Domestic appliance for the care of laundry items, comprising a locally designed measuring system for multiple measurement of a load state of a laundry drum

Abstract

One aspect of the invention relates to a household appliance (1) for the care of laundry items, comprising a housing (2) and a vibration system (3) which includes a washing drum (5) and a tub (4), wherein the vibration system (3) is oscillatively mounted in the housing (2) by a bearing device (6), wherein the bearing device (6) comprises a bearing spring system (7) with several bearing springs (8) with which the vibration system (3) is oscillatively coupled in the housing (2), and the bearing device (6) comprises a damping system (10) with at least one damper (11) with which the vibration system (3) is coupled in the housing (2), and a measuring system (13) for measuring the load of laundry items in the washing drum (5), wherein the measuring system (13) comprises a displacement measuring unit (14) with which a movement of the vibration system (3) can be measured during a load measurement, and a further measuring unit (15).with which a force exerted by the oscillating system (3) on a damper (11) can be measured during load measurement, wherein the displacement measuring unit (14) and the further measuring unit (15) are arranged locally on a common component (11) of the household appliance (1), wherein the component (11) changes depending on the load when the washing drum (5) is loaded.

Description

[0001] One aspect of the invention relates to a household appliance for the care of laundry. The household appliance has a housing. Furthermore, the household appliance has a vibration system comprising a washing drum and a tub. The vibration system is movable, in particular oscillating, and is mounted in the housing by a bearing device. The bearing device has a bearing spring system with several bearing springs. The vibration system is oscillatively coupled to this system within the housing, in particular suspended from it. The bearing device also has a damping system with at least one damper. The vibration system is coupled to this damping system within the housing, in particular, it is mounted in a damped manner. The household appliance also has a measuring system for measuring the load of laundry in the washing drum. The measuring system can also be referred to as a load measuring system.

[0002] Household appliances for the care of laundry, such as washing machines, are known. In these known household appliances, the measuring system is designed to be distributed in various ways. For example, it is common for a measuring unit to be arranged in the bearing spring system, which performs a displacement measurement. The deflection of a spring in the bearing system can then be determined, and the load status of the washing drum can be inferred from this. Furthermore, it is known in such household appliances to perform a force measurement on the damper system, located remotely from this bearing spring system.

[0003] A vibration system is typically formed by the washing drum and tub, and preferably also by a drive motor and any counterweights. It is suspended by several springs, thus forming a spring balance. As the weight of the vibration system increases when the washing drum is loaded with laundry, it lowers, typically by a few tenths of a millimeter per kilogram.

[0004] In addition to the springs, there are other force-absorbing connections between the oscillating system and the housing, formed by the aforementioned dampers. Therefore, to measure the mass of the load between the oscillating system and the housing, it is also advisable to measure both the forces in the springs and the forces in the dampers. Ignoring the damper forces results in a relatively large measurement error.

[0005] Force is typically measured using force sensors. These sensors may have a bending beam that deforms under the force being measured. This slight deformation is converted into an electrical signal by a suitable transducer. Strain gauges are commonly used for force measurement. Other sensors suitable for force measurement are based on the piezoelectric effect.

[0006] Displacement is typically measured using displacement sensors. These sensors usually consist of two sensor components that can be moved relative to each other in one or more dimensions. This relative movement is converted into an electrical signal when the two sensor components move relative to each other by the distance to be measured. Examples of such displacement sensors are based on the time-of-flight (TOF) measurement principle, in which signal transit times between the two sensor components are determined. Inductive or capacitive sensors can also be used for this type of displacement measurement.

[0007] These concepts require individual measuring units at varying distances within the appliance, thus increasing installation effort. Furthermore, due to the above-mentioned limitations, measurements of the respective parameters may be restricted, leading to inaccuracies. The need for different measuring electronics and the subsequent measurements at various locations, along with the associated data analysis, is also complex.

[0008] The object of the present invention is to create a household appliance for the care of laundry items in which the measurement of the load of a washing drum is improved.

[0009] This problem is solved by a household appliance which has the features according to claim 1.

[0010] One aspect of the invention relates to a household appliance for the care of laundry. The household appliance has a housing. Furthermore, the household appliance has a vibration system comprising a washing drum and a tub. The vibration system is movable, in particular oscillating, and is mounted in the housing by a bearing device. The bearing device has a bearing spring system with several bearing springs. The vibration system is oscillatingly coupled to this system within the housing, in particular suspended from it. The bearing device also has a damping system with at least one damper, in particular with several dampers. The vibration system is coupled to this damping system within the housing, in particular suspended from it. The household appliance also has a measuring system for measuring the load of laundry in the washing drum. The measuring system can also be referred to as a load measuring system.

[0011] The measuring system includes a displacement measuring unit that measures the lowering of the oscillating system during a load measurement. The measured lowering distance is determined, in particular, at least in the vertical direction, and thus in the height direction of the appliance. The measuring system includes a further measuring unit. This further measuring unit measures the force exerted by the oscillating system on a damper, particularly when the same load is applied simultaneously. The displacement measuring unit and the further measuring unit are located on a common component of the appliance. This component is designed such that it changes depending on the load of the washing machine drum. Specifically, this change is a change in the component's length along its longitudinal axis.The longitudinal axis extends in the direction in which the components have the largest dimensions and / or in which the change is intended to occur within the system.

[0012] Such a measuring system enables improved measurement of the loading status. By locally concentrating the measuring system, including the displacement measuring unit and a separate additional measuring unit, a compact design with two different measuring units can be achieved. Synergies are realized from the components, which can now be used jointly and thus for both measuring units. Furthermore, by performing different measurements with the same component using the aforementioned measuring units, or by coupling them with this component, the precision of the measurement can also be increased.

[0013] It is specifically intended that the measuring system is set up in such a way that a spatial and functional integration of the distance measurement of the lowering path and a force measurement of the force action is formed, particularly at this common, identical component.

[0014] In In one embodiment, the component is designed to vary in length along its longitudinal axis depending on the load. This component thus expands or compresses along its longitudinal axis depending on the load status of the washing drum. The coupling of the measuring units with this linearly unidirectional component significantly enhances the aforementioned advantages.

[0015] The component can be arranged with its longitudinal axis at an angle to the vertical. This angle between the component's longitudinal axis and the vertical can generally be between 10° and 60°, and in particular between 20° and 50°. All individual values ​​for the angle between the aforementioned interval limits are also considered disclosed. Therefore, all intervals of angle values, both upwards and downwards, in increments of one, are also considered disclosed.

