EP2971322B1 - Washing method and washing device - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for washing a textile laundry.

In the detergent industry is constantly working on the improvement of detergent substances, mixtures of substances and detergent formulations. The verification of the effectiveness of the washing-active substances, etc., is usually carried out by means of test washes, wherein from the detergent substance or formulation a washing liquid is prepared and then a purpose-soiled textile laundry (substrate) with this washing liquid under defined conditions (eg temperature) is washed , The washed textile laundry is then tested for the effectiveness of the detergent substance under the conditions used. In order to be able to examine as many wash-active substances in different formulations and concentrations and in combination with different textile substrates, very large numbers of test washes are often required, which generally take a great deal of time. This is undesirable, especially for cost reasons. Another disadvantage of washing - whether in research and development of laundry products or in the actual application itself - is that the currently known washing processes are generally based on significant mechanical effects on the laundry, whereby this is strained.

The DE 102 06 620 A1 discloses an apparatus and method for testing the action of liquids on a sheet wherein the sheet is placed between two indented members. The depressions form chambers in which the liquids to be tested are located. The elements with the intermediate sheet are suspended from a shaft and are rotated to test the action of the liquids. To increase the fluid exchange between the subdivided by the sheet chamber segments advantageously a small hole in the fabric in the wetted area can be attached.

In the US 2009/281663 A1 . JP 2000-246082 A and DE 101 43 439 A1 Mixing devices for mixing materials by means of dual asymmetric centrifuging are disclosed, each having a plurality of mixing containers. Washing devices or the washing of a textile laundry are not mentioned therein.

The US 2008/280315 A1 describes fabric samples for testing the washing performance of enzymes and in the EP 1 340 063 A1 Methods for testing the washing efficiency of chemical compounds are disclosed.

Starting from the DE 102 06 620 A1 As the closest prior art, the invention has for its object to provide a more efficient, very effective and short washing times washing process and a corresponding washing device for textile laundry goods to provide, which also create the conditions for automated handling and in addition the laundry not negatively influenced by mechanical action. On the attachment of holes in the laundry should be able to do without.

This object is achieved according to the invention by a washing method and a washing device, as specified by the features of independent patent claim 1 and independent claim 15, respectively. Further advantageous aspects emerge from the features of the respective dependent claims.

• Einbringen des Waschguts und einer Waschflüssigkeit in fertiger Form oder in Form von Komponenten in eine Waschzelle eines Waschbehälters und
• duales asymmetrisches Zentrifugieren des mit dem Waschgut und der Waschflüssigkeit beladenen Waschbehälters, wobei der Waschbehälter um eine ausserhalb des Waschbehälters verlaufende primäre Achse und gleichzeitig um eine durch den Waschbehälter verlaufende und zur primären Achse in einem spitzen Winkel stehende sekundäre Achse rotiert wird.

In its basic embodiment, the method according to the invention for washing a textile laundry comprises the following steps:

• Introducing the laundry and a washing liquid in the finished form or in the form of components in a washing cell of a washing container and
• dual asymmetric centrifuging of the loaded with the laundry and the washing liquid washing container, wherein the washing container to a running outside of the washing tank primary axis and at the same time to a is rotated through the wash tank and the primary axis at an acute angle standing secondary axis is rotated.

In the washing process according to the invention, the washing is not carried out in the classical manner by mechanical movement of the laundry inside the washing container, but rather diffusion-based, ie by accelerated diffusion of the washing liquid through the laundry and the dirt from the laundry. Diffusion of the scrubbing liquid is achieved by combining the acceleration forces produced by dual asymmetric centrifuging in two different planes. By the inventive application of the principle of dual asymmetric centrifugation of the washing process intensified and significantly accelerated, so that the actual washing process takes very little time (typically about 1 minute or less).

Preferably, the secondary axis runs as centrally as possible through the washing container, in the case of a cylindrical washing container that is through the cylinder axis of the washing container. As a result, imbalances are largely avoided.

According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the laundry is fixed or planarized arranged in the washing tank and washed in a fixed or planarized state. In particular, the laundry in the washing container is clamped in such a way that it is substantially fixed or even inside the washing cell of the washing container. This causes the laundry is not crumpled by the washing itself. This has the advantage that the laundry is still fixed or planar after washing and thereby directly and without further preparation, e.g. regarding the washing result can be examined.

