EP4170084B1 - Washing machine and method for washing textiles - Google Patents

Description

The invention relates to a washing machine for washing textiles, comprising a tub for receiving a washing liquid, a laundry drum at least partially inserted into the tub, a drive for rotating the laundry drum in the tub and a discharge line connected to the tub for discharging washing liquid from the tub. The invention further relates to a method for washing textiles using such a washing machine.

Washing machines are known in various designs. Washing machines typically have a tub to hold washing liquid, which is used to wash the textiles. The textiles are located in a washing drum that is provided in the tub and can be rotated in it. The corresponding rotation brings the textiles into close contact with the washing liquid in the form of washing water and they are moved back and forth in the washing water. When the washing process is finished, the washing water is pumped out of the tub via a drain line. By rotating the washing drum, more liquid is displaced from the textiles. The washing drum is then regularly set into very fast rotation, which is also known as spinning. The centrifugal forces acting on the moisture remaining in the textiles displace a large part of the remaining moisture from the textiles, so that the textiles dry more quickly after spinning.

The WO2018/088321A1 as well as the US2018/119327A1 show well-known washing machines.

The well-known washing machines are roughly divided into so-called top loaders and front loaders. In top loaders, the laundry drum is filled with textiles from above. The laundry drum therefore has a textile opening on the upper side and a base on the lower side. In this case, the laundry drum rotates around an axis of rotation that is at least essentially vertical. In front loaders, the The laundry drum, on the other hand, is filled with textiles from the side, i.e. at least essentially horizontally. The textile opening of the laundry drum therefore faces to the side. The laundry drum has a base in the opposite, horizontal direction and is rotated about an axis of rotation that is at least essentially horizontal. Mixed forms are also known in which the laundry drum is rotated about a horizontal axis of rotation, but is loaded from above through a closable flap in the surrounding wall of the laundry drum.

It is also known that textiles often contain plastic fibers that are partially damaged when the textiles are worn or used, resulting in small pieces of plastic fibers. If these are quite short, the fragments are also referred to as microplastic fibers. After they are formed, the microplastic fibers usually initially remain stuck in the textiles and are only released from the textiles when washed. The microplastic fibers are then pumped out of the washing machine with the washing water and thus end up in the environment. Some of the microplastic fibers are separated in sewage treatment plants, if the washing water is fed to a sewage treatment plant at all. In many countries around the world, this cannot necessarily be assumed.

In order to reduce the environmental impact of microplastic fibers, it is therefore desirable to separate the microplastic fibers from the washing water immediately after they are released in the washing machine. Some proposals have already been made to integrate separation devices into washing machines, but these have not led to satisfactory results. In particular, the solutions were too complex or not reliable enough to be used widely.

Therefore, the present invention is based on the object of designing and developing the washing machine and the method of the type mentioned at the beginning and explained in more detail above in such a way that the microplastic fibres can be removed more easily, can be separated more cost-effectively and reliably from the washing water or other washing liquid.

This object is achieved in a washing machine according to the preamble of claim 1 in that an intermediate storage unit for temporarily storing washing liquid discharged via the discharge line, a centrifuge unit rotated by the drive together with the laundry drum for separating microplastic fibers and a return line for forwarding the washing liquid from the intermediate storage unit to the centrifuge unit are provided.

• bei dem Textilien in der Wäschetrommel in der Waschflüssigkeit im Bottich gewaschen wird,
• bei dem die Waschflüssigkeit nach dem Waschen aus dem Bottich über die Abführleitung in den Zwischenspeicher geleitet wird,
• bei dem die Waschflüssigkeit aus dem Zwischenspeicher über die Rückführleitung in die Zentrifugeneinheit geleitet wird,
• bei dem die Zentrifugeneinheit zusammen mit der Wäschetrommel gedreht wird,
• bei dem in der Zentrifugeneinheit während des Drehens Mikroplastikfasern in Fliehkraftrichtung aus der Waschflüssigkeit abgeschieden werden und
• bei dem die gereinigte Waschflüssigkeit abgeführt wird.

The above object is further achieved according to claim 12 by a method for washing textiles with a washing machine according to one of claims 1 to 11,

• in which textiles are washed in the washing drum in the washing liquid in the tub,
• in which the washing liquid is led from the tub via the discharge line into the intermediate storage tank after washing,
• in which the washing liquid is fed from the intermediate storage tank via the return line into the centrifuge unit,
• in which the centrifuge unit is rotated together with the laundry drum,
• in which microplastic fibres are separated from the washing liquid in the direction of centrifuge force during rotation in the centrifuge unit and
• in which the cleaned washing liquid is drained away.

The invention has recognized that the microplastic fibers washed out of the textiles can be separated from the washing liquid simply and reliably using a centrifuge unit. This is also practically possible if the centrifuge unit is driven by the same drive as the washing drum. Washing machines are already equipped with a drive to rotate the washing drum when washing the textiles and, in particular, to set the textiles into very fast rotation when spinning. The idea behind the separation of the microplastic fibers is to The reason is that the washing and separation of the microplastic fibers must be carried out step by step and fundamentally separated from one another. This separation can be achieved because the washing liquid is collected and temporarily stored in an intermediate storage facility between the actual washing and the separation. For this purpose, the washing liquid is fed into the intermediate storage facility via the discharge line after washing, from which the washing liquid can be fed into the centrifuge unit via a return line.

