EA022523B1 - Method for treating laundry using ozone in a washing machine at low temperature and washing machine suitable for said method - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a method for treating laundry (7) using ozone in a washing machine, which comprises a suds container (1), a drum (2) rotatably supported in the suds container (1) for accommodating the laundry (7) to be treated with ozone, and a device (20) for providing ozone, wherein ozone-containing air at a temperature of no more than 35°C is introduced into the drum (2) onto washed laundry (7) that is in the drum (2) and that is still damp, while substantially no detergents or washing additives are in the drum (2), and wherein subsequently a rinsing process is carried out for the laundry (7) in the drum (2). The invention further relates to a washing machine that is especially suitable for said method.

Description

The invention relates to a method for treating laundry in a washing machine at a low temperature, as well as to a washing machine for performing said method. In particular, the invention relates to a method for treating laundry at low temperature using ozone.

The level of technology

Recently there has been a tendency to wash clothes at low temperatures. This is also facilitated by the market offer of specially designed detergents operating at low temperatures. However, experience shows that when the washing temperature decreases, the hygienic effect of the detergent decreases, that is, its ability to destroy potentially harmful microorganisms decreases. Conventional bleaching agents that can reduce the number of microorganisms, at temperatures below 30 ° C, are highly inert or even completely ineffective. However, special enzyme components are offered on the market. They are somewhat effective, but expensive and often unstable during storage.

Therefore, some washing machines are equipped with electrochemical generators of bleaching agents, for example, titanium-iridium electrodes for the formation of chlorine-containing bleaching solution from water containing salt or silver electrodes for the formation of silver ions. In addition, there is a known method of preparing or disinfecting water using boron doped diamond electrodes, which involves the creation of hydroxyl radicals, which are effective whitening agents, directly from water.

However, these methods have disadvantages. Thus, hydroxyl radicals are relatively quickly destroyed and require constant replenishment. Silver ions in water quickly react with other components to form insoluble compounds. In addition, heavy metals fall into the wastewater, and sediments may be deposited on the laundry. Chlorine-containing bleaching solution imparts a pronounced chlorine odor to the laundry treated with it.

From the prior art it is also known the use of ozone to eliminate odor and, in General, for disinfection of household appliances. Ozone is one of the most powerful oxidizing agents and is used on an industrial scale, for example, in the paper industry as an effective and environmentally friendly bleach. In addition, ozone is used in the industrial processing of linen in order to bleach and disinfect textiles. The advantage of ozone is that it does not form environmentally harmful reaction products and decomposes without residue during use. The disadvantage is the lack of storage stability, as a result of which ozone always has to be generated just before its use.

Recently, the use of ozone in household appliances, in particular, in washing machines or in other laundry care appliances, has become more frequent. Ozone is not only a powerful disinfectant, but also in conjunction with a detergent or care product used in a home appliance, it can cause quick and complex reactions that can lead to an increase in the effectiveness of care or cleaning.

In patent application νθ 2007/143785 A1 describes a system and device for the introduction of ozone into the washing machine. The system comprises a first pipeline intended for the introduction of ozone and leading from the device for producing ozone to the inlet for the washing liquid, and the second pipeline intended for diverting ozone to the region above the washing chamber. A Venturi nozzle is used to introduce ozone and to mix it with the washing liquid. At the same time, the Venturi nozzle is functionally connected to the washing liquid inlet devices, which makes it possible to add ozone to the washing liquid during its introduction into the tank for washing solution.

In patent application νθ 2008/119631 A1 described washing machine, in which microorganisms present in the device for distribution of detergent, that is, in the flush tray, are eliminated by the direct introduction of ozone from the ozone generator in the flush tray. In one embodiment, water is introduced into the flush tray at the same time as ozone, that is, a mixture of ozone and water passes through the flush tray. Due to this, the possibility of volatilization of ozone from the washing machine is minimized.

