Method for operating a washing machine, and washing machine

Abstract

A washing machine has a housing with a movably mounted drum holder together with a drum, a drum drive for the drum, a control unit for the drum drive, and weights on top of the drum holder, said weights being permanently filled to some extent with a weight material on the drum holder. At least one of the weights has a weight container which can be filled with water in order to vary the total weight. In addition, a water guide is also provided in order to pump water from the water guide into the weight container and back again. Furthermore, a washing machine controller and a sensor device for detecting and absorbing vibrations during the rotation of the drum are provided. If the vibrations exceed a first limit value, water is pumped into or out of one of the weight containers in order to change the weight.

Description

[0001] Procedures for operating a washing machine and washing machine

[0002] Application area and state of the art

[0003] The invention relates to a method for operating a washing machine or a washer-dryer, as well as to such a washing machine or such a washer-dryer.

[0004] From EP 400 467 A2, it is known to arrange two containers in the upper area of ​​a washing machine, to the left and right of a drum support container. The two containers are positioned just below or significantly above the axial height of a drum's axis of rotation within the drum support container.

[0005] From EP 1 092 801 B1, it is known to attach weights made of cast iron or concrete to the outside of a drum receiving container. This can reduce the natural frequency of the drum receiving container and possibly also compensate for the weight of a drive motor for a drum located at one point.

[0006] Task and solution

[0007] The invention is based on the objective of creating a method and a washing machine or washer-dryer mentioned above, with which problems of the prior art can be solved and it is particularly possible to reduce or avoid imbalances in operation at high speeds or in spin cycles, and to create a practical design that preferably allows intermediate storage of water and / or washing solution without additional space requirements and weight optimization for transport.

[0008] This problem is solved by a method with the features of claim 1 and by a washing machine or washer-dryer with the features of claim 7. Advantageous and preferred embodiments of the invention are the subject of further claims and are explained in more detail below. Some of the features are described only for the method or only for the washing machine or washer-dryer. However, they should be able to apply independently and separately to both a method and to such a washing machine or washer-dryer. The wording of the claims is made clear by express reference to the content of the description. It is provided that the washing machine has a housing in which a drum holder is resiliently mounted.This mounting of the drum holder can, in principle, be designed as known from the prior art; for example, spring elements such as elongated coil springs can be provided, which extend upwards and on which the drum holder is, so to speak, suspended. Damping of the drum holder's movement within the housing can be achieved by damping elements that, for example, hold the drum holder at an angle downwards or dampen excessive movement. A drum is rotatably mounted in the drum holder, advantageously with a horizontal axis of rotation and an opening to the front, accessible via a door in the front of the housing. A drum drive is provided for the drum, which may include an electric motor. This electric motor drives the drum either as a direct drive, so that it is, for example, arranged at the rear of the drum.Alternatively, it can be driven by means of a belt drive, as is common and known. Weights are arranged on the drum mounting, particularly on top of the drum mounting or higher than a rotational axis of the drum. These weights are intended to reduce or dampen movements of the drum mounting when the drum rotates. Furthermore, their arrangement on the drum mounting is intended to lower its natural frequency, as mentioned above, so that this natural frequency is preferably at drum rotation speeds below high speed, for example, during the spin cycle of a washing machine. The weights are at least partially filled with weighting material or contain such weighting material that remains stationary within the weights, i.e., always in place. Advantageously, this weighting material can be solid, for example, iron, concrete, or stone.Natural stone material, advantageous as a large piece or section, or alternatively as a collection of smaller pieces. Natural stone material has a relatively low density compared to, for example, zirconium.

