Laundry care appliance with a control device

Abstract

Laundry care appliance (100), comprising a housing (101) with a housing opening (103), a rotatable washing drum (105) arranged inside the housing (101) for receiving laundry, an appliance door (107) for closing the housing opening (103), a control unit (109) for executing a laundry care program for treating the laundry received in the washing drum (105), a sensor (111) for acquiring sensor data, a drum drive (113) for rotating the rotatable washing drum (105), and a power sensing element (115) for acquiring at least one power parameter of the drum drive (113), wherein the laundry care program comprises a laundry treatment time interval, wherein the sensor (111) is configured to acquire the sensor data with the appliance door (107) closed before the execution of the laundry treatment time interval of the laundry care program, wherein the control unit (109) is configuredto determine a first weight of the laundry placed in the washing drum (105) based on the sensor data of the sensor (111), wherein the controller (109) is configured to activate the drum drive (113) during a rotation time interval after the execution of the laundry treatment time interval of the laundry care program when the appliance door (107) has been closed, wherein the power sensing element (115) is configured to detect the at least one power parameter of the drum drive (113) during the rotation time interval. The controller (109) is configured to determine a first reference weight of the laundry placed in the washing drum (105) based on the at least one power parameter of the power sensing element (115), wherein the controller (109) is configuredto determine a difference between the determined initial weight of the laundry placed in the washing drum (105) and the determined initial reference weight of the laundry placed in the washing drum (105), and wherein the controller (109) is configured to calibrate the sensor (111) based on the determined difference.

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a laundry care device with a control unit and a method for calibrating a sensor of the laundry care device.

[0002] Laundry care appliances often have a sensor to detect the weight of the laundry being treated. These sensors typically require regular calibration, for example, because the appliance and / or the sensor can be subject to wear and tear over time, which can distort the sensor's readings. Often, an empty load is required for sensor calibration, which can lead to incorrect calibration if, for example, some items of laundry are missed.

[0003] EP 3 241 938 B1 relates to a method for controlling a washing machine.

[0004] The object of the invention is to provide a laundry care device and a method for the efficient calibration of a sensor.

[0005] This problem is solved by the items with the features according to the independent claims. Advantageous embodiments are the subject of the dependent claims, the description, and the drawings.

[0006] According to a first aspect, the problem according to the invention is solved by a laundry care device comprising a housing with a housing opening, a rotatable washing drum arranged inside the housing for receiving laundry, a device door for closing the housing opening, a control unit for executing a laundry care program for treating the laundry received in the washing drum, a sensor for acquiring sensor data, a drum drive for rotating the rotatable washing drum, and a power sensing element for acquiring at least one power parameter of the drum drive, wherein the laundry care program comprises a laundry treatment time interval, wherein the sensor is configured to acquire the sensor data with the device door closed before the execution of the laundry treatment time interval of the laundry care program, and wherein the control unit is configuredto determine a first weight of the laundry placed in the washing drum based on the sensor data of the sensor, wherein the controller is configured to activate the drum drive during a rotation time interval after the execution of the laundry treatment time interval of the laundry care program when the appliance door is closed, wherein the power sensing element is configured to detect the at least one power parameter of the drum drive during the rotation time interval, wherein the controller is configured to determine a first reference weight of the laundry placed in the washing drum based on the at least one power parameter of the power sensing element, wherein the controller is configured to determine a difference between the determined first weight of the laundry placed in the washing drum and the determined first reference weight of the laundry placed in the washing drum, and wherein the controller is configuredto calibrate the sensor based on the specified difference.

[0007] This achieves the technical advantage that the sensor can be efficiently calibrated throughout the entire service life of the laundry appliance. Calibration of the sensor with an empty drum, for example during a dry cycle, is unnecessary; instead, the sensor can be calibrated during operation relative to a reference measurement using the power sensing element. Such power sensing elements are often already integrated into laundry appliances, eliminating the need for additional hardware for reference measurements. Therefore, existing laundry appliances can also be efficiently retrofitted, for example, by reprogramming the control unit. This allows the laundry appliance's sensor to deliver reliable measurements throughout the appliance's lifespan, regardless of environmental conditions.

[0008] The difference determined by the control system can, for example, be a percentage difference between the first weight and the reference weight. Calibrating the sensor based on this difference can involve, for example, storing the difference in the laundry appliance's electronic memory and reading it from the electronic memory during a repeat execution of the laundry program and / or the execution of a second laundry program that differs from the first, followed by calibrating the sensor based on the read-out difference.

[0009] For example, the control system may be configured not to calibrate the sensor if no difference is detected between the determined initial weight of the laundry placed in the washing drum and the determined initial reference weight of the laundry placed in the washing drum.

[0010] A laundry care appliance is understood to be a device used for laundry care, such as a tumble dryer, a washing machine, or a washer-dryer. Specifically, such a laundry care appliance is understood to be a household laundry care appliance. That is, a laundry care appliance used in the course of household management and with which laundry in typical household quantities is treated.

[0011] According to an advantageous embodiment, the sensor is configured to acquire further sensor data, wherein the control is configured to determine a further weight of laundry taken up in the washing drum based on the further sensor data of the sensor and the determined difference, in order to calibrate the sensor based on the determined difference.

