DE102014102237A1 - METHOD AND COMPOSITIONS FOR TREATING WASHING GOODS - Google Patents

Abstract

A work program for reduced dye transfer in a laundry item with a treatment chamber for receiving items to be treated has a pre-wetting, a washing and a rinsing cycle as well as a dye-fixative, a first dye-absorber and a second dye-absorber phase.

Description

REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application claims the priorities of US Provisional Patent Application no. 61 / 793,369 dated March 15, 2013 and the US Provisional Application no. 61 / 822,750 dated 13 May 2013, which are to be construed as part of this application by this reference in their entirety.

BACKGROUND

Fabric or textile articles such as clothing, towels, bed linen, etc. can be dyed using various dyes and color methods. In the residential or household environment, the care of such textiles can confront the consumer with several problems. Dyed textiles may have too much or a loose dye which is washed off in a washing machine during normal washing, deposited on other fabrics in the laundry, or struck on differently colored areas of the same textiles. Excess or loose dye may also rub off on wearer or other surfaces when worn. These Abfärbprobleme can possibly be alleviated by sorting the laundry before washing to laundry "same color" or by washing separately; however, both can be time consuming and impractical for the user. Also, sorting errors can lead to color transfer that can not be easily eliminated, potentially ruining the article.

SHORT SUMMARY

According to one embodiment, a reduced dye transfer work program in a laundry treating apparatus having a treatment chamber for receiving laundry includes a pre-wetting passage in which liquid is supplied to the treatment chamber in a sufficient amount to wet the host in the treating chamber, a wash cycle in which at least one wetting agent is provided containing cleaning agent (detergent) the Behandlungskammr is supplied, and a rinse followed by the wash cycle, where the laundry in the treatment chamber rinsing liquid is supplied to rinse the detergent from the laundry. The work program further comprises a dye fixative phase in which the treatment chamber is supplied with a dye fixative such that the dye fixative reaches the laundry before the wetting agent, a first color absorber phase in which the treatment gskammer in the first Dye absorber is supplied such that it reaches the laundry before the wetting agent, and a second dye-absorber phase, in which the treatment chamber, a second dye absorber is supplied such that it reaches the laundry after the wetting agent.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In the drawings:

1 shows in a flow chart a washing program for suppressing the dye transfer according to an embodiment of the invention;

2A & 2 B show in vertical section diagrammatically a Vertikalachs-washing machine according to an embodiment of the invention;

3 schematically shows a controller for controlling one or more system components of the washing machine of 2A . 2 B according to an embodiment of the invention;

4 shows a flowchart of a method for supplying treatment chemistry according to an embodiment of the invention;

5 shows a flowchart of a method for supplying treatment chemistry such as a dye fixative according to an embodiment of the invention;

6A . 6B & 6C show in perspective side views of a washing machine, a method for wetting a laundry load according to an embodiment of the invention;

7 shows a flowchart of a method for supplying a treatment chemical to a laundry article according to an embodiment of the invention;

8th shows a flowchart of a method for performing an intermediate phase according to an embodiment of the invention;

9 shows a flowchart of a method for performing a rinse cycle according to an embodiment of the invention;

10 shows a perspective vertical section through a horizontal axis washing machine according to an embodiment of the invention;

11 shows a flowchart of a method for supplying a treatment chemical according to an embodiment of the invention;

12 shows diagrammatically the temporal change in concentration of a dye fixative according to an embodiment of the invention;

13 shows as a flow chart a method for determining the amount of a dye absorbent to be supplied during a work program according to an embodiment of the invention;

14 Fig. 10 shows a representative absorption spectrum for a dye absorbent in the presence and absence of a dye according to an embodiment of the invention;

15 shows a flow chart of a method for removing dye according to an embodiment of the invention;

16 shows a flowchart of a method for preventing a dye transfer during a work program according to an embodiment of the invention;

17A shows a flowchart of a method for delivering a dye fixative to a laundry load according to an embodiment of the invention;

17B shows a flowchart of a method for delivering a dye fixative to a laundry load according to an embodiment of the invention;

18 shows a flowchart of a method for supplying a Farbtoff fixative on a laundry batch according to an embodiment of the invention;

19 shows a flowchart of a method for treating a surface of a laundry article according to an embodiment of the invention;

20 shows a flowchart of a method for treating a new laundry article according to an embodiment of the invention;

21 shows a flowchart of a method for treating a new laundry article according to an embodiment of the invention;

22 shows a flowchart of a method for treating a new laundry article according to an embodiment of the invention;

23 shows diagrammatically a clothes dryer

24 shows diagrammatically a control of the tumble dryer the 23 ;

25 shows a flowchart of a method for exchanging dye transfer information between a washing machine and a clothes dryer according to an embodiment of the invention;

26 shows a flowchart of a method for exchanging dye transfer information between a washing machine and a clothes dryer according to an embodiment of the invention;

27 shows a flowchart of a method for preventing the color transfer during a washing program according to an embodiment of the invention;

28 shows a flowchart of a method for removing a dye fixative from a laundry article according to an embodiment of the invention;

29 shows a perspective vertical section through a Vertikalachs-washing machine according to an embodiment of the invention;

30 shows a flowchart a color care work program according to an embodiment of the invention;

31 shows a method of delivering a treatment chemical according to an embodiment of the invention;

32A & 32B show diagrammatically the temporal change of the fleet level in the bottom of a washing machine during the flooding according to an embodiment of the invention;

33 Fig. 2 is a diagrammatic view of the change in fleet level in the sump of a washing machine during an adaptive filling and re-flooding operation according to one embodiment of the invention;

34 shows diagrammatically and section a horizontal axis washing machine according to an embodiment of the invention; and

35 shows a method for supplying a treatment chemical according to an embodiment of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The embodiments of the invention relate to methods and blends or compositions for preventing undesirable dye transfer between the articles of a laundry load when treated in a laundry treating appliance. As used herein, "dye transfer" is intended to mean the more general phenomenon of transferring a dye from a region of a dye Textile article on an adjacent region of the same textile article, which is not colored with the transferred dye, and / or another textile article or a surface thereof. Dye transfer can be accomplished by direct contact of the inked article with another surface or as a result of the release of the dye from the surface of the textile article and dissolution into a solvent in contact with the article surface. Once the dye has spread (by suspending, dispersing or dissolving), it may deposit on other surfaces, including other textile articles, that also touch the solution. "Bleeding" is another term which, as used herein, means depositing a dye from a fabric surface into a solution or onto a different colored area of the same article. As used herein, the term "dye transfer" generically refers to all mechanisms by which a dye can move between textile articles or within the same textile article. In this sense, "bleeding" is a form of dye transfer. "Settling (Partitioning)" is a general term for several phenomena including the distribution of a substance between two immiscible or slightly miscible phases due to the relative solubility of the substance in these two phases and the sorption and desorption of a substance between a solid phase and a surrounding medium or between two solid phases. "Sorption" refers to either absorption in which a substance spreads in the solid phase, or adsorption in which a substance distributes a solid phase on the surface.

Dye transfer during laundry in a household environment can, to the displeasure of the user, ruin articles in the laundry lot. One way to address dye transfer during treatment in a laundry machine is to sort the laundry batches by the color of the items to be washed. For example. For the use of washing machines and detergents, the users are instructed to sort laundry batches and to wash only "identically" colored articles together; Also, the laundry should be divided into jeans, white linen and "dark" items. Such sorting of laundry may be troublesome for the user; a sorting error - for example, the accidental washing of red socks with whitewash - can lead to an undesirable dye transfer from the red socks to the white wash, which makes the latter unusable in effect. In addition, sorting of laundry batches may be inefficient, allowing users to wait for enough items of one type to be ready for washing, or to run multiple program runs with smaller batches depending on the wash, the latter typically resulting in higher water and energy consumption.

Textile manufacturers have developed processes and chemicals for handling dye bleed and wash fastness during manufacture that address dye transfer in the subsequent application and care of articles of dyed textile materials. For example. In the manufacturing process, the textile manufacturer can take additional washing and rinsing steps to remove excess or loosely bound dyes from the textile material. Furthermore, certain treatment chemicals can be added to the wash and rinse liquors to facilitate the removal of excess or loose dyes from the articles. The dyed fabric can also be treated with a finish to minimize bleeding and improve washability. However, the methods used by the different manufacturers may vary considerably according to the method of application and quality. In the household environment where a programmer wash machine is loaded, the user usually can not know whether or not the laundry has been treated to minimize dye transfer on laundry and the potential for dye transfer.

In an industrial environment, the type, colorant, and homogeneity of the stock material are known and controlled variables that can be used to determine which processes must be performed to minimize bleeding. In a household environment, these variables are typically neither known nor controllable. A user-filled washing machine is not a controlled environment: the batch is presumably a mix of different types of fabric and / or dyes with a composition unknown to the user. A single item of clothing may contain several different types of fabric and / or dyes. The user can then sort the laundry lot on the basis of colors, but mix different types of fabrics, or he can sort the laundry batch by the type of fabric, then different colors are present. Furthermore, a user often also does not know if the dye transfer is a problem or if parts of the laundry lot have been treated to minimize dye transfer; the quality of such treatment is also unknown. For example, the design and implementation of processes and chemicals to minimize dye transfer in the household environment pose challenges that do not apply to an industrial environment.

The methods and chemical means described herein are provided to facilitate the Washing of mixed or unsorted laundry batches, ie laundry batches having multiple types of dyes and / or fabrics of different fiber type, fabric structure and finishing, in a household washing machine and tumble dryer. The methods and chemistries described herein may be used to suppress dye transfer from one fabric article to another during a wash cycle so that unsorted laundry may be handled between the articles with no or minimal dye transfer. Suppression of dye transfer may involve depositing the dye from the cloth surface and / or suppressing redistribution of the dye to another cloth surface. In addition, the methods and chemistries described herein may also minimize the dye transfer from one fabric article to another surface with which it may come into contact. It should be noted that unless otherwise specified, the methods and chemical agents described herein may be used in conjunction with each other even though they are not expressly described.

At this point, a brief description of the types of chemical agents that can be used to facilitate the suppression of dye transfer and the more commonly used types of dyes is useful.

As used herein, a "dye transfer inhibitor" is any substance which inhibits dye transfer. The two main groups of inhibitors include the dye absorber and the dye-fixing agent (dye-fixative). In general, dye-fixative molecules, which preferably settle out of a solution onto a textile or fabric surface. Most fixatives are high molecular weight polymers with repeating monomers of a cationic or anionic functional group to promote favorable settling on fabrics through favorable electrostatic interaction at multiple areas in a fixative molecule and charged (ionizable) fibers, since large molecules are subject to entropic constraints which inhibit the dissolution of large molecules in aqueous solution. Dye fixatives can interact with the fabric surface to form a polymeric layer that prevents dyes from settling from the fabric surface into the solution.

Dye absorbers are generally molecules that preferentially interact with dye molecules via either electrostatic interaction or hydrophobic forces (eg, micelle formation) to attract dye molecules and suspend them in aqueous solution so as to prevent their transfer to another textile surface. Because most ionic dyes are anionic in nature, dye absorbers that act via electrostatic interaction are essentially cationically applied in the active state - typically to molecules that have quaternary or polyamine or aromatic pyridine groups. Typically, these cationic polymers have a smaller molecular weight than dye fixatives to allow them to remain suspended in solution. Additionally, surfactants (wetting agents) in excess of the critical micelle concentration (CMC) can self-assemble into a hydrophobic core micelle structure that can act as a dye absorber by trapping dyes and suspending them in solution. While surfactant micelles generally act as absorbers for all types of dyes, they are among the few dye absorbers that complex with nonionic dyes and suspend them. Dye absorbers may also be from the group of molecules that form host-guest complexes with hydrophobic molecules - eg, cyclodextrin. Once the dye absorbers interact with the dye molecules, the dye-absorber / dye-molecule complex remains suspended in the solution. In addition to complexing with dyes in solution, dye absorbers can preferentially remove loosely-held dyes from textile surfaces and keep them suspended in solution.

There are several different types of dyes conventionally used to dye clothing and other laundry articles that differ in the type of fiber to be dyed. Vat and sulfur dyes are nonpolar water-insoluble pigments with no affinity for textile fiber and are traditionally used to dye jeans and towels. Vat dyeing is a process in which solubilized dye penetrates the cotton and viscose fibers of the fabric and subsequent oxidation causes the dye to become water insoluble. One of the currently most commonly used vat dyes is indigo. For the consumer, vat dyes pose several problems with regard to the care of the fabric articles dyed in this way. Mistreatment by the textile manufacturer - no removal of excess or free dye or false oxidation with the resulting presence of non-textile fixed dyes - can result in dye transfer in the form of leakage or bleeding thereof during washing or wetting and also to a lead to poor abrasion resistance (ie dye may transfer to other surfaces such as other clothing, furniture or the end user with which the dyed fabric comes in contact). Additionally, a highly alkaline wash of the fabric may settle of the dye from the textile. Sulfur dyes are another example of vat dyes in which the dye is solubilized - in this case by reduction to sodium sulfide, with subsequent oxidation rendering the sulfur dye insoluble. An example of a commonly used vat dye is sulfur black. Loose vat dyes would be dyes that are either non-oxidized or present on the textile surface. Non-oxidized vat dyes are anionic in nature; due to their small size and polarity, they typically deposit easily from cotton fabrics into an aqueous solution.

Disperse dyes are neutral and are typically used to color polyester and acetate fabrics. They are slightly water-soluble, diffuse out of solution into the fibers, and preferably remain dispersed there due to hydrophobic interactions between the fibers and the dye. Dispersants are used to facilitate dispersing the dye in the dye bath to color the fabric. In general, and under otherwise identical conditions, the higher the molecular weight of the disperse dye, the higher the wash or color fastness of the dye. As used herein, the term "washfastness" describes the extent to which a dye is retained by the dyed fabric during its treatment in a washing machine. For example. a high wash fastness means a dye which is primarily retained in the fabric material and neither bleeds nor otherwise transferred during treatment in the washing machine; low or no wash fastness refers to a dye that is not retained by the fabric and bled or otherwise transferred during treatment. Typically, only an excess of dye or over-dyed dye poses a bleeding problem when treated in the washing machine. In the case of polyester, only excess dye molecules that are not associated with the textile fibers pose a potential bleeding problem because the remainder of the dye molecules remain trapped in the polyester matrix of the fabric, at least below the glass transition temperature of the polyester. A loose disperse dye is typically a dye which has not penetrated into the crystal matrix of the polyester.

Direct dyes are anionic dyes which typically contain a sulfonate group and are used to color cotton fibers with which they interact primarily through cumulative London or van der Waals dispersion and hydrophobic forces. Cotton dyed with direct dyes is often post-treated by methods such as dye fixation or treatment to remove loosely-adhering dye to address the bleed and wash fastness problems. The anionic (eg, sulfonate) group of direct dyes has a small cationic counterion (typically sodium); if the dye creation is not carried out well enough, the sodium ion can separate from the dye in an aqueous wash solution so that the direct dye becomes deprotonated and thereby becomes hydrophilic, which can cause bleeding in an aqueous wash liquor. In addition, certain types of surfactants may disrupt the interaction between the cotton fibers and the dye molecules, which may enhance bleeding. Furthermore, since the interaction between direct dyes and cotton is due to non-permanent weak molecule interactions, water and mechanical agents can also exacerbate bleeding. Loose direct dyes are typically dyes that can not be exhausted well with NaCl (suggesting that they are residual dissociable Na counterions) and can not be rinsed off well.

Acid dyes are anionic dyes which, like direct dyes, have a sulfonate group but are typically smaller than direct dyes. They typically serve to color nylon, wool and silk fibers, with the negatively charged sulfonate group of the dye at low pH, where the amide group in the nylon is in protonated form, interacting with the positively charged amide in the nylon. Typically, nylon is heated above its glass transition temperature (about 40 ° C for nylon 6.6) to promote the dyeing of the acid dye molecules into the fabric during dyeing. At the end of the dyeing, the nylon is cooled to trap the dyes in the nylon. Although the interaction between the dye and the fiber is an electrostatic interaction, the crystalline nylon matrix can prevent the bleeding of adhering dye molecules even with a subsequent increase in pH (eg, in the wash). However, there is a potential for over-dyeing the nylon after the cationic nylon fiber positions are depleted. In addition, dyed nylon exhibits less wash fastness in the presence of certain wetting agents such as linear alkyl benzene sulfonate (LAS) which has a sulfonate moiety similar to that of the dye molecules and is more surfactant than the acid dye, as well as some other types of wetting agents, so that the potential for displacing loose dyes away from the dye Nylon surface is larger.

Reactive dyes are dyes that are covalently bound to the fabric fibers - mostly cotton fibers - via reactive sites on the fibers. Once the dye molecule reacts with the cotton fiber, the dye is completely washfast. However, during dyeing can competing reactions cause hydrolysis of the reactive groups on the dye molecule; one thus obtains a dye molecule that can interact with and be carried by the cotton fibers, but is no longer capable of covalent bonding with them. Unreacted dyes that are not sufficiently removed from the cotton fiber matrix can result in loose dye molecules that bleed out in a subsequent wash.

The 1 now shows an exemplary method for treating a laundry load after a dye transition suppressing wash program 10 , While the procedures described herein are discussed in the context of a mixed batch of laundry, ie, non-sorted laundry which is inhomogeneous by either fiber type or dye color, it will be appreciated that these processes may also be used with assorted laundry batches. It should also be noted that the illustrated sequence of steps is only illustrative and is not intended to limit the methods described herein in any way, as it will be understood that these steps may be performed in a different order and add or insert additional steps or subdivided steps described several times without to leave the invention. Furthermore, it should be noted that the wash cycle 10 in the context of preventing dye transfer, the additional procedures described herein may be used for other purposes, such as facilitating the distribution of a treating chemistry.

As used herein, the term "(wash) liquor" means a combination of water with at least one treating chemical to provide detergency that lifts debris from the laundry; Other chemicals may be present. "Dirt" may include soil, oils and stains, such as may be caused by food, dyes, beverages, environmental pollution or body fluids. "Rinse Fluid" or "Rinse Water" is any fluid used to rinse off a treatment chemistry that may contain water with one or more treatment chemicals or just water. The washing liquid may also consist only of water, in which case it is referred to as rinsing water or water. The term "treatment liquor" is a generic term for a combination of water and at least one treatment chemical, which may involve a wash, rinse, or any other fluid or liquor with at least one treatment chemical. The terms "recirculated liquor" and "recirculated water" refer to water or a combination of water and at least one or more treatments pumped from a collection area and re-applied to the laundry with or without additional water from the domestic water supply , As used herein, the term "liquid or liquor" should be considered as generic and include, without limitation, wash or rinse liquor, rinse water, water, recycled liquor, and so on.

The supply and application of liquid to or on the laundry may be carried out in any desired manner, for example, without limitation of the invention, directly or indirectly and as infusion, spraying or misting. The liquid supply is typically in the treatment chamber, in which the laundry is located, from a water connection or an output unit and / or as a supply of water or a treatment chemical in a collection area, from which the liquid is then pumped out and sprayed into the treatment chamber as a jet or mist becomes. Further, when the laundry is in a rotating drum in a tub, the supply or application of a liquid may also include the supply to the tub and the rotation of the drum such that the laundry in the drum passes through the liquid in the tub.

The wash cycle 10 with the prevention of dye transfer can be done with an optional Vornetzgang 12 begin in which the laundry is pre-wetted with a liquid. In a prewash phase 14 it may be treating the laundry with a treatment chemical; an exemplary embodiment includes a dye fixative. A main wash 16 may include washing the laundry with a detergent-based composition and optionally treating the laundry with an additional treating chemical such as a dye absorber. In the rinse cycle 18 For example, the laundry may be treated with a plasticizer and an additional dye absorber, followed by a spin cycle 20 in which the laundry is kept at high speed in circulation to remove excess liquor from the laundry lot. The wash cycle 10 can also be an optional load or batch determination phase 22 include.

The Vornetzphase 12 For example, wetting the laundry lot with a limited amount of liquor prior to application of a treatment chemical may assist in 14 include. The liquor can be any treatment liquid or water from the supply connection without further addition of water. During the Vornetzphase 12 generally described in connection with a pre-wetting with water without supplement to the water by the washing machine, it can be seen that the Vornetzphase 12 also be carried out in a corresponding manner with a liquor containing a treatment chemical.

The liquid or liquor is applied to the laundry with a predetermined amount of time and for a predetermined time while being circulated in the processing chamber. Fleet may be in the preadjustment phase 12 are added to wet the laundry and so distributing the treatment chemistry in the subsequent prewash phase 14 to promote without too much liquid supplied and a dye transition occurs. In one example, that may be in the pre-mesh phase 12 added liquid is simply water; In another example, the liquor may include an emulsion that renders the surface of the launder hydrophobic to facilitate the distribution of a later added treating chemistry, such as a dye fixative. In addition, the Vornetzphase 12 used in a similar way to the laundry before the main wash 16 to prewet if no prewash phase 14 is provided. If too much liquid is added, loose dye may peel off into the liquid and transfer to other articles in the laundry lot while the liquid spreads in the laundry lot. If too much liquid is added, whether the laundry is saturated or not, loose dyes can also penetrate from one laundry article to another and thus cause a dye transfer. Therefore, it is not intended that the Vornetzphase 12 the laundry is saturated or drained liquid. If the laundry is moved or thrown too fast, for example at speeds corresponding to 1G for the respective drum, a dye transfer between laundry articles can take place.

While continue the laundry in the pre-wet phase 12 is moved or rearranged to disperse the then supplied liquid, over-stirring or spinning too fast may facilitate dye transfer between laundry articles. Without wishing to be bound by theory, it is believed that pre-wetting the laundry with liquid prior to application of the dye fixative facilitates a more even distribution of the latter on the fabrics by reducing driving forces at the interfaces and speed of penetration into the fabrics and fabrics / or the coupling of the dye fixative is reduced. Prewetting may also facilitate the distribution of other adjunct chemicals as a dye fixative - for example, a detergent or fabric softener.

During the Vornetzphase 12 For example, the dry laundry (ie laundry not yet wetted by the washing machine in the then-running work program), which slowly circulates, may be wetted with liquid by passing it through a spray from a spray nozzle, as described in greater detail below. Exemplary orbital speeds are 20 rpm-60 rpm, preferably 20 rpm-30 rpm. As used herein, the term "mist" refers to a phenomenon in which liquid is sprayed as droplets of such diameter and time in such a way that they temporarily remain suspended in the air until they collide or merge on a surface , combine into water droplets that are too large to remain suspended in the air, and fall or evaporate under its own weight. The spray nozzle may be configured to spray the mist into fine droplets on the order of 10 microns to 100 microns in diameter, which are suspended in the air and thus remain as they settle slowly on the laundry load. The spray nozzle may be designed to spray very little liquid, for example 500 ml / min, so that the mist that settles on the laundry is absorbed by the surface of the laundry that it touches, without the liquid flowing through it Amount of laundry "expires". The liquid may be on the laundry in the pre-wet phase 12 be sprayed while the laundry rotates at a similar speed as the drum in the prewash phase 14 so that in general the same areas of the in the pre-mesh phase 12 wetted laundry during the pre-wash phase 14 can be wetted. It has been found that the wetting of the laundry in this way with very little liquid measurably improves the distribution of the treatment chemistry - eg. The dye fixative - in the subsequent phase - eg. The pre-wash 14 or in the main wash 16 , if there is no pre-wash phase - is supplied.

During the prewash phase 14 than on the pre-mesh phase 12 following, it can be seen that the prewash phase 14 can be performed simultaneously with the pre-mesh phase, which means that the pre-mesh and pre-wash phases 12 . 14 over the same period or at least partially overlapping. In one example, the pre-wash phase 14 with a certain delay after the start of the pre-mesh phase 12 be initiated so that the prewash phase 14 at least partially simultaneously with the pre-mesh phase 12 he follows. In another example, the pre-wetting and prewashing phases are omitted 12 . 14 Repeat alternately two or more times before moving to the next gear in the work program.

The 2A shows a laundry treating device in the form of a vertical axis washing machine 50 to carry out a work program - for example, the wash cycle 10 to avoid the dye transfer - can be used. While the embodiments of the invention are described in the context of a washing machine, it will be appreciated that many of them are applicable to any laundry treating equipment - e.g., tumble dryers or dryers Washing / Drying Machines - applicable to dispense treatment chemistry and suppress dye transfer.

The washing machine 50 has a (cabinet) housing 52 and a non-perforated tub 54 on having an interior 56 of the washing machine 50 encloses. A swamp 58 can be in flow communication with the interior 56 of the tub 54 stand. In the interior 56 can be a perforated laundry drum 60 relative to the tub 54 be rotatable and a laundry treatment chamber 62 to accommodate a laundry load. The circulation of the drum 60 can be considered circulation of any content of the treatment chamber 62 consider. The drum 60 may include a plurality of openings (not shown) such that the drum 60 supplied liquid through the openings to the tub 54 can flow. A stirring column (agitator) 64 can in the treatment chamber 62 arranged and relative to and / or with the drum 60 be rotatable. While the embodiments of the invention are described in the context of a washing machine having a drum circulating in a tub, it will be understood that they can also be applied in automatic washing machines incorporating a non-voided tub-free drum.

The drum 60 and / or the agitator 64 can be from an electric motor 66 be driven with or without gear, the operational with the drum 60 and / or the agitator 64 is coupled. During the work program, the agitator 64 Usually rotate about its axis of rotation or swing back and forth to that in the treatment chamber 62 contained laundry load to give movement. The drum 60 can be rotated at high speed to spin liquid from the laundry load and remove it from the drum 60 dissipate. At the top of the case 52 can be an optional lid 68 through an opening in the drum 60 through access to the treatment chamber 62 Offer.

How continue that 2A shows, can a spray system 70 Liquid - eg water, also in combination with one or more treatment chemicals - from above into the drum 60 and on the laundry in the treatment chamber 62 spray. Examples of treatment chemicals flushable from the dispensing system during the work program include (alone or in combination) water, surfactants, detergents, enzymes, fragrances, sizing agents, wrinkle relaxers, softeners, anti-aliasing (non-limiting) or electrostatics, stain and water repellents, energy consumption reducers / spin-on aids, antibacterial or medicinal agents, vitamins, humectants, shrinkage inhibitors, dye fixatives and absorbers and bleaching.

The spray system 70 may be connected to a treatment chemistry dispensing system (not shown) to treat the laundry alone or with water from the supply port 72 mixed feed. The dispensing system may include a flushing unit, which may be a single or a bulk flush or a combination of both. (Not limiting the invention) examples of suitable flushing units are disclosed in the U.S. Patent No. 8,196,441 (Hendrickson et al., Issued June 12, 2012) entitled "Household Cleaning Appliance with a Dispensing System Operable between a Single Use Dispensing System and a Bulk Dispensing System"; in the U.S. Patent 8,388,695 (Hendruckson et al., Issued March 5, 2013) entitled "Apparatus and Method for Controlling Laundering Cycle by Sensing Wash Aid Concentrations"; U.S. Patent 8,397,328 (Hendrickson et al., Issued March 19, 2013) entitled "Apparatus and Method for Controlling Concentration of Wash Aid in Wash Liquid"; the US pub. No. 2010/0000581 (Doyle et al., Filed July 1, 2008) entitled "Water Flow Paths in a Household Cleaning Appliance with Single Use and Bulk Dispensing"; US pub. No. 2010/0000264 (Luckman et al., Filed July 1, 2008) entitled "Method for Converting a Household Cleaning Appliance with a Non-Bulk Dispensing System to a Household Cleaning Appliance with a Bulk Dispensing System"; U.S. Patent 8,397,544 (Hendrickson, issued March 1, 2013) entitled "Household Cleaning Appliance with a Single Water Flow Path for Both Non-Bulk and Bulk Dispensing"; and U.S. Patent 8,438,881 (issued May 14, 2013) with the Tiel "Method and Apparatus for Dispensing Treating Chemistry in a Laundry Treating Appliance"; these are to be construed as part of this application by this reference in their entirety.