In patent application I8 2008/0302139 A1 describes a tunnel washing machine, which contains several zones for washing clothes in a continuous manner, two ozone injection points, a water circuit, a connecting water inlet and an water outlet, and the water circuit contains a water tank and Venturi nozzle designed to dissolve ozone in water, as well as an ozone generator. Negative pressure or vacuum can be created in a tunnel washing machine with an ozone removal device, which helps prevent ozone leakage. A blower can be used to create negative pressure. Excessive or leaking ozone can be transformed in a device for the removal of ozone into ordinary oxygen by catalysis.

Patent application I8 2006/0096038 A1 describes a system for monitoring ozone and controlling the supply of ozone to a washing machine. The ozone sensor detects the excess of the specified limit ozone concentration, after which the ozone generator shuts off until the ozone concentration drops below

- 1 022523 of this limit value. Ozone removal is not provided.

Patent application no. 3232057 A1 describes a machine for cleaning laundry, dishes or similar items, which contains a tank for storing a cleaning agent and an ozone generator, to the outlet of which a supply line for ozone is fed to the cleaning agent for ozonation. In one embodiment, an exhaust duct and an ozone removal device, which is a heating coil, are attached to the storage tank. FIG. 1 shows a washing machine, in which the ozone generator contains a compressor that supplies ozone under the required increased pressure to the storage tank. The bypass serves as an exhaust pipe through which air generated above the level of the cleaning agent at low pressure can escape. In this case, the bypass can be equipped with a heating device that is heated to a temperature at which residual ozone contained in the air is destroyed before the air enters the environment. Instead, an activated carbon filter can be installed, for example.

Patent application no. 102008024 322 A1 describes a dishwasher with a washing chamber, a pipeline for supplying washing fluid to the washing chamber and an ozone generator with air supply, which is connected to a nozzle designed to mix the ozone and air mixture produced by it with clean wash water.

The patent application νθ 2008/000813 A1 describes a washing machine with an ozone generator, which is turned on after the laundry has been washed. After that, ozone is introduced into the washing drum without being mixed with wash water. In this embodiment, underwear during the introduction of ozone still remains in the drum, and the drum rotates during the introduction of ozone to the left and to the right.

Given the high reactivity of ozone, for the effective use of ozone, it is important that it is introduced at the right time and does not cause unwanted chemical reactions. In addition, the solubility of ozone in water is relatively small.

Patent application no. 10103905 A1 describes an apparatus and method for drying laundry using a laundry receiving tank, a blowing device for providing air flow, a heating device for heating the passing air and a central control unit, the air supplied to the laundry to be dried is mixed with ozone.

Patent application CH 687030 A5 describes a device for removing moisture from textiles, which contains a perforated drum, which can be driven by the engine in rotation around its own axis and is designed to receive products from which moisture is removed, and the drum is installed in an open-top tank with a drain for fluid withdrawn from the products, and a heating blower device is provided, which during operation of the device described in this application can direct a stream of heated air into the rotating I'm a drum. Thus, it additionally and significantly enhances the effect of moisture removal in comparison with a conventional centrifuge for pressing laundry. An ozone lamp may be provided to enrich the flow of warm air into the drum with ozone. Thus, the treated products can be disinfected simultaneously with the removal of moisture.

In patent application EP 1980660 A1, a washing machine is described which comprises a working tank for receiving, washing and centrifuging the taken laundry, an ozone-generating means, a means for supplying the generated ozone to the treatment tank or duct, an air wash switch and / or a mold control system, a control means to perform air washing and / or mold control properly when operating ozone-generating agents, dispensing agents and, if necessary, a blower device in response to shutdown commands ator. Here, air washing is understood to mean sterilization or deodorization of laundry using air containing ozone instead of water. Preferably, the ozone is activated by heating in order to increase the efficiency of sterilization or deodorization.

Patent application EP 1932962 A1 describes a drying machine with a working tank in which garments are dried, a blower device in a drying air channel, and an ozone generator located outside the drying air channel for generating ozone from the air pumped from the environment and supplying this ozone to release. In this embodiment, the outlet is connected to that part of the drying air duct, which is located upstream of the blower device. An ozone supply control device may be provided, which supplies the ozone produced by the ozone generator to the working tank only when the unit determining the degree of dryness shows a certain degree of dryness. In the described drying machine, an ozone generator and an ozone supply control device are provided that delivers the generated ozone during the stage of moisture removal to the working tank.