[0012] This achieves the technical advantage that the subsequent weight can be determined more accurately through calibration. The measured difference can then be used as a correction value when determining the subsequent weight. The additional sensor data can be recorded, for example, during a repeat execution of the laundry care program and / or during the execution of a second laundry care program that differs from the first. The difference determined by the control system can, for example, be a percentage difference between the first weight and the reference weight, which is then factored into the subsequent weight calculation. If, for instance, the difference is determined to be 5%, meaning the first weight is 5% higher than the reference weight, then this 5% can be subtracted from the subsequent weight for calibration purposes.

[0013] According to an advantageous embodiment, the laundry care device comprises a water supply device connected to the control system via a signal, wherein the water supply device is configured to supply washing liquid to the laundry during activation, and wherein the control system is configured not to activate the water supply device during the execution of the laundry treatment time interval.

[0014] This achieves the technical advantage that the sensor and the power measurement element can detect the same actual weight of the laundry without absorbed water, thus enabling calibration with the lowest possible measurement uncertainty or error propagation.

[0015] According to an advantageous embodiment, the laundry care device comprises a water supply device connected to the control system via a signal, wherein the water supply device is configured to supply a predefined quantity of washing liquid to the laundry during activation, wherein the control system is configured to activate the water supply device during the execution of the laundry treatment time interval, and wherein the control system is configured to determine the first reference weight of the laundry held in the washing drum based on the at least one performance parameter of the power sensing element and based on the predefined quantity of washing liquid supplied.

[0016] This offers the technical advantage that the difference between the initial weight and the initial reference weight, determined by the control system, can be calculated even if the actual weight of the laundry in the drum changes during the wash cycle. Therefore, the difference can be determined more flexibly and / or more frequently during the wash program.

[0017] For example, the control system can be configured to determine the first reference weight based on sensor data from a sensor that detects the water level or pressure in the laundry appliance, particularly in the washing machine's tub. This can involve determining, for instance, the proportion of the predefined amount of washing liquid absorbed by the laundry. In this way, a first reference weight reduced by this proportion of the predefined amount of washing liquid can be determined to establish a meaningful difference between the first weight and the reference weight.

[0018] According to an advantageous embodiment, the laundry care device comprises a drying device connected to the control system via a signal, wherein the drying device is configured to remove moisture from the laundry during activation, and wherein the control system is configured not to activate the drying device during the execution of the laundry treatment time interval.

[0019] This achieves the technical advantage that the sensor and the power measurement element can detect the same actual weight of the laundry without any water being released, thus enabling calibration with the lowest possible measurement uncertainty or error propagation.

[0020] According to an advantageous embodiment, the laundry care device comprises a drying device connected to the control unit via a signal connection, wherein the drying device is configured to extract moisture from the laundry during activation, wherein the control unit is configured to activate the drying device during the execution of the laundry treatment time interval, wherein the laundry care device comprises a further sensor, wherein the further sensor is configured to acquire further sensor data that can be attributed to a quantity of moisture extracted from the laundry, and wherein the control unit is configured to determine the first reference weight of the laundry held in the washing drum based on the at least one performance parameter of the power sensing element and based on the further sensor data.

[0021] This offers the technical advantage that the difference between the initial weight and the initial reference weight, determined by the control system, can be calculated even if the actual weight of the laundry in the drum changes during the wash cycle. Therefore, the difference can be determined more flexibly and / or more frequently during the wash program.

[0022] Therefore, an initial reference weight increased by the amount of moisture removed from the laundry can be determined in order to establish a meaningful difference between the initial weight and the reference weight. For example, the additional sensor could be a humidity sensor designed to detect the moisture content of the laundry and / or the moisture content of an airflow directed from the washing drum to the drying unit.

[0023] According to an advantageous embodiment, the control system is configured to determine an average value from a plurality of differences in weights and reference weights based on successive acquisitions of sensor data and power acquisition data, and to calibrate the sensor based on the average of the plurality of differences.

[0024] This achieves the technical advantage of increasing calibration accuracy. Furthermore, measurement uncertainties of the power acquisition element can be compensated for by averaging. The majority of average values ​​can, for example, exceed ten, and especially one hundred.

[0025] According to an advantageous embodiment, the control unit is configured to calibrate the sensor during the execution of the laundry care program after the laundry treatment time interval; or the control unit is configured to calibrate the sensor after the execution of the laundry care program during an execution of a calibration program of the laundry care device.

[0026] If the sensor is calibrated during the execution of the laundry care program after the laundry treatment time interval, the technical advantage is achieved that calibration can take place during the laundry care program itself, thus requiring no further user input.

[0027] If the sensor is calibrated after the laundry care program has run, during a calibration program of the laundry care appliance, this offers the technical advantage of allowing the user to perform a targeted calibration. For example, the laundry care appliance can indicate to the user, particularly via a display, when the average of differences exceeds a threshold, prompting the user to start the calibration program. Alternatively, the laundry care appliance can also start the calibration program automatically when the average of differences exceeds the threshold.

[0028] According to an advantageous embodiment, the device door comprises a locking mechanism connected to the control system via a signal, wherein the locking mechanism is configured, upon activation, to lock the device door in a closed state, and wherein the control system is configured to activate the locking mechanism within a time interval from the acquisition of the sensor data by the sensor until the acquisition of at least one performance parameter by the power element in order to lock the device door.

[0029] This achieves the technical advantage of ensuring that the user does not change the amount of laundry, i.e., the number of items of laundry in the washing drum, between the measurements of the sensor and the power sensing element.

