Laundry care device for the care and treatment of items

Abstract

Laundry care appliance (1) for caring for objects, comprising an operating unit (17) for operating the laundry care appliance (1) and a control unit (19) for controlling the laundry care appliance (1), wherein the operating unit (17) comprises a control panel (18) with a display unit (21), and the display unit (21) extends substantially over the control panel (18) and is designed as a touchscreen, characterized in that the control unit (19) is configured such that by selecting a first property (27) of at least one object to be cared for and by selecting a second property (28) of the at least one object to be cared for, the control unit (19) suggests a laundry care program to the user, at least based on the selected first and second properties (27, 28), and the display unit (21) displays the suggested laundry care program.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a laundry care appliance for caring for and treating objects.

[0002] Laundry care appliances have a variety of laundry care programs stored, from which the user selects a specific laundry care program before starting the laundry care process. To do this, the user must pre-sort the items to be cared for. The items to be cared for can be sorted by color, sensitivity, clothing type (such as sportswear or similar), or material composition, etc. After sorting, the user must select a laundry care program suitable for the items to be cared for. Not every laundry care program is suitable for certain items. For example, a boil-dry program may be most suitable or desirable for towels in order to achieve the highest possible level of hygiene.However, the boil program is not suitable for sportswear or athletic clothing as a laundry care program, as the boil program results in high water temperatures of over 50° Celsius and the athletic clothing would shrink during this laundry care program.

[0003] Various solutions are known from the state of the art that can be used to determine a laundry care program.

[0004] For example, GB2001454 describes a process that performs a parameter selection based on clothing type and color as well as load quantity.

[0005] DE 10 2013 210 996 A1 describes an analysis device which comprises a camera and an evaluation device for determining at least one laundry care-relevant property of at least one item of laundry on the basis of at least one image taken by the camera.

[0006] A laundry care appliance with a microphone for voice input that translates the voice input into an electronic signal is described in WO 2015 / 055239 A1. The information about the items to be washed, entered via voice input, is translated into a laundry care program and suggested to the user.

[0007] US 2017 / 0022651 A1 describes a method for displaying selection information on a display of a user interface for a laundry treatment appliance, including displaying user-selectable options for the type of laundry and the type of treatment on the display. In response to the user's input of the laundry type and the type of treatment, a group of user-selectable presets is displayed on the display.

[0008] CN 107 227 582 A describes a method which comprises capturing voice information and generating a washing recommendation based on a predefined table of the corresponding relationship between voice information and washing programs and then outputting a washing recommendation.

[0009] EP 3 502 865 A1 describes a household appliance comprising a voice control system. The voice control system is designed to receive voice input information that includes a condition of the object to be cared for. The voice input information is processed by the voice control system, and based on the voice input information, a care program is suggested to a user.

[0010] DE 10 2020 213 072 A1 describes a household appliance which has a module control of a control module which processes input parameters in such a way that an input parameter comprises a laundry parameter, in particular a load weight, a load volume, a laundry type, a textile type, a colour and / or a degree of soiling of laundry to be introduced into the laundry care appliance.

[0011] An object of the present invention is therefore to further develop the prior art and, in particular, to provide a particularly user-friendly and practical possibility for improved coordination of objects to be cared for with their laundry care treatment, wherein a user is supported by the laundry care appliance in selecting a suitable laundry care program.

[0012] The object of the invention as presented herein is achieved by the subject matter of the independent claim. Dependent claims define some possible embodiments by way of example.

[0013] According to one aspect of the invention, the object is achieved by a laundry care appliance for caring for objects, comprising an operating unit for operating the laundry care appliance and a control unit for controlling the laundry care appliance, wherein the operating unit comprises a control panel with a display unit and the display unit extends substantially over the control panel and is designed as a touchscreen, wherein the control unit is configured such that by selecting a first property of at least one object to be cared for and by selecting a second property of the at least one object to be cared for, the control unit, at least based on the selected first and second property, suggests a laundry care program to a user or users, and the display unit displays the suggested laundry care program.