According to a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, a washing container equipped with two or more washing cells is used, into which wash cells each washing product and washing liquid are introduced. The use of such a washing container with several washing cells has the advantage that series washing can be carried out simultaneously in a single washing operation.

Advantageously, a washing container is used, the washing cells are arranged within the washing container in two or more planes. This allows the accommodation of many washing cells in a relatively small washing container, which is particularly advantageous when commercial centrifuges are to be used, in which the size of the washing container is subject to restrictions.

According to a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, at least partially different washing liquids and / or introduced at least partially different laundry. This allows simultaneous series test washing with different washing liquids and / or different laundry.

According to a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, an inert granular material, in particular in the form of glass beads, is additionally introduced into the washing cell or washing cells of the washing container. The grains or beads acting as washing bodies increase the washing effect.

According to a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, the temperature of the washing liquid in the washing cell or the washing cells of the washing container can be regulated during the washing process. This can e.g. be realized by provided in the washing tank heating means and / or coolant. In this way, the effectiveness of the washing liquid under different temperature conditions can be examined.

Alternatively, the temperature of the washing liquid in the washing container can also be adjusted to a desired desired value before the washing process and then kept constant during the washing process, the latter being achievable by use of a thermally insulated washing container.

Advantageously, the course of the temperature of the washing liquid can be recorded during the washing process.

Advantageously, the washing liquid is removed after washing from the washing cell or the washing cells of the washing container by uniaxial centrifugation. This has the advantage that the washed laundry can be removed from the washing container in a substantially dry state.

Advantageously, a washing container is used which has at least one openable and closable discharge opening, the discharge opening being kept open during uniaxial centrifuging.

It is particularly advantageous if the washing process is carried out in a two-axis dual asymmetrically centrifuging device and the removal of the washing liquid is carried out after the washing process in the same device, wherein the device centrifuges during the discharge of the washing liquid only about one of the two axes.

• einen Waschbehälter zur Aufnahme des Waschguts und einer Waschflüssigkeit in fertiger Form oder in Form von Einzelkomponenten, wobei der Waschbehälter Mittel zum Fixieren des Waschguts aufweist,
• Mittel zur Halterung des Waschbehälters und
• Mittel zum dual asymmetrischen Zentrifugieren des Waschbehälters um eine primäre Achse und eine sekundäre Achse, wobei die primäre Achse ausserhalb des Waschbehälters verläuft und die sekundäre Achse durch den Waschbehälter verläuft und zur primären Achse in einem spitzen Winkel steht.

With regard to the washing device, the essence of the invention consists in the following: A device for washing a textile laundry comprises

• a washing container for receiving the laundry and a washing liquid in finished form or in the form of individual components, wherein the washing container has means for fixing the laundry,
• Means for holding the washing container and
• Means for dual asymmetrically centrifuging the wash tubule about a primary axis and a secondary axis, the primary axis extending outside the wash tub and the secondary axis passing through the wash tub and at an acute angle to the primary axis.

According to a preferred embodiment, the washing device is convertible between a first and a second mode of operation, wherein in the first mode of operation the washing container rotates about both axes and in the second mode of operation the washing container only rotates about one of the two axes, preferably about the primary axis ,

In accordance with a further preferred embodiment, the washing device has first drive means for rotationally driving the washing container about the primary axis and second drive means which can be coupled and uncoupled with the first drive means for rotationally driving the washing container about the secondary axis.

Advantageously, the washing container is formed with at least one closable and openable discharge opening for the removal of washing liquid from the washing container.

Furthermore, it is advantageous if the means for fixing the laundry are means for planarized fixing of the laundry.

Conveniently, the washing container has two or more washing cells for receiving the laundry and the washing liquid.

The washing method according to the invention and the washing device according to the invention are especially suitable for carrying out test washing in research and development, e.g. the detergent industry provided. In principle, they can also be used for other washing processes.

