Laundry treating appliance having a steaming function and a method of steaming laundry

Abstract

The present invention relates to a laundry treatment device (1) with a steaming function for the care of laundry, wherein the laundry treatment device (1) comprises: a tub (2) comprising a heating element pocket (3) with a heating element (4) contained therein, a drum (5) rotatably arranged in the tub (2), a door (6) for closing an opening of the tub (2) through which the drum (5) is accessible, a water supply line configured to supply water to the tub, a control unit (9) configured to control the laundry treatment device and to execute a selected laundry care program, wherein the control unit is further configured such that a steam treatment takes place following an executed laundry care program, wherein at least residual water is evaporated by heating in the heating element pocket for the steam treatment.and wherein, after a final spin cycle to drain the laundry, a pumping process is provided and the pumping process is controlled in such a way that a level of residual water remains in the washing container.

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a laundry treatment device with a steaming function and a method for steaming laundry in a laundry treatment device.

[0002] Several laundry treatment devices, particularly washing machines, already exist that feature a steaming function. Typically, water in a tub is converted into hot steam by a heating element and then directed into the drum containing the laundry. A steaming function can be used either in combination with a wash program or separately. This function can minimize wrinkles, remove odors and / or allergens, and / or replace additional treatment products such as fabric softener or other chemical cleaning agents. Using the steaming function alone can also be used to refresh laundry, for example, by removing wrinkles and odors from clothes worn only once.

[0003] In current technology, the steaming function is primarily used in combination with a regular wash program. Therefore, the fact that the laundry gets wet when water is added for the steaming function is of minor importance, as the laundry is already moistened during the wash cycle. An existing water inlet designed to moisten the laundry in the drum as quickly and completely as possible can also be used. However, if steaming is required without the laundry becoming soaked or developing water stains, the existing water supply system of a laundry treatment machine is currently unsuitable.

[0004] Furthermore, it is desirable to implement steaming in existing laundry treatment equipment with minimal modification, ensuring that the laundry is not soaked.

[0005] EP 2 733 250 A1 proposes a valve for controlling the water supply using a pulsed control mechanism. The valve is intended to have opening intervals of less than 0.5 seconds. This is meant to restrict the water flow sufficiently to prevent the laundry from becoming damp while still ensuring an adequate supply of water to the steaming system. However, in practice, implementing such a rapidly pulsed valve with the existing electronics in the laundry treatment machine is very difficult, making its use impossible without significant modifications to the machine. If the valve is pulsed at longer intervals, the water flow cannot be controlled as precisely, which can lead to undesirable dampening of the laundry (e.g., water stains).

[0006] The present invention therefore aims to provide a laundry treatment device with a steaming function and a method for steaming in which the laundry is effectively prevented from becoming wet when water is supplied for the steaming function. At the same time, the effort required to redesign and implement the steaming function in an existing laundry treatment device should be as minimal and cost-effective as possible.

[0007] This problem is solved by a laundry treatment device according to claim 1 and a method according to claim 9. Further advantages and features will become apparent from the dependent claims, the following description, and the figures.

[0008] According to a first aspect of the present invention, a laundry treatment device with a steaming function for the care of laundry is provided, wherein the laundry treatment device comprises: a tub comprising a heating element pocket with a heating element contained therein, a drum rotatably arranged in the tub, a door for closing an opening of the tub through which the drum is accessible, a water supply line configured to supply water to the tub, a control unit configured to control the laundry treatment device and to execute a selected laundry care program, wherein the control unit is further configured such that a steam treatment takes place following an executed laundry care program, wherein, for the steam treatment, at least residual water is evaporated by heating in the heating element pocket.and wherein, after a final spin cycle to drain the laundry, a pumping process is provided and the pumping process is controlled in such a way that a level of residual water remains in the washing container.

[0009] The laundry treatment appliance can be, for example, a washing machine or a washer-dryer. It is designed to have a steaming function. During the steaming function, water in and / or near the heating element pocket can be heated by the heating element and subsequently evaporated. The steam thus generated can be fed into the drum and come into contact with the laundry inside. The steaming function can be part of a laundry treatment program or operated separately.

