technology

[0002] In traditional laundry care appliances, different methods are used to wet the laundry received in the washing drum. In traditional laundry care appliances, it is not always possible to ensure optimal wetting of the laundry received in the washing drum, especially when there is no information regarding the load (or the absorbency of the laundry received in the washing drum).

[0003] A wetting process for a washing machine is disclosed in WO 2006 / 097362 A1. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The objective of this invention is to provide a laundry care appliance that ensures the beneficial wetting of laundry received in a laundry drum.

[0005] This task is solved by a subject matter having the features described in the present invention. Advantageous embodiments are the subject matter of the technical solutions, description, and drawings of the present invention.

[0006] According to a first aspect, the objective of the invention is solved by a laundry care appliance comprising: an alkaline container for receiving laundry detergent; a laundry detergent supply device for supplying laundry detergent into the alkaline container; a laundry drum for receiving laundry, wherein the laundry drum is arranged in the alkaline container; a weight determining device for determining the weight of laundry received in the laundry drum; and a controller connected in a control technology to the laundry detergent supply device and the weight determining device, wherein the weight determining device is configured to: determine the weight of laundry received in the laundry drum during a defined time period. The weight of the laundry in the washing drum, wherein the controller is configured to: activate the detergent supply device during a base time period following the determined time period to supply a base amount of detergent to the alkali container, and wherein the controller is configured to: activate the detergent supply device during a wetting time period following the base time period to supply a wetting amount of detergent to the alkali container, wherein the controller is configured to: determine the amount of wetting supplied during the wetting time period based on the determined weight of the laundry received in the washing drum.

[0007] This approach achieves the following technical advantages: it ensures that the laundry is moistened in a particularly favorable manner.

[0008] The weight determination device specifically includes a weight detection device configured to detect the weight of laundry received in the laundry drum during the defined time period. The weight detection device is thus specifically configured to detect (i.e., particularly by means of a sensor) the weight of laundry received in the laundry drum during the defined time period.

[0009] Alternatively, the weight determination device specifically includes only an input element of the laundry appliance, which can be operated by the user of the laundry appliance to input the weight of the laundry received in the laundry drum. Thus, in this case, the weight of the laundry is not measured by the laundry appliance itself via a sensor, but is provided to the controller by the user simply by input.

[0010] The weight of laundry received in the washing drum, determined by the weight determining device, includes, in particular, the dry weight of the laundry received in the washing drum. This dry weight includes the weight of the laundry before detergent (particularly laundry care products and / or fresh water) is supplied to it via the detergent supply device. However, the concept of dry weight does not mandate that the laundry placed in the washing drum must be completely dry, thus allowing the dry weight to also apply to slightly damp laundry items placed in the washing drum by the user in this state.

[0011] Following the defined time period, during the base time period, the detergent supply device is activated by the controller to supply a base amount of detergent, thereby supplying a basic amount of detergent to the alkali container. This base amount of detergent is particularly independent of the weight of the laundry determined by the weight determining device and is specifically used only to flush the laundry care material received in the flushing tray into the alkali container and to ensure the initial wetting of the laundry received in the laundry drum. Thus, the base amount of detergent supplied during the base time period is constant, particularly across different loading categories of the laundry care appliance, and does not change when the loading of the laundry care appliance differs.

[0012] During the wetting time period following the base time period, the detergent supply device is reactivated by the controller to supply the required amount of detergent for wetting. However, unlike the base amount, the amount of detergent supplied during the wetting time period is related to the weight of the laundry determined by the weight determination device, thereby ensuring loading-related wetting of the laundry through a specifically determined amount. Therefore, the amount of detergent supplied during the wetting time period varies, particularly in different loading categories, and varies depending on the load (or the weight of the laundry).

[0013] Unlike the wetting phase in traditional laundry care appliances, which is typically controlled by the absorbency of the laundry, in this invention, a wetting amount of detergent, specifically adjusted according to the weight, can be added at the beginning of the washing phase, thereby increasing washing efficiency with the same program run time, or thereby shortening program run time with the same washing efficiency.

[0014] Furthermore, the amount of washing liquid required according to the invention is less because the amount of wetting liquid supplied is precisely adjusted according to the actual amount of washing liquid required for effective wetting. This avoids unnecessary additional requirements for washing liquid, thereby reducing the amount of washing liquid and heat energy required compared to conventional wetting processes, thus making the laundry care appliances according to the invention particularly advantageous for resource-efficient operation.

[0015] Laundry care appliances are understood as appliances used for laundry care, such as washing machines or laundry dryers. Such laundry care appliances are specifically understood as household laundry care appliances. That is, laundry care appliances used within a domestic framework and for handling the usual amount of laundry in a household.

