Laundry care device with a control and method for the care of laundry

Abstract

The present invention relates to a laundry care appliance (100) comprising a tub (105) for receiving washing liquid (129), a washing drum (107) for receiving laundry, wherein the washing drum (107) is arranged in the tub (105), a drum drive (109) for rotating the washing drum (107), a heating element (120) for heating the washing liquid (129) in the tub (105), a temperature sensor (123) for detecting the temperature of the washing liquid (129) in the tub (105), and a control unit (119) which is connected to the drum drive (109), the heating element (120), and the temperature sensor (123) for control purposes.The control unit (119) is configured to activate the drum drive (109) to rotate the washing drum (107) at a first ejection speed (159-1) during a first ejection period (157-1) in order to apply the laundry (127) held in the washing drum (107) to the washing drum (107) and to at least partially expel the washing liquid (129) bound to the laundry (127) from the laundry (127), wherein the temperature sensor (123) is configured to detect a temperature of washing liquid (129) in the tub (105) during the first ejection period (157-1).The control unit (119) is configured to detect a first and second temperature value (158, 160) of the washing liquid (129) during the first discharge period (157-1), to determine a temperature difference dT_mix (175) from the first and second temperature values, and during a second discharge period (157-2) following the first discharge period (157-1) to activate the drum drive (109) to rotate the washing drum (107) at a second discharge speed (159-2) in order to apply the laundry (127) received in the washing drum (107) to the washing drum (107) and to at least partially discharge the washing liquid (129) bound to the laundry (127) from the laundry (127) if the determined temperature difference dT_mix (175) is less than a target temperature difference.The control (119) is configured not to initiate a second sprouting period (157-2) after the first sprouting period (157-1) if the temperature difference dT_mix (175) determined during the first sprouting period (157-1) is greater than or equal to the target temperature difference.

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a laundry care appliance with a control system and a method for caring for laundry in the laundry care appliance.

[0002] Conventional laundry care appliances use different methods to care for the laundry contained in the drum. The drum rotates at different speeds within the tub filled with washing liquid, particularly at different speeds, to effectively agitate the laundry contained in the drum and the washing liquid contained in the tub. This can provide favorable contact between the laundry and the washing liquid, ensuring 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 washing 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 laundry drum, it can happen in conventional laundry care appliances that certain items of laundry, particularly those in the core of the laundry in the washing drum, do not come into sufficient contact with the washing liquid and are therefore not heated to the required temperature and the laundry is not treated evenly. This can potentially impair the quality of laundry care. Furthermore, directly measuring the temperature of the laundry to determine whether the laundry core has been sufficiently heated is complex or even impossible with some laundry care appliances.

[0004] WO 2009 / 112222 A1 discloses an adjustment of rotational speeds of a laundry drum in a drum washing machine.

[0005] DE 10 2017 219 043 A1 discloses a laundry care appliance with load detection.

[0006] DE 10 2017 219 042 A1 discloses a laundry care appliance with a tub, a drum drive for rotating a laundry drum, a temperature sensor for detecting a temperature of washing liquid, a heating element for heating the washing liquid and with a controller for controlling the drum drive and the heating element during a washing process, wherein the controller is designed to activate the drum drive during a reference time period of a mixing phase of the washing process, to determine a temperature difference and to end the mixing phase when the temperature difference falls below a temperature threshold value.

[0007] The object underlying the invention is to provide a laundry care appliance that ensures an advantageous laundry care process, in particular, in which the laundry in the drum can be brought to the desired temperature for treatment evenly, quickly, and with the lowest possible energy consumption. Furthermore, the object is to provide a corresponding method for laundry care.

[0008] 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.

[0009] 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 temperature sensor which is designed to detect a temperature of washing liquid in the tub, and a control which is connected to the drum drive, the heating element and the temperature sensor for control purposes, wherein the control is designed to activate the heating element before and / or during a first expulsion period in order to heat the washing liquid held in the tub, to activate the drum drive to rotate the laundry drum at a first expulsion speed during the first expulsion period in order to place the laundry held in the laundry drum against the laundry drum and to at least partially expel the washing liquid bound to the laundry from the laundry, to detect a first temperature value T1 and at least one second temperature value T2 of the washing liquid supplied to the tub with the temperature sensor during the first expulsion period and to determine a temperature difference dT_mix which is formed from the first temperature value T1 minus the second temperature value T2 (dT_mix = T1 - T2),during the first expulsion period and / or at the end of the first expulsion period, to compare the temperature difference dT_mix with a target temperature difference and if the temperature difference dT_mix is ​​smaller than the target temperature difference, then o during a second expulsion period following the first expulsion period, to activate the drum drive to rotate the laundry drum at a second expulsion speed in order to place the laundry held in the laundry drum against the laundry drum and to expel the washing liquid bound to the laundry at least partially from the laundry, or otherwise o not to initiate a second expulsion period after the first expulsion period.

[0010] This achieves the technical advantage that the control system carries out or does not carry out the second expulsion period depending on the temperature of the washing liquid in the tub detected during the first expulsion period and depending on a temperature drop or temperature difference in the detected temperature of the washing liquid detected during the first expulsion period.

[0011] In particular, the temperature of the washing liquid in the tub detected during the first expulsion period may comprise the first temperature value T1 of the washing liquid at the beginning of the first expulsion period and the second temperature value T2 at the end of the first expulsion period, or the temperature of the washing liquid in the tub detected during the first expulsion period may comprise a maximum temperature difference formed from all temperature values ​​T1, T2 detected during the first expulsion period.

[0012] By detecting the temperature of the washing liquid during the first expulsion period, the controller can draw conclusions about the heating and wetting efficiency of the laundry batch to be treated with washing liquid, wherein in particular it can be determined whether or not the entire laundry batch, i.e. including a core of the laundry, has been brought to a substantially uniform temperature, in particular to the required temperature, after the first expulsion period in order to ensure effective laundry care of all laundry items in the laundry batch. Particularly advantageously, it is thus possible to draw conclusions about the temperature reached by the laundry in the core in a simple manner, whereby a complex direct temperature measurement of the laundry is not required, since the inventive solution provides an indirect determination of the laundry temperature via the detection of the temperature of the washing liquid.

[0013] The laundry core, also called the laundry core, is understood here as an inner region of a laundry volume or batch of laundry formed by one or more items of laundry. The inner region is thus surrounded by laundry, with the laundry core preferably being understood as the innermost region of the batch of laundry. The size of the laundry core depends on the size or volume of the item of laundry or batch of laundry. A batch of laundry can also have multiple laundry cores, particularly if the batch of laundry is moved and partial batches of laundry form within the drum.

[0014] During a washing-out period, the laundry drum rotates at an washing-out speed that is sufficiently high for the laundry to be drawn against the laundry drum by the centrifugal force acting on it, and for the washing liquid bound to the laundry to be expelled from the laundry, particularly along a radial washing-out direction. As the washing liquid is expelled, it also partially comes into contact with the laundry core, where heat can be transferred from the expelled washing liquid to the laundry items in the laundry core. The washing liquid expelled from the laundry is further removed from the laundry drum through openings in the laundry drum and collects in the tub, where the expelled washing liquid mixes with the remaining washing liquid not bound to the laundry, also referred to as free washing liquid.The temperature of the washing liquid collected in the tub and mixed with the expelled washing liquid can be detected by the temperature sensor.

[0015] Since the movement behavior of the laundry during the expulsion period is difficult to predict, clumps of laundry items can occur, preventing an even distribution of the laundry in the rotating laundry drum. This can impair the effective expulsion of the washing liquid from the laundry during the expulsion period. In particular, within a core of clumps of laundry items (partial laundry batch), the laundry is not completely wetted or the washing liquid bound in the laundry core is not completely exchanged with the free washing liquid. Therefore, it can be assumed that the temperature of the laundry in the core of the partial laundry batch or the temperature of the washing liquid bound in the core of the partial laundry batch differs from the temperature of the remaining laundry batch or the washing liquid bound therein.

[0016] In addition, the type of fabric or the load size of the laundry can also influence the ability of the laundry to absorb or retain washing liquid.

[0017] In particular, the laundry care appliance comprises a washing liquid supply device for supplying washing liquid to the tub, wherein the control unit is configured to activate the washing liquid supply device for supplying washing liquid to the tub before the expulsion period, in particular before a scooping period and / or before a depositing period and / or before an intermediate period. Furthermore, the control unit is preferably configured to activate a wetting step during and / or after the supply of the washing liquid in order to wet the laundry with the supplied washing liquid. The scooping period and / or the depositing period can, in particular, be part of the wetting step.

[0018] Furthermore, the first expulsion period and / or the second expulsion period can in particular be part of a wetting step, a washing step or a rinsing step of a laundry care program stored in the control system of the laundry care appliance.

