Method for hygienic preparation of textiles in a washing machine, apparatus, washing machine and computer program product.

Abstract

The invention relates to a method (200) for a sanitizing treatment of textiles in a washing machine. The method (200) has a step (210) of receiving an end signal, said end signal representing the end of a wash program of the washing machine. The method (200) additionally has a step (215) of reading a door contact signal, said door contact signal representing a state of a door of the washing machine, and a step (225) of providing a start option signal on a user interface when no opening process of the door is detected within a specified period of time, which starts in response to the end signal, using the door contact signal in order to provide a user with a selection option to start a sanitizing wash program.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a method for the hygienic processing of textiles in a washing machine and a washing machine.

[0002] After a wash cycle has finished, it is advisable to remove the cleaned textiles from the washing machine promptly. However, this is sometimes not possible for the user of the washing machine.

[0003] A generic method is known from DE 10 2018 108 775 A1.

[0004] The invention aims to propose an improved method for the hygienic processing of textiles in a washing machine and an improved washing machine.

[0005] According to the invention, this problem is solved by a method for the hygienic processing of textiles in a washing machine and a washing machine with the features of the main claims. Advantageous embodiments and further developments of the invention are described in the following dependent claims.

[0006] The advantages achievable with the invention include not only the saving of resources but also the additional hygienic treatment of textiles after a washing cycle.

[0007] A method for the hygienic processing of textiles in a washing machine is presented. The method includes a step of receiving an end signal, where the end signal represents the end of a washing machine program. The method also includes a step of reading a door contact signal, where the door contact signal represents the state of a washing machine door, and a step of providing a start option signal to a user interface if, within a predefined period triggered by the end signal, no door opening is detected using the door contact signal. This provides the user with the option to start a hygienic rinse program.

[0008] For example, the washing machine in question could be a household appliance used for washing between three and six loads per week, depending on household size. This washing machine might feature intelligent electronic wash management with options such as delayed start or smart app control. This allows users to conveniently schedule a wash cycle so that, even with increasingly busy work schedules, the laundry can be removed immediately after the program finishes. However, despite such wash management features, damp textiles may still remain in the washing machine for an undesirably long time after a cycle has ended, for example, because they were forgotten or removal was not possible for other reasons.If laundry is not removed from the washing machine in a timely manner, a subjective perception of an odor may arise, suggesting an unhygienic condition. To avoid prolonged drying times and the subsequent need for another extensive wash cycle consuming additional resources, the method presented here offers the advantageous possibility of reprocessing the textiles in a resource-efficient manner.

[0009] For this purpose, after a wash program has finished, the end signal, representing the end of the wash program, is received, for example, by a specially designed electronic device in the washing machine. A counter can then be started in response to this end signal, allowing for the recording of a predefined period. Additionally, the door contact signal is read, representing the status of the washing machine door. For example, the door contact signal can detect whether the door is closed. This allows the system to detect whether the door is opened, such as when a user removes the laundry or load from the washing machine. If the door is not opened within the predefined period, a start option signal is provided, giving the user the option to start an additional hygiene rinse program.This selection option can be displayed, for example, on the washing machine's screen or in a mobile device app connected to the washing machine. Advantageously, this reminds the user of the washing machine's load status and allows them to initiate a resource-saving cleaning program, also known as a hygienic rinse, to prepare the textiles. Overall, the intelligent hygienic rinse enables the washing machine operator to hygienically remove the laundry load, even after it has been in the machine for an extended period. The hygienic rinse process uses minimal resources to clean the load, leaving it freshly laundered. Any subjective impression of odor or bacterial contamination is eliminated.

[0010] According to one embodiment, during the reading step, the door contact signal can be read via a door interface to a door contact sensor located on the door. For example, the door contact sensor can detect whether the door is open or closed and provide this information. Advantageously, a contact sensor can be used to reliably and cost-effectively detect whether the washing machine door is being opened.