The dispensing system may also include a system for determining information about the treatment chemistry delivered to the dispensing system and for communicating that information with the controller 82 contain. In one example, information concerning the treatment chemistry may be directly determined with one or more sensors. Examples of such sensors (non-limiting) are a chemistry, pH, or UV / Vis absorption or fluorescence sensor. In another example, treatment chemistry information may be carried by a container containing it and the controller 82 of the washing machine wirelessly (eg. Via an RFID system) or lead a line connection. In yet another example, the laundromat may be an optical transmission system such as a bar code reader / bar code combination for Information exchange regarding the treatment chemistry included. (Non-limiting) Examples of Information on Treatment Chemistry, Control 82 can be supplied are the identity or properties or over one or more components thereof; Dosage information such as concentration or amount; Output information such as quantity, concentration, issue duration or frequency; the program application such as the work program and the operation or output phase or level. In another example, the user may provide information about the treatment chemistry via the user interface 84 enter. The exact manner of passing on the treatment chemistry information relating to the output system is not essential to the invention.

The spray system 70 can be carried out, water from the household supply connection 72 and / or from the tub 54 directly and via a spray device 74 to spray on the laundry. The spray system 70 may also be carried to wash liquor from the tub 54 - including the swamp 58 - To spray in the return to the laundry. The spray system 70 may also include additional spray devices and other components to supply liquor to one or more additional locations - eg, a portion of the interior 56 between the drum 60 and the tub 54 , an outer surface of the drum 56 , an inner surface of the drum 56 and an inner surface of the tub 54 , The type of spray system is not essential to the invention, so that with the laundry treating device 50 Use any suitable spraying system.

Under the tub 54 can a pump 76 be arranged. The pump 70 can with a feed fluidly to the sump 58 and with a drain to a household outlet 78 , a return or Umflottleitung 80 or connected to both. In this version, the pump can 76 serve to drain or circulate liquid or liquor, which initially enters the treatment chamber 62 is sprayed and through the drum 60 and finally into the swamp 58 flows. Alternatively, two separate pumps may be substituted for those described above.

The washing machine 50 can also contain a control that the washing machine 50 while executing one or more work programs. The controller can have one in the housing 52 arranged controller 82 as well as a user interface 84 which is operational to the controller 82 connected. At the user interface 84 For example, one or more buttons, scales, switches, fields of view, touch screens, and the like may be used. and the like, to communicate with the user - including (without limitation of the invention) selection of the work program and program parameters, as well as execution options.

The controller 82 can control the machine controller as well as any additional controllers to control the components of the washing machine 50 exhibit. For example. can the controller 82 include the machine and a motor controller. Here you can use numerous known controller types. The respective type of controller is not essential to the invention. It is contemplated that this is a microprocessor-based embodiment that executes control software and receives / sends one or more electrical signals from / to the various working components to operate the control software. For this purpose, a proportional (P), proportional-integral (PI), proportional-differential (PD) or proportional-integral-differential (PID) control can be used singly or in combination.

Like in the 3 shown, the controller can 82 with a memory 96 and a central processor (CPU) 98 be equipped. The memory 96 may serve to accommodate the control software that the CPU 98 to execute a work program. Examples of work programs (without limitation of the invention) are each a wash for normal and heavily soiled laundry, a fine, quick and a pre-wash, a refresh, a rinse, a timed laundry and any of the work programs described herein. The memory 96 can also serve information such as a database or table as well as one or more components of the washing machine 50 Receive received data for signal transmission to the controller 82 are connected. The database or table may serve to accommodate the various work parameters for the one or more work programs, including the factory default values for the work parameters and, if applicable, their updates by the controller or user inputs.

To the controller 82 Can one or more components of the washing machine 50 be connected to communicate with these components and to control them to execute a work program. For example. can to the controller 82 the motor 66 , the pump 76 , the spraying device 74 and optionally all other additional components are connected, for example, a steam generator, a treatment chemistry purging unit, and a sump heater (not shown) to control these and other components for executing one or more work programs.

To the controller 82 can also have one or more sensors 99 in one or more systems of the washing machine 50 be connected to receive input signals from them; they are known in the art and not shown for simplicity. (Non-limiting) Examples of Sensors 99 used for signal transmission to the controller 82 can be connected, are a temperature sensor in the treatment chamber, a humidity, position, chemical, optical, conductivity and a turbidity sensor and a motor torque sensor with which various system, Waschgut- and fleet properties such as. The inertia or Determine the mass of the laundry load.

As the 2A further shows, the spray device 74 in the Vornetzphase 12 be controlled so that they bring a mist of water or other treatment chemistry into the treatment chamber 62 sprays to a laundry lot 86 to wet. In a vertical axis washing machine comes into the treatment chamber 62 sprayed liquor from above the laundry 86 through the open top drum 60 , When spraying, there is an exposed surface of the laundry lot 86 first from the top of the sprayer 74 contacted sprayed fleet. With continued spraying from the device 74 Can liquor through and around the exposed surface of the laundry lot 86 around to other surfaces of the laundry lot 86 to run. The exposed top surface of the laundry lot 86 can be considered a first impact area 88 for out of the device 74 designate sprayed fleet.

The controller 82 can be run to detect a dye transfer event. The controller 82 or a signal transmission module located therein or operatively connected to it can be made to issue a message that a dye transfer has occurred. For example. lets such a message be sent to a dryer. It can be seen that the message can be wireless and / or wired.

In the Vornetzphase 12 allows the laundry to circulate while the sprayer is in circulation 74 Water or a mixture of water and treatment chemistry in the treatment chamber 62 spray to the first impact area 88 to wet. The circulation of the laundry may rotate the drum 60 or moving the agitator 64 include to give the laundry movement. Also within the scope of the invention is that the spray device 74 circulates relative to the laundry. The spraying device 74 can be controlled so that the Erstauftrefffläche 88 is wetted, without taking over the laundry, so that the remaining of a fabric surface to another running amount of water remains minimal. Is, as described above, too much water on the laundry lot 86 sprayed, loose dye can be different from the the laundry lot 86 dissolve forming fabric articles into the water and onto other articles in the laundry lot 86 pass. The device 74 may spray the water as a mist of fine water droplets which are suspended in the air upon spraying and on the exposed surface of the laundry, ie the first impact surface 88 to cover the entire initial impact area while minimizing the volume of water used. As described above, for example, the spray device 74 be designed to spray the mist of fine droplets of the order of 10 .mu.m to 100 .mu.m diameter at less than 500 ml / min, which consumes very little water, but enough that the laundry surface absorbs the settling on the laundry mist.

The application as fog during the Vornetzphase 12 allows the liquor to be applied to the laundry with a volume, a droplet size and a time such that the laundry can absorb the liquor without draining from the surface. If the liquor is sprayed with larger volume, larger droplet size and / or in a larger amount of time, it may reach the wash surface with too high a volume and / or throughput to be absorbed by the wash surface onto which it impacts, so that the Fleet partially runs off the surface and potentially transfers dye from the impacted to other surfaces with which the running fleet comes in contact.

In one example, liquid can be added to the wash as a mist in the prewet phase 12 is supplied in an amount that wets the laundry to a predetermined residual moisture (RMC). As the term is used herein, the residual moisture is defined as the ratio of an additional amount of water in the fabric to the amount of fabric that is absorbed by the natural moisture absorption of the fabric. The natural moisture absorption of a substance is based on the natural moisture content in the substance under dry conditions; it is considered zero water or as the RMC zero. For the pre-wet phase, the RMC value can be 5% -40%; in an exemplary embodiment, it is in the range of 10% to 20%. It should be noted that wetting the laundry to a predetermined RMC value does not mean that all the laundry in the batch must be wetted to this RMC. In one example, the washing machine 50 determine the batch quantity and then the spray device 82 so that the liquor quantity is sprayed on the basis of the predetermined RMC value for the predetermined batch quantity. The amount of laundry can be determined by any suitable method - including this one described - determine. It will be appreciated that the method by which the amount of laundry is determined is not essential to the embodiments of the invention.

The drum 60 can also be rotated to ensure even coverage of the first impact surface 88 with the mist from the sprayer 74 to facilitate. The drum 60 can be rotated at a relatively low speed, for example 20 RPM-60 RPM or less than 1 G, to avoid the charge 86 Movement is granted. In addition to facilitating dye transfer, agitation of the laundry load may occur 86 or spinning at too high a speed will cause the articles of the batch to be in the treatment chamber 62 move relative to each other so that different fabric surfaces are exposed; then non-wetted laundry will be the first impact area 88 exposed in a subsequent program phase treatment chemistry on the batch 88 is sprayed. A Vornetzen the first impact surface 86 before applying the treatment chemistry facilitates the distribution of the latter in the laundry lot 86 , If treatment chemistry is sprayed on a dry fabric surface, it may get damaged. U. not within a reasonable period of time in the laundry lot 86 to distribute. Typically, in the exemplary embodiment of a dye fixative, the dye fixative electrostatically interacts with the fabric substrate, which may result in localized high concentration areas of the dye fixative where it first contacts the fabric surface. Prewetting the fabric can slow the formation of electrostatic bonds between the dye fixative and the fabric surface so that the former spreads more easily over the fabric surface.

After prewetting the first impact area 88 in the Vornetzphase 12 and the subsequent wetting of the laundry with treatment chemistry - such as a dye fixative - in the prewash phase 14 The laundry can be rearranged to expose a previously not exposed surface at least partially. Redistributing one or more of the items of the laundry lot 86 - For example, by moving at least one relative to another article or the drum 60 - Can cause a previously unexposed part of the laundry surface at the first impact surface 88 exposed. The addition of at least a portion of a previously unexposed surface or the replacement of at least a portion of a previously unexposed surface with a recently exposed surface at the primary impact surface 88 can be considered a new exposed surface. As used herein, the term "new exposed surface" is intended to mean a surface that is at least partially formed by a previously unexposed surface. Uncovering a new surface may cause the drum to rotate 60 for rearranging the laundry and / or actuating the agitator 64 include.

The prewetting and pre-washing phase 12 . 14 can be repeated one or more times to expose a new surface, pre-wet with pre-mist and then treat the pre-wetted surface of the fabric with dye fixative or other treatment chemistry to facilitate uniform distribution of the treatment chemistry on the fabric, while concurrently Likelihood of dye transfer is reduced. Within the scope of the invention is also that the Vornetzphase 12 spraying a mist onto a first exposed surface and subsequently rearranging the laundry to expose a previously unexposed portion of the laundry and mist one or more times before misting in the prewash phase 14 Treatment chemistry is supplied.

How the turn 1 For example, the dye transition preventing gait may have an optional phase 22 batch size determination, before or during the pre-mesh phase 12 lies. The phase 22 The batch size determination can serve to that in the treatment chamber 62 determine existing amount of laundry. The amount of laundry can be specified qualitatively or quantitatively and by hand based on user input at the user interface 84 or automatically through the washing machine 50 pretend. Qualitative determination of the amount of laundry may include determining whether the batch is small, medium, or large, a quantitative determination, weight, or volume of laundry in the treatment chamber 62 include.

The amount of laundry can be at 22 determine by any suitable method for determining the amount of laundry before the liquor addition to the treatment chamber. An example of a suitable method for automatically determining the amount of laundry prior to liquor addition may be the use of one with the tub 54 coupled weight sensor include. For another example, turn the drum 60 with the engine 66 and evaluates the feedback from the engine or one or more of the engine 66 or the drum 60 assigned sensors to determine the amount of laundry. An example of determining the amount of laundry by rotating the drum 60 with her Wäscheinhalt is in the US pub. No. 2011/0247148 (Chanda et al., Filed April 12, 2011) entitled "Laundry Treating Appliance with Load Amount Detection", which is to be incorporated by reference as part of this application. Further exemplary methods are included in the U.S. Patent 8,176,798 (Ashrafzadeh et al., Issued on. May 2012) with the article "Method and Apparatus for Determining Laundry Load"; U.S. Patent 8,381,569 (Lilie et al., Issued February 26, 2013) entitled "Method and Apparatus for Determining Load Amount in a Laundry Treating Appliance"; U.S. Patent 8,166,590 (Afrafzadeh et al., Issued May 1, 2012) entitled "Method and Apparatus for Determining Laundry Load Size"; and U.S. Patent No. 8,215,134 (Ashrafzadeh et al., Issued July 10, 2012) entitled "Method and Apparatus for Determining Laundry Load Size"; all of them are to be construed as part of this application by this reference in their entirety. As discussed above, the addition of too much liquor to the laundry may 86 facilitate dye transfer between laundry articles, so that methods for determining the amount of laundry may be preferred that do not require the addition of saturating liquor quantities to the laundry.

Like now the 2 B shows, by turning the drum 60 in the batch determination phase 22 the laundry lot 86 in the treatment chamber 56 shift so that the laundry unfolds, spreads and an annular sink around the agitator 64 forms around. Generally, movement of the laundry articles relative to each other during movement of the laundry articles is minimal to minimize dye transfer, which may result from frictional contact between the articles of the batch in the mutual movement of the articles. The shifting of the laundry to form the ring sink may be the area of the first landing surface 88 increase in the pre-wetting and prewash phase 12 . 14 is exposed. In one example, the Vornetzphase 12 with the batch determination phase 22 coincide, so that the first impact area 88 is wetted while the laundry lot 86 about the agitator 64 moved around. Generally, laundry items are a user prior to starting a work program in the drum 60 fills in the treatment chamber 62 typically around and possibly via the agitator 64 heaped on each other, so that a generally "flat" Erstauftrefffläche 88 results in how they die 2A shows. At slow circulation of the drum 60 can do the laundry 68 arising from the generally flat distribution (cf. 2A ) distribute to the ring sink, which the 2 B shows.

The 4 shows a method of adding treatment chemistry while determining the amount of laundry associated with the work program 10 or any other suitable method, including those described herein. While the procedure 100 in the context of a combination of the batch and pre-mesh phases 22 . 12 of the work program 10 Accordingly, it can also be combined to combine the batch determination phase 22 with the pre-wash phase 14 deploy. Method for determining the batch size on an inertia basis - such as in US pub. No. 2011/0247148 (Chanda et al.) - typically operate on engine torque information when rotating the drum after a predetermined drum rotation to determine the inertia of the system, and from the determined system inertia estimate the amount of laundry in the drum. Such inertia-based methods use already existing information, ie the engine torque, without the use of additional sensors (eg weight sensors).

The procedure 100 uses the movement of the batch when turning the drum after a inertia-based batch determination to facilitate the distribution of a treatment chemistry on the laundry - for example, water in the Vornetzphase 12 or a dye fixative in the pre-wash phase 14 a work program. The procedure 100 begins with the assumption that a user has filled laundry in the treatment chamber and selected a work program. at 102 can be supplied to the laundry in the treatment chamber, a treatment liquid - eg. By spraying into the treatment chamber by means of the spray device 74 a washing machine 50 ,

at 104 the drum can be rotated according to the batch determination procedure. The drum circulation can with the supply of the treatment liquid at 102 coincide. The drum 60 can its circulation at the same time with the supply of the treatment liquid at 102 or start at a chosen time thereafter. The treatment liquid may be fed continuously or intermittently while the drum 60 for batch determination 106 is turned. at 108 can batch determination, at 110 the supply of the treatment liquid to be stopped. Batch determination at 108 and the supply of the treatment liquid at 110 can end at the same time or in succession.

How on hand 2A . 2 B described above, can when the circulation of the drum 60 the laundry 86 in the treatment chamber 62 shift, with the first impact area 88 increases. When feeding the treatment liquid when moving the laundry 86 from the initial orientation in 2A to that adopted from the laundry after circulation in 2 B For example, the area of the laundry may be increased, contacted by the treatment liquid in the initial orientation, and present after circulation and in all orientations therebetween. In addition, simultaneous with the sequential execution of the batch determination and the supply of the treatment liquid can shorten the execution time of the work program. Becomes except that the treatment liquid added only after the batch determination, u. U. the initially and exposed in the transition state fabric surfaces are not covered by the treatment liquid.

The at 102 and 106 supplied amount of treatment liquid may be a small known amount, which facilitates the batching and also a uniform distribution of the treatment liquid on the laundry. It can be well below the amount that will saturate the laundry, but is sufficient to moisten it while minimizing any potential drainage of the laundry. If, for example, the batch size is determined, the treatment liquid can be used in an amount of 5% to 10% thereof. Alternatively, the amount of treatment liquid may be between 50 ml and 100 ml, which is probably sufficient to form a liquid layer on the exposed cloth surface regardless of the batch size. Furthermore, the treatment liquid can be applied as a mist, as described above, to facilitate a more even distribution thereof. Without wishing to be bound by theory, it is believed that the relatively even addition of a small amount of treatment liquid adds mass to the laundry that compresses the laundry along the drum periphery and makes its distribution in the drum more predictable, which improves the accuracy of inertial batch determination can improve. In addition, as above for Vornetzphase 12 In the work program, pre-moistening the laundry with a small amount of aerosolized water without saturating the laundry will facilitate the distribution of subsequently applied treatment chemistry while minimizing the dye transfer possible with the addition of too much liquid.

After the supply of the treatment liquid at 110 An optional spin is possible in which the laundry is kept in circulation for a predetermined time and for a predetermined period of time to establish a relatively consistent liquid-to-liquid ratio to facilitate batch determination. Alternatively, the additional mass from the added liquid may be subtracted from the batch determination if the impact of the additional mass is considered significant enough to affect the result of the batch determination.

As discussed, it is within the scope of the invention, the batch determination phase and the pre-mesh phase 22 . 12 consecutively or simultaneously. Because in the Vornetzphase 12 the laundry 86 is not significantly saturated, which is in the Vornetzphase 12 added amount of water does not significantly affect the batch determination. The batch determination and the pre-net phase 22 . 12 Thus, they may overlap one another to shorten the execution time without affecting the batch determination. While the procedure 100 in the context of determining the batch size during the supply of treating chemistry, it will be appreciated that drum circulation is possible even without determining the batch size. Also, in the context of the invention, the treatment chemistry can be supplied only at the end of the batch determination of the rearranged laundry.

The 5 shows a method 120 for applying treatment chemistry. While the procedure 120 is described on applying a dye fixative, it will be appreciated that it is also useful for applying other treatment chemicals. The procedure 120 Applying a dye fixative can be part of the work program 10 for applying a dye fixative in the pre-wash cycle 14 or a separate work program or part of another work process. It can at 122 start with the formation of a dye fixative solution. The dye fixative solution may include one or more dye fixative and optional additives such as a solvent (eg, water) and, for example, a viscosity modifier. Forming the dye-fixative solution may involve providing a ready-to-use dye fixative solution and transferring it to an output unit to which the spray device 74 connected. Alternatively, the dye-fixative solution may be mixed with water or other treatment liquid in a suitable mixing chamber or in the sump 58 Mix before adding the solution to the sprayer 74 is passed on. at 124 can be a first part of 122 formed dye fixative solution on, as above for Vornetzphase 12 of the work program 10 described, pre-wetted with water Erstauftrefffläche 88 be sprayed. The dye fixative can be at 124 Apply while the drum 60 revolves at speeds where the centrifugal force acting on the laundry is less than 1G, which shall be referred to herein as "turning less than 1G" or the like; accordingly, a revolution at a speed at which the resulting centrifugal force acting on the laundry is higher than 1G is referred to as a "rotation greater than 1G".

After applying the first part of the dye fixative solution to the first impact area 88 at 124 the rest of the same can be used with the drum spinning further 60 through the spray device 74 in the treatment chamber 62 be given to the dye fixative in the laundry lot 86 to distribute. In one example, the drum can 60 with increasing speeds below 1G, for example from 20 rpm to 60 rpm, to control the downward flow of the dye fixative through the Laundry load 86 then, with increasing speeds above 1G - eg 50 rpm to 120 rpm - to facilitate the flow of the dye fixative laterally through the wash lot 86 to facilitate. All exemplary speeds given in this disclosure apply to a basket or drum 11 inches in diameter. Since the centrifugal force is a function of the radial distance from the axis of rotation to the center of gravity of the respective laundry article, the centrifugal force does not allow itself to be defined on the basis of the rotational speed alone. It will be understood that the rotational speeds can be adjusted based on the basket or drum radius without departing from the invention.

Without wishing to be bound by theory, it should be noted that in the laundry, while it is wetted with water or treatment chemistry, flow channels form while the liquid or liquor is distributed in the batch. Once these flow channels exist, it may be difficult to wet areas of the laundry outside of them. Typically, restrictions imposed on the flow channels overcome by rearranging the laundry, such as by applying agitation whereby the laundry articles move relative to each other. However, where the dye transition is concerned, the mechanics of the relative motion imprinted on the articles to be washed may facilitate dye transfer at that location. Circulating the wash less than 1G to initially disperse the dye fixative and then increasing the speed above 1G may facilitate movement of these flow channels such that the distribution of the treating chemistry increases while dye transfer is minimized due to the mutual rubbing of the articles ,

The 6A Figure B shows diagrammatically the change in the flow channels in the wash lot batch from below to above 1G increasing drum speed. As the 6A shows is when the laundry batch is wetted with dye fixative while the drum 60 under 1G, gravity turns the main force acting on the fleet passing through the laundry; The flow channels can thus be generally considered to be primarily vertical, as with the arrows 91 indicated. As the rotational speed increases slowly, the influence of centrifugal forces increases, while the flow channels deviate from the vertical, as in 6B shown. In the 6C are at 1G increased speed, ie the speed at which the centrifugal acceleration is at the very edge of the drum 60 is equal to the gravitational acceleration, the centrifugal forces on the outer edge of the drum 60 equal to gravity, so that the flow channels from the initial vertical in the middle of the drum now a 45 ° position at the edge of the drum 60 taking.

Turn the drum 60 faster than 1G, the centrifugal forces begin to exceed the influence of gravity and the flow channels can approach a more horizontal position. Furthermore, at a speed above 1G, the laundry begins to move into the "satellite" or sticking state. This movement of the laundry load is so weak that dye transfer due to rubbing contact is not significant, but still causes sufficient movement of the laundry to aid in dispersing the dye fixative. Thus, by increasing the speed from below to over 1G while spraying Dye Fixative on the laundry, a variety of wash channels and rearrangements of the laundry can be achieved which facilitate the dye fixative distribution within a shortened period of time.

How still the 6A - 6B may show some amount during the application of the dye fixative 93 on liquid or liquor in the tub 54 collect. Increases the speed of the drum 60 , the fleet can 93 on the side wall of the tub 54 so much so that the fleet 93 the outer edge of the drum 60 reaches where the drum side wall merges into the drum bottom, as in 6A & 6B shown. The fleet 93 in contact with the drum 60 can then pass through the holes (not shown) in the drum of laundry in the treatment chamber 62 on the outer edge of the drum 60 be absorbed. This allows spreading the dye fixative to the laundry near the outer edge of the drum 60 be relieved.

In addition to rotating the drum 60 as the speed increases during spray of the dye fixative, the drum rotation may include intervals in which the drum speed is kept constant while further dye fixative is being sprayed out. At certain speeds, centrifugal forces result in combination with a drum 60 which is executed, a fleet flow from the drum 60 To restrict addition, the retention of a certain amount of liquor near the outer edge of the drum 60 , so that forms a kind of paraboloid (not shown). The shape of this paraboloid depends on the actual speed of the drum 60 and the shape of the drum openings that restrict the flow. Such formation of the paraboloid allows portions of the laundry near the outer edges of the drum 60 where the side wall and the bottom surface meet and on that of the device 74 in the treatment chamber 62 sprayed dye fixative does not directly impinge upon being wetted by this. While the Wetting processes in the context of wetting the laundry lot with a dye fixative have been described, it will be appreciated that they can also be used for wetting the laundry with any other treatment chemistry or with water.

The in the prewash phase 14 applied amount of the dye fixative or other treatment chemistry can be determined automatically or by hand from the amount of laundry and / or a volume of water that is applied to the laundry during the work program. Will be in the prewash phase 14 supplied with a treatment chemistry, it can also be regarded as a treatment chemistry phase and, in the specific embodiment of a dye fixative, as a dye fixative phase. The amount of laundry can be automatically detected with one or more sensors or by a batch determination method, as described above. Alternatively, the user may specify the amount of laundry at the user interface by a quantity selection (eg, small, medium, large, extra large, or by entering a mass or weight) or by choosing the work program. The amount of treatment chemistry that a mixing chamber or swamp 58 is supplied, can be determined on the basis of the amount of water to be applied to the laundry, which must be applied to the laundry, which in turn may be based on the Waschgutmenge and / or the selected work program. Alternatively, the amount of treatment chemistry may be defined by an amount that the user provides to the dispensing system.

In one example, the amount of dye-fixative delivered is based on the size of the laundry lot and is within a predetermined range, which depends on the type of dye fixative used. For the exemplary dye fixative Sera Fast CTE, the predetermined range may be between 5 g / kg laundry and 10 g / kg laundry. For some dye-fixatives, excess dye may have undesirable consequences, so it may be useful to keep the amount of dye fixative below a certain threshold based on the amount of laundry. If, for example, the concentration of the fixative is too high, it will u. U. not completely on the substances of the laundry batch pass, but preferably remain in the aqueous solution, and it is also off the substance and drawn into the aqueous solution.

The 7 now shows an additional alternative method 150 to facilitate the distribution of a treating chemical - for example, a dye fixative, fabric conditioner, detergent, stain remover or a finish - on the laundry. The procedure 150 can be used in conjunction with any method of distributing a treatment chemistry - including the methods described herein, such as the work program 10 of the 1 or the procedure 120 of the 5 , For the (non-limiting) introduction, consider a cloth surface in a liquid mass having as an interface layer flowing over the cloth surface. If a substance is added to the liquid mass, initially the concentration of this substance at the boundary layer for a homogeneous liquid is equal to the mass concentration (c _b ). The amount of substance and the time it takes to diffuse through the boundary layer depends on c _b and the thickness of the boundary layer. A lower initial concentration and a thicker boundary layer can cause a slower diffusion into the material surface.