[0016] In particular, components of the displacement measuring unit are arranged outside the component, especially outside a damper, and especially outside axially nested damper parts. This means, in particular, that components of the displacement measuring unit are arranged next to, and especially laterally to, and along the axial direction of the component, and especially extend over the entire length of the component. A component of the displacement measuring unit can be coupled to one end of the component, and in particular be directly coupled.

[0017] In In one embodiment, the component to which the aforementioned measuring units are coupled for the respective measurements is a damper of the damping system. The damper itself is a relatively robust component, which in this context is also preferably suitable for coupling these measuring units. Since a damper, by its very design, is configured with at least two coupled damper parts that are axially displaceable relative to each other and interlock, a particularly simple, namely relatively linear, change in the component can be achieved depending on the respective load. This makes it particularly advantageous to perform these various measurements with the measuring units simultaneously on this component, thus increasing the precision of the measurement result.

[0018] It is also possible that such a measuring system is implemented on the first damper of the damping system and that no further measuring system is present. However, it is also possible that a first measuring system, as described above, is implemented on the first damper of the damping system and a second measuring system is implemented on a second damper of the damping system. This further refines the measurements, although in this context there is a multiple and therefore redundant design of the measuring systems. It is also possible that each damper of the damping system has its own measuring system, as described and explained above, arranged on or coupled to it.

[0019] In In one embodiment, in addition to the at least one measuring system described above, a further measuring unit is coupled to at least one bearing spring of the bearing spring system on the component, in particular a damper of the damper system. This allows for only one displacement measurement, by determining the lowering distance of the oscillating system as a function of the change in length of the bearing spring.

[0020] In In one embodiment, the additional measuring unit is designed such that a force acting on the component is converted into a displacement measurement along the chain of action of the components of the additional measuring unit. This additional measuring unit is therefore designed so that a measuring principle is automatically implemented along the chain of action in which one quantity, namely a force, is converted into another quantity, namely a displacement. The disadvantages of a pure force measuring unit described above can thus be avoided to a particularly advantageous degree. Even small movements can now be measured much more accurately.

[0021] By implementing two different measurements locally at the end of the respective measurement chain, both as displacement measurements, the advantage of precise measurement is enhanced. A suitable mechanism within the measurement system allows these measurements to be transformed into ranges suitable for a sensor used, which is preferably an induction sensor with a coil mounted on a circuit board.

[0022] The resulting synergies particularly relate to the mechanical translation of force and displacement into two scalable displacement measurements and the consequent simplification of the measurement electronics. For example, the coils of the measurement electronics, preferably integrated on a circuit board, can, in combination with specific elements—preferably metallic conductive amplifier levers also known as displacement magnification levers—enable distance measurement without externally wired sensors or additional target elements, such as magnets in Hall effect sensors. Furthermore, integrated circuits offer a small and cost-effective way to directly process multiple measurement channels in a single component.The compensation of disturbances, such as temperature influences, humidity influences, and unwanted EMC (electromagnetic compatibility) influences, is simplified when using a common measurement principle, as demonstrated by the proposed measurement system. Further synergies arise in mechanical functions, such as the mechanical support or elastic structures for the sensors. Furthermore, the need for housings and cabling, which are often distributed and redundant in the conventional principle described above, is eliminated; in the proposed measurement system, these components are combined and used locally in an integrated concept.

[0023] In In one embodiment, the displacement measuring unit and the additional measuring unit are therefore integrated into a single overall measuring unit coupled to the component. This overall measuring unit combines the two described measuring principles locally. The resulting advantages have already been explained in detail above.

[0024] In one embodiment, the displacement measuring unit includes a bending beam. This bending beam bends as intended, depending on a change in the component initiated by the loading of the washing drum with laundry items, in particular a change in the component's length. Bending beams are advantageous elements in this respect, as they are simple in design yet sufficiently robust and functional for the measuring principle.

[0025] In one embodiment, the displacement measuring unit features a displacement magnification lever. This lever is coupled to the bending beam of the unit. Furthermore, the lever is positioned adjacent to an electromagnetically interacting component of the unit to enable it to interact with this component for displacement measurement, particularly without contact. This is a particularly advantageous concept because it allows even small bends of the bending beam to be magnified by the coupled lever. Thus, in the measuring chain, the interaction of the lever with the electromagnetically interacting component effectively translates the displacement into a larger displacement, which can then be detected, or more accurately detected, by the electromagnetically interacting component and, consequently, by the measuring electronics.This concept with the displacement-enhancing lever is therefore particularly advantageous and simple. Only one such additional element is required, which is cleverly positioned in the chain of action both between the bending beam and the electromagnetically interacting component, and coupled to the bending beam in such a way that a corresponding amplification of the bending path initiated by the load is generated, resulting in a distance path between the displacement-enhancing lever and the electromagnetically interacting component.

[0026] In In one embodiment, the coupling is designed such that a change in the bending path of the bending beam leads to a greater change in the distance of the path enlargement lever to the electromagnetically interacting component, as has already been explained.

[0027] In In one embodiment, the displacement magnification lever is designed as an elongated strip. This makes it particularly simple in design and allows for space-saving installation. Furthermore, this design makes it relatively rigid and dimensionally stable, so that any movement of the bending beam does not lead to deformation of the displacement magnification lever itself, thus preventing measurement inaccuracies.

[0028] Additionally or instead, the travel-enhancing lever can be formed integrally with the bending beam. This is another highly advantageous embodiment, as it reduces the number of components. This integral design also offers the particularly advantageous benefit of extremely direct coupling of the bending beam's movement to the travel-enhancing lever. Relative movements between these components can thus be avoided. This enables a particularly precise and direct transmission of the bending beam's movement via the travel-enhancing lever to the electromagnetically interacting component.

[0029] In In other words, this entire element, comprising the displacement magnification lever and the bending beam, is L-shaped. In this embodiment, the displacement magnification lever and the bending beam do not extend coaxially and are the only shared straight component. This non-coaxial design allows for a space-saving concept and enables individual positioning of the measuring electronics relative to the bending beam while still maintaining a highly accurate measuring principle. The angled arrangement of the bending beam to the displacement magnification lever can be between 40° and less than 130°. For example, it can have an angle between 80° and 100°.

[0030] In In one embodiment, the travel-enhancing lever extends from a free end of the bending beam. This means the lever is coupled to the bending beam at its end. Specifically, the travel-enhancing lever extends freely and cantilevered from the bending beam. This further enhances the advantages mentioned above.

[0031] In In another embodiment, it is also possible that the bending beam and the travel enlargement lever are arranged in series with each other and, in particular, that a complete element is formed which is completely straight.