In patent application νθ 2010/003944 A1 describes a washing machine that contains a tank in which the washing process is performed, a drum located in the tank and moving linen placed therein, and an ozone generator producing ozone and feeding it into the tank through an opening in the tank The ozone generator supplies ozone to the tank only during the centrifuging and drying process, during which the drum rotates at high speed. Since ozone is supplied only during the centrifuging and drying process, but not during the main washing process, ozone cannot affect the chemical composition of the detergent used.

DISCLOSURE OF INVENTION

Thus, the object of the invention is to develop a method for treating laundry in a washing machine that will allow the use of ozone in a very efficient manner. In addition, the object of the invention is to develop a washing machine for implementing this method.

The objective of the invention is solved by a method and a washing machine, characterized by the features disclosed in the respective independent claims. Preferred embodiments of the invention are described in the respective dependent claims. The preferred variants of the method described by the invention correspond to the preferred embodiments of the washing machine described by the invention, even if in each case there are no explicit indications.

Thus, the proposed invention describes a method of treating linen using ozone, carried out in a washing machine with a tank for washing solution, a drum mounted in a tank for rotation and intended to accommodate the linen to be treated with ozone, and with a device for generating ozone, and in the drum, the washed and still wet laundry is treated with ozone contained in the air, which is fed into the drum at a temperature of not more than 35 ° C, in particular, not more than 30 ° C, when the drum is substantially no detergent or detergent auxiliary, and then carry out rinsing of laundry in the drum.

The ozone generation device may be, in particular, an ozone generator or an access opening or reservoir for temporary storage of ozone-containing air.

According to the proposed method, after treating the laundry in the drum with ozone, rinsing of this laundry is performed, during which the laundry is washed again with clean water, and possible ozone residues can be removed both from the laundry and from the air remaining in the washing tank.

According to the proposed method, ozone-containing air is preferably introduced into the drum after the penultimate rinsing of the laundry. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the air containing ozone is introduced into the drum before the last rinsing.

To do this, the laundry is centrifuged, essentially at the completion of the washing process and performing one or more rinsing processes. In this case, centrifugation is carried out in such a way that allows you to set the desired humidity of the linen.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, ozone-containing air is introduced into the drum when the drum is substantially stopped, preferably when the drum is stopped. In this case, the expression essentially stopped means, in particular, that within less than 20% of the period of introduction of the ozone-containing air, the drum rotates with a rotation frequency of not more than 50 revolutions.

The introduction of ozone-containing air preferably lasts from 1 to 10 minutes, more preferably from 3 to 7 minutes.

In a particularly preferred embodiment of the method, the air containing ozone is introduced during 1-10 minutes, in particular 3-7 minutes, when the drum is stopped.

Preferably, upon the completion of the introduction of the ozone-containing air, the drum is rotated in the reverse mode. In the reversing mode, the drum rotates preferably with a rotational speed of 35-55 rpm, more preferably 40-50 rpm. While the drum preferably performs from 1 to 5 turns, in particular from 2 to 3 turns.

At the same time, before changing the direction of rotation of the drum, a short pause is advantageously maintained during which the drum does not move. Such a pause can last, for example, from 5 to 15 seconds, in particular 10 seconds.

After stopping the rotation of the drum in the reverse mode, it is preferable to re-inject the ozone-containing air, while the drum is essentially stopped. The period of new or re-introduction of ozone-containing air is generally shorter than the period of the first injection of ozone-containing air, and is preferably from 10 to 30% of the first period. If, for example, the first injection of ozone-containing air lasted 5 minutes, then the duration of the new injection of ozone-containing air is preferably about 60 s.

Advantageously, the operation of the drum in the reversal mode and the introduction of air containing ozone can be repeated.

At the same time, at least the last three reversing periods during which the drum is rotated left or right are preferably carried out without introducing air containing ozone. Due to this, a gradual decrease in the ozone concentration is achieved in a particularly effective way. This is particularly advantageous if another stage of rinsing is then carried out, since at this stage the incoming water displaces the air containing ozone from the drum, possibly existing in the drum. Due to the previous decrease in ozone concentration, unwanted ozone leakage can be avoided.