Fig. 1-2

- eine schematische Darstellung eines ersten Ausführungsbeispiels des erfindungsgemässen Waschverfahrens;

Fig. 3-4

- eine schematische Darstellung eines ersten Ausführungsbeispiels der erfindungsgemässen Waschvorrichtung;

Fig. 5a-5d

- eine schematische Darstellung eines zweiten Ausführungsbeispiels des erfindungsgemässen Waschverfahrens;

Fig. 6a-6b

- eine schematische Darstellung von zwei Detailvarianten der Waschvorrichtung;

Fig. 7

- eine schematische Darstellung eines Waschbehälters der Waschvorrichtung;

Fig. 8-9

- eine Variante eines Waschbehälters in zwei Schnittdarstellungen;

Fig. 10-11

- schematische Darstellungen von zwei weiteren Varianten eines Waschbehälters und

Fig. 12a-12b

- einen weiteren Waschbehälter in zwei Funktionsstellungen.

In the following, the washing method according to the invention and the washing device according to the invention will be described in more detail with reference to the attached drawings by means of exemplary embodiments. Show it:

Fig. 1-2

a schematic representation of a first embodiment of the inventive washing process;

Fig. 3-4

a schematic representation of a first embodiment of the inventive washing device;

Fig. 5a-5d

a schematic representation of a second embodiment of the inventive washing process;

Fig. 6a-6b

a schematic representation of two detail variants of the washing device;

Fig. 7

a schematic representation of a washing container of the washing device;

Fig. 8-9

- A variant of a washing container in two sectional views;

Fig. 10-11

- Schematic representations of two other variants of a washing container and

Fig. 12a-12b

- Another wash tank in two functional positions.

The following definition applies to the following description: If reference signs have been given in a figure for the purpose of clarity of drawing, but are not mentioned in the directly related part of the description, reference is made to their explanation in the preceding or following parts of the description. Conversely, less relevant reference numerals are not included in all figures to avoid overcharging graphic for the immediate understanding. For this purpose, reference is made to the other figures.

• In einem vorbereitenden Schritt wird gemäss Fig. 1 ein zu waschendes textiles Waschgut T in einen zunächst offenen Waschbehälter 1 eingebracht. Ebenso wird eine abgemessene Menge einer Waschflüssigkeit W, entweder in fertiger Form oder in Form von Einzelkomponenten, in den Waschbehälter 1 eingebracht. Der Waschbehälter 1 hat typischerweise eine zylindrische Form und umfasst ein becherförmiges Bodenteil 11 und ein Deckelteil 12. Die Achse des Waschbehälters 1 ist mit 1a bezeichnet. Der Innenraum des Waschbehälters 1 bildet eine Waschzelle 10.

The basic steps of the inventive washing process are in the Figures 1 and 2 shown:

• In a preparatory step is according to Fig. 1 a textile laundry T to be washed is introduced into an initially open washing container 1. Likewise, a measured amount of a washing liquid W, either in the finished form or in the form of individual components, is introduced into the washing container 1. The washing container 1 typically has a cylindrical shape and comprises a cup-shaped bottom part 11 and a lid part 12. The axis of the washing container 1 is denoted by 1a. The interior of the washing container 1 forms a washing cell 10.

Subsequently, the washing container 1 is sealed by placing the lid 12 on the bottom part 11. The container and lid side provided means for tightly fixing the lid are conventional and not shown for simplicity. The closing of the washing container is not necessarily required depending on the load and shape of the washing container.

The following actual washing step is in Fig. 2 outlined. In this case, the closed (or possibly open) washing container 1 with the in him located laundry T and the washing liquid W subjected to a dual asymmetric centrifugation. By this is meant that the washing container 1 is simultaneously rotated about two axes of rotation A ₁ and A ₂ . The first, primary axis of rotation A ₁ extends outside of the washing container 1, so that therefore the washing container 1 as a whole rotates on a circular path the primary axis of rotation A ₁ . This circular movement is indicated by the arrow P ₁ . The second, secondary axis of rotation A ₂ passes through the washing container 1 and preferably coincides with its own axis 1a. The secondary axis of rotation A ₂ is spatially oriented so that it has with the primary axis of rotation A ₁ an acute angle α of between 10 ° and 80 °, preferably between 20 ° and 70 °, more preferably between 30 ° and 60 °, typically ca. 40 °, including. The washing container 1 thus simultaneously rotates about itself, this rotation being indicated by the arrow P ₂ .

