EP2882896A1

EP2882896A1 - Washing machine having a device for producing water drops and method for operating said washing machine

Info

Publication number: EP2882896A1
Application number: EP13741756.4A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Ingo Schulze
Original assignee: BSH Hausgeraete GmbH
Current assignee: BSH Hausgeraete GmbH
Priority date: 2012-08-07
Filing date: 2013-07-25
Publication date: 2015-06-17
Anticipated expiration: 2033-07-25
Also published as: US9487902B2; DE102012213934A1; US20150225887A1; EP2882896B1; KR20150039836A; CN104781462B; WO2014023579A1; PL2882896T3; RU2605382C2; CN104781462A; RU2015104563A

Abstract

The invention relates to a washing machine (1) having a drum (2) for accommodating laundry items (7) to be treated, which drum is rotatably supported in a suds container (3). The washing machine comprises a water supply system (8, 10), a control apparatus (12), a water container (29), and a water-drop producer (18, 22). The water-drop producer (18, 22) has an ultrasonic nebulizer (18), which is arranged in the water container (29). The invention further relates to a method for treating laundry items (7) in said washing machine.

Description

Washing machine with device for the production of

Water drops and procedures for their operation

The invention relates to a washing machine with a device for generating drops of water and a method for their operation. In particular, the invention relates to a washing machine with a drum rotatably mounted in a tub for receiving laundry items to be treated, comprising a water supply system, a control device, a water container and a device for generating water droplets (hereinafter also referred to as "water drop generator").

In washing processes in a washing machine, the general question is how they can be made more efficient, preferably the water consumption should be reduced even further, without the cleaning effect, e.g. an achievable with the washing degree of cleaning of laundry, is impaired.

In a washing process, laundry items are generally presented in a drum of a washing machine. A water-detergent mixture is then typically rinsed in and a washing mechanism, i. mechanical energy introduced via horizontally or vertically rotating drums, which in particular also comes to a laundry case. Finally, thermal energy is generally introduced by heating the wash liquor and / or laundry items via a radiator which is generally arranged in the tub. Then, in general, a rinsing of the attached and detached dirt during one or more rinses. The latter can be assisted by a previous pumping out and dumping of the dirt-enriched water. Finally, centrifuging and / or thermal drying of the wet laundry items then takes place.

Also known are processes in which textiles are soaked before washing to dissolve dried-on soiling. Likewise, methods are known in which a water-detergent mixture is foamed in order to achieve a better wetting of the surface of the laundry items and a better dissolution of the detergent. Finally, pretreatments such as prewashing at relatively low temperatures and / or low laundry mechanics are known. This method has in common that during the pretreatment and washing the laundry is soaked in water. In this case, some superficial contamination in the interior of the fibers or laundry items are passed and need to be leached out of the laundry again consuming subsequent washing. This not only requires an increased amount of time and energy. It is also more washing mechanics to use water and detergent. In general, the dirt is on the surface of a piece of laundry (eg contamination with particles, protein contaminants, fats). Penetration into deeper layers of the garment or deeper parts of fibers is partially associated with a hooking to these. In addition, capillary action can lead to deeper penetration of contaminants. This proves to be particularly critical for items of laundry which are less durable and undergo permanent changes in shape and, in particular, shrinkage (wool, silk) or direct fiber damage in a conventional wet treatment.

In laundry treatment appliances such as dryers, washing machines or washing dryers are also often offered additional functions. These include texturing smoothing, wrinkle reduction, odor removal, e.g. About steam extraction, heating with steam in addition to or as an alternative to conventional heating up to hygienic measures both for the laundry care and for the care of the equipment. For example, it is known from the documents DE 10 2005 056 354 A1 and EP 1 275 767 A1 to treat laundry with steam before ironing in a washing machine.

EP 1 275 767 A1 describes a tumble dryer or automatic washing machine with a stoving device, in which steam is supplied to the laundry after the removal of water by heating the water in the lye container until the vapor has evolved. The steam penetrates into the drum and comes into contact with the laundry.

