EP2261413A1 - Method for treating laundry by transporting lye between lye containers in a washing machine - Google Patents

Abstract

The method involves conveying washing brine (6) between a brine container (1) and another brine container (18) in a bidirectional manner, where the containers are arranged in different levels. The washing brine is conveyed from the latter brine container into the former brine container via different supply openings (20), where relative heights of the containers are adjusted in a manual or automatic manner. A drum (2) is supported in the former brine container in a rotatable manner around a horizontal axis and moved with speed of maximum 50 revolution/minute.

Description

The invention relates to a method for treating laundry by conveying washing liquor between lye containers in a washing machine and a washing machine suitable for carrying out this method.

Washing programs are commonly used in which a particularly delicate garment, e.g. such a wool or silk, in a washing machine, which is equipped with a rotatably mounted in a tub drum is washed at a particularly high liquor level with reversing the drum with a small amplitude, which is less than one revolution of the drum. Here, "amplitude" means the maximum deflection of the drum in degrees as the drum reciprocates, i. "reversed" is. The disadvantage here is that a defined movement of the drum with a small amplitude ΔΦ or a targeted start, i. Setting a defined angle of rotation, due to the design is hardly possible. The position and orientation of the laundry as well as the position of tumble-drippers in general are subject to chance. A harmful for delicate laundry between drum and laundry friction and a clumping of laundry can be practically prevent this way. Moreover, in such a method a defined inclusion of the Wäschemitnehmer in a washing process is not possible.

There have long been so-called vat washing machines, in which the washing container has a vertical axis. However, since these types of washing machines require a very large volume of water for adequate cleaning, they are no longer very common today.

In the German patent DE 636 530 C1 For example, such a tub washing machine is described in which the laundry is placed in a kettle on a perforated bottom. By means of the perforated bottom, a multiple change in direction of washing and rinsing liquid as well as dry air through a common connecting piece is made possible by means of a self-contained conveying device. Through a at short intervals by hand or automatically switching valves is a forced circulation through the boiler to one or the other direction, with the water level rises or falls in the boiler according to the change in direction of the circulating water. On the laundry is used to complain the laundry serving perforated plate in the boiler, which is set by the liquid in motion and thus also contributes to a cleaning of the laundry. There is no separate container for washing liquid, and thus the required volume of water is very large.

A similar tub washing machine also describes the DE 11 34 053 B1 in which a pump-generated flow of washing liquid in the washing tank is periodically changed by a reversing device so as to increase the washing effect. The reversing device is actuated by the washing liquid flowing through it. The washing machine has a washing container, in which a washing basket with lattice or sieve-like walls, which are located at a distance from the wall of the washing container, is arranged to receive laundry. The wash basket is at rest during the normal washing process. On the outside of a washing container, an annular storage container is provided, in which the wash liquor can be stored for further use. For this purpose, the liquid in the storage can be supplied to the wash tank again by means of a pump.

The DE 102 25 693 B4 describes a tub washing machine having an outer tub for storing washing water, a washing drum mounted in the outer tub, a washing plate mounted upwardly and downwardly within the washing drum, a drive motor below the outer tub, and power transmission means connected to the drive motor for transmitting a rotational force of the drive motor to the wash plate converting the rotational force into an upward or downward force. The washing machine should be advantageous for washing, which requires special protection of the laundry.

The U.S. Patent 2,589,247 describes a tub washing machine with a receptacle for an aqueous liquid and water boxes attached thereto, which communicate with the interior of the receptacle through openings therein communicate. By means of a pump, the aqueous liquid is transported through the receptacle and the water boxes.

The KR 2005050032 A describes a system for the circulation of water in a washing machine with two containers. The water is to be forced by means of a pump and an additional channel to an upper part of a washing tank, whereby impurities in the water can be filtered out by means of a filter.

The JP 9-313769 A2 describes a washing machine with reduced water demand, in which water is transported from an outer container via a switching valve in an auxiliary container. The carriage is done naturally by a pressure equalization at different liquid levels or due to a pumping action by the rotation of an inner container located in the outer container.

