Domestic appliance for caring for laundry items

Abstract

The invention relates to a household appliance (1) for caring for laundry items, comprising a housing (2) and a lye container (4) arranged in the housing (2), in which lye container (4) a drum (3) designed to receive laundry items is rotatably mounted, the lye container (4) being mechanically coupled to a region (12) of the housing (2) by means of at least one spring element (9), the lye container (4) is mechanically coupled to a further region (11) of the housing (2) via at least one damping element (10), and having a first force sensor (13) at least for detecting a force transmitted via the damping element (10), a measuring spring element (21) and a second force sensor (14) are provided, the second force sensor (14) being mechanically coupled to the measuring spring element (21) for detecting a force transmitted via the measuring spring element (21), the measuring spring element (21) is mechanically coupled to the lye container (4) and to a further region (11) of the housing (2).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a household appliance for caring for laundry, comprising a housing and a lye container disposed within the housing, wherein a drum configured to receive laundry is rotatably supported within the lye container, wherein the lye container is mechanically coupled to a region of the housing (particularly to the upper region of the housing) via at least one spring element, and wherein the lye container is mechanically coupled to another region of the housing (particularly to the lower region of the housing) via at least one damping element having a first force sensor. Furthermore, this invention relates to a method of operating the household appliance for caring for laundry, comprising a housing and a lye container disposed within the housing, wherein a drum configured to receive laundry is rotatably supported within the lye container, wherein the lye container is mechanically coupled to a region of the housing (particularly to the upper region of the housing) via at least one spring element, and wherein the lye container is mechanically coupled to another region of the housing (particularly to the lower region of the housing) via at least one damping element, wherein at least one force transmitted through the damping element is detected using a first force sensor. Background Technology

[0002] Household appliances for caring for laundry and similar methods are well known in the art, thus requiring no separate printed documentation in principle. Such household appliances include, in particular, washing machines (or automatic washing devices), washer / dryers, or similar appliances. For example, EP1285986A1 discloses a similar household appliance, which discloses a washing machine having an alkali container within which a drum for receiving laundry is rotatably supported. Both the alkali container and the drum have through openings that are substantially coaxial and can be closed by a machine door. When the door is open, the user can access the interior space of the drum through these through openings, where laundry can be placed or removed. During prescribed care operation, the door is closed, and the alkali container is at least temporarily filled with a liquid containing a detergent-active substance to achieve the desired care function for the laundry during the prescribed operation of the household appliance. During prescribed operation, the drum is driven to rotate as needed. The alkali container (which also carries the drum) is mechanically connected to the housing by one or more springs and one or more damping elements. This forms a vibration system or oscillation system that can at least partially suppress vibrations that may occur during the care of laundry during scheduled operation. For this purpose, a counterweight may be provided on the housing, for example. Furthermore, similar household appliances and methods are disclosed, for example, in EP 1 264 925 A2 and DE 298 12393U1.

[0003] The elastic suspension of the lye container allows for the determination of the load of laundry in the drum (particularly the mass of the drum load), enabling the appliance's control system to appropriately consider the characteristics of its operation according to regulations based on the determined drum load. Here, it is particularly considered that, depending on the load of laundry in the drum, an increase in weight causes the lye container connected to the drum to descend. This descent is related to an increase in the system's weight or mass. In washing machines, the oscillation system (which specifically relates to the lye container connected to the drum) is typically suspended by two to four springs, resulting in a descent due to the increase in weight or mass. Furthermore, two to four vibration dampers are typically provided, which, along with the springs, also bear a significant portion of the weight. Typically, only the descent of the elastically supported lye container is determined. It has already been shown that a relatively large measurement error can occur in determining the mass. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The objective of this invention is to further improve similar household appliances and methods so that the quality of laundry in the drum can be determined more accurately with limited cost.

[0005] As a solution, the present invention proposes a household appliance and method according to the independent claims.

[0006] Advantageous improvements are derived from the features of the dependent claims.

[0007] Regarding similar household appliances, the present invention specifically proposes that the household appliance has a measuring spring element and a second force sensor, wherein the second force sensor is mechanically coupled to the measuring spring element to detect the force transmitted through the measuring spring element, wherein the measuring spring element is mechanically coupled to the alkaline container and the other area of ​​the housing.

[0008] Regarding the method according to the invention, the invention specifically proposes that the other region of the alkali container and the shell is also mechanically coupled by a measuring spring element, wherein a second force sensor mechanically coupled to the measuring spring element detects the force transmitted through the measuring spring element.