[0016] In one advantageous embodiment, the lye container has a discharge opening and a supply element, the laundry care appliance has a pump that is fluidically connected to the discharge opening and the supply element and configured to: pump the laundry solution out of the discharge opening and resupply the pumped laundry solution to the lye container through the supply element to circulate the laundry solution, and the controller is configured to: activate the pump during the base time period and / or during the wetting time period to circulate the laundry solution.

[0017] This approach achieves the following technical advantages: particularly effective wetting of the laundry is ensured by circulating the washing liquid during the base time period and / or during the wetting time period.

[0018] In an advantageous embodiment, the controller is configured to simultaneously activate the detergent supply device and the pump during the wetting time period, or the controller is configured to activate the pump temporally after activating the detergent supply device during the wetting time period.

[0019] This method achieves the following technical advantages: it allows for the advantageous setting of the impact point of the washing liquid onto the laundry.

[0020] By activating both the pump and the detergent supply device during the wetting time period, the detergent can be immediately and directly wetted by means of the detergent pumped through the supply element.

[0021] If the pump is activated after the detergent supply device in time, the detergent supplied by the detergent supply device is initially supplied to the laundry drum through the drum housing and wets the laundry received in the laundry drum at a different location than when the detergent is circulated by the pump.

[0022] In one advantageous embodiment, the laundry care appliance has a level sensor for detecting the level of the detergent in the lye container, wherein the controller is configured to terminate the wetting time interval when the level of the detergent detected during the wetting time interval exceeds a level threshold.

[0023] This approach achieves the following technical advantages: the detected liquid level reaches the liquid level threshold, which advantageously indicates the end point (end time) of the wetting time segment at which the laundry is fully wetted.

[0024] In one advantageous embodiment, the controller is configured to determine the duration of the wetting time segment based on the weight of the laundry received in the laundry drum and / or based on the detected level of the washing liquid.

[0025] This approach achieves the following technical advantages: it enables particularly advantageous optimization of the duration of the wetting time segment.

[0026] In an advantageous embodiment, the basic amount of washing liquid supplied to the alkali container during the basic time period is determined independently of the weight of the laundry received in the washing drum.

[0027] This approach achieves the following technical advantages: the base quantity remains the same regardless of the laundry load, thus ensuring a simplified supply of the base quantity. The base quantity is used only to flush laundry care substances from the flush tray into the lye container (or to initially wet the laundry with the detergent solution). The base quantity supplied during the base time period is particularly less than the wetting quantity supplied during the wetting time period.

[0028] In one advantageous embodiment, the alkali container has a heating device for heating the washing liquid received in the alkali container, and the controller is configured to activate the heating device during the wetting time period to heat the washing liquid received in the alkali container.

[0029] This approach achieves the following technical advantages: by activating the heating element in advance during the wetting phase, the temperature of the washing liquid can be raised before the washing phase of the laundry care program begins, thereby reducing the total duration of the laundry care program.

[0030] In an advantageous embodiment, the laundry care appliance has a drum drive for rotating the laundry drum, and the controller is configured to activate the drum drive during the base time period and / or during the wetting time period to rotate the laundry drum, particularly to rotate the laundry drum alternately in two rotational directions.

[0031] This method achieves the following technical advantages: it enables particularly effective wetting of laundry.

[0032] In one advantageous embodiment, the laundry care appliance has a drum drive for rotating the laundry drum, and the controller is configured to activate the drum drive during a discharge time period following the wetting time period, so that the laundry drum rotates at a discharge speed to discharge the detergent that has adhered to the laundry.

[0033] This method achieves the following technical advantages: at the end of the wetting phase, the detergent liquid partially bound to the detergent can be re-expelled and received in the alkali container.

[0034] In one advantageous embodiment, the laundry care appliance has a level sensor for detecting the level of detergent in the lye container, and the controller is configured to: terminate the evacuation time interval when the detected detergent level exceeds a level threshold, and / or the controller is configured to: activate the detergent supply device during a rewetting time interval following the evacuation time interval when the detected detergent level falls below the level threshold after the evacuation time interval, to supply a rewetting amount of detergent to the lye container.

[0035] This approach achieves the following technical advantages: the end of the wetting phase can be effectively monitored based on the liquid level detected by the liquid level sensor. If the detected liquid level exceeds the liquid level threshold, the expulsion time segment can be immediately terminated by the controller.

[0036] Alternatively, the expulsion time segment can also be terminated by the controller after a predetermined period of time has elapsed.

[0037] If the detected liquid level falls below the liquid level threshold after the discharge time interval, the controller recognizes that there may not be enough detergent being supplied to the laundry and rewets the laundry by supplying the rewetting amount of detergent.