The 42 36 873 A1 describes a drum washing machine, in which a collecting container is arranged below the tub, which is connected via a drain with the tub. In addition, a line from the collecting container via an axially arranged nozzle through the door into the drum, so that the laundry can be sprayed with washing liquor. If the drum moves in addition, the centrifugal force should be used for washing performance. The pump can only circulate the wash liquor, so that an improved wash effect can only be achieved by turning the bowl at start-up speed. This does not contribute to the protection of the laundry, since it must be thrown.

The object of the invention is to provide an improved method for treating laundry in a washing machine. The object of the invention is also to show a suitable for carrying out this method washing machine.

The object underlying the invention is achieved by a method and a washing machine according to the independent claims. Preferred embodiments of the invention are listed in the respective dependent claims. Preferred embodiments of the method correspond to preferred Embodiments of the washing machine, even if it is not pointed out separately in each case.

The invention thus relates to a method for the treatment of laundry in a washing machine, comprising a first tub with a volume V _L1 for receiving laundry, at least one pump, which serves to convey a wash liquor, and a control device, wherein the washing machine one from the first Lye container spatially separated second tub having a volume V _L2 and wherein the wash liquor between the first tub and the second tub is repeatedly reciprocated.

In this case, if possible, a hand wash should be simulated, since the effect of mechanics on the laundry is low and the cleaning is achieved more by the flooding with wash liquor. The pumping back and forth of wash liquor means in practice then a lifting and lowering of the lye mirror in the tub, in which the laundry is, so that even when the drum is stopped, a flooding takes place.

Preferably, therefore, in the context of the present invention, the wash liquor is discharged through the outlet of the first tub and also recessed. "Spatially separated" in the sense of the invention comprises the case that the first and the second tub do not have a container wall in common and the case that the first and the second tub at least one, preferably one, Have container wall in common.

In the method according to the invention, the pump is preferably arranged between the first tub and the second tub, whereby it can be used for repeated transport of the wash between the first tub and the second tub.

In the method of the present invention, a frequency for repeatedly reciprocating the washing liquor (hereinafter also abbreviated to "conveying frequency") is preferably one to four volumes V _L per minute, where V _{L is} the smaller of the volumes V _L1 and V _L2 .

Preferably, the size of the second tub is chosen so that it can absorb the entire amount of wash used from the first tub. As a result, the laundry is maximally flooded when the wash liquor is conveyed back and forth.

The transport of the wash liquor between the first tub and the second tub can be accomplished due to the action of gravity and / or through the intermediary of a pump. In the event that only one pump is used for the transport of the wash liquor, the transport frequency corresponds to the pumping frequency of the pump.

The pumping frequency of the pump according to the invention is preferably from one to four volumes V _L per minute, where V _{L is} the smaller of the volumes V _L1 and V _L2 . If the pump is used only for pumping in one direction, while a backflow of wash liquor is done by gravity, the pumping frequency is correspondingly lower with unchanged transport frequency.

The transport frequency and / or pumping frequency may be constant during a washing phase or varied continuously or discontinuously.

It is preferred that the volume V _{L1 is} greater than the volume V _L2 . The volume V _L2 is generally in the range of 8 to 20 l, preferably in the range of 12 to 18 l.

In a preferred embodiment of the method, a drum mounted rotatably in the first tub about a substantially horizontal axis is not moved or with a maximum amplitude ΔΦ smaller than 150 ° (also referred to as "laundry rocking"), while the wash liquor between the first tub and the second tub repeatedly reciprocated. The amplitude ΔΦ here is the sum of the maximum deflections of the drum in the left and right direction.

In the method according to the invention, standstill phases of the drum with laundry swing phases can be combined as desired. Preferably, ΔΦ is at most 90 °.

The drum is preferably moved at a speed of at most 50 rpm, and more preferably at a speed of at most 25 rpm. In this case, the drum can be rotated completely or up to a maximum amplitude ΔΦ.

For the method according to the invention, it is essential that wash liquor is repeatedly reciprocated between a first tub and a second tub. In the method according to the invention, a rotatably mounted drum is preferably additionally used.

In a particularly preferred embodiment of the invention, therefore, a drum is mounted rotatably about a substantially horizontal axis in the first tub.

In the event that the first tub and the second tub are arranged at different heights, the wash liquor is preferably only transported to the higher-lying tub in the process of the invention from the pump and flows back from this due to gravity back into the lower tub.