The tub in which the laundry drum is located at least in sections can therefore initially be emptied at least partially, but in particular at least essentially completely. This enables the laundry drum to be set into rapid rotation in the tub, for example in order to spin the laundry still in the laundry drum, in particular in the form of textiles, and in this way to at least partially dry it. However, it is not necessary for the laundry to remain in the laundry drum while the microplastic fibers are separated from the washing liquid, even if this will be preferred in many cases for pre-drying the laundry. The laundry can also be removed from the laundry drum before the microplastic fibers are separated. If the washing liquid were to remain predominantly in the tub, this would offer undesirable high resistance to rapid rotation of the laundry drum or prevent such rapid rotation altogether.

According to the method, the textiles are first placed in the washing drum in a conventional manner and the washing drum is then rotated in the tub containing the washing liquid in order to wash the textiles. The washing liquid is then at least partially led from the tub into the intermediate storage via the discharge line, for which a conventional pump can be used if necessary. For the sake of simplicity, the pump will preferably be the same pump that is used to pump the washing liquid out of the washing machine as a whole. However, this is not the case. It is also conceivable that the washing liquid flows from the tub into the intermediate storage tank in the direction of gravity without the use of a corresponding pump. In this case, however, it will generally be preferred if a pump is connected to the return line in such a way that the washing liquid can be pumped from the intermediate storage tank into the centrifuge unit. Alternatively, the rotation of the laundry drum can be used to generate centrifugal forces which act on the washing liquid in such a way that the washing liquid is pumped from the intermediate storage tank via the return line into the centrifuge unit. If the intermediate storage tank is arranged above the centrifuge unit, the return of the washing liquid from the intermediate storage tank to the centrifuge unit can be driven by gravity, which would make the use of a pump unnecessary. If required, a pump, possibly a separate one, can also be used for the return.

Whether the washing liquid is pumped out of the washing machine or into the intermediate storage can be controlled, for example, by the position of a valve or shut-off device, such as a two-way valve. The washing liquid is then fed via the return line into the centrifuge unit, which can be set into rapid rotation together with the laundry drum, since the tub is now empty or at least empty enough. Otherwise, the resistance to be overcome for the laundry drum to rotate quickly would be high and would require an unnecessarily large amount of energy. The centrifuge unit is rotated together with the laundry drum via the common drive, so that the microplastic fibers settle radially outwards as a result of the centrifugal forces acting on the microplastic fibers and are thus separated from the washing liquid. The washing liquid that has been cleaned or at least partially freed of microplastic fibers is then drained away. The microplastic fibers preferably remain in the centrifuge unit and are removed separately.

In the manner described and using the washing machine described, only a few additional equipment is required from conventional Washing machines are required and at the same time, the microplastic fibers can be reliably separated directly in the washing machine at low cost. The washing machines can be washing machines for laundries or industrial or commercial applications. However, they can also be washing machines for private use. In addition, the textiles can be laundry in the broadest sense, but in particular clothing. The invention is also applicable to both so-called top loaders and so-called front loaders.

Normal washing processes usually include several wash cycles, such as the actual washing and one or more rinse cycles. The intermediate storage can therefore preferably be designed to hold only the wash water from one wash cycle or not all wash cycles. In this case, for example, it may not be necessary to separate microplastic fibers from the water produced in a rinse cycle.

For the sake of simplicity, the washing liquid will preferably be referred to as washing liquid. Other washing liquids are therefore not excluded. The terms washing liquid and washing water are therefore to be understood broadly and overlappingly and partly synonymous.

For the sake of better comprehensibility and to avoid unnecessary repetition, the washing machine and the method are described together below, without distinguishing in detail between the washing machine and the method. However, the person skilled in the art will be able to see from the context which features are particularly preferred for the washing machine and the method.

In a first particularly preferred embodiment of the washing machine, the centrifuge unit is coupled to the laundry drum in such a way that the centrifuge unit and the laundry drum are at least temporarily connected to the same speed. This eliminates the need for a gearbox, which reduces the amount of equipment required. It also allows a centrifuge unit to be easily added to conventional washing machines. This is particularly the case when the centrifuge unit is located in the washing drum. The centrifuge unit can then simply be driven via the washing drum. In order to save space and further reduce the amount of equipment required, it is also advisable to integrate the centrifuge unit into the washing drum. The centrifuge unit can then be seen as an integral element of the washing drum if required, even if the centrifuge unit does not have to be used, or at least not primarily, for washing or spinning the textiles.

Alternatively or additionally, good separation performance for the microplastic fibers is achieved in a simple manner if the centrifuge unit has at least one annular centrifuge trough. Washing liquid can also be fed to this centrifuge trough in a targeted manner. A centrifuge trough can also be very easily integrated into a laundry drum if required. Irrespective of this, it is also expedient if the at least one centrifuge trough is provided adjacent to the textile opening of the laundry drum for filling the textiles and/or adjacent to the bottom of the laundry drum arranged opposite the textile opening. The centrifuge trough can then be easily cleaned and separation can easily take place parallel to the spinning of the textiles. The centrifuge trough does not unduly affect the washing or spinning of the textiles. The annular centrifuge trough can be provided all the way around and thus form a quasi-infinite centrifuge trough. The centrifuge trough can also be divided into individual segments between which an exchange of washing liquid is not or only partially provided or even possible.

In addition, but especially as an alternative, the centrifuge unit can also have at least one at least substantially rectilinearly extending Centrifuging trough. This allows the washing liquid to be directed through the washing machine as required and at the same time microplastic fibers to be separated if the bottom of the centrifuging trough points radially outwards. This can be achieved particularly conveniently and reliably if the centrifuging trough extends at least essentially parallel to the axis of rotation of the laundry drum. A further reduction in equipment costs and easier integration of the centrifuge unit into the laundry drum can be achieved if the centrifuging trough extends on the inside of the laundry drum.