The duration of the implementation of the proposed method depends essentially on the type and quantity of the linen to be processed. Sensitive textiles in small quantities require a generally shorter duration of the process compared with insensitive textiles in large quantities. Essentially, the proposed method is carried out in about 20-40 minutes, in particular in about 30 minutes.

In a preferred embodiment of the proposed method, prior to the introduction of ozone-containing air using suitable devices, automatic recognition or installation of the type and amount of laundry can be performed.

For the last rinse, laundry care may be added if necessary.

Used in the description of the terms detergent and auxiliary detergent are not restrictive. Essentially, they describe surface-active chemicals. According to the invention, the auxiliary detergent is, in particular, an air conditioner or another laundry care agent.

The concentration of detergent and / or auxiliary detergent in the drum is preferably measured using a sensor system.

For this, the washing machine used to carry out the method preferably comprises a suitable sensor for determining the concentration of detergent and / or auxiliary detergent in the drum. An optical sensor, a conductivity sensor or a tensiometer can be used as a suitable sensor. This sensor can transmit measurement signals for further processing via the signal wire mainly to the available control unit of the washing machine.

In addition, in a preferred embodiment of the invention, the air containing ozone is directed (transported) through the drum using a blower device.

Air containing ozone can be introduced into the drum, in particular, in two ways:

In the first embodiment, the air containing ozone, produced by the ozone generator, is directed to the drum and to the washed and still wet laundry in the drum, then using an ozone supply device, which is essentially separated using, for example, an adjustable locking device, this air sent from the ozone generator to the circulation circuit containing the first part of the exhaust air channel, the blower device, the air circulation channel, the ozone supply pipe and the drum.

In the second variant, on the contrary, the air containing ozone, produced by the ozone generator, is not directed to the circulation circuit. Instead, the introduced ozone-containing air is left in the drum for the required time, after which, if necessary, it is removed by suction or pumping.

In a particularly preferred embodiment of the proposed method, the air containing ozone is directed to the circulation circuit containing the drum and the air circulation channel.

An ozone sensor is preferably provided in the circulation circuit, which can measure changes in ozone concentration and, as a reaction to measured ozone concentration and / or its change over time, for example, interrupt the processing of laundry with ozone or turn on additional ozone from the ozone generation device.

To achieve an advantage, the ozone generation device can be separated from the circulation circuit using a first adjustable shut-off device. The first adjustable locking device is mainly connected to the control device of the washing machine, which, for example, can open the first adjustable locking device as a response to the ozone sensor signal, which indicates an insufficient ozone concentration in the circulation circuit.

According to the proposed method, the ozone concentration depends essentially on the type and amount of laundry loaded in the drum, as well as on the required degree of treatment (eg, bleaching), while also avoiding damage to the laundry.

The air containing ozone is preferably supplied to the drum through a cuff located in the region of the drum loading opening. In addition, ozone-containing air is preferably discharged from the drum through the rear drum outlet.

The present invention also relates to a washing machine with a tank for washing solution, a drum mounted in a tank rotatably and designed to accommodate the laundry to be treated, a control device and a device for generating ozone, the device for generating ozone being connected to the drum via an ozone supply pipe, connected to the specified device for the generation of ozone, and the control device is programmed to implement the method of processing linen using ozone according to the first aspect of the invention.

In a preferred embodiment of the proposed washing machine, the blower is installed in the first part of the exhaust air channel or in the air circulation channel, and the first part of the exhaust air channel is divided into the circulation air circulation channel and the second part of the exhaust air channel, and the first adjustable shut-off valve is installed in the ozone supply pipe device, in the second part of the diverting air channel the second adjustable locking device is installed, and in the circulation channel in Air is fitted with a third adjustable locking device.

- 4 022523

In another, also preferred embodiment of this washing machine, the ozone supply pipe is connected to the drum via a cuff, and the first part of the air discharge channel is connected to the drum via a rear outlet of the drum.