The procedure 150 begins with the assumption that a user has filled the treatment chamber with laundry and initiated a work program. at 152 the thickness of the boundary layer of the substance can be increased. at 154 For example, a liquid - including treatment chemistry - can be supplied to the treatment chamber for distribution on the laundry. The delivery of the treating chemistry may occur simultaneously with the increase in the boundary layer thickness or at some point after the beginning of the thickness increase of the boundary layer 154 respectively. After a predetermined time interval, the boundary layer thickness at 156 be reduced to facilitate the diffusion of the treatment chemistry in the boundary layer to the fabric surface and interaction with it.

at 152 For example, the boundary layer thickness can be increased by causing a slow flow of fluid through the fabric articles - for example, by a slow drum rotation that produces little or no relative movement of the laundry articles. Exemplary drum speeds are in the range of 20 rpm to 10 rpm. An alternative or additional method of increasing the boundary layer thickness involves maintaining the temperature of the liquid at a predetermined value to increase its viscosity relative to that in the subsequent thickness reduction phase 156 to increase. Additionally or alternatively, less liquid can be applied to the laundry load to reduce normal forces and pressure. For example. For example, a work program for a 100% laundry batch may have the work program set up to saturate the laundry lot to about 200% of the batch weight. After the procedure 150 the amount of liquid can be set so that the charge is less saturated than otherwise typical - for example, to just below saturation.

Lowering the boundary layer thickness at 156 can at a predetermined time after the Supply of treatment chemistry 154 to give the treating chemistry time to spread in the laundry lot, and may allow the drum to spin at higher speeds - eg, more than 120 rpm or more than 1G - than in the thickness increase phase 152 or stirring / tumbling the laundry. In one example, the drum may be rotated at speeds equal to or higher than 280 rpm. Alternatively or additionally, the viscosity can be increased by increasing the temperature of the liquid and / or adding substances which reduce the viscosity and / or increase the lubricating effect, for example Polyox. Another example involves adding more liquid to the laundry to increase the pressure drop by increasing the normal force. The normal force can be increased by providing more water than normal in the fabrics, or - in the case of a horizontal axis washing machine - by increasing the drum speed such that the detachment of the fabrics when rotating through the drum at a greater height than typically the drum axis takes place.

In an exemplary embodiment in which a cationic dye fixative is applied to a cotton fabric, the positively charged dye fixative may be electrostatically attracted to the negatively charged cotton fabric such that the dye fixative may bind to the fabric surface before it becomes distributed over them so as to obtain localized high concentration spots of the dye fixative. The interfacial layer thickness on the fabric surface may be increased prior to delivery of the treatment chemical to reduce the rate at which the dye fixative reaches and electrostatically binds the cotton fabric so that the dye fixative has more time to dispense over one spread larger surface of the fabric surface and cover it. After a predetermined period of time, the barrier layer thickness decreases to facilitate the dye fixative's ability to reach the surface and to electrostatically bond to the cotton.

An alternative or additional method of facilitating the distribution of the dye fixative on the laundry involves increasing the hydrophobicity of the fabric surface. The addition of water to the fabric surface can interrupt the - for example Van der Waals - forces between the fabric surface and loosely held there dyes. The water may form hydrogen bonds with the cloth surface and / or the dye and promote stripping of hydrophobic dyes from the cloth surface to the air-water interface. By increasing the hydrophobicity of the fabric surface, this detachment of the dye from it in the presence of water can be reduced. The hydrophobicity of the fabric surface can be increased by adding an oil - for example, a natural fatty acid-based oil - to the fabric surface. The addition can be effected by spraying, misting or vapor deposition and / or as an emulsion. The oil on the fabric surface can facilitate the interaction between the textile and the dye to hold the dye on the fabric surface while water or a water-based treatment chemistry - for example, a dye fixative - is added to the laundry. The oil can be removed later, for example in a subsequent wash cycle, for example with a surfactant.

In the context of the wash program 10 the oil can be removed before the prewash phase 14 Add to the laundry to suppress a dye transition, which can be done when adding the dye-fixative solution to the laundry. In one example, this may provide the opportunity to add the dye-fixative solution in a greater amount to facilitate its distribution without promoting excessive dye transfer. In another example, applying the oil to the fabric surface may involve the use of the pre-wetting pass 12 negate.

Another method of facilitating the distribution of the dye fixative on the fabric surface involves preparing a delayed or trigger-activated fixative. The dye fixative may be included in a colloidosome microcapsule to prevent the dye fixative from prematurely adhering to and forming localized clumps on the fabric surface. The encapsulated dye fixative can be prepared by preparing a water-in-oil-water (W / O / W) double emulsion in which the dye fixative is encapsulated in an oil jacket which is then dispersed in an aqueous phase.

The oil jacket can be made of any suitable oil - in an exemplary embodiment of a natural oil such as sunflower, soybean or a vegetable oil. Forming the encapsulated dye fixative in a double emulsion generally involves mixing an oil and an aqueous phase in which the dye fixative is dispersed, emulsifying the oil and aqueous phases, stabilizing the oil coat, and re-dispersing the oil encapsulated dye fixative in an aqueous phase. The exact procedure for forming the double emulsion depends on the oil used in the oil phase, the dye fixative and the aqueous phase composition.

An exemplary double emulsion for capsulating a dye fixative - for example, a methylenguanidine-based cationic (commercially available under the name Retayne ^™ ) in a soybean oil coat illustrates the procedure and the Product that are envisaged. It can be seen that the procedure is suitably applicable to encapsulating other water-soluble dye fixatives in other oil skins and that additional or other steps and materials are applicable to obtain the desired encapsulated dye fixative.

The emulsification process begins by dispersing the dye fixative in an aqueous phase, which may also be just water. An oil-in-water emulsion can be formed by mixing a desired oil phase, for example soybean oil, with the aqueous phase which already contains the dye fixative dispersed in the presence of an emulsifier. A (the invention non-limiting) example of a suitable emulsifier is, for example, a nonionic surface active agent such as Polyethylenglycolsorbitanmonostearat (commercially available from the Fa. Sigma-Aldrich ^® under the name TWEEN ^® 60). An exemplary ratio for the oil and water phase is 50% / 50% soybean oil / aqueous phase. The mixture may be stirred and optionally heated to, for example, 70 ° C to promote emulsification. The oil-in-water mixture then passes into an electrolyte solution where it is further mixed (eg, by sonication) and homogenized to form the desired emulsion. Non-limiting examples of emulsifiers useful for forming the oil-in-water emulsion include stirred vessels, colloid mills, pulley dispersers, or high pressure homogenizers. The resulting oil-encapsulated dye fixative has a water-dispersed dye fixative in an oil shell stabilized by the nonionic surfactant.

The oil-encapsulated dye fixative can then be converted to an aqueous phase and redispersed to form the double emulsion. The oil shell can be stabilized by additional addition of a nonionic surfactant such as polyethylene glycol sorbitan monostearate with additional sonication. The stability and size of the oil-encapsulated dye-fixative droplets can be varied depending on the emulsifying equipment and materials used.

As another example, the colloidosome microcapsules allow water / organ stabilized with copolymers by self-directed or guided organization of corresponding reactants which, for example, respond to pH. Form solvent / water (W / O / W) double emulsions. For example, a water-in-oil-in-water (W / O / W) emulsion can be prepared by self-assembly to pH-responsive materials at the liquid-liquid interfaces and removal of the middle phase by evaporation. The outer shell may be hydrophobic and dissolve in water at a predetermined pH limit. The pH of the dye-fixative solution applied to the laundry may be kept outside the predetermined pH threshold until the dye fixative is to be released to spread over a larger area of the fabric surface and localized or stained reduce it.

If, for example, the outer shell dissolves at pH> 7, the treatment liquid can be kept at a pH <7 - for example by adding citric acid. Raising the pH above 7 releases the dye fixative from the colloidosome microcapsules. The pH can be increased with a predetermined delay after the application of the treatment liquid with the encapsulated fixative. Delaying the release of the dye fixative may facilitate more evenly distributing the dye-fixative wash lot. Because the dye fixative is attracted to the fabric surface, it may tend to concentrate on the first surface it touches, thus limiting the distribution. Encapsulating the dye fixative in a triggered releasing microcapsule may provide more time for the dye fixative to disperse in the laundry lot before it adheres strongly to the fabric surface. In another example, the oil sheath may be disrupted or destabilized by applying mechanical energy to release the dye fixative in it, for example, when the laundry to which the encapsulated fixative has been applied is agitated, or by pressure or temperature changes. In yet another example, an additional material may be applied to the laundry to destabilize the oil jacket so that the dye fixative is released from the oil jacket.

All of the water-soluble dye fixatives described herein can be encapsulated by the double emulsion process - examples which are not limiting to the invention are cationic polymers having functional groups from the group of primary, secondary and tertiary amines and their salts, polyacrylamide- or polyethylenimine-based polymers, Polymers having a reactive vinyl, hydroxyl or epoxy functional group, polydiallyldimethylammonium chloride (DADMAAC), poly (acrylamide-co-diallyldimethylammonium chloride), cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB) or cetylpyridinium bromide (CPB).

The encapsulated dye fixative can be formed in a washing machine associated with the dispersing or prepared as a treatment package ready. In one example, a mixture of the water-in-oil emulsion can be stored in a suitable container and supplied to the consumer Provide addition in the washing machine. The washing machine may include a dispersing device or a mixing chamber that can re-mix the water-in-oil dispersion in an aqueous phase to produce the double emulsion that the automatic washing machine then applies to the laundry during the work program. In another example, the water-in-oil emulsion in a sump of the washing machine can be mixed with a suitable aqueous phase to prepare the double emulsion.

What again the washing program 10 of the 1 is the optional intermediate phase 24 after the pre-wash and before the main wash cycle 14 respectively. 16 executable to the laundry for the main wash 16 prepare. The 8th shows exemplary procedures for the realization of the intermediate phase 24 , The procedure 200 can be a discharge phase 202 in the swamp 58 collected treatment liquor from the treatment chamber 62 is discharged, and an optional spin cycle 204 in which the laundry is hurled to remove liquor from it, which then leaves the marsh 58 can be drained.

The procedure 206 can the optional spin cycle 204 and the discharge phase 202 of the procedure 200 and continue to include the supply of the deflated liquor to a filter at 208 Filter dye fixative from the fleet. The filtered fleet will then join 210 again on the laundry in the treatment chamber 62 apply and after the optional spin at 204 at 202 Drain. The drain 202 , the optional spin 204 Filtering 208 and applying the filtered liquor 210 can be repeated often or on the basis of specifications from the sensor system, the fixative in the at 202 Show drained fleet. The sensor system may comprise any suitable system for determining fixative content in the liquor; nonlimiting examples of the invention) include optical sensor systems for UV / VIS absorption / fluorescence spectroscopy or a conductivity sensor. It can be seen that, as used herein, "absorption" and its related "transmission" may be used as an alternative to absorption or detection thereof.

The procedure 206 can be applied several times until an output signal indicates that the dye fixative level in the liquor meets a predetermined threshold. This may include comparing the output signal with a predetermined reference value, which may be a range of reference values, an upper or lower threshold. To "meet" a threshold is to mean that the variation meets the predetermined threshold to be equal to or less than or greater than that. It can be seen that such a determination can easily be satisfied by a positive / negative or a true / false comparison. For example. For example, a "below threshold" value can be easily met by applying a "greater than" test when the data is numerically inverted. In another example, the method leaves 206 perform several times due to the dye fixative, the batch size and / or the batch type.

Alternatively, the optional intermediate phase 24 a procedure 212 Include the optional spin cycle 204 and the discharge phase 202 of the procedure 200 and further includes applying rinse water from the household connection to the laundry and the optional spin cycle 204 and the discharge phase 202 to repeat. Similar to the procedure 206 let the drain 202 , the optional spin 204 and the application of rinse water at 214 Repeat predetermined or often based on an output signal from a sensor system, the Fixativmenge in at 202 drained fleet indicates. For example. leaves the procedure 212 run repeatedly until the output signal indicates that the amount of dye fixative in the liquor meets a predetermined threshold. In another example, the method leaves 212 Repeat several times due to the dye fixative, the batch quantity and / or the batch type.

While in 1 between the pre and the main wash 14 respectively. 16 is shown, it is within the scope of the invention, the intermediate phase 24 alternatively or additionally any phases 12 . 14 . 16 . 18 and or 20 of the work program 10 perform.

The main wash 16 may include the addition of a detergent composition containing one or more surfactants, detergents, soaps and optional additives known for use in laundry detergents; Examples of the present invention include pH buffers, enhancers, viscosity modifiers, colorants, fragrances, etc. In addition to washing the laundry with a detergent composition, it may be in the main wash cycle 18 also be treated with a dye absorber. A dye absorber may be part of the detergent composition or a separate active ingredient applied to the laundry in the treating chamber before or simultaneously with the detergent composition. As described in more detail below, the detergent composition is made to contain no anionic or, if only, anionic sulfate-based wetting agents. In such a case, interfacial activity can be controlled by nonionic or mixtures of cationic with nonionic wetting agents. Anionic wetting agents can promote dye removal and also undesirable with the pre-wash 14 transferred dye-fixative interact.

For example. Can the dye absorber in the tub 54 given and with water from the household connection 72 be diluted. The dye absorber and the water in the tub 54 let yourself in the line 80 in the tub 54 lead back without falling on the laundry 86 to be applied to mix them before this application. Alternatively, the dye absorber may be sprayed into the treatment chamber prior to spraying the absorber solution 62 be mixed in a mixing chamber water. The water-mixed dye absorber can be applied to the laundry prior to the addition of a detergent composition. Alternatively, after mixing the dye-absorber with water, the detergent composition may be added to the dye-absorber solution, optionally by recycling in the line 80 mixed and then on the laundry lot 86 be applied.

The rinse 18 may include the supply of a rinse to the treatment chamber containing a dye absorber which may be the same or different than the main wash 16 used. The rinsing fluid may optionally contain additives such as a fabric softener. The rinse 18 may include the tub 54 one or more times to supply rinsing liquid containing a dye absorber in at least one of the rinses. When filling the tub each time 54 with rinsing liquor or water and subsequent draining this can be regarded as a rinse. Depending on the volume of the rinsing liquid, several rinses without intermediate draining are possible. Each rinse may optionally include moving the laundry in the treatment chamber 62 by activating the agitator 64 and / or rotating the drum 60 If the dye absorber in the main wash 16 and / or the rinse cycle 18 was added. Moving the laundry may facilitate the removal of undesired dyes, for example dyes converted to white or light colored fabrics in the laundry batch, for interaction and subsequent removal with the dye absorber.

Becomes a dye absorber during the rinse cycle 18 added, this phase can be considered as a dye removal phase, which is realized as part of a wash cycle in the selected work program or independently of a rinse cycle in the selected work program. In one example, a dye removal phase becomes 18 automatically on the basis of sensor data or manually based on a selection made by the user on a user interface on the washing machine.

The 9 shows an exemplary color absorber rinse 300 in the rinse phase 18 of the work program 10 , as part of another work program or as a separate work program. The rinse 300 can be a first rinse 302 followed by a second rinse step 304 contain. The rinsing stages 302 . 304 For example, the supply of a rinsing liquid and / or rinse water to the treatment chamber 62 include. The rinse liquid of the first and second rinse steps may contain one or more treatment chemicals; Examples of this include fabric softeners, stain deflectors, perfumes, wrinkles, etc. Optionally, the first and second rinse liquids may also contain a dye absorber. In the final rinse stage, the exemplary rinse 300 the third rinse stage 306 is, the laundry can be rinsed with rinse liquid containing a dye absorber. It has been found that the absence of a dye absorber in the final rinse step 306 increases the likelihood of dye transfer in the last rinse stage. During the rinse 300 is shown with three rinse stages, it can be seen that it may contain more or fewer stages before the final rinse stage.

Without wishing to be bound by any particular theory, it is believed that in the first and second rinse stages 302 . 304 after a main wash 16 in which the laundry was supplied dye-absorber, the laundry enough residual dye-absorber can carry with it that a dye transition in the stages 302 . 304 is suppressed. However, in each rinse step, at least a portion of the residual dye absorber is rinsed away. So in the third rinse stage 306 the amount of dye absorber remaining is too small to suppress a dye transition, and a dye transition may occur. The supply of a rinse liquid containing a dye absorber in the third rinse stage 306 can suppress a dye transition in the last rinse step. Furthermore, even if a dye transfer occurs in the first and second rinse steps in the absence of dye absorber, the transient dye in the third phase is removed from the supplied dye absorbers. If no dye absorber is present in the third / final rinse cycle, there will be no subsequent phase with an absorber which could remove the oversprayed dye. While in the rinse stages before the final rinse stage 306 additional dye absorber can be added, this step need not be required for the reasons given. Also may be too much dye absorber be undesirable and increase the burden on the consumer of purchased chemistry.

After the third rinse stage 306 can be an optional quick flush 308 prepare with rinsing liquid that contains no dye absorber to remove at least a portion of the laundry associated dye absorbent. A quick rinse 308 can be different from the rinse stages 302 . 304 . 306 in a smaller amount of liquid supplied to the laundry and / or a shorter duration for which the laundry is in contact with the liquid to minimize dye transfer. In addition, the quick flush 308 involve minimal movement of the laundry to minimize the likelihood of dye transfer by contact. The quick rinse 308 may serve to supply rinsing liquid to remove at least a portion of the dye-absorber associated with the laundry.

The dye-fixative combination with dye absorbers in the same wash program can be complementary in that when a cationic dye fixative interacts with a fabric surface, the cationic dye fixative gives the fabric surface a positive charge that can attract dirt, generally is negatively charged. This tightening of loose dirt can give the fabric a shabby appearance. In the main wash 16 and in the rinse cycle 18 The present dye absorber can act as a sacrificial polymer, which preferably attracts loose dirt relative to the dye fixative to the fabric surface.

The steps 302 - 308 of the procedure 300 let go with the washing program 10 use together; Alternatively, the procedure leaves 300 to apply as a separate program. As part of a separate work program, the procedure 300 a main wash 310 contain. The main wash 310 can the main wash 16 of the program 10 to correspond to that of the main wash 310 a supply of dye absorbers to the laundry, but can not involve the use of a dye fixative.

The 10 shows a washing machine 450 , the washing machine 50 corresponds, but the drum 460 generally horizontal, not vertical. The washing machine 450 Often referred to as a "front loader" or "horizontal axis" machine, although its axis of rotation is not always exactly horizontal. The washing machine 50 Often referred to as a "top loader" or "vertical axis" machine. Horizontal and vertical axis machines differ primarily by the manner of applying mechanical energy to the laundry. Horizontal axis machines bring the mechanical energy by lifting and dropping the laundry in the drum 460 (also referred to as "circulating"); Vertical axis machines have in the drum a driving or moving element - often called "agitator", "nutator" or "impeller" - that rotates to impart mechanical energy to the laundry. Since many elements of the horizontal and the vertical axis machines are identical, elements of the washing machine 450 similar to those of the washing machine 50 match, with the same, um 400 denoted by reference numerals.

Also the washing machine 450 is usable for carrying out the ink transfer preventing washing program 10 and any of the other methods described herein. However, because the orientation of the drum 460 and so also the laundry in the treatment chamber 62 in the horizontal axis machine 450 those of the vertical axis machine 50 can also be different, the way the fleet feed to the laundry. It should be noted that all methods and compositions described herein may be used in both horizontal and vertical axis machines, unless otherwise specified, although the method or composition is described only in connection with a type of automatic washing machine.

The program 10 for a horizontal axis washing machine can be a batch determination phase 22 included, the same as above for example. Vertical axis washing machine 50 and the procedure 100 described or may differ in the use of other inertia-based methods designed for use in horizontal axis washing machines. In a horizontal axis washing machine can be the Vornetzphase 12 however, skip and wash the laundry initially in the pre-wash phase 14 wet.

The application of a dye fixative in the prewash phase 14 in the context of a horizontal axis washing machine 450 may be a combination of injecting a circulated dye fixative solution into the treatment chamber 62 by means of the circulation spray device 474 with the circulation of the laundry through the dye fixative solution in the tub 454 include. For example. A dye fixative leaves a dispenser 490 spend and mix with the water coming out of the water connection 472 in the tub 454 is given. The dye fixative and the water that the tub 454 can be supplied without applying to laundry to form a dye fixative solution only by recycling in the return line 480 be mixed.

The drum 460 can be turned so that the laundry by the in the sump area 458 of tub 454 Accumulated dye-fixative solution rolls, rolls over or rolls over with optional residence times to facilitate wicking and dispensing of the dye-fixative solution. The dye fixative solution can also be controlled by means of the return spray device 474 - For example, after the procedure 120 of the 5 - steady or intermittent in the treatment chamber 462 Spray. In this way, both the treatment chamber 62 facing exposed Erstauftrefffläche 488 of the laundry as well as the side wall of the drum 460 facing opposite side wetted with dye-fixative solution. The drum 460 can continue to be rotated with up to a Anhaftdrehzahl increasing speed, so that the laundry 486 in the drum 460 rearranged to expose additional Waschgutoberflächen for wetting with the dye fixative solution. For some smaller batches it may be unnecessary to solution to the spray device 474 to adequately wet the batch with dye fixative solution.

The 11 shows an output method 500 for dispensing dye fixatives and dye absorbers in a washing machine. The procedure 500 settles in the wash program 10 of the 1 use a dye fixative in the pre-wash cycle 14 or a dye absorber in the main wash or rinse cycle 16 respectively. 18 issue. The output method 500 can also be used with any other work program to deliver a dye fixative, dye absorber, or other treatment chemistry.

The procedure 500 may begin with the delivery of a first portion of the treatment chemistry, such as a dye fixative or dye absorber, in a first stage of the work program or phase of the work program 502 , The delivery of a portion of a treating chemistry may include dispensing a portion of an undiluted treating chemistry into a liquid (eg, water, liquor, rinsing fluid) for dilution, and delivering the dilute treating chemistry to the treating chamber. Alternatively, the delivery of a portion of a treatment chemistry may refer to the delivery of a portion of a treatment chemistry solution in which a treatment chemistry has already been diluted with a liquid. The first stage may indicate the beginning of the work program or a phase thereof or a predetermined time after the start.

at 504 a second part of the treatment chemistry is supplied in a second stage of the phase. An nth part of the treatment chemistry may be added in successive later stages of the phase 506 be added until a last part of the treatment chemistry is added. The program or the phase can be at 508 be completed without further supply of treatment chemistry. The amount of treatment chemistry delivered at each stage or stage and the time of in-phase delivery can be determined experimentally or empirically to maintain a concentration of the treatment chemistry in the treatment chamber at a predetermined value or within a predetermined range.

Control, as opposed to control, can be used to determine, according to a control algorithm associated with the controller, the feed rate and feed timing at each stage based on the treatment chemistry applied. The treatment regimen may be administered at the beginning of each stage, either as a single dose or continuously or intermittently throughout each stage. When the treatment chemistry is distributed at each stage, it can be controlled by the rate of addition of time and / or the on / off switching times of a pump pumping the treatment chemistry. This procedure may involve controlling the flow rate and / or the switching times of a metering pump or a pump which serves to return liquor from the sump to the treatment chamber. The type of treatment chemistry can be determined automatically on the basis of sensor information or information about the selected work program or manually based on input from the user.

For example. For example, the first portion of treatment chemistry delivered at the beginning of the phase is determined to be an amount that brings the concentration of the treatment chemistry in the treatment chamber within a predetermined preferred or effective range above a predetermined lower and / or below a predetermined upper threshold. The amount of the second part treating chemistry and the second stage timing can be determined so that the concentration of the treating chemistry in the treating chamber is maintained within the predetermined range so that it remains relatively constant from the first to the second stage. The amount of each n-th part and the timing of each n-th output stage can be determined so that the concentration of the treating chemistry over each stage is kept within the predetermined range. The amount and timing of the last part of the treatment chemistry delivered in the last stage can be determined so that the concentration of the treatment chemistry remains within the predetermined range until the end of the program or phase.

An exemplary algorithm for output control according to the method 500 For example, an intake of 50% of a total dose of treatment chemistry at the start of the program or phase, the next 35% of the total dose over the course of the first half of the program and the remaining 15% of the total dose in the third quarter of the program or phase, without the addition of additional treatment chemistry in the last program or phase quarter. Thus, while the treatment chemistry is draining or "depleting" via the program or phase effluent, the remainder of the treatment chemistry may be added to replenish the depleted treatment chemistry so that the concentration of treatment chemistry remains relatively constant throughout the program or phase ,

Instead of a controller in which the output of the treatment chemistry is not due to a feedback to the controller, the procedure leaves 500 alternatively perform as a control based on sensor information. A sensor system may be configured to provide sensor data indicative of a concentration of the treatment chemistry and returned to the controller in which a control algorithm varies the amount and / or timing of the delivered treatment chemistry. For example. For example, the control may vary the amount of time the treatment chemistry is delivered at each stage due to feedback from the sensor system.

The sensor system may comprise any suitable system for determining a property of the liquor which indicates the concentration of one or more dyes in the liquor. The sensor system can detect the concentration of dye in the liquor that circulates within the washing machine, collected in the bottom of the washing machine or drained from the washing machine. Non-limiting examples of suitable sensor systems are UV or VIS absorption / transmission or fluorescence systems, conductivity sensors and / or turbidity sensors.

For some chemicals, such as dye-fixatives and dye-absorbers, it may be desirable to maintain their concentration within a predetermined range to avoid failures and unnecessary expense for the consumer. The concentration of the dye-fixative or dye-absorber in the solution, d. H. the fixative or absorber available for association with dye molecules may decrease over the course of the program or phase, while the fixative or absorber complexes with dye in solution or on fabric or otherwise becomes unavailable, e.g., through interaction with Surfaces of the washing machine or other dissolved impurities. While the available amount of fixative or absorber is depleted, the fixative or absorber concentration may drop to a level outside a predetermined range or below a predetermined threshold, so that it becomes difficult to maintain a constant concentration throughout the program or phase keeping them within a predetermined range or above a predetermined threshold.

If not enough dye fixative or dye absorber is available in solution, it may be unable to sufficiently prevent dye transfer. For example. For dye absorbers, a sufficient amount of dissolved may be required to provide enough absorber to trap and suspend volatile dyes in solution before they settle on another article in the laundry. If the concentration of the dye fixative is too low, u. U. so little of it before that the liquor in the treatment chamber, the dye can not stand out from the fabric.

One way to address the exhaustion of an available dye fixative / dye absorber through the program or phase course may be the addition of high concentration dye fixative / dye absorber, for example, a higher concentration than the desired target range. threshold. However, if the concentration is too high, the possibility of settling fixatives / absorbers on components of the laundromat and unwanted deposits may increase. Furthermore, for some fixatives, increasing the concentration above a certain threshold may decrease the efficiency of the dye fixative and even enhance dye transfer. Some dye absorbers form at too high a concentration u. U. unwanted foam. Even if the concentration of the dye fixative or dye absorber is raised at the start of the program so that the stated difficulties are avoided, the concentration may still be too low to remain within a desired range over the program or phase profile.

For example. show the 12 on a graph 520 the change in concentration of a dye fixative (eg, methylenguanidine-based cationic dye fixative, available under the tradename Retayne ^™ from G & K Craft Industries) upon mixing with the treatment liquor prior to the onset of recycle 522 , at the beginning of the return at 524 and at subsequent 30 second intervals during recycling 526 , The 12 is only to illustrate an embodiment of the invention and is not intended to limit the invention in any way. For example, consider the case described above in which the dye fixative is added to the laundry at about twice the target concentration. If, for example, the desired concentration range for the dye fixative in the work program 2 g / l to 2.5 g / l, that can Dye fixative at the beginning of the program or phase and be added before the beginning of the circulation with about twice the target concentration. As in 12 can be seen at the beginning of the return of the treatment liquor at 524 the concentration of the dye fixative dropped from initially almost 4.5 g / l to about 2 g / l. As the program or phase expires, the concentration of the dye fixative further drops to about 1 g / L, ie, below the desired target range. Thus, simple dye-fixative overloading at program start-up may be inappropriate to maintain the dye fixative concentration within the desired range throughout the program or phase history.