For easy separation of the cleaned washing liquid and the microplastic fibers, it is advisable if the centrifuge trough has at least one weir-like overflow for cleaned overflow liquid, for example in the form of cleaned overflow water. The overflow liquid can then flow off continuously and there is always sufficient washing liquid left in the centrifuge trough to separate further microplastic fibers. If the overflow is used with an at least substantially circumferential annular centrifuge trough, the overflow can also be provided at least substantially circumferentially. To increase the residence time of the washing liquid in the centrifuge trough, however, it may be advisable if the overflow is only provided in sections. One section or a plurality of sections can be considered for this. In particular, a section can be considered that is a considerable distance or even as far as possible from at least one other section to which the washing liquid is fed via the return line of the centrifuge trough.

The washing liquid must therefore first travel from the point of supply to the point of overflow, which can involve a sufficient dwell time to reliably separate the microplastic fibers during this time. In a simple design of the washing machine, the overflow can be designed in such a way that the overflow liquid reaches the tub. However, the removal of the overflow liquid can also be simplified if necessary if the Overflow liquid enters the drain line connected to the tub to drain washing liquid from the tub. This can also prevent contact between the overflow liquid and the pre-dried textiles in the washing drum.

In order to be able to drain the washing liquid remaining in the centrifuge trough and, if necessary, to avoid contact with the cleaned textiles, the centrifuge trough can be assigned a resealable residual liquid drain to drain the residual liquid remaining in the centrifuge trough after microplastic fibers have been separated. The residual liquid drain is then opened after the microplastic fibers have been separated to allow the remaining water to drain off. This can be achieved easily and reliably if the residual liquid drain is designed as a residual liquid flap. The residual liquid flap can be easily opened and closed. This is particularly true if the residual liquid flap is designed to open forcibly as a result of gravity and close as a result of centrifugal force. If the laundry drum and/or the centrifuge trough are stationary or if the laundry drum and/or the centrifuge trough are rotating very slowly, gravity causes the residual liquid flap to open and the residual liquid can drain through the residual liquid flap. However, if the washing drum and/or the centrifuge trough rotate very quickly during the actual separation of the microplastic fibers, the centrifugal force causes the residual liquid flap to close, so that no uncleaned washing liquid can flow through the residual liquid flap during this time. Alternatively, at least one spring means can be used. The centrifugal force can then act against the restoring force of the at least one spring means or the centrifugal force can act obliquely or transversely to the centrifugal force, in particular if the centrifugal force and gravity act approximately parallel, as is particularly the case with front loaders. The centrifugal force can then act against the restoring force of the spring means instead of against gravity.

To avoid mixing of overflow liquid and residual liquid, for example to clean the residual liquid again, the overflow liquid and the residual liquid can be drained separately. For the sake of simplicity, the overflow can be connected to an overflow drain and the residual liquid drain to a residual liquid drain for separate drainage of overflow liquid and residual liquid.

For a high separation performance of microplastic fibers, it is desirable if the washing liquid to be cleaned has a sufficient residence time in the at least one centrifuge trough. To achieve this, the at least one centrifuge trough can have an inlet opening for the inflow of washing liquid in a radial direction further out than an upper edge of the overflow. The inflowing washing liquid can then not flow out over the overflow immediately after entering the centrifuge trough without the microplastic fibers having had enough time to sink in the radial direction. The washing liquid must first flow inwards in a radial direction against the centrifugal force in order to reach the overflow, while the microplastic fibers migrate in the direction of the centrifuge force to the bottom of the centrifuge trough. It can be particularly useful if two centrifuge troughs coupled to one another are used. The two centrifuge troughs can then be connected to one another via an opening forming the inlet opening into the subsequent centrifuge trough. The centrifuge troughs can then be arranged directly next to each other to save space. If the centrifuge troughs cannot or should not be arranged directly next to each other, the centrifuge troughs can also be connected via a channel that opens into the inlet opening of the subsequent centrifuge trough. In this way, the guidance of the washing liquid is improved and the overall residence time in the centrifuge troughs is further increased.

A space-saving design of the centrifuge unit can be achieved if the at least one centrifuge channel is arranged in at least one lifting bar of the laundry drum. Laundry drums are designed for horizontally oriented Laundry drums are typically equipped with lifting bars anyway. These have the shape of ribs that protrude inwards into the laundry drum to circulate the textiles in the laundry drum and lift water from the tub and let it drip onto the textiles. The at least one centrifuge trough can therefore be integrated into a lifting bar to save space. To clean the centrifuge trough and to remove the separated microplastic fibers, it is advisable if the centrifuge trough and/or the lifting bar are designed to be removable.

The residence time of the washing liquid in the centrifuge unit can also be extended if required by the at least one centrifuging trough comprising two trough elements that extend at least substantially parallel to one another and to the axis of rotation and are connected to one another via a deflection. The washing liquid can then initially flow in one direction along the first trough element and, after passing through the deflection, in the opposite direction through the second trough element. If required, further deflections and trough elements can be added to further increase the residence time. The trough elements can be arranged one behind the other in the radial direction and/or next to one another in the circumferential direction. In principle, it is advisable if the inlet opening provided for the washing liquid and the corresponding outlet opening of the entire centrifuging trough are assigned to the bottom of the laundry drum or the textile opening of the laundry drum. The supply and discharge of washing liquid can then simply take place on the same side of the laundry drum.