[0010] The tub can be suspended within the housing of the laundry treatment machine in a vibration-damped manner. Furthermore, the tub can be designed to be watertight, with the exception of at least one water inlet (e.g., the water supply) and one outlet. In particular, the tub can have a water inlet located near the opening and a main water inlet positioned to direct water onto the drum. The tub can be cylindrical and have an opening at one axial end that can be closed with the door. The tub can accommodate the drum within its interior. A space can be formed between the tub and the drum, the size of which can be dimensioned to prevent any imbalance in the drum during operation of the laundry treatment machine from causing contact between the drum and the tub.In other words, if there is water in the tub, the drum can be positioned above the water level, so that no water enters the drum.

[0011] The heating element pocket can be a component designed to receive and collect water. It can be a recess or protrusion within the tub. In an operating state of the washing machine, the heating element pocket can be positioned at the lowest point of the tub, relative to the direction of gravity. This ensures that water flows to the heating element pocket as soon as it is added to the tub. Advantageously, the heating element pocket can have one or more openings that allow for the exchange of water and / or steam between the heating element pocket and the tub. Furthermore, the heating element pocket can be positioned lower than the drum to ensure that the steam generated by the heating element pocket can easily reach and enter the drum.Furthermore, the heating element pocket can be positioned in the tubing container in such a way that the water can flow directly from the sight glass into the heating element pocket. Alternatively, the heating element pocket can be positioned so that the water first flows from the sight glass onto an inner surface of the tubing container and from there to the heating element pocket (i.e., it is supplied to the heating element pocket indirectly). Preferably, the heating element can be positioned in the heating element pocket in such a way that it has good thermal contact with the water in the heating element pocket. For this purpose, the heating element can, for example, be designed as a coil within the heating element pocket. Advantageously, the heating element can be positioned in the heating element pocket in such a way that it is completely submerged in water when the heating element pocket is filled with water. The heating element can, for example, be a heating rod, a tubular heating element, and / or a heating coil.Furthermore, the radiator pocket can have a sensor that determines whether it is filled with enough water to cover the radiator. This prevents the radiator from overheating if there is too little water in the radiator pocket.

[0012] The drum is preferably designed to hold laundry. Furthermore, the drum can have a cylindrical shape, which may be open at one axial end. To allow steam to easily enter the drum, the drum can have a multitude of through-holes in its circumferential or outer surface. The drum can be rotatably mounted in the tub. Advantageously, the drum is designed so that, with the door open, laundry can be placed into the drum through the opening of the tub. In particular, the opening of the drum can essentially correspond to the opening of the tub and face it. Water can be supplied to the drum by directing it around the circumference of the drum through the main water inlet and entering the drum through the through-holes.Furthermore, water can be added to the drum by filling the tub with water until the drum is partially submerged. Depending on the wash cycle, the different water supply methods can also be combined.

[0013] The door can be moved from a first position, in which it is closed, to a second position, in which it is open enough to allow external access to the drum. The door can be designed to provide a fluid-tight and / or watertight seal of the drum from the environment (i.e., when the door is in the first position). For this purpose, the washing machine can, for example, have a sealing cuff with which the door interacts (details follow below). The door has a sight glass projecting towards the drum. Furthermore, the sight glass can project at least partially into the drum. When the door is in the first position, the sight glass can project towards the drum. The sight glass can be transparent, allowing a user to see inside the drum when the door is closed. In particular, the sight glass can project into the drum.The sight glass can extend over at least 60% of the door surface, preferably over at least 80%. This ensures that the user has a good view into the drum. The door can have a frame surrounding the sight glass. Preferably, when the door is in the first position, a central sight glass area of ​​the door can project further into the interior of the tub than an outer area of ​​the door, particularly an outer area of ​​the door that does not have a sight glass. In other words, the projecting sight glass can have a tapered shape. This ensures that the water supplied to the projecting sight glass can be reliably drained along the sight glass. In particular, this ensures that the adhesive forces holding the water to the sight glass are greater than the kinetic forces of the water.This ensures that the laundry in the drum does not get wet from the water supplied via the heating element pocket.

