Laundry care appliance with one control
The laundry care appliance addresses the issue of uneven heating in conventional systems by using a controller to manage washing liquid supply and drum rotation, resulting in improved efficiency and reduced energy consumption.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- DE102023211567
- Authority / Receiving Office
- DE · DE
- Patent Type
- Applications
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2023-11-21
- Publication Date
- 2025-05-22
AI Technical Summary
Conventional laundry care appliances often fail to ensure uniform heating of all laundry regions due to unpredictable movement of laundry within the rotating drum, leading to impaired laundry care quality and increased energy consumption.
A laundry care appliance with a controller that manages the supply of washing liquid and the rotation of the laundry drum, employing specific filling quantities and rotational speed profiles to ensure thorough wetting and heating of laundry.
This approach reduces the duration of the laundry care program, enhances laundry care efficiency, and decreases energy consumption by optimizing the interaction between laundry and washing liquid.
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Abstract
Description
[0001] The present invention relates to a laundry care appliance with a control system.
[0002] Conventional laundry care appliances use different methods to care for the laundry contained in the washing drum. The washing drum rotates at different speeds within the tub filled with washing liquid, in particular, to effectively agitate the laundry contained in the washing drum and the washing liquid contained in the tub. This can provide favorable contact between the laundry and the washing liquid to ensure the effective transfer of laundry care substances, or heat, from the washing liquid to the laundry.
[0003] To ensure effective laundry care for the laundry in the drum, all areas of the laundry must be at the temperature required for the laundry care substance. Due to the unpredictable movement of the laundry within the rotating drum, it may happen in conventional laundry care appliances that certain items, particularly in the core of the laundry in the drum, do not come into sufficient contact with the washing liquid and are therefore not heated to the required temperature. This may impair the quality of the laundry care or result in higher energy consumption due to additional heating.
[0004] The document DE 10 2019 216 697 A1 discloses a laundry care appliance with load detection.
[0005] The object underlying the invention is to provide a laundry care appliance with which an advantageous laundry care process can be ensured.
[0006] This object is achieved by the subject matter having the features according to the independent claims. Advantageous embodiments are the subject of the dependent claims, the description, and the drawings.
[0007] According to a first aspect, the object of the invention is achieved by a laundry care appliance comprising a tub for receiving washing liquid, a laundry drum for receiving laundry, wherein the laundry drum is arranged in the tub, a drum drive for rotating the laundry drum, a heating element for heating the washing liquid in the tub, a washing liquid supply device which is fluidly connected to the tub by a supply line and is designed to supply washing liquid to the tub, and a controller which is control-technically connected to the drum drive, the heating element, and the washing liquid supply device, wherein the controller is designed to activate the washing liquid supply device to supply a first filling quantity of washing liquid into the tub during a first filling period.wherein a first fill level of the washing liquid in the tub after the first fill quantity has been added is at least high enough for an inner side of the laundry drum to be in contact with the washing liquid in order to achieve wetting of the laundry held in the laundry drum with washing liquid, wherein the controller is designed to activate the heating element for heating the washing liquid during a heating period following the first fill period, wherein the controller is designed to activate the drum drive for rotating the laundry drum during the heating period, wherein the controller is designed to activate the drum drive for rotating the laundry drum at different speeds during a first rotation period following the heating period in order to achieve heating of the laundry in the laundry drum through contact with the washing liquid, wherein the controller is designedto activate the washing liquid supply device for supplying a second filling quantity of washing liquid into the tub during a second filling period following the rotation period, wherein a second filling level of the washing liquid in the tub after the second filling period is at least high enough that a lower region of the laundry drum is filled with washing liquid, and wherein the control is designed to activate the drum drive for rotating the laundry drum at different speeds during a second rotation period following the second filling period in order to achieve heating of the laundry in the laundry drum through contact with the washing liquid.
[0008] This achieves the technical advantage that, by means of the various successive time periods according to the first aspect, the duration of the corresponding laundry care program can be advantageously reduced, the laundry care efficiency of the laundry care program can be advantageously increased, and, in addition, the energy consumption of the laundry care appliance during the laundry care program can be advantageously reduced.
[0009] A laundry care appliance is a device used for laundry care, such as a washing machine or a tumble dryer. In particular, such a laundry care appliance is a household laundry care appliance. That is, a laundry care appliance used in household management and with which laundry is treated in normal household quantities.
[0010] The supply of washing liquid can be monitored in various ways using sensors configured for this purpose, which are connected to the control system. For example, the laundry care appliance can comprise a flow sensor which detects the fill quantity supplied by the washing liquid supply device. Alternatively or additionally, the laundry care appliance can have a level or pressure sensor connected to the control system, which detects a fill level of the washing liquid in the tub. For example, an activated washing liquid supply device for supplying washing liquid can be deactivated if the level or pressure sensor detects a predetermined fill level, e.g., the first or second fill level. Thus, after a fill quantity of washing liquid has been supplied, the fill level in the tub is at least as high as the predetermined fill level, e.g., the first or second fill level.This applies especially to the time immediately after the feed device is deactivated. In a period following the filling time step, the fill level in the tub may drop again because the laundry has absorbed washing liquid.
[0011] In an advantageous embodiment, the control is designed to activate the drum drive during the first filling time period to rotate the laundry drum at a first speed, in particular to rotate reversibly in opposite directions of rotation, wherein the first speed is lower than a contact speed of the laundry drum at which the laundry contacts the laundry drum due to the acting centrifugal force.
[0012] This achieves the technical advantage that the initial amount of washing liquid added during the first filling phase is effectively distributed to optimally wet the laundry with washing liquid. The low initial speed during the first filling phase also ensures that no damage to the laundry occurs in the event of a full or incorrect load.
[0013] In particular, the first speed is 35 revolutions per minute.
