Washing machine and procedures for operating a washing machine

Abstract

Washing machine (11) comprising: - a housing (12), - a drum support container in the housing (12) in which a rotatable drum is arranged, - a drive motor for driving the drum including power supply for the drive motor, - a door (14) in the housing (12) as access to the drum support container and the drum, wherein the door (14) is openable and closable, - a component unit (18) that can be moved out of the housing (12) along a direction of movement, wherein the component unit (18) comprises functional units selected from the group consisting of pump, valves, filters and water lines for the washing machine (11), wherein: - the washing machine (11) comprises a mobile and independently handleable sensor component unit (40, 140), wherein the sensor component unit (40, 140): - can be permanently arranged and attached in the washing machine (11) or in the housing (12) of the washing machine (11), preferably in the extendable component unit (18), and - is detachable and is removable.- the sensor assembly (40, 140) comprises: - a vibration sensor (147) and / or a microphone (47) as a sensor, - a power source (48), - communication means (51) for signal transmission of data from the sensor (47, 147) and / or - an internal memory (50) for storing data from the sensor (47, 147), - the washing machine (11) comprises a fixing connection arrangement (28, 32, 35, 36) which provides a mechanical connection of the assembly (18) or the sensor assembly (40, 140) with the housing (12) orwith the housing wall and / or with housing struts extending inside the housing (12),- the fixing connection arrangement (28, 32, 35, 36) is releasable for releasing the connection of the assembly (18) or the sensor assembly (40, 140) with the housing (12),- the fixing connection arrangement (28, 32, 35, 36) is fixedly arranged on the housing (12) and / or on the removable assembly (18), characterized in that- the fixing connection arrangement (28, 32, 35, 36) has a controllable drive (32a, 32b) which establishes the connection with the housing (12) of the washing machine (11).

Description

The invention relates to a washing machine and to a method for operating a washing machine, in particular in order to be able to repair it.EP 4 086 383 A1 discloses a washing machine in the lower region of which an extendable drawer with structural units is arranged thereon. This drawer can be provided with a special locking mechanism so that it can only be pulled out to a certain extent. After releasing the locking, if necessary only by a service technician, it can be completely pulled out. Functional units / components located therein can then be repaired or replaced.From EP 4 212 741 A1 it is known to provide valve units for controlling fluid flows with sensors which are designed as structure-borne sound sensors for detecting a structure-borne sound signal. Thus, an operation of the valve units can be monitored in order to acquire specific events and data relating to the operating behavior of the valve unit during its service life. State monitoring can thus be provided, and failure early diagnosis is likewise possible.DE 10 2014 220 353 A1 discloses a washing machine which has a metering module at the customary position at the top left in order to introduce or meter in washing agents or other washing-active substances into a washing process. The dosing module is designed as a type of pull-out drawer. For pulling out and guiding during pulling out, a drawer guide or the like is presumably provided.DE 10 2016 225 854 A1 discloses a further washing machine with a dosing device in a pull-out drawer at the usual position at the top left. This dosing device has a sensor unit for controlling it, for example by radio or WLAN by means of a mobile telephone. Thus, a dosage of detergent active substances or the like can be controlled.EP 2 296 522 B1 discloses a dosing module for a dishwasher which is of flat design in order to be placed on edge, in a manner similar to a plate, into a removable receiving basket in a dishwasher. This dosing module can be removed for refilling. It has its own controller and sensors.Object and SolutionThe object of the invention is to provide a washing machine as mentioned at the beginning and a method for operating such a washing machine, with which problems of the prior art can be avoided and it is possible in particular to monitor operation of the washing machine or functionality of functional units of the washing machine and preferably to enable repair more specifically in a detected problem case.This object is achieved by a washing machine mentioned at the beginning having the features of claim 1 and by a method having the features of claim 10. Some of the features are described here only for the washing machine or only for the method. However, they should be able to apply independently of each other both for the washing machine and for the method independently and independently of each other. The wording of the claims is made the content of the description by explicit reference.The washing machine comprises a housing, a drum receiving container in the housing in which a rotatable drum is arranged, a drive motor for driving the drum together with power supply for the drive motor, and a door in the housing as access to the drum receiving container and the drum, wherein the door can be opened and closed as usual. The washing machine also has a structural unit that can be moved out of the housing along a direction of movement according to the aforementioned EP 4 086 383 A1, wherein this structural unit has functional units that are selected from the group consisting of a pump, valves, filters and water lines for the washing machine.According to the invention, the washing machine has a mobile and independently manipulatable sensor module which can be arranged and fastened fixedly in the washing machine or in the housing of the washing machine, wherein it is preferably arranged and fastened in the module which can be moved out or wherein sensor module can also be detached again and can be removed from the washing machine. The sensor module essentially has a vibration sensor and / or a microphone, which can serve as an actual sensor. Furthermore, it