[0009] This invention is the first to propose determining the load (Beladung) of the drum in a lye container using a force sensor. This eliminates the need for conventional displacement sensors and their associated costs. The invention is based on the idea that by measuring a spring element and a second force sensor, the drop in the drum connected to the lye container, related to the load of the laundry, can be detected, allowing the force transmitted through at least one spring element to be determined, taking into account the corresponding spring constant. Therefore, a virtual displacement sensor can be proposed, for example. Since the characteristics of at least one spring element are known, the force acting on at least one spring element can be determined. Furthermore, the force transmitted through at least one damping element can be determined using a first force sensor. If multiple spring elements are present, the forces on these spring elements can be determined accordingly. If multiple damping elements are present, these damping elements can be configured, for example, to have their own first force sensor. Alternatively, the force corresponding to other damping elements can be estimated or determined based on the force sensor assigned to at least one damping element, for example, using mathematical methods, estimation, and / or similar methods. In this way, the weight of the lye container along with the drum can be determined, particularly when the drum is not being rotated. The load and mass of the laundry in the drum can be determined by the change in gravity. In the sense of this application, "coupling" specifically refers to the fact that the corresponding connection can be achieved directly or indirectly, i.e., using one or more components.

[0010] Particularly preferably, the alkali container is mechanically coupled to the upper region of the shell via at least one spring element and to the lower region of the shell via at least one damping element having a first force sensor.

[0011] Compared to existing technologies, the mass of the drum load can be determined with significantly higher accuracy, thereby enabling more accurate and better control of the laundry care process performed by the household appliance. Furthermore, this also relates to the standardized operation of the household appliance, which can be achieved, for example, more stably (particularly with less vibration). It also proves advantageous that only a force sensor providing the corresponding sensor signal is needed to determine the mass of the laundry in the drum. This allows for a significant improvement in the functionality of the household appliance with minimal additional overhead. Therefore, there is no need to install a separate displacement sensor or similar device with corresponding evaluation capabilities. According to the invention, only a single sensor type, namely a force sensor, is required. This also reduces the overhead for further evaluation, as the corresponding evaluation unit only needs to be designed to process the sensor signal from the force sensor. For example, this allows multiple force sensors to be evaluated sequentially in a multiplexed manner, thus requiring only a single channel for signal processing on the evaluation unit side. Therefore, significant improvements can also be achieved here with minimal additional overhead.

[0012] This invention enables reliable functioning, particularly in various types of damping elements. Therefore, the function of this invention is independent of any force-displacement characteristic curve of the damping element. This proves particularly advantageous when using damping elements that exhibit non-negligible static friction during specified operation.

[0013] The first and second force sensors can, in principle, be constructed identically. Known structures can be used for both the first and second force sensors, such as those employing one or more strain gauges. These force sensors preferably provide sensor electrical signals, which can be further processed by the evaluation unit to determine the force detected by the corresponding force sensor. For this purpose, the evaluation unit can have suitable electronic circuitry that can be coupled, at least temporarily, to the force sensors.

[0014] Force sensors typically comprise an elastic element with a large spring constant that deforms under the force to be measured. This elastic element can also be called a "bending beam." The large spring constant results in only small deformation typically occurring within a predetermined measurement area. This deformation can be converted into an electrical signal as a sensor signal by a suitable sensor element. For this purpose, strain gauges can be used, for example. Strain gauges can detect up to 10... -6 Or even smaller strains. Elastic elements (and strain gauges, if applicable) can exhibit deformations, for example, from -0.3 mm to +0.3 mm, for forces ranging from about -100 N to about +100 N. However, the characteristics of force sensors are not limited to the use of strain gauges. For example, force measurements can also be performed using other suitable force sensors, such as force sensors based on the piezoelectric effect or similar principles.

[0015] In contrast, distance measurement is performed using a suitable displacement sensor. Typically, a displacement sensor has two sensor elements whose relative positions change with distance. This can be detected by a suitable sensor element. Such a sensor element can, for example, utilize the propagation time of a suitable signal (e.g., sound, light, or similar signal) between the two sensor elements. Inductive or capacitive detection can also be considered.

[0016] This invention allows the desired functionality to be achieved using only a single sensor type (i.e., a force sensor). In particular, it eliminates the need for costly detection using displacement sensors.

[0017] In one embodiment, the measuring spring element may also be configured to have a relatively small spring constant, particularly with respect to the at least one spring element. The force provided by the deflection of the measuring spring element can be detected by a second force sensor. For example, this force may be within a range in which at least one damping element transmits the force. However, this force is preferably smaller.

[0018] Preferably, the two force sensors have the same structural type and a substantially comparable design. For example, these force sensors may have strain gauges. This allows for synergistic effects, particularly regarding evaluation via the evaluation unit, as described above. Synergistic effects may, for example, involve the generation, transmission, and processing of the sensor signals of these force sensors. Furthermore, synergistic effects can be achieved in terms of shielding against (or compensating for) interference and / or drift effects (e.g., temperature, electromagnetic influences, and / or similar effects). Additionally, synergistic effects can be achieved in terms of mechanical functionality, such as mechanical fixation or elastic structures for the force sensors. Moreover, the housing for the force sensors, and, if necessary, wiring and / or the like, can be largely shared for both force sensors in an integrated concept.

