EP2426245B1 - Method for operating a washing machine with steam generation device and washing machine - Google Patents

Description

• Dampf durch Aktivieren der Dampferzeugungseinrichtung erzeugt und in die Trommel eingelassen wird.

The invention relates to a method for operating a washing machine, comprising a housing, a cylinder-shaped tub mounted so as to oscillate within the housing, and a drum which is rotatably or horizontally rotatably mounted in the tub and driven by an electric motor for receiving the textiles to be treated Container opening, and means for generating steam,
comprising a steam treatment phase in the

• Steam is generated by activating the steam generating device and introduced into the drum.

For improved laundry treatment, especially for post-treatment after washing, it is advantageous to eliminate wrinkles to treat the laundry in the washing machine with steam. Thus, various methods and machines are already known in which the laundry can be treated with steam.

From the EP 1 275 767 A1 or the EP 1 507 028 A1 is a washing machine with a tub for holding washing liquid and the laundry to be treated known. The washing machine further comprises a steam generator with a radiator, which can receive the liquid to be evaporated, wherein the radiator is provided for heating and vaporizing the liquid. To generate the steam, the heater is heated to a predetermined temperature, for example at least 100 ° C, whereby it is evaporated and let into the drum. During steam generation, the drum is rotated so that the textiles contained therein are applied as evenly as possible with the steam. In this case, there is not always a uniform application of steam, in particular, the different behavior with respect to the effect of steam of different textiles is not sufficiently considered.

From the EP 1 867 773 A1 or the WO 2009/008560 A1 For example, there is known a method of operating a washing machine with a steam generating device in which steam is supplied to the drum while the drum is being rotated.

From the documents DE 1 262 202 B . DE 42 02 656 A1 and GB 1 078 422 A It is generally known to adjust the drum movement differently depending on the textiles to be washed.

From the EP 1 555 338 A2 It is known to activate the steam supply depending on the drum speed. In this case, the steam is introduced into the drum only when the drum is rotated at application speed, so that the applied due to the centrifugal force on the drum shell fabrics are subjected to steam. After this treatment, the drum is rotated at a speed below the application speed to mix the fabrics. In this phase, no steam is let into the drum. Here is it is disadvantageous that a part of the steam condenses on the drum wall and thus can counteract the effect of an optimal steam treatment of the textiles. Furthermore, it is necessary to pass high-pressure steam into the drum or to the clothes lying on the drum shell, in order to achieve an application of steam.

It is an object of the present invention to provide, in a simple manner, an effective and uniform exposure to steam in textiles for a plurality of different textiles.

The object is achieved by a method having the features of claim 1 and with a laundry treatment machine having the features of claim 14. Preferred embodiments will be apparent from the respective dependent claims.

The essential advantage of the method according to the invention is that an optimal movement of the textiles or laundry items is provided within the drum. In this case, a respectively the states of the textiles, such as wet after spin or dry or the selected type of textile adapted drum movement is provided to keep the textiles almost continuously in the balance, while keeping contact times with the drum shell as short as possible or almost completely avoided. Due to the long periods of suspension, the steam can penetrate quickly and evenly into the fabric of the textiles and thus cause a rapid warming and a gentle and good Entknitterung.

According to the invention, in the method for operating the washing machine, it is provided that the drum is rotated with a predetermined rotational rhythm, which depends on the condition of the textiles to be treated and / or the type of textile selected, while the steam is being introduced into the drum, all speeds of rotation being lower than the application speed. Another advantage is that no high-pressure steam must be used, so that a simple steam generation is possible.

In an advantageous development, the amount of steam generated and / or steam intensity introduced into the drum is determined depending on the condition and / or the selected type of textile. As a result, a targeted treatment optimized for the textiles to be treated can be carried out.

• einen ersten zeitlichen Abschnitt (Da1), bei der Dampf in die Trommel eingelassen und die Trommel mit einem ersten Drehrhythmus gedreht wird,
• einen zweiten zeitlichen Abschnitt (Wirk), bei der die Dampfzuführung unterbrochen und die Trommel mit einem zweiten Drehrhythmus gedreht wird und
• zumindest einen dritten zeitliche Abschnitt (Da3), bei der Dampf in die Trommel eingelassen und die Trommel mit einem ersten Drehrhythmus gedreht wird. Im zweiten Abschnitt wirkt der zuvor eingeführte Dampf in das Gewebe ein und bewirkt das sogenannte Aufquellen der Fasern. In dieser Zeit wird keine weitere Dampfzufuhr benötigt, sodass ein unnötiger Energieverbrauch vermieden wird.