[0019] A laundry care appliance is a device used for laundry care, such as a washing machine or a washer-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 used to treat laundry in normal household quantities.

[0020] At the beginning of the first expulsion period, the temperature of the heated washing liquid in the tub is generally higher than the temperature of the core of the laundry or of the washing liquid absorbed in the core of the laundry, since complete heat transfer to the core of the laundry has not yet taken place.

[0021] A decrease in the detected temperature of the washing liquid during the first expulsion period indicates that the temperature of the washing liquid expelled from the laundry is lower than the temperature of the free washing liquid, in particular the temperature of the washing liquid expelled from the laundry core is lower than the temperature of the washing liquid bound in the outer region of the laundry batch, which is in direct contact with the free washing liquid and thus has essentially the same temperature as the free washing liquid.

[0022] If the temperature of the free washing liquid has now cooled by a target temperature difference, it can be advantageously recognized that a sufficient exchange of washing liquid has also taken place in the core of the laundry, since the expelled washing liquid from the laundry core and / or the washing liquid bound therein has been cooled, and the first expulsion period is ended. This means that the drum drive is deactivated and the laundry resting against the laundry drum can fall away from the wall of the laundry drum, allowing the laundry items to shift within the laundry batch. Such a shifting of the laundry leads to laundry items that were previously inside (laundry core) reaching the outer area of ​​the laundry batch and can come into direct contact with the free washing liquid.This advantageously promotes wetting and heat exchange between the laundry core formed in the previous expulsion period and the free washing liquid. Furthermore, the cooled washing liquid can be further heated to a target temperature T_soll using the heating device.

[0023] Since the rotation of the laundry drum during the first expulsion period causes the corresponding "cooler" washing liquid to be expelled from the core of the laundry and to mix with the heated washing liquid in the tub, the temperature recorded during the first expulsion period, in particular the mixed temperature, decreases.

[0024] Thus, by detecting the corresponding temperature of the washing liquid in the tub by means of the temperature sensor during the first expulsion period, determining a temperature difference dT_mix and a corresponding comparison of the determined temperature difference dT_mix with a target temperature difference, an effective correlation to the heating of the core of the laundry can be obtained.

[0025] In particular, by comparing the temperature difference dT_mix of the washing liquid determined during the first expulsion period with the target temperature difference, the controller can determine whether the laundry has been evenly heated and, accordingly, no second expulsion period needs to be initiated, or whether the laundry has not been completely heated and, accordingly, the second expulsion period is carried out. "Even heating of the laundry" in this context means that essentially all items of laundry have reached the same temperature, especially the core of the laundry.

[0026] In particular, the control system can determine whether the laundry has been completely heated and whether a heating phase can be ended by additionally comparing a temperature value of the washing liquid determined during the first expulsion period with the target temperature T_soll. Preferably, the additional comparison is performed after uniform heating of the laundry has been determined. This has the advantage of ensuring that essentially all laundry items have reached the same temperature, especially the core of the laundry. In this context, this state of the laundry is also referred to as "complete heating" to the target temperature T_soll.

[0027] A "target temperature T_soll" is understood to be a temperature that is assigned to a laundry care process selected by an operator or is set by the operator for carrying out the laundry care process.

[0028] The target temperature T_soll is in particular a parameter that also depends on the type of laundry care appliance or the type of laundry care process, which is either stored in the control system of the laundry care appliance or is determined by the control system.

[0029] Furthermore, the controller can set a "limit temperature T_max," which is defined as a temperature that is particularly dependent on the target temperature T_soll and / or on the laundry care process selected by an operator and is set equal to or greater than the target temperature T_soll. The limit temperature T_max can be selected by the controller from values ​​stored for this purpose in the controller. Setting the limit temperature T_max higher than the target temperature T_soll has the technical advantage of enabling faster heating of the laundry, as the heat transfer from the heated washing liquid to the laundry is accelerated. If overheating is to be avoided, particularly with delicate laundry items, the limit temperature T_max can also be set equal to the target temperature T_soll.

[0030] In particular, the controller is designed to determine the target temperature and / or the limit temperature T_max depending on at least one of the following parameters: recorded dry weight of the laundry held in the laundry drum, total amount of washing liquid supplied to the tub, washing liquid not bound to the laundry during the first expulsion period and present in the tub, the first expulsion speed, the geometry of the laundry drum and / or the geometry of the tub.

[0031] In an advantageous embodiment, the controller is designed to activate the drum drive during the first ejection period in order to rotate the laundry drum at a predetermined first ejection speed during the first ejection period, and / or the controller is designed to activate the drum drive during the first ejection period in order to rotate the laundry drum for a predetermined first period of time during the first ejection period.

[0032] This achieves the technical advantage that the predetermined time period and / or the predetermined first expulsion speed of the first expulsion period can ensure effective comparability for the control system so that the corresponding temperature value detected during the first expulsion period can be effectively correlated with the temperature of the laundry.

[0033] In an advantageous embodiment, the controller is designed to activate the temperature sensor during the first expulsion period as a function of the activation of the heating element, in particular simultaneously with the activation of the heating element.

[0034] This achieves the technical advantage of avoiding unnecessary activation of the temperature sensor. The activated heating element heats the washing liquid, allowing the temperature of the heated washing liquid to be advantageously measured by the temperature sensor. In particular, the temperature sensor is activated by the control system at the beginning of the first expulsion period. In particular, the temperature sensor is deactivated by the control system at the end of the first expulsion period. Furthermore, the temperature sensor can also be activated or remain activated before or after an expulsion period.

[0035] In particular, the temperature sensor determines a plurality of temperature values ​​during the first sprouting period. In particular, the temperature value of the plurality of temperature values ​​determined during the first sprouting period is compared by the controller with the target temperature value T_soll, which has the lowest value and / or is measured by the temperature sensor at the end of the first sprouting period.

[0036] In an advantageous embodiment, the control is designed to activate the temperature sensor during the first expulsion period when the rotational speed of the laundry drum reaches the first expulsion speed.

[0037] This provides the technical advantage of allowing temperature measurements to be taken during the first budding period, timed to coincide with the beginning of the first budding period. This prevents, in particular, temperature values ​​recorded before the beginning of the first budding period from complicating the subsequent comparison performed by the control system.

[0038] In an advantageous embodiment, the controller is designed to activate the drum drive during the second expulsion period following the first expulsion period in order to change the second expulsion speed of the rotating laundry drum and / or a second duration of the second expulsion period as a function of the temperature of washing liquid in the tub detected during the first and / or second expulsion period, in particular as a function of the temperature difference dT_mix determined during the first and / or second expulsion period. In particular, the second expulsion period can immediately follow the first expulsion period, i.e. the drum drive activated in the first expulsion period remains activated.

[0039] This achieves the technical advantage that the temperature of the washing liquid detected during the first and / or second expulsion time period can be used by the controller to optimize the second expulsion speed and / or the second time duration of the rotating laundry drum such that the probability can be increased that after the second expulsion time period the detected temperature reaches or falls below the target temperature value T_soll. By increasing the expulsion speed and / or the time duration, even more washing liquid bound in the core of the laundry can advantageously be expelled and mixed with the unbound washing liquid (free washing liquid). The cooling of the detected temperature indicates that the washing liquid bound in the laundry has mixed with the free washing liquid.Once the temperature of the (free) washing liquid has cooled by a target temperature difference, sufficient exchange of washing liquid can be advantageously detected even in the core of the laundry, and the second expulsion period can be ended. This means that the drum drive is deactivated, and the laundry resting against the drum can fall away from the drum wall, causing the laundry items to shift within the laundry batch. Such shifting of laundry results in previously internal laundry items (the laundry core) reaching the outer area of ​​the laundry batch and coming into direct contact with the free washing liquid.

[0040] This advantageously promotes wetting and heat exchange between the laundry core formed in the previous expulsion period and the free washing liquid. Furthermore, the cooled washing liquid can be further heated to the target temperature T_soll using the heating device.

[0041] In particular, the controller is configured to activate the drum drive during the second ejection period in order to increase the second ejection speed of the rotating laundry drum and / or a second duration of the second ejection period, in particular depending on the temperature of the washing liquid in the tub detected during the first and / or second ejection period. Preferably, the second ejection period immediately follows the first ejection period, with the drum drive activated in the first ejection period then also remaining activated.

[0042] In an advantageous embodiment, the controller is designed to activate the drum drive during the second expulsion period in order to increase the speed of the laundry drum rotating at the second expulsion speed, in particular to increase it to an increased second expulsion speed, if the temperature difference dT_mix of washing liquid in the tub determined during and / or at the end of the first expulsion period is smaller than the target temperature difference.