[0009] According to the invention, at least one of the weights has a weight container or is formed by a weight container that can be filled with liquid or water in order to vary its weight, and thus the total weight on the drum mounting or in the washing machine, in particular to increase it. Thus, the weights have, on the one hand, stationary or fixed weight material that is advantageously not variable. On the other hand, the weight on the drum mounting or for vibration damping of the drum mounting can be varied when the drum rotates, especially when the drum rotates rapidly. A pump is provided in the washing machine, which is connected to a water supply system of the washing machine, to pump water from the water supply system into the weight container to at least partially fill it.It may also be possible to pump water from the weight container into the water supply system. Advantageously, water can be removed from a weight container by simply draining it, i.e., by flowing downwards due to gravity. Alternatively, the pump can also be designed with water pipes and several valves for both filling and emptying the weight containers. Preferably, the solid or stationary weight material remaining in the at least one weight container(s) can have a high density, higher than that of water, and in particular significantly higher. Preferably, it can be at least two to four times higher. Particularly preferably, the density of the weight material can even be higher than that of concrete. In this way, a high weight can be achieved with a small volume, especially to compensate for the lower density of water, with which the at least one weight container can be variably filled.can be filled according to specifications.

[0010] The washing machine has a general sensor device specified by its ability to detect and record vibrations during drum rotation. Such a sensor device can be, for example, a vibration sensor, or alternatively, a microphone, in which case it is a separate and specific vibration sensor. According to the invention, such a general sensor device also includes vibrations derived from an inverter signal of an inverter used to control the drum drive. This can be detected from the motor current. The sensor device checks whether the vibrations occurring during drum rotation exceed a predetermined first limit. This is the case when the vibrations threaten to become stronger than desired or permissible, potentially resulting, for example, in noise during rapid drum rotation for spinning laundry.If the sensor device detects that vibrations exceed the predefined first threshold, water is pumped into at least one fillable weight container, or water is pumped out or drained from such a weight container, thereby changing the weight and reducing vibrations. Naturally, the change in weight must be such that the vibrations are reduced as directly and quickly as possible. This can be detected and predetermined by the sensor device or a washing machine control unit, as will be explained in detail later. The vibrations should be reduced to at least below the predefined first threshold, and preferably even further. Preferably, the sensor device is connected to a control unit for the washing machine and knows a target rotation speed for the drum.The system determines the maximum speed to which the drum should be accelerated, during which vibrations may already occur or threaten to exceed the predefined first limit. Based on this prediction, it can be estimated whether and, if so, how much intervention is needed regarding a change in weight. This can be implemented with minimal effort, particularly by monitoring and observing the drum's rotational speed by controlling the drum drive and comparing it with sensor readings.

[0011] The invention provides a way to add weight to a washing machine, specifically to the drum support, which helps reduce vibrations. This weight does not need to be present at its maximum required or advantageous level from the outset, making the washing machine easier to transport and manufacture. Furthermore, it eliminates the need for solid weight material, resulting in cost savings and, especially in the case of concrete or iron, which are environmentally unfriendly and require significant energy to produce. Additionally, the ability to vary the weight on the drum support allows for the optimal prevention or at least reduction of vibrations.

[0012] In a further development of the invention, it can be provided that either fresh water, which is introduced directly into the washing machine from the outside, for example via a domestic water connection, is pumped into at least one weight container, or that water already used in a washing process is pumped into this weight container. This previously used water can, for example, originate from a rinse cycle, particularly from a rinse cycle shortly before a subsequent high-speed spin cycle with a high risk of vibration. The reason for this can be that less washing solution, soap, or dirt residue than with water from a washing process directly enters the weight containers and could permanently contaminate them. The later the rinse cycle, whose water is pumped into the weight container, takes place, the cleaner this water is.It can be advantageous to ensure that this water is available or pumped into a weight container right from the start of the spin cycle at high speeds. If water is pumped out of a weight container to reduce or prevent vibrations, it is advantageously pumped directly out of the washing machine. In a further embodiment of the invention, it can also be provided that the water pumped into the weight container to prevent or reduce vibrations originates from the spin cycle itself. Especially at the beginning of the spin cycle, low speeds, which are not yet problematic with regard to vibrations, are usually sufficient to spin out significant amounts of water from the laundry, which is then available to be pumped into a weight container.This water is typically relatively clean, as expected, and therefore very suitable for pumping into the weight container. Using previously used water instead of fresh water reduces overall water consumption. Alternatively, the water can be taken from a wetting process at the beginning of the washing procedure, which allows for a faster process because excess water is not wasted during washing, as it can be temporarily stored.