[0038] The controller is specifically configured to: activate the drum drive to rotate the laundry drum during the rewetting time interval, and / or activate the pump to circulate the washing liquid.

[0039] The controller is specifically configured to terminate or repeat the rewetting time interval based on the level of the washing liquid detected in the alkali container after the rewetting time interval.

[0040] In one advantageous embodiment, the weight determination device includes: a weighing system for weighing laundry received in the laundry drum, a means for detecting the deflection of the vibration system of the laundry drum, and / or a power detection element for detecting the electrical power value of the drum drive of the laundry drum.

[0041] This method achieves the following technical advantages: it ensures that the weight of the laundry can be detected particularly effectively.

[0042] According to a second aspect, the objective of the invention is solved by a method for wetting laundry in a laundry care appliance, wherein the laundry care appliance comprises: an alkaline solution container for receiving laundry liquid; a laundry liquid supply device for supplying laundry liquid into the alkaline solution container; a laundry drum for receiving laundry, wherein the laundry drum is arranged in the alkaline solution container; a weight determining device for determining the weight of laundry received in the laundry drum; and a controller connected in a control technology to the laundry liquid supply device and the weight determining device, wherein the method includes using... The method comprises the following steps: determining the weight of the laundry received in the washing drum during a defined time period using the weight determining device; activating the detergent supply device during a base time period following the defined time period using the controller to supply a base amount of detergent to the alkali container; and activating the detergent supply device during a wetting time period following the base time period using the controller to supply a wetting amount of detergent to the alkali container, wherein the controller determines the wetting amount based on the weight of the laundry received in the washing drum.

[0043] This approach achieves the following technical advantages: ensuring the effective wetting of the washed items.

[0044] In one advantageous embodiment, the laundry care appliance has a drum driver for rotating the laundry drum, and the method has an additional method step of activating the drum driver by the controller during a discharge time period following the wetting time period, so that the laundry drum rotates at a discharge speed and discharges the detergent that has adhered to the laundry.

[0045] This approach achieves the following technical advantages: the washing liquid expelled from the washed items can be used for subsequent analysis.

[0046] In one advantageous embodiment, the laundry care appliance has a level sensor for detecting the level of detergent in the lye container, wherein the method includes the steps of: deactivating the drum drive via the controller to end the discharge time segment when the detected detergent level exceeds a level threshold, or wherein the method includes the steps of: activating the detergent supply device via the controller during a rewetting time segment following the discharge time segment when the detected detergent level falls below the level threshold after the discharge time segment, to supply a rewetting amount of detergent to the lye container.

[0047] This approach achieves the following technical advantages: depending on the level of the washing liquid detected in the alkali container, either the wetting time segment can be ended when the washings are fully wetted, or another amount of washing liquid can be supplied in the next rewetting time segment to rewet the washings while they are not fully wetted.

[0048] In an advantageous embodiment, the basic amount of washing liquid supplied to the alkali container during the basic time period is determined independently of the weight of the laundry received in the washing drum.

[0049] The embodiments of the laundry care appliances described in the first aspect that are shown as advantageous embodiments are also advantageous embodiments of the methods according to the second aspect. Attached Figure Description

[0050] Embodiments of the present invention are shown in the accompanying drawings and described in detail below.

[0051] The attached diagram shows:

[0052] Figure 1 Schematic view of laundry care appliances;

[0053] Figure 2 Schematic view of a laundry care appliance with a controller;

[0054] Figure 3 : Illustrations of the wetting process of the laundry according to the first, second, third, and fourth embodiments; and

[0055] Figure 4 : A schematic view of a method for wetting laundry in laundry care appliances. Detailed Implementation

[0056] Figure 1 A schematic view of a common laundry care appliance 100 (such as a washing machine) is shown. The laundry care appliance 100 includes a flush tray 101 into which laundry care substances (particularly detergent or other liquid substances) can be filled. The laundry care appliance 100 has an appliance housing 102. The laundry care appliance 100 includes an appliance door 103 for loading laundry into the appliance 100.

[0057] Figure 2A schematic view of a laundry care appliance with a controller is shown. The laundry care appliance 100 has an alkali container 105 for receiving detergent and a laundry drum 107 for receiving laundry. The laundry drum 107 is arranged in the alkali container 105. The laundry care appliance 100 has a drum driver 109 for rotating the laundry drum 107. The alkali container 105 has a discharge opening 111. The laundry care appliance 100 has a supply element 113. The discharge opening 111 is fluidically connected to the supply element 113 via a liquid conduit 115, in which a pump 117 is arranged for pumping detergent through the liquid conduit 115.

