Laundry Care Appliance, And Method For The Operation Of Such A Laundry Care Appliance

Abstract

A laundry care device, wherein an operating program is selectively stored in a memory unit, wherein the operating program has operating program parameters, and wherein specific operating values of the operating program parameters are assigned to the stored operating program. The laundry care device includes a user setting element to set an adjustable variable and a control unit to automatically change at least one of the operating program parameters so as to match it to the adjustable variable set by the user setting element. The adjustable variable is an end result to be achieved with the execution of a selected operating program and at least one operating value is automatically altered as a function of the end result.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a laundry care appliance having a memory unit and at least one operating program stored selectively in the memory unit with a number of operating program parameters as well as to a method for the operation of a laundry care appliance after selecting an operating program with a number of operating program parameters.

[0002] Dirty laundry is washed in a washing machine with an operating program with a more or less fixed sequence. The operating program in such cases comprises a number of steps with the greatest possible washing success only being achieved by the optimum combination of mechanical and chemical parameters within a scheme defined over time and within the context of a temperature regime tailored to the type of laundry. The parameters time, chemistry, mechanics and temperature compensate for each other to a certain extent in such cases, without being able to entirely replace each other however.

[0003] Each operating program thus comprises specifications for the parameters time, chemistry, mechanics and temperature. If for example a time frame for a laundry care process is specified for example as one and a half hours for 60.degree. C. colored wash, the remaining parameters must be adapted to it so that a satisfactory washing result is achieved. Thus for example the mechanical parameters can be set by adapting the movement of the drum. At different speeds different mechanics act on the washing. The spin speed and dryer speed as well as further settings such as reversing mode etc can be categorized under the general heading of mechanics.

[0004] The chemistry parameter generally comprises as a preset operating parameter for a washing program primarily the quantity of water. If an automatic dispensing system is provided, the chemistry parameter naturally also includes the quantity, the type and the combination and dispensing sequence of laundry care means such as detergents in general, laundry aids etc.

[0005] The parameters time and temperature are self-explanatory operating parameters which in conventional washing machines must mostly be preset for specific operating programs (e.g. 60.degree. boil wash/coloreds requires a prespecified time).

[0006] Modern laundry care devices have a plurality of operating programs available to them which feature an optimum ratio of the operating parameters explained above in relation to each other. With conventional laundry care devices the user generally selects the type of laundry and the temperature (e.g. 40.degree. C. easy care). The operating programs for delicate laundry for example keep the mechanics parameter as low as possible since a strong mechanical influence on the laundry to be cleaned would entail too greater stress on the fine fabrics. By contrast greater emphasis is placed on the parameters time and chemistry in such cases. The items of laundry are cleaned more slowly over a longer period of time in a specific washing liquor. Undemanding laundry such as for example white boil wash items on the other hand can be washed at high temperatures of up to 95.degree. C. without being damaged.

[0007] Consumers, in addition to a simplification of the operation of laundry care devices, also want the opportunity of controlling laundry care sensibly themselves individually, taking into account ecological and economic aspects. Conventional laundry care devices already allow the operating program to be adapted to a certain extent to the degree of soiling of the laundry. In almost all modern washing machines the setting of the drum speed in the spin cycle can be adapted within certain limits, on the one hand in order to protect the fabric by reducing the speed and in order to use less energy for the washing process and on the other hand it to achieve a better spin result by increasing the speed. The same applies to the option for selecting the washing temperature. Modern machines also allow the user the sensible option from the ecological and economic standpoint of switching off the prewash cycle or of selecting short wash programs to wash less heavily soiled items of laundry.

[0008] An operating program is to be understood as a program which is defined by a user setting the operating parameters, with predefined specific operating values permanently assigned to the operating parameters for the selected operating program being selected with the setting. Operating programs also include subprograms which produce the possible options for the selected operating program from the user setting or part operating programs which are able to be executed independently as a part of an operating program. Such part operating programs can for example be a spinning, pumping or fabric softening program.