has an energy source, for example a rechargeable battery or a battery. It also has communication means for signal-transmitting communication of data of the sensor, in particular from inside the housing of the washing machine to the outside. Alternatively or additionally, it has an internal memory for storing data of the sensor, wherein it then advantageously also has electrical contacts for an interface, particularly advantageously with a plug connection.The aforementioned communication means for signal-transmitting communication of data of the sensor to the outside are advantageously configured wirelessly, in particular as a radio connection with a conventional radio standard such as WLAN, Bluetooth or BLE, ZigBee or the like. Radio signals of the sensor module can be transmitted outside the washing machine, for example to a computer or to a notebook, alternatively also to a mobile terminal such as a tablet or a smartphone. Above all, the mentioned mobile terminals can receive the radio signals by means of an app installed specifically thereon and evaluate them in the app designed as a program. This can be done interactively together with an operator. Here, a problem or fault analysis can also be carried out simultaneously; if necessary, the ordering of a replacement part can also be initiated directly or a service technician can be called or a repair order can be started. In such a radio connection, the sensor module can be left in the washing machine for a longer time, since the collected data can also be read out or used as well.In the other embodiment, in which the sensor module has an internal memory as described above, it can either be provided that it is arranged in the washing machine or its housing in such a way that this memory can be read out, so to speak. For this purpose, a cable can be plugged onto a plug connection on the sensor module in order to read out the memory and use the data, for example in a corresponding program on a notebook connected to the other end of the cable. Although this is somewhat more complicated in use, it involves the least technical expense. This also allows the simple reading of further program data from a washing machine controller. The sensor assembly may then remain in the washing machine and continue to collect data. Alternatively, the sensor module can also be removed in order to read out the data and then connected outside the washing machine to a notebook, for example, by cable or the like for this purpose.In the invention, the washing machine has a fixing connection arrangement which produces a mechanical and optionally cohesive and / or positive connection of the structural unit or the sensor structural unit to the housing or to the housing wall itself and / or to housing struts running within the housing. Such a housing wall is advantageously an outer wall or side wall, particularly advantageously a rear wall of the washing machine. Vibrations are strongest at the rear wall, as has been found within the scope of the invention, in particular vibrations caused by the drive motor. In this respect, it is the best source if these vibrations are to be detected with the sensor module for evaluation. According to the invention, the fixing connection device is designed to be releasable for releasing the connection of the structural unit / sensor structural unit to the housing.In the invention, the fixing connection arrangement serves to connect the structural unit directly to the housing or to a housing wall or housing strut. The structural unit is thus seated directly on the housing or on the housing wall and is arranged and fastened thereto. The fixing connection arrangement can have a screw connection or a latching connection, by means of which the fastening takes place. Thus, in a simple embodiment, an internal thread or a latching receptacle can be arranged on the housing wall, while a screw is provided on a projection of the structural unit or a latching projection on the structural unit. Alternatively, the fixing connection arrangement can be designed for an adhesive connection, for example comprise double-sided adhesive tape, in order to thus glue the structural unit directly onto the housing wall. The double-sided adhesive tape can also be releasable again, as is known from corresponding adhesive connections for fastening hooks in the household.In the invention, the fixing connection arrangement is arranged fixedly on the housing and / or on the structural unit which can be moved out, that is to say preferably in a non-detachable manner. According to the invention, the fixing connection arrangement has an actuatable drive which is designed in particular as an electromagnet or as an electromagnetically actuated actuator, as an expanding substance actuator or with a shape memory alloy, wherein the latter can be heated in a targeted manner. For this purpose, a targeted heating by means of a heating element can be provided. According to the invention, the drive establishes the connection with the housing of the washing machine, i.e. in a targeted manner.In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the washing machine has a lock for the removable structural unit, in particular is arranged on the removable structural unit. This locking is configured such that the structural unit can be removed from the housing or pulled out only after releasing the locking, can either be pulled out at all or can be pulled out completely. Particularly advantageously, in a first embodiment, the locking can be configured such that it can be manually reached and released from the outside. In a second embodiment, the locking can be formed by the above-mentioned fixing connection arrangement, which then forms a locking of the removable structural unit in the housing. It is designed positively in such a way that it forms a direct cohesive connection between the housing of the washing machine or housing struts of the washing machine and the structural unit which can be moved out. For this purpose, the locking device can preferably have a locking pin together with the drive on the one hand and a pin hole on the other hand, wherein the locking pin and the pin hole are formed in such a way that the locking pin is arranged fixedly in the