[0043] This achieves the technical advantage that by increasing the second expulsion speed to the increased second expulsion speed, the probability of expelling even more washing liquid during the second expulsion period can be increased in order to enable contact of the washing liquid with the laundry core and heat transfer, whereby the detected temperature of washing liquid in the tub will continue to drop if sufficient heat exchange in the laundry core has not yet taken place.

[0044] In an advantageous embodiment, the controller is designed to activate the drum drive during the second expulsion period in order to increase the second time period of the rotating laundry drum, in particular to increase it to an increased second time period, if the temperature difference dT_mix detected during and / or at the end of the first expulsion period is smaller than the target temperature difference.

[0045] As with an increase in the speed in the second expulsion period, the technical advantage is achieved that by increasing the second time period, the probability of expelling even more washing liquid during the second expulsion period can be increased in order to enable contact of the washing liquid with the laundry core and heat transfer, whereby the detected temperature of washing liquid in the tub can drop further if sufficient heat exchange in the laundry core has not yet taken place.

[0046] In an advantageous embodiment, the controller is designed not to initiate a further expulsion period after the second expulsion period if a temperature of the washing liquid in the tub detected by the temperature sensor during the second expulsion period or after the second expulsion period is greater than or equal to the limit temperature T_max, and the controller is designed to activate the heating element before and / or during the first expulsion period, to activate the drum drive during the first expulsion period, to determine the temperature difference dT_mix during and / or at the end of the first expulsion period, to compare the temperature difference dT_mix with the target temperature difference and to activate the drum drive during the second expulsion period following the first expulsion period, in particular with the method described above,inventive and preferred features, if the temperature of the washing liquid detected by the temperature sensor during the second expulsion period or after the second expulsion period is less than the limit temperature T_max of the washing liquid.

[0047] This achieves the technical advantage that, depending on the success of the complete heating of the laundry with washing liquid during the second expulsion period, the control system either no longer needs to carry out a further expulsion period after the second expulsion period, or carries out the previously described periods after the second expulsion period. In the latter case, the control system in particular carries out a plurality of further expulsion periods until the respective detected temperature of the washing liquid is equal to or greater than the target temperature T_soll or the limit temperature T_max of the washing liquid. This particularly advantageously ensures that the entire batch of laundry is heated to the target temperature T_soll down to its core, which in particular enables uniform cleaning of all laundry items.

[0048] In an advantageous embodiment, the laundry care appliance has an unbalance sensor for detecting an imbalance of the rotating laundry drum, wherein the controller is designed to activate the drum drive during the first and / or second ejection time period (also referred to as a further ejection time period) in order to rotate the laundry drum at a reduced further ejection speed if the unbalance sensor detects an imbalance of the rotating laundry drum during the first and / or second ejection time period.

[0049] This achieves the technical advantage that the reduced further output speed can prevent damage to the laundry care appliance caused by an imbalance in the rotating laundry drum loaded with laundry.

[0050] In particular, the controller is designed to activate the drum drive during the further expulsion period in order to rotate the laundry drum with an increased second and / or further time period if the imbalance sensor detects an imbalance of the rotating laundry drum during the first and / or second expulsion period.

[0051] The increased second and / or further time duration ensures that an effective heat exchange between the heated washing liquid and the entire laundry is achieved, even in the event of an imbalance, despite the reduced further expulsion speed during the further expulsion period.

[0052] The imbalance sensor comprises in particular a power detection element for detecting an electrical power value of the drum drive of the laundry drum, and / or a device for detecting a deflection or acceleration of an oscillation system of the laundry drum, and / or a 3D sensor for detecting a deflection of the laundry drum in all three spatial directions.

[0053] In this case, the spatial deflection of the oscillating system can be mathematically converted into an unbalance value, particularly by converting the velocity of the oscillating system's deflection into the acceleration of the oscillating system's deflection. The unbalance of the laundry drum or the laundry drum filled with laundry is preferably determined by comparing the determined unbalance value with an unbalance limit value.

[0054] In an advantageous embodiment, the control is designed to activate the drum drive during at least one installation time period before or after the first expulsion time period in order to rotate the laundry drum at a installation speed, wherein the installation speed comprises a speed of the laundry drum at which the laundry received in the laundry drum rests against the laundry drum during the rotation of the laundry drum.

[0055] This achieves the technical advantage that by changing the drum speed, the movement of the laundry contained in the drum can be advantageously influenced. In particular, the initial speed is lower than the discharge speed, so that when the drum rotates at the initial speed, the laundry is held against the drum by the centrifugal force acting on it, but the centrifugal force is not so great that washing liquid could be expelled from the laundry.

[0056] Furthermore, the system speed is preferably greater than a limiting speed at which the outermost laundry items in the drum begin to adhere permanently to the drum during rotation of the drum. The limiting speed is therefore the speed at which the outermost laundry items are subjected to a centrifugal acceleration of 1 g. A system speed above the limiting speed has the advantage that at least the majority of the laundry placed in the drum adheres to the drum and forms a laundry ring.

[0057] In an advantageous embodiment, the control is designed to activate the drum drive during at least one scooping time period before or after the first expulsion time period in order to rotate the laundry drum at a scooping speed, wherein the scooping speed comprises a speed of the laundry drum at which the washing liquid held in the tub is at least partially moved through the laundry drum and falls onto the laundry held in the laundry drum.

[0058] This achieves the technical advantage that the movement behavior of the laundry contained in the laundry drum can be advantageously influenced by changing the speed of the laundry drum. In particular, the scooping speed is lower than the discharge speed and also lower than the system speed, in particular lower than the limit speed, so that when the laundry drum rotates at the scooping speed, the laundry is not completely carried along by the washing drum. However, the washing liquid present in the laundry drum is carried along by the rotating laundry drum as part of a scooping process and, in particular, falls from above onto the laundry in the laundry drum to ensure effective wetting of the laundry.

[0059] In order to ensure effective movement of the washing liquid, in particular scooping of the washing liquid, the laundry drum has in particular a plurality of projections, in particular laundry scoops, which move or carry the washing liquid during the rotation of the laundry drum.

[0060] In an advantageous embodiment, the control is designed to activate the drum drive during at least one intermediate period before or after the expulsion period in order to rotate the laundry drum in an intermediate speed range, wherein the intermediate speed range comprises a range of rotational speeds of the laundry drum which extends between the installation speed and a scooping speed of the laundry drum.

[0061] This achieves the technical advantage that by changing the speed of the laundry drum from the system speed via the intermediate speed range to the scooping speed, or from the scooping speed via the intermediate speed range to the system speed, the movement behavior of the laundry held in the laundry drum can be advantageously influenced.

[0062] According to a second aspect, the object of the invention is achieved 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 heating element for heating the washing liquid in the tub, a drum drive for rotating the laundry drum, a temperature sensor which is designed to detect a temperature of washing liquid in the tub, and a controller which is connected to the drum drive, the heating element and the temperature sensor for control purposes, wherein the method has the following method steps: A) Activation of the heating element by the controller to heat the washing liquid held in the tub, B) Activation of the drum drive to rotate the laundry drum at a first expulsion speed by the controller during a first expulsion period in order to apply the laundry held in the laundry drum to the laundry drum and at least partially expel the washing liquid bound to the laundry from the laundry, C) Activation of the temperature sensor by the controller during the first expulsion period in order to detect a temperature of washing liquid in the tub during the first expulsion period, D) Detection of a first temperature value T1 and at least one second temperature value T2 of the washing liquid supplied to the tub, E) Determination of a temperature difference dT_mix, which is formed from the first temperature value T1 minus the second temperature value T2,F) Comparing the temperature difference dT_mix with a target temperature difference and if the temperature difference dT_mix is ​​smaller than the target temperature difference, then 1) activating the drum drive to rotate the laundry drum at a second expulsion speed by the controller during a second expulsion period following the first expulsion period in order to apply the laundry held in the laundry drum to the laundry drum and to expel at least some of the washing liquid bound to the laundry from the laundry, or otherwise 2) not initiating the second expulsion period after the first expulsion period by the controller.

[0063] This achieves the technical advantage that an effective execution of the second expulsion period depends on the heat transfer to the core of the laundry or not.

[0064] In this case, the order or the time of activation of the heating element, drum drive, and / or temperature sensor before and / or during the first expulsion period is in particular not fixed to the order mentioned in the second aspect, but is in particular variable.

[0065] In an advantageous embodiment, the method comprises changing the second ejection speed of the rotating laundry drum during the second ejection time period and / or changing a second time duration of the second ejection time period depending on the temperature of washing liquid in the tub detected during the first and / or second ejection time period, in particular depending on the temperature difference dT_mix determined during the first and / or second ejection time period.

[0066] This provides the technical advantage of ensuring effective adjustment of the second bud break period.

