WO2013045283A1

WO2013045283A1 - Method for softening laundry in a washing machine, using fabric softener, and washing machine suitable therefor

Info

Publication number: WO2013045283A1
Application number: PCT/EP2012/067994
Authority: WO
Inventors: Antonio BARRADO FRANCO; Andreas Hanau; Hartmut Schaub
Original assignee: BSH Bosch und Siemens Hausgeräte GmbH
Priority date: 2011-09-28
Filing date: 2012-09-13
Publication date: 2013-04-04
Also published as: CN103827383B; EP2761076A1; DE102011083578B4; CN103827383A; RU2014115285A; DE102011083578A1; EP2761076B1; RU2596938C2

Abstract

The invention relates to a method for softening laundry (7) in a washing machine, using fabric softener, said washing machine comprising a program control (12) for controlling a program sequence, a drum (2) rotatably mounted in an outer tub (1), which drum accommodates the laundry (7), a water supply system (8, 9, 10), a fabric softener reservoir (18), a lye draining system having a pump (16) arranged on the bottom of the outer tub (1), and a drive motor (14) for the drum (2). The fabric softener cycle according to the invention comprises steps (a) to (e), namely (a) a first liquid that contains no fabric softener is passed into the drum (1) in a quantity M₁; (b) the laundry (7) is rinsed with this liquid; (c) a share M₂ < M₁ of the first liquid is pumped off; (d) a second liquid that contains fabric softener is passed from the fabric softener reservoir (18) into the drum (2); and (e) the laundry (7) is treated with fabric softener. The invention further relates to a washing machine suitable for carrying out said method.

Description

Method for softening laundry in one

Washing machine and suitable washing machine

The invention relates to a method for softening laundry in a washing machine as well as a particularly suitable for carrying out this method washing machine. In particular, the invention relates to a method for softening laundry in a washing machine with a program control for controlling a program sequence, a drum rotatably mounted in a tub, a water supply system, a fabric softener reservoir, a at the bottom of the tub arranged lye drain system with a pump and a drive motor for the drum and a particularly suitable for performing this method washing machine.

Usually, in a washing program following the main wash, at least one rinse cycle is carried out for rinsing out the wash liquor enriched with impurities and detergent. In this case, water is generally used. The more water is used in the flushing and / or the more rinses take place, the lower the amount of impurities and detergent remaining on the fibers of the laundry. In contrast to the detergent, however, a fabric softener frequently used in a respective last rinse of laundry should remain in the laundry. Therefore, the last rinse usually proceeds as a fabric rinse, in which fabric softener is added. Such a fabric softener is usually a preparation based on cationic surfactants; Instead of or in addition to these, it is also possible to add another substance for treating the laundry in a final rinse and remaining in the laundry, in particular an impregnating agent, a fragrance or a laundry starch. All such substances are to be regarded below as "fabric softeners", unless otherwise specified.The addition of a softener is generally realized by providing the amount of water intended for this rinse via a softener compartment provided in an induction bowl into which the fabric softener previously filled in as softener Servoir is rinsed. However, the amount of water used for rinsing and the amount of fabric softener used should be reduced for environmental and cost reasons.

It is known to optimize the softening in a washing machine such that the fabric softening agent, i. the fabric softener is added as uniformly as possible and in a suitable concentration.

DE 39 01 884 A1 describes a method for rinsing detergent residues from a laundry item in a washing machine, wherein the rinsing process includes a section for treating the laundry with a fabric softener, wherein the intended for the treatment of the laundry amount of fabric softener over at least one longer permanent part of the treatment section distributed, eg in small portions of several single doses to which rinse water is added. DE 10 2007 041 069 A1 describes a method for the detection of fabric softener in a washing machine with a program control for controlling a program flow, a rotatably mounted in a tub drum, a water inlet system, arranged at the bottom of the tub liquor drain system with a drain pump, a drive motor for the drum and a sensor, wherein in a washing process after a washing or rinsing step, in particular after a rinsing step with clear water, a signal of the sensor is detected and evaluated by comparison with a reference signal with regard to the presence of fabric softener in a rinsing liquid. In a detected presence of fabric softener, a fabric softening step is performed, depending on the determined amount of fabric softener, the duration of the fabric softening step and / or subsequent rinsing steps, the temperature of the rinse liquid, the number of revolutions of the drum, etc. are set.