[0014] In an advantageous embodiment, a plurality of projections for moving the laundry received in the laundry drum are arranged on the inside of the laundry drum, wherein the first fill level of the washing liquid in the tub after the first fill quantity has been added in the first fill time period is at least high enough that, in a rotational position of the laundry drum in which one of the plurality of projections is arranged in the 6 o'clock position of the laundry drum, this projection is covered with washing liquid up to a maximum of 30% of its total height, and / or wherein the second fill level of the washing liquid in the tub after the second fill quantity has been added in the second fill time period is at least high enough that, in a rotational position of the laundry drum in which one of the plurality of projections is arranged in the 6 o'clock position of the laundry drum, this projection is completely covered with washing liquid.
[0015] This achieves the technical advantage that, due to the first filling quantity of washing liquid which is introduced into the tub during the first filling period, which is smaller than the second filling quantity, the laundry can just be wetted with washing liquid, but the first filling quantity is so small that a high concentration of laundry care substance is ensured in the first filling quantity, and it is also achieved that the small first filling quantity can be heated relatively quickly and with little heating energy.
[0016] By adding the second filling quantity later during the second filling period, it is possible to subsequently ensure that the laundry is completely wetted with the previously heated washing liquid.
[0017] In particular, the 6 o'clock position of the laundry drum is defined in that one of the plurality of projections is arranged at the lowest position of the inside of the laundry drum, so that when the level of washing liquid in the tub increases, the washing liquid first comes into contact with the corresponding projection.
[0018] In an advantageous embodiment, the controller is designed to end the heating period and to deactivate the heating element when a predetermined heating period has elapsed or when a temperature value detected by a temperature sensor of the laundry care appliance reaches a predetermined temperature limit value.
[0019] This achieves the technical advantage that during the heating period, the first filling quantity of washing liquid is effectively heated to the desired temperature value.
[0020] In an advantageous embodiment, the controller is designed to activate the drum drive during the heating period to rotate the laundry drum with a second speed profile and a third speed profile, in particular to rotate the laundry drum reversibly in opposite directions of rotation, wherein the speeds of the second speed profile and the speeds of the third speed profile are lower than an application speed of the laundry drum at which the laundry is applied to the laundry drum due to the acting centrifugal force, and wherein the speeds of the second speed profile are lower than the speeds of the third speed profile, and wherein the second and third speed profiles each comprise a plurality of variable speeds.
[0021] This achieves the technical advantage that beneficial effects can be achieved by changing the rotational speed of the laundry drum during the heating period. The rotation of the laundry drum with the lower second speed profile ensures effective distribution of the washing liquid in the laundry drum during the heating period. The rotation of the laundry drum with the higher third speed profile ensures effective dissolution of the laundry care substance in the washing liquid in the laundry drum during the heating period and also enables effective exchange of the washing liquid with the laundry in the lower area of the laundry drum.
[0022] In an advantageous embodiment, the ratio of the second speed profile and the third speed profile during the heating period is approximately 1:1.
[0023] This provides the technical advantage of achieving a particularly uniform increase in temperature in the core of the laundry.
[0024] In an advantageous embodiment, the controller is designed to activate the drum drive during the heating period to rotate the laundry drum several times with the second speed profile, and in particular to rotate the laundry drum reversibly in opposite directions of rotation during the repeated rotation, and the controller is designed to subsequently activate the drum drive to rotate the laundry drum several times with the third speed profile, and in particular to rotate the laundry drum reversibly in opposite directions of rotation during the repeated rotation.
[0025] This achieves the technical advantage of ensuring effective and complete wetting of the laundry with the heated washing liquid.
[0026] In an advantageous embodiment, the control is designed to activate the drum drive during the first and / or second rotation time period to rotate the laundry drum with a fourth speed profile in a first rotation direction and with a fifth speed profile in a second rotation direction opposite to the first rotation direction.
[0027] This achieves the technical advantage that the fourth and fifth speed profiles ensure particularly advantageous laundry care during the first and / or second rotation period.
[0028] In an advantageous embodiment, the fourth speed profile comprises a rotation of the laundry drum with a first speed range, a subsequent rotation of the laundry drum with a second speed range, and a subsequent rotation of the laundry drum with a third speed range, wherein the first speed range is lower than an application speed of the laundry drum, at which the laundry is applied to the laundry drum due to the acting centrifugal force, wherein the second speed range comprises the application speed, and wherein the third speed range is greater than the application speed and comprises an expulsion speed at which the washing liquid bound to the laundry is expelled from the laundry by the centrifugal force acting on the laundry.
[0029] This achieves the technical advantage that the rotation of the laundry drum in the first and second speed ranges ensures effective distribution of the laundry, particularly the laundry core, and effective distribution of the heated washing liquid. The rotation of the laundry drum at the higher third speed range achieves at least partial free-spinning of the washing liquid bound to the laundry, which can be reabsorbed by the laundry during subsequent rotation at a lower speed.
[0030] In an advantageous embodiment, the fifth speed profile comprises a rotation of the laundry drum with a first speed range, a subsequent rotation of the laundry drum with a second speed range, and a subsequent rotation of the laundry drum with the first speed range, wherein the first speed range is lower than a contact speed of the laundry drum and wherein the second speed range comprises the contact speed.
[0031] This achieves the technical advantage that the rotation of the laundry drum in the first and second speed ranges ensures effective distribution of the laundry, especially the laundry core, and effective distribution of the heated washing liquid. Since the fourth speed profile already includes rotation at high speeds of the third speed range, the fifth speed profile no longer requires a corresponding rotation.
[0032] In an advantageous embodiment, the control is designed to carry out the rotation of the laundry drum with the fifth speed profile after the rotation of the laundry drum with the fourth speed profile, in particular with a pause between the rotation with the fourth speed profile and the rotation with the fifth speed profile in order to change the direction of rotation of the laundry drum.
[0033] This provides the technical advantage of ensuring effective laundry care.
