EP1208260B1 - Method for washing laundry and laundry washing machine implementing such a method - Google Patents

Method for washing laundry and laundry washing machine implementing such a method Download PDF

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Publication number
EP1208260B1
EP1208260B1 EP00942308A EP00942308A EP1208260B1 EP 1208260 B1 EP1208260 B1 EP 1208260B1 EP 00942308 A EP00942308 A EP 00942308A EP 00942308 A EP00942308 A EP 00942308A EP 1208260 B1 EP1208260 B1 EP 1208260B1
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EP
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Prior art keywords
basket
washing
rinsing
stage
tank
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EP00942308A
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German (de)
French (fr)
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EP1208260A1 (en
EP1208260B2 (en
Inventor
Costantino Mariotti
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Whirlpool EMEA SpA
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Merloni Elettrodomestici SpA
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    • D—TEXTILES; PAPER
    • D06—TREATMENT OF TEXTILES OR THE LIKE; LAUNDERING; FLEXIBLE MATERIALS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • D06F—LAUNDERING, DRYING, IRONING, PRESSING OR FOLDING TEXTILE ARTICLES
    • D06F35/00—Washing machines, apparatus, or methods not otherwise provided for
    • D06F35/005—Methods for washing, rinsing or spin-drying
    • D06F35/006—Methods for washing, rinsing or spin-drying for washing or rinsing only