[0009] For even further intervention into the washing process EP 0 898 003 A2 makes available a multifunction operating device for washing machines with a display with operating programs able to be displayed and selected in plain text. In this case the user has the possibility of selecting an operating program or a combination of operating programs shown in the display. Also known in this context is an operating method for a washing machine having an input unit which allows an individual operating program to be put together by selecting individual adjustable variables step-by-step.

[0010] The disadvantage of the laundry care device in accordance with EP 0 898 003 A2 and also the operating method is that the adaptation of the operating programs is complicated in its structure and demands from a user, to enable them to set the relevant parameters in each case, in-depth knowledge about the different washing programs available.

[0011] In addition laundry care devices are known which can display the expected program duration of an operating program setting. The disadvantage of this is that the user must make different settings or operating program combinations in order to find an operating program which has the program length that he desires. He can often not see the effects of his setting on further results of the selected program from the setting. For example the user is not informed about whether shortening the washing program can result in a deterioration of the cleaning result.

[0012] Laundry care devices are also known in which program options such as "fast", "easy care" or "easy iron" are selected in combination with the operating program. In these laundry care devices an operating program and each possible operating program combination are assigned fixed operating values of the operating program parameters with which the optimum possible care result for the selected program setting is able to be achieved. This means that the user cannot deviate from this predetermined optimum for a laundry care result to be achieved, also referred to below as the end result, if for example a further possible energy saving is more important to him than a very good washing result.

[0013] The object which underlies the present invention is to further develop the laundry care device described above as well as the operating method described above to the extent that the disadvantages of the prior art are at least partly rectified.

[0014] The object is inventively achieved by a laundry care device with the features of claim 1 which is equipped with a memory unit and at least one operating program or part program with a number of operating program parameters stored selectively in the memory unit, with the stored operating program and/or part operating program each being assigned specific operating values of the operating parameters. In addition the laundry care device has at least one control element for user setting of at least one adjustable variable and a control unit for automatically changing at least one operating program parameter to adapt it to the adjustable variable set by the user. The laundry care device is characterized by the adjustable variable being an end result to be achieved by executing the selected operating program or a part operating program, with at least one specific operating value of the operating program parameters of the selected operating program or part operating program able to be altered automatically as a function of the end result set, i.e. to be achieved. In addition to the care results the end result also includes the necessary resources required for care of the laundry, for example execution time or operating program duration, water consumption, energy consumption or the consumption of cleaning and care agents.

[0015] A method with the features of claim 15 for operating a laundry care device after selecting an operating program with a number of operating program parameters is also provided for achieving the objective. In such a method the specific operating value of the operating parameters assigned to the selected operating program or part operating program is adapted automatically and independently of the end result set which is to be achieved or is to have been achieved with the execution of the selected operating program or part operating program. Thus the end result to be achieved is an adjustable variable. If the operating program or the part operating program features a number of operating program parameters each with assigned specific operating values, inventively at least one of the specific operating parameters is adapted automatically to the end result set.

[0016] The present invention thus makes available a laundry care device and a method for its operation which, in an intuitive and thereby uncomplicated manner, allows even the unskilled user to adapt the washing process to the individual requirements quickly in an easy-to-understand way and with just a few actions.

[0017] The user can best estimate how heavily soiled his laundry is and how intensive the laundry treatment is to be, or the time within which he requires the laundry again. In addition the user most precisely knows his own setting in relation to ecological aspects when washing laundry.