[0013] In another embodiment of the invention, the weight containers can be emptied at the end of the washing process, having been emptied beforehand, possibly even only after the spin cycle has finished, i.e., as the final step in a washing process before its conclusion. This water can preferably drain directly from the washing machine into a drain, without having to enter the drum or the drum housing. Alternatively, the water can remain in the weight container until the next wash cycle and be used for it, for example, to pre-wet the laundry. This can also reduce water consumption.

[0014] In one embodiment of the invention, the resonant frequency for the washing machine or the drum mount can lie between a low and a high speed range. Such a low speed range is used, for example, for washing laundry. The speeds can range between 20 rpm and 150 rpm, particularly between 40 rpm and 120 rpm. The high speed range for spinning or spin-drying laundry can be above 800 rpm, particularly above 900 rpm. Thus, the washing machine or the drum mount can be designed such that the resonant frequency lies between 200 rpm and 800 rpm, preferably between 250 rpm and 600 rpm. This can advantageously be achieved even with the use of weights made of a solid material.

[0015] It is considered advantageous to distribute the weights made of solid or stationary material evenly between the left and right sides at the top of the drum mount. Such a uniform weight distribution along the sides results in a more consistent and durable bearing arrangement for the drum mount in the washing machine. These weights should be positioned laterally next to the highest point of the drum mount, not at the highest point itself. It is particularly advantageous if the weight material is identical on both sides, for example, mirror-symmetrical. Preferably, the weights made of stationary material are arranged in a direction from the front of the washing machine to the rear, at least in a front area, i.e., at the front of the drum mount. This can be achieved for weights made of solid or stationary material.This applies to stationary weights and also to weight containers for holding water. A rear area should be free of weights, specifically between 10% and 40% of the washing machine's depth. Preferably, it should be between 15% and 35%. In the area left free of weights, possibly on top of the drum support, a detergent dispenser, a container with additives for a wash cycle, or similar items can be advantageously provided. These can then be dispensed into the drum or drum support for a wash cycle, either by a pump or by gravity alone. A further advantage of this arrangement above the drum support is that, in a washing machine, which is typically placed on the floor, the highest area is the easiest and most convenient to access.If weights or weight containers were provided on top of the drum mount, there would probably not be enough space for these functional units.

[0016] Advantageously, at least one additional weight can be attached to the housing by means of a weight container, or within a weight container, so that it is designed without direct mechanical coupling to the drum mount, or has no such coupling or connection. Particularly advantageously, this weight container can be connected to the water supply by means of a flexible hose or similar, and possibly also or alternatively to other weight containers on the drum mount.

[0017] In a further development of the invention, it can be provided that partitions, dividers, or similar structures are included within a weight container that can be filled with water. These can serve to reduce water movement within the weight container, thus preventing any movement of the water from causing additional vibrations or movement of the drum mounting. Furthermore, this can also reduce noise generated by water moving within the weight container, such as sloshing around.

[0018] In a further development of the invention, it can be provided that a maximum weight is achieved by pumping a maximum amount of water into the weight container at the end of a washing cycle, particularly if the washed laundry is then spun dry. At this point, the drum is also rotated at maximum speed, so that vibrations should be minimized. Before reaching the maximum speed determined for this washing cycle, the filling of the water into the at least one weight container, or into all weight containers, should be completed. The maximum speed can then be reached and used relatively quickly, so that the washing cycle is not unnecessarily prolonged or delayed by the variable weight setting on the drum support.

[0019] The washing machine or washer-dryer designed to carry out the process can have its own separate pump for pumping water into the at least one weight container, a pump that is essentially dedicated solely to varying the weight on the drum. Alternatively, a pump generally intended for the washing machine, particularly a standard water circulation pump, can perform this task. In this case, a more complex water flow system with valves is necessary. Additionally, it is possible to install at least one valve at each drain on the water lines connected to the at least one fillable weight container to precisely control this flow.

[0020] These and other features are evident not only from the claims but also from the description and the drawings, whereby the individual features, either alone or in combination, may be implemented in one embodiment of the invention and in other fields, and may represent advantageous and individually protectable embodiments for which protection is claimed here. The division of the application into subheadings and individual sections does not limit the general validity of the statements made therein.