[0058] The pump 117 can be Figure 2 During the circulation pumping process (not shown), the washing liquid is pumped from the lye container 105 through the discharge opening 111 into the liquid line 115, and the washing liquid is then resupplyed to the lye container 105 and the laundry drum 107 via the liquid line 115 and the supply element 113. In this way, the washing liquid can be effectively circulated through the liquid line 115 and resupplyed to the laundry in the laundry drum 107 during the laundry care process.

[0059] The laundry care appliance 100 has a laundry liquid supply device 118-1 for supplying laundry liquid to the alkali container 105, wherein the laundry liquid supply device 118-1 is connected to the alkali container 105 via a supply pipe 118-2.

[0060] The detergent supply device 118-1 particularly includes Figure 2 The flushing tray 101 of the laundry care appliance 100 (not shown) and / or Figure 2 The fresh water inlet of the laundry care appliance 100 (not shown) is provided, wherein the controller 119 is configured to activate the inlet of detergent alkali via the flushing tray 101 and / or the fresh water inlet to supply detergent alkali and / or fresh water as washing liquid to the laundry drum 107.

[0061] The laundry care appliance 100 also includes a controller 119, which is connected to the pump 117, the drum driver 109 and the detergent supply device 118-1 via a control connection 121.

[0062] The laundry care appliance 100 also has a weight determining device 123 for determining the weight of the laundry received in the laundry drum 107, in particular a weight detection device 123 for detecting the weight of the laundry received in the laundry drum 107, that is, for measuring the weight of the laundry in the laundry drum 107 in a sensor manner.

[0063] Figure 2 The weight determination device 123 (or weight detection device 123) shown in the diagram specifically has a power detection element 123-1 for detecting the electrical power value of the drum drive 109. The power detection element 123-1 is specifically configured to detect the current intensity and / or electrical power consumption of the drum drive 109 that generates torque as the electrical power value of the drum drive 109. The weight determination device 123 (specifically the power detection element 123-1) is configured to determine the weight of the laundry received in the laundry drum 107 based on the detected electrical power value of the drum drive 109.

[0064] The power detection element 123-1 is specifically arranged within the controller 119. Alternatively, the power detection element 123-1 may be specifically arranged outside the controller 119, such as... Figure 2 Not shown in the diagram. Alternatively, the power detection element 123-1 may be arranged, in particular, inside the roller drive 109.

[0065] Even if this is not in Figure 2 As shown, the weight determination device 123 may alternatively or additionally include a weighing system for weighing laundry received in the laundry drum 107 and / or alternatively or additionally include means for detecting the deflection of the vibration system of the laundry drum 107.

[0066] Alternatively, the weight determination device 123 may consist only of the input element of the laundry care appliance 100, through which the user inputs the weight of the laundry, without the weight determination device 123 itself measuring the weight of the laundry 107 in the laundry drum 107.

[0067] The laundry care appliance 100 also includes an output line 125, which is fluidically connected to the liquid line 115. The pump 117 is configured to: Figure 2 During the pumping process (not shown), the washing liquid is pumped from the alkali container 105 through the discharge opening 111, through the liquid line 115, and through the output line 125 from the laundry care appliance 100.

[0068] The laundry care appliance 100 also has, in particular Figure 2 A level sensor, not shown, is used to detect the level of the washing liquid in the alkali container 105.

[0069] The laundry care appliance 100 also has, in particular Figure 2 Heating device for heating the washing liquid received in the alkaline container 105, not shown.

[0070] Figure 3 Illustrations of the wetting process of laundry according to the first, second, third and fourth embodiments are shown.

[0071] like Figure 3 As shown, the first embodiment A includes rows A1, A2 and A3, the second embodiment B includes rows B1, B2 and B3, the third embodiment C includes rows C1, C2 and C3, and the fourth embodiment D includes rows D1, D2 and D3.

[0072] Figure 3 According to the first, second, third, and fourth embodiments A, B, C, and D, the time trend of the rotational speed of the washing drum 107 (see the corresponding first curve 141 in rows A1, B1, C1, and D1), the amount of washing liquid supplied to the alkali container 105 through the washing liquid supply device 118-1 (see the corresponding second curve 105 in rows A2, B2, C2, and D2), and the activation of the pump 117 for circulating the washing liquid (see the corresponding third curve 145 in rows A3, B3, C3, and D3) are given along the vertical axis 127 according to time, and time is given on the horizontal axis 129.

[0073] Here, Figure 3 The washing process shown in the figure includes, according to the first, second, third and fourth embodiments A, B, C and D, a defined time segment 132, a base time segment 133 following the defined time segment 132, a wetting time segment 135 following the base time segment 133 and a removal time segment 137 following the wetting time segment 135.