[0032] In In one embodiment, the displacement measuring unit includes a spring. The spring can, in particular, be helically wound. The spring is preferably coupled to the bending beam at a first end. In particular, it is directly connected to the bending beam at its first end. At a second end, the spring is preferably coupled to a component part arranged to be axially movable along the longitudinal axis of the component. In particular, this second end is directly connected to this component part. This component part of the component can be an axially movable damper part of a damper of the damping system. This damper part is, in particular, the one that faces the tub and the drum, i.e., is arranged closer than another component part, in particular another damper part of the damper.The two component parts are movable relative to each other in the longitudinal direction of the component and are directly coupled. In particular, they are guided directly inside one another. This is especially true for a damper with two damper parts. Specifically, the longitudinal axis of the spring is oriented parallel to the longitudinal axis of the component. This concept enables a particularly advantageous implementation of direct displacement measurement at the damper. Unlike the other measuring unit described, this displacement measuring unit performs only displacement measurement. An initial force measurement along the functional chain or the measurement chain, as is preferably the case with the other measuring unit, is not provided for in this displacement measuring unit. The entire functional chain or measurement chain of the displacement measuring unit is designed exclusively for performing displacement measurement.

[0033] In one embodiment, the additional measuring unit features a further bending beam to which the component is directly coupled. Specifically, the bending beam is directly coupled to a second component part, which is arranged to be axially movable along the longitudinal axis of the component and is positioned closer to the bending beam than a first component part. These two component parts are directly connected and movable relative to each other in the axial direction of the component. The component parts are, in particular, damper parts. The first damper part is the one located closer to the bending beam and thus, in particular, the damper part furthest from the washing drum and the tub compared to the second damper part. This specific concept also advantageously supports and refines the measurement chain described above, especially the conversion of a force measurement into a displacement measurement.

[0034] In In one embodiment, the bending beam of the displacement measuring unit and the additional bending beam of the second measuring unit, which are two separate bending beams, are connected to a base element of the measuring system. The base element can be a plate. In particular, the two bending plates are integrally connected to the base element or manufactured integrally with it. This also reduces the number of components and achieves a particularly compact design for this element.

[0035] In In one embodiment, the base element is arranged on the bottom of the household appliance. In particular, it is attached to it. Additionally or instead of this, the two bending beams are arranged at a distance from each other. They are thus oriented without contact with each other. The two bending beams are arranged, in particular, projecting from the base element in the same direction. They can be arranged parallel to each other. This also supports the compact design, enables an immediately adjacent arrangement of the other elements of the measuring unit and the additional measuring unit, and, in a particularly advantageous manner, allows for the extremely local and concentrated mounting of measuring electronics that can interact with both measuring units in an immediately adjacent arrangement, in particular to be able to interact with two separate displacement magnification levers.

[0036] In In one embodiment, the additional measuring unit has a further displacement magnification lever. This additional displacement magnification lever is coupled to the additional bending beam. Furthermore, the additional displacement magnification lever is arranged adjacent to another electromagnetically interacting component of the additional measuring unit in order to interact with this electromagnetically interacting component for measurement purposes. In particular, this greatly facilitates the previously described advantageous conversion from force measurement to displacement measurement, especially without contact.

[0037] The arrangement of the additional displacement magnification lever relative to the additional bending beam can be the same as described for the first bending beam and the first displacement magnification lever of the displacement measuring unit. This applies to the geometry and / or orientation and / or its integrality with the bending beam and / or its orientation relative to the bending beam.

[0038] In one embodiment, a displacement enlargement lever is designed in a straight line, particularly in a completely straight line. In another embodiment, it can be designed as an odd line with an obtuse angle between parts of the displacement enlargement lever. Furthermore, in another embodiment, it can also be designed as an odd line with an acute angle between parts of the displacement enlargement lever. This applies in particular to the parts of the displacement enlargement lever that directly adjoin the respective bending beam, in particular those directly coupled to it, and in particular those formed integrally with it.

[0039] Electromagnetically interacting components of the measuring electronics are, in particular, coils. In this context, one coil can be provided for interaction with one of the displacement magnification levers. Another coil can be provided for interaction with the other displacement magnification lever. The two coils are preferably arranged directly adjacent to each other. They can preferably be mounted on a common circuit board.

[0040] The two preferably separate travel-enlargement levers, which are also spaced apart and arranged without contact with each other, are in one embodiment oriented in the same direction in a basic position and arranged parallel to each other. They preferably both extend freely cantilevered.

[0041] It is therefore a particularly advantageous design if elastic structures, such as those that can be realized by bending beams, are combined with further mechanical elements characterized by the displacement magnification lever, so that the ranges of movement are adapted to the detection ranges that are best suited for the sensor, i.e. the measuring electronics with the coils.

[0042] In particular, this includes, as explained, mechanical stress dividers and the aforementioned displacement magnification levers. The displacement magnification lever translates the small deformation of an elastic structure, especially a bending beam, into a scalable, larger movement at the end of the measuring chain, in order to then measure this change in position, for example, using an induction sensor.

[0043] To translate the movement at the end of the measuring chain, and thus at one end of a displacement lever, into an electrical signal, sensors suitable for displacement measurements are particularly appropriate. These include, for example, Hall effect sensors, capacitive sensors, and inductive sensors. Inductive proximity sensors are especially suitable. These can measure the distance to a conductive counterpart—such as a displacement lever—that is directly adjacent to the coil, without physical contact, using the frequency of a coil connected to a resonant circuit. Coils are used in this process, for example, as planar printed coils on a circuit board. Such inductive proximity sensors with printed coils and suitable evaluation electronics are particularly advantageous.Using these sensor types greatly simplifies manufacturing and assembly, as all electrical components of the sensor are located on the circuit board, and the counterpart only needs to meet minimal requirements for electrical conductivity. In this respect, the electrical conductivity can be less than 5 x 10⁵ S / m. This is easily achievable with common, even very inexpensive, metallic materials. Depending on the proximity of the conductive material, particularly the displacement magnification lever, the inductance of the electromagnetically interacting coil—that is, the electromagnetically interacting component—changes, and consequently, so does the characteristic resonant frequency.