pin hole in a locking position. In a further development of the invention, it can be provided here that the locking pin in the pin hole does not have any freedom of movement in the direction of movement of the removable structural unit, that is to say in the direction of the structural unit out of the housing. The pin hole may be provided, for example, on a protruding protrusion or arm, which may protrude from the movable structural unit. Advantageously, a locking pin can be moved into and out of the pin hole by an aforementioned drive, depending on whether the structural unit is to be moved out of the washing machine.For the locking, it can advantageously be provided that in the locking position a positive fit, preferably also a mechanical stop, is provided in a direction perpendicular to the direction of movement. Such a form-fit can preferably be provided by an externally conical configuration of the locking pin and a correspondingly internally conical configuration of the pin hole. A form fit can be a round conical configuration; alternatively, other shapes can be used, such as, for example, a cross slot, an outer polygon or in the manner of a Torx screw head.In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, a locking mechanism can also provide two locking pins which can be moved independently of one another. Thus, each locking pin is provided with its own drive, as mentioned above. They can be inserted into the same pivot hole, alternatively each locking pin can have its own pivot hole. Preferably, the locking pins can be moved in opposite directions or an aforementioned projection or arm, on which the at least one pin hole is provided, is located between the two locking pins. A first locking pin together with its pin hole can be designed conically, as described above. A second locking pin together with its pin hole can be formed cylindrically and in particular have some play in its pin hole, so that it can be more easily inserted into the pin hole with a somewhat more fit tolerance, without 100% precise positioning having to be provided. In a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, the two locking pins can retract into the same pin hole, wherein this pin hole is then formed with exactly the same fit towards the first locking pin for the conical configuration thereof. Toward the second locking pin, the pin hole can be formed straight, in particular with a diameter or cross section of 5% to 30% larger than this second locking pin itself.In a further development of the invention, the washing machine has a washing machine controller which is connected to a drive for the locking, i.e. controls the latter for locking or for unlocking. Preferably, the washing machine controller can also be signal-transmittingly connected to the sensor unit, for example in order to receive the data from the sensor unit, to forward it or to start the sensor unit even if it does not itself receive the data. The washing machine control advantageously also controls all other functional units of the washing machine as the main function, such as the aforementioned drive motor as well as valves, pumps or the like.In one embodiment of the invention, the sensor module can be integrated firmly into the module that can be moved out of the housing, so that it can be removed from the housing of the washing machine together with the module, so to speak. It can be screwed tight, for example, as described above for the fixing connection arrangement. However, the effort must then be accepted for fixedly incorporating a sensor module into each washing machine or into its module which can be moved out, regardless of whether it is actually to be used.In another alternative embodiment of the invention, the sensor module can be fastened without tools in the module that can be moved out of the housing. For this purpose, for example, a bayonet connection, a latching connection, a magnetic connection or a releasable adhesive tape can be provided, as described above. Thus, the sensor module can be easily installed in the removable module if it is to be used for function analysis or for fault analysis. After the completion of the analysis and, if appropriate, repair of the washing machine, the sensor module can be removed again. For example, it can be sent back to an analysis service or repair service or to the manufacturer of the washing machine, so that it can then be used again at a new location.In a method according to the invention for operating a washing machine described above, the sensor module is firstly located in or on the housing of the washing machine or it is fixedly arranged on the module which can be moved out. It can either be fixed there already or it is arranged there by an operator, for example because it has requested the sensor module for analysis, as will be explained in more detail below. The structural unit can then be pushed or moved into the washing machine again. Subsequently, the above-described locking between the structural unit and the housing of the washing machine is produced. This is then advantageous not only a locking against the structural unit being pulled out of the washing machine, but a positive locking, as has been explained above. Vibrations of the washing machine can then be recorded by means of the sensor, advantageously during normal operation of the washing machine, particularly advantageously either over at least one normal washing cycle including laundry or for a specific analysis cycle according to a specific analysis program. The vibrations recorded can then be transmitted as signals or as data either via a signal-transmitting connection to a controller of the washing machine or transmitted to a receiver arranged outside the washing machine or stored in its own internal memory for later use or evaluation. From the recorded signals or data of the sensor and by comparison with preset data, a function analysis of the washing machine can then be carried out. For this purpose, the data of the sensor must also be transmitted to a suitable device, for example a computer. This is, however, easily possible and in different ways, as will be explained in more detail below.In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the sensor module is connected to a