[0074] Only the fourth embodiment D additionally has a rewetting time segment 139 that follows the expulsion time segment 137.

[0075] Figure 3The first curve 141 shown illustrates the temporal trend (Verlauf) of the rotational speed of the laundry drum 107, which is rotated by the drum drive 109. During the defined time interval 132, the weight determination device 123 (in particular the power detection element 123-1) is configured to determine the weight of the laundry received in the laundry drum 107 based on the detected electrical power value of the drum drive 109 (see rows A1, B1, C1, and D1).

[0076] The base time segment 133 follows the defined time segment 132. During the base time segment 133, the controller 119 activates the detergent supply device 118-1 to supply a base amount of detergent to the alkali container 105 (see rows A2, B2, C2 and D2).

[0077] Figure 3 The second curve 143 shown illustrates the time trend of the washing liquid supplied to the alkali container 105 via the washing liquid supply device 118-1.

[0078] The supply of the basic amount of detergent during the basic time period 133 is specifically for: introducing laundry care material from the flushing tray 101 into the alkali container 105 and also ensuring that the laundry received in the laundry drum 107 is initially wetted by the detergent.

[0079] The basic amount of washing liquid supplied to the alkali container 105 during the basic time period 133 is determined in particular independently of the weight of the laundry received in the laundry drum 107.

[0080] The controller 119 also activates the pump 117 during the base time period 133 to circulate the washing liquid (see rows A3, B3, C3, and D3). Circulating the washing liquid further improves the wetting of the laundry. Figure 3 The third curve 145 shown here illustrates the time trend of the washing liquid pumped from the alkali container 105 through the discharge opening 111 by the pump 117 and resupplyed to the alkali container 105 by the supply element 113 within the framework of the circulating pumping process.

[0081] The wetting time segment 135 follows the base time segment 133. During the wetting time segment 135, the controller 119 activates the detergent supply device 118-1 to supply the amount of detergent to the alkali container 105 (see rows A2, B2, C2, and D2), wherein the controller 119 is configured to determine the amount of detergent to be wetted based on the determined weight of the laundry received in the laundry drum 107.

[0082] Therefore, the amount of washing liquid supplied to the alkali container 105 during the wetting time period 135 can be optimally adjusted based on the weight of the laundry received in the washing drum 107 as determined by the weight determining device 123 (in particular the power detection element 123-1).

[0083] The laundry care appliance 100 specifically includes a liquid level sensor configured to detect the liquid level of the laundry detergent in the lye container 105. The controller 119 is specifically configured to terminate the wetting time segment 135 when the detected liquid level exceeds a liquid threshold.

[0084] The detected liquid level exceeds the liquid level threshold, indicating favorable wetting of the laundry. Since the detected liquid level (or liquid level threshold) in the alkali container 105 is directly related to the absorbency of the laundry, the controller 119 can determine the fabric type of the laundry by detecting the liquid level. This allows for the effective determination of the end point for the wetting time segment 135.

[0085] Thus, for example, the amount of laundry in the laundry drum 107 that is smaller in the first embodiment A than in the second embodiment B will cause the wetting time segment 135 to be shorter in time than in the second embodiment B (see embodiments A and B), because the laundry in embodiment A is easier to wet than the laundry in embodiment B due to the more advantageous drum configuration.

[0086] The laundry drum 107 rotates particularly during the wetting time segment 135, and particularly rotates alternately in two directions of rotation (see rows A1, B2, C1 and D1).

[0087] The wetting time segment 135 is followed by the expulsion time segment 137. As can be seen from rows A1, B1, C1, and D1 of the first, second, third, and fourth embodiments A, B, C, and D, the controller 119 activates the drum driver 109 during the expulsion time segment 137 to cause the laundry drum 107 to rotate at an expulsion speed to expel the detergent that has adhered to the laundry.

[0088] In this way, the detergent liquid partially bound to the laundry is re-expelled from the laundry due to the centrifugal force. The amount of detergent liquid released can be determined, in particular, by means of a level sensor for detecting the level of detergent liquid in the alkali container 105. The controller 119 is configured to determine, based on the detected level of detergent liquid, the amount of detergent liquid expelled from the laundry during the expulsion time period 137.

[0089] The controller 119 is specifically configured to terminate the discharge time segment 137 according to the second embodiment B when the detected liquid level of the washing liquid exceeds the liquid level threshold (see line B2).

[0090] If the detected level of the washing liquid is below the level threshold after the discharge time interval 137, the controller 119 is alternatively configured according to the first embodiment A to activate the washing liquid supply device 118-1 to supply another amount of washing liquid to the alkali container 105 (see line A2).