Alternatively or additionally, the at least one centrifuge channel can be provided in a centrifuge cassette on the bottom of the laundry drum. This allows the centrifuge unit to be reliably decoupled from the textiles in the laundry drum if required. In addition, the centrifuge cassette can then be easily removable so that it can be cleaned easily and reliably. To decouple the centrifuge cassette from the textiles in the If necessary, it is advisable to provide at least one inlet opening and at least one outlet opening for the washing liquid on the back of the centrifuge cassette. The back of the centrifuge cassette preferably points towards the bottom of the laundry drum.

In a first particularly preferred embodiment of the method, the microplastic fibers are separated from the washing liquid by rotating the washing drum when spinning the textiles in the washing drum. A spinning cycle that is already taking place to pre-dry the textiles can then also be used to separate the microplastic fibers in a time- and energy-saving manner. Alternatively or additionally, the separated microplastic fibers can remain in the washing machine after the textiles have been washed. The microplastic fibers can then be easily removed manually, for example by cleaning at least one centrifuge trough.

If the purified water flows out of the centrifuge unit via a weir-like overflow as overflow liquid or overflow water, the separation of washing liquid and microplastic fibers can be carried out very simply and reliably in terms of equipment and process. Alternatively or additionally, residual liquid that has not flowed out via the overflow can also flow out of the centrifuge unit as residual liquid via a residual liquid drain, in particular a residual liquid flap, after the microplastic fibers have been separated. Contact between the residual liquid and the textiles remaining in the washing drum can then be avoided.

Fig. 1A-B

eine erste erfindungsgemäße Waschmaschine und ein Detail der Waschmaschine in einer schematischen Schnittansicht von der Seite,

Fig. 2

ein Detail einer zweiten erfindungsgemäßen Waschmaschine in einer schematischen Schnittansicht von der Seite,

Fig. 3

ein Detail einer dritten erfindungsgemäßen Waschmaschine in einer schematischen Schnittansicht von der Seite,

Fig. 4

eine vierte erfindungsgemäße Waschmaschine in einer schematischen Schnittansicht von der Seite,

Fig. 5

ein Detail einer fünften erfindungsgemäßen Waschmaschine in einer schematischen Schnittansicht von der Seite,

Fig. 6A-B

eine sechste erfindungsgemäße Waschmaschine und ein Detail der Waschmaschine in schematischen Schnittansichten von verschiedenen Seiten und

Fig. 7

ein Detail einer siebten erfindungsgemäßen Waschmaschine in einer schematischen Schnittansicht von der Seite.

The invention is explained in more detail below with reference to a drawing which merely shows exemplary embodiments. In the drawing,

Fig. 1A-B

a first washing machine according to the invention and a detail of the washing machine in a schematic sectional view from the side,

Fig.2

a detail of a second washing machine according to the invention in a schematic sectional view from the side,

Fig. 3

a detail of a third washing machine according to the invention in a schematic sectional view from the side,

Fig.4

a fourth washing machine according to the invention in a schematic sectional view from the side,

Fig.5

a detail of a fifth washing machine according to the invention in a schematic sectional view from the side,

Fig. 6A-B

a sixth washing machine according to the invention and a detail of the washing machine in schematic sectional views from different sides and

Fig.7

a detail of a seventh washing machine according to the invention in a schematic sectional view from the side.

In the Fig. 1A a sectional view of a washing machine 1 in the form of a top loader is shown. The washing machine 1 has a tub 2 into which washing liquid 3 can be introduced in the form of washing water. In principle, another washing liquid could also be used, but since the washing machine is particularly preferred for use with washing water, the term washing water is used below, without excluding other liquids.

In the tub 2 there is a laundry drum 4 which has openings 5 through which washing water 3 can flow into the laundry drum 4 which holds the textiles 6 to be washed. The textiles 6 are introduced into the laundry drum 4 from above through a textile opening 7 and are opposite bottom 8 of the laundry drum 4. The laundry drum 4 is connected via a shaft 9 to a drive 10, which is an electric motor drive 10. The electric motor drive 10 sets the laundry drum 4 in rotation, whereby the direction of rotation can change over time to ensure a satisfactory washing process of the textiles 6. When the washing process of the textiles 6 is completed, the microplastic fibers 11 have largely passed from the textiles 6 into the washing water 3. The washing water 3 enriched with the microplastic fibers 11 is now pumped out of the tub 2 of the washing machine 1 via a pump 12 and pumped via a discharge line 13 into an intermediate storage tank 14. For this purpose, a shut-off device 15 ensures that the washing water 3 is not pumped out of the washing machine 1 via an outlet opening 16. While washing water 3 is being sucked out of the tub 2, the laundry drum 4 can be set into gentle rotation so that additional washing water 3 is removed from the textiles 6. If at least a predominant part of the washing water 3 is collected in the intermediate storage 14, the laundry drums 4 can be spun or rotated at a very high rotational speed. This would be referred to as spinning if the textiles 6 are still present in the laundry drum 4. This will be preferred in many cases in order to further dewater the textiles 6.