[0044] This creates an area on both sides of the coil where, by introducing this conductive counterpart, in particular the conductive displacement extension lever, the resonant frequency can be detuned, allowing the distance to be determined. The usable measuring range is on the order of the coil diameter, with frequency and achievable resolution decreasing approximately exponentially with distance. A maximum measuring distance of approximately 50% of the coil diameter is advantageous here. The coils are preferably placed in all layers of the circuit board, so that the achievable inductances can be multiplied by n for a number n (integer greater than 1) of layers. In one embodiment, a single-layer track can also be advantageous, which, for example, has a diameter between 17 mm and 23 mm, particularly between 19 mm and 21 mm, and / or between 8 and 12 turns, particularly between 9 and 11The coil has several turns. A maximum distance of 5 mm to 10 mm between the conductive counterpart and the coil is advantageous. A preferred minimum distance is 1.5 mm to 2.5 mm, and especially 2 mm. A path resolution in the range of a few micrometers to a few hundredths of a millimeter is achieved.

[0045] In general, a bending beam is understood to be a substantially flat component made of a sufficiently elastic material, which may or may not be clamped at both ends. When a force is applied at a point spaced away from the clamping point, the beam bends outward from this plane, which may also be a curved surface, with at least one force component perpendicular to the plane of the component. The deformation is, at least for equal amplitudes of movement, approximately proportional to the force or at least strictly monotonically increasing with it, so that the force causing the deformation can be determined by measuring the deformation.In one embodiment, the component can essentially have a cuboid shape, and this shape can be significantly larger than the thickness, for example by a factor of 7, so that the deformation of the bending beam essentially takes place in one dimension or can be described in one dimension.

[0046] The base element, on which both bending beams are preferably arranged, particularly in one piece, can also be referred to as a damper clamp. This is attached, for example, to the base plate of the household appliance, i.e., the base plate of the housing. As already explained, one end of one of the two bending beams can be directly connected to the lower end of the component, in particular the damper, so that a longitudinal force in the component is directly transferred to this bending beam as bending, or, in a linear approximation, the proportional structures of the damper and the bending beam are arranged at an angle to each other in this embodiment.

[0047] The other of the two preferably existing bending beams is connected to the upper component part, in particular an upper damper eye and thus to an upper end of the upper damper part, via a spring, preferably helically wound, and especially under preload. The two elastic elements, preferably connected in series, namely the bending beam and this spring, thus function as a mechanical stress divider. A lowering or raising of the oscillating system leads to a substantially proportional change in the length of the damper. This causes a quasi-synchronous change in the length of the spring and, via its spring constant, a change in force that is accompanied by the deformation of the associated bending beam.

[0048] The preload on this spring ensures, for example, that when the oscillating system moves and the length of the component, especially the damper, changes accordingly, the spring force in this helical spring never crosses zero. This means it remains under tension throughout its entire range of motion, resulting in more precise and unambiguous measurements. Therefore, the springs exhibit no free stroke or hysteresis. Furthermore, there is no rattling or disengagement of the spring's eyelets.

[0049] In In one embodiment, a stop system may be used to prevent a lever that increases the travel distance from directly striking the measuring electronics, particularly a coil. Another possibility would be to design the components so that they can move freely across their entire range of motion.

[0050] Avoiding such an impact also prevents wear and tear on the components and / or rattling and / or damage.

[0051] The previously mentioned displacement magnification, implemented by the displacement magnification lever, which translates the change in the bending beam's position into a greater distance between the lever and the measuring electronics, can have a magnification factor greater than or equal to 5, and in particular greater than or equal to 10. The magnification factor can be such that the magnification is increased by a maximum factor of 20. This allows a deflection of a few hundredths of a millimeter to be achieved at the end of the displacement magnification lever, which can be easily and precisely measured by a sensor, especially an inductive sensor.

[0052] In In one embodiment, the width of a displacement enlargement lever, particularly the part intended to interact electromagnetically with the electromagnetically interacting component, can be greater than or equal to 10%, more particularly greater than or equal to 20%, more particularly greater than or equal to 25%, more particularly less than or equal to 50%, more particularly less than or equal to 40%, more particularly between 27% and 33%, wider than the diameter of the coil located on the measuring electronics. In particular, the material of the displacement enlargement lever is selected such that at least the area interacting with the electromagnetically interacting component is conductive. For example, a metal, more particularly a steel such as C35 steel, can be used.Another possibility would be a design consisting of a non-conductive substrate, for example a non-conductive plastic, which is then, at least in some areas, coated with a metallic element, such as a metallic coating or a foil. For example, a copper material or copper-containing material could be used as the coating or foil.

[0053] The measuring range is designed, for example, for laundry loads of up to 10 kg. When unloaded, i.e., with an empty drum, the system's dampers are extended relatively far. At the upper end of the loading range, the dampers lower by a few millimeters. The relevant measuring area is located closer to the upper end of the overall range of motion, which is why the preferred method for measuring displacement involves moving the displacement extension lever and the coil when the drum, and thus the vibration system, is lowered.

[0054] Preferably, the coils are designed as helical coils, particularly spiral coils. They are arranged, in particular, without contact, but directly opposite one end of a displacement-enhancing lever. The electromagnetic waves of a defined frequency emitted by a coil induce an eddy current in the material of the displacement-enhancing lever, which in turn generates a field that opposes the field generated by the coil. The weakening of this field reduces the effective inductance of the coil, which in turn increases the resonant frequency. Depending on changes in position between the displacement-enhancing lever and a coil, the induced currents change, and consequently, so does the inductance of the coil.The inductance is thus directly related to the distance between a displacement-enhancing lever, in particular the part of the displacement-enhancing lever intended to interact with the electromagnetic component, i.e., the coil, and the coil itself. An axial or longitudinal approach is more advantageous than a radial or transverse approach, since the change is an order of magnitude greater with an axial approach.

[0055] A spacing range of up to 50% of the coil diameter is advantageous to achieve sufficient resolution. The typical change in inductance is 4 µH / mm in the near range, for example at a distance of 20% of the coil diameter, and drops to 0.2 µH / mm in the range above 50% of the coil diameter.

[0056] A weighted addition of the measured values ​​can be performed to obtain a value for the change in the total force and thus for the change in the drum's load.

[0057] It is also possible that the part of the displacement magnification lever that interacts with the electromagnetically interacting component is tapered at its end to save material. The asymmetry of the displacement measurement can be exploited, for example, by reversing the direction of movement of the displacement magnification lever in the opposite direction to the bending beam. This can result in even more accurate measurement.