WO 2010/105937 A1 describes a method for optimizing a rinsing phase in a washing machine with a program control for controlling a program sequence, a drum rotatably mounted in a tub, a water supply system, arranged at the bottom of the tub liquor drain system with a drain pump, a drive motor for the Drum and a sensor for the presence of fabric softener in a rinsing liquid in the tub. Speed, wherein the rinsing phase comprises at least a first and a last step. In the last step, with the presence of softener detected by the sensor, a rinsing step with water and softener takes place, in which a laundry mechanism comprising the switch-on time, the duration of a reversing cycle and the speed of the drum compared to a rinsing step with water only is lowered.

Furthermore, to reduce the amount of water used for washing washing machines with a flushing water storage are known. EP 0 691 099 B1 describes a dishwashing machine or washing machine which has a device for the recovery and storage of rinsing liquid for the subsequent reuse as washing liquid. This has a recovery container for storing the washing liquid inside the washing machine and a recovery pump, a delivery channel and a detergent holder with a larger and a smaller chamber. Before the rinsing liquid enters the recovery tank, it absorbs the cleaning agent contained in the smaller chamber, which due to a disinfecting effect should reduce the contamination of the stored liquid. DE 197 09 085 A1 describes a method for washing laundry, in particular in a household washing machine, in which the laundry in a tub during a washing section with washing liquid and during subsequent rinsing sections is treated with rinsing liquid and at the end of the respective washing / rinsing section the liquor container is emptied, wherein the washing liquid and / or the rinsing liquid at least one rinsing section are emptied into a collecting container and reused after treatment by a reverse osmosis, micro, ultra or Nanofiltrati- onsverfahren caching in a storage container. The treated washing or rinsing liquid is fed to a later rinsing section of the same program sequence.

DE 197 45 824 A1 describes a rinsing functions performing household appliance, such as a washing machine or dishwasher, with a storage container for water, which is arranged below the container, for example of the tub, in the housing of the household appliance. By this arrangement, despite the combination of the household appliance with a storage container, the volume of the household appliance itself does not increase.

WO 2010/1 15683 A1 describes a water-conducting domestic appliance such as a washing machine with an ion exchanger as desalting device for producing desalinated water and a rinse water storage and an associated method. In this case, desalted water is used in the rinsing step, which is then stored and optionally used in a later washing process again.

From DE 44 35 253 A1 a method for laundry washing is known in which the laundry is rinsed in a rinse cycle following the washing process in the washing drum of a washing device with a fabric softener and tap water supplied from the supply network softener solution, the softener solution for at least one further rinse, but preferably for a variety of rinses, is used.

In addition, EP 2 314 753 A1 describes a method for carrying out a rinse cycle during a washing process in a washing machine, in which the water is pumped over a circulation circuit in the rinse cycle. The water in the recirculation outside the wash tank is irradiated with ultraviolet light to achieve a hygienic effect even at low washing temperatures and without the use of bleaching agents. In the last rinse of this process, the addition of fabric softener preferably takes place only after a certain time rinsed without fabric softener and the water was pumped while the fabric softener causes turbidity of the rinse water, which reduces the effect of UV irradiation and thus the hygiene effect.

Against this background, the object of the present invention was to provide an improved method for softening laundry in a program-controlled washing machine and a program-controlled washing machine suitable for this purpose.

The solution to this problem is achieved by a method for softening laundry and by a washing machine with the features of this invention corresponding independent claims. Preferred embodiments of the method according to the invention and of the washing machine according to the invention are listed in the corresponding dependent claims. Preferred embodiments of the method according to the invention correspond to preferred embodiments of the washing machine according to the invention and vice versa, although this is not explicitly stated herein.

The invention thus relates to a method for softening laundry in a washing machine with a program control for controlling a program sequence, a drum rotatably mounted in a tub in which the laundry is located, a water inlet system, a fabric softener reservoir, a bottom of the tub arranged lye drain system with a pump and a drive motor for the drum, wherein a softening step comprises the steps (a) to (e), wherein

(A) a first liquid containing no fabric softener in an amount M-ι is introduced into the drum;

(b) rinsing the laundry with it;

(c) then a part M ₂ <M-ι of the first liquid is pumped out;

(d) introducing a softener-containing second liquid from the softener reservoir into the drum; and

(E) a soft rinse of the laundry is performed.