In a further advantageous embodiment, the steam treatment phase (Da) comprises at least

• a first time segment (Da1), in which steam is introduced into the drum and the drum is rotated at a first rate of rotation,
• a second time interval (Wirk), in which the steam supply is interrupted and the Drum is rotated with a second twist and turn
• at least a third time segment (Da3), in which steam is introduced into the drum and the drum is rotated at a first rotational rhythm. In the second section, the previously introduced steam acts on the fabric and causes the so-called swelling of the fibers. During this time no further steam supply is needed, so that unnecessary energy consumption is avoided.

In this embodiment, it is expedient that the first rotational rhythm with respect to the second rotational rhythm is designed so that the drum rotation with the first rotational rhythm can cause a stronger laundry movement. During steaming, suspended textile movement is important. In the exposure phase, the emphasis is not on hovering but on the mechanical action. Due to the slightly lower drum movement or drum speed in the second rotational rhythm, a laundry event is caused, which supports the action of the vapor in the tissue and the swelling of the tissue fibers.

The third rhythm of rotation is in this case compared with the first rotational rhythm designed so that the drum rotation causes a stronger laundry movement with the first rotational rhythm. As a result, the increasingly heavier by the steaming textiles continue to be held as completely as possible in the balance.

• den zweiten zeitlichen Abschnitt (Wirk) eine Dauer im Bereich von 3 bis 6 Minuten und
• den dritten zeitlichen Abschnitt (Da3) eine Dauer im Bereich von 10 bis 15 Minuten vorzusehen.

Overall, it is expedient for the first time segment (Da1) to have a duration in the range of 5 to 8 minutes,

• the second temporal section (Wirk) a duration in the range of 3 to 6 minutes and
• the duration of the third period (Da3) should be in the range of 10 to 15 minutes.

In an advantageous embodiment, the steam treatment phase and the state and / or the type of textile to be treated can be selected by the user separately and independently of a washing program. Thus, for example, the user may treat already-dried fabrics only with steam to cause de-creasing or freshening before use without performing a full wash cycle in advance.

In another embodiment, the steam treatment phase is an option downstream of a washing cycle associated with a textile type, wherein the rotational rhythm for the drum movement and the amount of steam and / or steam intensity admitted into the drum are determined on the basis of the washing cycle associated with the textile type. As a result, washing and de-creasing in a program adapted for steaming can be carried out in a program without interruptions. The user only has to select the additional setting for the steam function in addition to its textile-specific program.

• bei der Anwahl von mittelempfindlichen Textilien, die in die Trommel (3) eingelassene Dampfmenge auf einer zu verdampfenden Wassermenge im Bereich von 200 bis 350 ml und
• bei der Anwahl von unempfindlichen Textilien, die in die Trommel (3) eingelassene Dampfmenge auf einer zu verdampfenden Wassermenge im Bereich von 300 bis 500 ml zu bemessen bzw. vorzusehen. Mit der recht geringen Dampfmenge für empfindliche Textilien, wie Oberhemden oder Blusen wird eine zu starke Befeuchtung vermieden. Es wird also nur so viel Dampf den Textilien zugeführt, wie es für die Behandlung erforderlich ist. Bei sogenannten unempfindlichen Textilien, wie Jeans oder ähnliche Kleidungsarten muss mehr Dampf zugeführt werden, um eine entknitternde Wirkung zu erzielen. Bei unempfindlicheren Textilien bzw., bei stark knitternden Textilien, wird die Dampfmenge nochmals erhöht. Bei erhöhter Dampfmenge kann zur Erhöhung der Wirkintensität der Dampf auch stoßweise den Textilien zugeführt werden. Dies ist auch bei trockenen Textilien sinnvoll. Bei mittelempfindlichen Textilien ist ein Mix aus kontinuierlicher und stoßweiser Dampfzuführung sinnvoll.