In DE 102 60 151 A1 a laundry treatment device is described, in which a processing unit for a liquid for generating mist or steam is connected to a process air duct, so that via the supply of process air steam in the Laundry drum can be introduced. This should remove odors from textiles. A similar process is described in DE 10 2005 046 163 A1.

From DE 102 60 156 A1 a tumble dryer and the use of an ultrasonic atomizer are known.

Against this background, it is an object of the present invention to provide a washing machine which allows additional functions and in particular early attachment and detachment of soiling of laundry items, so that in particular a gentle cleaning is possible. It should preferably be possible to make do with little water. The object of the invention is also to provide a method for the treatment of laundry using this washing machine, with which preferably sensitive laundry items can be cleaned and / or the consumption of water can be reduced.

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

The invention thus relates to a washing machine with a rotatably mounted in a tub drum for receiving laundry items to be treated, comprising a water supply system, a control device, a water tank and a water drop generator, wherein the water drop generator comprises a Ultraschallvernebler, which is arranged in the water tank. Treating is understood here to mean, in particular, cleaning, disinfecting, decanting and refreshing items of laundry, as well as dissolving contaminants thereon. With the help of a Ultraschallverneblers advantageously a small drop size can be adjusted, for example in a range of 0.2 to 10 μηη, preferably in a range of 1 to 5 μηη. In a washing machine can be accelerated in the production of a very fine water mist, the evaporation of the mist in a laundry drum and a wetting of the laundry items can be avoided. This is of interest, for example, when scouring laundry items is to be achieved.

Preferably, the ultrasonic nebulizer is a piezoelectric, preferably a piezoceramic ultrasonic nebulizer. This type of ultrasonic nebulizer has the advantage that the power of the ultrasonic nebulizer can be controlled continuously. This is particularly advantageous because the amount of aerosol required depends on factors such as the amount of load on articles to be cleaned, e.g. contaminated items of laundry, as well as the type and amount of contamination depends, and is preferably adjusted accordingly.

An aerosol generated by a piezoceramic ultrasonic nebulizer generally has a homogeneous droplet size distribution. This homogeneous distribution can be used for even wetting or treatment of laundry items. Also, the droplet size can be controlled specifically when using a piezoceramic ultrasonic evaporator.

Finally, the energy requirement for atomizing an aqueous liquid in the use of such ultrasonic nebulizer is low. The ultrasonic nebulizer used in the washing machine according to the invention essentially generates an aerosol from an aqueous liquid. Herein the terms "fog" and "aerosol" are used synonymously. The aqueous liquid is either water or an aqueous solution containing additives, which additives are generally designed to exert certain effects on the laundry being treated. For example, these additives can lend certain properties to laundry items (eg odorous substances, dyes) or advantageously influence a laundry treatment process (eg detergents). Advantageously, these additives are washing aids such as detergents. The forwarding of the generated aerosol or optionally a vapor / aerosol mixture into the drum can be effected by a separate blower or even by the ultrasonic nebulizer itself. In general, the forwarding takes place in the upper area of the washing machine open and without pressure, preferably via a cuff.

In the washing machine, the ultrasonic nebuliser is preferably connected to the drum via a mist channel in which there is a fan for conveying the mist generated in the ultrasonic nebulizer from the water.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the washing machine on a radiator for generating steam. This is generally located outside of the tub. If present, the heater is preferably a heating coil. Preferably, then in or on the radiator, a temperature sensor, preferably a fast NTC. By the use of the temperature sensor, which is generally connected to the control device of the washing machine, a control of the evaporation power is already possible.