[0058] In one embodiment, the electromagnetically interacting component of the measuring electronics is formed in a two-dimensional geometry and thus extends, in particular, in a plane. The geometry of a coil can be spiral, rectangular, square, polygonal, or elliptical. It is possible for the preferably multiple coils to be arranged on a common circuit board or on different circuit boards. These can also be ribbon cables that can be interconnected. This allows for mechanical flexibility and particularly customized placement. The electromagnetically interacting components, especially the coils, can have different mechanical and electrical designs.They can differ, for example, in the parameters of the coil diameter, the fill factor, the number of turns, the width and spacing of the conductor tracks, and the number of layers on the electronics. The number of layers can range from one to sixteen. An advantageous embodiment can be, for example, a single-layer to four-layer coil with a diameter between 1 mm and 25 mm and between 40 and 50 turns. A single-layer coil with a diameter of 19 mm to 21 mm, 12 to 14 turns, conductor tracks 0.008 to 0.12 mm wide, and a spacing between the conductor tracks of 0.45 mm or 0.55 mm is advantageous. These conductor tracks can also be applied to a metallic layer, for example, a copper layer. This layer can be, for example, between 30 µm and 40 µm thick, and in particular 35 µm.

[0059] When measuring with strain gauges, i.e., bending beams, the achievable force measurement resolution is proportional to the strain in the beam. Strain is synonymous with stress; according to Hooke's Law, strain is proportional to stress. Therefore, if sufficiently high strains must be generated even with small forces, such as 1 N, significantly larger strains and thus stresses will occur when the maximum expected force, for example, 100 N, is applied. Consequently, a correspondingly high strength, and thus a high yield strength, of the material is required to simultaneously meet the requirements for measurement resolution and to avoid drastic deformation over its service life. High-strength materials are generally more expensive than low-strength materials and may exhibit disadvantageous properties with regard to the application requirements.

[0060] In The invention shown here does not directly measure elongation, but rather deflection. Thus, by appropriately designing the bending beam, sufficient deflection for the required measurement resolution can be achieved even with comparatively small elongations. The deflection increases cubically with the length of the bending beam, while the bending moment and therefore the bending stress increase only linearly with the length of the bending beam. Accordingly, for example, two bending beams of the same thickness (i.e., the same sheet thickness) but different lengths and widths can exhibit different deflections even with the same elongation. The long and wide bending beam will deflect more than the short, narrow one. For example, if the length and width are doubled, the deflection will be four times greater than that of the shorter, narrower bending beam at the same elongation.Furthermore, it is possible to scale the deflection using simple means such as the preferably proposed displacement enlargement levers, which is not possible with a pure strain measurement.

[0061] Furthermore, the invention offers the advantages of leveraging significant synergies and thus a substantial cost reduction for the measuring system compared to the prior art example mentioned in the introduction. The same measuring principle and the same order of magnitude are used for both sensors of the measuring electronics, and therefore also for both coils. Synergies also arise here in terms of power supply, data processing, assembly, etc. By converting the three-dimensional range of motion into a one-dimensional tensile force using the preferably described tension divider spring, the effect of undesired degrees of freedom of the component, and in particular the damper, on the measured values ​​is reduced or eliminated. In this context, disturbances caused by lateral movements of the oscillating system in the horizontal plane can be reduced or eliminated.Furthermore, optimizing the measurement results for the sensor's highest resolution is easier and more precise. The described advantageous designs also allow for a robust bending zone, as less strain is required compared to direct measurement at the bending tongue, i.e., the bending beam itself. Mounting this measuring system and its electronics above the splash zone of such a household appliance is also preferable.

[0062] Generally speaking, the setup is particularly advantageous because the two quantities to be measured are coordinated via the measuring system with the two measuring units in such a way that both measurements have similar ranges of motion of the respective, especially electromagnetically interacting, component, and these ranges involve much larger distances than in a conventional force measurement, as is the case, for example, with typical force sensors such as strain gauges.

[0063] In particular, the components bending beam and displacement enlargement lever of the further measuring unit are therefore matched accordingly with the spring, the bending beam and the displacement enlargement lever of the displacement measuring unit.

[0064] The two measurements are therefore spatially very close to each other, run in the same direction, and have a similar amplitude of movement. This makes it possible to measure the two signals with minimal electronic effort using at least two induction coils located close together on a circuit board.

[0065] Exemplary embodiments of the invention are explained in more detail below with reference to schematic drawings. These show: Fig. 1 a schematic representation of an embodiment of a household appliance according to the invention; Fig. 2 a schematic representation of partial components of the household appliance according to Fig. 1 and an embodiment of a measuring system for measuring the load of laundry items in the washing drum; Fig. 3 a schematic representation of an embodiment of such a measuring system as it is in Fig. 2 generally specified; Fig. 4 a schematic representation of a further embodiment of partial components of an embodiment of a measuring system according to the invention for load measurement; Fig. 5 a schematic representation of yet another embodiment of components of a measuring system according to the invention; Fig. 6 a schematic representation of components of a further embodiment of a measuring system according to the invention; Fig. 7 a schematic representation of components of an embodiment of a measuring system according to the invention; and Fig. 8 a schematic representation of yet another embodiment of a measuring system according to the invention of an embodiment of a household appliance according to the invention.

[0066] In The figures are assigned identical or functionally equivalent elements with the same reference symbols.

[0067] In Fig. 1 A household appliance 1 for the care of laundry is shown in a schematic diagram. The household appliance 1 is, in particular, a washing machine. It can also be a washer-dryer. The household appliance 1 has a housing 2. A vibratory system 3 is arranged in the housing 2. The vibratory system 3 has a tub 4 and a drum 5. It may also have other components such as a drive motor and counterweights, etc. The vibratory system 3 is mounted so that it can vibrate in the housing 2 by means of a bearing assembly 6. The bearing assembly 6 has a bearing spring system 7. In the exemplary embodiment, this bearing spring system 7 has several bearing springs 8. For example, three such bearing springs 8 may be provided. The vibratory system 3 is suspended so that it can vibrate in the housing 2 by means of this bearing spring system 7. As shown in Fig. 1 As can be seen, these bearing springs 8 engage the oscillating system 3 from above in the vertical direction (y-direction) of the household appliance 1. In one embodiment, the bearing springs 8 are each connected at one first end to the housing 2, in particular to a ceiling panel 9. At a lower second end, the bearing springs 8 are each coupled, in particular connected, to the oscillating system 3 from above.

[0068] The bearing device 6 further comprises a damping system 10 with several dampers 11. The dampers 11 are hydraulic or pneumatic dampers. They can also be friction dampers. They preferably have a first damper part 11a and a second damper part 11b directly connected to and separate from it. The damper parts 11a and 11b are arranged coaxially along a longitudinal axis A of a damper 11 and are movable relative to each other in the direction of this longitudinal axis A. They can therefore be guided into one another, so that the damper 11 is expandable and compressible in the direction of this longitudinal axis A.