If the laundry drum 4 rotates very quickly, the washing water 3 can be led from the intermediate storage 14 via a return line 17 into a centrifuge unit 18, which in the illustrated and in this respect preferred washing machine 1 comprises a centrifuge channel 19 provided in the edge of the laundry drum 4 adjacent to the textile opening 7. It is not shown in detail that the centrifuge unit 18 and/or the centrifuge channel 19 is designed to be removable in order to be able to clean them better. The centrifuge channel 19 is provided all the way around the laundry drum 4 and has a base 20 on which the microplastic fibers 11 settle as a result of the centrifugal forces. The cross section of the centrifuge channel 19 is at least essentially U-shaped, with the two U-legs being of different lengths. The textile opening 7 of the The U-leg 21 facing the laundry drum 4 is shorter than the opposite U-leg 22, so that the free end of the outer, shorter U-leg 21 has an overflow 23 for the washing water 3. For the sake of simplicity, the overflow 23 can be provided all the way around the centrifuging trough 19. In order to increase the residence time of the washing water 3 in the centrifuging trough 19, however, it can be advisable if the overflow 23 is only provided in sections. One section or several sections with an overflow 23 can be provided. The washing water 3 is then fed to the centrifuging trough 19 at least temporarily at a greater distance from the overflow 23, so that the washing water 3 has to travel a longer distance from there to get to the next overflow 23. This ensures an overall sufficient residence time of the washing water 3 in the centering trough 19.

From the at least one overflow 23, the washing water 3 then returns as overflow liquid 24 in the form of overflow water into the tub 2, from where the overflow water 24 can be pumped out of the washing machine 1 from the outlet opening 16. For this purpose, the corresponding shut-off device 15 is then positioned so that the pump 12 does not pump the overflow water 24 into the intermediate storage 14, but out of the washing machine 1. Since the speeds when spinning the textiles 6 are typically very high anyway, a very large proportion of the microplastic fibers 11 washed out of the textiles 6 can be separated at the same time during spinning. The separated microplastic fibers 11 can then be removed manually from the centrifuge trough 19 and disposed of in a suitable manner.

In the Fig. 1B is a detail of the washing machine 1 from Fig. 1A shown enlarged in the area of the centrifuging trough 19. The centrifuging trough 19 runs around the textile opening 7 of the laundry drum 4 and has a higher circumferential U-leg 22 in the direction of the bottom 8 of the laundry drum 4 than the U-leg 21 towards the textile opening. As a result of the centrifugal forces when the laundry drum 4 rotates quickly, the microplastic fibers 11 settle on the bottom 20 of the Centrifuging trough 19 and the cleaned washing water 3 flows outwards as overflow water 24 over the overflow 23 as the upper outer edge of the centrifuging trough 19. At the back of the centrifuging trough 19, the overflow water 24 flows down the outside of the laundry drum 4 towards the bottom of the tub 2. While the laundry drum 4 rotates quickly, a residual liquid flap 25 designed as a residual water flap is also closed. This is pivotally connected to the centrifuging trough 19 such that the free end of the residual water flap 25 points approximately radially outwards when there are sufficient centrifugal forces and thus closes the centrifuging trough 19.

If the speed of the washing drum 4 decreases, the influence of the gravitational force on the residual water flap 25 predominates, which consequently hangs downwards and exposes a residual water opening 26 in the lower edge of the centrifuging trough 19. Residual liquid 27 in the form of residual water that has not passed as overflow water 24 via the overflow 23 of the centrifuging trough 19 can then be drained out of the centrifuging trough 19 through this residual water opening 26. The residual water 27 passes into a residual water channel 28 in order to avoid contact with the textiles 6 in the washing drum 4. In the illustrated and in this respect preferred washing machine 1, the residual water channel 28 opens out on the outside of the washing drum 4, so that the overflow water 24 and the residual water 27 can be collected together in the tub 2, provided that the overflow water 24 has not already been pumped out before the residual water 27 passes back into the tub 2.

Regarding the presentation of the Fig. 1B It should be noted that this is purely schematic and shows the washing water 3 in the centrifuging trough 19 in the case that the washing drum 4 is rotating very quickly. The residual water flap 25, on the other hand, is shown in an open state for the sake of better clarity, which occurs when the washing drum 4 is not rotating or is rotating only slowly. In addition, it should be noted that one can basically proceed in such a way that the textiles 6 are only spun until no or hardly any washing water 3 can be removed from the textiles 6. After that, the washing water 3 can then be drained from the Intermediate storage 14 can be cleaned by means of the centrifuge unit 18 for the purpose of separating microplastic fibers 11. However, washing water 3 can also be cleaned in the centrifuge unit 18 for the purpose of separating microplastic fibers 11, while washing water 3 is removed from the textiles 6 by spinning the textiles 6. The washing water 3 can then be pumped together, at least partially and/or temporarily, back into the intermediate storage 14 and then fed back to the centrifuge unit 18. In this way, almost all of the washing water 3, including the washing water 3 remaining in the textiles 6 during the washing process, is processed in the centrifuge unit 18.

In the Fig.2 is a detail of an alternative washing machine 31 of the type of top loader according to the Fig. 1B The washing machine 31 is at least essentially similar to the washing machine 1 of the Fig.1 . However, an external overflow drain 32 is provided, into which the overflow water 24 flows as a result of the centrifugal forces acting on the overflow water 24. The overflow water 24 is then drained via the overflow drain 32, separately from the residual water 27. The residual water 27 flows from the centrifuging trough 34 via the residual water flap 35 and the residual water channel 36 into a separate residual water drain 37. In this way, if desired, the overflow water 24 with relatively few microplastic fibers 11 can be separated from the residual water 27, which may possibly have a significant proportion of microplastic fibers 11. The residual water 27 is drained so as not to come into contact with the textiles 6 in the laundry drum 38 and to remain in the washing machine 31. The residual water 27 can then be cleaned together with the additional washing water 3 during the next washing process.