If present, the radiator is preferably arranged in the water tank. However, such a radiator may also be placed in another container filled with water, so that the generation of mist and steam are carried out in two separate containers. However, the common arrangement of radiator and ultrasonic nebulizer in the water tank advantageously allows the generation of an aerosol / vapor mixture having a desired temperature. For this purpose, a temperature sensor is advantageously arranged in the water tank. The temperature sensor can preferably provide the control device of the washing machine with measured values for the temperature in the water container, which make it possible for the control device to control the radiator and ultrasonic nebulizer in such a way that a desired temperature of the aerosol / vapor mixture is achieved.

In a particularly preferred embodiment of the washing machine according to the invention, therefore, the control device is set up so that it allows the setting of a desired droplet size, amount and / or temperature of an aerosol or a vapor / aerosol mixture in the water tank. For the function of the Ultraschallverneblers a sufficient water level in the water tank is important. Preferably, therefore, at least one water level sensor is arranged in the water tank and / or in an additional tank for the production of steam. This makes it possible to monitor the proper function of the ultrasonic nebulizer. Preferably, a plurality of water level sensors are mounted so that particularly accurate information about the water level can be forwarded to the control device. Particularly preferably, the control device is designed so that it can cause the supply of water into the water tank at a low water level, for example, by a valve to the water inlet system of the washing machine is opened until a certain water level is reached. The water tank used in the washing machine according to the invention is generally relatively shallow in height so that aerosol and in embodiments of the invention, steam can be efficiently produced without excessively lowering the water level (also referred to herein as "water level") The washing machine is a relationship between on the one hand average droplet size and amount of the aerosol, duration of treatment with the aerosol and on the other hand type and amount of contamination and / or type and possibly amount of soiled laundry items deposited According to the invention it is particularly advantageous if in the washing machine of In this case, it is again preferred for the circuit to pass through a cuff of the washing machine and, according to the invention, it is also preferable for a steam / aerosol mixture to be produced when the cuvette is produced the amount, droplet size and drop size distribution and the temperature of the steam / aerosol mixture can be adjusted specifically. In addition, it is possible to use various additives for treatment such as fragrances by means of the steam / aerosol mixture use. This is achieved particularly well in accordance with the invention by adding a desired additive to the water in the water container.

A washing machine generally also has a lye drainage system arranged at the bottom of the lye container with a drain pump and generally also laundry hoppers and / or scooping devices. In addition, a pressure sensor and / or a temperature sensor are generally arranged in the washing tub in a washing machine. Pressure and temperature sensor, if present, are preferably arranged in a lower region of the tub, so that pressure and / or temperature of an aqueous liquid present in the tub can be measured.

In a preferred embodiment, the washing machine has a water supply system which splits into a water supply line for the water tank and into a tub supply line. For this purpose, for example, a 3/2-way valve (switching valve, depressurized) can be used. In the case of a suds container feed line, an induction bowl and a connecting tube to the suds container generally adjoin the suds container feed line, e.g. a filling hose for lye / water. The control device in the washing machine is preferably set up in such a way that it makes it possible to set a desired drop size, quantity and / or temperature of an aerosol or in embodiments of a vapor / aerosol mixture in the water tank. In this case, a relationship between the drop size, quantity and / or temperature of the vapor / aerosol mixture and, on the other hand, the nature and extent of impurities and / or the type and possibly the amount of contaminated objects is preferably stored in the control device.

The washing machine can advantageously have a display device for carrying out a method according to the invention, wherein, for example, the performance of the method per se and / or the proper functioning of the ultrasound conveyor can be displayed. The display device may be an optical and / or acoustic display device. The control device is preferably set up so that, in addition to the control of a treatment program, the generation of an aerosol and, in embodiments of the invention, a generation of steam can be regulated. The control device can preferably initiate remedial measures if the ultrasonic nebulizer and, if appropriate, the steam generator do not function properly. Thus, for example, if the water level is too low or the vapor / aerosol mixture is too high, the control means can switch off the steam generator, the ultrasonic nebulizer and, if present, the radiator and / or a corresponding acoustic and / or optical Effect display on a display device.