[0021] Brief description of the drawings

[0022] Exemplary embodiments of the invention are shown schematically in the drawings and are explained in more detail below. The drawings show:

[0023] Fig. 1 shows a front view of a washing machine according to the invention with several weights, some of which are formed by stationary weights and some by fillable weight containers.

[0024] Fig. 2 shows a top view of the washing machine corresponding to Fig. 1 from above.

[0025] Fig. 3 shows a time-based flowchart of a washing process with wetting and main wash cycle.

[0026] Fig. 4 shows a representation of a process with a little more detail, and Fig. 5 shows different possibilities for providing weight on top of a drum container at different times in a washing machine.

[0027] Detailed description of the exemplary implementations

[0028] Figure 1 shows a washing machine 11 according to the invention from the front. It has a housing 12 in which a so-called tub is arranged as a drum holder 14. A drum 16 is rotatably mounted in the drum holder 14 and is driven by a drum drive 17, for which an electric motor 18 is primarily provided. A drain 20 leads out of the drum holder 14 at the bottom, while an inlet 21 leads in at the top left and serves to allow water into the drum holder 14 and thus into the drum 16. This is intended to moisten the laundry W and then wash it.

[0029] The drum mount 14 is movably mounted in the housing 12 in a manner not shown in detail. Advantageously, this is achieved with two coil springs or spring elements extending obliquely upwards and to the left and right in the upper region. Similarly, two damping elements are provided downwards, again advantageously obliquely, which allow movement of the drum mount 14 while simultaneously damping it. Due to its design, the drum mount 14 thus has a natural frequency, which is particularly relevant for vibrations that occur when the drum 16, with the laundry items W inside it, is rotated by the drum drive 17, especially during rapid rotation or, for example, at speeds above 100 rpm. This is a known characteristic of the prior art.

[0030] A circulation pump 23 is connected to the drain 20 via a water line. The circulation pump 23 is controlled by a washing machine controller. The washing machine controller 25 is also connected to a vibration sensor 26, which is located inside the housing 12. Alternatively, it could also be located on the outside of the drum support 14. In this position, it could more directly detect the vibrations or movements of the drum support 14 before these have been reduced by a damping suspension inside the housing 12. On the other hand, vibrations at the housing 12 are ultimately the primary source of interference. In a more complex embodiment, vibration sensors could be located both on the housing 12 and on the drum support 14.

[0031] Behind the circulation pump 23 is a three-way valve 28. Its outlet to the right is not shown; it connects to a water line leading to a standard detergent dispenser, as known from the prior art. This allows detergent, along with water, to be introduced into the drum housing 14 via a potentially further inlet.

[0032] Another outlet of the three-way valve 28 extends upwards as a water line to a distributor 30, which advantageously has at least one valve. Water lines lead from the distributor 30 to two weight containers 32a and 32b. These weight containers 32a and 32b are arranged inside the housing 12, above a rotational axis of the drum 16 and, more importantly, above a possible maximum water level in the drum 16 (shown with dotted lines). The two weight containers 32a and 32b can be completely empty and then contain no weight material other than their own weight. Advantageously, they are made of plastic, which could be further increased by filling it with particles of higher density. Water pipes run from the distributor 30 to the two weight containers 32a and 32b in such a way that they can be filled as evenly as possible by the circulation pump 23. Furthermore, they can empty themselves via the inlet 21 into the drum holder 14.A single such inlet 21 can suffice for this purpose. It should be designed as a flexible line to connect the preferably rigid weight containers 32a to the movable or moving drum holder 14. In an alternative embodiment, the weight container 32b can also be connected to the drum holder 14 via its own inlet. Advantageously, a further valve is provided in the inlet(s) 21 to determine how much water is drained from the weight containers 32a and 32b.

