EP2905370A1 - Waschverfahren und Waschmaschine mit diesem Verfahren - Google Patents

Waschverfahren und Waschmaschine mit diesem Verfahren Download PDF

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Publication number
EP2905370A1
EP2905370A1 EP15152261.2A EP15152261A EP2905370A1 EP 2905370 A1 EP2905370 A1 EP 2905370A1 EP 15152261 A EP15152261 A EP 15152261A EP 2905370 A1 EP2905370 A1 EP 2905370A1
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EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
surfactants
water
washing
tub
stimuli
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Withdrawn
Application number
EP15152261.2A
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English (en)
French (fr)
Inventor
Andrea Zattin
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Electrolux Home Products Corp NV
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Electrolux Home Products Corp NV
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Priority to EP15152261.2A priority Critical patent/EP2905370A1/de
Publication of EP2905370A1 publication Critical patent/EP2905370A1/de
Withdrawn legal-status Critical Current

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    • D—TEXTILES; PAPER
    • D06—TREATMENT OF TEXTILES OR THE LIKE; LAUNDERING; FLEXIBLE MATERIALS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • D06F—LAUNDERING, DRYING, IRONING, PRESSING OR FOLDING TEXTILE ARTICLES
    • D06F39/00—Details of washing machines not specific to a single type of machines covered by groups D06F9/00 - D06F27/00 
    • D06F39/06—Arrangements for preventing or destroying scum
    • D—TEXTILES; PAPER
    • D06—TREATMENT OF TEXTILES OR THE LIKE; LAUNDERING; FLEXIBLE MATERIALS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • D06F—LAUNDERING, DRYING, IRONING, PRESSING OR FOLDING TEXTILE ARTICLES
    • D06F39/00—Details of washing machines not specific to a single type of machines covered by groups D06F9/00 - D06F27/00 
    • D06F39/10—Filtering arrangements

Definitions

  • the present invention refers to a washing method and a washing machine implementing the method.
  • washing machines e.g. laundry washers and dishwashers
  • the products to wash e.g. clothes, textiles, dishes, etc
  • washing machines comprise also means to introduce and distribute a detergent in the washing tub (and also in the drum in the case of the laundry machines), means to introduce and distribute the washing and the rinsing water in the washing tub, means for heating the washing water, and discharge means for evacuating the washing water after the wash and after the rinse.
  • washing machines of known type comprise also interface means for allowing the user to select a washing program and to set and/or to display some washing parameters (e.g. the washing water's temperature, the washing time, etc).
  • the washing cycle carried out in these kinds of washing machine includes at least a main wash, achieved by the pouring of the washing water and detergent in the tub, for washing the products contained in it.
  • the mixture of dirty washing water and detergent is normally drained out of the washing machine, and discharged into the sewer conduit.
  • the washing cycle includes also, after the main wash, the rinse of the products contained in the tub with clean water, followed by the drain of the latter.
  • the water and the detergent utilized in the washing cycle can be used only one time, and must be discharged during and/or at the end of the cycle; this generates two kind of problems, one related to the consumption of water and detergent, and the other related to the introduction in the environment of the dirty water-detergent mixture, that could be a source of pollution.
  • the detergents commonly used in the above mentioned washing machines are complex products containing some different compounds (e.g. surfactants, builders, bleacher, enzymes, soil release compounds, fragrances, etc); the surfactants have the main role in the dirt removal.
  • some different compounds e.g. surfactants, builders, bleacher, enzymes, soil release compounds, fragrances, etc.
  • the common surfactants currently used in washing machines are molecules with a hydrophilic head and a hydrophobic chain; the hydrophobic chain has the role to interact with and to remove the dirt from the product to wash (e.g. textiles or dishes), while the role of the hydrophilic head is to enhance the solubility in water.
  • the aggregates of surfactants and dirt particles are stable in water as a water suspension.
  • the stimulus can be physical (e.g. changes of the temperature, light, pressure, mechanical stress, electrical or electromagnetic stimuli, etc), or chemical (changes of the pH value, chemical reactions, salt addition, presence of metal ions, etc).
  • the changes in the properties of the surfactants can be irreversible or reversible; in the first case, the stimulus breaks (or weakens) one or more chemical bonds in the molecule of the surfactant, with the result of the loosing of the hydrophobic-hydrophilic properties (these kinds of surfactants are called "cleavable surfactants").
  • the stimulus can be used to switch the properties of the surfactant (or of a part of it) in the reversible way (in this case the surfactants are named "on demand surfactants").
  • the aim of the present invention is to obtain a washing method and a washing machine implementing the method that allow washing the desired products with a low environmental impact.
  • Another object of the invention is to achieve the wash of the desired products reducing the waste of detergent and of washing/rinsing water.