This dual asymmetric centrifugation is now performed for a given wash time. Due to the occurring, acting in two different levels centrifugal forces the washing liquid diffuses W many times through the textile laundry T and back, with a very intense washing effect is achieved by the dirt diffused out of the laundry very quickly and distributed homogeneously in the washing liquid.

The rotational speeds about the two axes of rotation A ₁ and A ₂ are adjusted empirically so that on the one hand the highest possible centrifugal accelerations and short washing times (Zentrifugierungsdauern) are achieved, but on the other hand, the laundry is not damaged. Centrifugal acceleration values of 30 to 5000 m / s ² , preferably 2500 to 3500 m / s ² , are practical values. This allows washing times of about 1 minute or even less.

After the dual asymmetric centrifugation of the washing container 1 is opened (if it was previously closed) and the washed laundry T and the washing liquid W are removed, the washing liquid is usually disposed of or optionally also analyzed, for example, then, as defined Dirt is bound by the washing liquid or what concentrations are present. The emptying of the washing container 1 can preferably be carried out by centrifuging.

The following is based on the FIGS. 3 and 4 an embodiment of a particularly well suited for carrying out the inventive method particularly suitable washing device according to the invention, wherein in the figures, only the functionally essential components of the washing device are shown.

The washing device, designated as a whole by 1000, has a centrifuge-like construction and comprises a turntable 1003 that can be driven in rotation by a motor 1001 by means of a shaft 1002. A deflecting gear 1004 is arranged on the turntable 1003, which has a drive shaft 1005 and an output shaft 1006. On the output shaft 1006 is rotatably connected to this connected a Waschbehälteraufnahmefassung 1007, in which a washing container 1 is supported. Diametrically opposite the deflection gear 1004, an unbalance compensation weight 1008 is arranged under the turntable 1003. The motor 1001 driven shaft 1002 engages through a rotationally fixed coupling part 1009 and a freely rotatable on the shaft 1002 pulley 1010 therethrough. On the drive shaft 1005 of the reversing gear 1004 is rotatably connected to this another pulley 1011. The two pulleys 1010 and 1011 are coupled via a drive belt 1012 to rotate with each other. The axes of rotation of the shaft 1002 and the turntable 1003 and the output shaft 1006 of the reversing gear 1004 include an acute angle α and correspond to the primary and secondary axes A ₁ and A ₂ in Fig. 2 ,

The motor 1001, the shaft 1002 and the turntable 1003 form first drive means for rotatively driving the washing container 1 about the primary axis A ₁ . The reversing gear 1004, the output shaft 1006, the drive shaft 1005, the pulley 1011, the drive belt 1012 and the pulley 1009 form with the first drive means coupled or uncoupled second drive means for rotationally driving the washing container 1 about the secondary axis A ₂ .

In the in Fig. 3 As shown, the washing device, the fixed coupling part 1009 is connected to the pulley 1010 so that it can not rotate. As the turntable 1003 rotates about the primary axis A ₁ , the diverter 1004 moves in a circular orbit about the fixed pulley 1010, thereby driving the pulley 1011. Via the reversing gear 1004, the rotational movement of the pulley 1011 is transferred to the washing container receptacle 1007 and thus to the washing container 1. In this mode of operation of the washing device thus rotates the washing container 1, as in connection with Fig. 2 described at the same time by two axes, namely the primary axis A ₁ and the secondary axis A ₂ . The corresponding rotational movements are analog Fig. 2 symbolized by arrows P ₁ and P ₂ . The washing device is in this mode of operation a dual asymmetrically operating centrifuge.

In the in Fig. 4 illustrated operation of the washing device, the fixed coupling part 1009 is decoupled from the pulley 1010, which is indicated in the drawing by an axially slightly displaced position of the coupling part 1009. The pulley 1010 is now free to rotate on the shaft 1002. The pulley 1010 now rotates with the orbital motion of the pulley 1011 and thus can no longer drive the latter in rotation. In this mode of operation of the washing device, therefore, the washing container 1 no longer rotates about the secondary axis A ₂ or itself, but only about the primary axis A ₁ , wherein the rotational movement about this axis is symbolized by the arrow P ₁ . In this mode of operation, the washing device is a classic uniaxial centrifuge.