The ozone generating device is preferably an ozone generator. The ozone generator in the washing machine is essentially supplied with air, from which the ozone generator produces ozone. In this case, ozone can be produced in various ways, for example, in a generator with ultraviolet lamps by irradiating oxygen with ultraviolet radiation with a wavelength of less than 200 nm, or with the aid of a corona discharge, when a corona-shaped electrical discharge acts on oxygen.

Dry air is preferably supplied to the ozone generator, since when processing dry air, the ozone output is significantly higher than when processing air in a room with normal humidity. Conventional drying means, which is preferably capable of reversible dehydration, for example zeolite, can be used for air dehumidification. Preferably, a Peltier element is used, which can operate as a cold catcher in the inlet channel of the ozone generator. On the cold side of the Peltier element, the moisture in the air condenses, which is then drained and evaporated on the warm side of the Peltier element or independently.

Air is supplied to the ozone generator by means of a pump or blower.

The proposed washing machine preferably contains at least one ozone sensor, designed to monitor and control the implementation of the above proposed method.

At the same time, ozone leakage from the washing machine should be prevented.

Therefore, in one of the embodiments of the invention, the flush tray, which is essentially in the washing machine, is designed to be separated from the tank for washing solution and from the drum. This can be implemented, for example, due to the fact that the inlet hose between the flushing tray and the tank for washing solution is equipped with a siphon that provides locking with the aid of a water-containing liquid.

As a supplement or alternative, the proposed washing machine preferably comprises an ozone removal device, as well as a blower device and / or a suction pump, which can draw air containing ozone through the ozone removal device.

In an ozone removal device, ozone is removed, in particular, by absorbing it or destroying it in a suitable material. For example, destruction can occur through a chemical reaction of ozone with a suitable material or through catalysis, for example, with the formation of oxygen.

In a preferred embodiment of the proposed washing machine, the device for removing ozone contains a filter unit, which preferably contains a material containing carbon or other easily oxidizable material. In this case, in turn, the preferred option is that in which the material with carbon content is at least one substance selected from the group that includes activated carbon, polyarylene thioether, polyarylene ether and macroporous copolymers.

In a particularly preferred embodiment, activated carbon is used as the material containing carbon. Essentially, activated carbon is destroyed by ozone to form carbon dioxide, that is, the amount of activated carbon in the filter unit gradually decreases. To track this reduction, a viewing window is provided on the ozone removal device. In this way, the user of the washing machine can determine if the filter unit is still working properly, by checking, for example, whether a sufficient amount of activated carbon is still available.

The ozone generator, which is preferably used in the proposed washing machine, produces ozone in an amount of from about 20 to 30 mg / h. In this embodiment, for the entire service life of the washing machine, essentially enough of the filter unit, which is loaded with about 10 g of activated carbon.

A device for removing ozone, if present, may contain, as an alternative or complement to the filter unit, a catalyst designed to destroy ozone, for example, a catalyst that converts ozone to oxygen.

A device for removing ozone is preferably located in the second part of the diverting air channel. For transportation of ozone-containing air through the second part of the exhaust air duct, a blower device and / or a suction pump can be installed in this part. If in the first part of the exhaust air channel there is already a blower device, then you can refuse to install the blower device and / or suction pump in the second part of the exhaust air channel.

To achieve an advantage, the blower continues to operate for a certain time even after the ozone generator is stopped and / or the ozone supply to the circulation circuit through the drum is stopped.

In addition, it may be possible to provide an option in which the user can open the door of the washing machine only after the specified time has elapsed after the ozone supply is completed or the ozone generator is turned off.

The second part of the exhaust air channel can go into the room in which the washing machine is installed, since the exhaust air contains only small amounts of carbon dioxide and does not contain other harmful impurities.

The washing machine preferably contains an optical and / or sound indicator that can display information about the implementation of the proposed method, the completion of this process, or the device not working properly for ozone removal.

To monitor the proper functioning of the ozone removal device, an ozone sensor may be provided, mounted after the ozone removal device in the direction of air movement.

At least one ozone sensor, preferably used in the proposed method, can operate according to various measurement principles, and various measurement principles can also be used in the washing machine.