  • An additional object of the invention is to reduce the risk of allergic reactions and skin irritations for the people coming in contact to the washed products.
  • Another object of the invention is to increase the washing performances.
  • the Applicant has found that by the application of one or more appropriate stimuli to the "stimuli-responsive" surfactants in one or more pre-established points of the washing cycle, it is possible to modify selectively some properties of the surfactants particles in a way that reduce or eliminate the above-mentioned problems.
  • a washing method comprising at least the loading of one or more products to wash in the tub of a washing machine, the selection of the desired washing program, the adduction in the tub of washing water and of a detergent comprising at least one the so called "stimuli-responsive" surfactants, a main wash obtained by the interaction of a mixture of the washing water and detergent with the one or more products for removing the dirt from these products and creating a water suspension of "surfactants-dirt" aggregates, and one or more rinses of the one or more products contained into the tub by rinsing water; the method comprises at least the application, to the water suspension of "surfactants-dirt" aggregates and/or to the rinsing water, of one or more stimuli suitable for breaking the "stimuli-responsive" surfactants molecules in an irreversible way.
  • the rising water is recycled for a further rinse, directly or after being stored in storage means, sited internally or externally to the washing machine.
  • the one or more stimuli may be applied to the water suspension of "surfactants-dirt" aggregates and/or to the rinsing water while it is passing through a discharge conduct coming out of the tub and/or inside storage means sited internally or externally to the washing machine, and/or inside a further discharge conduct coming out of the storage means.
  • the method comprises at least the loading of one or more products to wash in the tub of a washing machine, the selection of the desired washing program, the adduction in the tub of washing water and detergent comprising at least one of the so called "stimuli-responsive" surfactants, a main wash obtained by the interaction of a mixture of the washing water and the detergent with the one or more products for removing the dirt from these one or more products and creating a water suspension of "surfactants-dirt" aggregates, and the discharge of the water suspension of "surfactants-dirt" aggregates from the tub, it comprises at least the further following steps:
  • the method comprises the step of keeping the changed solubility properties of the surfactants particles during the step of removal of the surfactants particles from the dirty water, so as to maintain the phase separation among the surfactants and the dirty water, and the further step of suppressing the one or more stimuli or to submit the surfactants particles to one or more reverse-stimuli to restore the original solubility properties.
  • the surfactants particles previously used in the main wash may be stored in a storage device placed internally or externally to the washing machine.
  • the method comprises at least the loading of one or more products to wash in the tub of a washing machine, the selection of the desired washing program, the adduction in the tub of washing water and detergent comprising at least one of the so called "stimuli-responsive" surfactants, a main wash obtained by the interaction of a foam, made of a mixture of washing water and detergent, with the one or more products for removing the dirt from these one or more products and to create a water suspension of "surfactants-dirt" aggregates; in this embodiment the method comprises at least the further following steps:
  • the step of monitoring if the amount of the foam in the tub is within a prefixed range may comprise monitoring if one or more properties of the "stimuli-responsive" surfactants affecting the amount of foam are within predetermined ranges.
  • the present invention relates to a washing machine comprising at least an outer casing , a washing tub in which products to wash are loaded to be submitted to a washing cycle, and a liquid feeding device to introduce into the tub washing water and a detergent containing one or more "stimuli-responsive" surfactants into the tub, for creating a water/detergent mixture interacting with the products for removing the dirt from these one or more products and creating a water suspension of "surfactants-dirt" aggregates, the liquid feeding device being also suitable to introduce into the tub rinsing water; in this embodiment the machine comprises a stimulation device for the application to the water suspension of "surfactants-dirt" aggregates and/or to the rinsing water, of one or more stimuli suitable for breaking the "stimuli-responsive" surfactants molecules in an irreversible way.
  • the stimulation device may be associated with the tub or with a recirculation circuit connected with the tub for draining the rinsing water from the tub after each rinse, and for re-introducing the rinsing water in the tub after the application to it of the one or more stimuli by the stimulation device.
  • the washing machine comprises at least an outer casing , a washing tub in which products to wash are loaded to be submitted to a washing cycle, and a liquid feeding device to introduce into the tub washing water and a detergent containing one or more "stimuli-responsive" surfactants into the tub, for creating a water/detergent mixture interacting with the products for removing the dirt from these products and creating a water suspension of "surfactants-dirt" aggregates, the liquid feeding device being also suitable to introduce into the tub rinsing water;
  • the washing machine comprises at least a stimulation device for the application to the water suspension of "surfactants-dirt" aggregates of one or more stimuli suitable for changing in a reversible way the solubility properties of the surfactants, so that to obtain a phase separation among the surfactants particles and the dirty water, a surfactant removal device for removing the surfactants particles from the dirty water, a draining line for draining the dirty water, deprived of the surfactants particles, and
  • the surfactant removal device may comprise a filter, and/or a centrifuge, and/or a decanter, or a septum made of a material able to attract the surfactant particles only if their chemical/physical properties are changed consequently to the application of the one or more stimuli.
