JPS6133695A - Method and apparatus for washing clothings in washer by liquid detergent - Google Patents

Abstract

(57) [Summary] This bulletin contains application data before electronic filing, so abstract data is not recorded.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION The present invention provides a washing machine with a detergent solution or liquid detergent gradually introduced into the washing medium from a reloadable device placed in a drum with the clothes to be washed. Wash clothes/
It concerns a method of cleaning. The invention also relates to an apparatus for carrying out this method.

Detergent liquid compositions for washing clothes are commercially available.

Although these compositions have various advantages over many granular detergent compositions, their properties have prevented them from being used as widely as expected.

This is because compositions of this type are to some extent unsuitable for use in most washing machines currently on the market.

In practice, whether these washers are front-loaded with a horizontal spindle or top-loaded, the detergent dispenser used for each wash cycle generally dispenses the detergent solution. The majority of washing machines currently used by housewives are unsuitable for holding and then dispensing this into the washing liquid, and the majority of washing machines currently used by housewives are It was designed.

Applicant's company has discovered that a portion of the detergent liquid composition contained in its detergent dispenser before the washing machine is switched on is often not used for washing.

In practice, the entire detergent solution is swept away by the first few drops of water introduced into the washing machine, and in many cases this water enters the dewatering circuit, where only a small amount of water is left by previous washing operations. directly into.

If the detergent solution enters this circuit, no detergent solution will move into the washing solution that has soaked the clothes, both while filling the washing solution with water and during the actual washing process. It will be removed along with it. Such losses, ie the amount of unused detergent, can be significant, especially in certain types of washing machines.

A large portion of the detergent solution placed in the solid detergent dispenser is unused. The magnitude of such detergent losses depends, inter alia, on the volume of the dewatering circuit upstream of the pump, the water introduction rate and the location of the water introduction point. It will be appreciated that in many cases the method of washing in a washing machine using a detergent solution is more expensive than its expected cost. It is also not surprising that housewives do not notice such losses and do not use detergent liquids, despite their benefits.

Therefore, the present invention is particularly effective in solving such unavoidable detergent loss.

The present invention relates to an improved method of washing/cleaning clothes in conventional washing machines, which involves the use of liquid detergents of such viscosity that they do not flow freely even at ambient temperatures. In this improvement method, said detergent is not introduced into the washing liquor from a device placed in the washing tub together with the clothes, rather than from a dispenser provided by the washing machine manufacturer for detergent retention. Released gradually.

This method involves the steps of injecting a predetermined amount of detergent solution into a suitable device, which depends in particular on the quality of the clothes to be washed, their degree of soiling and the capacity of the washing machine, and then placing this device together with the clothes in the washing tub. The stage of placing it inside and then turning on the switch,
The washing machine consists of the steps of proceeding through two normal washing cycles of the washing machine. The device containing the detergent is preferably placed in the drum towards the top of the tank. Therefore, in most modern washing machines, the drum does not start rotating until the tank is filled, so the device only starts discharging detergent when there is a sufficient amount of water, leaving dry or damp clothes. Prevent prolonged contact between clothes and concentrated detergents. However, if the drum begins to rotate at the same time that water begins to be introduced,
The device can be placed at the bottom of the drum or in the center of the garment. A housewife will be able to easily choose the most suitable position for her particular laundry situation.

When the rotation of the drum is finished, the device is removed from the washing machine with the clean clothes and used again.

This device, which forms another object of the invention, has at least one filling orifice, the dimensions of which allow the detergent to be filled, whatever the viscosity of the detergent and the shape and drainage holes of the detergent container. Defined so that it can be easily introduced. The orifice is provided with a conformable capping means, the capping means comprising:
Plugs, caps, etc. may be removable, and may or may not be fixed to the main body of the device. This lid is also a permanent fixing member in the form of a funnel that is fixed around the neck of the Oriais and extends into the interior of the device, the length and diameter of the inner end being such that the liquid that has entered the device cannot escape again. stipulated in In the latter case, this filling orifice may resemble any of the drainage holes that must be provided in the device. The number and shape of these drainage holes is not critical. Thus, a single drainage hole, 2 to 10 drainage holes, or even as many as about 100 very small drainage holes can be provided.

However, it is preferable to provide two or more exhaust holes for gradually discharging the detergent solution.

Since generally not all drain holes are equipped with a lid system, these drain holes must be located above the highest filling level of the device.

On the other hand, their respective positions are arbitrary. Those skilled in the art will be able to determine the shape of the drainage hole, its location and use by routine tests so that the entire amount of detergent liquid is drained into the washing liquid within 7 to 70 minutes, preferably within about 3 minutes. The number of these drainage holes can be determined as a function of the viscosity of the detergent liquid to be used.For a particular device filled with a particular detergent, its drainage time will depend on the drum of the washing machine in which it will be used. It is clear that one must take into account the fact that it depends on the diameter of the drum, the speed of rotation and the extent to which the drum is filled with clothes.