[0067] In an advantageous embodiment, the method comprises repeating steps A) to F) and their advantageous developments if the temperature of the washing liquid detected by the temperature sensor during the second expulsion period is less than the target temperature T_soll and / or the limit temperature T_max of the washing liquid, and the method comprises not initiating a further expulsion period after the second expulsion period by the controller or not repeating steps A) to F) if the temperature of the washing liquid detected by the temperature sensor during the second expulsion period is equal to or greater than the target temperature and / or the limit temperature T_max of the washing liquid.

[0068] This achieves the technical advantage that the control system can advantageously decide whether or not a further expulsion period is necessary after the second expulsion period and whether the laundry batch has been heated to the target temperature T_soll up to the laundry core.

[0069] 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.

[0070] Embodiments of the invention are illustrated in the drawings and are described in more detail below.

[0071] They show: Fig. 1 shows a schematic view of a laundry care appliance; Fig. 2 shows a schematic view of a laundry care appliance with a control system; Figs. 3A, 3B show schematic views of rotation processes of a laundry drum; Fig. 4 shows a schematic view of a temporal segment of a laundry care process; Fig. 5A shows a section from the schematic view of a temporal segment of a laundry care process; Fig. 5B shows a further schematic view of a segment of a laundry care process; Fig. 6 shows a schematic view of a laundry care process according to an embodiment; and Fig. 7 shows a schematic representation of a method for caring for laundry in a laundry care appliance according to an embodiment. Fig. 1 shows a schematic view of a general laundry care appliance 100, such as a washing machine. The laundry care appliance 100 comprises 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 a device housing 102. The Laundry care appliance 100 includes an appliance door 103 for loading the laundry care appliance 100 with laundry.

[0072] 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 pump washing liquid through the drain opening 111 from the tub 105 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.

[0073] 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.

[0074] 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.

[0075] 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.

[0076] 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.

[0077] 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.

[0078] In particular, the Fig. 2 The laundry care appliance 100 shown does not have a pumping function, but the invention could also be applied to laundry care appliances with a pumping function.

[0079] The Figuren 3A und 3B show schematic views of rotation processes of a laundry drum.

[0080] To activate the laundry care substance and to efficiently remove impurities from the laundry 127 in the washing drum 107, the washing liquid 129 held in the tub 105 must be heated. A corresponding Fig. 3A The heating element 120 shown for heating the washing liquid 129 is arranged in particular on the underside of the tub 105 within the tub 105.

[0081] In the Fig. 3A A laundry drum 107 arranged in a tub 105 of a laundry care appliance 100 is schematically shown, wherein the laundry drum 107 rotates at a low speed. The laundry 127 received in the laundry drum 107, as well as the free washing liquid 129 received in the tub 105, are schematically shown. The laundry drum 107 also has a plurality of projections 133 on the inside, which are designed to move the laundry 127 received in the laundry drum 107, as well as the washing liquid 129, depending on the speed of the laundry drum 107 during rotation of the laundry drum 107. A first direction of rotation 135-1 of the laundry drum 107 is shown in the Fig. 3A shown.

[0082] Through the Fig. 3A During the rotation of the laundry drum 107 shown, which in the present case takes place without pumping over washing liquid 129 in the laundry care appliance 100, the laundry 127 is advantageously wetted with the washing liquid 129 heated by the heating element 120, whereby the heat from the heated washing liquid 129 is transferred to the laundry 127, and the laundry 127 is advantageously heated, at least in the outer area.

[0083] However, under certain circumstances it cannot be ensured that the heated washing liquid 129 completely wets the interior, or the core, of the laundry 127, so that the temperature of the core of the laundry 127 in this case may be lower than the temperature of the washing liquid 129 held in the tub 105.

[0084] The more washing liquid 129 is used and the more efficient the heat exchange between the heated washing liquid 129 and the laundry 127, especially the core of the laundry 127, the more efficient the laundry care process. Furthermore, rapid heat transfer from the heated washing liquid 129 to the laundry 127 can reduce heat loss, thereby increasing the energy efficiency of the entire laundry care process.

[0085] In the Fig. 3B A laundry drum 107 arranged in a tub 105 of a laundry care appliance 100 is schematically shown, wherein the laundry drum 107 rotates at a high speed, in particular at an output speed. Fig. 3A faster rotation of the laundry drum 107, the laundry 127 adheres to the laundry drum 107 due to the centrifugal force acting on it, and the washing liquid 129 bound to the laundry 127 is expelled from the laundry 127 along a radial expulsion direction 137, so that the expelled washing liquid 129 collects in the space between the laundry drum 107 and the tub 105. A second rotation direction 135-2 of the laundry drum 107, opposite to the first rotation direction 135-1, is in the Fig. 3B shown.

[0086] In Fig. 4 A section of a laundry care process is schematically illustrated using several temporal curves. The abscissa axis 143 represents time t, the first ordinate axis 141 represents the rotational speed n of the laundry drum 107, and the second ordinate axis 142 represents the temperature T. An exemplary temporal profile of the rotational speed n of the laundry drum 107 during the laundry care process is shown in the first curve 138-1. The temperature value of the washing liquid 129 detected by the temperature sensor 123 is shown in curve 138-2, and curves 138-3 and 138-4 show an exemplary temperature profile at two different locations within the laundry batch during the laundry care process. Within a network phase 183, washing liquid 129 is initially supplied to the tub 105 and thus to the laundry drum 107 within a water supply phase 181, wherein the laundry drum 107 is rotated reversibly at different speeds.After the water supply phase 181, the water supply can also be activated repeatedly to supply additional washing liquid 129 to the tub 105.

[0087] The network phase 183 is followed by a heating phase 185, during which the supplied washing liquid 129 is heated to the limit temperature T_max 179 and the laundry 127 to a target temperature T_soll 177, wherein after reaching the limit temperature T_max in a very short equalization process the temperature of the washing liquid 129 and the temperature of the laundry 127 reach the target temperature T_soll 177. During the heating phase 185 there are several expulsion time periods 157, which are described in more detail below and each end at a time t_1 167 of the respective expulsion time period 157. In another washing process, as in Fig. 5B As shown, a sprouting period could also end at a time t_2 169, a time t_3 171 or a time t_4 173 depending on the recorded temperature profile.

[0088] As in the Fig. 4 In the example shown, the temperature 138-2 and 138-3 of the laundry 127 drops while the washing liquid 129 is supplied, since the laundry is usually at room temperature at the start of a laundry care process and the supplied liquid from the domestic water supply is colder than room temperature, i.e. the supplied washing liquid 129 cools the laundry 127. During the heating phase 185, the washing liquid 129 heats up faster than the laundry 127, as shown in curves 138-2, 138-3 and 138-4. Due to the expulsion time sections 157, the temperature of the washing liquid 129 (curve 138-2) quickly approaches the temperature of the laundry 127 (curves 138-3 and 138-4). When the washing liquid 129 reaches a limit temperature T_max 179, the heating phase 185 is terminated to prevent overheating of the laundry 127.After the heating phase 185 has ended, in the example shown, a further heat transfer from the washing liquid 129 to the laundry 127 takes place, whereby within a short time both the laundry 127, particularly in the laundry core, and the washing liquid 129 have reached the target temperature T_soll 177. The laundry care process continues with a (post-)wash phase.

[0089] Fig. 5A shows a schematic view of a time segment of a laundry care process. The Fig. 5A The first curve 139 shown shows, along the ordinate axis 141, a rotational speed of a laundry drum 107 driven by the drum drive 109 as a function of time, which is plotted along the abscissa axis 143.

[0090] As from the Fig. 5A As can be seen, the laundry drum 107 is rotated at different speed levels, beginning with a system time period 145 during which the laundry drum 107 rotates at a system speed 147, wherein the system speed 147 corresponds to the speed of the laundry drum 107 at which the laundry 127 held in the laundry drum 107 rests against the laundry drum 107 during the rotation of the laundry drum 107 due to the centrifugal force acting on the laundry 127. The system speed 147 is greater than a limit speed 150 at which a centrifugal acceleration of 1 g acts on the outer items of laundry located on the casing of the laundry drum 107.

[0091] The installation time period 145 is followed by an intermediate period 149, during which the laundry drum 107 is rotated in an intermediate speed range 151. The intermediate speed range 151 comprises a range of speeds of the laundry drum 107 that extends between the installation speed 147 and a scooping speed 153 of the laundry drum 107. Here, the scooping speed 153 is lower than the installation speed 147 and lower than the limit speed 150.

[0092] During the intermediate period 149, the laundry 127 no longer lies completely against the laundry drum 107, but rather the laundry 127 and the washing liquid 129 are carried along within the laundry drum 107, in particular by the projections 133 of the laundry drum 107. During the intermediate period 149, a particularly dynamic movement of the laundry 127 and washing liquid 129 within the laundry drum 107 can be achieved by the changing speed of the rotating laundry drum 107.