Definitions

  • the present invention refers to a method for washing laundry and a laundry washing machine implementing such a method.
  • washing and, in some cases, drying machines usually comprise a washing tank, wherein a rotating basket is located, apt to contain the laundry.
  • a liquid is supplied in the machine tank, which usually is made up of water with the possible addition of detergents and/or additives, and the basket is made rotating by means of an electric motor, properly controlled by a control system, allowing the selection of a desired washing program among a plurality of possible washing programs.
  • the washing programs provided with the modern laundry washing machines can comprise one or more different treatment phases, like pre-washing, washing, rinsing, spinning, drying, which provide for different laundry treatment operations.
  • a water-detergent solution is loaded in the machine tank, which is then usually heated by means of a suitable heater; the basket is then rotated at a relatively low speed, in the range of 35-60 rpm.
  • the so obtained movement causes an at least the partial lifting of the laundry along the basket walls, until they fall again on the basket bottom, which is immersed in the liquid contained in the tank; said mechanical effect is possible because the gravity acceleration is greater then the centrifugal acceleration due to the basket rotation.
  • the efficiency of said mechanical washing action is increased by alternating phases wherein the basket is rotated in a sense and phases wherein it is rotated in the opposite sense, and phases where the rotation is suppressed or stopped, of a certain duration.
  • the basket rotation is interrupted and the liquid present in the tank is discharged out of the machine, by means of a suitable draining pump.
  • the tank is usually supplied with a water solution comprising a suitable additive, like a softening agent.
  • a spinning stage is also usually provided, i. e. a phase where the basket is rotated at a high speed, e.g. in the range of 400-600 rpm, with the draining pump in operation, in order to eliminate the liquid residues from the laundry.
  • the final spinning phase is instead performed after the last rinsing phase, always without supplying liquid in the tank and at a basket rotation speed which may reach 1.200 rpm.
  • Such a phase has the purpose of eliminating from the laundry almost all the liquid left by the rinsing phases. For this reason, also the final spinning is performed while the draining pump is in operation.
  • the last spinning phase may be followed by a drying phase, during which the basket is rotating for a generally long interval of time and at a relatively low speed, in presence of hot air circulating in the machine tank.
  • the above-described washing technique even if very common, has the disadvantage that it can damage the laundry, particularly when the laundry is made of particular types of fabrics.
  • the said disadvantage may be found, for instance, when washing particular delicate fabrics and/or being subject to dimensional variations, such as knitwear items and/or articles which may felt up (like wool, mohair, cashmere, alpaca, camel items etc.) and/or items made of fabrics which may slacken.
  • the said rotation steps of the basket at the said speed which is comprised between 80 and 240 rpm, are alternated with moments of still basket and basket rotation at a reduced speed, in the order of 20-40 rpm.
  • the same technique is also used for the next two or three rinsing stages provided for by the program, namely following the same concept of alternation between: rotations at a speed of 80-240 rpm, basket rotations at reduced speed (20-40 rpm), still basket intervals.
  • the washing programs provided by the machines which make use of the said patent can however not yet fulfill the requirements which. are demanded by the best known ruling authority of the wool field (International Wool Secretariat or IWS), in order to be certified as programs which can wash all the wool articles whereon the known label " hand washing " is reproduced.
  • IWS International Wool Secretariat
  • the said known laundry washing machines furthermore require a relatively long treatment time, and an important consumption of water and electric power, which possibly would be advisable to reduce.
  • the present invention has the aim of indicating a new washing method, end a washing machine for implementing such a method, which allows for improving the performances which can be achieved by the known technique.
  • a further aim of the present invention is that of indicating a method and/or a washing machine, which allows to reduce, using the same detergents and/or washing additives of the known technique, the water and/or electric power consumption, and/or the times being necessary for treating the said laundry items.
  • FIG. 1 represent in a schematic way the development of a washing program or cycle realized in accordance with the present invention.
  • a washing cycle implementing the teachings of the present invention may comprise a washing stage, at least in part performed with heated water, and at least two rinsing stages performed for example with cold water, each one followed by at least a spinning stage.
  • the washing stage LB provided by the cycle according to the present invention is implemented according to the teaching of the cited IT-B-1.230.903.
  • the washing stage LB comprises at least three steps, which are indicated in the figure with L1, L2 and L3, with a basket rotation equal to or greater than the lowest speed allowing the laundry items to be kept adherent to the basket walls.
  • the items to be washed are brought temporarily in contact with and/or at least partially immersed into the liquid and/or the foam present in the bottom of the tank and the basket.
  • CL indicates an initial water supply from the water mains, of about six-seven liters, necessary for performing the washing stage LB; such a supplying is made according to known ways. After such supplying, or during it, the basket is made to rotate until it reaches the speed of about 90 rpm, which is just a speed sufficient to keep the laundry items adherent to the basket walls; such a speed is maintained during the step indicated with L1 for about 2 minutes.
  • the items to be washed are brought temporarily in contact with and/or at least partially immersed into the liquid and/or the foam present in the bottom of the tank and the basket, at each basket rotation.
  • step L1 the rotation is stopped and the washing stage goes on with a step L1' of pause of the movement of laundry items; during such a pause step the laundry lies on the bottom of the basket.
  • step L1' the liquid present in the tank is heated up to the washing temperature, in the order of about 30°-40°C, by means of a common heater under the control of the machine control system.
  • Step L1' which lasts about 5 minutes, is then followed by a basket rotation step L2 at a speed of about 90 rpm, analogous to the previous mentioned step L1; however, it should be noticed that that the step L2 does not provide for any new water supply from the mains, but is performed with the liquid already present in the tank.
  • the washing stage LB goes then on with a pause step L2', wherein the basket rotation is stopped, analogously to what has been previously said about the step L1', but without heating again the washing liquid.
  • a step L3 then follows, analogous to the preceding steps L1 and L2, again without new water supply.
  • the LB stage goes then on with a step L3', analogous to the preceding steps L1' and L2', again without new liquid heating.
  • step L3' the control system activates the draining pump, in order to evacuate from the tank the liquid which has been used during the washing stage LB; the control system then provides for starting the basket rotation again, so as to bring it to a rotation speed of about 90 rpm.