[0069] The vibration system 3 is mounted in the housing 2 using this damping system 10. This means that the vibration system 3 rests on this damping system 10 from above. The multiple dampers 11, which can be, for example, three in number, are connected at one upper end to the vibration system 3 and at their lower ends to a base or bottom wall 12 of the housing 2.

[0070] Furthermore, the household appliance 1 has a measuring system 13, as is also found in Fig. 2 The schematic diagram shows the measuring system 13, which can also be referred to as a load measuring system. The measuring system 13 is designed to measure the load of laundry in the washing drum 5.

[0071] As in the simplified representation in Fig. 2 As can be seen, this measuring system 13 has a displacement measuring unit 14. Displacement measuring unit 14 enables displacement measurement. The lowering distance of the oscillating system 3 can be measured during a load measurement. This allows the lowering distance to be determined, and consequently, the load quantity and thus the weight of the load can be determined. Furthermore, the measuring system 13 has another measuring unit 15. With this additional measuring unit 15, the force exerted by the oscillating system 3 on a damper 11 can be measured simultaneously under the same load. Displacement measuring unit 14 and the additional measuring unit 15 are locally combined and arranged directly adjacent to each other. It is intended that the displacement measuring unit 14 and the additional measuring unit 15 are combined at a single location and arranged on a common component of the household appliance 1.In this example, this component is a damper. 11, with which this displacement measuring unit 14 and the further measuring unit 15 are coupled. This component, which here is a damper 11 In the example, it is designed to be definitely variable depending on the load when the washing drum 5 is loaded, in particular it is compressed or expanded along its longitudinal axis A.

[0072] The measuring system 13 is thus configured such that a spatial and functional integration of the displacement measurement of the lowering path and a force measurement of the force acting on the same component is formed. With the additional measuring unit 15, it is possible to perform a force measurement. The additional measuring unit 15 is preferably designed such that a force acting on the component, which in this example is a damper, is detected. 11along the action chain or measurement chain of the components of this further measuring unit 15, a displacement measurement is converted into a displacement measurement. This means that a force measurement is converted into a displacement measurement. This means that the change in load from the vibration system 3 to the damper 11 force acting on the damper 11 The force is applied to an elastically deformable element, such as a bending beam. Due to the further conceptual design, as explained below using exemplary embodiments, this initial force measurement is converted into a displacement measurement along the measurement chain, and a displacement measurement is then performed at the end of the measurement chain.

[0073] In one embodiment, the displacement measuring unit 14 and the further measuring unit 15 are integrated into a system with the component, here the damper. 11,A coupled overall measuring unit is integrated, and the two measuring principles are locally combined through the overall measuring unit.

[0074] This also means, in particular, that at least one component of the two measuring units 14 and 15 is shared by both measuring units. This could, for example, be measuring electronics and / or, for example, a base element on which two separate bending beams are arranged, one bending beam being assigned to the displacement measuring unit 14 and the other bending beam being assigned to the other measuring unit 15.

[0075] Symbolically, in Fig. 2 An elastic structure 16 is shown, which is part of the displacement measuring unit 14. This elastic structure 16 can, for example, be a bending beam 17. This elastic structure 16 is coupled, in particular directly coupled, to a spring 18. The spring 18 is preferably a helical spring. The spring 18 is part of the displacement measuring unit 14. This spring 18 is connected at one end, here the lower end, to the elastic structure 16, preferably the bending beam 17. Another end, here the upper end, of this spring 18 is connected to the component, here the damper 11. In particular, this upper end of the spring 18 is directly coupled to an upper first damper part 11a, in particular to a bearing point 11d, i.e., a damper eye of this first damper part 11a. A mechanical stress divider 19 is formed by the spring 18 and the elastic structure 16. As further shown in Fig. 2 As can be seen, the further measuring unit 15 also has an elastic structure 20. This can, for example, be a bending beam 21. This elastic structure 20 of the further measuring unit 15 is directly coupled to the component, here the damper 11. In one embodiment, a lower end of the damper 11, here a lower end of the first damper part 11a, rests directly on the elastic structure 20, here the bending beam 21.

[0076] In Fig. 3 A schematic representation shows an embodiment of components of the household appliance 1 with an embodiment of a measuring system 13. The measuring system 13 has a base element 22. This base element 22 can be a plate. The base element 22 is preferably made of metal. The elastic structures, here in the form of at least the bending beams 17 and 21, are arranged on the base element 22. Here, they are separate and spaced-apart bending beams 17 and 21. They extend in the same direction. As can be seen, the base element 22 is formed in one piece with the bending beams 17 and 21, and in particular, is also manufactured in one piece. The bending beams 17 and 21 cantilever freely from the base element 22, projecting from the same edge. In the Fig. 3 The lower illustration shows a top view of the base element 22 with the bending beams 17 and 21. As can be seen, the bending beam 17 of the displacement measuring unit 14 is narrower than the bending beam 21. The bending beam 21 is preferably at least twice as wide as the bending beam 17.

[0077] As can be seen, the damper 11 has a base 11c to which the second elongated damper part 11b is pivotally attached. With this base 11c, the damper 11 sits directly on the bending beam 21. As shown in the sectional view in Fig. 3 As can be seen, the base element 22 rests directly on the floor wall 12 from above. The bending beams 17 and 21 are spaced apart from it upwards, so that they are not in contact with the floor and can therefore move up and down.

[0078] Furthermore, in Fig. 3 It can also be seen that the displacement measuring unit 14 has an amplifier lever. This amplifier lever is a displacement enlargement lever 23. The displacement enlargement lever 23 is directly connected to the bending beam 17. In particular, it is integrally formed with it. The displacement enlargement lever 23 is arranged at a front free end 17a of the bending beam 17, the end facing away from the base element 22. In this exemplary embodiment, it is arranged at an angle to the bending beam 17. In particular, it can be oriented at an angle between 85° and 95° to the bending beam 17. Thus, a complete element consisting of the bending beam 17 and the displacement enlargement lever 23 is created, which is L-shaped.