[0014] A user is supported by providing a laundry care program with preset parameters tailored to the item(s) to be cared for by entering the first and second properties of the item(s) to be cared for. The user interface adapts to the laundry sorting or separation habits.

[0015] The user interface is the part of the laundry care appliance's control unit with which the user interacts. It includes all visual elements, such as buttons, menus, icons, and text fields, that allow the user to perform actions, enter information, and receive feedback.

[0016] A well-designed user interface ensures that interaction is intuitive and user-friendly, which greatly improves the user experience.

[0017] The control unit can be connected wirelessly to the operating unit and, in particular, to the display unit. It is also conceivable, however, for the control unit to be connected to the operating unit and, in particular, to the display unit via a cable connection. The control unit is designed to control the laundry care appliance, determine laundry care programs, output the laundry care programs to the display unit, and much more.

[0018] Advantageously, the first property is the color of the item being cared for. This simple piece of information, or rather, a simple property, can be quickly and easily obtained by any user and entered into the control unit.

[0019] Preferably, when the laundry care appliance is put into operation, a first category is displayed on the display unit, which has at least two first selection options relating to the first property of the item to be cared for. The at least two first selection options, which relate to the color of the item(s) to be cared for, are advantageously pre-stored in the first category and can be easily selected. For example, the at least two first selection options can be 'dark' or 'white'. Furthermore, it is conceivable that further selection options such as 'Mixed' - i.e. mixed items - and / or 'light' are pre-stored. Further first selection options are conceivable.

[0020] The second characteristic is preferably the sensitivity of the item being treated. This additional information can also be easily determined by the user and quickly and easily entered into the control unit.

[0021] When the laundry care appliance is put into operation, a second category is advantageously shown on the display unit, which has at least two second selection options relating to the second property of the item to be cared for. The at least two second selection options relating to the sensitivity of the item(s) to be cared for are advantageously pre-stored in the second category and can be easily selected. For example, the at least two second selection options can be 'Sensitive' or 'Durable / Robust'. Furthermore, it is conceivable that further selection options such as 'Normal' - neither sensitive nor robust - or 'Boil' are pre-stored. Further second selection options are conceivable.

[0022] Advantageously, both the first category, with at least some of the first selection options, and the second category, with at least some of the second selection options, are displayed on the display unit when the laundry care appliance is started up. This means that the display unit or control unit is immediately ready for use after the laundry care appliance is started up, and both categories can be entered immediately. Furthermore, this provides a tidy and uncluttered display area.

[0023] Preferably, the first and second categories, as well as the first and second selection options, are designed as touch-sensitive input fields. This allows for simple and intuitive operation of the first and second categories, as well as the first and second selection options.

[0024] When the laundry care appliance is put into operation, a third category is advantageously displayed on the display unit, with third selection options of the third category being hidden when the laundry care appliance is put into operation. The third selection options are hidden when the laundry care appliance is put into operation, so that the display unit essentially shows the first category with the first selection options, the second category with the second selection options, and the third category without the third selection options. This provides a clear, uncluttered display or a clear / uncluttered display unit or display area, so that a user can find their way around quickly and easily.

[0025] The third selection options of the third category can preferably be displayed by touching an input field of the third category, wherein the third selection options comprise at least two third selection options relating to a third property of the item to be maintained. To ensure that a display unit initially has as few display elements as possible, the third selection options can be displayed at the request of a user.

[0026] Advantageously, the third property is a material composition of the item(s) to be cared for. For example, the third selection options can be 'cotton' or 'synthetic' or 'wool' or 'silk' or 'sports' or 'outdoor' or 'towels', and many more. Further third selection options are conceivable.

[0027] Preferably, the control unit suggests a laundry care program to the user, at least based on the determined first, second, and third properties, and the display shows the suggested laundry care program. The user is assisted in selecting a laundry care program by the laundry care appliance or by the control unit of the laundry care appliance.