  • the machine control system provides for effecting a new water supply from the mains, indicated in the figure with CR, with the possible addition of a rinsing additive (like a softening means); the water quantity supplied into the tank is in this case of 9-10 liters; the loading CR is therefore made with the basket in movement.
  • a rinsing additive like a softening means
  • the rinsing stage RS1 provides for a continue and unidirectional rotation of the basket, at the speed of about 90 rpm, said rotation lasting for about 2 minutes; the items to be rinsed are therefore brought temporarily and at least partially in contact with and/or immersed into the liquid and/or the foam present in the bottom of the tank and the basket, during each rotation, while being kept adherent to the basket walls.
  • step RS1 the control system provides for activating the draining pump in SR, in order to evacuate the rinsing liquid from the machine tank, without any interruptions in the in the rotation of the basket, and the spinning phase CI1 of the first rinsing stage is performed.
  • the rotation speed is increased to about 400 rpm, during the step indicated with C1 and this speed is maintained for about 20 seconds.
  • step C1 due to the centrifugal force, the laundry items are strongly pushed against the basket sides, and kept there, so as to obtain a partial elimination of the liquid which soaked the laundry during the preceding stage; it should be noticed that during the step C1 the draining pump is operating.
  • step C1 the basket rotation speed is reduced to about 90 rpm, for executing the step indicated with C2, which provides for a continue and unidirectional rotation of the basket, lasting about 20 seconds, so that the laundry items are steadily kept adherent to the basket sides.
  • step C2 the basket rotation speed is increased, neither stopping the rotation, nor the pump operation, in order to effect the step C3, up to about 600 rpm; said speed is maintained for about 20 seconds.
  • step C3 the basket rotation speed is again reduced to about 90 rpm, and the second rinsing stage RS2 is started, analogous to that previously indicated with RS1; to said purpose, the machine control system provides for stopping the draining pump and enabling a new water supply step CR of about 9-10 liters from the mains.
  • the second rinsing stage RS2 is followed by the relevant spinning stage CI2, inclusive of steps C1, C2 and C3, performed with the draining pump in operation, as shown in SR and as already described with reference to stage CI1.
  • the third rinsing stage RS3 then follows, inclusive of the relevant water supply CR, substantially analogous to those previously indicated with RS1 and RS2. Such third rinsing stage RS3 is followed by the relevant spinning stage CI3, analogous to those previously indicated with CI1 and CI2, and inclusive of the corresponding steps C1, C2 and C3 with draining pump in operation.
  • the fourth rinsing stage RS4 follows, inclusive of the relevant water supply CR, substantially analogous to those previously indicated with RS1, RS2 and RS3.
  • Such a fourth rinsing stage RS4 is finally followed by the relevant spinning stage CI4, analogous to those previously indicated with CI1, CI2 and CI3, and inclusive of the corresponding steps C1, C2 and C3 with draining pump operation.
  • washing cycle is over, or may be continued with a possible drying stage, realized according to the known ways.
  • a series of at least two consecutive rinsing stages is performed, without stopping the basket rotation, and in particular keeping it constantly rotating at an angular speed equal to or greater than the lowest speed which allows the laundry items to be kept adherent to the basket walls.
  • the basket rotation sense is never reversed, and the liquid supply and drain operations are made while the basket is in movement, namely remaining constantly at an angular speed equal to or greater than the lowest speed which allows the laundry items to be kept adherent to the basket walls.
  • the cycle according to the invention allows, in respect of the known art, a reduction of the felting value of about 65%, a water consumption reduction of more than 45%, a power consumption reduction of more than 38% and a washing time reduction of more than 30%.
  • the method and/or the washing machine according to the present invention allows, in respect of the known technique, an important reduction of the damaging of some types of articles to be washed by means of a domestic laundry washing machine, particularly articles which are subject to dimensional variations, like knitwear items, and/or items made of fabrics which may shrink or felt (as wool, mohair, cashmere, alpaca, camel, etc.) and/or which may slacken.
  • a substantial advantage of the invention is that of fulfilling the International Wool Secretariat requirements in respect of the possibility of washing, by means of a domestic laundry washing machine, all the wool articles that traditionally should be hand washed.
  • said requirements foresee a felting value, after 20 washing cycles (i. e. a number of washing cycles considered as representative of the average life of an article), which is less than 15% C.S.F.
  • the method and/or the washing machine according to the present invention allows, even with the use of an equal quantity of detergent and/or washing additives as with the known technique, a drastic reduction of the water and electric power consumption. The same is true for the washing time of the articles, with a great advantage for the lasting life of the same.
  • the invention is easy to implement on domestic laundry washing and/or drying machines, either of the type comprising an electronic (with micro-controller) or an electromechanical programmer.
  • the control system of the machine provides for an electronic module, suitably controlled by the programmer for managing the basket moving stages.
  • the above said speed values can vary, depending upon the washing basket radius. It should be pointed out that, in any case, in general terms, the basket speeds during the rinsing stages RS1-RS4 and the steps C2, should preferably be comprised between 80 and 240 rpm. Only as an indication, the speeds of the steps C1 and C3 could be between 300 and 1.200 rpm.
  • the first foreseen rinsing stage starts in this way at a moment when the basket is already rotating at an angular speed at least equal to the lowest speed allowing the laundry items to be kept adherent to the basket walls or, in other words, during the time interval between the end of the stage immediately preceding the first rinsing stage and the beginning of the latter, the basket is constantly kept rotating at an angular speed at least equal to the lowest speed allowing the laundry items to be kept adherent to the basket walls.
  • the cycle according to this proposed variant of the invention has allowed for the reaching of a felting level of 8,50 C.S.F. with a total treatment time of about 40 minutes, a water consumption of about 33 liters and a power consumption of about 0,15 kWh.
  • the duration of the heating steps of the washing liquid or the supply steps from the mains depends, at least in part, on the time necessary to reach the desired liquid temperature, or the liquid level in the tank, which are measured by means of suitable known sensors.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Textile Engineering (AREA)
  • Control Of Washing Machine And Dryer (AREA)
  • Treatment Of Fiber Materials (AREA)
  • Detergent Compositions (AREA)
  • Accessory Of Washing/Drying Machine, Commercial Washing/Drying Machine, Other Washing/Drying Machine (AREA)
  • Detail Structures Of Washing Machines And Dryers (AREA)