  • the recycling line may comprise a storage device placed internally or externally to the washing machine.
  • the washing machine comprises at least an outer casing , a washing tub in which products to wash are loaded to be submitted to a washing cycle, and a liquid feeding device to introduce into the tub washing water and a detergent containing one or more "stimuli-responsive" surfactants into the tub, for creating a water/detergent mixture generating a foam interacting with the products for removing the dirt from these products and creating a water suspension of "surfactants-dirt" aggregates, the liquid feeding device being also suitable to introduce into the tub rinsing water;
  • the washing machine comprises a monitoring device for monitoring the amount of foam in the tub, and a stimulation device for the application to the water/"stimuli-responsive" surfactants mixture of one or more stimuli suitable for changing the "stimuli-responsive" surfactants properties, so as modify the amount of foam, if the amount of foam in the tub is outside a prefixed range.
  • the monitoring device may comprise one or more monitoring sensors, connected to the tub for revealing the amount of the foam, and operatively connected to an electronic control system for communicating to it an information related to the amount of foam, the electronic control system commanding the stimulation device and/or being operatively connected to an interface displaying device to display the amount of foam, so as to allow a user to activate the stimulation device.
  • washing method and the washing machine according to the invention should be applied substantially to at any kind of washing machine, in particular to a laundry washer or to a dishwasher.
  • FIG. 1 is schematically illustrated a first embodiment of a washing machine 1, particularly a laundry washer, according to the invention; the washing machine 1 comprises an outer casting 2, containing a washing tub 3, in which is rotatably installed a perforated drum 4, in which the products 5 to wash (in this case textiles, clothes, etc) can be loaded.
  • the products 5 to wash in this case textiles, clothes, etc.
  • the washing machine 1 comprises a liquid feeding device to introduce into the tub 3 the washing water, a detergent containing one or more "stimuli-responsive" surfactants, and the rinsing water.
  • the liquid feeding device advantageously comprises an adduction conduct 6 fluidly connectable to the hydraulic system of the building in which the washing machine 1 is installed and ending into the tub 3, for the adduction of the clean water to the tub 3; the liquid feeding device further comprises an admission drawer 7 arranged along the adduction conduct 6, for housing a detergent which is conveyed into the tub 3 by the water flowing in the adduction conduct 6.
  • the washing machine 1 comprises also a discharge conduct 8, for evacuating the washing water after the wash and/or after the rinse, fluidly connected to the tub 3 and advantageously provided with a pump 9 to drain the water from the bottom of the tub 3.
  • the pump 9 can be also fluidly connected to a recirculation circuit 10, designed so as to recirculate into the top of the tub 3 some of the washing/rinsing water drawn from the bottom of the tub 3 by the pump 9, via the discharge conduct 8, during the wash or during the rinsing, so as to assure that the washing/rinsing water reaches all the products 5 placed in the tub 3.
  • a recirculation circuit 10 designed so as to recirculate into the top of the tub 3 some of the washing/rinsing water drawn from the bottom of the tub 3 by the pump 9, via the discharge conduct 8, during the wash or during the rinsing, so as to assure that the washing/rinsing water reaches all the products 5 placed in the tub 3.
  • the washing machine 1 comprises also an interface displaying device 11, cooperating with the electronic control system of the washing machine 1, not illustrated, for allowing the user to select a washing program and to set and/or to display some washing parameters (e.g. the washing water's temperature, the washing time, etc).
  • some washing parameters e.g. the washing water's temperature, the washing time, etc.
  • the washing machine 1 also comprises one or more stimulation devices 12 suitable to apply one or more stimuli to the "stimuli-responsive" surfactants contained in the detergent, as will be described in the following.
  • the stimulation device 12 can be a device suitable to change the pH value, for example an electrolyser, which can be set both internally and externally to the washing machine; the electrolysis of the water produces an acid water solution and an alkaline water solution that can be used to change the pH of the washing bath.
  • an electrolyser which can be set both internally and externally to the washing machine; the electrolysis of the water produces an acid water solution and an alkaline water solution that can be used to change the pH of the washing bath.
  • the pH value could also be modified, for instance, by the addiction of some suitable additives to the mixture of water and surfactants.
  • the stimulation device 12 can be, for instance, a suitable source of light radiation or another electromagnetic radiation (internal or external to the washing machine).
  • the stimulation device 12 can also be a heater or another device suitable to modify the temperature of the water (internal or external to the washing machine).