[0014] The control unit can be a computer-like circuit capable of receiving, processing, and outputting signals. It may include a CPU and memory. The control unit can regulate, and in particular limit, the flow rate of water supplied to the water inlet by means of an actuator (e.g., a valve). Specifically, the control unit can be designed to keep the flow rate so low that the water reliably flows along the sight glass and does not enter the drum. Thus, in addition to the design of the sight glass and the arrangement of the water inlet, the control unit can ensure that the water supplied to the heating element pocket bypasses the drum and does not wet the laundry inside. By controlling the flow rate, it can be ensured that the water directed from the water inlet onto the sight glass does not splash towards the drum.Such splashing can occur if the flow rate of water exiting the water supply line is too high. Advantageously, the control unit can be designed to regulate the flow rate through the water supply line by opening and closing it. For example, it can be designed to adjust the flow cross-section of the water supply line at a control point. In particular, the control unit can be designed to control the flow rate through the water line by means of a closing mechanism. The closing mechanism can be, for example, a valve, a butterfly valve, a gate valve, or a ball valve.

[0015] A water inlet that directs water onto a sight glass is known in the prior art. In many cases, a portion of the water supplied to the tub during a wash cycle is directed onto the sight glass so that it flows directly into the drum, ensuring rapid wetting of the laundry. This arrangement has the advantage that the user can see the water being supplied to the drum immediately after starting a wash program. This serves as feedback to the user that the washing machine has begun operating. Furthermore, moistening the sight glass reduces friction between the sight glass and the laundry in the drum during operation.

[0016] The present invention enables the cost-effective provision of a steam treatment that facilitates ironing and prevents wrinkles. The present invention is cost-effective because, in addition to the conventional inlet valves, no further valves are required, such as a so-called low-flow valve. A low-flow valve is a valve with a low flow rate, or valves that provide a very precisely measurable flow rate. These valves are expensive, so laundry care or treatment devices that include such a valve are generally only available in the high-price segment. The present invention is also feasible for more affordable devices because the manufacturing costs are lower.

[0017] Preferably, to reach a predefined fill level, water is supplied via the water supply line into the area of ​​the heating element pocket and into the washing tub when the fill level falls below the predefined level. This ensures that the remaining water and the added water reach the predefined level. Should the residual water from the laundry during the final spin cycle be insufficient to reach the predefined fill level, additional water can be added to achieve this, allowing steaming to begin.

[0018] In this case, residual water can only be residual water, i.e., water that was not pumped out in the last or final pumping process and is actively retained in the tub, but it can also be a mixture of residual water and water, whereby water is actively supplied to the tub via a water supply line.

[0019] Advantageously, to reach a predefined fill level, at least one further pumping occurs when the fill level is exceeded. This pumping can be timed. In other words, the predefined fill level can be gradually approached by at least one further pumping.

[0020] The pumping process of residual water from the lye container is preferably stopped when water flows in via the water supply line, so that the predefined fill level is quickly reached.

[0021] The predefined fill level advantageously extends from the bottom of the heating element pocket to below the drum shell. At least the heating element is substantially completely covered with residual water and / or water. However, it must be ensured that the fill level does not extend into the drum, causing the laundry to become re-wetted or submerged in water. Preferably, at least the heating element pocket is completely covered with residual water and water. Particularly preferably, at least the heating element of the heating element pocket is completely covered with residual water and water, so that the residual water or water can be heated effectively.

[0022] When water flows in via the water supply line, the drum preferably rotates at a speed of no more than 800 rpm, more preferably at a speed of no more than 700 rpm, and most preferably at a speed of no more than 600 rpm. Re-wetting of the laundry is prevented when water flows in, because the rotation of the drum at a maximum of 800 rpm forces the incoming water against the tub and causes it to flow along the tub into a lower area of ​​the tub.