mobile terminal as receiver in a signal-transmitting manner, in particular by radio such as WLAN, Bluetooth or BLE. For this purpose, the sensor module can have its own energy supply and a corresponding sensor for the relevant radio standard. Such a wireless radio connection has the advantage that it is possible easily and without direct intervention and is possible at any time, since the sensor module can remain in the washing machine for this purpose, even during operation of the washing machine, i.e. currently or live. A signal-transmitting connection by means of cable or the like is indeed also possible, but it is expensive to produce. During operation of the washing machine, this is virtually impossible.In a further development of the invention, the signals or data can already be pre-processed in the sensor module before they are sent to the mobile terminal. A reduction in the data volume can thus be achieved, and processing or evaluation in the terminal is more easily possible.In an alternative advantageous embodiment of the invention, during operation of the washing machine, the sensor module will store data in its internal memory which correspond to the signals of the sensor or have been obtained from these signals. Only after removal of the sensor module from the washing machine can it be connected in a signal-transmitting manner to a receiver, preferably by direct electrical contact by means of an interface or the like, for example with a cable. Thus, the stored data are then transmitted to the receiver in order to evaluate it and in order to find a possible fault or a mechanical problem in the washing machine.After installation of the sensor module in the washing machine or in the removable module, the washing machine can run with a predefined analysis program or in a special operation, wherein the analysis program is carried out without the addition of laundry into the drum and the washing machine is operated in this way. The analysis program can have defined temporal specifications for a rotational direction and / or specifications for a rotational speed of the drum.In a further development of the invention, an analysis program can be selected in a selection menu of the control of the washing machine, preferably only after a specific input code has been input at the washing machine. This ensures that it is not started accidentally. It can also be provided that only qualified technicians know the input code and thus start the analysis program.These and further features are evident, apart from from the claims, also from the description and the drawings, wherein the individual features are each realized by themselves or in the form of sub-combinations in an embodiment of the invention and in other fields and can represent advantageous embodiments which are protectable per se and for which protection is claimed here. The subdivision of the application into individual sections and intermediate headings does not restrict the generality of the statements made under them.Brief Description of the DrawingsExemplary embodiments of the invention are schematically illustrated in the drawings and are explained in more detail below. In the drawings, there are shown: FIG. 1 is an oblique view of a washing machine according to the invention with a drawer unit partially pulled out in the lower region, FIG. 2 ashows an enlarged representation of the lower region of the washing machine from FIG. 1 with the drawer assembly still further pulled out, FIG. 2 bshows an illustration of the lower region of the washing machine from FIG. 1 with the drawer unit slightly pulled out, FIG. 3 shows a representation of a sensor module according to the invention, which is fastened on the drawer module by means of a latching connection, FIG. 4 shows an illustration of an alternative fastening of the sensor module by means of a double-sided adhesive tape to the drawer module, FIG. 5 shows a representation of a so-to-speak free drawer structural unit with a pin hole carrier arranged at the rear end for locking the drawer structural unit in the washing machine, FIG. 6 shows an enlarged illustration of a locking with the pin hole carrier between two pin actuators in the double-locked state, FIG. 7 is a view of the locking from the other side, showing how each pin actuator is locked with a differently configured pin on the pin hole carrier, FIG. 8 a greatly simplified representation of a sequence of an analysis of the washing machine by means of a separate sensor assembly, FIG. 9 is a more complex view similar to FIG. 8; and FIG. 10 shows an even more complex illustration of a fault finding by means of the sensor module according to the invention.DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTSFIG. 1 shows a washing machine 11 according to the invention in an oblique illustration. The washing machine 11 has, as usual, a housing 12 with a front side 13 which is substantially occupied by a usual door 14 and an operating panel 15 arranged above it. On the control panel 15, control elements, not designated in more detail, together with the control display are provided. Furthermore, a washing machine control 16 is schematically indicated, which can be arranged behind the control panel 15 or on the inner side thereof. Alternatively, it may be arranged elsewhere in the washing machine 11, for example close to an inverter for a not shown but naturally present drive motor for a drum behind the door 14.The washing machine controller 16 advantageously performs all tasks of a conventional washing machine controller, i.e. controls all operations in the washing machine 11, as usually occur in a washing machine. The further function according to the invention with the sensor module and / or with a locking can advantageously also be controlled by the washing machine controller 16. This will be explained in more detail below.The washing machine 11 has in the lower region on the front side 13 a drawer structural unit 18 which can be moved out or pulled out. The drawer structural unit 18 essentially has a bottom surface 19 together with the front side 20, see also FIG. 5 in this regard, which shows the rough component as it were. With regard to such a drawer structural unit, reference is made to the aforementioned EP 4 