Overall, it has proven to be expedient, in the selection of sensitive textiles, to let the amount of steam introduced into the drum to a quantity of water to be evaporated in the range from 120 to 250 ml,

• in the selection of medium-sensitive textiles, the amount of steam introduced into the drum (3) on a quantity of water to be evaporated in the range of 200 to 350 ml and
• when selecting insensitive textiles, the amount of steam introduced into the drum (3) to be measured on a quantity of water to be evaporated in the range of 300 to 500 ml. With the very low amount of steam for sensitive textiles, such as shirts or blouses, excessive moistening is avoided. So it is only as much steam supplied to the textiles, as it is required for the treatment. In so-called insensitive textiles, such as jeans or similar types of clothing more steam must be supplied in order to achieve a wrinkling effect. For less sensitive textiles or, in the case of heavily crumpled textiles, the amount of steam is increased again. At increased steam quantity, the steam can also be supplied intermittently to the textiles to increase the effective intensity. This is also useful for dry textiles. For medium-sensitive textiles, a mix of continuous and intermittent steam supply makes sense.

When selecting the steam treatment as a separate running program, it is advantageous to select the state of the treated textiles as dry or wet, wherein when selecting wet textiles the drum is moved with rotary rhythms for a stronger laundry movement, as in the selection of dry textiles , This makes sense because damp textiles are heavier and thus need more drum motion to keep them in suspension. The drum is reversing and moved at least almost without stopping, so that the textiles can invest only extremely short time on the drum shell.

• im ersten zeitlichen Abschnitt (Da1) der erste Drehrhythmus Drehzahlen im Bereich von 38 bis 65 1/ min,
• im zweiten zeitlichen Abschnitt (Wirk) der zweite Drehrhythmus Drehzahlen im Bereich von 30 bis 55 1/ min und
• im dritten zeitlichen Abschnitt (Da3) der dritte Drehrhythmus Drehzahlen im Bereich von 40 bis 70 1 / min auf.

Since the textile properties change during the vapor deposition, in particular the moisture bound in the tissue increases, it is advantageous to adapt the drum rhythm accordingly in the course of the steam treatment. For this purpose points

• in the first temporal segment (Da1) the first rotational rhythm speeds in the range of 38 to 65 1 / min,
• in the second temporal section (Wirk) the second rotational rhythm speeds in the range of 30 to 55 1 / min and
• in the third temporal section (Da3) the third rotational rhythm speeds in the range of 40 to 70 1 / min on.

• die Drehzahl der Trommel (3) des ersten Drehrhythmus als Funktion einer ansteigenden Rampe von einer unteren Drehzahl im Bereich von 38 bis 50 ausgehend in einen oberen Bereich von 48 bis 65 ansteigt und nach einer vorbestimmten Dauer im Bereich von 10 bis 20 Sekunden als Funktion einer abfallenden Rampe wieder auf die untere Drehzahl abfällt,
• die Drehzahl der Trommel (3) des zweiten Drehrhythmus als Funktion einer ansteigenden Rampe von einer unteren Drehzahl im Bereich von 30 bis 42 ausgehend in einen oberen Bereich von 40 bis 55 ansteigt und nach einer vorbestimmten Dauer im Bereich von 10 bis 20 Sekunden als Funktion einer abfallenden Rampe wieder auf die untere Drehzahl abfällt und
• die Drehzahl der Trommel (3) des dritten Drehrhythmus als Funktion einer ansteigenden Rampe von einer unteren Drehzahl im Bereich von 40 bis 55 ausgehend in einen oberen Bereich von 50 bis 70 ansteigt und nach einer vorbestimmten Dauer im Bereich von 10 bis 20 Sekunden als Funktion einer abfallenden Rampe wieder auf die untere Drehzahl abfällt.

In order to optimally hold different textiles in suspension, the rotational speed is driven as a turning cycle in the form of a so-called ramp. This means that starting from a lower start speed, the speed is steadily increased to an upper value. After a predetermined dwell time in the upper speed range, the speed is again lowered steadily to the lower value. Thereafter, the drum is stopped and the aforementioned speed profile is driven in the opposite direction. The speed profile for the individual rotary rhythms is chosen so that

• the rotational speed of the drum (3) of the first rotational rhythm increases as a function of a rising ramp from a lower rotational speed in the range of 38 to 50 into an upper range of 48 to 65 and after a predetermined duration in the range of 10 to 20 seconds as a function of sloping ramp drops back to the lower speed,
• the rotational speed of the second rotational rhythm drum (3) as a function of a rising ramp increases from a lower rotational speed in the range of 30 to 42 to an upper range of 40 to 55 and after a predetermined duration in the range of 10 to 20 seconds as a function of sloping ramp drops back to the lower speed and
• the rotational speed of the third rotational rhythm drum (3) as a function of an increasing ramp from a lower rotational speed in the range of 40 to 55 increases to an upper range of 50 to 70 and after a predetermined duration in the range of 10 to 20 seconds as a function of sloping ramp drops back to the lower speed.