[0023] The heating element pocket is positioned lower in one operating position of the laundry treatment machine. "Lowered in one operating position" with regard to the heating element pocket can mean that, in a spatial arrangement and orientation of the laundry treatment machine intended for operation, the heating element pocket is positioned at a lower height than the door. This allows water to be diverted towards the heating element pocket, even via a sight glass. In other words, the water supply, the sight glass, and the heating element pocket can be arranged so that, in one operating position, water is driven by gravity from the water supply to the sight glass and runs down the side of the sight glass, subsequently entering the heating element pocket directly or indirectly. Consequently, water can be supplied to the heating element pocket without entering or passing through the drum first.Furthermore, the water can be supplied to the radiator pocket using only gravity, without the need for pumps or similar devices.

[0024] A water splash point can be formed on the sight glass, where the water flowing from the water supply line strikes the sight glass. This splash point can be located next to a vertex of the protruding sight glass. This ensures that the water does not splash away from the splash point but runs off along the sight glass. The protruding sight glass can have an inclined geometry. The inclined geometry can be a flat area of ​​the sight glass that is tilted relative to the horizontal. The splash point can be located within this inclined geometry. This further prevents water from splashing away from the inclined area. From the splash point, the water can then be drained off along the sight glass thanks to its adhesion to the glass.In other words, the water can be guided from the point of impact along the sight glass to the lowest point of the sight glass (e.g., to a point opposite the apex of the sight glass) and from there drip or flow off. As the water flows along the sight glass, it can remain in constant contact with it. This reliably ensures that no water enters the drum. In other words, the water can be diverted along the sight glass, bypassing the drum.

[0025] Preferably, the pumping process is timed, with a pause after each pumping cycle. This allows the residual water or the water itself to settle and prevents wave-like movements.

[0026] Advantageously, the level of the residual water is measured during the pumping pause. The 'calmed' residual water is meaningful and easy to measure because there are no fluctuations or waves.

[0027] According to a further aspect of the invention, a method for steaming laundry in a laundry treatment device is described, the method comprising: providing a laundry treatment device according to one of the preceding aspects and carrying out a laundry care program with several successive program steps, wherein a final program step comprises spinning to dewater the laundry and pumping water out of the tub, the pumping in the final program step being designed such that residual water remains in the tub. Subsequently, the level of residual water in the tub is measured, and depending on the level: a) If the predefined fill level is exceeded, further residual water is pumped out; b) If the predefined fill level is not reached during pumping in the last program step, water is supplied via the water supply line; c) The new fill level is measured, whereby steps a) to c) are repeated until the predefined fill level in the tub is reached. When the predefined fill level is reached, the remaining water is heated by the radiator housed in the radiator pocket, so that the generated steam flows into the drum.

[0028] Towards the end of each laundry care program, a rinse cycle is provided in which fresh water flows into the tub to rinse the laundry. During this cycle, the laundry is freed from any residual detergent, and the remaining water is very clean. Residual detergent can also be referred to as residual washing agent. In conventional laundry care programs, this residual water would be completely pumped out and drained away. However, in the present invention, only a portion of the residual water is removed. The remaining water in the tub is reused, thus ensuring environmentally friendly resource management. The level of residual water is measured and compared to a predefined or predetermined level.If the predefined fill level is exceeded, further water is pumped out. This results in a gradual approach to the predefined fill level. If the predefined fill level is undershot, water flows in via the water supply line. This also results in an approach to the predefined fill level. Both processes, occurring when the predefined fill level is exceeded or undershot, can be repeated, so that the predefined fill level is reached and a gradual approach to it is maintained.

[0029] The residual water is heated by the heating element housed in the heating element pocket, converting it into steam. The steam then flows into the drum. Inside the drum, the hot steam moistens the laundry, thus reducing creases and folds.

[0030] When water flows into the tub via the water supply line, the drum is advantageously rotated at a speed of no more than 800 rpm, preferably at no more than 700 rpm, and particularly preferably at no more than 600 rpm. This prevents the laundry from being unintentionally re-wetted or even soaked, because at a rotation speed of no more than 800 rpm, the centrifugal force pushes the water flowing into the tub, either via a dispenser tray or a direct inlet, against the tub itself. This causes the water to flow down one wall of the tub towards a heating element pocket due to gravity.