The device can be made of a variety of materials, but the material must be non-destructive and capable of withstanding temperatures up to about 100°C. Many synthetic resins may be suitable, such as low density polyethylene, polypropylene or other nidistomers.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the walls of the device are made of transparent material so that the housewife can see the liquid level in the device during the filling operation of the device to prevent accidental spillage; Or have a transparent window.

In a preferred embodiment, the device is provided with a reference mark indicating the amount of liquid introduced. In that case, the same device can be used for washing machines of different capacities or the amount of detergent can be adapted to the washing operation carried out.

Furthermore, in order to eliminate the risk of excessively rapid wear of the clothing due to frictional effects, the device has a smooth outer surface and no sharp edges. However, the walls of the device must be sufficiently rigid that the pressure of grasping the device with the fingers does not cause the walls to deform and become unwieldy.

A preferred embodiment has a sufficiently wide base so that the device is completely stable and does not flip over when the device is filled with detergent.

As a variant of the device of the invention, means are provided for securing the device to the drum of the washing machine, such as a suction disc or a hook. This measure makes it possible to limit the noise caused by the rolling of the device in the drum during the washing cycle and the frictional effect of the device on the rotating clothes. In any case, the device is held against the wall of the drum containing the garments.

In the clothes washing/cleaning method according to the invention, the apparatus described above is filled with detergent. This detergent contains the usual ingredients, namely a liquid vehicle containing at least seven surfactants and, if appropriate, detergent additives (builders), foam control agents, enzymes and enzyme stabilizers, bleaching agents, mud suspending agents and fabric washers. Contains conditioner.

The detergent liquid composition used in the laundry process of the present invention can further contain fluorescent brighteners, perfumes, colorants, opacifiers, antioxidants, disinfectants, bulking agents, and the like.

The surfactants present in the composition used in the method of the present invention can be anionic, nonionic, amphoteric or zwitterionic, and mixtures thereof can also be used. Examples of these surfactants are % Ml Fuki EP-
It is described in A-θ, b2g, abr. This patent pj, 1.31~p, 7°! Cationic surfactants can also be added, as described in . The amount of surfactant present in the liquid composition generally ranges from 5 to 50% of the total
70% by weight, generally depending on the presence of cleaning additives. If additives are present, their amounts will be reduced. Among the known additives, phosphate, polylift
Mention may be made of lKm, alkali metal salts of nitrilotriacetic acid and citric acid, or synthetic olides.

The liquid vehicle of the composition can be water, organic solvents such as aliphatic mono- and polyalcohols up to 6 carbon atoms and their ethers, or mixtures thereof.

Optional components in liquid laundry compositions include poly7
Known sequestering agents such as acrylates, polymaleates, and copolymers of unsaturated acids with methyl vinyl ether, mud suspending agents such as polyvinylpyrrolidone and the sodium salt of carboxymethylcellulose, salts of alkylarylsulfonic acids. and foam control agents such as C16-C22 fatty acids and polysiloxanes. All these compositions are included in the detergent liquid composition used in the present invention.
It is introduced in variable amounts known to those skilled in the art.

Polyalkylsiloxanes are also incorporated into detergent liquid compositions because of their softening properties.

It is clear that the amount of detergent liquid used in the method of the invention depends on the composition of this detergent, the nature and condition of the clothes being washed, and the capacity of the washing machine.

The device according to the invention can contain about ioo-tioo- of liquid, and its total internal volume is about 1 sornl.
~rooml, but for very effective detergents it is possible to design smaller devices, and for washing machines used within companies it is completely possible to design larger devices. It is possible.

Hereinafter, the present invention will be described in detail with reference to embodiments shown in the drawings. - The device of Figure 1 has a maximum diameter of 705 g and a height of um excluding the threaded plug. Assembly l consists of transparent polyethylene. The wall thickness is 0. It is A■. The diameter of the filling orifice is qo mm, and the diameter of the drain holes 3 is strm. These drainage holes are located at the bottom of the container.
at a distance of tm (distance measured vertically). The main body of the device is equipped with one level mark corresponding to the volumes of /30rILl and IgO-, respectively. In some cases,
A wire is tightened around the neck of the device, terminating in a key portion that fits into a hole made in the surface of the drum.

The apparatus of FIG. 2 is in the form of a hollow sphere with a diameter tOW, the sphere being partially cut off so that the container stands upright on a flat bottom;
Further, the swingable lid l equipped with a hinge has a partially spherical shape corresponding to the spherical shape, and a liquid introduction orifice 3 made by cutting the spherical shape by a surface is shown. The device is made of translucent polypropylene and has a transparent winder into which two capacitive mufts are drawn. Three drainage holes 6 are arranged above the upper liquid fill level.