The conversion between the two modes of operation of the washing device is structurally very simple by coupling or decoupling of pulley 1010 and coupling part 1009. The coupling can e.g. be realized on an electromagnetic basis.

A great advantage of the washing device according to the invention is that both the washing step carried out under dual asymmetric centrifugation as It is also possible to carry out the emptying of the washing container by classical centrifuging in one and the same device, so that on the one hand no separate devices are required and on the other hand the handling is considerably simplified.

By simply deactivating the rotation of the washing container about one of the two axes A ₁ and A ₂ , preferably the rotation about the secondary axis A ₂ , is switched from diffusion to centrifugation, that of a diffusion-related mixing of the contents of the washing container to a separation of the washing liquid ,

In the Figures 5a-5d the steps to be carried out using the washing device according to the invention of the inventive washing process are again schematically summarized. Fig. 5a shows the preparatory steps by analogy Fig. 1 , A washing container 301 with a bottom part 310 and a lid part 311 and a washing cell 310 is used here. In addition, the washing container 301 is equipped with a lockable discharge opening, which is symbolized in the figures by a valve 315. The valve 315 is closed at the beginning and during the washing process.

Fig. 5b shows the washing container 301 in the closed state. This is used in the inventive washing device and dual centrifuged asymmetric, it rotates about two axes A ₁ and A ₂ ( Fig. 5c ).

After completion of the washing operation, the operation of the washing device of dual asymmetric centrifugation is switched to classic uniaxial centrifugation, in which case the wash tank 301 rotates only about the primary axis A1. When changing the mode of operation of the washing device and the valve 315 is opened. During the subsequent uniaxial centrifugation, the washing liquid W is then expelled from the washing container 301. The opening and closing of the valve 315 can be done, for example, by a handling device (robot). Alternatively, it is also conceivable to design the valve 315 such that it automatically opens due to the centrifugal forces (only) in uniaxial centrifugation.

The Figures 6a and 6b show schematically how the expelled from the washing tank 315 washing liquid is collected. According to Fig. 6a For this purpose, the washing device is equipped with a trough 1015 which encloses the turntable 1003 and all parts of the device arranged on it, including the washing container 301, and has a drain 1016.

In the embodiment of the Fig. 6b a smaller tub 1017 is provided, which is arranged only around the washing vessel 301 around. The trough 1017 may be co-rotating with the washing container 301 or fixed with respect to the diverter 1004.

For example, in the case of test washes in the field of research and development, where, for example, it is necessary to investigate the effectiveness of detergents (washing-active substances and substance mixtures) in connection with various textile substrates, it is often desirable for the laundry to be in a fixed or planar form after the washing process , So not crumpled, present or in a fixed or planar form is washed, because it allows the measurements on the laundry without further preparatory measures can be performed easily. This can easily be achieved with the washing method based on dual asymmetric centrifugation, since the laundry does not necessarily have to be moved relative to the washing container. According to an advantageous embodiment of the inventive washing process, therefore, the laundry is fixed, especially planarized arranged in the washing tank and centrifuged in a fixed or planarized state dual asymmetric or washed. For this purpose, a corresponding design of the washing container is required.

In Fig. 7 is a specially designed for this purpose wash tank 101 is shown schematically. The washing container 101 has on the outside again a substantially cylindrical shape with an axis 101a and is approximately centrally divided into two container parts 111 and 112, which are disassembled to open the washing container 101 and sealed to close the washing container by means not shown connecting means. Inside the Washing tank 101, two approximately hemispherical shells 113 and 114 are formed, which form a substantially spherical washing cell 110 between them. The two container parts 111 and 112 of the washing container 101 are fully formed and each have a sealing ring 115 and 116 on the mutually facing annular edge surfaces.