  • the stimulation device 12 can be actuated by the electronic control system of the washing machine.
  • the appliance can comprise one, two, or even more stimulation devices 12. If the appliance comprises two or more stimulation devices, these can be of a same type or of different types, and can be arranged, according to the needs, in positions close to each other, so as to operate in the same area, or in different positions, as will be explained in more detail below.
  • Figure 2 is represented a flow chart schematizing the steps of a first embodiment of a washing method according to the invention.
  • the washing water and of the detergent are adducted into the tub (step 105), and the main wash is then started (step 110); the main wash can be a typical main wash of known washing machines.
  • the detergent could contain some different compounds, but in particular it must contain one ore more of the "stimuli-responsive" surfactants mentioned below.
  • the stimulus changing the properties of these "stimuli-responsive" surfactants can be physical (e.g. changes of the temperature, light, pressure, etc) and/or chemical (changes of the pH value, chemical reactions, salt addition, presence of metal ions, etc).
  • the "stimuli-responsive" surfactants interact with the washing water, creating a foam which interacts with and removes the dirt from the product to wash (e.g. textiles or dishes).
  • Some known examples of "stimuli-responsive" surfactants sensible to the pH variations, or to the presence of ions and salts, are the surfactants or the polymers supporting the surfactants based on molecules functionalized with carboxylic acids group, amminic groups, ammidic groups, piridinic groups, benzoic acids groups, imidazole groups.
  • PPAc poly(acrylic acid)
  • methacrylic acid poly(methacrylic acid)
  • derivatives of p-aminobenzene sulphonamide Poly(N,NO-dimethyl aminoethyl methacrylate)
  • Poly(vinyl imidazole) algynate polymers
  • polymethylmethacrylate based polymers for example the product commercially known as EUDRAGIT
  • chitosanes polymers based on piperazine as Poly(N-acryloyl-NO-alkylpiperazine) and peptide derived polymers.
  • azobenzene groups (4-ethylazobenzene 49-(oxyethyl) trimethylammonium bromide (EZTABr), 4-alkylazobenzene-49-(oxy-2-hydroxypropyl) trimethylammonium methylsulfate (AZMS-0, AZMS-1, AZMS-2, AZMS-4,and AZMS-8), spyropyrane groups, stilbene derivates, cynnamate groups, triarylmethane.
  • azobenzene groups (4-ethylazobenzene 49-(oxyethyl) trimethylammonium bromide (EZTABr), 4-alkylazobenzene-49-(oxy-2-hydroxypropyl) trimethylammonium methylsulfate (AZMS-0, AZMS-1, AZMS-2, AZMS-4,and AZMS-8), spyropyrane groups, stilbene derivates, cynnamate groups, triarylmethane.
  • Some known examples of "stimuli-responsive" surfactants sensible to a redox stimulus are polymeric molecules based viologens, paraphenylene diamine, ferrocens and derived species, nicotinamide.
  • PNIPAAm poly(Nisopropylacrylamide)
  • polyacids polyacrylamide derivates, N-acryloylpyrrolidine
  • poly(ethylene oxide)-poly(propylene oxide)-poly(ethylene oxide) PEO-PPO-PEO) triblock copolymers
  • Poloxamers poly(N-substituted acrylamide) derived polymers, (Poly(N-isopropylacrylamide), Poly(N,N'-diethylacrylamide), Poly(2-carboxyisopropylacrylamide), Poly(N-(L)-(1-hydroxymethyl) propylmethacrylamide)), Poly(N-acryloyl-N'-alkylpiperazine) derived polymers, Poly(N-vinylisobutylamide), Poly(vinyl methyl ether), Poly(N-vinyl methyl ether), Poly(N-vinyl)
  • Some known examples of "stimuli-responsive" surfactants sensible to a light radiation, in which the stimulus changes irreversibly the properties of the surfactant are the photo destuctable phenylazosulfonates (sodium 4-alkylphenylazosulfonates) and derived molecules.
  • the detergent could contain also one or more enzymes, of the known type, supported by a polymeric substratum that can change its properties (e.g. its solubility in water) consequently to an external stimulus, similarly to the above mentioned "stimuli-responsive" surfactants or supporting polymers; the role of these enzymes could be, for example, to improve the removal of the lipid particles from the products to wash.
  • enzymes of the known type, supported by a polymeric substratum that can change its properties (e.g. its solubility in water) consequently to an external stimulus, similarly to the above mentioned "stimuli-responsive" surfactants or supporting polymers; the role of these enzymes could be, for example, to improve the removal of the lipid particles from the products to wash.
  • enzymes usually contained in the detergent are amylase, mannanase, protease, cellulase, glycosidase, lipase.