[0011] According to another embodiment, the method can include an additional step of setting the time period using a setting signal that can represent a duration set via the user interface. For example, a user can specify how long the textiles may remain in the washing machine after a wash cycle using an input device on the washing machine, such as a touchscreen display, or in a mobile app. For example, a maximum period of two hours can be set, and the start option signal is only provided after this period has elapsed and the door has not been opened. Advantageously, the method can thus be individually adapted to the wishes and requirements of a user.

[0012] According to a further embodiment, the method can include an additional step of issuing a start signal to initiate the hygiene rinse program. This step can be triggered by a confirmation signal received via the user interface, where the confirmation signal can represent a user selection to initiate the hygiene rinse program. For example, in the initial step, a user can be presented with an option to initiate a hygiene rinse program, such as a yes / no prompt in an app. If the user confirms this option, for example by tapping "yes," a confirmation signal can be issued, and the hygiene rinse program can be initiated in response to this confirmation signal. Advantageously, this allows the textiles in the washing machine to be processed directly and without delay.

[0013] Furthermore, during the dispensing step, the start signal for the hygiene rinse program can be issued either as an additional rinse cycle according to the wash program or as a water-reduced rinse cycle. For example, a distinction can be made between an additional rinse cycle, which can adequately correspond to rinsing the completed program, and a water-reduced rinse cycle, which can also be referred to as "Spin & Spray." In the water-reduced rinse cycle, for instance, the start signal can be sent only to the washing machine's drum drive and pump, enabling a recirculation function that requires no additional water. This advantageously allows the textile treatment to be optimally adapted to the specific washing situation.

[0014] According to a further embodiment, the method can include a step of adapting the sequence of the hygiene rinse cycle using a wash program signal, wherein the wash program signal can represent program information about the wash program. For example, the subsequent hygiene rinse process can be based on the completed wash program. Depending on the wash program settings, such as program selection, options, and extras, and the information from the process, such as laundry load, load size, water and energy consumption, number of rinse cycles, residual moisture, or program duration, the subsequent hygiene rinse can be adapted accordingly. The hygiene rinse cycle can, for example, have different variations.For example, after a cotton wash program at 60°C with an extra water level setting, a 6.4 kg load, and a program duration of 2.39 hours, a hygiene rinse cycle (variant A) can be started. This rinse cycle is equivalent to a rinse cycle from the cotton program and uses a comparable water level. Similarly, after a delicates wash program at 30°C with a single wash setting, a 0.2 kg load, and a program duration of 39 minutes, a hygiene rinse cycle (variant B) can be started. This rinse cycle uses a low-water rinse process, such as spin and spray.Similarly, for example, after a cotton hygiene wash program at 75°C with an additional Allergowash setting, a hygiene rinse cycle (variant C) can be started for a 4.3 kg load and a program duration of 3.59 hours. This rinse cycle can be equivalent to a rinse cycle from the cotton program and use a comparable water level. Advantageously, such an adjustment of the hygiene rinse cycle allows water and energy consumption to be optimally adapted to the textiles being treated.

[0015] According to another embodiment, the end signal during the receiving step can represent the end of an anti-crease program. For example, a 30-minute anti-crease cycle can be added to the main wash program, during which the textiles are spun at a lower speed than during the main wash cycle. In this case, the anti-crease cycle can be considered the final section of the wash program. The end signal can be provided only after such an anti-crease program has finished, or the duration of the anti-crease program can be added to the waiting time for the door to be opened. This has the advantage that the textiles can be optimally treated even when an anti-crease program is added to the main wash program.

[0016] According to another embodiment, in the provisioning step, the start option signal can be provided to the user interface, which can be located on the washing machine and additionally or alternatively on a mobile device. For example, the user interface can be in the form of a touchscreen display, a rotary knob, or one or more buttons located directly on the washing machine, or it can be designed as part of an app that allows the washing machine to be controlled even over greater distances. Advantageously, this allows a user to directly influence the desired processes of the washing machine.

[0017] The approach presented here further creates a device designed to perform, control, and implement the steps of a variant of the method presented here in appropriate facilities. This embodiment of the invention in the form of a device also allows the problem underlying the invention to be solved quickly and efficiently.