[0030] According to an advantageous embodiment, the appliance door comprises an appliance door sensor connected to the control system via a signal connection, wherein the appliance door sensor is configured to detect a closed state of the appliance door and to detect an open state of the appliance door; wherein the control system is configured to determine the difference between the determined first weight of the laundry placed in the washing drum and the determined first reference weight of the laundry placed in the washing drum when the appliance door sensor detects the closed state of the appliance door during a time interval from the acquisition of the sensor data by the sensor until the acquisition of the at least one performance parameter by the power element;and / or wherein the control is designed not to determine the difference between the determined first weight of the laundry placed in the washing drum and the determined first reference weight of the laundry placed in the washing drum, if the appliance door sensor detects the open state of the appliance door at least sectionally during the time interval from the acquisition of the sensor data by the sensor until the acquisition of at least one performance parameter by the power element.

[0031] This achieves the technical advantage that the difference determined by the control system for the sensor calibration is only detected if the user does not change the amount of laundry, i.e., the number of items of laundry placed in the washing drum, between the measurements of the sensor and the power sensing element.

[0032] According to an advantageous embodiment, the laundry care appliance comprises a tub in which the rotatable washing drum is arranged, and a vibration system designed to mount the tub in the laundry care appliance in a way that allows it to vibrate via at least one suspension, wherein the sensor is designed to detect vibrations of the vibration system transmitted via the at least one suspension, and wherein in particular the sensor comprises a strain gauge connected to the at least one suspension.

[0033] This achieves the technical advantage that the sensor can capture sensor data that is particularly informative regarding the weight of the laundry in the washing drum. For example, the strain gauge can detect the force exerted by the suspension and / or the damping travel caused by the suspension. The force exerted by the suspension and / or the damping travel caused by the suspension can be directly proportional to the initial weight.

[0034] According to an advantageous embodiment, at least one performance parameter of the drum drive includes a motor current of the drum drive.

[0035] This achieves the technical advantage that a performance parameter can be used to determine the reference weight, which is particularly easy to measure and requires no additional material.

[0036] According to an advantageous embodiment, the laundry care program includes a second laundry treatment time interval, wherein the sensor is configured to acquire second sensor data after the execution of the laundry treatment interval and before the execution of the second laundry treatment time interval of the laundry care program when the appliance door is closed, wherein the controller is configured to determine a second weight of the laundry placed in the washing drum based on the second sensor data, wherein the controller is configured to activate the drum drive during a second rotation time interval when the appliance door is closed after the execution of the second laundry treatment time interval of the laundry care program, wherein the power sensing element is configured to acquire at least one second power parameter of the drum drive during the second rotation time interval, wherein the controller is configuredto determine a second reference weight of the laundry placed in the washing drum based on at least one second performance parameter of the power sensing element, wherein the controller is configured to determine a second difference between the determined second weight of the laundry placed in the washing drum and the determined second reference weight of the laundry placed in the washing drum after execution of the second laundry treatment interval of the laundry care program and to calibrate the sensor based on the determined difference and the determined second difference.

[0037] This offers the technical advantage that, during the laundry care program, the difference between the laundry weight and reference weights can be determined repeatedly, especially multiple times. This allows for more efficient calibration.

[0038] For example, between the detection of the first reference weight by the power sensing element and the detection of the second weight by the sensor, washing liquid, in particular a quantity of washing liquid defined by the laundry care program, can be added via the water supply device, or moisture can be removed, in particular via the drying device. Alternatively, the water supply device and / or the drying device can remain unactivated between the detection of the first reference weight by the power sensing element and the detection of the second weight by the sensor.

[0039] According to an advantageous embodiment, the control unit is configured to execute a further laundry care program for treating additional laundry placed in the washing drum, wherein the further laundry care program includes a third laundry treatment time interval, wherein the sensor is configured to acquire third sensor data from the sensor before the execution of the third laundry treatment time interval of the further laundry care program when the appliance door is closed, wherein the control unit is configured to determine a third weight of the additional laundry placed in the washing drum based on the third sensor data from the sensor, wherein the control unit is configured to activate the drum drive during a third rotation time interval after the execution of the third laundry treatment time interval of the further laundry care program when the appliance door is closed, wherein the power sensing element is configuredduring the third rotation time interval, to detect at least one third performance parameter of the drum drive, wherein the controller is configured to determine a third reference weight of the additional laundry placed in the washing drum based on the at least one third performance parameter of the power detection element, wherein the controller is configured to determine a third difference between the determined third weight of the additional laundry placed in the washing drum and the determined third reference weight of the additional laundry placed in the washing drum after execution of the third laundry treatment interval of the additional laundry care program, and to calibrate the sensor based on the determined difference and the determined third difference.

[0040] This achieves the technical advantage of being able to utilize differences in weight measurement based on data from the sensor and the power measurement element during different laundry care programs or repeated executions of the laundry care program with different laundry loads and / or under different environmental conditions. This allows for more efficient calibration. The additional laundry care program could, for example, be a repeat execution of the laundry care program or a different laundry care program altogether.