  • the water suspension of "surfactants-dirt" aggregates is discharged from the tub (step 115) through the discharge conduct 8.
  • first storage means which can be, for example, a first storage tank, indicated with the reference number 13 in Figure 1 sited internally or externally to the washing machine 1.
  • the washing machine 1 is provided with a stimulation device 12 suitable to apply to the water suspension of "surfactants-dirt" aggregates, after the main wash, one or more stimuli suitable for breaking the "stimuli-responsive" surfactants molecules in an irreversible way (step 120).
  • These stimuli can be applied when the water suspension of "surfactants-dirt" aggregates is flowing through the discharge conduct 8; in this case the stimulation device 12 can be arranged along the discharge conduct 8.
  • the stimulation device 12 can be associated with the storage tank 13, so as to apply the stimulus when the water suspension of "surfactants-dirt" aggregates is stored in the first storage tank 13.
  • the stimulation device 12 can be arranged along a further discharge conduct 14 coming out from of the storage tank 13, so as to apply the stimulus to the water flowing though the conduct 14.
  • two or more stimulation devices 12 can be arranged in the different positions indicated above, so as to enhance the stimulation effect.
  • the water suspension of "surfactants-dirt" aggregates is drained out (step 125), and can be released into the environment with a reduced impact on the latter, because the surfactants molecules contained in that water have been broken by the stimulus, loosing their polluting effect.
  • the stimulus or stimuli must be applied to the water suspension of "surfactants-dirt" aggregates when it has been drained from the tub 3, because if the application of the stimulus or stimuli takes place inside the tub 3, the breaking of the surfactants molecules would release again the dirt inside the tub 3.
  • the steps 115, 118, 120 and 125 overall form a step of the present embodiment, herein after called “irreversible stimulus at the end of main wash", and indicated with the reference number 130.
  • the stimulus can also be triggered by the user, for instance by adding an appropriate additive to the water suspension of "surfactants-dirt" aggregates, advantageously when said water suspension of "surfactants-dirt” aggregate is stored in the first storage thank 13, for example through a suitable admission door (not illustrated) provided on said first storage tank 13.
  • the products to be washed placed inside the tub 3 (or inside the drum 4 in the case of a laundry washer), are submitted to one or more rinses, made with clean water, for removing the residual particles of dirt and surfactants (step 135).
  • the rinsing water is drained out of the washing machine 1.
  • Corresponding spin cycles are also typically applied.
  • Figure 3 is illustrated a flow chart schematically representing a second embodiment of the washing method according to the invention.
  • step 100 After the program selection and start (step 100), the loading of water and surfactants into the tub (step 105) and the main wash (step 110), the water suspension of "surfactants-dirt" aggregates is drained with the application of the "irreversible stimulus at the end of main wash” (step 130), as previously described, or alternatively it is drained without any stimulus, as in the traditional washing processes (step 140).
  • the products 5 to wash are submitted to one or more rinses (step 135).
  • the rinsing water containing a residual amount of "stimuli-responsive" surfactants, is submitted to one or more stimuli suitable for irreversibly breaking the "stimuli-responsive" surfactants residuals molecules (step 145).
  • the rinse water can be drained (step 150) through the draining conduct 8, and can be released into the environment with a reduced impact on the latter, because the surfactants molecules contained in that water have been broken by the stimuli, loosing their polluting effect.
  • the application of said one or more stimuli can be advantageously obtained by a suitable internal washing machine device and/or directly by the user.
  • said stimulation device 12 can be positioned so as to apply the stimulus directly into the tub 3, or in the discharge conduct 8 where the discharged rinsing water flows.
  • the rinsing water may be stored in second storage means (which could also coincide to the first storage means already described), which can be, for example, a second storage tank (not illustrated) sited internally or externally to the washing machine 1; in this case said one or more stimuli can be applied, instead of inside the discharge conduct 8, inside the second storage means, or inside a further discharge conduct (not illustrated) coming out of the latter.
  • second storage means which could also coincide to the first storage means already described
  • second storage means can be, for example, a second storage tank (not illustrated) sited internally or externally to the washing machine 1; in this case said one or more stimuli can be applied, instead of inside the discharge conduct 8, inside the second storage means, or inside a further discharge conduct (not illustrated) coming out of the latter.
  • FIG. 4 A third embodiment of the washing method according to the invention is illustrated in Figure 4 .
  • this embodiment coincides with the embodiment of Figure 3 .
  • the rinsing water is advantageously recycled (step 155) for the next rinse (which can be done in the same washing cycle or in a further one).
  • the tub 3 of the washing machine 1 is advantageously fluidly connected with a recirculation circuit, that can advantageously be the same recirculation circuit 10, previously described, used to assure that the washing/rinsing water reaches all the products 5 during the wash and the rinse, or which can also be a further specific circuit.