The invention also relates to a method for treating items of laundry in a washing machine with a drum rotatably mounted in a tub for receiving items to be treated, comprising a water supply system, a control device, a water container and a water drop generator, wherein the water drop generator comprises an ultrasonic nebulizer Water tank is arranged, comprising the steps

(a) providing laundry in the drum;

(b) generating an aerosol in the water container by means of the ultrasonic nebulizer; (c) introducing the aerosol into the drum; and

(d) treating the laundry with the aerosol.

The inventive method allows a gentle wetting of the laundry items in the washing machine with mist, whereby only the surfaces and the contaminants can be moistened, without thereby the interior of the laundry items and the textile fibers are completely saturated. In this case, typically a water mist with a droplet size in the range of 0.2 to 10 μm, preferably in the range of 1 to 5 μm, is used. However, the drop size can be adjusted in a wide range to the type and amount of laundry.

Without being bound by the following explanation, it is assumed that the fine droplets of water of the aerosol can precipitate on the surface of the laundry as a result of their surface tension, especially on hydrophobic surfaces areas of dirt and infiltrate, for example, in dried clay or protein-containing surface contaminants. Or the aerosol can contribute to the mechanical removal of hydrophobic contaminations on hydrophilic surfaces, eg fat on cotton, from these soiling. In the method according to the invention, evidently by forming a boundary layer with water between the item of laundry and the contamination, a deeper penetration of the contaminants into deeper textile fiber layers and in the case of multi-layered textiles, for example from the upper material into the lining material, is avoided. Otherwise, to solve such contaminated soils, unnecessarily much washing mechanics, energy, water, detergent or time would be required.

A method according to the invention is therefore preferred in which the aerosol or, in embodiments of the invention, a vapor / aerosol mixture is brought into contact with the items of laundry prior to a washing phase for dissolving and / or removing contaminants.

In a particularly preferred embodiment of the invention, therefore, the laundry items are substantially dry prior to treatment with the aerosol according to step (d). For example, dry items of laundry can be introduced into the drum and then treated with the mist or aerosol for a predetermined period of time. This period and / or the amount of mist used are preferably adjusted in view of the type and amount of laundry used and the detected contamination. Depending on existing sensors, this adjustment can be done automatically or by a user of the washing machine.

In any case, the use of the fine drops of water in the aerosol makes it possible to loosen or remove soiling. This cleaning process can still be promoted by a suitable movement program of the drum, so that, for example, it is ensured that all laundry items come into contact with the aerosol and / or loosened soiling can already be mechanically detached from the surface of the laundry items. In a preferred embodiment of the process according to the invention, dry laundry items made of wool in the drum in the mist are also treated with comparatively high mechanics since there is little or no danger of shrinkage of the wool. Subsequently, in the washing process with very little movement, the loosened contaminants can be removed with water from the surface of the laundry items. The actual washing process, for example, in wool additionally at least in the Reversierpausen, ie phases in which the drum is stationary, be supported with fog. In particular, the invention also makes possible a very efficient use of washing aids, such as detergents, since these can support the action of the aerosol. In a particularly preferred embodiment of the invention, therefore, additives such as washing aids are added to the water in the water tank and these washing aids are introduced together with the aerosol into the drum so that the treatment of the laundry takes place in the presence of the washing aid.

In this case, it may in turn be advantageous that an aerosol / vapor mixture of the aerosol and a thermally formed steam is generated, the aerosol / vapor mixture is passed into the drum and the laundry items are treated with the aerosol / Dam pf- mixture. It is particularly preferred that a temperature of the steam / aerosol mixture is controlled such that a maximum temperature value T _{max of} the steam / aerosol mixture stored for an inserted type of textile and / or a type of contamination in the control device is not exceeded. The radiator in the water tank used in embodiments of the invention need not be used to generate steam. In an advantageous embodiment of the method according to the invention, the water is heated in the water tank in the presence of a radiator by this first for hygienic reasons to a relatively high temperature, for example 60 ° C, and then generates a desired aerosol using the ultrasonic nebulizer.