In a washing program, at least one rinse cycle is usually carried out after the main wash cycle. A rinse cycle is generally understood to mean a section of the washing program in which a first liquid, preferably water supplied via the domestic supply network or rinsing liquid stored in the washing machine from previous washing processes, is introduced into the tub and thus the drum. By means of a washing program dependent movement of the drum, the laundry is mixed with the first liquid, which is then pumped out. Thus, in the previous pre- and / or main wash with impurities and detergent enriched wash liquor can be flushed out of the laundry. The number of scheduled rinses and provided for a rinse amount of liquid usually arise from the wash program. This means, for example, that the amount of liquid that is introduced into the drum per rinse cycle is predetermined by the washing program and is therefore controlled accordingly by the program control. Depending on the washing machine and / or washing program, current factors such as the loading amount of the drum with laundry, the degree of soiling of the laundry and / or the water hardness can additionally play a role. On average, in a washing machine with a load of 5 to 6 kg of laundry for a rinse about 20 I liquid provided.

In the process according to the invention, steps (a) and (b) are used, in particular, for rinsing out residues of wash liquor and impurities from the wash. Consequently, the duration of these steps, in particular of step (b), is determined essentially by the exchanges required for a sufficient rinse.

According to the invention, a particularly efficient softening is achieved by pumping out a part M ₂ <M- _{1 of} the first liquid in step (c) before a second liquid containing softener is introduced from the softener reservoir into the drum in step (d). Here, in general, the pumping off of the one part M ₂ <Mi of the first liquid in step (c) is understood to mean that this part M _{2 of} the first liquid is actually removed from the tub and not re-introduced into the tub in the same fabric wash cycle, ie especially not circulated. Preferably, in step (c), no further liquid is supplied for rinsing, before in step (d) the softener-containing second liquid is introduced into the drum.

In this way it is achieved that as much as possible of the constituents of the wash liquor used in previous process steps is removed before the softener is added without an additional rinse or supply of additional fresh water is required. This is important because the effectiveness of the softener is reduced by any residual detergent. This is due to the fact that the cationic surfactants of the fabric softener react with the anionic surfactants which are usually present in the detergent and are thus no longer available in their entirety. In addition, the reaction between anionic and cationic surfactants generally forms neutral salts which are extremely sparingly soluble in water are and that can behave in terms of washing technology similar to a grease contamination.

In step (e), a soft rinse of the laundry is then carried out. As a result of step (e), the laundry is wetted with softener.

Since it is desired to leave the fabric conditioner in the laundry, the fabric softener according to the invention is preferably the last rinse of a rinse phase of a wash program.

The softener reservoir according to the invention is not limited, as long as it can contain a certain amount of liquid, viscous or solid softener. For example, it can be a fabric softener compartment within an induction bowl, which is usually present in a washing machine. The softener reservoir can also be equipped or connected with a metering device which allows a possible multiple addition of softener in a controlled manner.

In step (d), a softener-containing second liquid is introduced from the softener reservoir into the drum. In this case, the second liquid can consist of or contain the softener. For a better introduction of the softener into the drum, the softener is generally mixed with an aqueous liquid, e.g. Tap water from the domestic water network, flushed into the drum. The second liquid therefore preferably contains a sufficient proportion of water, which ensures good accessibility of the fabric conditioner in the drum.

The amount of water used for this purpose will generally depend on the type and amount of fabric softener, with a liquid, low-viscosity fabric softener generally a smaller amount of water is sufficient than a high-viscosity or solid softener.

In this case, the arrangement of the fabric softener reservoir may be important. In general, the fabric softener reservoir is a fabric softener compartment of a dispenser tray and is designed in such a way that the fabric softener reaches the liquor container or the drum in a targeted manner during step (d) of the method according to the invention from the softener compartment, however not before or during other sections of the wash program. This can be regulated, for example, by a valve controlled via the program control. Thus, the contents of the softener compartment can already pass through the opening of such a valve in the drum. This can happen in particular by gravity, since the fabric softener reservoir of the washing machine, for example a fabric softener compartment in a dispensing dish, is usually arranged at a higher level than the tub or the drum.