[0033] Further water lines run from the distributor 30 to two additional weight containers 34a and 34b, which are arranged on top of the drum mount 14. These can also be formed by a single weight container. These additional weight containers 34a and 34b have the special feature that, as shown by the hatching diagonally from upper left to lower right, they are partially filled with solid weight material in the form of concrete 35a and 35b. Free volumes 36a and 36b remain in the weight containers 34a and 34b, which may be formed by separate plastic containers or alternatively by recesses in the concrete 35a and 35b. These free volumes 36a and 36b can constitute approximately half the total volume of the weight containers 34a and 34b. The free volumes 36a and 36b are connected to the distributor 30 by means of water lines to allow water to be added and removed. This allows their weight to be increased or changed.

[0034] Figure 1 shows that the arrangement of the weight containers 32a and 32b as well as 34a and 34b is mirror-symmetrical, i.e., identical on the left and right. This can offer advantages in reducing vibrations. In particular, the two weight containers 34a and 34b on top of the drum mount 14 could also be formed by a single container.

[0035] Figure 2 shows a schematic top view to illustrate the function. The circulation pump 23 is also shown elsewhere, in such a way that it is clear how it serves to introduce and discharge water into the individual weight containers 32 and 34. Most importantly, sufficient space is provided in the rear area of ​​the washing machine 11, or rather the housing 12, which points upwards in Figure 2, for a fixed weight 38. This weight is located on top of the drum support 14 and is always present; its entire volume is filled with solid weight material, advantageously concrete. Thus, a certain weight is already present on the drum support 14. This fixed weight 38 can, for example, be made of concrete, as is common practice. Alternatively, it can be made of iron or contain iron, for example, at least partially with scrap metal, since it does not actually have any function other than to be heavy.The advantage of iron also lies in its higher density, or specific weight, compared to concrete. The advantage of arranging the fixed weight 38 in the upper rear section of the washing machine 11, or within the housing 12, is that the upper front section remains free and available for accommodating a detergent dispenser, an additive dispenser, or the weight containers 32a, 32b, 34a, and 34b, as can be seen.

[0036] Figure 2 also shows a valve V1 at a fresh water connection to the washing machine 11. From there, fresh water can enter the water supply in the washing machine 11, for example, into the aforementioned detergent dispenser. Furthermore, the water can flow directly to the three-way valve V2 via a suitable water line, from where it can flow to the two openings Ö1 and / or Ö2 at the front left. These openings Ö1 and Ö2, as well as the weight container 32a, are connected to the drum housing 14 via a water supply inlet 21, as shown in Figure 1, for example, to allow the addition of various detergents and additives. Additionally, the valve V2 is connected to the individual weight containers 32a, 32b, 34a, and 34b via water lines.As an embodiment, small pumps P1 to P4 are provided here, which can be used to pump water into or out of each of the weight containers 32a, 32b, 34a, and 34b, advantageously individually. At the rear right of Fig. 2, another three-way valve V3 is arranged, which is connected to the circulation pump 23 by means of a water line and can correspond to the three-way valve 28 from Fig. 1. Fig. 3 shows, over time, how the laundry W can be washed in two sections: A for wetting and B for a main wash cycle. The upper section shows a flow of water in each section. The lower section shows the water volume in each weight container.For example, it may be provided that water is permanently present in the weight containers 32a and 32b, which can only be filled with water and do not have a fixed weight such as concrete or iron, for example simply to permanently weigh down the washing machine 11.

[0037] At the start of the wetting process, fresh water flows into the washing machine 11, into the drum holder 14, and thus also into the drum 16 containing laundry W. Simultaneously, water also flows out of the drum holder 14 to the drain 20 at the bottom. The drum 16 is either not rotated initially, so that the laundry W can at least partially absorb water while stationary, or it is rotated only very slowly.

[0038] After a while, the water flow into the drum and also into the drum holder 14 stops. Then no more water flows out of the drain 20. At the same time, the drum 16, driven by the drum drive 17, begins to rotate. This serves to mix the damp or saturated laundry and to moisten the laundry W as evenly as possible. It can be seen that after some time, water again flows out of the drum holder 14 through the drain 20, even though no water is flowing in. This is because the centrifugal force during the spin cycle causes some water to be flung out of the laundry W.