[0093] The intermediate period 149 is followed by a scooping period 155, during which the laundry drum 107 rotates at the scooping speed 153. The scooping speed 153 is lower than the system speed 147 and also lower than the intermediate speed range 151, so that during the scooping period 155, the laundry 127 is no longer carried along, or only to a small extent, by the projections 133 of the laundry drum 107, so that the laundry 127 remains in a lower region of the laundry drum 107 during the rotation of the laundry drum 107. However, the projections 133 of the laundry drum 107 carry along a portion of the washing liquid 129 during the scooping period 155, so that the carried-along washing liquid 129 can drip, in particular from above, onto the laundry 127 in the laundry drum 107, thereby achieving advantageous wetting of the laundry 127.

[0094] The scooping time section 155 is followed by an intermediate time section 149, during which the scooping speed 153 is increased within the intermediate speed range 151 until the laundry drum 107 rotates again at the system speed 147 in the subsequent system time section 145. The sequence of the respective Fig. 5A The time periods shown 149, 145, 149, 155 can be repeated or varied as desired.

[0095] As from the Fig. 5A As can also be seen, the last application time period 145 is followed by a first expulsion time period 157-1, during which the laundry drum 107 is rotated at a first expulsion speed 159-1, which is greater than the application speed 147. By rotating the laundry drum 107 at the first expulsion speed 159-1, such a strong centrifugal force is exerted on the washing liquid 129 bound to the laundry 127 that the washing liquid 129 is expelled from the laundry 127 along a radial expulsion direction 137, as shown in the Fig. 3B is represented graphically.

[0096] In particular, the first expulsion speed 159-1 is between 100 rpm and 350 rpm and a first time duration of the first expulsion time period 157-1 is between 2 min and 20 min, wherein the first expulsion speed 159-1 and the first time duration are particularly dependent on the size of the laundry drum 107, the amount of washing liquid 129 and the load quantity of the laundry 127.

[0097] After the end of the first expulsion period 157-1, the speed of the laundry drum 107 is reduced, whereby the washing liquid 129 expelled from the laundry 127 is again absorbed by the laundry 127, and thereby a further wetting of the laundry 127 and a temperature transfer from the washing liquid 129 to the laundry 127 takes place.

[0098] By rotating the laundry drum 107 at different speeds according to the Fig. 5A In the exemplary embodiment shown, the movement of the laundry 127 and the movement of the washing liquid 129 within the laundry drum 107 can be advantageously influenced, so that complete wetting of the laundry 127 with washing liquid 129 and also uniform heating of the laundry 127 during the laundry care process can be ensured.

[0099] In particular, the Fig. 5A The laundry care process described in the following ensures advantageous wetting of the laundry 127 with a wide variety of laundry loads, in particular with different laundry load quantities, different sizes of the individual laundry items and / or different absorbency of the individual laundry items. Fig. 5A The laundry care process described can be repeated several times during the heating phase 185, as described in the Fig. 4 is shown as an example.

[0100] However, it may happen during the first expulsion period 157-1 that the first expulsion speed 159-1 is not reached, e.g. due to an imbalance of the rotating laundry drum 107 caused by clumping of laundry items in the laundry drum 107. However, it may also happen during the first expulsion period 157-1 that, despite reaching the first expulsion speed 159-1 during the first expulsion period 157-1, an insufficient amount of washing liquid 129 is expelled from the laundry 127, so that the desired complete wetting of the laundry 127 with washing liquid 129 is not achieved during the first expulsion period 157-1.

[0101] In this case, a complete wetting of the laundry 127, in particular a complete wetting of the core of the laundry 127, with washing liquid 129 cannot be achieved, as a result of which the laundry 127, in particular the core of the laundry 127, cannot be fully brought to the temperature required for optimal laundry care.

[0102] For this reason, in the following Fig. 5B and Fig. 6 According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, an automatic temperature-based adjustment of a laundry care process is described.

[0103] The Figur 5B shows a schematic view of a laundry care process according to an embodiment, wherein the curve 139-1 represents a section of the Fig. 5A shown curve 139 and the dashed or dash-dotted curves 139-2, 139-3 and 139-4 show modified curves of the rotational speed of the laundry drum 107 according to the present embodiments for the automatic temperature-based adjustment of the laundry care process.

[0104] The present disclosure is based on the finding that the temperature of the core of the laundry 127 held in the laundry drum 107 cannot be measured directly. However, a temperature sensor 123 arranged in the tub 105 can measure the temperature of the washing liquid 129 expelled from the laundry 127, which is held as "free" washing liquid 129 in the tub 105. This allows conclusions to be drawn about the temperature of the core of the laundry 127 held in the laundry drum 107 in order to achieve a particularly advantageous laundry care result.

[0105] The washing liquid 129 expelled from the laundry 127 during the first expulsion period 157-1 by the rotation of the laundry drum 107 exits the laundry drum 107 through openings in the laundry drum 107 and collects on the underside of the tub 105, wherein the temperature of the washing liquid 129 held in the tub 105 can be detected by the temperature sensor 123.

[0106] Thus, the temperature of washing liquid 129 in the tub 105 detected by the temperature sensor 123 during the Fig. 6 From the first expulsion period 157-1 shown, a direct conclusion can be drawn about the temperature of the core of the laundry 127.

[0107] The Fig. 6 The second curve 161 shown shows different speed ranges of a rotating laundry drum 107.

[0108] Analogous to Fig. 5A reveals the Fig. 6 shown second curve 161 a repeating sequence of installation time section 145, intermediate time section 149, and scooping time section 155, in which the laundry drum 107 is rotated at the corresponding installation speed 147, in the corresponding intermediate speed range 151 or at the corresponding scooping speed 153 in order to ensure effective wetting of the laundry 127 held in the laundry drum 107.

[0109] As from the Fig. 6 As can be seen, the second curve 161 further shows a first expulsion time section 157-1, during which the laundry drum 107 is rotated at a first expulsion speed 159-1 in order to apply the laundry 127 held in the laundry drum 107 to the laundry drum 107 and to at least partially expel the washing liquid 129 bound to the laundry 127 from the laundry 127.

[0110] The Fig. 6 The third curve 163 shown shows different temperatures of washing liquid 129 in the tub 105 detected by a temperature sensor 123. The third curve 163 is temporally correlated with the second curve 161.

[0111] As can be seen from the third curve 163, the control 119 activates the heating element 120 of the laundry care appliance 100 before the first expulsion time section 157-1 in order to heat the washing liquid 129 held in the tub 105, so that, as in Fig. 6 shown, the temperature of the washing liquid 129 continuously increases before the start of the first expulsion period 157-1, as detected by the temperature sensor 123 of the laundry care appliance 100.

[0112] In particular, the controller 119 is designed to activate the temperature sensor 123 only in dependence on the activation of the heating element 120, in particular to activate the temperature sensor 123 at the same time as the heating element 120, or the controller 119 is designed in particular to activate the temperature sensor 123 only at the beginning of the first expulsion time section 157-1, ie in particular to activate the temperature sensor 123 only when the speed of the rotating laundry drum 107 has reached the first expulsion speed 159-1.

[0113] At the beginning of the first expulsion period 157-1, the detected temperature of the washing liquid 129 in the tub 105 reaches a local maximum 158 and then decreases during the first expulsion period 157-1.

[0114] The drop in temperature during the first expulsion period 157-1 is due to the fact that at the beginning of the first expulsion period 157-1, complete wetting and heating of the core of the laundry 127 has not yet taken place, so that the temperature of the core of the laundry 127 at the beginning of the first expulsion period 157-1 is lower than the temperature of the heated washing liquid 129 in the tub 105.

[0115] If, during the rotation of the laundry drum 107 at the first expulsion speed 159-1 during the first expulsion period 157-1, washing liquid 129 is subsequently expelled from the corresponding "cooler" core of the laundry 127 or is driven through the "cooler" core of the laundry 127, the correspondingly expelled cooler washing liquid 129 cools the "warmer" washing liquid 129 held in the tub 105 during the first expulsion period 157-1, whereby a mixed temperature of the washing liquid 129 in the tub 105 is established which is lower than the local maximum or a first detected temperature value T1 158 of the temperature of the washing liquid 129 at the beginning of the first expulsion period 157-1.

[0116] Thus, the temperature of the washing liquid 129 in the tub 105 measured by the temperature sensor 123 decreases during the first expulsion period 157-1, as can be seen from the third curve 163.