086 383 A1. The drawer assembly 18 has functional units as usually provided by a washing machine, which, however, are possibly susceptible to maintenance or repair and their arrangements on or on the removable drawer assembly 18 are much easier to reach. These functional units are, for example, a large filter 21, which can be reached by means of a screw closure 22 on the front side 20 even without pulling out the drawer structural unit 18, for example for cleaning purposes. Furthermore, lines are provided, for example the line 27, which may possibly also be formed integrally on the bottom surface 19, and two valves 24 aand 24 b, see also FIGS. 2 aand 2 bfor clarification.A pump 25 is provided in order to pump water into a water duct of the washing machine 11, in particular also through the lines visible here. The drawer structural unit 18 can be connected to other water lines within the washing machine 11 for example by hoses, which are not shown here, but can be plugged onto two hose connectors 26 at the front right. The line 27 leads, for example, from the filter 21 to the pump 25, which pump 25 can also have an integrated heating device, as is known from the prior art.At the rear of the drawer structural unit 18 or on the bottom surface 19, a pin hole carrier 28 is shown as part of a locking mechanism for the drawer structural unit 18 in the washing machine 11, the design and arrangement of which can be seen even better from FIGS. 5, 6 to 7. It forms the fixing connection arrangement mentioned at the beginning. The pin hole carrier 28 has a pin hole 29 at the top in a thickened region. According to FIG. 7, this is formed on one side as a circular cylindrical journal hole 29 a. Toward the other side, this is designed as a conically recessed pin hole 29 b, the two pin holes 29 aand 29 bbeing contiguous with one another or a continuous pin hole 29 being provided. The mortise support 28 is in turn fastened, for example screwed, by means of a retaining bracket 30 to a rearward projecting section of the drawer structural unit 18. Due to the arrangement and also the configuration of the mortise carrier 28 with the upper thickened region together with the mortise 29, which projects beyond the bottom surface 19 to the rear so to speak, it is achieved that the locking formed thereby is just as far behind or deep in the housing 12 of the washing machine 11.Two pin actuators 32 aand 32 bare also provided for the locking, which can be seen in particular from FIGS. 6 and 7. The pin actuators 32a and 32b may in principle be of similar construction. Each pin actuator 32 aand 32 bincludes a respective connecting cable 33 aand 33 band, in particular, a respective locking pin 35 aand 35 b. These locking pins can be elongated and round-cylindrical. Such a pin actuator 32 is particularly advantageously designed as an electromagnet, as is generally known for such locking mechanisms. FIG. 7 shows the extended position of the locking pins 35 aand 35 b, namely into the pin holes 29 aand 29 b, respectively. For unlocking, in order to be able to pull the drawer assembly 18 out of the washing machine 11, the two pin actuators 32 aand 32 bextend the locking pins 35 aand 35 bin each case inward and thus release the pin hole carrier 28. This is unlocking. The movement of the locking pins 35 aand 35 bmay take place against an internal spring. As long as the drawer assembly 18 is pulled out, they remain activated or hold the locking pins 35 in this position. They thus require energy, so to speak.If the drawer structural unit 18 is pushed in again, which can be detected in a known manner by additional contact switches or the like, this is detected, the pin actuators 32 aand 32 bthen move the locking pins 35 aand 35 binto the pin holes 29 aand 29 bto lock the drawer structural unit 18 again.The pin actuators 32 aand 32 bare each fastened to a holding bracket 38 aand 38 b, which in turn are fastened on the inside in the housing 12 of the washing machine 11. Advantageously, they can be fastened to a housing strut in the interior or, as illustrated here, to a housing rear wall.As such, locking the drawer structural unit 18 against being pulled out does not have to fulfil any further function; it can therefore actually be of very simple design and does not even have to be particularly accurately fit. This is a function that primarily the pin actuator 32 btakes hold of with its locking pin 35 b, which is formed in a straight manner. The associated pin hole 29 bis likewise of straight design and is clearly slightly larger than the locking pin 35 bitself. Thus, a certain amount of play is present here, which, however, does not interfere, the function of the locking is achieved or ensured in all cases.However, in order to couple as well as possible a sensor module for detecting vibration, which is arranged in or on the drawer module 18, it is considered advantageous to couple this drawer module even better to vibrations or vibrations which occur during operation of the washing machine 11, for example due to problems or damage to a mounting for the drum, to the drive motor for the drum or to the pump 25, a more direct coupling is more advantageous. For this reason, the pin actuator 32 has a locking pin 35 a, onto which a cone attachment 36 ais placed or glued or is provided thereon. This cone cap 36a exactly matches the shape of the conical tap hole 29a. Furthermore, the locking pin 35 aand the cone attachment 36 acan abut against the other locking pin 35 b,so that good connection and positional stability are ensured. By means of this fixed and positively locking connection, vibrations of the washing machine 11 or of the housing 12, in particular of a housing rear wall, can be transmitted via the holding angle 38 and above all the holding angle 38 aand also the pin actuator 32 a, the locking pin 35 aand the cone attachment 36 ato the pin hole carrier 28 and together with the holding angle 30 to the drawer structural unit 18. This in turn advantageously allows a sensor module 40 to be arranged on the drawer module 18 or on it, as has been explained above. Here, the sensor module 40 according to FIG. 2 ais arranged on an integrally formed water line, i.e. is so to speak very firmly coupled to it. This mounting location