[0028] A start button is advantageously located near the control unit on the laundry care appliance. The start button can be integrated into the display unit or separated from it.

[0029] The laundry care appliance includes a communication unit that enables wireless control of the laundry care appliance. In other words, the laundry care appliance can be controlled from a smartphone, for example. It is conceivable that the display unit's display could be mirrored on the smartphone.

[0030] Further advantages and features of the present invention will become apparent from the following description of preferred embodiments with reference to the accompanying figures. It is understood that individual embodiments shown in the respective figures may have features that may also be used in other embodiments, even if this is not explicitly stated and unless this has been explicitly excluded due to technical circumstances.

[0031] In the following, the invention is explained using an embodiment according to the Fig. 1, Fig. 2, Fig. 3 and Fig. 4 is described in more detail. Here: Fig. 1 is a schematic perspective view of a laundry care appliance; Fig. 2 shows an enlarged control unit after the laundry care appliance has been put into operation; Fig. 3 shows an enlarged control unit with third selection options unfolded; Fig. 4 schematically shows a method for selecting a laundry care program.

[0032] In Fig. 1 schematically shows a laundry care appliance 1. The laundry care appliance 1 comprises a door unit 3 and a housing 5. Arranged in the housing 5 is a receptacle 6, which, in the present exemplary embodiment, essentially holds objects to be cared for, for example utensils to be cleaned and / or dried, such as laundry. The housing 5 has a front wall 7 and side walls 9, wherein in this exemplary embodiment a loading side 11 corresponds to the front wall 7 of the laundry care appliance 1. A housing opening 13 is formed in the front wall 7 or in the loading side 11 of the housing 5.

[0033] It is also conceivable for the loading side 11 and the housing opening 13 of the laundry care appliance 1 to be formed on a top side 14 of the housing 5 of the laundry care appliance 1. The housing opening 13 can be closed with the door unit 3. The door unit 3 is arranged on the housing 5 of the laundry care appliance 1, for example, in a pivotable, rotatable, or tiltable manner, as already described above.

[0034] The laundry care appliance 1 further comprises a dispensing unit 15, which is arranged in an upper region in the housing 5 of the laundry care appliance 1 and which is accessible via the front wall 7 of the laundry care appliance 1. The dispensing unit 15 is preferably arranged so that it can be pushed in and out or extended and retracted on the laundry care appliance 1. Furthermore, an operating unit 17 is formed in an upper region of the laundry care appliance 1. The term "in an upper region of the laundry care appliance" refers to an area that is close to the top side 14 of the laundry care appliance 1. The operating unit 17 comprises a control panel 18. The operating unit 17 is electrically connected to a control unit 19, so that operating commands entered at the operating unit 17 are forwarded to the control unit 19. The control unit 19 can be arranged in the entire housing 5 of the laundry care appliance 1.In the present embodiment, the laundry care appliance 1 comprises a display unit 21. The display unit 21 is preferably electrically connected to the operating unit 17 and the control unit 19. Operating programs and operating parameters can be displayed, selected, and set on the display unit 21. The display unit 21 extends essentially over the control panel 18 of the operating unit 17. The display unit 21 is designed as a touchscreen.

[0035] Furthermore, the laundry care appliance 1 comprises a communication unit 22, via which wireless control of the laundry care appliance 1 is possible. The communication unit 22 is electrically connected to the control unit 19 of the laundry care appliance 1. The electrical connection of the communication unit 22 to the control unit 19 of the laundry care appliance 1 can be established wirelessly or via a cable. It is conceivable for a user to enter their inputs via a smartphone, and for the control unit 19 to implement the inputs in the laundry care appliance 1.

[0036] In Fig. 2 shows an enlarged control unit 17 after the laundry care appliance 1 has been put into operation.