The control and regulation system of the procedure 500 are described above in the context of dye fixatives and absorbers. However, the method may also be useful for other treatment chemicals - for example, detergents, wetting agents or bleaching. For example. For example, in a cold sanitizing operation, the chlorine concentration can be kept relatively constant at a low level during the program or phase sequence, which is sufficient to sanitize the laundry, but does not affect its color fastness. However, if the concentration shifts beyond a predetermined range, either no sanitation or color fastness will be suffered.

The 13 shows a method 550 for determining the amount of a dye absorber to be added during a work program. The procedure 550 can be used to control the delivery of a dye absorber to the laundry as needed to provide enough dye absorber in the solution so that dye transfer is suppressed but the level of dye absorber is minimized. The procedure 550 is with the control system of the procedure 500 or any other method of dispensing a dye absorber together. While the procedure 550 in the context of dye absorbers, it will be understood that it may also be applied to dye fixatives or other chemicals.

The procedure 550 begins with the assumption that a user has filled laundry in the washing machine and has chosen a work program that works with dye absorbers. at 552 For treating the laundry, an initial dose of dye absorber may be added to the treatment chamber. The amount of initial dye absorbent to be added can be determined manually based on sensor data, laundry lot properties (eg, the amount of laundry) or work program selected, automatically or based on user input.

at 554 For example, an absorbance and / or fluorescence (Abs / F) characterization of the dye absorber described in detail below can be determined. The Abs / F characteristic may apply to the dye absorber or a composition containing a dye absorber. The Abs / F characteristic of the dye absorber can be determined from information in a memory which can be accessed by a controller in the washing machine. It may be a look-up table of absorbance or fluorescence spectra or data for different dye absorbers. The identity of the dye absorber can be manually determined based on sensor data, or manually based on user input, and used to obtain absorbance and / or fluorescence spectra for the dye absorber from the look-up table. Alternatively, the automatic washing machine can determine the absorption or fluorescence spectra for the dye absorber before applying the dye absorber to the laundry. In one example, the identity of the dye absorber is determined by means of one or more sensors in the output (or aspirate) unit to determine a property of the dye absorber; the identity and / or spectra for the identified dye absorber can be taken from a lookup table stored in the controller. In another example, the identity of the dye absorber and / or the Abs / F characteristic can be determined from information that resides on a container containing the dye absorber and wirelessly (eg, with an RFID system) or via a wireline to the laundromat transferred or read by a arranged on the washing machine suitable sensor (eg, a bar code / bar code reader combination).

at 556 For example, a Abs / F characteristic of the treatment liquor can be determined after the dye absorber has been fed to the laundry in the treatment chamber. This Abs / F characteristic may be based on the absorption or fluorescence, respectively, of a dye-absorber-dye complex suspended in solution or in the float mixture, which may represent the dye-absorber level in the float mixture. The Abs / F characteristic can be determined on the basis of an output signal of an optical sensor, which is representative of a detected spectral absorption and / or fluorescence of the treatment liquor. It should be noted that where absorption is referred to here, the transmission is applicable instead; it is related to absorption and, alternatively, applicable to it or for determining absorption. For some dyes and dye absorbers, the UV and / or VIS absorption or fluorescence spectrum of the dye-dye-dye complex can be measured from the absorption or fluorescence spectrum of the individual dye and Dye absorber components of the complex differ. The Abs / F characteristic can be based on the absorption / fluorescence of the treatment liquor at a single wavelength or over a range of wavelengths.

The 14 shows an exemplary absorption spectrum 570 for a cationic polyamine dye absorber with and without dye. Like from the spectrum 572 can be seen, the dye absorber has a high absorption in the UV range in the absence of dye. Like the spectra 574 . 576 show, in the present, from 10 mg / l to 20 mg / l increasing dye concentration shifts the absorption spectrum over that for the polyamine dye absorber alone. This shift in absorbance in the presence of a dye can be used as an indicator of the presence of a dye-absorber-dye complex to determine if there is enough dye absorber in the treatment liquor to complex with dye in solution.

The 13 again shows how 558 determining whether the Abs / F characteristic of the treatment liquor at one or more wavelengths meets a predetermined threshold. This step may include comparing the Abs / F characteristic with a predetermined reference value, which may be a range of reference values, an upper or a lower threshold. The reference may be based on known properties of the dye absorbent. In the embodiment of the 13 the threshold is a lower one. If the Abs / F characteristic meets the lower threshold, it can be concluded that there are not enough uncomplexed dye absorbers in solution and one of two options 562 or 564 is present. If the Abs / F characteristic does not meet the lower threshold, then 560 concluded that not complexed dye absorber is in solution and no additional dye absorber is necessary. The term "satisfying the threshold" is used herein to mean that the deviation meets, that is equal to or less than or greater than, the predetermined threshold. It can be seen that such a provision can easily be changed to be satisfied by a positive / negative or a true / false comparison. For example. With a numeric inversion of the data, a less than threshold can easily be satisfied with a greater than than test.

In a first option 562 allows the laundry to carry an additional dose of dye absorber. The additive dose may be a predetermined amount of dye-absorber based on the Abs / F characteristic of the treatment liquor as found in U.S. Pat 558 or independent of the Abs / F characteristic. The Abs / F characteristic of the treatment liquor can then be used at 556 again determined and at 558 determine whether it is below the predetermined threshold. The Elements 556 . 558 and 562 of the procedure 550 can be repeated a predetermined number of times until the Abs / F characteristic is below the threshold.

Alternatively or additionally, includes a second option 564 a message stating that the amount of dye-absorber was small or insufficient for the laundry lot and giving further instructions to the user. In one example, the user may be prompted to add more dye absorber into the treatment chamber and restart the aisle. This method may be useful in single-dose dispensing launders in which all the dye-absorber contents of the dispenser are dispensed into the treatment chamber. In another example, the feedback to the user may include a warning to check the laundry lot at the end of the program, and optionally to warn the user not to dry the laundry hot. In another example, the feedback may include passing information to the tumble dryer to dry at low temperature or to inhibit high temperature selection, as below in the process 1500 of the 26 described.

An example of a dye fixative composition according to an embodiment of the invention which may be suitable for use in any of the methods described herein includes three cationic dye fixatives which impart a trimodal molecular weight distribution to the composition; The composition thus contains three different discrete populations, each with a predetermined range of the average molecular weight Mw. The combination of cationic fixatives with three different molecular weights can be chosen to suppress the bleeding of different types of dyes in a mixed laundry lot or in a multi-dye dyed laundry article. As discussed above, the various dyes interact differently with the materials, so it is problematic to find a single dye fixative that solves the bleeding problem for all of the various types of dyes and fabrics.

For example. acid dyes are typically smaller than direct dyes; they thus have a higher diffusivity and a lower conformation. A dye fixative suitable for acid dyes may be capable of direct electrostatic bonding with a single acid dye molecule to neutralize the charge. There continue to be acid and reactive dyes typically having small molecules, generally in the order of 10 kDa, a dye fixative for acid and reactive dyes may have too high a diffusibility to reach the fabric surface before the acid / reactive dyes dissolve from the fabric.

In contrast, direct dyes are larger molecules with anionic sites and remain in consequence of the favorable separation behavior compared to substances - in comparison to the wash liquor - on this. A suitable dye fixative for direct dyes can be a large cationic molecule that can bind to negatively charged web surfaces - eg cotton / cellulose - and form a polymeric film on the fiber surface that prevents the release of direct dyes from the surface. Since direct dyes are typically large molecules, small fixative molecules can not always effectively prevent the detachment of direct dyes from the fabric surface.

In one embodiment, the dye-fixative composition can be designed to suppress the bleeding of both direct and acid dyes. The first dye fixative may be a large polymer having cationic functional groups that can suppress the bleeding of direct dyes of Mw> 200 kDa and zeta potential greater than 20 mV. Examples of suitable polymers for use as the first dye-fixative are cationic polymers having functional groups from the group of primary, secondary and tertiary amines and their salts and the quaternary ammonium and phosphonium salts such as polydiallyldimethylammonium chloride (DADMAAC ) and poly (acrylamide-co-diallyldimethylammonium chloride), polyacrylamide and polyethyleneimine. In one example, the first dye fixative may contain a reactive functional group such as a vinyl, a reactive hydroxyl, or an epoxy group that covalently bonds to the fabric.

The second and the third fixative can be chosen so that the bleeding of reactive or acid dyes is suppressed. The second fixative may be selected from polymers having cationic functional groups of Mw <10 kDa, but more than 1 kDa, and a zeta potential higher than 20 mV. Examples of suitable polymers for use as the second dye-fixative (non-limiting) are cationic polymers having functional groups from the group of primary, secondary and tertiary amines and their salts and the quaternary ammonium and phosphonium salts.

A third dye fixative can be selected from wetting agents, polymers and / or monomers with Mw <1 kDa, a zeta potential higher than 20 mV and a diffusivity higher than 5 × 10 ^-6 cm ² / s. (Non-limiting examples of the invention) Suitable substances for use as a third dye fixative are cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB), cetylpyridinium bromide (CPB) and diallyldimethylammonium chloride (DADMAAC). In one example, the cationic dye fixative contains at least one polymer and / or monomer having a cationic functional group in combination with a cationic surfactant.

The combination of different molecular weight dye fixatives is chosen to address the bleeding of several different types of dyes. In contrast to an industrial environment in which the substance and dye types are at least homogenous and / or known to the user, in the household environment various (textile) substances and dyes can be mixed to form a single laundry batch, so that a dye fixative Composition that suppresses the bleeding of several different types of dyes, may be useful in the household application for the user. Furthermore, in comparison with the larger polymers of the first dye fixative, the smaller diffusivity-afflicted smaller cationic molecules of the second and third dye fixative tend to detach to the fabrics. The initial layer of smaller cationic molecules on the fabric surface - for example, a cellulosic fabric surface - can disperse the negative surface charge of the cellulose, resulting in improved transport of the larger cationic molecules on the cellulose and better distribution.

The dye-fixative composition may also contain an anionic fixative which has a very low diffusivity and release coefficient to the laundry, so that the anionic fixative will last - after the first, second and third dye fixative - peel off on the fabrics. The anionic fixative can suppress the bleeding of acid dyes by settling on a positively charged nylon surface and forming a polymer layer there. In addition, the anionic fixative may interact with the cationic dye fixative, which has already been deposited on a cloth surface, such as cotton, and reduce or neutralize the positive charge that the dye fixative imparts to the surface. This can reduce the attraction of negatively charged dirt to the fabric surface. Alternatively, the rate at which the anionic fixative deposits on the cloth surfaces relative to a cationic dye fixative slows down by selecting a higher molecular weight anionic fixative than that of the cationic dye fixative. (The invention not limiting) Examples of anionic fixatives include polymers having the following functional groups - sulfonate, carbonate, acrylic acid such as poly (acrylic acid), poly (methacrylic acid), poly (styrene sulfonate), poly (acrylamide-co-acrylic acid) and poly (vinylsufonic acid). In an exemplary embodiment, the anionic fixative has a molecular weight of 200 kDa or higher.

The first and second dye fixatives may be polymers having cationic functional groups as described above. Alternatively, the first and second dye fixatives, either individually or both, can be a zwitterion molecule having both cationic and anionic functional groups that are charged depending on the program conditions. Non-limiting examples of cationic functional groups are primary, secondary and tertiary amines, etc .; Non-limiting examples of anionic functional groups are sulfonates and carboxylates. The zwitterionene molecule may be selected to deliver the cationic or anionic target charge at a predetermined time or at a predetermined stage in the work program. In one example, the zwitterion molecule may contain a cationic functional group that is charged to at least pH6 to pH8.

In another example, the first and second dye fixatives, either individually or both, may have a dye-reactive functional group covalently attached to the dye fixative to destroy or otherwise deactivate the ability of the dye to color a fabric. The dye-reactive functional group may contain a reactive group such as an oxidizing agent (e.g., sodium hypochlorite) or a reducing agent (e.g., sodium thiosulfate). In another example, the dye-reactive functional group may contain catalytically active substances that generate - possibly short-lived - oxygen radicals. (Non-limiting) examples of suitable oxygen radical-generating functional groups include, but are not limited to: a. Silicates, polyoxometalates and / or other metal complexes. In one example, the first dye fixative may be configured to preferentially delaminate to the fabric surface such that the reactive functional group is available for reaction with loose dyes at the fabric surface.

The dye-fixative composition may further contain an oxidizing agent such as hydrogen peroxide or a peroxide-generating substance, and is preferably acidic with a pH below 7. Preferably, the oxidizing agent is active at cold-wash temperatures (e.g., below 85 ° F (29 ° C). In another example, the dye fixative may contain chemical substances that interact with a component of the detergent composition to produce hydrogen peroxide, examples of which are non-limiting an enzyme alcohol oxidase in the dye fixative solution that reacts with the ethanol in the detergent to form hydrogen peroxide In another example, the dye fixative formulation may contain acetic acid in an amount that will impart a pH below 7.

Another example of a dye fixative composition comprises a mixture of cationic and nonionic surfactants which form self-assembled monolayers on the fabric surface. In one example, the mixture may contain cationic as well as nonionic surfactants - the latter having a high HLB value. The cationic wetting agents have a zeta potential of more than +20 mV. In one example, the zeta potential is preferably between +20 mV and +40 mV. The nonionic surfactants may have an HLB value in the range of 8-14. The cationic surfactants are capable of electrostatic interaction with the surface of the fabric, such as cotton, and form thereon a first monolayer which retains the dye on the fabric surface. The nonionic wetting agents classify the cationic wetting agent head groups and further enable a higher packing density of the finished (organized) layer on the fabric surface. The length of the alkyl chains on the wetting agents can be selected such that a film of predetermined thickness is obtained on the fabric surface. In addition, a ratio of the concentration of the cationic and the nonionic wetting agents can be chosen such that a desired packing density is obtained on the fabric surface in the finished state. For example. For example, a lower packing density may allow water to penetrate the film to the fabric surface to facilitate lifting off dirt therefrom while retaining the dye at the fabric surface. Alternatively, the packing density can be chosen so that little or no water can penetrate into the film.

An exemplary dye absorber composition according to an embodiment of the invention employable by any of the methods described herein comprises a combination of cationic and nonionic dye absorbers. There are several different types of dyes with different surface charge. For example. For example, direct and acid dyes are generally negatively charged while dispersion and vat dyes are typically neutral under the conditions normally found in a wash liquor during a wash cycle in a washing machine. The dye absorbers of the composition can be so Choose to take into account the various types of loose dye that may bleed during a work program.

The cationic component of the dye-absorbing agent may include any of the known water-soluble cationic absorbers, for example polyvinylpyrrolidone. In another example, the cationic dye absorber may include a zwitterionic dye absorber that is cationically charged depending on the conditions in the solution in the treatment chamber. The cationic dye absorber may also comprise a surfactant system comprising one or more cationic surfactants adapted to be present in the treatment liquor applied to the laundry at a concentration above the critical micelle concentration (CMC) of the surfactants. Cationic surfactants over the CMC can interact with acid and direct colorants such that loose dye, for example, a dye that has not been removed from a long-chain cationic polymeric dye absorbent on other fabrics in the laundry lot, can be removed from the cationic surfactants , Examples of suitable cationic surfactants (non-limiting) are cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB) and cetylpyridinium bromide (CPB).

The nonionic dye-absorber component may contain emulsifiers to absorb dispersion and vat dyes in solution. In one example, the emulsifier may be a wetting agent system. In one example, the surfactant system may contain one or more nonionic surfactants having an HLB value in the range of 8 to 18, which may form micelles between 10 ° C and 40 ° C in aqueous solution. Preferably, the nonionic wetting agents are configured to be present in the treatment liquor - when applied to the laundry - at a concentration above the CMC of the wetting agent. An exemplary wetting agent may also contain a block copolymer. In another example, the surfactant system may alternatively or additionally contain one or more zwitterionic or amphoteric surfactants. In yet another example, the emulsifier may additionally or alternatively contain host-guest complexes such as cyclodextrin.

In another example, the emulsifier of the nonionic dye-absorber component may be in the form of colloidal particles which form a Pickering emulsion. In general, colloidal particles are considered to change the interfacial energy - not the surface tension of the liquid - to form stable dye molecule emulsions in the liquid. Colloidal particles, such as nanocrystalline cellulose, silica, particulates with positively charged functional groups, clay or silica covered particles, can act as Pickering emulsions to form and suspend complexes with dye molecules in solution.

The dye-absorber composition may also contain other additives; Examples of this are chelators and enhancers such as EDTA and STPP (non-limiting).

The 15 shows a method 600 for removing dye which is loosely dissolved in solution or has been transferred to other substances in the laundry lot and which can be used with the dye absorbent composition just described, including cationic and / or nonionic dye-absorbing components in combination. The procedure 600 settles with the washing program 10 , another wash program or as a separate wash program. It can be realized during a work program to remove loose dye that has been transferred during the running program. Alternatively, it can be used to remove loose dye transferred in a previous program run. The procedure 600 involves treating the laundry with a wash liquor containing at least one wetting agent and optionally enzymes - eg a detergent - to remove soil from the fabric 602 how it can occur during a main wash of a wash program. After treatment with a wash liquor 602 can the laundry lot at 604 be spun at high speed to eject the wash liquor together with the detergent composition and the dirt lifted from the laundry.

at 606 For example, the laundry may be treated with a dye-absorber composition. In an exemplary embodiment, it may comprise a combination of the cationic and nonionic dye-absorber components described above. The dye-absorber composition may optionally contain zwitterionic dye-absorber components, as described above, without the addition of further anionic wetting agents and / or enzymes (eg, no additional detergent).

The dye-absorber composition may contain at least one water-soluble cationic dye absorber, a wetting agent system of at least one wetting agent and an emulsifier. The at least one water-soluble cationic dye absorber may comprise a polymeric dye absorber such as polyvinylpyrrolidone or a zwitterionic dye absorber which is charged cationically, for example, depending on conditions prevailing in the solution in the treatment chamber. The surfactant system may include cationic and / or nonionic surfactants the CMC included. Non-limiting examples of suitable cationic surfactants include cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB) and cetylpyridinium bromide (CPB). Non-limiting examples of suitable nonionic surfactants include those having an HLB in the range of 8 to 18 capable of forming micelles in aqueous solution at 10 ° C to 40 ° C.

The emulsifier may contain a Pickerung emulsion, which can complex with dyes in solution or on other substances. In one example, the emulsifier component may include cationic colloidal particles that may form Pickering emulsions to complex with loose acid and direct dyes that are in solution or have been converted to other materials. Additionally or alternatively, the wetting agent system may contain nonionic surfactants over the CMC for complexing with loose disperse and vat dyes that are in solution or have been transferred to other materials. In another example, the emulsifier component may include a host-guest complex. In yet another example, the emulsifier component may comprise a wetting agent system containing at least one wetting agent having a concentration above its CMC.

The dye-absorbing treatment phase 606 may involve a mechanical stirring treatment that facilitates the removal of loose dyes, such as those that have been converted to light or white colored fabrics. In this way, the dye-absorbing treatment phase leaves 600 Consider as dye removal or -abscheidephase, since the laundry be supplied dye absorbents that complex with to be removed from the laundry dyes. During the dye-absorbing treatment phase 606 for use with the composition containing a combination of cationic and nonionic dye absorbers as described above, it will be appreciated that the phase 606 can be applied in a corresponding manner with other dye-absorbing compositions. While still the dye-absorber composition in the context of the process 600 described, it can also be used with other methods.

During the treatment phase 606 For example, the concentration of one or more of the wetting agents in the dye-absorber composition can be monitored to maintain the concentration above the CMC for that particular wetting agent. Monitoring may be accomplished with one or more sensors, or empirically by the controller using programmed algorithms and information on the amount of laundry, the liquor volume supplied during the work program, the amount of absorber added, and / or the concentration of added dye-absorber composition. The concentration can be monitored by the dosage of wetting agents and / or the amount of water supplied to the treatment chamber. If, for example, the wetting agent concentration is too far above the CMC, it can be reduced by supplying water; if it is too low, further dye absorber composition can be added to increase the wetting agent concentration.

The amount of the treatment agent to be added to the treatment chamber in the treatment phase may be based on the amount of treatment chemistry and / or the amount of laundry in the treatment chamber provided in the output unit. The amount of laundry can be in a batch determination phase as part of the process 600 or the work program used in the procedure. In one example, the laundry treating appliance may be the one discussed above 1 described batch determination phase 22 or any other suitable method of determining the batch size. In another example, the batch size may be determined based on a user's input related thereto. In yet another example, the treatment composition may be added in an amount based on the amount of liquor added to the treatment chamber to be in the treatment phase 606 to reach the wetting agent target concentration in the treatment liquor.

at 608 can the at 606 added treatment liquor are removed from the laundry. This step may include draining the treatment liquor accumulated in a sump of the washer so that it will no longer be on the laundry, and optionally spinning the laundry at high speed to facilitate removal of the liquor from the laundry. The dye-absorbing treatment at 606 and the spin at 608 may be repeated once or more and may be considered part of a dye-absorber removal phase to remove dye that is loosely in solution and / or transferred to other items in the laundry and as part of a wash cycle of a work program or independently from such a run. After spinning at 608 is at 610 a rinse cycle is possible, which may contain additional dye absorber and optionally other rinse aids such as, for example, a softener. Contains the rinse cycle at 610 a dye absorber, he can perform under mechanical stirring of the laundry lot; if not, the rinse may be limited to a purely mechanical movement which prevents rubbing of the articles together which would promote dye transfer.

The 16 shows a method 650 for suppressing dye transfer during a work program involving the treatment of the laundry with a dye carry-over suppressing composition, including a softener and a dye-absorber composition. The dye-absorber composition may be those described above with a combination of cationic and nonionic dye-absorber components or other dye-absorber composition. The fabric softener may contain at least one cationic short-chain polymer and / or at least one silicone-based polymer which may act as a dye fixative. The procedure 650 is with the washing program 10 as well as with any other wash program or as a separate use.

The procedure 650 begins with a treatment of the wash with a first dose of the dye inhibitor composition 652 , at 654 For example, the laundry may be laundered in accordance with a wash cycle of a selected work program with a wash liquor containing at least one wetting agent and optionally enzymes, for example a detergent composition, to lift debris from the laundry. at 656 a second dose of the dye inhibitor composition can be added to the treatment chamber. The second dose of the dye inhibitor composition may be dispensed during a rinse to replenish fabric softener that is included in the wash 654 may have been removed from the laundry. The second dose of dye-absorber may facilitate the deposition of a loose dye transferred in the rinse.

Without wishing to be bound by theory, the fabric softening component of the dye transfer inhibitor can form a thin layer on the fabric surface from the electrostatic interaction of the positively charged fabric softener with the cellulose substrate, due to the loose dyes on the laundry surface fixed or be withheld. The dye absorbers may be added to the composition to form complexes with loose dyes dissolved from the wash surface in solution. Some wetting agents - particularly those having anionic functional groups - may release dyes from the fabric surface during treatment with such surfactant-containing detergent strengthen the solution. The presence of the sage chill which acts as a dye fixative and can fix dyes to the wash surface, in combination with dye absorbers available for complexing with fluffy dyes, can reduce the rate of release of dyes from the fabric surface and the subsequent dye transfer which occurs in the dye Laundry with a detergent can occur.

The 17A shows a method 700 to facilitate dispensing a dye fixative on a laundry lot. Dye fixatives can interact electrostatically with (textile) fabrics, resulting in localized dye fixative concentration spikes and uneven distribution on the laundry articles. For example. For example, cationic dye fixatives can electrostatically interact with the cellulose of cotton fibers, making it difficult to evenly distribute the dye fixative on the fabric. Uniform distribution of the dye fixative on the fabric facilitates suppressing the separation of the dye from the fabric surface. The procedure 700 For example, a dye fixative having a tunable property can be used to control the level of interaction between the dye fixative and a fabric surface to facilitate the desired spreading, fixation of the dye, and optional removal of a fixative. The procedure 700 settles with the washing program 10 of the 1 or any other suitable washing program together.

The strength or degree of interaction between a charged molecule, such as a cationic dye fixative, and a charged surface, such as a cotton fiber surface, can be controlled by controlling the potential of the molecule and / or the surface. The zeta potential is a measure of the potential of a charged substance in solution. The solution conditions, such as pH, ionic strength, temperature and pressure, can affect the measured zeta potential of a material. The procedure 700 can be used in conjunction with a zeta potential-adjustable dye fixative which can also be controlled to produce a desired level of interaction between the dye fixative and a laundry surface.

The procedure 700 can at 702 Start by spreading a dye fixative on the laundry. Distributing the dye fixative may involve the addition of a dye fixative treating agent to wet or saturate the laundry. The treating agent can be made to provide a substantially neutral charged dye fixative. As used herein, the term "neutral charged dye fixative" refers to a dye fixative having a zeta potential near zero, preferably within ± 10 mV. The delivery of a neutrally charged dye fixative to the wash can, by minimizing the electrostatic attraction between the dye fixative and the fabric surface, provide a more uniform distribution of the dye. Make fixatives on the laundry. Minimizing the electrostatic attraction between the dye fixative and the fabric surface when dispersed 702 can suppress the formation of localized concentration peaks of the dye fixative by allowing the dye fixative to spread on the fabric surface before it is strongly attracted to the surface.

Once the dye fixative has been spread on the wash, it is desirable to enhance the interaction between the dye fixative and the fabric surface to associate the dye fixative with the fabric surface and to interact with the dye molecules associated with the fabric such that separation or bleeding of the dye molecules from the surface is inhibited. At a predetermined point after dispensing the dye fixative 704 For example, the zeta potential of the dye fixative may be altered to enhance an electrostatic interaction between the dye fixative and the dye surface and / or dye molecules associated with the fabric of the laundry.

Depending on the nature of the dye fixative and the fabric surface, the zeta potential of the dye fixative may increase or decrease such that the electrostatic attraction between the dye fixative and the fabric surface increases. In the case of a cationic dye fixative and a cotton fabric, the zeta potential of the dye fixative can be increased to enhance the electrostatic attraction between the dye fixative and the cotton fabric. The zeta potential of the dye fixative can be changed by changing the pH, ionic strength, temperature and / or pressure of the liquid in which the dye fixative is dissolved or suspended. For example. one can adjust the pH to a set point by adding a suitable pH buffer or applying electrolysis to change the pH as discussed below. In another example, the ionic strength can be changed to the liquor by adding a salt or saline solution. Examples of salts usable for adjusting the ionic strength are non-limiting examples of sodium chloride, sodium sulfate and ammonium sulfate.

at 706 For example, by altering the zeta potential again, the dye fixative can be removed from the fabric surface to facilitate removal of the dye fixative from the fabric surface. For example, and typically, it is desirable to have a dye fixative associated with the laundry during a wash cycle in a work program to suppress dye carry over in the wash cycle. As previously discussed, elements used in the wash cycle, such as the detergent, temperature, liquor amount, and mechanical energy, can promote dye transfer in the wash cycle, so that the use of a dye fixative on the wash is desired at the end of the work program , After the wash and / or a rinse so the dye fixative can be removed before the completion of the work program. at 704 For example, the zeta potential can be changed in the same or a different way as described above. In order to facilitate the removal of the dye fixative, the strength of the electrostatic attraction between the dye fixative and the laundry detergent is lowered, so that it becomes easier to rinse the dye fixative, for example, with a rinse. In one example, one can attenuate the electrostatic attraction by restoring the zeta potential of the dye fixative to zero, eg, ± 10 mV, to facilitate rinsing off the dye fixative.