For the implementation of the washing process, the textile laundry T is stretched over the annular edge surface of one of the two container parts, in the illustrated example of the upper container part 112, and the protruding edge of the laundry is clamped outside, for example by means of an elastic band 117 on the container part 112. Then, after the washing liquid is filled in the lower tank part 111, the upper tank part 112 is placed on the lower tank part 111, and the two tank parts 111 and 112 are tightly connected to each other by connecting means, not shown. The textile laundry T is then stretched across the washing cell 110 and substantially planar within the washing cell. Subsequently, the washing container 101, as in connection with the Fig. 2 described subjected to the dual asymmetric centrifugation, wherein the textile laundry is washed in a fixed, here especially planarized or even state.

The washing container 101 of Fig. 7 is additionally equipped with a heating means 118, by means of which the temperature of the washing liquid W in the washing cell 110 can be influenced or adjusted. Depending on the application, a coolant may alternatively be present instead of a heating medium. Furthermore, the washing container 101 may also be equipped both with a heating medium and with a coolant.

In the in Fig. 10 schematically illustrated embodiment of a washing cell 410 having wash tank 401 is provided with a heat-insulating jacket 450. The washing liquid in the washing tank 401 is brought to a desired temperature before the dual asymmetric centrifuging and by the thermal insulation of the washing tank 401 during the washing process kept almost constant. With 415 or 416 are again denoted sealing rings and 417 an elastic band.

In a further embodiment, the washing container 501 having a washing cell 510, as in FIG Fig. 11 also be equipped with an external temperature logger or a corresponding temperature probe 530 and / or with an internal temperature logger or a corresponding temperature probe 540. In this way, the temperature profile of the washing liquid can be logged during the washing process. With 515 and 516 are again denoted sealing rings and 517 an elastic band.

To increase the washing effect, in the washing cell 10 or 310 of the washing container 1 or 301 or basically any embodiment of the washing container also a washing body forming, inert granular material G, for example about glass beads or beads with a diameter of about 2- 4 mm, as in Fig. 1 and Fig. 5a is shown schematically.

The washing cell 110 of the washing container 101 is in Fig. 7 spherical example shown. However, the washing cell 110 may also have another shape, for example an ellipsoidal or a double paraboloidal shape, etc. Continuously curved, smooth inner walls of the washing cell are generally advantageous in terms of the achievable washing effect. It is advantageous that the washing container is closed. But it is also possible that the washing process is carried out in an open wash tank. Due to the dual asymmetric centrifugation, the mixture of laundry and washing liquid is kept within a defined range with reasonably well adjusted parameters (rotational speeds and amount of laundry and washing liquid) due to the high, but partly against each other acting centrifugal forces.

The optimal with regard to the washing effect degree of filling of the washing cell 110, that is, the amount of the introduced washing liquid in relation to the mold or to Volume of the washing cell and depending on the rotational speeds around the primary and secondary axis can be determined empirically.

In research often a large number of test washes, possibly under varying conditions such as varying washing liquids, temperatures, substrates to be washed, etc., are performed. It is desirable for reasons of time that as many test washes can be carried out simultaneously. This can be achieved by means of a further advantageous embodiment of the inventive washing method, in which a washing container is used with a plurality of washing cells. The FIGS. 8 and 9 schematically show an example embodiment of a suitable washing container with a plurality of washing cells, wherein the Fig. 9 a section according to the line IX-IX of Fig. 8 represents.

The washing container designated as a whole by 201 again has a substantially cylindrical shape with an axis 201a on the outside and comprises four substantially disc-shaped modules 220 which are detachably connected or connectable to each other in a stacked manner. Each module 220 has on its top and on its underside each twelve approximately hemispherical indentations 213 and 214, wherein the indentations of adjacent modules together each form a washing cell 210. The washing container 201 thus comprises (in the example shown) a total of 3 * 12 = 36 washing cells 210, which are arranged in three superimposed planes within the washing container 201. The number of washing cells can of course be adapted to the respective application requirements. It is important that all wash cells are in the optimal mixing range of the correspondingly used dual asymmetrical washing device or its axis designs and axis parameters and / or all washing cells are arranged around the optimal mixing center of the dual asymmetric washing device used.

Each module 220 has at its top and at its bottom depending on a sealing ring 215 and 216, which seal rings each indentations 213 and 214, respectively. Each module 220 is further equipped with a heating means 218 (and / or a coolant).