[0117] The temperature T2 160 of the washing liquid 129 recorded at the end of the first expulsion period 157-1 and in particular the temperature difference dT_mix 175, wherein the difference is calculated from the temperature T1 158 recorded at the beginning of the expulsion period 157-1 minus the temperature T2 160 recorded at the end of the first expulsion period 157-1, thus allows a conclusion to be drawn about the effectiveness of the heat transfer from the washing liquid 129 to the laundry 127 accommodated in the laundry drum 107, in particular about the effectiveness of the temperature transfer from the washing liquid 129 to the core of the laundry 127. If the difference between the temperature T1 158 and the temperature T2 160 or the temperature difference dT_mix 175 is small, it can be concluded that the core of the laundry 127 also has approximately the temperature of the washing liquid 129, since no further heat transfer to the core of the laundry 127 takes place.It could also be the case that no washing liquid 129 has yet come into contact with the core of the laundry 127, which is why no heat transfer could take place. Therefore, in this case, a second expulsion period is carried out to advantageously ensure that the laundry core comes into contact with the washing liquid 129.

[0118] For this purpose, the controller 119 of the laundry care appliance 100 compares the temperature difference dT_mix 175 of the washing liquid 129 in the tub 105 detected at the end of the first expulsion time period 157-1 with a target temperature difference of the washing liquid 129 stored in the controller.

[0119] Even if this is Fig. 6 not shown, the controller 119 is particularly designed to detect any second temperature value T2 detected during the first expulsion time period 157-1, to determine a temperature difference dT_mix 175, and to compare it with the target temperature difference of the washing liquid 129. For example, the temperature value T2 160 can also be a local minimum of the temperature detected during the first expulsion time period 157-1, which in the present case correlates with the temperature 160 at the end of the first expulsion time period 157-1, but does not necessarily have to correlate. Thus, the temperatures or the temperature values ​​T1 and T2 158 and 160 can alternatively also be compared quasi-continuously, the determined temperature difference dT_mix 175 with the target temperature difference, so that if the target temperature difference is exceeded, the expulsion time period 157-1 can be ended early.

[0120] Furthermore, the controller 119 determines whether complete heating of the laundry 127 has occurred by additionally comparing the temperature value of the washing liquid 129 determined during the first expulsion period 157-1 with the target temperature T_soll 177 and / or limit temperature T_max 179 assigned to or set for the selected laundry care process. Upon complete heating, the controller 119 terminates the heating phase 185. Preferably, the additional comparison is performed after uniform heating of the laundry 127 has been determined. This has the advantage of ensuring that essentially all laundry items have reached the same temperature, in particular including the core of the laundry 127. In this context, this state of the laundry is also understood as "complete heating" to the target temperature T_soll 177.

[0121] The controller 119 is particularly designed to determine the target temperature T_soll 177 and / or the limit temperature T_max 179 depending on at least one of the following parameters: recorded dry weight of the laundry held in the laundry drum 107, total amount of washing liquid 129 supplied to the tub 105, washing liquid 129 not bound to the laundry 127 during the first expulsion period and present in the tub 105, the first expulsion speed 159-1, the geometry of the laundry drum 107 and / or the geometry of the tub 105. In particular, the target temperature T_soll 177 and / or the limit temperature T_max 179 can also be stored in the controller 119.

[0122] If the temperature difference dT_mix 175 of the washing liquid 129 detected by the temperature sensor 123 during the first expulsion period 157-1 is greater than or equal to the target temperature difference of the washing liquid 129, the controller 119 determines a sufficient heat exchange between the entire laundry 127 and the washing liquid 129 and does not initiate a second expulsion period 157-2 after the end of the first expulsion period 157-1, as is the case, for example, in the Fig. 6 This is followed by a further additional comparison of the temperature value recorded during the expulsion time section 157-1, such as the temperature values ​​T1 158 and / or T2 160, of the washing liquid 129 with the limit temperature T_max 179, and if the limit temperature value T_max 179 is exceeded, then the heating phase 185 is terminated, otherwise the heating phase 185 is continued and the expulsion time section 157 is repeated. As is also the case in the Fig. 4 is shown as an example.

[0123] In the Fig. 6 It is further shown that the first sprouting time period 157-1 is followed by only a sequence of further planting time periods 145, intermediate time periods 149, or scooping time periods 155, and that no second sprouting time period 157-2 is carried out after the first sprouting time period 157-1.

[0124] However, if the Fig. 6 If the case not shown exists that the temperature difference dT_mix 175 of the washing liquid 129 determined by the temperature sensor 123 during the first expulsion time period 157-1 is smaller than the target temperature difference of the washing liquid 129, the control system 119 determines that there has been no sufficient heat transfer between the laundry 127 and the core of the laundry 127, and thus no effective wetting or uniform heating of the entire laundry 127, and initiates after the end of the first expulsion time period 157-1 a Fig. 5B shown second expulsion time period 157-2 or 157-3. Only if, even after the second expulsion time period 157-2 or 157-3, the further temperature difference dT_mix 175 determined at the end of the second expulsion time period 157-2 or 157-3 is still smaller than the target temperature difference, can it be concluded that the laundry 127 is heated evenly.

[0125] During the corresponding Fig. 5B During the second expulsion time period 157-2 following the first expulsion time period 157-1, the controller 119 activates the drum drive 109 to rotate the laundry drum 107 at a second expulsion speed 159-2 in order to press the laundry 127 held in the laundry drum 107 even more firmly against the laundry drum 107 and to at least partially expel further washing liquid 129 bound to the laundry 127 from the laundry 127.

[0126] If after the first expulsion period 157-1, sufficiently effective wetting or uniform heating of the entire laundry 127 has not taken place, this should be remedied during the second expulsion period 157-2 or 157-3.

[0127] It is particularly possible that the second expulsion time period 157-2 or 157-3 is identical to the first expulsion time period 157-1, ie that in particular the second time period and / or second expulsion speed 159-2 of the second expulsion time period 157-2 or 157-3 is identical to a corresponding first time period and / or first expulsion speed 159-1 of the first expulsion time period 157-1. Fig. 5B Curve 139-2 exemplifies a second expulsion time section 157-2, in which the second expulsion speed 159-2 is increased compared to the first expulsion speed 159-1 and the time duration is shortened, and curve 139-3 exemplifies a second alternative expulsion time section 157-3, in which the second expulsion speed 159-3 is identical to the first expulsion speed 159-1 and the time duration is extended.

[0128] In this case, however, it is also possible in particular for the controller 119 to change the second time duration of the second expulsion time period 157-3 during the second expulsion time period 157-3 following the first expulsion time period 157-1 as a function of the temperature or determined temperature difference dT_mix 175 of washing liquid 129 in the tub 105 detected during the first and / or second expulsion time period 157-1, 157-3, in particular to increase the second time duration compared to a first time duration of the first expulsion time period 157-1.

[0129] In this case, however, it is particularly alternatively or additionally also possible for the controller 119 to change the second expulsion speed 159-2 during the second expulsion time period 157-2 following the first expulsion time period 157-1 as a function of the temperature or determined temperature difference dT_mix 175 of washing liquid 129 in the tub 105 detected during the first and / or second expulsion time period 157-1, 157-2, in particular to increase the second expulsion speed 159-2 compared to the first expulsion speed 159-1 of the first expulsion time period 157-1.

[0130] As an end criterion for ending the second expulsion time period 157-2, 157-3, the controller 119 can in particular specify that a predetermined second time period of the second expulsion time period 157-2, 157-3 has elapsed, in particular regardless of whether the temperature difference dT_mix 175 of the washing liquid 129 in the tub 105 is smaller or greater than the target temperature difference after the predetermined second time period.

[0131] However, the controller 119 can also, in particular, immediately terminate the second expulsion period 157-2, 157-3, in particular before the expiration of the predetermined second time period of the second expulsion period 157-2, if the temperature difference dT_mix 175 determined by the temperature sensor 123 during the second expulsion period 157-2 reaches or exceeds the target temperature difference.

[0132] During the corresponding Fig. 5B During the second expulsion period 157-2 or 157-3 shown, the controller 119 also detects the temperature of washing liquid 129 in the tub 105 via the temperature sensor 123 and compares the corresponding temperature of the washing liquid 129 detected during the second expulsion period 157-2 with the limit temperature T_max 179.

[0133] If the temperature of the washing liquid 129 detected during the second expulsion period 157-2 or 157-3 is now greater than or equal to the limit temperature T_max 179, the controller 119 does not initiate a further expulsion period 157 after the end of the second expulsion period 157-2 or 157-3, since it is assumed that after the second expulsion period 157-2 or 157-3, effective wetting and heating to the target temperature T_soll 177 of the core of the laundry 127 has essentially taken place. The controller 119 ends the heating phase 185.