The wash liquor can be repeatedly reciprocated by utilizing gravity between the first and second tubs. For this purpose, the relative height of the first and second tub can be changed repeatedly so that wash liquor is located in the higher of the two tubs and flows due to gravity in the lower of the two tubs.

The wash liquor can, for example by means of the pump, be transported in any way in the respective tub. However, it may be useful that in the first tub a certain and possibly time-varying flow of the wash is set.

The pump used in preferred embodiments may be a unidirectional or bi-directional pump, so pump wash either in one direction only or in both directions. A unidirectionally operating pump is generally simpler and thus cheaper than a bi-directional pump.

If the first lye container and the second lye container are arranged at different heights, it may be appropriate for the lower of the two lye containers to be made tight, so that a pressure builds up when the wash lye flows in. The pump then requires a lower power compared to the case where no pressure can build up in the lower tub.

In principle, the wash liquor may additionally or alternatively be pressed into the higher tub by means of a pressure generated in the lower tub.

Preferably, the first tub and the second tub can be connected to each other via a connecting channel in which a pump may be located.

The duration of the implementation of the method according to the invention can vary within a wide range. The duration depends on the type and amount of laundry to be treated and their degree of soiling. In general, the process of the invention lasts from 10 to 60 minutes.

The invention also relates to a washing machine having a first tub with a volume V _L1 for receiving laundry, at least one pump which serves to convey a wash liquor, a control device and a second tub with a volume V _L2 spatially separated from the first tub wherein the pump is disposed between the first tub and the second tub and wherein the control means is configured so that a wash liquor can be repeatedly reciprocated between the first tub and the second tub.

In the washing machine, the first tub and the second tub can be arranged in different ways to each other, so in particular be arranged side by side or at different heights.

In a preferred embodiment of the washing machine, the first tub and the second tub are arranged at different heights. Here, the first tub is preferably arranged higher than the second tub.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, a relative height between the first tub and the second tub is manually or automatically adjustable. Instead of or in addition to the use of a pump, repeated raising or lowering of the first and second tubs may be provided relative to one another. This allows carriage of the wash liquor by gravity.

In general, according to the present invention, a level of the wash liquor in the first tub is periodically raised and lowered. As a result, a hand washing largely corresponding washing mechanism is generated.

By setting a suitable delivery pressure and a suitable delivery rate and / or by using suitable supply openings between the pump and the first tub, wherein the shape and number may vary, in addition to the first wash tub tuned to the laundry to be treated flow can be generated.

In one embodiment of the invention, a user can manually specify the relative height between the first tub and the second tub, so that a possibly used pump is operated under predetermined conditions. By this procedure, the possibilities of variation for the inventive method are extended.

The washing machine according to the invention generally has a drive motor for driving a drum which is generally present in the washing machine. Preferably, the washing machine as a drive motor for a in the first Lye container rotatably mounted drum on a brushless DC motor. A DC motor has a stator and a rotor. In a brushless DC motor, the rotor is generally a permanent magnet and the stator is a plurality of solenoids.

A washing machine used herein also generally includes a heater and a liquor drain system with a drain pump located at the bottom of the first tub. In addition, a washing machine used herein also generally includes laundry drippers and / or scooping devices. As a pump for the lye drainage system, the pump used between the first tub and the second tub can be used. For this case, a three-way valve is preferably provided, with which the respective connections to be produced between the two tubs or between the first tub and a sewer can be adjusted.

The invention has the advantage that previously only washable by hand laundry can be washed without damage in a washing machine. In particular, in embodiments of the invention in which it is dispensed with a movement of a drum, a further significantly reduced mechanical load on the laundry can be achieved. A selected before the washing phase drum or Wäschemitnehmerposition and location and orientation of the laundry remain and can be targeted. The method of the invention is also suitable for combination with further process steps (e.g., sprinkling), optionally by coupling further system components such as e.g. a cuff flushing. The spectrum of washing processes for a gentle, gentle treatment of laundry is considerably expanded by the present invention.

• Fig. 1 ist eine schematische Darstellung der für die folgende Erläuterung relevanten Teile einer Waschmaschine gemäß einer ersten Ausführungsform, in der ein erfindungsgemäßes Verfahren durchgeführt werden kann.

The invention will be described below with reference to a in FIG. 1 illustrated non-limiting embodiment illustrated.