[0034] In an advantageous embodiment, the ratio of the rotation of the laundry drum with the fifth speed profile and the rotation of the laundry drum with the fourth speed profile is approximately 1:1, or the ratio of the rotation of the laundry drum with the fifth speed profile to the rotation of the laundry drum with the fourth speed profile is between 2:1 and 10:1.
[0035] This provides the technical advantage of effectively adapting the laundry care process.
[0036] In particular, the control is designed to vary the ratio between the fifth speed profile and the fourth speed profile depending on the amount of washing liquid supplied to the tub during the first and / or second filling time period.
[0037] In an advantageous embodiment, the control is designed to activate the washing liquid supply device for supplying a second filling quantity of washing liquid into the tub during a hybrid period following the second rotation period, to activate a pump of the laundry care appliance fluidically connected to the tub for pumping washing liquid out of the tub, and to activate the drum drive for rotating the laundry drum with a fourth speed profile in a first rotation direction and with a fifth speed profile in a second rotation direction opposite to the first rotation direction.
[0038] This provides the technical advantage of achieving a particularly effective rinsing process.
[0039] In an advantageous embodiment, the control is designed to rotate the drum drive for rotating the laundry drum at a drying speed during a drying time period following the second rotation time period, in particular the hybrid time period, in order to expel washing liquid bound to the laundry due to the centrifugal force acting on the laundry in order to dry the laundry.
[0040] This provides the technical advantage of ensuring particularly effective drying of the laundry at the end of the laundry care process.
[0041] The object is achieved according to a second aspect by a method for caring for laundry in a laundry care appliance, wherein the laundry care appliance has a tub for receiving washing liquid, a laundry drum for receiving laundry, wherein the laundry drum is arranged in the tub, a drum drive for rotating the laundry drum, a heating element for heating the washing liquid in the tub, a washing liquid supply device which is fluidically connected to the tub by a supply line and is designed to supply washing liquid to the tub, and a controller which is control-technically connected to the drum drive, the heating element, and the washing liquid supply device, wherein the method comprises the following method steps:Activating the washing liquid supply device during a first filling time period by the controller to supply a first filling quantity of washing liquid into the tub, wherein a first filling level of the washing liquid in the tub after the first filling quantity has been supplied is at least high enough for an inner side of the laundry drum to be in contact with the washing liquid in order to achieve wetting of the laundry held in the laundry drum with washing liquid, Activating the heating element during a heating time period following the first filling time period by the controller to heat the washing liquid, wherein the controller is designed to activate the drum drive to rotate the laundry drum during the heating time period,Activating the drum drive during a first rotation period following the heating period by the controller to rotate the laundry drum at different speeds in order to heat the laundry in the laundry drum through contact with the washing liquid; Activating the washing liquid supply device during a second filling period following the rotation period by the controller to supply a second filling quantity of washing liquid into the tub, wherein a second filling level of the washing liquid in the tub after the second filling period is at least high enough that a lower region of the laundry drum is filled with washing liquid; and Activating the drum drive during a second rotation period following the second filling period by the controller to rotate the laundry drum at different speeds;to heat the laundry in the washing drum through contact with the washing liquid.
[0042] This provides the technical advantage of ensuring an effective laundry care process.
[0043] The embodiments identified as advantageous embodiments for the laundry care appliance according to the first aspect are also advantageous embodiments for the method according to the second aspect, and vice versa.
[0044] Embodiments of the invention are illustrated in the drawings and are described in more detail below.
[0045] They show: Fig. 1 a schematic view of a laundry care appliance; Fig. 2 a schematic view of a laundry care appliance with a control system; Fig. 3 a schematic view of a tub of a laundry care appliance with a first filling quantity of washing liquid; Fig. 4 is a schematic view of a laundry care process according to an embodiment; Fig. 5 a schematic view of speed profiles of a drum drive during a heating period of the Fig. 4 laundry care process; Fig. 6 a schematic view of speed profiles of a drum drive during a first rotation period of the drum drive shown in the Fig. 4 laundry care process; Fig. 7 a schematic view of a tub of a laundry care appliance with a second filling quantity of washing liquid; Fig. 8 is a schematic view of a laundry care process according to the Fig. 4 subsequent second filling time period and a subsequent second rotation time period; Fig. 9 is a schematic view of speed profiles of a drum drive during a second rotation period of the drum drive shown in Fig. 8 laundry care process; and Fig. 10 is a schematic representation of a method for caring for laundry in a laundry care appliance according to an embodiment.
[0046] Fig. 1 shows a schematic view of a general laundry care appliance 100, such as a washing machine. The laundry care appliance 100 includes a dispenser tray 101 into which laundry care substance, such as detergent or other liquid substances, can be poured. The laundry care appliance 100 has an appliance housing 102. The laundry care appliance 100 includes an appliance door 103 for loading the laundry care appliance 100 with laundry.
[0047] Fig. 2 shows a schematic view of a laundry care appliance with a control system. The laundry care appliance 100 has a tub 105 for holding washing liquid, and a laundry drum 107 for holding laundry. The laundry drum 107 is arranged in the tub 105. The laundry care appliance 100 has a drum drive 109 for rotating the laundry drum 107. The tub 105 has a drain opening 111. The drain opening 111 is fluidly connected to a pump 117 via a liquid line 115. The pump 117 can drain washing liquid from the tub 105 through the drain opening 111 during a Fig. 2 not shown pumping process into the liquid line 115 and further through an outlet line 125 from the laundry care appliance 100.
[0048] The laundry care appliance 100 has a washing liquid supply device 118-1 for supplying washing liquid into the tub 105, wherein the washing liquid supply device 118-1 is connected to the tub 105 by a supply line 118-2.
[0049] In particular, the washing liquid supply device 118-1 comprises a Fig. 2 not shown dispenser tray 101 of the laundry care appliance 100 and / or a Fig. 2 not shown fresh water connection of the laundry care appliance 100, wherein a controller 119 of the laundry care appliance 100 is designed to activate a washing liquid inlet via the dispenser tray 101 and / or the fresh water connection in order to supply washing liquid and / or fresh water as washing liquid into the laundry drum 107.