The device shown in FIG. 3 has a hollow ring shape with an outer diameter xclrL and an inner diameter of 36 m, with a filling orifice/diameter -"
An ffi circular hole is made. This orifice l is equipped with a lid, which has a hinge 3 and a locking device. At the top of the ring, there are orifices with a diameter of 31m.

Example/ In one example of implementing the method of the invention, the first
In the apparatus of the present invention shown in the figure, a detergent solution consisting of the following components, 2
jθml is satisfied.

(weight) Sodium dodecylbenzenesulfonate (linear dodecyl) 11,3 triethanolamine alkyl (copra)-sulfate G,O ethoxylated alcohol (C1a-47; C2H40) /Co,O fatty acid (C12-C14 ) i
o.

Oleic acid s,.

Diethylenetriaminepentamethylphosphonic acid 0.
6 Ethanol S, Otsu Propanediol 3.0 Final pH
The device filled with the NaOH- secondary component 7,7 is placed on top of the clothes in a commercial front load washing machine and the wash/rinse cycle is allowed to proceed normally.

When the operation is finished, remove the clothing and equipment from the machine. The device contained only a few parts of water and could be removed directly for further use.

Example No. 3: The clothes of Koni were introduced into a plant-type top-loading washing machine with a capacity of 5 kg, and the drum was started to rotate while filling the tank with water. Before closing the washing machine, make sure the viscosity is 0. /2
The first chamber filled with detergent solution of Pa, S
Place the device shown on the clothing. It was confirmed that all the detergent had entered the washing liquid 7 minutes and 30 seconds after starting the drum. The total operating cycle of the washing machine is approximately sh.

It was a minute.

Example 3 Washing was carried out under the same conditions as in Example λ, but in this case a Philips type washing machine was used. In this case, the device released the detergent in about 3 minutes.

[Brief explanation of drawings]

Figure 1-1 is a plan view of the device of the present invention, and the first soot is A-
A sectional view taken along the line A and of the plug thereof; FIG. teeth,
1 is a sectional view of a device according to the invention in the form of a ring with several drainage holes; FIG. C...Lid, C...Hinge, 3...Introduction orifice, D...Window, 5...Capacity mark, 6...Drain hole. August-2, 1985 1. Indication of the case 1985 Patent Application No. 83585 2. Name of the invention Method for washing clothes in a washing machine Φ with detergent liquid and apparatus for carrying out this method 3. Relationship with the case of the person making the amendment Patent applicant: The Brocter, Endo, Gamble, Company 4, Agent: July 10, 1985 (Delivery date: July 30, 1985) 6. Subject of amendment

Claims (1)

[Scope of Claims] 1. A method for washing/cleaning clothes in a washing machine with a detergent solution, wherein the detergent solution is added to the washing solution from a device disposed in the drum of the washing machine at the same time as the clothes being washed. A method characterized by gradual release into the body. 2. a) injecting a predetermined amount of detergent liquid into the device and closing the filling orifice if necessary; b) placing said device in a drum with the clothes to be washed; c. 2.) A method according to claim 1, comprising the steps of: activating a switch and allowing a normal wash cycle to proceed. 3. A method according to claim 2, characterized in that, before starting the rotation of the drum, the device is arranged so that the detergent solution contained in the device does not flow out onto the clothes. 4. A method according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that the device is placed towards the top of the drum filled with garments. 5. A method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the device is fixed to the inner wall of the washing liquid by suitable means. 6. The detergent liquid filling the device comprises: a) 5 to 70 surfactants selected from anionic, nonionic, amphoteric and zwitterionic surfactants or mixtures thereof;
b) a liquid vehicle and, if appropriate, c) additives to suitable detergents including cleaning additives, enzymes and foam control agents, fabric conditioners including fabric softeners, and fluorescent brighteners, fragrances. , and a secondary component selected from colorants, opacifiers, bactericidal agents, etc. 7. A container comprising a container characterized by having a filling orifice equipped with a lid means and a drainage hole for gradually releasing liquid, and which can be used for the washing method according to any one of claims 1 to 3. Equipment for implementation. 8. Device according to claim 7, characterized in that it consists of a smooth, natural or synthetic impermeable material that is stable up to about 100°C. 9. Device according to claim 7 or 8, characterized in that a transparent window is formed in the device body. 10. The device according to claim 7 or 8, characterized in that it consists of a transparent material. 11. The device according to any one of claims 7 to 10, characterized in that it has 2 to 8 drainage holes with a diameter of 2 to 10 mm. 12. Device according to any one of claims 7 to 11, characterized in that it has a capacity of 100 to 400 ml. 13. After the drum has been rotated for 1 to 10 minutes, 0.
1 to 0.4 Pa. 100 to 400 with a viscosity of S
Claims 7 to 11, characterized in that it has a drainage hole configured to discharge ml of detergent solution.
Equipment according to any of the clauses.