has the advantage that, according to FIG. 2, it can be easily reached when the drawer assembly 18 is pulled out, but then cannot be disturbed and damaged during operation of the washing machine 11 and nevertheless lies at a defined and very well suitable location for detecting noises or vibrations. Alternatively, the sensor module 40 could also be attached to an inner side of one of the side walls of the housing 12 that can be reached when the drawer module 18 is pulled out. However, these are relatively difficult to reach even then, which is why such an arrangement of the sensor module 40 is considered to be very advantageous.Instead of a so-to-speak mechanical coupling for a better and more precise function of the sensor module by means of a locking mechanism, a fixed stop could also be provided in a simple manner, that is to say if the drawer module 18 bears firmly and so-to-speak permanently against the housing 12 of the washing machine 11 with its front side 20 or the rear end of the base surface 19. The advantage of the combination of the mechanical coupling on the one hand and a locking according to FIGS. 6 and 7 on the other hand is that this can be provided at one point and on the other hand that this mechanical coupling is so to speak releasable, in particular if, according to FIG. 7, the pin actuator 32 aextracts the locking pin 35 atogether with the cone attachment 36 afrom the conical pin hole 29 a. The transmission of vibrations into the drawer structural unit 18 would then also be less in order to load the functional units arranged there less. For this purpose, it can also be provided that the pin actuator 32a is designed differently from the pin actuator 32b mainly responsible for the locking. Thus, a non-actuated or energy-free position of the pin actuator 32 acan be such that the locking pin 35 atogether with the cone attachment 36 ais moved out of the pin hole 29 a.The slightly different perspective view with the sectional view of FIG. 2 b shows, with only a very small amount of drawer assembly 18 moved out, that the pin hole carrier 28 has been moved out of a locking position between the two pin actuators 32 aand 32 b by just a few centimeters. These pin actuators 32a and 32b are fixed to a rear wall of the housing with brackets 38a and 38b.A sensor module 40 according to the invention is shown in FIG. 3 in a simplified form and in section. The sensor module 40 has a housing 41 and is here box-like or block-like. In its interior, it has a sensor controller 46, advantageously with a microcontroller for processing signals of a sensor 47, which is designed here as a microphone. Thus, it can absorb vibrations of the washing machine 11 or one of its functional units and supply them to further processing by the sensor controller 46. The sensor controller 46 is also connected to a battery 48 as a power source. Furthermore, it has a memory 50, which can be formed separately or else can be integrated. In addition, the sensor controller 46 is connected to a radio device 51 as a communication means according to the invention or as an interface to the outside. This radio device 51 can also be integrated in the sensor 47, if appropriate. It can be designed in various ways, for example for spark by means of Bluetooth or BLE.During operation, the sensor controller 46 can be designed such that it only begins, after an external request, advantageously via a radio connection by means of the radio device 51, to evaluate signals of the sensor 47 and, if appropriate, to store them. Alternatively, it can be activated by signals coming from the sensor 47 and advantageously lying above a specific signal threshold.By means of the radio device 51, the sensor module 40 can communicate, for example, with a corresponding radio interface in a smartphone 55, which is shown here in simplified form. A program mentioned at the beginning can run on the smartphone 55 in order to read data from the sensor module 40 for analysis or forwarding. Alternatively, something can also be transmitted to the sensor module 40 or to the sensor controller 46.For fastening the sensor module 40 to or in the drawer module 18, here specifically to the top side of a line 27 for water according to FIG. 2, which is an integral part of the drawer module 18 and thus the entire vibrations of which can be transmitted to the sensor module 40, a latching connection is provided. The line can be formed integrally with the drawer structural unit 18 or with the base surface 19 and can be produced, for example, by 3D printing, alternatively by plastic injection molding. For the latching connection, two latching projections 42 aand 42 bare provided on opposite side surfaces of the housing 41, which latching projections are beveled downward. They latch or grip underneath latching edges of latching arms 44 aand 44 b. These latching arms 44 aand 44 bare arranged or formed on the upper side of the line 27, for example glued on or formed therein by means of plastic injection molding. Such a locking connection is very easy to produce in order to install the sensor module 40 in the washing machine 11 only when required, i.e. in the case of a safe or suspected fault analysis.FIG. 3 shows that it is very easy to fasten the sensor module 40 to the upper side of the line 27 by means of catches. This fastening is also such that it cannot be released automatically and is especially also very well designed as a mechanical coupling. The locking connection can also be released again just as easily if the sensor module 40 is no longer required or a fault in the washing machine 11 has been detected after analysis and has also been eliminated.As an alternative to such protruding latching arms 44 aand 44 b, a latching device can also be formed much simpler and flatter on the top of the line 27. However, this can easily be modified by the skilled person with corresponding proviso.An alternative attachment of a sensor assembly 140 to the top of a conduit 27 is shown in Fig. 4. Here, a housing 141 of the sensor assembly 140 is adhered on top of the line 27 by double-sided adhesive tape 145. With such double-sided adhesive tape 145, removal may be somewhat more difficult, or the sensor module 140 together with housing 141 must be released or torn off