Moreover, in the method according to the invention it is preferred that the vapor / aerosol mixture is brought into contact with objects to be cleaned prior to a washing phase using an aqueous liquid for dissolving contaminants. In a preferred embodiment of the method, the aerosol from the water tank via a mist channel, in which a blower is arranged, passed into the drum and passes back through a mist return duct back into the water tank. Particularly preferably, the aerosol reaches the drum via a sleeve of the washing machine and returns to the water tank via a mist return channel ending in a rear wall of the drum.

In addition to the arrival and replacement of dirt, the washing machine according to the invention offers more options. Thus, in a method of the invention to be carried out in this washing machine, the items of laundry may be provided with certain additives, such as fragrances and softening agents, in order to impart certain properties to them. In embodiments of the invention where an aerosol / vapor mixture is employed, the temperature of a vapor / aerosol mixture can be readily controlled to suit any type of fabric and soiling without causing textile damage. Here too, the invention makes it possible, for example, for protein-containing soils, such as, for example, Blood and leftovers without the risk of burn-in, as it exists for example in hot steam, are dissolved in advance.

Depending on the type of textile, a creasing can be carried out at different temperatures (cold ... 90 ° C) as a separate program. Likewise, a refresher treatment could be carried out as a separate program at different temperatures from cold to 60 ° C.

Hygienic treatment is possible in embodiments of the invention at higher temperatures (eg 60 to 100 ° C). For example, a sanitary treatment in a washing machine can be carried out during final spinning, with good visibility and a large surface area. Advantageously, in this case a steam / aerosol mixture is passed to an existing at high rotational speeds applied laundry. Moreover, according to the invention comparatively little energy is used to produce an aerosol or an aerosol / vapor mixture, so that a high energy efficiency is given. A formation of larger drops and thus wetting of the laundry items and a transport of contaminants into the interior of laundry or the fibers contained in them can be avoided.

The invention has numerous advantages. Thus, in a simple and very efficient way, fog, i. an aerosol, optionally in combination with steam, be used for the treatment of laundry items. This is in particular for the attachment and detachment of dirt, but also for the removal of wrinkles, etc. of advantage. In embodiments of the invention, an improvement of hygiene in Spülschleudern can be achieved, in which case each desired temperatures can be easily adjusted.

The invention makes it possible to dissolve contaminants on the surface of items of laundry at an early stage, to treat materials which are not hard-wearing or items of laundry produced from them (wool, silk) in a gentle and efficient manner. In particular, it is possible to apply and detach superficial contamination, with it being possible to prevent protection against the penetration of the contaminants into the item of laundry and in particular into deeper fiber layers. For the treatment of delicate laundry items such as those of wool and silk, which can shrink or be damaged in complete saturation in mechanical movements, thus resulting in the possibility of a particularly gentle treatment.

Finally, the invention makes it possible to prepare the items of laundry in a stepped washing process in which, for example, before or after carrying out the treatment with aerosol, a treatment with washing liquor can take place. A big advantage of the present invention here is that the water consumption can be significantly reduced. The washing machine of the invention makes it possible that a performance of a treatment process on the degree of contamination of the objects to be cleaned, eg laundry, can be adjusted. Embodiments of the invention will be explained in more detail below with reference to Figures 1 and 2 he attached drawing.

Fig. 1 is a schematic representation of the presently relevant parts of a non-limiting first embodiment of a washing machine.

Fig. 2 is a schematic representation of the presently relevant parts of a non-limiting second embodiment of a washing machine. The washing machine 1 shown in Fig. 1 comprises a tub 3, in which a drum 2, in which laundry items to be treated 7 are present, about a rotation axis 21 is rotatably mounted and can be operated by a drive motor 14. The long arrow indicates the direction of rotation of the drum here. In the drum 2 Wäschemitnehmer 4 and 5 Schöpfeinrichtungen 5 for a wash liquor 6 are on the inner surface of the drum shell available.