[0019] In the following text, a bending beam is preferably understood as a substantially flat, one-sided or multi-sided clamped member formed of a sufficiently elastic material, which bends from a plane orthogonal to the plane of the member, which may also be curved, for example, formed as a curved member surface. This deformation (especially under at least small amplitudes of motion) can be primarily proportional to the applied force, thus the applied force can be inferred by detecting the deformation. The bending beam can, for example, have a substantially square structure, wherein, preferably, the length of the bending beam can be greater than its width and height. Particularly when these force sensors have strain gauges, these force sensors can be designed such that the strains detected by these strain gauges should be within approximately the same range. For this purpose, the bending beam connected to the measuring spring element can, for example, be designed to be significantly narrower than the bending beam connected to the damping element, and thereby preferably more flexible. This allows the same strain gauges to be used for both force sensors.

[0020] The measuring spring element can be preloaded, for example, so that the spring force of the measuring spring element does not cross zero when the oscillating system moves and the length of the damping element changes accordingly. This can further improve the evaluation because, for example, free travel or hysteresis can be avoided, and there will be no clicking or disengagement of the measuring spring element when it is secured. The measuring spring element is preferably constructed essentially as a helical spring. However, in principle, it can also be constructed, for example, as a disc spring, a strip spring, a combination thereof, and / or the like.

[0021] As damping elements, friction dampers, free-stroke dampers, or similar dampers can be provided, for example. Friction dampers can, for example, essentially use Coulomb friction or alternatively or additionally use viscous friction. Free-stroke dampers can preferably have a nearly constant and small free-stroke force within a small operating range (e.g., about 5 mm) compared to the total stroke. Free-stroke dampers can also be provided that use double springs in the free stroke and achieve a linearly increasing force in both directions within the operating range through these free-stroke dampers. It can be considered that the free-stroke damper, for example, behaves like a damper with no free stroke outside the free-stroke range, i.e., similar to a friction damper utilizing pure Coulomb friction, wherein a typical transition from free stroke to frictional operation can occur, for example, with a force of about 15 N. The free-stroke window thus provided can, for example, accommodate varying operating points, such as due to the descent of the lye container when the drum is loaded with laundry. Depending on the type of damping element structure, force can be offset by length changes. Depending on its characteristics and operating conditions, this can result in a force within the damping element ranging from approximately 0.1 N to approximately 100 N. During evaluation, a weighted sum of defined force values ​​can be set to provide a value for the total force change, and consequently, a value for the change in the load of laundry in the drum.

[0022] According to an advantageous improvement, the damping element has a first connecting element at its first end, which connects to a retaining element disposed on the alkali container, and the measuring spring element has a second connecting element at its first end, which connects to the retaining element. This allows for a simple and reliable mechanical connection between the damping element and the alkali container. This connection can be designed to be detachable or non-detachable. Simultaneously, the connecting elements enable connection not only between the damping element and the alkali container but also between the measuring spring element and the alkali container. Therefore, there is no need to provide a separate fixing option for the measuring spring element. This allows for the detection of positional changes in the alkali container (particularly load-related drops) through the retaining element disposed on the alkali container, acting not only on the damping element but also simultaneously through the measuring spring element. Preferably, the drops are detected only by the measuring spring element. The force in the damping element does not need to directly depend on the position of the vibration or oscillation system.

[0023] Preferably, the retaining element has a connecting pin, and the first connecting element has an opening in which the connecting pin is disposed. In this way, a reliable connection can be established between the damping element and the alkali drum. This connection proves particularly advantageous under vibrational loads, which can occur with alkali drums when they are rotated. Alternatively or additionally, the connecting element can also be attached to a connecting screw or an additional adapter.

[0024] Furthermore, it is proposed that the first end of the measuring spring element is connected to the connecting pin. This method allows for a simple and reliable connection between the measuring spring element and the alkali container, thus achieving reliable mechanical coupling. However, alternatively, the first end of the measuring spring element can be connected to the first end of the damping element. For example, the measuring spring element can also be connected to the connecting pin via an adapter element (e.g., a metal sheet), or to the upper part of the damping element, or even to different molded parts on the alkali container.

[0025] According to an improved embodiment, a household appliance has a connecting piece (Verbindungslasche) having a first connecting region and a second connecting region formed separately from the first connecting region. A damping element has a second end opposite the first end in the longitudinal direction. The first connecting region is connected to another region of the housing (particularly the lower region of the housing), and the second connecting region is connected to the second end of the damping element. In this way, a reliable connection can be established between the other region of the housing (particularly the bottom of the housing) and the damping element. Thus, the force acting on the damping element from the alkali container can be reliably transmitted to the housing. The first and second connecting regions can be directly adjacent. An integral component forming the connecting piece can be provided, thereby achieving a simple implementation of mechanical coupling between the damping element and the lower region of the housing. The connecting piece can be formed essentially of a flat component, which is, in principle, substantially square. The structure is as follows. Furthermore, the connecting piece can be formed substantially flat. However, the connecting piece can also be formed by at least partial bending or folding. It can be configured that the first and second connecting regions are connected to each other via a bend or fold in the connecting piece.

[0026] The connecting piece can, in principle, be formed of a metallic material (especially spring steel). To connect the second region to the second end of the damping element, another connecting component, such as a damper clip or the like, can be provided. The first region of the connecting element can be connected to the other region of the housing (especially the lower region of the housing) by means of a connection (such as stamping, screwing, welding, riveting, and / or similar methods).

