Method for Operating a Washing Machine

Abstract

A method for operating a washing machine includes cyclically reading values detected by a sensor for detecting a weight of a washing assembly container of the washing machine. At least a last read value of the read values is stored. A rest position of the container is determined as long as the read values are below a predetermined tolerance level. The control unit is activated when a read value of the read values exceeds the predetermined tolerance level.

1 - 6 . (canceled) 
   
   
       7 . A method for operating a washing machine comprising a housing, a washing assembly resiliently mounted in the housing and including a container for receiving laundry and/or wash liquid, a control panel, a control unit including at least one evaluation unit and a memory, and a sensor for detecting a weight of the container, the method comprising:
 cyclically reading values detected by the sensor;   storing at least a last read value of the read values;   determining a rest position of the container as long as the read values are below a predetermined tolerance level; and   activating the control unit when a read value of the read values exceeds the predetermined tolerance level.   
   
   
       8 . The method as recited in  claim 7  wherein the sensor includes a displacement sensor. 
   
   
       9 . The method as recited in  claim 7  further comprising evaluating, using the evaluation unit, a variation over time of changes in the read values. 
   
   
       10 . The method as recited in  claim 8  further comprising evaluating, using the evaluation unit, a variation over time of changes in the read values. 
   
   
       11 . The method as recited in  claim 7  further comprising determining, using the evaluation unit, a laundry weight based on a final read value of the read values minus a value of the read values for a rest position of the washing assembly. 
   
   
       12 . The method as recited in  claim 7  further comprising detecting, using the evaluation unit, a fault, and activating, using the evaluation unit, an alarm function, when a change in the read values is below a second predetermined level and at least a last read value of the read values exceeds a predetermined threshold. 
   
   
       13 . The method as recited in  claim 12  wherein the fault includes an improper entry of water. 
   
   
       14 . The method as recited in  claim 12  wherein the alarm function includes at least one of a visual alarm indication, an audible alarm indication, an alarm signaling via a communication system, and an activation of a drain pump for removing suds.