[0050] The laundry care appliance 100 has a heating element 120 arranged in the tub 105, which is designed to heat the washing liquid in the tub 105, wherein the heating element 120 is connected to the controller 119 for control purposes.
[0051] The laundry care appliance 100 further includes a temperature sensor 123 for detecting a temperature of washing liquid in the tub 105. In particular, the temperature sensor 123 is arranged in the tub 105.
[0052] The laundry care appliance 100 further comprises the controller 119, which is connected to the pump 117, which is connected to the drum drive 109, which is connected to the washing liquid supply device 118-1, which is connected to the heating element 120, and which is connected to the temperature sensor 123, each by a control connection 121.
[0053] In particular, the Fig. The laundry care appliance 100 shown in Figure 2 does not have a pumping function.
[0054] Fig. 3 shows a schematic view of a tub of a laundry care appliance with a first filling quantity of washing liquid.
[0055] The Fig. 3 has a laundry drum 107 in which projections 127 are arranged, which are designed to move the laundry received in the laundry drum 107 during the rotation of the laundry drum 107. In the Fig. 3 shows a 6 o'clock position of the laundry drum 107, in which one of the projections 127 is arranged in the lowermost region of the laundry drum 107.
[0056] As from the Fig. 3, after the first filling quantity of washing liquid 129 has been added, the tub 105 has a first filling level 131 which is at least high enough for an inner side 133 of the laundry drum 107 to be in contact with the washing liquid 129.
[0057] In particular, the first filling level 131 of the washing liquid 129 is so high that a projection 127 in the 6 o'clock position of the laundry drum 107 is covered with washing liquid 129 up to a maximum of 30% of its total height 135.
[0058] Thus, the first fill level 131 of the washing liquid 129 is just sufficient for the laundry in the laundry drum 107 to be wetted with the washing liquid 129, but so low that rapid heating of the washing liquid 129 and a high concentration of laundry care substance in the washing liquid 129 are achieved.
[0059] Fig. 4 shows a schematic view of a laundry care process according to an embodiment.
[0060] In the Fig. 4 only shows a time segment of the laundry care process, which includes a first filling time segment 137, a heating time segment 139 following the first filling time segment 137, and a first rotation time segment 141 following the heating time segment 139.
[0061] The Fig. The first curve 143 shown in Figure 4 shows, along the ordinate axis 145, a rotational speed of a laundry drum 107 driven by a drum drive 109 as a function of time, which is plotted along the abscissa axis 147.
[0062] The Fig. The second curve 149 shown in Figure 4 shows, along the ordinate axis 145, a filling level of washing liquid 129 in the tub 105 as a function of time.
[0063] The Fig. The third curve 151 shown in Figure 4 shows, along the ordinate axis 145, a temperature of washing liquid 129 in the tub 105 as a function of time, as detected by a temperature sensor 123 arranged in the tub 105.
[0064] The Fig. The further curves 152 shown in Figure 4 and provided with the reference number 152 show, along the ordinate axis 145, a plurality of temperatures in different areas of the laundry in the laundry drum 107 as a function of time, as detected by laundry temperature sensors arranged in the laundry.
[0065] The Fig. The time period of the laundry care process according to the embodiment shown in Figure 4 begins with the first filling time period 137 during which the controller 119 of the laundry care appliance 100 activates the washing liquid supply device 118-1 to supply a first filling quantity of washing liquid 129 into the tub 105. The first filling level 131 of the washing liquid 129 in the tub 105 is, after the first filling quantity has been supplied, at least high enough that an inner side 133 of the laundry drum 107 is in contact with the washing liquid 129 in order to achieve wetting of the laundry held in the laundry drum 107 with washing liquid 129. For further details on the first filling level 131, reference is made to the explanations regarding Fig. 3.
[0066] As from the Fig. 4, the controller 119 is configured to activate the drum drive 109 during the first filling time period 137 to rotate the laundry drum 107 at a first speed 153, in particular to rotate it reversibly in opposite directions. The first speed 153 is lower than a speed defined in the Fig. 4 is the application speed of the laundry drum 107, not shown, at which the laundry is applied to the laundry drum 107 due to the acting centrifugal force. In particular, the first speed 153 is approximately 35 revolutions per minute.
[0067] The low first speed 153 achieves wetting of the laundry, but prevents damage to the laundry, especially if the laundry drum 107 is full or incorrectly loaded.
[0068] The first filling time section 137 is followed by the heating time section 139, during which the control 119 activates the heating element 120 to heat the washing liquid 129, so that, as shown in the Fig. 4, both the temperature of the washing liquid 129 and the temperature of the laundry rise.
[0069] In this case, the controller 119 is particularly designed to end the heating period 139 and to deactivate the heating element 120 when a predetermined heating period has elapsed or when a temperature value detected by a temperature sensor 123 of the laundry care appliance 100 reaches a predetermined temperature limit value.
[0070] As from the Fig. 4, the controller 119 is designed to activate the drum drive 109 to rotate the laundry drum 107 during the heating period 139. For the exact rotation profile of the laundry drum 107 during the heating period 139, please refer to the following explanations regarding Fig. 5.
[0071] The heating period 139 is followed by the first rotation period 141, during which the controller 119 is configured to activate the drum drive 109 to rotate the laundry drum 107 at different speeds in order to heat the laundry in the laundry drum 107 through contact with the washing liquid 129. For the exact rotation profile of the laundry drum 107 during the first rotation period 141, please refer to the following explanations regarding Fig. 6.
[0072] Fig. Figure 5 shows a schematic view of speed profiles of a drum drive during a heating period of the Fig. 4 laundry care process.
[0073] From the Fig. 5 that the controller 119 is configured to activate the drum drive 109 to rotate the laundry drum 107 with a second speed profile 155 and a third speed profile 157 during the heating period 139.