In the Fig.3 is a detail of another washing machine 41 of the type of a top loader according to the Fig. 1B The washing machine 41 is at least essentially similar to the washing machine 1 of the Fig.1 . However, the difference is that two centrifuging troughs 42,43 are provided one above the other and adjacent to each other. The washing water 3 in this washing machine 41 is fed via the return line 42 into the upper centrifuge trough 42, which has an opening in the area of the bottom 44, which corresponds to at least one inlet opening 45, via which the washing water 3 passes from the first upper centrifuge trough 42 into the second, lower centrifuge trough 43, specifically in the area of the bottom 46 of the lower centrifuge trough 43. If required, only one inlet opening or several inlet openings can be provided, more or less evenly distributed over the circumference of the upper centrifuge trough 42.

At the lower edge of the lower centrifuge trough 43, an overflow 47 is provided for the overflow of overflow water 24. After entering the centrifuge unit 48 of the laundry drum 49, the washing water 3 only comes out of the centrifuge unit 48 again after a considerable residence time, which has a positive effect on the separation of the microplastic fibers 11. In principle, however, the two centrifuge troughs could also be swapped, so that the washing water 3 first enters the first, lower centrifuge trough and then flows into the second, upper centrifuge trough at the bottom to overflow to the outside as overflow water 24 via the upper edge of the upper centrifuge trough.

The overflow 24 is designed as a weir which limits the filling level in the centrifuge trough 19, from which the overflow water 24 flows via channels to the outside of the laundry drum 49 and from there back into the tub.

In the Fig.4 a washing machine 51 of the type of a front loader is shown in a sectional view. This washing machine 51 also has a tub 52 and a laundry drum 53 arranged therein. However, the laundry drum 53 and the tub 52 are inclined to the side by approximately 90° compared to a top loader. The axis of rotation D of the laundry drum 53 therefore does not extend vertically upwards, but approximately horizontally to the side. In the washing machine 51 of the Fig.4 is analogous to the washing machine 1 of the Fig.1 An intermediate storage tank 14 for washing water 3 is provided which is connected to the tub 52 via a discharge line 13 and a return line 17. For pumping or pumping out the washing water 3 from The outlet opening 16 is provided with a pump 12 and a shut-off device 15 in the form of a two-way valve to determine the direction of the washing water flow.

The return line 17 leads the washing water 3 from the intermediate storage 14 into a circumferential return channel 54 behind the floor 46? of the laundry drum 53, if necessary at a height above the height of the washing water 3 in the tub 52 when washing the textiles 6. From the return channel 17, the washing water 3 passes into at least one centrifuging channel 55, which extends within a lifting bar 56 approximately in a straight line and approximately parallel to the axis of rotation D of the laundry drum 53. The centrifuging channel 55 is therefore provided in an area of the laundry drum 53 that is not accessible to the textiles 6. The washing water 3 flows to the front end of the laundry drum 53 in the area of the textile opening 57 and runs there via an overflow 58 of the centrifuging channel 55 as purified overflow water 24 into the tub 52. After the microplastic fibers 11 have been separated from the washing water 3 in the at least one centrifuge trough 55, the centrifuge trough 55 can be removed from the laundry drum 53 in order to clean the centrifuge trough 53 and to dispose of the microplastic fibers 11 separated there. Alternatively or additionally, the respective corresponding lifting bar 56 can also be removed or opened in order to gain access to the associated centrifuge trough 55. The centrifuge trough 55 can then be cleaned and the removed microplastic fibers 11 can then be disposed of. The part of the lifting bar 56 of the illustrated and in this respect preferred washing machine 51 that has the centrifuge trough 55 must be closed off from the interior of the laundry drum 53. However, other areas of the lifting bar 56 can nevertheless be hollow, as is known, and have openings to the laundry drum 53.

The overflow 58 of the centrifuging trough 55 can be closed by a non-return valve 59 during the washing of the textiles 6 in order to prevent the washing water 3 from penetrating into the centrifuging trough 55 during the washing of the textiles 6 and already separated microplastic fibers 11 from entering the washing water 3. rinses out. The non-return flap 59 can be adjusted in the illustrated and in this respect preferred washing machine 51, for example, by means of an electromagnet. If the non-return flap 59 is assigned to the outside of the laundry drum 52, the non-return flap 59 can be opened simply by means of the centrifugal force or the water pressure during spinning, in particular against the restoring force of a spring means.

In the Fig.5 is an alternative washing machine 61 to the washing machine 51 according to Fig.4 shown. In contrast, the centrifuging trough 62 has two trough elements 63, 64 which are connected to one another by at least one deflection 65. The washing water 3 initially flows in one direction along the first trough element 63 and then, after a deflection of the flow in a deflection 65, in the opposite direction along the second trough element 64. In the washing machine 61 shown, the washing water 3 is fed to the same side of the laundry drum 66, here the side near the floor, via a return channel 67 and discharged via a separate discharge channel 68. The flow of the washing water 3 is maintained by the centrifugal forces. In the washing machine 61 shown, the trough elements 63, 64 are provided one above the other in the radial direction. However, it can alternatively or additionally be provided that the trough elements are arranged next to one another in the circumferential direction and are connected to one another by a deflection pointing in the circumferential direction. Furthermore, the channel elements 63, 64 and the deflection 65 are integrated into a lifting bar 69. This integration into a lifting bar 69 can also be provided if the channel elements 63, 64 are provided next to each other. However, it would also be conceivable to integrate the channel elements 63, 64 and the deflection 65 into the drum outside of the lifting bars 69.