In a particularly preferred embodiment of the proposed method, the ozone sensor can determine the concentration of ozone due to the fact that the electrical resistance of a substance in the ozone sensor changes reversibly under the influence of ozone.

As such material can be used, for example, indium oxide. Indium oxide, when oxidized by ozone, changes its resistance and can be quickly and easily regenerated by cold photochemical reduction. For example, the electrical resistance of a layer of indium oxide 15 nm thick varies in proportion to the concentration of ozone. A layer of indium oxide can be deposited, for example, on the reverse side of a violet LED. When the LED is on, the oxidized layer of indium oxide and, thus, the ozone sensor is restored during the process of cold photochemical reduction.

The proposed washing machine contains, in essence, a control device that not only controls the implementation of the proposed method, but can also perform response actions if the ozone removal function does not work. So, in case the ozone removal function does not work, the control device can turn off the ozone generator and / or initiate the corresponding audible and / or optical signal on the indicator.

The washing machine contains, in essence, a system for discharging a washing solution with a suction pump, located at the bottom of the tank for washing solution, as well as, essentially, laundry lifts and / or scooping devices. Preferably, a pressure sensor and / or a temperature sensor is installed in the washing machine washing tank, which is preferably installed in the lower part of the washing solution tank, whereby the pressure and / or temperature of the aqueous liquid in the washing liquid tank can be measured.

The present invention has numerous advantages. Due to the direct contact of the ozone with the laundry, the ozone is not consumed with residual components of detergents and pollution. In addition, the solubility of ozone in water is not too great, and ozone is destroyed in water faster than in air. As a result of the implementation of the proposed method, ozone can react mainly with the surface of the linen. Thereby, it is possible to reduce the required amount of ozone and the time of its impact. In addition to the whitening effect, ozone can have a refreshing effect and give the washed laundry the same freshness as drying in the open air. In addition, whitening is not required to increase the temperature of the washing solution, since whitening does not occur at the stage of actual washing. When using liquid detergents, which generally do not contain bleach, the invention allows to reproduce the action of a universal detergent. Finally, when using the proposed method at the end of the laundry treatment process, the laundry and surfaces are disinfected, as a result of which the formation of microorganisms in the washing machine is prevented or at least reduced.

In addition, the invention is advantageous in that unwanted ozone leakage can be prevented in a simple and effective manner.

Brief description of graphic materials

Hereinafter the invention is described on the basis of a variant of the washing machine shown in the drawing. Other design options are also possible.

The implementation of the invention

The washing machine shown in the drawing comprises a washing solution tank 1, in which a drum 2 is rotatably mounted around a substantially horizontal rotation axis 3, which can be driven by a driving motor 14. A long arrow shows the direction of rotation of the drum 2. The grippers 4 for linen and scooping devices 5 for washing solution 6, located on the inner surface of the drum side shell, increase the intensity of soaking the linen 7 with washing solution 6.

The washing machine contains a washing solution supply system, which includes fittings for connection to a household water supply network 8, an electrically controlled valve 9 and a supply pipe 10 leading to the washing solution tank 1 and passing through the detergent washing device 11 ( flush tray), from which the incoming water can carry portions of detergent into the tank 1 for washing solution. In the supply pipe 10, there is a siphon 21, which is filled with a water-containing liquid and thus prevents the penetration of ozone-containing air into the flushing tray 11 from the washing liquid tank 2.

The ozone generator 20, which functions as an ozone generating device, is connected to the drum 2 by means of an ozone supply pipe 25, in which the first adjustable locking device 27 is located, and by a cuff 24 located at the inlet 23 of the drum 2 and conventionally shown in FIG. 1. The first part 33 of the exhaust air duct is connected to the rear outlet 32 of the drum 2. In the first part 33 of the exhaust air duct there is a blower 19 and an ozone sensor 31. The first part 33 of the exhaust air channel is divided into the air circulation channel 26 and the second part 17 of the exhaust air channel. The ozone-containing air can be directed into the circulation circuit, including the first part 33 of the exhaust air duct, the blower device, the air circulation duct 26, the ozone supply pipe and the drum 2. The short arrows indicate the direction of movement of the air containing ozone. The air from the room is fed into the ozone generator 20 through the inlet channel 30 and the drying device 16 installed in front of the inlet channel 30.