The 17B shows an exemplary embodiment of the method 700 to facilitate dispensing a dye fixative on a laundry load in the context of a dye fixative with adjustable pH. In the in 17B As shown, the electrostatic attraction between the dye fixative and the fabric surface is controllable by adjusting the pH of the liquid in which the dye fixative is dissolved or suspended. The procedure 710 can at 712 begin treatment of the wash with a pH-fixable dye fixative in a treatment liquor having a first pH. An "adjustable pH dye fixative" may be a polymer in which changes in surface charge depend on the pH of the solution. The first pH may correspond to a pH at which the dye fixative is minimally charged, ie near its isoelectric point. An exemplary class of pH-adjustable dye fixatives includes polymers with allylamine, vinylamine, acrylamide, ethylenimine, or lysine-based monomers or functional groups, poly (4-vinalpyridine), poly (2-vinylpyridine), Poly (N, N-dimethylaminoethyl methacrylate), poly (2-diethylaminoethyl methacrylate), poly (N, N-diacylaminoethyl methacrylate), poly (L-lysine) or chitosan.

An example of a suitable pH-adjustable dye fixative would be a dye fixative having a zeta potential of about ± 10 mV at pH> 8 and a zeta potential greater than 20 mV at pH <6. For this exemplary dye -Fixativ can be added to the treatment liquor 712 have a pH of about 8 or more to produce a minimally charged or neutral dye fixative and to facilitate uniform spreading of the dye fixative on the fabric surface of the laundry as discussed above.

at 714 For example, the pH of the treatment liquor may be lowered to a second pH which corresponds to a pH at which the dye fixative is largely charged. This may involve the addition of liquid - for example a detergent - to the treatment liquor to lower the pH to the second pH; Alternatively, the at 712 discharged treated treatment liquor and fresh treatment liquor are added to the desired second pH to the laundry. Alternatively, the pH can be changed by electrolysis. By electrolysis of the liquor, an acid and an alkaline aqueous solution are obtained, which can be used to change the pH of the washing bath. An example of the use of electrolysis in a household appliance is in the US pub. No. 2013/0026046 (Sanville et al., Filed July 6, 2011) entitled "On Site Generation of Alkalinity Boost for Ware Washing Applications," which is incorporated herein by reference. For the exemplary dye fixative described above, the second pH may be about 6 or less. Lowering the pH to a level such that most of the dye fixative molecules are charged may facilitate fixing the dye fixative to the fabric surface, which in turn promotes dye transfer inhibition. The charged dye-fixative molecules may have a stronger electrostatic binding to the cloth surface to form on the cloth surface a dye-fixative layer which inhibits the release of the dye from the cloth surface.

at 716 then the laundry can be washed according to a wash of a selected work program. The pH of the wash liquor at 716 can be controlled to stay below the first pH. Above the first pH, the dye fixative molecules lose their charge or become neutral so that the bond strength between the dye fixative, the fabric surface and the dye decreases, which can increase the amount of dye released by the fabric surface.

After the wash at 716 For example, the laundry may be treated with a rinse liquid having a pH greater than or equal to the first pH, in turn, to assist in loading the dye-fixative molecules 718 to minimize so as to facilitate the removal of the dye fixative from the laundry. Such neutralization of the dye-fixative molecules can reduce the strength of the interaction between the dye fixative and the charged material surface, e.g., cellulose, to facilitate removal of the dye fixative from the wash surface. at 718 For example, treating the laundry with liquor at a pH equal to or greater than the first pH can be done several times during a wash cycle of a work program or even during rinse-rinse.

at 720 An optional rinse cycle may be used to lower the pH to or below the neutral level so that the laundry at the end of the work program is not significantly alkaline to improve the fabric's feel. For example. can the rinse cycle at 720 a rinse with fresh water from the household connection include.

The pH, the ionic strength, the temperature and / or the pressure with which a dye fixative is given the desired properties, for example the desired zeta potential, are based on the dye fixative and the intrinsic switching of the treatment liquors used in the work program and can be determined empirically or using one or more formulation approaches. Environmental properties such as pH, ionic strength, temperature or pressure can be adjusted to achieve the desired zeta potential of the dye fixative and thus a desired level of interaction between the dye fixative and the fabric surface. For example. is the procedure above 710 described in the context of a pH change; However, it can be seen that there is also an adjustment of the ionic strength of the fleet 714 or 718 may include. While continuing the procedure 700 and 710 in the context of a change in the zeta potential of the dye fixative, it will be understood that the zeta potential of the fabric surface may also be changed to facilitate the dispensing of the dye fixative to and from the laundry. For example. For example, rinsing the laundry with a high salty rinse liquor may provide salt ions to the fabric surface which form an electrostatic screen to reduce the attraction between the fabric surface and the dye fixative.

The 18 shows a method 800 for treating a laundry lot with a dye fixative during a work program. The procedure 800 is with the work program 10 of the 1 or any other suitable washing program used together - eg. In the prewash phase 14 of the work program 10 ,

Many dye fixatives are charged molecules that electrostatically interact with the fabric surface and the dye to fix the dye to the fabric surface. The dye-fixatives present on the fabric surface may therefore form a charged layer thereon which undesirably attracts other substances to the fabric surface. For example. are typical dye fixatives for use with cotton fabrics and negatively charged acid or direct dyes positively charged cationic molecules. Once the cationic dye fixatives form a bond with the fabric surface, the latter can offer a more positively charged surface than the untreated fabric surface. This positive charge can attract negatively charged substances in solution to the fabric surface. For example. For example, many types of soil are negatively charged and can therefore be attracted to the positively charged dye-fixative layer on the fabric surface. As a result, during laundering, laundry or debris that has come into contact with the laundry during use will deposit more strongly on the fabric than in the absence of a charged dye fixative layer.

The procedure 800 provides a method by which the charge of a dye-fixative layer present on the fabrics of the laundry can be altered or masked to minimize the attraction of undesired substances, such as dirt, to the fabric surface. at 802 For example, a dye fixative layer having a first surface charge may be formed on the cloth surface. Forming the dye-fixative layer can be accomplished by supplying a dye-fixative composition to the laundry which is electrostatically attracted to one or more fabric surfaces of the laundry. For example. For example, for cotton dyes colored with acid or direct dyes, the dye fixative will likely be a cationic dye fixative. Non-limiting examples of suitable cationic dye fixative include dye fixative having functional groups selected from the group of primary, secondary and tertiary amines and their salts and the quaternary ammonium and phosphonium salts such as polydiallyldimethylammonium chloride (DADMAAC) and Poly ((acrylamide-co-diallyldimethylammonium chloride) as well as polyacrylamide and polyethylenimine (nonlimiting examples of suitable cationic dye fixatives) include those sold under the trade designation Sandofix SWE or WA, Sandolec CS, CL, WS or CT and Cartafix WE of U.S. Patent Nos. 4,980,074; Fa. Clariant available, a cationic dye fixative on Methylenguanidin base (commercially available under the name Retayne ^TM of the company. G & K Craft Industries) as well as those available under the trade name Sera ^® Fast CT by the company. Dystar.

at 804 For example, the surface charge of the dye-fixative layer is modifiable to alter or neutralize this charge. The modifying of the dye fixative layer may include the delivery to the laundry in the processing chamber of a charge layer modifying agent having an electrostatic charge opposite that of the dye fixative layer. These agents can be attracted to the dye fixative layer and preferably spread on the fabric surface. The agent can be supplied in an amount sufficient to neutralize the charge of the dye fixative so that the charge of the fabric surface is almost neutral over anything. Alternatively, the amount of surface charge modifying agent may be sufficient to form on the surface of the fabric a charge above that which differs from the surface charge of the fabric in the absence of a charge modifying agent.

In the example in which 802 a cationic dye fixative is applied, the surface charge modifying agent may be an anionic polymer. Examples of suitable anionic polymers (nonlimiting to the invention) include polymers having sulfone or carboxyl groups with a molecular weight above 200 kDa and a zeta potential between 0 and -20 mV in pure solution, although other polymers with negatively charged functional groups are also applicable , (The invention is not limiting) example of commercially available anionic polymers include syntan Nylofast ^® (available from the Fa. Clariant) and Sera ^® Fast NHF (available from Messrs. DyStar). The anionic polymers can be added so that the surface charge of the substance is negative, not positive. A negative surface - unlike a positively charged surface - will be more repellent to negatively charged dirt. The anionic polymers can also exert the additional effect of a dye fixative on acid nylon fibers.

Alternatively, the surface charge modifying agent may have small anionic compounds. (Non-limiting examples) are u. a. Polymers having sulfonate, carboxylate and / or acrylic acid functional groups and a molecular weight between 5 kDa and 50 kDa. The small anionic compounds can interact with the cationic dye fixative layer on the fabric surface by dispersing the positive charge on the fabric so that the overall surface charge is almost neutral. The small size and polarity of the anionic agents may facilitate more uniform distribution of the anionic agents in the treatment liquor.

The subsequent treatment of the fabric article - for example, drying in a drying machine - after completion of a washing program can be modified on the basis of the nature of the applied to the fabric surface charge modifying agent. If the charge-modifying agent is, for example, a sulfonate polymer, the subsequent drying cycle should be limited to a temperature below 130 ° F (54 ° C). The recommended drying temperature can be automatically provided to the user via the user interface or the dryer by the washing machine be notified as it is analogous to the procedure below 1500 of the 26 is described.

In yet another example, the charge modifying agent may include a saline solution. The saline solution may be added to the laundry in the treatment chamber to cover the charge of the dye fixative layer and break the electrostatic attraction between the charged dye fixative layer on the fabric and charged substances in the treatment liquor. The saline solution may be added to the laundry in the treating chamber to cover the charge of the dye fixative layer and break the electrostatic attraction between the charged dye fixative layer on the fabric and charged substances in the treatment liquor. In the example of the direct dyes, these types of dyes often have a low washfastness, d. H. they tend to bleed on washing because they are normally present as anionic molecules with dissociated sodium counterion in an aqueous solution - eg a wash liquor - which increases the hydrophilicity of the direct dye and thus the solubility of the dye in the wash liquor. The addition of further sodium ions to the solution can shift the system balance so that less sodium counterions dissociate from the dye, the dye molecules as a whole assume a neutral charge, and the dyes become less soluble in the wash liquor. The sodium concentration may vary depending on the proportion of direct dye in the liquor. In one example, the sodium ions can be prepared by adding sodium chloride and / or sodium sulfate having a sodium concentration of about 50 g / l.

Additional examples of substances suitable for use as the surface charge modifying agent include, but are not limited to: a. Polyelectrolytes capable of layering polyfilms; (Non-limiting) examples of this are u. a. Poly (acrylic acid), poly (methacrylic acid), polyethylenimine, poly (allylamine hydrochloride), poly (acrylamide-2-methylpropanesulfonate), poly (3-sulfopropyl methacrylate), poly (styrenesulfonate), poly (N, N, N-trimethyl-2-) methacryloylethylammonium) bromide, poly (vinylsulfate), poly (diallyldimethylammonium chloride) and poly (4-vinyl-N-methylpyridinium iodide).

The 19 shows an exemplary method 850 for treating a laundry load with a cationic dye fixative. The procedure 850 can be as part of the pre-wash 14 of the work program 10 , as part of any other suitable work program or as a separate treatment course. While the procedure 850 in the context of treatment with a cationic dye fixative, it will be understood that it may be carried out analogously to treatment with an anionic dye fixative by employing a suitable surface charge modifier for anionic dye fixative.

The procedure 850 For example, it may begin with the assumption that the user has filled a laundry lot into the treatment chamber and has selected a work program that involves treating the laundry lot with a dye fixative. at 852 The laundry can be pre-wetted with rinse water. The Vornetzphase at 852 can be the same as the pre-mesh phase 12 of the work program 10 or be different. As described above, pre-wetting the wash with water prior to applying the dye fixative may more uniformly distribute the dye fixative on the fabrics by mitigating the driving forces at the interface and reducing the penetration rate into the fabrics and / or the adherence rate of the dye. Facilitate fixatives.

at 854 For example, the laundry may be treated with a liquor containing a cationic dye fixative. The amount of the cationic dye fixative may be based on the amount of laundry and / or a type of fabric of the laundry. Any suitable automatic or manual method of determining the amount and / or type of fabric of the laundry article known in the art or described herein may be used herein. Alternatively, the amount of dye fixative may be a default preset amount for the selected work program or a user-specified amount of treatment chemistry. A uniform distribution of the cationic dye fixative in the laundry load can be further facilitated by applying mechanical energy to the laundry - for example, by stirring or tumbling.

at 856 For example, one may remove unbound or free cationic dye fixative, ie cationic dye fixative not bound to the fabric surface. Removal of the free cationic dye fixative may involve draining cationic dye fixative accumulated in the sump of the automatic washer. at 856 The laundry may optionally be spun to facilitate the removal of dye fixative from the laundry so that it can collect in the sump and later be drained. Alternatively, before flushing and draining, flushing can be done with fresh water.

at 858 For example, the laundry is treated with a liquor containing a surface charge modifier followed by an optional spin-off 860 to facilitate the removal of liquor. The amount of charge-modifying agent to be added determine in a similar or other way as the amount of cationic dye fixative added. In one example, the amount of charge-modifying agent may be that of 854 the amount of a cationic dye fixative added to the laundry is the basis. at 860 Free charge-modifying agent may be added similar to the description 856 remove to remove the cationic dye fixative. After removing the free surface charge modifying agent, the work program may be included 862 move on to the next phase of the work program. Will the procedure 850 with the pre-wash 14 of the work program 10 Used together, the main wash can 16 on the removal of the free surface charge modifying agent 860 consequences.

In addition to delivering dye fixatives to the fabric surface to suppress dye transfer, under certain circumstances it may be desirable to also remove dye fixative from the fabric surface without facilitating dye transfer. For example. Over time, dye fixative may accumulate from multiple fixative treatments on the fabric surface. The dye fixative on the fabric can attract dirt that gives the fabric a dirty or shabby appearance.

In one example, the dye fixative may be configured to dislodge from the fabric surface in the presence of predetermined conditions. Many dye fixatives are wetting agents having positively charged head groups and nonpolar moieties. A wetting agent-based dye fixative may include a low melting fatty acid moiety such that when heated in a tumble dryer or treated with warm water, the dye fixative melts from the fabric surface. Alternatively, the dye fixative may have a pH-sensitive head group that changes charge under certain pH conditions, which may promote detachment of the dye fixative from the surface. The pH of the liquor may be changed at a predetermined point in the work program to initiate a charge change of the pH sensitive head group of the dye fixative and peel off the fabric surface.

In another example, the dye fixatives actively remove from the fabric surface, for example, by using nanoparticles, to shear off or remove at least a portion of the fixative so that it dissolves from the fabric surface. Alternatively, enzymes may be introduced which alter the material surface such that the dye fixative dissolves from the fabric. In yet another example, the fabric surface may be over-charged, for example, by the addition of salts, such as sodium chloride, to repel the dye fixative.

Dye fixative removal may be done at the end of a work program to remove any dye fixative added during the program run, which may have remained on the fabric after previous program runs. Alternatively, the dye fixative may be removed at the beginning of a work program - for example, during a prewash cycle. The dye fixative may be removed at the beginning of the work program to provide a relatively fixative-free fabric surface which is then treatable with additional dye fixative. In this way, the amount of fixative on the fabric surface can be controlled and limited, so that the temporal accumulation of dye fixative is suppressed on the fabric surface.

The 20 shows a method 1000 for treating new laundry items. As used herein, "new laundry items" means laundry that the user washes for the first time. These may be unused laundry items or those that the user has never washed. The procedure 1000 Can be used to treat a single laundry item, multiple laundry items, or a mix of new and already laundered laundry items.

The procedure 1000 starts at 1002 where the control of the washing machine receives an input indicating a new laundry article for the treatment by the washing machine. The input may include a user selecting the new article work program or pretending at the user interface that the laundry lot has a new laundry article. Alternatively, the controller may receive the input when the washing machine detects a new laundry item. A new laundry item can be optically, radiofrequently detected or due to the fulfillment of one or more predetermined conditions. The optical detection can be the optical scanning of a label - for example a bar code - on the laundry article, the determination of the absorption and / or transmission of light from a light source or the taking of an image or a video recording of the laundry article. The radiofrequency detection can be the reception of information from an RFID chip on the laundry article by a suitable RFID reader on the washing machine. Certain conditions - for example, the selection of a small-scale work program or the detection of a small laundry batch - can also serve to display a new laundry article.

Upon receipt of the input indicating a new laundry article, the controller may initiate a new article work program automatically or prompt the user to dial it. at 1004 The new article work program may begin and be followed by treatment. at 1006 a wash and / or rinse cycle can be modified. at 1008 The washing machine may optionally provide feedback to the user, which includes the result of the new article work program or recommendations for further laundry care.

21 shows an exemplary method 1020 for the treatment of new laundry items in a first wax program for dyed laundry. If a user wants to wash new laundry items for the first time, he or she may worry if it is bleeding. In some cases, for the first time, a user will wash the laundry items alone to avoid that, as much as possible, dye transferred from the new laundry items will ruin other laundry items. In other instances, a user may wash the new laundry article along with other laundry and may transfer dye from the new laundry to the other laundry items in the laundry lot, potentially ruining them. Some laundry items may be over-dyed and bleed on the first few times a wash, but then hardly or not at all.

The procedure 1020 is operable to provide a user with information as to whether a new laundry article is suitable for laundry in blended batches or should be laundered alone, and optionally to schedule a treatment which suppresses dye transfer.

The procedure 1020 can at 1022 begin when the controller receives an input, as above for step 1002 in the procedure 1000 of the 17 described. While the procedure 1020 is described for a single laundry article, it will be appreciated that it can also be applied to several laundry articles. Be after the procedure 1020 Treating several items at the same time, they should be colored similarly - for example. Several jeans to avoid unwanted dye transition.

at 1024 For example, the wash article may be treated with an optional dye-transition inhibitor. The dye-transition inhibitor may be a dye-fixative, which is supplied to the laundry article by one of the methods described herein. Alternatively, the dye fixative can be added with increasing temperature of the treatment liquor. Increasing the temperature may facilitate spreading of the dye fixative on the fabric surface of the laundry articles, enhance dye fixative-fabric complexation, and also facilitate the bleeding of loose dyes which may then be washed away.

at 1026 The laundry items can be washed in a modified wash cycle. Since the laundry items are new, it can be assumed that they are not heavily soiled, so it in the wash at 1026 not primarily about removing dirt; it can therefore run faster than normal. The wash at 1026 may include the supply of a detergent composition and a supplement having a predetermined concentration and a predetermined temperature to facilitate the removal of loose dyes from the laundry. For example. For example, the detergent composition will be directed to the laundry such that the concentration of wetting agent is below the CMC to facilitate the removal of loose or excess dyes. The supplement may be a dye absorber, which further facilitates the removal of loose dyes. The laundry articles may also be circulated or agitated to facilitate the release of loose dyes from the laundry surfaces by mechanical action. Because not all dyes are removed using the same procedures, a combination of dye fixative, detergent composition, temperature, dye absorbers, and mechanical energy may be employed to facilitate the removal of loose / excess dyes over a broader range of dyes. and types of fabrics.

at 1028 let the laundry items flush in one or two passages. at 1030 For example, the presence of a dye in the rinse liquid in the treatment chamber may be determined, which may include liquor that had previously been in the treatment chamber. Dye in the wash liquor can be regarded as released because it is not further assigned to a laundry article, but is present in solution in the wash liquor. A suitable sensor system may be provided to detect the presence of a dye in the wash liquor; Non-limiting examples of these are optical sensor systems for UV / Vis absorption / fluorescence spectroscopy or conductivity sensors. For example. For example, a UV / Vis absorption / fluorescence spectroscopy system can provide an output signal representative of spectral absorption and / or fluorescence of the treatment liquor. It should also be noted that, where reference is made to absorption, as an alternative, the transmission related to absorption can be used to determine the absorption. the sensor system may provide an output indicative of the presence of a dye and, optionally, its amount in the wash liquor. The sensor system can detect the dye and the signal steadily or intermittently during the entire rinse cycle or in one or more predetermined stages of the same - eg. At the end of rinsing - leave.

at 1032 For example, the controller may receive the signal indicative of the presence of a dye from the sensor system and determine whether it meets a predetermined threshold. This step may include comparing the Abs / F characteristic with a predetermined reference value, which may be a range of reference values, an upper or a lower threshold. In the embodiment of the 21 it is an upper threshold. If the output signal does not meet the threshold value, then 1034 the controller determines that the laundry items are suitable for laundry in blending batches in a non-sorted wash program, and notifies the user at the user interface that this laundry item may be washed in blending batches in future program operations. In this way, the output signal may also indicate a dye-inhibited condition.

at 1038 the program can then be completed. Optionally available at 1042 a dye fixative may be added to the laundry to facilitate suppression of dye transfer in the current application and / or in a future program run. As used herein, the phrase "meets the threshold" is intended to mean that the deviation meets the predetermined threshold, that is equal to or less than or greater than the same. It can be seen that such a determination can be changed by a positive / negative or a true / false comparison in order to reach the state of fulfillment. For example. allows a "Less Than (a Threshold)" to be achieved by a "greater than" test when the data is numerically inverted.

If the output signal does not meet the threshold value, then 1036 the controller determines that dye is present in the wash liquor and the laundry is not ready for a wash in blended batches so that it should be treated in an assorted wash program. In this way, the output signal can indicate a non-suppressed state and thus that the laundry is not color-stable, that is, during the laundry and / or in use, dye can transfer from the laundry to other surfaces. The process then returns 1026 back to at 1030 the modified wash cycle 1026 , the rinse cycle 1028 and to repeat the detection of the presence of dye in the wash liquor. The controller can be programmed to take the steps 1026 . 1028 . 1030 and 1032 to repeat often predetermined. Results in 1036 that dye has occurred more than n times, the work program at 1038 ends and the controller can assist the user 1040 confirm that the laundry should not be washed with mixed batches. For many laundry articles, it is sufficient to wash them a predetermined number of times - about three times - to remove enough loose dye that reduces the risk of dye transfer to an acceptable level. However, if a laundry article continues to stain after several washes, the process may 1020 completed and reported to the user the ink transfer status of the laundry items. Optionally available at 1044 a dye fixative may be added to the laundry to facilitate ease of dye transfer in future wash cycles and / or in use.

The feedback to the user at 1034 and 1040 can be done by means of a text message transmitted on a user interface or with one or more illuminated display elements. For example. For example, the user interface may be provided with a "Ready for Mixed Batches" indicator that glows green when a laundry item is ready for laundry in a blending batch, and glows red if not. In another example, the user interface may provide an indication of whether the laundry article is ready for launder in mixed batches, and additional care information, for example, recommendations for further treatments.

In another example, the method may 1020 be configured for use in the treatment of jeans, which are typically colored with vat dye. Instead of a dye fixative at 1024 can during the washing phase 1026 an oxidizing agent may be added to facilitate the oxidation of unoxidized vat dyes and render them water insoluble, which may improve their wash fastness and suppress dye carry over. The procedure 1020 For use with jeans, the user may be offered as a program option when selecting a jeans-only program.

While the procedure 1020 When described as including a dye detection method, it can be similarly used without dye detection. For example. can do the washing and rinsing 1026 . 1028 be repeated many times; the frequency can be set automatically by the controller or selected by the user.

The 22 shows another exemplary method 1050 for treating new laundry articles in a first wash cycle. The procedure 1050 can be used with new laundry articles to remove any treatment or finishing agents from them or to apply additional treatment or finishing agents that are more suitable for unworn or used laundry. For example. can the procedure 1050 serve to remove a sizing prior to wear or use of the laundry (possibly by the user). In another example, the method may 1050 serve to apply the treatment finally a stain deflector on the laundry. A stain deflector can fix stains on the laundry; therefore, a stain deflector is preferably applied prior to wearing or using a garment. However, clothing is often worn or put into use before the first wash. As described below, the method may include a wash prior to application of a stain deflector to remove stains caused prior to the first wash.

The procedure 1050 can at 1052 begin where the controller receives an input signal identifying a new item of laundry as above 1002 in the procedure 1000 of the 20 shown. While the procedure 1050 In the context of a single article, it can be seen that it can also be used with several laundry articles.

The procedure 1050 can do a main wash 1056 and at 1062 include rinsing with one or more rinses due to a treating agent that rids the laundry in one or more of the treating agent delivery phases 1054 . 1058 . 1060 was fed, can be modified. While three treatment agent delivery phases are illustrated, it will be appreciated that more such phases may be applicable depending on the treatment to be used.

In one example, the process leaves 1050 Engage to remove a sizing from a new laundry item. For some users, a sizing on a piece of laundry is undesirable. To remove them, the main wash can 1056 in that the laundry is mechanically applied, for example by agitation or stirring, and a wash liquor of predetermined temperature is added containing a detergent composition of predetermined concentration to facilitate the removal of the size. The second and optional third treatment agent delivery phases 1058 . 1060 may involve additional mechanical action and the application of wash liquor configured to remove the sizing. Thus, the wash liquor can be heated to the highest recommended temperature for each article and / or the concentration of a detergent in the liquor can be increased by one to three times the recommended dosage. Since the laundry article is new, the removal of dirt is not the primary concern, so the rinse cycle and the treatment phases 1058 . 1060 can be configured to optimize removal of the sizing instead of dirt and stains, as in a normal wash cycle.

In another example, the method may 1050 serve to provide the new laundry article with a fabric finish. In this example, the main wash 1056 a mechanical action - for example. Circulation or stirring - and the supply of a wash liquor at a predetermined temperature include containing a detergent predetermined concentration. The main wash 1056 may be a quick or light laundry, since the laundry article is new and therefore hardly heavily soiled or stained. at 1058 For example, one or more fabric finishing agents can be supplied to the laundry with a predetermined concentration and at a predetermined temperature, depending on the particular agent. The finishing agent is circulating at high concentration in a small volume of water to facilitate distribution of the agent.

In one example, this may be in the second treatment agent delivery phase 1058 supplied fabric finish means the laundry article for the supply of such in the third treatment agent supply phase 1060 to prepare. The second and / or third treatment agent delivery phase 1058 . 1060 may include a temperature ramp profile that activates or sets the finish. Alternatively or additionally, at 1064 the user at a user interface receive a response to activate / set the finish means in a high-temperature work program in a washing machine at the end of the wash program. In yet another example, the washer may automatically advise the tumble dryer of the recommended temperature setting.