[0027] Furthermore, it is proposed that the connecting piece has a first measuring region formed between and connecting the first and second connecting regions, wherein a first force sensor is disposed on the first measuring region. The first measuring region may preferably be at least partially elastically formed. The first measuring region may be part of a force sensor. The force sensor (e.g., a strain gauge or the like) may be disposed on the measuring region, thereby enabling the detection of forces transmitted through the damping element or forces acting on the damping element. The first measuring region may be integrally formed with the first and second connecting regions. However, the first measuring region may also be separated from the first and / or second connecting regions by a bend and / or a curve. Preferably, the connecting piece is integrally formed with the first measuring region.

[0028] Furthermore, it is proposed that the connecting piece has a third connecting region formed separately from the first and second connecting regions, wherein the measuring spring element has a second end opposite to the first end in the longitudinal extension direction, and the second end of the measuring spring element is connected to the third connecting region. In this way, the measuring spring element and the damping element can be mechanically connected in parallel. The separately formed third connecting region allows the measuring spring element to also be mechanically coupled via the same connection between the connecting piece and the other region of the housing (particularly the lower region of the housing). It has proven particularly advantageous that the first end of the measuring spring element is simultaneously connected to the holding element of the alkali container.

[0029] Furthermore, it is proposed that the connecting piece has a second measuring region formed between and connecting the first and third connecting regions, wherein a second force sensor is disposed on the second measuring region. The connecting piece thus allows the force acting on the damping element to be detected not only by the first force sensor but also by the force acting on the measuring spring element. It can be considered that the descent of the vibration system is transmitted to the measuring spring element in the form of a length change, which acts as a force on the third connecting region. This provides a particularly simple structural concept for implementing the invention. The connecting piece is preferably designed such that the second measuring region is formed separately from the first measuring region, so that the two force sensors can detect the corresponding forces substantially undisturbed. It also applies to the second measuring region that it is preferably at least partially elastic. Preferably, the connecting piece is fully elastic. The first and second measuring regions can also be formed substantially identically. However, it is also possible that the two measuring regions are adapted to the respective acting forces, particularly to allow the use of substantially the same component structure for the first and second force sensors.

[0030] Furthermore, it is proposed that the second and third connection regions are interconnected only through the first connection region. This allows these forces to act substantially independently of each other on the other region of the housing (or the bottom of the housing). This reduces or avoids interfering interactions.

[0031] Furthermore, it is proposed that the household appliance incorporate a reference force sensor. The reference force sensor can, in principle, be configured like a first and / or second force sensor. The reference force sensor can be used to detect interfering effects on the force sensor, which can be considered through further signal evaluation. The reference force sensor can preferably be mounted at a location in the household appliance where either no force is acting on it, or particularly preferably relative to one of the other strain gauges, for example, on the underside of a metal sheet. This allows for the strain in the case of force-induced deformation to have different signs in the two strain gauges, while interference (e.g., caused by temperature) has the same sign in both strain gauges, thereby making the measurement and interference separable.

[0032] Advantageously, the household appliance has an evaluation unit that is at least signal-technically coupled to first and second force sensors and configured to at least evaluate the sensor signals of the first and second force sensors and determine the mass of the laundry disposed in the lye container. The evaluation unit may be at least partially electronic, for example, included in at least part of the household appliance's controller. The evaluation unit may also have a program-controlled computing unit that provides the necessary evaluation functions when executing a computer program.

[0033] Furthermore, it is proposed that the evaluation unit has at least one bridging circuit that is signal-technically coupled to at least one or two force sensors, wherein, preferably, the bridging circuit is connected to a reference force sensor. Through the bridging circuit, (particularly when the sensor signal is an electronic or electrical signal) the sensor signal can be reliably processed and interference effects (e.g., temperature or similar effects) can be reduced or suppressed. It has proven particularly advantageous that the bridging circuit is also connected to a reference force sensor, which can be used to determine the corresponding effects that may interfere with or impair the detection of these force sensors and to reduce these effects during signal processing by the evaluation unit. The bridging circuit can, for example, be designed as a hardware circuit. Alternatively, the bridging circuit can also be implemented at least partially by a program-controlled computer unit, wherein, for example, a bridging branch of the bridging circuit, implemented in hardware, is coupled to one or more input ports of the computer unit. For example, these bridging branches can thus be coupled to a single input port of the computer unit via a multiplexer. For this purpose, it can be configured that each bridging branch can be activated individually by the computer unit. Therefore, the computer unit can at least partially supplement or complete the function of the bridging circuit by executing appropriate computer programs. This also makes it possible to use only a single reference force sensor.