with some force. However, this is still possible without tools. If the double-sided adhesive tape 145 is destroyed in the process, which is probably the case, this does not interfere. It can then be removed from both the bottom of the housing 141 and the top of the conduit 27. In this case, the double-sided adhesive tape 27 should be as thin as possible or have properties which damp vibration as possible, in order to impair or interfere as little as possible with signal reception at the sensor.A further particular feature of the sensor assembly 140 according to FIG. 4 is that it has a vibration sensor 147 instead of the microphone 47 from FIG. 3. Furthermore, it has a plug 153 at the top of the housing 141 as an interface to the outside. This plug 153, which can also be designed as a socket and in particular can be designed according to a common format such as one of the USB formats, serves for reading data or signals from a memory described above to an evaluation unit, for example a mobile terminal on the one hand or a notebook on the other hand. This takes place advantageously either during operating pauses of the washing machine 11, namely with the drawer structural unit 18 pulled out, or after removal of the sensor structural unit 140.One possible method sequence is shown in simplified form in FIG. 8. Here, an operator may have a suspected that their washing machine will no longer function properly, for example because it exhibits unusual noise, the washing result is no longer satisfactory, or because a manufacturer or rentaler of the washing machine 11 has determined a specific or routine need for analysis. The latter can also be effected by monitoring a so-called digital twin, as can be seen from the patent application US 2024 / 0 150 953 A1 of the same applicant, to which explicit reference is hereby made.A sensor module 40 similar to FIG. 3 is sent to the operator together with the operating instructions. This can then install the sensor module 40 in the washing machine 11, which is easily possible. In one embodiment of such an analysis, it can be provided that the operator does not make any active here with respect to data readout. The built-in sensor remains in the washing machine for a certain period, advantageously for several washing operations. These can also be given to the operator, optionally in written instructions, for example also for washing programs with long and intensive or rapid spin-on.Advantageously, an operator installs a specific app on a smartphone, which communicates via a radio interface, advantageously via Bluetooth, in the smartphone with the sensor module 40 or its radio device 51, which is designed for this purpose. Thus, either once after completion or again, a result of an analysis phase, i.e. during a washing process or operation of the washing machine 11, can be communicated to the operator as a result via the smartphone. This can then evaluate the app itself of this result and, if appropriate, initiate a repair. Alternatively, it can also pass the result directly to a specified repair service in order to request support there. After repair, the sensor assembly 40 can then be removed from the washing machine again, as previously described, possibly after a retest whether the repair was indeed successful. Alternatively, after a corresponding message to a repair service, the sensor module can be removed already before the repair. In a possible further alternative, it can be removed during repair, i.e. if components such as a bearing of the drum or the like have been replaced so to speak.FIG. 9 shows a further sequence in which a critical situation has been diagnosed first, for example because a washing machine actually generates unusual noises. There are then several possibilities, for example, if an operator first attempts to repair the washing machine itself. If he has detected the fault itself and could repair it, the problem is eliminated. If it has either not detected the fault itself or has just requested a repair service directly, then in one possibility, besides monitoring the washing machine at a local deadline, it can attempt a repair. Alternatively, either an operator himself or a service technician can request a sensor or a sensor module 40, which then in turn installs the operator for analysis according to FIG. 8 Alternatively, a service technician can already carry such a sensor module with him and install it himself for analysis.FIG. 10 then once again shows in detail and largely self-explanatory manner how the procedure is adopted after the sensor according to FIG. 9 has been advanced. In this case, the steps are important above all if either the sensor module is recognized by the washing machine 11 itself or its washing machine controller 16, which can then also be displayed, for example, in an operator display on the operator panel 15. Alternatively, an analysis is carried out precisely with the aid of a smartphone and an app installed thereon. For this purpose, the drawer structural unit 18 is locked and a plurality of operating modes can then be carried out, possibly also in combination. During this, a diagnosis takes place. This can extend over a few hours or also over a few days, depending on whether the washing machine is operated once or several times. After the data that the sensor module has recorded have been output, either by removing the sensor module and reading out or by radio connection, either a repair can take place or it is removed precisely by a service technician or by the operator himself. For this purpose, the locking must of course be released beforehand, which can be effected either on the control panel 15 of the washing machine 11 itself or by means of a control of the washing machine by means of the smartphone. In a further possibility, the sensor module may remain in the washing machine for future analyses. Advantageously, however, it is removed and can then be used directly again elsewhere. After opening the drawer structural unit 18 and removing the sensor, the drawer structural unit 18 can be inserted again and possibly locked, for which purpose the pin actuator 32 bwith the straight locking pin 35 b is sufficient. The sensor assembly can then be repacked and sent back for further use elsewhere.