The invention also relates to a washing machine, comprising a housing, a cylindrical tub mounted within the housing so as to vibrate, and a drum rotatably supported horizontally or inclined and driven by an electric motor for receiving the laundry to be treated with a container opening, and a means for generating steam, which is introduced into the interior of the container, and a control means for controlling a water supply to the steam generating means and the radiator, and an operating means for activating the steam generating means and for selecting the type of textile to be treated and / or the state of treating textiles. The control device comprises a microcontroller which is set up by means of a computer program stored in a program memory of the microcontroller in dependence on the above selection with respect to the textile type and / or the state of the motor, the water supply for the steam generating means, the radiator of the steam generating device and the motor for the Drive the drum to perform the above method.

In an expedient embodiment, the steam generating device has an always open connection for the supply of steam into the drum. Thus, a pressureless steam generating system is provided which is very easy and inexpensive to provide.

Fig. 1:

eine Wäschebehandlungsmaschine mit einer Dampferzeugungseinrichtung in;

Fig. 2:

ein Waschprogramm als Diagramm im zeitlichen Ablauf;

Fig. 3:

die einzelnen Zeitabschnitte innerhalb der Dampfbehandlungsphase;

Fig. 4:

beispielhaft einen Drehrhythmus und

Fig. 5:

eine Tabelle mit einigen Möglichkeiten für die Auswahl von Parametern.

An embodiment of the invention is shown purely schematically in the drawings and will be described in more detail below. Show it

Fig. 1:

a laundry treating machine with a steam generating device in;

Fig. 2:

a washing program as a diagram in chronological order;

3:

the individual time periods within the steam treatment phase;

4:

exemplarily a turning rhythm and

Fig. 5:

a table with some options for the selection of parameters.

In Fig. 1 is a purely schematic representation of a laundry treatment machine 1, here a washing machine, shown with a tub 2. The position and direction information refer to the operating position of the laundry treatment machine 1. Within the tub 2 a rotatably mounted in a substantially horizontal axis and driven by an electric motor 13 drum 3 is arranged, which in the tub 2 and in the drum 3 located laundry 8 moves. The drum 3 is made in the present embodiment of stainless steel and provided with a plurality of openings for the flooding. In the lower region of the tub 2, the washing liquid 7 or water is introduced, which is / s needed for cleaning or treating the laundry 8. For heating or for heating the liquid 7, a radiator (not shown) is arranged in the lower region of the tub 2. In the upper part of the machine 1, an inlet valve 15 is sketched, which controls the entry of the water from the supply network. About the Einspülkasten 11, the water is passed through the connecting pipe 14 into the tub 2, wherein in the dispenser 11 entered detergent is flushed into the tub 2. In addition, the laundry treating machine 1 has a device 12 for generating steam, which is injected via a line 16 and a nozzle 17 connected thereto in the interior of the tub 2 and in the interior of the drum 3. The nozzle 17 is in the upper region of the gasket 6, which provides the connection between the opening 9 in the tub 2 and the closable by the door 5 opening 10 in the housing 4, attached.

To convey the water 27 into the steam generating device 12, the washing machine 1 comprises a pump 21 which has a check valve 20 on its pressure side for the water 27 to be conveyed. The check valve 20 prevents steam generated in the steam generating device 12 from flowing back out of the opening 18 via the pump 21.

At the outlet opening 19, a line 16 is connected, via which the steam or einzuspülendes water is passed to the nozzle 17. The nozzle 17 is in the upper region at the edge of the opening 9 in the treatment chamber, here in the region of the sealing sleeve 6, mounted, the nozzle 17 to the interior of the tub 2 shows, so that a good Dampfbesprühung provided in the tub 2 and in the drum 3 laundry 8 is provided. A controller 29 controls operations for performing a laundry treatment program or program and performing steam generation, particularly, driving the inlet valve 15 of the heater 26 and the pump 21. In order to provide more heat than the heater 26 can supply, the steam generator 12 has one Alublock 26a, which cooperates as a heat-storing mass with the radiator 26. The increased heat requirement is particularly necessary at the beginning of steam generation, so that an explosive vapor cloud can be generated, which merges into a gentler, continuous steaming.