[0037] The operating unit 17 includes the display unit 21. The display unit 21 is designed as a touchscreen. Various selection options are displayed on the display unit 21, which have different categories 23, 24, 25, 26. The different categories 23, 24, 25, 26 include, for example, a first category 24, a second category 25, and a third category 26. The different categories 24, 25, 26 are provided, for example, as input fields 24a, 25a, 26a. The input fields 24a, 25a, 26a can be activated by a user, preferably by touch or the like.

[0038] The first category 24 comprises, for example, a first property 27. The first property 27 relates, for example, to a color of the object(s) to be cared for. The first category 24 comprises at least two first selection options 31.1, 31.2 relating to the first property 27 of the object to be cared for. The at least two first selection options 31.1, 31.2 relating to the color of the object(s) to be cared for are advantageously pre-stored in the first category 24 and can be easily selected. For example, the at least two first selection options 31.1, 31.2 can be "dark" 31.1 or "white" 31.2. Furthermore, it is conceivable that further selection options such as "mixed" - i.e., mixed objects - and / or "light" are pre-stored.

[0039] In Fig. 2, for example, the input field 'Mixed' is shown as the third selection option 31.3 on the display unit 21. The arrow A in Fig. 2 symbolically indicates that the selection options 31.1, 31.2, 31.3 can be selected by scrolling / browsing or sliding on the touchscreen in the direction of movement up or down, so that more than just the three alternatives shown are stored in the first category 24.

[0040] Furthermore, it is conceivable that the first selection options 31.1, 31.2, 31.3 are designed as additional input fields 32a, 32b, 32c and can also be selected directly. This can be done, for example, by touching or the like on the touchscreen of the control unit 17.

[0041] The second category 25 comprises, for example, a second property 28. The second property 28 relates, for example, to a "sensitivity" of the object or objects to be cared for. The second category 25 comprises at least two second selection options 33.1, 33.2 relating to the second property 28 of the object to be cared for. The at least two second selection options 33.1, 33.2 relating to the sensitivity of the object or objects to be cared for are advantageously pre-stored in the second category 25 and can be easily selected. "Sensitivity" refers, for example, to a material processing of the object or objects to be cared for. For example, the at least two second selection options can be "Sensitive" 33.1 or "Normal" 33.2.

[0042] In Fig. 2, for example, the input field 'Durable / Robust' is shown as a third selection option 33.3 on the display unit 21. The arrow B in Fig. 2 symbolically indicates that the second selection options 33.1, 33.2, 33.3 can be selected by scrolling / browsing or sliding on the touchscreen in the direction of movement up or down, so that more than just the three alternatives shown are or can be stored in the second category 25.

[0043] Furthermore, it is conceivable that the second selection options 33.1, 33.2, 33.3 are designed as additional input fields 34a, 34b, 34c and can also be selected directly. This can be done, for example, by touching or the like on the touchscreen of the control unit 17.

[0044] When starting up the laundry care appliance 1 of the present invention, a third category 26 is advantageously displayed on the display unit 21, with third selection options 35.1, 35.2, 35.3 (shown in Fig. 3) the third category 26 are hidden when the laundry care appliance 1 is put into operation. The third category 26 is, for example, predetermined for the third property 29. The third property 29 deals, for example, with the material composition of the item(s) to be cared for. A material composition refers to the material from which the item(s) to be cared for are made.

[0045] The Fig. The control unit 17 shown as an example in Figure 2 shows, for example, one possibility of a so-called start screen 38 of a laundry care appliance 1. The start screen 38 displays content that is displayed on the display unit 21 when the laundry care appliance 1 is started up. Furthermore, a start button 37 is formed in the area of the control unit 17 of the laundry care appliance 1.

[0046] In Fig. 3 shows an enlarged control unit 17 with unfolded third selection options 35.1, 35.2, 35.3.