[0134] If the temperature of the washing liquid 129 detected during the second expulsion time period 157-2 or 157-3 continues to be lower than the limit temperature T_max 179, the second expulsion time period 157-2 or 157-3 is continued until the expiration of the time period specified for the second expulsion time period 157-2 or 157-3 and is terminated at the time t_2 169 or t_3 171, respectively, and repeats the previously described expulsion time periods 157.

[0135] The controller 119 can repeat the respective further expulsion time period 157 until the temperature of washing liquid 129 detected during the respective further expulsion time period 157 is greater than or equal to the limit temperature T_max 179.

[0136] The detection of the temperature of the washing liquid 129, the comparison with the limit temperature T_max 179 and the termination of the heating phase 185 when the limit temperature T_max 179 is reached or exceeded can also take place during the entire heating phase 185.

[0137] However, the further Fig. 5B The case shown by curve 139-4 may occur where, due to the occurrence of an imbalance in the laundry drum 107, the first or second output speed 159-1, 159-2, or 159-3 is not reached.

[0138] In order for the controller 119 to be able to increase the ejection speed 159-1, 159-2, 159-3 to the first or second ejection speed 159-1, 159-2, or 159-3 during the corresponding ejection time period 157-1, 157-2, 157-3, there must be no imbalance in the rotating laundry drum 107 to prevent damage to the laundry drum 107. Such an imbalance can occur, for example, due to clumping of laundry 127 in the rotating laundry drum 107.

[0139] For this reason, the laundry care appliance 100 includes, in particular, an imbalance sensor configured to detect an imbalance of the rotating laundry drum 107. The imbalance sensor includes, in particular, a power detection element for detecting an electrical power value of the drum drive 109 of the laundry drum 107, a device for detecting a deflection or acceleration of an oscillation system of the laundry drum 107, and / or a 3D sensor for detecting a deflection of the laundry drum 107 in all three spatial directions.

[0140] The controller 119 is particularly designed to increase the rotational speed of the laundry drum 107 only to a reduced further rotational speed 159-3 during the first and / or second ejection time period 157-1, 157-2 or 157-3 if the imbalance sensor detects an imbalance of the rotating laundry drum 107.

[0141] At the same time, it is particularly possible that, if the imbalance sensor detects an imbalance of the rotating laundry drum 107, the controller 119 increases the first and / or second time duration of the first and / or second expulsion time section 157-1, 157-2 or 157-3, so that effective heating of the entire laundry 127 can be ensured despite the reduced second or further expulsion speed 159-2 or 159-3.

[0142] Fig. 7 shows a schematic representation of a method for caring for laundry in a laundry care appliance according to one embodiment.

[0143] The method 200 comprises, as a first method step, the activation 201 of the heating element 120 by the controller 119 in order to heat the washing liquid held in the tub 105.

[0144] The method 200 comprises, as a second method step, the activation 203 of the drum drive 109 for rotating the laundry drum 107 at a first expulsion speed 159-1 by the controller 119 during a first expulsion time period 157-1 in order to apply the laundry 127 received in the laundry drum 107 to the laundry drum 107 and to at least partially expel the washing liquid 129 bound to the laundry 127 from the laundry 127.

[0145] The method 200 comprises, as a third method step, the activation 205 of the temperature sensor 123 by the controller 119 during the first expulsion time period 157-1 in order to detect a temperature of washing liquid 129 in the tub 105 during the first expulsion time period 157-1.

[0146] The method 200 comprises, as further method steps not shown, the detection of a first temperature value T1 158 and at least one second temperature value T2 160 of the washing liquid 129 supplied in the tub 105 and the determination of a temperature difference dT_mix 175, which is formed from the first temperature value T1 158 minus the second temperature value T2 160.

[0147] The method 200 comprises, as a first alternative fourth method step, the activation 207 of the drum drive 109 for rotating the laundry drum 107 at a second expulsion speed 159-2 by the controller 119 during a second expulsion time period 157-2 following the first expulsion time period 157-1, in order to apply the laundry 127 received in the laundry drum 107 to the laundry drum 107 and to at least partially expel the washing liquid 129 bound to the laundry 127 from the laundry 127 if the temperature difference dT_mix 175 of the washing liquid 129 determined by the temperature sensor 123 during the first expulsion time period 157-1 is smaller than a target temperature difference of the washing liquid 129.

[0148] The second expulsion speed 159-2 may be greater than, equal to, or less than the first expulsion speed 159-1 in the second expulsion time period 157-2, 157-3, and 157-4, as already explained in the above description of the embodiments.

[0149] The method 200 comprises, as a second alternative fourth method step, the non-initiation 209 of the second expulsion time period 157-2 after the first expulsion time period 157-1 by the controller 119 if the temperature difference dT_mix 175 of the washing liquid 129 determined by the temperature sensor 123 during the first expulsion time period 157-1 is greater than or equal to the target temperature value of the washing liquid 129.

[0150] 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.

[0151] 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. Bezugszeichenliste

[0152] 100 Laundry care appliance 101 Dispensing tray 102 Appliance housing 103 Appliance door 105 Soil container 107 Laundry drum 109 Drum drive 111 Drain opening 115 Liquid line 117 Pump 118-1 Washing liquid feed device 118-2 Feed line 119 Control unit 120 Heating element 121 Control connection 123 Temperature sensor 125 Outlet line 127 Laundry 129 Washing liquid 133 Projection 135-1 First rotation direction 135-2 Second rotation direction 137 Expulsion direction 138-1 First curve in Fig. 4 138-2Second curve in Fig. 4 138-3Third curve in Fig. 4 138-4Fourth curve in Fig. 4 139First curve in Fig. 5A 139-1First corner in Fig. 5B139-2 First curve comprising a second expulsion time period 139-3 First curve comprising an alternative second expulsion time period 139-4 First curve comprising a further expulsion time period 141 First ordinate axis (speed n) 142 Second ordinate axis (temperature T) 143 Abscissa axis (time t) 145 Installation time period 147 Installation speed 149 Intermediate time period 150 Limit speed 151 Intermediate speed range 153 Scooping speed 155 Scooping time period 156-1 Washing speed in the first rotation direction 156-2 Washing speed in the second rotation direction 157 Expulsion time period 157-1 First expulsion time period 157-2 Second expulsion time period 157-3 Alternative second expulsion time period 157-4 Expulsion time period,in which the drum drive rotates at a further reduced drive speed 158First recorded temperature value T1 159-1First output speed 159-2Second output speed 159-3Reduced further output speed 160Second recorded temperature value T2 161Second curve 163Third curve 165-1Time t_0* 165-2Time t_0 167Time t_1 169Time t_2 171Time t_3 173Time t_4 175Temperature difference dT_mix 177Target temperature T_soll 179Limit temperature T_max 181Water inlet phase 183Mains phase 185Heating phase 200Procedure for caring for laundry 201Procedure step: Activating the heating element 203Procedure step: Activating the Drum drive during the first expulsion period 205Procedure step: Activating the temperature sensor during the first expulsion period 207Procedure step: Activating the drum drive during the second expulsion period 209Procedure step: Not initiating the second expulsion period,

Claims

1. Laundry care appliance (100) with an outer tub (105) for accommodating washing liquid (129), a laundry drum (107) for accommodating laundry, wherein the laundry drum (107) is arranged in the outer tub (105), a drum drive (109) for rotating the laundry drum (107), a heating element (120) for heating the washing liquid (129) in the outer tub (105), a temperature sensor (123), which is embodied for detecting a temperature of washing liquid (129) in the outer tub (105), and a controller (119), which is connected to the drum drive (109), the heating element (120) and the temperature sensor (123) for control purposes, wherein the controller (119) is embodied - to activate the heating element (120) before and / or during a first expulsion time section (157-1), in order to heat the washing liquid (129) accommodated in the outer tub (105), - during the first expulsion time section (157-1), to activate the drum drive (109) to rotate the laundry drum (107) at a first expulsion rotary speed (159-1), in order to bring the laundry (127) accommodated in the laundry drum (107) into contact with the laundry drum (107) and to expel the washing liquid (129), which is bound to the laundry (127), at least partially from the laundry (127), - during the first expulsion time section (157-1) with the temperature sensor (123), to detect a first temperature value T1 (158) and at least one second temperature value T2 (160) of the washing liquid (129) supplied in the outer tub (105), and to ascertain a temperature difference dT_mix (175) that is formed from the first temperature value T1 (158) minus the second temperature value T2 (160), - during the first expulsion time section (1571-1) and / or at the end of the first expulsion time section (1571-1), to compare the temperature difference dT_mix (175) with a target temperature difference and characterised in that the controller (119) is further embodied, - if the temperature difference dT_mix (175) is less than the target temperature difference, - then, during a second expulsion time section (157-2) following the first expulsion time section (157-1), to activate the drum drive (109) to rotate the laundry drum (107) at a second expulsion rotary speed (159-2), in order to bring the laundry (127) accommodated in the laundry drum (107) into contact with the laundry drum (107) and to expel the washing liquid (129), which is bound to the laundry (127), at least partially from the laundry (127), - or otherwise not to initiate a second expulsion time section (157-2, 157-3) after the first expulsion time section (157-1).