Abstract

A method for washing laundry items is described, in particular items made of fabrics being subject to dimensional variations, like for instance items which undergo slackening and/or felting, in a home washing machine. Rinsing stages (RS1, RS2, RS3, RS4) are provided, during which the laundry basket is rotated, in presence of water and/or foam in the tank, at a first angular speed equal to or greater than the lowest speed allowing the laundry items to be kept adherent to the basket walls. According to the invention, during the time interval (CI1, CI2, CI3) between one of said rinsing stages (RS1, RS2, RS3) and the following one (RS2, RS3, RS4), the basket is kept constantly rotating, without reversing its rotation sense, in particular at an angular speed equal to or greater than the lowest speed allowing the laundry items to be kept adherent to the basket walls.

Description

The present invention refers to a method for washing laundry and a laundry washing machine implementing such a method.
It is known that modern laundry washing and, in some cases, drying machines usually comprise a washing tank, wherein a rotating basket is located, apt to contain the laundry.
For washing, a liquid is supplied in the machine tank, which usually is made up of water with the possible addition of detergents and/or additives, and the basket is made rotating by means of an electric motor, properly controlled by a control system, allowing the selection of a desired washing program among a plurality of possible washing programs.
Generally, the washing programs provided with the modern laundry washing machines can comprise one or more different treatment phases, like pre-washing, washing, rinsing, spinning, drying, which provide for different laundry treatment operations.
For instance, in the pre-washing and washing phases, a water-detergent solution is loaded in the machine tank, which is then usually heated by means of a suitable heater; the basket is then rotated at a relatively low speed, in the range of 35-60 rpm.
The so obtained movement causes an at least the partial lifting of the laundry along the basket walls, until they fall again on the basket bottom, which is immersed in the liquid contained in the tank; said mechanical effect is possible because the gravity acceleration is greater then the centrifugal acceleration due to the basket rotation. Moreover, in modern laundry washing machines, the efficiency of said mechanical washing action is increased by alternating phases wherein the basket is rotated in a sense and phases wherein it is rotated in the opposite sense, and phases where the rotation is suppressed or stopped, of a certain duration. At the end of each pre-washing or washing phase, the basket rotation is interrupted and the liquid present in the tank is discharged out of the machine, by means of a suitable draining pump.
During the rinsing phases the same technique described just now with reference to the washing and pre-washing phases is usually employed, i. e. exploiting the mechanical action generated by the rotation of the basket, also in opposite senses; in the case of the rinsing phases, however, for eliminating the detergent residues from the laundry, the tank is usually supplied with a water solution comprising a suitable additive, like a softening agent.
Also in this case, at the end of each individual rinsing phase, the basket rotation is interrupted and the liquid present in the tank is drained out of the machine.
At the end of each rinsing phase, at least a spinning stage is also usually provided, i. e. a phase where the basket is rotated at a high speed, e.g. in the range of 400-600 rpm, with the draining pump in operation, in order to eliminate the liquid residues from the laundry.
The final spinning phase is instead performed after the last rinsing phase, always without supplying liquid in the tank and at a basket rotation speed which may reach 1.200 rpm. Such a phase has the purpose of eliminating from the laundry almost all the liquid left by the rinsing phases. For this reason, also the final spinning is performed while the draining pump is in operation.
In the most sophisticated machines, additionally, the last spinning phase may be followed by a drying phase, during which the basket is rotating for a generally long interval of time and at a relatively low speed, in presence of hot air circulating in the machine tank.
The above-described washing technique, even if very common, has the disadvantage that it can damage the laundry, particularly when the laundry is made of particular types of fabrics.
The said disadvantage may be found, for instance, when washing particular delicate fabrics and/or being subject to dimensional variations, such as knitwear items and/or articles which may felt up (like wool, mohair, cashmere, alpaca, camel items etc.) and/or items made of fabrics which may slacken.
In the attempt to overcome the said problem, programs or washing cycles have been developed which are specifically directed to the delicate fabrics.
For instance, it is known from the Italian Patent IT-B-1.230.903 a method for performing the washing of textile manufactured articles which allows a reduction of the dimensional shrinking and/or slackening of items which undergo a washing process.
According to the solution proposed in the above said document, during at least a part of the washing process, there are provided rotation steps of the laundry basket at an angular speed equal to or greater than the lowest speed which allows to keep the laundry items adherent to the basket walls, and temporarily and at least partially immersing said items in the washing or rinsing liquid present in the basket and tank bottom, during each rotation of the basket (rinsing methods using a similar angular speed of the basket are also known from FR-A-2.632.329 and DE-A-40 13 450).
According to the solution described in IT-B-1.230.903, during the normal washing phase provided for by the program, the said rotation steps of the basket at the said speed, which is comprised between 80 and 240 rpm, are alternated with moments of still basket and basket rotation at a reduced speed, in the order of 20-40 rpm. The same technique is also used for the next two or three rinsing stages provided for by the program, namely following the same concept of alternation between: rotations at a speed of 80-240 rpm, basket rotations at reduced speed (20-40 rpm), still basket intervals.
At the end of each individual rinsing stage, there is provided a draining of the used liquid, with still basket or basket rotating between 80 and 240 rpm.
The solution described in the above cited document, even if representing a clear improvement in respect of the known prior art, does not still allow for reaching optimal results, in respect of the previously mentioned disadvantages, particularly as the real possibility is concerned, of washing, by means of a laundry washing machine, all the laundry items which traditionally can be washed only by hands.
The washing programs provided by the machines which make use of the said patent, even if they are in the average very effective, can however not yet fulfill the requirements which. are demanded by the best known ruling authority of the wool field (International Wool Secretariat or IWS), in order to be certified as programs which can wash all the wool articles whereon the known label "hand washing" is reproduced.
The said known laundry washing machines furthermore require a relatively long treatment time, and an important consumption of water and electric power, which possibly would be advisable to reduce.
From EP-A-0 551 007 a method of rinsing fabric is also known, wherein water is introduced into a basket which rotates at a tumble speed; subsequently the rotation speed of the basket is increased and the the rinse water is recirculated while the basket is rotating at a speed to effect more than a one gravity centrifugal force on said fabric; the rotational speed of the basket is then decelerated to the tumble speed during the draining of the water.
On the basis of the preceding considerations, the present invention has the aim of indicating a new washing method, end a washing machine for implementing such a method, which allows for improving the performances which can be achieved by the known technique.