[0074] Here, the speeds of the second speed profile 155 are lower than the speeds of the third speed profile 157. Both the speeds of the second speed profile 155 and the speeds of the third speed profile 157 are lower than a Fig. 5 not shown application speed of the laundry drum 107, at which the laundry is applied to the laundry drum 107 due to the acting centrifugal force.
[0075] From the Fig. 5 that both the second speed profile 155 and the third speed profile 157 each comprise a plurality of variable speeds.
[0076] In particular, the variable speeds of the second speed profile 155 comprise speeds of 35 to 45 revolutions per minute, so that with a corresponding rotation of the laundry drum 107, the laundry received in the laundry drum 107 falls from the inside 133 of the laundry drum 107 (“falling mode”).
[0077] In particular, the variable speeds of the third speed profile 157 comprise speeds of 45 to 65 revolutions per minute, so that with a corresponding rotation of the laundry drum 107 an effective dissolution of the laundry care substance is achieved and an effective wetting of the laundry with the washing liquid 129 takes place (“cateracting mode”).
[0078] From the Fig. 4, it can further be seen that during the heating period 139, the laundry drum 107 is rotated by the drum drive 109 alternately in opposite directions of rotation once each during the second speed profile 155 and during the third speed profile 157. Fig. 5, only the absolute value of the rotational speed is shown on the ordinate, which is why the second block of the second rotational speed profile 155 or the third rotational speed profile 157 also shows positive values, although in these second blocks the rotation of the laundry drum 107 is opposite to the direction of rotation of the laundry drum in the first block of the second rotational speed profile 155 or the third rotational speed profile 157.
[0079] Furthermore, the Fig. 5 that the ratio of the second speed profile 155 and the third speed profile 157 during the heating period 139 is approximately 1:1.
[0080] Thus, the controller 119 is according to the Fig. 5 is designed to reversely rotate the drum drive 109 in opposite directions of rotation during the heating period 139 for rotating the laundry drum 107 several times, in particular twice, with the second speed profile 155, and then to reversely rotate the drum drive 109 in opposite directions of rotation for rotating the laundry drum 107 several times, in particular twice, with the third speed profile 157.
[0081] Fig. 6 shows a schematic view of speed profiles of a drum drive during a first rotation period 141 of the drum drive shown in the Fig. 4 laundry care process.
[0082] From the Fig. 6 that the controller 119 is configured to activate the drum drive 109 to rotate the laundry drum 107 with a fourth speed profile 159 and a fifth speed profile 161 during the first rotation period 141.
[0083] Within the fourth speed profile 159, the drum drive 109 rotates the laundry drum 107 in a first rotational direction and within the fifth speed profile 161, the drum drive 109 rotates the laundry drum 107 in a second rotational direction opposite to the first rotational direction, as shown in the Fig. 4 for the first rotation period 141. In the Fig. 6 only the absolute values of the speeds are shown for illustration purposes.
[0084] As from the Fig. 6, the fourth speed profile 159 comprises a rotation of the laundry drum 107 with a first speed range 163, a subsequent rotation of the laundry drum 107 with a second speed range 165, and a subsequent rotation of the laundry drum 107 with a third speed range 167.
[0085] The speeds of the first speed range 163 are lower than one in Fig. 6 is the application speed of the laundry drum 107, not shown, at which the laundry adheres to the laundry drum 107 due to the acting centrifugal force. The speeds of the second speed range 165 include the corresponding application speed.
[0086] The first speed range 163 is in particular between 35 and 45 revolutions per minute, so that with a corresponding rotation of the laundry drum 107, the laundry held in the laundry drum 107 falls from the inside 133 of the laundry drum 107 and the laundry core is thereby moved (“falling mode”).
[0087] The speeds of the second speed range 165 include, in particular, speeds of 45 to 65 revolutions per minute, so that with a corresponding rotation of the laundry drum 107, an effective dissolution of the laundry care substance is achieved and an effective wetting of the laundry with the washing liquid 129 takes place (“cateracting mode”).
[0088] The third speed range 167 is greater than the initial speed and includes an expulsion speed at which the washing liquid 129 bound to the laundry is expelled from the laundry by the centrifugal force acting on the laundry. In particular, the third speed 167 is up to 120 revolutions per minute.
[0089] As from the Fig. 6, the fourth speed profile 159 comprises, after the rotation of the laundry drum 107 with the third speed range 167, a renewed rotation of the laundry drum 107 with the speeds of the second speed range 165.
[0090] As from the Fig. 6 can be removed, the fourth speed profile 159 is followed by the fifth speed profile 161 after a short pause and a change in the direction of rotation of the laundry drum 107.
[0091] The fifth speed profile 161 comprises a rotation of the laundry drum 107 with the first speed range 163, a subsequent rotation of the laundry drum 107 with the second speed range 165, and a subsequent rotation of the laundry drum 107 with the first speed range 163. Here, the first speed range 163 is lower than a contact speed of the laundry drum 107 and the second speed range 165 comprises the contact speed.
[0092] If the system speed of the laundry drum 107 is, for example, 60 revolutions per minute, the second speed range 165 can comprise a range from 45 to 70 revolutions per minute (with a full load, e.g., with a specific load volume of less than 9 liters of drum volume per kg of load), or the second speed range 165 can comprise a range from 45 to 65 revolutions per minute (with a partial load, e.g., with a specific load volume of 9 to 20 liters of drum volume per kg of load), or the second speed range 165 can comprise a range from 45 to 60 revolutions per minute (with a small load, e.g., with a specific load volume of more than 20 liters of drum volume per kg of load). A specific load volume is a parameter for the amount of laundry that has been placed into a laundry drum.The drum volume in liters is divided by the load in kg, which is why the specific load volume decreases with increasing load.
[0093] In contrast to the fourth speed profile 159, the fifth speed profile 161 does not include rotation of the laundry drum 107 with the third speed range 167.