[0041] According to a second aspect, the problem according to the invention is solved by a method for calibrating a sensor of a laundry care appliance, wherein the laundry care appliance comprises a housing with a housing opening, a rotatable washing drum arranged inside the housing for receiving laundry, an appliance door for closing the housing opening, a control unit for executing a laundry care program for treating the laundry received in the washing drum, a sensor for acquiring sensor data, a drum drive for rotating the rotatable washing drum, and a power sensing element for acquiring at least one power parameter of the drum drive, wherein the laundry care program comprises a laundry treatment time interval, and wherein the method comprises: acquiring the sensor data by the sensor with the appliance door closed before the execution of the laundry treatment time interval of the laundry care program;Determining an initial weight of the laundry in the drum by the controller based on the sensor data; activating the drum drive during a rotation interval with the appliance door closed after the laundry care program's treatment interval has been completed; detecting at least one power parameter of the drum drive by the power sensing element during the rotation interval; determining an initial reference weight of the laundry in the drum by the controller based on the power sensing element's performance parameter; determining the difference between the determined initial weight of the laundry in the drum and the determined initial reference weight; and calibrating the sensor by the controller based on this determined difference.

[0042] The embodiments mentioned for the laundry care system according to the first aspect are also embodiments for the method according to the second aspect.

[0043] Exemplary embodiments of the invention are shown in the drawings and are described in more detail below.

[0044] They show: Fig. 1 a schematic view of a laundry care device according to one embodiment; Fig. 2 a schematic representation of a flowchart for calibrating a sensor of a laundry care device according to one embodiment; and Fig. 3 a schematic representation of a method for calibrating a sensor of a laundry care device according to one embodiment.

[0045] Fig. 1 Figure 1 shows a schematic view of a laundry care device 100 according to one embodiment. The laundry care device 100 comprises a housing 101 and a housing opening 103. As shown in the Fig. 1 In schematic representation, the laundry care appliance comprises a rotatable washing drum 105 arranged inside the housing 101 for receiving laundry and an appliance door 107 for closing the housing opening 103. A user of the laundry care appliance 100 can place laundry into the rotatable washing drum 105 through the housing opening 103 when the appliance door 107 is open. If the appliance door 107 is closed, in particular locked, the user cannot place laundry into the rotatable washing drum 105.

[0046] As in the Fig. 1 In schematic representation, the laundry care device 100 further comprises a control unit 109 for executing a laundry care program for treating the laundry held in the washing drum 105, a sensor 111 for recording sensor data, a drum drive 113 for rotating the rotatable washing drum 105 and a power sensing element 115 for recording at least one power parameter of the drum drive 113.

[0047] The laundry care program includes a laundry treatment time interval. The sensor 111 is designed to acquire sensor data before the laundry treatment time interval of the laundry care program is executed, with the appliance door 107 closed. The controller 109 is designed to determine an initial weight of the laundry placed in the washing drum 105 based on the sensor data from the sensor 111.

[0048] The laundry care appliance 100 can also be used in the Fig.1 not shown, tub in which the rotatable washing drum 105 is arranged, and a container in the Fig.1 The vibration system (not shown) may include the vibration system. The vibration system may be configured to mount the tub in the laundry appliance 100 so that it can be oscillated via at least one spring. The sensor 111 may be configured to detect vibrations of the vibration system transmitted via the at least one spring for the purpose of acquiring sensor data. In particular, the sensor 111 may include a strain gauge connected to the at least one spring.

[0049] The control unit 109 is further configured to activate the drum drive 113 during a rotation interval after the laundry treatment time interval of the laundry care program has been executed, provided the appliance door 107 is closed. The power sensing element 115 is configured to detect at least one power parameter of the drum drive 113 during the rotation interval. This at least one power parameter of the drum drive 113 can, for example, include the motor current of the drum drive 113. The control unit 109 is configured to determine a first reference weight of the laundry placed in the washing drum 105 based on the at least one power parameter of the power sensing element 115.

[0050] The controller 109 is designed to determine a difference between the determined first weight of the laundry taken up in the washing drum 105 and the determined first reference weight of the laundry taken up in the washing drum 105, and to calibrate the sensor 111 based on the determined difference.

[0051] The controller 109 can be configured to calibrate the sensor 111 during the execution of the laundry care program after the laundry treatment time interval. Alternatively, the controller 109 can be configured to calibrate the sensor 111 after the execution of the laundry care program during the execution of a calibration program of the laundry care device 100.

[0052] Sensor 111 can be configured to acquire additional sensor data. Controller 109 can be configured to determine a further weight of laundry placed in the washing drum 105 based on this additional sensor data from sensor 111 and the calculated difference, in order to calibrate sensor 111 based on this calculated difference. The calculated difference can then be used as a correction value when determining the additional weight. This additional sensor data can be acquired, for example, during a repeat execution of the laundry care program and / or during the execution of a second laundry care program that differs from the first.

[0053] The laundry care appliance 100, designed in particular as a clothes dryer or washing machine, can be connected to the control unit 109 via a signal connection and integrated into the Fig.1 The water supply device (not shown) may be included. The water supply device may be configured to supply washing liquid to the laundry during activation. The controller 109 may be configured not to activate the water supply device during the execution of the laundry treatment time interval.

[0054] Alternatively, the control unit 109 can be configured to activate the water supply device during the execution of the laundry treatment time interval and to determine the first reference weight of the laundry taken up in the washing drum 105 based on at least one performance parameter of the power sensing element 115 and based on the predefined quantity of washing liquid supplied.

[0055] For example, the control unit 109 can be configured to further determine the first reference weight based on sensor data from a unit located in the Fig. 1 The sensor (not shown) is used to detect the water level or water pressure in the laundry care appliance 100. This allows, for example, the determination of the proportion of the predefined amount of washing liquid supplied that is absorbed by the laundry.

[0056] Therefore, a first reference weight reduced by this proportion of the predefined amount of added washing liquid can be determined in order to ascertain a meaningful difference between the first weight and the reference weight.