[0039] After some time, more water is let into the washing machine 11 and thus also into the drum housing. The drum 16 can remain stationary, or alternatively, it can rotate slowly so that the laundry W can absorb the water standing at the bottom of the drum housing 14, for example, because the drain 20 is closed by means of a valve or similar device.

[0040] The lower part of Fig. 3 shows how the water volume in the weight containers increases during the light spin cycle, particularly in weight containers 34a and 34b, because the other two are already full. Afterwards, the volume in these weight containers 34a and 34b can decrease again, for example, because it is used for the main wash cycle B that then starts.

[0041] During the main wash cycle B, especially at the beginning, the drum 16 is rotated again, but without any water draining to the drain 20. To prevent any vibrations from starting and being detected, the water is refilled into the weight containers 34a and 34b and remains there initially, but can then be drained again.

[0042] After the main wash cycle, or towards the end of it, the laundry undergoes a spin-dry cycle (W) to remove as much water as possible through spinning and rapid rotation. No water is added during this process. The water extracted from the drum flows out to drain 20. This water can then be used, for example, to add more water to the weight containers 34a and 34b, particularly to fill them completely. In this way, the water is used twice, effectively. Furthermore, for spin-drying at high or even maximum speed, a heavier weight on the drum support 14 is considered advantageous to prevent vibrations. These vibrations are detected by the vibration sensor 26 and become so intense that they exceed a predefined vibration threshold.This was detected by the washing machine control unit 25 in conjunction with the vibration sensor 26. Therefore, due to the excessive vibrations, the water level in the weight containers 34a and 34b rises rapidly to its maximum level shortly after the start of the spin-dry cycle. Consequently, the weight also increases, and the natural frequency decreases.

[0043] The drum speed for loading the laundry, as shown in Fig. 3, can be below 100 rpm, as can the speed for subsequent washing or rinsing. To remove the washing solution, the drum can also be rotated at more than 100 rpm. This is especially true for spinning and draining after an initial rinse. In these cases, the maximum amount of water should be stored in the weight compartments.

[0044] The same applies to a further spin cycle and draining after a second rinse. However, the water from the previous spin cycle and draining may either remain in the weight containers or be newly stored. Afterwards, the water should remain stored for a subsequent wash cycle.

[0045] Figure 4 illustrates a different sequence. It shows how, during phase t1, water is introduced into at least one of the weight containers to start a rinse cycle during the main wash. This occurs because the vibration sensor 26, in conjunction with the washing machine control unit 25, has detected that the first vibration threshold has been reached or exceeded. This is precisely what should be avoided. After the rinse cycle, when the rotational speed decreases and both the water inflow and outflow increase, the weight containers are emptied. The drum 16 then rotates faster again with laundry W inside, and water is added during phase t2 to increase the weight. After this renewed spin cycle, the water remains in the weight containers.For example, it can be used again in the next washing process, which is advantageous for moistening the laundry as explained at the beginning.

[0046] Figure 5 shows an example of how, in a further modification of the invention, a weight container 34c is arranged on the drum mount 14, in which a drum 16 is rotatably mounted. For clarity, it is shown here higher than would be done or should be done in practice.

[0047] As shown in the second illustration, the weight container 34c is divided into a left volume V2 and a right volume V1. It is thus internally subdivided. According to the third illustration, steel balls 40 can be introduced into volume V2, for example, through an inlet Ae at the top. These steel balls 40 can have a diameter of just a few millimeters, for example, 5 mm to 10 mm. They can therefore be easily poured into the left volume V2 of the weight container 34c, similar to bulk material. This can be done, for example, after the washing machine 11 has been set up at its future location, or it can be done by an operator. The steel balls 40 can weigh, for example, 5 kg to 10 kg, thus forming a fixed weight as described previously. This weight does not change during operation of the washing machine 11.Only for larger movements of the washing machine 11, for example when moving it to a different room or apartment, can the water reservoirs be removed from outlet Aa and stored. After the move or after the washing machine 11 is reinstalled at its future operating location, they are refilled. The right-hand volume V1 is still empty at this point. It serves as a variable volume to be filled with water depending on vibrations in the washing machine 11.