[0091] By supplying another amount of washing liquid according to the first embodiment A, it is ensured that after the process, there is a minimum amount of washing liquid in the alkali container 105, which is sufficient to fully cover the heating element arranged on the lower side of the alkali container 105 with washing liquid.

[0092] Figure 3 The third embodiment C shown in the figure and Figure 3 The difference in the second embodiment B shown is that there is a larger amount of laundry in the laundry drum 107, thereby increasing the duration of the wetting time segment 135 in the third embodiment C.

[0093] By comparison Figure 3 The third curve 145 in the second embodiment B and the third embodiment C shown in the figure can determine the different activation times of the pump 117.

[0094] according to Figure 3 In the third curve 145 of the second embodiment B shown, the pump 117 for circulating the washing liquid and the washing liquid supply device 118-1 for supplying the washing liquid are activated simultaneously, so that the supplied washing liquid is simultaneously circulated by the pump 117 and thus concentratedly sprayed onto the laundry.

[0095] according to Figure 3In the third embodiment C shown in the figure, the third curve 145, the pump 117 is activated after the washing liquid supply device 118-1 is activated in time, so that the washing liquid is supplied to the laundry in the laundry drum 107 through the drum cover before the circulation pumping occurs, thereby changing the impact point of the washing liquid on the laundry.

[0096] Figure 3 The fourth embodiment D shown discloses another situation in which a low level of washing liquid exists in the alkali container 105 after the end of the expulsion time segment 137, for example because there is a large amount of washing liquid and / or washing liquid with particularly strong adsorption capacity in the washing drum 107.

[0097] As from Figure 3 As can be seen in the fourth embodiment D shown, when the detected level of the washing liquid is lower than the level threshold after the discharge time interval 137, an additional rewetting time interval 139 is connected after the discharge time interval 137. During the rewetting time interval 139, the controller 119 activates the washing liquid supply device 118-1 to supply the rewetting amount of washing liquid to the alkali container 105.

[0098] The controller 119 is configured to: activate the drum driver 109 for rotating the laundry drum 107 and / or activate the pump 117 for circulating the laundry liquid during the rewetting time interval 139 (see lines D1 and D3).

[0099] In summary, the amount of washing liquid required for the washing process is determined directly based on the weight of the laundry in the washing drum 107 as determined by the weight determining device 123 (in particular the power detection element 123-1).

[0100] Unlike conventional methods that attempt to determine the optimal wetting amount indirectly through the adsorption capacity of the detergent, the present invention provides a specific amount of detergent solution tailored to the loading condition, which can be provided at the beginning of the wetting stage, resulting in the following advantages.

[0101] This results in a shorter wetting phase, which allows the washing phase to begin earlier, thereby improving the washing efficiency during the washing phase while keeping the program run time the same, or shortening the program run time while keeping the washing efficiency the same during the washing phase.

[0102] Furthermore, less detergent is needed to wet the laundry because there is no need to maintain a minimum level of detergent in the lye container 105 as is required in conventional washing machines. Because of the smaller amount of detergent, less energy is required to heat it. Additionally, the detergent can be heated at an earlier stage of the washing process, thereby ensuring improved washing efficiency.

[0103] Figure 4 A schematic view is shown of a method for wetting laundry in a laundry care appliance.

[0104] The method 200, as a first method step, includes: determining the weight of the laundry received in the laundry drum 107 by the weight determining devices 123, 123-1 during a determined time period 132.

[0105] The method 200, as a second method step, includes: activating the detergent supply device 118-1 203 via the controller 119 during a base time period 133 following the defined time period 132 to supply a base amount of detergent to the alkali container 105, and activating the pump 117 203 for circulating the detergent.

[0106] The method 200, as a third method step, includes: activating the detergent supply device 118-1 205 by the controller 119 during a wetting time segment 135 following the base time segment 133 to supply a wetting amount of detergent to the alkali container 105, wherein the controller 119 determines the wetting amount based on the weight of the laundry received in the laundry drum 107.

[0107] The method 200, as an optional fourth method step, includes: activating the drum driver 109 207 by the controller 119 during the expulsion time segment 137 following the wetting time segment 135, so that the laundry drum 107 rotates at an expulsion speed and expels the detergent that has adhered to the laundry.

[0108] The method 200, as an optional fifth method step, includes: when the detected level of the washing liquid exceeds a level threshold, deactivating the drum driver 109 209-1 via the controller 119 to end the discharge time segment 137; or the method 200, as an optional sixth method step, includes: when the detected level of the washing liquid falls below the level threshold after the discharge time segment 137, activating the washing liquid supply device 118-1 209-2 via the controller 119 during the rewetting time segment 139 following the discharge time segment 137 to supply the rewetting amount of washing liquid to the alkali container 105.