[0034] Furthermore, the evaluation unit includes a switching unit connected to which first, second, and reference force sensors are connected. The evaluation unit is configured to control the switching state of the switching unit via a switching signal, such that one of the three force sensors (i.e., the first, second, and reference force sensors) is connected to the analog input port of the evaluation unit. The analog input port can be, for example, an input port of a computer unit providing analog-to-digital conversion. This allows the evaluation unit to provide only a single signal evaluation channel. The sensor signals of the three force sensors can then be evaluated and processed in a time-division multiplexing manner. This reduces the cost of implementing the invention. The switching unit can be implemented either by hardware circuitry or at least partially by a computer unit. For example, the corresponding bridging branch can be activated as needed via the switching unit on the computer unit side. Therefore, one of the three strain gauges can preferably be connected to the input port of the evaluation unit via the switching unit, where the sensor signal of that strain gauge can be received and evaluated. In the evaluation unit, the values ​​of the two measuring strain gauges and the reference strain gauge are staggered in time. The difference can be calculated by a computing unit. In the hardware-implemented bridging circuit, the difference is obtained hardware-wise.

[0035] Expressions such as "up," "down," "front," "back," "horizontal," "vertical," "front side," "back side," "depth direction," "width direction," and "height direction" refer to the position and direction determined by an observer who is using and arranging household appliances according to regulations, and especially who is standing in front of the household appliances and looking towards them.

[0036] The advantages and effects described for the household appliances according to the invention also apply to the methods according to the invention, and vice versa. In particular, therefore, the features of the apparatus can also be described as features of the method, and vice versa.

[0037] Other features of the invention are derived from the claims, drawings, and detailed description of the drawings. The features and combinations of features mentioned in the foregoing description, as well as those mentioned below in the detailed description of the drawings and / or shown only in the drawings, can be used not only in their respective represented combinations but also in other combinations without departing from the scope of the invention. Therefore, it should also be considered that the invention includes and discloses embodiments not explicitly shown and explained in the drawings but which are produced and can be generated by separating combinations of features from the explained embodiments. It should also be considered that embodiments and combinations of features that therefore do not possess all the features of the originally formulated independent claims are disclosed. Furthermore, it should also be considered that embodiments and combinations of features that go beyond or deviate from the combinations of features set forth in the references to the claims are disclosed, particularly by the embodiments described above. Attached Figure Description

[0038] Other advantages, features, and details of the invention will become apparent from the claims, the following description of preferred embodiments, and the accompanying drawings. In the drawings, the same reference numerals denote the same functions and features.

[0039] The attached diagram shows:

[0040] Figure 1 Schematic perspective view of a washing machine.

[0041] Figure 2 :according to Figure 1 A schematic interior view of a washing machine.

[0042] Figure 3 :according to Figure 1 A schematic view illustrating the functional principle of the vibration system of a washing machine.

[0043] Figure 4 :exist Figure 2 A schematic front view of the damping element and measuring spring element in region IV, wherein the damping element and measuring spring element are connected together by a connecting piece according to... Figure 2 The bottom of the washing machine casing is connected.

[0044] Figure 5 :according to Figure 4 A schematic side view of the damping element and the measuring spring element.

[0045] Figure 6 The basis shown in the schematic top view Figure 5 The connecting piece,

[0046] Figure 7 A schematic circuit diagram of a bridge circuit with two strain gauges, and

[0047] Figure 8 :according to Figure 1 The evaluation unit of the washing machine and according to Figure 7 A schematic circuit diagram of the bridging circuit. Detailed Implementation

[0048] Figure 1 A schematic perspective view of a washing machine 1 is shown, which serves as a household appliance for caring for laundry. In alternative embodiments, the appliance may also be formed from a washer / dryer or similar appliance. The washing machine 1 has a width direction x, a depth direction z, and a height direction y. The terms "upper" and "lower" refer to the vertical orientation of the washing machine when it is positioned for intended use.

[0049] The washing machine 1 has a housing 2, in which an alkali container 4 is disposed, wherein a laundry drum 3 is rotatably supported in the alkali container 4. Laundry to be washed can be arranged in the laundry drum 3. The laundry drum 3 is rotatably supported relative to the alkali container 4 by a rotation axis (not shown further).

[0050] The washing drum 3 has a substantially hollow cylindrical mantel and end walls on the rear side. The washing drum 3 is also open at the front, providing a loading opening through which the user can place laundry into or remove laundry from the internal space 5 of the washing drum 3. The lye container 4 has a corresponding opening, coaxially arranged with the loading opening. The loading opening can be closed by the door 6 of the washing machine 1, which is movably hinged to the housing 2. This also closes the opening of the lye container 4. The washing drum 3 is driven to rotate by a drive motor 7. The drive motor 7 is controlled in an appropriate manner by the control device 8 of the washing machine 1. Figure 1 As can be seen further, the control device 8 includes an evaluation unit 23, which will be explained further below.

[0051] Figure 2 It shows according to Figure 1A schematic internal view of the washing machine 1. In this example, the alkali container 4 is mechanically coupled to the housing cover 12 of the housing 2, which is formed in the upper region of the housing 2, via three spring elements 9. Furthermore, the alkali container 4 is mechanically coupled to the housing bottom 11 of the housing 2, which is formed in the lower region of the housing 2, via three damping elements 10.