In the Fig. 6A is an alternative washing machine 71 to the washing machine 51 according to Fig.4 The washing machine 71 according to Fig. 6A has a centrifuge cassette 72 which is assigned to the inside of the bottom 73 of the laundry drum 74 and for cleaning and removing the separated Microplastic fibers 11 can be removed. The bottom 73 of the laundry drum 74 is assigned a return channel 75, into which the washing water 3 can be returned from the intermediate storage 14 via the return line 17. From the circumferentially provided return channel 75, the washing water 3 passes through an inlet opening 76 into the centrifuge cassette 72, which, viewed from behind, is in the Fig. 6B is shown. The inlet opening 76 is provided further out in the radial direction than the maximum water level in the centrifuge trough 77 of the centrifuge cassette 72. However, this is not absolutely necessary. The centrifuge trough 77 is not completely circumferential, but is provided with opposite ends in the circumferential direction, with the inlet opening 76 assigned to one end and the outlet opening 78 to the other end. The outlet opening 78 is provided somewhat further inward than the inlet opening 76 in order to determine the maximum water level in the radial direction. The washing water 3 must therefore flow almost in a circle once in order to get from the inlet opening 76 to the outlet opening 78, which is connected to a discharge channel 79. The associated residence time should be sufficient to achieve satisfactory separation of the microplastic fibers 11. Alternatively, two or more centrifuge troughs can be provided one behind the other in the circumferential direction in the centrifuge cassette. Then, an inlet opening can be assigned to one end of a centrifuge trough and an outlet opening can be assigned to the other end of the centrifuge trough.

In the Fig.7 is another alternative of a washing machine 81 based on the washing machine 1 according to the Fig. 1A-B shown in detail. Here too, a centrifuge unit 82 is integrated into the laundry drum 83 adjacent to the textile opening 7, which has a circumferential centrifuge channel 84. At least one overflow 85 of the centrifuge channel 84, which is basically equipped with a U-shaped cross-section, is provided at least in sections facing the textile opening 7. The washing water 3 can, if necessary, be drawn from the intermediate storage into the centrifuge channel 77 as a result of the centrifugal forces when the laundry drum 83 rotates. The washing water 3, which flows as overflow water 24 over the overflow 85 The overflow water 24 that flows out of the centrifuge trough 84 at the side enters the tub 86 and can be pumped out from there. Alternatively, the overflow water 24 could also enter an overflow drain and be drained off via the overflow drain.

List of reference symbols

1

washing machine

2

vat

3

Washing water

4

Laundry drum

5

openings

6

textiles

7

Textile opening

8th

Floor

9

Wave

10

drive

11

Microplastic fibres

12

pump

13

Discharge line

14

Cache

15

Shut-off device

16

Outlet opening

17

Return line

18

Centrifuge unit

19

Centrifuge trough

20

Floor

21

U-leg

22

U-leg

23

Overflow

24

Overflow water

25

Residual water flap

26

Residual water opening

27

Residual water

28

Residual water channel

31

washing machine

32

Overflow drainage

34

Centrifuge trough

35

Residual water flap

36

Residual water channel

37

Residual water drainage

38

Laundry drum

41

washing machine

42

upper centrifuge chute

43

lower centrifuge chute

44

Floor

45

Entrance opening

46

Floor

47

Overflow

48

Centrifuge unit

49

Laundry drum

51

washing machine

52

vat

53

Laundry drum

54

Return channel

55

Centrifuge trough

56

Lifting bar

57

Textile opening

58

Overflow

59

Check valve

61

washing machine

62

Centrifuge trough

63

Gutter element

64

Gutter element

65

Redirection

66

Laundry drum

67

Return channel

68

Discharge channel

69

Lifting bar

71

washing machine

72

Centrifuge cassette

73

Floor

74

Laundry drum

75

Return channel

76

Inlet opening

77

Centrifuge trough

78

Outlet opening

79

Discharge channel

81

washing machine

82

Centrifuge unit

83

Laundry drum

84

Centrifuge

85

Overflow

86

vat

D

Rotation axis

Claims (14)