[0048] The right-hand illustration shows how the right-hand volume V1 is also filled with water. This water was introduced or pumped into an inlet We. This is advantageous because a vibration sensor, similar to the one described previously, together with a washing machine control system, detected the exceedance of a first vibration threshold and subsequently increased the weight on the drum support 14. If this water is to be reduced or completely removed from the volume V1 of the weight container 34c, it can be released at the outlet Wa, for example, by means of a suitable valve or one of the pumps, such as one of the pumps P as shown in Fig. 2.

Claims

Patent claims 1. Method for operating a washing machine, wherein the washing machine comprises: a housing with a movably mounted drum holder therein in which a drum is rotatably mounted, a drum drive for the drum, Weights on top of the drum mount, wherein the weights on the drum mount are partially filled with weight material or have weight material that remains stationary in the weights, characterized in that at least one of the weights has a weight container which is filled with liquid orThe washing machine is equipped with a water reservoir to vary the overall weight, a pump connected to the washing machine's water supply to pump water from the water supply into the weight reservoir and water from the weight reservoir into the water supply, a sensor device for detecting and recording vibrations during drum rotation, the sensor device checks whether vibrations during drum rotation exceed a predetermined first limit, and if the sensor device detects vibrations exceeding the predetermined first limit, water is pumped into or out of at least one fillable weight reservoir by means of the pump to reduce vibrations, in particular to reduce vibrations to at least below the predetermined first limit.

2. Method according to claim 1, characterized in that either fresh water introduced into the washing machine is pumped into the at least one weight container, or that water from a washing process is pumped into the at least one weight container, in particular water from a rinsing process.

3. Method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the weight containers are emptied at the end of the washing process and are emptied beforehand.

4. Method according to claim 3, characterized in that, before the washing process is completed, the weight containers are emptied directly into a drain of water from the washing machine without going into the drum or the drum holder.

5. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a resonance frequency for the washing machine or the drum mounting lies between a low speed range, as is preferably used for a washing process of laundry, and a high speed range, as is preferably used for spin-drying laundry, of the drum mounting, wherein in particular the resonance frequency lies between 200 rpm and 800 rpm.

6. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that for spin-drying laundry, in particular at the end of a washing process, preferably when rotating at maximum speed for spin-drying, the maximum possible weight is provided or the weights on top of the drum support have a maximum weight.

7. Washing machine, characterized in that it is designed to carry out the method according to one of the preceding claims and comprises: a housing with a movably mounted drum receptacle therein, in which a drum is rotatably mounted, a drum drive for the drum and a control for the drum drive, Weights on top of the drum support, wherein the weights on the drum support are partially filled with weight material or have weight material that remains stationary in the weights, wherein at least one of the weights has a weight container that can be filled with liquid or water to vary the total weight, a water guide and a pump connected to the water guide to pump water from the water guide into the weight container and to pump water from the weight container into the water guide, a washing machine control and a sensor device for detecting and recording vibrations when the drum is rotated.

8. Washing machine according to claim 7, characterized in that the weights are equally distributed with stationary weight material on a left side and on a The right side is located at the top of the drum mount, laterally next to a maximum high point of the drum mount, preferably with equal weight distributed between the left and right sides.

9. Washing machine according to claim 7 or 8, characterized in that the weights are arranged in a direction from a front of the washing machine to a rear of the washing machine at least in a front area.

10. Washing machine according to claim 9, characterized in that a rear area, in particular between 10% and 40% of the depth of the washing machine, is free of weights.

11. Washing machine according to claim 10, characterized in that a detergent dosing system, containers with additives for a washing process or the like are provided in an area on top of the drum mounting which is free of weights.

12. Washing machine according to one of claims 7 to 11, characterized in that partitions or dividers, subdivisions or the like are arranged in a weight container which reduce the movement of water within the weight container.

13. Washing machine according to one of claims 7 to 12, characterized in that at least one further weight is attached inside the housing by means of a weight container and is designed without direct mechanical coupling to the drum mounting, wherein preferably the weight container is connected to the water supply by means of a flexible hose.

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