Within said general frame, it is an aim of the present invention that of indicating a method and/or a washing machine, which allows, in respect of the known technique, a further reduction of the damaging of the articles being washed by means of a laundry washing machine, such as articles of particular delicate fabrics and/or which undergo dimensional variations, like knitwear items and/or items which may felt up and/or slacken.
A further aim of the present invention is that of indicating a method and/or a washing machine, which allows to reduce, using the same detergents and/or washing additives of the known technique, the water and/or electric power consumption, and/or the times being necessary for treating the said laundry items.
Such aims are obtained, according to the present invention, by a laundry washing method and a laundry washing machine having the features of the attached claims, which shall be considered as an integral part of the present description.
Further aims, features and advantages of the present invention will result in being clear from the following detailed description and the annexed drawings, which are supplied as a pure not limiting example, wherein Fig. 1 represent in a schematic way the development of a washing program or cycle realized in accordance with the present invention.
Generally speaking, a washing cycle implementing the teachings of the present invention may comprise a washing stage, at least in part performed with heated water, and at least two rinsing stages performed for example with cold water, each one followed by at least a spinning stage.
In the single attached figure there is shown the possible behavior of a washing cycle performed according to teachings of the present invention; it should be noticed that, for the sake of clarity, in the upper part of said figure there is shown the washing stage of the cycle, indicated with LB (and, with a dashed line, only the initial part of a first rinsing stage), while in the lower part of the figure there are shown four rinsing stages, indicated with RS1, RS2, RS3 and RS4, each one followed by a corresponding spinning stage, indicated with CI1, CI2, CI3, and CI4. Said stages are graphically limited in the figure by means of thin vertical dotted lines.
In its preferred embodiment, the washing stage LB provided by the cycle according to the present invention, is implemented according to the teaching of the cited IT-B-1.230.903.
Within this frame, the washing stage LB comprises at least three steps, which are indicated in the figure with L1, L2 and L3, with a basket rotation equal to or greater than the lowest speed allowing the laundry items to be kept adherent to the basket walls. During such steps, at each basket rotation, the items to be washed are brought temporarily in contact with and/or at least partially immersed into the liquid and/or the foam present in the bottom of the tank and the basket.
In the figure, CL indicates an initial water supply from the water mains, of about six-seven liters, necessary for performing the washing stage LB; such a supplying is made according to known ways. After such supplying, or during it, the basket is made to rotate until it reaches the speed of about 90 rpm, which is just a speed sufficient to keep the laundry items adherent to the basket walls; such a speed is maintained during the step indicated with L1 for about 2 minutes.
As previously mentioned, during the step L1, the items to be washed are brought temporarily in contact with and/or at least partially immersed into the liquid and/or the foam present in the bottom of the tank and the basket, at each basket rotation.
At the end of step L1, the rotation is stopped and the washing stage goes on with a step L1' of pause of the movement of laundry items; during such a pause step the laundry lies on the bottom of the basket.
It should be noticed notice that during the step L1' the liquid present in the tank is heated up to the washing temperature, in the order of about 30°-40°C, by means of a common heater under the control of the machine control system.
Step L1', which lasts about 5 minutes, is then followed by a basket rotation step L2 at a speed of about 90 rpm, analogous to the previous mentioned step L1; however, it should be noticed that that the step L2 does not provide for any new water supply from the mains, but is performed with the liquid already present in the tank.
The washing stage LB goes then on with a pause step L2', wherein the basket rotation is stopped, analogously to what has been previously said about the step L1', but without heating again the washing liquid.
A step L3 then follows, analogous to the preceding steps L1 and L2, again without new water supply. The LB stage goes then on with a step L3', analogous to the preceding steps L1' and L2', again without new liquid heating.
At the end of step L3', the control system activates the draining pump, in order to evacuate from the tank the liquid which has been used during the washing stage LB; the control system then provides for starting the basket rotation again, so as to bring it to a rotation speed of about 90 rpm.
Practically, with the mentioned draining, indicated in the figure with SL, the washing stage LB is over, and the cycle goes on with the first rinsing stage, indicated with RS1.
To this purpose, when the pump performing the draining step SL is stopped, the machine control system provides for effecting a new water supply from the mains, indicated in the figure with CR, with the possible addition of a rinsing additive (like a softening means); the water quantity supplied into the tank is in this case of 9-10 liters; the loading CR is therefore made with the basket in movement.
The rinsing stage RS1 provides for a continue and unidirectional rotation of the basket, at the speed of about 90 rpm, said rotation lasting for about 2 minutes; the items to be rinsed are therefore brought temporarily and at least partially in contact with and/or immersed into the liquid and/or the foam present in the bottom of the tank and the basket, during each rotation, while being kept adherent to the basket walls.
At the end of step RS1, the control system provides for activating the draining pump in SR, in order to evacuate the rinsing liquid from the machine tank, without any interruptions in the in the rotation of the basket, and the spinning phase CI1 of the first rinsing stage is performed. The rotation speed is increased to about 400 rpm, during the step indicated with C1 and this speed is maintained for about 20 seconds.
During the step C1, therefore, due to the centrifugal force, the laundry items are strongly pushed against the basket sides, and kept there, so as to obtain a partial elimination of the liquid which soaked the laundry during the preceding stage; it should be noticed that during the step C1 the draining pump is operating.
At the end of step C1, the basket rotation speed is reduced to about 90 rpm, for executing the step indicated with C2, which provides for a continue and unidirectional rotation of the basket, lasting about 20 seconds, so that the laundry items are steadily kept adherent to the basket sides.
At the end of step C2, the basket rotation speed is increased, neither stopping the rotation, nor the pump operation, in order to effect the step C3, up to about 600 rpm; said speed is maintained for about 20 seconds.
Due to the centrifugal force, the laundry items are therefore again strongly pushed against the basket sides, and kept there, so as to obtain a further partial elimination of the liquid still eventually soaking them.
At the end of step C3, the basket rotation speed is again reduced to about 90 rpm, and the second rinsing stage RS2 is started, analogous to that previously indicated with RS1; to said purpose, the machine control system provides for stopping the draining pump and enabling a new water supply step CR of about 9-10 liters from the mains.
The second rinsing stage RS2 is followed by the relevant spinning stage CI2, inclusive of steps C1, C2 and C3, performed with the draining pump in operation, as shown in SR and as already described with reference to stage CI1.