[0018] Inventively the user is provided with at least one setting element on a laundry care device known per se with which he can set one or more adjustable variables autonomously and individually for a selected operating program, such as the washing time, i.e. the length of the washing cycle for example, or the energy consumption. In this case a setting element is preferably provided for setting the adjustable variables or combinations thereof. The adjustable variables on the one hand can have a direct relationship to the operating program parameters mentioned at the start, e.g. time (operating program duration). The adjustable variable in the sense of the present invention on the other hand also include more strongly user-related variables which in their turn act indirectly on the operating program parameters. These include for example how clean the laundry is after it has been washed, referred to for short as the cleaning result, the degree of rinsing of the laundry, also called the rinsing result, the residual moisture of the washing after a final spin section, the water consumption or the energy consumption. This means that, by setting an end result to be achieved, the user can predetermine the type and/or intensity of the treatment. The list is naturally not comprehensive and depends on the wishes of the user, which can change. Thus for example the wish to save energy is often the primary requirement nowadays. This means that the user does not have the complex task of themselves selecting an operating program from the operating programs and diverse subprograms provided which most closely approximate to their expectations, but can select an operating program from a smaller number of possible operating programs and predetermine the end result to be achieved for this operating program. Because of this specification or the setting the required specific operating values of the operating parameters are then adapted automatically.

[0019] The setting of these adjustable variables acts on at least one operating program parameter, often also on a number or all. If the user selects an operating program "fine wash" for the washing type then the operating program should adapt the mechanical effect, controlled by the drum movement, accordingly. If the user wished to set the energy consumption of the selected operating program to a lower value, it can be sensible to use less water and to wash at a lower temperature, which then leads to a lengthening of the operating program duration in order to still achieve the same cleaning results as for a higher energy consumption. In addition it would also be possible for the operating values of the operating program parameters which determine the mechanical effect to be altered within limits predetermined and depending on the selected operating program in order to increase the mechanical input for improving the cleaning power so that the lengthening of the operating program duration can be countered.

[0020] Thus the laundry care device or the method is preferably developed in that when an end result is set for a selected operating program or part operating program which at least alters or adversely affects a further achievable end result of the selected operating program or part operating program, the specific operating value and/or at least a further specific operating value of the operating program parameters will be set automatically to operating values with which the further end result most closely approximates to the end result able to be achieved with the originally assigned specific operating values of the selected operating program or part operating program. Preferably the operating values are set within predetermined limits which depend on the selected operating program or part operating program.

[0021] The setting element for the user setting of the adjustable variable is designed so that it makes possible the setting of a number of values of an adjustable variable within a predetermined range.

[0022] In the inventive laundry care device there is provision for a memory unit in which, as with conventional laundry care devices, operating programs or individual operating program parameters are stored which can be selected by the user. Expediently these are standard programs with which the users are already familiar, i.e. those designated by washing type and temperature (30.degree. C. boil wash/coloreds, 60.degree. C. boil wash/coloreds, 90.degree. C. boil wash etc.). By contrast with conventional washing machines in which the user can only select these standard programs and possibly a few individual separate additional options such as "short" (short washing duration) or "light" (for lightly soiled laundry) for example, the inventive laundry care device makes it possible for the user to make settings to specific adjustable variables within a range. As well as the operating programs, part operating programs, for example pumping, spinning or fabric softening, can be selected. A part operating program is to be understood as a program which is able to be carried out autonomously and preferably consists of a specific program part of an operating program.

[0023] The user can preferably select between a number of values within a range for a respective adjustable variable. This is especially advantageous for a time preselection, with which the user can select the operating program duration either steplessly or in steps, e.g. for the time preselection in sections of 15 minutes. Thus he can typically select the program duration between 45 minutes and 3 hours.

[0024] The adjustable variable can also or additionally relate to the intensity. Thus for example a scale for the intensity can be predetermined on which the user can set a value. Further adjustable variables and their extremes can likewise be used.