On the other hand, the fabric softener may be a high viscosity liquid or a solid. In this case, adding the contents of the softener reservoir to the tub or drum by opening a valve and applying gravity would generally not be optimal.

Preferably, therefore, in the process according to the invention, the fabric softener is removed from the fabric softener reservoir, for example, with the aid of a certain amount of water, preferably water from the domestic supply network or stored in a memory in the washing machine. a softener compartment, rinsed in the drum.

It has proved to be advantageous according to the invention if the second liquid introduced in step (d) together with the amount of MiM ₂ not pumped off contains a maximum of 5 l of water on the first liquid, preferably based on a quantity of laundry of 5 to 7 kg. By using a maximum of 5 l of water can be kept low during efficient use of the softener water consumption during the wash program.

Overall, the fabric softener should be used as concentrated as possible for softening. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, therefore, an amount M _{2 of} the first liquid which is 40% to 90% of M- ₁ is pumped off in step (c). More preferably, the amount of M _{2 is} between 50% and 80%, and more preferably between 60% and 70% of ML

Thus, for example, assuming a quantity of the first liquid of 20 I supplied in step (a), it is preferable that in step (c) 8 I and 18 I be the pumped off first liquid, preferably between 10 l and 16 l and more preferably between 12 l and 14 l of the first liquid.

If appropriate, this pumping out in step (c) can take place after and / or during a slight spin-coating. "Slight spin-coating" means that at a maximum speed of the drum of 900 rpm, preferably at a maximum of 700 rpm and more preferably at maximum 500 rev / min is thrown.

In this way, on the one hand, it is achieved that a sufficiently large amount of liquid, which advantageously corresponds to at least 40% of the amount of first liquid used, is removed from the drum before the fabric softener is added. Thereby, the effects of the invention for saving fabric softener and water are achieved to a particular extent. On the other hand, by maintaining at least 10% of the amount of liquid used in the tub, a sufficient distribution of the fabric softener supplied in step (d) is achieved particularly advantageously.

In a further preferred embodiment of the method according to the invention, the steps (b) and (e) differ with regard to the switch-on time, the duration of a reversing cycle and / or the rotational speed of the drum. The switch-on time, the duration of a reversion cycle and / or the speed of the drum can be optimized, for example, in step (b) with regard to rinsing out the laundry without softener and in step (e) with regard to the effect of the fabric softener. Thus, these parameters can be adjusted accordingly differently to optimally execute steps (b) and (e). The turn-on time [in%] is the time proportion at the respective step (b) or (e) during which the drum rotates. This switch-on time preferably differs for steps (b) and (e) of the fabric softening cycle provided according to the invention. Particularly preferably, the switch-on time in step (b) is greater than in step (e). Most preferably, the switch-on time in step (e) is reduced by at least 20% compared to the switch-on time in step (b).

A reversing cycle generally results from the sections: rotating the drum in one direction, resting the drum, rotating the drum in the opposite direction, resting the drum. A reversing cycle preferably has one in step (b) Duration of 30 to 50 s. The duration of the reversing cycle preferably differs in step (b) and step (e) of the fabric conditioning cycle. Particularly preferably, the duration of the reversing cycle in step (e) is longer than in step (b). Most preferably, the duration of the reversing cycle in step (e) is increased by at least 20% compared with the duration of the reversing cycle in step (b).

The speed of rotation of the drum [in rpm] preferably differs in steps (b) and (e) of the softening cycle. Particularly preferably, the rotational speed of the drum in step (b) is greater than in step (e). Most preferably, the speed of the drum in step (e) is reduced by at least 20% with respect to the rotational speed of the drum in step (b).

In a particularly preferred embodiment, the amount M _{2 of} the first liquid pumped off in step (c) is stored in a rinse water storage.

In a further preferred embodiment of the method according to the invention, the second liquid and the amount Mi are subsequently to step (e) in a step (f). M _{2 is} pumped out of the first liquid for disposal. Generally these are not saved.