(Non-limiting) examples of in the modifier delivery phases 1058 . 1060 Feedable fabric finish agents include stain deflectors, UV blockers, soil release agents, insects, flames or water repellents, wick effect removers, wrinkle smoothers and wrinkle deflectors.

In yet another example, the method may 1050 used to wash a new laundry item that the user washes for the first time, but has already been worn / used - for example, clothing from a second-hand store or from the flea market. at 1056 For example, the laundry articles may be laundered in the main wash to remove dirt and stains by mechanically acting on them and supplying a wash liquor containing a detergent composition. at 1058 the laundry may be supplied with a treatment agent containing an enzyme such as a cellulase. The cellulase can act as Stoffpolitur and eliminate the pilling that the Restores appearance of the laundry items and makes them look "newer".

The at 1064 Feedback directed to the user may be by text on a user interface or with one or more illuminated display elements. For example. For example, the user interface may be provided with a display whose color changes depending on the current state of the treatment. In another example, the user interface may provide laundry care information, such as recommendations for further treatments. For example. The user interface may recommend dryer or future wash settings for the particular laundry article.

Often, a user will dry the laundry after washing, which can be problematic if dye has been transferred during the wash, because drying with the temperatures of modern laundry dryers can cause thermal transfer of dye transferred to the laundry. The 23 shows an exemplary clothes dryer 1100 with a (cabinet) housing 1112 in which a controller 114 Inputs of the user at a user interface 1116 to select a work program and receive the tumble dryer 1100 when executing the selected work program. The user interface 1116 can be operational to the controller 1114 be connected and provide an input and output function for the controller. The housing 1112 can be a front panel 1118 , a back wall surface 1120 and two side walls 1122 have an upper end surface 1124 wear. A chassis may be provided, to which the wall surfaces are attached. A door 1126 Can be hinged to the front panel 1118 hinged and selectively movable between a closed and open positions to an opening in the front wall surface 1118 close to the access to the interior of the case 1112 offers.

In the case 1112 can be between a front and a rear bulkhead 1130 . 1132 , which face each other, is a rotatable drum 1128 are with the door 1126 together a treatment chamber 1134 encloses tissue articles for treatment. As shown and as is the case with most clothes dryers, the treatment chamber needs 1134 not to be fluidly connected to a drain. In the treatment chamber 1134 guided liquid can therefore not be removed by mere deflation.

The drum 1128 can at least one lifting bar 1129 contain. In most dryers, you can use multiple liftlists 1129 available. The liftlists 1129 can on an inner surface of the drum 1128 be distributed, which is an inner circumference of the drum 1128 forms. The lifters can move the laundry 1136 in the drum 1128 facilitate their rotation.

The drum 1128 can be operational with a drive in the form of a motor 1154 be coupled to the drum 1128 optionally rotates during a work program. The coupling of the engine 1154 with the drum 1128 can be direct or indirect. As shown, an indirect coupling may be a belt 1156 having an output shaft of the motor 1154 with a wheel / pulley on the drum 1128 combines. A direct coupling can be one with a hub of the drum 1128 connected output shaft of the motor 1154 include.

The laundry dryer 1100 may be equipped with an airflow system that houses the treatment chamber 1134 supplied with air and leads them out of it. The air can be heated or not. The airflow system may include a supply part, which is partially a feed line 1138 forms with one end over a back opening 1137 open to the outside air and with another end fluidly with an inflow grille 1140 coupled with the treatment chamber 1134 can be in flow communication. In the feed line 1138 can a heating element 1142 located and to the controller 1114 be connected to be driven by him. Is the heating element 1142 turned on, the supplied air is before flowing into the drum 1128 heated.

The airflow system may include a drain part, in part from an exhaust duct 1144 is formed. As feed from the treatment chamber 1134 to the discharge line 1144 can be a lint separator 1145 be provided. An actuator in the form of a blower 1146 can be fluidic with the discharge line 1144 be coupled. The actor 1146 can to the controller 1114 be connected and controlled by him. In operation of the blower 1146 it sucks air into the treatment chamber 1134 and pushes them through the discharge line 1144 out. The discharge line 1144 may be fluidly coupled to a household exhaust duct (not shown) to remove the air from the treatment chamber 1134 in the room outside the tumble dryer 1100 derive.

The airflow system may further include various sensors and other components, such as a thermistor 1147 and a thermostat 1148 connected to the feed line 1138 can be coupled, in which the heating element 1132 can be located. Alternatively, the thermistor 1147 with the feed line 1138 at or near the inlet grill 1140 be coupled. Regardless of its arrangement, the thermistor is also used to determine the Inlet temperature can be used. A thermistor 1151 and a thermal fuse 1149 can be with the discharge line 1144 couple, the former is used to determine the exhaust air temperature.

A humidity sensor 1150 can in the treatment chamber 1134 be arranged to the moisture content of the laundry in the treatment chamber 1134 to monitor. An example of a humidity sensor is a conductivity strip. The humidity sensor 1150 can to receive its output signal to the controller 1114 be connected. He can be anywhere in the interior of the dryer 1100 be arranged such that the humidity sensor can accurately detect the moisture content of the laundry. For example. he can in any way with one of the bulkheads 1130 . 1132 the drying chamber 1134 be coupled.

The laundry dryer 1100 can with an output system 1157 Be provided with the one or more treatment chemicals according to a work program in the treatment chamber 1134 is dispensable. As shown, the output system 1157 inside the case 1112 be arranged; other arrangements are also possible. The output system 1157 can be connected to a water supply 1168 as well as one or more nozzles 1169 with the treatment chamber 1134 be coupled. As shown, nozzles are 1169 on the front and the back of the treatment chamber 1134 arranged to the treatment chemistry or liquor into the interior of the treatment chamber 1134 although other versions are also possible. The number, type and arrangement of the nozzles 1169 are not essential to the invention.

As shown, the output system 1157 a reservoir 1160 which may be a treatment chemistry cartridge removable with the dispensing system 1157 can be coupled and the treatment chemistry from the reservoir 1160 to the treatment chamber 1134 outputs. The reservoir 1160 may include one or more cartridges that receive one or more treatment chemicals. A mixing chamber 1162 may be provided to the reservoir 1160 via a supply line 1163 with the treatment chamber 1134 to pair. The output system 1157 can with pumps like a metering pump 1164 and an output pump 1166 be equipped to optionally treatment chemistry and / or liquor a work program according to the treatment chamber 1134 issue. The water connection 1168 can contact the mixing chamber 1162 be laid to provide them with water. The water connection 1168 can be an inlet valve 1170 and a supply line 1172 exhibit. Instead of water, other treatment chemistry can also be used outside the tumble dryer 1100 the mixing chamber 1162 respectively.

The treatment chemistry may be any laundry treating aid; (Non-limiting) examples are water, fabric conditioner, sanitizer, wrinkle smoother or inhibitor, and chemicals that impart certain properties to the laundry, such as stain resistance.

The laundry dryer 1100 can also use a steam generator system 1180 be equipped, that of the output system 1157 separated or with parts thereof may be combined to steam and / or liquor a work program according to the treatment chamber 1134 issue. The steam generator system 1180 can a steam generator 1182 have, via a steam feed line 1184 with the water connection 168 is coupled. The inflow of water from the water supply line 1172 between the steam generator system 1180 and the output system 1157 can be with a valve 1185 Taxes. The steam generator 118 can continue via a steam line 1186 fluidic with one or more supply lines 1163 be coupled to the treatment chamber 1134 over the nozzles 1169 To supply steam. Alternatively, the steam generator 1186 via one or more pipes and nozzles independent of the dispensing system 1157 with the treatment chamber 1134 be coupled.

At the steam generator 1182 it can be any device that converts supplied liquid to steam. For example. it can be a storage generator that stores and heats a liquid to convert it to steam. Alternatively, it may be a continuous-flow generator that sweeps the liquid as it passes through the generator 1182 converted to steam.

It can be seen that the details of the output and the steam generation system 1157 . 1180 not essential to the invention and that in the tumble dryer 1100 any suitable dispensing and / or steam generating system is / are applicable. As part of an AFE, it may also be that the tumble dryer 1100 does not contain an output or steam generation system.

The 24 shows diagrammatically the control 1114 to which the various system components of the tumble dryer 1100 are connected. To the controller 1114 may be connected to signal transmission components of the dryer - for example, the heater 1142 , the blower 1146 , the thermistor 1147 , the thermostat 1148 , the thermal fuse 1149 , the thermistor 1151 , of the humidity sensor 150 , the motor 1154 , the inlet valve 1710 , The pumps 1164 . 1166 , the steam generator 1182 and the control valve 1185 to drive these components and / or receive their output signals and utilize them to control them. To the controller 1114 can also be the user interface 1116 be connected to receive input from the user to perform the drying program and notify the user information about the drying program. For example. can the user interface 1116 receive information from the user that a dye transfer has occurred and this indication of a dye transfer to the controller 1114 pass on. The user interface 1116 It can include controls such as scales, lights, knobs, toggle switches, buttons and contacts, and fields of view that allow the user to issue commands to the controller 1114 Discontinue and information on a treatment program of components in the tumble dryer 1100 or as input to the user interface 1116 can take over. The user may enter various types of information, including but not limited to the selection of the work program and its operating parameters, such as design options and information regarding the batch to be dried, including the type of laundry and transferred dye. You can use any work program. (Non-limiting examples of the invention) include casual clothing, fine and ultra-fine, heavy duty fabrics, normal, steam, quick and timed drying, sanitizing and jeans.

The control 1114 can also use a transmission unit 1190 be coupled, the information received from a washing machine and to the controller 1114 can pass on. For example. can the transmission unit 1190 the display of a dye transfer event to the controller 1114 pass on. The transmission unit 1190 can be connected to the washing machine wirelessly and / or wired. Wireless connectivity can be any of a variety of transmission mechanisms that can wirelessly connect to other systems and devices, including (but not limited to) packet radio, satellite uplink, WiFi, WiMax, Bluetooth, Zigbee , 3G, 4G, CDMA, GSM or LTE wireless and Ethernet transmission each individually or arbitrarily combined. It should also be noted that the respective type of wireless signal transmission is not essential to the invention and that wireless networks still to be developed are to be regarded as being within the scope of the invention. Alternatively, the transmission unit 1190 into the controller 1114 be installed so that the washing machine for signal transmission with the controller 1114 can be coupled.

The control 1114 can process a user-selected work program with the options selected by him and output this information to the user. The control 1114 can also have a central processor (CPU) 1174 and a memory associated with it 1176 where to store a set of executable instructions representing the at least one work program. One or more software applications - for example a sequence of executable instructions / statements - can be stored in memory and by the CPU 1174 execute the work program (s).

Generally, the controller 1114 act on a work program to treat the laundry in the treatment chamber 1134 to reach, which may include drying or not. The control 1114 can the fan 1146 turn on an airflow to request air for a selected work program 1158 through the rear ventilation opening 1137 in the feed line 1138 to suck. The control 1114 can the heater 1142 turn on to the incoming air 1158 to heat while over the heating element 1142 sweeps, and the heated air of the treatment chamber 1134 supply. The heated air 1159 can pass through the treatment chamber 1134 on her way to the exhaust pipe 1144 in contact with the laundry lot 1136 to remove moisture from it. The heated air 1159 can the treatment chamber 1134 leave and the tumble dryer 1100 over the fan 1146 and the exhaust duct 1144 leave. The control 1114 the work program continues to work until completion. If the work program includes a dry treatment, the controller determines 1114 when the laundry is dry. Determining a "dry" laundry load can be done in a variety of ways, but is often based on the moisture content of the laundry, which is typically dictated by the user based on the selected work program, as an option, or as preferred by the user.

Furthermore, the controller 1114 an indication of a dye transfer event for the laundry to be dried from the user interface 1116 or the data transmission unit 1190 take up. Based on such detection of a dye carryover event, the controller may 1114 control the operation of one or more special drying operations or operations to prevent damage to the laundry articles that could cause dye transfer. For example. can the controller 1114 the blower 1146 , the heating system 1142 and the rotatable drum 1128 due to the detected dye transfer event. The control 1114 can also be executed the detected dye carry event on the user interface 1116 Report to.

The 25 shows a method 1300 for determining a dye transfer event and for controlling the clothes dryer on the basis thereof. In particular, the method begins at 1302 upon receipt of an indication of a dye transfer event for the laundry to be dried as input by the controller 1114 , For example. can the controller 1114 a display from the user interface 1116 received when a user inputs that a dye transfer has occurred. A washing machine used for the treatment of laundry can report to the user the dye transfer; Also, the user may notice that a dye transfer has occurred. The washing machine may also prompt the user to select a particular drying cycle, such as delicates or colourfastness, or a particular temperature or level of dryness. Alternatively, the controller 1114 from the washing machine receive a message that the dye transfer event has occurred. For example. can use the washing machines 50 . 450 and 2050 all run to report a dye carryover event. To the procedure 1500 Such communication is described in more detail below. It can be seen that such an indication of dye transfer event from the laundromat is via the data transfer unit 1190 be received and this the display to the controller 1114 can give. Alternatively, the controller 1114 executable to receive the message from the washing machine directly. Regardless of whether the data transmission unit 1190 or the controller is connected to the washing machine for signal transmission, it will be appreciated that the connection to the washing machine may be wireless and / or wired.

After reporting a dye carryover event 1302 can the controller 114 on the basis of which control the execution of the automatic work program of the tumble dryer. For this purpose, the controller 114 perform, inter alia, one or more special drying operations, including selecting a particular work program, setting one or more parameters thereof, including maintaining the drying temperature below the set or thermoset temperature of the dye, skipping or adding a phase to the work program , the completion of the work program and the addition of treatment chemistry to prevent the dye from setting. For example. For example, a particular dye transfer program can be used to limit the drying of the laundry so that the transferred dye can not settle. The execution of the one or more special drying operations may be performed independently of the work program selected by the user at the user interface. For example. a user can select an automatic drying cycle; the control 1114 instead gives the washing machine 1100 to carry out the dye transfer gear. Alternatively, the controller 1114 prevent the user from selecting alternative programs or drying activities, so that the one or more of the more specialized drying activities are the only ones that are ever selectable for the user.

As an example (not limiting the invention), the automatic execution of the operation of the tumble dryer 1100 including special drying operations or operations, means that temperatures are limited during the course of the program - including a limitation of the drying temperature in the treatment chamber 1134 below 140 ° F (60 ° C). For example. is the work program to be carried out so that the temperatures in the rotary drum 1128 do not rise above 135 ° F (57 ° C). As another example, this may include, for the first half of the work program - or until the determination of about 30% Residual Moisture (RMC) of the wash article dry temperatures between 115 ° F (46 ° C) and 125 ° F (52 ° C) and then apply dry temperatures between 95 ° F (35 ° C) and 105 ° F (41 ° C) until completion of the program. Furthermore, the control of the tumble dryer 1100 limit the level of drought achieved during the work program. Typical drying programs end when the RMC reaches between two and four percent. Limiting the dry level during program execution when a dye transfer has been reported may include completing the work program when the residual moisture reaches between 10% and 18%. Finally, controlling the tumble dryer operation may include adjusting the tumble profile of a drum in the tumble dryer, for example by adjusting the speed of the drum 1128 Each of these measures may, by itself or in combination, prevent the formation of heat build-up in the batch and over-drying which may lead to the heat transfer of transferred dyes.

It can be seen that the procedure 1300 is flexible and is executed here for explanation only. For example. It may include dispensing information on a user interface of the clothes dryer relating to the dye affecting at least one of the actions taken by the device in response to the detected dye transfer event or at least one consequence of the at least one of the tumble dryer actions, or on the user interface indicate that a dye Carry event has occurred. It is also envisaged that the information input that controls 1114 receives, the type of dye transferred and / or the laundry to be dried includes. The control 1114 may be made to keep a drying temperature of the clothes dryer below a heating temperature due to such additional information; Such heat setting temperature can be determined by the nature of the transferred dye and / or the laundry.

As briefly described above, the method may include communicating with the washing machine to determine if a dye transfer has occurred. The 26 shows a method 1500 for transferring dye transfer information between a washing machine and a tumble dryer and controlling the clothes dryer based on the transferred dye transfer information. The dryer can then be controlled so that further dye transfer or heat setting of possibly transferred dyes is minimized.

The procedure 1500 may begin with the assumption that the laundry has been filled in the washing machine and is treated according to a selected work program. at 1502 For example, the presence of a dye carryover event can be determined. A dye transfer event can be determined automatically by the washing machine or specified manually based on an input of the user. For example. For example, the user may notify the washing machine via the user interface that an article in the laundry lot is known to bleed, and / or specify an article as new and / or light or deep tinted, which is therefore suspect to be bleeding. Alternatively, the user may indicate a laundry item as new and / or that its bleed status is unknown and, as a precaution, treatment by the washer and / or dryer is desired as if a dye transfer had occurred.

Alternatively, a dye transfer event can be determined one or more times at predetermined times in the work program automatically. The determination may be continuous or intermittent throughout the work program or during one or more phases of it. In one example, by means of a suitable sensor system - for example a UV / Vis absorption system - the color of the wash liquor can be determined at different stages or at the end of the wash cycle to determine whether the color of the wash liquor indicates a change in the wash liquor Dye transfer has occurred. In another example, the use of dye fixatives and / or absorbers in the program may be used, either automatically or as a result of manual user input, to determine that a dye transfer has occurred.

In yet another example, the fabric article may carry a label that communicates information regarding the dye to the washing machine. The fabric article may carry an RFID tag or bar code that is detectable on the washing machine with a suitable reader. The label may communicate information such as the type of colorant (s) in the laundry article; the controller of the washing machine can be programmed to determine if the dye (s) can initiate a dye transfer event.

The dye transfer information is attached to the dryer 1504 via a suitable connection between the washing machine and the tumble dryer or wirelessly - eg. A Bluetooth route - transferable as above to 24 described. In this way, the washer can tell the dryer that a dye transfer has occurred; The dryer can then be due to at 1506 control or modify a subsequent drying program information transmitted to the dye transfer event.

According to the method described above 1300 For example, controlling the drying program may include altering execution of the work program based on the reported dye transfer event so that the temperature remains at the lowest set point for the particular drying program to alter the dry end point for the selected drying program such that the temperature the fabric remains minimal at the end of the program, and / or modify the drum recirculation profile for the selected drying program to a minimum of mechanical impact to avoid further dye carryover. The too hot or too long heating of fabrics during a drying program can lead to the heat setting transferred in the previous wash dyes so that they can not be removed in a subsequent wash. In one example, receipt of a dye transfer event by the dryer may cause the dryer to prompt the user to select a predetermined dye transfer cycle that includes one or more of these variations.

The 27 shows a method 1600 for suppressing dye transfer in a wash program without the use of dye fixatives or absorbers by controlling the surface tension gradient on the fabric surface of the laundry.

The procedure 1600 may begin with the assumption that a user has filled laundry in the treatment chamber and selected a work program. at 1602 the laundry can only be pre-wetted with water. In one example, the subnetwork may be executed as above for the subnetwork 12 of the work program 10 described. Prewetting the fabrics can reduce the interfacial tension between a wash liquor and the fabric surface when feeding a liquor to the laundry. A reduced interfacial tension can reduce the penetration of wetting agent (s) into the laundry and thus the bleeding of dyes from the fabric. In a detergent composition, wetting agents can penetrate the fabric and lift dyes from the fabric surface. It has been found that anionic wetting agents lift off direct and acid dyes and nonionic wetting agents disperse dyes. Reducing the wicking forces exerted by wetting agents on the fabric surface by pre-wetting the fabric can mitigate this dye bleed caused by wetting agents.

After prewashing the laundry at 1602 This can be treated with a detergent composition in a concentration such that the wetting agents are at concentrations slightly above their CMC. Wetting agents in concentrations above the CMC can result in wetting micelles capable of absorbing dye-derived dyes, thus suppressing dye carry-over. The wetting agent concentration can be determined according to the procedure above 600 of the 15 control and / or monitor. In one example, the detergent concentration is controlled by controlling the dosage of the detergent and / or the amount of water supplied to the treating chamber with the detergent. If the wetting agent concentration is too high over the CMC, it can be added 1606 add additional water to dilute the wetting agent; the program can at 1608 Continue. Prewetting at 1602 and treating with a detergent 1604 can be performed at cold water temperatures and with minimal mechanical impact to further minimize dye carryover.

The 28 shows a method 1700 for removing dye fixative from laundry articles. Dyestuff-fixatives - especially cationic dye-fixatives - on laundry may attract dirt in the wash liquor during a walk and when using the laundry article after washing - often negatively charged. the electrostatic attraction between the cationic dye fixative and negatively charged soil can make it difficult to remove it even during the wash cycle. In particular, on white and light-colored fabrics, the dirt can give the laundry a shabby or dull appearance, which increases with time, while the dye fixative is applied to the laundry several times in subsequent washes.

The procedure 1700 can be used as a wash program to remove absorbed dye fixatives and debris for whitening or lightening laundry articles. It can be carried out automatically as part of a whitening or brightening phase of a wash cycle or as a white wash cycle. In another example, it may be implemented as part of a wash program based on the choice of a program change option by the user for optional execution. The procedure 1700 can with a wash 1702 starting, which involves the supply of a warm wash liquor to the laundry articles containing a detergent and a basic agent to raise the pH of the liquor to the basic range, preferably pH> 9. The temperature of the treatment liquor is preferably at least 110 ° F (43 ° C) or more, but lower temperatures are applicable. Non-limiting examples of basic agents are powdered alkaline potentiators, alkaline agents such as sodium or ammonium hydroxide, and other buffer components such as a buffer system of, for example, sodium bicarbonate and sodium hydroxide. Alternatively, the pH of the wash liquor can be adjusted electrolytically.

The alkaline wash liquor may be designed so that the environment will have a pH above the pKa level of the cationic dye fixative, which lowers the adhesion between the dye fixative and the fabric and causes the dye fixative to peel off the fabric. For example. For example, a basic pH may facilitate removal of cationic polyamine dye fixatives from the fabric as discussed above 708 of the procedure 700 of the 17 explains; this embodiment is with the method 1700 used.

In one example, the supply of heated alkaline liquor and a detergent to the laundry in the treatment chamber is at least part of the wash cycle 1702 possible. Alternatively, the wash cycle 1702 into a dye fixative removal step wherein the heated alkaline liquor is first fed to the laundry, followed by the addition of a detergent to the alkaline liquor to form a wash liquor as part of a wash step. Thus, the dye-fixative removal step is performed as a separate step before a wash step in a selected work program.

The heating of the liquor, the adjustment of the pH and the addition of the detergent are in any order, simultaneously or sequentially possible. In one example, water, basic agent, and detergent for heating and mixing may be added to a tub of the washing machine - e.g., a sump portion of the tub - before being sprayed from the replenishment system onto the laundry in the treating chamber. Alternatively, any part of heating, pH adjustment, or detergent mixing may occur prior to entering the tub or treatment chamber. For example. The water can be supplied from a hot water supply or through a continuous heating and then the tub or sprayed directly onto the laundry in the treatment chamber. In another example, the basic agent can be mixed with the heated water while it is being supplied to the laundry in the treatment chamber - for example by adding the basic agent to the incoming heated water or passing the warm water through a mixing chamber in which it is mixed with the basic agent is miscible before it is sprayed into the treatment chamber.

The wash cycle 1702 may include treating the laundry articles with further additives - for example, dye absorbers, oxidizers and / or optical brighteners. In one example, the wash cycle can be 1702 with dye absorbers, as above program 10 of the 1 is described. The dye absorbers may be a mixture of cationic and nonionic dye absorbers such as those described above. The dye absorbers may facilitate the preferential distribution of soil away from the cationic fixative and the fabric surface and into the dye absorber solution where they can be subsequently removed. The oxidizing agents - for example, hydrogen peroxide itself or a source thereof - may be provided to decolorize debris on the laundry articles, and may also oxidize the cationic dye fixative, which may facilitate dissolution of the cationic dye fixative for subsequent removal.

During the wash cycle 1702 For example, the alkaline and / or wash liquor may be recycled through the treatment chamber to move through the wash to facilitate removal of the dye fixative from the wash and its cleaning. Mechanical energy may also be supplied to further facilitate removal of the dye fixative and cleaning of the laundry - for example, by rotating a drum enclosing the treatment chamber and / or moving a stirring element in the treatment chamber.

at 1704 a rinse can be performed. The rinse may include one or more rinses, which may optionally include the delivery of dye absorbers in at least one of them. The rinse 1704 can be similar to that for the program 10 in 1 described manner or the method 300 of the 6 perform accordingly, in which dye absorber are used.

The wash and rinse cycle 1702 . 1704 can be repeated one or more times, individually or together, before the work program is added 1706 is ended. In one example, the wash and / or rinse cycle 1702 respectively. 1704 repeatable at a frequency programmed in the control software associated with the controller. Alternatively, the repetition frequency of the wash and the rinse cycle 1702 . 1704 can be specified by the user. Each wash and rinse may include one or more drain holes in which liquor is drained from the tub. The drains may optionally include rotating the laundry at high speed to facilitate the discharge of the liquor from the laundry, followed by draining the drained liquor from the tub.

In another example, the decision leaves whether a wash and / or rinse cycle 1702 . 1704 is repeated, due to a sensor output signal indicating the presence of a dye fixative in the wash and / or rinse liquor. The washing machine can be equipped with a suitable sensor system that can detect the presence of a dye fixative in the treatment liquor. This may be an optical sensor system such as a UV / Vis absorption / reflection system or a conductivity sensor system. The sensor system may provide the controller with an output indicative of the presence of a dye fixative in the wash and / or rinse liquor. Based on the output of the sensor system, the controller may decide whether to wash and / or rinse 1702 . 1704 should be repeated. The sensor system can read the sensor values during the wash or rinse cycle 1702 . 1704 steady or intermittent or at predetermined stages of the wash or rinse cycle 1702 . 1704 take up.

How the turn 28 shows, can be added 1708 presence of a dye fixative in the wash liquor from the controller optionally based on the output of the sensor system during the wash cycle 1702 or determine at the end. The controller may determine that a dye fixative is present when the output signal meets a predetermined threshold and the wash cycle 1702 to repeat. The wash cycle 1702 can be determined or repeated by the determined presence of a dye fixative until the output signal reaches the threshold value not fulfilled. If so, the program can proceed to the next phase.

Optionally, the presence of a dye fixative can be determined to determine the wash cycle 1702 to be changed at each repetition. For example. For example, the controller may use the output signal to determine the amount of dye fixative present in the wash liquor and to modify program parameters such as the temperature of the wash liquor, its pH, and / or the amount of a treating agent to be added. In one example, it is possible to determine the amount of a detergent and / or of dyestuff absorbers in the wash cycle on the basis of the amount of dye fixative determined in the wash liquor 1702 are to be added.