[0057] The laundry care appliance 100, designed in particular as a tumble dryer or washer-dryer, can be connected to the control unit 109 via a signal connection and integrated into the Fig.1 The drying device (not shown) is included. During activation, the drying device is configured to remove moisture from the laundry. The controller 109 can be configured not to activate the drying device during the execution of the laundry treatment time interval.

[0058] Alternatively, the control unit 109 can be configured to activate the drying device during the execution of the laundry treatment time interval. The laundry care device 100 can be configured to include one in the Fig.1 The additional sensor, not shown, may be configured to acquire further sensor data that can be attributed to the amount of moisture removed from the laundry. The controller 109 may be configured to determine the initial reference weight of the laundry placed in the washing drum 105 based on at least one performance parameter of the power sensing element 115 and on the additional sensor data. In this way, an initial reference weight increased by the amount of moisture removed from the laundry can be determined in order to ascertain a meaningful difference between the initial weight and the reference weight.

[0059] The controller 109 can be configured to determine an average value from a plurality of differences in weights and reference weights based on successive acquisitions of sensor and power measurement data, and to calibrate the sensor 111 based on the average of these differences. The average value can be calculated, for example, from the difference described above, as well as from a second difference described below, and / or from a third difference described below.

[0060] The device door 107 can be connected to the control unit 109 via a signal connection and in the Fig.1 The locking mechanism, not shown, may include the locking mechanism. Upon activation, the locking mechanism may be configured to lock the device door 107 in a closed position. The control unit 109 may be configured to activate the locking mechanism within a time interval between the acquisition of sensor data by the sensor 111 and the acquisition of at least one performance parameter by the power element, in order to lock the device door 107.

[0061] Alternatively, the device door 107 can be connected to the control unit 109 via a signal connection and in the Fig.1 The appliance door sensor (not shown) may be included. The appliance door sensor can be configured to detect a closed state of the appliance door 107 and to detect an open state of the appliance door 107. The controller 109 can be configured to determine the difference between the determined initial weight of the laundry placed in the washing drum 105 and the determined initial reference weight of the laundry placed in the washing drum 105 when the appliance door sensor detects the closed state of the appliance door 107 during a time interval from the acquisition of the sensor data by the sensor 111 until the acquisition of at least one performance parameter by the power element.

[0062] Alternatively or additionally, the control unit 109 can be configured not to determine the difference between the determined first weight of the laundry taken up in the washing drum 105 and the determined first reference weight of the laundry taken up in the washing drum 105 if the appliance door sensor detects the open state of the appliance door 107 at least sectionally in the time interval from the acquisition of the sensor data by the sensor 111 until the acquisition of at least one performance parameter by the power element.

[0063] The laundry care program can include a second laundry treatment interval. Sensor 111 can be configured to acquire second sensor data from sensor 111 after the execution of the first laundry treatment interval and before the execution of the second laundry treatment interval of the laundry care program, with the appliance door 107 closed. The controller 109 can be configured to determine a second weight of the laundry placed in the washing drum 105 based on this second sensor data from sensor 111.

[0064] The control unit 109 can further be configured to activate the drum drive 113 during a second rotation interval after the second laundry treatment time interval of the laundry care program has been executed, provided the appliance door 107 is closed. The power sensing element 115 can be configured to detect at least one second power parameter of the drum drive 113 during the second rotation interval. The control unit 109 can be configured to determine a second reference weight of the laundry in the washing drum 105 based on the at least one second power parameter of the power sensing element 115.

[0065] The control unit 109 can further be configured to determine a second difference between the determined second weight of the laundry taken up in the washing drum 105 and the determined second reference weight of the laundry taken up in the washing drum 105 after execution of the second laundry treatment interval of the laundry care program and to calibrate the sensor 111 based on the determined difference and the determined second difference, in particular an average of the difference and the second difference.

[0066] Alternatively or additionally, the controller 109 can be configured to execute a further laundry care program for treating additional laundry placed in the washing drum 105. This further laundry care program can be a repeat execution of the existing laundry care program or a different laundry care program altogether. The further laundry care program can include a third laundry treatment time interval. The sensor 111 can be configured to acquire third sensor data from sensor 111 before the execution of the third laundry treatment time interval of the further laundry care program, provided the appliance door 107 is closed. The controller 109 can be configured to determine a third weight of the additional laundry placed in the washing drum 105 based on this third sensor data from sensor 111.

[0067] The control unit 109 can further be configured to activate the drum drive 113 during a third rotation interval after the third laundry treatment time interval of the subsequent laundry care program has been completed, provided the appliance door 107 is closed. The power sensing element 115 can be configured to detect at least one third power parameter of the drum drive 113 during the third rotation interval. The control unit 109 can be configured to determine a third reference weight of the additional laundry placed in the washing drum 105 based on the at least one third power parameter of the power sensing element 115.

[0068] The control unit 109 can be configured to determine a third difference between the determined third weight of the additional laundry taken up in the washing drum 105 and the determined third reference weight of the additional laundry taken up in the washing drum 105 after execution of the third laundry treatment interval of the additional laundry care program and to calibrate the sensor 111 based on the determined difference and the determined third difference, in particular an average of the difference and the third difference.