[0025] The control unit adapts the operating program in accordance with the adjustable variable or variables set. The inventive laundry care device adapts the operating program parameters of the operating program automatically so that the washing program is adapted to requirements in the final analysis by the user. If the user for example wants a low energy consumption, sensibly within the framework of the selected operating program, the other operating program parameters are adapted in order in the final analysis to achieve a lowest possible energy consumption. Thus for example the temperature of the washing liquor and the spin speed can be reduced for this, in order despite this to increase the washing duration, i.e. the period for which the laundry remains in the washing liquor accordingly. With heavily soiled laundry which must be available again relatively quickly the user would on the other hand increase the adjustable variable "intensity" of the washing process and at the same time shorten the adjustable variable "duration". Then for example the washing temperature, the speed of rotation of the drum, the washing liquor quantity, and if an automatic dispensing device is present, the quantity of detergent, will typically be adapted automatically for this purpose.

[0026] As a control unit for automatically changing at least one operating program parameter to adapt it to the adjustable variable(s) a microcontroller able to be employed as a standard unit in laundry care devices can be used, onto which corresponding operating software has been copied. Fuzzy logic can be used for this purpose.

[0027] If the operating program has a defined program sequence and a defined program duration, a processing unit for calculating the alteration of the least one operating program parameter as a function of the value of the adjustable variable set is preferably also provided in the laundry care device. This unit calculates the dependency of the individual operating program parameters on one another or the influence of an alteration on the operating program.

[0028] If a corresponding output or display unit is present the user can be shown the respective alteration. The user is thus given the opportunity for an even more individual adaptation of the washing process to his needs or ideas. Preferably a display is provided to reproduce the operating program and/or the alteration of the operating parameters.

[0029] Preferably a memory unit for storing the operating program parameters in a form combined into packets is additionally provided, with at least one packet being assigned a value of an adjustable variable. The memory unit can either be the above-mentioned memory unit for storing the standard programs or a further memory unit can be provided.

[0030] Different options are combined in the most self-explanatory manner possible for the adjustable variables and offered in a user-oriented form. The boundary values of the adjustable variables can thus be assigned understandable designations, for example

TABLE-US-00001 "fast" "intensive" "fast" "eco"

[0031] In the "fast" "intensive" embodiment the two extreme values "fast" and "intensive" are a combination of the adjustable variables operating program duration and cleaning intensity. Thus advantageous options can be provided for the user at both boundary areas. In this case in accordance with the invention in this embodiment, when the setting is altered from fast towards intensive, the operating parameters are altered in the direction of greater mechanical influence and possibly also greater energy consumption.

[0032] In the case of "fast" "eco" a setting in the direction of "eco" enables an extended operating program duration to be provided in order to wash in an energy-saving manner while simultaneously reducing the mechanical factors involved in washing. The deliberately ambivalent term "eco" can in this case be understood both as an abbreviation for an ecologically and also for an economically-oriented washing process.

[0033] This means that a first extreme value for the first adjustable variable and a further extreme value for a further adjustable variable can be provided combined and the setting of the further adjustable variable through to the further extreme value is altered by changing the first adjustable variable from this first extreme value in the direction of the further extreme value.

[0034] To avoid damage to the laundry from incorrect handling during the washing process, framework conditions are predetermined and defined by selecting a specific operating program. Thus delicate washing, such as woollen items for example, is prevented from being washed at speeds which are too high or at unsuitable temperatures. The user adaptation of the adjustable variables can then be undertaken within the framework which is predetermined by the selected operating program. To select the corresponding operating program, a selection dial for selecting an operating program is preferably provided on the laundry care device. It is conceivable here to use a rotary dial, a pushbutton or a selection wheel as the selection switch here.

[0035] To design the control area of the laundry care device to be as clear as possible and taking account of the requirements of the product design, it is also recommended in this context to integrate the selection element for user setting of the adjustable variable(s) into the selection switch.

[0036] Preferably the setting element can be adjusted in steps or steplessly. In this case the setting element is especially embodied as a rotary dial, slider switch or control, touch-sensitive switch or control or as a toggle switch. Touch-sensitive switches or controls are also referred to as touch sliders, since the user can make a stepless setting of the corresponding adjustable variable simply by moving their hand or a finger over the surface of the switch.