[0109] All the features illustrated and shown in connection with individual embodiments of the invention can be set in different combinations within the subject matter of the invention to achieve their advantageous effects simultaneously.

[0110] The scope of protection of this invention is given by the claims and is not limited to the features set forth in the specification or shown in the drawings.

[0111] List of reference numerals

[0112] 100 laundry care appliances

[0113] 101 rammed into the casing

[0114] 102 Appliance housing

[0115] 103 Equipment Door

[0116] 105 Alkali solution container

[0117] 107 Laundry drum

[0118] 109 Roller Drive

[0119] 111 Discharge opening

[0120] 113 Supply Components

[0121] 115 Liquid Piping

[0122] 117 Pump

[0123] 118-1 Detergent supply device

[0124] 118-2 Supply Piping

[0125] 119 Controller

[0126] 121 Control Connection Part

[0127] 123 Weight determination device

[0128] 123-1 Power Detection Element

[0129] 125 Output Piping

[0130] 127 Vertical axis

[0131] 129 Horizontal axis

[0132] 132 Determine the time segment

[0133] 133 Basic Time Segment

[0134] 135 Wetting Time Range

[0135] 137 Exit Time Segment

[0136] 139 Rewetting Time Range

[0137] 141 First Curve

[0138] 143 Second Curve

[0139] 145 Third Curve

[0140] 200 Methods for wetting laundry

[0141] 201 First Method Step: Determine the weight of the laundry.

[0142] 203 Second method step: Activate the detergent supply device to supply the basic amount of detergent.

[0143] 205 Third method step: Activate the detergent supply device to supply the required amount of detergent for wetting.

[0144] 207 Fourth Method Step: Activate the Roller Driver

[0145] 209-1 Fifth Method Step: Disabling the Roller Drive

[0146] 209-2 Sixth Method Step: Activate the detergent supply device to supply the required amount of detergent for wetting.

Claims

1. A laundry care appliance (100), comprising: - Alkali container (105) for receiving washing liquid. - A detergent supply device (118-1) for supplying detergent to the alkali container (105). - Laundry drum (107) for receiving laundry. in, The laundry drum (107) is arranged in the alkali container (105); - Weight determining device (123, 123-1) for determining the weight of the laundry received in the washing drum (107); and - A controller (119), which is connected in terms of control technology to the detergent supply device (118-1) and the weight determination device (123, 123-1). in, The weight determining device (123, 123-1) is configured to determine the weight of the laundry received in the laundry drum (107) during a defined time period (132). The controller (119) is configured to activate the detergent supply device (118-1) during a base time period (133) following the defined time period (132), for supplying a base amount of detergent to the alkali container (105), and The controller (119) is configured to activate the detergent supply device (118-1) during the wetting time period (135) following the base time period (133), for supplying the wetting amount of detergent to the alkali container (105). The controller (119) is configured to determine the amount of wetting supplied during the wetting time period (135) based on the determined weight of the laundry received in the laundry drum (107). The alkaline solution container (105) has a discharge opening (111) and a supply element (113). The laundry care appliance (100) has a pump (117) which, in a fluid technology manner, is connected to the discharge port (111) and the supply element (113) and configured to: pump laundry liquid out of the discharge port (111) and resupply the pumped laundry liquid through the supply element (113) to the alkali container (105) to circulate the laundry liquid; and The controller (119) is configured to activate the pump (117) for circulating the washing liquid during the base time period (133) and / or during the wetting time period (135). The basic amount of washing liquid supplied to the alkali container (105) during the basic time period (133) is determined independently of the weight of the laundry received in the laundry drum (107).

2. The laundry care appliance (100) according to claim 1. Its features are, The controller (119) is configured to simultaneously activate the detergent supply device (118-1) and the pump (117) during the wetting time period (135), or The controller (119) is configured to activate the pump (117) temporally after the activation of the washing liquid supply device (118-1) during the wetting time period (135).

3. The laundry care appliance (100) according to any one of the preceding claims. Its features are, The laundry care appliance (100) has a liquid level sensor for detecting the liquid level of the laundry solution in the alkali container (105). The controller (119) is configured to terminate the wetting time period (135) when the level of the washing liquid detected during the wetting time period (135) exceeds the level threshold.

4. The laundry care appliance (100) according to claim 1 or 2. Its features are, The controller (119) is configured to determine the duration of the wetting time segment (135) based on the weight of the laundry received in the laundry drum (107).

5. The laundry care appliance (100) according to claim 1 or 2. Its features are, The controller (119) is configured to determine the duration of the wetting time segment (135) based on the detected liquid level of the washing liquid.