1. Washing machine (1, 31, 41, 51, 61, 71, 81) for washing textiles (6), comprising a tub (2, 52, 86) for holding a washing liquid (3), a laundry drum (4, 38, 49, 53, 66, 74, 83) inserted at least partially into the tub (2, 52, 86), a drive (10) for rotating the laundry drum (4, 38, 49, 53, 66, 74, 83) in the tub (2, 52, 86), a drive (10) for rotating the washing drum (4,38,49,53,66,74,83) in the tub (2,52,86), a discharge line (13) connected to the tub (2,52,86) for discharging washing liquid (3) from the tub (2,52,86), and an intermediate store (14) for intermediate storing of washing liquid (3) discharged via the discharge line (13),
   characterized in that
   a centrifuge unit for separating microplastic fibers (11) rotated by the drive (10) together with the washing drum (4,38,49,53,66,74,83) and a return line (17) for transferring the washing liquid (3) from the intermediate storage (14) into the centrifuge unit (18, 48, 72, 82) are provided.
2. Washing machine according to claim 1,
   characterized in that
   the centrifuge unit (18, 48, 72, 82) is coupled to the laundry drum (4, 38, 49, 53, 66, 74, 83) in such a way that the centrifuge unit (18, 48, 72, 82) and the laundry drum (4, 38, 49, 53, 66, 74, 83) are at least temporarily driven at the same speed and that, preferably, the centrifuge unit (18, 48, 72, 82) is provided in the laundry drum (4,38,49,53,66,74,83), in particular is integrated into the laundry drum (4,38,49,53,66,74,83).
3. Washing machine according to claim 1 or 2,
   characterized in that
   the centrifuge unit (18, 48, 72, 82) has at least one annular centrifuging trough (19, 34, 42, 43, 77, 87) and that, preferably, the at least one centrifuging trough (19, 34, 42, 43) is provided adjacent to a textile opening (7) of the laundry drum (4, 38, 49, 53, 66, 74, 83) and/or adjacent to the bottom (73) of the laundry drum (74) opposite the textile opening (7).
4. Washing machine according to any one of claims 1 to 3,
   characterized in that
   the centrifuge unit has at least one centrifuging trough (55, 62) extending at least essentially in a straight line and in that, preferably, the centrifuging trough (55, 62) extends at least substantially parallel to the axis of rotation (D) of the laundry drum (53, 66), in particular on the inner side of the laundry drum (55, 66).
5. Washing machine according to claim 3 or 4,
   characterized in that
   the centrifuging trough (19, 34, 42, 43, 55, 62, 77, 87) has at least one weir-like overflow (23, 47, 58, 85) for purified overflow liquid (24) and that, preferably, the overflow (23, 47, 58, 85) is provided in such a way that the overflow liquid (24) passes into the tub (2, 52, 86) and/or into the discharge line (13) connected to the tub (2, 52, 86) for discharging washing liquid (3) from the tub (2, 52, 86).
6. Washing machine according to one of claims 3 to 5,
   characterized in that
   a re-closable residual liquid drain (25, 28, 35, 36) is associated with the centrifuging trough for draining the residual liquid (27) remaining in the centrifuging trough (19, 34) after the separation of microplastic fibers (11) and that, preferably, the residual liquid drain (25, 28, 35, 36) is configured as a residual liquid flap (25, 35) and that, further preferably, the residual liquid flap (25, 35) is configured to open as a result of gravity and to close as a result of the centrifugal force.
7. Washing machine according to claim 6,
   characterized in that
   the overflow (23) is connected to an overflow drain line (32) and the residual liquid drain (25, 28) is connected to a residual liquid drain line (37) for separately discharging of overflow liquid (24) and residual liquid (27).
8. Washing machine according to any one of claims 3 to 7,
   characterized in that
   the at least one centrifuging trough (43) has an inlet opening (45) for inflow of washing liquid (3) in a radial direction further outwards than an upper edge of the overflow (47) and that, preferably, two centrifuging troughs (42, 43) are connected to one another via an opening or a channel forming the inlet opening (45).
9. Washing machine according to any one of claims 4 to 8,
   characterized in that
   the at least one centrifuging trough (55, 62) is arranged in at least one lifting bar (56) of the laundry drum (53, 66) and that, preferably, the centrifuging trough (55, 62) and/or the lifting bar (56) is configured to be removable.
10. Washing machine according to any one of claims 4 to 9,
    characterized in that
    the at least one centrifuging trough (62) comprises two trough elements (63, 64) extending at least substantially parallel to one another and to the axis of rotation (D) and connected to one another via a turn (65), and in that, preferably, the inlet opening and the outlet opening of the centrifuging trough (62) for the washing liquid (3) are associated with the bottom of the laundry drum (66) or with the textile opening (7) of the laundry drum (66).
11. Washing machine according to any one of claims 3 to 10,
    characterized in that
    the at least one centrifuging trough (77) is provided in a centrifuging cassette (72) at the bottom (73) of the laundry drum (74), and that the centrifuging cassette (72) is removable and/or has at least one inlet opening (76) and at least one outlet opening (78) for the washing liquid (3) at the rear of the centrifuging cassette (72).
12. Method for washing textiles (6) with a washing machine (1,31,41,51,61,71,81) according to any one of claims 1 to 11,

    - in which textiles (6) are washed in the laundry drum (4, 38, 49, 53, 66, 74, 83) in the washing liquid (3) in the tub (2, 52, 86),

    - in which the washing liquid (3) is guided from the tub (2, 52, 86) via the discharge line (13) into the intermediate storage (14) after washing,

    - in which the washing liquid (3) is at least partially guided from the intermediate storage (14) into the centrifuge unit via the return line (17),

    - in which the centrifuge unit (18,48,72,82) is rotated together with the laundry drum (4,38,49,53,66,74,83),

    - in which microplastic fibers (11) are separated from the washing liquid (3) in centrifugal force direction in the centrifuge unit (18, 48, 72, 82) during rotation, and

    - in which the cleaned washing liquid (3) is discharged.
13. Method according to claim 12,

    - in which the microplastic fibers (11) are separated from the washing liquid (3) by rotating the laundry drum (4, 38, 49, 53, 66, 74, 83) during the spinning of the textiles (6) in the laundry drum (4, 38, 49, 53, 66, 74, 83) and/or

    - in which the separated microplastic fibers (11) remain in the washing machine (1, 31, 41, 51, 61, 71, 81) after the textiles (6) have been washed.
14. Method according to claim 12 or 13,

    - in which the purified washing liquid (3) flows out of the centrifuge unit (18, 48, 72, 82) as overflow liquid (24) via a weir-like overflow (23, 47, 58, 85) and/or

    - in which residual liquid (27) which has not flowed off via the overflow (23, 47, 58, 85) drains off as residual liquid (27) from the centrifuge unit (18, 48, 72, 82) via a residual liquid drain (25, 28, 35, 36), in particular a residual liquid flap (25, 35), after the microplastic fibers (11) have been separated.

Images