[0069] Fig. 2 Figure 1 shows a schematic representation of a flowchart 200 for calibrating a sensor 111 of a laundry care appliance 100 according to one embodiment. The laundry care appliance 100 can perform the function described in the Fig.1 The depicted laundry care appliance should be 100. How to get to the Fig. 1 already described and in the Fig.2 (Not shown) the laundry care appliance 100 comprises a housing 101 with a housing opening 103, a rotatable washing drum 105 arranged inside the housing 101 for receiving laundry, an appliance door 107 for closing the housing opening 103, a control unit 109 for executing a laundry care program for treating the laundry received in the washing drum 105, the sensor 111 for acquiring sensor data, a drum drive 113 for rotating the rotatable washing drum 105 and a power sensing element 115 for acquiring at least one power parameter of the drum drive 113 and the laundry care program comprises a laundry treatment time interval.

[0070] According to a first step 201 of the flowchart 200, which is only shown schematically, the user of the laundry care appliance 100 can place laundry through the housing opening 103 into the washing drum 105 with the appliance door 107 open.

[0071] According to a second step 203 of the flowchart 200, which is only shown schematically, the user of the laundry care appliance 100 can close the appliance door 107 to close the housing opening 103. The control unit 109 may then be configured to lock the appliance door 107.

[0072] According to a third step 205 of the flowchart 200, which is only shown schematically, the sensor 111 is configured to acquire sensor data with the appliance door 107 closed, before the execution of the laundry treatment time interval of the laundry care program. The controller 109 is configured to determine an initial weight of the laundry placed in the washing drum 105 based on the sensor data from the sensor 111.

[0073] According to a fourth step 207 of the flowchart 200, which is only shown schematically, the controller 109 can be configured to execute the laundry treatment time interval of the laundry care program. In particular, it can be provided that no moisture is removed from the laundry in the washing drum 105 or that no washing liquid is added during the laundry treatment interval. Alternatively, it can be provided that a measurable amount of moisture is removed from the laundry in the washing drum 105 during the laundry treatment interval, or that a measurable amount of washing liquid is added, and that the measurable amount of moisture or washing liquid is recorded.

[0074] According to a fifth step 209 of the flowchart 200, which is only shown schematically, the power sensing element 115 is configured to detect at least one power parameter of the drum drive 113 during a rotation time interval. The controller 109 is configured to determine a first reference weight of the laundry in the washing drum 105 based on the at least one power parameter of the power sensing element 115. The first reference weight can optionally be adjusted based on the measurable amount of moisture or washing liquid. After the fifth step 209, the controller 109 may be configured to unlock the appliance door 107 again. In this way, a closed appliance door 107 and thus a constant amount of laundry, i.e., a constant number of items, in the washing drum 105 can be ensured during steps 205 to 209.

[0075] According to a sixth step 211 of the flowchart 200, which is only shown schematically, the controller 109 is configured to determine a difference between the determined initial weight of the laundry placed in the washing drum 105 and the determined initial reference weight of the laundry placed in the washing drum 105, and to calibrate the sensor 111 based on the determined difference. As shown in the Fig. 2 As shown, after the sixth step 211, for example while the laundry care program is still running, the third step 205 can be executed again. It may be stipulated, for example, that washing liquid is added to the laundry or moisture is removed before the third step 205 is executed again.

[0076] Fig. 3 Figure 1 shows a schematic representation of a method 300 for calibrating a sensor 111 of a laundry care appliance 100 according to one embodiment. The laundry care appliance 100 can perform the function described in the Fig.1 The depicted laundry care appliance should be 100. How to get to the Fig. 1 already described and in the Fig. 3 (Not shown) the laundry care appliance 100 comprises a housing 101 with a housing opening 103, a rotatable washing drum 105 arranged inside the housing 101 for receiving laundry, an appliance door 107 for closing the housing opening 103, a control unit 109 for executing a laundry care program for treating the laundry received in the washing drum 105, the sensor 111 for acquiring sensor data, a drum drive 113 for rotating the rotatable washing drum 105 and a power sensing element 115 for acquiring at least one power parameter of the drum drive 113 and the laundry care program comprises a laundry treatment time interval.

[0077] The procedure 300 includes as a first procedure step a recording 301 of the sensor data by the sensor 111 with the appliance door 107 closed before the execution of the laundry treatment time interval of the laundry care program.

[0078] The procedure 300 includes as a second procedure step a determination 303 of a first weight of the laundry taken up in the washing drum 105 by the control unit 109 based on the sensor data of the sensor 111.

[0079] The procedure 300 includes as a third procedure step an activation 305 of the drum drive 113 during a rotation time interval with the appliance door 107 closed after the execution of the laundry treatment time interval of the laundry care program.

[0080] The method 300 includes as a fourth process step a recording 307 of at least one performance parameter of the drum drive 113 by the power recording element 115 during the rotation time interval.

[0081] The procedure 300 includes as a fifth procedure step a determination 309 of a first reference weight of the laundry taken up in the washing drum 105 by the control unit 109 based on at least one performance parameter of the power sensing element 115.

[0082] The procedure 300 includes as a sixth procedure step a determination 311 of a difference between the determined first weight of the laundry taken up in the washing drum 105 and the determined first reference weight of the laundry taken up in the washing drum 105.

[0083] The procedure 300 includes, as a seventh procedure step, a calibration 313 of the sensor 111 by the control 109 based on the determined difference.

[0084] All features explained and shown in connection with individual embodiments of the invention can be provided in different combinations in the object according to the invention in order to simultaneously realize their advantageous effects.