6. The laundry care appliance (100) according to claim 1 or 2. Its features are, The alkali container (105) has a heating device for heating the washing liquid received in the alkali container (105), and The controller (119) is configured to activate the heating device during the wetting time period (135) for heating the washing liquid received in the alkali container (105).

7. The laundry care appliance (100) according to claim 1 or 2. Its features are, The laundry care appliance (100) has a drum drive (109) for rotating the laundry drum (107), and The controller (119) is configured to activate the drum drive (109) during the base time period (133) and / or during the wetting time period (135) to rotate the laundry drum (107).

8. The laundry care appliance (100) according to claim 7. Its features are, Rotating the laundry drum (107) means rotating the laundry drum (107) alternately in two directions of rotation.

9. The laundry care appliance (100) according to claim 1 or 2. Its features are, The laundry care appliance (100) has a drum drive (109) for rotating the laundry drum (107), and The controller (119) is configured to activate the drum driver (109) during the expulsion time period (137) following the wetting time period (135) to rotate the laundry drum (107) at an expulsion speed to expel the detergent that has adhered to the laundry.

10. The laundry care appliance (100) according to claim 9. Its features are, The laundry care appliance (100) has a liquid level sensor for detecting the liquid level of the laundry solution in the alkali container (105), and The controller (119) is configured to: terminate the ejection time interval (137) when the detected level of the washing liquid exceeds a level threshold, and / or The controller (119) is configured to activate the washing liquid supply device (118-1) during a rewetting time period (139) following the discharge time period (137) when the detected level of the washing liquid is below a level threshold after the discharge time period (137), for supplying the rewetting amount of washing liquid to the alkali container (105).

11. The laundry care appliance (100) according to claim 1 or 2. Its features are, The weight determination device (123, 123-1) includes: A weighing system for weighing laundry received in the laundry drum (107); Device for detecting the deflection of the vibration system of the laundry drum (107); and / or Power detection element (123-1) for detecting the electrical power value of the drum drive (109) of the laundry drum (107).

12. A method (200) for wetting laundry in a laundry care appliance (100). in, The laundry care appliance (100) has: - Alkali container (105) for receiving washing liquid. - A detergent supply device (118-1) for supplying detergent to the alkali container (105). - Laundry drum (107) for receiving laundry. The washing drum (107) is arranged in the alkali container (105); - Weight determining device (123, 123-1) for determining the weight of the laundry received in the washing drum (107); and - A controller (119), which is connected in terms of control technology to the detergent supply device (118-1) and the weight determination device (123, 123-1). Its features are, The method (200) includes the following method steps: • The weight of the laundry received in the laundry drum (107) is determined (201) during a determined time period (132) by the weight determining device (123, 123-1); • The detergent supply device (118-1) is activated (203) by the controller (119) during a base time period (133) following the defined time period (132) to supply a base amount of detergent to the alkali container (105); and • The detergent supply device (118-1) is activated (205) by the controller (119) during the wetting time period (135) following the basic time period (133) to supply a wetting amount of detergent to the alkali container (105), wherein the controller (119) determines the wetting amount based on the weight of the laundry received in the laundry drum (107). The alkaline solution container (105) has a discharge opening (111) and a supply element (113). The laundry care appliance (100) has a pump (117) which, in a fluid technology manner, is connected to the discharge port (111) and the supply element (113) and configured to: pump laundry liquid out of the discharge port (111) and resupply the pumped laundry liquid through the supply element (113) to the alkali container (105) to circulate the laundry liquid; and The controller (119) is configured to activate the pump (117) for circulating the washing liquid during the base time period (133) and / or during the wetting time period (135). The basic amount of washing liquid supplied to the alkali container (105) during the basic time period (133) is determined independently of the weight of the laundry received in the laundry drum (107).

13. The method (200) according to claim 12. Its features are, The laundry care appliance (100) has a drum drive (109) for rotating the laundry drum (107), and The method has another method step: • The controller (119) activates (207) the drum driver (109) during the expulsion time period (137) following the wetting time period (135) to cause the laundry drum (107) to rotate at an expulsion speed and expel the detergent that has adhered to the laundry.

14. The method (200) according to claim 13. Its features are, The laundry care appliance (100) has a liquid level sensor for detecting the liquid level of the laundry solution in the alkali container (105). The method (200) includes the following steps: • When the detected liquid level of the washing liquid exceeds the liquid level threshold, the controller (119) deactivates (209-1) the drum drive (109) to end the discharge time period (137), or The method (200) includes the following steps: • When the detected level of the washing liquid is below the level threshold after the expulsion time interval (137), the controller (119) activates (209-2) the washing liquid supply device (118-1) during the rewetting time interval (139) following the expulsion time interval (137) to supply the rewetting amount of washing liquid to the alkali container (105).

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