  • a recirculation circuit that can advantageously be the same recirculation circuit 10, previously described, used to assure that the washing/rinsing water reaches all the products 5 during the wash and the rinse, or which can also be a further specific circuit.
  • the rinsing water may be stored in third storage means (step 160), sited internally or externally to the washing machine, allowing storing said rinsing water for a further rinse;
  • the third storage means can be advantageously a third storage tank 15, arranged in series along the recirculation circuit 2, downstream the stimulation device 12.
  • the rinsing water could be first stored in the third storage means, and then submitted to the stimulus; in this case the stimulation device 12 is associated to said third storage means.
  • the stimulus can be advantageously applied also directly inside the tub 3 of the washing machine, during the rinse or after each rinse, by a stimulation device 12 associated with said tub 4.
  • the breaking of the residual "stimuli-responsive" surfactants molecules contained in the rinsing water allows to reduce the amount of residual "stimuli-responsive" surfactants molecules present in the products 5 to wash, reducing, as a consequence, the risk of allergic reactions and of skin irritations for the people coming in contact to the washed products.
  • the application of said one or more stimuli can be obtained by a suitable internal washing machine device and/or directly by the user.
  • FIG. 5 The flow chart of another embodiment of the washing method according to the invention is illustrated in Figure 5 ; in this case, after the program selection (step 100), the water and surfactants loading (step 105), the main wash (step 110) and the discharge of the dirt water suspension of "surfactants-dirt” aggregates from the tub (step 115), the dirt water suspension of "surfactants-dirt” aggregates is canalized in a recycling line 17, fluidly connecting the discharge conduct 8 and the tub 4, where it is submitted to one or more stimuli suitable for changing the solubility properties of said surfactants, so as to obtain a phase separation among said surfactants and the water containing the dirt (step 165).
  • the application of said one or more stimuli can be obtained by a suitable internal washing machine stimulation device 12, fluidly connected to the discharge conduct 8 and/or directly by the user.
  • Said surfactants must be kept in a stimulated condition (i.e. in a condition in which they are not soluble in water) during all the removal process of the surfactants particles from the dirty water, so as to maintain the phase separation among the surfactants and the dirty water.
  • the washing method according to the invention provides for the removal of the surfactants particles from the dirty water (step 170), by using a surfactant removal device 16 for removing said surfactants particles from said dirty water, which can advantageously include, for example, an apposite filter, or a centrifuge, or a decanter (all of them not illustrated).
  • This surfactant removal device 16 can be fluidly connected in series with the stimulation device 12.
  • the dirty water, deprived of the surfactants, can therefore be drained out of the washing machine (step 175), while the surfactants particles can be recycled for the next washing cycle (step 180). This allows reducing the amount of detergent used for the washing procedure, and consequently to achieve a money saving and a reduced environmental impact.
  • step 130 there is also one or more rinse (step 130), and one or more spin.
  • the step of recycling the surfactants particles (step 180) can include some sub-steps.
  • the surfactants particles can be stored in suitable forth store means (step 181) (placed internally or externally to the washing machine), for example in an apposite forth storage tank 18, so that they can be reused in the next washing cycle.
  • the stimulus applied to the surfactants to obtain the above-mentioned phase separation is, for example, a variation in the pH
  • the interruption of the irradiation restores the former solubility of the surfactants; in this case it is not necessary to provide a specific device to apply to the surfactants one or more stimuli to restore their properties, but it is sufficient to interrupt the application of said one or more stimuli used to obtain the above-mentioned phase separation.
  • the stimulus applied to the surfactants to change their solubility in water is, for example, a temperature increase
  • the restoration of the initial properties of the surfactants can be achieved advantageously by the natural cooling of the latter.
  • the removal of the surfactants particles from the dirty water can also be obtained by using a suitable septum or filter made of a material able to attract the surfactant particles only if their chemical/physical properties are changed consequently to the application of said one or more stimuli.
  • the surfactant particles When the dirty water containing the surfactant particles passes through the septum, the surfactant particles remain attached to the latter, while the dirty water can be drained out of the washing machine.
  • the surfactants could also be stored in fifth store means (placed internally or externally to the washing machine), for example in an apposite fifth storage tank 20, arranged along the recycling line 17 downstream the reverse-stimulation device 19, so that they can be reused in the next washing cycle.
  • fifth store means placed internally or externally to the washing machine
  • a further step of the fourth embodiment of the washing method illustrated in Figure 5 provides for the submission of the products to wash, placed inside the tub 3, to one ore more rinses (step 135), each one made with clean water, for removing the residual particles of dirt and surfactants.