In this case, a washing machine used has a rinse water storage, preferably an internal Spülwasserspeicher, ie the rinse water storage is disposed within the housing. The rinse water storage serves to store rinsing liquid after a rinse cycle. In addition to the first liquid, preferably water, supplied in step (a), this rinsing liquid optionally contains constituents of the wash liquor used in previous process steps, the proportion of such constituents being the lower, the more rinses have already taken place before the softening rinse. Preferably, at least one further rinse has taken place before the fabric rinse cycle. Due to the above-mentioned components, the stored rinsing liquid is subsequently preferably used in a pre- and / or main wash, whereas water from the domestic supply network is preferably used for a rinse to minimize the amount of constituents of the wash liquor used in previous process steps in the rinse liquid hold. Storage of the liquid present in the drum after step (e), which contains fabric softeners, would be disadvantageous because organic substances would be introduced into the rinse water storage tank with the fabric softener. This can lead to the growth and / or spread of germs in the rinse water storage or in the stored rinsing liquid. To counteract this, an additional effort in the necessary sterilization treatment of Spülwasserspeichers would be necessary. Also, the reuse of fabric softener-containing liquid in a pre- and / or main wash would be unfavorable. The washing action could be reduced since the anionic surfactants which are usually present in the detergent react with the cationic surfactants of the softener and are therefore no longer available in their entirety. In addition, the reaction between anionic and cationic surfactants generally forms neutral salts which are extremely sparingly soluble in water and which may behave in a similar manner to a grease contamination load in terms of washing technology.

Consequently, this embodiment has the additional advantage that water can be saved by the rinse water storage, at the same time the reusable amount of rinsing liquid is increased and an additional sterilization effort is avoided by a soft rinse entry into the rinse water storage.

In a particularly preferred embodiment, a spinning step takes place during step (c).

In a further preferred embodiment, the program control may receive a signal about the presence of softener. This can preferably be done by the operator by operating a corresponding option key or by a sensor for detecting the presence of fabric softener. The fabric rinse cycle generally only takes place when a signal that softener is present has been generated. This makes it possible to save water and time for an optionally unnecessary or unwanted rinse cycle.

The signal on the presence of softener can be generated by operating an option key. For example, the user activates the option key at the use of softener. Preferably, such an option button is located in the control panel of the washing machine.

The operation of an option key herein also includes the use of an automatic softener dispensing system. In this case, if the user instructs the use of fabric softener, the program control also has a signal generated by an option key about the presence of softener.

The signal about the presence of softener, generally in a softener reservoir or in the drum or the tub, can also be generated by a sensor for detecting softener. Such a sensor system is known from WO 2010/105937 A1 or from DE 10 2007 041 069 A1. The presence of fabric softener is determined by a suitable sensor, wherein preferably an optical sensor, a tensiometer or a conductivity sensor is used. The "detection of the presence of softener" preferably takes place by a comparison of the current value measured by the sensor with a reference value, for example for water without fabric softener, which was measured in a previous washing step or stored in the washing machine Evaluation with regard to the presence of softener at too low fabric softener concentration fabric softener from an optionally present metering device for the fabric softener, which preferably works automatically supplied .. In a particularly preferred embodiment of the method according to the invention, the pumped amount M ₂ of the first liquid by the result of Evaluation with regard to the presence of fabric softener The term "evaluation with regard to the presence of fabric softener" means an evaluation with regard to the qualitative and possibly quantitative presence of W. eichspüler, eg in the softener reservoir. Depending on the requirements, it may be sufficient in preferred embodiments of the method according to the invention that the presence of fabric softener is qualitatively determined. Preferably, however, a quantitative determination of the softener amount or concentration is carried out here. For a quantitative determination of the concentration or amount of fabric softener, data stored in a memory of the program control can optionally be used for the relationship between the type and concentration of fabric softener and the respective signal (eg conductivity, surface tension, optical characteristics).

The sensor system for detecting softener is in an advantageous embodiment in a softener compartment. Thus, the amount of softener can be determined before the start of the fabric conditioning cycle. The program control can determine the amount of first or second liquid as well as the remaining amount MM ₂ of the first liquid, which is necessary for an optimum concentration of softener, on the basis of the amount of fabric softener detected. This can be done, for example, by a comparison or calculation by means of stored data. Thus, program control may determine how much first liquid M ₂ may be pumped out in step (c) of the softening cycle so that sufficient first liquid remains in the tub to achieve an optimum fabric softening concentration during step (e).