[0018] The device can be configured to read input signals and, using these input signals, determine and provide output signals. An input signal can, for example, be a sensor signal readable via an input interface of the device. An output signal can be a control signal or a data signal that can be provided at an output interface of the device. The device can be configured to determine the output signals using a processing instruction implemented in hardware or software. For example, the device can include a logic circuit, an integrated circuit, or a software module and may be implemented as, or comprised of, a discrete component.

[0019] Furthermore, a washing machine with a hygiene rinse program and a variant of the previously presented device is introduced. Advantageously, this combination allows all the aforementioned benefits to be optimally implemented.

[0020] Although the described approach is based on a household appliance, the device / method described here can be used accordingly in connection with a commercial or professional device.

[0021] A computer program product or computer program with program code that can be stored on a machine-readable medium such as semiconductor memory, hard disk memory, or optical memory is also advantageous. If the program product or program is executed on a computer or device, it can be used to carry out, implement, and / or control the steps of the method according to one of the embodiments described above.

[0022] An embodiment of the invention is shown purely schematically in the drawings and is described in more detail below. It shows Figure 1 is a schematic representation of a washing machine according to an exemplary embodiment; and Figure 2 is a flowchart of a method according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0023] In the following description of favorable embodiments of the present approach, the same or similar reference numerals are used for the elements shown in the various figures and which have a similar effect, without repeating these elements.

[0024] Figure 1Figure 1 shows a schematic representation of a washing machine 100 according to an exemplary embodiment. The washing machine 100 comprises a device 105 for controlling a method for the hygienic processing of textiles 110 after a washing program performed in the washing machine 100. For this purpose, the device 105 is designed to receive an end signal 115, which, by way of example, can be provided by a control unit 120 and represents the end of a washing program of the washing machine. In another exemplary embodiment, the end signal can also represent the end of a crease protection program that follows the actual washing program.

[0025] Optionally, the control unit 120 is also configured to provide a washing program signal 125 to the device 105. By way of example only, the washing program signal 125 provides program information about a selected washing program. Such program information includes, for example, the selected temperature, any additional selected features, the amount of laundry, or the program duration of the wash cycle.

[0026] The device 105 is configured to read a door contact signal 130 via a door interface 135 in response to the end signal 115, in order to detect or monitor the closed state of a door 140 of the washing machine 100. By way of example only, the door contact signal 130 in this embodiment can be provided by a door contact sensor 145 located on the door 140. Furthermore, in one embodiment, the device 105 includes a counter 150 configured to count a predefined period in response to the end signal 115. In one embodiment, the setting signal 155 represents the duration of the waiting period. This duration is set by a user via a user interface 165 located on a mobile device 160, by way of example only. In another embodiment, the user interface can also be located directly on the washing machine.

[0027] In this embodiment, the mobile device 160 is a smartphone on which an app for controlling the washing machine 100 is stored. For illustrative purposes only, in another embodiment it could also be a tablet, a laptop, or a similar mobile device.

[0028] In this embodiment, the device 105 is configured to provide a start option signal 175 to the user interface 165 if, within the predefined period triggered by the end signal 115, no door opening is detected using the door contact signal 130. The start option signal 175 provides a user with the option to start a hygiene wash program. Following a user selection to start the hygiene wash program, the device 105 in this embodiment is configured to read a confirmation signal 180 representing this selection and, in response to the confirmation signal 180, provide a start signal 185 to the control unit 120. By way of example, the start signal 185 represents the start of the hygiene wash program in the form of a water-reduced wash cycle, which can also be described as a spin and spray cycle.In another embodiment, an additional rinse cycle is started using the start signal, in accordance with the previously completed wash program.