[0037] The selection of the corresponding setting element is oriented both to the technical requirements made on the setting element and also to design aspects. In addition by selecting a specific, for example large, easily readable and/or easy-to-operate setting element of the freedom from barriers of the device equipped in this way can be guaranteed. By selecting a setting element able to be operated in an especially user-friendly manner it can also be underscored that with the user setting option of an adjustable variable, a simple, automatic and especially result-oriented feature of the inventive laundry care device has been created.

[0038] In a step-by step adjustment it is conceivable for the parameter to be altered between opposing extreme values in each case in more less highly-resolved graduations. Thus an adaptation can typically be undertaken in 5 to 20 stages, in which case however both fewer or also more stages can be provided, e.g. 3 to 5, 4 to 8, 10 to 25 or others.

[0039] Preferably a display for reproducing the operating program and/or the alteration to the program sequence or the program duration as a function of the alteration of the adjustable variables can be provided on the laundry care device. In this way the dependency of the operating program parameters on each other can be indicated to the user so that he can better estimate the effect of changing a parameter by setting the adjustable variable. In addition the time can be displayed via the single-line or multiline display via which the remaining program duration can be displayed while the device is operating. This gives the user the opportunity to better select which operating option, e.g. short washing duration, especially ecologically-friendly washing process, more or less intensive cleaning etc.) is his current highest priority and he is informed directly about the effects of making a setting/adjustment of an adjustable variable. In addition possible alternatives can be demonstrated to the user via the display. He can also be informed about the indirect consequences of a specific setting (e.g. increased energy consumption).

[0040] To show the user the current position of the setting element, this element advantageously has a display device for the adjustment of the setting element. This display device in this case is preferably integrated into the setting element or is assigned to the setting element. The display device in this case can be embodied both optically and also acoustically. A possibility for optical design makes provision for the display device to be embodied as individual light elements (e.g. as LEDs arranged in a row) which light in turn as the setting element is adjusted, but also as a row of individual light elements arranged above or below the setting element. Also conceivable is for the setting element to be embodied as a touch slider with backlighting. The display device in this case can also vary in color, for example it can alter from red to orange to green, in order to give the user further feedback about the alteration in the operating program as a function of the adjustable variable set by him.

[0041] A preferred embodiment of the inventive method lies in the values of the adjustable variables able to be set by the user as well as the operating program parameters able to be altered automatically by these variables being combined into packets. This further simplifies the operation of the laundry care device and restricts the number of possible variations to a sensible degree.

[0042] Preferably a chemical, thermal, mechanical or temporal or other adjustable variable is set on the user side. In addition it is viewed as especially favorable for the user setting of the adjustable variable and the automatic alteration of at least one further operating program parameter to be undertaken in steps or steplessly. This enables an even finer graduation of the setting of the respective adjustable variable or variables to be undertaken and a so-called "loss of control feeling" on the user side is avoided. Preferably the user setting of the adjustable variable is undertaken in such cases using a setting element which can be embodied as already described above.

[0043] Exemplary embodiments of the invention will be explained below with reference to the drawings.

[0044] The figures of the drawings show topologies of setting elements on laundry care devices and are not to be understood in any way as true-to-scale reproductions of real objects. Individually the figures show:

[0045] FIG. 1 an exemplary embodiment of a setting element with assigned display device; and

[0046] FIG. 2 an exemplary embodiment of a setting element with integrated display device.