[0047] The first and second categories 24, 25 correspond to the representation in Fig. 2. The third category 26 is, for example, predetermined for the third property 29. By touching the input field of the third category 26, "Material," at least two third selection options 35.1, 35.2 are displayed. The third category 26 comprises at least two third selection options 35.1, 35.2 relating to the third property 29 of the object to be cared for. The at least two third selection options 35.1, 35.2 relating to the material composition or the material of the object(s) to be cared for are advantageously pre-stored in the third category 26 and can be easily selected. For example, the at least two third selection options can be "Wool" 35.1 or "Sport" 35.2. Fig. 3, for example, the input field 'silk' is shown as the third selection option 35.3 on the display unit 21. The arrow C in Fig. 3 symbolically indicates that the third selection options 35.1, 35.2, 35.3 can be selected by scrolling / browsing or sliding up or down in the direction of movement on the touchscreen, so that more than just the three alternatives shown are stored in the third category 26.

[0048] Furthermore, it is conceivable that the third selection options 35.1, 35.2, 35.3 are designed as additional input fields 36a, 36b, 36c and can also be selected directly. This can be done, for example, by touching or the like on the touchscreen of the control unit 17.

[0049] The Fig. 3 exemplary control unit 17 shows, for example, a possible display of a laundry care appliance 1 after actuating the input field 26a of the third category 26. On the display unit 21, for example, the third expanded or unfolded third category 26 with the third selection options 35.1, 35.2, 35.3 is displayed. As in Fig. 2, is also in Fig. 3 a start button 37 is formed in the area of the control unit 17 of the laundry care appliance 1.

[0050] In Fig. 4 schematically describes a method 100 for selecting a laundry care program in the laundry care appliance 1 according to the invention.

[0051] First, a user puts a laundry care appliance 1 into operation in a first method step 102. On the display unit 21, the Fig. 2 and the so-called start screen 38 is displayed. After starting up the laundry care appliance 1, a user or users selects at least the first property 27 and the second property 28. To do so, in a second method step 104, the user first selects a first property 27 from first selection options 31.1, 31.2, 31.3 of the first category 24 that the object or objects to be cared for has / have. The first property 27 refers to the 'color' property of the object or objects to be cared for.

[0052] Subsequently, in a third method step 106, the user selects a second property 28 from second selection options 33.1, 33.2, 33.3 of the second category 25 that the object(s) to be cared for has / have. The second property 28 refers to a 'sensitivity' property of the object(s) to be cared for.

[0053] Optionally, the user can select a third property 29 from third selection options 35.1, 35.2, 35.3 of the third category 26, which the object or objects to be cared for have / have. The third property 29 refers to a property 'material' or a quality of the material of the object or objects to be cared for. This is in the Fig. 4 schematically illustrated method 100 is not shown.

[0054] The third category 26, or the third selection options 35.1, 35.2, 35.3, are expanded by touching a third input field 26a. The user can then select from the third selection options 35.1, 35.2, 35.3. However, selecting from the third selection options 35.1, 35.2, 35.3 is not absolutely necessary for the next step.

[0055] Based on the entered data, selecting at least the first property 27 and the second property 28, the control unit 19 determines a suitable laundry care program and suggests it to the user in a fourth method step 108. This is done by displaying the suggested laundry care program on the display unit 21. If the user agrees to the suggested laundry care program, the user can start the laundry care program by touching or pressing a start button 37 or a start key - fifth method step 108. Further modifications of, for example, laundry care program parameters of a laundry care program can be made by a user, if desired. REFERENCE DRAWING LIST 1 laundry care device 3 door unit 5 housings 7 Receptacles 9 side walls 11 Loading side 13 Opening 14 Top 15 Induction unit 17 Control unit 19 Control unit 21 Display unit 22 Communication unit 23 categories 24 First Category 24a First input field 25 Second Category 25a Second input field 26 Third Category 26a Third input field 27 First property 28 Second property 29 Third characteristic 31.1 First selection option first category 31.2 Second selection option first category 31.3 Third selection option first category 32a Input field first selection option first category 32b Input field second selection option first category 32c Input field third selection option first category 33.1 First selection option second category 33.2 Second selection option second category 33.3 Third selection option second category 34a Input field first selection option second category 34b Input field second selection option second category 34c Input field third selection option second category 35.1 First selection option third category 35.2 Second selection option third category 35.3 Third selection option third category 36a Input field first selection option third category 36b Input field second selection option third category 36c Input field third selection option third category 37 Start button 38 Home screen 100 procedures 102 First procedural step 104 Second procedural step 106 Third procedural step 108 Fourth procedural step A Arrow first selection option B Arrow second selection option C Arrow third selection option 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] GB 2001454