Claims

Washing machine (11) comprising: - a housing (12), - a drum receiving container in the housing (12), in which a rotatable drum is arranged, - a drive motor for driving the drum together with a power supply for the drive motor, - a door (14) in the housing (12) for access to the drum receiving container and the drum, wherein the door (14) can be opened and closed, - a structural unit (18) which can be moved out of the housing (12) along a direction of movement, wherein the structural unit (18) has functional units selected from the group consisting of a pump, valves, filters and water lines for the washing machine (11), wherein: - the washing machine (11) has a mobile and independently manipulatable sensor structural unit (40, 140), wherein the sensor structural unit (40, 140), 140): - can be fixedly arranged and fastened in the washing machine (11) or in the housing (12) of the washing machine (11), preferably in the removable structural unit (18), and - can be detached and removed. - the sensor structural unit (40, 140) has: - a vibration sensor (147) and / or a microphone (47) as a sensor, - an energy source (48), - communication means (51) for signal-transmitting communication of data of the sensor (47, 147) and / or - an internal memory (50) for storing data of the sensor (47, 147), - the washing machine (11) has a fixing connection arrangement (28, 32, 35, 36) which establishes a mechanical connection of the structural unit (18) or the sensor structural unit (40, 140) to the housing (12) or to the housing wall and / or to housing struts running within the housing (12), - the fixing connection arrangement (28, 32, 35, 36) is releasable for releasing the connection of the structural unit (18) or the sensor structural unit (40, 140) to the housing (12), - the fixing connection arrangement (28, 32, 35, 36) is arranged fixedly on the housing (12) and / or on the structural unit (18) which can be moved out, characterized in that - the fixing connection arrangement (28, 32, 35, 36) has an actuatable drive (32a, 32b) which establishes the connection to the housing (12) of the washing machine (11).Washing machine according to claim 1, characterised in that the controllable drive of the fixing connection arrangement (28, 32, 35, 36) comprises an electromagnet (32a, 32b) or a shape memory alloy.Washing machine according to claim 1 or 2, characterised in that the washing machine (11) has a locking mechanism (29, 35, 36) for the removable structural unit (18) in such a way that the structural unit (18) can be removed from the housing (12) only after the locking mechanism (29, 35, 36) has been released, wherein the locking mechanism (29, 35, 36) is preferably arranged on the removable structural unit (18) in such a way that it can be manually reached and released from the outside.Washing machine according to claim 3, characterised in that the fixing connection arrangement (28, 32, 35, 36) forms a locking (29, 35, 36) of the removable structural unit (18) in the housing (12) and is positively locking in such a way that it forms a direct materially integral connection between the housing (12) of the washing machine (11) or housing struts of the washing machine (11) and the removable structural unit (18).Washing machine according to claim 4, characterised in that the locking mechanism has a locking pin (35a, 35b, 36a) on the one hand and a pin hole (29a, 29b) on the other hand, wherein the locking pin (35a, 35b, 36a) and the pin hole (29a, 29b) are formed in such a way that the locking pin (35a, 35b, 36a is arranged fixedly in the pin hole (29a, 29b) in a locking position without freedom of movement in the direction of movement of the removable structural unit (18).Washing machine according to claim 5, characterised in that in the locking position a positive fit is provided in a direction perpendicular to the direction of movement, preferably by an external conical configuration of the locking pin (35a, 36a) and a corresponding internal conical configuration of the pin hole (29a).Washing machine according to one of claims 4 to 6, characterised in that it has a washing machine control (16) which is connected to a drive (32a, 32b) for the locking mechanism (29, 35, 36), wherein preferably the washing machine control (16) is also connected to the sensor module (40, 140) in a signal-transmitting manner.Washing machine according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the sensor module (40) is fixedly integrated into the module (18) which can be moved out of the housing (12).Washing machine according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterised in that the sensor module (140) can be fastened without tools in the module (18) which can be moved out of the housing (12), preferably with a bayonet connection, a locking connection, a magnetic connection or a releasable adhesive tape (145).Method for operating a washing machine (11) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the sensor module (40, 140), in the state in which it is fixedly arranged on the removable module (18), and after the locking (29, 35, 36) between module (18) and housing (12) of the washing machine (11) has been produced, absorbs vibrations of the washing machine (11) by means of the sensor (47, 147) and either transmits them via a signal-transmitting connection to a controller (16) of the washing machine (11) or transmits them to a receiver (55) arranged outside the washing machine (11) or stores them as a signal in a separate memory (50) for later use, wherein a functional analysis of the washing machine (11) is carried out from the recorded data of the sensor (47, 147) and by comparison with predefined data.Method according to Claim 10, characterized in that the sensor module (40, 140) is connected to a mobile terminal (55) as receiver in a signal-transmitting manner, in particular by radio (50) such as WLAN, Bluetooth or BLE, wherein preprocessing of the data is preferably carried out in the sensor module (40, 140) before they are sent to the mobile terminal (55).Method according to claim 10 or 11, characterised in that the sensor module (40, 140) stores data in the internal memory (50) during operation of the washing machine (11), wherein after removal of the sensor module (40) from the washing machine (11) the sensor module (40, 140) is connected in a signal-transmitting manner to a receiver (55), preferably by direct electrical contact by means of an interface or the like, and in the process the stored data are transmitted to the receiver (55) for evaluation.Method according to one of Claims 10 to 12, characterized in that, after installation of the sensor module (40, 140) in the washing machine (11) or in the module (18) which can be moved out, the washing machine (11) is operated with a predefined analysis program, wherein the analysis program is carried out without the addition of laundry into the drum, wherein the analysis program has defined temporal specifications for a rotational direction and / or specifications for a rotational speed of the drum.Method according to claim 13, characterised in that an analysis program can be selected in a selection menu of the controller (16) of the washing machine (11), preferably only after a specific input code has been input at the washing machine (11).

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