The textile laundry T is clamped in three separate parts between two adjoining modules 220 so that it is flat within the individual washing cells 210. Also in this process variant, glass beads or other inert granular material can be introduced into the washing cells to increase the washing effect.

In the individual washing cells 210 of the washing container 201 can be introduced everywhere the same washing liquid. Alternatively, however, different washing liquids can also be used in each washing cell or in some washing cells. Similarly, the laundry in the individual washing cells may be the same or different, wherein preferably the laundry is in each case the same in washing cells arranged in a common plane.

The washing process with a washing container 201 with a multiplicity of washing cells 210 allows the simultaneous performance of series (test) washings with different or also identical washing conditions.

With regard to the shape of the washing cells 210 and their degree of filling, the same considerations apply mutatis mutandis, as in connection with the in Fig. 7 illustrated wash tank 101 executed.

After completed dual asymmetric centrifuging analog Fig. 2 , So the actual washing process, the washing liquid is removed from the washing tank or its washing cell or washing cells. For this purpose, the washing container is preferably centrifuged about a single axis of rotation, wherein the washing liquid is driven by unillustrated lines or discharge openings either in one or more collecting cavities within the washing container or in the centrifuge itself. The lines or discharge openings must be kept closed during the washing process and may only be opened during final centrifugation. Alternatively, by appropriate Arrangement of the discharge lines or discharge openings can be achieved that during the dual asymmetric centrifugation no washing liquid is expelled, but only in the subsequent uniaxial emptying centrifugation.

In the Figures 12a and 12b is shown a further embodiment of a washing container. The washing container 601 with a washing cell 610 located in its interior is provided at the lower edge of its bottom part 611 with a rotatable locking ring 660 which has some openings 661. In the bottom part 611 drain openings 662 are mounted, which in the in Fig. 12a cover shown relative position of the locking ring 660 with the openings 661. In this relative position of the closure ring 660, the washing container 601 is open to the outside. In the in Fig. 12b As shown in the relative position of the closure ring 660, the discharge openings 662 in the bottom part 611 are covered by the closure ring 660, the washing container 601 is therefore closed.

Although mentioned above only in connection with the washing containers 201, 301 and 601, drainage holes for discharging the washing liquid may, of course, be attached to all the illustrated embodiments of the washing container.

The invention has been explained with reference to embodiments, but should not be limited to these embodiments. Rather, numerous modifications are conceivable for those skilled in the art without departing from the teaching of the invention. The scope of protection is therefore defined by the following claims.

Claims (20)