2. Laundry care appliance (100) according to claim 1, characterised in that the controller (119) is embodied to activate the drum drive (109) during the first expulsion time section (157-1), in order to rotate the laundry drum (107) for a predetermined first duration during the first expulsion time section (157-1).

3. Laundry care appliance (100) according to claim 1 or 2, characterised in that the controller (119) is embodied to activate the temperature sensor (123) during the first expulsion time section (157-1) as a function of the activation of the heating element (120), in particular at the same time as the activation of the heating element (120).

4. Laundry care appliance (100) according to claim 3, characterised in that the controller (119) is embodied to activate the temperature sensor (123) during the first expulsion time section (157-1) if the rotary speed of the laundry drum (107) reaches the first expulsion rotary speed (159-1).

5. Laundry care appliance (100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the controller (119) is embodied, during the second expulsion time section (157-2, 157-3) following the first expulsion time section (157-1), to activate the drum drive (109), in order to alter the second expulsion rotary speed (159-2) of the rotating laundry drum (107) and / or a second duration of the second expulsion time section (157-2, 157-3) as a function of the temperature of washing liquid (129) in the outer tub (105) detected during the first and / or second expulsion time section (157-1, 157-2), in particular as a function of the temperature difference dT_mix (175) ascertained during the first and / or second expulsion time section (157-1, 157-2, 157-3).

6. Laundry care appliance (100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the controller (119) is embodied, during the second expulsion time section (157-2), to activate the drum drive (109), in order to increase the rotary speed of the laundry drum (107) rotating at the second expulsion rotary speed (159-2), in particular to increase it to an increased second expulsion rotary speed (159-2), if the temperature difference dT_mix (175) ascertained during and / or at the end of the first expulsion time section (157-1) is less than the target temperature difference.

7. Laundry care appliance (100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the controller (119) is embodied, during the second expulsion time section (157-2, 157-3), to activate the drum drive (109), in order to increase the second duration of the rotating laundry drum (107), in particular to increase it to an increased second duration, if the temperature difference dT_mix (175) ascertained during and / or at the end of the first expulsion time section (157-1) is less than the target temperature difference.

8. Laundry care appliance (100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the controller (119) is embodied, after the second expulsion time section (157-2, 157-3), not to initiate a further expulsion time section (157) if a temperature of the washing liquid (129) in the outer tub (105) detected by the temperature sensor (123) during the second expulsion time section (157-2, 157-3) or after the second expulsion time section (157-2, 157-3) is greater than or equal to a limit temperature T_max (179), and the controller (119) is embodied to repeat the activation of the heating element (120) before and / or during the first expulsion time section (157-1), the activation of the drum drive (109) during the first expulsion time section (157-1), the ascertaining of the temperature difference dT_mix (175) during and / or at the end of the first expulsion time section (157-1), the comparison of the temperature difference dT_mix (175) with the target temperature and the activation of the drum drive (109) during the second expulsion time section (157-2, 157-3) following the first expulsion time section (157-1), if the temperature of the washing liquid (129) detected by the temperature sensor (123) during the second expulsion time section (157-2, 157-3) or after the second expulsion time section (157-2, 157-3) is less than the limit temperature T_max (179) of the washing liquid (129).

9. Laundry care appliance (100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the laundry care appliance (100) has an imbalance sensor for detecting an imbalance of the rotating laundry drum (107), wherein the controller (119) is embodied to activate the drum drive (109) during the first and / or the second expulsion time section (157-4), in order to rotate the laundry drum (107) at a reduced further expulsion rotary speed (159-2, 159-3), if the imbalance sensor detects an imbalance of the rotating laundry drum (107) during the first and / or second expulsion time section (157-4).

10. Laundry care appliance (100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the controller (119) is embodied, during at least one contacting time section (145) before or after the first expulsion time section (157-1), to activate the drum drive (109), in order to rotate the laundry drum (107) at a contacting rotary speed (147), wherein the contacting rotary speed (147) comprises a rotary speed of the laundry drum (107) at which the laundry (127) accommodated in the laundry drum (107) is in contact with the laundry drum (107) during the rotation of the laundry drum (107).

11. Laundry care appliance (100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the controller (119) is embodied, during at least one scooping time section (155) before or after the first expulsion time section (157-1), to activate the drum drive (109), in order to rotate the laundry drum (107) at a scooping rotary speed (153), wherein the scooping rotary speed (153) comprises a rotary speed of the laundry drum (107) at which the washing liquid (129) accommodated in the outer tub (105) is at least partially moved by the laundry drum (107) and falls onto the laundry (127) accommodated in the laundry drum (107).

12. Laundry care appliance (100) according to claim 11, characterised in that the controller (119) is embodied, during at least one intermediate time section (149) before or after the first expulsion time section (157-1), to activate the drum drive (109), in order to rotate the laundry drum (107) in an intermediate rotary speed range (151), wherein the intermediate rotary speed range (151) comprises a range of the rotary speeds of the laundry drum (107) which extends between the contacting rotary speed (147) and a scooping rotary speed (153) of the laundry drum (107).

13. Method (200) for caring for laundry (127) in a laundry care appliance (100), wherein the laundry care appliance (100) has an outer tub (105) for accommodating washing liquid (129), a laundry drum (107) for accommodating laundry, wherein the laundry drum (107) is arranged in the outer tub (105), a heating element (120) for heating the washing liquid (129) in the outer tub (105), a drum drive (109) for rotating the laundry drum (107), a temperature sensor (123), which is embodied for detecting a temperature of washing liquid (129) in the outer tub (105), and a controller (119), which is connected to the drum drive (109), the heating element (120) and the temperature sensor (123) for control purposes, wherein the method (200) has the following method steps: A) activation (201) of the heating element (120) by the controller (119), in order to heat the washing liquid accommodated in the outer tub (105), B) activation (203) of the drum drive (109) by the controller (119) to rotate the laundry drum (107) at a first expulsion rotary speed (159-1) during a first expulsion time section (157-1), in order to bring the laundry (127) accommodated in the laundry drum (107) into contact with the laundry drum (107) and to expel the washing liquid (129), which is bound to the laundry (127), at least partially from the laundry (127), C) activation (205) of the temperature sensor (123) by the controller (119) during the first expulsion time section (157-1), in order to detect a temperature of washing liquid (129) in the outer tub (105) during the first expulsion time section (157-1), D) detection of a first temperature value T1 (158) and at least one second temperature value T2 (160) of the washing liquid (129) supplied in the outer tub (105), E) ascertaining of a temperature difference dT_mix (175), which is formed from the first temperature value T1 (158) minus the second temperature value T2 (160), F) comparison of the temperature difference dT_mix (175) with a target temperature difference and characterised in that if the temperature difference dT_mix (175) is less than the target temperature difference, then 1) activation (207) of the drum drive (109) by the controller (119) to rotate the laundry drum (107) at a second expulsion rotary speed (159-2) during a second expulsion time section (157-2, 157-3) following the first expulsion time section (157-1), in order to bring the laundry (127) accommodated in the laundry drum (107) into contact with the laundry drum (107) and to expel the washing liquid (129), which is bound to the laundry (127), at least partially from the laundry (127), or otherwise 2) no activation (209) of the second expulsion time section (157-2, 157-3) after the first expulsion time section (157-1) by the controller (119).

14. Method (200) according to claim 13, characterised in that the method (200) comprises an alteration of the second expulsion rotary speed (159-2) of the rotating laundry drum (107) during the second expulsion time section (157-2) and / or an alteration of a second duration of the second expulsion time section (157-3) as a function of the temperature of washing liquid (129) in the outer tub (105) detected during the first and / or second expulsion time section (157-1, 157-2, 157-3), in particular as a function of the temperature difference dT_mix (175) ascertained during the first and / or second expulsion time section (157-1, 157-2, 157-3).

15. Method (200) according to claim 13 or 14, characterised in that the steps of the method are repeated if the temperature of the washing liquid (129) detected by the temperature sensor (123) during the second expulsion time section (157-2) is less than the limit temperature T_max (179) of the washing liquid (129), and the method comprises non-initiation (211) of a further expulsion time section (157-3) after the second expulsion time section (157-2) by the controller (119) if the temperature of the washing liquid (129) detected by the temperature sensor (123) during the second expulsion time section (157-2) is equal to or greater than the limit temperature T_max (179) of the washing liquid (129).

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