  • FIG 6 is illustrated the flow chart of a fifth embodiment of the washing method according to the invention, which differs from the application disclosed with reference to Figure 5 only because the rinsing water is submitted, after each rinse (step 130), to the application of one or more further stimuli suited for irreversibly breaking the "stimuli-responsive" surfactants residuals molecules (step 145), in the same way of the embodiment of the washing method disclosed with reference to Figures 3 and 4 .
  • the application of said one or more further stimulus can be obtained by a stimulation device 12 internal to the washing machine and/or directly by the user.
  • the rinsig water submitted to irreversible stimulus can be directly drained and released into the environmental (step 150) as in the embodiment of Figure 3 , or it can be stored in a tank (step 160) and reused for the same or the next rinse (step 155) as in the embodiment of Figure 4 .
  • Figure 7 is illustrated another embodiment of a washing method according to the invention, which allows modifying the washing performances during the main wash.
  • the washing water and the detergent are adducted in the tub (step 105).
  • the "stimuli-responsive" surfactants interacting with the washing water, generate foam which interacts and removes the dirt from the product 5 to wash (e.g. textiles or dishes) (step 183).
  • the washing machine is provided with a device for continuously or periodically monitoring the amount of foam present in the tub, directly or though the measure of opportune properties of the "stimuli-responsive" surfactants affecting the amount of foam.
  • the aim is to control the washing performances; in fact, for example in a laundry washer, if the quantity of foam is too low, the removal of the dirt could be ineffective, while if the quantity of the foam is too high, it can hinder the correct mechanical shaking of the fabric to wash, consequently reducing the mechanical washing effect (with the exception of some types of textile, for example the wool, for which a great amount of foam is preferable in order to reduce the mechanical shaking and reducing the felting) .
  • said device for monitoring the amount of foam could comprise one or more first monitoring sensor (not illustrates), connected to the tub for revealing the amount of the foam preset inside (step 184), and operatively connected to the electronic control system of the washing machine for communicating to it the suitable information related to the amount of foam (step 185).
  • the monitor sensor could be, for example, a turbidity sensor, or an optical sensor, or a conductivity sensor, or a foam sensor comprising a pressure sensor operatively connected with the draining pump, etc.
  • the monitoring device is preferably set so as to check if the amount of foam in the tub is within a prefixed range.
  • the electronic control system of the washing machine can advantageously command a suitable device (internal or external to the washing machine) that provides the application to the water/"stimuli-responsive" surfactants mixture of one or more stimuli suitable for changing the "stimuli-responsive" surfactants properties so as to increase or decrease the amount of the foam as desired (step 186).
  • the electronic control system of the washing machine could be operatively connected to the interface displaying device 11 of the washing machine 1 for displaying to the user the amount of foam, so as to allow him to selectively apply, manually, said one or more stimuli (for example adding some additives) to the water/"stimuli-responsive" surfactants mixture.
  • the washing method according to the invention can proceed with the direct discharge of the water suspension of "surfactants-dirt" aggregates, or with the application to the latter to one or more stimuli suitable for breaking the "stimuli-responsive" surfactants molecules in an irreversible way, as described with reference to Figure 2 , and with the subsequent draining of the dirty water out of the washing machine with a reduced impact on the environment ("irreversible stimulus at the end of main wash" (step 130) described with reference to Figure 1 ).
  • the water suspension of "surfactants-dirt" aggregates can be submitted to one or more stimuli suitable for changing the solubility properties of said surfactants, so as to obtain a phase separation among said surfactants and the water containing the removed dirt (step 165); in this case it is possible to recycle the surfactants for the next washing cycle (step 180).
  • a further step of the washing method according to the invention provides for submitting the products to wash, placed inside the tub, to one ore more rinses (step 135), each one made with clean water, for removing the residuals of dirt and surfactants; in this case, after each rinse, the rinsing water is drained out of the washing machine.
  • the rising water can be advantageously submitted to the application of one or more further stimuli suited for irreversibly breaking the "stimuli-responsive" surfactants residuals molecules, in the same way of the application of the washing method disclosed with reference to Figures 3 and 4 .
  • the application of said one or more further stimuli can be obtained by a suitable internal washing machine device and/or directly by the user.
  • the rinsing water can be recycled for a next rinse, as illustrated with reference to Figure 4 , or can also be drained from the washing machine.
  • a washing method ad a washing machine implementing the method that allows washing the desired products, such as laundry or dishes, with a low environmental impact, because the breaking of the surfactants molecules before draining them out of the washing machines, reduces the forming of foam, the proliferation of bacteria, and the risks connected with the possible harmfulness or toxicity of the surfactants.