[0052] Figure 4 It shows according to Figure 2 A schematic front view of one of the damping elements 10 in region IV and a measuring spring element 21. The damping element 10 has a first connecting element 25 at its first end 26, in which an opening 31 is formed at the first end 26. Furthermore, a retaining element 27 is provided on the alkali container 4, which in this example is formed as a connecting pin 30. The connecting element 25 is connected to the retaining element 27 via the connecting pin 30, which is disposed in the opening 31. In this example, the connecting pin 30 is rotatably disposed in the opening 31.

[0053] In addition, from Figure 4 As can be seen, the measuring spring element 21 has a second connecting element 29 at its first end 28, which is also connected to the retaining element 27. In this example, the second connecting element 29 is formed by a snap-fit ​​protrusion that engages with a corresponding snap-fit ​​notch on the retaining element 27 (or the connecting pin 30). Other connection techniques are also possible.

[0054] from Figure 4 It can also be seen that the washing machine 1 has a connecting piece 22, which in this example is formed as a curved beam. The connecting piece 22 has a first connecting region 33 and a second connecting region 32 formed separately from the first connecting region 33 (see also...). Figure 6 The damping element 10 has a second end 35, which is opposite to the first end 26 in the longitudinal extension direction of the damping element 10. A first connecting region 33 is connected to the bottom 11 of the housing 2, and a second connecting region 32 is connected to the second end 35 of the damping element 10. Figure 4 As shown, this connection is achieved via a damper clip 40. The damper clip 40 allows the damping element 10 to be pivotally supported relative to the second connection region 32 about a pivot axis not shown further.

[0055] The connecting piece 22 also has a first measuring region 37, which is formed between the first and second connecting regions 32 and 33 and connects the first connecting region to the second connecting regions 32 and 33. A first force sensor 13 is disposed on the first measuring region 37. The force acting on the damping element 10 can thus be detected by the force sensor 13. In this example, the first measuring region 37 is demarcated from the first and second connecting regions 32 and 33 by a corresponding bend. However, in an alternative embodiment, the bend is not required. Figure 5 It shows according to Figure 4 A schematic side view of the damping element 10 and the measuring spring element 21.

[0056] Figure 6 A schematic top view shows the situation according to... Figure 5 Connecting piece 22. For example... Figure 4 and Figure 6 As shown, the connecting piece 22 has a third connecting region 34 formed separately from the first and second connecting regions 32, 33. The measuring spring element 21 has a second end 36, which is opposite to the first end 28 in the longitudinal extension direction of the measuring spring element 21. The second end 36 of the measuring spring element 21 is connected to the third connecting region 34. This connection can be formed in the same way as the connection between the measuring spring element 21 and the connecting pin 30. However, other suitable connections are also possible.

[0057] The connecting piece 22 has a second measuring region 38 formed between the first and third connecting regions 33 and 34, connecting the first and third connecting regions 33 and 34. A second force sensor 14 is disposed on the second measuring region 38. Thus, the force acting on the measuring spring element 21 can be detected by the second force sensor 14. In this embodiment, the second measuring region 38 is demarcated from the first connecting region 33 by a bend. Other structures are also possible.

[0058] These measurement areas 37 and 38 are formed in this example by the corresponding elastically deformable areas of the connecting piece 22, as follows: Figure 5 and Figure 6 As shown. Figure 5 It shows according to Figure 4 A schematic side view of the damping element 10 and the measuring spring element 21. Figure 6 It can also be seen that the connecting piece 22 is essentially integrally formed in this example. The measuring areas 37, 38 and the connecting areas 32, 34 are mechanically separated from each other by notches 41. This structure allows the force sensors 13, 14 to detect corresponding forces from each other substantially undisturbed.

[0059] like Figure 6As further shown, in this example, these force sensors 13 and 14 are implemented by setting corresponding strain gauges 16 and 18 in the corresponding measurement areas 37 and 38. These strain gauges 16 and 18 can detect the deformation of the corresponding measurement area caused by the force, thereby providing a sensor electrical signal, which can be evaluated by the evaluation unit 23.

[0060] Figure 3 It shows according to Figure 1 A schematic view of the functional principle of the oscillation system of the washing machine 1, wherein, for clarity, only a spring element 9, a damping element 10, and a measuring spring element 21 forming the oscillation system are shown, apart from the lye container 4. The basic principle can be understood in principle from this view. It can be seen that the lye container 4 is elastically supported relative to the housing 2 (particularly relative to the housing cover 12 and the housing bottom 11). This type of support allows the load of the laundry in the drum 3 to be detected, at least when the drum 3 is not rotating, so as to determine the mass of the laundry or the resulting change in gravity. From... Figure 3 As can be seen, the damping element 10 is connected in series with the force sensor 13, and the measuring spring element 21 is connected in series with the force sensor 14. Thus, the corresponding force in the damping element 10 or the measuring spring element 21 can be selectively detected by these force sensors 13 and 14. Force detection is preferably performed when the roller 3 is not being driven to rotate. This state can be, for example, when the door 6 is open or during a pause in operation (where the drive motor 7 does not drive the roller 3). However, the invention is not limited to this.

