Method of monitoring the filling of a washing machine drum with water

Abstract

A method of monitoring a washing machine aggregate for impermissible or atypical movements during a first phase of a washing program while water is being filled into the aggregate and for discontinuing the filling upon detection of such movement as may result, for instance, from the presence of a child or animal in the aggregate.

1 . A method of operating a washing machine comprising a housing, a: washing aggregate suspended therein for oscillating movements, a washing drum mounted for motor-induced rotational movement within the aggregate for receiving laundry and washing fluid and means responsive to movement of the washing aggregate during a first phase of the washing program while the drum is in an idle state and cooperating with an evaluation circuit for discontinuing a washing program upon recognition of an impermissible movement of the aggregate by the evaluation circuit, comprising the step of 
 filling a predetermined quantity of water into the tub during the first phase of the washing program.    
   
   
       2 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the predetermined quantity of water corresponds to a partial portion of the washing fluid.  
   
   
       3 . The method of  claim 2 , wherein the washing machine further comprises a detergent dispensing chamber, further including the step of circumventing the detergent dispensing chamber when introducing the predetermined quantity of water.  
   
   
       4 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the movement of the aggregate during the first phase is detected bay a path sensor.  
   
   
       5 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein movement of the washing aggregate is detected by a sensor responsive to at least one of number of rotations, movement, acceleration, pressure, force and torsion.  
   
   
       6 . The method of  claim 1 , further including the step of immediately upon recognizing an impermissible movement of the aggregate the first phase is prematurely discontinued.  
   
   
       7 . The method of  claim 6 , further including the step of automatically unlatching the loading opening upon recognizing an impermissible movement of the aggregate.  
   
   
       8 . The method of  claim 6 , further including the step of automatically opening the loading opening upon recognizing an impermissible movement of the aggregate.  
   
   
       9 . The method of  claim 1 , further including the step of issuing an alarm upon recognizing an impermissible movement of the aggregate.  
   
   
       10 . The method of  claim 9 , wherein the alarm is an audible one.  
   
   
       11 . The method of  claim 9 , wherein the alarm is a visible one.