The third rinsing stage RS3 then follows, inclusive of the relevant water supply CR, substantially analogous to those previously indicated with RS1 and RS2. Such third rinsing stage RS3 is followed by the relevant spinning stage CI3, analogous to those previously indicated with CI1 and CI2, and inclusive of the corresponding steps C1, C2 and C3 with draining pump in operation.
At last the fourth rinsing stage RS4 follows, inclusive of the relevant water supply CR, substantially analogous to those previously indicated with RS1, RS2 and RS3. Such a fourth rinsing stage RS4 is finally followed by the relevant spinning stage CI4, analogous to those previously indicated with CI1, CI2 and CI3, and inclusive of the corresponding steps C1, C2 and C3 with draining pump operation.
At this point the washing cycle is over, or may be continued with a possible drying stage, realized according to the known ways.
It has been surprisingly noticed that the use of the above-described new rinsing technique allows for reaching important performance improvements; with regard to this point, it should be noticed that said method, for performing the rinsing stages according to the invention, is in contrast with the solution described in IT-B-1.230.903, which provides for rinsing stages where the basket rotates at speeds comprised between 80 and 240 rpm, alternated to still basket steps and basket rotations at reduced speed, namely 20-40 rpm.
According to the present invention, on the contrary, a series of at least two consecutive rinsing stages is performed, without stopping the basket rotation, and in particular keeping it constantly rotating at an angular speed equal to or greater than the lowest speed which allows the laundry items to be kept adherent to the basket walls.
In addition, according to the invention, during the said rinsing stages, the basket rotation sense is never reversed, and the liquid supply and drain operations are made while the basket is in movement, namely remaining constantly at an angular speed equal to or greater than the lowest speed which allows the laundry items to be kept adherent to the basket walls.
Practical tests have shown that the washing method according to the invention allows the reaching of the above said aims.
The cycle according to the invention, as described with reference to the attached figure, has been tested on a laundry washing machine ARISTON AL948TXIT, provided with the washing cycle for delicate articles (called "cashmere cycle"), implementing the teachings of the patent IT-B-1.230.903, and compared to the latter.
The conditions of the comparison test were as follows:
Water mains temperature 15°C
Washing water temperature 40°C
Load 1 Kg. of wool (type IWR SM66: Merino wool article untreated very fine)
Detergent used 70 g. of liquid detergent (Perlana®)
Number of cycles Number of cycles
The results of the test, after 20 washing cycles with the two types of program, on the same standard wool sample, are as follows:
Prior art Invention
Felting up (*) 24,10 C.S.F. 8,50 C.S.F.
Water consumption 74,2 liters 40 liters
Power consumption 0,26 kWh 0,16 kWh
Cycle duration 60 minutes 40 minutes
(*)assessed according to the Cycle Felting Severity (C.S.F.) index, as percentage of average felting, obtained measuring the dimensional shrinking of the washed standard wool sample, after the 20 washing cycles.
The above table shows immediately the improvements introduced by the invention in respect of the nevertheless valuable technique described in IT-B-1.230.903.
In particular, the cycle according to the invention allows, in respect of the known art, a reduction of the felting value of about 65%, a water consumption reduction of more than 45%, a power consumption reduction of more than 38% and a washing time reduction of more than 30%.
Therefore, from the above, it is clear that the method and/or the washing machine according to the present invention, allows, in respect of the known technique, an important reduction of the damaging of some types of articles to be washed by means of a domestic laundry washing machine, particularly articles which are subject to dimensional variations, like knitwear items, and/or items made of fabrics which may shrink or felt (as wool, mohair, cashmere, alpaca, camel, etc.) and/or which may slacken.
In this view, a substantial advantage of the invention is that of fulfilling the International Wool Secretariat requirements in respect of the possibility of washing, by means of a domestic laundry washing machine, all the wool articles that traditionally should be hand washed. In particular said requirements foresee a felting value, after 20 washing cycles (i. e. a number of washing cycles considered as representative of the average life of an article), which is less than 15% C.S.F.
It is also clear that the method and/or the washing machine according to the present invention, allows, even with the use of an equal quantity of detergent and/or washing additives as with the known technique, a drastic reduction of the water and electric power consumption. The same is true for the washing time of the articles, with a great advantage for the lasting life of the same.
The invention is easy to implement on domestic laundry washing and/or drying machines, either of the type comprising an electronic (with micro-controller) or an electromechanical programmer. In the preferred embodiment of the invention, the control system of the machine provides for an electronic module, suitably controlled by the programmer for managing the basket moving stages.
From the given description and the attached drawing, the characteristics of the present invention are therefore clear, which are further evidenced by the attached claims, as well as clear are the relevant advantages.
It is clear that several variations are possible to the man skilled in the art, of the method and/or the machine which has been described as an example, without exiting from the scope of the invention.
For instance, it is clear that the above said speed values can vary, depending upon the washing basket radius. It should be pointed out that, in any case, in general terms, the basket speeds during the rinsing stages RS1-RS4 and the steps C2, should preferably be comprised between 80 and 240 rpm. Only as an indication, the speeds of the steps C1 and C3 could be between 300 and 1.200 rpm.
At last it is clear that, if necessary, the number of the rinsing stages provided by the cycle could be reduced in respect of that of the example made, and in this case the duration of each individual rinsing stage could also be slightly longer as that previously indicated, still allowing a reduction of the total washing time.
Among the other possible variants, the possibility is provided of a cycle comprising only three rinsing stages, wherein, at the end of the washing stage LB, and after the relevant activation of the draining pump, an intermediate spinning stage is provided, realized using the same technique as above described with reference to stages CI1-CI4, followed by the first rinsing stage RS1.
The first foreseen rinsing stage starts in this way at a moment when the basket is already rotating at an angular speed at least equal to the lowest speed allowing the laundry items to be kept adherent to the basket walls or, in other words, during the time interval between the end of the stage immediately preceding the first rinsing stage and the beginning of the latter, the basket is constantly kept rotating at an angular speed at least equal to the lowest speed allowing the laundry items to be kept adherent to the basket walls.
With the same test conditions already indicated above, the cycle according to this proposed variant of the invention, has allowed for the reaching of a felting level of 8,50 C.S.F. with a total treatment time of about 40 minutes, a water consumption of about 33 liters and a power consumption of about 0,15 kWh.
Moreover it is clear that the duration of the heating steps of the washing liquid or the supply steps from the mains depends, at least in part, on the time necessary to reach the desired liquid temperature, or the liquid level in the tank, which are measured by means of suitable known sensors.