[0031] Preferably, the predefined fill level is reached when the residual water and / or the water from the heating element pocket extends from the bottom of the heating element pocket to below a drum shell. Preferably, at least the heating element pocket is completely covered with residual water and water. Particularly preferably, at least the heating element of the heating element pocket is completely covered with residual water and water. This ensures that the residual water can be heated during steaming, allowing steam treatment to be carried out. However, the residual water should be in a state of stillness or "calmed." This means that the drum does not rotate and no new water flows in. It is important that the residual water does not extend into the drum, so that the laundry is not re-inserted and / or re-moistened and / or re-wet.

[0032] Reaching the predefined fill level can proceed as follows. This requires at least one pumping out or at least one pumping cycle after the last spin cycle and at least one measurement of the fill level. Preferably, at least one pumping out, at least one inflow of water into the washing tub, and at least one measurement of the fill level are performed. The process of reaching the predefined fill level can be controlled by the control unit as follows: A pump is switched on or the residual water in the washing tub is pumped out for approximately 0.3 to 1.5 seconds. The pump is then switched off for approximately 2 to 4 seconds, or a pumping pause of 2 to 4 seconds is introduced. The fill level is then determined or measured and compared to a predefined fill level.

[0033] If the predefined fill level is exceeded, residual water is pumped out of the lye tank. The fill level is then measured again and compared to the predefined level. If the predefined level is reached, the steam treatment is started. Otherwise, the water is pumped out again, followed by another measurement and comparison with the predefined level. This process can be repeated as often as necessary until the fill level matches the predefined level.

[0034] If the water level falls below the predefined level, water is added. The level is then measured again and compared to the predefined level. If the predefined level is reached, the steam treatment process begins. Otherwise, water is added again, the level is measured again, and the level is compared to the predefined level. This process can be repeated as often as necessary until the water level reaches the predefined level.

[0035] If the predefined fill level is reached after the first pumping, steam treatment is started. After each pumping or pumping operation, as well as after each water inflow, the fill level is measured again to determine whether the predefined fill level has been reached. The processes described above can be repeated as often as necessary, but only until the predefined fill level is reached.

[0036] Preferably, the control unit can be configured to set or adjust the defined fill level for the steaming function to 0.5 l to 5 l, preferably 1 l to 2 l, and particularly preferably 1.3 l to 1.7 l. The residual water, or the water in the heating element pocket, is supplied. A suitable total amount of water supplied, or a predefined fill level, can ensure, on the one hand, that the water level in the storage container is not too high, i.e., that the water does not reach the drum and the laundry inside, and, on the other hand, ensures that the heating element is immersed in the water to guarantee evaporation of the water without the heating element overheating.

[0037] Advantageously, the laundry treatment device can include a treatment agent container arranged upstream of the water supply line. The treatment agent container can also be referred to as a so-called induction tray. The treatment agent container can have a main wash chamber for a treatment agent for use during a main wash cycle and a pre-wash chamber for a treatment agent for use during a pre-wash cycle. The treatment agent container can be designed such that the water to be supplied directly to the heating element pocket for the steaming function can be routed through the pre-wash chamber. In other words, the water supply line used for the steaming function can pass through the pre-wash chamber of the treatment agent container. This advantageously allows an existing water supply line from the prior art to be used for the steaming program of the laundry treatment device according to the invention.

[0038] Further advantages and features of the present invention will become apparent from the following description of preferred embodiments with reference to the accompanying figures. It is understood that individual embodiments shown in the respective figures may have features that may also be used in other embodiments, even if this is not explicitly mentioned and unless this has been explicitly excluded due to technical reasons or other factors.

[0039] They show: Fig. 1: a schematic cross-section of a laundry treatment device according to an embodiment of the present invention, viewed from a front view; Fig. 2: a schematic cross-section AA from Fig. 1 ; Fig. 3: a schematic sequence of a laundry treatment device according to the invention with a steam treatment following a laundry care program.