• Fig. 1 is a schematic representation of the relevant for the following explanation parts of a washing machine according to a first embodiment in which a method according to the invention can be performed.

Fig. 1 schematically shows a washing machine according to a first embodiment of the invention, in which a method described herein can be performed. For filling of wash liquor 6 in the washing machine shown here, water from a central water supply, indicated here by a valve 8, via an electrically controllable valve 9 in the washing machine into a dispenser 11, where the water absorbs a suitable detergent and further in the first tub 1 passes. The valve 9 as well as a heater (not shown) may be controlled by a controller 12 in response to a schedule and / or achievement of certain measurements of parameters such as liquor level, liquor temperature, laundry drum speed, etc., within the washing machine can be tied.

At the in Fig. 1 the first embodiment shown, the second tub 18 is disposed below the first tub 1. Between the first tub 1 and the second tub 18, a pump 19 is arranged in a connecting channel 17, by means of which the wash liquor 6 between the first tub 1 and the second tub 18 repeatedly can be conveyed back and forth. By means of the pump 19, therefore, wash liquor from the second tub 18 is pumped up to the first tub 1. The drain of the first tub is at the same time also the first supply opening 20.

The pump is one in both directions, i. bidirectional, working pump. To support the pump, the second tub can be closed, so that in the second tub 18 by incoming wash liquor 6 can build up an overpressure. Then, the pump 19 can be operated in the transport of the wash liquor from the second tub 18 in the first tub 1 with a relatively low power. At the same time, of course, the liquor from the first tub can be drained by gravity into the second tub. In this case, a unidirectional pump is sufficient.

It would also be conceivable, in deviation from the embodiment shown here, to arrange the second suds container above the first suds container. For this purpose, by means of the pump 19 wash liquor 6 can be pumped into the above the first tub 1 arranged second tub 18, from which it at the here shown embodiment can flow back into the first tub 1 due to gravity again.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1

first tub

2

drum

6

suds

8th

Water connection fitting for the domestic water network

9

electrically controllable valve

11

dispenser tray

12

control device

17

Connecting channel between the first and second tub

18

second tub

19

Pump between first and second tub

20

first supply opening

Claims (11)

Method for treating laundry in a washing machine, comprising a first tub (1) with a volume V _L1 for receiving laundry (7), at least one pump (19) for conveying a wash liquor (6), and a control device ( 12), the washing machine having a second liquor container (18) spatially separated from the first tub (1) with a volume V _L2 and wherein the wash liquor (6) between the first tub (1) and the second tub (18) is repeated and forth is promoted. A method according to claim 1, characterized in that the pump (19) between the first tub (1) and the second tub (18) is arranged. A method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that a conveying frequency of the pump (19) is from one to four volumes V _L per minute, where V _{L is} the smaller of the volumes V _L1 and V _L2 . A method according to claim 3, characterized in that V _{L1 is} greater than V _L 2. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that in the first tub (1) about a substantially horizontal axis rotatably mounted drum (2) is not moved or with a maximum amplitude ΔΦ less than 150 °, while the wash liquor (6) between the first tub (1) and the second tub (18) is repeatedly reciprocated. Method according to one of claims 4 and 5, characterized in that the drum (2) is moved at a speed of at most 50 revolutions / min. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that for the case that the first tub (1) and the second tub (18) are arranged at different heights, from the pump (19) the wash liquor (6) only to the higher Lye container is transported and flows from this due to their gravity back into the lower-lying tub. Washing machine having a first tub (1) with a volume V _L1 for receiving laundry, at least one pump (19) which serves to convey a wash liquor (6), a control device (12) and spatially from the first tub (1) having a separate second suds container (18) with a volume V _L2 , wherein the pump (19) is arranged between the first suds container (1) and the second suds container (18), characterized in that the control device (12) is designed such that a wash liquor (6) may be repeatedly reciprocated between the first tub (1) and the second tub (18). Washing machine according to claim 8, characterized in that the first tub (1) and the second tub (18) are arranged at different heights. Washing machine according to claim 9, characterized in that the first tub (1) is arranged higher than the second tub (18). Washing machine according to one of claims 8 to 10, characterized in that a relative height between the first tub (1) and the second tub (18) is manually or automatically adjustable.

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