The procedure 1700 can be performed automatically on the basis of sensor signals or information entered by the user. For example. can the procedure 1700 be performed automatically during a work program due to a detected presence of a dye fixative. Determining a dye fixative may involve determining the presence of a dye fixative on the laundry or in the wash or rinse liquor in a manner similar to that described above 1708 and 1710 of the 28 is described. Alternatively, the presence of a dye fixative may be determined by detection of a dye fixative in the delivery unit. In one example, a dye fixative may be detected in the delivery unit by means of a suitable sensor designed to detect the presence of a dye fixative in the treatment liquor in the delivery unit. (Non-limiting) examples of sensors are optical or electrical sensors. In another example, the dye fixative may be stored in a container carrying information on the presence of a dye fixative that may be transferred to the control of the automatic washer. In an exemplary embodiment, the dye fixative may be contained in a rinse cartridge that carries information, such as a bar code, that a suitable sensor in the washing machine can read. In another example, the method leaves 1700 to run on the basis of the work program or its execution options that the user selects at the user interface of the washing machine.

In an exemplary embodiment, the washing machine may include a "dye fixative removal" option that a user may select at the user interface to perform the dye fixative removal program of the method 1700 as part of a selected work program or as an independent work program. Additionally or alternatively, the method can be 1700 on the basis of the selected work program - for example, a white wash program - or on the basis of the phases or courses of the selected work program - for example, as a wash with white phase, as described above - run automatically. In yet another example, the washing machine may prompt the user for information on the dye fixative treatment of the laundry (eg, dye fixative treatment in a previous application session); The washing machine can then apply this information to the procedure 1700 to be carried out as part of a selected work program or as an independent work program.

Alternatively or additionally is at 1710 optionally, a determination of the presence of a dye fixative after the rinse 1704 feasible. The determination at 1710 is similar to the approach possible at the top 1708 is described. If a dye fixative proves to be present, the wash or rinse cycle can be used 1702 respectively. 1704 predetermined or until a threshold is met by the output signal.

The 29 shows diagrammatically a vertical axis washing machine 1850 , as it is often referred to as a "top loader" and the washing machine 50 of the 2 This is the same as the washing machine 1850 with an output unit 1890 and an optional heater 1898 is shown. Elements in the washing machine 1850 similar to those of the washing machine 50 match, are the same, but around 1800 denoted by reference numerals. Only those elements are shown which are necessary for understanding the embodiments of the invention; can be seen that the washing machine 1850 may contain additional, traditionally found in a washing machine elements without departing from the invention.

The washing machine 1850 can be an output unit 1890 for dispensing a treatment chemistry - possibly including water - in the treatment chamber 1862 or the tub 1854 through one or more nozzles 1894 contain. The output unit 1890 may be any suitable single-dose, multi-dose or multiple-dose version and one or more storage chambers 1892 and one or more dispensing pumps 1893 included, with which the treatment chemistry from the storage chamber 1892 the nozzle 1894 can be fed to the treatment chamber 1862 to be sprayed out. There may be one or more storage chambers 1892 which can take up solid or liquid treatment chemistry. One or more of the storage chambers may receive a removable cartridge containing the chemistry to be dispensed. Some of the chambers 1892 may be cup-shaped; the treatment chemistry contained in them is - instead of the pump 1893 - rinsed by fleet to the Treatment chemistry from the chamber 1892 issue. The output pump 1893 Can the treatment chemistry directly from the storage chamber 1892 pump; Alternatively, it may pump the treatment chemistry into a mixing chamber (not shown) to receive one or more treatment chemicals, if desired, including water from a water supply 1872 - Mix to a mixture before this of the treatment chamber 1862 is supplied. The pump 1893 Preferably, a metering pump, such as a piston pump, can dispense very accurate volumes of treatment chemistry with very accurate flow.

Treatment chemistry that is in the swamp 1858 can collect from a pump 1876 be pumped into a household routine. Alternatively, the pump 1876 in the swamp 1858 collected fleet via a Umflottleitung 1880 and a spraying device 1874 in the treatment chamber 1862 pump back. While a single pump 1876 showing both the drain and float functions, separate pumps are applicable.

The optional heating 1898 is provided for in the work program and / or the treatment chamber 1862 used fleet to heat. In this way, the temperature of the liquor and / or the laundry leaves in the treatment chamber 1862 raise to a desired temperature for the work program. When heating 1898 it may be any system suitable for the purpose; it is a forced-ventilated heater with a resistance heating element 1898a and a blower 1898B shown, which are designed so that the blower 1898B Air over the heating element 1898a can be painted and the heated air to the treatment chamber 1862 sends. Alternatively, it may be a heating element in a liquor feed line or in the sump 1858 act where it warms the liquor, the laundry in the treatment chamber 18672 is supplied. For the small quantities of liquor used in the embodiments described herein, there may be too little liquor in the sump to completely submerge a heating element, so that the forced-ventilated system is more desirable.

The 30 shows a color care program 1900 to during a self-running work program the laundry in the treatment chamber 1862 Treatment chemicals such as to supply a color care agent. While the color care program 1900 in the context of a washing machine 1850 is described, it can be seen that it can be used with any of the washing machines described here, for example. With the washing machine 50 . 450 and 2050 , The FPP 1900 can be used to maintain the color of the laundry and / or suppress a FÜG event of the treatment chamber 1862 to supply one or more color care agents. While the FPP 1900 herein described in the context of supplying a softener as a color care agent, it may contain other or additional treatment chemistry; Examples of these (non-limiting) examples include one or more cationic surfactants, cationic polymers, emulsions, blisters, micelles, dye absorbers or dye fixatives singly or in combination. The color care agent may be the treatment chamber 1862 may be supplied as a mixture and may contain one or more additional treatment chemicals, for example (without limitation of the invention) water, perfumes and colorants.

The FPP 1900 begins by assuming that the user is washing for treatment in the treatment chamber 1862 has a treatment chemistry including a color care agent in the dispensing unit 1890 has been prepared and has selected a work program that the FPP 1900 includes. The FPP 1900 can be a stand-alone program or part of another work program.

The FPP 1900 can be an optional batch determination phase 1902 which may serve to that in the treatment chamber 1862 determine the amount of laundry. The amount of laundry may be qualitative or quantitative and manually based on user input at the user interface 1884 or from the washing machine 1850 be determined automatically, as above for the batch determination 22 of the 1 described.

The FPP 1900 contains a pre-wash phase 1904 that includes, at 1908 a pre-wash mixture 1906 and make it the treatment chamber 1862 supply. After the pre-wash phase 1904 can be a washing phase 1910 execute in the case of 1912 a washing mixture produced and at 1914 the treatment chamber 1862 is supplied. The washing phase 1910 can also be the loading of the laundry in the treatment chamber 1862 with mechanical energy 1916 include to treat the laundry and to remove dirt from it.

Creating the prewash mixture at 1906 may include forming a color care agent - for example, a softener containing a softener - with water to a prewash mixture of a predetermined concentration of fabric softener. The output pump 1893 can be executed, a controlled amount of fabric softener from the storage chamber 1892 to output when dispensing the pre-wash mixture 1908 the softener of the treatment chamber 1862 with a predetermined concentration. In one example, the output pump 1893 a predetermined proportion of the fabric softener in the storage chamber 1892 metered continuously or intermittently and in real time in a water flow to form the prewash mixture. In another example, the output pump 1893 repeatedly pump a micro-dose of fabric softener into a stream of water. The metering of a predetermined part of the softener may be the metering of a predetermined amount of fabric softener and / or a predetermined flow with respect to the concentration of the fabric softener in the storage chamber 1892 and its target final concentration when applied to the laundry in the treatment chamber 1892 underlie. In another example, the softener and water may be added to the sump 1858 be supplied in a predetermined ratio or with a predetermined flow to form a pre-wash mixture with the target final concentration for the application to the laundry. An exemplary ratio of softener to water is 4 ml of fabric softener to 1 liter of water. The pre-wash mixture thus prepared can then by means of the pump 1876 and by the Umflottleitung 1880 and the spray device 1874 from the swamp 1858 to the laundry in the treatment chamber 1862 be returned. In yet another example, the fabric softener may be combined with other treatment chemistry, such as water in a mixing chamber, to form a prediluted concentrate, which may then be introduced into a water stream or into the sump 1858 is pumped to the marsh 1858 also be mixed with pumped water.

The pre-wash mixture can at 1906 be prepared with a predetermined concentration, the amount of laundry in the treatment chamber 1862 underlying in the batch determination phase 1902 is determined. The amount of at 1906 prepared Vorwaschmischung may also be based on the amount of laundry; it can be set so that there is enough pre-wash to evenly cover the laundry with the pre-wash, without oversaturating the laundry. As used herein, "oversaturating" the laundry means a state in which the amount of water and / or fabric softener associated with the laundry is greater than necessary to evenly cover the surface of the laundry. The supply of water and fabric softener in excess of the laundry causes unnecessary consumption of these resources. In addition, excess fabric softener may interact with treating chemicals, such as a detergent, supplied during other portions of the work program, resulting in undesirable levels of unwanted by-product, for example, precipitation. A suitable amount of fabric softener can thus cover the laundry for the determined batch size without forming precipitates with other chemicals used in the work program. While it is desired to uniformly cover each surface of the laundry with fabric softener in the determined concentration, it will be appreciated that this is virtually impossible. Thus, it is to be expected that a suitable amount will provide less than perfect coverage and a small amount of precipitate that does not interfere with the handling behavior of the work program is tolerable.

The 31 now provides an example of a feed method 1950 for treatment chemistries 1908 in program 1900 of the 30 can be used to wash the laundry in the treatment chamber 1862 to supply a pre-wash mixture. While the procedure 1950 in the context of feeding a pre-wash mixture, it will be understood that it can be used to supply any suitable treatment chemistry to the laundry. The procedure 1950 lets with the program 1900 or any other work program in which treatment chemistry is added to the laundry to achieve uniform coverage of the laundry without its over-saturation with the treatment chemistry. While continuing the process 1950 Designed for a vertical axis washing machine, it can also be used in a horizontal axis machine.

In the overview leads the procedure 1950 the pre-wash initially the tub 1854 so that its level is kept at a predetermined level. During the feed of the pre-wash mixture, it is floated while the drum 1860 slowly revolves. The fleet status in the swamp 1858 is checked to ensure that enough fleet is available for steady flooding. If not, flooding is stopped until enough liquor has been supplied. Finally, a steady state is achieved in which the liquor maintains a predetermined level in the sump while the liquor is continuously circulating, and the feed of the pre-wash liquor is stopped as the liquor recirculation continues. The end of the liquor circulation with drum rotation can be based on the time required to reach the stationary state.

In a specific embodiment, the method 1950 with an optional drain step 1952 start by putting in the swamp 1858 accumulated fleet from the pump 1876 is dissipated. at 1954 can the marsh 1858 Water and fabric softener as a prepared prewash mixture or for the preparation thereof, as above 1906 in program 1900 described, are supplied until the fleet level meets a predetermined threshold wl _max . The feed of the pre-wash mixture to the sump 1954 can be considered as a filling step. The fleet stand in the swamp 1858 can be determined in any way - for example, on the basis of the output signal in the sump 1858 located Pressure sensor; This measure is not essential to the invention.

at 1956 can the flooding of the fleet in the swamp 1858 and turning the drum 1860 kick off. The floats and the rotation of the drum 1860 may begin simultaneously or with a predetermined delay in succession. In one example, flooding may begin after the drum 1860 has already rotated a predetermined period of time or its speed has reached a predetermined value. The at 1954 started filling can occur during floats and turns 1956 be continued for a long time or before the beginning of the floats and / or the rotation at 1956 be stopped. In one example, the fill process 1954 continued with the beginning of the floats and the drum 1860 begins to rotate at a predetermined speed - for example, 26 U / min. Filling, floating and turning can be continued for a long time, for example 10 s, before they start 1958a , b) on a determination of the fleet status is continued.

After the start of floats and turning the drum at 1956 the process goes on 1958a and 1958b back and forth to determine if the fleet level wl in the sump meets upper and lower thresholds as in the exemplary process 1950 correspond to the values 10 and 0.5. The upper and lower thresholds may be a fleet level in the swamp or one for the fleet level in the swamp 1858 represent representative output signal of the pressure sensor. The lower threshold may be a float amount in the sump 1858 correspond to the pump 1876 By supplying a sufficient amount of liquor, the likelihood of the pump running dry is met 1876 to reduce. As the term is used herein, "dry running" for a pump refers to the condition that it draws in air, not just liquid. The upper threshold may correspond to a target float amount for completion of the treatment chemistry delivery procedure. In one example, the upper threshold may be a fleet level in the sump 1858 match that of the pump 1876 when flooding the fleet in the swamp is sufficient, even if the laundry partially absorbs the returned liquor. Before saturating the laundry with the liquor when spraying it onto the laundry, it may partially absorb the liquor, so that the amount of liquor that collects after spraying in the liquor is probably smaller than before spraying.

Is the fleet level wl in the swamp at 1958a below the lower threshold 0.5, is at 1960 the fleet circulation stopped and the drum 1860 while the sump is further filled with prewash mixture until at 1962 the fleet level is the upper threshold 10 Fulfills; at this point, the floats are added 1964 started and filling at 1966 stopped. Exceeds at 1958b the fleet stand in the swamp 1858 the upper threshold 10 before it falls below the lower threshold 0.5, the filling process will be at 1966 stopped.

at 1968 Prewash mixture was added to increase the fleet level wl in the sump until it reached the upper threshold 10 is met while flooding continues, stopping filling and setting parameter t_0. The drum 1860 can for the rest of the process 1950 continue turning at 26 rpm. After t_0 is defined, it remains in the rest of the process 1950 to determine if the fleet level wl in the sump remains above a predetermined lower threshold determined by the relationship wl <os - ts · (time - t_0).

The 32A . 32B show with the graphs 2000 . 2002 the temporary fleet level in the swamp for a large or small laundry batch. The graphs 2000 . 2002 are shown here for discussion, but do not represent real data. While filling the sump 1858 Fleet is added, increases its fleet level. At a predetermined level 2004 Filling is stopped and flooding of the fleet in the swamp 1858 began. The duration t _c required for the fleet level to drop to a predetermined level may vary depending on the properties of the laundry load, such as the batch size and type of fabric, as well as the speed of the drum 1860 during the floats. As the 32A B, the duration t _{c is} shorter for a large batch than for a small one. M. a. W .: the speed of change of the Flottestands in the swamp during flooding (ie the slope) is higher for a large laundry load than for a small. When flooding, larger laundry batches can absorb more water than small ones, leaving the float level in the sump 1858 for a large laundry lot faster than for an equivalent small sinks.

The 33 graphically represents the relationship between wl, os, ts, t t_0 and _c, but only for discussion; it is not intended to limit the embodiments of the invention in any way. The graph 2006 Figure 11 shows the change in float level, bottom threshold, and level with time for a single batch during filling and flooding to cover the laundry with a pre-wash mix. The pre-wash mixture can be added to the sump 1858 during filling 2008 be fed to the fleet level to a first level 2010 bring to; at this point the flooding of the pre-wash mixture begins. The point at which flooding is started is time t_0. With the fleet circulation, the fleet level is in the swamp 1858 from. If the fleet level in the sump reaches a first lower threshold 2012 , that will Flooded stopped and begins filling again until the fleet level a second filling or Auffüllstand 2014 reached. If the fleet level in the swamp reaches the fill level 2014 , the float is started and a new t_0 and a new lower threshold wl 2016 determined. While the fleet level in the swamp drops when flooding, when the fleet level wl the lower threshold 2016 reached, the floats stopped and the refilling started again until the fleet level the second refill level 2918 reached. The filling and flooding can be repeated as often as necessary until the float level in the sump remains above the lower threshold for a predetermined period. At each repetition of filling and flooding, the lower threshold can be changed by changing os and ts, due to the time taken for the level to fall below the lower threshold in the previous fill and float process. Where os is an intent corresponding to the lower threshold at time t_0; ts is the desired slope, which corresponds to the speed at which the lower threshold decreases. As the pre-wash mix covers and saturates the laundry, the time it takes for the liquor level in the sump to increase to the lower threshold increases.

Depending on the properties of the laundry load - for example batch size and type of fabric - the liquor level in the sump can decrease at different rates. The sinking speed of the float in the sump affects the time required to reach the lower threshold and is determined by the offset os and the desired slope ts, represented by the lower limit 2020 , The parameters os and ts can be determined experimentally or on the basis of empirical data for different load conditions in order to achieve a desired coverage with predetermined resources and in a predetermined time.

In this way, the feed of the pre-wash mixture can be adaptively implemented to add enough pre-wash mixture to the wash to provide a predetermined coverage and saturation without oversaturating the laundry load or using excessive amounts of water and / or fabric softener. The amount of pre-wash mix that absorbs the wash during filling and flooding can be used to determine the amount of pre-wash mix to be fed in a subsequent fill and float process.

How the turn 31 shows, can be added 1970 Determine if the fleet level wl in the swamp 1858 for a long time, for example 30 seconds, remained above the predetermined lower threshold. If the fleet level wl in the swamp has not remained above the lower threshold for more than 30 seconds, it will be added 1972 Determines if the fleet level wl in the swamp 1858 the relation wl <os - ts · (time - t_0) is met. If this relationship is not fulfilled, the process goes to the step 1970 back. But meets the fleet level wl in the swamp 1858 the relationship is added 1974 the flooding is stopped and the fill level, os, ts and the lower threshold for the next fill and float process are determined based on the duration the fleet level wl needed to reach the previous lower threshold. at 1978 gets the swamp 1858 Pre-washing mixture supplied to start the filling process, until the liquor in the sump reaches the Auffüllstand, and then at 1964 the floats started again.

This process is repeated until at 1970 it is determined that the fleet level wl in the swamp 1858 has remained above the lower threshold for 30 s or more. The process then goes to the step 1982 Next and the lower threshold can be set to a predetermined value -. 0.5, for example. If the fleet level remains in the swamp 1858 above 0.5, the process continues for a predetermined amount of time before it ends. In the exemplary embodiment, if the fleet level remains above 0.5, the process continues for an additional 60 seconds; then the floats and the drum rotation are stopped. Optionally available now 1984 those in the swamp 1858 accumulated fleet drained and at 1986 the process will be completed.

If the fleet level falls wl in the swamp below 0.5, if in the process at 1988 and 1990 for at least 10 seconds, the filling is carried out for a predetermined period of time, for example 5 seconds, while the flooding and drum rotation are continued. If less than 10 seconds remain, the fleet stand wl can optionally continue to decrease until the process is complete. In contrast to the program loop 1970 to 1968 In this scenario, the time is never reset in this end area. If the fleet level drops below the lower threshold and filling is activated, the time is simply counted up to the 60s limit; at this point, the process is ended, as described above.

During filling, during which the swamp 1858 Pre-washing mixture is fed, the fabric softener can be issued with a constant or varying flow rate, so that when the flooding in the sump 1858 remaining float quantity satisfies the time threshold for the duration of remaining above the lower threshold value, the concentration of the softener on the laundry article and the cover level fulfill a predetermined threshold value.

As the 30 shows the feeding of Vorwaschgemischs a return of the same to the laundry with circulating drum 1860 so that the individual items in the laundry lot are subjected to minimal mechanical energy. This step can be a turning of the drum 1860 include such that the items of laundry move only slightly relative to each other - for example, at low speed or, after the laundry already on the inner surface of the drum 1860 stick, at high speed. Low speeds may be those in which, for example, the laundry articles neither circulate nor roll. In addition, the pre-wash mixture can be supplied without activating a movement-imparting element, for example an agitator, a stirring column or the like.

In a variant, the supply of Vorwaschgemischs at 1908 in program 1900 turning the drum 1860 not with a single speed, how to proceed 1950 of the 31 but with a first slower and a second faster speed, while the pre-wash into the treatment chamber 1862 is sprayed. Thus, the pre-wash can be recycled and into the treatment chamber 1862 be sprayed while the drum 1860 ramps up to a first lower speed and / or turns there. After a predetermined period of time or satisfying a predetermined speed threshold, the recycling and spraying of the pre-wash mixture may be stopped and the drum accelerated to a second higher speed. When the drum reaches the second speed or a predetermined period of time, the flooding and spraying of the pre-wash mixture can be restarted. The second rotation speed may be high enough to impart a centrifugal force of at least 1G to the laundry articles so as to be in the adhered state to the inner circumference of the drum 1860 have passed. As soon as they adhere, and although the drum 1860 can still circulate at high speed, the laundry items do not move relative to each other.

In this way, the pre-wash mixture can be fed to the laundry lot when there is minimal relative movement between the laundry articles, or it can not be supplied when the laundry articles are moving - eg at the transition between the first and second speeds. Thereby, the amount of dye transfer between laundry articles due to rubbing contact therebetween upon relative movement can be reduced. In addition, redistributing the laundry load between the first and second speeds may facilitate more uniform coverage of the precoat wash stock by exposing it to different areas and / or facilitating movement of the pre-wash mixture into and through the laundry load ,

According to yet another variant, the supply of Vorwaschgemischs at 1908 done while the drum 1860 revolves at different speeds to form a plurality of flow through the laundry flow channels, as above to the 6A - 6B described. In this example, flooding of the pre-wash mix ends when the drum speed is accelerated or decelerated between different speeds; it will start again as soon as the drum reaches the new speed.

The pre-wash mix can be sprayed onto the washware with one or more sprayers and as a mist or stream, using any suitable spray nozzles or sprayers and any methods of delivering treating chemistry as described herein. A single spraying device 1874 is operable to direct the pre-wash mixture to a predetermined portion of the charge which enters a spray zone applied by that sprayer. The spraying zone can be considered to be that area which is contacted by liquor from the spraying device. The spraying device 1874 can be executed, only a part of the treatment chamber 1682 to capture, and the laundry can be turned to the in the spray device 1874 covered area of the treatment chamber 1862 einzulaufen. In another example, the spray device may be configured, the entire treatment chamber 1862 to capture, leaving all exposed surfaces of the laundry in the treatment chamber 1862 from the liquor from the sprayer 1874 be covered without the drum 1860 to turn. In yet another example, the washing machine 1850 several spray devices to multiple areas of the treatment chamber in a single spray 1862 cover.

Optionally, the feeding of the pre-wash mixture at 1908 of the program 1900 also include the heating of the laundry. In one example, using the heater 1898 heated air is applied to the laundry after it has been treated with the pre-wash mixture. The application of heated air may serve to raise the temperature of the laundry to a predetermined value, which is preferably below the setting temperature of blood, in order to avoid the settling of blood stains in laundry articles. The heated air is the treatment chamber 1862 with or without movement - for example by turning the drum 1860 - deliverable. In one example, it has been proven that - compared to a treatment without heated air - the application of heated air to laundry, the program 1900 had been appropriately treated with a fabric softener pre-wash, the Suppressing a dye transition in the subsequent wash 1910 further eased.

A benefit of the pre-wash process 1904 When preparing and supplying a Vorwaschgemischs is that a treatment chemistry - eg. A fabric softener - evenly applied to a laundry lot without immersing them in liquid or submerge, as usual in the deep-fill process, what the consumed in the program Amount of water significantly reduced. In the deep-fill process, an 8 lbs. (3.6 kg) charge requires about 16 liters of water, whereas the present process consumes 8 liters of water for an equal charge. For example. in a rinse cycle in which the laundry is to be treated with fabric softener, this and water supplied to the treatment chamber to submerge the laundry in the water and fabric softener and thus to achieve a uniform distribution of the latter.

The pre-wash process described here 1904 is useful not only in a pre-wash context, but also for the traditional application of a fabric conditioner during a rinse cycle following a wash. Applying the present process in the traditional rinse has the same benefit of evenly distributing a softener in the laundry without additional water consumption and without the time involved in a traditional deep-fill process. Furthermore, applying the previous method for dispensing a softener during rinse may simplify the controls or user interface of the washing machine. Modern washing machines have an assigned selector switch which indicates that a fabric softener is applied so that the work program can be modified to include a deep-fill conditioner for the softener application. The present method can be carried out automatically without an assigned selector switch.

How continue the 30 shows the transition between the pre-wash and the main wash phase 1904 . 1910 of the program 1900 optionally, a spin cycle in which the laundry is rotated at high speed to spin out of fleet, and a discharge phase in which the pump 1876 in the swamp 1858 pumped out accumulated fleet. The discharge and / or the spin phase can be carried out so that a predetermined proportion of Vorwaschgemischs in the wash cycle 1910 is transferred. In one example, the laundry is rotated at high speed so that a predetermined amount of the pre-wash remains in the laundry. Depending on the components of the pre-wash mixture, a small amount of carry-over may be desired in the laundry - if, for example, the color care agent is a dye fixative; in another example, in the case of a dye absorber, a larger carry amount of the pre-wash mixture may be desired. In another example, the bleed and spin phases are controlled so that some of the pre-wash mix is ejected from the wash and sump 1858 is maintained to the subsequent wash cycle 1910 to be reapplied. This may be desirable if the pre-wash mixture contains a dye absorber so that it is again applied to the laundry - for example, in a part of the wash cycle 1910 by, for example, applying mechanical energy to the laundry to facilitate suppressing a dye transfer event.

The 34 shows diagrammatically a horizontal axis washing machine 2050 similar to the washing machine 450 of the 10 except that the washing machine 2050 with an optional heater 2098 is shown as above to the washing machine 1850 of the 29 described. The elements of the washing machine 2050 similar to those of the washing machine 450 match, are the same, um 2000 denoted by reference numerals. Only the elements necessary for understanding the embodiments of the invention are shown; can be seen that the washing machine 2050 without departing from the scope of the invention may include other elements, as they have conventional washing machines. The washing machine 2050 is applicable to the program 1900 of the 30 perform in a similar manner, as above by means of a vertical axis washing machine 1850 of the 29 is described. The 35 shows a method 2100 for the delivery of treatment chemistry, the 1908 of the program 1900 of the 30 can be used to wash the laundry in the treatment chamber 2062 of the washing machine 2050 to supply with a Vorwaschgemisch. The pre-wash mixture is after one of the above at 1906 of the program 1900 described method to produce the laundry in the treatment chamber 2062 to provide a predetermined amount of fabric softener. While the procedure 2100 is described in the context of a supply of Vorwaschgemischs, it will be appreciated that it is also suitable for supplying any suitable treatment chemistry to the laundry. The procedure 2100 settles with the program 1900 or any other program in which the laundry is treated. The procedure 2100 can be realized to provide fabric softener evenly distributed under restrictive liquor volume and time conditions.

As in 35 shown, the procedure can 2100 with the turning of the drum 2060 at a first Anhaftdrehzahl at 2102 begin to wet without washing the laundry to a Waschgutring in the drum 2060 train. It is in Considered that in the treatment chamber 2062 stuffed laundry is dry; when filling in the treatment chamber 2062 but it can also be wet. The non-wetting when forming the ring 2102 means that when forming the ring no liquid is applied to the laundry, but not that the laundry can not be wet for another reason. Turning the drum 2060 the first sticking speed without wetting the laundry may facilitate the formation of a balanced batch distribution throughout the course of the program 2100 remains balanced. The ring forms while, due to the centrifugal forces experienced by the charge, when it revolves at a speed at which the centrifugal force is generally higher than a gravity, or 1G, the articles to be washed are at the edge of the drum 2060 move. at 2104 the laundry is wettable by spraying treatment chemistry - eg. The pre-wash mixture - in the treatment chamber 2062 while the drum 2060 still revolves with the first sticking speed. When circulating at the first sticking speed, the laundry articles do not move relative to each other and remain substantially on the inner wall surface of the drum 2060 adhere, forming the ring. In this way, the fabric surfaces forming the inner surface of the ring are the pre-wash mixture from the spray device 2074 exposed.