The invention also relates to a washing machine with a program control for controlling a program sequence, a drum rotatably mounted in a tub, a water supply system, a fabric softener reservoir, a bottom of the tub arranged Laugenablaufsystem with a drain pump and a drive motor for the drum, wherein the program control set is for carrying out a fabric conditioning operation comprising the steps (a) to (e), wherein (a) a first liquid containing no fabric softener in an amount Mi is introduced into the drum;

(b) rinsing the laundry with it;

(c) then an amount Μ ₂ <Μ · ι of the first liquid is pumped out;

(E) a soft rinse of the laundry is performed.

Particular features and advantages of this washing machine will become apparent from the above statements on the method according to the invention, to which reference is hereby made. In a preferred embodiment, the washing machine comprises a flushing water storage in which the amount of M ₂ can be stored on the first liquid, to then be used for example in a subsequent wash cycle. In this way, water is saved. Preferably, this is an internal flushing water storage, which is arranged inside the housing of the washing machine. Especially the used rinse liquid from the last rinses is so clean that it can be used instead of fresh water for the wetting and washing of laundry. Most preferably, the rinsing liquid from the last rinse or from step (c) of the fabric rinse cycle can be used in a washing cycle of a subsequent washing process.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the washing machine comprises a metering device for the softener. The preferably automatic metering device advantageously delivers only the amount of fabric softener required for an optimum fabric softener concentration during step (d) of the fabric conditioning cycle.

In a preferred embodiment, the washing machine has means for determining an optimum amount of softener in the drum depending on the type and amount of load with laundry. Here, the load of laundry can be determined in a known per se. Furthermore, the washing machine may comprise means for determining an optimum amount of fabric softener in the drum, depending on the properties of the water used (e.g., water hardness, temperature). In this way, the washing machine can determine and regulate the amount of softener in the liquid in the drum required for optimum softening effect.

The invention has numerous advantages. The inventive method has the advantage that the amount of water used to rinse laundry can be optimally used, especially when using a rinse water storage, since the reusable Spülwassermenge can be maximized here. In embodiments of the invention in which a flushing water storage is used, the effort to maintain or improve the hygiene of Spülwasserspeichers due to the reduction of introduced organic compounds is lower. Softener can also be saved with the present invention, since on the one hand its effectiveness is increased and, on the other hand, the softener is mixed with a smaller amount of water. is set, so less diluted. This is very desirable for reasons of economy and environmental protection.

In addition, it is achieved by the invention that the amount of fabric softener used is achieved in a lower than for the fabric softening total intended amount of liquid. In order to obtain the same concentration of fabric softener in the rinsing liquid, thus less fabric softener can be used.

The invention is further illustrated below with reference to FIG 1 of the accompanying drawings.

Figure 1 is a schematic representation of the presently relevant parts of an embodiment of a washing machine, in which a method described above can be performed. Other embodiments are conceivable. The washing machine of the embodiment shown in Figure 1 comprises a tub 1, in which a drum 2 rotatably mounted and can be operated by a drive motor 14. For ergonomic reasons, the axis of rotation 3 of the drum 2 is directed from the horizontal by a small angle (e.g., 13 °) upwardly forward so as to provide easier access and insight into the interior of the drum 2. By virtue of this arrangement, in conjunction with specially shaped laundry carriers 4 and scooping devices 5 for the wash liquor 6 on the inner surface of the drum shell, intensification of the washing 7 with wash liquor which does not contain any softener-containing first liquid or the softener-containing second liquid is achieved , The washing machine also has a liquor inlet system comprising a water connection fitting for the domestic water network 8, an electrically controllable valve 9 and a supply line 10 to the tub 1, which is guided via a dispenser 1, from which the feed liquid can carry detergent portions in the tub 1 , The dispensing dish 1 1 has a separate fabric softener compartment 18 as a softener reservoir in which a sensor 15 for the presence of fabric softener is arranged.