1. Method for washing a textile laundry item, wherein
   the laundry item (T) and a washing fluid (W) in a ready-to-use form, or in form of individual components, are introduced into a washing cell (10; 110; 210; 310; 410; 510; 610) of a washing container (1; 101; 201; 301; 401; 501; 601) and the washing container (1; 101; 201; 301; 401; 501; 601) loaded with the laundry item (T) and the washing fluid (W) is centrifuged, characterised in that the centrifugation takes place in a dual asymmetrical manner, wherein the washing container (1; 101; 201; 301; 401; 501; 601) is rotated about a primary axis (A₁) running outside of the washing container, and simultaneously about a secondary axis (A₂) running through the washing container and being arranged at an acute angle (α) to the primary axis (A₁).
2. Method according to claim 1,
   characterised in that the laundry item (T) is arranged in a locally fixed manner in the washing container (101; 201; 401; 501), and is washed in a fixed state.
3. Method according to claim 1 or 2,
   characterised in that the laundry item (T) is arranged in a planarised manner in the washing container (101; 201; 401; 501), and is washed in a planarised state.
4. Method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterised in that the laundry item (T) is spanned in the washing container (101; 201; 401; 501) such that within the washing cell (110; 210; 410; 510) of the washing container it is essentially planar.
5. Method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterised in that a washing container (201) provided with two or more washing cells (210) is used, into which washing cells laundry items (T) and washing fluid (W) are introduced in each case.
6. Method according to claim 5,
   characterised in that a washing container (201) is used whose washing cells (210) are arranged within the washing container (201) in two or more planes.
7. Method according to claim 5 or 6,
   characterised in that at least partially different washing fluids (W) and/or at least partially different laundry items (T) are introduced into the washing cells (210).
8. Method according to any one of claims 1 to 7,
   characterised in that an inert granular material (G), in particular in form of glass beads, is introduced into the washing cell (1; 10; 110; 310; 410; 510; 610) or the washing cells (210).
9. Method according to any one of claims 1 to 8,
   characterised in that the temperature of the washing fluid (W) in the washing container (1; 101; 201; 301; 401; 501; 601) is controlled during the washing process.
10. Method according to any one of claims 1 to 8,
    characterised in that a thermally insulated washing container (401) is used, and in that the temperature of the washing fluid (W) in the washing container (401) is adjusted to a set value before the washing process, wherein the temperature of the washing fluid (W) is held essentially constant during the washing process.
11. Method according to any one of claims 1 to 10,
    characterised in that the profile of the temperature of the washing fluid (W) in the washing container (501) is recorded during the washing process.
12. Method according to any one of claims 1 to 11,
    characterised in that the washing fluid (W) is discharged from the washing container (1; 101; 201; 301; 401; 501; 601) by single-axis centrifugation after the washing.
13. Method according to claim 12,
    characterised in that a washing container (301) is used having at least one drainage opening (315), which can be opened and closed, for the washing fluid (W), and in that the at least one drainage opening (315) is held open during the single-axis centrifugation.
14. Method according to claim 12 or 13,
    characterised in that the washing process is executed in a device (1000) centrifuging in a dual asymmetric manner about two axes (A₁, A₂), and in that the discharging of the washing fluid (W) is executed in the same device (1000) after the washing process, wherein during the discharging of the washing fluid (W) the device (1000) only centrifuges about one (A₁) of the two axes.
15. Device for washing a textile laundry item (T), comprising:

    - a washing container (1; 101; 201; 301; 401; 501; 601) for accommodating the laundry item (T) and a washing fluid (W) in a ready-to-use form or in form of individual components, wherein the washing container (201; 401; 501) has means (215, 216; 415, 416, 417; 515, 516, 517) for fixing the laundry item (T),

    - means (1007) for mounting the washing container (1; 101; 201; 301; 401; 501; 601), and

    - means (1001-1006, 1009-1011) for centrifugation of the washing container (1; 101; 201; 301; 401; 501; 601),

    characterised in that the centrifugation takes place in a dual asymmetric manner about a primary axis (A₁) and a secondary axis (A₂), wherein the primary axis (A₁) runs outside of the washing container (1; 101; 201; 301; 401; 501; 601), and the secondary axis (A₂) runs through the washing container (1; 101; 201; 301; 401; 501; 601) and is arranged at an acute angle (α) to the primary axis (A₁).
16. Device according to claim 15,
    characterised in that it is designed to be switchable between a first and a second mode of operation, wherein in the first mode of operation the washing container (1; 101; 201; 301; 401; 501; 601) rotates about both axes (A₁, A₂), and wherein in the second mode of operation the washing container (1; 101; 201; 301; 401; 501; 601) only rotates about one of the two axes (A₁, A₂).
17. Device according to any one of claims 15 or 16,
    characterised in that it has first drive means (1001, 1002, 1003) for a rotative drive of the washing container (1; 101; 201; 301; 401; 501; 601) about the primary axis (A₁), and second drive means (1004-1006, 1010-1012), which can be coupled with and decoupled from the first drive means, for a rotative drive of the washing container (1; 101; 201; 301; 401; 501; 601) about the secondary axis (A₂).
18. Device according to any one of claims 15 to 17,
    characterised in that the washing container (301; 601) is designed with at least one drainage opening (315; 662), which can be closed and opened, for discharging washing fluid (W) from the washing container (301; 601).
19. Device according to any one of claims 15 to 18,
    characterised in that the means (215, 216; 415, 416, 417; 515, 516, 517) for fixing the laundry item (T) are means (215, 216; 415, 416, 417; 515, 516, 517) for fixing the laundry item (T) in a planarised manner.
20. Device according to any one of claims 15 to 19,
    characterised in that the washing container (201) has two or more washing cells (210) for accommodating the laundry items (T) and the washing fluid (W).

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