[0079] In this embodiment, the additional measuring unit 15 also has an amplifier lever in the form of a displacement-enhancing lever 24. In this embodiment, this displacement-enhancing lever 24 is directly connected to the bending beam 21, in particular formed and manufactured integrally with it. Here, too, the displacement-enhancing lever 24 can be directly arranged at a front, free end 21a of the bending beam 21. It can be oriented at an angle to the bending beam 21. In particular, the two displacement-enhancing levers 23 and 24 can be arranged adjacent to each other and without contact, and / or cantilevered freely in the same direction, as shown here. Fig. 3 The figure shows the travel-enhancing levers 23 and 24 arranged vertically upwards and cantilevered freely upwards. A bending beam 17 and a travel-enhancing lever 23 are fixed in position relative to each other. This means that a movement of the bending beam 17 directly results in a corresponding movement of the travel-enhancing lever 23. The same applies to the bending beam 21 and the travel-enhancing lever 24.

[0080] As in the longitudinal section view in Fig. 3 As can also be seen, the two displacement enlargement levers 23 and 24 are spaced horizontally apart and arranged without contact with a measuring electronics unit 25 of the measuring system 13. This measuring electronics unit 25 can be mounted on a support 26. The measuring electronics unit 25 can have at least one circuit board 27. As shown in the symbolic representation on the left, a processing unit 28, such as a microprocessor, can be arranged on this circuit board. In addition, two sensors in the form of coils 29 and 30 are also provided. This provides inductive sensing. The sensor 29 is an electromagnetically interacting component. It interacts electromagnetically with the displacement enlargement lever 23, which is at least partially conductive.In contrast, the coil 30, which is an example of an electromagnetically interacting component, enters into electromagnetic interaction with the path enlargement lever 24.

[0081] The spring 18 is, as shown in the top view in Fig. 3 As can be seen, the base 11c of the damper 11 is coupled only to the bending beam 17. Depending on the load of laundry in the washing drum 5, the oscillating system 3 lowers, compressing the dampers 11. This change in position is detected by the two measuring units 14 and 15, and the weight of the laundry is determined from this. Depending on the corresponding change in position of the displacement levers 23 and 24 relative to the coils 29 and 30, the load quantity can be inductively determined in this exemplary embodiment. The advantageous displacement levers 23 and 24 amplify a bending motion, which may be relatively small, caused by the action on the bending beams 17 and / or 21, into a larger change in position of the displacement levers 23 and 24 relative to the coils 29 and 30.

[0082] In Fig. 4 A further embodiment of a measuring system 13 in sub-components is shown in a schematic representation. Here, it is again possible to provide an integrated overall element consisting of a bending beam and a displacement magnification lever. In contrast to an angled design, as shown in Fig. 3 As shown, a completely straight configuration of the two components is also possible. With such a longer overall element, a force K applied to an approximate effective pivot point D can cause a partial section 31 of the straight, one-piece overall element 32 to bend. This results in an effective lever length H, which is measured by the distance between the point of force K and the effective pivot point D. A part 33 of the overall element 32 located outside the deformation zone is then not subject to any deformation. This partial section 33 then forms the lever for increasing the travel distance in this embodiment. This lever is in electromagnetic interaction with an electromagnetically interacting component, in particular a coil 29 or 30. The concept according to Fig. 3 Alternatively, the exemplary embodiment in Fig. 4 will be used as a basis in the following.

[0083] In Fig. 5 A further embodiment is shown in a side view. Here, the concept is as follows: Fig. 4 This is realized, and on both measuring units 14 and 15, a one-piece assembly 32 is formed, each with a bending beam 17 and a linearly connected displacement extension lever 23, or a bending beam 21 and a linearly connected displacement extension lever 24, respectively. As can be seen in this illustration, the assembly extends beyond the deformation area. The solid line of the assembly 32 shows it in its rest state or rest position. The dashed lines pointing upwards and downwards towards the assembly 32 illustrate exemplary deflected states. Furthermore, a possible position of the measuring electronics 25 is shown here, which is arranged vertically below the assembly 32. In contrast, the right-hand illustration shows... Fig. 5 A concept is shown which illustrates that, in another embodiment, the measuring electronics 25 can be arranged vertically above the respective overall element 32 of the two measuring units 14 on the one hand and 15 on the other. A connection of a base element 22, which is also preferably present here, can be provided, for example, on a vertical side wall 34 of the housing 2 or attached to a corresponding base projecting upwards from the bottom wall n12. Extending the overall element 32, which is designed particularly as a sheet metal component, beyond the deformation range, as shown, leads to an increase in the movement amplitude approximately in the ratio of the lever lengths R / r. The left illustration shows a positive system, which means that the signal increases when lowering. The right illustration in Fig. 5 shows a negative system in which this signal amplitude decreases when the oscillating system 3 is lowered.

[0084] In Fig. 3 and 5 The damper eyes shown are also examples of the upper bearing points 11d of the damper 11, about which the damper 11 is mounted in a way that is particularly movable, in particular rotatable.

[0085] In Fig. 6 is in a corresponding representation, as in Fig. 3 , 4 und 5 , another embodiment is shown. In this embodiment, a complete element 32 is again designed consisting of a bending beam and a travel-enhancing lever. Here, the travel-enhancing lever is guided on the side opposite the pivot point D, in this case, the side below it. This results in a reversal of the movement conditions. Here too, in a Fig. 6 Both a negative and a positive system are shown. The further explanations regarding the solid line of the entire element 32 in the rest position and the dashed lines in deflected positions correspond to the explanations as in Fig. 5 Also, here in Fig. 6 Both embodiments of the measuring electronics 25 are shown, one in the vertical direction above the travel enlargement lever 24 and the other in the vertical direction below the travel enlargement lever 24. As already mentioned Fig. 5 As explained, the displacement measuring unit 14 can also be designed accordingly, so that a corresponding connection and shaping of the overall element 32 can be realized. The overall element 32 is U-shaped here. In particular, the displacement enlargement lever 24 and the bending beam 21 are parallel to each other.

[0086] In Fig. 7 A further embodiment with the corresponding components is shown in a corresponding illustration. In this embodiment, Fig. 7 is based on the exemplary embodiment in Fig. 3 The displacement magnification lever 24 is not entirely formed as a straight strip, but is itself angled in this respect. Thus, a first part 24a and a second part 24b, angled relative to it, are implemented. The second part 24b, in particular, is designed to interact, specifically an electromagnetic interaction, with the measuring electronics 25. Here, too, the amplification ratio is R / r. However, due to the longer lever R, this ratio is much larger than in the example in [reference missing]. Fig. 4 In Fig. 7 In this context, a positive system, which has already been explained, is shown again.

[0087] In Fig. 8 is an embodiment according to Fig. 7The image is shown, whereas a negative system is depicted with regard to the measuring electronics 25. Here, the measuring electronics 25 are positioned vertically almost above the sub-element 24b.