[0061] Figure 7 A schematic circuit diagram of bridging circuit 24 is shown, which can be used to evaluate the sensor signals of these force sensors 13, 14. Figure 7 As shown, the washing machine 1 has a reference force sensor 17, which is essentially formed of a strain gauge, preferably having a structure substantially the same as strain gauges 16 and 18. The reference force sensor 17 can be disposed at a suitable location on the housing 2, for example in the region of the connection area 33 of the connecting piece 22.

[0062] The principle of the bridging circuit is known to those skilled in the art, therefore a detailed explanation is omitted here. It is only noted that the corresponding strain gauges 16 and 18 form a series circuit with resistor R1, and a connection point U is formed at the midpoint of this series circuit. aThis series circuit is connected to a voltage source having an electrical reference potential 19 and an electrical supply potential 20. In principle, the same configuration is also provided for the reference force sensor 17, whose strain gauge forms another series circuit with another resistor R2. This series circuit has an intermediate connection, at which a connection contact point U is formed. b This series circuit is also connected to the reference potential 19 and the supply potential 20, thus connecting the series circuit in parallel to the aforementioned series circuit. At these connection points U... a and U b Differential voltage U can be detected between them d .

[0063] The characteristics of the bridging circuit 24 are known to those skilled in the art, and therefore further explanation is omitted here. The evaluation unit 23 is signal-coupled to the first and second force sensors 13, 14 and configured to at least evaluate the sensor signals of the first and second force sensors 13, 14 in order to determine the quality of the laundry disposed in the lye container 4 (particularly in the laundry drum 3). In this embodiment, the evaluation unit 23 is provided with a computer unit 42 that provides a switching unit 39. This is based on... Figure 8 As can be seen in the schematic circuit diagram. Bridge circuit 24 is connected to computer unit 42; in this example, the strain gauges 16, 18, and the strain gauge of reference force sensor 17 are all connected to this bridge circuit 24. This essentially provides three parallel series circuits, as already referenced. Figure 7 Explained. The intermediate connections of these series circuits are connected to the input ports of the computer unit 42, which provide analog-to-digital conversion, via corresponding decoupling amplifiers 43. The corresponding resistors R of the corresponding series circuits are coupled to the corresponding output terminals of the computer unit 42, which can apply a supply potential 20 to the corresponding series circuits in a switchable manner. Thus, the corresponding series circuits can be selectively activated by the switching unit 39 of the computer unit 42, allowing the computer unit 42 to acquire and process the corresponding sensor signals as voltage signals. By means of signal processing of all acquired voltage signals provided by the computer unit 42, gravity can be acquired. Compared with, for example, the reference gravity of the empty washing drum 3 previously determined during the manufacture of the washing machine 1, the differential gravity can be determined, which is approximately equivalent to the mass of the laundry placed in the washing drum 3. The computer unit 42 can output this signal as a weight signal 44 to the control device 8, which controls the washing machine 1 to operate as prescribed when caring for the laundry, at least based on the weight signal 44.

[0064] Therefore, according to the present invention, the force acting on the spring element 9 can be determined by measuring the spring element 21 based on the positional movement of the lye container 4 with minimal effort, and the total weight of the lye container 4, the drum 3, and the laundry that may be stored there can be determined using the force detected by the first force sensor 13 and at least one damping element 10. With the structure according to the present invention, a more accurate determination of the amount of laundry compared to the prior art can be achieved, wherein, based on the fact that only a force sensor is required, signal processing can be performed with minimal effort.

[0065] These embodiments are for illustrative purposes only and should not be construed as limiting the scope of the invention.