[0085] The scope of protection of the present invention is defined by the claims and is not limited by the features explained in the description or shown in the figures. Bezugszeichenliste

[0086] 100 Laundry appliance 101 Housing 103 Housing opening 105 Washing drum 107 Appliance door 109 Control unit 111 Sensor 113 Drum drive 115 Power sensing element 200 Flowchart for calibrating a sensor of a laundry appliance 201 First step of the flowchart 203 Second step of the flowchart 205 Third step of the flowchart 207 Fourth step of the flowchart 209 Fifth step of the flowchart 211 Sixth step of the flowchart 300 Procedure for calibrating a sensor of a laundry appliance 301 First procedure step: Acquiring the sensor data 303 Second procedure step: Determining a first weight 305 Third procedure step: Activating the drum drive 307 Fourth procedure step: Acquiring at least one power parameter 309 Fifth procedure step: Determining a first reference weight 311 Sixth process step: Determining a difference 313 Seventh process step: Calibrating the sensor

Claims

1. Laundry care appliance (100), comprising a housing (101) with a housing opening (103), a rotatable washing drum (105) arranged inside the housing (101) for receiving laundry, an appliance door (107) for closing the housing opening (103), a control unit (109) for executing a laundry care program for treating the laundry received in the washing drum (105), a sensor (111) for acquiring sensor data, a drum drive (113) for rotating the rotatable washing drum (105), and a power sensing element (115) for acquiring at least one power parameter of the drum drive (113), wherein the laundry care program comprises a laundry treatment time interval, wherein the sensor (111) is configured to acquire the sensor data with the appliance door (107) closed before the execution of the laundry treatment time interval of the laundry care program, wherein the control unit (109) is configuredto determine an initial weight of the laundry placed in the washing drum (105) based on the sensor data of the sensor (111), wherein the control (109) is configured to activate the drum drive (113) during a rotation time interval after the execution of the laundry treatment time interval of the laundry care program when the appliance door (107) has been closed, wherein the power sensing element (115) is configured to detect at least one power parameter of the drum drive (113) during the rotation time interval, . characterized by the fact thatthe controller (109) is configured to determine a first reference weight of the laundry taken up in the washing drum (105) based on at least one performance parameter of the power sensing element (115), wherein the controller (109) is configured to determine a difference between the determined first weight of the laundry taken up in the washing drum (105) and the determined first reference weight of the laundry taken up in the washing drum (105), and wherein the controller (109) is configured to calibrate the sensor (111) based on the determined difference.

2. Laundry care appliance (100) according to claim 1, characterized by the fact thatthe sensor (111) is configured to acquire further sensor data, wherein the controller (109) is configured to determine a further weight of laundry taken up in the washing drum (105) based on the further sensor data of the sensor (111) and the determined difference, in order to calibrate the sensor (111) based on the determined difference.

3. Laundry care appliance (100) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by the fact that The laundry care device (100) comprises a water supply device connected to the control unit (109) via a signal, wherein the water supply device is configured to supply washing liquid to the laundry during activation, and wherein the control unit (109) is configured not to activate the water supply device during the execution of the laundry treatment time interval.

4. Laundry care appliance (100) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by the fact thatThe laundry care appliance (100) comprises a water supply device connected to the control unit (109) via a signal connection, wherein the water supply device is configured to supply a predefined quantity of washing liquid to the laundry during activation, wherein the control unit (109) is configured to activate the water supply device during the execution of the laundry treatment time interval, and wherein the control unit (109) is configured to determine the first reference weight of the laundry received in the washing drum (105) based on the at least one performance parameter of the power sensing element (115) and based on the predefined quantity of washing liquid supplied.

5. Laundry care appliance (100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact thatThe laundry care device (100) comprises a drying device connected to the control unit (109) via a signal, wherein the drying device is configured to remove moisture from the laundry during activation, and wherein the control unit (109) is configured not to activate the drying device during the execution of the laundry treatment time interval.

6. Laundry care appliance (100) according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized by the fact thatThe laundry care appliance (100) comprises a drying device connected to the control unit (109) via a signal connection, wherein the drying device is configured to extract moisture from the laundry during activation, wherein the control unit (109) is configured to activate the drying device during the execution of the laundry treatment time interval, wherein the laundry care appliance (100) comprises a further sensor, wherein the further sensor is configured to acquire further sensor data that can be attributed to a quantity of moisture extracted from the laundry, and wherein the control unit (109) is configured to determine the first reference weight of the laundry received in the washing drum (105) based on the at least one performance parameter of the power sensing element (115) and based on the further sensor data.

7. Laundry care appliance (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the control (109) is configured to determine an average value from a plurality of differences of weights and reference weights based on successive acquisitions of sensor data and power acquisition data, and to calibrate the sensor based on the average of the plurality of differences.

8. Laundry care appliance (100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that the controller (109) is configured to calibrate the sensor (111) during the execution of the laundry care program after the laundry treatment time interval; or wherein the controller (109) is configured to calibrate the sensor (111) after the execution of the laundry care program during an execution of a calibration program of the laundry care device (100).

9. Laundry care appliance (100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact thatthe device door (107) comprises a locking mechanism connected to the control unit (109) via a signal connection, wherein the locking mechanism is configured to lock the device door (107) in a closed state upon activation, and wherein the control unit (109) is configured to activate the locking mechanism within a time interval from the acquisition of the sensor data by the sensor (111) until the acquisition of at least one performance parameter by the power element in order to lock the device door (107).