[0004] DE 10 2013 210 996 A1

[0005] WO 2015 / 055239 A1

[0006] US 2017 / 0022651 A1

[0007] CN 107 227 582 A

[0008] EP 3 502 865 A1

[0009] DE 10 2020 213 072 A1

[0010]

Claims

[1] Laundry care appliance (1) for the care of objects, comprising an operating unit (17) for operating the laundry care appliance (1) and a control unit (19) for controlling the laundry care appliance (1), wherein the operating unit (17) comprises a control panel (18) with a display unit (21) and the display unit (21) extends substantially over the control panel (18) and is designed as a touchscreen, characterized by in that the control unit (19) is set up in such a way that by selecting a first property (27) of at least one object to be cared for and by selecting a second property (28) of the at least one object to be cared for, the control unit (19) suggests a laundry care program to the user, at least based on the selected first and second properties (27, 28), and the display unit (21) displays the suggested laundry care program. [2] Laundry care appliance (1) according to claim 1, characterized bythat the first property (27) is a color of the object to be cared for. [3] Laundry care appliance (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by that when the laundry care appliance (1) is put into operation, a first category (24) is displayed on the display unit (21), which has at least two first selection options (31.1, 31.2) relating to the first property (27) of the object to be cared for. [4] Laundry care appliance (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the second property (28) is a sensitivity of the object to be cared for. [5] Laundry care appliance (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that when the laundry care appliance (1) is put into operation, a second category (25) is displayed on the display unit (21), which has at least two second selection options (33.1, 33.2) relating to the second property (28) of the object to be cared for. [6] Laundry care appliance (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that both the first category (24) with at least some of the first selection options (31.1, 31.2, 31.3) and the second category (25) with at least some of the second selection options (33.1, 33.2, 33.3) are displayed on the display unit (21) when the laundry care appliance (1) is put into operation. [7] Laundry care appliance (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the first and second categories (24, 25) as well as the first and second selection options (31.1, 31.2, 31.3, 33.1, 33.2, 33.3) are designed as touch-sensitive input fields (24a, 25a, 32a, 32b, 32c, 34a, 34b, 34c). [8] Laundry care appliance (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized bythat when the laundry care appliance (1) is put into operation, a third category (26) is displayed on the display unit (21), whereby third selection options (35.1, 35.2, 35.3) of the third category (26) are hidden when the laundry care appliance (1) is put into operation. [9] Laundry care appliance (1) according to claim 8, characterized by that the third selection options (35.1, 35.2, 35.3) of the third category (26) can be displayed by touching an input field (26a) of the third category (26) and that the third selection options (35.1, 35.2, 35.3) have at least two third selection options (35.1, 35.2) relating to a third property (29) of the object to be cared for. [10] Laundry care appliance (1) according to claim 9, characterized by that the third property (29) is a material composition of the object to be cared for. [11] Laundry care appliance (1) according to one of claims 8 to 10, characterized bythat the control unit (19), at least based on the determined first, second and third properties (27, 28, 29), suggests a laundry care program to the user and the display unit (21) displays the suggested laundry care program. [12] Laundry care appliance (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that a start button (37) is formed in the area of the operating unit (17) on the laundry care appliance (1). [13] Laundry care appliance (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the laundry care appliance (1) comprises a communication unit (22) via which a wireless control of the laundry care appliance (1) is possible.

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