  • washing method ad a washing machine implementing the method, allowing the recycle of the surfactants and/or of the water (both of the washing water and of the rinsing water), allows reducing the use of water and of detergent, which is advantageous both in terms of money saving and in terms of environmental impact.
  • the washing method ad a washing machine implementing the method according to the invention, allows to reduce the residual of detergent in the washed products after the wash by a washing machine, consequently reducing the risks of allergic reactions and skin irritations for the people coming in contact with the washed products.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Textile Engineering (AREA)
  • Detail Structures Of Washing Machines And Dryers (AREA)
  • Accessory Of Washing/Drying Machine, Commercial Washing/Drying Machine, Other Washing/Drying Machine (AREA)
EP15152261.2A 2008-06-19 2008-06-19 Waschverfahren und Waschmaschine mit diesem Verfahren Withdrawn EP2905370A1 (de)

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EP15152261.2A EP2905370A1 (de) 2008-06-19 2008-06-19 Waschverfahren und Waschmaschine mit diesem Verfahren

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EP15152261.2A EP2905370A1 (de) 2008-06-19 2008-06-19 Waschverfahren und Waschmaschine mit diesem Verfahren
EP08011135.4A EP2135989B1 (de) 2008-06-19 2008-06-19 Waschverfahren und Waschmaschine mit diesem Verfahren

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EP08011135.4A Previously-Filed-Application EP2135989B1 (de) 2008-06-19 2008-06-19 Waschverfahren und Waschmaschine mit diesem Verfahren
EP08011135.4A Division-Into EP2135989B1 (de) 2008-06-19 2008-06-19 Waschverfahren und Waschmaschine mit diesem Verfahren

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US8844082B2 (en) 2010-12-14 2014-09-30 Whirlpool Corporation Laundry treating appliance with biofilm treating cycle
CN102828379B (zh) 2011-06-15 2016-01-06 海尔集团公司 使用聚合物固体颗粒的洗涤方法

Citations (8)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4889644A (en) * 1987-06-15 1989-12-26 Henkel Kommanditgesellschaft Auf Aktien Machine washing process: detergent paste and automatic dispenser
DE4104151A1 (de) * 1991-02-12 1992-08-13 Miele & Cie Waeschebehandlungsmaschine
DE4227894A1 (de) * 1992-08-22 1994-02-24 Basf Ag Verfahren zur Reduktion organischer Bestandteile in Abwässern aus gewerblichen Wäschereien
US5851434A (en) * 1995-05-12 1998-12-22 Union Carbide Chemicals & Plastics Technology Corporation Ketone-based surfactant and method for treating industrial, commercial, and institutional waste-water
DE19748396A1 (de) * 1997-11-03 1999-05-06 Henkel Kgaa Verfahren zur Entfernung hydrophober Verunreinigungen mittels spaltbarer nichtionischer Tenside
US5919372A (en) * 1995-05-12 1999-07-06 Union Carbide Chemicals & Plastics Technology Corporation Aldehyde-based surfactant and method for treating industrial commercial and institutional waste-water
EP1236824A1 (de) * 2001-01-12 2002-09-04 Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba Trommelwaschmaschine
EP1605089A1 (de) * 2004-05-17 2005-12-14 The Procter & Gamble Company Verfahren und Vorrichtung zum Waschen mit Reinigung und Rückführung der Waschflüssigkeit

Patent Citations (8)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4889644A (en) * 1987-06-15 1989-12-26 Henkel Kommanditgesellschaft Auf Aktien Machine washing process: detergent paste and automatic dispenser
DE4104151A1 (de) * 1991-02-12 1992-08-13 Miele & Cie Waeschebehandlungsmaschine
DE4227894A1 (de) * 1992-08-22 1994-02-24 Basf Ag Verfahren zur Reduktion organischer Bestandteile in Abwässern aus gewerblichen Wäschereien
US5851434A (en) * 1995-05-12 1998-12-22 Union Carbide Chemicals & Plastics Technology Corporation Ketone-based surfactant and method for treating industrial, commercial, and institutional waste-water
US5919372A (en) * 1995-05-12 1999-07-06 Union Carbide Chemicals & Plastics Technology Corporation Aldehyde-based surfactant and method for treating industrial commercial and institutional waste-water
DE19748396A1 (de) * 1997-11-03 1999-05-06 Henkel Kgaa Verfahren zur Entfernung hydrophober Verunreinigungen mittels spaltbarer nichtionischer Tenside
EP1236824A1 (de) * 2001-01-12 2002-09-04 Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba Trommelwaschmaschine
EP1605089A1 (de) * 2004-05-17 2005-12-14 The Procter & Gamble Company Verfahren und Vorrichtung zum Waschen mit Reinigung und Rückführung der Waschflüssigkeit

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EP2135989B1 (de) 2015-03-04

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