[0029] Thus, according to one embodiment, if the laundry remains in the washing machine 100 for an extended period after the program has ended, a subsequent process is automatically activated and can be initiated or acknowledged by the operator. The end of the program is clearly defined by the washing machine, for example, by activating a 30-minute anti-crease function after the program has finished. A door contact sensor 145 detects whether the load has been removed or is still in the washing machine 100. If the door contact does not signal that the door has been opened for a defined period (for example, less than two hours), an automatic hygiene rinse is offered. This function can be controlled by the user directly on the washing machine 100 or via the app.The subsequent hygienic rinsing process is merely an example based on the completed wash program. Depending on the settings, such as program, options, and extras, and the information gathered during the process, including laundry load, load level, water and energy consumption, number of rinse cycles, residual moisture, and program duration, the subsequent hygienic rinsing process is adjusted accordingly. For example, a distinction is made between an additional rinse cycle that adequately corresponds to the rinse cycle of the completed program, or a simple "spin & spray" rinse cycle that uses water more efficiently.

[0030] Figure 2Figure 200 shows a flowchart of an embodiment of Method 200 for the hygienic processing of textiles in a washing machine. In this embodiment, Method 200 comprises a step 205 for setting a time period using a setting signal that represents a duration set via a user interface. The duration is set individually by a user, merely as an example, and defines the period between the end of a wash program and the availability of a selection option to start a hygienic rinse cycle. Method 200 also comprises a step 210 for receiving an end signal, where the end signal represents the end of a washing machine program, and a step 215 for reading a door contact signal, where the door contact signal represents the state of a washing machine door.

[0031] In one embodiment, method 200 optionally includes a step 220 for adapting the sequence of the hygiene rinse cycle using a wash program signal, wherein the wash program signal represents program information for the wash program. In the illustration shown here, step 220 of adaptation is performed only as an example after step 215 of reading data and, in another embodiment, can also be performed before step 215 of reading data or after one of the following steps.

[0032] In this embodiment, the optional adaptation step 220 is followed by step 225, which provides a start option signal to a user interface to offer a user the option to start a hygiene flushing program. This step is performed on the condition that no door opening was detected within the time period defined in step 205 and triggered by the end signal, using the door contact signal.

[0033] By way of example only, procedure 200 also includes a step of issuing a start signal to initiate the hygiene flushing program in response to a confirmation signal read in via the user interface, the confirmation signal representing a selection made by the user to initiate the hygiene flushing program.

Claims

1. Method (200) for the hygienic treatment of textiles (110) in a washing machine (100), wherein the method (200) comprises the following steps: receiving (210) an end signal (115), wherein the end signal (115) represents an end of a washing programme of the washing machine (100); characterised by reading (215) a door contact signal (130), wherein the door contact signal (130) represents a state of a door (140) of the washing machine (100); and providing (225) a start option signal (175) to a user interface (165) if no opening of the door (140) has been recognised using the door contact signal (130) within a predefined time period started in response to the end signal (115), in order to provide a user with a selection option for starting a hygiene rinse programme.

2. Method (200) according to claim 1, wherein, in the step (215) of reading, the door contact signal (130) is read via a door interface (135) to a door contact sensor (145) arranged on the door (140).

3. Method (200) according to one of the preceding claims, comprising a step (215) of setting the time period using a setting signal (155) which represents a duration of the time period set via the user interface (165).

4. Method (200) according to one of the preceding claims, comprising a step (230) of outputting a start signal (185) for starting the hygiene rinse programme in response to a confirmation signal (180) read via the user interface (165), wherein the confirmation signal (180) represents a selection made by the user to start the hygiene rinse programme.

5. Method (200) according to claim 4, wherein, in the step (230) of outputting, the start signal (185) for starting the hygiene rinse programme is output in the form of an additional rinse cycle according to the washing programme or in the form of a water-reduced rinse cycle.

6. Method (200) according to one of the preceding claims, comprising a step (220) of adjusting a sequence of the hygiene rinse cycle using a washing programme signal (125) which represents programme information about the washing programme.

7. Method (200) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein, in the step (210) of receiving, the end signal (115) represents an end of a crease protection programme.

8. Method (200) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein, in the step (225) of providing, the start option signal (175) is provided to the user interface (165), which is arranged on the washing machine (100) and / or on a mobile device (205).

9. Washing machine (100) comprising a hygiene rinse programme and an apparatus (105) designed to perform the steps (210, 215, 225) of the method (200) according to one of the preceding claims in corresponding units.

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