Claims (23)

  1. Method for washing laundry items, in particular items made of fabrics being subject to dimensional variations, such as for instance items which undergo slackening and/or felting, in a household washing machine comprising a washing tank and a basket for containing the laundry, rotatable within said tank, the method providing for at least a washing stage (LB) and a plurality of rinsing stages (RS1,RS2,RS3,RS4), each one of said rinsing stages (RS1,RS2,RS3,RS4) being preceded by a loading (CR) into said tank of a rinsing liquid and being followed by a drain (SR) of the rinsing liquid from said tank, each of said rinsing stages (RS1, RS2, RS3, RS4) further providing for at least a rotation period of said basket at a first angular speed being equal to, or greater than, the lowest speed which allows to maintain the laundry items adherent to the basket walls so that, during said period and while the basket is rotating, said items come temporarily and at least partially into contact with the rinsing liquid and/or foam, characterized in that during the time interval (CI1, CI2, CI3) between the end of one of said rinsing stages (RS1, RS2, RS3) and the beginning of the following rinsing stage (RS2, RS3, RS4) the basket is kept constantly in movement without reversing its rotation sense, the angular speed of the basket during said time interval (CI1, CI2, CI3) being such to always maintain the laundry items adherent to the basket sides.
  2. Method, according to claim 1, characterized in that during said rinsing stages (RS1,RS2,RS3,RS4) the basket is kept constantly moving at an angular speed equal to, or greater than,. the lowest speed allowing the laundry items to be kept adherent to the basket walls.
  3. Method, according to claim 1, characterized in that the first rinsing stage (RS1) being provided begins at a moment when the basket is already rotating at an angular speed equal to, or greater than, the lowest speed allowing the laundry items to be kept adherent to the basket walls.
  4. , Method, according to the preceding claim, characterized in that, during the time interval between the end of the stage that comes immediately before the first rinsing stage (RS1) and the beginning of said first rinsing stage (RS1), the basket is kept constantly rotating at an angular speed equal to, or greater than, the lowest speed allowing the laundry items to be kept adherent to the basket walls.
  5. Method, according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the stage immediately coming before said first rinsing stage (RS1) is a spinning stage.
  6. Method, according to claim 1, characterized in that said time interval comprises a spinning stage (CI1,CI2,CI3), during which there are provided in particular rotation moments (C1,C3) of the basket at a speed between 300 and 1.200 rpm,
  7. Method, according to claim 1, characterized in that said time interval is constituted by a phase (CI1,CI2,CI3), during which there are provided at least three rotation moments (C1,C3) of the basket at different speeds, comprised between 90 and 1.200 rpm.
  8. Method, according to claim 1, characterized in that the stage (CI4) that comes immediately after the last rinsing stage (RS4) is a spinning stage, during which there are provided in particular rotation moments (C1, C3) of the basket at a speed comprised between 300 and 1.200 rpm.
  9. Method, according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said spinning stage (CI1,CI2,CI3,CI4) comprises at least two distinct steps (C1,C3) wherein the basket rotation reaches a speed comprised between 300 and 1.200 rpm, between said two steps (C1,C3) an intermediate step (C2) at a lower speed being provided, during which the basket is anyway kept at an angular speed at least equal to the lowest speed allowing the laundry items to be kept adherent to the basket walls.
  10. Method, according to the previous claim, characterized in that the speed of said intermediate step (C2) is of the order of magnitude of said first speed.
  11. Method, according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said rinsing liquid loading (CR) into said tank is realized with the basket in movement, in particular at said first speed.
  12. Method, according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said rinsing liquid drain (SR) from said tank is realized with the basket in movement, in particular at said first speed,
  13. Method, according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, in order to perform each one of said rinsing stages (RS1,RS2,RS3,RS4), about 9-10 liters of water are loaded into said tank.
  14. Method, according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said rinsing stages (RS1,RS2,RS3) are at least three, in particular four.
  15. Method, according to claim 1, characterized in that, during said washing stage (LB), there are provided one or more periods (L1,L2,L3) of basket rotation, in presence of water and/or foam within said tank, at an angular speed equal to, or greater than, the lowest speed allowing the laundry items to be kept adherent to the basket walls, so that, during said periods and while the basket is rotating, said laundry items are temporarily and at least partially brought in contact with and/or immersed into the washing liquid and/or the foam.
  16. , Method, according to claim 1, characterized in that that, during said washing stage (LB), there are provided at least three of said periods (L1, L2, L3), which are performed in particular at said first speed,
  17. Method, according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, in order to perform said washing stage (LB), about 6-7 liters of water are loaded into said tank.
  18. Method, according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the execution of a washing cycle comprising at least said washing (LB) and rinsing stages (RS1,RS2,RS3,RS4), requires a total water consumption smaller than 45 liters, and in particular comprised between 33 and 40 liters.
  19. Method, according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the execution of a washing cycle, comprising at least said washing (LB), said rinsing (RS1,RS2,RS3,RS4) and spinning stages (CI1,CI2,CI3,CI4), requires a total electric power consumption smaller than 0,2 kWh, and in particular comprised between 0,15 and 0,16 kWh.
  20. Method, according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the execution of a washing cycle, comprising at least said washing (LB), said rinsing (RS1,RS2,RS3,RS4) and spinning stages (CI1,CI2,CI3,CI4), requires a total time smaller than 55 minutes, and in particular of about 40 minutes.
  21. Machine for the washing, and the likely drying, of laundry of domestic use, comprising a washing tank, a laundry basket, a motor for producing the rotation of said basket, means for supplying water into said tank, means for draining water from said tank and a control system, which implements the method according to one or more of the preceding claims.
  22. Machine for the washing, and the likely drying, of laundry of domestic use, comprising
    a washing tank,
    a laundry basket,
    a motor for producing the rotation of said basket,
    means for supplying water into said tank,
    means for draining water from said tank,
    a control system, of the type comprising at least a program for the treatment of articles made of fabrics which undergo dimensional variations, in particular due to slackening and/or felting, said program comprising at least a washing stage (LB) and a number of rinsing stages (RS1,RS2,RS3, RS4),
    characterized in that control means are provided for constantly keeping said basket in motion during the time interval (CI1,CI2,CI3) between the end of one of said rinsing stages (RS1,RS2,RS3) and the beginning of the next rinsing stage (RS2,RS3,RS4), without reversing its rotation sense or stopping it, the angular speed of the basket during said time interval (CI1, CI2, CI3) being such to always maintain the laundry items adherent to the basket sides.
  23. Machine, according to claim 22, characterized in that said control means are operative for define at least a time interval of rotation of said basket, during said washing stage (LB) and at least one of said rinsing stages (RS1,RS2,RS3,RS4), with the presence of water and/or foam in said tank, at a first angular speed equal to, or greater than, the lowest speed allowing the laundry items to be kept adherent to the basket walls, so that, during said time interval and while the basket is rotating, said laundry items are temporarily and at least partially brought in contact with and/or immersed into the washing liquid and/or the foam present in said tank.
EP00942308A 1999-07-05 2000-07-04 Method for washing laundry and laundry washing machine implementing such a method Expired - Lifetime EP1208260B2 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (3)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
IT1999TO000580A IT1308788B1 (en) 1999-07-05 1999-07-05 WASHING LINEN AND MACHINE WASHING METHOD THAT IMPLEMENTS THIS METHOD.
ITTO990580 1999-07-05
PCT/IB2000/000903 WO2001002639A1 (en) 1999-07-05 2000-07-04 Method for washing laundry and laundry washing machine implementing such a method