In the first embodiment of a washing machine shown in FIG. 1, water first passes from the water connection 8 from the domestic water network to an electrically controllable three-way valve 10, from which tap water can be conveyed to two different locations.

On the one hand tap water from the three-way valve 10 via a water supply line 9 to reach a water tank 29, in which there is an ultrasonic nebulizer 18 and a water level sensor 23 in the water 24. From the water container 29, a mist channel 16, in which a fan 19 is arranged, leads via a collar 27 into the interior of the drum 2. In this way, mist produced by the ultrasonic nebulizer 18 (also referred to herein as "aerosol"), in the Generally, a cold mist of water with an average droplet size in the range of 1 to 10 μηη, get into the drum 2 and thus to the laundry items to be treated 7. On the laundry 7 this mist leads, for example, to a supply and release of dirt The effect can be assisted by suitable rotations of the drum 2. Different rotational speeds and directions of rotation can be set depending on the type and quantity of the laundry items 7 and the contaminants and amount of laundry items and the pollution and different speeds and directions of rotation deposited in such a way that certain rotation programs incl. Predetermined reversing rhythms are given for certain situations. From the drum, for example, a location not shown here in a rear wall, a mist return line 30 goes back to the water tank 29. In this way, with the help of the blower 19, the generated mist can be guided in a circle through the drum 2.

The voltage required for activating the ultrasonic nebulizer 18 is conducted to the ultrasonic nebuliser 18 via a line, not shown here, wherein the line can be connected to a battery, a battery or the like.

On the other hand, tap water from the three-way valve 10 via a Einspülschalenzulei- device 25 to a dispenser 1 1 are passed. The dispenser 1 1 is connected via a connecting tube (filling hose) 17 with the tub 3 and the drum 2. The water coming via the water connection 8 or the scavenging bowl feed line 25 can transport washing agent portions located there via the dispensing tube 1 into the tub 3 via the dispensing dish 1 1. A lye drainage system 20, which according to conventional practice in addition to corresponding lines a drain valve and a drain pump includes is shown for clarity only schematically.

For the acoustic and / or visual display of an ultrasonic nebulizer 18 which does not function properly, an optical display device 28 is located on the washing machine 1 of the first embodiment shown here.

In addition, there is a lye heater 13 in the tub 3. However, embodiments without lye heating are conceivable. The three-way valve 10 as well as the lye heater 13 may be controlled by a controller 12 in response to a schedule associated with a time schedule and / or the achievement of certain measurements of parameters such as liquor level, liquor temperature, drum speed, etc. within the washing machine can be. In Fig. 1, 15 means a pressure sensor for the measurement of the hydrostatic pressure p in the tub 3, which results from the level of forming in the tub 3 free liquor when in the washing machine 1 additional treatment steps are performed with an aqueous liquid. The signals from the drive motor 14, pressure sensor 15, etc. are supplied to the control device 12, although this is not shown for reasons of clarity.

In this washing machine can advantageously be carried out now to be described method for treating laundry items. Thus, initially substantially dry or dry laundry items 7 are provided in the drum 2, and subsequently an aerosol having an average particle size in the range from 1 to 10 μm is produced in the water container 29 and passed into the drum 2 via the mist channel 16. At the same time or at least overlapping the drum 2 is moved so that the aerosol with all laundry items 7 comes into contact and a connection and detachment of contaminants can be done by mechanical means.

In the first embodiment shown in Fig. 1, the aerosol from the water tank 29 via a mist channel 16, in which a fan 19 is arranged, passed into the drum 2 and passes through a mist return passage 30 back into the Wasserbehäl- ter 29, said The process is repeated until a predetermined period has elapsed for the treatment with aerosol.