A dosing device 17, in cooperation with the liquid supply system 8, 9, 10 and the separate softener compartment 18, allows the supply of softener into the tub 1. In addition, in the tub 2, a heating means 13. 16 means a pump for the liquid contained in the tub 1 and the drum 2, for example, the first liquid which is introduced in an amount M-ι in the drum 2. Valve 9, heating device 13, pump 16 and metering device 17 can be controlled by a program control 12 in response to a program schedule, the to a time program and / or the achievement of certain measurements of parameters such as speed of the drum 2, signals of a sensor 15 for Detecting the presence of softener etc. may be bound within the washing machine. 19 means a sensor for the measurement of the hydrostatic pressure p in the tub 1, which can be used in particular for the determination of a loading of the drum with laundry 7.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the washing machine has a rinse water storage 20, in which the rinse water used in rinsing the laundry can be stored from different rinses and the amount M _{2 of} a first liquid to be pumped. This rinse liquid can be used for a later wash cycle. For this purpose, the flushing water storage 20 via a line ("supply line for flushing liquid") 21 is connected to the valve 9, which also controls the supply of fresh water.

As the first liquid, water from the water supply is used in the embodiment of the washing machine shown here and in the process for softening laundry carried out via the valve 9. Water from the water supply is also passed in the process according to the invention in the fabric softener compartment 18 of the dispenser 1, in order to be rinsed together with fabric softener therein as a softener containing second liquid in step (d) of the inventive method in the drum, where then a soft rinse the Laundry is performed. LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1 tub

2 laundry drum

3 axis of rotation of the drum

4 laundry hamper

5 scooping devices

6 wash liquor

7 laundry

8 domestic water network

9 valve

10 supply line

1 1 dispenser tray

12 program control

13 heating device

14 drive motor

15 sensor for detecting the presence of softener 16 pump

17 dosing device

18 softener reservoir; e.g. Softener compartment in dispenser tray

19 pressure sensor

20 rinse water storage

21 Supply line for rinsing liquid

Claims

Method for softening laundry (7) in a washing machine with a program control (12) for controlling a program sequence, a drum (2) rotatably mounted in a tub (1), in which the laundry (7) is located, a water supply system (8 , 9, 10), a fabric softener reservoir (18), a liquor drain system arranged at the bottom of the tub (1) with a pump (16) and a drive motor (14) for the drum (2),

characterized in that a fabric rinse comprises steps (a) to (e), wherein

(A) a first fluid containing no fabric softener in an amount M-ι in the drum (1) is introduced;

(b) rinsing the laundry (7) with it;

(c) then a part M ₂ <Mi of the first liquid is pumped out;

(d) introducing a softener-containing second liquid from the softener reservoir (18) into the drum (2); and

(E) a soft rinse of the laundry (7) is performed.

A method according to claim 1, characterized in that the amount M _{2 is} 40% to 90% of Mi.

A method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that in step (d) introduced second liquid and the non-pumped amount MM ₂ of the first liquid contains a maximum of 5 l of water.

Method according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the steps (b) and (e) with respect to the switch-on time, the duration of a Reversierzyk- lus and / or the rotational speed of the drum (2) differ.

Method according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the pumped amount M _{2 of} the first liquid in a rinse water storage (20) is stored.

6. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that subsequent to step (e) in a step (f), the second liquid and the amount MM _{2 is} pumped to the first liquid for disposal.

7. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that before or during step (c) takes place a spinning step.

8. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the program control (12) can receive a signal about the presence of fabric softener and the fabric rinse cycle with the steps (a) to (e) only expires when such a signal has been generated.

9. The method according to claim 8, characterized in that the signal is generated by the operation of an option key.

10. The method according to claim 8, characterized in that the signal is generated by a sensor (15) for detecting the presence of fabric softener.

1 1. A method according to any one of claims 7 to 10, characterized in that the pumped amount M _{2 is determined} on the first liquid by the result of the evaluation in terms of the presence of fabric softener.

12. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 1 1, characterized in that the fabric rinse cycle is the last rinse a rinse phase.

13. Washing machine with a program control (12) for controlling a program sequence, in a tub (1) rotatably mounted drum (2), a water inlet system (8, 9, 10), a fabric softener reservoir (18), one at the bottom of the tub ( 1) arranged liquor drain system with a

Pump (16) and a drive motor (14) for the drum (2),

characterized in that the program control (12) is set up for carrying out a method according to one of the preceding claims.

14. Washing machine according to claim 13, characterized in that it comprises a flushing water storage (20).

15. Washing machine according to claim 13 or 14, characterized in that it means for determining an optimum amount of fabric softener in the rinsing liquid in

Depending on the type and amount of loading of the drum (2) with laundry.