[0094] As from the Fig. 6, the ratio of the rotation of the laundry drum 107 with the fifth speed profile 161 and the rotation of the laundry drum 107 with the fourth speed profile 159 is approximately 1:1.
[0095] Fig. 7 shows a schematic view of a tub of a laundry care appliance with a second filling quantity of washing liquid.
[0096] The second filling quantity of washing liquid 129 is supplied to the tub 105 during a second filling period 169 following the first rotation period 141.
[0097] In the Fig. 7 is analogous to the Fig. 3 shows the 6 o'clock position of the laundry drum 107, in which one of the projections 127 is arranged in the lowermost region of the laundry drum 107.
[0098] As from the Fig. 3, after the second filling quantity of washing liquid 129 has been added, the tub 105 has a second filling level 171 which is at least high enough for a lower region 173 of the laundry drum 107 to be covered with the washing liquid 129.
[0099] In particular, the second filling level 171 of the washing liquid 129 is so high that a projection 127 in the 6 o'clock position of the laundry drum 107 is almost completely covered with washing liquid 129.
[0100] Fig. Figure 8 shows a schematic view of a laundry care process according to the Fig. 4 subsequent second filling time period 169 and a subsequent second rotation time period 175.
[0101] For the labeling of the Fig. 8, the detailed explanations of the graphs are given below. Fig. 4.
[0102] As from the Fig. As can be seen from Figure 8, the first rotation time period 141 is followed by the second filling time period 169, and the second filling time period 169 is followed by a second rotation time period 175.
[0103] The controller 119 is configured to activate the washing liquid supply device 118-1 during the second filling time period 169 to supply a second filling quantity 171 of washing liquid 129 into the tub 105, wherein the second filling level 171 of the washing liquid 129 in the tub 105 after the second filling time period 169 is at least high enough that a lower region 173 of the laundry drum 107 is filled with washing liquid 129. Reference is made to the explanations regarding Fig. 7.
[0104] The controller 119 is configured to activate the drum drive 109 to rotate the laundry drum 107 at different speeds during a second rotation period 175 following the second filling period 169 in order to heat the laundry in the laundry drum 107 through contact with the washing liquid 129. For the exact rotation profile of the laundry drum 107 during the second rotation period 175, please refer to the following explanations regarding Fig. 9.
[0105] Even if this is Fig. 8, the second rotation period 175 is followed by a hybrid period during which the washing liquid supply device 118-1 is activated to supply a further quantity of washing liquid 129 into the tub 105, and during which a pump 117 of the laundry care appliance 100, which is fluidly connected to the tub 105, is activated to pump washing liquid 129 out of the tub 105. During the hybrid period, the drum drive 109 can also be activated to rotate the laundry drum 107 with a fourth speed profile 159 in a first rotational direction and with a fifth speed profile 161 in a second rotational direction opposite to the first rotational direction.
[0106] Even if this is Fig. 8 is not shown, the hybrid period is followed by a drying period during which the drum drive 109 is designed to rotate the laundry drum 107 at a drying speed in order to expel washing liquid 129 bound to the laundry due to the centrifugal force acting on the laundry in order to dry the laundry.
[0107] Fig. 9 shows a schematic view of speed profiles of a drum drive 109 during a second rotation period 175 of the Fig. 8 laundry care process.
[0108] From the Fig. 9 shows that a rotation of the laundry drum 107 with the fourth speed profile 159 is followed by a plurality of rotations of the laundry drum 107 with the fifth speed profile 161. In particular, the ratio of the rotation of the laundry drum 107 with the fifth speed profile 161 to the rotation of the laundry drum 107 with the fourth speed profile 159 is between 2:1 and 10:1, with the ratio increasing with increasing fill volume of washing liquid 129.
[0109] For further detailed information on the fourth speed profile 159 and the fifth speed profile 161, please refer to the detailed explanations in the Fig. 6.
[0110] Fig. 10 shows a schematic representation of a method for caring for laundry in a laundry care appliance according to an embodiment.
[0111] The method 200 comprises, as a first method step, the activation 201 of the washing liquid supply device 118-1 during a first filling time period 137 by the controller 119 for supplying a first filling quantity of washing liquid 129 into the tub 105, wherein the first filling level 131 of the washing liquid 129 in the tub 105 after the supply of the first filling quantity is at least high enough that an inner side 133 of the laundry drum 107 is in contact with the washing liquid 129 in order to achieve wetting of the laundry received in the laundry drum 107 with washing liquid 129.
[0112] The method 200 comprises, as a second method step, the activation 203 of the heating element 120 during a heating time period 139 following the first filling time period 137 by the controller 119 for heating the washing liquid 129, wherein the controller 119 is designed to activate the drum drive 109 for rotating the laundry drum 107 during the heating time period 139.
[0113] The method 200 comprises, as a third method step, the activation 205 of the drum drive 109 during a first rotation period 141 following the heating period 139 by the controller 119 to rotate the laundry drum 107 at different speeds in order to achieve heating of the laundry in the laundry drum 107 by contact with the washing liquid 129.
[0114] The method 200 comprises, as a fourth method step, the activation 207 of the washing liquid supply device 118-1 during a second filling time period 169 following the first rotation time period 141 by the controller 119 for supplying a second filling quantity of washing liquid 129 into the tub 105, wherein the second filling level 171 of the washing liquid 129 in the tub 105 after the second filling time period 169 is at least high enough that a lower region of the laundry drum 107 is filled with washing liquid 129.
[0115] The method 200 comprises, as a fourth method step, the activation 209 of the drum drive 109 during a second rotation time period 175 following the second filling time period 169 by the controller 119 to rotate the laundry drum 107 at different speeds in order to achieve heating of the laundry in the laundry drum 107 by contact with the washing liquid 129.
[0116] All features explained and shown in connection with individual embodiments of the invention can be provided in different combinations in the subject matter according to the invention in order to simultaneously realize their advantageous effects.