The pump 21 receives the water to be delivered 27 from a tank 22 which is filled via the controllable inlet valve 15. To provide the hygiene requirements, a free flow path 11 a is arranged between the inlet valve 15 and the tank 22 in the region of the Einspülkastens 11. In the tank 22, a dip tube 23 is further used, which provides via the line 28 a direct connection to a further inlet opening 24 of the steam generating device 12, bypassing the pump 21. With this bypass, an overflow is provided over the water from the tank 22 overflowing water through the dip tube 23, through the connecting line 28 to the steam generating device 12 and then passed through the line 16 to the nozzle 17 and from there into the interior of the drum 3 , After closing the inlet valve 15, a portion of the water 27 runs out of the tank until it reaches the level of the nozzle 17. The steam generating device 12 is arranged in an advantageous embodiment at a gradient to the outlet opening 19 so that it runs at least almost empty, so that a flushing takes place, whereby limescale and dirt deposits in the steam generating device 12 are prevented or at least reduced.

During steam generation, the steam outlet is prevented by the dip tube 23 from the further inlet opening 24 by means of a tube forming acting as a siphon. With this arrangement, a pressure relief valve is provided which prevents too high a pressure in the steam generating device 12.

As a laundry treatment machine 1, instead of a washing machine, a dryer with a rotatable drum 3 can be used, which contains no tub 2 and no sealing sleeve 6. In this case, the nozzle 17 is arranged in the edge region of the housing opening, so that the steam can be injected into the interior of the drum 3.

In Fig. 2 By way of example, a complete sequence of a washing program WP is shown in a diagram. The individual phases within the wash program WP are shown on the time axis t. The program sequence WP shown here comprises a washing phase Wa, a rinsing phase Sp and a spinning phase Sc. In these individual phases, the water supply 15 and the sequence 12 controlled accordingly. Also, the radiator 7 is controlled accordingly to heat the washing liquid 19 to the predetermined temperature. At the beginning of the washing program, the laundry item is recorded during the acquisition phase ER. In this case, water is introduced via the flushing device or the dispenser 11, whereby the processing agent stored therein, such as washing powder, is introduced through the connecting tube 14 into the tub 2. This is followed in the washing phase WA by the heating section Hz, in which the washing liquid 19 is heated by means of the activated heating element 7 to the temperature which is predetermined by the control device 18 by the selected program. After reaching the predetermined temperature of the radiator 7 is turned off and the so-called Nachwaschabschnitt Na follows. In this Nachwaschabschnitt Na, the laundry 8 is moved by means of rotating drum 3, wherein the washing liquid 19 cools. The washing phase Wa is ended with the pumping, wherein the drain device 12, in particular the pump 12a or a drain valve is activated. When pumping can also be spun so that the scrubbing added with detergent washing liquid 19 is removed from the fabric of the laundry items 8. This is followed by the flushing section Sp, in which fresh water is introduced into the tub 2 and the items of laundry 8 are moved therein. At the end of the rinsing section Sp, the rinse water is pumped out, followed by the final spin Sc for dewatering the laundry items 8. In the final spin Sc, the drum 3 is rotated at a higher speed compared to the washing process, in which the laundry items 8 abut the drum shell and the water or the washing liquid 19 is thrown out of the fabric through the drum openings due to the centrifugal force. The drain device 12 is activated in this case, so that the liquid is removed from the tub 2. In this example, after the washing or after the final spin follows the steam treatment phase Da, in which the textiles are steamed. The steaming phase DA takes about 15 to 25 minutes, depending on which type of textile has been selected.

In Fig. 3 the individual time periods within the steam treatment phase are outlined as a diagram. Here it can be seen that in the first temporal section Da1 steam is introduced into the drum (3) (steam active) and the drum (3) is rotated at a first rotational rhythm, with a maximum speed in the range of 48 to 65 1 / min. In the second temporal section Wirk the steam supply is interrupted (steam inactive) and the drum (3) with a second rotational rhythm with a maximum speed in the range of 40 to 5 1 / min. turned.

In the third temporal section Da3, steam is again introduced into the drum (3) (steam active) and the drum (3) is rotated at a maximum speed in the range of 50 to 70 l / min. The first section Da1 has a duration in the range of 5 to 8 minutes, the second temporal section Acts a duration in the range of 3 to 6 minutes and - the third temporal section Da3 a duration in the range of 10 to 15 minutes.