The water 24 in the water tank 29 is added to a detergent not shown here as a detergent. Then this detergent can be taken into the mist and the produced fine mixture of detergent and water can be conveyed into the drum 2 for an improved cleaning effect.

These steps are done to solve soiling preferably before the start of a wash program. As mentioned, already a movement program can be carried out. Subsequently, in one embodiment of the method, additional water is introduced into the drum via the dispenser tray, with washing aids usually placed in the dispenser tray being rinsed into the drum. Alternatively or in addition thereto, the mist or the aerosol contained in it can also be used after completion of a washing program including a rinsing section in order to counteract the formation of wrinkles or to provide the items of laundry with other desired properties.

Fig. 2 is a schematic representation of the presently relevant parts of a non-limiting second embodiment of a washing machine.

The second embodiment differs from the first embodiment essentially by the arrangement of the water tank 29 and the fact that not only an ultrasonic nebulizer 18 is in the water tank 29, but also a heater 22 for generating steam from the water 24. Thus, in the second Embodiment prepared an aerosol / vapor mixture. In addition, the temperature of this mixture may be adjusted by using a temperature sensor 26 and the controller 12 to control the heater 22 and the ultrasonic nebulizer 18 to produce a suitable aerosol / vapor mixture having a predetermined temperature. Insofar as the meaning of certain reference symbols is not discussed separately below, they have the same meaning as for the first embodiment of FIG. 1.

Thus, in the second embodiment shown in FIG. 2, water in the water supply pipe 9 flows to a water tank 29 in which a heater 22 for generating steam, an ultrasonic nebulizer 18, a temperature sensor 26, and a water level sensor 23 are placed. The water level sensor 23 is used to monitor the water level and to cause a water supply under the influence of the three-way valve 10, since for the operation of radiator 22 and ultrasonic nebulizer 18, a certain water level must be maintained.

From the water tank 29, a mist channel 16, in which a fan 19 is arranged, via a sleeve 27 into the interior of the drum 2. In the second embodiment shown here, however, an aerosol / vapor mixture is conveyed in the drum 2 in the mist channel 16. In this way, cold mist generated by the ultrasonic nebulizer 18 can be mixed with steam such that an aerosol / vapor mixture of a certain temperature is formed, which meets the requirements of a laundry load (Type and quantity of the laundry items as well as of dirt) is tuned. The aerosol / vapor mixture enters the drum 2 and thus the laundry items 7 to be treated. On the items of laundry 7, soiling is released and removed due to the action of the aerosol / steam mixture. This effect can be supported by a suitable rotation program of the drum 2, as explained in more detail above for the first embodiment. In particular, different speeds and directions of rotation can be adjusted depending on the type and amount of laundry items and the contaminants. For this purpose, in the control device 12 of the washing machine 1 relationships between on the one hand kind and amount of Wäschestü- bridge and on the other hand different speeds and directions of rotation and properties of the aerosol / vapor mixtures (in particular the particle size in the aerosol and the temperature of the mixture) deposited in such a way in that certain turning programs incl. predetermined reversing rhythms are predetermined for certain situations.

These steps are preferably carried out before the start of a washing program in which an aqueous liquid is used, as already described for the first embodiment, for the purpose of loosening and removing contaminants. From the drum, for example, a point not shown in detail in a rear wall, a mist return line 30 goes back to the water tank 29. In this way, with the help of the blower 19, the generated aerosol / vapor mixture are circulated through the drum. The voltage necessary for activating the ultrasonic nebuliser 18 is conducted to the ultrasonic nebuliser 18 via a line, not shown here, wherein the line can be connected to a battery, a battery or the like.