[0117] The scope of the present invention is given by the claims and is not limited by the features explained in the description or shown in the figures. List of reference symbols 100 laundry care device 101 Dispensing tray 102 device housings 103 Appliance door 105 lye containers 107 Laundry drum 109 Drum drive 111 Drain opening 115 Liquid line 117 Pump 118-1 Washing liquid supply device 118-2 supply line 119 Control 120 heating element 121 Control connection 123 Temperature sensor 125 Outlet line 127 lead 129 Washing liquid 131 First fill level 133 Inside of the washing drum 135 Total height of the projection 137 First filling period 139 Heating period 141 First rotation period 143 First curve 145 Ordinate axis 147 Abscissa axis 149 Second curve 151 Third Curve 152 More curves 153 First speed 155 Second speed profile 157 Third speed profile 159 Fourth speed profile 161 Fifth speed profile 163 First speed range 165 Second speed range 167 Third speed range 169 Second filling period 171 Second fill level 173 Lower area of the laundry drum 175 Second rotation period 200 methods for laundry care 201 Process step: Activating the washing liquid supply device 203 Process step: Activating the heating element 205 Process step: Activating the drum drive 207 Process step: Activating the washing liquid supply device 209 Process step: Activating the drum drive QUOTES CONTAINED IN THE DESCRIPTION
[0000] This list of documents submitted by the applicant was generated automatically and is included solely for the convenience of the reader. This list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature
[0000] DE 10 2019 216 697 A1
[0004]
Claims
[1] Laundry care appliance (100) with a tub (105) for receiving washing liquid (129), a laundry drum (107) for receiving laundry, wherein the laundry drum (107) is arranged in the tub (105), a drum drive (109) for rotating the laundry drum (107), a heating element (120) for heating the washing liquid (129) in the tub (105), a washing liquid supply device (118-1) which is fluidly connected to the tub (105) by a supply line (118-2) and is designed to supply washing liquid (129) to the tub (105), and a control device (119) which is control-technically connected to the drum drive (109), the heating element (120), and the washing liquid supply device (118-1), characterized by , that the controller (119) is designed to activate the washing liquid supply device (118-1) for supplying a first filling quantity of washing liquid (129) into the tub (105) during a first filling time period (137), wherein a first filling level (131) of the washing liquid (129) in the tub (105) after the supply of the first filling quantity is at least high enough that an inner side (133) of the laundry drum (107) is in contact with the washing liquid (129) in order to achieve wetting of the laundry held in the laundry drum (107) with washing liquid (129), that the control (119) is designed to activate the heating element (120) for heating the washing liquid (129) during a heating time period (139) following the first filling time period (137), wherein the control (119) is designed to activate the drum drive (109) for rotating the laundry drum (107) during the heating time period (139), that the control (119) is designed to activate the drum drive (109) for rotating the laundry drum (107) at different speeds during a first rotation time period (141) following the heating time period (139) in order to achieve heating of the laundry in the laundry drum (107) by contact with the washing liquid (129), that the control (119) is designed to activate the washing liquid supply device (118-1) for supplying a second filling quantity of washing liquid (129) into the tub (105) during a second filling time period (169) following the first rotation time period (141), wherein a second filling level (171) of the washing liquid (129) in the tub (105) after the second filling time period (169) is at least so high that a lower region (173) of the laundry drum (107) is filled with washing liquid (129), and that the control (119) is designed to activate the drum drive (109) for rotating the laundry drum (107) at different speeds during a second rotation time period (175) following the second filling time period (169) in order to achieve heating of the laundry in the laundry drum (107) by contact with the washing liquid (129). [2] Laundry care appliance (100) according to claim 1, characterized by that the control (119) is designed to activate the drum drive (109) for rotating the laundry drum (107) at a first speed during the first filling time section (137), in particular to rotate reversibly in opposite directions of rotation, wherein the first speed (153) is lower than a contact speed of the laundry drum (107) at which the laundry contacts the laundry drum (107) due to the acting centrifugal force [3] Laundry care appliance (100) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized bythat a plurality of projections (127) for moving the laundry accommodated in the laundry drum (107) are arranged on the inside (133), wherein the first filling level (131) of the washing liquid (129) in the tub (105) after supplying the first filling quantity in the first filling time section (137) is at least so high that in a rotational position of the laundry drum (107) in which a projection (127) of the plurality of projections (127) is arranged in the 6 o'clock position of the laundry drum (107), this projection (127) is covered with washing liquid (129) up to a maximum of 30% of its total height (135), and / or wherein the second fill level (171) of the washing liquid (129) in the tub (105) after the second fill quantity has been added in the second fill time section (169) is at least so high that in a rotational position of the laundry drum (107) in which one projection (127) of the plurality of projections (127) is arranged in the 6 o'clock position of the laundry drum (107), this projection (127) is completely covered with washing liquid (129). [4] Laundry care appliance (100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by in that the controller (119) is designed to end the heating period (139) and to deactivate the heating element (120) when a predetermined heating period has elapsed or when a temperature value detected by a temperature sensor (123) of the laundry care appliance (100) reaches a predetermined temperature limit value. [5] Laundry care appliance (100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized byin that the controller (119) is designed to activate the drum drive (109) for rotating the laundry drum (107) with a second speed profile (155) and a third speed profile (157) during the heating time section (139), in particular to rotate the laundry drum (107) in opposite directions of rotation, wherein the speeds of the second speed profile (155) and the speeds of the third speed profile (157) are lower than an application speed of the laundry drum (107) at which the laundry is applied to the laundry drum (107) due to the acting centrifugal force, and wherein the speeds of the second speed profile (155) are lower than the speeds of the third speed profile (157), wherein the second and third speed profiles (155, 157) each comprise a plurality of variable speeds. [6] Laundry care appliance (100) according to claim 5, characterized bythat the ratio of the second speed profile (155) and the third speed profile (157) during the heating period (139) is approximately 1:
1. [7] Laundry care appliance (100) according to claim 5 or 6, characterized by that the controller (119) is designed to activate the drum drive (109) for rotating the laundry drum (107) several times at the second speed profile (155) during the heating period (139), and in particular to rotate the laundry drum (107) in reverse in opposite directions of rotation during the repeated rotation, and that the controller (119) is designed to subsequently activate the drum drive (109) for rotating the laundry drum (107) several times at the third speed profile (157), and in particular to rotate the laundry drum (107) in reverse in opposite directions of rotation during the repeated rotation. [8] Laundry care appliance (100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized byin that the controller (119) is designed to activate the drum drive (109) for rotating the laundry drum (107) with a fourth speed profile (159) in a first rotational direction, and with a fifth speed profile (161) in a second rotational direction opposite to the first rotational direction, during the first and / or second rotational time period (175). [9] Laundry care appliance (100) according to claim 8, characterized byin that the fourth speed profile (159) comprises a rotation of the laundry drum (107) with a first speed range (163), a subsequent rotation of the laundry drum (107) with a second speed range (165), and a subsequent rotation of the laundry drum (107) with a third speed range (167), wherein the first speed range (163) is lower than an application speed of the laundry drum (107), at which the laundry is applied to the laundry drum (107) due to the acting centrifugal force, wherein the second speed range (165) comprises the application speed, and wherein the third speed range (167) is greater than the application speed and comprises an expulsion speed at which the washing liquid (129) bound to the laundry is expelled from the laundry by the centrifugal force acting on the laundry. [10] Laundry care appliance (100) according to claim 8 or 9, characterized byin that the fifth speed profile (161) comprises a rotation of the laundry drum (107) with a first speed range (163), a subsequent rotation of the laundry drum (107) with a second speed range (165), and a subsequent rotation of the laundry drum (107) with the first speed range (163), wherein the first speed range (163) is lower than a contact speed of the laundry drum (107), and wherein the second speed range (165) comprises the contact speed. [11] Laundry care appliance (100) according to claim 8, 9 or 10, characterized byin that the controller (119) is designed to carry out the rotation of the laundry drum (107) with the fifth speed profile (161) after the rotation of the laundry drum (107) with the fourth speed profile (159), in particular with a pause between the rotation with the fourth speed profile (159) and the rotation with the fifth speed profile (161) in order to change the direction of rotation of the laundry drum (107). [12] Laundry care appliance (100) according to claim 8, 9, 10 or 11, characterized by that the ratio of the rotation of the laundry drum (107) with the fifth speed profile (161) and the rotation of the laundry drum (107) with the fourth speed profile (159) is approximately 1:1, or wherein the ratio of the rotation of the laundry drum (107) with the fifth speed profile (161) compared to the rotation of the laundry drum (107) with the fourth speed profile (159) is between 2:1 and 10:
1. [13] Laundry care appliance (100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by in that the controller (119) is designed to activate the washing liquid supply device (118-1) for supplying a second filling quantity of washing liquid (129) into the tub (105) during a hybrid time period following the second rotation time period (175), to activate a pump (117) of the laundry care appliance (100) which is fluidically connected to the tub (105) for pumping washing liquid (129) out of the tub (105), and to activate the drum drive (109) for rotating the laundry drum (107) with a fourth speed profile (159) in a first rotation direction, and with a fifth speed profile (161) in a second rotation direction opposite to the first rotation direction. [14] Laundry care appliance (100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized byin that the control (119) is designed to rotate the drum drive (109) for rotating the laundry drum (107) at a drying speed during a drying time period following the second rotation time period (175), in particular the hybrid time period, in order to expel washing liquid (129) bound to the laundry due to the centrifugal force acting on the laundry in order to dry the laundry. [15] Method for the care of laundry in a laundry care appliance (100), wherein the laundry care appliance (100) comprises a tub (105) for receiving washing liquid (129), a laundry drum (107) for receiving laundry, wherein the laundry drum (107) is arranged in the tub (105), a drum drive (109) for rotating the laundry drum (107), a heating element (120) for heating the washing liquid (129) in the tub (105), a washing liquid supply device (118-1) which is fluidically connected to the tub (105) by a supply line (118-2) and is designed to supply washing liquid (129) to the tub (105), and a control device (119) which is control-technically connected to the drum drive (109), the heating element (120), and the washing liquid supply device (118-1) is connected, characterized by that the method (200) comprises the following method steps, Activating (201) the washing liquid supply device (118-1) during a first filling time period (137) by the controller (119) to supply a first filling quantity of washing liquid (129) into the tub (105), wherein a first filling level (131) of the washing liquid (129) in the tub (105) after supplying the first filling quantity is at least high enough that an inner side (133) of the laundry drum (107) is in contact with the washing liquid (129) in order to achieve wetting of the laundry held in the laundry drum (107) with washing liquid (129), Activating (203) the heating element (120) during a heating period (139) following the first filling period (137) by the controller (119) to heat the washing liquid (129), wherein the controller (119) is designed to activate the drum drive (109) to rotate the laundry drum (107) during the heating period (139), Activating (205) the drum drive (109) during a first rotation period (141) following the heating period (139) by the controller (119) to rotate the laundry drum (107) at different speeds in order to heat the laundry in the laundry drum (107) by contact with the washing liquid (129), Activating (207) the washing liquid supply device (118-1) during a second filling time period (169) following the first rotation time period (141) by the controller (119) to supply a second filling quantity of washing liquid (129) into the tub (105), wherein a second filling level (171) of the washing liquid (129) in the tub (105) after the second filling time period (169) is at least high enough that a lower region (173) of the laundry drum (107) is filled with washing liquid (129), and Activating (209) the drum drive (109) during a second rotation time period (175) following the second filling time period (169) by the controller (119) to rotate the laundry drum (107) at different speeds in order to achieve heating of the laundry in the laundry drum (107) by contact with the washing liquid (129).
Citation Information
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