[0040] Fig. 1Figure 1 schematically shows a cross-section of a laundry treatment device 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention, viewed from a front view. The laundry treatment device 1 shown comprises a tub 2 and a drum 5 rotatably arranged in the tub 2. Laundry can be fed into and removed from the drum 5 via an opening in the tub 2 and the drum 5, which can be closed by means of a door 6. Furthermore, the laundry treatment device 1 has a treatment agent container 15 with a main wash chamber 16 and a pre-wash chamber 17. In the present embodiment, the laundry treatment device 1 is designed such that water can be fed directly into the tub 2 via a main water inlet 30 through a first water outlet 18, which is connected to the main wash chamber 16.Water can be supplied to the water supply line 8 via a second water outlet 19, which is connected to the pre-wash chamber 17 of the treatment agent container 15. The water supply line 8 is designed to direct the water onto a sight glass 7 of the door 6.

[0041] The sight glass 7 is designed such that the water can be directed to a heating chamber 3, in which a heating element 4 is arranged, bypassing the drum 5. Alternatively, the water can also be fed directly into the lye tank 2 via a water supply line, for example, via a main water line 30. The drum preferably rotates at a maximum speed of 800 rpm, more preferably at a maximum speed of 700 rpm, and particularly preferably at a maximum speed of 600 rpm. In the heating chamber 3, the water is initially heated by the heating element 4 during the steam treatment or evaporation process, thereby generating steam. The heating chamber 3 is in fluid communication with the lye tank 2, through which the generated steam enters the drum 5. The flow rate, or...The volume flow of water that passes through the water supply line 8 is controlled by a control unit 9 (not shown).

[0042] Fig. 2 schematically shows a view of a cross-section through the in Fig. 1Section line AA is shown. In this embodiment, the laundry treatment device 1 comprises a control unit 9 which controls the flow rate of water via a first valve 12. The water is directed from the treatment agent container 15 into the water supply line 8. The laundry treatment device 1 further comprises a second valve 13, which is also controlled by the control unit 9. Water is directed through one or more of the two valves by means of a water supply 20, provided the corresponding valve is open. The second valve 13 serves to supply water to the main wash chamber 16. The first valve 12 directs the water into the pre-wash chamber 17 of the treatment agent container 15. The treatment agent container 15 can preferably be configured such that it directs water from the pre-wash chamber 17 exclusively into the water supply line 8, which leads to the sight glass 7.

[0043] Fig. 3shows a schematic sequence of a laundry treatment device according to the invention with a steam treatment following a laundry care program.

[0044] The process essentially comprises a first step 101, a second step 102, and a third step 103. The first step 101 involves running a laundry care program with several consecutive program steps. The transition from the first step 101 to the second step 102 is seamless, as the laundry care program includes a final program step: a spin cycle and a drain cycle, or rather, the removal of residual water or water released from the laundry during the final spin cycle. In other words, the final program step includes spinning to remove water from the laundry and draining the water from the drum. The draining process can be assigned, at least partially, to both the first step 101 and the second step 102. The second step 102 involves setting a fill level, specifically a predefined fill level.

[0045] The draining process during the final program step is designed so that residual water remains in tub 2. This means that, unlike a conventional draining cycle in a laundry program, the draining process is interrupted, leaving residual water in tub 2. The water level in tub 2 is then measured. Once a predefined level is reached, steam treatment begins. During steam treatment, the remaining water is heated, causing it to evaporate and flow into drum 5.

[0046] If the fill level measurement reveals that the predefined fill level has been exceeded, further residual water is pumped out. The fill level is then measured again. The system is designed so that, if the predefined fill level is exceeded, the water is gradually pumped out again at least once more to gradually approach the predefined level.

[0047] If the fill level measurement reveals that the predefined fill level has been undershot, for example, because too much residual water was pumped out during the draining process, water is added via water inlet 8. The level is then measured again to determine if the predefined fill level has been reached. If the predefined fill level is reached, steaming begins. If the new fill level measurement reveals that the predefined fill level has again been undershot, water is added again via water inlet 8. Should the fill level be above the predefined fill level, the system is pumped out as described above. Both the fill level measurement and the water inflow can be repeated. Again, the system preferably approaches the predefined fill level slowly. The water inflow occurs during drum rotation.Preferably, the drum 5 rotates at a maximum speed of 800 rpm, more preferably at a maximum speed of 700 rpm, and most preferably at a maximum speed of 600 rpm. This keeps the water flowing into the tub away from the drum 5 and directs it to the heating element pocket 3.