[0047] FIG. 1 shows a setting element 10 for arrangement on a laundry care device. The setting element 10 is used for user setting of at least one adjustable parameter in addition to a selectable operating program, with there being an automatic alteration to at least one operating program parameter to match the set value of the adjustable parameter. The setting element 10 is embodied in the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 1 as a rocker switch 11. At its outer ends 12a, 12b opposingly aligned indicator arrows 13 show the direction of alteration of the adjustable variable to one of the two possible operating modes 14 ("intensive", "fast") of the laundry care device. In the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 1 the user is thus given the opportunity of executing the selected operating program either fast, i.e. with an especially short washing duration, or intensively, i.e. with the greatest possible cleaning effect. The operating program parameters in this case are already combined into packets and cause the operating program to be altered as a function of the adjustment of the setting element 10. Eco and fast would typically be conceivable as further combinations. To indicate the adjustment of the setting element 10 for the user the setting element 10 is assigned a display device 15. The display device 15 can be formed by light elements 16 aranged in a row which by lighting visually indicate the selected setting of the setting element. In the exemplary embodiment the light elements 16 involve a number of LEDs which light in turn. In the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 1 the user has made an alteration to the operating program in the direction of a more intensive washing process, which is a good option for more heavily soiled laundry for example. Although this would extend the washing duration the laundry would be cleaned more fully.

[0048] The light elements 16, by changing color, give the user a further feedback about the alteration to the operating program. It is also conceivable in this context to indicate to the user by a color alteration, from green to red for example, a useful or rather less useful alteration to the operating program. The optical display device 15 can also be assigned an acoustic indicator (not shown) which for example indicates an adjustment of the setting element 10 via an alteration in the level of tone or indicates that the program has stopped or that a malfunction has occurred. Also conceivable is a voice output of the adjustable value(s) set.

[0049] A setting element 10 is shown in FIG. 2 featuring a touch sensitive control 17, referred to as a touch slider. At the outer ends 12a, 12b of the control 17, opposingly aligned indicator arrows 13 show the direction of alteration of the adjustable variable to one of the two possible operating modes 14 of the laundry care device. On the setting elements shown in the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 2 the adjustable variables are already combined into packets and give the user the opportunity of altering the washing time or the washing intensity of the selected operating program in steps. The adjustable variable is set by the user moving a finger or their entire hand over the control surface 18. The control is backlit in the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 2. Depending on how far the user moves his finger or his hand over the control surface 18, the corresponding adjustable values will be altered. The alteration is indicated by a light elements 16 integrated into the setting element 10 lighting and shows how far the operating program has been altered in the direction of a fast or of an intensive operating mode 14.

[0050] The setting element 10 shown in FIG. 2 is also assigned a single-line display 20 via which the user is shown the alteration in the program time as a function of the setting of the adjustable variable or the parameter packet as a time value 21. The user thus has the opportunity of directly influencing the time value 21 via an adjustment of the adjustable variables. In the actual washing process the remaining washing time is shown on the display 20. It is additionally also conceivable for the display to show the remaining time, the total time or the washing time already elapsed and for the user to be given the option of varying what is shown on the display 20 accordingly.

LIST OF REFERENCE SIGNS

[0051] 10 Setting element [0052] 10 Rocker switch [0053] 12a,b Outer end [0054] 13 Indicator arrow [0055] 14 Operating mode [0056] 15 Display device [0057] 16 Light element [0058] 17 Control [0059] 18 Control surface [0060] 20 Display [0061] 21 Time value

Claims

1-21. (canceled)

22. A laundry care device, comprising: a first memory unit; at least one operating program selectively stored in the first memory unit, the at least one operating program having a plurality of operating program parameters, wherein respective specific operating values of the plurality of operating program parameters are assigned to the stored at least one operating program; a user setting element to set an adjustable variable; and a control unit to automatically change at least one of the plurality of operating program parameters so as to match the at least one of the plurality of operating program parameters to the adjustable variable set by the user setting element; wherein the adjustable variable is an end result to be achieved with an execution of a selected operating program; and wherein at least one operating value of the respective specific operating values of the operating program parameters of the selected operating program is automatically altered as a function of the end result.

23. The laundry care device of claim 22, wherein, if a setting of the adjustable variable for the selected operating program causes one of an alteration and a deterioration of at least one additional end result to be achieved with the execution of the selected operating program, for at least one of a specific operating value and at least one additional specific operating value of the plurality of operating program parameters the at least one operating value is determined with which the end result is to be achieved that most closely approximates additional achievable end results that were originally assigned to the respective specific operating values of the selected operating program.