In the second embodiment of a washing machine shown in FIG. 2, a method can thus be carried out in which additionally an aerosol / vapor mixture of the aerosol and a thermally formed water vapor is generated, the aerosol / vapor mixture is passed into the drum 2 and the laundry items 7 are treated with the aerosol / steam mixture. LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1 washing machine

2 drum

3 tubs

4 laundry hamper

5 scooping device

6 wash liquor

7 pieces of laundry

8 water connection (from the domestic water network)

9 Water supply line for ultrasonic nebulizer

10 electrically controllable three-way valve

1 1 detergent dispenser (dispenser tray)

12 control device

13 lye heating

14 drive motor

15 pressure sensor

16 mist channel (channel for transport of aerosol or aerosol / vapor mixture

17 connecting pipe (filling hose for lye / water)

18 ultrasonic nebulizers

19 Blowers for transporting aerosol or aerosol / vapor mixture

20 lye drainage system

21 rotation axis (the drum)

22 radiators for steam generation

23 water level sensor

24 water

25 scavenging bowl feed line

26 temperature sensor

27 cuff

28 Display device, optical and / or acoustic

29 water tank

30 mist return line

Claims

PATENT CLAIMS

Washing machine (1) with a drum (2) rotatably mounted in a tub (3) for receiving items of laundry (7) to be treated, comprising a water supply system (8, 10), a control device (12), a water container (29) and a Water drop generator (18,22), characterized in that the water drop generator (18,22) has an ultrasonic nebulizer (18) which is arranged in the water container (29).

Washing machine (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the ultrasonic nebulizer (18) is connected to the drum (2) via a mist channel (19), in which there is a fan for transporting a mist generated in the ultrasonic nebulizer (18).

Washing machine (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the washing machine (1) has a radiator (22) for generating steam.

Washing machine (1) according to claim 3, characterized in that the radiator (22) is arranged in the water tank (29).

Washing machine (1) according to claim 4, characterized in that a temperature sensor (26) is arranged in the water container (29).

Washing machine (1) according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that at least one water level sensor (23) is arranged in the water container (29).

Washing machine (1) according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the control device (12) is set up in such a way that it sets a desired drop size, quantity and / or temperature of an aerosol or a vapor/aerosol in the water container (29). -Mixture possible.

Washing machine (1) according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that in the control device (12) there is a connection between, on the one hand, average drop size and amount of aerosol, duration of treatment with the aerosol and, on the other hand, type and amount of contamination and / or type and, if necessary, the amount of soiled laundry items are stored.

Washing machine (1) according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the water container (29) and the drum (2) together with a mist channel (16) and a mist return channel (30) form a circuit.

Washing machine (1) according to claim 9, characterized in that the circuit runs through a sleeve (27) of the washing machine.

Method for treating items of laundry (7) in a washing machine (1) with a drum (2) rotatably mounted in a tub (3) for receiving items of laundry (7) to be treated, comprising a water supply system (8, 10), a control device

(12), a water container (29) and a water drop generator (18,22), the water drop generator (18,22) having an ultrasonic nebulizer (18) which is arranged in the water container (29), comprising the steps

(a) providing items of laundry (7) in the drum (2);

(b) generating an aerosol in the water container (29) using the ultrasonic nebulizer (18);

(c) introducing the aerosol into the drum (2); and

(a) Treating the laundry items (7) with the aerosol.

Method according to claim 1 1, characterized in that the aerosol is guided from the water container (29) via a mist channel (16), in which a fan (19) is arranged, into the drum (2) and again via a mist return channel (30). returns to the water container (29).

13. The method according to claim 1 1 or 12, characterized in that the laundry items (7) are essentially dry before being treated with the aerosol.

14. The method according to any one of claims 1 1 to 13, characterized in that washing aids are added to the water (24) in the water container (29) and these washing aids are introduced into the drum (2) together with the aerosol, so that the treatment the laundry items take place in the presence of the washing aid.

15. The method according to any one of claims 1 1 to 14, characterized in that an aerosol/steam mixture is generated from the aerosol and a thermally formed steam, the aerosol/steam mixture is passed into the drum (2) and the laundry items (7) be treated with the aerosol/steam mixture.