[0048] Once the predefined fill level is reached, a third step 103 takes place. In the third step 103, the residual water, which may consist of residual water and water, is heated by the heating element 4, which is located in the heating element pocket 3, so that the generated steam flows into the drum 5. REFERENCE MARK LIST

[0049] 1 Laundry treatment unit 2 Tub 3 Radiator pocket 4 Radiator 5 Drum 6 Door 7 Sight glass 8 Water inlet 9 Control unit 12 First valve 13 Second valve 15 Treatment agent container 16 Main wash chamber 17 Pre-wash chamber 18 First water outlet 19 Second water outlet 20 Water inlet 30 Main water inlet 101 First step 102 Second step 103 Third step

Claims

1. Laundry treatment device (1) with a steaming function for the care of laundry, wherein the laundry treatment device (1) comprises: a tub (2) which includes a heating element pocket (3) with a heating element (4) contained therein, a drum (5) which is rotatably arranged in the tub (2), a door (6) for closing an opening of the tub (2) through which the drum (5) is accessible, a water supply line (8) which is designed to supply water to the tub (2), a control unit (9) which is designed to control the laundry treatment device (1) and to carry out a selected laundry care program, wherein the control unit (9) is further designed such that a steam treatment takes place following a completed laundry care program, wherein at least residual water is evaporated by heating in the heating element pocket (3) for the steam treatment.and wherein, after a final spin cycle, a pumping process is provided to drain the laundry and the pumping process is controlled in such a way that a level of residual water remains in the washing container (2).

2. Laundry treatment device (1) according to claim 1, characterized by the fact that To achieve a predefined fill level, if the level falls below a certain threshold, water is supplied via the water supply line (8) into the area of ​​the radiator pocket (3) and into the lye container (2), so that the residual water and the supplied water equal the predefined fill level.

3. Laundry treatment device (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by the fact that To reach a predefined fill level, at least one further pumping takes place if the level is exceeded.

4. Laundry treatment device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact thatThe pumping process of residual water from the lye container (2) is stopped when water flows in via the water supply line (8).

5. Laundry treatment device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that the predefined fill level extends from the bottom of the radiator pocket (3) to below a drum shell of the drum (5).

6. Laundry treatment device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that When water flows in via the water supply line (8), the drum (5) rotates at a maximum rotational speed of 800 rpm, preferably at a maximum rotational speed of 700 rpm and particularly preferably at a maximum rotational speed of 600 rpm.

7. Laundry treatment device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that The pumping process is timed and a pumping pause is scheduled after each pumping cycle.

8. Laundry treatment device (1) according to claim 7, characterized by the fact thatDuring the pumping pause, the level of the remaining water is measured.

9. Method for steaming laundry in a laundry treatment device, the method comprising: providing a laundry treatment device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, performing a laundry care program with several successive program steps, wherein a final program step comprises spinning to dewater the laundry and pumping water out of the tub (2), wherein the pumping out in the final program step is designed such that residual water remains in the tub (2), measuring a level of residual water in the tub (2), wherein, depending on the level: a) if the predefined level is exceeded, further residual water is pumped out, b) if the level falls below the predefined level during pumping out in the final program step, water flows in via the water supply line (8), c) measuring the new level.where steps a) to c) are repeated until the predefined fill level in the lye container (2) is reached, upon reaching the predefined fill level the remaining water is heated by the heating element (4) housed in the heating element pocket (3), so that the generated steam flows into the drum (5).

10. Method for steaming laundry according to claim 9, characterized by the fact that When water flows into the tubing container (2) via the water supply line (8), the drum (5) is rotated at a speed of at most 800 rpm, preferably at at most 700 rpm and particularly preferably at at most 600 rpm.

11. Method for steaming laundry according to one of claims 9 or 10, characterized by the fact thatThe predefined fill level is reached when the residual water and / or the water extends from the radiator pocket (3) to the bottom of the radiator pocket (3) and below a drum shell of the drum (5).

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