In 35 can the procedure 2100 start with the drum 2060 with a first sticking speed at 2102 to rotate without wetting the laundry to a washing ring in the drum 2060 train. Even if it is considered that in the treatment chamber 2062 Placed laundry is dry, there is a possibility that it is wet when in the treatment chamber 2062 is introduced. The absence of wetting during the formation of the ring 2102 means that liquid is not applied during the formation of the ring, but does not mean that the laundry is not already wet for another reason. The rotation of the drum 2060 the first adhesion rate without wetting the laundry may facilitate the formation of a balanced load distribution throughout the period 2100 preserved. The ring is formed while the laundry is at the periphery of the drum 2060 in view of the centrifugal forces experienced by the wash load as it rotates at a speed at which the centrifugal force is substantially greater than the gravitational force, or 1G. at 2104 For example, the laundry may be wetted by spraying treating chemistry, such as a pre-wash mix, through the spray nozzle 2074 in the treatment chamber 2062 while the drum 2060 still rotated with the first sticking speed. Upon rotation with the first sticking rate, the laundry items do not move relative to each other and remain on the inner wall of the drum 2060 stick and form the ring. In this way, the fabric surface forming the inner surface of the ring is exposed to the pre-wash mixture coming from the spray nozzle 2074 is sprayed.

However, at the first sticking speed at which the washcloth ring can form, a first centrifugal force which is insufficient to spin off the liquor entrained by the laundry in an amount high enough to cause the pump to act 2076 to suffice. As the term is used herein, "satisfying" a pump means providing a quantity of fluid at such a rate of time that the pump runs dry 2076 in which this air sucks, a predetermined threshold is sufficient. This condition of the pump 2076 can be detected by monitoring the pump 2076 drawn current, their working noise or their speed. A convenient method to determine that the pump 2076 does not dry, is in the swamp 2058 Provide water in a predetermined amount or with a predetermined level. The finding that something is "sufficient" for the pump should therefore mean that the variation fulfills a predetermined threshold value - eg equal to, less than or greater than this, which in this case may correspond to an undersupply in terms of quantity or throughput. It can be seen that such a statement can easily be changed in the sense of being fulfilled by a positive / negative or a true / false comparison. For example. For example, a smaller than threshold can be easily accomplished by using a greater-than-test when the data is numerically inverted.

It is determined that the pump 2076 is undersupplied, the wheel speed can be lowered by turning the engine 2066 Brakes and / or absteuert to reduce its speed and at 2106 the drum 2060 to slow down to a redistribution speed, without the drum 2060 to bring to a standstill. The redistribution speed may correspond to a speed at which the Waschgutring, the at 2104 partially wetted, redistributed and the pump 2076 does not run dry. Redistributing the batch may be revolving, rolling, and / or slipping the laundry lot in whole or in part. In most cases, the speed of the drum needs 2060 only enough to drop that at least a portion, but preferably all items of the laundry lot undergo a centrifugal force below 1G, allowing them to redistribute. While the drum 2060 This may not necessarily be brought to a standstill and / or reversed to achieve redistribution. From the point of view of the duration of the program as a whole, the drum is preferred 2060 do not steer to a standstill.

After expiration of a predetermined interval after the rotation of the drum 2060 with the redistribution speed, the drum leaves 2060 join in 2108 accelerate to a second sticking speed which is higher than the first. The second sticking speed may correspond to a speed at which a second centrifugal force acts on the laundry, sufficient to eject liquid carried by the laundry in such an amount and at such a rate of time as to cause the pump 2076 does not run dry. When turning the drum 2060 becomes from the laundry batch ejected liquor from the pump 2076 attributed to the laundry to it at 2110 continue to wet.

In one example, turning the drum can be 2060 with the second sticking speed and the return of the liquor 2110 be executed for a predetermined period. Towards the end of this interval, the speed of the drum 2060 be lowered until the pump 2076 no longer enough liquor with sufficient pressure to the spray device 2074 to deliver them through the spray device, or until the speed of the drum 2060 reaches a value at which the centrifugal forces are no longer sufficient to extract liquor from the laundry in a quantity and with a throughput of time, that of the pump 2074 suffice. Alternatively, the drum speed may be decreased until a predetermined drum speed is reached or a predetermined duration has elapsed or in the sump 2058 a fleet level meets a predetermined threshold. In this way, the amount of float applied to the laundry can be increased and takes in the sump 2058 remaining quantity of float.

In an exemplary embodiment, the first centrifugal force corresponds to a 23 inch (584 mm) diameter drum which rotates at a first stick speed of 250 rpm; the second centrifugal force corresponds to a same drum revolving at a second sticking speed of 350 rpm.

The the treatment chamber 2062 Flooded amount supplied to the flooding can be added to the amount of laundry in the treatment chamber 2062 be limited based. In one example, this is the treatment chamber 2062 supplied maximum quantity of float for a laundry load of 4 lbs. (1.8 kg) or less 1.75 gallons (6.62 l) for a 8 lb laundry lot. (3.6 kg) or less, but more than 4 lbs. (1.8 kg) 2.27 gallons (8.6 l) or 2.9 gallons (11 l) for a 12 lb laundry lot. (5.4 kg) or less, but more than 8 lbs. (3.6 kg).

As above for the pre-wash 1904 of the program 1900 to 30 described, the circulated pre-wash mixture can be sprayed onto the laundry with one or more spray devices. A single spraying device 2074 can be used to spray the pre-wash on a predetermined portion of the laundry, which enters a spray zone corresponding to this spray zone. The spraying zone may be that region which the liquor from the spraying device 2074 contacted directly. The spraying device 2074 can be executed, only a part of the treatment chamber 2062 cover, and the laundry can be turned to the in the sprayer 2074 covered part of the treatment chamber 2062 einzulaufen. In another example, the spray device 2074 be executed, the entire treatment chamber 2062 cover so that all exposed surfaces of the WGs in the treatment chamber 2062 be contacted by the liquor from the spray device, without the drum 2060 to turn. In yet another example, the washing machine 2050 Several sprayers contain multiple areas of the treatment chamber 2062 cover with a single spray.

Optionally, the supply of Vorwaschgemischs at 1908 in program 1900 also involve the application of heat to the laundry. In one example, by means of heating 2098 Warm air can be applied to the laundry after it has been treated with the pre-wash mixture. The application of warm air may serve to bring the temperature of the laundry to a predetermined value, preferably below the setting temperature of blood, in order to prevent the setting of bluffing licks in the laundry articles. The hot air is the treatment chamber 2062 with or without moving the laundry - for example, by turning the drum 2054 - deliverable.

Unless previously described, the various features and structures of the various embodiments may be used in combination with one another as desired. For example. let the processes 10 . 100 . 120 . 150 . 200 . 206 . 212 . 300 . 500 . 550 . 600 . 650 . 700 . 710 . 800 . 850 . 1000 . 1020 . 1050 . 1300 . 1500 . 1600 . 1700 . 1900 . 1950 or 2100 completely or partially combine with each other and with any of the devices 50 . 450 . 1100 . 1850 , or 2050 as described herein or with any other suitable device not expressly described herein. That a particular feature is not shown in all embodiments, may not be construed as if this was not possible, but for the sake of brevity of description. Thus, the various features of the various embodiments can be mixed as desired and adapted to each other to form new embodiments, namely regardless of whether the new embodiments are expressly disclosed or not.

While the invention has been particularly described in connection with certain embodiments, it will be understood that this has been done by way of illustration, not limitation. Within the scope of the foregoing disclosure and drawings, meaningful variations and modifications are possible without departing from the spirit of the invention as defined in the appended claims.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

12

Vornetzgang

14

Vorwaschgang

16

Hauptwaschgang

18

Spülgang

20

Schleudergang

22

Chargengrößenermittlung

24

Zwischenphase

Fig. 4

102

Beginn Zufuhr von Behandlungsflüssigkeit zum Waschgut

104

Beginn Trommelumlauf gem. Chargenermittlungsverfahren

106

Weitere Zufuhr von Behandlungsflüssigkeit zum Waschgut

108

Ende Chargengrößenermittlung

110

Ende Zufuhr von Behandlungsflüssigkeit zum Waschgut

Fig. 5

122

Farbstoff-Fixativ-Lösung herstellen

124

1. Teil der Farbstoff-Fixativ-Lösung auf vorbenetzte Waschgutoberfläche auftragen

126

Rest der Farbstoff-Fixativ-Lösung auf vorbenetzte Waschgutoberfläche auftragen, Trommel drehen

Fig. 8

24

Zwischenphase

202

Ablassen

204

Schleudern

208

Fixativ ausfiltern

210

Gefilterte Flotte auftragen

214

Frisches Wasser zuführen

To Main ...

Zum Hauptwaschgang 16 des Programms 10

Fig. 9

302

1. Spülgang

304

2. Spülgang

306

Letzter Spülgang mit Farbstoff-Absorber

308

Schnellspülgang

310

Hauptwaschgang

Fig. 10

Cold

Kaltwasser

Hot

Heißwasser

Fig. 11

502

1. Teil der Beh.-Chemie in 1. Programmphase zuführen

504

2. Teil der Beh.-Chemie in 2. Programmphase zuführen

506

n-ten Teil der Beh.-Chemie in n-ter Programmphase zuführen

508

Programm ohne weitere Chem.-Zufuhr beenden

Fig. 12

Ord

Farbstoff-Fixativ-Konzentration (g/l)

Abs

Proben (in zeitlicher Reihenfolge)

Fig. 13

554

Absorption/Fluoreszenz-Eigenschaften des Farbstoff-Absorbers ermitteln

556

Absorption/Fluoreszenz-Eigenschaften der Behandlungsflotte ermitteln

558

Erfüllt Abs.-/Fluor.-Eigenschaft den Schwellenwert?

560

Programm ohne weitere Zufuhr von Farbstoff-Absorber fortsetzen

562

Weiteren Farbstoff-Absorber selbsttätig zugeben

564

Rückmeldung/Aufforderung an Benutzer

No

Nein

Option

Option

Supply Initial ...

Anfangsdosis Farbstoff-Absorber zuführen

Yes

Ja

Fig. 14

Ord

Absorption

Abs

Wellenlänge (nm)

Fig. 15

602

Waschgut mit Flotte behandeln

604

Flotte ausschleudern

606

Waschgut mit Farbstoff-Absorber behandeln

608

Behandlungsflotte ausschleudern

610

Spülgang beenden

Fig. 16

652

Waschgut mit Farbstoffhemmer-Lösung behandeln

654

Waschgut mit Waschflotte behandeln

656

Waschgut erneut mit Farbstoffhemmer-Lösung behandeln

Fig. 17A

702

Farbstoff-Fixativ verteilen

704

Elektrostatische Anziehung Fixativ/Stoffoberfläche verstärken

706

Farbstoff-Fixativ entfernen

Fig. 17B

712

Waschgut mit Flotte mit 1. pH behandeln, bei dem das Farbstoff-Fixativ minimal geladen ist

714

pH der Beh.-Flotte so auf 2. pH senken, dass Farbstoff-Fixativ geladen wird

716

Waschgut in Flotte mit pH < 1. pH waschen

718

Waschgut mit Flotte bei pH ≥ 1. pH behandeln

720

Fertigspülen bei pH ≤ 7

Fig. 18

802

Farbst.-Fixativ-Schicht mit 1. Oberflächenladung herstellen

804

Oberflächenladung der Farbstoff-Fixativ-Schicht modifizieren

806

Waschgut mit Waschflotte behandeln

Fig. 19

852

Waschgut vorbenetzen

854

Waschgut mit kationischem Farbstoff-Fixativ behandeln

856

Freies kationisches Farbstoff-Fixativ entfernen

858

Waschgut mit ladungmodifizierendem Wirkstoff behandeln

860

Freien ladungsmod. Wirkstoff beseitigen

862

Weiter zur nächsten Programmphase

Fig. 20

1002

Eingabe über neuen Artikel empfangen

1004

Behandlung gem. Programm ”Neues Bekleidungsstück” ausführen

1006

Wasch- und/oder Spülgang gem. ausgew. Programm modifizieren

1008

Rückmeldung an den Benutzer

Fig. 21

1022

Eingabe zu neuem Waschgutartikel empfangen

1024

Farbübertraghemmer

1026

Waschgut gem. modifiziertem Waschgang waschen

1028

Waschgut spülen

1030

Farbstoff in Spülflotte ermitteln

1032

Liegt Farbstoff vor?

1034

Dem Benutzer melden, dass Bekleid.-Stück in Misch-chargen waschbar ist

1036

Farbstoff liegt > n-mal vor?

1038

Programm abschließen

1040

Dem Benutzer melden, dass Bekleid.-Stück nicht in Mischchargen gewaschen werden sollte

1042

Farbstoff-fixativ zuführen

No

Nein

Yes

Ja

Fig. 22

1052

Eingabe über neuen Artikel empfangen

1054

1. Behandlungsmittel zuführen

1056

Hauptwaschgang

1058

2. Behandlungsmittel zuführen

1060

3. Behandlungsmittel zuführen

1062

Spülgang

1064

Dem Benutzer melden, dass Artikel behandelt wurde, und/oder weitere Pflegeanweisungen

Fig. 24

Communicator

Signalübertragungseinheit

CPU

Zentralprozessor

Fuse

Sicherung

Memory

Speicher

P

Pumpe

S

Sensor

UI

Benutzerschnittstelle

Fig. 25

1302

Anzeige eines Farbübertrags empfangen

1304

Programm zum Behandeln eines Farbübertrags ausführen

Fig. 26

1502

Farbübertrag-Ereignis ermitteln

1504

Informationen zum Farbübertrag-Ereignis an Trockner übermitteln

1506

Trockenprogramm gem. Farbübertrag-Informationen ausführen

Fig. 27

1602

Waschgut vorbenetzen

1604

Waschgut mit Flotte behandeln, deren Netzmittelkonzentration über dem CMC-Wert liegt

1606

Netzmittelkonzentration senken, falls vorbestimmte Menge über CMC-Wert liegt

1608

Programm fortsetzen

Fig. 28

1702

Waschgang mit Heißwasser und basischem pH

1704

Spülgang

1706

Programm beenden

1708

Farbstoff-Fixativ in Waschflotte?

1710

Farbstoff-Fixativ in Spülflotte?

No

Nein

Yes

Ja

Fig. 30

1902

Chargengrößenermittlung

1904

Vorwaschgang

1906

Vorwaschgemisch herstellen

1908

Vorwaschgemisch zuführen

1910

Waschgang

1912

Waschgemisch herstellen

1914

Waschgemisch zuführen

1916

Mechanische Energie aufbringen

Fig. 31

1952

Sumpf ablassen

1954

Bis wl_max füllen

1956

Umflottieren und Trommeldrehung starten

1958a

wl > 0,5?

1958b

wl < 10?

1960

Umflottieren stoppen

1962

wl < 10?

1964

Umflottieren starten

1966

Füllen stoppen

1968

t_0 = Zeit

1970

Zeit – t_0 < 30?

1972

wl < os – ts·(Zeit – t_0)?

1974

Umflottieren stoppen

1976

Auffüll- und Grenzparameter für nächsten Schleifendurchlauf berechnen

1978

Füllen starten

1980

wl < Auffüllung?

1982

Zeit – t_0 < 90?

1984

Umflottieren & Trommelumlauf stoppen, ablassen

1986

Programm beenden

1988

wl < 0,5?

1990

Zeit – t_0 < 80?

1992

5 s lang füllen

Fig. 32A, B

Ord

Flottestand im Sumpf

Abs

Zeit

Fill

Füllen

Large

... Große Charge

Small

... Kleine Charge

Fig. 33

Ord

Flottestand im Sumpf

Abs

Zeit

Lower

... Untergrenze

Refill ...

Auffüllniveau

Fig. 35

2102

Waschgutring ausbilden

2104

Waschgut benetzen, Trommelumlauf mit 1. Anhaftdrehzahl

2106

Trommelumlauf mit Umverteilungsdrehzahl

2108

Trommelumlauf mit 2. Anhaftdrehzahl

2110

Flotte rückführen

Fig. 1

12

Vornetzgang

14

prewash

16

Main wash

18

rinse

20

spin

22

Batch size determination

24

interphase

Fig. 4

102

Start supply of treatment liquid to the laundry

104

Start of drum circulation acc. charge investigation

106

Further supply of treatment liquid to the laundry

108

End batch size determination

110

End supply of treatment liquid to the laundry

Fig. 5

122

Produce dye fixative solution

124

1. Apply Part of Dye Fixative Solution to pre-wetted washware surface

126

Apply the remainder of the dye fixative solution to the pre-wetted surface of the washware, turn the drum

Fig. 8

24

interphase

202

drain

204

fling

208

Filter out fixatively

210

Apply filtered liquor

214

Add fresh water

To Main ...

To the main wash 16 of the program 10

Fig. 9

302

1st rinse

304

2nd rinse

306

Last rinse with dye absorber

308

Schnellspülgang

310

Main wash

Fig. 10

Cold

cold water

Hot

hot water

Fig. 11

502

1. Feed part of Beh.-Chemie into the 1st program phase

504

2. Feed part of Beh.-Chemie into the 2nd program phase

506

nth part of the Beh.-Chemie in the nth program phase

508

End the program without further chemical supply

Fig. 12

Ord

Dye fixative concentration (g / l)

Section

Samples (in chronological order)

Fig. 13

554

Determine absorption / fluorescence properties of the dye absorber

556

Determine absorption / fluorescence properties of the treatment liquor

558

Does Abs / Fluor property meet the threshold?

560

Continue the program without further addition of dye absorber

562

Add more dye absorber automatically

564

Feedback / request to user

No

No

option

option

Supply Initial ...

Initiate dose of dye absorber

Yes

Yes

Fig. 14

Ord

absorption

Section

Wavelength (nm)

Fig. 15

602

Wash laundry with liquor

604

Fling fleet

606

Treat laundry with dye absorber

608

Eject treatment liquor

610

Finish the rinse

Fig. 16

652

Wash laundry with dye inhibitor solution

654

Wash laundry with wash liquor

656

Wash the laundry again with dye inhibitor solution

Fig. 17A

702

Distribute dye fixative

704

Electrostatic attraction fixative / reinforce fabric surface

706

Remove dye fixative

Fig. 17B

712

Wash laundry with a pH-1 stock at which the dye fixative is minimally charged

714

Lower the pH of the container liquor to pH 2 in such a way that the dye fixative is loaded

716

Wash laundry in liquor with pH <1. PH

718

Wash laundry with liquor at pH ≥ 1. pH

720

Ready-to-wash at pH ≤ 7

Fig. 18

802

Prepare dye fixative layer with 1st surface charge

804

Modify surface charge of the dye-fixative layer

806

Wash laundry with wash liquor

Fig. 19

852

Prewash laundry

854

Treat laundry with cationic dye fixative

856

Remove free cationic dye fixative

858

Treat laundry with charge-modifying agent

860

Free charge mod. Remove active ingredient

862

Continue to the next program phase

Fig. 20

1002

Receive input via new article

1004

Treatment acc. Run program "New garment"

1006

Washing and / or rinsing acc. ausgew. Modify the program

1008

Feedback to the user

Fig. 21

1022

Receive input to new laundry item

1024

Color transfer inhibitors

1026

Laundry acc. wash in a modified wash cycle

1028

Wash laundry

1030

Determine dye in rinse liquor

1032

Is there dye?

1034

Report the user that garment is washable in mixed batches

1036

Dye is> n times before?

1038

Complete the program

1040

Notify the user that garment pieces should not be washed in mixed batches

1042

Add dye fixative

No

No

Yes

Yes

Fig. 22

1052

Receive input via new article

1054

1. Add treatment

1056

Main wash

1058

2. Add treatment

1060

3. Add treatment

1062

rinse

1064

Report the user that the item has been treated, and / or other maintenance instructions

Fig. 24

Communicator

Signal transmission unit

CPU

central processor

Fuse

fuse

Memory

Storage

P

pump

S

sensor

UI

User interface

Fig. 25

1302

Display of a color transmission received

1304

Execute a program to handle a color transfer

Fig. 26

1502

Determine the color transfer event

1504

Provide information about the ink transfer event to the dryer

1506

Drying program acc. Perform color transfer information

Fig. 27

1602

Prewash laundry

1604

Wash laundry with a liquor whose wetting agent concentration is above the CMC value

1606

Lower wetting agent concentration if predetermined amount is above CMC value

1608

Continue the program

Fig. 28

1702

Wash with hot water and basic pH

1704

rinse

1706

exit program

1708

Dye fixative in wash liquor?

1710

Dye fixative in rinse liquor?

No

No

Yes

Yes

Fig. 30

1902

Batch size determination

1904

prewash

1906

Prepare pre-wash mixture

1908

Add pre-wash mixture

1910

wash

1912

Prepare washing mixture

1914

Add washing mixture

1916

Apply mechanical energy

Fig. 31

1952

Drain the sump

1954

Fill to wl _max

1956

Float and start drum rotation

1958a

wl> 0.5?

1958b

wl <10?

1960

Stop flooding

1962

wl <10?

1964

Start flooding

1966

Stop filling

1968

t_0 = time

1970

Time - t_0 <30?

1972

wl <os - ts · (time - t_0)?

1974

Stop flooding

1976

Calculate padding and boundary parameters for the next loop pass

1978

Start filling

1980

wl <replenishment?

1982

Time - t_0 <90?

1984

Flood & drum circulation stop, drain

1986

exit program

1988

wl <0.5?

1990

Time - t_0 <80?

1992

Fill for 5 s

Fig. 32A, B

Ord

Fleet stand in the swamp

Section

Time

fill

To fill

large

... big batch

small

... small batch

Fig. 33

Ord

Fleet stand in the swamp

Section

Time

Lower

... lower limit

Refill ...

Auffüllniveau

Fig. 35

2102

Training Waschgutring

2104

Wet laundry, drum circulation with 1st adhesion speed

2106

Drum circulation with redistribution speed

2108

Drum circulation with 2nd adhesion speed

2110

Return the fleet

QUOTES INCLUDE IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list of the documents listed by the applicant has been generated automatically and is included solely for the better information of the reader. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions.

Cited patent literature

• US 61/793369 [0001]
• US 61/822750 [0001]
• US 8196441 [0067]
• US 8388695 [0067]
• US 8397328 [0067]
• US 2010/0000581 [0067]
• US 2010/0000264 [0067]
• US 8397544 [0067]
• US 8438881 [0067]
• US 2011/0247148 [0085, 0087]
• US 8176798 [0085]
• US 8381569 [0085]
• US 8166590 [0085]
• US 8215134 [0085]
• US 2013/0026046 [0195]

Claims (29)

A work program for reduced dye transfer in a laundry treating appliance having a treatment chamber for receiving laundry, characterized by: a Vornetzgang, in which the treatment chamber liquid is supplied in an amount sufficient for wetting the laundry in the treatment chamber; a wash cycle in which a cleaning agent comprising at least one wetting agent is supplied to the treatment chamber; a rinse following the wash cycle, in which rinse liquid is supplied to the treatment chamber for rinsing the detergent from the laundry; a dye fixative phase in which the treatment chamber is supplied with a dye fixative such that it reaches the laundry before the detergent; a first dye-absorber phase in which the treatment chamber, a first dye absorber is supplied such that it reaches the laundry before the at least one wetting agent; and a second dye-absorber phase in which a second dye absorber is supplied to the treatment chamber such that it reaches the laundry after the at least one wetting agent. Work program according to claim 1, characterized in that the wash cycle precedes the dye-fixative phase. Work program according to claim 2, characterized in that the dye-fixative phase takes place simultaneously with or after the Vornetzgang. Work program according to claim 3, characterized in that the first dye-absorber phase precedes the wash cycle or takes place simultaneously with it. Work program according to claim 4, characterized in that the second dye-absorber phase takes place after the rinse cycle or simultaneously with it. Work program according to claim 1, characterized in that the dye-fixative phase is carried out simultaneously with the Vornetzgang, the first dye-absorber phase before the wash cycle and the second dye-absorber phase simultaneously with the rinse cycle. Work program according to claim 1, characterized in that there is further provided a batch size determination phase in which a determination of a laundry quantity takes place in the treatment chamber. A work program according to claim 7, characterized in that the batch size determination phase includes determining an inertial batch size with rotation of the processing chamber during the pre-entry cycle. Work program according to claim 8, characterized in that the amount of at least the dye fixative or the first dye absorber or the second dye absorber is set on the basis of the determined batch size. Work program according to claim 1, characterized in that the dye fixative comprises a softener. Work program according to claim 1, characterized in that the first and the second dye absorber are the same. Work program according to claim 1, characterized in that there are several, successive rinses. Work program according to claim 12, characterized in that the second dye-absorber phase takes place simultaneously with at least the last of the successive rinsing phases. Work program according to claim 13, characterized in that furthermore a second dye-absorber phase is provided for each of the successive rinses. Work program according to claim 1, characterized in that there is further provided a discharge phase in which liquor is discharged from the treatment chamber. Work program according to claim 15, characterized in that the discharge phase takes place after at least either the Vornetz- or the washing or the rinse cycle. Work program according to claim 15, characterized in that the liquor has a dye fixative and is passed through a filter to separate the dye fixative from the liquor. Work program according to claim 17, characterized in that the filtered liquor is returned to the treatment chamber. Work program according to claim 18, characterized in that the drain, filter and return step are repeated at least once. Work program according to claim 1, characterized in that the dye-fixative phase involves introducing dye fixative-containing liquid into the treatment chamber. Work program according to claim 1, characterized in that the rinsing liquid comprises water. Work program according to claim 1, characterized in that further comprises a spin cycle is provided to remove liquid from the laundry. Work program according to claim 22, characterized in that the spin cycle takes place after at least either the Vornetz- or the washing or the rinse cycle. Work program according to claim 22, characterized in that further at least after or before the spin cycle or both of the treatment chamber fresh water is supplied from a water connection. Work program according to claim 24, characterized in that further the supply of fresh water from a water connection and the spin cycle are repeated at least once. Work program according to claim 1, characterized in that the Vornetzgang includes supplying the treatment chamber liquid in an amount sufficient to wet the laundry, but it does not saturate. Work program according to claim 1, characterized in that the cleaning agent is free of anionic wetting agents or of non-sulfate-based anionic wetting agents. Work program according to claim 1, characterized in that an amount of at least the dye fixative or the first dye absorber or the second dye absorber due to a Waschgutrmenge or one of the treatment chamber to be supplied liquid volume or amount of at least the dye fixative or the first dye absorber or the second dye absorber provided to an output system of the laundry treating appliance. Work program according to claim 1, characterized in that the dye fixative, a polymer having cationic functional groups from the group of primary, secondary and tertiary amines and their salts, the quaternary ammonium and phosphonium salts such as polydiallyldimethylammonium chloride (DADMAAC) and poly (acrylamide-co diallylmethylammonium chloride), polyacrylamide and polyethylenimine, which are polymers, monomers or wetting agents selected from the group consisting of cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB), cetylpyridinium bromide (CPB) and diallyldimethylammonium chloride (DADMAAC) or combinations thereof.

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