[0088] The axial displacement of the damper 11 is not crucial for the displacement measuring unit 14. Such a measurement would also be possible without an axially variable damper 11. What is important is the vertical position of the oscillating system, which in this example is represented by the upper end of a coil spring, the lower end of which is attached to a bending beam. The fact that the axially expandable damper 11 lies parallel to this is exemplary, but not mandatory. An important influence of the damper 11 is its inclination – longitudinal axis relative to the vertical – so that the sine component of the angle between the damper 11 and the base 12, as determined by the change in length of the spring running parallel to the damper 11, reflects the actual change in height of the oscillating system 3.

[0089] This angle between the longitudinal axis A of the damper 11 and the vertical can generally be between 10° and 60°, in particular between 20° and 50°. All individual values ​​for the angle between the aforementioned interval limits are also to be considered disclosed. Therefore, all intervals of angle values ​​upwards and downwards in increments of one are also to be considered disclosed in this respect. Reference symbol list

[0090] 1 Household appliance 2 Housing 3 Vibration system 4 Tub 5 Washing drum 6 Bearing device 7 Bearing spring system 8 Bearing springs 9 Top wall 10 Damper system 11 Damper 11a First damper part 11b Second damper part 11c Base 11d Damper eye 12 Bottom wall 13 Measuring system 14 Displacement measuring unit 15 Additional measuring unit 16 Elastic structure 17 Bending beam 17a End 18 Spring 19 Voltage divider 20 Elastic structure 21 Bending beam 21a End 22 Base element 23 Displacement magnification lever 24 Displacement magnification lever 24a First part 24b Second part 25 Measuring electronics 26 Carrier 27 Circuit board 28 Calculation unit 29 Coil 30 Coil 31 Section 32 Entire element 33 Part 34 Side wall A Longitudinal axis K Force application H Lever length D Pivot point R, r Lever lengths

Claims

1. Household appliance (1) for the care of laundry items, comprising a housing (2) and a vibration system (3) which includes a washing drum (5) and a tub (4), wherein the vibration system (3) is oscillatively mounted in the housing (2) by a bearing device (6), wherein the bearing device (6) comprises a bearing spring system (7) with several bearing springs (8) with which the vibration system (3) is oscillatively coupled in the housing (2), and the bearing device (6) comprises a damping system (10) with at least one damper (11) with which the vibration system (3) is coupled in the housing (2), and a measuring system (13) for measuring the load of laundry items in the washing drum (5), characterized by the fact thatthe measuring system (13) comprises a displacement measuring unit (14) with which a movement path of the oscillating system (3) can be measured during a load measurement, and a further measuring unit (15) with which a force effect of the oscillating system (3) on a damper (11) can be measured during the load measurement, wherein the displacement measuring unit (14) and the further measuring unit (15) are arranged locally on a common component (11) of the household appliance (1), wherein the component (11) changes depending on the load when the washing drum (5) is loaded.

2. Household appliance (1) according to claim 1, characterized by the fact that the component (11) is designed to vary in length along its longitudinal axis (A) depending on the load.

3. Household appliance (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by the fact that the component is a damper (11) of the damper system (10).

4. Household appliance (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact thatthe further measuring unit (15) is constructed in such a way that a force action on the component (11) along the chain of action of the components of the further measuring unit (15) is converted into a displacement measurement, so that a force measurement is converted into a displacement measurement.

5. Household appliance (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that the displacement measuring unit (14) and the further measuring unit (15) are integrated into a total measuring unit coupled with the component (11) and the two measuring principles are locally combined by the total measuring unit.

6. Household appliance (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that the displacement measuring unit (14) has a bending beam (17) which bends depending on a change in the components (11) initiated by the load.

7. Household appliance (1) according to claim 6, characterized by the fact thatthe displacement measuring unit (14) has a displacement enlargement lever (23) which is coupled to the bending beam (17) and is arranged adjacent to an electromagnetically interacting component (29) of the displacement measuring unit (14) in order to interact with it for displacement measurement, in particular without contact.

8. Household appliance (1) according to claim 7, characterized by the fact that the coupling is designed such that a change in the bending path of the bending beam (17) leads to a greater change in the distance of the path enlargement lever (23) to the electromagnetically interacting component (29).

9. Household appliance (1) according to claim 7 or 8, characterized by the fact thatthe travel enlargement lever (23) is designed as a strip and / or the travel enlargement lever (23) is formed integrally with the bending beam (17) and / or the travel enlargement lever (23) is arranged in an angular orientation between greater than 40° and less than 130° to the bending beam (17), in particular oriented accordingly from a free end of the bending beam (17), in particular cantilevering freely.

10. Household appliance (1) according to any one of the preceding claims 6 to 9, characterized by the fact that the displacement measuring unit (14) has a spring (18), in particular a helically wound spring, which is coupled at a first end to the bending beam (17), in particular directly connected, and is coupled at a second end to a component part (11a) arranged axially movable along the longitudinal axis (A) of the component (11), in particular directly connected.

11. Household appliance (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact thatthe further measuring unit (15) has a further bending beam (21) with which the component (11) is directly coupled, in particular a second component part (11a, 11b) arranged axially movable along the longitudinal axis (A) of the component (11) and positioned closer to the bending beam (21) than a first component part (11a, 11b) is directly coupled, wherein the two component parts (11a, 11b) are directly connected and are axially movable relative to each other.

12. Household appliance (1) according to claim 11 and according to any one of the preceding claims 6 to 10, characterized by the fact that the bending beam (17) of the displacement measuring unit (14) and the further bending beam (21) of the further measuring unit (15) are connected to a base element (22) of the measuring system (13), in particular are formed integrally with it.

13. Household appliance (1) according to claim 12, characterized by the fact thatthe base element (22) is arranged, in particular attached, to a base (12) or a plinth (34) arranged on the base (12) and / or a side wall (34) of the housing (2) of the household appliance (1) and / or the two bending beams (17, 21) are spaced apart and arranged projecting in the same direction from the base element (22).

14. Household appliance (1) according to any one of the preceding claims 11 to 13, characterized by the fact that the further measuring unit (15) has a further displacement enlargement lever () which is coupled to the further bending beam (24) and is arranged adjacent to a further electromagnetically interacting component (30) of the further measuring unit (15) in order to interact with it to convert from a force measurement to a displacement measurement, in particular without contact.

15. Household appliance (1) according to claim 7 and / or claim 14, characterized by the fact thata travel enlargement lever (23, 24) is designed in a straight line or with an obtuse angle of parts of the travel enlargement lever (23, 24) is designed in an odd line or with an acute angle of parts of the travel enlargement lever (23, 24).

Images