• Phase 1: Beschleunigen der Trommel auf die untere Drehzahl n1;
• Phase 2: stetiger Drehzahlanstieg auf die hohe Drehzahl n1 in etwa 7 bis 10 Sekunden;
• Phase 3: Verweildauer auf die hohe Drehzahl für etwa 7 bis 20 Sekunden;
• Phase 4: stetige Drehzahlabfall auf die niedrige Drehzahl n1 in etwa 7 bis 10 Sekunden;
• Phase 5: Verweildauer auf die niedrige Drehzahl für etwa 5 bis 7 Sekunden oder austrudeln der Trommel;
• Phase 6: Umschalten auf die entgegengesetzte Drehrichtung, sollte idealerweise 0 Sekunden betragen oder so kurz, wie das Abbremsen und erneute Beschleunigen der Trommel (3) möglich ist.

Fig. 4 shows an example of a rotational rhythm, in which the speed is changed continuously in accordance with a ramp function. In order to keep the floating state of the textiles within a rhythm, the speed must be continuously increased, with the aim of keeping the fall path of the laundry as long as possible. This is realized by the so-called ramp rhythm. In this rhythm, an acceleration phase is integrated to the maximum speed. The rotational speed of the drum (3) is chosen so that the textiles are not pressed against the drum wall but also do not fall by the natural weight perpendicular to the ground. Depending on the increase in the weight of the textiles in the course of steam treatment and also depending on the drum diameter, the speed must be adjusted. The ramping rhythm is defined as follows:

• Phase 1: accelerate the drum to the lower speed n1;
• Phase 2: steady increase in speed to the high speed n1 in about 7 to 10 seconds;
• Phase 3: Dwell on the high speed for about 7 to 20 seconds;
• Phase 4: steady speed drop to the low speed n1 in about 7 to 10 seconds;
• Phase 5: dwell on the low speed for about 5 to 7 seconds or tumble out of the drum;
• Phase 6: Switching in the opposite direction of rotation should ideally be 0 seconds or as short as slowing down and re-accelerating the drum (3) is possible.

Fig. 5 shows in a table by way of example the possibilities for the parameters for the drum movement and steam properties depending on the type of textile to be treated. The named parameters correspond to the diagram according to Fig. 4 ,

Claims (15)

1. Method for operating a washing machine (1) comprising a housing (4), a cylindrical suds container (2) which is attached so as to be able to move in an oscillating manner in the housing (4), and a drum (3) for receiving the textiles to be treated (8) which is rotatably mounted substantially horizontally or in an inclined manner in the suds container (2), driven by an electric motor and has a container opening (9), and a steam generation means (12) comprising a steam treatment phase (Da) during which

   - steam is generated by activating the steam generation means (12) and admitted into the drum (3),

   - the drum (3) being rotated at a predetermined rotational rhythm while the steam is admitted into the drum (3), all the rotational speeds of the rotational rhythm being lower than the spreading speed, characterised in that the predetermined rotational rhythm is dependent on the state of the textiles to be treated (8) and/or on the selected textile type, and further all the rotational speeds are set such that a drum movement adjusted to the textile type is provided, which minimises the contact time with the drum casing.
2. Method for operating a washing machine (1) according to claim 1,
   characterised in that
   the quantity of steam and/or the intensity of the steam generated and admitted into the drum (3) is determined depending on the state and/or the selected textile type.
3. Method for operating a washing machine (1) according to either claim 1 or claim 2,
   characterised in that
   the steam treatment phase (Da) comprises at least

   - a first time period (Da1) during which the steam is admitted into the drum (3) and the drum (3) is rotated at a first rotational rhythm,

   - a second time period (Wirk) during which the supply of steam is interrupted and the drum (3) is rotated at a second rotational rhythm, and

   - at least one third time period (Da3) during which the steam is admitted into the drum (3) and the drum (3) is rotated at a first rotational rhythm.
4. Method for operating a washing machine (1) according to claim 3,
   characterised in that
   the first rotational rhythm is configured, in comparison with the second rotational rhythm, such that the drum rotation at the first rotational rhythm can produce greater movement of the laundry.
5. Method for operating a washing machine (1) according to either claim 3 or claim 4,
   characterised in that
   the third rotational rhythm is configured, in comparison with the first rotational rhythm, such that the drum rotation at the first rotational rhythm can produce greater movement of the laundry.
6. Method for operating a washing machine (1) according to any of claims 3 to 5,
   characterised in that