Publications (3)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP1208260A1 EP1208260A1 (en) 2002-05-29
EP1208260B1 true EP1208260B1 (en) 2003-09-24
EP1208260B2 EP1208260B2 (en) 2009-10-14

Family

ID=11417940

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP00942308A Expired - Lifetime EP1208260B2 (en) 1999-07-05 2000-07-04 Method for washing laundry and laundry washing machine implementing such a method

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EP (1) EP1208260B2 (en)
AT (1) ATE250687T1 (en)
AU (1) AU5700100A (en)
DE (1) DE60005538T3 (en)
DK (1) DK1208260T4 (en)
ES (1) ES2206261T5 (en)
IT (1) IT1308788B1 (en)
PT (1) PT1208260E (en)
WO (1) WO2001002639A1 (en)

Families Citing this family (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
DE102007028213A1 (en) 2007-06-20 2008-12-24 BSH Bosch und Siemens Hausgeräte GmbH Washing machine and method of treating laundry with foam
KR101704421B1 (en) 2010-04-30 2017-02-09 삼성전자주식회사 Clothing dryer and control method thereof
EP2602373B1 (en) * 2011-12-05 2018-10-17 Electrolux Home Products Corporation N.V. Method of rinsing laundry in a laundry machine, and laundry machine actuating the method
GR20140100146A (en) 2014-03-19 2015-10-22 Αθανασιος Κωνσταντινου Βογιατζης Portable jointed system of casing(s) for the keeping and in-situ use of electronic and personal accessories via a connection-support mechanism

Family Cites Families (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
FR2632329B1 (en) * 1988-06-07 1991-09-06 Ciapem METHOD FOR WASHING WOOL LAUNDRY, AND MACHINE FOR WASHING LAUNDRY USING THE SAME
IT1230903B (en) † 1989-06-23 1991-11-08 Pierino Vellati PROCEDURE AND MACHINE FOR WASHING AND / OR DRYING OF TEXTILE MANUFACTURES.
DE4013450A1 (en) * 1990-04-27 1991-10-31 Licentia Gmbh Rinsing washing in programme-controlled drum washing machine - by driving perforated drum at above specified speed
DE4115776A1 (en) † 1991-05-15 1992-11-19 Licentia Gmbh Rinsing and spinning in program-controlled washing machine - has several stages to cut water consumption without impairing rinsing effect
US5191668A (en) * 1992-01-02 1993-03-09 Whirlpool Corporation Spin method of rinsing fabric in a horizontal axis washer

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ITTO990580A1 (en) 2001-01-05
DE60005538T2 (en) 2004-04-29
ATE250687T1 (en) 2003-10-15
DE60005538T3 (en) 2010-03-11
IT1308788B1 (en) 2002-01-10
DK1208260T4 (en) 2010-01-11
EP1208260A1 (en) 2002-05-29
AU5700100A (en) 2001-01-22
WO2001002639A1 (en) 2001-01-11
DK1208260T3 (en) 2004-02-09
PT1208260E (en) 2004-02-27
DE60005538D1 (en) 2003-10-30
ES2206261T3 (en) 2004-05-16
ES2206261T5 (en) 2010-01-22
EP1208260B2 (en) 2009-10-14

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