The blower device 19 can direct the air containing ozone through the air circulation channel 26 when the second adjustable locking device 34 in the second part 17 of the exhaust air channel is closed, and the third adjustable locking device 35 in the air circulation channel 26 is open. If, on the contrary, the third adjustable locking device 35 is closed and the second adjustable locking device 34 is open, the blower device 19 may supply air containing ozone to the second part 17 of the exhaust air duct in which the device 18 for ozone removal is located. Thus, the circulation of the ozone-containing air through the drum 2 can be stopped, and excess ozone can be eliminated in the device 18 for the removal of ozone. Then the purified air exits through the second part 17 of the exhaust air duct into the room in which the washing machine is installed.

In the device 18 for the removal of ozone is the filter unit 28, which in the proposed embodiment contains activated carbon (as a material containing carbon). To supply a sound and / or optical signal on the implementation of the proposed method and / or on the improper operation of the ozone removal function on the washing machine there is an indicator 29 (in this embodiment).

The movement of air in the ozone supply pipe 25 and in the supply channel 30 can be supported by a blower device, not shown in the figure.

For the washing machine shown in FIG. 1, two options for treating laundry with ozone-containing air are illustrated.

In the first embodiment, the ozone-containing air produced by the ozone generator 20 is directed to the drum 2, and then, when the ozone supply from the ozone generator 20 is interrupted, essentially using the first adjustable locking device 27, to the circulation circuit including the drum 2 and the channel 26 air circulation.

In the second variant, on the contrary, the air containing ozone, produced by the ozone generator 20, is not directed into the circulation circuit. To do this, close the third adjustable locking device 35. As a result, the air containing ozone remains for the required time in the drum 2 for subsequent disposal through the second part 17 of the exhaust air channel with the second adjustable locking device 34 open.

In addition, in this embodiment, in the tank 1 for washing solution is a heating device 13, a pump 22 for pumping out aqueous liquid from the tank 1 for washing solution and a sensor 15 for measuring the concentration of detergent and / or auxiliary detergent. These components, as well as the valve 9, the drive motor 14, the ozone generator 20, adjustable shut-off devices 27, 34, 35, the ozone sensor 31 and the blower device 19 are connected to a control device 12, which can control the washing machine in accordance with an algorithm be tied to a time-controlled program and / or to the achievement of known measured values of parameters such as the level of the washing solution, the temperature of the washing solution, the frequency of rotation of the drum, the concentration of ozone, the concentration of washing media and / or auxiliary detergent and other similar parameters in a washing machine.

For the implementation of the proposed method of treating laundry 7 in this washing machine, the ozone-containing air is introduced into the drum 2 at a time when there is essentially no in the drum 2, and preferably no detergents or auxiliary detergents at all. Therefore, in this embodiment, the air containing ozone is sent to the drum 2 after the penultimate rinsing. In any case, in this embodiment, the air containing ozone enters the drum 2 only when the upper limit value C is not exceeded [ _{1t of the} concentration of detergent and / or auxiliary detergent in the drum. To enable its determination

- 7 022523 concentration from detergent and / or auxiliary detergent is measured using a system of 15 sensors.

In the present embodiment, the air containing ozone is directed through the drum 2 by means of a blower device 19, and in this case the air containing ozone circulates around the circuit containing the drum 2 and the air circulation channel 26. To do this, the ozone-containing air is introduced into the drum 2 through the cuff 24 in the region of the loading opening 23 and removed from it through the rear outlet 32 of the drum 2.

In the present embodiment, the drum 2 remains stationary during the introduction of ozone-containing air into the drum 2 and begins to rotate in the reversing mode only after the introduction of the ozone-containing air has been completed. In addition, the ozone-containing air is introduced after the penultimate rinsing and before the last rinsing after pumping out the rinsing water, and centrifugation is carried out before the air containing ozone is fed.