   - the first time period (Da1) has a duration in the range of from 5 to 8 minutes,

   - the second time period (Wirk) has a duration in the range of from 3 to 6 minutes, and

   - the third time period (Da3) has a duration in the range of from 10 to 15 minutes.
7. Method for operating a washing machine (1) according to any of claims 1 to 6,
   characterised in that
   the steam treatment phase and the state and/or the textile type to be treated can be selected by the user separately and independently from a washing programme.
8. Method for operating a washing machine (1) according to any of claims 2 to 7,
   characterised in that
   the steam treatment phase (Da) is optionally after a wash cycle assigned to a textile type, the rotational rhythm for the drum movement and the quantity of steam and/or the intensity of the steam admitted into the drum (3) being determined on the basis of the wash cycle assigned to the textile type.
9. Method for operating a washing machine (1) according to either claim 2 or claim 8,
   characterised in that

   - when selecting delicate textiles, the quantity of steam admitted into the drum (3) is based on a quantity of water to be vaporised which is in the range of from 120 to 250 ml,

   - when selecting semi-delicate textiles, the quantity of steam admitted into the drum (3) is based on a quantity of water to be vaporised which is in the range of from 200 to 350 ml,

   - when selecting durable textiles (8), the quantity of steam admitted into the drum (3) is based on a quantity of water to be vaporised which is in the range of from 300 to 500 ml.
10. Method for operating a washing machine (1) according to claim 7,
    characterised in that
    the state of the textiles to be treated (8) is to be selected as dry or damp, the drum (3) being moved at rotational rhythms for greater movement of the laundry when damp textiles are selected than when dry textiles (8) are selected.
11. Method for operating a washing machine (1) according to any of claims 1 to 10,
    characterised in that
    the drum (3) is moved in a reverse direction, switching to the opposite rotational direction taking the time made possible by the drum (3) stopping and accelerating again.
12. Method for operating a washing machine (1) according to claims 4 and 5, characterised in that

    - during the first time period (Da1) the first rotational rhythm has rotational speeds in the range of from 38 to 65 1/min,

    - during the second time period (Wirk) the second rotational rhythm has rotational speeds in the range of from 30 to 55 1/min, and

    - during the third time period (Da3) the third rotational rhythm has rotational speeds in the range of from 40 to 70 1/min.
13. Method for operating a washing machine (1) according to claim 12,
    characterised in that

    - the rotational speed of the drum (3) in the first rotational rhythm increases as a function of an increase from a lower rotational speed in the range of from 38 to 50 to an upper range of from 48 to 65, and falls again after a predetermined duration in the range of from 10 to 20 seconds as a function of a decrease back to the lower rotational speed,

    - the rotational speed of the drum (3) in the second rotational rhythm increases as a function of an increase from a lower rotational speed in the range of from 30 to 42 to an upper range of from 40 to 55, and falls again after a predetermined duration in the range of from 10 to 20 seconds as a function of a decrease back to the lower rotational speed, and

    - the rotational speed of the drum (3) in the third rotational rhythm increases as a function of an increase from a lower rotational speed in the range of from 40 to 55 to an upper range of from 50 to 70, and falls again after a predetermined duration in the range of from 10 to 20 seconds as a function of a decrease back to the lower rotational speed.
14. Washing machine (1) comprising a housing (4), a cylindrical suds container (2) which is attached so as to be able to move in an oscillating manner in the housing (4), and a drum (3) for receiving the laundry to be treated (8) which is rotatably mounted substantially horizontally or in an inclined manner in the suds container (2),driven by an electric motor and has a container opening (9), and a steam generation means (12) for generating steam which can be introduced into the interior of the drum (3), and a control device (29) for controlling a water supply to the steam generation means (12) and the heating member (26), and a control means (29a) for activating the steam generation means (12) and for selecting the textile type to be treated and/or the state of the textiles to be treated, wherein the control device (29) comprises a microcontroller which is configured, by means of a computer program stored in a program storage means of the microcontroller, to control the motor (13), the water supply (21) for the steam generation means (12), the heating member of the steam generation means (12) and the motor (13) for driving the drum (3) depending on the present selection regarding the textile type and/or the state in order to carry out the method according to any of claims 1 to 13.
15. Washing machine (1) according to claim 14,
    characterised in that
    the steam generation means (12) comprises a constantly open connection for supplying the steam to the drum (3).

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