10. Laundry care appliance (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized by the fact thatthe appliance door (107) comprises an appliance door sensor connected to the control unit (109) via a signal connection, wherein the appliance door sensor is configured to detect a closed state of the appliance door (107) and to detect an open state of the appliance door (107); wherein the control unit (109) is configured to determine the difference between the determined first weight of the laundry placed in the washing drum (105) and the determined first reference weight of the laundry placed in the washing drum (105) when the appliance door sensor detects the closed state of the appliance door (107) during a time interval from the detection of the sensor data by the sensor (111) until the detection of at least one performance parameter by the power element;and / or wherein the control (109) is configured not to determine the difference between the determined first weight of the laundry taken up in the washing drum (105) and the determined first reference weight of the laundry taken up in the washing drum (105), if the appliance door sensor detects the open state of the appliance door (107) at least section by section during the time interval from the acquisition of the sensor data by the sensor (111) until the acquisition of at least one performance parameter by the power element.

11. Laundry care appliance (100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact thatThe laundry care appliance (100) comprises a tub in which the rotatable washing drum (105) is arranged and a vibration system which is designed to mount the tub in the laundry care appliance (100) so as to be oscillatable via at least one suspension, wherein the sensor (111) is designed to detect vibrations of the vibration system which are transmitted via the at least one suspension, wherein in particular the sensor (111) comprises a strain gauge connected to the at least one suspension.

12. Laundry care appliance (100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that which includes at least one performance parameter of the drum drive (113) and a motor current of the drum drive (113).

13. Laundry care appliance (100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact thatthe laundry care program includes a second laundry treatment time interval, wherein the sensor (111) is configured to acquire second sensor data from the sensor (111) after the execution of the laundry treatment interval and before the execution of the second laundry treatment time interval of the laundry care program when the appliance door (107) is closed, wherein the controller (109) is configured to determine a second weight of the laundry held in the washing drum (105) based on the second sensor data from the sensor (111), wherein the controller (109) is configured to activate the drum drive (113) during a second rotation time interval when the appliance door (107) has been closed after the execution of the second laundry treatment time interval of the laundry care program, wherein the power sensing element (115) is configured to acquire at least one second power parameter of the drum drive (113) during the second rotation time interval.wherein the controller (109) is configured to determine a second reference weight of the laundry placed in the washing drum (105) based on at least one second performance parameter of the power sensing element (115), wherein the controller (109) is configured to determine a second difference between the determined second weight of the laundry placed in the washing drum (105) and the determined second reference weight of the laundry placed in the washing drum (105) after execution of the second laundry treatment interval of the laundry care program and to calibrate the sensor based on the determined difference and the determined second difference.

14. Laundry care appliance (100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact thatthe controller (109) is configured to execute a further laundry care program for the treatment of further laundry placed in the washing drum (105), wherein the further laundry care program includes a third laundry treatment time interval, wherein the sensor (111) is configured to acquire third sensor data from the sensor (111) before the execution of the third laundry treatment time interval of the further laundry care program when the appliance door (107) is closed, wherein the controller (109) is configured to determine a third weight of the further laundry placed in the washing drum (105) based on the third sensor data from the sensor (111), wherein the controller (109) is configured to activate the drum drive (113) during a third rotation time interval after the execution of the third laundry treatment time interval of the further laundry care program when the appliance door (107) has been closed, wherein the power sensing element (115) is configuredduring the third rotation time interval, to detect at least one third performance parameter of the drum drive (113), wherein the controller (109) is configured to determine a third reference weight of the additional laundry received in the washing drum (105) based on the at least one third performance parameter of the power detection element (115), wherein the controller (109) is configured to determine a third difference between the determined third weight of the additional laundry received in the washing drum (105) and the determined third reference weight of the additional laundry received in the washing drum (105) after execution of the third laundry treatment interval of the additional laundry care program and to calibrate the sensor based on the determined difference and the determined third difference.

15. Method (300) for calibrating a sensor (111) of a laundry care appliance (100), wherein the laundry care appliance (100) comprises a housing (101) with a housing opening (103), a rotatable washing drum (105) arranged inside the housing (101) for receiving laundry, an appliance door (107) for closing the housing opening (103), a controller (109) for executing a laundry care program for treating the laundry received in the washing drum (105), a sensor (111) for acquiring sensor data, a drum drive (113) for rotating the rotatable washing drum (105), and a power sensing element (115) for acquiring at least one power parameter of the drum drive (113), wherein the laundry care program comprises a laundry treatment time interval.wherein the method (300) comprises: acquiring (301) the sensor data by the sensor (111) with the appliance door (107) closed before the execution of the laundry treatment time interval of the laundry care program; determining (303) a first weight of the laundry held in the washing drum (105) by the controller (109) based on the sensor data of the sensor (111); activating (305) the drum drive (113) during a rotation time interval with the appliance door (107) closed after the execution of the laundry treatment time interval of the laundry care program; and acquiring (307) the at least one power parameter of the drum drive (113) by the power sensing element (115) during the rotation time interval; , characterized by the fact thatThe method (300) further comprises: determining (309) a first reference weight of the laundry taken up in the washing drum (105) by the controller (109) based on the at least one performance parameter of the power sensing element (115); determining (311) a difference between the determined first weight of the laundry taken up in the washing drum (105) and the determined first reference weight of the laundry taken up in the washing drum (105); and calibrating (313) the sensor (111) by the controller (109) based on the determined difference.

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