24. The laundry care device of claim 22, wherein the user setting element is provided for the user to set at least one of an operating program duration, a cleaning result, a rinsing result, a drying result, a residual spin moisture, water consumption, and energy consumption.

25. The laundry care device of claim 22, wherein a first extreme value for a first adjustable variable and a second extreme value for a second adjustable variable are offered in combination, and wherein a setting of the second adjustable variable is altered to the second extreme value by altering the first adjustable variable from the first extreme value towards the second extreme value.

26. The laundry care device of claim 22, wherein the user setting element is configured for a user to set the adjustable variable to at least one value within a predetermined range.

27. The laundry care device of claim 26, further comprising a processor to automatically compute an alteration of at least one of the plurality of operating program parameters to match the at least one value of the adjustable variable set by the user.

28. The laundry care device of claim 27, wherein the processor is configured to automatically compute the alteration of the at least one operating value of the operating program parameters

29. The laundry care device of claim 22, further comprising a second memory unit to store pre-specified operating program parameters.

30. The laundry care device of claim 29, wherein the second memory unit is configured to store the pre-specified operating program parameters in respective packets, wherein at least one of the respective packets is assigned to a value of the adjustable variable.

31. The laundry care device of claim 22, further comprising a selector switch to select the at least one operating program.

32. The laundry care device of claim 31, wherein the user setting element is integrated into the selector switch.

33. The laundry care device of claim 22, wherein the user setting element is adjusted in one of steps and steplessly.

34. The laundry care device of claim 33, wherein the user setting element is one of a rotary switch, a slider switch, a slider control, a touch-sensitive switch, a touch-sensitive control, and a rocker switch.

35. The laundry care device of claim 22, further comprising a display to display at least one of the operating program and an alteration of the operating program parameters as a function of an alteration of the adjustable variable.

36. The laundry care device of claim 35, further comprising a display device to display a setting of the user setting element made by a user.

37. The laundry care device of claim 36, wherein the display device is one of integrated into the user setting element and assigned to the user setting element.

38. A method for operating a laundry care device, the method comprising: selecting at least a part of a stored operating program having a plurality of operating program parameters, wherein respective specific operating values of the plurality of operating program parameters are assigned to the stored operating program; setting at least one adjustable variable by a user; and automatically changing at least one of the plurality of operating program parameters so as to match the adjustable variable set by the user; wherein the adjustable variable is an end result to be achieved with an execution of a selected operating program; and wherein at least one operating value of the respective specific operating values of the operating program parameters of the selected operating program is automatically altered as a function of the end result.

39. The method of claim 38, wherein, if a setting of the adjustable variable for the selected operating program causes one of an alteration and a deterioration of at least one additional end result to be achieved with the execution of the selected operating program, for at least one of a specific operating value and at least one additional specific operating value of the plurality of operating program parameters the at least one operating value is determined with which the end result is to be achieved that most closely approximates additional achievable end results that were originally assigned to the respective specific operating values of the selected operating program.

40. The method of claim 38, wherein the user sets at least one an operating program duration, a cleaning result, a rinsing result, a drying result, a residual spin moisture, water consumption, and energy consumption.

41. The method of claim 38, wherein a first extreme value for a first adjustable variable and a second extreme value for a second adjustable variable are offered in combination, and wherein a setting of the second adjustable variable is altered to the second extreme value by altering the first adjustable variable from the first extreme value towards the second extreme value.

42. The method of claim 38, wherein the adjustable variable is set by the user one of in steps and steplessly, and wherein the at least one operating program parameter is automatically altered one of in steps and steplessly.

43. The method of claim 38, wherein an alteration of the least one of the plurality of operating program parameters as a function of the setting of the at least one adjustable variable is computed in a processing unit.

44. The method as claimed in claim 43, wherein the alteration of the least one of the plurality of operating program parameters is shown on a display.