List of reference designations:

- tank for washing solution;

- drum;

- axis of rotation;

- capture for linen;

- scooping device;

- washing solution;

- underwear;

- domestic water supply network;

- valve with electric control;

- supply pipe leading to the tank for washing solution;

- a device for washing off detergent, a flushing tray;

- control device;

- heating device;

- drive motor;

- sensor availability of detergent or auxiliary detergent;

- drying device;

- the second part of the diverting air channel;

- device for ozone removal;

- blowing device;

- ozone generator;

- siphon;

- pump;

- loading opening;

- cuff;

- ozone supply pipe;

- air circulation channel;

- the first adjustable locking device;

- filtering unit;

- indicator;

- supply channel leading to the ozone generator;

- ozone sensor;

- rear drum release;

- the first part of the diverting air channel;

- the second adjustable locking device;

- the third adjustable locking device.

Claims (15)

CLAIM 1. The method of processing linen (7) using ozone, carried out in a washing machine with a tank (1) for washing solution, a drum (2) installed in the tank (1) rotatably and designed to accommodate the laundry to be processed (7), and a device (20) for generating ozone, characterized in that the washed and still wet laundry located in the drum (2) is treated with ozone contained in the air, while the air containing ozone is supplied to the drum (2) at a temperature of not more than 35 ° C when the drum (2) is essentially absent detergents or auxiliary detergents, and then rinse the laundry (7) in the drum (2). 2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that the air containing ozone is introduced into the drum (2) after the penultimate rinse of the laundry. 3. The method according to one of the preceding paragraphs, characterized in that the air containing ozone is introduced at a time when the drum (2) is essentially stopped. - 8 022523 4. The method according to claim 3, characterized in that the air containing ozone is introduced over a period of time from 1 to 10 minutes while the drum (2) is stopped. 5. The method according to one of the preceding paragraphs, characterized in that upon completion of the introduction of ozone-containing air, the drum (2) is rotated in reverse mode. 6. The method according to claim 5, characterized in that after stopping the rotation of the drum (2) in reverse mode, air containing ozone is reintroduced while the drum (2) is essentially stopped. 7. The method according to one of the preceding paragraphs, characterized in that the concentration of detergent and / or auxiliary detergent in the drum (2) is measured using a system of sensors (15). 8. The method according to one of the preceding paragraphs, characterized in that the air containing ozone is directed through the drum (2) using a blower device (19). 9. The method according to claim 8, characterized in that the air containing ozone is guided through a circulation circuit containing the first part (33) of the exhaust air channel, a blower device (19), an air circulation channel (26), an ozone supply pipe (25), and drum (2). 10. The method according to one of the preceding paragraphs, characterized in that the air containing ozone is supplied to the drum (2) through the cuff (24) located in the area of the feed opening (23). 11. The method according to one of the preceding paragraphs, characterized in that the ozone-containing air is discharged from the drum (2) through the rear outlet (32) of the drum (2). 12. A washing machine with a tank (1) for washing solution, a drum (2) installed in the tank (1) with the possibility of rotation and designed to accommodate the processed laundry (7), a control device (12) and with a device (20) for generating ozone, characterized in that the device (20) for generating ozone is connected to the drum (2) through an ozone supply pipe (25) connected to the specified device (20) for generating ozone, and the control device (12) is programmed to implement the method of processing linen (7) using ozo and in any one of claims 1-11. 13. A washing machine according to claim 12, characterized in that it has a blower (19) installed in the first part (33) of the exhaust air channel or in the air circulation channel (26), and the air circulation channel (26) is connected to the first part (33) of the exhaust air channel and the second part (17) of the exhaust air channel, and in the ozone supply pipe (25) a first adjustable locking device (27) is installed, in the second part (17) of the exhaust air channel a second adjustable locking device (34 ), and in the channel (26) the compass tion air established third adjustable locking device (35). 14. A washing machine according to claim 13, characterized in that the ozone supply pipe (25) is connected to the drum (2) by means of a cuff (24), and the first part (33) of the exhaust air channel is connected to the drum (2) by means of a rear outlet ( 32) drum (2). 15. A washing machine according to one of claims 13 and 14, characterized in that the device (20) for generating ozone is an ozone generator.