[0066] List of reference numerals

[0067] 1. Household appliances

[0068] 2. Shell

[0069] 3. Laundry drum

[0070] 4. Alkali solution container

[0071] 5. Interior Space

[0072] 6 doors

[0073] 7. Drive motor

[0074] 8. Control device

[0075] 9. Spring elements

[0076] 10 Damping elements

[0077] 11 Bottom of the casing

[0078] 12. Housing cover

[0079] 13 First Force Sensor

[0080] 14 Second Force Sensor

[0081] 15. Reference Force Sensor

[0082] 16 strain gauges

[0083] 17 Strain gauges

[0084] 18 strain gauges

[0085] 19. Reference Potential

[0086] 20 Supply Potential

[0087] 21 Measuring Spring Elements

[0088] 22 Connecting pieces

[0089] 23 Evaluation Units

[0090] 24. Bridging circuit

[0091] 25 First connecting element

[0092] 26 First end

[0093] 27 Holding element

[0094] 28 First end

[0095] 29 Second connecting element

[0096] 30 connecting pins

[0097] 31 Opening

[0098] 32 Connecting Area

[0099] 33 Connecting Area

[0100] 34 Connecting Area

[0101] 35 Second end

[0102] 36 Second end

[0103] 37 Measurement Area

[0104] 38 Measurement Area

[0105] 39 Switching Unit

[0106] 40 Damper Clip

[0107] 41 Gap

[0108] 42 Computer Units

[0109] 43 Decoupling Amplifier

[0110] 44 Gravity Signal

[0111] Resistors R, R1, R2

[0112] U a Connecting contact points

[0113] U b Connecting contact points

[0114] U d Differential voltage

Claims

1. A household appliance (1) for caring for laundry, the appliance having a housing (2) and an alkaline solution container (4) disposed within the housing (2), wherein, The alkali container (4) is rotatably supported by a drum (3) configured to hold laundry, wherein the alkali container (4) is mechanically coupled to a region (12), particularly the upper region (12), of the housing (2) via at least one spring element (9), wherein the alkali container (4) is mechanically coupled to another region (11), particularly the lower region (11), of the housing (2) via at least one damping element (10), and has a first force sensor (13) for detecting at least the force transmitted through the damping element (10), characterized in that a measuring spring element (21) and a second force sensor (14) are provided, wherein the second force sensor (14) is mechanically coupled to the measuring spring element (21) to detect the force transmitted through the measuring spring element (21), wherein the measuring spring element (21) is mechanically coupled to the alkali container (4) and the other region (11) of the housing (2).

2. The household appliance according to claim 1, characterized in that, The damping element (10) has a first connecting element (25) at its first end (26), which is connected to a retaining element (27) disposed on the alkaline container (4), and the measuring spring element (21) has a second connecting element (29) at its first end (28), which is connected to the retaining element (27).

3. The household appliance according to claim 2, characterized in that, The retaining element (27) has a connecting pin (30), and the first connecting element (25) has an opening (31), wherein the connecting pin (30) is disposed in the opening (31).

4. The household appliance according to claim 3, characterized in that, The first end (28) of the measuring spring element (21) is connected to the connecting pin (30).

5. The household appliance according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, A connecting piece (22) is provided, the connecting piece having a first connecting region (33) and a second connecting region (32) formed separately from the first connecting region (33), wherein the damping element (10) has a second end (35) which is opposite to the first end (26) in the longitudinal extension direction, wherein the first connecting region (33) is connected to the other region (11) of the housing (2), and the second connecting region (32) is connected to the second end (35) of the damping element (10).

6. The household appliance according to claim 5, characterized in that, The connecting piece (22) has a first measuring area (37), which is formed between the first connecting area and the second connecting area (32, 33) and connects the first connecting area and the second connecting area (32, 33), wherein the first force sensor (13) is disposed on the first measuring area (37).

7. The household appliance according to claim 5 or 6, characterized in that, The connecting piece (22) has a third connecting region (34) formed separately from the first connecting region and the second connecting regions (32, 33), wherein the measuring spring element (21) has a second end (36) which is opposite to the first end (28) in the longitudinal extension direction, wherein the second end (36) of the measuring spring element (21) is connected to the third connecting region (34).

8. The household appliance according to claim 7, characterized in that, The connecting piece (22) has a second measuring area (38), which is formed between the first connecting area and the third connecting area (33, 34) and connects the first connecting area and the third connecting area (33, 34), wherein the second force sensor (14) is disposed on the second measuring area (38).

9. The household appliance according to claim 7 or 8, characterized in that, The second connection region and the third connection region (32, 34) are connected to each other only through the first connection region (33).

10. The household appliance according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, A reference force sensor (17) is provided.

11. The household appliance according to claim 10, characterized in that, The reference force sensor (17) is mounted on the connecting piece (22).

12. The household appliance according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, An evaluation unit (23) is provided, which is at least signal-coupled to the first force sensor and the second force sensor (13, 14) and configured to evaluate the sensor signals of at least the first force sensor and the second force sensor (13, 14) in order to determine the quality of the laundry disposed in the alkali container (4).

13. The household appliance according to claim 12, characterized in that, The evaluation unit (23) has at least one bridging circuit (24) that is at least signal-technically coupled to the first force sensor or the second force sensor (13, 14), wherein, preferably, the bridging circuit (24) is connected to the reference force sensor (17).

14. The household appliance according to claim 13, characterized in that, The evaluation unit (23) has a switching unit (39), the first force sensor and the second force sensor (13, 14) and the reference force sensor (17) are connected to the switching unit, wherein the evaluation unit (23) is configured to control the switching state of the switching unit (39) by a switching signal, such that the bridging circuit (24) is either signal-technically coupled to the first force sensor or to the second force sensor (13, 14).

15. A method for operating a household appliance (1) for caring for laundry, said appliance having a housing (2) and an alkaline solution container (4) disposed in said housing (2), wherein, A drum (3) configured to hold laundry is rotatably supported in the lye container (4), wherein the lye container (4) is mechanically coupled to a region (12), particularly the upper region (11), of the housing (2) by at least one spring element (9), wherein the lye container (4) is mechanically coupled to another region (11), particularly the lower region (11), of the housing (2) by at least one damping element (10), wherein at least one force transmitted through the damping element (10) is detected by a first force sensor (13), characterized in that the lye container (4) and the other region (11) of the housing (2) are also mechanically coupled by means of a measuring spring element (21), wherein a second force sensor (14) mechanically coupled to the measuring spring element (21) detects the force transmitted through the measuring spring element (21).

Images